Chapter 11: Ranking Up. Part Three
Making sure to securely store the signed parchment, Coal gave the child a celebratory high-five before setting off toward the bakery.
The warm, inviting scent of freshly baked bread and pastries wafted through the air, drawing him closer to his destination.
As Coal entered the bustling bakery, he couldn't help but admire the various sweet treats displayed in the glass cabinet near the counter.
He made his way over to the cashier, and with a mixture of excitement and anticipation, he showed the man his adventurer's tag. "I'm Coal, a party member of Dthic," he said with pride, "I'd like to inquire about Gary, he should be completing a quest here?" Coal stood, eagerly waiting for the response.
"Oh you just missed him! A good party member you got there. He's been a pretty good help today. That should actually be his last delivery for the night. It isn't too far, he should be back soon. Have a seat and here you can eat this while you wait." - Bakery Owner
The owner tossed over a loaf of bread and started cleaning around with his workers.
After thanking the bakery owner, Coal found a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy his snack.
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Gary held a few parcels in his arms as he darted through the streets, careful not to run into anyone. He couldn't wait to deliver the last of his orders and head home for a well-deserved rest.
However, just as he was lost in his daydream, he accidentally collided with someone, almost losing the food he was carrying in the process.
Apologizing profusely, Gary helped the person up and attempted to salvage what he could of their items.
Despite the minor setback, he continued on his way, more cautious than ever.
He was making some distance, but crying drew his attention back. The child he accidentally knocked over was standing in the middle of the street crying. Gary's heart ached as he approached the child, doing his best to comfort them. "Hey, hey," he said soothingly, "it's okay.
"I'm so sorry, does something hurt?" - Gary
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
As Gary comforted the crying child, she explained that she couldn't find her parents.
Gary knew he couldn't leave her alone in the street, so he took her with him on his deliveries, promising to keep her safe until they found her parents.
Gary carefully balanced the parcels in his arms as he walked through the crowded streets.
The little girl giggled with joy as she rode on his back piggyback style. Gary couldn't help but smile at her infectious happiness.
Together, they weaved in and out of the busy marketplace, delivering the remaining order until they finally made it back to the bakery.
As they turned a corner, Gary's eyes lit up as he spotted Coal outside the bakery. Excitedly, he ran over to his fellow party member, child still on his back, to tell him about his eventful day.
Gary walked up to Coal with a grin on his face, the little girl still on his back. "Hey Coal, you won't believe what happened while I was out delivering.
Meet Alex," he said, gesturing to the child on his back. "She got separated from her parents and I couldn't leave her alone, so I brought her along to finish my rounds.
As Coal and Gary were thinking about how best to get Alex back to her family, the owner of the bakery came out and with a look of recognition asked Alex what she was doing and where her parents were.
Alex's demeanor changed the moment she saw the baker and she ran to hug his waist.
The baker looked concerned and asked about the whereabouts of her parents. Alex said,"Mommy and Daddy are lost, and I can't find them!".
Gary reassured Alex, "Haha, it's alright. Your mommy and daddy aren't lost. They're probably worried sick about you though." The little girl's eyes widened as Gary spoke. "
Coal picked up Alex and said reassuringly, "Hey there, don't worry. We'll get you back to your parents as soon as possible."
He could see the fear and worry in Alex's eyes, and it tugged at his heartstrings. "Let's go to the guard's station.
Gary and Coal made their way to the guard's station, Alex clasping tightly onto Coal's hand. "Excuse me, sir," Gary said to the guard at the entrance.
"Have you had any reports of a lost little girl today?" The guard paused for a moment, thinking. "Yes, yes we have, do you have any information?"
After presenting Alex to the guard, they all breathed a collective sigh of relief when he confirmed it was indeed the lost little girl.
The guard proceeded to ask them a few brief questions about where they had found her, and then requested that one of his colleagues cover for him while he assisted them in finding Alex's home, which was only a ten-minute walk away.
Gary couldn't stop smiling at the thought of reuniting Alex with her parents and he couldn't help but feel grateful for being in the right place at the right time to help.
Alex's parents were immensely grateful to see their little girl again, and Gary and Coal couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and relief to have been able to help.
As they walked back to the bakery, Gary and Coal talked about their quests.
Once back at the bakery, Gary and Coal explained to the owner that they had successfully reunited Alex with her family.
With a small smile of appreciation, he signed the document of completion for the quest, thanking them for their hard work and dedication.
Gary and Coal left the bakery, feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride in their successful quest.
As Gary and Coal made their way back to the Fire Boar, they chatted about their successful quest and the fact that they managed to reunite Alex with her family. Gwen was already back in their room, having returned from her own solo quest.
She greeted them with a smile, happy to hear about their adventures. Exhausted from the day's events, they settled in for the night, eager for a good night's rest