After walking for what felt like an eternity, we had finally reached the outskirts of the city of Solara. I was enjoying taking in the scenery of the rolling farmlands as we had just started to enter the edges of the Eldermyst forest proper. The road had long since changed from cobblestone into the more usual cleared dirt pathway I was familiar with. Keeping pace with me was Kael, and slightly behind was the rest of my crew, Lyra and Drogan, followed by the mentors for our quest: Bandit, Slick, and Garrick.
Even after walking for over an hour, I was still just as enthusiastic as when we originally left the adventurer’s guild. Before I could continue thinking about how I was going to slay some goblins and all the fun, cool combat tricks I could show off, Bandit broke the silence and spoke to the group.
“Alright everyone, we’re getting close to our destination. It should be just over the next set of hills once we reach the forest’s entrance.”
“So, Bandit, what’s this place like? You said it’s another adventurer’s guild branch, right? I thought I was well versed in all the adventuring resources around Solara, but I can’t seem to remember there being one out here.”
“I’m not going to spoil the surprise for ya Jakey boy. Some things are best left to be seen with one’s own eyes, ya hear?”
“I’m not a boy Bandit, I’m officially an adult under Solara law, and would appreciate you treating me as such!”
“Hah! Apologies my lad, but I treat all the youngin’s like this. When you’ve been doing this as long as I have, every newbie looks like a kid, ya know? If you wanted to know more, you should ask your friend over there, Kael I think. Seemed like he knew the place we’re headin to.”
I shot Kael a look and he just smirked and calmly adjusted his glasses. Clearly, he wasn’t going to share any details with me until we arrived there.
Eventually, after walking through the forest for a little bit, a large, wooden lodge came into view. It was slightly off to the side of a fork in the road. Both the signposts indicating it’s presence, and the sign board overtop the lodge were in desperate need of repair. As we approached, the lettering started to come into focus. I was able to make out the words “Paws & Beans Tavern – Home of Adventurer’s Extraordinaire!”
“Paws & Beans Tavern? I had never heard of such a place!”
“Alright Jake, if you’re going to be finding a healer or supporter, then this would be the place! But think of it as a last resort, my advice, see?”
Bandit said this in a rather stern voice. His carefree posture shifted back into his more intimidating aura. Next thing I knew, he gave me a push from behind, and sent me walking towards the lodging’s entrance.
“We’ll be staying out here Jake, can’t help you with every little thing ya? Go in and ask around, I’m sure one of em will bite at your offer.”
I could hear Slick and Garrick chuckle a little bit at Bandit’s last comment. Seriously, what was so funny about what he said? Though I would have preferred at least Bandit joining me inside, he did have a point. This was to be my party’s quest, and I needed to do my best in recruiting the temporary member to help us.
Begrudgingly, Kael, Lyra, and Drogan also followed me towards the door. The door was clearly old and well used. Upon closer inspection, there appeared to be, claw marks near the handle? Soon enough, opening the doors cleared all of the swirling questions and thoughts from my head. Apparently, I was slow on the uptake, but inside the Paws & Beans Taven, was nothing but a melting pot of various beastkin and demi-humans alike.
The first thing assaulted after opening the door, was my nose. My nostrils were filled with a disgusting odour of alcohol and fur. Laughter and howling could be heard inside the Tavern area. The seats were filled to the brim with various beastkin races, devouring food, and drink alike. While most appeared to be wolf and cat like in appearance, I could also make out what appeared to be some lizards and smaller, rabbit like creatures?
Needless to say, it was a rather startling experience. My only real interaction with this group of beings was seeing them as slave labour in the Kingdom and nothing more. Witnessing them acting like regular humans gave me an unsettling feeling. At any moment, I half expected them to rob me on the spot!
Turning my head towards what appeared to be the front counter, I could see another cat demi-human with arms crossed, resting on the counter. Their reaction, or lack thereof, to the commotion at the bar area led me to believe this was all too normal of a behaviour. However, their brown-spotted ears twitched and they lifted their head to see us standing in the entranceway. Seeing my party was apparently enough to give them a surge of energy.
Before I knew it, the cat-demi human had vaulted clear over the countertop and was standing before us. Their ears twitched, and speckled tail flickered about in excitement as they got ready to greet us. They were wearing what appeared to be a blue maid outfit or dress, complete with a matching blue ribbon on their tail. While I was still taking everything in, they spoke to me in a higher pitched voice, and what I could only assume, was beastkin language.
