As she exited the workshop, the villagers who had watched her investigation unfold cheered and applauded her success. Zeni felt a surge of pride as she marched back to the council house, the banner held high above her head.
Upon reaching the house, Zeni stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening in astonishment. The once modest and unassuming building had been transformed into a vision of opulence. Its sandstone walls shimmered with gold leaf and intricate frescoes, depicting scenes of the village and its people.
The door had been replaced with an ornate, richly carved wooden portal, inlaid with precious stones that caught the light and sparkled like stars in the night sky. And as Zeni stepped inside, she found the interior had been similarly transformed, with lush tapestries, elegant furnishings, and a long, beautifully set table laden with exotic delicacies and sweetmeats.
The scent of honeyed pastries and spiced fruits wafted through the air, tantalizing Zeni's senses, while the soft glow of dozens of flickering candles bathed the room in a warm, inviting light.
Neith greeted her with a warm smile, clearly impressed by Zeni's tenacity and resourcefulness.
"Well done, Zeni," she said, taking the banner from her. "You've truly outdone yourself."
Zeni, still marveling at the council house's transformation, glanced around the room.
“What’s…all this about?” Then, growing suspicious, she added, “Wait, was this all a wild goose chase?”
Neith only laughed as a response.
"Neith," Zeni began, her voice full of wonder, "I never imagined the council hall could look like this. It's... it's amazing."
"Well, Zeni,” she said. “I am glad you appreciate it so much. I apologize for the misdirection. We had to find a way to keep you busy while we prepared for tonight's festivities. And I must say, you did an excellent job with the banner."
Zeni shook her head in amazement, her heart swelling with gratitude for her new community.
"The redecoration of the council house is a time-honored tradition, Zeni,” Neith explained. “Viewing it for the first time in its completion is something everyone should experience at least once. I didn’t want to spoil the surprise if you happened to preview the setup."
Before Zeni could respond, Neith reached behind her and produced an object: a traveler’s bag. Zeni's eyes widened at the sight of the intricately woven papyrus, dyed in rich hues of blue and gold. The design was both functional and beautiful, resembling an adventurer's backpack with a touch of elegance that seemed almost too luxurious for practical use. The straps were crafted from polished ebony, inlaid with slivers of mother-of-pearl that glinted like moonlight on the water. The buckle was fashioned from brass, shaped like a delicate lotus blossom, and its petals were adorned with tiny carnelian stones.
"Oh, Neith," Zeni gushed, running her fingers along the exquisite details of the bag. "It's incredible. I've never seen anything like it."
“I’m glad you like it,” her mentor said. “Because it is yours.”
Zeni started.
“What? No!” Her eyes darted from Neith to the bag and back again, trying to take this all in.
“As it happens: yes,” said Neith with a smirk. “A gift for you on this fine festival eve.”
Zeni was speechless as she examined the gift. As she made to thank the older woman, Aken suddenly stepped into the council house, carrying a carefully wrapped bundle in his arms.
"Zeni," he said, breathless, "I…didn’t…want…to be late.”
He stopped to take a breath, his eyes finding the bag Neith had just given her and his lips curved into a weary smile.
“Oh…good…” he wheezed. “Seems like I…made it…just in…time. I have something…for you too."
“Aken?” She asked, confused. “Why are you so sweaty and out of breath?”
Aken nodded at her comment.
“I…ran.”
Then, carefully, he unwrapped the cloth to reveal what appeared to be a tool of some sort. Once more, Zeni's eyes widened. As she looked upon the object in the wrap, she recognized the metal she had helped forge only a few weeks ago.
"It's finally…complete," Aken explained.
Zeni examined the item more closely, and her eyes widened further as she realized it was, in fact, a weapon. It was a short, curved blade with an exquisitely carved ivory handle, designed to fit snugly in her hand. The edge of the blade gleamed wickedly, hinting at its deadly potential.
She looked at Aken, gratitude filling her eyes.
"Thank you," she whispered, unable to find words that could adequately express her appreciation. Aken nodded, clearly understanding the depth of her feelings.
Before Zeni could fully process the implications of the weapon, the council house door creaked open once more, and Hesira stepped in.
"Well, well," the old apothecary said, her eyes twinkling. "It seems everyone's playing Anauk the Gift Imp today, hm? I suppose I should join in on the fun."
