With a languid grace, Thalia stretched her arms upward in a momentary show of indulgence. “We do indeed have a lot of work to do, my dear friend. Quite a lot in fact,” she mused, picking up her tea with the elegance only a noblewoman possessed. Taking a tentative sip, her poise faltered. She grimaced. “Iris, what in Tenera’s crooked nipple is this?”

Iris blinked, slightly taken aback. “Um, tea?”

Exhaling deeply, Thalia pinched the bridge of her nose. “Alright, I’m making a decree right now. I’m sending you a personal stash of my preferred tea. Keep it safe, hide it away, and save it for the rare moments when I decide to grace you with my presence.”

Feigning indignation, Iris scowled playfully. “Oh? So, our humble guild's tea isn’t palatable enough for the delicate taste buds of the esteemed city lady?”

Thalia shot her a pointed look. “Darling, your tea isn’t palatable enough for anyone.”

Iris's face fell, almost childlike in her disappointment. “But... I was the one that chose it,” she muttered under her breath.

Thalia leaned forward, narrowing her eyes in mock suspicion. “You chose this. Why?”

“It was… cheap?”

Shaking her head with a chuckle, Thalia inquired, “Has anyone else had the... pleasure of sampling this yet?”

From her poised stance by the door, Meredith piped up, mischief evident in her tone. “I believe, milady, the container was only just opened when I requested it.”

“Ah, thank the Family,” Thalia mused. “Meredith, darling, next quest assignment for you: collect all of this tea and do the realm a favor by disposing of it. As a dear friend, I simply can’t let Iris inflict this on unsuspecting citizens of my city.”

Rolling her eyes, yet wearing a hint of a grin, Iris retorted, “Are you being dramatic or is it truly that bad?”

Raising an eyebrow, Thalia pointedly looked at Iris's untouched mug. “Why don’t you give it a try?”

Dubiously, Iris picked up her cup, hesitating for just a second before taking a brave sip. The ensuing struggle to not promptly eject it was a sight, her eyes watering slightly as she swallowed with effort.

She met Thalia's smug gaze, sighing in defeat. “Alright, alright, point taken. Damn, that's fucking terrible.”

A bell later, The rich chime of the guild's entrance bell signaled Lady Arden and Ser Meredith's departure. With a cordial farewell by the grand doors, Iris watched them retreat into the distance. Pivoting back towards the hall, she was met with the steely gaze of Sera, poised with an air of anticipation.

Iris quirked an eyebrow. “Something on your mind?”

Sera responded with a wry grin, “I believe it's my turn to chat.”

Suppressing a laugh, Iris playfully retorted, “Should we go to some secret room to discuss some big conspiracy?”

With a wave of her hand, Sera motioned for Iris to follow. “No need for the dramatics. Let’s take a stroll around and assess the repairs as we talk. Everyone else seems to have gravitated to the bar for some bonding. And hopefully some work, otherwise I’ll get onto them when we’re done.”

Iris rolled her eyes but followed along beside her head administrator.

As they ambled through the guild hall, the hum of chatter from below and the occasional sound of hammering highlighted the myriad of activities and refurbishments underway. Navigating the corridors of the second floor, Sera halted by a window, sunlight streaming in, casting a warm glow as she looked out over the street of the city’s center.

With a contemplative look, she began, “Remember when I mentioned that the Fenren Trading House was a subsidiary of a noble House in Avira?”

Iris nodded in recollection. “Ah, yes, the one tied to some royal, right? A terran princess, was it?”

Sera’s lips twitched in a smirk. “Precisely. Now, the noble subordinates of this princess, through the Fenrens, have made an intriguing proposition. They wish to establish the first guild branches in Avira, specifically in the Duchy of Tiloral.”

A chuckle escaped Iris's lips, catching Sera slightly off-guard. “What’s so funny?”

“Well,” Iris began. “The talk with Thalia was similar. The queen is dispatching some people to train here for a similar venture in the capital. It’s like the universe is conspiring to keep us busy.”

Sera groaned and rubbed her temples. “Fantastic. As if we weren’t swamped enough.” She resumed their walk, casting a wary glance at everything around them. “We need to expand the staff. And fast.”

Exhaling deeply, Iris replied, “Quests. That’s what we need. With those, we make money.”

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Sera nodded determinedly. “I have some ideas. I’ll get on that.”

A wry smile played on Iris’s lips.

And so, the adventure continues.

✦ ✦ ✦

The sun had sunk low on the horizon by the time Iris and Sera wrapped up their chat. The azure hues of the day gave way to the deep purples and oranges of twilight, casting the guild in a tranquil glow. As the bustling activities of the day simmered down, the heart of the guild—the bar—began to brim with life. Laughter and the clinking of mugs of the staff, adventurers, and even the workers who were helping fix all of the damage—like the hole in the wall of the bar—set a merry ambiance, a marked contrast from the day’s earlier frenzied pace.

Making her way through the hall, Iris’s keen ears picked up on the dulcet notes of a lute being strummed, a new addition to the evening's soundscape. Intrigued, she traced the music to the bar.

The source?

None other than Bree captivated the small crowd which included Akane and Mocha. They were enthralled, their faces illuminated in the soft candlelight, hanging onto every note that danced from the strings.

