The group moved through the dense forest, the canopy above casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. 

Gargeal led them with a quiet confidence, his steps as steady as his gaze. 

Andhur trailed behind him, somehow managing to talk enough for everyone combined, his endless banter bouncing off the trees. 

Qarek walked a bit to the side, giving Andhur's chatter a wide berth, his patience visibly thinning as he tossed Andhur the occasional glare.

Andhur said, hands gesturing wildly.

"Oh, master, the beach tent was a brilliant idea, wasn't it? Perfect choice of location, if I do say so myself. Trees here are sturdy enough for a decent lean-to. And the view! Not to mention the breeze—"

Qarek muttered, dryly.

"Yes, Andhur, the breeze is very exciting."

He cast a glance at Haerak, who was keeping a gentle grip on Aina's hand as they walked.

"Just wait. He'll start describing the sand next."

"Ah, but the sand," Andhur cut in, unfazed.

 "Grains of such texture! Nothing like that blasted terrain over the river—now that sand's like broken glass."

Gargeal merely nodded, murmuring  as if in agreement.

"Hmm." 

Aina, skipping along next to him, gave a giggle as Andhur's words bounced like pebbles across a pond. 

"Daddy, they're funny."

 Haerak replied, shaking his head. 

"Yeah, they are, honey."

He looked over at Gargeal, raising a hand in thanks.

"Really, I appreciate the bandages. Couldn't have made it out of there without your help."

Gargeal gave a curt nod, his calm gaze meeting Haerak's. 

"We do what we can. No one should have to live under fear, especially good people like you."

Andhur, of course, had to chime in. 

"Of course, it's part of our Renaissance code. You know, we're sort of like a... protective force. Well, sometimes more protective, sometimes more force, depending on the job. Right, Master?"

 Gargeal replied, not even breaking stride.

"Hm."

"See?" 

Andhur beamed, patting Haerak on the shoulder as though they were lifelong friends. 

"Even our master agrees."

Qarek scoffed, rolling his eyes with a smirk. 

"You're the only one who hears those 'agreements' from him, Andhur."

Andhur flashed a mischievous grin, giving Gargeal a nudge.

"Oh, come on, Qarek! You're just jealous I have a special connection with our master, aren't you?"

"Special connection?" 

Qarek muttered, looking over his shoulder with an amused, incredulous look. 

"More like a one-sided conversation. You talk, and he hums. You're practically your own audience."

This brought another giggle from Aina, who couldn't get enough of watching the two bicker. 

Andhur noticed and gave her an exaggerated wink, then dramatically placed a hand on his chest. 

"See, see, see?! At least Aina understands my plight. Young lady, what do you think? Would you follow me into battle?"

Aina clapped her hands, eyes bright with laughter. 

"If you'll tell more stories, maybe!"

Haerak chuckled, patting her head. 

"Watch out, Andhur. She's still getting used to all this rebel business."

"A brave one, like her father," Andhur replied with a grandiose nod. 

"Well, Miss Aina, any time you'd like a few tales of bravery—my own bravery, naturally—I'm at your service."

Qarek sighed.

"Oh, stars save us."

 He quickened his pace to put a bit of distance between himself and Andhur. 

"At this rate, she'll think you're some hero out of a tale."

"Who says I'm not?" 

Andhur shot back, unruffled. 

"Master, don't you think we should be recognized as the noble heroes of the Renaissance Band?"

Gargeal replied.

"Hmm."

The conversation continued, filled with Andhur's wild tales of glory, Qarek's eye-rolling retorts, and the rhythmic hum of Gargeal's responses. 

Haerak found himself feeling lighter than he had in ages.

As they continued down the forest path, Haerak suddenly slowed, realizing the introductions had slipped his mind.

He cleared his throat, glancing around at the Renaissance members.

"Oh, I haven't properly introduced myself." 

He began, holding Aina's hand a little tighter. 

"My name is Haerak. And this." 

He looked down with a gentle smile. 

"This is my daughter, Aina. You all know her name already, but, well, an introduction to make it formal."

Andhur stopped mid-sentence and threw an exaggerated hand to his heart, as if this were the most momentous thing he'd ever heard. 

"Haerak! And little Aina! Such names deserve a proper welcome! Why, it's an honor, truly, to meet such fine travelers!"

Qarek shook his head, muttering under his breath. 

