Rya | Journey of Hannes Part 21 | Between ladders and monsters

Hannes has decided it’s time to make a friend. His target? Rya, the quiet scout from the Volcano Manor. Their first bonding activity? Comparing walking styles. Rya stands with grace, still and observant. Hannes? He immediately sheds all dignity and begins bouncing around like a goat possessed, from table to table, smashing furniture as he goes. Coordination? Not his strong suit, at least according to Rya's opinion. There’s no real reason, but the two end up riding off together toward the Golden Fields of the Lands Between.

Along the way, the name of Great Serpent Lord Rykard slithers into their conversation, ominous and oddly casual. Hannes, being Hannes, picks unnecessary fights with every monster, soldier, and unfortunate golem he sees. Rya, poor Rya, is dragged along for every wild detour, collecting more trauma than anything else. After a brief detour into a shaded castle, Hannes makes a sudden decision: it’s time to bring Rya home. But not before climbing a few more ladders. Obviously. Hannes gets gloomy and zones out mid-journey, a little bit, yet Rya suddenly brightens his mind with her charms. Quite a pleasant part of the story in the end.