After her exploration of the abandoned district, Deirdre returned to her quarters in The Exchange with Orsafi perched comfortably on her shoulder. The excitement of finding the Domain Key buzzed in her mind, sparking endless questions and possibilities. But she knew she needed rest; tomorrow’s meeting with the Dungeon Keeper awaited, and she couldn’t afford to be anything less than prepared.
As she entered, Orsafi leaped off her shoulder, landing gracefully on the floor with a soft, curious chirp. The small carbuncle padded around the room, her star-speckled fur shimmering as she sniffed and nibbled at Deirdre’s collection of magical trinkets. The playful creature’s wide eyes glimmered with a mix of curiosity and contentment. Deirdre watched her, a smile tugging at her lips, feeling her fatigue momentarily lift.
“Curious little one, aren’t you?” Deirdre chuckled softly. She reached over to gather a cozy nest of blankets, arranging them in a corner of the room. Orsafi paused, tilting her head as if considering the makeshift bed, before burrowing in with a delighted trill. The soft, rhythmic glow of her gem added a warm, calming light to the room.
Deirdre’s gaze lingered on her companion, a wave of warmth spreading through her chest. She had grown attached to Orsafi more quickly than she expected. The rare creature already felt like a symbol of luck, a quiet guardian of her journey.
Settling in, Deirdre lay in bed, her eyes tracing the subtle etchings of the Domain Key she had set on her nightstand. Its intricate, twisted design held an enigmatic beauty, each curve and groove whispering secrets of places unseen. Her mind raced with thoughts: What kind of Domain would it unlock? What mysteries awaited beyond its door?
Despite the pull of excitement, she reminded herself that her contract had to come first. Building her reputation in the Collectors Guild would open doors to future opportunities, perhaps even ones where she could explore the Key’s potential.
As exhaustion finally pulled her into sleep, Deirdre found herself in a strange dream. She wandered through a misty, enchanted forest, the Domain Key floating ahead of her like a guiding light. Twisted branches formed eerie patterns above, and glowing eyes peered out from the underbrush. Whispers echoed around her, their source unseen but their presence undeniable. A chill ran down her spine as the dream teetered between wonder and dread. When she woke, her heart was pounding, the dream lingering like an unspoken warning.
Pushing the dream aside, Deirdre sat up, brushing away the disquiet. She couldn’t let herself get distracted. Today’s meeting could solidify her standing in the Guild, and she needed to focus.
Deirdre decided to take Orsafi with her to Horizon’s End. She had been informed that is where her meeting was scheduled. The warmth of the place would calm her nerves, and she couldn’t deny the comfort that Orsafi’s presence brought. As they walked through the busy halls of The Exchange, heads turned. The rare Carbuncle drew admiring gazes and whispered comments, her gem casting a soft glow as she trotted beside Deirdre.
Upon entering Horizon’s End, the familiar scent of freshly baked bread and spiced tea washed over her. The low-hanging lanterns cast a soft, golden light over the polished wooden tables, and the steady murmur of conversations created an atmosphere of warmth. Deirdre took a deep breath, letting the cozy setting ease some of her tension.
Orsafi, ever curious, caught the attention of the patrons with the way she chirped and hopped about. Collectors paused to admire the shimmering creature, some daring to approach. One particularly eager Collector, who recognized Deirdre from the market, stepped forward with wide eyes.
“Is that a Carbuncle?” he asked, awe in his voice. “I’d pay handsomely for a creature like that.”
Deirdre’s lips curved into a polite smile as she shook her head. “Thank you, but she’s not for sale.”
The man looked disappointed, casting one last wistful glance at Orsafi before stepping away. Deirdre’s heart swelled with pride and affection for her new companion. Orsafi wasn’t just rare; she was special.
Deirdre settled at a table in the corner, the warmth of the tavern providing a welcome contrast to the restless night she’d had. Orsafi perched on the edge of her seat, her gem casting a soft glow that caught the eyes of nearby patrons. This would be her first time meeting the Keeper who held her contracct. She hoped to make a good impression.
The soft creak of the door drew her attention as someone entered. He scanned the room, his golden eyes landing on Deirdre. She stood, her earlier assumptions about a slimy, grotesque Keeper vanishing at the sight of him. His leonine face was framed by large, expressive ears, and a long, graceful tail swayed gently behind him. He exuded an air of calm, his deep green robes adorned with vine-like patterns and charms that hinted at a connection to nature.
“Collector Deirdre, I presume?” his voice was warm, steady, and more personable than she’d expected.
