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Blue had been traveling all day when he reached a cozy town called Aberford. The sun was setting, so the roads were emptying, but there was still quite an unnatural amount of commotion taking place. Whispering could be heard between person-and-person, many people going inside and shutting the door behind them firmly and locking themselves in.Blue, uncaring, walks down the street, not sparing a glance to anyone.A young woman, who is walking up the doorstep to a house and holding her child's hand, calls out to him.“Sir! Excuse me, sir, would you like to stay the night tonight? You shouldn't be out… Th-there's been a murder..."“That will not be a problem.”Blue continues walking, done speaking.He then stops, looking back at her with a deadpan face. “Where?”She shakily points to a house a few buildings down the street. "The one with the messy yard... I would avoid walking by it..." She ushers her child inside, stepping one foot inside herself.Blue nods. “Understood.” He begins walking to the house.People continue to run around the street in a hurry, one man running up behind Blue and accidentally bumping into his shoulder.Blue looks at the man, doing his best to remember his face."Sorry!" He calls out, running into the house next door to the woman's and closing it quickly.Blue remembers the man, as well as where he went. He sees the warned-about house from afar, the door opening and a few men walking out of it. They're carrying spears. He then begins walking towards it.As Blue walks towards it, he sees that the men that exited out of the house left the door wide open. The men walk to the east, further into town as if they were on a mission.Immediately upon entering, out of the corner of his eye to his right he sees a gruesome sight.A deep pool of crimson stains the rug and colors the area around it as what looked like a human woman lays dead on the floor. Her abdomen is completely bloodied and mangled, the clothes she was wearing soaked in blood. Her neck also seemed to be gushing, but she is no longer bleeding. All that was inside her is now on the hardwood floor. A completely drenched kitchen knife lays haphazardly beside her.Blue approaches the scene with a straight face, leaning down to inspect the marks and cuts on her body.He then looks at the kitchen knife, squinting.The blade and hilt are both drowned in blood, obviously being used to stab her in the stomach and neck.Blue shakes his head at the knife as if it's a child before turning away, intent to leave. He walks out of the house, looking up and down the street.As he walks, he doesn't see anything, but he hears something quietly coming from on his left… a muffled, sparse cry followed by some sniffling down a thin and dark alleyway.Blue approaches the crying, walking towards the alley.A figure in the alley shifts quickly, moving out from where she was sitting behind a trash can and grabbing a metal pipe beside her. She holds out the metal towards Blue, shaking.It's clear that she was a tiefling; her skin was light red, pink even, her large horns that were scarred at the bottom curling upward despite her attempts keeping low. She is drenched in blood, from her hands to her face. The girl looks up at Blue with utter hysteria, her right eye the only one harboring a white pupil.She doesn't dare speak a word.Blue stares at her, unfazed. "Who are you?"She continues to shake, her voice barely audible. She seems to have lost her mind."Please don't kill me...""I probably won't."Blue continues, deadpan. "Do you know anything about the murder that just happened?"The tiefling's eyes wander as she disassociates. "It just happened....""Do you?"Her breaths become heavier. "I swear..."“M-Mom…”Blue pauses for a second. “Was that person your mother?"Her labored breathing picks up. She nods, still staring off into no particular direction."Who killed her? Was it a goblin?”She shakes her head almost unnoticeably."How do you know?"She gasps for air, choking on her own tears as she begins to cry.Blue moves a bit close, but no sign of empathy is present. "Did you see? Or did you kill her?"She barely has any room for words between her cries and desperate attempt for air, but she manages to form one word."Killed.....""What?""I...."She can barely breathe. She drops the pipe she was holding, bending over as she cries."Kill... me..."Blue unsheathes two shortswords. "Have you done something to deserve it?"She doesn't say anything; her crying continues.Blue stares at her. "Have you?""M-murder...""So you did murder her?"She nods, her head lowered so much her face wasn't visible."What does that have to do with me?"She shakes her head, unable to speak.Blue sheathes his swords. "What did she do to deserve it?""T-tried to k-kill me.....""Oh." Blue walks towards her. "That makes sense. You left a weapon.”She looks up when Blue approaches her, shrinking into herself.Her expression shows fear, her face messy from crying. "I... don't care..."Blue squints slightly. "You may get caught. The law doesn't like killing. You also left a body.""Doesn't matter… Th-they know it's me…”"Did you not kill the witnesses?""There were none....""Well? What are you going to do then?""I... can't stay here… but I can't get out..."“Why not?”“Th-they'll see me.”"Do you need help escaping town?"She looks up at Blue, a bit puzzled. "Wh-what does this have to do with you...?""Nothing. That is why you will owe me."She looks out towards the exit of the alleyway for a moment as if she was disassociating again… then, she speaks. "Alright...""Are you uninjured?"She nods slowly, rising to her feet.Blue nods in return, taking off his backpack and pulling out a canteen and a cloak. "Wash yourself off with the water in this, then put the cloak on."She obliges, rinsing her blood-stained hands off and splashing a bit on her face. She then puts on the cloak. "What about my horns?""Do they come off? Or retract?”She looks at him confusedly. "No...?""What if we cut them off?"Her face becomes despondent. "That's already been attempted.""And it failed?"She nods uncomfortably.“I see.” Blue stares at her for a few seconds, deadpan.She leans away from him. "What?""I am thinking." He continues to stare at her.She looks from him to the ground, letting him think."Hm." Blue squints slightly, causing around 10 gallons of water to fall on her, drenching her completely.She flinches as she is caught by surprise, coughing into her now wet sleeve. “What…!”Voices can be heard from outside.Blue's appearance then changes into that of a certain man that bumped into him. "I will attract their attention. While I do so, you escape the city. If you have time, leave scratches on the trees you pass. I will find you afterwards."Her expression is utterly worried and confused, but she nods anyway."Good. Do not leave without finding me again. If you do, I will never forget it." The girl gives him another nod. With that, Blue turns, running out of the alley as he pulls out both shortswords. He then shouts in a deadpan voice."I AM THE ONE WHO KILLED THE MOTHER. YOU WILL NOT CATCH ME." He then begins running towards the man's house. Everyone around looks at Blue with horror, including a man with a spear. He points at the disguised Blue. “Catch him!"The tiefling girl peeks out of the alleyway, grabbing the cloak and lifting it a bit over her to hide the back of her horns slightly. She begins to run in the other direction of Blue in the attempt to reach the end of town.Blue, reaching the man's house, jumps through his window. He lands in an empty bedroom, able to hear screams consisting of the words "human" and "demon" coming from outside."I AM IN HERE." Blue removes disguise self, running hurriedly through the house looking for the back door.The man that bumped into Blue earlier sees him run through his living room and kitchen. He speaks, terrified. "Wh-what are you doing here!?"Blue ignores him. He quickly finds the back door, exiting the house.He hears muffled yelling from inside."You killed her?""I didn't! I swear!""But you just said..."Blue walks away through the street, heading for the exit of the town casually as he casts disguise self again, this time appearing as a wood elf with the same features as his genasi self. As he does so, the slightest hint of a smile appears on his deadpan face.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The tiefling girl runs out of the town and into the forest, heaving for breath as she stops at a place that she feels is faraway enough. Clutching her chest, she lowers to the ground as tears spill out of her eyes.

Meanwhile, Blue exits the town leisurely, and begins looking for scratches on trees.

Minimal scratches can be seen on trees here and there, some barely visible and clearly quickly made. Blue follows them, hearing crying once he reaches a certain point in the woods.

The red-haired stranger faces away from him as she sobs, not realizing he was there.

Blue speaks nonchalantly. "You listened."

She sniffs before speaking in a strained voice. "What do you mean?..."

He moves closer to her, looking down at her lowered figure. "You did not betray me. You did as I asked, and marked the trees."

"Why would I not?...."

"Because. You owe me."

She turns around to feebly look up at him. “What do you want?"

Blue stares at her, unbothered. "I am looking for a goblin. You are going to help me find him."

"Th-that's it?"

"It will not be easy. He is quite possibly the hardest goblin to find."

She looks forward. "I'll help you."

Blue nods. "I know."

He stares for a second. "Do you have a weapon?"

She shakes her head.

"Do you know how to fight?"

She nods slightly.

"What weapon do you prefer?"

"S-something longer... like a sword...."

Blue stares for a moment more, before pulling out a dagger. "For now, use this. Do not lose it, or else."

She nods again, reaching up and grabbing it with a shaky hand. She stares at it.

"Do not even think of stabbing me with it." Blue glares ever so slightly at her. The tiefling simply nods her head wordlessly in response.

His face loosens, back to his emotionless visage. "Good. If you stab me with it, I will kill you."

"O-okay..."

Blue nods. "Are you ready to move out?"
She weakly rises to her feet. "Mhm..."
"Then let us go." Blue begins walking away from the town.

The girl follows behind him. After a few seconds of walking, Blue turns to look at her. "Do not walk behind me. I am not stupid. Come up here, walk beside me."

She walks up, moving to his side. Her grip on the dagger tightens as she brings it out in front of her again, eyes fixated on it. She begins to slow down, not keeping up with Blue.

Blue turns around, staring at her. “What?”

She points the dagger towards her chest.

Blue hurriedly reaches, grabbing the dagger along with her hand. He glares at her. "What are you doing?"

She attempts to pull her hand back upon Blue grabbing it, but he successfully restrains her. Avoiding his eyes, she keeps her mouth shut.

Blue holds the dagger firmly, glaring at her. “What do you think you're doing?”

She speaks quietly. "Let me do it."

“You did not answer the question.”

She still avoids his gaze, shaking her head lightly and staying silent.

Blue continues to stare with a slightly mean look in his eyes, unmoving.

Her hand moves back and drops to her side as she releases the weapon, leaving it in Blue's hand. She lets out a shaky exhale.

Blue puts the dagger in his bag, his face returning to neutral. “Were you planning to kill yourself?”

The girl nods guiltily.

“Do it

after

you’ve repaid your debt.”

She nods one more time, tears visibly pricking at her eyes.

Blue stares at her for a second. “We are going to be on my mission until it is complete. Once it is done, you will be free. Until then, you are going to help me. Killing yourself is useless. You will be free one day.”

She looks up at him. "How so?..."
“When we find the goblin, I will not hold you.”"What happens after that?"
“Whatever you want.”

She shakes her head. "That's not realistic..."

“Why not?”

“Believing that someone like me can do whatever and be treated like a real person is just as unreasonable as expecting a halfling to be 6 feet tall.”

“Why?”

Her face falls. “Because I'm a tiefling..."

“Why does that matter?”

"Because look at me..."

"What... because you're pink?"

She looks at Blue with confusion. “And because of my horns, and my eyes, and my teeth...."

“What about them?”

"People don't like it… Th-they call me a demon because of it..."

“Are you not one?”

"I... I don't want to be..."

Blue’s face freezes in place, staring at Maki for a few seconds. “What’s a demon?”

She looks at him weird, tilting her head. "You don't know what demons are?"

Blue stares at her with his unwavering expression, blank.

She thinks for a moment. "So y-you don't mind the way I look?..."

Blue furrows his brows ever so slightly. “You didn’t answer the question again.”

"I- I know, I just don't know how to describe them..."

Blue stares at her.

She looks up at him. "Could you stop staring at me like that?..."

Blue responds in a flat tone. “I’m thinking.”

"About....?"

“What is wrong with you.”

Her expression becomes sad. "You don't have to think too hard… I was just born this way.”

“Born wanting to kill yourself? That makes no sense.” Blue’s eyes sharpen a bit, his tone fluctuating slightly more than usual. “All living things wish to survive.”

She looks down. "I gave up a long time ago."

“That is stupid. If you had given up, you would not have killed your mother. You want to live. Do not lie to me. I will not put my guard down.”

She stares in thought.

Blue stares back, straight faced.

She stays silent for a bit longer before speaking. "I didn't kill her because I wanted to live."

“That does not change the fact that you want to live. You also ran away from the town, and asked me to save you.”

She takes a deep breath. “Okay.”

Blue squints ever so slightly. “You will walk beside me. I will give you the dagger back. Do not try any more tricks like that… they will not work.”

She nods, looking a bit bothered by his attitude.

Blue hands her the dagger. “Let’s move, Pink.”

She takes it. "I have a name."

Blue gives her a look of confusion. “Then... is it Red?"

Her brows furrow. "It's Maki.”

"What color is that?"

"It isn't one."

Blue stares blankly for a few seconds. "Are you lying?"

Maki shakes her head. "Why would I lie?"

"I don't know."
"I'm not lying. What's your name?”
“Blue.”

Her eyes narrow. "You're messing with me."

"Why would I lie?"

“How did I not guess?”

"I am wondering the same thing."

"Did you come up with it on your own?”

"No. Green gave it to me."

Maki makes a face, but nods anyway. Her expression turns sad.

"Why are you sad?"
“It's complicated.”
“Then explain.”

She sighs. "No one gave me my name."

"I see." Blue stares.

She leans away from him. "You're doing it again."

"Do you want someone to give you a name?"

"I guess...?"

“Then Pink.”

A hint of a smile makes its way onto her face. "I'll stick to the one I picked out. Thanks though."

"A shame." Blue turns to start walking, and Maki follows beside him.

After a short while, Blue speaks, staring forward. "The goblin we are looking for is named Green. He is an assassin."

"An assassin?.... Why are we looking for him?..."

“To kill him.”

Maki swallows. "What for?..."

“He owes me.”

“How so?”

Still walking forward, Blue speaks with a slight fluctuation in his voice as he smiles slightly. "Before he left me, he drugged me, impaled my calves with these shortswords, and bound my hands. Even left a note, taunting me to try and survive when I was pinned to the ground with them."

Maki becomes alarmed. "Wh-why did he do that to you....?"

Blue smiles a little more. "Because I stole a slice of meat from him."

"... That's it?"

Blue looks at her with a questioning expression. “Yes. Is that a problem?"

"Well... if anything, he shouldn't have done that to you for doing something that small...."
Blue shakes his head. "You don’t understand. I stole from him. Even if I was 8, that is no excuse."
"Did you have a reason to?"

"Yes. I was a little hungry, and wanted some of his."

"You shouldn't have been attacked for doing something like that, though. Seems... extreme to me."

Blue shakes his head. "It wasn't just that. When I was 8, Green and I had just finished our latest hunt: a single deer. As we sat around our campfire, I finished my meal before his, and stared at his food. Then, while he was off using the bathroom, I reached over and grabbed a small slice of venison, about the size of my finger. I thought I had gotten away with it, but..." Blue smirks. “Green knew. When he returned, he asked if I had stolen from him. Feeling guilty, I admitted to it, and he said he didn't mind. The rest of the night went on as normal, and I fell asleep with a full stomach. Then, in the middle of the night, I woke up to a knife to my throat. My hands were bound by a piece of twine so tightly that I had lost feeling in the tips of my fingers, and I was forced to kneel as he stood on my calves, pinning them to the ground. Green then whispered to me about the truth of the world, and told me that if I ever stole from him again then I would die. I tried to respond, but a soaked cloth was gagging me. After lecturing me, he hit me in the side of the head with his blackjack, knocking me out instantly. The next morning, we both pretended that it never happened."

Maki looks at him with an uncomfortable face during his story. She stays silent for a few seconds before speaking.

