To Chase a Dream ⇾ Aloy

seven: a rushed errand an interesting encounter

Three years later

A hummed melody is what greets Lorea's ears as she nears the entrance to her cave. The warmth of the fire hits her head-on as she drags herself over the edge. She looks up and is startled by the sight of someone sitting by the fire.

With a confused frown she calls out to him. "Sparrow? What in All Mother's grace are you doing here?"

The man smiles and twists around to face her. As soon as he moves, a grimace settles on his features. "I saw the fire and I needed a place to heal. I had no idea this was your place."

The contents of Lorea's bag are thrown out as she searches it for any healing herbs or salves, but she can only find a small pot of odd smelling herbs needed to reduce a swelling. Not suited for the large gash on Sparrow's leg.

"Uhm, okay. I'll go, just wait here. I'll be back with useful stuff soon!" She's already over the edge before the older man can reply.

With a pained expression on his face Sparrow wraps up his still bleeding wound. His plan was to leave, but as he nears the edge he decides against it. He won't make that climb again, not in this condition.

Her foot catches behind a root, causing her to stumble. She regains her footing and continues to dash forward. Sparrow showing up the way he did reminds her of the day he saved her life 3 years ago. It makes her determined to return the favor.

With heaving breaths, she skids to a stop underneath a large ruin. The lights are sniffed out as they usually are, to remain hidden. She navigates through the maze of fallen metal beams and chunks of debris. All the way to the back. There, a ladder is strategically placed, easily missed if one wasn't aware of it.

She hastily starts to climb down, cursing whoever decided that this far down underground would be the perfect location. Her heavy breathing is all that can be heard as she descends further and further into the darkness. The small shaft smells like dust and rusted metal, making Lorea feel at ease since she spends most of her time in ruins.

As her feet hit the ground she whistles a sharp short tone, the greeting to let them know who she is. A heavy clunk is heard and as metal grinds over metal, warm light streams into the elevator shaft. She nods her head in thanks to the guard and moves inside.

The sound of many different voices ranging from very young to very old greet her ears. All having different conversations and discussions. Spices and herbs take over her sense of smell as her eyes adjust to the bright light inside. With a deep breath she steps inside the familiar room, bursting with life as always.

The Hub stretches itself out below her. Market stalls where people discuss prices and wares are at the very bottom. The rest of the floors surround it, snaking around the sides and stretching upwards. Those hold the rooms. Not big at all, but big enough for Outcast to either stay in, temporarily or permanently. Whatever the person desires. It's a safe haven for those that don't fit in or made mistakes that they couldn't take back.

She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes and listening to the hustle and bustle. For a moment she takes it all in. Just for a moment though she's here for a reason.

She grabs ahold of the first person passing by. "Do you know where I can find Mint?"

The kind man smiles and points the explorer in the
direction of the healer's room. It was expected, but one can never be too sure. After a quick thank you she takes off running, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. She declines all offers and deals presented to her by the merchants and wrestles onwards until she finally reaches the healers.

As soon as the door closes behind her silence overwhelms her. As much as she enjoy the always lively Hub she appreciates this much more.

"Lorea, what are you doing here so late?" A woman walks over. "You're not hurt are you?"

With a smile Lorea shakes her head. "No, don't worry. I'm just looking for Mint."

"Oh, she's in the back I'll go get her for you."

As she waits she observes. It's not a busy day and only two beds are occupied. Healers surround one as they work their magic and ease the pain of their patient.

Just as she's wondering who it is Mint walks into the room. Her long and broad figure hard to miss, yet she doesn't have a threatening air to her at all.

She's tying her long hair up as she speaks up. "So, what is the problem this time."

"Okay, so he, the patient, isn't actually here, but just a while west in my cave." She fumbles with a wire as she uncomfortably explains the situation.

Mint sighs and turns back to where she came from. "Wait outside I'll go get my stuff."

Relieved Lorea thanks Mint, before the woman disappears to the back room once again.

~

The fire illuminates Mint's face as she carefully applies stitches to Sparrow's wound. The flames dance on her face as sweat rolls down her forehead. Lorea just sits to the side staying out of the Healer's way as Mint works her magic. Thankfully it doesn't take long and after some instructions to Sparrow, on how to take care of the wound, she gathers her stuff back up.

"Well that was that. Any other things I need to check on while I'm still here?"

Lorea shakes her head. "We'll be fine. Thank you!"

The tall woman smiles. "As long as you're sure," she lowers herself down the edge. "Until next time little mouse!" And with that she leaves the cave and Lorea, who's cheeks burn from embarrassment.

Sparrow chuckles at the girl's reaction, earning a glare in return. With the woman gone Lorea turns back to her mess of wires and metal parts in the very back of the cave. Tinkering away while munching on pieces of dried meat.

"What're you working on?" He asks after a while, successfully breaking the silence and the explorer's focus.

"Something that isn't working yet, but hopefully one day will," she wipes the grease form her hands. "How did you get a wound like that?"

The man glances at his bandaged leg hesitating to answer. "I had a run in with some bandits."

"Ah, yes they're quite vicious. That also explains your missing swords."

"How did you-"

A chuckle espaces her lips. "You keep reaching for them. I didn't think you would've noticed."

This surprises the man. This person sitting before him is not the same Lorea he had to save 3 years ago, nor is she the wide eyed curious girl from the ruins. She has grown quite a lot and all that on her own. He wonders how she would do under his guidance.

"Would you allow me to teach you a thing or two?"

A bright grin takes over Lorea's face. "I'm always excited to learn something new!"

Just like that he decides to stay a little while longer.