Celeste weaved through the streets of Willowshade, heading toward the west side of town as Vincent had recommended. The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked bread from a nearby bakery and the distant clang of metal being hammered into shape. The market was lively, filled with merchants calling out their wares, but Celeste paid them little mind. She was on a mission—new clothes, new gear, nothing fancy.

As she walked, her thoughts drifted back to Vincent's recommendation. Grigor's Armaments and Gear, he'd said. She wondered what kind of man Grigor might be, and if the shop would live up to its reputation. Practical gear was all she needed—nothing more, nothing less. The idea of shopping for clothes was still strange to her, a lingering discomfort from her previous life as a man. Back then, she’d never cared about what she wore. Just something that fit and didn’t get in the way.

When she finally reached the shop, it was smaller than she’d expected. Nestled between a blacksmith's forge and a small tavern, the shop had a weathered wooden sign above the door that read “Grigor’s Armaments and Gear.” A bell jingled softly as she pushed the door open.

Inside, the air was warm, filled with the smell of leather and oiled metal. The walls were lined with racks of clothing, leather armor, and various pieces of equipment. The lighting was dim, with only a few lanterns illuminating the space, casting long shadows on the floor. Despite the cluttered shelves, the shop was well-organized. Every item had its place.

Behind the counter stood a large, broad-shouldered man with a thick beard peppered with gray. He wore a leather apron, stained with soot and oil, and his hands were calloused from years of working with weapons and armor. As Celeste entered, he looked up from the whetstone he was working on, his eyes sharp but friendly.

"Afternoon," he greeted with a grunt, setting down the sword he’d been sharpening. "What can I do for ya?"

Celeste stepped further inside, glancing around at the various wares. "Vincent, the guild leader, sent me your way," she said, her voice calm but purposeful. "He said you could help me out with some new gear."

The shopkeeper’s face split into a grin. "Ah, Vincent. Haven’t seen him in a bit." He chuckled, crossing his arms. "We used to run together back in the day. Hell of a fighter, but crazier than a troll on fire. We had some wild times, let me tell ya."

Celeste raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You were in the same party as him?"

Grigor nodded, his eyes glinting with nostalgia. "Aye, we were. Couple o’ years back, before he join the obsidian order and became guild leader. We used to dive into dungeons all over—barely made it out of some. I remember this one time—well, maybe I’ll save that story for another time." He chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "But enough about that. Vincent sent you here, so what’re you lookin' for?"

"Nothing flashy. Just something practical," Celeste replied, her eyes scanning the shelves. "My clothes are worn out, and I need better protection without sacrificing mobility. Something I can wear into dungeons and ruins."

Grigor gave her an approving nod. "Good. Practical’s the way to go. Not everyone who walks in here thinks like that. Most folks want to look like heroes, wearin’ shiny armor they can barely move in." He motioned toward a set of leather armor on a nearby mannequin. "How ‘bout this? Black corset, goes over a white tunic. Light, but strong. Won't weigh ya down, but still tough enough to stop a blade."

Celeste stepped closer, inspecting the gear. The black corset was simple but reinforced, designed for protection without bulk. Paired with the white tunic, it had a clean, no-nonsense look. She could see herself in it—able to move freely without drawing too much attention. "I like it," she said, picking up the tunic and running her fingers over the fabric. "This’ll work."

Grigor nodded. "Good choice. What about pants? I’ve got a sturdy pair here—dark, reinforced at the knees. Won’t tear easy, and they’ll keep ya flexible. Dark enough to blend in, but not so heavy they’ll weigh ya down."

Celeste took the pants, holding them up for inspection. They were exactly what she needed: simple, dark, and durable. She could wear them comfortably while traversing rocky ruins or during a dungeon dive. "These will do," she said, setting them on the counter next to the tunic and corset.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

As she continued to browse, Grigor moved toward a rack of bracers. "You’ll want these too," he said, picking up a pair of leather bracers. "Light but tough. Perfect for keeping your forearms protected without slowing you down. Good for blocking a blade if need be."

Celeste nodded, taking the bracers and testing the fit on her arms. They were snug but comfortable, offering protection without hindering her movement. "These’ll do just fine."

Grigor scratched his beard thoughtfully as she gathered her gear. "Now, I know you didn’t mention it, but what about a new sword?" He gestured toward the wall behind him, lined with gleaming weapons. "I’ve got some good steel here. Vincent swears by my blades, and you look like you know your way around one."

Celeste hesitated, glancing at the swords on the wall. Her hand instinctively went to the hilt of the blade hanging at her side—a simple sword, nothing special, but it had served her well. It had been a gift from her old master, and though it was far from the best weapon in the shop, she wasn’t quite ready to part with it.

"I’ll think about it," she said after a moment. "This sword has... sentimental value. I’ll hold onto it for a little while longer."

