Reunions and Repairs

Valoric waited at the blacksmith's forge, watching as the burly man worked his magic on their weapons. After a while, the blacksmith handed him his sword, now sharp and gleaming. "All done," he said with a nod. "Your friend's bow is ready too." He handed Scorch's bow to Valoric, who strung it over his shoulder. With their weapons in hand, Valoric made his way to the town square, eager to meet up with Eira and Scorch. As he arrived, he spotted them sitting on a bench, looking every bit as elegant as he had expected. Eira's flowing white dress caught the sunlight, and Scorch's dark blue tunic and leggings set made her look like a noble. The two women turned to him, smiling, as he approached. "Ah, Valoric! You look like a new man," Eira said, her eyes sparkling. Scorch chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. Valoric smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "I feel like one, now that our gear is in order." He glanced around the town square, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling town. Just as they were about to discuss finding lodging, a voice called out from across the square. "Valoric! By the gods, is that you?" A figure emerged from the crowd, a man with a familiar face and a broad grin. Valoric's eyes widened in surprise as he took a step forward. "Kael! What in the world are you doing here?" Kael, an old comrade from his days as a soldier, strode towards him, his arms open wide. The two men clasped each other in a hearty handshake, and Eira and Scorch exchanged a curious glance. "What brings you to this town?" Valoric asked, his eyes locked on Kael's face. Kael's grin faltered for a moment, and a hint of seriousness crept into his eyes. "I'm on a mission, actually. I've been tracking a group of... unsavory characters. They seem to have made their way here, and I'm trying to gather information." Valoric's instincts kicked in, and he felt a sense of unease. "What kind of unsavory characters?" he asked, his voice low. Kael's eyes darted around the square before he leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "The ones we've been hearing rumors about. The ones who might be connected to the disappearances in the countryside." Eira and Scorch exchanged a concerned glance, and Valoric's grip on his sword tightened. It seemed their arrival in this town had coincided with something much bigger – and more sinister – than they had initially thought.