Esme emerged from the woman's home, a satisfied smile on her face. She strode towards Elara, her steps purposeful. "We should head back and tell Tirn to get out hunting for the meat," she said. "The women will bring everything to the barn when they're done."

Elara nodded, falling into step beside her as they made their way back to the barn. As they walked, her mind churned with questions about the conversation she had overheard. She knew that Esme had intentionally baited her, and she couldn't resist the urge to take the bait.

"I noticed you ordered provisions for a fourth person," Elara said, her voice carefully neutral. "Who are they for?"

Esme's smile widened, a knowing glint in her eye. "They're for you," she replied, her tone almost teasing.

She fell silent, waiting for Esme to elaborate. But the warrior said nothing more, content to let the statement hang in the air between them. Annoyance flared in her chest, and she fought the urge to roll her eyes. She knew that Esme was playing a game, trying to draw her into a conversation that she wasn't sure she wanted to have. But she couldn't let the matter drop, not when it involved her so directly.

"Why?" she asked, her voice tight with frustration but trying not to let Esme take notice. "Why did you order provisions for me?"

Esme's smile widened as she looked at her, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "They're for your travels," she said, her voice casual. "The provisions are for three days. Not enough to get you to the next village or town, but it's better than nothing."

Elara blinked, surprise washing over her. That was not the answer she had expected. She had thought Esme would insist on her joining them in the dungeon, not offer her supplies to travel on her own. She stayed quiet, unsure how to respond. Esme seemed to sense her confusion. From her perspective, she was a young girl, alone and far from home. Did she really think someone like her could traverse the woods alone and find her way to the next town?

The silence stretched on, growing uncomfortable. Finally, Esme spoke again, her voice gentle but firm. "Under other circumstances, you could have just waited in the village for us to return from the dungeon. But the villagers have made it clear they don't appreciate adventurers staying for too long. And you were introduced as an adventurer at the gate."

Esme's gaze softened. "We don't know how long it will take to clear the dungeon," she said. "It could be days, or even weeks. I can't, in good conscience, leave you here without any means."

Elara considered her words, her brow furrowing in thought. The conversation she had overheard the previous day had led her to believe that Esme would want her to join them for the dungeon expedition. It seemed like the logical conclusion, given the circumstances. But now, Esme was telling her that she would receive provisions for only three days, not nearly enough to reach the next town or village. It felt cruel, almost as if Esme was setting her up for failure. Moreover, Esme mentioned that she would not be able to stay in the village. It seemed odd. From what she had observed, the villagers only seemed hostile towards the other adventuring party, not adventurers in general. In fact, they had been welcomed warmly enough upon their arrival. It didn't add up.

As she pondered the situation, a sudden realization struck her. Esme was trying to manipulate her, to get her to ask them to join their team. By presenting her with an impossible choice - leave with insufficient supplies or stay in a village that supposedly didn't want her - Esme was hoping that Elara would ask to accompany them. It was a clever tactic, one that would turn the situation around in Esme's favor. If Elara asked to join, Esme could frame it as her doing Elara a favor, rather than the other way around.

A mix of emotions swirled within Elara. On one hand, she was pissed. She didn't appreciate being manipulated, especially by someone she had come to like. It felt like a betrayal, a reminder that she was still a stranger. But on the other hand, she couldn't help but be impressed by Esme's cunning. The warrior was able to twist a situation to her advantage with just a few carefully chosen words. She knew she had a choice to make. She could play along with Esme's game and ask to join their group. Or she could call her out on her manipulation, refuse to be a pawn in whatever scheme she had concocted.

Elara paused, considering her options. She decided to play along with Esme's game, but on her own terms. With a thoughtful expression, she turned to Esme and said, "I appreciate the provisions. I think I should take a look at Ignatius' map to see where I am and which direction I could head."

Esme raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "The map? Sure, I suppose that makes sense."

Elara nodded, her mind already working on her next move. "I was also thinking about asking some people in the village if they travel and visit other places to trade and such. Maybe I can do some menial work to earn my keep and travel with them."

