Before you is the gates to the capital, the guards checking the many people entering.

"Wow, this place is huge" Althan said as he headed towards the gate and joined the line to enter the city.

Soon enough it was yours and Amara's turn.

"Anything to declare?" the guard asked.

Althan shook his head "No, could you tell us where the Adventures guild is?"

"Follow this street to the city centre and it will be on the right," the guard said.

"Thanks" Alrhan said and headed down the street.

The guild house is a pretty impressive building. It's large, three stories high and with many intricate carvings. There is a large bulletin board outside the front doors.

Althan tried to not look like a country bumpkin as he examined the building "It's huge" he said to Amara and headedtowards the building to examine the bulletin board.

The board had several jobs listed on it, but all of them had a note that one must be a member of the guild to take them.

"Well I guess it's good to know there is plenty of work" Althan commented "Ready to head in?" He asked.

"Let's go," Amara said.

Inside the building, you see several things. There was a tavern inside, off to the right there was a counter and several people standing behind glass as a group of armoured people stood in a line in front of it.

"Let's register first" Althan suggested "Then we can relax and decide what to do next" as he headed to join the line in front of the counters.

Eventually the line clears and you're up next. A smiling young half-elf girl with blonde hair motions for you to step up.

"How can I help you?" she asked.

"Hello, myself and my friend here were looking to register" Althan said politely.

"Right, so the cost for that is five gold crowns per person," the woman said.

Althan nods and pulls out the coins from his pouch and hands them over.

The woman took the coins, pulled out some papers and began asking you and Amara some basic questions. After a few minutes, she was finished and handed both you and Amara a scroll.

"Congratulations, you are now a guild member."

"Thanks" Althan said turning to Amara "What do you want to do now?" He asked.

"I don't really know. I haven't been to the city before," Amara said.

"Guess we should see about renting rooms, food, and a job" Althan suggested "Our current funds will only go so far"

"We can take a job from the board now," Amara said.

"We can look since we are already here" Althan agreed and headed to look at the board again.

There were a few different jobs available, including a farmer looking to be escorted home to  a town not far from here that paid ten gold.

Althan picks up the escort request "This seems a good one to start" he suggested.

"Probably safe enough. It sounds like someone's overly paranoid," Amara said.

Althan examined the job request to see if it had contact details.

It said to go to the Talking Goat Inn near the west gate of the city and ask for Darvin.

Althan points out the contact details and leads the way towards the West gate.

When you arrive, you can see the Talking Goat Inn. It was a pretty plain and small building with a stable attached.

Althan heads into the Inn and approaches the Inn keeper "I'm looking for Darvin" he said.

"That's him over there," the innkeeper said, pointing at a man sitting at a table, eating some stew. He was rather unremarkable looking.

"Thanks" Althan said and headed towards the table "Darvin? We're here about your rquest" he said holding up the job sheet.

"Ya didn't have to take the paper," Darvin said. "But okay. We'll be leaving tomorrow bright and early. Shorty after sunrise."

"Ahh..." Althan shrugged "Got it, where should we meet you?"

"Back here," Darvin said. "You get me back home in one piece, I pay ya the ten gold and you get a home cooked meal from my wife."

Althan nods enthusiastically "I look forward to it, one more question if you don't mind. What trouble have you run into that makes you think you need an escort?"

"There's been rumours of a weird cult active in the area," Darvin said.

Althan thanks the man "See you tomorrow then" he said and headed outside "Guess we'd better see about renting some rooms" he suggested.

"We can get a cheap one at the guild," Amara said.

"Oh right.. forgot" Althan said a but sheepishly and headed back to the guild.

As you arrive back at the inn, one of the hosts approaches you.

"Hello, may I help you?" the lizard man in the uniform asked.

"We were looking to rent a room" Althan explained.

"Ah, given you are a member, the room is one silver scepter a night," the lizardman said.

Althan nodded his thanks and handed over 2 gold to get some rooms for a while. "That should be us set for a bit" he said to Amara.

"Good, this is going really well," Amara said.

Althan gave her a thumbs up "Of course it is, was there any doubt?"

