After a long day of trying to secure deals and scrounging for resources in the Domains, Deirdre made her way back to her small living space within the Collectors-only area of The Exchange. While some Collectors were wealthy enough to own entire towers or sprawling buildings in this secluded section, Deirdre’s quarters were far more modest. She rented a compact space that, despite its simplicity, felt like home.

The room was small but cozy, consisting of a narrow entryway that led into a sitting area. A small hearth stood against one wall, providing warmth during the chilly nights in The Exchange. A low table was set in the middle of the room, surrounded by mismatched cushions that Deirdre had collected over time. Shelves lined the walls, displaying her favorite trinkets from various Domains—exotic plants and jewel-like flowers, ancient-looking coins, and colorful stones that glowed faintly in the dark. Each item, humble though it was, carried a story, a moment of her adventures that she chose to hold onto.

Deirdre had also taken care to add personal touches that made the room uniquely hers. A few colorful hangings adorned the walls, collected from her journeys. Twinkling strings of fairy lights she had found in her travels added a soft, magical glow to the space. A faded map of an old, forgotten world hung above her bed, a reminder of one of her earliest adventures. Despite the size of the space, it exuded warmth and character, reflecting Deirdre’s journey as a Collector.

Her bedroom was even smaller, just large enough to fit a bed with a thick, handmade quilt that she had sewn herself. The bed was piled high with blankets—a necessity in the often-chilly Exchange—making it feel like a tiny, warm nest. A single nightstand stood next to the bed, holding a small glowing lantern that filled the room with a soft, golden light.

Deirdre took a deep breath as she stepped inside, letting the comfort of her quarters settle around her. After a quick rinse in a water basin to wash away the dirt and dust from her travels, she slipped into more comfortable clothes. As she moved back into the sitting area, she took a moment to gaze around the room, thinking about how, despite its size, it held a warmth that the grander towers she passed could never match.

Feeling refreshed and ready to unwind, Deirdre left her quarters and made her way to Horizon’s End, a cozy tavern located deeper within the Collectors' district of The Exchange. As she walked, she passed some of the grander homes and towers owned by more prosperous Collectors—buildings with intricate facades and banners flying from high windows. Despite the grandeur, Deirdre couldn't help but smile to herself. She didn’t need a tower. She was perfectly happy with her little space, especially with friends like Omylia waiting to hear about her latest adventure.

Horizon’s End was a charming, rustic tavern frequented by Collectors who needed a break from the chaos of The Exchange. Inside, warm firelight flickered across wooden beams, and the smell of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air. The walls were lined with old maps and artifacts from different Domains, donated by Collectors who had long since retired or moved on.

Behind the bar stood Omylia, a beautiful elf with long, braided blonde hair and a soft, warm smile. She wore a dress made of soft, flowing fabric, with earthy green and brown tones that complemented her natural beauty. The dress had embroidered leaf patterns along the neckline and cuffs, and a fitted bodice that flared into a loose, comfortable skirt, perfect for her long shifts behind the bar. Her pointed ears peeked out from beneath her braids. Her eyes lit up when she spotted Deirdre, and she waved enthusiastically from behind the bar.

"Deirdre! There you are! I was starting to think you got lost in one of those Domains and weren’t coming back!" Omylia teased. "Did you manage to get any more Mystleaf?"

Deirdre, all smiles, produced a small pouch of white tea leaves, making Omylia squeal with joy. "You did!" Omylia exclaimed, her eyes shining. She quickly began steeping the tea for them while asking about Deirdre's adventures. "You have to tell me everything," she said, leaning forward eagerly. "How did your auction go? Did you find anything interesting this time?"

Deirdre groaned good-naturedly, shaking her head. "Not as great as I hoped," she admitted, taking a sip of the ale. "I brought back some really interesting things." She paused sheepishly and added, "But I guess no one is really in the market for glowing moss and fungus."

Omylia frowned, reaching out to give Deirdre a playful poke to her forehead. "You’ll get them next time, don’t worry," she reassured her. "You always do. And hey, even if the auction didn’t go well, you’ve got stories to tell, right? I want to hear all about what you saw this time."

The two friends chatted for a while, Omylia hanging on every word as Deirdre recounted her latest adventure.

"You know," Deirdre said, her tone shifting slightly, "I ran into Milani again at the auction."

Omylia raised an eyebrow. "Milani, huh? Let me guess—she had something to say?"

Deirdre chuckled, nodding. "Oh, you know her. She made her usual jabs about my collection. But then she offered to let me join her team again. Said I was wasting my time with these 'resource-poor Domains,' and that we'd accomplish more together."

Omylia's expression softened, her eyes searching Deirdre's face. "And what did you say?"

