Breakfast and Business

--

A delicious savory aroma rose from the open vessel. The dull glow of the fire melded into the fading moonlight. Sol's first rays pierced the darkened sky. Dawn was here.

"We are adventurers."

"Really?"

"You doubt us, mage? We could have knocked you out, you know."

"Maybe. I've faced worse."

"Yeah. I wouldn't want to fight him, Dagger. See those trees."

"You were spooked though. Right? Right?"

"Fair enough. But why did you sneak upon me?"

"For the rabbits, duh."

"No, you found the rabbits when you got here. Why did you come here in the first place? You would have seen the light, right?"

"Well, this is where we always take our break before heading deep. But, today, my uncle asked me to investigate. He heard some sounds outside the walls."

"Hmm.. is your uncle the guard."

"So it was you! He told me a drunk mage demanded to enter the town."

"What? I'm not drunk. He's lying."

"Nah, I get it. We passed those trees you smashed by the road. Certainly felt like what a drunk mage would do."

"Really. They do that."

"Worse. This late at night, they tended to be drunk and trigger happy with their spells"

"Yeah, I saw one once. She had such shit control, we got the biggest pothole in that road.

"No one wants to face a human wrecking ball whose father can execute your family. Specially for a meager pay. Guards aren't in it for adventure."

"But they said... is your uncle superstitious?

"Heh, he can be. The old man prayed when I got lost in the woods once. But he mainly does the whole charade to avoid dealing with nobles. They are more forgiving if they believe the guards are stupid. That's how it works."

"Good to know. I would still like to visit the Town sometimes. Can you put in a word?"

"Are you kidding me? You are a wrecking ball. And you have shit control."

"Scared now? Where's that bluster you came in with?"

"Don't remind me. I almost pissed my pants. We could see the light through the trees, Tommy."

"Yeah, we may be adventurers but it's mostly a boring life."

"I appreciate your spirit. Thanks for checking on me. When do you have to report back?"

"What report?"

"That I'm not drunk"

"Pfft.."

"Alas, you are not that important my friend. We are early birds with important tasks."

"Very important."

"Mm. Very."

"..."

"Come on. You can ask?"

"No, I'm quite alright, thanks."

"This guy..."

"..."

"Return that bowl!"

"No way. You saw the show, you paid the price. We are even."

The meal was coming to an end. The three packed the remaining stuff, ready to go.

"We're stopping at the town, care to join?"

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"Sure. I've got nowhere else to be."

"Hmm. Leader."

"What?"

"..." Fatty tried to say something with hand and eye signals, and utterly failed.

"Ah.. Joyo wants to ask you something."

"What?"

"If you want to buy equipment, you can visit my shop. I'll give you discount."

"Your shop? What do you sell?"

"It's my master's shop. He's a blacksmith. I'm just a poor apprentice right now, but I can make basic stuff if you want. Or you can ask him, but that'll cost you."

"Actually, I was wondering, mate. How about you join our party?"

"What?"

"Join our adventuring party?"

"I heard that. But I have not idea what that even means."

"It's simple really. We were out here so early, because there's a quest from the Guild. Apparently, the Wilds around the Academy need to be checked for corruption. This close, the wards prevent anything serious. Still, we need to check if any mana clusters have formed."

"Yes, it's a routine quest for non-mages. You won't even be affected. Mages don't get mana poisoning."

"Mana poisoning?"

"You know - psychosis, delirium, depression, anxiety. Odd, sometimes dangerous behavior. Longer exposure meant chronic pains, Waning even. That sort of thing."

"Ah, Wild fever. Got it. Why would you risk exposure to that?"

"To be strong." Dagger said, matter of factly.

"Well, that. Younger people handle it much better. And people say you can awaken your talents that way. It pays pretty well too and we need the money."

Lester was nodding, and added.

"I'm in it for the adventure. Wilds are weird. The landscape changes abruptly. Monsters to fight and sell. "

"So, are you telling me it's safe for me to join?"

"Of course. You are a mage. I don't think you can even get mana poisoning."

"That's true. Mages aren't affected by Wild fever."

"Why not join us, then? We're doing our regular route, back by noon. It is easy, little danger so close to the city."

"Eat like this morning if we get lucky." Dagger chimed in.

"Of course, no quest reward for you. We equally split the herbs and monster stuff four ways. Is that cool?"

Lester showed him his guild brand - another sigil - it had been one of the examples in the guidebook. And the parchment with quest details.

"Alright. Let's do this." Tommy finally said, "Fair warning, I am new to this. And I'll be asking a lot of questions."

"Awesome!"

"Yay!"

"Please do. Give me a minute to drop these, and we'll be off."

Lester ran through the gates that were now open, with the two cleaned rabbit pelts.

Tommy could help but grin.

'Surely, practical experience is worth more than any theory. That's what Rohodan said.'