"Maybe a tiny bit," Amara admitted.

Althan looked a bit deflated "Ouch, your words are as sharp as your blade. Come on we should eat and then probably call it a night. Big day ahead tomorrow "

"Sure, sounds good," Amara said. "What do you want to eat? They got quite the options here."

Althan laughed "You know me, I'm good as long as its got plenty of meat"

"They have this weird spice meat and noodles dish I'm going to try," Amara said.

"I'll go with the mixed meat platter" Althan said.

The two of you can find a seat in the corner of the restaurant.

"This city is huge" Althan commented over the drinks they had while they waited for the food to arrive "I mean obviously it would be but its different to see it" or remember it he thought to himself "Hard to think its the same place"

"Do you think we should look for another member or two?" Amara asked.

Althan considers that "Probably a good idea, sure there must be other newbies about"

"I guess we'll have to do it after we get back from that job," Amara said.

"This job should be easy" Althan said "So that works"

"Let's hope so," Amara said, knocking on the table.

Althan chuckled at the superstitious action "Bahamut will aid us. Don't worry about it"

"I'm glad you're so confident," Amara said.

Althan shrugged "I believe in our training and skills" he said and wolfed down another mouthful "and your luck"

"Thanks. I think," Amara said.

Althan grinned "Should we turn in? Tomorrow is probably going to be a long day"

"I suppose it is getting late," Amara said.

Althan nodded and stood up and stretched "Yeah it is"

"I guess we should check out the room and see if you're going to have to take the floor," Amara said with a grin.

Althan nodded "The things I suffer for friendship " he said in a mournful tone.

The room had two twin beds.

Althan mimed a look of relief "Well looks like I escape the floor" he said dropping his bag on one of the beds.

"You can still have it if you want," Amara said.

Althan made a show of considering that "No, I'm good thanks"

"I do need to get changed," Amara said. "Could you step out for a second?"

Althan blushed "oh right sorry" he mumbled and retreated outside.

"Done!" Amara called a few minutes after you exited, she was wearing a loose shirt and pants.

Althan node "If were going to do this long term maybe we should get two rooms" he suggested sitting on his bed.

"It's fine, I'll just need you to step out every once and a while. Or knock," Amara said.

"I guess that will work" Althan said laying back "Well let's get some sleep"

Your dreams were full of past adventures.

Althan finds himself remembering fighting one of the Demonlords generals a brutal Minotaur that wielded an Ax  that seemed bigger than most men.

The fight had been hard and at one point one of his companions had been struck hard by a blow he remembers trying to move to intercept the strike but he wasn't quick enough "NO!" he yelled and sat boltup right in a cold sweat.

As you wake up, it appears to be morning, but Amara is still asleep, sprawled out on her bed.

Althan groans and moves over to the jar of water splashing his face a few times, before heading over to Amara "Come on Ama, time to get up" he said gently shaking her.

An arm shot out, barley missing your head as she blinks awake.

"Huh? Althan? What time is it?"

Althan chuckles "Time for us to be up, so we can head out and meet our client" Althan said "I've already changed so I'll head down and get breakfast. While you get ready" he said and headed for the door.

Amara groaned as she slowly got up as you left and got yourself a table as a waitress approached.

"Two breakfasts please" Althan ordered "My friend should be down soon"

"Sure thing, brightscales," the woman said, heading for the kitchen.

"Brightscales?" Althan mutters after the waitress had left "that's a new one"

The waitress brought the food out as Amara made it down.

Althan thanked the waitress and turned to Amara "Breakfast is served" he said with a flourish.

"Good," Amara said as she sat down to eat.

"Did you sleep well?" Althan asked.

"It was fine, I guess," Amara said. "You?"

"Sure" Althan said quickly "You know me, slept like a log"

"Hmmm," Amara said as she leaned in closer, looking you up and down.

"Really honest, everything is fine with me" Althan said looking a little flustered "No strange dreams or anything here"

"Well, well, what kind of dream was it then?" Amara asked, and evil grin on her face.

