Deo stood, rooted to the spot, as the lean figure navigated through the bustling crowd with a fluid, almost feline grace. It wasn't until the figure drew closer that recognition dawned, sharp and unexpected. It was Damien, the Olympian fencer, whose tight grip on his wrist had dragged him unwittingly to this fantastical realm on that fateful day, many months ago. Clad in a rough overcoat bearing the marks of recent storms, billowing slightly with each step he took, he walked confidently down the street. He was also wearing a hood, drawn forward to shadow his features slightly, perhaps seeking to disguise his presence in the small town. However, there was no mistaking the sharpness in his gaze, the angular lines of his face, or his distinctive gait. Peeking out just beyond the hem of his coat, Deo glimpsed the glint of a luxurious silver sword at his waist, befitting Earth’s previous champion swordsman. He was flanked on either side by two stiff-backed soldiers, their armour shining with a dull gleam in the soft light and emblems emblazoned on their chest.
As Damien approached, Deo’s gaze locked onto Damien, wondering what had caused the champion’s appearance in this out of the way town and why he had tracked him down. Deo moved towards Damien ever so slightly, ready to greet him and hear the news about the other long-lost members of earth. Yet, as he drew closer and Damien’s eyes met Deo’s, there was no flicker of recognition, no pause in his stride. Deo searched for any sign of acknowledgement from the young man, any hint of the shared history that had irrevocably altered the course of his life, yet Damien’s eyes glanced through him as if he were a stranger, an insignificant part of the scenery. It was a moment that lasted mere seconds, yet felt like an eternity to Deo, filled with a tumult of emotions—surprise, indignation, and an unsettling realization of how the very person who had catapulted him here, didn’t even recall him.
Damien and his escort passed by Deo, as he stood there mute, grappling with a myriad of feelings. They continued to head down the street past them, before disappearing into the dimly lit entrance of “The Fox and the Flea”. Deo, remained frozen, as the tavern’s sign, creaking softly in the evening breeze, seemed to almost mock his inner turmoil with its depiction of the tiny mite next to a resplendent fox. Lena's voice, pulling him back to the present, was a lifeline amidst his stormy thoughts.
"Come on, Deo, I'm starving," she urged, her tone light but insistent. "Let's go find that pub."
Shaking off his stupor, Deo nodded, the name of Damien's chosen haunt etched in his memory, as he resolved to return their tomorrow to get some answers. Together, they navigated the cobblestone streets of the town, guided by the memorised directions from the guard they had met previously at the gate. Soon enough, they reached their destination and the Twilight Hearth Tavern loomed before them. It was a welcoming beacon, with stories of timber and stone, windows aglow with the promise of warmth. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney into the dusky sky, mingling with the sounds of laughter and lively conversation that spilled out into the night. Patrons lingered by the door, lost in heated debate, their loud voices indicative of their state of inebriation.
Adjacent to the Twilight Hearth Tavern, a stable shared the establishment's rustic charm, constructed from the same timber and stone that gave the tavern its inviting appearance. This annex offered a series of neatly kept stalls, each equipped with fresh straw and ample space for horses or ponies, reflecting the tavern's commitment to the comfort of all its guests, including those of the four-legged variety. After meeting with the stablemaster, they agreed to have their transportation and ware taken care of, on the condition they settled with the barkeep inside. Relieved to have their pony and goods settled for the evening, Deo, Lena and Pyro headed back to the entrance, salivating at the prospect of freshly cooked food.
Stepping past the group locked in spirited discussion at the door, the trio crossed the threshold of the Twilight Hearth Tavern and were immediately enveloped by its inviting warmth. The transition from the cool night air to the bustling interior was immediate, with the tavern's lively atmosphere enveloping them. As they wove through the throng towards a crowded bar, Deo eyes widened at the sight of a few unfamiliar races unlike any he had encountered before. Among the predominantly human patrons, he spotted tall, broad-shouldered green humanoids with tusks protruding from their mouths - beings he surmised must be orcs. Similarly, a pair of smaller, green-skinned creatures, engrossed in a lively game of cards at a tucked away table, caught his attention, their appearance suggesting they were goblins. This unexpected diversity left Deo with a sense of surprise, his earlier uncertainty about the racial mix in Silverpine now dispelled empathically by the evidence before him. Lena's raised eyebrows mirrored his own reaction, a silent acknowledgment of their newfound understanding of the town's cosmopolitan nature.