"I turned her down. Told her that raiding Domains isn’t for me. I want to respect the balance, take only what’s needed," Deirdre replied, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "But sometimes, I wonder... Am I being stubborn? Maybe I should join her. It might make things easier."

Omylia reached out, resting a comforting hand on Deirdre's arm. "Hey, listen to me," she said gently, her voice filled with warmth. "You have to do what feels right for you. If you think joining Milani is the best choice, then go for it. But if it doesn't feel right—if it goes against who you are—then trust your instincts."

Deirdre looked down, her lips curving into a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Omylia. I just... I don't know. Sometimes it's hard to see the path forward."

Omylia gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. "That's why I'm here, Dee. To remind you that you don't have to have it all figured out. You're doing what you love, exploring and respecting these Domains, and that's what matters. And no matter what you decide, I've always got your back."

Deirdre blinked, her eyes glistening. "You really are the best, you know that?"

Omylia laughed softly. "Of course I am. And don't you forget it. Whatever happens, you've got me cheering for you."

Deirdre smiled, feeling the warmth of Omylia's support. "Thanks, Omy. I think I'll just keep doing things my way. For now, at least."

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Omylia nodded, her smile never faltering. "That's my girl. Now, tell me more about what you found out there—glowing moss and all." To Omylia, Deirdre was the brave little sister always destined for greatness—no matter how many setbacks she faced.

Eventually, Deirdre finished her tea and ate a quick meal of beef stew and fresh bread, then sighed, stretching her arms. "As much as I’d love to stay and chat all day, I’ve got to head over to the Outfitter and restock on supplies," she said, standing up from the bar.

Omylia nodded, still smiling. "Alright, alright," she said playfully. "Just promise me you’ll stop by after your next run. I expect more stories, and next time, you better come back with something shiny!"

Deirdre grinned and agreed before heading out the door.

With her spirits lifted after spending time with Omylia, Deirdre headed toward the Outfitter to stock up on return scrolls and other supplies. Though her financial situation wasn't great and her auction hadn’t gone as planned, she was determined to make her next venture a success. After all, with friends like Omylia rooting for her, she was sure her luck was bound to turn around soon.

Before entering the Outfitter, Deirdre paused for a moment to take in the sight of the shop's exterior. It was a charming building, nestled between other similarly aged shops in The Exchange. The Outfitter's facade was crafted from sturdy, weathered wood, with intricate carvings decorating the beams that supported the overhanging roof. The shop had large windows filled with an eclectic assortment of items, each hinting at adventures past—old maps, peculiar trinkets, and an assortment of odd tools were visible from the outside. Above the door, a carved wooden sign swung gently in the breeze, declaring the shop's name in faded, elegant script. The roof tiles, mismatched and worn, gave the entire building a timeless, cozy appearance. Deirdre smiled to herself before stepping inside.

Connor, who ran the Outfitter, greeted Deirdre as she entered, an elderly man with a long white beard and a weathered face full of life and character. His face was deeply lined with age, but his bright eyes and the wide, infectious grin gave him a perpetually cheery look. He wore a red cap, and his clothes were a patchwork of worn-out fabrics that had clearly seen better days but were kept clean and respectable.

Though Deirdre had known Connor for as long as she’d been a Collector, no one was quite sure just how old he was. His stories seemed to span centuries, and his eyes carried the weight of someone who had seen it all, but his smile never faltered. He still laughed easily, especially at his own jokes, and enjoyed engaging with the younger Collectors like Deirdre.

Nearby, Aodh, Connor's Noctari assistant, was organizing supplies. Aodh had brown feathers and moved with a methodical grace, always attentive and efficient—a perfect balance to Connor’s easygoing nature. His outfit was clean and tidy, a stark contrast to Connor's patchwork clothes. He wore a tailored tunic with subtle embroidery at the cuffs, paired with dark trousers and bare talons, as Noctari always went barefoot. Aodh was stern but fair, acting as the more responsible figure in the shop.

Deirdre approached the counter, smiling as she called out, "Connor, I’m here to restock my return scrolls. Used up the last of them on my recent adventure. Got to be ready for the next trip into the Domains, you know?"

Connor smiled warmly at her, his eyes twinkling. "How's that warding crystal working out for you, lass?"

Deirdre grinned, reaching up to reveal the glowing blue crystal hanging around her neck. "It's been working perfectly. Saved my hide more than once, actually."

Connor's grin widened. "Glad to hear it. But you know, you should probably get yourself a good blade too. Just in case you run across something that can't be pacified by the ward."

Deirdre laughed, shaking her head. "You know I'm hopeless with a sword. I'd be more likely to hurt myself than any creature I faced."

