The Jellybeans woke up the next morning inside the church of the Righteous One. Cleric Jorne told the party that the effects of Shield's oppressive magic would almost be non-existent as people start to feel joy again. The only thing that really interested Fern was the fact that beautiful women would start smiling and laughing again. He always thought that happiness made women look gorgeous as long as they also had a modest amount of makeup. The druid had a playbook of how to amaze women but he was missing a crucial component, money.

"Gene, saving all these people is great but we need money." Fern did his best to sound practical instead of greedy. He knew that just mentioning money would allow the queen of avarice to join his side.

"I agree," Ciylia jumped into the conversation almost on cue. "We need payment to get better equipment and improve our social status!"

"Alright," conceded the monk. "Better equipment would be nice for you guys so we can save people more effectively. We'll have to find work to do, so maybe today we will spend our time finding jobs that pay."

"Actually, I know a way we can earn money!" Kira's tiny voice exploded with confidence.

"I hope it's easy," sighed Meowlynn. "I hate hard work."

"What is it?" asked Aliya.

"We saw a sign that said we could hunt an animal for gold. I believe the bounty was 2,500 gold pieces." The halfling ranger's dark blue eyes were almost glowing a shade brighter as she waited to be praised.

"What are we waiting for?" asked Fern and Ciylia in an almost disturbing unison. Something really bothered the half-elf about seeming greedy. In truth, he only needed about twenty gold pieces to have a successful date at some higher-end place with enough gold left over to buy a good room to close the night.

"Where was the sign," inquired Gene. "We need to ask around, so we can find out how to accept the bounty."

"It was in the town square, next to that awful anti-religious sign. Let's get going!" Kira was practically skipping while sprinting. It was awkward to watch but somehow a bit inspiring. This seemed like a sudden mood swing to the druid because he knew that the ranger was silently sobbing last night while chatting with Aliya. If he recalled correctly, it was something about how she felt useless against Shield and how pathetic it was to almost be killed by him. Maybe this was her chance to prove she was useful for the team.

The group gathered their belongings and headed into the city's centre. It was much more lively than when they first entered. People were smiling and actually going shopping. Fern tried his best to see what the women of Erend were interested in. Every place had a different treasure that was appealing to those who lived there. To the young half-elf, treasures that could be stored in his memory were of more value than the materialistic ones that he was bound to give a fair lady.

Of course, there were people still suffering side effects from the depressing magic that had previously engulfed Erend, but those people were few and far between. In the town square, there were many stands open. They were selling random trinkets, food, and specialty items. The notice board had a lot of different pieces of parchment on it and the one about prosecuting people of faith had been torn down. In its place were advertisements for shops and people looking for workers. In the middle of the board was the notice from the Erend Hunt, but there were no directions telling anyone where the Erend Hunt was located.

"Alright everyone, listen up. We need to split up so we can find out where this place is. We are going to meet up back here when the sun is highest in the sky. Please come back on time, it's troublesome if we have to go looking for you." After Gene gave his orders, the team separated to go find the needed information.

Fern couldn't be bothered to search for the Erend Hunt. He was happy to leave that task to the more reliable members like Gene, Kira, and Aliya. There was a chance that even Ciylia was going to try to search for the building since she was one of the greediest beings on the planet. She gave the mythical creatures called dragons a run for their horde. Luckily for everyone, dragons only existed in fairytales and don't actually go around destroying cities and taking riches. Fern didn't feel guilty about not helping because he knew Meowlynn was not going to be aiding the team either. She was one of the laziest people he had ever met. It was as if hard work was a disease to her.

There were many fancy shops that that Fern hadn't noticed before because the Jellybeans were too mission-focused to enjoy the view. Though at the time, the view was dreary so he found their rushing forgivable. He just hoped that in the future they could actually take the time to explore the places they are visiting.

The druid noticed a pair of women who were staring at some sort of brooch in the window of what looked like an antique shop. It had taken the half-elf awhile to find some women who were not surrounded by men or purposefully avoiding them. Usually, he liked to engage in a one-on-one conversation, but these two ladies seemed approachable.

Fern knew the first thing that any person should do before approaching a potential date is to study them to gather some information. There was a woman with jet black hair that fell slightly below her shoulders. She wore a beautifully embroidered, long, red dress. Her friend next to her was slightly taller. The friend had long blonde hair that curled at the end. She also had wavey streaks in her hair as a sign of individuality. This woman wore a sleek turquoise dress that perfectly accented her curves. He noticed that the blonde seemed protective of her friend. Luckily, Fern Mertins knew how to be a wingman for himself.

The handsome druid walked up to the woman in the red dress. "That brooch would look lovely on you, just like your dress does." The woman blushed and slightly giggled. "Of course with your beauty, anything would look amazing on you," said Fern. "May I ask what your name is?"

