Dwemer had eaten in quiet, contemplating his path. He caught a glimpse of Melvin who was flirting with a couple of Viper girls, passing around one of his funny smelling smokes. The others seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Negotiations had gone well. Dwemer had given what medical supplies they could, and Alex had been grateful.
Alex had given him a lot of information to consider. He had told them where the Rovers were. They had moved away from Shady Sands for now, setting up camp in an old town. They had been hitting one of the other Raiders, but Alex seemed convinced the Rovers would the Vipers and Shady Sands again.
They were raiding for people, perhaps slavers. But all the Vipers could find was that the slaves were being moved to Vault 15.
The Vipers had tried to find out what was going on in Vault 15 but each time they had been turned away. The Rovers had eyes in the hills and were watching. Dwemer glanced at the surrounding hillside. The Rovers were probably watching now. WHen the Vipers had approached, the Rovers had met them in force.
Nor could the Vipers strike with a significantly large force. They were too weak. If they tried to attack the Rovers the Vipers would risk many dead and leave their home vulnerable to a Rover strike.
There was only one thing for the Vipers to do, move. There was a valley to the North and East of Vault 15 where a mountain stream provided water enough to irrigate fields. The problem was that the Rovers maintained a small outpost on that hill, a stronghouse which they had converted into a fort.
If the Vipers could capture that fort they would be able to hold the valley from a defensible location. Their children, old and non-combatants would be secured. They could rebuild their homes and perhaps even trade with Shady Sands. The Vipers had been raiding for too long. They wanted to settle.
More importantly, from that location the Vipers would have to launch a strike against the Rovers. To allow the Rovers to stay would mean to remain vulnerable and expectant while the Rovers became stronger.
Thus the deal. Alex wanted the group to join a small Viper party to take out the Rover outpost and secure the valley. Then, when the Vipers had relocated to that site, the Vipers would join the group in an attack against the main Rover encampment.
Dwemer couldn't volunteer the party. It wasn't his call. But regardless of what the party choose, Dwemer had his plans as well.
He continued to eat quietly, when he felt a warm presence by his side, a leg brush against his, an arm wrap around him.
Roadrunner, sitting next to him. "You need not walk alone."
Dwemer smiled sadly, "Sometimes one has to walk alone, least the burdens become unbearable."
Roadrunner smiled. "You are being silly. You think the swallows are stones. Don't you know they can carry you?"
Her eyes so warm and deep. Before Dwemer could think about it, he kissed the girl tenderly.
When the kissed passed her eyes were still closed and she smiled, softly and peacefully. Dwemer felt a warm, soft feeling.
"I would hate to lose you." He said.
"You will not."
Later when the feast had ended, Dwemer called the others together and told them what had been discussed with Alex.