"Let’s hit up the shops for groceries and… stuff!" Lorian grinned, his tone full of eager energy, as if the prospect of shopping was an adventure in itself.

Caelus chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, sure. We need to stock up anyway."

Together, Caelus and Lorian strolled through the lively marketplace, the sun casting long shadows across the cobbled streets. The sounds of haggling vendors, the clink of coin, and the occasional laughter of children echoed in the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Cheese, nestled comfortably on Lorian’s shoulder, bounced with excitement, its eyes sparkling at every new scent or sight.

Their first stop was a fabric vendor, an elderly woman with a weathered face who greeted them with a warm smile. Her stall was a riot of colour, with bolts of fabric hanging from wooden racks, each more vibrant than the last. Lorian ran his fingers over the soft, linen shirts, the texture smooth beneath his touch. He picked out a few in various shades of blue and grey admiring how the sunlight danced off the natural fibres. Caelus, ever practical, selected some sturdy pants and a few pairs of undergarments, noting the quality of the stitching. The vendor wrapped their purchases in brown parchment, offering them a final nod of approval.

“Good choices, young men,” she said with a wink. “That cloth will last you many seasons.”

They moved on, weaving through the maze of stalls, each offering something unique. The air was rich with the scent of fresh-baked bread from a nearby bakery, and the distant clang of metal on metal echoed from a blacksmith’s forge at the far end of the marketplace. A small stall caught their attention—a vendor mostly selling soaps, lotions, but also essentials and toiletries. The wooden shelves were stacked high with jars, each one holding a different fragrance. The soaps were wrapped in delicate paper, their labels adorned with intricate symbols that glowed faintly in the sun.

Lorian picked up a bar of lavender soap, its scent filling the air with a calming, floral fragrance. He also selected a mint-infused bar that promised to be refreshing after long days on the road. Caelus, intrigued by the variety, chose a small vial of scented oil—a blend of wildflowers and wood—that he thought might help with sleep. He added a few bottles of herbal teas to his collection, choosing ones that promised to soothe the mind and calm the body, along with a few other essential items.

As they continued their shopping, the stallholders were more than happy to offer recommendations, pointing them toward fruits that ripened only under the care of the local sun. Caelus picked out a bundle of apples with a deep red hue, their skins glistening as if freshly polished. Lorian, not to be outdone, grabbed a handful of plump grapes, delighting in their sweet fragrance.

Lorian chewed contentedly on an apple and the grapes as he strolled toward the next stall, his free hand clutching the bags of fresh clothes and soap they’d just bought. The sweet, crisp bite of the fruit was a welcome break, and the juices dripped down his chin as he navigated through the busy market. The weight of the bags swung gently at his side, their contents rustling with each step. With the bustling scene around him and a satisfied grin on his face, Lorian was already thinking about the next stop on their shopping journey. Lorian flicked the core of the apple high into the air, and Cheese, ever eager, darted up with a joyful squeak. Its tiny hands caught the core mid-air, and with a delighted wiggle, Cheese popped it into its mouth, savouring every bite. The little slime’s eyes glistened with contentment as it chewed happily, its little form bouncing with excitement.

They moved to the butcher’s stall next, the rich, savoury scent of fresh meat filling the air. The stall was rustic, with rough-hewn wooden counters stacked high with cuts of meat, each glistening with a sheen of freshness. Hanging from hooks above were large, hulking carcasses—some familiar, some strange. One, in particular, caught Caelus’s eye: a twisted, sinewy figure with antler-like protrusions and a dark, almost metallic sheen to its fur.

The butcher, a burly man with a thick, scraggly beard and arms like tree trunks, caught sight of them and grinned, his teeth bright against the weathered tan of his face. “You lads look like you could use some proper sustenance!” he bellowed, his voice as booming as his laughter. “Erymanthian boar, venison, or maybe something a bit more exotic?” He gestured to the various cuts hanging from hooks, the meat marbled with fat and promising hearty flavour. Caelus glanced at the strange animal carcass at the back of the stall—its twisted form made him uneasy, and he thought to himself, I don’t even know what that is. The butcher noticed his glance and chuckled knowingly. “That there’s a Wyrmbane stag,” he explained, his voice a mixture of pride and amusement. “Not for the faint of heart, but it'll keep you strong for days.”

