Eric Vang's Quest of the heart

Whitemere Quest's Done!

With a sigh, Eric began to pack up his camp. The goblin cores lay in a neat pile beside him. He put them securely in Storm's saddle before mounting up. The journey back to Whitemere was uneventful, the forest feeling more like home with each passing day. The air was crisp and clean, the scent of dew and leaves underfoot.

As they approached the town, the sounds of early morning activity grew louder. The smell of baking bread and roasting meats filled Eric's nostrils, making his stomach growl. He hadn't realized how hungry he was after the battle. He led Storm through the town gates, the guards nodding in recognition.

The Adventure Guild was already bustling with activity when Eric arrived. He dismounted and walked into the building, the goblin cores heavy in his pack. The same elf receptionist looked up from his paperwork and smiled. "Back so soon?" he asked.

Eric nodded, dropping the cores onto the counter with a thud. "Got the job done," he said. The receptionist's eyes widened at the sight of the goblin cores, and he quickly stood to examine them. "Impressive," he murmured. "The goblin leader's core is among them; there were only supposed to be five at most, not 20 !?"

The receptionist's gaze snapped up to meet Eric's. "You killed the entire camp?"

Eric shrugged. "They had it coming," he said, his voice laced with a hint of weariness. "They've been causing trouble for too long."

The receptionist nodded, his expression a mix of admiration and concern. "You've done well," he said, counting the cores. "But be careful. The forest holds many dangers, and you're still young."

Eric grinned, "I'll be fine," he assured the elf. "Besides, I have Storm now." He gestured to the battle horse, who was waiting patiently outside.

The receptionist nodded, his gaze lingering on the goblin cores before he handed Eric a small pouch. "Your reward," he said. "Plus, a little extra for taking care of the problem so thoroughly."

Eric's grin widened as he took the pouch, feeling the weight of the coins within. He knew the value of money in this world and how much it could help him on his journey. He thanked the receptionist and tucked it into his hip pouch, the jingle of coins mingling with the clinking of his new collection of jewelry.

He turned to the quest board, his eyes scanning the parchments pinned there. His gaze fell upon a quest: a three-horned boar had been terrorizing the countryside, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The villagers had offered a hefty reward for its capture or demise. Eric felt a thrill of excitement; this was a challenge he was eager to face.

He approached the board, the wood smooth under his fingertips. The quest was well-worn, indicating that many had attempted and failed to bring the beast to heel. He pulled the parchment from its hook, the paper crackling with age.

The quest read: "Wanted: The Three-Horned Boar of Wraithwood. Terrorizes the countryside, destroying crops and livelihoods. Reward: 100 gold pieces and a rare herb for the hero who ends its rampage." The herb, he knew, was one of his favorite finds in his books, and the thought of obtaining a rare specimen had him eager to accept.

Eric approached the board and took the quest. The receptionist looked up from his desk, raising an eyebrow. "The Three-Horned Boar, are you sure you're up for it?"

"I've faced worse," Eric said with a smirk, tucking the quest into his messenger bag. "Besides, I've got Storm now." He patted the bag of gold coins at his side. "And I could use the reward."

The receptionist nodded, though his expression remained cautious. "Remember, young one," he said. "The Three-Horned Boar is no ordinary creature. It's swift, cunning, and as fierce as they come."