Navigating through the lively atmosphere of the tavern, Deo, Lena, and Pyro made their way to the bar, a hub of activity, presided over by a barkeep whose balding head and large, ear-framed wisps of hair gave him a genial appearance. Beside him, a shaggy hound dozed, occasionally stirring in its sleep. As they reached the bustling bar, the barman, with a kindly gleam in his eye, greeted them warmly. "And how can I help you madam and sir?" he asked, his voice as inviting as the tavern itself.
Lena, with a glance at Deo, took the lead. "We were hoping to secure lodgings for a couple of nights. Do you have any openings?"
The barman nodded, his face reflecting the tavern's lively spirit. "Aye, just! It's been pretty hectic - even in my humble little tavern, what with all the funny goings-on. But we've got a pair of small rooms towards the back of the second floor. Three gold coins per room, per night."
Lena, stepping into negotiation without hesitation, countered smoothly, "I'll give you fifteen, if you include meals and drinks whilst we stay, along with keeping our pony in the stable."
"Deal," the barman agreed promptly, then added, "Would you like something now?"
"Yes, please," Lena and Deo responded in unison, their stomachs grumbling at the mere thought.
Meanwhile, Pyro had discovered a new friend at the end of the counter. The tavern's hound, roused from its slumber by Pyro's approach, greeted him with a series of curious sniffs. The two animals exchanged pleasantries in the universal language of sniffing, tails wagging in mutual respect.
Observing this, the barman chuckled. "And I'll bring something for ya pup there too, never fear." He then turned, filled two pewter mugs with a rich, amber liquid, and slid them across the bar. "Here y'go, it's our house specialty, Twilight Beckons."
Finding a cozy corner near the animated goblins, the trio settled at a table, chairs squeaking against the hardwood floor as they pulled them out to sit opposite each other. Pyro laid in a spot between them, content in the warmth of the tavern. Lena, with a hint of mischief in her eyes, didn’t waste a moment as she turned to Deo. "So, who was that that young man you almost murdered in the street?"
Deo, caught mid-sip, nearly choked on his ale. "You caught that, huh?"
"It was hard to miss," Lena teased, leaning forward with curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Who was he?"
Deo hesitated, then admitted, "He's from... well, the same place I am. Where I grew up."
Lena's eyes narrowed playfully. "And that's another world, right?" she dropped casually, as if discussing the weather.
Deo's reaction was one of pure astonishment. "How...?"
"I had my suspicions," Lena confessed, a smug grin spreading across her face. “And now you’ve confirmed it. Your ignorance of our cultures, your mysterious arrival in the wilds – it all pointed to something. I’ve had my theories – exiled noble, cursed prince… But none sat right. Outworlders aren’t a rarity here, we’ve plenty of stories of them popping up and saving the world from an existential threat. Just promise to keep me out of any world-ending quests, okay?"
Deo was speechless, processing her quick deduction. “Yes I’m from a world called Earth. It’s funny you mention the world-ending quests. I was teleported here by a grand summoning, along with Damien, the man in the street from earlier, and many others. On arrival, we were told we were here to combat an ‘impending threat of apocalyptic nature’,” he explained, his tone a mixture of reluctance and resignation.
Lena scoffed lightly, a mix of humour and scepticism in her tone. "Well, you've managed that one already, haven't you? Time to focus on growing our little haven, Harmony's Refuge."
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Their conversation then drifted to Deo sharing fascinating tales of Earth, captivating Lena with descriptions of a world so different from her own. The arrival of their meal, hearty plates of roast meat and vegetables brought by a young server, momentarily paused their exchange. After expressing his gratitude, Deo, sensing an opportunity to learn more about their new environment, stopped the boy as he was about to turn away.
"Sorry, excuse me, do you mind telling me about the odd occurrences? The barkeep mentioned you've had some weird happenings lately?"
"Of course, sir," the boy responded eagerly, his voice reedy but clear. He leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "We've had our share of troubles, starting with monsters that haunted the outskirts—red-eyed beasts terrorizing the town. Villagers from nearby sought refuge here, but those attacks have ceased, thanks be to Arvalis."
