A little Talk

"Arno!" the three men shouted in unison.

"You surprised us, Arno!" We are not used to your voice yet.

"Sorry, it seems like everyone is a bit quick to react," said Arno.

"Everyone else reacted similarly when I went to talk to them."

Our people aren't always welcoming to new voices; out here, it isn't too rare for bandits to attack; they have to be on their guard," said the ex-captain.

"Yes, indeed, they'll have to get used to your voice, and since you're going to be here with us for a little while, we might as well experience one of our traditions," said Magnaer.

"captain"

The ex-captain reached down and picked up some brown-colored root-like plants that poked out of the ground and threw them into the bonfire.

The bonfire crackled as the plants landed in the fire.

The plants were quickly burned in the flames, slowly morphing the red and orange-tinged flames into a dark brown flame.

Arno looked towards the oddly colored flame with a furrowed brow. "What is that supposed to do?" he thought.

The brown flames caught the eye of everyone in the camp. Many people looked toward the flame with bright eyes and a small smile.

The surrounding campfires quickly went dark as people threw dirt on them and made their way over to the brown fire.

"Magnaer looked towards Arno. "Go with these other two," he said while pointing to the two he was planning with.

The trio sat down in the froth of the fire while Magmaer stood behind it.

The rest of the caravan members crowded around the trio, sitting in front of the fire.

Magnaer stood behind the fire for a little bit, waiting for everyone to get settled.

Soon everyone stopped moving and just stared up and past the fire, looking at Magnaer.

Magnaer took a deep breath and said, "Let me tell you a story."

"