The Adrift Oath

Chapter XX: A Beginning's End

Fae didn't seem to be bothered by the heavy rain that drenched both her clothes and her hair in water, if anything with the smile she had on her face she seemed to be quite enjoying the nonconsensual shower

Alas her guilty pleasure had to come to a stop as she was in front of the entrance of the red Lilly inn, if anything it was the only semblance of home to her, at least the home she had in this new world

Blowing her hot breath on her cupped hands to warm herself, Fae could hear very faint chatter inside, she was surprised there were any type of customers at this hour

But she had to get in anyway, and she did, gently opening the door as she got inside right before closing the door behind her, her eyes could notice Yulia seated by the counter chatting with Ulfgan, both smiled at Fae when they looked at who might enter the inn at this time

Fae could also notice however, at the corner of her eyes, Athena was weirdly enough sitting by a table alongside that one dwarf blacksmith that sold Fae her previous shortsword, did they know each other? she thought

Another woman was also sitting in between those two, blond short hair with blue eyes and dressed in a similar fashion as Athena, mostly prioritizing function and freedom of movement over fashion, Fae presumed that she was some sort of adventurer at least, yet she didn't recognize her at all but she did wave to Athena in a friendly way while Athena herself return Fae's wave with a smile, a smile that was heartwarming, a smile as if Fae did Athena a huge favor that she herself didn't know, it got some thoughts raising for Fae

But well, She didn't mind it for now as she had two friends to go and talk to

"Was starting to get worried about you" Yulia told the approaching Fae with a small smile as her right hand held a mug that was half empty

"Yeah I was a bit busy, sorry" She seated herself right next to the guild master while Ulfgan gave the woman a nod and a caring smile

"Anything you order is on the house, Fae, you deserve it" He spoke while his arms were crossed, his weary eyes had a soft touch to them, almost like a proud father

"Oh really now? then you wouldn't mind if I order for everybody here right?" She said with a slight smirk that prompted a rough chuckle out of the man, he was glad Fae didn't lose her sense of humor after what happened to her

"I'm kidding, I don't feel hungry or thirsty myself so I'll pass" She waved with her hand to dismiss his kindness

"But I appreciate the thought, thank you" Not without showing gratitude where it was due, she was taught to be that way by the man who cared for her

She raised an eyebrow suddenly at Ulfgan's eyes diverting from Fae to look seemingly through her

"Y'all waited long eh?" Ulfgan said out loud while Fae looked over her shoulder to find Athena, that dwarf, and that unknown blond woman standing behind her, she could guess they wanted something for her and her weary mind hoped it wasn't more trouble

"That we did" The dwarf said as he gave Ulfgan a slow nod, then they all looked at Fae, who turned 180 degrees to face them yet she still was seated on that stool, she was too tired to get up

"You're looking for me?" She asked them with a cautiously raised eyebrow, the dwarf nodded

"You remember me right?" The dwarf said, Fae too gave a nod in affirmation

"I don't have that bad of a memory" She snarkily responded, Athena raised one side of her lips in a half-smirk

"My name is Demdek, and these is my two daughters, Athena and Eris" He introduced himself and the two women, but Fae already knew Athena yet she was still surprised that they had that kind of connection, the height difference alone was something to keep that thought at bay but it seems it was the truth after all