Vanessa
*Sonja raised an eyebrow. This was a surprise. Livio almost seemed too tough and rugged to be concerned about things like romance. But Sonja supposed few people were who they seemed at face value. She nodded slowly, pondering over his words. Certainly an example of promises yet unfulfilled.*

"It sounds like you might have something to return to, a chance to yet fulfill your promise. Even if belated." *Sonja asserted. Villages couldn't be unburned. People couldn't be unkilled. But it was easy enough to check whether someone was still waiting for you. Had Sonja been in his shoes, knowing what she did now, she would have ventured back soon as possible.*

"You should go. Not knowing will haunt you for longer than you'd expect." *The Ursinoid assured grimly.* "If she's waiting for you, move to Middle Mentia. Or somewhere you won't be recognized. If not, you can move on less burdened." *Sonja paused for a moment.* "...How far away is it from here?"
Jeffrey
*Livio turned to Sonja's surprised look, and his face looked like he was not taking anything anymore.*

"Don't look at me like that. I know I seem like some alcoholic, rough and tough merc. But I've always been pretty good with my words, y'know? 

*Livio thought about it. Returning to his home. Returning to her.*

*And everything that could go wrong. What if she found someone else? Or thought him a coward for deserting? What if she no longer cared for him? What if she found out he had killed his own countrymen? And how could he expect her to move with him to Middle Mentia, when they had lived in that village their entire life?*

"I... Can't. I can't do it. Not yet at least."

*What was he so scared of? He had stolen wives away before.*

"Ah, fuck, I'm not strong enough. I need more money too. If I'm going to get back with her, I'll need to make sure nothing can separate us again."
*Livio capped his flask, putting it back in his pocket.*

"It's quite far from the border, and we're not that far into Upper Mentian territory. So a decent travel."
Vanessa
*The protest from Livio coaxed an amused chuckle from the typically stoic Sonja. She nodded, deciding the mercenary could have the benefit of her doubts. He was being rather frank with her, after all. Though it would be a long journey that Livio might not yet be prepaired for, that didn't seem to deter Sonja.*

"Well, you must do *Something.* You still have a chance to make things right. Don't squander the opportunity." *Sonja urged earnestly.* "Perhaps, once our time here is over, we could accompany you? You'd be safer with a group."

*As the Ursinoid mused over Livio's dilemma, a rather simple solution occurred to her. A small smile played at the corner of her lips. How this hadn't occurred to her sooner was a mystery.*

"Or maybe you could send a letter or message of some sort? That way, she might know your alive. If you're feeling bold, you might include some silver, so she might relocate somewhere safer. "
Jeffrey
"I hope I can. Heh, it'll be the first time in my life I've done such a thing."

*Livio shook his head at the mention of a group.* "If I take anyone, it'll only be you. You're the only one who knows my past. Plus, bringing Sivne sounds like trouble waiting. A beastkin warlord who likes grinding Mentia bones for bread? As if."

*The mercenary's tone was light hearted, but it was clear that he did not want Sivne further up into Upper Mentia. It remained light hearted as Sonja mentioned the letter, though tensed up slightly as she suggested moving somewhere safer for Sylvia.*

"That implies that Upper Mentia is unsafe. Does Sivne plan to dismantle the country? I'll send her the letter though. Just need something to get it to her. When is the next town?"

*If Sivne planned on going on a rampage in Upper Mentia, he definitely would have to leave the party, and possibly even fight against her. Normally he wouldn't, but he would not let his people be slaughtered by a warrior he assisted.*
Vanessa
"I see... You do have a point." *Sonja conceded with a nod. A smaller party was probably preferable for such a mission. Famous companions like Sivne might draw unwanted attention. Better safe than sorry, lest Sonja end up a slave again.*

*Hearing Livio agree to send a letter, Sonja couldn't help but grin slightly. It was a step in the right direction for reuniting with his people. She couldn't help but be hopeful for his endeavors.*

"Not that I'm aware." *Sonja shook her head, not concerned by such a suggestion.* "I meant the civil war in Mentia seems to be escalating. War often begets pillaging and bloodshed, regardless of who's fighting whom."

*The Ursinoid figured Livio had a better grasp of the Mention side of the politics. Perhaps things were more stable than Sonja made them out to be? But given that she was usually in the field fighting, one could hardly blame her for being concerned.*
Jeffrey
"My village is located near the Agnes mountain range. We're on the complete opposite side of the country. Unless Huiruor wants to invade, they'll be safe. We're outdoorsmen and survivalists, like me. Sylvia will be fine. *Assuming*, of course, that the slave revolt stays on the East side."

*Livio's typically cool gaze turns ice cold as he brings up the hypothetical scenario, before returning to his normal state.* "Sorry, that was a bit harsh." *Truth be told, he didn't completely trust Sonja. She was a good, seemingly honest friend for sure, but she was still fighting his countrymen for her own ideals.*

"We're near Aberardtir, right? Any chance that there's time to head on over? I'm sure Sola doesn't want to march directly into a Mentian town."
Vanessa
"..." *Sonja frowned. That sounded like the same region her village had once been. Though presumably more south, outside the territory that had once belonged to the warlord states.*

*The cool gaze and harsh tone was enough to make the Ursinoid go silent. Her own demeanor seemed to grow colder too. It was tempting to quip back. There would be no need for a slave revolt if there had never been slaves to begin with, after all. But Livio apologized before Sonja found her tongue.*

"Right..." *She decided it would be best not to comment on the issue any further.*

"We're on the opposite side of the state. It seems unlikely Sola would leave his power base to strike at remote villages on the other side. You're right, it is probably safest over there."