QUEST COMPLETION

Nestled within the inn, the main room was awash with the glow of firelight. A hearth crackled nearby, its flames dancing energetically. Around a sturdy, worn table, a mismatched group gathered. The walls, lined with old wooden beams, absorbed the echoes of their voices while the rustic atmosphere and scent of pine added a touch of homeliness. Nearby patrons threw curious glances their way, but the group remained undeterred, ensnared in their intense discussion.

Taking a long, thoughtful swig of his drink, Tanith finally broke the silence. “Wow. That's some story.”

Sera, looking contemplative, played with the rim of her glass as she processed what she'd heard. Her gaze then settled on Kaira, who'd made her entrance mid-way through Iris's recounting. “What do you think about all this?”

As Kaira pondered her response, Sera's attention was quickly drawn to Akane, Mocha, and Neri. A frown creased her forehead, and she continued, “And...you three. What…?”

Chuckling lightly, Iris glanced over to Kaira, who signaled for her to take over. “Akane can use magic that allows her to shift both her own form and those of others. Mocha, on the other hand, is still getting the hang of this form. She’s still my same bestest friend underneath. Akane... She's truly something special.”

Akane's mismatched eyes seemed to sparkle. “...Thank you.” She reached out, pulling Iris close, her voice thick with emotion as she faced Sera, “She's my... sister.”

A rush of warmth and pride filled Iris.

This damn fox has grown on me.

Sera smiled. “I can see that. You two look almost exactly alike… except for… you know.” She waved a hand at the ears and trio of tails.

“Yeah, she was affected by an area filled with too much mana,” Iris explained. She then gestured to the last of the trio. “This is Neri, she was a barmaid at the inn I stayed at for my first year and a half back in Cosdale. She’s here to help you out.”

Sera nodded, and Kaira joined in. “How have things been here?”

“They’ve been good! Ser Meredith returned the wagon, Tanith and I sorted through it. It’s in a secure warehouse at Fenren’s so that you can do what you want with it,” Sera replied. “Other than that, it has been… busy.”

But before she could elaborate, Tanith leaned forward, his fingers tracing the wood grain of the table. “Can we circle back to your story? You mentioned the Marauder Prince's death. How did that happen?”

Iris paused, her gaze distant. “Before diving into that, I need to ask something. When I first landed on Eona, post-Flash, I encountered him. He introduced himself as Ser Corin Syllar. Does that name mean anything to any of you?” She scrutinized their faces.

Tanith and Sera exchanged puzzled glances, and even Kaira seemed taken aback. “Syllar? Doesn't ring a bell. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a fake identity,” the former guard captain mused.

Iris shrugged, the weight of her memories evident in the slight slump of her shoulders. “Regardless of his real name, after our confrontation, Mocha and I chased him through the forest. Murder hares appeared and we ended up having to run. As Mocha leaped over a damned ravine, Syllar was ambushed by those beasts, plummeting down.”

Everyone’s heads jerked to the sun elf form of Mocha. “A ravine?”

Mocha’s smile was filled with pride.

Iris, however, just rolled her eyes.

“Mocha transformed us into lightning like my [Lightning Step] which helped us cross it.” Feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude, Iris reached out and intertwined her fingers with Mocha's, offering a tender smile to her steadfast companion.

Tanith's voice, laced with pragmatism, cut through the momentary silence. “Did you manage to retrieve his body?”

Iris shook her head. “There was no time. There was a horde of murder hares across from us, and the ravine itself was deep. I definitely would not have been able to get to the bottom. Hell, I couldn’t even see the bottom. That said, he was swarmed with murder hares as he and his horse along with at least five of the damned monsters fell over.”

Kaira's voice was firm, settling the matter. “The main thing is that he's no longer a threat.”

“But is that account sufficient for the bounty? Establishing our guild hinges on that reward,” Sera pointed out, worry evident in her eyes.

“If he fell into that ravine, he’s as good as dead. It will suffice,” Kaira affirmed.

Sera released a pent-up breath, the weight of tension slowly lifting. “That's settled then. Now, for our next steps. Iris, you need an audience with Lady Arden.”

“I'll ensure it happens today. How did preparations go on your end?”

Sera's posture straightened with pride. “I've shortlisted three potential sites for our headquarters. The most promising is a spacious inn in the city's center. Equipped with a bar and numerous other facilities, it's an ideal fit. While many rooms will be repurposed as offices, we can keep some for the adventurers as a cheap place to stay in case of late arrivals from quests.”

“Sounds perfect! Financially feasible?”

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Sera nodded. “Lady Arden's endorsement will ensure it. I’m sure we’ll get it. It's ideally located and includes everything an adventurer might require–stables, a secondary diner that we plan to transform into the shop. While the Fenren Trading House will be the primary vendor, I hope to offer small sections to some other small suppliers. I’d like to convert a room or two into a small practice for a healer, and there’s even an expansive yard in the rear near the stables that we could remodel into an evaluation arena for Tanith.”

Iris's eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Fantastic! And what about the contacts I directed your way?”

A slight frown creased Sera's brow as she glanced at Tanith, who offered a confirming nod. “Yes, the aspiring adventurers. I have their first quest ready to go–assisting with the headquarters' setup post-acquisition. I also evaluated their... ability to fight. It is lacking, but not excessively. They will be suitable for small tasks.”

“Perfect. I will get a ranking system set up. I have two different ideas for that.”