“Nyan! Welcome traveluuurs to the most puuurfect and ameowsing adventurerrrr guild branch just outside Solara nayn! Meow name is Felice, and I’m pursonally looking forward to assisting you today nayn!”
Upon completing their introduction, Felice proceeded to strike a rather interesting pose, curling and raising both their hands up while kicking one leg out behind them. I could also swear I saw a star after they winked their eye at me. I was very, very confused, and disturbed, and much preferred my experience with Neko at the Solara city branch.
“Ugh, can’t you at least be bothered to speak to us in common, you beast? My ears are ringing from that racket of an introduction of yours.”
“Nayn meowin ears are ringing just as meouch from yours nayn. Outside Solara, any language is accepturrble, as I’m sure meowed know, nayn. Or does glasses simply not nyunderstaynd meow?”
“Pffpt, I can’t believe she just called you glasses Kael, that’s amazing!”
“You animal! I’ll make sure my father punishes this place for insulting me, just you wait!”
Felice appeared to tilt their head in confusion at my comment, and seemingly paid little to no attention to Kael’s threat of bringing his father into this little confrontation. Then, without pause, they continue provoking Kael. This time, waging their finger at him while replying.
“Nyn Nyn Nyn, the adventuuurs guild branches are sepuuurate from state affairs nayn! No ameowent of lobbying from your politicnyans can change this nayn. Even glasses should meow this much nayn!”
As much as I was enjoying this little charade, I decided to step in to stop Kael from escalating things further. While all this was happening, Lyra simply continued staring into her mirror, and Drogan simply watched Felice’s tail as it flicked back and forth. I think he was interested in the ribbon tied to it? It did look to be of a high-quality blue silk.
“I’m sorry Felice for my friend’s behaviour.”
Kael made sure to give me quite a glair, but eventually held his tongue, clicking it instead.
“The truth is, we’re here today because we are looking for a healer or supporter to join us for a goblin extermination request in the Eldermyst forest. We’re the Crimson Steel Lux, and another group of adventurers will be mentoring us on the quest for extra safety!”
Felice’s ears twitched, and they glanced over towards the bulletin board near the counter. Then, with a flick of their wrist, the parchment separated itself from the board and floated over to them. Held in their hands, was the exact same request posted at the Solara’s guild branch!
“Meow mean this one nyaa?”
They handed me the request which read:
Rank F(-) ---URGENT--- Goblin Subjugation in Eldermyst forest. Two large goblin camps have been harassing merchants traveling to the city, please eliminate them. Estimated 20 goblins. Reward: 3 silver Solara.
“Yes! That’s the request Felice, but looking at the reward, it appears to be a lot less than the one posted in Solara. This is only for 3 silver Solara, while the one in the city was offering 10. Is there another similar goblin request for the area?”
“No Jake” Kael quickly retorted.
“All of the adventurer guilds have the same quests posted for any given region. The reason why this establishment is offering significantly less of a reward, is because they are a poor branch, located out in the middle of rural Solara. Since they are not in the main city and refuse to follow the kingdom’s rules fully, they receive significantly less funding for tasks, isn’t that right, cat?”
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
Felice’s happy and cheeky demeanor gradually transitioned into an angry frown after hearing Kael’s explanation. They also appeared to be examining me rather closely. For a brief moment, I thought I saw their eye experience a brief bout of terror before returning to their usual green slitted selves.
“It’s meows glasses says nayn. This branch receives significantwe wess funding nyan then the main city meow. Likewise, all bruuanches for adventuuurrs are required to maintain the same postings meown.”
She paused before continuing.
“Besides nayn, even if we had somemeown willing to join you, I would purrrrsonly decline it nyaa.”
“What?” I exclaimed.
“How can you decline an adventurer joining us on a quest though?”
“It’s simple nayn, for you’re speaking meowth the headmeowster of the Paws & Beans Tavern branch nayn! The fabmeowlus Felice!”
Felice once again did that rather silly pose, but this time accompanied with a twirl.
Still, I was puzzled by this predicament. While it was a surprise to learn that Felice was the headmaster for this branch, I didn’t think their authority extended into stopping able-bodied adventurers. Besides, wouldn’t it be a good thing for the beastkin to have a chance at earning a larger reward for their services? I decided it would be best to mention this to Felice, since maybe they failed to realize this, and were just mad because of Kael’s behaviour. I’d have to talk to him about that afterwards.