A giant smile formed on the woman's face while she tried to regain her composure. "My name is Iris and this is my friend Lily."

"Both of you are named after flowers? That is quite romantic."

"And we were both just leaving," announced the blonde friend named Lily.

The half-elf had a feeling this might happen so he was prepared for it. Perhaps he even wanted it to happen so he could try to charm both ladies. He gently placed his finger under Lily's chin and lifted it slightly so she was looking at him. "Don't feel neglected, my dear. I noticed your radiant beauty as well, not to mention these gorgeous, deep blue eyes you have. It's like staring at the surface of the ocean as dawn's first light shimmers across it."

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The lady sighed happily and was blushing fiercely. She was probably trapped in Fern's eyes as they did have tiny stars dancing in his pale blue eyes. He felt his eyes really complimented his shiny silver hair. "I suppose we can spare a bit more time," whispered Lily.

"Fantastic," grinned the druid. He slightly lifted his arms, allowing the ladies to each wrap around one of them. "How about I take you for lunch. I'm new here so I hope you don't mind guiding me to a place that suits your fancy."

"Of course we can be your guide," said Iris. Lily nodded in approval. The three of them started to walk down the street when a small and hoarse voice stopped them.

"Where do you think you are going, Fern?" The druid turned around to see Aliya scowling at him.

"I was, uh, getting information about this city so I could help find the Hunt," lied the half-elf.

"It definitely looks like you were trying to get something. Anyways, Gene is looking for you. We found the Erend hunt and are waiting for you before we enter. That is unless you are no longer part of this team."

Fern knew he needed to stay on good terms with Gene. Not only because he was the Jellybean's leader but also because he was the only other male in the group now that Buddy had left them. "I'm sorry ladies, I need to go help some people. I do hope we can meet again." Before departing from them, he kissed the right hand of each woman, winked, and then left.

The whole walk to the Hunt, Fern did his best to block out the cleric's voice as she voiced her opinions about his tactics of getting information. He was lost in his mind, dishearted by his now missed opportunity. Hopefully, this bounty and its reward would help improve his mood.

Once the pair arrived, all the Jellybeans stood outside a single-story building. It had a very rustic style wood that made up the exterior wall. In cursive writing above the door, there was a sign that read: Erend Hunt. Gene walked up and knocked on the door but there was no answer. The monk then tried opening the door and it was unlocked.

The Jellybeans stepped into the building. The inside was had an entry room and then a long hallway went down to a smaller hall. At the entrance was a bulletin board with various papers covering it. Among them were people requesting different kinds of pelts or supplies. At the top of the board were the larger bounties. There was a paper to help a local farmer clear out a creature that was eating his sheep and another one asking to hunt or give information about the bird creature that Fern tried to befriend in the forest.

"Which should we do? asked Gene. "I think this farmer one is right up our alley. It looks like its a type of wolf and I'd say we are pretty experienced in that department. Not to mention that we at least know where this creature is."

The druid really wanted to find that bird again but Gene was right, they had no idea where it was. But today Aliya did teach the half-elf a lesson. Just because you have something in your grasp doesn't mean it can't escape. That didn't mean he couldn't remain hopeful. "I agree with Gene," said Fern. "But can we inquire about the bird? I'd like to know more about it if possible."

"I don't see why not," agreed Gene. "Anyone else want to vote?"

"I'm fine to do whatever you think is best!" Kira was still glowing from her great idea. Perhaps she was hoping Gene would pat her on her head.  Fern wasn't really that interested in how she was feeling. He just wanted this to be worth his time.

"As long as we get paid, I'll do whatever you feel is best," smiled Ciylia.

"Well we have a majority vote so let's go," announced their leader. The group walked down the long hall that led to three doors. Each door was on a different wall; left, right, and centre. Gene knocked on the centre door, "Hello?"

"Open ze door," called back a deep velvety female voice. "It's open."

The monk twisted the handle but nothing happened. "You got jiggle ze handle a lil' bit," said the sexy and mysterious voice. The druid really wanted to put a face to this amazing voice and was almost angry that Gene hadn't opened the door yet.

Finally, the door opened and revealed a grand study. Immediately in front of their eyes was a workbench with meat, furs, teeth, and claws. The right side of the room had a comfortable looking chair resting in front of a fireplace. There was a door tucked away in the back right-hand side and a staircase near the back of the room that went down. The heads of many beasts were mounted upon the walls. Trophies to inspire future hunters. The left-hand side of the room was a tiny library with books probably about hunting, tracking, and harvesting beasts. Maybe there were even some books about cooking them. Those would be would worth a look since the young druid thought of himself as a chef as well.

At the workbench, carving away at a bear was a woman. She had short blonde hair cut similar to that a male would have but still had a feminine touch giving her a tomboy look. Her face was focused and serious. She wore dark studded leather armour and navy blue leather chaps with black shin-high combat boots.

