A funny truth

The incident stayed with the entire caravan even after leaving the woods behind. Some shook in their carriages, others mourned the few who had been taken, and a number even used the event as fuel to strive towards becoming strong. This wasn't to say that covered all reactions, but it certainly was the largest percentage. The group with Raen blended between the first and the last, Mia visibly shook whilst others truly saw the dangers of the world they would be entering. Raen himself was one of those, wondering just how long it would take before he could feel comfortable in such a situation.

Vyral had gone quiet next to Melinda, realizing what had happened better than the rest she travelled with. They had tried to compliment her on killing one of the attacking Maraq, but she was well aware that it was only by chance. She wouldn't dare to face that same creature one on one.

Bhromir was unphased as were the rest in his carriage, all save Hala who worried about those from the village. She wouldn't be able to get word on any of them until the caravan stopped and that was hours away.

Not too surprising it was in fact the adventurers who were doing most of the talking now. Some commented on how much stronger others seemed, others teased about attacks which missed Maraq or just didn't do anything, and others just bantered to keep the quiet at bay. The recruits would settle down eventually and become loud at some point and treating the event casually was the best way to promote that.

The hours did come and go, the coming dark of night blanketing the sky for roughly half an hour until the carriages in the front could finally spot lights at the caravan's last stop before reaching the Guild's district branch. Civilization was enough to perk up almost all of the recruits, the thought of warm beds, meals, and the chance to wash off doing wonders for spirits.

Just before the sky had turned completely black the caravan stopped in the small town of Rieves, known in the region as a good mining town and even better known for its smiths. Even if they were a ways off from nearby mountains there were actually a few caves found along the perimeter of the forest, a little risky at times of the year because of monsters but otherwise highly profitable.

Though it did happen to be the most direct means to get to the Guild district branch in Mardove there was actually a second reason that the caravan made this stop every year.

Recruits often time would have the backing of their families or villages, which could mean any number of things. The most common however was that the villages or towns who could support sending them off often gave them money or items that could be traded. Raen for example had gotten a few useful items from Juin right before departing.

This meant that in Rieves, those who had the funds could better arm themselves before reaching Mardove. Others might wait until reaching the Guild headquarters to purchase better gear but the cost was exponentially higher seeing as adventurers were the main consumers as well as the rich.

Aldrich departed with many of the others in tow, needing to replace his shield and deciding he may as well upgrade what he could. The others also wanted to purchase something other than the practice weapons they were carrying. Ceres as usual decided to put food first, heading towards the market to see what was in stock. Raen was left alone at the carriage, not sure if he should try and sell the gear Juin had given him or just wait until later to find a real weapon.

This was just what Vyral had been waiting for, the sneaky demihuman running off at the first chance she got to try and track down Raen. Thankfully she wore her robe still or she might have been embarrassed if someone could have seen her tail wagging briskly at her good luck. She still however did not want to come out just yet and so waited until Raen headed deeper into the town to follow him.

Melinda could actually see this from where she was perched on his seat on the carriage, hiding a smile as she gave the other recruits riding with her directions to a decent tavern and inn. She had guessed what the demihuman was up to when she suddenly dashed off and kept her thoughts to herself.

Raen of course was blissfully unaware of what was going on around him, just exploring the town which was far more active than he thought considering the hour. In all honesty it was actually unusual for so many shops to be open but as this was a yearly stop the people of Rieves made an exception for just one day out of the year to make a little extra coin.

Most of the center of town was busy with the massive influx of recruits, shopkeepers doing their best to entice customers, women of the night flashing inviting smiles, even a few recruits were ducking into the darker alleys to deal with far less legal discussions. Raen too left the lit path and poked about though kept to nicer looking sections. A desire to learn drove him to seek out the library, or at the least somewhere he could sate that thirst.

Vyral on the other hand was as confused as ever, trailing behind Raen who actually seemed a little lost. She could tell that he didn't know his way around and yet he was so clearly looking for...something. Yet with no shops or for that matter people what else could he be doing? Looking for someone who lived there maybe?

Raen turned down an alley finally and Vyral cursed, hurrying up and bumping into someone as soon as she did. The demihuman bounced back and scrambled to her feet, ears flickering furiously as she hissed and opened her mouth to yell at whomever it was before seeing Raen there smirking.

Much as he was trying to find a place to learn more that didn't keep him from noticing something strange a few streets back. Granted it was that dark energy from before which let him notice her but once he did Raen was surprised he had not managed to catch sight of her earlier. Vyral was good at hiding in the shadows but unfortunately for her the town was well lit.

" Now correct me if I am wrong, but I think stalking is still considered impolite. " Raen moved back into the alley and walked slowly as Vyral fixed her hood and followed, not bothering to hide herself any longer.

" Well then consider us even for earlier, or perhaps for so rudely discovering my secret. " Vyral huffed as she calmed herself, hoping to finally get answers. " So what is the strange human doing in this part of Rieves? Looking for someone perhaps? "

" Not at all. The town is quite lively but I think I would rather stop by the library or find a map maker. " Seeing a light in the building just ahead Raen picked up the pace, hopeful once he saw a hanging sign above the door. He had yet to notice that Vyral had stopped cold in her tracks, dumbstruck with mouth hanging open.

It took a few long seconds before her mind comprehended what Raen told her, laughing quickly but loudly, causing him to jump at its sudden appearance. " Ha, no way. Ha ha, that's just...heh you really are a weird guy you know that. Alright I'll bite, if you want to find a library or map maker then what exactly are you looking for? And why not wait to go through the Guild archives, nothing is supposed to compete. "

Raen shook his head and turned back to open the door, unfortunately finding that the handle refused to budge. Light or not, it seemed that the library just wasn't open. He sighed before turning back to Vyral whose face was just barely showing from under her hood. " Well since you asked nicely, I just like to learn. I don't know much so to keep from being more steps behind than I already am, I want to learn as quickly as possible. Honest truth. " He held his hands up and walked forward, turning to head back towards the center of town.

" You...hmm I suppose I'm not much different there. But why an adventurer then? Just to learn more? There are far easier ways than putting your life on the line. " Vyral fell back into step behind Raen, feeling quite at ease now. She could just sorta tell that he wasn't lying, and from earlier she knew he didn't care  about her being a demihuman. A rare combination, and a pleasant one.

Slowly they progressed into brighter areas, Raen slowing to look back, Vyral realizing that her hood had moved while walking and fixing it after blushing a little. Raen didn't know it was from her ears twitching but she did. He had been quiet for nearly a minute before finding what words to use. " Well you already called me weird, so this should be less shocking. I want to save this world. "

Vyral stumbled, looking at Raen's face. He was dead serious and she felt bad but there was no way to hold back her laugh. She put a hand over her mouth but kept going, even louder than before. Soon her eyes had teared up and after catching her breath Vyral smiled at Raen who was stunned by the marvelous sight. " Yeah if I didn't think you were weird before you take the cake now. "