The afternoon sunlight leaked through a crack of a curtain on one of the windows in the Erend Hunt’s barracks. Kira’s eye twitched open as the beam of solar energy told her to wake up.

She stretched her small arms as she watched her olive skin glisten because of the sunlight. Kira then turned to grab her equipment and noticed a curious letter resting on top of her quiver. The halfling grabbed the letter to read it.

She scanned the letter to see who wrote it. Upon realizing it was from Aliya she looked for her gnomish friend in the room. Seeing that she wasn't in the same room as Kira, the halfling ranger read the note.

Dear Kira,

I have left to return to my church in Hillfar. I have rented a horse from Mistress Astrin and shall be back within the week.

There are strange and dark forces attached to this black pendant and it’s taking all of my energy to fight it off. I will seek advice from people I know I can trust.

If I don’t do this I fear I will lose my connection to my gods. And I need to find a way to erase this evil I feel from my heart and land. Please understand that I am not abandoning you and that I will see you in a week at the Erend Hunt.

Please keep an eye on everyone while I’m gone and inform me of anything suspicious that they may do.

From your friend with love,

Aliya

Kira clutched the note to her chest. It was the first time in a long time that she did have her companion with her. They had been traveling together ever since they met in Cadamem.

At that time Aliya was looking for information about strange and extremely deadly diseases. Kira on the other hand was looking for information about a ring of slave traders.

The two of them had met one morning at the lake just north-east of the holy city. Kira was waking up to start her morning of investigation and Aliya was there to perform so ritual to her gods. The halfling had approached her to ask for any information that she may have had.

Kira was desperate at that time. She was willing to any sort of information, a rumour, a myth, hearsay, anything to help her prove that her exile as a guard in Silverwind was worth it. She still couldn’t believe that she was exiled after arresting a corrupt noble.

The gnome in front of her was shy and after a brief conversation it turned out she had no useful information. Aliya must have noticed how upset the halfling was because after she had asked if they could become travel companions. They were both alone and looking for something so perhaps the two of them could help each other.

A tear fell from Kira’s eye, bring her back from a journey through her memories. She was going to stay at Erend Hunt and wait for her friend no matter what! Wiping away any more saltwater that may have been gathering in her eye, she got out of bed and began changing.

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She wasn’t too worried about most of the party seeing her naked. The team was mostly women anyways and Gene left the moment the halfling started stripping. The only person she worried about was Fern because he seemed to enjoy the company of women. She turned her back to him while she took off her shirt to change into a fresh one. She would make sure to wash her clothes this week.

Slipping on a new top, she grabbed her equipment and prepared for whatever was planned for today. She walked out of the door to go find Gene. He was sitting in the hall meditating.

“Aliya left,” muttered Kira.

“I know,” said Gene. “Ciylia and Meowlynn told me. I was also told she left you a letter. Will she be gone long?”

“According to her letter, her trip should only take about a week.”

“Nothing to worry about then,” said the monk. “She’ll be back in time for our trial and with a clear mind.” He stood up and looked at Kira. “Let’s go see what everyone else wants to do for a week then.”

She felt nervous for some reason but overcame that feeling and blurted out, “I’m not leaving Erend!”

Gene calmly turned around, “I guessed as much. You are her best friend and want to be here when she returns. I know you would feel bad if she came back early you were gone."

Astonished by how accurate Gene could read her thoughts, Kira watched him walk back into the barracks.

“Aliya will not be with us for a week,” announced the monk. “We have a trial in a week so I would like everyone to take this week to do something fun or relax. If you want to do small game hunts for Astrin you can but remember that we have no healer with us.”

Fern raised his hand as if he was a child at school. Gene gave him a nod before the druid began to speak. “I would like to spend my week investigating that bird creature we saw. I would need the help of either Ciylia or Kira because I’m not the greatest with forest navigation.”

“I’m sorry,” said Kira sheepishly. “I’m planning to spend my week here to wait for Aliya.”

“I’ll help you in the condition that you pay me,” chuckled Ciylia.

“Alright,” sighed Fern. “It’s worth it if I can find out where it lives.”

“I shall accompany you too.” Everyone looked surprised as Meowlynn stepped forward. “I have something I want to test out.”

“I’ll stay here with Kira then,” said Gene. “I want you three to take the day to prepare and then you can leave tomorrow. Make sure to go get a healing potion from Rolivish. I would hate for you to go out without healing items.”

The trio nodded and they excused themselves from the room. Kira turned to her leader, “Why aren’t you going to go with them?”

“I’m not really good at tracking things,” sighed Gene. “Besides, you could use the company. I can get gather small things we might need and maybe see if this place has a gambling place. I haven’t played cards since I left Velo.”

Night came quickly, and the Jellybeans went across the street to the tavern called The Leaking Tap. “Your finest food and drink,” yelled Gene as the group walked through the door. They sat at a table and a plate full of meats, cheese, and bread was brought to them. The monk placed three gold in the bar wench’s hand.

She smiled, “And what will we be drinking?”

“Dwarven rum that is magically infused if you have any. Lighting or thunder magic is preferred.” Gene paused, “If not, regular rum is fine.”

“Slumberberry wine for me,” Meowlynn hollered.

“Any strong beer is good for me,” Kira said.

“Ale is fine for me,” smiled Ciylia. “Nothing too expensive.”

“As for me, I’ll also try some slumberberry wine as well,” announce Fern after a lot of thought.

“My, my. That is an expensive order,” cooed the barmaid. In response, Gene put a large stack of gold in her palm. “I’ll be right back.”

The Jellybeans ate, drank, and sang songs. With the matter of Shield behind them and beginning to find a new purpose with the Hunt, it was the first time they could actually relax. Tomorrow was going to be a new day for everyone with new adventures.