Lyrian grabs Faylin's bags and packs it with the necessary items for their trip, and Faylin goes to her room to gather up her belongings. She grabs a small bag, puts in her clothes and tools, and then walks back downstairs.

Night is upon the town. Small breezes whistle through the wooden cracks of the house. Dim lights of tallow candles burn throughout.

Gimrik has been sitting in a chair next to Bibby's bed. He is reading a book quietly and Bibby is sleeping peacefully. Book shelves line the walls and the dwarf sets the book back down where it belongs.

Faylin winds up a small rat contraption and races along the shop, carrying her bags a small distance as she lets her mind wander.

Gimrik is spying at the doorway of Bibby's room with his arms crossed. "Ah Faylin, I'm surprised you never opened a toy shop with all those useless gadgets," Gimrik says jokingly. "Yer father would've been proud. He would've been proud of anything you did."

Faylin smiles, "thanks. But, I'm afraid it's a blacksmith shop and always will be. It's what I was born to do and I'll make the best of it, for my dad. I'll keep his legacy alive, and someday make this shop the most successful and popular smithy in the realm."

"Don't set yer self up for unrealistic standards young one. Seriously, open up a toy section on the other half of the shop. The dwarven children of Bogh Buldar would love it. I guarantee ya."

"Maybe," Faylin shrugs.

"Anyway," Gimrik sits down on the couch and pats the space next to him. "Come sit down."

Faylin sits beside Gimrik and leans back into the cushions. She looks up at the ceiling, and then closes her eyes, thinking about everything. All of the events that has led her up until this point, it tingles her nerves. She thinks about how she got here, and all the things that could've happened differently, and what could've changed.

Lyrian has packed, clothes, tools, and starts rolling up sleeping bags.

"Ya ready to go on yer first journey?" Gimrik asks. "You might learn a thing or two from Lyrian there."

"Are you sure it's safe?" Faylin asks, her eyes still closed.

"Safe?" Gimrik laughs. "Nothin's safe lass. It's a dangerous world out there, full of evil people. Yer gonna have to be brave and strong, not weak like ye were when yer father passed away. Ye have to move on."

"I know," Faylin opens her eyes, and looks at him with a pang of fear. "I'm just scared. And nervous. And worried. What if I get injured, or worse, killed? What will happen to my shop?"

"I'll be right beside you Fay," Lyrian adds as he carries bags.

"Thanks," Faylin stands and walks over to Lyrian. "Here, give me one." Faylin grabs a large bag from Lyrian and slings it across her shoulder.

Gimrik looks at the small rat contraption on the floor, "what is that anyway?"

"It's a toy," Faylin replies. "It moves on its own."

"Ya mean, like a living thing?" Gimrik's face becomes shocked. "Like...like a golem?"

Faylin laughs putting down the bag over by the torn couch, "no Gim, it's just a thing with a bunch of small gears and wheels." Faylin winds up the toy and lets it go. The rat races around the room, "See?"

Lyrian's mouth gapes open, and he laughs in amazement, "that's amazing. How did you do that? That must a new one."

"Like I said, it's gears and wheels." Faylin explains, "I'm not the best at making toys like these, but I try." She walks over and picks up the toy then puts it back in her bag. She also picks up a small dragon toy and puts it in her bag.

"Yer a genius Fay," Gimrik says. "Ya could sell those and make a living off of em'."

Faylin shakes her head, "I don't think I'd be able to make enough to live off of."

"Well Bibby is asleep. I'm headed over to my place to call it a day," Gimrik tells them.

"Alright Gim. Thanks for taking care of her," Faylin says.

"No problem. I'll check on ye guys tomorrow morning before you head out."

"Thanks again," Faylin smiles. "Goodnight Gimrik, see you tomorrow."

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Sun is shining through the windows of the house. Eggs and bacon waft through the house. Gimrik is sitting in the kitchen, he's cooking breakfast for Bibby and Faylin. Lyrian is in the room with them, and Bibby is glued to her chair at the table. Faylin enters the kitchen, her hair is messy but she looks well rested for a change. "Good morning Gim, good morning Lyrian."

