➵ we live in a society, balthus

[shootyourshot]

Though Garreg Mach has its own marketplace, one cannot find all of the possible bargains at one place alone. That and the merchants are beginning to grow wise to Ashe's haggling, so sometimes he takes a trip down to the village nearby the monastery. The market down there is often visited by church staff and academy students alike, so it's not out of the question for them to go to town.

He doesn't expect to see Balthus on the way, but he gives the large man a bright smile and a cheerful wave before he keeps going on his way. One doesn't have to look very hard to see Balthus' kinder notions, the way he and Hilda laugh together or when he sneaks an extra pastry for Lysithea. Ashe has a pretty good opinion of him, even if they aren't very close; he's lent money and the occasional snack without expecting to be paid back. Hapi's remarked to Ashe once or twice that he lets himself get walked all over, but Ashe prefers to think that a little kindness can go a long way. Besides, he knows how to be frugal with his own money and not give more than he can spare.

Almost to the market, and Ashe hesitates. He knows this feeling from having spent a good year dodging people which included village guards. He's being followed.

The young archer turns around and finds himself face-to-face with a couple of scruffy looking men.

"You're not here to rob me, are you?" Ashe asks kindly. "I know times can be hard, but I'm sure I can spare some coin."

The men look at each other, briefly confused as Ashe is digging into his pouch.

"Hang on, I think I have enough to give you both a hot meal or something," Ashe mumbles to himself.

"We're not here for your money, kid," one finally growls.

"Oh. ...I guess I've made this a bit awkward, huh?"

The other sighs. "Let's just grab him and go."

That's about when the brief scuffle breaks out. Ashe will kick himself for it later, but he drops his pouch of coins in the midst of it. He manages to bean one of them in the head with his bow and stab another with an arrow, but beyond that Ashe hadn't truly been expecting to end kidnapped of all things. Isn't that usually for nobles or something?