"Don't worry... we'll find him."

Blue nods. "Do not worry, I am no fool. 2 years later, on my tenth birthday, I poisoned his food when he wasn't looking. Then, after he passed out, I broke both his legs."

"Wow..."

"A month later he broke both my arms." Blue smiles a bit brightly. "We went on with that for a while, but he ran after having the last laugh. I won't let him. I haven't seen him more proud since the first time I got my revenge, but I am sure that his smiling corpse will beat that."
Maki looks at him indescribably… "Is this some kind of game to you?"
Blue shakes his head. "No. I have a score to settle."

She thinks, moving her eyes back forward.

Blue does the same, his smile fading. "That is who we are looking for. I have tried a few towns, but none of them have had statues of him."

“Statues?”

Blue nods. "Yes, Green said that countless towns have made statues of him in his honor. One even touches the clouds."

"Are you sure he was telling you the truth?"

Blue looks at Maki. "He also said that if someone calls him a liar, then I should punch them in the face."

Her reflexes cause her to shrink back slightly. "You better not."

"Will you take back what you said?"

"I didn't call him a liar. I just asked a question..."

"And that is why I haven't punched you."

She remains on-edge. "If you punch me, I

will

punch you back."

"I expect that."

"I wouldn't do it, then."

Blue smiles slightly. "It might be fun."

Maki holds up the dagger he gave her, brow furrowing. "That's a low chance."

Blue's smile fades. "Fine."

…

"... Thank you."

"For?"

"Backing off."

Blue shakes his head. "If you say so."

Maki and Blue continue to walk alongside each other, the dagger now lowered again. As the hours passed, the sun began to set, leaving the two of them traveling as it grew darker.

Blue speaks. “We will keep moving tomorrow. We will get to a town soon. There, we will restock. For now, I have rations. I will give you one share.”

Her eyes widen, immediately perking up. "You're giving me food?"

“Yes. Do not steal it.”

"I won't.”

“Good.” Blue sits on the ground, taking out his backpack and pulling out two small bags containing dried meat and berries, as well as a bit of bread. Maki’s mouth waters upon catching sight of the food, immediately taking her bag and digging in. Blue eats patiently as he sits.

Maki finishes all her food quickly before Blue has the opportunity to finish his. Maki makes sure that there's not a single crumb left in the bag. She looks at him, her appetite held over. "Thank you."

Blue puts his bread down, looking to Maki. “Can you answer a question for me?”

"What is it?"

“Green said that I would make all the women run away. Are you not a girl?”

Maki looks at him oddly. "I am."

“Then why haven’t you run away? I was very surprised that you actually waited for me.” After finishing in his usual flat tone, he looks at Maki with a straight face, entirely serious.

"I mean, like you said, I owe you..."

“I see.” Blue nods. “That makes sense.”

"Thanks for helping me get out of there. They... they would have killed me."

“You do not need to thank me. Just help me find Green, and your debt shall be repaid. Then, you will be free.” She nods to him. “Then, we shall sleep.”

Maki lays on the ground.

“What are you doing?”

"Going to sleep....?"

“We are in the midst of a forest. Do you expect to sleep peacefully while exposed to the dangers of nature?”

"I... I don't know.... I've never been out here before."

Blue reaches down to the ground, grabbing some leaves and mud. He moves to the laying Maki. “Stay still.”

She doesn't move, but she looks at him apprehensively. "What are you doing?"

“Camouflaging you.” He bends over beside her, carrying leaves and dirt.

Maki watches him as she continues to lay down, unresisting.

Using mud, leaves, and dirt, Blue works to busily cover Maki in grime. “I have not done this for someone else before.”
"This is done often?”“Every night.”
Maki looks down at where Blue was working, the mud and leaves coating her pink skin.

Eventually, pink can only be seen peeking through leaves and mud, covering Maki like a blanket. “That will do.”

She nods. “Thanks."

“Of course.” With that, Blue moves a bit away and begins covering himself as well. Maki stares at the grime covering her arms, noting how uncomfortable it was, but accepting it.

After a bit, Blue lays down, covered a bit more thoroughly. “Like this, neither of us needs to keep watch. It covers both our scent and appearance.”

She nods slowly. "What are we hiding from?"

“Bears, beasts, and other such creatures.”

"Do those live around here?"

“Maybe, but wolves most certainly do.”

“Okay…”

Blue nods before laying down, facing Maki. “Goodnight.”

It takes a moment for her to respond.

"... Goodnight.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Blue awakens early, sitting up immediately and grabbing his weapon quickly.…With no danger around, Blue relaxes. He ignores the pile of leaves that moves slightly up and down in a steady motion, choosing to let Maki sleep. Leaving, he goes a bit into the forest to collect materials for a fire.A few minutes pass, the pile of leaves beginning to stir more as Maki turns in her sleep, her breaths getting quicker before she jolts awake. Sitting up quickly and looking around, she realizes it was just a nightmare... she also notices Blue is nowhere to be found. Standing, she calls out for him. "Blue...? Are you there?..."Blue approaches carrying sticks and foliage. “I am.” He places them on the ground.Maki looks confusedly to the forest floor. "What's all that for?"Blue looks at her. “A fire…” He backs up from where he placed all the leaves, standing a good distance away. “Can you come here?”"Uh, yeah...." She walks up to him. "Why?"He stares at her. “Closer.”Maki gives him a confused look, then moves closer.“Closer.”She finally moves up right in front of Blue, clearly hesitant.Blue clears his throat… then, a ball of water drops, soaking both of them entirely while also somewhat cleaning their clothes and skin.Maki lets out a surprised yelp, flinching underneath the falling water.Blue walks past her, moving back to the kindling. “Do you have some manner of spell to light this?”Maki lets out an annoyed breath as she turns around to look at him. "No, I don't. And can you please stop doing that without warning me?"Blue looks back to her. “Okay. I’ll keep that in mind.” He takes out some matches and begins stoking a fire.Maki's expression softens. She moves up behind him. "What do we need a fire for?"He looks at her. “Don’t you want to dry off?”She adverts her eyes. "Uh, yes, I do..." Maki sits by the fire.He looks to the fire again, but speaks plainly. “Do you hate me?”Maki looks directly at him. "No? There's no reason to. You don't hate me... right?"Blue continues to look into the fire. “No. I don’t.”Maki breathes a small sigh of relief, looking into the fire as well.“… Are you sure?” Blue asks."I'm sure... you saved my life yesterday."“… I also made you follow me.”"I mean, I have nowhere else to go."“…”Blue stokes the fire. Maki watches the flames eat up the wood and leaves as she curls up into herself.“… What do you want to do?”"I want to get somewhere safe, but... I don't know if there's a place like that for me.”“… You just want safety?” He looks at her with a blank face."Well… not exactly..."“Then what else?“She takes a deep breath, still staring at the fire. "... I want revenge against everyone who treated me horribly just because of the way I was born... I want those kinds of people gone."Blue stares at her blankly. The tiefling’s jaw visibly clenches, her gaze at the fire becoming angrier. Tears begin to well in her eyes.Blue looks at the fire as well. “… That’s what you want, then?”Maki simply nods.“… I can relate to that. I really can…”Her eyes move to him, a bit wide. "You can? How?"Blue stays silent for a moment. “… I feel… something similar. It was how I was taught.”Maki nods, her eyes dropping once again. Blue stares, thinking. A few long moments of this pass as the fire crackles without a word from either of them. Blue then hears Maki speak almost inaudibly."... I think she deserved it."Blue shifts his gaze to her. “You do?”Avoiding his eyes, she nods slightly.“What happened?”Maki swallows, staying as stiff as a board. She keeps her eyes forward. "I k-killed her because she a-almost killed me. Came into the living room with a kitchen knife. Tried to stab me with it. I took it, and... stabbed her instead... Once I started, I c-couldn't stop..."“Was she always like that?”She nods. "Always."“Then I agree.” Blue looks into the fire. “She definitely deserved it.”Maki pauses. "Some days were worse than others... but most of the time I spent locked up in my room, and she'd pretend I wasn't even there. Would yell at me sometimes. Often she'd beat me, though. Every now and then it'd get really bad, like yesterday... I don't know what overcame me... I guess I just had enough."“I’m surprised you didn’t do it earlier.”Her expression falls. "I... didn't want to actually become the monster that everyone said I was. I guess that they were right."Blue looks at her, deadpan as always. “Are you stupid?”She meets his stare, her brows furrowing. Her expression is irritated, but her eyes are sad. She doesn't say anything.“How does defending yourself make you a monster? It’s common sense to fight back. You endured it for a very long time. You fighting back was strength.”"She would always tell me that my kind could only hurt people, and constantly threatened to kill me if I hurt her back. I never wanted to kill her... I didn't mean to, it just happened... I thought I would be able to hold out until I became old enough for her to kick me out of the house, like she told me she would, but... I couldn't."“If she kicked you out, would you have come back for revenge?”"I don't know... I might've…” She takes a shaky breath as she looks directly at the fire. ".... I don't know."“I think you did the right thing, Maki. You broke free from your shackles. She got what she deserved. People like her do nothing for this world, and will hurt you at every corner. They are better dead.”She looks at Blue, her dejected expression fading. "You really think so?"“I know so.”“…” Blue continues to stare at her.She speaks quietly. "So does it make me a monster?"“... No. No it does not. I am certain you are not a monster.”"....." A tear falls down her face. "... Thank you..."Blue nods slightly at her. He pauses before speaking a bit quietly. “… Do you think Green would lie to me?”Maki looks up at him. ".... About what?"“… Anything.”"... It wouldn't surprise me..."Blue looks away from her, back to the fire. “… Would you lie to me?”“No…”Blue looks back at her, his blank face slightly creased in thought.Her expression matches his. "What is it?"“I have a question.”Maki tilts her head at him.“Have you ever had…” Blue hesitates ever so slightly. “… a friend?”"A friend?...." She stares back a moment before her eyes become wet again, looking down to avoid Blue noticing. "No..."Blue looks to the fire as well.“... Have you?”Blue pauses. “…… Green explained them to me. He said they are for the weak. And untrustworthy. … I think he may have been lying.”"Friends sound... nice... I don't think it makes you weak... if anything, it'd make you stronger, having someone beside you like that… I don't know.”“I’m… interested.”Maki looks up to him. "You want to be... friends?..."“...” He looks to her. “Do you?”Maki nods.Blue stares at her, his expression softening ever so slightly. “Then… we can be friends, Maki. I think…. I want that.”She lets out a shaky breath, smiling back at him. She nods quicker this time.Blue just barely moves his mouth enough to form a small smile in return."So... what now?"“... Are you dry yet?”"Dry enough..." She looks down at her tattered old dress.“Do you want… new clothes? Armor?”"That would be great, but... I don't have any gold."“I have… some. We may need to find some manner of work.”Maki nods. She moves her hands to fiddle on the loose stitching. "Anything would be better than this..."“Then let’s go to the nearest town and get you something.”She becomes apprehensive. "Go? In public?"“Yes… or, would you rather not…?”"I mean... I want to get something else to wear for now, but I don't want to get attacked."“You won’t. If you do, we will fight back.”"Would we be able to take on that many people?"“I doubt that many people will care.”"What do you mean? If they're going to see me..."“I have seen one or two of your kind before. They were not attacked on sight.”She looks surprised. "Really?....."“Yes.”"... That's not what I heard would happen..."“Were you lied to?”Her face falls. "My mom told me I would get killed if I went outside..."“You haven’t been killed yet, so I’d say she lied.” She looks at him sadly, nodding slightly. “That’s a good thing, Maki.”She nods again at him, a bit more confidently.“Do you want to get moving?”"Yeah, let's go..." They both stand, significantly more dry after sitting by the fire. "Which direction is the next town?"Blue begins walking in a seemingly random direction. “This way.”Maki makes a confused face, unsure how he came to that conclusion... yet she follows him, catching up from behind him and walking by his side.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Blue and Maki continue walking until eventually they see a large clearing in the bush. Through it, a large field is visible, with the center of it being populated by the largest city walls either of them have seen.Maki squints. "Is that supposed to be the town?"“Yes.” Blue continues to walk towards it.Her voice is filled with awe. "It's huge.” “It is.”"... Are you sure I'll be okay if everyone sees me?""Yes. I am. We can get you a hood later, if you want.""Would it even fit over my horns?""We can make it work.""If you say so...""Are you ready to enter?""Yeah. Let's go."Maki and Blue make their way to the gate. The tiefling makes sure she has her dagger at the ready, hidden yet accessible just in case.Eventually, the two arrive at the gate, where two guards stand wearing the insignia of a gauntlet. “Halt. State your name and business.”"Uh... I'm named Maki, and I need new clothes?”"Blue. Looking for someone."The guards look at the two before nodding. "You may enter. Welcome to Hammershard."Maki looks to Blue, a bit confused before they move to enter through the gate.The city opens up before them… and it is just as impressive on the inside. The streets are busy, the houses are mostly large, and markets shout out advertisements to lure in customers to their stalls.Maki immediately becomes overwhelmed by all the bustle and noise, never having experienced something like this before... but she can't help but take in all the sights.Blue stays near Maki, keeping his eyes forward. “Do you wish to find an inn or clothes first?”"Some clothes."Blue nods in return, looking for a general store. Maki moves her attention to the lines of shops along the street that sell a variety of things. She glances at a few people along the road, making brief eye contact with some and looking away quickly.Blue eventually sees a store with a sign that says “Jack’s Adventurer’s Supply.” He begins walking in that direction. Maki follows, and the two of them enter the fairly large shop. It’s empty for the time being, except for the store clerk… a large, well-built man with a horrible scar down his eye. He greets the two as they enter with his gruff voice. “Welcome, welcome. What are ya buyin'?”Her eyes scan his wares before she looks at him uncomfortably. "Uh, do you have any clothes?... for travel."The man nods at her. “Yes, I do. You looking for armor as well?“"Y-yes, but I... uh.. how much is it?"“Basic clothing won’t cost ya more than a gold… leather armor would be about 10.”Maki's face drops. "That sounds great, but I don't have any money..."Blue speaks up. “I have 12 gold. Would I be able to get a weapon as well?”Maki looks at him, the gesture catching her off-guard.The man raises an eyebrow. “What weapon?”Blue looks to Maki. She looks from him back to the shopkeeper, making a stabbing motion with her hand. "Something longer? Like a sword?"“Longsword or greatsword?”“Uh… what's the difference?”"A longsword has length, while a greatsword has weight. Think of it like big versus bigger.”"... I think I'll go with a longsword, then."Blue hands the man the gold, prompting him to enter the backroom of his shop, leaving the two alone.Maki looks at Blue awkwardly for a moment, before remembering her manners. “Oh, um, thank you. For the stuff."Blue nods in return. "You are welcome."She scans the store. "This place is really big... looks like they have everything here."“They likely do not.”"I've never seen this much stuff, though. Never been in a store before."“I have. This one is rather large in comparison.” Maki nods in response.The man returns, carrying a set of commoners clothes, some leather armor, and a longsword. He places them on a counter. “Here you are.”Maki picks them up, inspecting the longsword. She stays silent for a second or two as if she was occupied, then snaps out of it. "Thanks."The man nods once more. “Anything else?”“This is all.”"Then thank you for coming, feel free to come back."Blue nods, looking to Maki. "Where next?""Uh, I don't know... where can we go next?""Do you want to go to the adventurer's guild to start making money?"Her head tilts. "What's that?""A place where we can take jobs to earn money."“We should do that.”"Then are we going that way?""Yeah..." They make her way out of the store. "Do you know where it is?"He shakes his head. "No, but it should not be hard to miss."The two of them begin walking along the streets once again. "And you think they'd give someone like me a job?""Yes. I do. I believe I saw one who looked like you working in a nearby town."Her eyes become wide. “Really? … Wow…”Blue nods. “Also, I am sorry. I am not good at speaking.”"Me neither, I haven't really talked to people before..."“I will try to be better.”“Me too.”After some walking, they eventually see a building with a sign containing an emblem of crossed swords hanging outside. Blue points to it. “Do you think this is it?”"It could be... do we just walk in?"“I believe so.”Maki nods, the two of them entering through the door.It looks like a tavern… except, instead of a bar, there are 4 reception areas, 2 of which are busy. The room is populated by parties of adventurers, each sitting at their own table. Many races are here, but no tieflings… There are a few genasi, however.Maki scans the area, never having seen anything like this before... she sees a variety of people chatting up the place, as well as the people talking at the desks. She points to the reception area. “We go there?"“I believe so. Lead the way, you are better at this.”“I am?”“Yes.”"Okay..." Maki leads them to the first unoccupied spot, approaching the receptionist's desk awkwardly.A blonde girl with a kind face smiles at her. "Hello! Can I help you?""Uh, yes... we want a job to do," Maki says, pointing her finger between Blue and herself.The girl nods. "Then, you two are looking to register as adventurers?"Maki nods. "Yes."The receptionist places two sheets on the counter. "These are your applications... can you read and write?"Maki nods again, taking the application. Blue takes his, as well as two writing utensils before they walk to a table and sit. They both scan over their applications… the page consists of a request for basic info, as well as combat skills, abilities, and talents.She looks up at Blue. "Do you have something to write with?""Yes." He hands her a quill as he begins to write."Thanks..." Maki looks back down at the application.
Name:
She begins to write.
Name: Maki Lynchfield
…..
Name: Maki Lynchfield