Althan looked about to make sure no one was too close to hear before speaking "You're entirely too good at reading people" he muttered before explaining "This is going to sound well... weird at best" he started and then explained the memories and the dream the night before.

Amara placed her hand on your forehead.

"You don't seem to have a fever and you don't usually come up with crazy lies. Not this crazy to be certain. I guess I'll believe you."

Althan glanced around hoping no one was watching too closely "It's just weird.." he said with a sigh "But thanks for believing me. Makes it easy that I can talk to someone about this"

"I am going to call you 'Hero' now though," Amara said.

Althan groaned "You would as well"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Mon 21 Feb 2022.

"What's wrong, my hero?" Amara asked with an evil grin.

Althan put his head in his hands "Divines give me strength" he muttered and ate his breakfast.

Amara whistled innocently and then began to eat.

Althan ate his breakfast making some small talk as they did so after he finished he stood up "Ready when you are"

"Let's go!" Amara said.

You arrive to see the farmer already in his wagon, two horses in front and several barrels in the back of the wagon.

"Good Morning" Althan called as they approached "We're ready when you are"

"There's room for one in the front and one in the back," the farmer said.

Althan glanced at Amara "You can sit up front, its probably more comfortable" he said as he climbed in the back.

"Are you sure? It's fine, I can take the back," Amara said as she climbed in.

"I'm good" Althan promised as he settled down.

Soon you were off.

And you arrive back at the city's gates.

"Guess first things first we should let the Guild know about the cultists" Allthan said as they approached the gate.

"I agree," Amara said.

The two of you arrive back at the guild.

Althan heads in and makes his way to the desk "Could we speak to someone? There was an incident with one of the jobs that was posted" he started to explain "and the discovery of a cult" he decided to add.

"Oh my, this way please," the attendant said and walked around the counter and headed down the hall. Amara followed and the man leads you to a small waiting room.

"Please wait here," he said.

Althan sits takes a seat and glances about the room. "You good?" he sends telepathically to Amara.

"I'm good," Amara said. "IT's just been pretty crazy."

"Just a little" Althan replied "Not quite how I expected our first adventure together to go"

Eventually an elven woman approached the waiting room.

"Are you two the ones that reported a cult?" she asked.

"Yes" Althan said "We were fulfilling a job off the job board, but it was a trap"

"That is most unfortunate," the elven woman said. "Can you follow me to my office?"

She leads you down the hall past a couple doors before you, before leading you into a room and motions for you to take a seat.

"What job was this?"

Althan hands the posting over "Escort a farmer to his village. But when we got there we were knocked out" Althan explained and then filled in the details of what happened at the village.

"This is quite serious. For your trouble we will pay you the promised thirty gold and extend your stay in the guild rooms for free," the woman said examining the posting. "I will need to keep the posting as evidence."

Althan nods "That's fine with me" he looks over at Amara "you okay with thst?" He asked.

"Sounds fine to me," Amara said.

"Good," the elven woman said. "I have some paperwork to do and the money will be delivered to your room in a bit."

"Thank you" Althan said standing "It's been a long few days, so I think if that's all well head up to our room"

"Ah, then I'll have the money sent later so as not to disturb you," the woman said. "Thank you for reporting this."

"Just doing our bit, besides I'd hate for anyone else to get caught in that" Althan said and then headed up to the room.

"I'm going to sleep," Amara said as she flopped on the bed.

"That's fair, want me to wait outside so you can change?" Althan asks removing his armour and stretching.

"If you don't mind," Amara said.

Althan went out to the hallway and stood by the door.

After a bit.

"Done," Amara said.

Althan went back into the room and sat on his bed, leaning against the wall.

"You alright?" Amara asked.

"I'll be okay, that was all just a bit of a shock" Althan said "we were lucky"

"Yeah, maybe we should get someone else to join us," Amara said.

"That's a pretty good idea actually" Althan said"we should give it a try"

"Yeah, but for now: sleep," Amara said, rolling over.

"Right" Althan said settling down on the bed, but making sure his sword was close to hand.

You were awoken by a knocking at the door.

Althan heads to the door, and opens it slightly keeping his sword hidden.  "Yes?" He asked.