As the words left her mouth, she watched Esme's reaction closely. The warrior tilted her head to the side, her normally relaxed and happy mood shifting to something more serious. But Elara refused to let it faze her, continuing to brainstorm ideas as if she were truly interested in leaving.

"I mean, there must be some merchants or traders who pass through here regularly," she said, her voice casual. "If I can find someone heading in the right direction, I could offer my services in exchange for safe passage."

Esme's brow furrowed, a hint of concern in her eyes. "I'm not sure that's the best idea," she said slowly. "The roads can be dangerous, and you're not exactly equipped for travel."

Elara shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "I'll figure it out," she said. "I'm resourceful, and I'm sure I can find a way to make it work."

She could see the gears turning in Esme's head, the warrior trying to figure out how to salvage the situation. But Elara didn't give her a chance to respond, instead turning and heading back towards the barn.

"I'm going to go ask Ignatius about that map," she called over her shoulder. "And then I'll start asking around the village. Thanks for the provisions, Esme. I appreciate it."

She could feel Esme's gaze boring into her back as she walked away, but she didn't turn around. She had made her move, and now it was up to Esme to decide how to respond. But one thing was clear - Elara was not going to be manipulated into asking to join their team. If she did end up accompanying them, it would be on her own terms. With a few benefits.

----------------------------------------

As Esme and Elara entered the barn, a tense silence hung between them. She couldn't help but wonder if she had pushed too far, but she quickly dismissed the thought. Inside, Tirn was examining the large pelt and tusk he had harvested and brought with them, while Ignatius sat on the ground, leaning against a wooden beam with a large parchment spread across his lap. Elara's eyes lit up when she realized it was a map. She quickly made her way over to Ignatius and sat down beside him, careful to gauge his reaction to her sudden proximity. To her relief, he seemed unbothered, merely glancing at her before turning his attention to Esme.

"Breakfast and provisions are sorted," Esme announced, a look thrown in Elara’s direction. Ignatius nodded in acknowledgment, his attention momentarily drawn away from the map spread out before them.

Elara seized the opportunity, leaning towards Ignatius with a curious expression. "Hey, Ignatius," she began, "could you help me understand what we're looking at here? And where exactly are we located?"

As Ignatius pointed to a place on the map, Elara realized it was a cutout of a landmass, far from being a complete representation of the world. It seemed to focus on a specific region. Ignatius patiently explained their current location and the border of the Empire that encompassed the area seen. Elara listened attentively, her eyes tracing the lines and landmarks on the parchment. She tried to commit the information to memory, knowing that understanding the lay of the land could prove invaluable.

As Ignatius traced his finger along the map, Elara leaned in closer, her eyes following the path he indicated. "We found you here," he said, tapping a spot near a large body of water.

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Elara nodded, recognizing the lake as the one Flamebeard had dropped her in. She remembered the cold, dark water and the panic that had gripped her as she struggled to swim to shore.

Ignatius continued, his finger moving across the parchment. "From there, we traveled along this route to the village we're in now." His finger stopped at a small dot, which Elara assumed represented their current location.

"And the dungeon?" she asked.

Ignatius moved his finger to a different part of the map, tapping a spot near a mountain range. "It's located here," he explained. "A network of tunnels that lead inside the mountain. We're not sure if they were made by someone or naturally formed."

Elara listened intently, impressed by Ignatius' knowledge and the clarity of his explanations. He had a pleasant voice, one that made even the most complex topics seem easy to understand.

As Ignatius finished his explanation, her mind turned to the bigger picture. "Where's the capital in relation to this map?" she asked.

Esme cast a brief look at Elara, a hint of emotion flashing in her gaze. Ignatius, however, appeared unfazed by the query.

"The capital isn't shown on this map," he explained, his finger tracing the edges of the parchment. "It's much further to the north-west, beyond the scope of what's depicted here."