Grigor gave her a knowing smile. "Fair enough. When the time comes, you know where to find me."

With her gear selected, Celeste placed everything on the counter. Grigor rang her up, his large hands deftly counting out the total. "That’ll do ya," he said, handing her the wrapped-up bundle of clothing. "Hope this stuff serves you well in the dungeons and wherever else you’re headed. And if you ever need a sword, well, you know where to come."

Celeste nodded, giving the shopkeeper a small smile. "Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind."

As she left the shop, the afternoon sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the streets of Willowshade. The new gear felt good in her hands—sturdy, reliable. Practical. Just like she wanted.

Some things never change, she thought to herself, smirking as she headed back toward the guild.

Equipment Purchased:

White Tunic

Black Corset (reinforced for protection)

Dark Pants (reinforced at the knees)

Leather Bracers

Leather Boots with Steel Toe Caps

Celeste wandered through the busy streets of Willowshade, the bundle of her newly purchased gear tucked securely under her arm. She strolled leisurely through the bustling streets of Willowshade, savoring the rare moments of freedom she’d allowed herself. She sampled roasted nuts from a street vendor, admiring the mix of spices and herbs that coated each crunchy bite. Each turn of the winding roads offered something new to see—a colorful tapestry here, an intricate wood carving there, vendors shouting the virtues of their wares, and musicians filling the air with vibrant tunes. For a moment, the energy of the town made her feel like any ordinary traveler, free from responsibilities.

After some wandering, she found a small, cozy eatery with a few empty seats by the window. She ordered a warm bowl of stew and a loaf of bread, relishing the simple meal as she watched townsfolk pass by outside. The stew was rich and comforting, and the bread, fresh from the oven, paired perfectly with it. She could almost forget her mission, the challenges awaiting her in the ancient ruins, and the secrets hidden within.

After finishing her meal, Celeste gathered her things and began the walk home, taking a different route to enjoy more of the town’s sights. But as she turned a corner into the town square, she noticed a large crowd gathering in front of a hastily constructed stage. Intrigued, she moved closer, blending into the edges of the crowd.

On the stage stood several members of the Obsidian Order, their black and red armor gleaming in the late afternoon light. At the center was Commander Galahad, his presence commanding as he held a scroll in one hand. To his right sat Raynor, the Sergeant Major, looking unusually relaxed with his arms crossed and his eyes closed, seemingly unaffected by the noise and attention surrounding him.

Galahad unrolled the scroll and, with a booming voice, addressed the crowd. “Citizens of Willowshade! Adventurers of all skill levels! By decree of the Emperor himself, the Obsidian Order is seeking brave souls for a grand expedition into the Abyssal Vault.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd, a mixture of awe and excitement. Celeste’s ears perked up at the name; she’d heard of the Abyssal Vault—a treacherous dungeon that even the seasoned knights of the Obsidian Order had struggled to conquer.

“Our previous attempts to map and explore the Vault have met with… difficulties,” Galahad continued, a hint of frustration coloring his words. “Now, we need fresh strength, fresh talent. We invite any adventurer with courage and skill to join us. Prove yourselves, and you may earn the honor of working under Sergeant Major Raynor himself!”

The crowd stirred with excitement. Adventurers around her looked at each other, whispering about the possibilities, the rewards, and the prestige of joining the Obsidian Order’s expedition. Celeste noticed some wide-eyed youths, clearly eager for a chance to prove themselves, while others, older and more experienced, regarded the invitation with a mixture of interest and caution.

Celeste felt a flicker of curiosity and hesitation. A dungeon dive with the Obsidian Order? It’d be dangerous, but… it might be worth it. She felt the familiar itch of adventure, the call of a new challenge. But as the murmurs and shouts of enthusiasm grew around her, she reminded herself of her primary mission: the ruins near Willowshade, where the lost teachings of the Luminous Oath might still lie hidden. That was her true purpose here, and getting involved in a high-profile expedition might draw too much attention.

I can’t risk that, she thought, though the crowd’s enthusiasm was infectious. Better to keep a low profile and focus on the ruins. "The last thing I need is the Obsidian Order poking into my business and i don't really have a nice first impression of the both of them, Raynor and Galahad they are both jerks in their own way. i don't see myself working under the both of them."

She watched a few more moments as the crowd erupted into applause, each adventurer more eager than the last to sign up. Celeste slipped away quietly, turning her back on the excitement and heading toward the quieter streets that would lead her home. She felt a strange pull to join, an urge she couldn’t entirely ignore, but she knew her path lay elsewhere.

The Abyssal Vault can wait. First, the ruins, she reminded herself, keeping the Obsidian Order’s announcement in mind. It might come in handy to know what they were up to, but for now, her mission and her secrets came first.