SELF AWARENESS

As Iris tossed and turned, a muffled and indistinct voice resonated in her subconscious, interrupting her rest. She shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her body. It was as if the voice came from all around her, a disembodied presence that she couldn't quite grasp.

[Storm Warden – Step 45 attained!]

[Conditions Met: Trait – Self Awareness obtained!]

Iris’s eyes shot open, her heart pounding in her chest as she sat up, blinking away the last remnants of sleep. The voice had jolted her awake, and she looked around the dimly lit stables, trying to get her bearings. Mocha shifted underneath her, the horse was still asleep.

“What the hell?” she muttered, rubbing her eyes.

Wait…

She gasped as realization set in. “Holy shit!”

Mocha jerked awake and Iris had to dive away before her horse crushed her by accident.

“What? What is it? Attack?” Mocha neighed, her eyes wide with alarm.

Iris shook her head, still processing what had just happened. “No, no attack. I just… I think I gained something special,” she said, all thoughts of the charged night she just had getting shoved down deep. Those feelings can be unpacked later.

Mocha cocked her head, and her ears perked up. “What? This couldn’t wait until morning?”

Iris ignored the horse. “I think I just received my first notification from the system,” Iris said slowly, her mind racing. “The system… it said I attained step forty-five and met the conditions for a trait called [Self Awareness].”

Mocha snorted. “What does that even mean?”

“I don’t know… but clearly it gave me the ability to hear updates on my status. I was step forty-four during the Ceremony of Paths at the Temple. Something I did helped me gain a level and get this trait.”

“Maybe I should do this Ceremony of Paths…” Mocha nickered.

Iris laughed at the thought. A horse strutting into the temple and getting the Umbral Seers to perform the ceremony for her… “Oh man, that would be hilarious,” Iris said, wiping the tears from her eyes.

Mocha snorted, seeming to appreciate the joke in her suggestion. “Well, if it gets people to take me seriously. Sign me up. It may come with more apples.”

That had Iris rolling.

✦ ✦ ✦

It was several town bells later when Iris made her way to the common area for breakfast, feeling much more refreshed after a bath. The sleepy innkeeper had taken the money without much of a word, but Iris didn't care as long as she could get rid of the stench of the stables.

If there's one thing you do well, Iris, it's bouncing back. Let's do this.

She smoothed down her tunic and straightened her hair, feeling much more presentable as she walked into the busy room.

Sera and Tanith were already there, chatting and laughing over cups of steaming tea. They looked up as Iris approached, and Sera waved her over.

“Good morning, Iris! You look nice and refreshed. I also noticed that you didn’t return to the room last night,” she said slyly. “Was your night… eventful?”

Iris sighed. “No, I did decide that a bath was in order after sleeping in the stables all night,” she said, leaning her sword against the table and sliding into a chair at their table.

Tanith lifted his tea to his lips before hesitating. “The stables?”

“Yeah…” Iris said as she poured herself a cup of tea. “Mocha and I had a nice chat followed by me falling asleep.”

The two elves shared a glance while Iris sipped on the hot beverage, sighing in contentment. The warmth spread through her body, chasing away the aches from sleeping in such an uncomfortable state.

“That said, I had something happen,” Iris said slowly. “Something important.”

Sera shifted in her seat so that she could face Iris fully. “What happened?”

“I received a notification,” she replied. When the two didn’t seem to understand, Iris continued, “The system told me that I had gained a level… step and that I had gained a trait. [Self Awareness]. If I’m right, that trait is what enables the notifications.”

Tanith squinted his eyes. “You explained and showed us the excerpt from your Ceremony of Paths at the temple. This is like that?”

Iris nodded. “Yes, except I don’t have to go to the temple, the system told me as I fell asleep.”

“That is amazing, Iris,” Sera said, her eyes widening with excitement. “It’s like the gods themselves are speaking to you, guiding you on your path.”

Iris rolled her eyes at the elf’s words. “The gods, Sera? Let’s not get carried away. It’s just a system.”

But Sera was undeterred. “You never know, Iris. Maybe this system, as you call it, is simply a manifestation of the gods’ will.”

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Iris couldn't help but feel a little awestruck at the thought. Was it possible that the gods here were not only real but guiding her path? She shook her head, trying to dispel the thought. No, there was no way.

“Regardless of what it is, it’s a good sign, right?” Tanith said, trying to bring the conversation back to a more grounded level, although his face betrayed his own private feelings on the matter. He believes it is the gods as well.

Shit.

Sera nodded vigorously. “Definitely! It means that Iris is making progress on her path,” she said before looking at Iris. “Who knows what other gifts you might unlock?”

Iris smiled at the thought. “Yeah, who knows?”

She noticed the intense look on Sera's face and felt the tension building up in the air as the revelation settled into the two natives of Eona. Not wanting to deal with such a heavy subject at the moment, she decided to change the topic to something more lighthearted.

Iris set her cup down and leaned forward, a sly grin on her lips. “So, did you two have a good time last night?” she asked, her voice dripping with innuendo. “Was it… eventful?” she asked, echoing Sera's earlier question.

Sera's eyes widened as she was jolted from her thoughts. “We just had drinks!” she spilled out, her cheeks turning red.

Tanith let out a sigh and facepalmed. “Sera....”

Sera looked up at him, confusion written all over her face. “What?”

“I think she knows, Sera,” he said with resignation.

Iris raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know anything.” She turned and looked at the woman next to her. “What do I know, Sera?”

Sera's face grew stern. “Nothing, obviously. Nothing happened,” she said firmly, her eyes flicking up to meet Iris's gaze before darting away again.

“So, you have less tension?” Iris prodded the woman. Tanith groaned across from her.