Elara nodded, absorbing the information. "And what's the scale of this map?" she asked, her eyes scanning the various landmarks and features.

Ignatius raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his expression. "You know about map scales?" he asked, a note of surprise in his voice.

Elara shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I've learned a thing or two about maps," she said simply.

Ignatius chuckled. He tells her the scale the map was drawn. He then pointed to Tirn, who was standing several meters away, still examining the pelt and tusk. "If Tirn were standing on this map, he'd be about where the capital is located."

Elara's eyes widened, her mouth falling open in shock. "That far?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief. "How long would it take to travel there?"

Ignatius leaned back, his brow furrowing as he considered the question. "On foot, with minimal luggage, I'd say about nine weeks," he said after a moment. "With a horse, you could probably make it in about six."

Elara sat back, her mind reeling at the sheer distance between their current location and the capital.

"Nine weeks," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "That's a long time."

Ignatius nodded, his expression sympathetic. "It is," he agreed. "But it's not an impossible journey. With the right preparation and supplies, it can be done."

Elara sat back, her mind reeling. Six to nine weeks of travel just to reach the capital. It was a daunting prospect. She glanced at Esme, wondering if the warrior had any thoughts on the matter, but Esme remained silent, her expression unreadable. She fell silent, her mind racing with thoughts of the long journey ahead. She was glad that she was only playing the role of a lost girl wanting to return to the capital, as her true home was not actually there. The prospect of a nine-week journey held no appeal for her, and she had no real reason to undertake such a trek. In truth, she had only asked about the capital to put pressure on Esme and satisfy a bit of her own curiosity. What really interested her were the larger towns near the village, places she could potentially visit after she was done here.

"What about the nearest town?" She asked, turning her attention back to Ignatius. "How far is it from here?"

Ignatius studied the map for a moment before pointing to a spot not far from their current location. "This is the nearest town," he said. "It's about a five-day journey on foot from here."

She nodded, absorbing the information. Five days was a much more manageable distance than nine weeks, and the prospect of exploring a new town excited her. As she and Ignatius continued to discuss the map, Esme suddenly stood up, drawing their attention. Her expression was unreadable. Elara looked up at Esme, meeting her gaze. The warrior's expression was unreadable. Ignatius glanced between the two women, his brow furrowed in thought. The air was thick with an odd energy, a palpable sense of something left unsaid.

Ignatius's eyes widened, as if struck by an epiphany. He turned to Elara. "What do you think about the request to join our team temporary?"

Elara blinked, turning to Ignatius, taken aback by the bluntness of the elder's question. She glanced back at Esme, who seemed equally surprised, her mouth slightly agape. It was clear that Ignatius had foiled the ploy Esme had attempted, choosing instead to ask Elara directly to join their group.

"I... I wasn't aware of any request," Elara stammered, her mind racing to catch up with the sudden turn of events.

Ignatius turned to regard Esme with an unimpressed look, one eyebrow raised in silent question. Tirn, who had been not been taking part in the exchange, did the same, his gaze fixed on the warrior.

Under the weight of their stares, Esme shifted uncomfortably, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came out. It was clear that she had been caught off guard by Ignatius's direct approach.

Elara couldn't help but feel amused as Esme's ploy unraveled before her eyes. She turned to Ignatius, a curious glint in her eye. "Could you elaborate on this request?" she asked, her voice even.

Esme sighed heavily, the sound filled with a mix of frustration and resignation. She sat down near them, pulling her armor into her lap, and began wiping it with a cloth, her movements methodical and deliberate.

Ignatius, too, let out a sigh, the sound tinged with a hint of exasperation. He looked at Elara, his gaze steady. "We would like you to join us in entering the dungeon," he explained, his voice calm and matter-of-fact. "Having a fourth person on the team would be beneficial."

Elara leaned back, considering his words. "Why me?" she asked, her gaze flicking between Ignatius and Esme. "I'm not exactly an experienced adventurer."