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She produced a carefully crafted wooden box from her voluminous sleeves and presented it to Zeni with a flourish.
Zeni, overwhelmed now, smiled at the sight of the offering. She opened the box, peering in with delight. The box was filled with small compartments, each containing various herbs, dried flowers, and vials of potent elixirs. It was an apothecary kit. Apparently her apothecary kit.
She knew how rare it was for Hesira to give gifts or even praise, and she felt her heart swell again, imagining that so much cardiac fluttering was bad for one’s health.
As Hesira handed over the kit, she winked at Zeni.
"You've been a dedicated student, and your talents in potion making have grown considerably under my watchful eye. I thought it was high time you had a proper kit of your own. Of course," she added with a mock sternness, "you'd better use it wisely, my dear, or I'll have to reconsider my generosity."
Zeni chuckled, fortunate for the warmth hiding beneath Hesira's gruff exterior.
"Thank you, Hesira. I promise I'll make you proud."
“You’d better,” she said. “I won’t have any pupil of mine embarrassing me the moment she steps into a dungeon.”
Zeni's froze, and she stared at Hesira for a moment, her mind racing.
"Wait a second... Dun...DUNGEON?!"
Neith's expression softened.
"Indeed, Zeni. We've noticed how…captivated you've been by the idea of dungeons. And, as you're aware, the festival is a time for sharing gifts. We wanted to provide you with the tools to help you on your journey."
The others in the room nodded in agreement.
Aken chimed in, "We've all seen your determination and growth in your training, Zeni. You've shown great potential, and you've advanced to your second level in such a short time."
"Given your unwavering efforts and the progress you've made,” Neith continued, “we believe that you should be ready to face the dungeon after the conclusion of the festival."
Zeni didn't know what to say. Her earlier confusion was now replaced by a deep sense of belonging. She looked at her friends, her mentors, her family in this new world, and couldn't stop her eyes welling up with tears
.
"Thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I... I don't know what to say. I promise to give it my all in the dungeon, and to honor the faith you've placed in me."
Hesira placed a hand on Zeni's shoulder, her usual gruffness softened by a proud smile.
"We know you will, child. Just remember everything we've taught you, and you'll do just fine."
Later that evening, Zeni found herself sitting atop a hill overlooking the village, watching as the villagers bustled about, preparing for the festival. From her vantage point, she could see a group below, struggling to hoist the banner she had retrieved earlier. They bickered and flailed about as they attempt to keep the banner aloft and affix it in place. At one point, after the first corner had been properly attached, they moved on to another corner, only to pull too hard and watch as the first corner became dislodged, sending the whole banner (and several villagers) spinning to the ground. It was a ridiculous sight, but Zeni couldn't help but chuckle at their antics.
With a contented sigh, she reflected on the events of the day—the unexpected gifts, the overwhelming sense of belonging, and the knowledge that she was about to embark on an incredible adventure. A warm feeling of gratitude washed over her as she pondered her place in the world.
As Zeni continued to watch the villagers, she heard footsteps approaching from behind. Turning, she saw Basim and Yasmine making their way up the hill, grinning conspiratorially.
"Zen!" Basim called, as he and Yasmine settled themselves on either side of her. Zeni turned to look their way, watching as they ambled up the slope in the dim twilight.
"So…” Basim said leadingly. “How was your afternoon?"
"You guys wouldn't believe the day I've had!” Zeni exclaimed. “I mean, first, I was tasked with finding the missing festival banner, which led me on this wild goose chase all around the village. I interrogated Gripa, Jer, Keela, and even Uk—you know, the sky reader. And then, when I finally found the banner, I discovered the council house had been completely transformed!"
She paused for a moment, her eyes shining.
"The walls were covered in gold and engravings, and there was this super sweet carved wooden door, and inside, oh! The tapestries, the candles, the…” she trailed off, trying to center herself.
“...It was like something out of a dream,” she finished soberly.
Her two friends smiled.
Zeni’s voice grew softer, more emotional as she continued, "And then, Neith, and Aken, and Hesira…all of them gave me these incredible gifts. Neith gifted me this beautiful traveler's bag, and Aken made me a weapon. Hesira... she gave me my very own apothecary kit. I... I wasn’t..."
