Cindy was looking at the special item shop. Dad had bought a pick axe, they would both have time to harvest all the ores and coal. Now they had to figure out how they would safely sleep in the wilds. There were a variety of options for the two of them. From wake up juice to special incense you could burn that would ward off any monsters from getting too close throughout the night.

“It is still smart to have someone awake through half the night at a time. So be careful about how you use these items.” The old proprietor said as his eyes stared at Cindy who was doing most of the talking and shopping.

“We will take four incense please. Just in case we take a couple extra days out there.” Cindy paid the tennies and received the requested items. Looking up at Dad she smiled, “Are you getting anything else Dad?”

The rumbling ‘hmmmm’ filled the air as Dad pondered whatever was on his mind. He was half paying attention as he stared at the massive pickaxe in his hands. It was truly an overly large piece of equipment.

Cindy shook his sandal strap until he paid attention and called up to him, “What else do you think we need?”

Dad came to his senses and looked down, “Well I’m going to get the full set of gathering tools and those fancy goggles so that I can help with those kinds of things in the future. I might need the goggles to see the ore and stuff. I’ve never mined you know.”

Cindy nodded, “I can’t think of anything else we should do while we are out and about.”

“Check with the restaurant while I shop to see if they do anything to go. That way we can have buffs throughout the trip and not have to worry about not being less than our best.” Dad knelt and started to talk about all the different gathering equipment giants could have. Cindy wondered what it might look like and how silly it might be to see. Images of a super long stick with a tiny net at the tip was making her giggle.

Cindy moved through the town getting used to weaving in and out of the crowds of people. Arriving soon at the restaurant once more she waved down the server that had continually helped her. Cindy’s bright smile lit up the area as she began her monologue. “Hey, so Dad and I are going out on an adventure, we need to see if we can have some things so that we can get buffs throughout the trip so that we aren’t going to be caught off guard. Do you have anything that would be good for gathering? How about walking? Oh and even though it makes my tummy hurt some Witch’s Wastebaskets. Those made me super good at keeping with magic. We need four days worth of them if you have them. So do you have them?”

Cindy could practically see the swirls of her eyes as she took in all the words before she nodded. “We do provide some things that help with buffs while out of town but they aren’t as strong. It isn’t too wise to stay outside a town so you better be careful.”

Cindy smiled and rocked onto the balls of her feet as she meshed her hands together, “Please help us? Dad always loves your food.”

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“Of course, little lady! I’ll be right back for one bunch of food for both you and your father. I can’t believe even though his name is Dad he wants to be called Daryl. What a silly adventurer.” The pig woman walked back into the restaurant and hustled yelling at the cooks once more. Their almost hypnotic work of whipping up dishes and serving the bustling combination of hunters.

Soon enough the woman was walking towards her holding several balls of energy each with fantastic looking meals inside them still steaming and good enough to make Cindy drool a little out of the corner of her mouth. “I can’t believe you are so good at cooking. The food is always so good here. You all are amazing.”

“You are so kind Cinderflame. One of our favorite customers of all time.” The woman reached out and pinched Cindy’s cheek with one of her thick fingered hands and wiggled it a little. Cindy squirmed being reminded of her godmother and the woman’s insistent need to pinch at any little thing that was slightly chubby. Much to Cindy’s consternation.

“Thank you, we will see you in a few days. With that Great Chickeedo in tow.” The orbs disappeared into inventory as Cindy went to the guild. Trap boxes and throwing bottles were going to be needed to catch the overgrown chicken. Memories of catching the Boroclops with Dad filled her mind. It wasn’t all that easier to catch a monster against just slaying it. Also she hoped that this had some special drop or something because she had never seen a monster be transported into town.

Walking through town she was stopped by a couple hunters that were looking down at her. “Hey there little lady. Rumor is that you are partied with some sort of clumsy warrior. We were hoping to recruit a mage like yourself. Orin said that for some reason you had many more spells than you should have been able to do on your own. Why don’t you either join us. Or give us that special equipment that is making you able to do so many spells.”

Cindy froze and looked up at them, “I’m chosen by Gaia, it isn’t a piece of equipment or skill. I’m blessed by the goddess.”

The group laughed heartily at that all of them looking to one another. “How sweet. The Goddess doesn’t exist little girl so stop lying to us and fork over the gear. We can do so much more with it than a silly little pair of people.”

Cindy squared her shoulders and tilted her chin up with pride, “She does exist, she gave me the ability and I am proud to carry such a power. I’m going to save the world!”

Again the mocking laughter filled the air. Slowly they began to surround her. “You know another lady came through town. Wearing all black. So many people seemed to want to offer her help and she only demanded that she would save the world and all others should leave her alone.”

Cindy’s eyes went wide. Mom?

“Eventually she did take one group of people into her party and they went to hunt a stone ape together. Only she returned, didn’t talk about what happened, didn’t go for new equipment. Merely turned in a quest, bought plain food and walked out of town. In and out like a breeze of misfortune.” Suddenly a hand was placed on Cindy’s shoulder. “You wouldn’t happen to know about her. We lost some friends in that group.”

Cindy shrugged and stepped away. “I don’t know anything about that.” She lied. She had seen Mom in action. Seen that skill she had. Maybe it wasn’t strong enough anymore, maybe she was in danger?! Cindy’s heart began to race as she swallowed.

A shadow fell over the group. “Can I help you gentlemen?” Came the rumbling voice of Dad so far above them. His eyes were full of suspicion and worry for his daughter. Without preamble he scooped her out of the group and looked at the rest with a stern unwavering gaze.

“We were just asking the little Witch if she wants to join a real group. We have a nearly full team, instead of just a duo.” The leader opened his arms in peace. “Nothing more.”

Dad squinted at them all and let out a huff. “Well next time don’t surround a little girl and seem like you're pressing her for something. Otherwise, you and I will have words.” Cindy hit herself behind Dad’s ear. Thoughts of Mom flooding her mind. Is she ok?

“Well little Witch, if you ever want a real party that can help you ‘save the world’ you can find us at the guild.” The group let out their mocking laugh once more before they turned and left the road.

The silence filled the air as Dad turned. “Are you ok Badger?” His tone was full of worry.

“I’m ok dad. Just, you know. You always told me to be aware of strangers.” Cindy lied, she needed to know what happened with that group. Needed to know if Mom lost her strange powers.

“If you’re sure. Come on, I think we are ready to go.” Dad walked towards the gate.