Flames and Legacy

Chapter 4

I was surprised to see them back, I'd told them to leave and never come back. I grabbed my axe and prepared to fight, but they didn't reach for their sword. Instead they began to speak.
"I know you said to never return, but I feel that we should attempt to negotiate an agreement."

It would be an understatement to say I was surprised.
"Negotiate an agreement? You must be mad to come here and try to negotiate."
Although a part of me wanted to see what they could offer.
"But I'm willing to entertain your madness for a short while, you may come inside."

I opened the door and sat down on my couch, my axe still at my side. After some hesitation they sat down in the armchair across from me. We then engaged in awkward banter.

"I'm sure you remember, my name is Mado."
"Yeah I remember. I expect you remember mine as well."
"Well about my proposal-"
"No fluffing it up, just get to the point."
I wasn't in the mood for fancy talk, I just needed the facts.

"Alright then, I'm looking for safe passage through this area."
"And what do I get out of it?"
"I have a multifaceted offer. The first part is gold-"
"I'll take it."
She didn't need to say the other part, I didn't care, gold is one of the most precious commodities here.

"Well, the other piece was that I'd allow you to travel freely to the Overworld through my portal."
"Overworld?!" Now this, this was rich to hear, "The Overworld?"
"Yes?"
"The Overworlders haven't been here in ages, there isn't even proof it's real, and you expect me to think you're from there."
The only proof of that place is the ruined portals, and even those aren't complete proof. Probably because they themselves aren't complete.

"Well I could take you..."
This was intriguing, an adventure could be nice even with a stranger. I thought on it for a minute before answering.

"Sure I'll go, if you aren't lying then I'll take the deal. But if you are lying..."
"Rest assured, I'm not."