"Mavrik, where are we?"

Delilah peered around him, as he knocked on the wooden door of a humble cottage that stood in front of them.

He inhaled, however before he could reply the door swung open slightly. Beady eyes peering around the heavy wood until it flew open to reveal a short dwarven man.

"Mavrik? Its been a while" He beamed, eyes widening as he spotted Delilah. Leaning in to whisper not so discretely, "quick! You're being followed!" braided beard wobbling with his erratic movements.

"I'm aware. This is Delilah"

Despite the strange reaction, and Delilah's clear confusion he pushed his way inside, pulling the girl in with him. The ground level of the house was practically empty, save a few sparse furnishings, her eyes caught the sight of what seemed to be a forge further into the home. The group made their way swiftly to a stairwell that descended deep underground.

She bit back a gasp once they reached the base of the stairs, the sight of an elaborate home greeted her through out a cave system. Despite the peculiar location, the place didn't feel cold, dark, or dingy in any way. Well lit, and surprisingly clean as they continued forward to a common area, comfortable seats placed around with a few small tables.

Once inside the dwarf eyed her up and down, casting a glance to Mavrik with a cheery grin. "Ah pardon my manners, Mavrik doesn't normally bring others. My name is Gadrin but, you can call me Gad."

She blinked at the short man who had a hand offered out to her, carefully taking it. "It's lovely to meet you" she returned, trying to figure out what was happening.

The dwarf sighed "Mavrik! Have you told this poor girl nothing?" Placing his hands on his hips, "come on, take a seat" he guided her over to a chair as Mavrik settled in one. Delilah watched Gad exit the room with the promise of refreshments.

"You don't have to keep your horns covered here" he finally spoke.

"Where exactly is here?" Pulling her hood down, despite her patience wearing.

Mavrik took his helmet off and placed it on the table in front of him "my home, Gadrin keeps it in order for me. He'll help get your fitted with some armour too."

"Your home?" Delilah echoed, starting to understand why they had come. Her eyes fell on Gad who had returned through the doorway, tensing as he paused at the sight of her.

"Mavrik! You didn't tell me she was so pretty!" He gave a boyish grin, placing the tray down between them earning an eye roll.

"How could I? You haven't shut up since I got in" Mavrik drawled in return dryly.

Delilah giggled at the two, absently sipping at the tea Gad had poured, smiling down at the delicate cup in surprise "this is really good" she praised watching the dwarf swell with pride. The presence of a light blush on her cheeks, Mavrik hadn't denied the dwarf's compliment, and it made her heart soar.

"Can we keep her?" He chuckled slapping Mavrik on the arm "she has better taste than you" he continued, until he earned a hard glare from the stoic male.

"Right, right sorry. So what brings you here?"

"It is my house" Mavrik countered, before gesturing to Delilah "We're here to get Delilah fitted with armour."

Gad clasped his hands together "ah! Of course."

"Do you also adventure with Mavrik?" She asked curiously, hearing a slight weary sigh from Mavrik as Delilah got the feeling that she had just asked a loaded question.

"Hell no! Out there?" Gadrin shook his head vigorously. "There's monsters, and people, and worst of all, the sun out there" He practically shuddered. Standing up with his arms wide almost knocking the platter flying, which Mavrik swiftly straightened with a 'now you've done it' look at Delilah.

"Gadrin, would you take Delilah's measurements for a brigandine? While I restock" Making his way out of the room, putting a stop to Gadrin's spiral.

The dwarf looked sheepish "Of course, if you'll follow me miss Delilah." Gathering the platter, he started to guide her to a room that had been fitted as a workshop.

"So, how long have you known Mavrik?" He asked, as he gestured for Delilah to hold her arms out and began to run a narrow strip of fabric along the seams of her clothing.

"I met him a few months ago. He's been teaching me about monster hunting. It's lovely that you keep Mavrik's home in order for him."

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Gadrin nodded "I'm the one who owes him, he lets me stay here, away from the outside, left to my own devices. Keeping his home clean and lived in is hardly a worthy price."

Delilah shifted to let him continue to take measurements, "you don't get lonely?" she worried. Earning a hearty chuckle.

"That's very kind of you to be so concerned miss, but I keep myself busy" he assured. "I quite like solitude, the towns folk also bring me any supplies I may need in exchange for repairs." Gadrin continued.

"I admit, I didn't expect Mavrik to have a home."

She watched as he pulled at her cloak with a click of his tongue at the fraying material. "This town owes a great deal to Mavrik, he vanquished a terrible beast that was plaguing their live stock. They gifted him this home so he could have a safe refuge, though, I'm surprised he brought you here."

The young woman took a moment to process the new information with a soft smile.

"Not filling that woman's head with exaggerated stories are you?" Came Mavrik's cool voice, from where he leaned in the door way in a simple cloth shirt and pants.

"I was just telling miss Delilah what a knight in shining armour you are" Gadrin wiggled his eyebrows at Delilah who could barely bite back her laughter.

