The Borrower stood tall, unbothered by their sudden defensive positions, and smiled as he reloaded some device at his sides with the pins and hooks used to get him onto the table. His attire reminded the younger two of Nella, who had managed to turn to look at the stranger from her place in the matchbox. He was wearing some kind of ragged cloak smattered in mud and leaf fragments which had a partial face covering just under the hood and underneath looked like some kind of reinforced leather. The device at his side was obviously something of his own making, gears and spring triggers at his sides.

He pulled down his hood slowly, showing his hands to the four, and pulled down the face covering, revealing a mess of sandy blonde-brown hair accompanying a pair of pale blue eyes. His smile was a thoughtful one, and he glanced cautiously between the four of them, catching their gazes as he did.

“Sorry for the dramatic entrance,” he said, voice thoughtful and sweet. Nella could see this Borrower knew how to handle himself, especially in the wilderness. From the definition in his muscles to the items he carried on his sides, he was obviously versed in the ways of the wild. He was young, but still an obvious adult. Then, memory struck her.

I’ve seen him before. He’s from the community! Shoot! What’s his name? He… Nella caught his eye again, catching the bright twinkle of undiminished life in them, as a thought struck her like a bolt of lightning. He can get them out of here! Take them to the community! All of them will be safe there. Frack! What’s his name?!

~~~~~^*^*^*^*^~~~~~

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