"Honor, sure. You've known their names for about ten minutes, Andhur."

But Andhur ignored Qarek's jibe and crouched down to Aina's level, flashing her a smile. 

"Well, Aina, I suppose that makes us official acquaintances now. Don't worry, with us around, the world's a lot less scary."

Aina's eyes were wide as she looked from Andhur to her father, then back to Andhur. 

She asked, her voice a curious mix of caution and awe.

"Do you fight the bad guys too?"

"Oh, I do more than just fight," Andhur replied with a wink.

"I keep things interesting around here, don't I, Qarek?"

Qarek shot him a flat look. 

"If by interesting, you mean noisy, then yes."

Gargeal, who had been observing the exchange with his usual calm demeanor, simply nodded. 

"We fight for those who can't fight for themselves, Aina. We protect people like you and your father."

Haerak nodded, finally easing some of his guard as he met Gargeal's gaze. 

"Well, that's more than most would offer these days. I appreciate what you're doing... for us. And for everyone who has no other choice."

Gargeal gave him a quiet nod, his gaze thoughtful. 

"We're all just doing what we can to keep the balance, Haerak."

Andhur, not one to let a conversation grow too serious, leaned in and whispered.

"And keeping the peace also means keeping our friends laughing, eh, Aina?"

Aina giggled, leaning closer to her father. 

"Daddy, are they all so funny?"

"Funny?" Haerak chuckled, casting a glance at Andhur.

"I'd say unexpectedly funny."

Andhur straightened up, looking as if he'd been awarded a medal. 

"Unexpected! I'll take that as the highest praise." 

He put a hand on Qarek's shoulder, much to Qarek's annoyance. 

"See, Qarek? My skills are as appreciated as your own... perhaps even more."

Qarek rolled his eyes, pulling Andhur's hand off his shoulder. 

"If that's the case, let's just say we're lucky Aina thinks you're entertaining. Otherwise, I'd have to toss you in the river for a bit of peace."

Aina let out another giggle, leaning into Haerak with a bright smile. 

The playful banter brought a strange sense of warmth and comfort to their odd group, as if they'd known each other much longer than a day.

"Well, whatever else we've all been through," Haerak said, giving each of them a grateful nod, 

"I'm glad we're on the same path for now. Really, I can't thank you enough."

Andhur flashed a proud grin, giving Gargeal a little nudge. 

"See, Master? You've even won over Haerak and Aina. Not that I'm surprised!"

"Hm."

They continued through the forest, laughter weaving between them as the shadows of the trees began to thin.

Hinting at the shore ahead.

As they finally broke through the last line of trees, the group emerged onto a rugged stretch of beach. 

The sun hung low on the horizon.

It casts golden light over the shore and bathing the ocean in shades of warm orange and cool blues. 

Aina's eyes grew wide as she took in the scene—a small, sturdy tent near the shore, a few logs arranged around a well-used firepit, and two broken rowboats tied to wooden posts further down the beach.

"Look, Daddy!" 

She gasped, pulling on Haerak's hand and pointing to the boats. 

"They have their own boats!"

Qarek chuckled, watching her excitement as he set his war axe down on one of the logs. 

"You like those, huh? They're nothing fancy, but they do the job."

Andhur spread his arms with a grin, taking in the camp like it was his own personal kingdom.

"Ah, the humble abode of our little crew! A cozy spot, if I say so myself." 

He shot a wink at Aina. 

"And you, young lady, get the grand tour!"

Aina's laughter filled the air as she wandered over to the firepit with her father in tow, her curiosity boundless. 

Haerak, still weary from their earlier ordeal, looked around, taking in the set-up with a sense of grateful relief. 

It felt safe here, and he could sense the camaraderie these men shared in even the simplest details of their camp.

Gargeal gave a small nod toward Haerak and gestured to a log by the fire. 

"Take a seat, both of you. It's safe here."

Haerak gave him a thankful nod and settled down with Aina, who immediately began to ask him endless questions about the boats, the fire, and even the tent's size, her voice filled with awe.

She asked, her gaze flicking from Gargeal to Andhur to Qarek.

"Are you all sailors?"

 Qarek laughed.

"Sailors?

He rubs the back of his neck. 

"Not exactly. We're more like... travelers who sometimes need a boat to get where we're going."

Andhur chimed in, full of animated energy as usual. 