"Your money, sir," a man dressed in guild robes said, holding out a pouch.

"Ah, thank you" Althan said carefully taking the money.

"Good evening, sir," the man said with a slight bow and left.

Althan closed the door and put the coin with the rest of thier money.

Easy enough, but there wasn't a ton of that. Though you are now ten platinum richer.

Althan lays back on the bed and idly thought about how things are looking up, before trying to get to sleep.

The next thing you know, Amara is trying to gently shake you awake.

"5 more mins" Althan mumbled as he slowly woke up.

"Sorry, breakfast is ready," Amara said.

"I'm up, I'm up" Althan said groggily as he got up.

There was a table set with pancakes and fruit waiting for you.

"That looks good he said" Althan said as he sat down "did you sleep well?" He asked.

"Eh, not bad, I guess," Amara said.

Althan ate breakfast quickly "So I guess if we check the common areas of the guild it would be a start to find some more allies"

"Yeah, i guess we should ask where we do that," Amara said.

"Let's head down to the front desk" Althan suggested "They can probably tell us there"

"Hello, how can I help you today?" a young dwarven woman asked.

"Hi, we're looking to expand our party" Althan explained "Can you suggestion anywhere where we are likely to find adventures looking to team up?"

"Certainly, there's a message board to the north of the cafeteria for posting requests for party members," dwarven woman said.

"Thanks" Althan said and headed towards the message board.

It was where the woman said along with sheets of paper, a quill and ink.

"So.. ah.." Althan began hesitantly "Would you mind writing our request? Your better at words than me, and well last time I wrote something you said it looked like a drunk spider had run across the page"

"Sure thing," Amara said, slowly and carefully writing it out and posting it.

Althan examined the other notices to see what other people where looking for.

You look over several of them and the one thing in common is that people are looking for experience.

"Maybe we should take another job while we wait for replies" Althan said "Grow our experience"

"I don't know...are you sure?" Amara asked.

"We can look at least" Althan suggested.

"Alright," Amara said.

You both arrive at the board, several jobs were on the board. What are you looking for?

Althan looked at the jobs seeing if there was anything fairly simple and easy.

There was a job from a local noble about his brother who had gone missing while on a boar hunt.

"This doesn't look too bad" Althan suggested "Just search some woods for a missing noble"

"I suppose it might be fine," Amara said.

"Let's talk to the Noble at least and we can see what he says" Althan suggested "If it sounds too tough we just don't take the offer"

"It should only be a few blocks from here," Amara said, looking at the address.

"Right" replied Althan "Then lets go" he said as they walked towards the address.

After a bit of walking, you come to a massive house surrounded by a large fence.

"That looks like a Nobles house alright" Althan said gesturing to the fence and looked for the main gate.

It was easy to find.

"I'd have thought there would be guards or something" Althan said "Let's see if anyone is home then"

"Halt!" a guard said, it seemed that they were deeper in the grounds. "State your business."

"We're from the adventures guild, we came about the job posting" Althan called back.

"Very well, come inside," the guard said, opening the doors of the house.

"Thank you" Althan replied as he walked into the house.

It was pretty impressive, but a bit more barren than you'd expect. A man dressed in well tailored clothes was sitting down.

"Ah, you must be the adventurers," he said.

"That's correct. We saw your posting on the job board and we were hoping for some more details" Althan said.

"It was three days ago now. My brother had set off with some servants on a boar hunt. The servants returned the next day, saying that he disappeared while they were distracted making camp," the man said.

"Would one of the servants be able to direct us the point where they made camp" Althan asked.

"Certainly," the man said motioning for one servant who left the room and returned a minute later with a gruff looking human. "These are the adventurer's Bando, answer their questions please."

"What information ya lookin' for?" the man asked.

"Could you tell us where in the forest you camped? And when was the last time you saw the missing person?" Althan asked.

"A bit over two days ago," the gruff man said. "And it wasn't too far off the main road. About halfway into the east woods."

"Could you take us there?" Althan asked "and what do you remember leading up to the disappearance?"

"I can do that," Bando said. "And I was setting up the tents."