Age:
She was turning 18 sometime this month... she wasn't sure what day it was, they all blurred together… She just assumed she'd go with that.
Age: 18
Blue writes quickly with surprisingly majestic pen strokes.
Name: Blue

Age: 19

Race:
Blue looks to Maki. "What is my race?"Maki looks up at him, tilting her head. "I don't know?""Then I will leave it blank."Maki nods and goes back to her application.
Race:
Maki thinks for a moment before speaking to Blue again. "Should I put my race down?"“Yes. Why not?”"Because I'm a tiefling?""They didn't care at the desk, did they? It is obvious that you are a tiefling. There is no harm in writing it down."Maki slowly looks back down at her paper without a word, hesitating but writing it down anyways.
Race: Tiefling
Blue continues writing, not minding the empty section for race.
Sex: Male

Weapon Preference: Shortsword, bow, crossbow

Armor Preference: Anything light

Abilities: Some magic, create water

Talents: Killing
Maki continues to make her way down the page.
Sex: Female

Weapon Preference: Longsword

Armor Preference: Something very protective

Abilities: Fighting, magic/healing

Talents:
... Maki's brow furrows in thought. "Blue, what do I put for talents?"“Talents?”"But what do I put?"“I put killing. I do not know what your talents are.”Maki pauses, looking back down. She stares before she writes once again.
Talents: Scaring people
After some time, Blue speaks. “Are you finished?”"Yeah... what do we do with it?"“I think we bring it back.”"That makes sense..." Maki stands from the table, walking back to the receptionist's desk alongside Blue. She holds her paper out to the woman. "Do you take these back?""Yes! Please wait a short while for us to process it."“Process it?”"Yes! In order to get you your licenses, we first have to verify your info. Afterwards, you will have to take a test to confirm what you put on your application.""O-oh... okay. Thanks.""Please have a seat until then... shouldn't take long!"Maki nods, and they move to the same table the both of them sat at beforehand. Upon sitting down, they can overhear chatting without context from the table beside them…"Stop harping on me about it! It worked!" A male half-orc with a large axe is the biggest at the table, and easily the loudest.A halfling stands on her chair, leaning over the table. A shield with a holy symbol is propped up against her seat beside her. "You literally almost lost an eye trying to do that.""Keyword almost. But hey, I won the bet, so Eldyth has to buy me a drink like he said he would."An amused elf dressed in wizard robes stays leaned back in his chair, rolling his eyes.Maki watches the scene with no subtlety, the young half-orc noticing the pink tiefling staring at them."Like what you see?"Maki snaps out of it, unsure of what to say. He speaks again, voice tinged with curiosity. "Can you even see with eyes like those?"The halfling is unable to reach him yet reprimands him by banging the table to get his attention. "Karozak, shut up." "What? It's a genuine question!"Maki looks at the two. "Uh... I can?"The half-orc nods. "Cool."The halfling stands up and turns around on her seat, looking between Blue and Maki. "Sorry about him," she whispers. "So... who are you guys? Haven't seen y'all in here before."Blue looks at them, emotionless as always. "Blue.""Maki."The halfling nods. "Nice to meet y'all. I'm Hasera, this is Karozak, and this is Eldyth." Karozak perks up upon hearing his name, waving to Blue and Maki, whereas Eldyth waves absentmindedly without looking up from his spellbook. "We've been adventuring for about... 8 months now? I think?""We are looking to start.""Ahhh, gotcha.” She leans her arm on the back of her chair. “Are y'all new to Hammershard?""We are. We just arrived.""Gotcha. It's a big town, plenty to explore. Check it out when you can.""Thank you for the advice."She gives a thumbs up. "Of course."Behind Hasera, Karozak slowly leans to the side, trying to peek in the wizard's book. "... How about now?"Eldyth quickly closes his book, causing a magical gust to blow on Karozak's face. The elf glares for a moment as Hasera whips around. "You better act right!"The half-orc holds his hands up. "I'm just asking for my prize! I won it fair and square!"The wizard shakes his head with a small smile, reaching into his coin purse and pulling out five copper pieces. Karozak takes it gladly.Maki looks at the elf. "Are you a wizard?" He nods once. "Wow..."The elf sets down his book, gesturing to get Hasera's attention before he signs something to her. Hasera looks at Maki and Blue. "What do the two of you specialize in?""Killing.""Uh... scaring people." "Ha! Y'all sound like him," Hasera says as she gestures to Karozak. He gives them a wink, and the elf cracks another smile. The halfling leans towards Blue and Maki, putting a hand up to her mouth even though she speaks loud enough for everyone to hear. "Just don't be like him and almost lose an eye and you'll be fine.""Hey! I'm perfectly fine! Besides, you'd be able to heal me up afterwards.""I can't heal an eye if it's missing!" Maki looks at Hasera. "You're a healer?"The halfling decides not to argue any further, Karozak crossing his arms in his seat. "Might as well be... but I'm actually a cleric. I serve Lathander, are you familiar with him?" She looks between Maki and Blue expectantly.“No.”“No…”"The Morninglord?"Maki shakes her head. "I haven't heard of him.""Ah, okay... well, if you guys want to learn about him, I'd be happy to talk about it-"Karozak groans. “Not this again."She whips her head around. "Can you stop that?"“I understand,” Blue says.Maki speaks up. “That's okay... uh, I worship Ilmater, if that means anything."Hasera turns back around. "Ahh, okay... I'm sort of familiar with him. Just basic knowledge, though."“…” Blue stares at the group blankly.The halfling looks at him. "Who do you worship?"“Green.”Maki gives him a slightly weird look, whereas the stranger looks to be in thought. "Huh... that's weird, I haven't heard of them...""Looks like you don't know everything," Karozak snickers. She shoots him a quick glare.The receptionist from before walks towards the duo’s table, smiling as always. “Maki? Blue? If you will please follow me, we will begin testing.”"It was nice meeting y'all," Hasera says, waving to the both of them. Kazorak and Eldyth also give a wave, and Maki returns the gesture as she stands. Blue nods in their direction, leaving his seat as well. The receptionist turns, leading them to a door beside the reception area. The two follow her until eventually they arrive at some manner of enclosed forest… a 100 foot open-roofed room filled with trees and shrubbery, minus the very center, leaving a 40 ft. circle of field rather than forest. Maki looks around in awe.The receptionist leads them to the center area where a man stands waiting for them. He is a rather tall human with massively broad shoulders. His outfit shows a lot of skin, especially his tree-trunk arms and toned abs. A silver battle axe sits on his back, ready to be drawn at a moment's notice. His rough features squint upon seeing the two before he speaks in a harsh tone. “Are you two looking to be adventurers?”They both nod, and Blue speaks in his normal monotone voice. “Yes.”The man nods slowly, still squinting. "Think ya got what it takes, then?"Maki tilts her head. "What does it take?”“Grit, wit, and a few other things."She gives a nod. “I think so.”"Then..." The man takes the axe off his back, holding it at the ready while pointing at Maki. "You first. Show me what you got.""Can I put on my armor first?"“Go ahead.”Maki sets down her longsword and separate pair of clothes to the side to put on her armor. She picks her weapon back up, readying it in her hands. "Okay. I'm ready."“Then… hit me.”Maki hesitates for a moment before holding out her longsword in one hand, visibly struggling with her swing. He blocks the weak attack with ease."Seriously? How are you going to hurt me like that?"Maki brings her sword back, holding it in both hands to attack once more. The swing, albeit a bit better, was still easily blocked."Your stance isn't... terrible... I guess. But you're wide open." The man, still hanging onto his axe, kicks her swiftly in the gut.Maki stumbles backwards a bit, able to keep her feet underneath her as she tightens her grip on her weapon. She swings the other way, yet the man still parries the attack.“Hm. Better. Try again.”She swings again. He blocks it."Your form really isn't so bad... could use some work, but you do know how to use that thing... you're simply too weak, all there is to it. Heck, you even look kinda malnourished... get some meat on those bones and maybe you'll be able to land a hit."Maki stands still and avoids his eyes, not saying anything."One more shot. Go."She slowly brings up her weapon one last time, hers colliding with his.The man backs up after the weapons collide. He nods. "Alright. That's enough... Now, your application mentioned magic and healing. Show me."Her expression still somber, Maki brings a hand to her side where the man had kicked her, completely healing her bruise."Good... and magic?"Maki casts Thaumaturgy, creating small tremors in the ground beneath them."Alright, that's enough. I'd say you've passed the minimum requirement."Maki turns around, clearly downcast. She looks at Blue. He looks back at her. “You passed.”Maki nods, moving back beside Blue. The man speaks. "Ok, next." Blue walks forward. “First off, you didn't indicate a race on your application. Why?""I don't know it.""You are a water genasi, no?""I don't know.""Then we'll put you down as that, as you definitely seem like one."“Okay.”"Alright. You said you're good at killing." The man readies himself. “Show me."Blue draws his shortswords, moving forward and swinging vertically with one of his swords. The man blocks it with his axe, but the other shortsword swings in the opposite direction, forcing the man to jump back. Blue doesn't let up, jumping forward at that moment with one final slash with the sword that was at first blocked, cutting the man's arm with a small gash. The man speaks as his axe begins to move. "Good, but you're over-committing!"He swings his axe at the arm that Blue just used to attack, an arm too close for Blue to retract in time as he hurriedly attempts to dodge, causing a massive gash to appear in Blue's arm.Blue, his face still calm, backpedals while keeping his eyes on his opponent, ready to strike again if need be. The man exits his battle stance."Very good. I'd say you pass that section... Now, you wrote that you could create water and do some magic. Let me see."Blue nods, exiting his stance as he looks to his wound. He squints, causing a large ball of water to fall on the cut, cleaning the wound with a torrent of water. He then touches his own arm, a healing light enveloping it and diminishing the cut, leaving his clothing still torn.The man nods again, satisfied. "Alright. That's enough. You both pass, F rank. Although that may be a bit low, I gotta feeling you both need the experience."Maki nods solemnly, not speaking at all. Blue nods as well.The receptionist speaks up. "If you will please follow me, we will get you your adventurer cards."Maki glances at the man one last time before following the lady, and the two of them return to the desk with the receptionist as the lady hands them each a card. It contains a basic physical description, an insignia of two swords crossed, and the information they put on their application. At the bottom, in rather large lettering, the letter F is present."These are your adventuring licenses! They allow you to take quests from the quest board over in the corner of the room. You may take quests of lower, equal, or one rank higher difficulty based on your current rank. Complete enough quests and you will increase in rank! These also serve as identification for most purposes, and getting one reissued is expensive, so take care of it!"Maki studies her card, not looking up. "Thanks."Blue takes his as well, staring at it."When you're ready to take a quest, just remove it from the quest board and return here when you are finished!"Maki nods, continuing to study her card for a moment before looking back up. "Are we done?"“Yes! You’re all set! Congratulations!”"... Thanks."The lady goes back to her desk work, and Blue looks to Maki. "Let's look at the quest board."She nods, moving with him to go take a look.Blue looks at the quest board, seeing a quest regarding an underground cave that needs clearing… "How does this one look?"Maki reads the information posted on the board: it was a rank higher than their assigned rank, but it sounded easy enough... The pay was what really sold it, though.Her eyes go wide. “100 gold each?" “I think so.”"That's-...! That's so much money!"“It is?”"I think it is?""Then, do you wish to do it?" Maki nods quickly. Blue nods in return, taking the quest notice. "It has directions... do you want to depart now?""I don't see why not."“Then let us go.”The two of them walk out of the adventurer's guild, Maki leaning over to look at the paper. "Where do we go?"“North.”“How far is it?”“About half a day's walk or so.”"Wouldn't it be dark by the time we get there, then?"“Is it that late?”"I don't know... what time is it?"“I don't know.”Maki continues to walk, looking in front of her as her eyes wander around the town. "It still seems pretty early, I guess...""Would you want to try, or wait till tomorrow?""Uh... I think we might should wait. Find a safe place to stay."“Like?”"A back alley where no one would see us... or back out in the woods."“Which do you prefer? If we go out in the woods, we will be close to where we need to go."She nods. “The woods would be better, then.""Then, shall we head out?"“Let's go.”The two begin exiting the village and walking towards their destination. They continue for a good while before eventually coming to a cozy spot in the forest, prompting Blue to stop walking. “Here look good for the night?”"Seems fine to me. You're the expert."“Then, here. Do you want a fire?”"Maybe later, if it gets colder. I'm okay right now."Blue nods, taking a seat in the dirt. Maki mirrors him, sitting down. She looks at him in thought.He looks in return. “Yes?”"Back there when we were talking with those people... why did you say you worship Green? Didn't he hurt you?”“He did. It was an effective way of teaching me my place, as well as the way of the world.”Her brow furrows. "What do you mean...?"“He hurt me because I wronged him. That is how the world works… cause and effect.”“Ah… I see…” She nods slowly. "I can understand that."“Yes.”…“... I think that everyone should reap what they sow. And if you don't make any effort in sowing good seeds, you shouldn't be able to reap anything good.""What if you sow good seed, and still reap trouble?"She looks forward. "Trouble might come, but good will follow eventually. Endurance is key.""You think so?"“I do.”“Hmm…”She looks back at Blue. "What?""It's... I don't know."Maki stares at him sadly."Why are you looking at me like that?""... I don't know...""I don't know either." He looks away."..."Maki breaks her gaze away from him, looking down. “..... It might just seem like wishful thinking... probably because it is.... but it's also what my religion teaches.""Your religion?"She nods. "It's.... the real reason why I didn't leave home before.""What is it?""I worship Ilmater, who calls for perseverance through suffering and for people to take upon others' burdens for themselves... I only know the basics, because I had to read the things that I could get my hands on in my room..." Her voice grows a bit quiet. "But he helped me..."“How?”"He says that good things come to those who wait... and his teachings helped me endure through everything that happened at home."“…” Blue continues to stare.Maki makes a face. “What?"“Green stated that all gods are evil.”"That's.... not true."“It isn’t, is it?”…Maki stares at Blue in silence.“… So Ilmater is good, then.”Maki nods.“… so Green did lie.”She nods again, this time avoiding his gaze.“Hm.” He continues to look at her."... I'm sorry he lied to you."“I am a fool for believing he would be truthful.”“No, you're not a fool… I don't think it would have been wise for you to assume he was lying to you."“I had wronged him. Of course he would lie to me. To believe otherwise would be foolish. I am a fool.”Her face scrunches up in thought as she looks down.…..Silence permeates the air for a few moments before Maki speaks in a voice that is barely audible. "Same with my mom..."“She also lied. However, you are not a fool.”"Then how are you?"“Because I was not abused like you.”"What difference does that make?" She looks up at him, her eyes a bit sad but her expression genuine.“You were a victim. You had no choice but to believe.”"... I still don't think you're a fool."“Why not?”"You must have believed him for a reason."“... Maybe.”"..... Trusting someone who lied to you doesn't mean you're foolish. It means they are."“… I guess.”Maki becomes quiet again, looking away from him towards the ground.“… We should get some sleep. I have some thinking to do.”"... Okay." Maki begins to lay down before she looks at Blue. "Do we need to cover up?"“I will take care of it. Go ahead and lay down.” She nods, situating herself on the ground. Blue begins to work, covering both himself and Maki with leaves and foliage. “Comfortable?”“It's fine.”Blue nods, moving to lay down himself.She closes her eyes, trying to catch some rest. Blue silently does the same.Maki opens her eyes slightly to look at him once more before she closes them, soon falling asleep.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Blue’s eyes shoot open, his breath quickly moving in and out of his nose as his mouth stays clamped shut. The leaves covering him fall to the ground as he quickly sits up, looking around in alarm as the morning sun stings his eyes. He notices Maki on the ground in the same place she fell asleep. She remains covered, though her pink skin and horns compromise her.

