Barely able to contain his exaggerated enthusiasm, Gryff announced their arrival with an exuberant cry. “Finally! Home!” The worn gates of Brightburn opened before them, offering the embrace of the familiar and the promise of relaxation.

“Wow. There’s so much here!” Neri said excitedly.

Bree smiled and patted the girl’s shoulder. “It’s a beautiful city. I think you’re going to enjoy it here.”

“I can’t wait to explore it all.”

“We’ll definitely do that,” Iris said. “First I’ll get you squared away into the inn, then we’ll meet up with Sera and you can work with her.”

Neri nodded.

As they crossed into the city’s boundaries, the bustle of life, the simple joys and burdens of home, swarmed around them. Some inhabitants cast curious glances at the strange, adventurous ensemble, their eyes filled with a mixture of awe and bemusement.

For her part, Akane was wide eyed and bushy tailed as she darted around them with Mocha on her back taking in the sights of the city. The horse was in her sun elf form and was riding the dire fox who was... getting a ton of attention from passersby. In fact, it had almost caused a scene at the gate.

Although the most hilarious part was the looks on people’s faces when someone who looked like a City Guard strode along while riding on the back of a damn owlbear. Iris swore Owlie was loving the attention, which was made even more amusing by Laken also eating it up. It was like their personalities were starting to rub off on each other.

But then Kaira had pulled out the Captain Kaira Harken card and easily convinced... or rather bullied... the guards at the gate to let them through.

As they found a spot to park the wagon for a moment, plans for the rest of the day started to unfold among the group, each adventurer pulled towards different tasks.

Bree turned to Orianna, the serene raithe priestess. “Let’s get you to the temple. I’ll help,” she offered. Orianna, her red eyes reflecting gratitude, nodded in silent agreement.

Before the two women parted, the priestess turned to Iris, her gaze softening. “Iris,” she began, “you were the best storm anyone could hope for.”

Iris's smile broke into a full grin at her words, her blue eyes dancing with amusement. “Just keep working on your magic, Orianna. Got to make sure you see things before you need us to come save you.”

As if spurred on by Iris’s words, Orianna nodded determinedly. “That’s why I’m here. I need to train on how to perform a ceremony, then I'll head over to Blightwych to help establish it there.”

Recognition dawned in Iris. “Oh! The Ceremony of Paths! I did that!”

A soft nicker came from beside Iris, 'I want to do it too...'

Iris turned, seeing Mocha lay down on Akane’s back, her elven form’s eyes gleaming in whimsical thought as she watched the pedestrians around them.

The fox let out a couple yips and Mocha's eyes lit up as quickly she sat back up, but Iris didn’t catch what they were saying when Orianna spoke again, “Perhaps I will see you all again one day then.”

Iris smiled. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Orianna.”

As she and Bree were about to depart, Orianna turned back, “Keep lighting up the skies, Angel of Storms.”

Their departure left Iris bubbling with joy, turning to Kaira with a wide grin on her face. She began to tease her partner, but Kaira quickly cut her off. “Don’t even say it,” she warned.

But Iris was unstoppable. “But she thinks I'm an angel! Do you? Do you think I'm an angel, Kaira?”

The cute elf rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance. “She clearly doesn't know you.”

Ignoring her, Iris continued deadpan, “Kaira? Would you love me if I was a worm?”

Throwing her hands up in mock exasperation, Kaira turned to the rest of the group. “One of you come get her. She's going crazy.”

Laken chuckled and patted Owlie. “Sorry, Kaira. Gryff and I are heading to the barracks. Gonna find Owlie somewhere to sleep while we wait for Iris to get the Guild started.”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Iris gasped. “You guys are staying?”

Gryff walked over and wrapped Iris in a warm hug, his boisterous laughter echoing through the street. “Of course we are. We're a party.”

He set her down and patted her shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie that made Iris’s heart warm up.

Mocha interrupted the sentimental moment with a decidedly elvish sigh. “L-Lame.”

Iris whipped around, her eyes wide with astonishment.

“You did it! You said–Wait… was your first fucking word something to criticize me?” Iris asked incredulously, her laughter ringing out into the cool Brightburn air.

Gryff and Laken parted ways with the group, their laughter fading into the ambient noise of the city.

Akane let out a series of sharp yips before a cloud of shimmering motes of mana grew around her and quickly obfuscated her form. The sudden display of magic caused the cityfolk to gasp in awe and apprehension.

Kaira, recognizing the stirring panic, quickly took charge. She raised her voice to carry over the growing whispers. “Everything's fine. Just a bit of magic. Go about your day.”