"Travelers, indeed! We're more versatile than any sailor, my dear Aina. Today, we row. Tomorrow, we walk. The day after, who knows?" 

He leaned in, his voice low and mysterious. 

"Maybe we'll even fly!"

Aina's eyes went wide with wonder. 

"Really?"

Qarek shot Andhur a look, shaking his head. 

"Don't give her any ideas, Andhur. You'll have her thinking we've got wings hidden somewhere."

Andhur shrugged, giving a playful grin. 

"Oh, come on! Kids need a bit of magic, right?" 

He looked down at Aina. 

"Besides, you never know what life's got in store."

Gargeal watched them with a quiet smirk, finally lowering himself onto a log beside Haerak. 

His gaze, sharp and thoughtful, swept across the ocean before he spoke, his voice calm. 

"Andhur's right... in a way. You never know where the path might lead." 

He looked over at Haerak. 

"If we'd known we'd be here meeting you and Aina today, I think we'd have made an extra effort to prepare this place for you."

Haerak smiled, glancing down at Aina who was now poking at the campfire logs. 

"It's more than enough. Really." 

He said, his voice sincere. 

"After everything, we're just glad to be somewhere safe, even if only for a little while."

Qarek nodded, placing a hand on one of the logs and patting it, as if showing off a prized possession. 

He said with a grin, which earned a giggle from Aina.

"Well, then, consider this log your throne, Haerak."

Aina looked up at her father with a gleam in her eyes. 

"Daddy, we have our own throne!"

Andhur gave her a proud nod. 

"A queen deserves her throne, after all."

Qarek rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a smile as he leaned back against the log. 

"Don't give her too many ideas, Andhur. Soon she'll be asking for a crown."

Aina gasped, clapping her hands. 

"Oh, can I?"

"Sure! Sure! Sure!" 

Andhur replied.

"First thing tomorrow, we'll forge you a crown from the finest driftwood and seashells."

Haerak couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head at the thought. 

"You three have quite the way of putting smiles on people's faces."

Gargeal gave a rare but genuine smile, crossing his arms. 

"It's... part of what we do," he said simply. 

"Laughter is sometimes the best armor we've got."

Haerak nodded, understanding more deeply than he could put into words. 

They shared a quiet moment, all of them looking out at the ocean, watching as the sun sank lower on the horizon.

Breaking the peaceful silence, Aina leaned over to Andhur, her eyes with fascination. 

"So, what's it like living on the road?"

"Oh, well." 

Andhur said, stretching dramatically.

"It's not all campfires and sunsets, let me tell you. There are some tough days, yes. But then there are days like this one." 

He said, giving her a warm smile.

"Where we meet people who make it all worth it."

 Qarek teased, throwing a quick glance at Andhur.

"Even though they're noisy?"

 Andhur shot back, chuckling.

"Especially when they're noisy."

He placed a hand over his heart and sighed with mock pride, as if about to give a speech. 

"I bring joy, I bring laughter, I bring—"

"A headache," Qarek finished with a smirk.

"Ah!" 

Andhur pointed a finger in the air, unperturbed. 

"A small price for such valuable company, wouldn't you say?"

Aina laughed, her head resting on her father's shoulder, her eyes heavy with a mix of exhaustion and peace. 

Gargeal noticed her slowing energy and gave a nod toward the tent.

"You two should rest here tonight," he said softly. 

"The journey continues tomorrow."

Haerak looked at him with gratitude that needed no words. 

He placed a hand on his heart and gave a small bow of his head. 

"Thank you... to all of you."

The three men nodded, each responding in their own way—Gargeal with a quiet 

"Hm." 

Qarek with a respectful nod, and Andhur with a grin and a thumbs-up.

As Haerak settled on one of the logs, Gargeal took a step forward, surveying the camp with a calm yet commanding presence. 

"Qarek, Andhur." 

He said in a low voice that seemed to carry authority.

"Set up another tent for Haerak and Aina. They'll need somewhere proper to sleep."

Without a word, Qarek and Andhur nodded, moving immediately to retrieve a spare tent from their packs. 

They began the setup, and even as Andhur busied himself with the tent poles and ropes, he found time to chat, his voice full of lively energy.

While they worked, Aina's gaze drifted to the edge of the camp, where two weapons lay resting in the sand. 

Her eyes widened as she took in their size and shape—one a formidable greatsword, the other a polished glaive.

 She asked, curiosity filling her tone as she pointed to the weapons.