Blue's breathing slows down as he stares at Maki's somewhat humorous position. After a few seconds, he stands, walking over to her and shaking her lightly. "Pink. It's time to wake up."

Maki jolts awake, a few leaves falling off her. Her eyes snap towards Blue, relaxing slightly as she sits up all the way and rubs her eyes.

"How did you sleep?"

"Like normal. What about you?"

"Same." Blue looks north. "Are you ready to move?"

Maki nods, standing up and brushing off her camouflage.

“Okay. Let's move." Blue turns to the north, moving in that direction unceremoniously. Maki follows him, trusting in his internal compass.

The two of them begin walking, nothing but the sounds of nature filling the silence. It doesn't take long until it's interrupted by the sound of Maki's stomach growling.

Blue looks to her. "Do you want to eat?"

"Do you have extra food...?"

"I can hunt for something."

"Why would you do that?"

"So we can eat."

"If you're hungry, then do it."

"What do you want?"

Maki gives him a weird look. "... Food...?"

"I mean what specifically."

"Oh. ...Anything."

"Anything?" Blue stops, looking to Maki and continuing to speak in a monotone voice. "I can hunt rather well. You can be more specific."

"Why are you asking me? Do you not have a preference?"

"No. Catching anything would simply lack challenge."

"Okay then.... what is there to hunt around here?"

Blue stares for a moment before speaking. "I don't know."

Maki avoids his eyes. "Um... how about rabbits?"
A very, very slight smile appears on Blue's face. "Nothing harder?"
Maki looks back at him, noticing his expression and widening her eyes a bit. "I mean... you can pick something else."

"Then, I will." Blue stretches slightly. "I will be back."

"Wait... are you not going to tell me what you're picking?"

“We’ll see.”

".... Can I watch?"

Blue, already half turned to leave, freezes. After a second or two, he turns to look at Maki. "Yes."

Maki nods a bit awkwardly, beginning to walk behind him.

Blue begins to speak, not facing her. "Do you know how to hunt?"

"I've never done it before."

"Would you want to learn?"

She raises her eyebrows. "You would teach me?"

"If you want to learn."

"I can try. I most likely won't be good at it, though."

“It’s not hard.”

"How do you do it?"

Blue doesn't answer for a few moments. "Patience and power."

"That sounds simple."
"That depends on both your patience, and your power."
"How often do you practice?"
"Almost always. I'm hunting Green right now."Maki silently nods.
After a bit more walking, eventually Blue slows down, looking at the ground. "Do you see that?"

Maki slows down with him, looking down and seeing tracks that resemble hooves. "What could have made those?"

Blue stops, leaning down and putting a finger on his lips to quiet her down. His voice is quiet, yet as monotone as ever. "It's close... walk quietly." Blue stays crouched to the ground, moving forward.

Maki remains still for a moment before she crouches low just like Blue, following behind him with the intent of being stealthy. The two make their way quietly through the forest, until eventually, over the bushes, a giant elk can be seen. It's absolutely massive, with both Maki and Blue being a bit shorter than the shoulders of the beast. Maki gawks at the animal, never having seen one before.

Blue squints, crouching on one knee as he slowly takes the longbow from his back. The elk continues to graze, unaware of their presence.

She watches Blue do this, looking between him and the animal with hitched breath.

Blue looks at Maki, mouthing a few words.

Her eyebrows crease in confusion, mouthing

“what?”

Blue tries again. The puzzled look on Maki’s face furthers as she shakes her head, communicating that she couldn't understand.

Blue looks back to the elk, knocking an arrow and pulling it back slowly.

Maki watches Blue intently.

Blue takes a deep breath, the arrow stretching the quiver to its ends as he squints slightly… then, he fires!

An arrow flies silently through the air, finding itself lodged into the elk’s neck in no time. As Maki watches the elk recoil, another arrow fires from Blue before she even notices he knocked another arrow. It strikes the side of the animal, almost going all the way through. The elk roars in pain and surprise before turning to the two, determined to fight for its life.

Maki jumps up and moves herself in front of Blue, unsheathing her sword and holding it out in front of her to prepare to attack. As she does so, another arrow flies over her shoulder, hitting the elk in its shoulder as it charges. As soon as it's in range, Maki swings, slicing the elk's throat.

The elk’s body goes limp mid-charge, sending it hurling forward towards the two. Maki swiftly dodges out of the way, struggling to hold up her sword in the process. Blue rolls dexterously out of the way as the elk collapses right where he once stood. He then walks back to the elk, looking to Maki.

“We need to get you a ranged weapon.”

"I don't know how to use any."

Blue removes a knife from his pocket, moving to skin the beast. “Then you will practice one.” Maki moves to look over Blue's shoulder. As Blue works, he continues to speak. “Do you have a preference?”

“No. I've never used a ranged weapon before. ... Well, other than knives."

“I see… then we will try daggers.”

"My aim isn't that good."

“That is why you practice.”

Maki nods.
After a while, the elk is skinned, and meat is ready to be cooked. Blue looks at Maki. “Start a fire while I finish here.”
"Okay." Maki gathers a few small branches and foliage into a pile before she takes two sticks and creates a spark with them. Soon, a small fire is burning and slowly growing. Blue takes some meat, bringing it to the flame and beginning to cook.

Maki stares at the food as Blue prepares it.

After some time, the food is complete, with plenty for both of them. He removes a plate from his bag, putting all the cooked meat upon it, and places it between them. He then takes a piece of venison, eating it silently. Maki grabs a big piece, immediately starting to devour it. After she's done with that one, she takes another, then another; soon enough, she gets her fill with plenty left on the plate. Blue eats his fill as well, although it is a much more modest sum. He looks at the giant elk pelt.

Maki looks at it as well. "What do we do with the rest of it?"

“I don’t know. Can you sell it?”

"Who would want to buy it?"

“I thought you might know.”

"Why would I know?"

“You’re more familiar with…” Blue stares at the pelt for a second. “Money.” It’s unclear if he is uncertain of his phrasing or his point.

Maki shakes her head. "Not really..."

"Then we will take it just in case."

Maki nods, looking from Blue back down to the plate of food.

“Ready?”
“Mhm.”
Blue nods, packing up the pelt and picking up the plate, leaving the meat on the ground before looking to Maki. "Let's go."

Maki stays sitting, looking at the extra meat he’s left. "Wait, you're just leaving food here?"
Blue nods, cleaning the plate with some water. "Yes. What we cannot eat, nature will reclaim."
"As long as it's not wasted..." Maki stands. "There's so much, I suppose it would spoil before we could eat it all."

"True." Blue begins walking north, and Maki follows beside him.

After a decent trek, eventually the two find themselves near the cave mentioned in their quest. Although the cave itself is still a distance away, Blue stops, looking ahead as he crouches slightly in a bush. He points to the cave. “There.”

Maki squints, looking at it. "How do you know?"

Blue looks to Maki. “We’ve traveled the distance mentioned in the request. Caves are not that common.”

Maki nods slowly. "Okay... do we just go inside?"

“No. We investigate the area to find out what could be inside.”

"Could there be monsters? Or people?"

"Either."

"Okay then..." Maki draws her sword.

Blue grabs both of his shortswords, looking for tracks before quickly dismissing the notion and walking towards the mouth of the cave. "Be on guard."

"Alright..." She grips her longsword tighter, holding it out in front of her a bit and following him from behind.

The two enter the cave, not entirely sure what awaits them inside. Their darkvision aids them through the cavernous halls without the need of a torch.

As their delving continues, eventually the faint sound of skittering can be heard echoing through the cave.

Maki slows down a bit upon hearing the noise, but continues forward with her sword held outward. Blue does the same, his eyes darting between the walls and the ceiling.

The sound of skittering gets louder as the two approach, until eventually another sound can be heard.

A young-sounding voice bounces off the walls. "HEELP! Pleaseee!"

Maki freezes in place.

Blue looks at Maki. "It seems there are people."

"We need to help her!"

Blue stares at her for a second, wordless. He then speaks. "Be careful. It could be bandits."

"Even if that's true, she sounds like she's in danger—"

"HEEEEELLLLPP!!"

"Just be careful. Okay?"

Maki nods, and she picks up the pace to take the lead. Blue follows, staying low to the ground.

Eventually, the two come to a larger room covered in egg sacs and webbing. Several animals and silk cocoons hang from the ceiling, some of which are about the size of a human. Two cocoons in particular catch Blue and Maki's eyes, as one has the head of a goblin sticking out of it, and the other is swinging slightly as the captive struggles to free themself.

The sight is quickly interrupted by two spiders the size of wheelbarrows crawling down from the ceiling, hissing at the two intruders.

The goblin's eyes light up upon seeing Blue and Maki. "PEOPLE!! Please, rid them!"

Maki looks from the goblin back to the spider, her expression clearly showing fear. She steps up to it, swinging her sword at it as if she was shooing it away. The sword doesn't quite reach the spider, whirring right in front of it. Maki is scared to close the distance.

Blue runs forward as Maki engages, swinging at the other spider. The first strike lands, but meets a fleshy resistance when attempting to pull his shortsword out. With a bit of swift effort, the weapon breaks free, yet costs Blue much of his momentum.

The spider the Maki attempted to strike lurches forward, yet strikes nothing but armor.

The captured goblin wriggles in her webs, attempting to break free but to no avail. The other cocoon continues to flail fruitlessly.

The other spider bites onto Blue before he can dodge, yet only scrapes him slightly, failing to inject any poison.

Maki attempts to strike the same spider again, this time with a bit more confidence. She makes contact this time, slashing the monstrous spider.

Blue does the same to the spider in front of him, even managing to chop off a limb.

The spider that was hit by Maki shrieks upon being hit, biting in return. Although it once again strikes her armor, the crushing force of the bite crunches her arm for some significant damage.

The now seven-legged spider lunges at Blue with ferocity, biting deeply into the water Genasi's shoulder and injecting a good chunk of poison. Blue manages to push the spider off before the point of no return comes, yet stands unsteadily after the exchange.

Maki swings her longsword again despite her crushed arm, yet she misses the spider.

Blue attempts a swing, but his abrupt movement allows the poison coursing through his veins to take its toll, causing his swing to fail miserably as Blue faceplants, out cold.

The giant spiders begin teaming up on Maki, one of them going in for a bite as a distraction while the other sneaks behind her. The second spider manages to take a meaty bite out of her shoulder, yet Maki resists the poison through sheer endurance.

Maki slings the spider off of her, catching Blue out of the corner of her eye. She quickly directs her attention back to the second spider, quickly surrounding it in flames and cooking it alive.

As the spider gives off a dying screech, the fully wrapped cocoon suspended above swings more ferociously.

Maki turns around and swings at the first spider with anger. She misses, the sword's blade whirring across the air. The spider bites back, once more getting a decent amount of poison into Maki. This time, she can't power through, for her body begins to go limp.

Maki's vision narrows as her surroundings grow dark. She passes out, her legs crumbling underneath her.

The goblin frantically squirms in her webbed cocoon, panicked. "Nononono, get UP!!"

The spider begins wrapping Blue and Maki with webbing.

The goblin, unsure of what to do, begins to bite with her teeth on the web wrapped around her.

As she does so, the cocoon beside her partially bursts, revealing two large arms with a light red skin tone. The moment they become free, the arms grip the cocoon from the outside, pulling with great might as the cocoon finally frees him.

The bursting cocoon reveals a hobgoblin covered in chainmail. The hobgoblin drops like a boulder onto the ground below, taking a bit of damage but standing straight afterwards.

The goblin's face lights up when she sees him become free, though she flinches and looks concerned when he falls.

[Goblin] "Oh my gosh, are you okay?!"

The hobgoblin does not respond as the spider turns quickly to face him. Staring down eight eyes with great caution, the hobgoblin stands at the ready before responding.

[Goblin] "Do you see my halberd anywhere?"

Her eyes quickly dart from place to place, scanning the cave from her cocoon. Glancing behind her, she sees the weapon.

[Goblin] "Behind you!"

"How far?"

"About 20 feet away!"

The hobgoblin takes a deep breath...

Then quickly turns heel, running backward towards his halberd! The spider rushes after him, attempting to attack him from behind.

The hobgoblin manages to dodge to the side of the spider's fangs, quickly reaching his weapon afterward. With a quick grab and another heel turn, he picks up his weapon and spins into the spider, slashing it across the face. With a final push, the hobgoblin gives one final downward slash, bisecting the spider's head with the axehead of his halberd.

The goblin lets out a breath she was holding.

