Riku was gone for what felt like an eternity to the anxious dwellers of the Underbelly.
Elder Borin slumped onto a rickety stool, his face etched with worry. The burly Half-Orc paced restlessly. Korgin, still sniffling, hid his face in his hands. The small pile of contributed coins sat untouched on the rough-hewn table, a testament to their desperation.
"He's gone to the guards, hasn't he?" a young Dwarf whispered, his voice tight with fear. "We're all doomed. Korgin, you fool!"
"Hush, lad," Borin said, though his own voice lacked conviction. He looked towards Lila and Elara, who stood awkwardly to one side. "Young misses… your companion… he is a man of great power. Surely, he wouldn't…?"
Lila offered a small, reassuring smile, though a flicker of her own unease showed in her eyes. "Riku… he doesn't like seeing people suffer. And he doesn't like bullies. I don't think he'd go to the city guard over this, not after hearing Korgin's story."
