The group headed out the Town Center, with the Golds getting greeted every so often by different people. Similarly, the Alterrans would also look curiously at the newcomers.
"You brought new people?" one asked. "They seem quite powerful."
"Yes, very dashing..." another said, though unconsciously passing over Kahonn and Menzon. "Most of them anyway."
"..."
For the first time, Kahonn and Menzon looked at each other with camaraderie.
"Yes! Welcome them well, hmn?" Oslo said. He didn’t reveal what they were here for, nor who they were—there could be spies around after all—but he was being plenty playful about it.
"Welcome, newbies!" most would say, smiling, while others would wave their hands.
And, to be fair, the rude person realized his rudeness and took some lollipops from his space and handed them over to Kahonn and Menzon as a token of apology. Of course, he did not forget to give the other ones as well.
"If you like sweets, eat this," he said. "It’s not poisoned, don’t worry! We have strict rules here, you know."
Then... "No, don’t eat with the wrapper!"
Many people paused and converged, seeing this chance to get closer. It was a bit overwhelming, being surrounded in welcome like this, but they did not sense any hostility, and no one was (purposely) pushing against them (except on Kalfene, who may have been ’accidentally’ bumped into by a few women).
"You have to take off the wrapper like this."
"It’s sweet, isn’t it?"
"My expert advice is not to bite; it prolongs the sweetness."
Anyway, the Golds—after watching the newcomers drown in awkwardness for exactly five minutes—cleared their throats. Like this, a pathway was opened, though the (overly) friendly citizens of Alterra did not forget to throw some more words of farewell.
"Bye! Enjoy! If you need anything related to wood, you can come to me!"
"If you’re hungry, come to me—I’ll give you a good price."
And so on...
"You’re even more popular here, it seems," Kalfene smiled as they walked away.
Oslo and the others were naturally well-known in Bleulle, but they hadn’t been treated like... close friends? How long had it been since they were gone? They were really integrated into this place.
As they walked farther away from the Center, familiar voices sounded. "Margaery! Marcus!!"
It was Zaol and Gaia, who were rushing over with pale faces. The two immediately headed to them, happy to see them but also guilty because the person he wanted to see the most wasn’t there.
"Was the trip tiring?" Gaia asked, while Zaol just stared at them.
"Mother..." Margaery began, as if prepared to explain everything.
"I heard a bit from Obi," he said. "We’ll talk somewhere more private."
Zaol then turned to the toolmakers and smiled at them. "I’m so happy to have you here," he said. "Come with us to our home. We have a lot to talk about."
The group walked out to the plaza and to the Villa areas where the Golds resided.
The gardens here were also grand, but they didn’t feel intimidating. They felt inviting instead, as if luring people in to join them.
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