The woman stabbed her carving knife into the table and then looked at the group, "Well, what can I do for you?" She had a unique accent. It was light and almost romantic which fit her voice well but was juxtaposed by her more masculine features.

Gene walked forward slightly, "Hello ma'am. My name is Gene, I'm the leader of this group. We call ourselves the Jellybeans."

She couldn't resist chuckling, "What a cute name. How can I assist you today?"

"We were hoping to take the bounty to stop the creature at the farm," said the monk.

"Ah, and are you members of the hunt?" she asked.

Ciylia butted in before her leader could answer, "No, but we are hoping to be if it pays."

The woman turned her head, "And oo are you?"

"I'm Ciylia, the leader of the Jellybeans," she announced brazenly.

"Ah, and I'm ze King of Erend. Please, let the grownups do ze talking."

"Forgive her," begged Gene. "She can be quite the trouble maker."

"Yes, I know ze type. Well, my name is Mistress Astrin. I am ze leader of ze Erend 'Unt. If you want ze contract then give me a moment to prepare it." She went to a desk not far from her carving table. She grabbed a quill, ink, and a piece of parchment and began scrawling. After, Mistress Astrin sprinkled some sort of dust on it.

The leader of the Hunt approached and showed the paper to the party. It was a standard contract except for the clause near the bottom of the page. It read:

The bonded party has three days to complete the given contract or will be forced to compensate the Hunt for time wasted.

"What does this line mean?" asked Kira. "How would we have to compensate you for our failure?"

"Usually in gold or labour. This is because only one group can accept a contract at a time. This is to avoid conflict within ze hunt. We want the customer to be happy and we want to keep a good reputation. Groups that fail to that must face some consequences."

"What is stopping people who can't complete their contract from simply running away?" inquired Aliya.

"That is why zis contract is magically binding. It does a few zings. First, it stops anybody else from claiming your bounty. Even if they did all the work and kill it. All that means is less work for you but you still get paid the agreed-upon price. Secondly, it allows me to track you after a failed contract until ze debt is paid. Also ze magic will slowly 'urt you until you can't move any more until I find you. Therefore, I think it's best for everyone if you simply appear before me, regardless of ze outcome, yes?"

"How do we accept the contract?" the monk asked before stepping forward.

"Simply place your thumb at ze bottom of ze paper. Then it's done."

Their leader placed his thumb at the bottom of the contract. A pale blue light came from the paper, showing his fingerprint and his name.

"Also, I forgot to tell you. Since you are not official members of ze 'unt, a percentage of your pay will go to me to cover membership costs. After zis 'unt, we can talk about making you, full members." Mistress Astrin ran her hand through her hair and had a giant grin on her face, "Anyone else wish to sign ze contract?"

"Uh, before I sign this contract," muttered Fern. "Do you know anything about that giant bird-like thing on the other bounty? We saw it on our way into the city and I have become very curious about it."

"All we know is that it most likely lives in ze mountains north of here but we don't know for certain. Sadly, we don't have many people who are capable and available to investigate at ze moment. But, ze beast loves to come around ze city and 'unt for prey. It usually scares ze merchants but it also sometimes kills their 'orses."

"Thank you," the druid approached the contract. It didn't matter that some of their pay was being taken off the top. It was still more than enough for his plan and he got more information about that beautiful creature. He happily placed his thumb on the parchment and watched his name appear: Fern Mertins. It had been a while since he had seen his full name. Sometimes, he'd like to forget he had a last name because he felt it was cursed. He started to think about that awful night that literally changed his life. The sky was pitch black, not even the stars were shining. His mother was in the kitchen, sharping the knife after cutting some meat for dinner. His father walked in after he had finished work.

"Welcome back home dear," his mother said.

"Hello, honey. Stew for dinner?" replied his father.

"Yes, I just need to grab some herbs from the garden to add the finishing touches. I'll be right back." Mrs. Mertins smiled to her husband after answering his question."

"If that is all of you, then you may begin ze 'unt." Mistress Astrin's loud exotic voice broke Fern's concentration. "If you need anything let me know. Ze farm is past the north gate. Usually, it is important to gain as much information about your prey so you don't end up becoming the 'unted yourself. Good Luck." She waved her hand in a motion that told them to get the hell out of the room.

The Jellybeans walked out into the long hallway again. "Does anyone need anything before we go?" The half-elf watched as the group shrugged or shook their heads in response to Gene's question. Now that they were doing something that promised pay, Fern couldn't help but notice how determined how Ciylia and more surprisingly, Meowlynn looked. Even though Fern thought of himself as a kind person, money was still a strong motivator. "Alright, let's head out." Getting the money would be great, finding that bird creature would be awesome but want the druid truly hoped for was to meet those gorgeous women again.