“Yes, and you must be the Keeper of the slime dungeon,” she replied, extending her hand with a polite smile. They shook hands briefly before she gestured to the table.
“My name is Fennor. Would you mind if we shared some tea before we discuss the contract?” he asked, settling into the seat opposite her. His voice held a touch of formality, but there was kindness in it.
“I’d like that,” Deirdre said. She signaled to a server, who promptly brought over a pot of herbal tea and two delicate cups. The server’s eyes lingered on Orsafi, who chirped cheerfully at the attention before resuming her quiet watch.
As they poured their tea, Fennor’s gaze softened, and a small smile played on his lips. “I must admit, I was curious about the Collector who won my contract. Your name comes up often in the halls of The Exchange as a bit of an oddity.”
Deirdre chuckled, taking a sip. “Hopefully in a good way,” she teased lightly, “I’ve been doing this for a while, but I have a...unique method compared to other Collectors.”
“Indeed,” Fennor said, his eyes thoughtful. “I am grateful to be working with someone experienced. This contract is important for my dungeon’s ecosystem, but my knowledge of these creatures comes from books and the stories of other Keepers. It’s different from the firsthand expertise of a Collector.”
Deirdre nodded, her smile turning more serious. “Then let’s make sure we’re on the same page.”
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They set their cups aside, and Fennor leaned forward slightly, his expression earnest. “I require three specific types of slimes and some supporting elements to create a balanced ecosystem. The first is the Luminescent Glider. I’ve read that its glow can be beneficial for attracting certain insects and fostering energy flow.”
Deirdre’s eyes lit up as she recognized the challenge. “The Luminescent Glider is beautiful but tricky. It’s semi-transparent and emits a soft blue glow, but it dims if mishandled or stressed. They thrive in starlit habitats and are sensitive to sudden changes in light or temperature. Capturing them without disturbing their glow will be delicate work.”
Fennor’s ears flicked with interest. “That’s more intricate than I imagined,” he said thoughtfully, “The next creature I need is the Ironbelly Ooze—a dark green slime with metallic veins. I understand they’re used for water purification.”
Deirdre nodded, her fingers tapping lightly on the table as she spoke. “They’re essential for filtering and binding impurities, transforming them into nutrient-rich byproducts. But they can be fiercely territorial, especially if disturbed while feeding. Approaching them requires a steady presence and careful handling. If agitated, they secrete a defensive acid that can corrode most containment materials.”
Fennor’s golden eyes widened slightly, the tip of his tail twitching. “That’s… vital to know. I appreciate your insight. Lastly, I need the Verdant Wisps. I’ve heard they intertwine with mosses and fungi and release spores that promote growth.”
A smile of recognition crossed Deirdre’s face. “The Verdant Wisps are rare. They thrive in areas where magic saturates the air—old, enchanted forests, for instance. They have a unique relationship with their environment; the light encourages them to release their spores, which feed and support surrounding plant life. Transporting them is the biggest challenge, as they dissolve quickly if their conditions aren’t perfect.”
Fennor leaned back slightly, his expression a mix of admiration and concern. “Your expertise is impressive. I didn’t realize how complex these tasks would be. And what about supportive elements—plants or items that could help stabilize the ecosystem?”
Deirdre took a moment to consider. “You’ll need Moonpetal Ferns, which emit a faint bio-luminescence under certain lunar phases. They help regulate the sleep cycles of dungeon inhabitants. They’re often protected by territorial creatures, so they’ll need to be gathered carefully. Then there are Driftshade Bulbs, which release a mist to maintain humidity. They grow near enchanted pools and can be tricky to gather without popping them.”
Fennor’s ears lowered slightly as he listened, the gravity of the task settling in. “You speak with the insight of someone who’s faced these challenges before. I am grateful for your dedication, Collector.”
Deirdre’s expression softened, “If you want to be a successful collector, stufy first. It makes for a job filled with fewer surprises. I take pride in my work, and your vision for this balanced ecosystem aligns with why I became a Collector in the first place. I’ll make sure this is done right.”
Fennor’s smile widened just enough to show his appreciation. “Then my contract is in capable hands. I trust you to handle this task with the care it deserves.”
They shared a final sip of tea, the weight of the contract no longer daunting but a shared purpose between them.
After the meeting with Fennor, Deirdre lingered at her table, the golden glow of the tavern’s lanterns casting a soft light over the worn wood and the lively patrons around her. The warmth and familiarity of the place usually soothed her, but today, the weight of Fennor’s intricate requests pressed on her chest like a heavy stone.
