The Wheel Weaves A Chance Meeting (Closed for Now)

[Edwin]

Ignis had set up his camp for the night.  It had been some time since he had left Arafel, and he had seen much of the continent, avoiding only Arafel.  He couldn't go back there.  He might never be able to go back there.  

Ignis put his swords on his back and grabbed his bow and some arrows.  It was getting close to dinner time and he needed to hunt.  It was a skill he had picked up in his travels.  Getting  a couple of rabbits, he began to head back to camp when he saw the two men.  Ignis felt uneasy about them.  They moved in a way that left Ignis feeling they were up to something.  It could be nothing, but still he followed them. 

The men went to the road and began to harass a woman on a horse, pulling her off.  That was enough for him. Ignis stepped out.  One man held the horse, and the other appeared to be searching the woman for valuables.  Perhaps they simply were desperate.  If that were the case, Ignis would have gladly offered them a share of his food, but they lost that right the moment they pulled a defenseless woman off her horse to commit petty robbery.

Ignis stepped up, drawing his blades. "Leave her alone," he warned them.  The one harassing the woman stood and drew a blade. His attempt at a stance told him this man knew nothing of combat.  He was indeed desperate.

"I don't know - we should just leave.  This guy looks like he can fight."

"There are two of us - we can take him."

Ignis held back from laughing. "I'd listen to your friend," Ignis said.  There was no arrogance to his voice - it was a warning to get out.

The apparent leader of the party elected not to listen, and approached Ignis swinging.  It wasn't much to block the attempt at an attack, move in and give the man a quick cut on his arm, causing him to drop his blade.  With a booted foot, Ignis kicked the man back and he fell to the ground. The second began to approach and Ignis gave him a warning glare. This one, smarter than his boss, raised his hands showing he had not armed himself, and gestured to his friend and indicated he was going to flee.  Ignis nodded, and he collected his leader and left. 

Ignis had no desire to follow them.  They had been sufficiently cowed.  The woman was the more important issue.  Ignis sheathed his blades and headed over to her.  She wore a bright yellow dress, skirts divided for riding and had the appearance of one who was rather well off.  Except for being a little dirty, she looked no worse for wear.  He reached out a hand to her, offering to help her up. "My lady, are you alright?"