"Whose are those?"

Andhur looked up from his task, giving her a playful grin. 

"Ah, you have a good eye, little one! The glaive there? That's mine. It may look simple, but it's served me well through many battles."

He held his hands out wide as if to emphasize the reach of his weapon. 

"Swift and sharp, just like me."

Qarek snorted, shaking his head. 

"Sharp, sure. Swift? I don't know about that."

Aina giggled, glancing between them before her eyes shifted to the massive greatsword. 

"And that one? It's so big!"

A shadow of a soft smile touched Gargeal's face as he answered in his quiet voice. 

"That one's mine." 

He said, with a hint of pride in his tone. 

"Takes a steady hand and some strength, but it's always been reliable."

Aina's eyes sparkled, her gaze fixed on Gargeal with admiration. 

She whispered, clearly in awe of the weapons and the men who wielded them.

"That's amazing..."

By the time the tent was ready, the sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky draped in hues of deep blue and purple. 

Andhur tied off the final knot with a flourish, stepping back to admire his handiwork. 

"Fit for royalty."

Haerak picked Aina up and carried her over to their new resting place, settling down inside with a tired sigh. 

He looked back at the three men, a flicker of relief and gratitude in his gaze. 

He murmured, his voice heavy with exhaustion yet laced with genuine gratitude.

"Thank you, all of you."

Gargeal gave a small nod. 

"Rest well. Tomorrow's another journey. Zach will be here, soon."

 △▼△▼△▼△

As the tent flaps closed, Haerak lay down beside Aina, who nestled close to him, her small hand resting on his arm. 

The quiet night settled around them, broken only by the distant sound of waves meeting the shore. 

A sense of peace washed over them.

A rare and cherished feeling after the day's chaos.

"Daddy," Aina whispered, her voice soft, 

"Do you think those men are... good?"

Haerak chuckled gently, brushing a strand of hair from her face. 

"I think... they're trying to do what they believe is right, even if it's not the same as what others believe. Just like I'd do anything to keep you safe."

She closed her eyes, thinking about this, then asked.

"Will we be okay, Daddy?"

He gave her a small, reassuring smile, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. 

"Yes, sweetheart. We'll be okay. We're together, and that's all that matters." 

He held her close, his warmth a shield against any lingering fears.

Aina nuzzled against him, her tiny fingers clutching his shirt. 

She whispered, her voice growing drowsy.

"I love you, Daddy." 

"I love you too, my little Aina."

He could feel her breathing slow as she drifted into sleep.

And as he lay there in the gentle night, he allowed himself to close his eyes, letting the comfort of the moment wash over him.

 △▼△▼△▼△

The campfire crackled softly in the background, Gargeal, Qarek, and Andhur sat around it.

Their faces illuminated by the warm glow. 

The quiet of the night settled around them as they gazed toward the tent where Haerak and Aina were sleeping, each of them lost in thought.

Andhur was the first to break the silence, his tone uncharacteristically serious. 

"It's strange, isn't it? Seeing people like them, just a father and daughter out here."

He shook his head slightly. 

"Makes you wonder how many others are trying to make a life for themselves, away from all this madness. And we're here, stuck in the middle of it."

Qarek's usual smirk softened, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. 

"Yeah. And to think they were just passing through. Not many out here can say they're truly safe." 

He glanced at Gargeal, who remained silent, his gaze fixed on the tent.

Gargeal's voice was steady but quiet, carrying an unspoken weight. 

"They've endured enough already. They're not soldiers, not rebels, just... people." 

He paused, the flames reflecting in his eyes. 

"And that's exactly why we're here. So that people like them don't have to live in fear."

Qarek nodded, his gaze drifting to the horizon. 

"We're protecting more than just ourselves... sometimes it's easy to forget that."

Andhur looked down, his voice a bit softer. 

"We're all here for our own reasons, but when I see them... it reminds me of what we're actually fighting for."

The fire crackled as they sat in a moment of reflective silence before Qarek shifted, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes. 

"Speaking of reasons, we've got a few interesting ones in our crew. Zach, for one. Always makes me wonder what's going through his head."

Andhur let out a low chuckle. 

"Captain... he's as complex as they come. You never know what he's thinking. But there's something to him. A vision, I guess. He's more than just a leader; he's... driven."

Gargeal agreed, his gaze thoughtful.

"True."