"What do you think?" Althan sent to Amara "It sounds like it should be simple enough?"

"It does," Amara said.

"Then we are happy to take this on" Althan said "if you can spare Bando to lead us to the camp site" Althan asked the noble.

"I certainly can," the noble said. "I want my dear brother found."

Althan nodded "Then we'll leave as soon as Bando is ready"

Bando headed off and came back in about ten minutes. He was dressed in studded leather armour, and had a spear and bow ith him.

"I'm ready."

"Then let's head out" Althan said.

With some effort, you manage to get the man into town.

"Nearly there" Althan said encouragingly as he guided the man towards his brothers house.

By the time you get him to the house, he was on his third drinking song.

Althan winced slightly at the caterwauling but approached the gate with the man in tow.

The guards clearly heard him as well and opened the gates as you arrived.

Althan nods his thanks and helps steer the man towards the main house.

"I'm goin' ta bed!" the drunk said as he headed upstairs with guards helping him.

Althan went to look for the noble and report on what they had found.

"Ah good, you found him. Twenty gold," the man said and Bando brought out a small purse.

"My thanks" Althan said "I'm glad he was okay"

"I was hoping he'd just snuck off for his foolishness again," the noble siad.

Althan nodded and made his excuses "Nobles never seem to change much" he said to Amara after they left "Should we head back to the guild?"

"Might as well, maybe we have a bite on our ad. Hopefully," Amara said.

Althan headed to the guild and checked to see if anyone had replied to thier add.

There was indeed a dwarf in armour waiting for you.

Althan walked up to the dwarf "Greetings. I'm Althan and this is Amara, you were interested in joining our party?" He asked.

"Yes, I saw your ad," the dwarf said, taking off her helmet.

"Let's get a table and we can talk" Althan suggested gesturing to a table.

You get a table and the dwarf joins you.

"I'm Yororika Leatherbow."

"Pleased to meet you Yoroika. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and why you'd like to work with us" Althan asked.

"I'll keep it short since we dwarves can ramble on about such things," Yororika said. "I'm a priestess of the Smithing god and decided I wanted to see more of the world than my ancestral home."

Althan nodded and then glanced at Amara "What do you think?" He sent to her.

"Having a priestess would be good," Amara said. "Never hurts to have more holiness."

Althan then smiled and nodded at Yororika "Thank you, then we'd be happy to have you" he said.

"Thank you," Yororika said.

"Are you staying at the guild house?" Althan asked.

"I am. One of the rooms on the fourth floor," Yororika said.

"Good to know" Althan said "We're staying here as well, I think we'll look for a job tomorrow then if you are willing?"

"That sounds fine to me," Yororika said.

"Then we shall meet you tomorrow" Althan said.

"Right. If you two needs some alone time, just let me know," Yororika said.

"What? Wait no its not like that" Althan yelped  "She's my childhood friend"

"I get it, you want to keep quiet on it. I understand completely," Yororika said before heading to her room.

Althan just looked after the dwarf for a long moment. "Right.. well I guess we can turn in and find a new job tomorrow" he suggested eventually.

Amara is blushing heavily and just nods.

Althan follows her up feeling the uncomfortable silence "You know I'm not sure how she got that idea about us..." he finally said to break the silence "I mean you are cute and all but we don't exactly act like that or anything"

Amara didn't say anything and then you arrive at the room.

"Are you okay?" Althan said giving Amara a concerned look.

"Yes, very fine," Amara said.

"Okay then" Althan replied "I'll wait out here then"

You wait outside for a few minutes before Amara gives you the signal, she's in the bed, her back turned to you.

Althan walked into the room and stopped "You sure you're okay? You're acting pretty odd" he said.

"I am," Amara said, sounding pretty bothered.

He carefully moved closer to her bed "I grew up with you remember? I'm not always the brightest spark but I can tell when you're upset" he said " so please talk to me"

"And what should I say?" Amara asked.

"You could tell me why you're upset?" Althan suggested.

"...can't...," Amara said, blushing heavily.

Althan sighed and scatched at the base of a horn "Okay, well just know what evers up, I'm here for you" He said and headed for his own bed.

