Adam slept well, but he awoke to find himself before the break of dawn. The sky outside was still dark, illuminated only by a blanket of twinkling stars and the pale light of two moons. A cold breeze blew through the curtains of his open window, causing him to sink deeper into the embrace of his warm bed.

Adam wanted to stay for longer and continue his slumber, but he found himself unable to fall back asleep. Instead, he rose from his sheets and looked out through the window.

He saw the city of Drigsburg, quiet and cold. Yellow and orange hues dotted the buildings and streets as torches, candles, and lamps ensured that the city was not consumed by the darkness of the night.

There weren't many minds for Adam to feel into, though he sensed them all. Most of the people of Drigsburg were still in their beds, snoozing away with little worry.

Adam also sensed his partner in the next room over, though he heard the orc's loud snores more than his mind. None of them would admit it out loud, but both human and orc preferred the assurance of a sturdy roof above their heads and the comfort of a soft bed behind their backs.

That said, they were not here to simply enjoy themselves. In a few hours, they would leave this town and head for the village of Casmont. From there, after meeting with the quest giver, they would begin their quest in earnest and find the bodies of those who perished many months ago, so that they may be buried at last.

Seeing that the dawn was yet to come in a few more hours, Adam decided to take a stroll by the river. The inn was located just next to the river, connected to a wide cobblestone street that ran along the length of the river.

As soon as Adam walked downstairs and went outside, he was already there. He walked over to the stone parapet at the edge of the road and looked down upon the quiet yet flowing waters of Ruwa's Lane.

He saw not his reflection, but the lights of the lamp posts that stood by the road and river's edge, dancing with the waves.

It was a calm early morning, and he was not the only one enjoying the peace by the riverside.

Adam sensed the presence of a young woman walking towards him, but he felt no malice or ill intentions. Instead, the woman was curious, maybe wanting to know what he was thinking looking at the river.

Adam turned to look at the young woman as she approached and beheld a lady wearing a white dress that reached to her knees and a scarf that was wrapped around her neck, showing only her soft blue eyes.

Her gaze struck Adam, and the young man felt embarrassed for staring at her. But the lady didn't seem to mind, rather feeling amused.

"Goodmorning, stranger," The young lady greeted, "Might I join you in your solace?"

Adam gathered himself and nodded, "Sure you might. No problem with that."

Nodding, the young lady walked up to Adam's right and leaned over the parapet to watch the river flow. Provided with a better view, Adam noticed that she had long golden hair that fell on her side and fair skin.

Adam was beginning to question himself for taking in the young lady's appearance too much and decided that the best course of action was to close his eyes and feel the wind as it brushed against his skin.

Silence prevailed, but it was not awkward. Both Adam and the lady were content to simply watch the river as it flowed and to the critters of the night as they rang and sang. An owl called from time to time, while bats flew underneath the starry sky.

Eventually, Adam's curiosity got the best of him, and he asked the young lady who she was.

"I am Salyn. A healer mage who has found herself helping the humble people of this small town," She said. Her voice was soft and her tone forgiving, "May I know who you are as well?"

There was no lie in her words, no ill intentions buried underneath, and no facade for him to see through. Salyn was being genuine to Adam, and it was only proper that he returned her honesty.

"I am Adam Sun, an Adventurer of the Phoenix Guild. My partner and I are resting here before we continue on our quest."

Hearing this, Salyn moved closer to Adam, causing the young man's heart to skip a beat. "You are the Adventurers headed for the village of Casmont, am I right?" She asked.

Adam raised his brows in surprise, "Yes, we are. How did you know?"

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Salyn looked away, glancing across the river, "I overhead some of the guards talking about a new Adventurer party who were heading to that poor village, but I never expected to meet you."

Salyn returned her gaze to Adam, "Now that I have, may I ask why?"

The young lady was a very curious person, and it was obvious to Adam that she had some sort of interest in the village. After making sure for one final time that Salyn was not about to reveal herself to be a scheming assassin or an opportunistic actor, Adam told the truth.

"A few weeks ago, my partner and I accepted a quest from the sole survivor of Casmont asking for help in recovering the bodies of his wife and daughter, so that they may be given a proper burial," Adam said, "No father or husband should have the misfortune of losing his family and not being able to lay them to rest."

Adam stared at the waters below as he remembered the lost he had endured himself. "It's only right that we help."

Salyn looked at Adam with understanding in her eyes and sympathy in her gaze. As a healer, she was sensitive to a great many things. Because of this, she knew that the young man beside her was no trickster or liar, and yet she still found him weird, for he was too honest about how he felt.