Gargeal's gaze drifted thoughtfully, his voice trailing off. 

"Ruby... she's not a warrior like the rest of us. Not honed, not hardened in combat. Sometimes I wonder why Zach chose her for this path. What does he see in her?"

Andhur considered this, nodding slowly. 

"You're right; she's different from us. She's not all muscle and skill. But then again... maybe that's exactly what Zach was looking for." 

He leaned forward, his eyes serious. 

"Maybe he needed someone who could remind him of what he's fighting for. Someone who grounds him, not someone who's already steeped in the same depths of hell as us."

Qarek, usually quick to jest, looked thoughtful as well. 

"It's like she brings something pure to the group, doesn't she? A side of him we don't see as often. She's his reminder, I guess, that this fight isn't just about power. It's about something more human. Maybe that's why he holds her so close."

Gargeal nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. 

"She's his heart in this, isn't she? The side of him that he doesn't want to lose."

Qarek laughed softly, as if the realization eased something in him. 

"Who'd have thought? Zach, the leader of our band, clinging to someone as gentle as her. But then, that's what makes him different." 

He turned to Andhur, raising an eyebrow. 

"Guess that means Ruby's as much a part of us as the rest, even if she's not out here fighting."

Andhur nodded, chuckling. 

"Maybe even more so. Besides, I'd bet she's taught Captain more than he'd ever admit. We've seen him through some of his darker times, and he always seemed to come back stronger. Maybe that's her doing."

Gargeal sighed, a slight smile playing at the corner of his lips. 

"Then, I suppose that makes her irreplaceable." 

The three of them fell silent for a moment, lost in the warm glow of the firelight, each feeling a newfound respect for the quiet.

Unassuming strength Ruby brought to the group.

 △▼△▼△▼△

A lone figure stepped through the scattered leaves and dirt, his boots crunching heavily with each step.

Cloaked in shadows, the man moved with a slow, measured pace until he came upon the lifeless bodies sprawled along the ground.

The remains of the three bandits Qarek had dispatched earlier.

He crouched, lifting one of his fallen men's arms and examining the deep bruises and broken bones with a clinical, almost detached interest. 

Dropping the limb, he scanned the other bodies, his gaze sharp and calculating. 

The faint moonlight barely illuminated his scarred face, casting deep shadows over his hardened features.

A low, menacing chuckle escaped his lips as he stood, his eyes glinting with a dark thrill. 

"So, they've sent us some real warriors this time." 

He kicked the ground, stirring the bloodstained dirt before muttering to himself.

"Should've expected no less from the Renaissance Band..."

A pause, then a cold smile crossed his face.

"After Solaria, the kingdoms wouldn't dare to lay a hand on me or my men. Why now?"

His gaze drifted into the distance, calculating. 

"If it's them," he continued, voice lowering.

"Then we're in for something worth bleeding for."

Straightening up, his voice cold and lethal as it echoed into the silent night. 

"Gather the others. It's time we teach these intruders a lesson they won't forget."

The bandit leader's words faded into the darkness as he turned and disappeared into the night, leaving the clearing empty and foreboding.

The bandit leader, stood over the bodies of his fallen men, his gaze sharp and unfeeling as he surveyed the brutal work left behind. His remaining men huddled nearby, tense and watchful, the air thick with fear.

One of them, trembling, dared to speak up. 

"But Thorne, it's the Renaissance Band we're up against."

A deadly silence followed.

Thorne's cold eyes shifted to the man who had spoken, his grip tightening on the massive broadsword strapped to his back. 

Thorne

In one swift, fluid motion, he drew it, and with a deadly, practiced ease, swung it cleanly through the man's neck. 

Blood sprayed in a vivid arc, and the man collapsed in silence, his body hitting the ground with a muted thud.

The others flinched, none daring to look up as Thorne wiped the blood off his blade with chilling calm. 

His gaze swept over the group, landing on each one in turn. 

"These men," he growled, nodding at the dead bodies.

"They had respect for me. But you?" 

He spat. 

"Next time any of you calls me by my name, it'll be the last word you speak."

He sheathed his sword with a final, echoing click, turning back toward the shadows of the forest. 

"Now get moving..."

"... We have guests to greet."

═════ ◆ TO BE CONTINUED ◆ ═════

◆ ◆ ◆ Author's Notes ◆ ◆ ◆

Here he is, one of my favorite OC.