Time had passed, and Nevin's bonfire had served its purpose well. People had begun gathering around, setting up tents and talking with each other amicably. A few even talked with the Alchemist, though for some reason just as often they shied away from him, sticking with the people that they already knew, other 'adventurers' they knew had proven themselves instead of the odd Alchemist who seemed out of place. More than once, he heard people commenting on the fact that he didn't even seem to have a proper weapon, just the whip and dagger on his belt.
But he wasn't about to let that get to him. If these people thought he would die here, so be it. His life, or death, was just a tool he could expend to make sure the damn cultists were exterminated. Other people knew about them now, so if he died trying to examine this place, they would be able to make sure the remnants were squashed before they could do any more damage.
But then Nevin heard a familiar voice, telling a tale as people gathered around him, and he felt a tiny knot of tension ease from his shoulders. He would at least know someone here. That was good -
The gates, movement. A slight hush fell across the gathered people as someone came from them, a man, calling himself Joshua Cronin approached, cautiously as many of the adventurers prepared themselves for a fight. He spoke smoothly, trying to allay their fears as he explained he was merely a traveler like them. A smile grew on his face as he approached the fire, people parting around him. Nevin cleared his throat - the others were too wary.
"Greetings, Sir Cronin. You have to forgive the others - the tidings that surround that castle are most ominous in truth. I am -" Nevin's greeting was interrupted by a strange popping noise, and he turned his gaze to see - Stare. Relief and warmth spread through the man as he watched her apologize for interrupting Cronin.
She spotted him, and the sparkle in her eyes just made his own smile grow in response to hers. He had gotten accustomed to the Crow-woman's expressions, and could see the happiness she had as she folded herself down onto the log he was leaning against. This was good, a welcome sight - he knew Avis, knew she would be able to take care of herself - and she knew his secret, so if something went wrong and he had to act with his threads or blood magic, she wouldn't freak out against him.
Nevin's eyes caught on white hair bobbing through the crowd, and felt a trickle of unease worm its way down his spine. He had told the Homunculus that he was off to take care of personal business, there was no way she - oh fertile Crimson, it really was Ezra. The 'woman' smiled, and Nevin stood up to make introductions between her and Avis when he heard another familiar voice.
A half turn and one foot to brace himself, that was all he had time to do as strong arms wrapped around him, piping up a joyous greeting. It was a powerful motion, the hugger doing her best to squeeze him as tightly as possible, one that made him wheeze slightly as he tried to regain his breath. The hugging figure was followed at a more sedate pace by another, wrapped in cloak and with a mythril mask, answering any questions the alchemist might have had about his affectionate assailant.
"M-Miss Hyperion, nice to meet you again." He coughed and patted her somewhat awkwardly on the back before trying to disengage - he did not know how to deal with even friendly displays of affection like this. As Stare could attest, he locked up the first time she hugged him too. "Miss Ezra, these are Miss Hyperion, Miss Madison, and Miss Stare." He nodded to each of the women in turn, and then paused for a moment of thought as he realized that most of his circle of friends and acquaintances were female.
