Elara stirred as the morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the barn's weathered walls, casting a warm glow across her face. She blinked slowly, her eyes adjusting to the brightness as she turned her head to survey her surroundings. In the corner, Tirn sat leaning against a crate, his axes resting at his side. He held a small, leather-bound book in his right hand, its appearance suggesting a handcrafted origin. With a charcoal pencil in his other hand, he focused intently on the pages, sketching with a gentle precision that seemed at odds with his rugged and large exterior.
Her gaze drifted to Esme, who was engaged in a series of stretches a short distance away. The warrior's movements were fluid and purposeful, her muscles flexing beneath her skin as she worked through her morning routine. Ignatius, on the other hand, appeared to be still deep in slumber, his form unmoving amidst the scattered straw. Choosing to remain still, she savored the tranquility of the moment. She kept her body relaxed, giving no indication that she had awoken, content to simply observe her companions in this moment of peace. The quiet of the early morning enveloped her, broken only by the soft scratching of Tirn's pencil against paper and the gentle rustling of Esme's movements.
As the quiet of the morning settled around her, her mind wandered back to the conversation she had overheard the night before. The prospect of joining her new companions in the dungeon filled her with a mix of anticipation and unease. Esme had suggested that she accompany them, not as an additional fighter, but rather to avoid the need for a fourth member. The reasoning behind this decision struck her as odd. Did the dungeon have specific requirements for the size of the team entering its depths? It seemed peculiar that they would insist on her presence while also making it clear that they did not want her actively participating.
Ignatius had been particularly vocal about his desire to keep the experience points within their established team. Elara couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort at the thought of being used as a mere placeholder, her presence serving only to fulfill some unknown criteria. She recalled Esme mentioning that they would attempt to persuade her by reminding her of the debt she owed them. While she was indeed grateful for their assistance and the shelter they had provided, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that they were downplaying the true dangers that lurked within the dungeon.
Thus far, their discussions had focused primarily on the potential threats posed by rival teams, but little had been said about the inherent perils of the dungeon itself. Elara wondered if this omission was intentional, a calculated move to keep her in the dark about the full extent of the risks she would be facing. She did make it quiet clear, her ignorance when it comes to dungeons.
As she lay there, her mind churning with questions and doubts, a realization dawned on her. Esme must have planned this from the very beginning, even before their paths had crossed. The need for a fourth person seemed to be a predetermined requirement, one that Elara had unwittingly stumbled into fulfilling. She wondered what they would have done had their path not crossed. What better choice than a naive girl with no allies in sight? Someone who would have to rely on them.
She shook her head slightly, dismissing the nagging doubts that had crept into her mind. Perhaps she was reading too much into the situation, allowing her suspicions to color her perception of Esme's intentions. After all, the warrior had shown her nothing but kindness and support since their first encounter. She realized that this was an opportunity for her to exercise her own free will, to make a choice based on her own desires and aspirations. What did she truly want right now? The answer came to her with surprising clarity.
Elara yearned to understand more about the world around her, to unravel the mysteries that lay hidden within its folds. Dungeons, in particular, piqued her curiosity. What secrets did they hold? How did they function? These were questions she longed to explore, to satiate her thirst for knowledge. But her desires extended beyond the realm of the intellectual. She found herself craving the simple pleasures of life as well. She longed for new clothes, to shed the tattered garments that clung to her body and adorn herself in fabrics that spoke of comfort and style.
The thought of having money, of being able to indulge in the delights of various cuisines, set her taste buds tingling with anticipation. She wanted to sample the flavors of different lands, to let her palate dance with the spices and textures of unfamiliar dishes. This desire, she realizes, was motivated by Flamebeard’s stories and passion. And then there was the call of the open road, the allure of travel that tugged at her heart. She yearned to explore new horizons, to see the wonders that lay beyond the confines of her current existence. But perhaps most importantly, she desired growth. She wanted to push herself to new heights, to unlock the potential that lay dormant within her. The prospect of leveling up, of honing her skills and abilities, filled her with a sense of excitement and purpose. Elara's mind whirled with a myriad of thoughts as she lay there, contemplating her next steps. The allure of the dungeon called to her, a siren song that she found herself unable to resist.