From the midst of the magical mist, a figure began to emerge. Akane’s kitsune form solidified, her multi-tailed silhouette taking shape and emerging from the fog.

Kaira shot a scowl in Akane's direction. “Really? In the middle of the city?”

Shrugging nonchalantly, Akane responded, “What?”

“It's her first time in a city, Kaira. She's fine.” Iris interjected. “See, only a few people are staring at the kitsune.”

Kaira let out a groan, throwing her hands up in defeat. “Fine,” she conceded. Yet, her surrender was followed by a pause and a devilish smile that sent a chill down Iris’s spine. “She's your responsibility, after all... she's your twin sister. Just happened to be affected by mana.”

Iris couldn't suppress her own groan as she walked back to the wagon, her boots scraping against the cobblestones. She hoisted herself onto the bench and was quickly joined by Kaira, who took the duty of driving. Behind them, Akane and Mocha moved to the back, settling in for the ride.

With a skillful tug on the reins, Kaira set the horses into motion. The wagon creaked into life, slowly rolling and bumping down the road.

With a casual lean against the back of the bench, Iris took in the sights and sounds of the city. Soon, The Frolicking Fawn Inn’s welcoming facade came into view. As they came to a stop in front of it, Kaira issued a series of instructions to the young stableboy, tasking him with the duty of helping her take care of their wagon and horses.

Afterwards, Kaira turned her attention back to Iris. “Go say hello to Sera and Tanith for me,” she requested.

“Will do, don’t take too long,” she told her lover with a wink.

Kaira gave her a knowing look, but then her eyes darted over Iris’s shoulder.

Mocha and Akane hopped down from the back of the wagon and were making their way to the front door of the inn. Kaira lifted an eyebrow at the sight of them. “You better hurry, and join them. I don't want to see what mischief those two will get into if left to themselves.”

“You're telling me…” Iris muttered under her breath, her heart pounding with the thought of the potential chaos. She quickly hopped down from the wagon and hurried after her two magical companions.

“Wait for me!” Neri called out as she hopped down from the back of the wagon.

“I need to stop them before they go crazy,” Iris said and rushed off, leaving Neri behind.

Iris barely had time to process the familiar warmth of the inn before a sudden scream pierced the air. Startled, she found Akane and Mocha frozen in their tracks while a telv girl pointed an accusing finger at Akane from behind the counter.

With a weary sigh, Iris moved forward, gently wrapping her arm around Akane and leading her toward the counter.

“W-what is she?!” the girl stammered, her eyes wide with fear.

Iris managed a reassuring smile. “This is my sister. She had an accident with all this mana stuff going around, and it gave her these cute fuzzy ears and these oh so soft tails.” Iris emphasized her point by gently ruffling Akane's ears and puffing up her tails, earning herself a disgruntled glare from the kitsune.

In response, Iris leaned closer and whispered, “Play along, please.”

Evidently understanding the situation, Akane offered a tiny nod before turning back to the girl. “Hi. Sorry. Accident.”

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out. “Iris?”

The sound of her name prompted Iris to look over and meet the gaze of Sera and Tanith.

“Sera!”

“Iris! You're back!” Sera's face lit up with delight.

Iris quickly reached into her pouch and withdrew a small gold coin, tossing it to the girl behind the counter. “Please, we need a room with at least two beds. I was staying here–”

Sera interrupted Iris smoothly, “Put it on my tab please. Keep the coin as a tip.”

The girl nodded in agreement, “Of-of course, Miss Timrel.”

Iris smirked, raising an eyebrow at Sera. “Wow, you seem important,” she said as the high elf quickly moved in for a hug. Iris smiled down at the shorter woman.

The high elf chuckled as she pulled away. “I've stayed here ever since we first arrived.” Her gaze then flickered between Akane and Mocha.

“Hey, Iris. How are you?” Tanith greeted.

“Hey Tanith, I’m good. You?”

“I’ve been well. Glad to see you safe and sound.”

“Let's get a table and maybe you can introduce us to your new friends,” Sera suggested, before looking around. “Is Kaira coming?”

However, before Iris could reply, Mocha had already advanced and wrapped the shorter Sera in an unexpected hug. “Uh, hi?” Sera stammered, taken aback.

Mocha pulled back, gently tapping the top of Sera's head before mimicking her greeting. “H-Hi.”

Iris couldn't help but laugh at the confusion on Sera's face. “Sera, say hi to Mocha.”

Sera's gaze snapped back to the sun elf in front of her, her expression a perfect blend of shock and confusion. “What the fuck?”

Iris and Akane broke into a fit of laughter.