Sera nodded. “I do feel a lot less tense, thank you,” the woman replied.

Iris snorted while Tanith just shook his head.

The merchant’s face scrunched up in confusion. “Wait, what did that mean?”

Tanith leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “Let’s just say that Sera was feeling a bit… frustrated before we went out for drinks. But now, after a few drinks and a relaxing night, she’s feeling much better.”

Sera's gaze darted back and forth between Iris and Tanith, her eyes widening as she pieced the conversation together. A range of emotions played across her face, from surprise to embarrassment and maybe even a hint of pride. Iris couldn't help but laugh at the sight, feeling a sense of amusement bubble up within her, helping to better her mood after her spiral the night prior. Meanwhile, Tanith's lips curved upwards as he chuckled softly at the exchange. Sera's cheeks flushed, and she dropped her gaze down to her tea, suddenly seeming very interested in the swirling liquid within her cup.

“So, what’s on the agenda for today?” Iris asked, helping her friend out by changing the subject yet again.

Tanith looked at her while Sera returned to drinking her tea and quickly caught on to her intentions. “You need to stock up on supplies. I saw your armor after you left yesterday, it is nearly unsalvageable. You’re better off getting something new,” he suggested.

Iris leaned back in her chair and sighed. “You’re right. Shit. Where should I go to–”

“Fenren Merchant Company,” Sera answered quickly. “You should buy there, after all, they will be entering into a partnership with the Guild. It will be a good look if you go there.”

Iris nodded. “Sounds good. Will they give me reasonable prices?”

“Absolutely. It will definitely be the best deal you can find, the company will want to use you to showcase their products,” the merchant replied.

Tanith shared a glance with Sera. “Make sure you get enough supplies, we wouldn’t want anything to happen to you. You have to be safe.”

Iris smiled. “You just need me safe so we can make the guild.”

Sera quickly shook her head and placed a hand on Iris’s. “No, we’re friends now, Iris. We don’t want you to get hurt… again. Too much. Don’t–”

“Don’t die,” Tanith interrupted. “Convince the people going with you to join as adventurers.”

“I’ll try,” Iris said, chuckling.

The man nodded. “We’ll start preparing everything for the guild while you are gone,” he said. “We need to have everything ready by the time you return and have to meet with the Guild Council.”

Sera nodded in agreement. “We have a lot to do. We’ll start looking for the staff, equipment, and supplies. And make sure everything is in order. We can handle it though.”

Iris smiled gratefully. “Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it. I can’t believe all you guys are doing for this,” She stood up from her seat and strapped her sword to her waist. “Well, I should get going then. Especially, if I want this armor ready before the others get here in two days. Gotta look the part, yeah?”

The other two also stood up. “Iris,” Sera said seriously. “We’re all partners on this. We’re all making something great. We’ll do our part.”

Tanith chuckled. “Look at us. Acting like you’re leaving now.”

Sera and Iris shared a glance before laughing.

Iris shook her head. “I’ll see you guys tonight!”

✦ ✦ ✦

As Iris entered the Fenren Merchant Company, she was greeted by a spacious foyer with polished marble floors that glinted in the sunlight streaming in through the large windows. The walls were lined with shelves displaying various products, from exotic spices to expensive-looking jewelry. The air was thick with the scent of perfumes and incense, and the sound of merchants haggling with customers echoed through the halls.

The ceiling of the building rose high above her, supported by massive pillars carved from some kind of dark wood. The light fixtures hung from ornate chandeliers, casting a warm, yellow glow over everything.

Iris walked past several busy merchants, all dressed in fine clothing and wearing polite smiles. She could see that the merchandise they sold was of the highest quality, with attention paid to every detail. She couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by the grandeur of the place, but she knew that this was the best place to get her supplies for the upcoming adventure.

An orkun woman stepped forward donning a beautiful dress and a gorgeous tusk-filled smile.

“Good morning, welcome to Fenren Merchants. How may I assist you today?” the woman greeted politely.

Iris returned the smile, feeling a bit more at ease with the friendly welcome. “Good morning, my name is Iris Stuart, and you may know Sera Timrel. She said that this was the best place to come for quality and reasonable prices due to our upcoming partnership?”

The woman’s eyebrows steadily rose the more Iris spoke. “Of course, Adventurer Stuart!” She caught the attention of another merchant and quickly gestured with her head. The woman darted off toward the back and it was all Iris could do to not laugh at the scene.

“I am Lucille. I would be pleased to help you in any way you need,” the woman said with a touch of an accent that seemed different.

The name surprised Iris a bit, it was much different than the other orkun she’d met.

“Wonderful, where are you from by the way? I can’t place your accent and name,” Iris inquired.

Lucille smiled. “I hail from the Kingdom of Blightwych! My family moved here for business and brought me along. It’s an island nation south across the Aegis Sea. We’re known for our rich culture and traditions, with a strong emphasis on music, dance, and theater. The capital is also a major trading hub, with ships from all over the continent stopping at its port to trade in spices, exotic fruits, and other goods. I hope to transfer there one day with the company, actually!”

Iris was intrigued by Lucille's background and nodded in interest. “That sounds fascinating. I've never been to Blightwych before, or out of Lehelia,” she said with a chuckle. “Maybe I'll get the chance to visit someday.”

Lucille chuckled. "It's a lovely place indeed, but I'm biased. Now, what can I assist you with today?" she asked, gesturing for Iris to follow her deeper into the store.

Iris explained that she needed supplies for an upcoming adventure, including rations, camping gear, and most importantly, armor. Lucille listened attentively and led her to the appropriate sections of the store, making recommendations and explaining the features and benefits of each item.