Taking a knee and a few deep breaths, the hobgoblin speaks to the goblin once more with his deep, almost noble voice, the two of them continuing to converse in Goblin. "Are there any more?"

"No. It's all clear."

With a bit of a groan, the hobgoblin stands by using his halberd as a cane, stretching slightly. Strapping his weapon to his back, he looks to the unconscious duo half-wrapped in webs before looking up at the goblin. "You able to heal at all?"

"I don't have any healing spells, but I do have an herbalism kit."

The hobgoblin sighs. "I see... Now, how do I get you down...?"

He looks around, quickly spotting his backpack half covered in webs in the corner. He begins walking towards it.

She looks at him, puzzled. "What are you doing?"

"Grabbing something to get you down."

He grabs his pack, tearing the loose webs off it and opening it, pulling out a hand ax before putting it on. He then begins walking back to her.

Her eyes grow a bit wide. "Uhh... how are you going to be using that...?"

He throws the ax in his hand a few times in preparation, getting used to its weight as he looks up at the strand of webs keeping the goblin's cocoon suspended. "I am going to catch you. Understand?"

She nods stiffly, her voice betraying her smile. "Yeah. Sure...! No worries."

Closing his eyes, the hobgoblin takes a deep breath before throwing the ax, missing the strand by a little, and the goblin by even less.

The goblin flinches, ducking as soon as the axe flies over her.

The hobgoblin sighs. "Apologies... but don't worry, I have two axes for a reason."

He then takes another one out of his backpack.

She closes her eyes as she tenses, bracing once again.

This time, the ax strikes true, snapping the strand and causing the cocooned goblin to plummet downwards.

"AAAAAAH—!"

Before she hits the ground, she is caught by the hobgoblin. He promptly puts her on the ground.

"I'm going to grab one of my handaxes. Cutting this open with my halberd seems like a bad idea."

"Okay."

The hobgoblin grabs each of his handaxes before returning, speaking in a serious tone. "Hold still." He promptly cuts her free.

She stretches, brushing off web strands that were on her robes before checking for her wand, making sure that it was on her person. "Thank you."

He nods before pointing to the two unconscious bodies. “Might want to check on them.”

She nods, running (and stumbling a bit) over to Blue first. She checks his pulse, surveying his condition. She is relieved to find that he was alive, just unconscious. "He's unconscious due to the poison."

She walks over to Maki, checking her as well. "Same with her. They'll both be okay."

The hobgoblin doesn’t respond with words, instead opting to begin taking the webbing off of each of them.

She helps a bit before she speaks again. "Should I try to mix up some potions?"

The hobgoblin finishes removing the webbing before stepping away from them a bit, sitting down on the cave floor to rest. “If it’s something you want to do, go for it. I’m sure they’d appreciate it… they’ll wake up in time, and I intend to stay until they do.”

"Okay. I'll go try to find some herbs outside." She makes her way to the cave exit.

“Be careful.”

The goblin nods, and she walks until she gets outside. She investigates the flowers and herbs outside, picking the ones that had certain qualities. Her concoction wasn't going to taste good, but at least it would help offset the poison and hopefully give them a bit of their strength back.

After about 20 minutes, she comes back with a handful of plants, still speaking in her native tongue. "I have everything."

The hobgoblin looks at her. “Any way I can help?”

"You're okay. It shouldn't take long." She begins grinding plants into two small bottles, using water from her waterskin as well. Soon, she finishes, holding two potions in her hands.

"Done. They can take these when they wake up. The pink one especially. She looks like she hasn't eaten in days."

He looks at the pink one, speaking with curiosity. “Indeed… what

is

she…?”

"I think they're people with some kind of infernal blood... I don't remember what they're called, though. A lot of them are born with magic. I've never seen one in-person. They're quite rare."

“Does the infernal blood make her evil…?”

"Not necessarily? I guess it depends on the person and if they really identify with that part of themself… This one tried to save us, though, so I don't think she's bad."

“I see… so she’s kind of like us, then.”

"Yeah.”

….

The goblin speaks up again. “What's your name?"

The hobgoblin raises an eyebrow. “Is it not customary to reveal your own name first?”

"Oh, sorry. My name's Glenka."

He grunts in understanding. “I am Krieg.”

"Nice to meet you. How'd you end up here?"

“To be frank, I’m not quite sure. One moment I was walking through the woods, the next I was covered in webs with a headache. What about you?”

"I was looking for somewhere to rest for the evening. Didn't know there were spiders in here until it was too late."

"Have you been bitten? Do you feel like you've been poisoned?"

Krieg takes a deep breath. “I believe I was bitten, but the poison seems to have run its course. All I need is a bit of rest and I’ll be back in top form.”

Glenka nods. "That works. It shouldn't be long until the two of them wake up, but I'm sure they won't be in any shape to leave immediately."

“What about you? Poisoned or hurt at all?” Krieg asks.

"I was bit, but I don't think I got poisoned much."

“Good. Do you know Common, or should I do the talking when these two wake up?”

"I, uh...

can

speak Common, but I'm not very good at it."

“Not very good…? Can you understand what they will be saying for the most part, or do I need to translate?”

"As long as they don't speak super fast or use complex words I don't know, I should be mostly okay..."

“Very well. Then I’ll do most of the talking.”

Glenka nods.

After a few minutes, Blue’s eyelids begin to twitch as starts to regain consciousness. In no time at all, he sits up before standing abruptly, grabbing his machete as he does so. He stands as steady as he can, looking warily at the two goblinoids with his weapon at the ready.

Glenka's hands shoot up into the air.

[Common] "No harm...! Help!" She points to two potions that are on the ground next to a herbalism kit.

Krieg puts a hand on his halberd, standing up slowly as he speaks.

[Common] “The spiders are dead. There is no danger…”

He squints at Blue. “… Unless you’re looking for a fight.”

Out of the corner of their eyes they see the tiefling stir, opening her eyes before sitting up quickly with panic. She holds her head, her eyes landing on Blue, the goblin, and a completely new figure before her face shows a mix of shock and panic. "What happened? Who are you?" She looks at the hobgoblin.

Krieg speaks up, his halberd at the ready as his eyes remain locked onto Blue. “I am Krieg. I escaped from the webbing and killed the remaining spider.”

"We don't want to fight. We just came here for a quest. You don't need your weapon." She stands up.

Blue speaks immediately after. “Put yours away first.”

Krieg speaks somewhat quietly to Glenka.

[Goblin] “Can you be ready if he suddenly attacks after I put away my weapon?”

Glenka brings her hand to her wand.

[Goblin] "Yes."

Maki blinks a few times in confusion.

Blue’s eyes never leave Krieg.
“The wand, too. Both weapons on the ground.”

Glenka looks at Krieg for a moment. She then looks back at Blue, resigns, and grabs her wand to slowly set it on the ground.

Maki speaks to Blue. "Don't hurt them. They could have hurt us when we were down."

As Maki looks to Blue, she notices that he’s sweating somewhat seriously and his hands are shaking.

"... Are you okay?"

Blue swallows, speaking in a steady tone. “I’m not going to ask again.”

Krieg relents, slowly placing his halberd onto the ground before standing up right, at the ready.

Blue goes to take a step forward, but weakness overtakes him as he falls forward, unconscious.

Panicked, Maki lowers to the ground without any hesitation, placing her hands on Blue and closing her eyes shut. She whispers a small prayer.

"Please,

Ilmater, heal him like you've healed me..."

Immediately afterwards, a healing glow comes over him. Maki opens her eyes again.

Blue's eyes open once more, his body weakly attempting to stand as the poison still runs through his veins. Krieg watches the water genasi stand, his expression steeled.

Glenka's eyes go wide, only paying Maki any attention.

[Common] "How you do that!?"

Maki makes an awkward face, standing up.

"Uh... I ask my god?"

"But how you

do?"

Maki looks at her a bit oddly. "Uh. I've just been able to do it for a while now? Didn't know for sure if it would work on someone else though..."
Maki stands, looking at Blue with concern. She asks him again. "Are you okay?"
Blue's eyes search the two goblinoids, seeing no signs of exploitation or threat... he then looks to Maki, speaking plainly as he puts his machete back on his waist. "Yeah. I'm fine."

Glenka points to the potions on the ground. "Potion help poison."
Blue looks at the Goblin... before looking to see Maki's reaction.
Maki's eyes move to Glenka. "Uh... so they'll rid us from the poison?"

The goblin nods frantically. "Yes!"

Maki looks back at Blue. Blue continues to stare back at Maki with a blank expression.

Glenka stares at them for a few seconds longer before she whispers to Krieg.

[Goblin] "Uh... what are they waiting for? Do they not believe me?"

Krieg responds, sighing.

[Goblin] “It seems to be a mix of that and… social ineptitude.”

She mumbles, partly to Krieg and partly to herself. "I thought I was doing pretty good..." She turns back to the two strangers apologetically.
[Common] "Sorry, Glenka Common not very good." She looks to Krieg. [Goblin] "Could you please just tell them that they need to drink the potion? It's not going to hurt them."
Krieg clears his throat awkwardly, still speaking in Goblin. "I'm referring to them... not you."

Glenka awkwardly smiles.

[Goblin] "Oh... my bad. You don't have to sugarcoat anything, though. They're probably just acting confused because of me."

Krieg looks back to the two in front of him.

[Common] “Glenka made a potion to help alleviate the effects of the poison. Feel free to help yourselves.”

Maki looks at Glenka one more time before she walks over to grab a potion, bringing it up to her face and sniffing it. It smells like grass and herbs.

Blue does not move, watching Maki closely.

She stares at the bottle for a few seconds before she brings it to her mouth, slowly taking a small sip of it. She swallows it, then makes a face that can only be described as... puzzled. Blue and Krieg watch with rapt attention.

"This tastes like leaves."

[Common] "It... very herb and plant. Some help stop poison."

Maki nods slowly, then goes to drink some more. She begins drinking it rather quickly, as if it was just a regular drink.

Blue squints. “How do you feel?”

Maki finishes what was in her bottle. "I feel fine. It doesn't taste weird."

Glenka raises her eyebrows, shocked. "No weird?"

Maki looks at her oddly once again. "Was it supposed to taste weird?"

"No no no no! It taste bad to many people! Glenka confuse that you did not."

Blue looks at Krieg with a blank stare, prompting Krieg to speak up. “You don’t want yours, I presume?”

Blue looks to Maki as if asking her opinion.

Maki shrugs. "It wouldn't hurt."

Blue reaches down, grabbing the potion, sniffing it. A strong scent of grass hits Blue's nose before he can make out a few herbal scents as well, but there are simply too many in this amalgamation of a potion to pick out any ingredient in particular.

Blue stares at it for a moment before slowly bringing it to his mouth, taking a small gulp. It tastes horrible: like a mixture of leafy plants and bitter flowers. It slides down Blue's throat with difficulty.

He quickly gulps it down. He’s tasted worse, but that doesn’t make it any more pleasant.

Glenka nods at him. "Good. Potion start work in few minutes."

Maki looks to Glenka. "So what do you want in return?"

She tilts her head. "Hm?"

"I mean, you made these potions for us. What do you want? Gold? Help with something you need to do?"

Glenka quickly shakes her head. "No no no! You no need give gold! Glenka only happy with help."

Krieg looks to Maki. “If you two don’t mind, I’d like to strap my holster back onto my back, rather than keep it on the ground.”

Maki shrugs. "I don't mind."

Blue doesn’t respond, prompting Krieg to pick up his halberd and strap it on his back. Once it’s secure, he speaks to Maki. “What are you two doing here?”

"We chose a quest to try to complete after joining an adventuring guild. We knew this cave needed to be cleared, but we didn't know it was filled with spiders."

Krieg nods. “I see. Then you can consider your quest complete.”

"Why are you both here? Are the two of you adventurers?"

Krieg shakes his head. “I am unsure how I ended up trapped… but, I believe I may become one when I get back to town.”

"Glenka go many place, but do no quest."

Maki nods, before pointing to Glenka's wand. "You can cast spells?"

She nods enthusiastically. "Yes! Glenka is lizard!"

Maki's eyebrows crease a bit in confusion.

Krieg smiles, looking down at Glenka. “Wizard.”

"WIZARD! Glenka want say WIZARD!"

Maki flinches a bit at Glenka's sudden outburst, the goblin facepalming.

"Say word hard."

Blue shifts his attention to Krieg blankly. “And you?”

Krieg gives an ever so slight bow. “Nothing special. Just a fighter, at your service.”

Maki seems interested. "A fighter… did you train?"
Krieg raises an eyebrow, intrigue present in his voice. “Well… yes? Of course.”
"Uh, I was just wondering... I wasn't sure. Some people don't train, right?"

Krieg nods. “Yes. The ones who die quickly.”

"I mean—with a mentor. Some people just learn how to themselves, right?"

He nods once again. “Yes. The ones who die quickly.”

Maki goes quiet, deciding to direct her eyes someplace else.

Krieg smiles. “I’m guessing you fancy yourself a fighter of some sort, then?”

"I—I mean, I've fought before. I had to learn."

“I see. And you haven’t died yet. Good.” Krieg shrugs. “It’ll be too late to train when you're dead. 'Til then, be diligent.”

Maki nods, her gaze turned downwards.

Glenka looks up at Krieg and points at him. "Who teach?"

Krieg is about to respond, but Blue speaks first, eyebrows creased. “She is strong now. She doesn’t need a teacher.”

Krieg raises an eyebrow at Blue, staring at him.

“Glenka, which of the two went down first?”
Glenka freezes a bit. "Uhh... he."
Krieg smirks ever so slightly. “Then perhaps you need a mentor more.”

Blue responds a bit too quickly. “I already have a mentor.”

Krieg’s eyebrow raises further. “Yet you did worse than someone who is self taught… must be a pretty bad teacher if—”

As Krieg speaks, Blue takes out his machete slowly, causing Krieg to warily stop his words as Blue begins taking a battle stance.
 
Maki instinctively reaches out her hands to try to compel them to stay put. "Blue, don't." She looks at Krieg. "You don't know him or his mentor, so please don't judge too quickly."

Krieg looks at Maki, his slight smirk fading. He looks back to Blue, soaking in an apologetic tone.
“You’re correct. I apologize, that was unbecoming of me.”

Blue squints, and after a few seconds of pause, sheathes his machete wordlessly.

Maki lowers her hands. "I'm really not as skilled as he is. I'm not that strong."

Glenka speaks up. "But you help fight spider?"

Maki shakes her head. "I'm stronger than I used to be, but... my strength doesn't come from me. It comes from Ilmater."

Krieg tilts his head. “You mean the god? That Ilmater?” Maki nods.

Glenka's face scrunches in thought. "Ilmater...?"
Krieg looks to her. [Goblin] “Ilmater is a god who deals in justice and the freeing of slaves and whatnot.”Glenka nods, able to fully understand. "Ahhhhhh."
Maki points between the two of them. "What language are you two speaking?"

Krieg smiles. “Goblin. Glenka’s Common is a bit rough, in case you haven’t noticed.”

Glenka gives an awkward smile.

Maki doesn't say anything... She simply glances over at Blue.

Blue turns to Maki in response. “We should start heading back.”