As she struggled to find the words, Zeni's voice wavered, and tears welled up in her eyes. She wiped them away with the back of her hand, trying to regain her composure. She sucked in a breath with a huge sniffle.
"I just... I feel so grateful, you know? I never thought I'd find such a wonderful…wonderful family in this new world. And now, I'm about to embark on this amazing adventure in the dungeon after the festival!"
Basim and Yasmine exchanged a knowing glance before turning back to Zeni.
"Well," Basim said, struggling to keep a straight face, "it sounds like you've had an eventful day. But we've got something for you too."
Zeni blinked, her tear-filled eyes widening in disbelief.
"You... you got me something too?"
“Yep!”
He nodded to Yasmine who immediately turned and lifted a parcel wrapped in cloth from where it was hidden in the shadows nearby. Zeni’s disbelief instantly turned to sobs.
“You guys!” She wailed. “You can’t do this to me! I was already crying!”
Basim and Yasmine chuckled, but Zeni noticed sympathetic tears brimming in their eyes—even in the usually stoic Yasmine’s.
Yasmine carefully unfolded the cloth, unveiling a breathtaking set of mostly leather light armor that seemed to capture the very essence of the desert and its secrets. The armor shimmered with a subtle, otherworldly radiance, its supple leather artfully dyed in shades of sun-bleached sand and the deep indigo of a moonlit oasis. Masterfully embossed upon the leather were flowing patterns that gracefully danced and intertwined, evoking the life-giving waters of the Hapi and the whispered mysteries of the ancient dungeons.
The armor was designed to embrace Zeni's form with divine precision, marrying both aesthetics and utility. The leather was robust yet pliant, allowing for unrestrained freedom of movement, while sparingly placed metal accents provided an unyielding, protective embrace without impeding her swiftness. Gossamer-thin brass flourishes, etched with the tender grace of lotus petals unfurling beneath the sun's warm caress, adorned the pauldrons, their beauty artfully bestowed. Nestled at the heart of the breastplate, a minuscule metal emblem of a regal sphinx stood sentinel, its enigmatic gaze promising wisdom and fortitude.
This resplendent armor was a love letter to the flourishing craftsmanship of Kephri’s Rest, each carefully considered detail an ode to the culture that had so warmly embraced her.
Zeni gazed upon the armor, tears flowing freely down her already-stained cheeks.
"This... this is beyond words. I can’t believe you created this masterpiece for me."
Basim, grinning from ear to ear, replied, "Well, don’t be too impressed. Yasmine did most of the work, but I did help with some of the finer details. You’ll notice those are the pieces that are the most expertly formed. Figured we’d get you something special for your upcoming dungeon holiday."
"You've become an important part of this community, Zen," Yasmine said. "And more specifically, to us. You’re our friend. We believe in your potential and wanted to show you that.”
Zeni's heart swelled as she looked at her companions, her voice breaking with emotion.
"Thank you. I can't even begin to express how much this means to me."
Basim clapped Zeni on the shoulder, his exuberant energy shining through.
"No need for tears, my friend! Tomorrow, we'll celebrate together at the festival. It'll be a day to remember, I promise you that!"
Yasmine smiled gently, her eyes softening.
"Indeed. We'll face whatever challenges await us, but for now, let's look forward to the joy and merriment that tomorrow brings."
As the night enveloped the village, a constellation of warm torch lights flickered below, weaving a tapestry of ethereal beauty across the landscape. Zeni sat with Basim and Yasmine, their laughter and shared excitement ebbing and flowing like the tide, embracing the festive energy that whispered through the air. Tomorrow, they would celebrate the festival, a moment of joy that would linger in their hearts like the afterglow of a setting sun. Soon after, Zeni would set forth on a grand adventure, venturing into the unknown supported by the quiet courage of her friends like sailors navigating uncharted waters.
For now, they reveled in the bonds they had forged, the love they shared, and the promise of a future filled with wonder and possibility. Like the shifting sands beneath their feet, their lives had intertwined, and together, they had become something greater than the sum of their parts. They were a melody of souls, a harmony of laughter and tears. Friends. And as they gazed upon the village lights shimmering in the darkness, they knew that they were witnessing the unfolding of something grand.