“But Felice, wouldn’t it be beneficial for a beastkin to join us on our request? It might help improve their reputation in the kingdom if they help a new adventuring party. Besides, we can turn the reward in at the main city branch for the higher reward and split it evenly!”
“I’m sorry nayn, but no adventuuurs from this branch will help meown with your request. Pwease kindly head towards meown door and leave nayn.”
This was ridiculous! Why was it always so difficult communicating with these demi-humans. Starting to get frustrated myself, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Raising my voice, I shouted into the tavern hallway:
“Really now? No support or healing adventurers would like to join my party on an easy request to slay goblins for 10 silver Solara in the Eldermyst forest? Even though this would be such a simple problem for the proud and amazing beastkins to solve?”
I could see some ears twitching in the bar area, and the howling died down ever so slightly. Knowing beastkin had exceptional hearing, I was confident they heard what I had said. Now all I needed was a little luck for one of them to respond. After all, who would pass on an opportunity to earn almost three times the going rate at this branch!
“Jake, Pwease leave meow nayn, and I won’t ask again.”
“Alrighty then, I guess my party will just go by ourselves and earn all this easy Solara…”
I motioned for my friends to follow me, when suddenly a small, speck like orb flew in front of my face. I stopped, startled wondering where this came from. Then I heard what sounded like a frantic, female’s voice calling out to me.
“Wait!!! You said you need a supporter, right? To slay some goblins in Eldermyst? Stay right there, I’ll be down in just a second!”
I looked up to the 2nd floor of the tavern, and saw a pair of pointy ears hurriedly rushing towards the stairs to reach the main level. Glancing over to Felice, I noticed her face turned into one of pure panic. The beastkin, swiftly reaching the main floor and running over to my party, was the owner of this voice.
“Hi there” she said with a slight bow, while slightly out of breath. She then reached her hand out to shake mine and said:
“My name’s Inari, and I’m technically a supporter! While my class profession isn’t common amongst the human population and is difficult to explain, you can think of me as a healer supporter hybrid! It’s much easier than trying to convert to common Solarian how my magic works. I would love to join your party on the goblin subjugation request! In fact, I’ve already located all of their main encampments during my usual outings! I’m perfect for this opportunity!”
Speaking in fluent, common Solarian at an incredibly fast pace, was what appeared to be a fox beastkin. Her fur was a mixture of red and golden hues, with white tuffs at the tip of her tail and chest area. Looking to her eyes, they shined an inquisitive, emerald green that sparkled as she eagerly awaited my response. Her left hand held a long, wooden staff befitting of someone well versed in magics, while her gown was a pure white sorcerers robes with red accents all along the stitching.
I received her outstretched hand and shook it.
“Inari, why of course my party would love to have you join us! As a matter of fact, it does sound like you’re the perfect person for this role! And did I hear that correctly? You already know the location of the goblins we need to kill? That’s amazing! Plus, I’m not sure if you heard, but my group also has some experienced adventurers mentoring us! It’s going to be a super easy request!”
Hook, line, and sinker. My plan worked! I was super excited that my gamble paid off!! But as I was shaking Inari’s hand, it was suddenly smacked away by a now very annoyed and frantic Felice.
“No! I object to this nayn! Inari, I’ve already meowchend to you, you’re nyant to take that goblin request nayn! It’s too dangerous meown!”
“But Felice, you always say it’s too dangerous for me. Besides, I’ve already completed all of the herb gathering requests in the area today, and that’s all you let me do around here! I’m more than capable of defeating some goblins with my magic. Even you yourself admitted I’ve grown considerably during my practice here! I also already know the location of their camps, and sharing that information with other adventurers will make the request that much safer! Plus, Jake said they have some experienced mentors with them, so you can’t tell me it isn’t safe. Oh, speaking of which, Jake, those goblins are to the north of here, roughly a 15-minute hike away!”
“That’s exactly the point nayn! Jake’s party already has capable backup meown, so they don’t require anymeows extra’s help!”
“But Felice, I can’t just keep doing herb gathering requests forever, I’ll eventually have to take on harder requests at some point.”
“I’m sorry Inari nayn, but I can’t ameow this. Jake, pwease weave our branch and compweat the request with your meowters nayn.”
“Ugghh, sometimes I really can’t stand you Felice. How am I to become a stronger adventurer if you keep stopping me?”