She replayed their conversation, going over the creatures and plants he needed, mentally ticking off the Domains she had access to. A sinking realization struck her: she was missing keys to some of the crucial Domains that held what Fennor required.
The din of clinking mugs and bursts of laughter from nearby tables faded into the background as Deirdre’s thoughts raced. She glanced down at Orsafi, perched on the edge of her chair. The Carbuncle’s star-speckled fur shimmered gently, the glow from her gem reflecting the flicker of the tavern lights. Deirdre sighed, running a hand through her hair. If she wanted to keep this contract—and prove herself—she needed help. And she knew exactly who to ask.
She stood and made her way to the bar, weaving through the clusters of chatting Collectors and traders. Omylia, her silver hair catching the light as she moved, filled mugs and exchanged stories with patrons, her laughter ringing like a chime above the noise.
As soon as Omylia’s eyes landed on Deirdre, her smile widened, but when she noticed Orsafi perched by Deirdre’s side, her expression transformed into one of pure delight. She gasped, abandoning her current task with a clatter and leaning over the bar.
“By the stars, Deirdre, is that a Carbuncle?” Her voice was almost a squeal, drawing the attention of a few nearby patrons. She reached out and scratched the little creature behind her ears, her eyes wide with awe. “And just look at her gem—it’s like a piece of the night sky!”
Orsafi, always one to bask in attention, chirped brightly and leapt onto the bar, drawing a chorus of gasps and murmurs from those around them. Omylia’s grin turned playful as she reached into her apron and pulled out a small, sugar-dusted biscuit meant for favored pets.
“You, little star, are an absolute treasure,” Omylia cooed, holding out the treat. Orsafi nibbled it daintily, her gem glowing brighter as she trilled with joy. The Carbuncle’s tail swayed happily, and she nudged Omylia’s hand, earning another round of coos and soft laughter.
Deirdre couldn’t help but smile, the tension in her chest easing just a bit as she watched Omylia fawn over Orsafi. The elf’s excitement was infectious, drawing a few chuckles from nearby patrons who leaned in to get a better look.
“I’ve never seen anything so beautiful up close,” Omylia said, her voice soft with wonder as she continued to scratch behind Orsafi’s ears. “Where did you find her?”
“It’s a long story,” Deirdre said, her smile fading slightly as she leaned in, lowering her voice. “And one I’ll tell you in full when we have more time. Right now, I need your help, Omylia.”
It took a moment for Omylia to pull her attention away from the carbuncle, but when she did, the playful glint in her eyes softened into one of concern. She tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear and leaned forward, listening intently. “What’s wrong?”
Deirdre exhaled, the reality of her predicament settling in. “The contract I won—it’s more complicated than I anticipated. The Keeper needs specific slimes and plants that I don’t have the right Domain Keys for. I need to find someone who does.”
Omylia’s brows drew together as she thought, her fingers drumming on the polished counter. The noise of the tavern hummed around them, but the space between them felt quiet, focused. Finally, Omylia’s face lit up with realization, though her smile was laced with caution.
“There’s one person who might be able to help. His name is Hoch,” she said, glancing around as if mentioning his name might summon him.
Deirdre’s eyes widened slightly. She had heard plenty about Hoch, the enigmatic Collector with a reputation as fierce as his collection of Domain Keys was vast. “Hoch? I didn’t expect that. I’ve only heard stories about him, and none of them make him sound easy to work with.”
Omylia chuckled, though it was tinged with an edge of seriousness. “That’s an understatement. He’s sharp, stubborn, and he won’t make a deal unless he stands to gain something significant. If anyone has access to the Domains you need, it’s him.”
Deirdre sighed, her eyes drifting to the glowing gem on Orsafi’s forehead. The Carbuncle looked up at her, eyes wide with unwavering trust, as if to say, We’re in this together. A small smile crept back onto Deirdre’s lips as she met Omylia’s eyes. “Thank you, Omy. I guess I don’t have much of a choice.”
The elf’s expression softened, and she reached out to squeeze Deirdre’s arm reassuringly. “You’ll manage, Dee. You’ve faced worse odds and come out on top. And you’ve got your lucky star here,” she added with a nod to Orsafi, who chirped brightly in agreement.
“Let’s hope you’re right,” Deirdre said, the determination settling back into her bones. She straightened up, giving Omylia a grateful nod. “Time to find Hoch and see what kind of bargain he’s willing to strike.”
With a last shared smile and a whispered promise to update her friend, Deirdre turned away from the bar. The road ahead would be difficult, but she was ready to face it, Orsafi at her side and Fennor’s contract clear in her mind.