His eyes widened with excitement. "But that's not all! Recently, a peculiar elf caused quite the commotion, or so I heard. And you’ll never guess who appeared next”, as he leaned in even closer and his voice dropped to a whisper. “Legendary champions!” He paused for effect after this proclamation, before continuing, “And not one, but two of them! Can you believe it?” His eyes sparkled with the thrill of the story. “I saw them maself I did, their armour bearing the legendary blazing orange emblemata. They arrived with the duke’s soldiers and other companions, drawn by the tales of our plight, ready to set things right. They’ve been keeping to themselves since arriving with quite the fanfare, but rumour has it they’re still around.”
The boy, catching his breath from the rush of his excited storytelling, looked expectantly at his audience. Lena, amused and appreciative, slid a copper coin across the table. "For your spirited tale," she said with a smile, before turning with a look full of meaning towards Deo.
Turning their attention back to the food, their conversation faded into silence as they focused on the hearty meal before them. Pyro, content at their feet, chewed blissfully on a bone. Soon enough, their plates were cleared, and they leaned back, satisfied and full, contemplating the tales of legendary champions and fearsome monsters.
“So I’m assuming you’ll be heading to greet your compatriot tomorrow if you can?” Lena ventured, breaking the lull.
"Hopefully," Deo mused. "And you? Think you can scout some reliable guards for Harmony's Refuge? And sell the extra produce we brought?"
Lena nodded confidently. "Consider it done."
The evening waned as they relaxed in the tavern's communal warmth. Eventually, they retired to their rooms, with Deo cherishing the comfort of a solid bed after their adventurous travel. The next day dawned with plans already set; Deo and Lena split their tasks, with Lena taking on the responsibility of scouting potential guards for Harmony's Refuge and sourcing a buyer for their harvests extra produce. Meanwhile, Deo, accompanied by Pyro, made his way to the pub where Damien had disappeared the previous day. Upon arrival, he learned that Damien had ventured out, but was expected back in the early afternoon for an arranged lunch. Deo decided to utilise the waiting time to explore the town.
As Deo and Pyro ventured deeper into the heart of Silverpine, the essence of the town's relationship with the wilderness became apparent. The marketplace was alive with the rugged spirit of the wilderness, a bustling hub where the spoils of the forest were traded and displayed. Stalls were laden with hides from beasts both familiar and unknown, their furs ranging from the coarse and matted to the sleek and vibrant. The craftsmanship of Silverpine's residents was clearly aligned to a singular purpose, survival. Leatherworkers and furriers showcased expertly crafted garments and gear, designed to provide maximum protection to members of this tough community. Tools and weapons, forged with skill honed by necessity, gleamed under the watchful eyes of their makers, each piece symbolising the town's battle with nature. The air was filled with the sound of bargaining, the clink of coins, and the occasional roar of laughter, likely born from the recounting of a daring hunt or a close escape.
Beyond the furs and weaponry, Silverpine's marketplace also revealed a fascinating array of botanical wonders. Stalls dotted throughout the area offered rare plants and herbs collected from the depths of the surrounding wilderness, their properties ranging from healing to harm, from invigoration to sedation. Alchemists and potion-makers manned these stalls, their tables a vibrant display of nature's pharmacy. Vials of elixirs promising strength, healing, or even temporary invisibility captivated the curious and the desperate alike.
Around every corner, the scars of personal encounters with the wild were worn with pride. Many townsfolk bore the marks of claws and teeth, their stories etched into their flesh as deeply as into their character. Conversations often revolved around recent encounters with ferocious beasts that had previously sieged the town and neighbouring villages. Each recounting, embellished or not, added to Deo’s understanding of Silverpine, a town not just surviving on the edge of the wilderness but thriving, its people as untamed and indomitable as the land they called home.
As the sun climbed to it’s peak, Deo returned to the tavern, where he hoped to find Damien. Entering, he spotted Damien, unmistakably seated at a central table, surrounded by individuals Deo faintly recognized as the other Olympians from their shared ordeal. With a purposeful stride, Deo approached, determined to find out the fate of the others from Earth.
Damien glanced up, his gaze fleeting over Deo, again, without a flicker of recognition. "Ah, you've identified us," Damien remarked with a dismissive air. "Yes, yes, we are the legendary champions of recent talk. But, I must insist on solitude for my companions and me. We find ourselves entangled in matters of great importance." His tone, laced with a subtle disdain, left little room for engagement, casting a chill on Deo's quest for a reconnection.