She knew that joining the team would likely mean forgoing any experience points she might have earned. But as she mulled over the idea, she realized that the experience points themselves held little sway over her decision. Her journey thus far had been driven by a genuine curiosity, a desire to learn and grow, rather than a pursuit of experience points. Maybe that will change in the future, but not now. The knowledge she could gain from entering the dungeon, from observing and learning from her experienced companions, held far more value to her than any numerical representation of her progress.
And yet, a nagging sense of unease tugged at the edges of her resolve. Esme's words echoed in her mind, a promise that they would not think less of her for her naivety. But actions spoke louder than words, and she saw that Esme was ready to take advantage of her lack of understanding. She may not think less of Elara, but certainly has no scruple about taking advantage of it. It was a bitter pill to swallow, the realization that her lack of experience and knowledge could be so easily exploited.
But now, as she lay there in the quiet of the morning, she found herself grappling with the uncomfortable truth that her naivety, the very thing Esme had promised not to hold against her, was the very thing being leveraged for the team's gain. She drew in a deep breath, her chest tightening with the weight of her conflicting emotions. How was she supposed to feel about this? Grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, even if it came at the cost of being a pawn? Or betrayed by the realization that her trust and inexperience were being exploited? She may just be making the best out of the situation. But just thinking about it will get her no further, she decided.
Her mind raced as she considered her options, determined to find a way to make the deal more favorable for herself. She knew that entering the dungeon without proper protection would be foolish. Her hand instinctively reached for the Solstice Shard, the dagger that had become her constant companion. She realized that she needed a proper sheath or holster to keep it secure and easily accessible. The idea of fumbling for her weapon in the heat of battle was a risk she couldn't afford to take.
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As she pondered her situation, Esme's words echoed in her mind. The warrior had mentioned that others might perceive Elara as their apprentice, a notion that initially seemed laughable. However, the more she thought about it, the more she realized this assumption could work to her advantage. If she were to be seen as their apprentice, it would give her the perfect opportunity to learn from her experienced companions. She yearned for their guidance, for the chance to have her questions answered, and to receive valuable advice on navigating the challenges that lay ahead. But her desires extended beyond the immediate future. She knew that once the dungeon was cleared, she would need to decide on her next steps. The thought of being left alone in this unfamiliar place filled her with a sense of unease.
She recalled the map that Ignatius had mentioned, a glimpse into the vast world that lay beyond the confines of their current location. She realized that she needed to secure not only their support during the dungeon expedition but also the option to continue her journey with them afterward, if she choose to do so. She knew that she had much to learn, and the prospect of having experienced guides by her side gave her comfort.
As she lay there, her mind whirling with possibilities, she began to formulate a plan. She would wait for Esme and the others to make their requests, then making it clear that her participation in the dungeon expedition was contingent upon their agreement to provide her with the necessary equipment, guidance, and the option to travel with them once their mission was complete. She knew that she would need to be assertive, to stand her ground and negotiate for what she needed. It was a daunting prospect, but she refused to let her inexperience be used against her for much longer.
She opened her eyes and sat up; her gaze sweeping across the barn's interior. Tirn, who had been sketching in his book, looked up and greeted her with a nod, his voice low and gruff. "Morning." Esme, having finished her stretches, turned to her with a playful grin. "Well, look who's finally awake. Did you sleep well on that straw bed, princess?"
Elara couldn't help but smile at her teasing tone. She stretched her arms above her head, feeling the satisfying pop of her joints. "It wasn't too bad, actually."
Esme chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I bet. Well, I hate to break it to you, but I don't think breakfast is going to be brought to us today. I'm planning to head out and see if I can find something to buy in the village. You want to come with me?"
Elara glanced over at Tirn, who had already returned to his sketching, clearly uninterested in the prospect of venturing out. Ignatius, still deep in slumber, showed no signs of stirring anytime soon. Excitement bubbled up within her at the thought of exploring the village in the daylight. She was eager to see what the local community had to offer and to interact with the people who called this place home. "Sure, I'd love to come along," she replied, pushing herself to her feet.
Esme grinned, pleased with her enthusiasm. "Great. Let's get going then. We have much to do today."
She fell into step beside Esme, the warrior's confident stride setting the pace as they ventured into the heart of the village. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the thatched roofs and dirt paths, bringing the settlement to life.
