The Unbidden: The First Tome (Side Stories 1) (Long Parts)

The Elf and Tragedy (Part 2)

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The first month passed without any issue, as was standard for most of our trips. There were many times in which we had to travel to Morganite, the most common of which to procure specific items. This was no exception, though in addition to said items, we also decided to buy some of the more expensive foods that did not spoil too quickly. Additionally, we needed to swap our clothes out for something lighter as the region around Drorkin was rather hot and humid.

"Par for the course for a jungle, I suppose," I sighed.

While we had numerous funds to simply purchase new clothes, it was easier to turn a profit by selling our current ones as our group did tend to go out of the way to avoid damaging valuables that were not easily repairable.

"I am excited! I hope we find the saltu crawlers. I heard they have a large amount of martial essence. That means they must be good fighters," Garin slapped his bicep enthusiastically.

"Do they usually travel in packs?" Raena was a little excited as well.

One thing they bonded on was getting to fight creatures. I liked avoiding confrontations when available, but with companions such as them, well, it became a little difficult.

"I am glad you like to avoid violence," I smiled at Arnnen as I handed silver coins to the shopkeep.

"Violence can be fun, so long as you have the upper hand," he spoke in his usual giddy tone.

"Why must everyone be so willing to front aggression?" I rolled my eyes in jest.

"You simply have not found the joy of exhilaration from having an opponent who can put you in your place," A hearty laugh escaped Garin.

The shopkeep thanked us for our patronage and we departed to the marketplace. Arnnen and Garin split to gather whatever it was they needed, leaving Raena and I to wander together. I felt her fingers slip between mine as we walked. I squeezed her hand in response. Many of the culinary shops were setup near the marketplace, so the various smells of food and drink permeated the area.

"Are you hungry?" Raena asked, taking a few steps ahead to pull me along.

"Even if I said no, we would still go," I smiled, following her lead.

She tilted her head up a little and sniffed the air as we closed in on the restaurants. It was almost as though she were a hound sniffing its next meal. I chuckled softly at the thought.

"I shall treat you this time," her flowing brown hair spun behind her as she let go of my hand to turn toward me.

We had come to a restaurant named "Wet Gullet". The overpowering stench of freshly cooked veal seasoned with various spices wafted around. I scrunched my face as whatever spices they used were rather potent.

"I know your nose is sensitive, but I have heard only good things about them. Will you sit with me?" she tilted her head slightly.

"Of course, milady," I moved to pull a chair out at an empty table on the outside of the building, but still far enough from the immediate bustle of the streets that we would be able to hear one another talk.

The things I do for love, I mused.

The smell really was difficult to put up with, but I did my best. Raena, in her mischievous ways, ordered imported wine from the east and a plate of seeded dumplings coated with a light glaze of some type of sauce. It was apt to say she felt like torturing me this day and for no reason known to me. I kept it simple and got a meat stew and cheap wine.

"Is there something I did wrong?" I finally asked a few bites in.

She looked up mid bite and smiled wryly. It was obvious I hit the mark.