"...right...," Amara said.

"Well night then" Althan as he climbed into bed.

You fall asleep, but wake up sensing someone standing above you.

"Who?" Althan rolled over to see who was the there.

It's Amara, who jumps when she sees that you're awake.

"Amara?" Althan says groggily "What's up?"

"Um, I ...uh," Amara said, before letting out a squeak and fleeing back to her bed.

Althan looked after her for a moment, and then rolled back over as sleep claimed him.

Then you were bombarded by memories again before morning came.

Althan gets up feeling a bit groggy and not sure now if what happened during the night actually happened or was just some weird thing with his memories. "Morning" he finally said as he finished dressing.

"Morning," Amara squeaked out.

Althan rubbed the side of his head "I had some weird dreams last night" he said "more memories of the past.. and some other stuff" he said glancing at Amara "Did you sleep okay?"

"Yes, very okay," Amara said.

Althan nods "That's good. You seem to be feeling better" he said.

"Right," Amara said, before sending you out of the room so she could get ready.

Althan waited in the the hallway.

Soon Amara was ready.

"Shall aw head down and see what today has in store for us?" Althan suggested.

"Yep," Amara said.

When you get down, you see your new dwarf companion waiting for you.

"Good morning, how are you today?" Althan asked "we were going to get breakfast and then check the job board if you'd like to join us?"

"Certainly, we are a party now," Yororika said.

Althan found a table and ordered some breakfast.

The two ladies joined you and soon food was had.

"Have you been working with the guild for long?" Althan asked Yoroika as they ate.

"No, I'm pretty new at this," Yororika said.

Althan nods "Guess we'll be learning as a team then" he said. "Shall we check the job board?"

"Ah. Want to start quickly, eh?" Yororika asked.

Althan nodded "I prefer action to think8ng too m7ch about a problem " he said

There were several jobs on the board. The current best paying one was a call for guards for a caravan.

Althan examined the various jobs and did indicated the caravan guard one. "This looks reasonable I think?" he suggested "With the three of us at least"

"It does pay more than the other jobs," Amara said.

Althan checked the job listing for the contact details.

The contact was Xerman at the Merchant's Guild.

"Looks like we need to talk to Xerman at the merchants guild" Althan said.

It was easy enough to find, it was two buildings down from the Adventurer's guild and quite lavish. The sun gleaming off of the marble hurts your eyes.

"That seems a bit... extravagant " Althan muttered to the others as they head towards the guildhouse.

As soon as you step in, a well dressed human man looks at you, perhaps with some scorn.

"Can I help you?"

Althan sighed and remained himself to be polite "We're here about the job posting with the Adventures Guild, we would like to talk to Xerman about it" he said.

"We told him to sto...right this way," the man said, leading you deeper into a small office. "he's in here."

Althan nodded his thanks and knocked before entering the office.

Inside is a tall and well-dressed overweight man.

"Ah, you must be the adventurers!"

"That's right" Althan said "We were hoping you could explain abit more about the job, and what issues you've had in the past on your caravan runs"

"Well, I am running a caravan from the capital here to the southern city of Gidbad," the merchant said. "It's a tad long of a journey and I am concerned about bandits."

Althan nods "Hence your request, have previous caravans on the route been attacked? And would you require guards on the way back?" He asked.

"Bandits are always a concern, my boy," the merchant said. "And yes, both ways will be required. I do pay well."

"Then we'd be happy to help" Althan said offering his hand.

The man grins wide and takes your hand.

"Be ready to go tomorrow."

Althan nodded "Shall we meet you back here?" He asked.

"Be at the south gate by seven," the man said.

"We will be there " Althan said giving a nod "until tomorrow then"

"See you then," the man said with a jolly laugh.

"So does anyone have any preparation they want to do?" Althan asked.

"I'm good," Yororika said.

"I have somethings to do, see you later," Amara said and hurried off.

Althan sighed as Amara bolted "Sorry about that" he said "Amara has been acting a bit werid.." he said in a slightly puzzled tone and then sighed again.

