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It would be the halfling, Degas thought with an ironic grin as he made to push himself off the floor with his still bleeding hands. A severly sharp point met the back of his neck, releasing pressure as he fell back to the floor in surprise.
"It is I, Degas of the Folde!" he spoke into the ground, all traces of adopted pose aside, all traces of arrogance gone. "I had... somewhat expected a warmer welcome."
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Looking at his companions, and back toward Saeryn, Eodwine motioned for the men to keep their weapons raised. "You may rise," he said, "but make no sudden move."
Degas sat up to see previously friendly faces leveling weapons at his chest. Shocked, he raised his bloody hands in disbelief. All eyes were on him as he stepped forward.
"Eru be praised," he murmered, making toward Saeryn. "You made it back, dear sister."
"Take no further steps!" cried Garreth somewhat heroically, wielding his shovel. "I'll shovel yer bleedin' head in if you come near to the ladies!"
"Garreth!" reprimanded Eodwine, his sword never moving. "We do not know a single thing for sure." But he did not move to stop the twins from blocking Saeryn from her brother's view.
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Saeryn had watched the entire display with amazement, jumping slightly when the man fell to the floor. After he rose, her eyes strayed not to his face, but to the bloody hand prints at his feet. Feeling a small hand rest on hers, she looked into the eyes of Gudryn, smiling slightly. "This man..." she whispered. "Is he your brother?"
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