Caelus opted for a thick cut of tender boar, imagining how it would taste grilled in a cast iron pan. Lorian, eyeing a bundle of smoked venison, picked up a few pieces, his mouth watering at the thought of how it would pair with the fruits they had gathered. The butcher wrapped their selections in parchment, giving them a hearty clap on the back before sending them on their way.

They strolled down the bustling street, their eyes scanning the various stalls and shops for anything that might serve their needs. The market was alive with activity, vendors calling out their wares and haggling with customers. Caelus and Lorian occasionally paused to inspect a sturdy wooden chair or a cosy-looking rug, weighing the practicality of each item against the limited space in their small room. They wandered past a stall with delicate glass trinkets, another with colourful woven baskets, and yet another filled with ornate, hand-carved wooden figures. Every so often, they’d stop to chat with a vendor, negotiating over prices for simple furnishings like shelves or blankets—things that would help make their temporary quarters feel a little more like home.

The last stop of their shopping trip was a tucked-away stall in the far corner of the market, a treasure trove of dried herbs and spices piled high in neat, aromatic stacks. The air around the stall was thick with a medley of earthy fragrances—rosemary’s piney sharpness, thyme’s warm, woodsy aroma, and the unmistakable, almost musky scent of dried mushrooms. It was a comforting, grounding mix, one that seemed to wrap around the senses and offer a moment of tranquillity amidst the hustle of the market.

Lorian, with his usual curiosity, crouched down to inspect a bundle of wild mushrooms. The caps were deep, rich brown, streaked with faint golden lines that shimmered in the sunlight. They had a robust, earthy smell, hinting at the promise of something both savoury and exotic. Lorian's grin widened as he picked them up, imagining their rich flavour would be perfect for some sort of stew or broth.

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Caelus, more practical in his selection, reached for a bundle of dried rosemary and thyme. Their sharp, herbal scent seemed to promise warmth and richness for their meals, ideal for a hearty dish after a long day of travel. They also grabbed a few packets of dried lavender, which Caelus thought might make a pleasant addition to their bedding, helping them to ward off any lingering nightmares.

They lingered at the stall for a moment longer, breathing in the comforting scents, before making their final purchases and heading on their way, the small bundles of herbs now tucked away in their bags, ready to add flavour—and comfort—to their journey ahead.

With their arms now laden with bags, the pair turned toward the inn where they were staying, their steps slow but satisfied. Lorian, ever the optimist, chatted animatedly about the local cuisine, imagining all the meals they would prepare with their newfound ingredients. Caelus, on the other hand, kept his head on a swivel, ever aware of their surroundings as they made their way back through the busy streets. By the time they reached their room, the bags felt heavier, and their shoulders ached with the weight of their purchases. Cheese, who had been bouncing happily from shoulder to shoulder, had long since settled into a comfortable perch on Lorian’s other shoulder.

With bags brimming, they headed back, carrying their bounty up the stairs. When they finally reached their inn, the familiar wooden door loomed in front of them, and Cheese, eager to make itself useful, reached into the folds of Lorian’s cloak and grabbed the heavy, metal key. He stretched its tiny arms and wriggled his little body, key in hand, as if preparing for some heroic feat. With a determined squeak, it reached up to twist the key in the lock, and its little face scrunched in concentration, its whole body contorting in an effort to turn it. Cheese’s body twisted and contorted with determination, every fibre of its gelatinous being focused on the task at hand. After a few strained attempts, there was a satisfying click, and the door swung open.

They shuffled inside, the bags spilling onto the floor with a soft thud as they dropped their burdens. The room was simple, but after the long trek through the marketplace, it felt like a welcome refuge.

Without missing a beat, Lorian began unpacking, sorting through the bundles of clothes with practised hands. He tossed a few shirts onto the bed and stashed the pants in a nearby chest, all while chatting animatedly about the ingredients they had picked up. Meanwhile, Caelus went straight for the food, carefully arranging the fresh fruits and meats in their designated spaces. He found a place for the herbs and spices, their earthy aromas filling the room as they were tucked away in a wooden crate, ready to be used for their next meal.

Cheese, ever eager to lend a hand—or rather, a squishy pseudopod—hopped off Lorian’s shoulder with an enthusiastic wiggle. Its gelatinous form shimmered faintly as it scurried across the room, its movements oddly graceful despite its amorphous body.