“Inari, just listen to Felice, they have a real good eye for judging this type of stuff. Respect their decision.”
That rough voice came from another beastkin joining the conversation. They were so silent; I didn’t even notice them approach us. Looking up, I was being stared down by a tall, wolflike beastkin. If there was one word I could use to describe him, it would be menacing. On his face, the right eye was missing, and instead, replaced with a large, lightning shaped scar across the socket. His breath smelled of alcohol, and his fur was a mixture of dark blues, greys, and whites. While he said this, I could see him baring his teeth towards my friend’s direction.
Quickly, and without saying anything further, Inari huffed away in anger at Felice’s oppression and denial for her joining us. I would be mad too if I was her in this situation. I’m also sure the wolf beastkin played a part in her behaviour as well. It’s not right to stop able-bodied adventurers like this, so I decided to try my hand again at persuasion.
“Felice and Mr. Wolfkin, Inari’s points are all valid, surely you can’t deny everything she’s said. All of it is true, the request is safe, even you can’t deny this fact!”
Felice angrily looked at me with cold, calculating, dark eyes while the wolf continued to bare it’s fangs. Then suddenly, I felt very, very afraid, and wanted to leave the tavern immediately. It was almost as if they were using magic on me.
“Jake. Leave.”
Felice said those words with an angry tone I had never heard before. Almost like they were a completely different person from before.
“Fine, your loss, beasts.”
I’m normally not one to stoop to Kael’s level of insults, but even I was starting to get pissed at this whole ordeal. A perfectly capable party member, was denied joining us on our request just because this cat couldn’t be reasoned with.
And so, my party and I turned to leave the Paws & Beans Tavern and report the unfortunate news to our mentors that we failed to find a supporter.
Once outside, I quickly located Bandit and his friends sitting under some trees. I waved to them and he replied with a wave of his own. I could also see Slick and Garrick working on their weapons, sharpening them in preparation for the journey ahead.
“Well that sucked Jake, and here I was hoping we would actually get a new party member to help us out.” Drogan said with a heavy sigh.
“Oh please, it’s not all that bad, after all, there’s only room for one spell caster in the party. We don’t need some lame supporter anyways, isn’t that right Kael?”
Lyra’s comments weren’t any better. While I disagreed with her notion that we only needed one spell caster, I was more disappointed that I had failed as the leader.
“Lyra’s right Jake, we’re more than capable ourselves to complete this task, and frankly, I’m rather happy a beast won’t be joining us on our request. I absolutely despise them.”
“That may be true Kael, but we should still at least learn how to work together with other races, there could be a time we need to team up with them for a difficult request in the future!”
My response appeared to fall of deaf ears though, and I didn’t blame them. Our one and only brief introduction to the beastkin race was a rather poor experience. I could understand my friends not wanting to work with them. I was even feeling the same way myself.
As we tidied up our comments, we finally reached the tree Bandit was sitting under. Without wasting time, I explained the situation that played out from inside the tavern.
“Aigh, well that’s sure a shame thing Jakey boy. I was sure one of thems beastkins would helps ya out, especially given the favourable circumstances. Guess it goes to show ya even an experienced adventurer can be wrong sometimes.”
“Don’tcha worry boss, we all know them beastkins are dumb as bricks. That’s why all the kingdoms got them doing is stacking bricks! Is all theys good fer really.”
“Now now lads, what did I say about judging all of em like that? You know we’ve come across a few helpful beastkin during our travels. Well, guess we better start with the hunting. Which way shall we go Jake?”
Thinking back to my conversation in the tavern, I remembered something critical. That’s right! Inari mentioned that the goblins were to the north of the tavern!
“Bandit, while I was inside, a fox beastkin mentioned that the goblins we were looking for were to the north, so I think we should head that direction first!”
“Ohhh.” He said with a curious voice.
“Rather impressive Jake, that’s a good skill you have there, payin attention to little details like that in conversation. That’ll get you pretty far in this adventuring business stuff.”
I had to admit, I was rather pleased by the comment from Bandit. After all, someone finally recognized one of the skills I had developed during my adventurer’s training! I had always known that critical thinking and listening skills were a core part of being an adventurer, so finally showcasing my abilities was quite rewarding!
“Alrighty then, lets begin our journey everyone. Northwards we go!”
And just like that, we had finally started to head towards the goblin base, although with one less expected party member. Regardless, I was confident we would be successful.