"Well the bandits expect them back in a couple days. Any longer and they'll get suspicious, right?" Faraday comments, resting a hand against the poulticed bandage healing his side. "If we play our cards right, we might be able to catch them off guard, or alternatively whittle them by taking out their search party before sieging the fort."
The bandit replies, "There's only the one camp, aside from the fort. We have about eight more folks there, plus the leader of the outpost, Kressle. Not sure how many's at the fort, but we've always got a few men shipping stuff back and forth between the two locations; usually whiskey for the Stag Lord."
"Not sure how I fancy fighting eight outlaws at the same time. Let's head in that direction, but maybe do some recon, look for traps or allies."
As the day progresses, Agathis also recommends that Yarek start a small growing patch—apricorns, maybe berries—near the fort.
"If you ask me, I think we'll need some strong Pokemon for this. That means training up the ones we have, and hopefully catching a few more along the way."
"Aye you've got a point. Though I'd start with the berries first, food and healing are essential to us for a long trek. I still got some berries for planting with me, so that's a start. Apricorns though, I will have to search around for them."
Yarek wanders over to Oleg after Agathis's inquiry into a small patch of land to grow berries and apricorns on.
"Oleg? Can I trouble you for a spade or shovel, perhaps a rake or hoe if you have one. If I may, I'd like to start a small patch of berries close to your trading post. Nothing large scale yet, just a few bushes and maybe one or two apricorn trees if we find any. Of course you can pluck some berries if you need them when they're ripe."
"That seems fair," Oleg replies. "I suppose ya'll will be making it a habit of coming back here. I can't say I'm thrilled with the extra traffic, but I am in your debt. Feel free to stay here anytime, free of charge. I can't give you free stock, as I do still need to make a living, but I can offer you my services once my supply has been replenished. I have a little bit left over I can sell you now, if you need."
"Hmm. Can we rent your extra bedrolls? Not sure if we can purchase them upfront."
"You can have the camping gear I suppose, you'll be needing it. Let's just call it an investment in our continued business so that you can survive out there."
"That's kind of you, Oleg! I say we give Svetlana's curatives some time to work, pack up, enjoy another night in a proper bed, a warm meal, and set out in the morning, aye?" Faraday looks to the others for their opinion as Tesla gives a contented and derpy smile at the thought of not setting out into the scary wilderness just yet.
"Best to keep as much daylight as possible, and that means leaving at sunrise." With that said, she turns to Oleg once more. "I saw a crate of Pokeballs earlier. I trust you won't mind us paying with the money we picked up off the bandits? Three balls should do for now."
Oleg seems relieved that you intend to purchase what meager wares he does have to offer, and processes any transactions you wish to make with a renewed vigor. He seems much kinder than the gruff man you had met him as just the day before.
The rest of the day resolves uneventfully, with the bandits being sent back to Restov with two of the soldiers, and Kesten and the remaining soldiers setting up camp just outside of the trading post. Svetlana has another excellent meal prepared for you all, and you likely find easy rest in the cozy guest beds.
Faraday and Tesla don't roll out of bed until the scent of breakfast reaches their noses. The still awakening musician carries his trusty guitar out to the table, forgetting his slashed robes. Luckily his faithful companion seems to have him covered, the tiny Pichu, sporting it's own ragged black robe drapes the larger garment over the body of Faraday's instrument to be carried out.
Once fully awake, fed, and his robe is once again donned, Faraday makes his last minute purchases, a revive and a couple of bandages, and waits by the gate for the others.
When Faraday makes it to the gate, he sees, not surprisingly, that Sonia and Ser Drilbur have been training.
"Oh good, you're up. There's still time to get some training in before we set out."
Faraday gives a broad grin and readies his guitar, "What do you say, Tesla, bruv? Run through the routine once or twice before heading out?" The pichu hops down to the ground and gives a determined nod. A few warm up cords later, the energetic duo are dancing just outside the gate, the tiny electric mouse darting deftly between the musician's choreographed feet.
At a free moment, Sonia turns to Faraday and starts to speak candidly. "I didn't say this before, but whatever you did in that fight was impressive. I didn't think you had it in you."
Yarek wakes with a loud groan, then moves over towards the breakfast table.
Ohmvi is already up and walking around the inside of Oleg's trading post. With loud bleating he asks for Yarek's attention.
"Alright, alright, I'll get to your training in a moment. First breakfast. You're hungry to right?"
The tough Mareep shakes his head in decline, indicating his already empty bowl.
"Good to see someone's full of energy at least."
When Yarek meets Svetlana, he motions to her.
"That dinner from last night was delightful. Next time, if you need some help with cooking, allow me to assist. I've got some experience in cooking, but any chance to practice my skills is welcome."
Faraday pauses in the middle of the routine, dropping a foot earlier than expected, sending Tesla scrambling to avoid it. The musician gives a huge grin at Sonia's compliment, "Well, it's not the first time I've cast under pressure!" He hefts his guitar as Tesla climbs up his slashed robes to take his place on the man's shoulder, "First time with this, though. Guess all that strict training my master put me through paid off, even if he was a stuck up old windbag!"
Tesla gives a sage nod and crosses its arms with a "Pi..." in agreement.
"In all honesty, Tesla here did a great job himself!" Faraday cheers, patting the pichu's head. "I've only ever seen him that brave once before, during our final exam!" The electric mouse waves the praise away modestly. "And from what I saw, I hope we run into a charging Rhydon. Watching you stop it cold's going to be a treat!"