Settling herself onto one of the bar stools next to Kaira who was nursing a mug of ale. The two exchanged a knowing smile, acknowledging the day's challenges and the promise of new adventures.

"The day never seems to end, does it?" Kaira remarked, taking a sip from her mug.

Iris let out a chuckle. “At this rate, it feels like it's just beginning.” Lyra slid a mug of Ale to Iris without prompt and Iris raised it in a toast. “To unexpected quests and even more unexpected tea critiques.”

“Tea critiques?” Kaira quirked an eyebrow, her ice-blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

Iris chuckled, slightly embarrassed, “Yeah, apparently my choice in tea was… less than stellar. Thalia was far from impressed.”

Kaira's lips curled into a teasing smirk, her tone dripping with faux innocence. “Didn't I mention—”

Iris interrupted with a playful scowl, “Okay, okay, no need to rub it in.”

With a gentle touch, Kaira placed her hand over Iris's, her fingers giving a reassuring squeeze. “Just remember, love, listen to your girlfriend on these things. Sometimes it's worth paying a bit more for quality.”

The comment prompted a resigned sigh from Iris. They continued to sip their drinks, as they fell into a companionable silence while listening and watching the others. As Bree's strumming took a brief hiatus and she wandered off to refill her mug, Iris's attention shifted back to Kaira.

Her voice tinged with concern, Iris broached the topic that had been lingering in her mind. “Thalia told me what quest she gave you. When are you guys heading out?”

“Day after tomorrow,” Kaira replied thoughtfully, swirling her drink in its mug. “Need to prep the girls with some gear, supplies, and whatnot. With Akane and Mocha in their true forms, we should make good time. Mocha even mentioned I could ride.”

A soft smile tugged at Iris's lips, appreciating the foresight. “Good to hear. And Kaira..?” she trailed off.

Kaira's teasing nature was momentarily replaced with earnestness as she reassured her girlfriend, giving Iris a gentle nudge. “Hey, don't fret. I'll make sure the girls are alright. We've got each other's backs.”

Iris's shoulders visibly relaxed, her relief palpable. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

Kaira studied Iris for a moment. “You seem to have a lot on your mind, love. The attack bothering you?”

Iris took a deep breath, shaking her head slowly. “It's not just that.” Her gaze drifted towards Laken, seated contemplatively between Gryff and now Bree while Akane and Mocha told them about their quest. “Laken seems… distant. I wonder if it's related to a trait or some system shenanigans since Owlie died.”

As if on cue, Divaro and Audrielle joined the table, dragging a second table next to the two magical girls to accommodate everyone. The scene warmed Iris's heart—her guildmates and friends coming together.

Yet, her concern for Laken remained.

Kaira followed Iris's gaze, nodding understandingly. “Bree and Gryff are on it. They've noticed too. Don’t worry, we look out for our own.”

Iris took another sip from her mug, the cool liquid soothing her lingering worries. Around her, the atmosphere of the bar began to lift as Bree returned to her lute, the notes playing a tune that was both melancholic and hopeful.

We're really building something here, aren't we? Iris mused internally. A ragtag group of adventurers and staff—people who might never have crossed paths otherwise. And yet, here we are, a guild... a community.

She felt Kaira's hand squeeze hers. When their eyes met, Iris knew that her sentiments were shared.

Kaira shifted on her stool, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “You know,” she began hesitantly, “this will be my first quest with Mocha and Akane without you by my side. I'm excited, but a bit nervous too.”

As if on cue, Bree started another song. The first chords she strummed felt like the beginning of a new tale, the musical notes rising like a phoenix from its ashes.

Iris gently squeezed Kaira's hand, her eyes reflecting a mix of pride and concern. “You're strong, Kaira, and with those two, you'll handle anything that comes your way. Just promise you'll come back safely.”

Kaira chuckled, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on Iris's forehead. “Always, love.”

They lingered in the moment, the reality of their responsibilities pulling them back. Iris straightened her posture, her tone growing thoughtful. “Once you leave, I've got a mountain of paperwork waiting for me. Between Thalia's people, the Queen's, and now the Avirans, we're about to have a bustling guild.”

Kaira's eyes twinkled with mischief. “And who would've thought, our little guild becoming the hub for people from all corners.”

Iris smirked. “Seems we're setting trends. But it's a good challenge. It's time we made our mark.”

Kaira nodded, taking in the bustling bar and their growing family. “To new beginnings then.”

Iris raised her glass, a determined glint in her eyes. “To the Adventurer’s Guild and to those closest to us in our lives.”

The two of them drank deeply from their drinks. Across the room, Gryff began to join in with Bree, his voice harmonizing with the lute's melodies and the bard’s own beautiful vocals. The song spoke of battles fought, of friendships tested and found true, and of hope that lingered even in the darkest nights.

Soon, the others gathered were joining in and she felt emotions rise within her.

Iris leaned back, her arm finding its way around Kaira's shoulders, pulling her close. For all the unknowns that lay ahead, for all the plans that still needed to be made, all the kittens that needed rescuing from trees, and all the tea that still needed to be properly brewed, one thing was certain…

The Adventurer’s Guild would face it together.