River frowned at Bria's suggestions. How could she-? His eyebrows rose as his dark eyes fell upon the golem that was perched upon her shoulder. And her knife? He had thought it seemed far too long for its metal sheath. She knew magic. Suddenly, his ears picked up what the boys were arguing about. The village didn't know much about magic. What they were wasn't exactly the most positive. River's face darkened. Bria had failed to mention she knew magic.<span style="font-style: italic">You failed to ask.</span>His brain argued back and River had to agree. She was, after all, just a little girl who was lost in the wood. When a burly man approached, what was she to do? Give away all her advantage.<br/><br/>"Let me...talk to the men first." He didn't want them as surprised as he was when they discovered she could use magic. River gathered the men up and explained the situation to them. A few of the men chanced a look in her direction. Some of the looks were that of concern, but most were of confusion. That little girl, could use magic? River explained that most magic users were born with the ability, or at least what he had experienced, and showed promise at very young ages. The men defured to River. He was the learned man of the village. Their leader. The only one who has really been on the outside.<br/><br/>The men began to clean up as River called the boy over. He scolded them for bickering and for speaking of things they did not understand. Cursed by the Dark One? Really?  Matt and his friend looked down, askanced. River's arms were crossed and he did not look happy. "She is a guest. Perhaps if you'd have asked, instead of assumed..." They looked genuinely sorry and Matt even drudged over to give a, surprisingly sincere, apology. Even though he had been one to defend Bria. "River's right. We were acting like a bunch of oxen." A small group had gathered behind Matt to be apart of the apology and they all nodded in agreement. "But magic? That's bloody amazing!"<br/><br/>River shewed the boys off to help the men and came to stand beside Bria. "I don't appreciate you withholding that kind of information from me...but I know why you did it." River rubbed his neck. "Although, you didn't exactly hide it either. I can be...unobservant at times." He was just now noticing the scarf around her neck as well. "My wife.." River started with a little chuckle. "She had always gotten on to me for it." There was a sadness in his eyes. River cleared his throat. "Well...I guess get on with your thing. The men would like to get home and get to rebuilding."