Maki looks at him for a moment longer before she nods, clearly disappointed. She turns to the two goblinoids. "I've never met goblins before. It was nice to meet you both."
Krieg nods. “Likewise… Actually, to be honest, I am quite lost. Perhaps we should return to town together, if you do not mind? For safety?”
Maki glances at Blue again.

Blue looks at Maki.

"I-if Blue doesn't mind..."

Blue stares at Maki for a few seconds before simply nodding.

Maki looks back at them. "Okay. We can travel together."

Krieg looks to Glenka. [Goblin] “Did you get that?”

Glenka nods. [Goblin] "Yes. We are traveling together to town."
[Goblin] “Then, you’re joining us? Although I implied that you would be, I didn’t actually ask.”
[Goblin] "Y-yes, I will join!"

Krieg looks to the Tiefling and water genasi. “Then, it’s settled. Thank you for having us.”

"Of course… It's nice to have good company."

Krieg does a small bow. “Once again, I am Krieg, and this is Glenka. Might I know your names?”

Blue stares blankly.

“Blue.”

Glenka looks confused. "N-name?"

Maki speaks up. "His name is Blue. Named after his color."

Glenka nods in understanding. "Ohh... okay."

"I go by Maki..... er, my name is Maki."

Glenka's eyebrows crease. "Maki Goblin name."

"Huh?"

Krieg gives a lighthearted smirk. “Maki is a common goblin name.”

"Is it?"

“Indeed. It’s a good name.”

A small smile can be seen on her face. "... Thanks."

“I’m going to gather proof of kill.” Blue walks towards a spider, working on the extraction of their fangs.

Maki turns to watch Blue's process, but Glenka gets her attention again. "Um... how Glenka say this..."

She asks Krieg. [Goblin] "How do I ask her what race she is and if she has infernal blood?"

Krieg thinks for a moment. [Goblin] “Like this.” He then looks to Maki. [Common] “Glenka would like to know your race, and if you have infernal blood.”

Maki visibly becomes the slightest bit uncomfortable, yet she still answers the question. "I'm a tiefling... and yes, they have infernal blood."

Glenka stares directly at her, her face covered with curiosity. "So you from... uh... infernal?... Fire place."

"N-no, I'm from here... Well, a few towns over."

"Ahh..." Glenka looks over at Blue. "What Blue race?"

Blue finishes removal of the spider fangs, placing them in a pouch before facing Glenka. "I am told that I am a water genasi."

"Water... genasi? Blue from in water?"

"I don't know."

"Where you from?"

"A forest."

"Oh, okay! Glenka from forest also."

Blue gives a non-committal nod. "Are we ready to leave?"

"Yes!" Glenka puts her wand in her robe. Maki and Krieg nod.

The group exits the cave and begins to walk to town. Blue remains in the back, Glenka walking a bit beside him and glancing up at him in random intervals.

Krieg walks in the front, and Maki walks up beside him and keeps the same pace.

"So... if you're a goblin, why is it that you and Glenka look different?"

Krieg shakes his head. "I am not a goblin, but a hobgoblin. We are goblinoids."
"Oh.... So part goblin, or...?"
Once again, Krieg shakes his head. "No... not quite. You can consider us to be the racial equivalent of cousins... not dissimilar to the relationship between dragonborns and kobolds."

"Oh, okay. That sort of makes sense. Before a few days ago, I'd never met anyone that wasn't human. I mean—I've seen elves and halflings and such and have looked at pictures, but I've never talked to anyone else."

"Truly? That's odd... Small village?"

"It was small... but I just had never left the house."

"Sickness? Fear?"

"My mom…”

“She sheltered you?”

"I guess you could say that..."

Krieg nods. “Was she also a tiefling?”

"N-no… She was a human."

Krieg speaks softly. “I see… I think I understand. You have my sympathy.”

Maki looks downward. "... Thanks. I guess it's kind of obvious.”
Krieg gives a small sigh, speaking apologetically. "I did not mean to pry. My apologies."
"No—that's not the issue. I'm just not used to talking to other people about it. Blue is the only other person who knows."

"Then I appreciate the honesty." Krieg looks forward, before quickly thinking of something else to say, looking back to Maki. "How long have you been away from home?"

"I escaped just two days ago with Blue. He helped me get out of the village."

"Two days?"

One of Krieg's eyebrows raises high in shock and interest.

Maki looks at Krieg with apprehension, as if something was the matter. "... Yes...."

Krieg's gaze remains on her for a second, his expression calming before he looks forward once more.

"..... Well, today is my third...."

Krieg takes a second to respond in a curious, soft voice. "... Why are you risking your life in a cave of spiders?"

"... I'm staying with Blue because he helped rescue me and he needs help finding someone... We also need the gold, so we decided to join the adventurers' guild to do some quests. We didn't

know

the cave was filled with spiders..."

"But I'm assuming you knew it was dangerous."

"Not really... The quest flier said the cave needed to be cleared, so we thought it meant rubble or garbage."

"And if it did mention the spiders? Would that have stopped you, Maki?"

"I probably would have hesitated if it said there were

giant

spiders. But if it was still the quest Blue pointed out, I would still do it with him."

Krieg once again takes a moment to respond. “You do not have to follow him if it is not what you wish.”

Maki's eyebrows furrow. "But he rescued me...? And he told me that once he found his mentor, I'd be free to do whatever—well, you know, whatever a tiefling can do…”
Krieg's eyebrows furrow as well, stopping. "He said what, exactly?"
Blue stops as well, almost bumping into Krieg from the abrupt stop.

Maki comes to a stop. "He didn't understand why I wouldn't be able to go just anywhere—he'd never seen my kind before.”

Glenka looks up at them all confusedly. "Why all stop?"

Krieg turns to Blue, his voice edged. "What kind of deal did you force this girl into?"

Blue remains neutral. "I saved her life. She is going to help me find my master."

Maki becomes concerned. "He didn't

force

me—he helped me, so I want to help him—"

Glenka's face becomes worried. "What wrong??"

Krieg looks to Maki, his tone just as sharp. "You owe him

nothing

."

Blue wastes no time refuting him. "You don't decide that."

Krieg's voice begins to rise. "I saved both your lives, and Glenka helped cleanse the poison from you. We asked for nothing in return. If you understand the absolute bare basics of honor, you'd do the right thing and tell the girl she owes you

nothing."

Glenka's expression is worried.

Maki looks from Krieg, to Blue, and back to Krieg, her face painted with worry before she finally opens her mouth. "Honor comes with suffering. This is a trial, and Blue was sent to me from Ilmater himself. It may be difficult, but it will pay off. My god will reward me for every pain I endure."

"Blue is my only friend, too. So I will stay with him."

Krieg listens, his expression and voice becoming frustrated by the end as he looks back at Blue.

"If you are her friend, you will tell her to pay her debt by

staying. Alive.

She isn't ready for fights like the one you just dragged her into, and she could die if you make the same mistake again. She

would've

died earlier today if I hadn't been there. Whatever your reasons for finding your master, do them on your own or find someone who can actually defend themself. Don't drag a girl around with you that's so wet behind the ears that she can't tell the difference between a dwarf and a halfling."
Blue's expression shifts slightly, showing displeasure. "It's none of your business."
Krieg takes an aggressive step forward, invading Blue's personal space. "You

made

it my business when you brought some village girl into a cave full of spiders and almost got her killed! Now, tell her she owes. You.
NOTHING
."

Maki steps forward next to them both. "Krieg, stop,

please!"

Krieg looks to Maki. "He's taking advantage of you. You are

going

to die if you follow him."

"This is my path, and you have no say in it. If I die, then I die."

Glenka looks up at Krieg, pleading. [Goblin] "Krieg,

PLEASE

tell me what's happening!"

Krieg’s face contorts with anger as he stares directly at Maki, eyes strained. He looks as if he wishes so badly to yell, but no words of refute come to him. He bares his teeth as he breaks eye contact, swiftly taking his halberd out as he turns away from the group, slamming the ax head at the end into the ground and penetrating the soil.

[Goblin] “IDIOTS! Stubborn idiots, the both of them!”

Krieg breathes heavily, holding onto his halberd tightly as it remains embedded into the ground. Blue, having pulled his machete out the moment Krieg’s weapon hit the ground, points his weapon at Krieg cautiously.

Glenka quickly draws her wand, but doesn't point it at anyone. She looks hesitant, yet on-edge.

Maki's hand reaches out, the other grabbing the hilt of her sword. "STOP!

Both

of you!

Please

, we don't need to fight!"

Krieg’s breathing slowly but surely steadies, his posture becoming more straight. Carefully, he lifts his halberd out of the ground, putting on his back. He then turns to face Maki and Blue, his expression filled with frustration but his tone becoming much more reasonable.

“Fine. If you two refuse to listen to reason, I shall not force you. But that doesn’t mean I’ll stand idly by, either.”

Blue keeps his machete out, still pointing it at Krieg with a blank expression.

Maki's brows furrow at him accusingly... though there are obvious signs of genuine curiosity in her eyes.

"Why do you care so much?"

Krieg ignores her question, speaking in a demanding tone. “The prospect of being an adventurer suits my needs right now. I am joining your party when we return to the town to ensure that

both

of you don’t get yourselves or each other killed. This is non-negotiable. Are we clear?”

Maki's mouth hangs slightly agape. She looks to Blue.

Blue continues to hold the machete out towards Krieg. Krieg turns to face Blue completely, lifting his chin before speaking with a scowl.

“Put that knife away unless you intend to use it, genasi.”

Blue stares into the eyes of the hobgoblin, a distinct feeling of anger worming its way into his expression… Though, ultimately, he relents, sheathing his machete as he looks away, annoyed.

Krieg smirks for just a moment before lowering his chin and looking to Maki. “The first order of business will be training your body. If you do not want to die, you need a strong, reliable physique.”

Blue speaks up this time, quickly. “You don’t decide for her.”

"Blue—I

do

need to get stronger."

Blue looks to Maki, his expression slowly returning to its usual neutrality. “… Right. But do not let him push you around.”

Maki stares at the ground for a moment.... then gives a nod.

Krieg takes a deep breath, the final traces of anger disappearing from his face and voice as he speaks to Glenka. [Goblin] “I am joining these two in their adventuring party when we get back into town so they don’t kill themselves.”

Glenka relaxes considerably, exhaling. [Goblin] "Wish I could've understood that earlier..."

She addresses all three of them. [Common] "Glenka know nothing when say word fast. No understand, only angry voice."

Maki looks a bit guilty. "Sorry."

Krieg gives a small bow in apology. [Goblin] “I was… preoccupied. I did not mean to keep you out of the loop. Apologies.”

"Glenka understand..."

Krieg looks at Glenka’s wand, still in her hand. [Common] “You can put that away now, Glenka. Nobody’s going to hurt each other.”

She breathes a sigh of relief, putting her wand away." Glenka not sure. Glenka cast Comprehend Languages and understand, but scare of look like attack."

Krieg shakes his head. “No need, best not to waste a [Goblin] spell slot.”

Glenka nods quickly in understanding. "That what Glenka think, too."

Maki looks at Krieg with confusion. "What's that?"

“Spell slot in Goblin. Not sure of that’s in her vocabulary as of yet.” Both Glenka and Maki nod in understanding.

Krieg takes a deep breath, letting it out to ease the tension still somewhat present in his body. “Let’s get moving while we still have daylight.”

The four begin walking again back to Hammershard.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The group walks down the road, finally making it back to town with the sun barely peeking over the horizon. They make it to the adventuring guild, walking inside and finding the lobby bustling with people.

The half-drunk patrons pay the multi-colored crew no mind, allowing Blue and the rest of the party to approach the reception desk. He places the notice down, alongside a small bag full of spider fangs. “The cave is clear.”

The receptionist is about to speak, but is interrupted by Blue placing the giant elk pelt on the desk.

"We also have this. Can we sell it here, or should we go somewhere else?"

The receptionist looks at the two items, confusion and surprise on her face. "U-Uh... Right, sorry."

She quickly reaches under the desk, placing a bag of gold on the counter. "200 gold, as promised. Thank you for your efforts. As for the pelt..."

She looks it over. "It's worth about 25 gold or so. Sound good?"

Maki's jaw drops a little. "Just for a

pelt?"

The receptionist nods. “Partially for the pelt, partially for hunting the animal itself.”

Maki nods, still looking surprised.

The receptionist places another 25 gold on the counter. "Is there anything else you needed?"

"C-could we get some food? Since we got some money...?" Maki looks between the three of them, mainly to Blue.

Krieg raises an eyebrow. "It's you and Blue's money. Not ours."

"But... you both

did

help with the spiders."

Glenka speaks up.

"Krieg

help with spider."

Krieg sighs. "I do not plan to make a habit of stealing quests from others. For that reason, regardless of my help, I'd prefer it if you two kept the reward."

"You didn't steal it, you helped complete it... Only Ilmater knows where we'd be now if you weren't there. So please, take your portion..."

"I refuse. Please respect my wishes."

"Okay..."

Blue unceremoniously grabs the money before looking to Maki. “Are you hungry?”

Maki nods quickly.

Glenka looks up at Krieg. [Goblin] "Would you like to have a meal with me?"

Krieg shakes his head. [Goblin] “I’m afraid I will have to decline.”

She looks slightly disappointed. [Goblin] "Ah, alright... Well, I think I'll sign up for the guild before I eat anything. I wish you the best, hopefully we meet again sometime."
Krieg smiles slightly. [Goblin] “I need to register as well. You aren’t rid of me yet.”
Glenka gives a small laugh. [Goblin] "Well, good. I'd rather do it with someone else, anyway." She looks to the front desk. "...... They don't speak Goblin, I presume."

[Goblin] "Not likely. I can help translate."

"If you don't mind, that'd be great."

“Not at all. Need to do anything first, or are you ready?”
[Goblin] "I'm ready."
Krieg approaches the desk, prompting the receptionist to speak. "How can I help you two?"

Krieg briefly looks at Glenka before responding. "We would like to sign up as adventurers."

The receptionist takes out two slips of paper as she responds. "Awesome! Can you both read and write?"

"Uh... Glenka can write little Common." She gives a nod.

Krieg grabs his application. "If she needs help, I can take care of it."

"Glenka good if not have write fancy,” she tells him.

The receptionist gives a polite smile, wordlessly handing the two quills.

"Thank you!" Glenka looks to Krieg, then gestures to a nearby table. [Goblin] "Sit over there?"

Krieg nods, walking that way.

Glenka takes a seat, then begins to look over the application.

[Goblin] "Oh, this doesn't look too hard." She squints. "... What does...

preference

mean?"

[Goblin] “It means what you prefer.”

Glenka nods confidently. "Okay. Got it."

Glenka looks back down at the application.

Name: Glenka Goldentooth

Age: 13

Race: Goblin

Sex: Female

Weapon Preference: Wand

Armor Preference: Spell

Abilities: Magic, speak Goblin

Talents:

Glenka squints. [Goblin] "I don't know anything to put for talents. That means it's innate, not learned, right?"

Krieg shakes his head.

"It's more like... something you're exceptional at. Like, if there's something you'd say you have a knack for, or you stand above others in."

"But I've already put magic down underneath abilities."

"You'd consider yourself exceptional?"

"Well, compared to most I've met. And compared to most goblins, too. Magic is rarely used, so I'd say I stand above them in that aspect."