Gimrik and Lyrian turn around. "Mornin' Fay," they say in unison.

Bibby waves, "Good morning dear."

"Morning mom," she says.

Faylin sits down at the table, and Gimrik is serving the breakfast plates on the table with a tiny reach above his head.

"Thanks," Faylin says as she starts eating. "I feel better than yesterday, but not great."

Lyrian turns to her, "well you will once we start traveling and get out of the house for a change."

Faylin shrugs, "maybe." She continues to eat. They all eat, quietly enjoying their food.

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Some time has passed enjoying the meat and dairy. Plates are empty. Bibby looks up, "I'm sorry I can't do more to help you two, but I'm sure that once you get back you will have more business and money."

Faylin smiles, "yes. I'm sure we'll be fine, thanks Mom." Faylin stands up and puts her dishes into the rusty tub of water.

"Everything's packed and ready." Lyrian says as he is still finishing up his eggs.

Faylin is washing dishes but she has heard Lyrian, and she lets them go as they plop into the water. Frustration takes her down where she leans on the rusty tub and she thinks of all the dangers. "I can't do this. I've never traveled before," Faylin confesses.

"You'll have me," Lyrian turns and explains, "and we'll have a map, so there's no reason to worry about getting lost or anything. You can do this, you just need a little confidence boost."

Faylin nods, "yeah. Yeah you're right." Faylin dries her hands on a rag.

"You'll gain some discipline too. Stop worrying about the future and focus today Faylin," Gimrik adds in. "You'll make it, trust me."

Faylin sighs, "alright."

Lyrian stands up, "it's time to go. The longer we stay, the more likely we won't make it." Faylin looks to him and nods. Lyrian walks along the creaking floor and gets the bags ready.

"Bye Gim," Faylin says hugging Gimrik. "Thank you so much for taking care of mom, and everything you do."

Gimrik hugs Faylin and pats her back. "You got it, and make sure ya bring me some souvenirs." Faylin smiles. "And Fay," Gimrik pulls out of the hug, "be careful."

"I will," Faylin says then turns to Bibby sitting in the chair. Faylin walks to her. "Bye, mother." She kisses her mother's forehead. "I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you too sweetie, be careful. Have fun," Bibby holds Faylin close.

"I'll try." Faylin smiles as she pulls away from her mother's embrace. Faylin turns to Lyrian and nods, then leaves the house.

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Later in the day, Faylin and Lyrian travel along the dirt road. Faylin observes the high trees around. Greenery, and flowers are blooming in the springtime. "Wow, I've never been this far from home. It's so beautiful," Faylin smiles.

"Isn't it?" Lyrian replies. "You never get out. I come out here all the time to do rituals."

"Really?" Faylin asks.

"Yeah. I come out here and just sit on the grass, and let the magic flow through me. It helps me relax, and it feels great."

Faylin nods, "that sounds amazing. Maybe I should try it sometime."

Lyrian nods, "you should. I think you would really enjoy it. It's very relaxing." The sun is shining brightly, and the birds are chirping. There's a cool breeze blowing through the trees, the leaves rustling softly in the air. The forest smells like freshly cut grass and fragrant flowers. They continue walking, looking at the scenery as they pass by. "I wish I could show you what it's like," Lyrian says.

"Maybe you can," Faylin says looking over to him.

He looks over to her, still walking the pathway. "Really?" He smiles. "I'd love to. Maybe we could even go to the lake, I've always wanted to try that," Lyrian says full of enthusiasm.

"That sounds like fun." She holds a smile and looks down at her feet, kicking a few rocks. Journey is in her head, and all the things she'll have to face is what she thinks about.

Faylin looks around at the empty sign of sentient life. "It's kind of scary, no civilization or anyone in sight," Faylin tells Lyrian.

He nods, "I know, but it's also exciting. It's like we're the only ones out here." A smile hits his cheerful tone, "and it's nice. No one around, just us."

Faylin nods and looks back to the dirt streaks left behind of once traveled wagons. She thinks about how she's going to get home, and what will happen if they run into any trouble.

Lyrian notices her gaze. "Fay, stop worrying," he warns. "I know what you're thinking, but I'm here to help. We'll get through this together."

