This is tremendously fun. Thanks for hosting this event, Justin! I’d go for option #2. Here’s my reasoning:

Listen to Lauren, and Go Back to the Tribe.

• Why you would like to see the story develop in that direction as opposed to any of the other options?

The last line of this chapter is quite intriguing, “You remember what happened last time...”. Such a line would imply that Aiden has stayed back before and that the outcome was negative. With that in mind, it would be fair to say that Aiden wants to stay once more out of pure stubbornness or, even more interestingly, to finish what he was unable to do the first time. Given the setting of the story, it would be safe to say that the aforementioned negative outcome had something to do with an antagonist (be it a beast or other humans). Thus, if Aiden goes back to the tribe, it would be a great opportunity (storytelling wise) not only to give an account of the original event (if needed), but also to convey that Aiden is a complex and intelligent character, one aware of his own limitations (as opposed to the caricature of the impulsive and reckless adventurer). Additionally, it would further develop Aiden’s relationship with Lauren by demonstrating that Aiden values and respects his friend.

• What you think the consequences of that choice should be for the characters and their world, and why it should benefit, or hinder, their progress.

Since they were very likely running from something or someone, it would be quite interesting if that antagonistic entity would have laid waste upon the village while they were away. I’m not sure of the nature, nor the extent of the power of that entity, but I think it’s safe to say that it was quite dangerous. Perhaps they can even arrive at the village WHILE the ravaging is taking place and be forced to escape, thus kickstarting Aiden’s heroic journey in an intense and believable manner.

• One idea of your own that you think would make the story better

Perhaps I would add a more prominent homoerotic tone to Aiden’s relationship with Lauren. Romantic love between two warriors is an often underused trope, and I think it would fit this setting perfectly if managed correctly.