"Mark it down, then."

Glenka nods, writing it down.

Krieg turns to his own paper.

Name: Krieg

Age: 23

Race: Hobgoblin

Sex: Male

Weapon Preference: Halberd

Armor Preference: Heavier the better

Abilities: Extensive weapons training

Talents: Killing

Glenka reads through her application once more before looking at him. "Finished?"

Krieg nods at Glenka. “I believe so.”

Glenka nods. Both of them stand up from the table, walking back over to the receptionist desk.

Glenka hands over her paper to the lady. [Common] "Done." Krieg follows suit, wordless.

The receptionist takes the applications readily. “Perfect! If you two will simply wait a bit, a test to verify what you put on your application will be hosted as soon as possible.”

Glenka looks to Krieg, silently asking him to clarify what she told them.

Krieg responds to the receptionist, shrugging off Glenka’s look for now. “Sounds perfect. Thank you.” He then looks down to Glenka. [Goblin] “Someone will test us soon. We must wait a bit.”

Glenka nods. "Ahhh..." She smiles at the receptionist. "Thank you."

Krieg and Glenka start moving towards Blue and Maki.

Maki looks up, visibly exiting her thoughts. "Did you both apply?"

Krieg nods. “Waiting for testing.”

She nods in response, looking back downward and avoiding eye contact.

Krieg sighs. “I know it might be preemptive of me, considering I just joined, but perhaps we should consider adding Glenka to our ranks?”

Glenka looks to him, a bit surprised. [Common] "You want Glenka in team?"

Krieg doesn’t respond, looking to Maki for a response.

Maki shrugs, still staring at the table but her face clearly showing interest. "That would be good." She looks up at Krieg. "You don't think the language barrier is a problem, though?"

Maki's eyes go a bit wide, backpedaling. "I mean—Not like, in a rude way. It's just, what if something happens? Communication is important."

Krieg nods. “An important consideration. I will do my best to teach her Common.”

Glenka's face perks up. "You want teach me?"

Krieg shrugs. “Somebody has to.”

"Uh—Glenka have teacher in past, and look for someone to teach after leave. If you want teach, Glenka is thank... you."
He looks back to Maki. “What do you say?”
Maki nods. "Sounds good.” She gestures to the goblin. “You're also a wizard, so it'd be nice to have someone who can do magic."

Glenka tilts her head. "But Glenka see you do magic?"

"It was just some healing," Maki says.

"No... Glenka see fire magic on spider too."

"... Oh, that... I, uh, I don't know how I do that. It just happens when I get mad sometimes..."

Blue stares at the table, thinking.

Maki slowly looks to Blue. "What do you think...?"

“It’s fine.”

Glenka gives a smile. "Glenka will try very best!"

“Good.”
Maki stares at Blue for a moment longer before she looks back at the table.
The receptionist approaches the table, speaking in an upbeat tone. "Krieg and Glenka? Your examiner is ready for you!"

The two goblinoids follow the receptionist into a room filled with trees, a dwarven lady standing in the middle of the field.

"Greetings! New adventurers, huh? What brings y'all here?"

"Uh...  Want to get strong,” Glenka says.

Krieg speaks. “I seek renown and the power to decide my own status.”

The lady nods. "Both are good reasons."

She picks up her greataxe, slinging it over her shoulder. "Lemme see how good y'all can fight. Who wants to go first?"

Glenka looks to Krieg.

“She will go first. I’d like to warm up.” Krieg removes the halberd from his back.

Glenka looks back to the woman, who nods. "Alrighty, then. Let's see whatcha got." She stands battle-ready.

The goblin makes a face. "Uhh... Glenka cast spell, not use weapon."

The lady nods. "I know. Cast a spell on me."

Glenka shows a bit of surprise, snapping out of it before she draws her wand and points it at the dwarf. With an incantation and a quick movement, a dart appears, shooting towards the woman who attempts to turn and dodge away. The dart, however, follows her, striking her in the shoulder. She grabs it quickly before two other darts hit her back.
The woman lets out some grunts, but ultimately shakes it off with a laugh. She turns around. "Not bad. I know Magic Missile don't miss, though." She raises her greataxe once again. "Try another one."
Glenka takes a deep breath and points her wand at her again, hurling fire towards the woman. She is unable to dodge in time, the spell causing fire to burst on her upon impact.

She shakes a bit as if she was loosening up, chuckling. "Not bad! But how well can ya take hits?"

She looks at her apprehensively. "Um... Glenka can cast spell for that." She waves her wand, protective magical energy covering her.

The woman nods. "Good. Now try and avoid this." She runs towards Glenka.

Glenka begins to wave her wand, but her hand is a bit too shaky. With the woman approaching, Glenka tries to move out of the way, but the greataxe swings and cuts her side. Glenka frantically casts another spell, using Magic Missile to shoot darts at the woman from behind once again.
She leans over, then stretches up straight and looks at Glenka. "Nice try. I can tell you ain't good with getting up-close. Just stick with someone who's more built for martial fighting and you'll be fine, and don't hold back when you're fighting the enemy."
She pulls out and unfurls a piece of paper, holding it up. "I mean... you did put magic on here twice. Magic Missile can't be the only thing you rely on."

Glenka goes to speak, but is promptly cut off.

"... Heh. And you put speaking Goblin on here too. Surprising." She jokes and even sounds a bit sarcastic.

The dwarf then points to Krieg. "You. You ready to go?"

Krieg nods, finishing some light stretching and holding his halberd at the ready. “How do you want to do this?”
The dwarf takes a few steps back, mirroring him and holding her greataxe. "Come at me, give me what you got."
Krieg shakes his head. “No, I need to know the rules for this spar.”

"The rules are gimme whatcha got." She gestures in her direction. "Hit me."

Krieg sighs. "As you wish."

Krieg rushes forward with a quick first step, closing part of the distance but opting to not get too close, instead stabbing with the spear end of the halberd. The stab makes a flesh wound on the dwarf's shoulder before Krieg relents, bringing the halberd back to defend.

The lady wastes no time, attempting to close the distance while swinging towards his legs.

Krieg doesn't retreat, instead pushing the end of his halberd toward the dwarf as she advances, causing her to partially impale her shoulder through the spearend before she's able to get closer.

Blood pours from her shoulder, the examiner lowering herself to swing at his bottom half once again to destabilize him.

Krieg's legs get slashed, but he manages to keep himself standing despite the pain of new wounds mixing with those from earlier today. He draws upon his steeled mind to force himself to swing, but fails to fully commit to the swing as pain wracks his body.

The lady swings her greataxe back, pausing and breathing heavily before she lowers it. "I think we're done. Can see how you'd be good at killing, but not here."

She pulls out paper containing his information, reading it. "Hm. What other weapons can you use?"

Krieg places his halberd on his back, promptly pulling out a handaxe.

"I can only demonstrate my skill with a handaxe for now... though I have had formal training in most common weapons. But I don't have any more weapons on my person than what you've seen."

"Nahh, I don't need to see any more," she says, waving him off. "You both pass, goblin gets an F and you get an E. Follow her back to the desk and she'll get you your licenses." She points to the receptionist that was waiting.

Krieg nods before bowing slightly. "Thank you for the spar." She nods slightly.

Glenka finally catches Krieg's eye. She looks... worried. [Goblin] "I got a failing grade??"

Krieg turns to Glenka, straight faced. [Goblin] "No. That's your rank as an adventurer. To my knowledge, the max you can start with is D, but passing in general is quite good."

[Goblin] "A-ah... okay... I was just confused, because I heard her say 'pass' but also heard failing letter grades."

Krieg smirks at her as the receptionist approaches."If you two could follow me, I'll get you your adventuring licenses!"

Glenka nods, scurrying alongside Krieg to keep up as they exit the training room.

The three make their way back to the desk before the receptionist hands them each a card, with Krieg's having a bronze trim.

"These are your adventuring licenses! These will allow you to take quests from the quest board over on that quest board. You may take quests of lower, equal, or one rank higher difficulty based on your current rank. If you complete a quest with someone of a lower rank than you, said quest must be of a rank they can take. Complete enough quests and you will increase in rank! These also serve as identification at a lot of towns, and getting one remade is expensive, so please take care of it!"

Glenka stares at her adventuring license, too interested in it to completely comprehend what she was saying.

She snaps out of it. [Common] "Th-thank you!"

Krieg takes his unceremoniously. "My thanks."

Glenka waves to the woman politely before the both of them make her way back to the table Blue and Maki were sitting at.

Krieg takes a seat. "We are finished."

Glenka sits down at the table, and Maki looks down at the goblin's card that she had set on the table. It looks similar to her own.

"How did you both do?"

"I got E rank, Glenka got F rank."

"Ah... We did similarly. We were both given F rank."

Blue looks to Krieg. "What did you do that convinced them to bump you to E rank?"

Krieg thinks for a moment. "It was likely my weapon mastery. I have formal training in the use of most common weapons, and so that likely placed me a step above the rest in the examiner's eyes."

"So you can't be E rank if you aren't formally trained?" asks Maki.

Krieg shakes his head. “No. Promotion is based on skill, experience, and merit. I have decent skill and experience starting out, so I get a higher initial ranking. If you want to get promoted, prove yourself in one or more of the three I mentioned.”

Maki nods in understanding. Glenka looks at Krieg. [Common] "W-wait, but Glenka has skill with magic. Why get F rank?"

"You didn't show off enough, I imagine."

"Guess didn't… Glenka not think have more spell ready is need today.”

Maki glances at Blue before she addresses Krieg. "... I'd really like it if you showed me how to use my sword."

"If you wish to learn how to wield a sword, you must first learn how to wield your body. We will start with that."

"What do you mean by that?"

“Your body is frail. Undisciplined. We must fix that first.”

Maki looks down at the table and nods. She looks slightly sad.

Glenka sees this. "Uhhh.... Glenka go get food for everyone?"

Krieg nods. "Please."

Glenka gets up from her chair, leaving the table hurriedly.

Blue looks to Maki. "When should we take our next quest?"

"Uh... I don't know, but I wouldn't mind taking it easy for a bit…"

Krieg nods. "Agreed. Once I'm back in top form we can begin your training."

Maki nods in agreement.

Blue looks to Maki. "What should I do in the meantime?"

"Uh... I don't know… You could train with us?”

“I…”

Blue goes silent, staring.

She looks away from him. "You don't have to..."

“How would I train?”

"I don't know," Maki says, looking to Krieg for guidance. "Maybe with different weapons?"

“I’d rather train against Glenka.”

"R-

really?

Why?"

“It will help me train against spellcasters. I have little experience against them.”

"A-ah... I guess that makes sense, then..."

“Enjoy your training.”

Maki gives a nod. "You too. I mean—if Glenka agrees to it."

"Mm."

A few more seconds pass before Glenka can be seen approaching the table carrying two large plates, as well as a waitress carrying another two.

The human woman sets the plates down in front of Blue and Maki, and Glenka puts the plates she was carrying on the table and lets out a deep sigh as she sits in her chair. The woman smiles politely saying "enjoy your food!" before she leaves.

The plates are filled with food: beef and mashed potatoes with green beans. Maki's plate looks as if it has a bit more food piled on top.

Maki already begins to eat before Glenka can even get a word out. [Common] "Glenka pay with own gold."

Krieg takes his plate. “My thanks.”

Blue does not touch the food. Glenka looks at him a bit oddly. "You no hungry?"

He shakes his head. “I don’t want it.”

"Why not?"

Blue stands. “I am going to get a room.”

Glenka looks slightly disappointed. "Okay..."

Maki continues to scarf down food, but she looks up at him as he leaves the table.

Krieg pays him no mind, eating his food calmly.

The three eat for a few minutes before Glenka speaks. "Blue not okay?"

Maki scrapes the bottom of her plate. "I don't know...."

A few more moments of silence.

"... I'm going to go talk to him." Maki gets up.

Glenka looks up at her before turning back to her plate.

Blue stands at the front desk, handing over some money to the receptionist.

Maki slowly walks over, lingering behind him and waiting for him to notice her.

Blue turns to Maki holding a key, looking at her.

"What's wrong?" Her face shows concern.

"What?"

"You didn't eat anything."

"I wasn't hungry."

"We haven't eaten since this morning, though."

"So?"

"One meal doesn't fill you up for the whole day..."

"And?"

"We have food available. You should eat it."

"I'll pass."

Maki's brow furrows slightly, still looking at him. "If you say so... I'll go with you to the room. I've finished eating."

"You can keep eating if you want."

"I don't want to eat so much where I'll get sick."

"Okay." Blue begins walking to the room, and Maki follows behind him.

Glenka and Krieg eat at the table. The goblin turns her head, watching Blue and Maki walk out of the lobby. She turns back to Krieg. [Goblin] "I guess they're done for the night."

Krieg nods. [Goblin] "It seems so... Tell me, are you better at reading or speaking Common?"

[Goblin] "Reading, definitely. I can take more time to understand it. Speaking of… how do you know Common so well?"

“I was taught, much like how I’m going to teach you.”

"Who taught you?"

Krieg sighs. “I’d rather not discuss that right now.”

Glenka looks back to her food. "Ah, okay... Didn't mean to bring it up if it's a sensitive subject."

“When do you want to start learning? Are you ready tomorrow?”

"That would work nicely. I think it's in everyone's best interest to get some rest tonight."

“Very well. We will discuss more tomorrow.”

Glenka nods, taking another bite of food. She looks at where Maki once sat, staring at her plate.

"She must've been starving."

Krieg nods. "It doesn't seem to have been long since she escaped her abuser."

"It definitely looks like someone abused her."

"We had a short talk about it."

"What'd she say?"

"Not much. But she seems happy to be gone, even if she's stuck under her debt to Blue."

"She's in debt....?"

"He saved her from it, and uses it to hold her as his servant until he finds his master."

Glenka makes a disgusted face. "That's despicable. He should let her live her life. It can't be very difficult to simply find his master by himself."

Krieg nods. "Agreed... She seems to want to, though. Plus, they say they are friends."

"Friends.....

pshh."

Glenka plays with the food left on her plate. "She just met him. She has no reason for loyalty."

"I understand her position, but she doesn't wish to hear reason." Krieg sighs, taking a bite of his food.

"Even if she heard reason, she probably wouldn't understand it. Whatever she went through probably changed her outlook on things."

“It did. That’s why I intend to stick around and help before others take advantage of that.”

"Don't get your hopes up too much. It can be difficult to change someone's entire worldview."

“Perhaps. But protecting her from others with ill intentions is a far easier task.”

"You can't protect someone forever. Eventually she will leave."

“Hopefully by then she can protect herself.”

"She has a lot to learn. Hopefully she's open-minded."

“I hope so too.”

Glenka takes a bite of food. "Have you ever had a student before?"

“No.” Krieg follows suit.

"How long did you train for?"

“My whole life.”

"Oh, wow... What was that like?"

Krieg eats, unbothered. “I am in no mood to talk of it.”

Glenka is clearly disappointed. "Oh, okay... Just—trying to become acquainted."

“I can tell. And I appreciate the effort.”

Glenka gives a friendly nod, scraping the bottom of her plate and finishing her food.

Krieg finishes, closing his eyes for a moment before looking to Glenka. “Thank you for the food.”