"You mean, you didn't fight a 10 foot dragon with nothing but a frying pan?" unable to help but play along, succeeding in scoring a bark of laughter from Gadrin.

"Clearly leaving you two alone was a mistake" Mavrik shook his head, a small smile evident on his face.

"I've laid some clothes on the bed in the spare room for you, two doors down, on the left" he added.

"Go on then, go and get cleaned up" Gadrin encouraged, as Mavrik stepped into the room.

"I like her."

"I can tell."

Their conversation faded away, Delilah counted the closed doors she passed until she reached the second door on the left which had been left open. A comfortable and cosy sight greeted her, rug sprawled across the floor under a writing desk against one wall. A single bed beside, a small side table, and a wardrobe also occupied the space. A bundle of clothes carefully laid over the bed, and a wash cloth in a bowl of water on the bed side table.

Delilah pushed closed the door, examining the clothing on the bed. Amused to find they were clearly designed for men, far too large for her, but they were better than her worn clothing. Using the wash cloth to clean away the sweat and grime, before changing. Trying her best to roll up the cuffs of the pants, and tucking the shirt in as she looked down at herself with a laugh. At least it was comfortable, and now she could wash her clothes.

A soft knock sounded on the door "miss Delilah?"

She pulled open the door to find Gadrin, he chuckled sheepishly at her wardrobe miss hap "Sorry we don't have anything closer to your size, but I thought you might like this" Producing a deep midnight blue cloak from hiding behind his back. Shaking it out, Delilah marvelled at the intricate gold stitching that laced the bottom edges in an elegant, subtle pattern.

"Gadrin?" Delilah gasped, "It's beautiful! B-but I can't have this."

"Nonsense! We want you to have it, and your other one has seen better days-"

Delilah rushed forward, wrapping the man in a tight hug "thank you" she breathed. "I'll treasure it"

Gadrin chuckled as he hugged her tightly in return, patting her back comfortingly "it's no trouble, really" he assured.

"Are you sure Mavrik won't mind?" She pulled back.

"Of course not, he suggested it. He knew I had been trying to decide what to do with such nice fabric when I had been brushing up my cloth working skills. It was too small for him, and really not his style" he chuckled.

"Well, when you're ready come to the room down the end for dinner" he patted her arm, stepping away.

It seemed the dwarf was a jack of many trades, as Delilah admired the meal that invited her once she walked into the room. Mavrik and Gadrin were already sat at a beautifully crafted wooden table, laid with quite the feast. She settled herself in the chair next to the large man.

"Thank you for the cloak"

Turning her attention to Gadrin "And thank you so much for dinner, it looks amazing."

"Dig in" the dwarf encouraged, making swift work of his own plate of food.

"We'll get the rest of your clothes tomorrow in town" Mavrik spoke once he finished his mouthful. Delilah nodded, listening to the two chat as they continued to eat. Occasionally joining in on the conversation, usually at Mavrik's expense as the dwarf and devil-kin continued their jovial antics. Time flew by as the table buzzed with conversations, spurred on mainly by Gadrin, Delilah tried unsuccessfully to bite back a yawn.

"Ah sorry, I didn't realise how late it was getting" The dwarf chuckled.

She waved her hand "It's okay, though I might turn in now, if that's alright?"

"Sweet dreams miss Delilah" He chimed.

"Good night you two" She returned, gently pushing her chair in as she made a move to gather up her dishes, intending to pack them away on her way out.

"Leave them, get some rest" Mavrik assured.

Once Delilah reached the room, she pushed the door closed, for the first time an uncomfortable realisation crept into her. She had grown so used to sleeping with someone else near, even when she had lived with Nadia they had slept in the same room because Nadia only had one bedroom. Now travelling with Mavrik, they would share rooms at taverns, and campsites on the road together. It felt cold for a moment, the room felt a lot larger, the small woman felt exposed.

Shaking it away, she turned her attention to the lantern on the bedside table, and the cloak lovingly folded on her pillow. Both items Mavrik had gifted to her, the lantern of Lira's light. She could practically hear Mavrik's voice echoing in her head, as he went on to explain that he followed two gods, a brother and sister. Thordin who was a protector, and Lira who was healing and nurture. He explained that he was a disciple of the duo, serving in their teachings and values. The lantern was a symbol of Lira, a way to channel holy power through her blessing, not that he forced Delilah into the decision. No, instead she felt a call to the lantern, it offered a sense of comfort she couldn't quite describe. Despite being undecided on where she stood with gods in general.

Delilah shook her head, concluding she likely wouldn't find any answers to her musings, exhaustion crept in as she curled up under the covers. Pushing aside the prickling discomfort of being alone in the gloom. Perhaps, just for tonight, she would keep a flame ignited. Brushing her fingers against the lantern as a small spark flickered to life, showering her in a small sphere of soft light, and dispelling some of the loneliness.