Connor chuckled. "Well, maybe. But sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry,” He then continued, "So, how did your auction go? Did you manage to turn that lot around?"

Deirdre winced a little, embarrassed to even ask. "It was a bit of a bust, honestly. I guess the market wasn’t that interested in what I brought back." She shrugged, trying to seem unaffected, then hesitated before adding, "Do you have any secondhand scrolls left, Connor? I know it's a long shot, but I thought I'd ask."

Connor sighed deeply, visibly disappointed for her. "Ah, that’s a shame, lass. I’m afraid I don’t have any of the old scrolls left. All I have are those new gate stones, but I can’t let those go at a discount. Even for you."

Despite the setback, Deirdre put on her best negotiating face and cheerfully offered, "Well, maybe we can work something out? I’ve got some items I could trade, or we could set up a payment plan. I promise I’ll make it worth your while."

Connor scratched his beard, clearly softening under her request. "Well, maybe we can make some kind of arrangement. You've always been a good customer, and I suppose a little trade wouldn't hurt—"

Aodh's voice cut through the conversation, his feathers ruffling slightly. "Connor, you know the rules," he said firmly but politely. "We can’t bend them, even for Deirdre. If we start giving out special treatment, we’ll have chaos,” Aodh folded his wings, giving Connor a pointed look. "It's about maintaining order. If we start making exceptions, then we lose credibility. The rules exist for a reason."

Connor rolled his eyes dramatically. "Oh, spare me the lecture, Aodh. You'd have us run this place like a military camp if you had your way. Sometimes a bit of kindness goes a long way, you know."

Aodh's feathers fluffed up in mild annoyance. "Kindness is one thing, but structure is what keeps this place running. If you had your way, we'd be giving half the stock away for free just because someone asked nicely."

Connor grinned, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth. "Maybe! But you know what, Aodh? It's the smiles on their faces that make it worthwhile. Not everything is about the bottom line."

Aodh sighed, though there was a small, reluctant smile tugging at the corners of his beak. "And that's why I'm here—to make sure you don't end up giving away the shop. Someone has to be the responsible one."

Connor laughed, patting Aodh on the head. "And I'm glad it's you, my friend. Keeps things interesting, doesn't it?"

Aodh shook his head, the smile finally breaking through. "Interesting isn't the word I'd use. But I suppose I wouldn't have it any other way."

Connor childishly stuck his tongue out at Aodh before sighing and admitting to Deirdre, "The fussy birdbrain is right, lass. I just can't do it."

Deirdre frowned slightly, but kept her diplomatic tone. "I understand the rules, but surely there's some middle ground here. Maybe I could help out around the shop for a bit? I wouldn't expect anything for free, of course."

Connor's eyes twinkled at the suggestion, but Aodh shook his head, feathers rustling. "Deirdre, it's not about the payment or you helping us out. It's about fairness. If we do this for you, then every other Collector will expect the same treatment."

"But not many other Collectors can’t afford a basic gate stone." Deirdre pressed, her voice steady, trying another angle. "I can’t even go on an expedition without a way to get back. What if we did it as a one-off, under the radar? I wouldn't tell a soul."

Connor grinned, leaning on the counter. "You see, Aodh? Dee's got a good head on her shoulders. We can trust her.”

Aodh sighed, clearly unmoved. "It's not about secrecy or bending things just once. The rules are there to keep everyone on equal footing, Deirdre. It's nothing personal."

Deirdre glanced between the two of them, weighing her options. She could see that Aodh wasn't going to budge, and even Connor seemed resigned to his assistant's firm stance. She sighed, her smile more resigned now. "Alright, alright. I get it. Rules are rules, and I respect that."

Connor gave her an apologetic smile. "Wish we could do more for you, lass. But I promise, if there's any way we can help next time, we'll figure something out."

Deirdre nodded, keeping her smile intact, though it was a little more forced now. "Thanks anyway, both of you. I’ll come up with the money somehow."

As Deirdre turned to leave, Connor shuffled after her and gently grabbed her arm. Leaning in, he whispered, "Listen, lass. There might be another way. There’s an unused warehouse in the old southwest district of The Exchange. Before the Outfitter was moved here, that district was reserved for all the shops. Abandoned now. Might be some old stock still left there, scrolls and whatnot. It’s a long shot, but you... you’ve always had a bit of the Domains damned luck, haven’t you?"

Deirdre's eyes brightened at the prospect, the glimmer of adventure clear in her expression. "Connor, you’re the best!" she said, thanking him profusely before giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. Without wasting another moment, she left the shop, her heart pounding with excitement as she headed off toward the abandoned southwest district.