With surprising dexterity, Cheese began tackling the disarrayed toiletries scattered across the room. It extended a small, semi-transparent tendril to pluck up a bar of soap, its edges glistening with a faint sheen of moisture. Carefully, it bounced over to a small wooden box on the desk, placing the soap neatly inside before scurrying back for the next item. Oils, combs, and jars of salve were meticulously sorted, each retrieved with precision and arranged in perfect order. Despite its size, it seemed to have an uncanny ability to organise, almost as if it had done this before.

Occasionally, Cheese paused, as if assessing its work, its colour shifting to a thoughtful blue before continuing its self-appointed task. The little slime worked tirelessly, bobbing and jiggling with cheerful purpose, its soft movements making faint plopping sounds against the wooden floor. By the time it finished, the box was an impeccable display of organisation, the items lined up as if curated by a master artisan. Cheese wobbled proudly, turning to the others with a gleeful ripple, its hue glowing a warm, contented gold.

The room filled with the soft rustle of cloth and the scent of fresh food as they worked, the rhythm of their movements soothing after the chaos of the market. Lorian hummed a tune under his breath, while Caelus focused on arranging the bags of dried goods, each carefully stacked in their proper place.

By the time they were done, the floor was cleared, the bags emptied, and the room was transformed from a cluttered mess into a more orderly space. It was far from perfect, but it was theirs—arranged to suit their needs and, for now, it felt like home.

The mundane task of organising their haul had drained their energy, but there was a comforting sense of accomplishment in the air. They had everything they needed—for now—and the rest of the day was theirs to enjoy.

Caelus sank into his chair with a sigh of relief, stretching his arms above his head. Lorian, equally worn from the unpacking, flopped onto the bed, a grin on his face. Cheese, satisfied with the day’s efforts, curled up in a corner, its tiny eyes closing as he dozed off.

Lorian, never one to linger too long in one place, had immediately jumped into the warm bathwater, letting out a relaxed sigh as the heat seeped into his tired muscles. He and Cheese took turns unwinding, the small creature contentedly paddling around in the water while Lorian leaned back, eyes closed, and let the steam envelop him. The soft sounds of splashing filled the room, adding to the cosy, peaceful atmosphere.

Caelus, meanwhile, had found a quiet spot by the window. He was sprawled in his chair, the faint glow of the setting sun casting a soft golden light across the room, highlighting the faint creases in his clothes and the exhaustion etched in his features. He opened his Soulbound Interface again, absently scrolling through the various stats, abilities, and skills he had gained in such a short amount of time. The numbers stared back at him, a constant reminder of his growing power and responsibility.

Three days. Maybe four. Time had blurred since he took up this mission, and with it, the weight of his role as a champion of Helia felt heavier each day. He had always been someone who thrived in the chaos of battle, but now, the burden of leadership, the expectations of his comrades, and the looming sense of duty to his world pressed in on him like an unshakable storm cloud.

As his gaze wandered from the interface to the room around him, Caelus couldn't help but think back to those first few moments—when they had all been strangers, uncertain of each other and their place in the grand scheme of things. But now, despite the constant risk and the ever-approaching danger of the Withered Woods, the bond between them was growing stronger. They had become a team, not just a group of adventurers thrown together by fate. They had become almost like a family.

His mind flickered to the faces of his comrades—Lorian’s infectious enthusiasm, Elira’s loud strength, Darius’ unshakeable resolve, Riven’s focused determination, Seraph’s wisdom, Magnus’ steady support, and Cheese. It was them that kept him going. When the weight of being a hero became too much to bear, they were the ones who made it bearable.

A small smile tugged at the corner of Caelus’s lips as he leaned back in his chair, allowing the flickering warmth of the room to wash over him. For the first time in days, he felt a sense of peace, however fleeting. His mind wandered to his past life—his memories of the life he had once lived, the people he had once known. They were distant now, a faint echo of what once was. But as he thought of his new companions, his new purpose, Caelus couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty.

For now, the world could wait. He had his comrades, he had a mission, and with them by his side, he knew he could face whatever came next. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the evening and the promise of tomorrow wrap around him like a comforting cloak.