Her eyes darted from one building to another, taking in the quaint charm of the village. She noticed a few locals going about their daily routines, some carrying baskets filled with fresh produce, while others tended to their small gardens.
As she followed Esme into the heart of the village, she watched with curiosity as the warrior approached one of the women tending to a small vegetable plot outside her home. Esme's friendly demeanor was evident as she greeted the older woman with a warm smile and a cheerful, "good morning!"
The woman, surprised by the sudden interaction, jumped slightly before turning to face Esme. Elara couldn't help but notice the woman's short, black hair and the serious expression etched onto her face. There was something about her that Elara found a bit intimidating, a certain intensity that seemed to radiate from her. Intrigued by the woman's presence, she found herself reaching out with her Inspect skill, eager to learn more about this mysterious figure.
Mage [Level: 32]
The revelation struck her with surprise. This woman, who appeared to be nothing more than a simple villager tending to her garden, was actually a mage of a level similar to her own. Questions swirled in her mind. Was this the standard level for civilians in this world? Was she even a civilian? She found herself grappling with the realization that she had so much to learn about the intricacies of this new reality she had found herself in. The concept of classes and their acquisition was still a mystery to her, and she made a mental note to seek more information on the subject.
As she pondered these thoughts, Esme continued her conversation with the woman, her voice carrying a warm and friendly tone. "We were wondering if you could point us in the direction of a place where we could buy some breakfast and provisions for our team. We're not picky eaters, and we'd be happy to pay money or even lend a hand with any tasks that need to be done around here."
The older woman scrutinized Esme, her gaze traveling up and down the warrior's form as if assessing her intentions. After a moment of consideration, she spoke, her voice measured and businesslike. "I could arrange something," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "How many people are you provisioning for, and for how long?"
Esme, unfazed by the woman's intense demeanor, replied with a confident smile. "Four people, and we'll need provisions for three days."
The woman nodded, her mind visibly working through the logistics of the request. "I'll take care of it," she assured Esme, "but I won't be able to do it alone if you need it done today. I know a few people I can ask for help." Her eyes gleamed with the prospect of earning some money, a hint of excitement creeping into her otherwise stoic expression.
Esme laughed, her relief and satisfaction evident in the sound. She was pleased with how quickly and easily the arrangement had been made. "What's the price?" she asked, ready to negotiate if necessary.
The woman paused, considering the factors involved. "You'll need to hunt the meat yourselves," she stated matter-of-factly. "We'll take care of the rest. It'll be 39 copper coins per person - in total, 12 copper for breakfast and 144 copper for the three-day provisions."
Esme mulled over the price, her brow furrowed in thought. After a moment, she nodded in agreement. "We'll pay half now and the other half upon completion," she proposed, her tone leaving little room for debate.
The woman accepted the terms without hesitation, gesturing for Esme to follow her inside her home. As they stepped through the doorway, Esme reached into her pouch and withdrew the agreed-upon amount, placing the coins on a table near the entrance.
Elara, who had been observing the exchange from a respectful distance, chose to remain outside. As Esme and the woman disappeared into the house to talk, Elara took the opportunity to survey her surroundings, taking in the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the village. She stood outside the woman's home, her mind whirling with thoughts as she processed the conversation she had just witnessed. She couldn't help but notice how Esme had specifically mentioned provisioning for four people, a clear indication that the warrior believed Elara would agree to join them in the dungeon expedition.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that Esme’s actions were a calculated move, a subtle way to pressure her into agreeing to their request. By openly discussing the need for extra provisions in front of the woman, Esme had created an opening for Elara to ask about why she was buying provisions for her.
She sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her thoughts. She knew that Esme's intentions were not entirely selfless. The warrior expected something in return for her generosity, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at the thought of being beholden to someone else's expectations.
And yet, despite her reservations, she found herself grateful for Esme's willingness to use her own money so freely on her behalf, as Elara had none.
As she stood there, lost in her own thoughts, she knew that she would have to confront the issue eventually. She couldn't avoid the topic of the dungeon forever, and she knew that Esme would ask, sooner rather than later.
But for now, she allowed herself a moment to simply be, to inhale the fresh morning air and absorb the sights and sounds of the village around her.