The next morning, everyone agreed to meet at the gate after making their final stops within the city. Deventh was the first to arrive, soon followed by Anna and Jessa, who were talking amongst each other as they approached.
“I didn’t expect my first two days to be so eventful,” Jessa said. “It’s strange to think that we’re leaving with more questions than answers.”
“Sometimes that’s the way it is,” Anna said. “We still have much more to do, but for now I’m ready to get out of the city. The Brass Tusk is practically a cottage in the woods compared to all the noise here.”
“Have you seen Tatsidi?” Jessa asked Deventh. He shook his head, his pensive eyes following a crowd as it proceeded down the road that lay crosswise, a closely packed herd dotted with frolicsome children.
“Not since he went ahead of us, but I can guess where he went instead.” One particular hooded child stood out from the rest, followed by a taller hooded figure. The child approached and placed her hands on her hips before speaking out to the three guild members.
“I’m joining your club, ya fools,” the child said as she removed her hood, revealing the fiery red locks and angular face of a grown woman. “You should all be thankful, I don’t offer my skills to just any ol’ guild!” Anna rolled her eyes at the impertinent Lydie.
“Only the guilds that are willing to pay the fiery haired girl,” the other hooded figure, who turned out to be Tatsidi, chuckled as he approached and stood behind Lydie. “As long as there are no problems with this?”
“You are welcome to undergo our application process,” said Anna, her piercing gaze fixed on Lydie. “After that incident with the troll, you’ll need to prove you can follow orders, at least when I’m screaming them hard enough for my head to pop.” Although her demeanor was stern, Deventh and Tatsidi could tell she was impressed with the young woman. Even Anna would think twice about pouncing on the back of a raging troll, but Lydie had done so without hesitation.
“Aye, aye, I’ll play by your rules. It would be a smart move for both of ya’s if ya let me in, though. ’Specially if you’ve got Tatsidi with ya. We’re only half as good without each other.” She nodded approvingly at her own assessment.
Tatsidi rested his eyes upon the royal blue jewelry box which Deventh held in full view. Upon seeing its full glory as it glistened in the morning sun, he whipped his tail about in delight.
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“Is that our reward?”
“Not quite,” Deventh said, “They’re letting us keep it while we continue investigating. Turns out most of the jewels aside from that one particular necklace might have been fakes.”
The Apo’na’s ears drooped slightly as Deventh delivered the disappointing news. “A reward fit for a king. I shall never go hungry again.”
Anna chuckled, drawing his attention with a jingling sound.
“We may not be rich yet, but they were kind enough to spare a little something for all of our trouble so far.” She tossed a small bag of coins to the Apo’na and received a toothy grin of gratitude as he caught it.
After watching the exchange, Lydie raised her eyebrows in confusion and looked behind herself as if something were missing.
“Oi, could fookin’ swear she was right behind us.”
“Who?” asked Anna, raising a brow. She shielded her eyes as she looked out to the street, just in time to witness a buxom figure in a short black cloak breaking away from the crowd.
“I can’t believe you were all going to leave without saying goodbye,” Velaiah said with a dramatized flair as she approached the group. “I almost thought you were trying to ditch your lovely friend here. She’s great company.” It took Lydie a moment to realize Velaiah was referring to her, but as soon as she did, she crossed her arms in front of her chest and gave a firm nod, grinning smugly.
“Are you joining us as well?” Anna asked Velaiah, who shook her head.
“No, I’m waiting at the gate for Cylla so she doesn’t faint when she sees the state of the hostel. It’s a bit early. but I figured it was worth waiting around if it means I have the opportunity to express my gratitude to the lot of you.” Her lips twisted as she tried to suppress a smile. Deventh, silent and withdrawn, drew her attention, evoking her gaze for a moment before she continued. “Tatsidi told me everything. Ashamed as I am to have ever been involved with Aurelio, I’m glad it wasn’t my fate to follow whatever trouble he decides to stir up forever.”
“Never met the bloody bastard, but if he comes back to pester ya we’ll rough him up,” Lydie reassured her. “Now, we gettin’ outta this town or what?”
“Yes, let’s move on. I’m hoping to at least have some time to relax before we get back to business,” Anna said. She gave a nod to Velaiah and said, “It’s been a pleasure, Velaiah. I hope you find some time to rest as well.” Velaiah nodded and replied in kind before Anna turned and began walking away. Jessa and Tatsidi both gave their farewells and joined Anna, following close behind.
“Thanks for keeping an eye on me,” Lydie said to Velaiah. “If you need anything, love, just give me a whistle, aye?”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Take care, Lydie.” Velaiah answered.
Lydie gave her a vigorous wave and ran to catch up with the others.
“Oi, wait for me, ya bastards! My legs ain’t as long as yours!” She yelled as she stumbled over her own feet. Before long, the four were on their way back, but Deventh had yet to move from his spot. He turned to face Velaiah and stared into her brilliant pink eyes.
They were silent for a moment. Words unspoken were passed between their gaze, filling the space between them.
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Velaiah.”
“You as well, Deventh. Please, do take care.”
“You as well.”