Sera chimed in, “We're also ready with prospective staff. I also have an esquire set up to represent us as soon as we need them. Lyra, the barmaid that works here and suggested the bar, would like a job with us. One of the three you sent wants to learn more about how to run a guild than be an adventurer, so she will join as support at first. Plus, Lucille from the Fenren headquarters here in Brightburn will helm the guild shop. That means with Neri on board, we meet the prerequisites of support personnel. How are we on adventurers? We have the two we talked about, you, and I presume Kaira.”

Kaira answered for her, “Yes. The others have agreed as well.”

Iris smiled. She still couldn’t believe the others had wanted to join over returning to the City Guard. They had seemed so against it during the disagreement with Iris going off on her own. But it seems she convinced them during the quest.

“I think we can technically include Akane in that. I’m not sure how that’s going to work… considering.”

Akane perked up. “Yes!” she said excitedly before flexing an arm. “I’m strong adventurer.”

Iris snorted. Her vulpine twin was adorable as always.

Sera chuckled lightly at the display. “We’ll figure out everything. I mean, we have terrans now, what’s a… I’m sorry, what did you call yourself?”

Akane nudged Iris. “She’s a kitsune,” Iris explained. “As far as I know, she’s the only one of her kind.”

Iris turned and looked at Akane who was giving her a small smile. Iris narrowed her eyes. “You are the only one. Right?”

Akane shrugged.

“Akane, are there more?”

The kitsune just shrugged again.

“Shit.”

Sera who followed along with a bemused expression, sighed. “Well, we have more than enough prospective adventurers without her. So once we figure out her status, Akane can be one of the first to join after it’s created.”

Iris nodded. “Thanks. Would you be able to assist Neri in getting settled here at the inn?” Sera quickly agreed and the adventurer turned to Akane and Mocha. “Please stay with Neri and Sera. You two can have my room until I can get back and get you set up. Akane, still doing okay with keeping Mocha’s form up?”

Akane smiled. “Yes!”

Iris leaned in, her voice low and laden with caution. “Mocha, you’re in charge. Stay out of mischief. I doubt Kaira wants to mediate a situation with the City Guard due to any slip-ups.”

Kaira sighed, tension evident in the taut line of her shoulders. “That would not be ideal. Especially since after this next meeting, I believe I will no longer be part of it.”

Iris’s breath hitched. Kaira was about to officially be an adventurer. Just like her.

Is this the right path for her? She had such a secure job with the Guard. Hell, she was a captain.

Sensing Iris’s unease, Kaira shot her a smile–radiant, reassuring, and enough to melt any reservations. Her pixie cut hair was growing out, and she had to admit, she liked it a bit longer. Not that she would complain, Kaira was beautiful no matter what.

Before Iris could respond, Sera's assertive voice refocused the atmosphere.

“Iris. It may take time to get an audience.”

Her head jerked back to Sera as her cheeks heated up. “Alright. We’ll go meet with her now.”

✦ ✦ ✦

The cobblestone streets of the city stretched out in front of Iris and Kaira as they stepped out of the inn. Rows of stone and wooden structures on either side of a street filled with horses, carriages, and people. The noon sun was hidden behind cloud coverage, casting a dreary look on the city. Pedestrians and carriages moved about while the muffled sounds of hooves and distant conversation filled the air.

Kaira glanced at Iris as they walked. “You really think we can make the guild work?” she asked.

Iris gave the question serious consideration, her eyes skimming over the vendors selling their wares as they walked. “It won't be easy, but I believe we can.”

As they continued, Iris observed a pair of children laughing and chasing after a dog, their innocent joy warming her heart. Nearby, a street musician strummed a lute, sending soothing melodies through the cooling evening air.

“They've opened up three new shops since I was last here,” Kaira remarked, pointing to a row of freshly painted facades.

Iris nodded, her gaze caught by a man painting a sign. The bold, swirling letters read, “Brightburn’s Best Apothecary.” She chuckled. “Seems like every alchemist thinks they're the best.”

Kaira smirked. “Isn't that the truth?”

The two women continued their journey, walking across an arched stone bridge. The waters beneath murmured softly while a few children threw bread at some ducks. Other people sat on benches nearby and either enjoyed the company of a companion or just relaxed.

It was nice.

She wondered what it would be like to stay in one place for a while, to not go off on quests or adventures only to return to a room in an inn. Should she find a house? An apartment?

Wait, does Kaira have a house?

Am I going to move in with her?

Iris started to panic, and searched for something to say.

“Do you miss being with the guard?”

Kaira exhaled deeply. “Parts of it, yes. But sometimes, change is necessary.”

Iris nodded, her focus returning to the path, her heart racing.

“Do you have a house?”

Kaira tilted her head, looking at Iris quizzically. “Of course. I have a small townhouse, why?” Her eyes suddenly widened with realization. “Oh.”

“Yeah. I just thought of it too,” Iris murmured, her eyes darting away. It was a topic that hadn't crossed their minds until this moment.

Kaira bit her lip. “That… That may be something we should discuss in a more comfortable setting.”

Iris's anxiety flared, and she stumbled over her words. “I… Yeah. If you don't want—”

“No, I mean yes,” Kaira interrupted gently, her voice calm and reassuring. “Iris, let's talk later. In your room at the inn.”

Iris nodded, a flood of relief washing over her. The prospect of discussing their future together was a conversation she had been avoiding, but it was time to face it head-on. In the silence that followed, she tried to regain her focus, pushing the distracting thoughts to the back of her mind.

But they wouldn’t let go.