[Even Zed isn't quite sure about Anette. But, she and the watchman are the only two people he's really seen out and about today, and that strikes him as strange for a settlement. There are other people here, he's caught sight of them around the houses but no further.

Why is it so quiet around here?]

This! [The heart pendant is frustrating Zed for a good many reasons right now.]

Someone was around long enough to force us to wear these useless and tacky things, and to steal my sword!Of course, it seems silly to have then left us by that lake - we might have escaped, rather than coming here.

Perhaps they are meant to make us helpless, so whoever was responsible for capturing us felt safe in leaving us be.