Faylin nods disregarding him, "sure." She continues walking down the path.

They reach a small clearing in the middle of the road, with a small stream running along side it. The sun is setting, and the sky is a mix of orange and yellow. The trees are a dark green, and the grass is a light green. "Wow, this place is amazing," Faylin exclaims.

"Yeah, and it's all ours," Lyrian smiles. "This spot seems perfect for a campsite," Lyrian suggests. "We can set up our tent here."

Faylin looks around and nods, "okay." Her bags drop and she starts unpacking them, throwing out their sleeping bags and blankets. Lyrian does the same, setting up the tent and getting everything ready for the night.

Lyrian has readied a small campfire with dried grass and keeps spinning a stick in his hands on a log.

"No fire spells?" Faylin smiles to the side.

"I'm an earth mage, not an elemental sorcerer. Besides, it's more rewarding using your own two hands." Lyrian lights the fire with a blow and then sits next to Faylin. Sun is almost gone, and the sky is a mixture of orange, yellow, and purple.

"Thank you for coming with me," Faylin says looking at him sincerely.

Lyrian looks back at her with a gentle smile, "of course. What kind of friend would I be if I let you go alone?"

Faylin smiles, "thanks." She stares into the fire, and the flames crackle softly. "It's beautiful," she stares into the flames.

Faylin glances around the campsite noticing the small rocks around. "If only I could make weapons only out of stone. That might be easier."

"That's ridiculous. We're not in the stone ages anymore," Lyrian laughs.

She laughs as well, "true. But I bet it would be a lot cheaper."

Lyrian nods, "yeah. But then you'd have to get a lot more stone to make the amount of money you already make, and it'd take a lot longer." He chuckles again, "and the weapons would break so easily, it'd be useless."

Faylin laughs with him, "I know." They continue to talk and laugh for a while.

"Hey Fay," Lyrian says. "Do you remember when we were kids, and we used to play that game where we'd throw stones into the pond? And the first one to miss, lost?"

"Don't remind me, I had to smash my face into a mud puddle and wear that all day around town, you bastard," Faylin smiles, reminiscing fondly of the old times.

"I still remember that. Everyone called you 'Fay the Muddy Princess' for a week straight. You couldn't even get a drink from the inn, they'd refuse to serve you because of the mess," Lyrian laughs.

Faylin beams graciously at a small stone she picks up but then frowns. "Life's different as adults."

"Yeah. It is." Lyrian says, staring into the flames. "I've been meaning to ask, why didn't you ever go to magic school?"

"I dunno. I guess, I've always been more of a blacksmith, and I wanted to carry on the family business, and make weapons and armor. Plus, I've been busy with mom, and Gimrik."

"It would've helped you learn more about metals and their properties. You could've studied alchemy."

"It's too late now," Faylin throws the stone and grabs another. "I've missed my chance, I'm an adult now. And besides, I'm not a mage like you. I'm a blacksmith. I can't just go to magic school." She tosses the stone and picks up a third one but notices a strange shape. It rests up on her palm at Lyrian, "looks like someone left an arrowhead."

Lyrian narrows his eyes and snatches it out of her hand, "let me see that."

"What?"

Lyrian is examining the arrowhead, "it's not that old." His eyes widen as he realizes who the owner is, "wood elves."

"Wood elves? Are they near by?" Faylin stands up.

"I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure we're in their territory." He stands up and looks around. "We should leave, or put out the fire at least."

Faylin shakes her head, "no. We'll stay here and rest, and if they come, we'll fight them off." She says standing up and drawing her hammer, "I've been trained by a dwarven warrior on how to use this thing."

Lyrian nods, "alright, but we're putting the fire out, and we need to be quiet. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves." He starts to put out the fire, pouring dirt while Faylin watches him. Smoke billows up into the night sky.

Lyrian stands up and scans the camp. "We'll be safe here. I'll keep watch for a bit."

"Alright, thanks Lyrian. Wake me up when you need to sleep." Faylin says.

Lyrian sits down, his eyes scanning around, "I will. Goodnight."

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Forest walk

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