"Of course... I think it's time for us to get some good rest for tomorrow, whatever it brings." Glenka scoots her chair away from the table, hopping off it.

Krieg stands, nodding. “I expect to see you here at sunrise.”

Glenka nods, pushing in her chair and walking over to the front desk. She glances at Krieg as he exits the guild hall without another word.

She approaches the lady at the desk. [Common] "Hello. One room please."
  
Maki and Blue enter their room.

The tiefling’s eyes grow wide. "Woah....."

She slowly walks over to one of the beds, placing her hand on it. Her eyes get even bigger, somehow.
She squishes it a few times. Her mouth is hanging open.
Blue walks over to his bed, staring at it. “Is this where we sleep?”
"Yeah... It's... soft...."Blue squints. “Hm.”
Maki climbs on top of it, armor and all. She lays sideways. "I haven't slept on one of these things in years... Never one this big..."

Blue continues to stare at it. “… I see.”

She sits up. "Have you ever been in a room like this before?"

“Not as a guest.”

Maki tilts her head. "What do you mean?"

“I’ve broken into a few.”

Maki's eyes widen for a different reason. "Wh-why?"

“Searching for Green.” Blue grabs the pillow, squishing it skeptically.

"Does Green hide in houses?"

“He said that if he ever went missing, I’d be able to find him in the finest woman’s bedroom.”

"Why?"

“Something about fighting off birds and bees.”

"In a

house?"

“Yes.”

Maki makes a face. "Strange…"

Blue puts the pillow back. “Strange.”

Maki leans back on the bed, closing her eyes. It's like she sinks into the mattress… She was going to get to sleep on this tonight…

Blue sits on the bed before laying back rigidly. He was going to have to sleep on this tonight.

Both of them lay on their respective sides.

A pocket of gold, a full stomach, and a bed to sleep in... It was too good to be a dream. Her faith in Ilmater was finally showing its fruit.

Blue takes a deep breath. Tomorrow, he would wake up. No need to be on guard, hopefully.

Maki smiles.

".... Goodnight."

Blue shifts a bit.

“Night.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The sun shines through the windows brightly, welcoming Maki to a new day rather than simply alerting her of one like it normally did.She opens her eyes slowly, nestling further into the soft pillow and sheets. She didn't want to get up.Maki picks her head up slightly to look at Blue.The genasi lies still like a sack of potatoes, only more chromatic.Maki speaks just above a whisper. "Are you awake yet?"The resemblance to a sack of potatoes only strengthens as Maki receives only silence in response.Maki closes her eyes again, relishing in the comfort. She almost falls back asleep. But soon, Blue speaks out, his voice flat.“Are you awake?”"Yeah," she replies in a groggy voice. Maki remains still. “I see.”Silence for a few seconds."I wish we could sleep like this every night."Her words are met with silence."Did you sleep well?"“… Yes.”"Me too."“You do not want to keep the hobgoblin waiting.”Maki's eyes dawn with realization. "Oh no, I forgot about that!—" She slowly sits up, throwing the blanket off of her. She walks to the door, but looks back at Blue."Are you coming?"Blue remains still, facing away from Maki on the bed. “Not yet.”"Oh... okay..." She opens the door. "It shouldn't take us too long."She briskly leaves and enters into the lobby with her armor and sword equipped, scanning for a red hobgoblin.Krieg waves to Maki, Glenka sitting beside him.Maki waves back and walks over to take a seat. "Good morning... I hope I didn't keep you both waiting too long..."Krieg shakes his head. "Not at all."Glenka speaks to her. "Sleep good?"Maki nods. "Yes. The best I've ever had."Krieg smiles. “Good. You’ll need that rest. Eat breakfast now, you won’t get a chance to later.”"Right..." She stands up from her seat. "I'll be right back." She quickly leaves the table.Glenka looks at Krieg. [Goblin] "Did you not tell her to come at sunrise as well?"[Goblin] "I believe I did... but it's her first day training. I'll cut her some slack."“Leniency does not breed success, you know.”Krieg grins. "She won't get much more slack, I assure you. Besides, I'm fairly certain she just recently left home, and her home was not a good one. Between that and her trying to save our lives, she's earned enough credit to sleep in."“Mm. That is fair.”"In the meantime, have you finished eating?"Glenka nods. “I didn’t finish, but it’s cold now anyways.”"Good. Then, unless you plan on using your spellbook for notes regarding Common, now would be a good opportunity to buy yourself some materials.""Are those sold here? Or is there a shop located in town?""Look for a general store. Purchase some paper, a quill, and some ink. If you have leftover gold, get a book as well. Doesn't matter what it is." Krieg gives a small smirk. "You can consider talking to the shopkeeper and what not to get what you need on your own your first assignment."Glenka smiles nervously in return. "Heh... I'll try. I shouldn't be gone for too long."  She gets up, gathering her things and leaving through the door.Krieg does not have to wait for long until Maki comes back with her breakfast. She walks over with her plate in hand, setting it on the table and seating herself. She goes to eat her pancakes without her fork before Maki's brow furrows. "Where did Glenka go?"[Common] "Shopping. Eat fast, we'll be leaving soon."Maki takes a bite, speaking with her mouth full. "Where are we going?""Outside the walls, away from distraction. Not far, though.""Blue is still in the room. I thought we would be staying here, so I didn't tell him we'd be leaving."Krieg thinks for a moment before shrugging. "If he wants to find us, he will."Maki nods, shoving more pancake into her mouth. She then moves to begin eating the bacon. She finishes it rather quickly, before her eyes drift over to Glenka's plate."Who didn't finish eating?""Glenka. She said it was cold.""Is she not going to eat the rest?""It would seem so, yes.""I’ll eat it." Maki reaches over and brings the plate in front of her, picking up the cold pancake drenched in syrup and eating it as if nothing was unordinary.Krieg stands, moving to the reception desk.Her eyes follow him. "Where are you going?"He continues to walk. "I'll be right back. Finish soon."Maki nods, turning back to the food. She eats the pancakes slowly, not minding her sticky fingers. She finishes the food and licks away almost all of the syrup.After a short while, Krieg returns, crossing his arms. "Are you ready to leave?"Maki stands up, Krieg finding the plate she was eating off of empty. "Yes.""Then follow me." Krieg exits and Maki follows, her tail waving behind her. The two begin to make their way outside the walls, walking through the busy morning streets. Maki takes in every sight, staring a bit too long at the passersby and gawking at the environment.Krieg looks at her as they walk, speaking in a simple tone. "You get used to it after a while. To me, it's about as glamorous as burnt bread.""So many things are happening at once.... It looks like there's so much to do... I don't know how it'd ever get old.""The same way anything gets old: time."Maki doesn't reply and continues to walk, simply absorbing her surroundings.Eventually they make it to the gate, exiting the safety of Hammershard yet staying within its field of influence, traveling alongside its walls.Glenka was nowhere to be found, and presumably still busy with her task.Maki looks around, including at the town’s wall. "Do we need this much space?"Krieg removes his backpack and halberd, placing them gently on the ground. "Yes. The more space, the better." Maki follows suit, drawing her sword and placing hers on the ground as well.He starts doing a bit of stretching, his heavy armor still on. "Alright, what do you know about conditioning already?""Uh... Does that mean getting myself in the right condition to fight?""Yes. Yes it does.""I don't know much about it... I mean, I know you're supposed to build up strength, but I don't know how that works."“You build muscle by breaking muscle. Today, we’re going to start you off with some basics.” Krieg cracks his knuckles.Maki looks flabbergasted, even a bit frightened. "B-break? You're going to break them?"“Indeed. They grow back stronger. That’s why exercise hurts.”"H-how are you going to hurt me...?"Krieg gives a grim chuckle. “I’m not, Maki. You are. Through exercise.”"... Oh... okay...." Maki squeezes her hands, clearly tense in anticipation.Krieg grabs his halberd, holding it at the ready. “Pick up your weapon.”Maki does just that and holds it out in front of her with both hands. It's clearly a bit too heavy for her, her arms trembling.Krieg squints upon seeing that. “You’re in worse condition than I thought.” He then closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and then opens them with a seriousness in his eyes. “I am going to aim a strike at your left side. Block it.”"O-o-okay...."“If you miss, the axe-head will cut you. If you are too weak, it will deflect your sword and cut you. Understand?”Maki nods.“Good. I am swinging now.”Krieg’s halberd begins an extremely slow arc through the air. As promised, it’s aimed at her right shoulder.Maki moves her sword and blocks it easily, though she still struggles to hold her sword outwards.“Now the right. Be ready.”Maki watches his halberd before blocking the right swing. She can't take holding her weapon out much more.“The right again. Fail, and you will be cut.”She watches his weapon swing and they collide once again, but Maki quickly lowers her weapon after they make contact.The contact barely reflects the halberd, causing it to softly strike the ground. Krieg does not relent, lifting it once more.  “If your arms fail you, dodge. Left.”Maki sees him swing again, dodging to the right. She drags her sword with her.“Good. Left. Don’t let go of that sword.”Maki jumps to the right, clutching her weapon.The two of them continue at it for quite some time, Maki clearly becoming tired. Soon, a familiar goblin runs through the gates. Maki turns to look at her and immediately lowers her weapon exhaustedly."Glenka has material!" she says slightly out of breath. She is holding a large bag.Krieg stops swinging the halberd, addressing Maki. “Take a break.” She immediately drops her weapon upon gaining permission and wipes a bit of sweat off her face with deep breaths.He then looks to Glenka. “What all did you manage to get?”Glenka sets the bag of supplies down and takes out everything one-by-one. She holds up each item. “Glenka got papers with ink bottle and quill, though can cast and make quill and ink. Think you want me to practice with words.”“Good. I must admit, I’m not as good of a teacher for words as I am for swords.”"That okay. Glenka learn what can do."“For now, focus on trying to write the words Maki and I speak to each other, and repeat them to yourself. If you ever have any questions, ask, so long as neither of us are mid swing.”Maki intervenes with a strained voice. "We're still going...?"Glenka nods, sitting on the ground and suddenly forming a magic quill in her hand. "Okay!"Maki blinks at it a few times.Krieg turns to Maki, smirking. "Ready for the next exercise?"She breathes heavily, refocusing her eyes on him while nodding. "Yeah."Glenka begins writing busily, trying to keep up with each word.Krieg raises an eyebrow. "You sure?""Mhm." Maki holds up her weapon feebly."Good. Then, it's your turn." Krieg holds his halberd out in front of him, at the ready. "Strike me. Do it at the same speed I did or so. Not faster."Maki swings her sword slowly, shaking terribly. She ends up going faster towards the end than Krieg had done.Glenka calls out casually. "Think Glenka spell word wrong."Krieg blocks the blow simply, brushing it aside. "Too fast. Slower."He shouts to Glenka as he waits for the next strike. "What word? How'd you spell it?""Uh..... Exercise? E-C-K-S-E-R-S-I-S-E?"Maki swings again, shaking even more this time; Her speed is slightly better, though. She lowers her sword directly afterwards."Better, now keep your stance up, Maki!" He shouts back to Glenka. "Don't forget that X exists, and the second to last S is a C!""Thank you!"Maki grunts, picking her sword up again.Glenka writes quickly and mumbles almost incoherently, acting as if there wasn't a pink tiefling struggling in front of her.Krieg stares at Maki, a sadistic smile running across his face. “Are you just going to stare? Hit me!”Maki lets out a cry when striking again, this time significantly quicker.Krieg’s voice becomes louder. “Good! Really put your back into it! Use more strength! Strike swiftly, now!”Maki quickly swings at him again, still shaky but now a lot more confident.Krieg blocks it, shoving her weapon to the side before swinging the pole of his halberd back at her with some slight speed. “LEFT!”Maki immediately holds up her sword to block it with all her might, trembling underneath the weight. Her breathing is quick, clearly exhausted and strained.She powers through with what she had left, striking Krieg's right.“GOOD!” Krieg blocks it with the back end of his halberd before lowering his shoulder. “FRONT!”He then rams his shoulder directly into Maki’s chest.Maki immediately falls backwards. She clutches her sword before hitting the ground, landing on her tail. Glenka's head whips up from her book.Krieg hefts his Halberd over his head before propelling the ax head downwards towards Maki's chest. "GOING DOWN!!"Maki screams, trying to lift her sword off the ground to block but unable to manage. She holds out her left hand, flinching and closing her eyes while turning away.Krieg's halberd stops short of its target, hanging in the air over Maki.It lingers for what feels like somewhere between 2 seconds and 2 minutes, before Krieg hefts it back towards him and rests its weight on his shoulder.Krieg's smile is still present, yet stuck somewhere between mocking sneer and proud father. "How do you feel, Maki?"Her eyes are tightly shut, lowering her hand to hide her face in both of them. Maki visibly trembles, her sounds of crying coming through every few seconds.Glenka gawks silently, unsure of what to do.Krieg gives a hearty laugh. "Death is scary, no?"Maki audibly cuts off her cries, though she still hides. She simply lays sideways, trembling on the ground with her sword beside her.Krieg nods. "Good. Hold on to that feeling, remember it well. That fear? That weakness? That shame? That's what you're training to avoid." Krieg chuckles to himself grimly. "Well, assuming you'd still be alive to feel anything after a loss."Maki doesn't get up. She stays on the ground, shaking helplessly. She moves her hands slightly, revealing her shocked tear-filled eyes.Glenka speaks. "M-Maki okay...?"Krieg shakes his head at Glenka. "She isn't, no. She almost just died. Sucks pretty bad the first few times."He turns back to the tiefling on the ground. "Best to get used to it. Last thing you need when you're seconds away from death is to lose yourself to shock."Maki's mouth moves and her voice comes out, but it's as if it's stuck in her throat.Krieg shakes his head. "You needn't speak. We are taking a break. Collect yourself, and take your time."Maki stays right where she is. Glenka stares at her with concern, unsure of what was going on.Krieg walks next to Glenka before taking a knee. "What have you written so far?"Glenka blinks a few times before she responds. "Oh... uh, see..."Glenka shows him a messy transcription of him and Maki's conversation. Most of it was spelled correctly (even if it was written messily). Some of the sentences that jump out to him are as follows:
Ready for the next xercise?

Are you just going to stair?

Good! Really put your back into it!
The last had an annotation beside it, written in Goblin: Is this some kind of saying? Krieg nods. wiping some sweat off his brow. "Good, mostly."He points out the two spelling mistakes, correcting them before pointing to the final statement. [Goblin] "Not really.  It just means to use your back muscles."Glenka nods, swiftly correcting her mistakes with her magic quill as Krieg points them out. "Thank you."Maki is now sitting up, her hands gripping her sword and staring at it intensely.Krieg nods. [Common] "You're doing well. You have a good foundation." He then looks to Maki."You as well. Solid reflexes, with a will to match. Once your body catches up, you'll be able to do much more than just protect yourself, I assure you."Glenka bows slightly, thanking him.Maki’s eyes move to Krieg. All she can do is nod.Krieg looks up at the sun. There's still a bit of daylight left, but it's fine. He looks back to the two of them. "Let's finish here. Food is needed."Glenka nods, closing her book and dismissing her quill. She stands and walks alongside Krieg. Maki, who is still shaky, stands up slowly, following behind them.