"What befell those people was a tragedy. None of them deserved such grisly fates." Salyn said.

"They were done an injustice by those supposed to protect them," Adam said firmly, "If anyone else had cared enough, they would have been rescued. A few more families would have survived, but none of them even reached this town."

Salyn blinked at the young man in surprise, yet she understood, but before she could give a reply, Adam continued, "If anyone could help, they should. And if I could have, I would have."

Salyn tilted her head slightly, "You sound as if you're blaming yourself."

Adam leaned back, "No, not like that. It's just that I have the power to help, but I came to this world too late to make a difference."

Perplexed by what the young meant about coming late to the world even though he looked to be no younger than herself, Salyn gave him an odd look.

Realizing that his emotions and feelings about the matter were in full display for Salyn to see, Adam closed his mouth and went silent.

The two spent the rest of the sunless dawn in silence, until dawn broke over the horizon and began to drown the sky with orange hues.

Roosters cried in the distance, signaling the beginning of the morn. As they did, Adam felt the town of Drigsburg stir to life as thousands began to wake from their slumber. Candles were put away, torches extinguished, and lamps given rest.

More people filled the streets, but the city was yet to fully awake until an hour more. Still, there were those who joined them by the parapet, leaning over to gaze at the surprisingly clear waters and the rising sun on the horizon.

A few noticed the two strange people standing silently together, and fewer cared enough to pay them a second glance. The world turned and time marched. The two must soon part ways.

Or would they?

As a cold wind brushed against them both, Adam spoke.

"Forgive me for asking, but why did you decide to stand with me, instead of just standing somewhere else?" He asked. He wanted to know Salyn's reasons for approaching him. Even though he was quite sure that she wasn't a murder in disguise or a kidnapper feigning friendliness, it was better to know someone's intentions fully, regardless of what it was. Especially if that someone was a stranger.

"Have I perhaps bothered you?" Salyn turned to face him fully, "If so, I must apologize." She bowed her head.

Adam quickly raised both his arms and shook his head, "Wait, no! Not like that. I didn't mind that you did, I'm just curious as to why."

Salyn looked into his eyes and Adam returned the favor. There was a brief, unspoken exchange between the two. A flash of understanding. The birth of a small connection.

"No person comes to the river to simply watch the currents flow. They come because they are troubled, either in mind or body. As a healer, I seek out these people to either lend my aid or provide the comfort of company." Salyn explained.

Adam wanted to disagree and explain that he knew a few people who frequented places like these who were not troubled at all. They simplyed enjoyed the scenery. But considering the context and the state of his mind and self, he realized that the healer was right.

Adam's mind was bothered by the quest at hand and the notion that he was too late to make any sort of significant difference. Sure, he and Ruk were there to help the sole survivor find peace, but would that be the end of it?

Was the Tragedy of Casmont doomed to end with such bitterness and heartbreak?

Deep inside, Adam couldn't accept it. He felt that he could do more, but in what way? He did not know. And even if he could, was he really willing to risk not just himself, but his partner as well?

"Your eyes speak of pain left unsaid. You are conflicted in both mind and spirit," Salyn said, "And yet your legs are firm. Your gaze sharp."

"What do you mean?" Adam asked.

"You're hopeful, Mr. Adventurer." Salyn said.

Adam snorted in amusement, "I've been through things that would have broken anybody else. I like to think that I survived and moved on, but maybe I'm still just surviving. Moving. Looking for a better and brighter tomorrow."

The sun broke over the horizon, pouring warm light across the sky and over the town. The day had well and truly begun, and it was time for Adam to head back.

"I appreciate the gesture, Ms. Salyn," Adam said, "But I should probablh return to the inn and get going."

Salyn gave Adam a warm smile and nodded in understanding, "Will you return here?" She asked.

Adam pondered for a moment before nodding in response, "Yes, after the quest is done, I hope."

With that, the two strangers parted ways, leaving one another with an impression. A seedling that would blossom into something more, but for now they had their own separate responsibilities and duties.

Adam returned to the inn and found Ruk already in the dining area, eating away at two whole chickens. His partner was kind and considerate enough to order him a meal. A plate of mashed potatoes and roasted bacon, accompanied by a hearty bowl of soup.

Ignoring the many stares that befell the orc, Adam sat across the table from his partner and friend and dug into his meal. Afterwards, after everything else was done, they would make for Casmont.

What awaited then truly could not be said, but Adam had a feeling that their quest was not destined to be so simple. There was this feeling at the back of his mind, an assurance. An expectation.

Hope.