Elena, who was sat beside Damien, glanced up from a report she been studying after hearing Damien speak up. She angled her head quizzically at the sight of Deo and after a brief a moment, her expression transformed from confusion to recognition, lighting up with surprise. "Oh my god, is that you? Dean? No, Deo, right? The waiter who vanished right before our eyes when we first arrived?" she exclaimed, her memory clearly clicking into place.
"Yes, that's me. Deo Mitchell," he confirmed softly, “I recognised Damien when he walked by me yesterday”.
Elena's turned a look of mild reproach to Damien. "And you didn't remember him?" she chided, pointing out the oversight.
Damien, unfazed, shrugged off the significance of the encounter. "It was a long time ago. This world has introduced me to countless faces since," he remarked dismissively, his attention briefly caught by the green emblem on Deo's chest but quickly moving on. "I could care less about a serving boy I met once on a cruiseliner. We have bigger issues to face," he added, his attention already drifting away.
"You mean you couldn’t care less," Deo couldn’t help but interject, annoyance creeping into his voice as he grew frustrated with Damien’s manner.
"What?" Damien looked at him, puzzled.
Deo explained, "If you 'could care less,' it means you do care, at least a little. Or maybe a lot! Because you could care less. The phrase is 'couldn’t care less,' indicating you don't care at all."
"Whatever," Damien brushed off the correction, clearly uninterested in the nuances of language.
The conversation took an unexpected turn when one of the more muscular champions leaned forward, “Was your Dad’s name David by any chance, Deo?”
Deo was taken aback, "Huh? No, it was James. Why do you ask?" His brow furrowed in confusion. "And sorry, I don’t believe we’ve been introduced. Also, more importantly, where are the rest of us from Earth? Has anyone found a route back?"
"Ah yes, sorry," Elena quickly spoke up, realising the oversight, and proceeded to introduce the group, highlighting Roderick, the curious companion known for his berserker prowess. She delved into the champions' journey to the Duke's capital and their subsequent dispersion to neighbouring kingdoms. Elena shared their experiences, noting the lack of new insights on the apocalyptic threat they were summoned to counter, or a way to return back to Earth. "But at least we’ve only lost a few of us," she concluded with a heavy sense of loss.
The weight of her words hung in the air. "We’ve lost people from Earth?" Deo asked, his voice barely above a whisper, to which Elena responded with a solemn nod, as a melancholic silence ensued, before being told they didn’t know any of details.
Shifting the conversation away from the morbid, Deo queried, "Anyway, how come you are here?"
“The Duke had received reports of savage beasts, terrorising the region, so he sent us on an expedition to investigate and address the rumours,” Elena explained.
Damien interjected, his tone patronizing, "Don't worry about it, Deo. We've got it under control."
Seizing the moment, Deo pressed, "Well, actually, now that you mention it... Were these beasts red-eyed, driven by a compulsive hunger to consume?", he inquired with a hint of a satisfaction.
Damien turned his head sharply at hearing Deo’s words, as he looked genuinely interested for the first time since Deo had walked in. “Yes, exactly those. Have you seen them? Where were they? Just point us in their direction, and we’ll handle the rest,” Damien responded eagerly, his eyes shining at the thought of action.
Deo, with a slight smile, revealed, "I believe I've already dealt with that issue. It’s a long story, but there was an Abysall Heart of Corruption deep in the wilderness that was mutating the wildlife within its vicinity, directly causing the aggression. I discovered the aberration and removed it.”
"That's incredible, Deo. We need to hear more about this," Elena encouraged, leaning in with interest, while Damien sank back into his chair, deflated upon hearing the news.
However, their discussion was abruptly interrupted by the clamour of shrieking and panic from outside. The tavern's door flew open, and a frazzled woman burst in, her shrill plea cutting through the air, "The beasts have returned! Legendary champions, please help us!"
At the same time a system notification appeared before their eyes:
[Area Quest Issued: Silverpine’s Survival]
Quest: Silverpine’s Survival
Silverpine is under attack by rabid beasts. Your mission is to safeguard the town's inhabitants, repel the invading beasts by any means necessary, and unearth the origins of this sudden assault.
Rewards: Variable, depends upon contribution.
After reading the text that appeared in front of them, Damien looked pointedly towards Deo. “Riiiight. You’ve already dealt with the issue, have you?” his voice dripping with scepticism, clearly questioning Deo's earlier assertion amidst this new, urgent call to action.