Ignatius nodded, acknowledging her point. "True," he agreed. "But we have built rapport with each other and are not total strangers. Those are good traits in a dungeon."

Elara watched as Esme glanced up from inspecting her armor, a solemn look on the other woman's face. "We're not wanting you to fight," Esme clarified, her words carrying a hint of warning. "However, it's preferable to have someone who might slow us down rather than a potential traitor lurking in our midst." She fixed Elara with a pointed stare. "Though, of course, that danger still exists with you."

"What's in it for me?" she asked, her gaze sharp. "If I am not joining the fight, I will not gain any experience points. Isn't that the whole reason why people seek out dungeons? That is what you told me."

Ignatius nodded, acknowledging Elara's point. "You're right," he said. "Experience points are the primary reason people seek out dungeons. But there are other benefits as well."

He leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "In dungeons, there are often treasures and other objects that can be of great use. If you join us, we'll give you first pick of the loot, should there be any."

Elara raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the offer. She had never considered the possibility of finding valuable items in a dungeon, but the prospect was certainly appealing.

Ignatius paused, studying her face. "Is there something specific you want?" he asked. "Something we could give you in exchange for your help?"

Elara sat back, considering the question. She had already thought about what she might demand in return for her assistance and now seemed like the perfect opportunity to voice her desires.

"I want a few things," she began, her voice steady. "First, I want a guarantee of my safety. If things go badly, I want your word that you'll prioritize my well-being."

Ignatius nodded, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Of course," he agreed. "Your safety will be our top priority. We are the once taking you into a dangerous situation far above your level. We will take responsibility."

Elara's voice grew stronger as she continued, buoyed by Ignatius' agreement. "Second, I want new cloth," she said, her eyes shining with anticipation. "Some armor and a sheath for my dagger." She knew that she couldn't face the dangers ahead without proper protection, and she hoped that Ignatius would understand her need.

Esme opened her mouth as if to protest, but Ignatius silenced her with a look. "That's reasonable," he said. "We'll make sure you are properly equipment. That is the least we can do."

She nodded, satisfied with his response. "And finally," she said, her voice growing more serious, "I want your help in figuring out my next steps. I'm lost, and I will need guidance on where to go after the dungeon."

Ignatius and Esme exchanged a glance, a silent communication passing between them. After a moment, Ignatius turned back to Elara, his expression thoughtful. "We can do that," he said. "We have contacts in various towns and cities."

Elara sat back, a sense of relief washing over her. She had made her demands, and to her surprise, they had been met with little resistance. Perhaps joining this team wouldn't be such a bad idea after all. She watched as Esme's expression turned sour, her brow furrowing. It seemed that the warrior was not entirely pleased with the outcome of their negotiation. Ignatius, however, seemed unfazed by Esme's sullen demeanor. He pulled out a small notebook from his backpack and began jotting down notes, his quill scratching against the parchment. After a moment, he looked up at Esme, his gaze steady.

"Esme," he said, his voice firm. "Get to it. Take Alira and the pelt and tusk to the hunters in the village. Ask them to modify some leather armor and a dagger sheath for our new companion."

Esme's jaw clenched, and for a moment, Elara thought she might argue. But then, with a heavy sigh, the warrior stood up, her movements stiff and jerky.

"Fine," she said, her voice tight. "Tirn, you need to get out there and hunt for some meat. The ladies preparing the provisions asked for it."

Tirn, who had been silent throughout the exchange, nodded his assent. He gathered up his gear and headed for the door, his footsteps heavy against the wooden floorboards. Elara watched him go, a sense of unease settling in her stomach. She knew that Esme was not happy with some part of the arrangement, and she couldn't help but wonder if the warrior would make things difficult for her in the future.

But for now, she had to focus on the task at hand. She stood up, brushing off her clothes and grabbing her dagger. "Lead the way," she said to Esme, her voice steady despite her nerves.

Esme grunted in response, grabbing the pelt and tusk from where Tirn had left them. She stalked out of the barn. Elara followed.