"I don't know if it's my place to say anything," Yororika said.

Althan considered for a moment then shook hishead "I think it's something we to sort ourselves" he said.

"But if I were to offer one piece of advice: stop being so unobservant!" Yororika said.

Althan scratched at a horn "Okay.. I'll keep your advice in mind"

"Good! I suppose we should spend some time relaxing as we won't get a chance to for a while," Yororika said.

"Sure" Althan said "Have you been in the city long? Amara and me only arrived recently "

"I haven't been here long, no," Yororika said.

"In which case why don't we look around and see what we can find?" Althan suggested.

"Anything in particular you're looking for?" Yororika asked.

"Not really, just see a bit of what the city has to offer" Althan said "maybe find some good taverns or something?"

"I got you covered," Yororika said, leading you away a few blocks to a tavern called 'The Stone'.

althan follows Yororika into the tavern.

A cheer went up when Yororika went in, that quieted down when you did as well.

"Come on, don't be like that," Yororika said to the other dwarves. A mild cheer went up for you.

Althan looked a little embarrassed as he followed Yororika to a table.

"It's an authentic (as it can be on the surface), dwarven tavern," Yororika said.

"Ah" he said remembering visiting a dwarf city in his past life and the raucous party celebrating something "Some ale then?" He suggested.

"Sure, just don't have too much. It's strong stuff, for a surface dweller," Yororika said.

"I'll keep that in mind" Althan said grinning and ordered some ale for them both. "I guess from the welcome you come here often? " He asked as they waited for the drinks.

"Maybe a couple of times. It's more of that most of the people are from my clan," Yororika said.

"I guess that helps" Althan said "Does your clan here specialise in anything in particular? "

"Brewing and mushrooms, mostly," Yororika said.

"Mushrooms? Do you brew those as well?" Althan asked.

"Brew with mushrooms? There's a few that do. It's a real controversial thing," Yororika said.

"Oh.. well I won't mention that again then" Althain replied "so is there anything you think we need for our next job? "

"I wouldn't mind a few barrels of ale...," Yororika said.

Althan laughed lightly "It is a trade caravan, hopefully they have that covered"

"Sure, but it's probably not proper dwarven ale," Yororika said and sighed.

Allthan took a sip of the beer that had been delivered and winced slightly as it burned its way down his throat "I see the difference "

"Ah, well, I've survived this long," Yororika said.

"At least you are not telling me that dwarfs can live on dwarven ale alone" Althan said smiling at a memory "I remember Dwaden Ironborn used to boast about that nearly everytime we stopped to have a drink"

"Ironborn, huh?" Yororika said. "How did you know him?"

"Well I met him..." Althan said and trailed off "Ahh.. when he visited my village one time"

"Ah, he was a great dwarven hero. He will be missed," Yororika said.

"He will be" Althan said lapsing into silence for a moment "I think I should probably go look Amara" he said finally.

"Good luck" Yororika said.

Althan nodded and headed into the city, pausing for a moment before heading towards the trade district.

It was easy to find, it was near the market and had several large warehouses.

Althan began to look around for Amara.

You see her speaking with what appears to be a silk market stall.

Althan heads towards Amara "Hey are you okay?" he asks as he approaches.

Amara let out a scream and jumped. The man talking to her burst out laughing.

"Woah, sorry its just me. Didn't think that would scare you" Althan said stepping back slighty "Was just a bit worried about you"

"Yeah, I'm fine!" Amara said.

Althan looked at her closely "Well again Sorry. Didn't think a greeting would spook you so much" he glanced at the stall to see what Amara was buying as he spoke.

It appeared to be some lacy sleepwear.

Althan reddened and looked away "Anyway, like I said was just worried about you since you ran off like that..." he said desperately trying to find a safe subject.

"Well, here I am," Amara said, awkwardly.

"Right...well. I'm just going to look over here wolf you make your purchases" Althan said and moved to a nearby stall.

You're standing there for what feels like five minutes before you hear a gruff male voice.

"You are a fool," it said.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:03, Mon 30 May 2022.

"Erm..what?" Althan said turning to the voice.

