Leaving the tailor, Robert and Elara plunged into the bustling street, heading towards the Oakhaven Trading Post. Its weathered sign, emblazoned with bold lettering, beckoned them closer, promising a trove of treasures within. The steady stream of patrons flowing through its doors hinted at the wonders inside. The general store proved to be a feast for the senses, exceeding Robert's expectations of a classic fantasy emporium. Shelves overflowed with everything a traveler could desire: sacks of grain for weary steeds, preserved rations for long journeys, and even an impressive array of gleaming weapons and sturdy armor.

Approaching the crowded counter, Robert patiently awaited his turn. "Greetings," he addressed the shopkeeper. "I'm seeking maps of this region – local and perhaps something more expansive?" The shopkeeper, with practiced ease, inquired about his preference for system or non-system maps. After a moment's consideration, Robert opted for the detailed system maps and a general kingdom map for a broader context. With the transaction swiftly completed, Robert and Elara, with their newfound cartographic knowledge in hand, departed the bustling Trading Post and returned to the welcoming warmth of the inn.

Elara, stifling a yawn, excused herself to take a nap, claiming an early start to the day. Left to his own devices, Robert settled at the bar and struck up a conversation with Orin, the innkeeper. "Oakhaven seems like a charming town," Robert remarked, taking in the cozy atmosphere. "I can see why people would be content here." "It is a lovely place," Orin agreed, his eyes twinkling. "But if you don't mind my asking, what brings you all the way out here?" Robert paused, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Believe it or not," he confessed, "the System kind of dumped us here." Orin chuckled, a knowing glint in his eye. "Ah, yes," he said, "happens all the time. Folks get so eager for a System quest, they don't always think things through. Next thing they know, they're at the edge of the world with no clue how they got there." Robert chuckled, a touch of wryness in his voice. "That's one way to put it. Truth be told, we're not even from this planet. And it was a one-way trip, at least for now." Orin's jovial demeanor shifted, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "That sounds like a serious undertaking," he said, his voice low. "If you don't mind my saying so, I'd keep that under your hat. Some folks around here might get the wrong idea. Quests like that often have powerful rewards."

"Well," Robert replied with a shrug, "the reward at the end is simply a trip home, so I doubt anyone would be too interested. But I appreciate the advice." He paused, considering his next words. "Actually, would you mind if I picked your brain about something?" Orin's smile returned, though a hint of shrewdness lingered in his eyes. "Questions are free," he said, "but answers might cost you." "I can afford it," Robert assured him with a grin. "I noticed some adventurers passing through last night. How does that work around here? Is there a guild or something where they pick up jobs? Or do they just wander around, looking for dungeons to delve into?" Orin was slow to answer, "There is a guild, though, in a small town like this, it's more of an outpost. You would need to join, as for what they do, well they do clear dungeons, to keep them from overflowing, and they do take jobs. You would have to talk to them for more information, I've never been interested in adventure."

Robert leaned in conspiratorially. "You see, Elara is my apprentice. I'm meant to be guiding her training, but with this sudden change of scenery..." He trailed off, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "To be honest, I'm not even sure how long we'll stay. This charming town might not have much to offer someone like me." Orin's brow furrowed, his curiosity piqued. "If you don't mind my asking," he said, leaning in as well, "what is it you do?" A small smile played on Robert's lips. "I'm an enchanter," he admitted. "And not just any enchanter, mind you. I'm afraid Oakhaven might be a bit... limiting for someone of my skill level." The innkeeper's eyes widened. He shot up from his stool, a sudden burst of energy transforming his demeanor. "A high-tier enchanter!" he exclaimed, an almost reverent tone in his voice. "Oakhaven hasn't seen the likes of that in decades!" He paused, his excitement tempered by a dose of pragmatism. "While the town itself couldn't sustain a dedicated shop, we do sit on the main trade route for the kingdom. We get at least two major caravans a month during the spring and summer, and one or so throughout the rest of the year. If you could establish a connection with a trading house, you could certainly make a good living here! You might not have local clientele, but your wares would travel far and wide."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"That's certainly promising," Robert said, a hopeful glint in his eye. "And I suppose you just happen to know a trading house or two that might be interested in my work?" he added with a playful grin. "As a matter of fact," Orin replied, returning the smile, "several of the larger houses make it a point to stay at my inn when they pass through. It'll be a few months before the next caravan arrives, but that would give you ample time to get settled and build up an inventory." Robert fell into a thoughtful silence for a moment, considering the possibilities. "This all sounds quite appealing," he admitted, "but where would I set up shop? Is there a suitable storefront available? And what about training opportunities for Elara? Are there any dungeons nearby?"

Orin, ever eager to accommodate, was quick to respond. "Yes to both, and more! Several homes have recently come up for sale, one of which would be perfect for you. There's also an old shop just off the main square that's been vacant since old man Harris retired and moved to the capital. It's not particularly large, but the location is ideal. Easy to find, and with plenty of foot traffic." He winked. "Not that a skilled enchanter like yourself would need much help attracting customers, of course. Everyone needs a good enchantment now and then." "Excellent," Robert said, his interest piqued. "Who would I speak to about acquiring the shop and a home? And while we're at it, I'm always eager to learn more about my surroundings. Does Oakhaven have a library?" He paused, adding with a chuckle, "I appreciate your insights, Orin, but I imagine you have better things to do than answer my endless questions all day."

Orin's laughter boomed through the cozy inn. "For the shop and the house," he explained, wiping a tear from his eye, "you'll want to head to the town hall. And while we don't have a library in the traditional sense, there's an information broker located right next door. She'll be able to fill you in on anything and everything you need to know about Oakhaven and the surrounding area." Robert, feeling a surge of optimism, thanked Orin for the valuable information. After receiving detailed directions to both the town hall and the adventurers' guild, he decided to venture out and explore his potential new home. The town hall was his first stop. He easily obtained directions to both the vacant shop and the available house. A quick glance at each confirmed that they held promise, but he decided to wait for Elara to awaken before making any final decisions.

Next, he sought out the adventurers' guild. The building was surprisingly easy to find, its imposing facade standing out amongst the quaint storefronts. As he stepped inside, he was struck by two things: the presence of the same boisterous group of adventurers he'd seen the night before, and the sheer size of the hall itself. Despite the group's raucous laughter, the vast space felt strangely empty. Aside from them, there wasn't a soul in sight. Approaching the counter, Robert was met with the indifferent gaze of a bored-looking woman. Clearly, the excitement of managing a bustling adventurers' guild wasn't part of her job description today.