"She is clearly in love with you," the merchant said.

Althan reddened at that "ahh.. I did think maybe that was the case. But shes been angry with me recently "he replied awkwardly "I'm trying to fix that"

"Stop being so foolish then," the merchant said. "Go to her!"

Althan nods and looks for Amara again.

You find her again outside of the inn.

Althan heads over to here "Look ah... can we find somewhere and talk please? " He said awkwardly.

"Ugh, sure? What did you have in mind?" Amara asked.

"Somewhere you're going to be comfortable" Althan said "maybe our room?" He suggested hesitantly.

"Sure," Amara said and you arrive back.

Althan took a seat and sighed "You know I'm not exactly great at this. You've always been the smart one" he said slowly "You're important to me you know that right? I wouldn't have wanted to do this journey without you here with me"

"What are you saying, exactly?" Amara asked.

Althan reddened noticeably "That I wasn't being entirely truthful when I said to Yoroika that I don't see that way.." he said and put his face in his hands "I..like you" he said in a voice barely above a whisper.

Amara also turned red and several squeaks came out of her mouth.

Althan looks up at her over his hands at Amara "Sorry if that was a bit sudden.. But I wanted you to know"

You can almost see the steam rising off of Amara's head as she fell back into her bed.

Althan looked a bit worried "Ah.. are you okay?" he asked sounding worried.

"It's all a bit much," Amara said.

Althan nods in understanding "I suppose the only question is.. do you feel the same way?"

"Yes," Amara said.

Althan was sure his face was so red, people would think he'd be breathing fire "in glad to hear that" he managed to get out.

"What do we do now?" Amara asked.

Althan looked flustered  "I ahhh.. don't know. I guess we can try a date after this job is done? If you want to that is"

"I do!" Amara said before clearing her throat. "I do."

Althan feels a smile on his face "That's good, I look forward to it"

"Right," Amara said back, smiling.

"Did you get everything you wanted for the trip?" Althan asked "We can go shopping if there is anything else you need?"

"No, I'm good," Amara said.

"Ah that's good" Alrhan said "I guess we should get something to eat and then have an early night? Going to be a tiring trip"

"That sounds good," Amara said.

"Then let's get food" Althan said as he headed for the door.

Amara followed you.

Althan led the way down and got a table for them.

A waitress came over.

"What can I get for you two?"

Althan looks at the menu "I'll have the lamb"

"I'll get the stew," Amara said.

Althan nodded "Let's hope this job goes as well as our last, at least it won't be a trap this time" he said.

"I don't think many more could be like that," Amara said.

"Probably true, but we are at 50/50 good to bad at the moment " Althan said jokingly.

"Not a bad record," Amara said.

Althan just nods "Well we shall see I guess" he said as food arrived.

"Have you seen our new priest friend?" Amara asked.

Althan paused before answering "last I saw her she was visiting a dwarf Inn"

"Ah," Amara said. "I guess that'd not surprising."

"Perhaps buying a cask or two of dwarves ale" Althan suggested "do you think we need to say anything to her? " He asked.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:34, Tue 07 June 2022.

"Why? Don't dwarves need it to survive?" Amara asked.

Althan chuckled "Well some claim they can live off ale alone" he said "I remember some of the parties when I.. the hero visited one of the clan holds. But I was meaning about us?"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:33, Tue 07 June 2022.

"Oh, I feel stupid," Amara said. "We probably should."

"Was my fault" Althan said "yeah, there's got to be trust between party members, besides she had worked it out before we did"

"Eh? Really?" Amara said.

"Seemed it" Althan said and then shrugged "but then I'm not hard to read"

"You're not that easy to read," Amara said.

"Thanks I think" Althan said "are you almost done with your meal? "

"Yes, I'm done," Amara said.

"Then let's head up" Althan said as he finished the last of his meal.

"Sure," Amara said, following you upstairs.

"I'll let you go ahead and get changed" Althan said standing by the door.

As you step out of the room, you see Yororika enter the inn.

"Yoroika" Althan said politely "Already for tomorrow?"

"I am. Always nice to meet with some folks from back home," Yororika said.