Progress

"So what does that make our total? Kira, you were keeping track of this, right?"

I rolled my eyes as I stared at the various pouches in front of us, opening them up and reminding us of the spoils we had all gathered over these last few outings.

The day had gone by in a swift manner, with out group managing to make it out of the outpost a total of three times for around an hour each, netting us quite the haul each time; not even in just Goblin kills, which were something I was becoming increasingly alright with each time I was placed in a combat scenario.

Each encounter with those red skinned bastards was slowly chipping away at the wall that separated me from the thought that I was stuck here now, and that killing was something that I wasn't sure I could manage; each time I put one of those red Goblins to death, the more I found the thought and action of killing to be agreeable... at least for monsters.

"Alright, alright Paci! I got it... in total, we've killed around 40 Goblins, 17 Hobgoblins, and that small pack of Radix Wolves, which numbered at 3 total. On top of the monster kills, we also brought back a bundle and a half of Astra Nettle, a bundle of Crimson Dandelion, and a single root of Yngrave's own Hunter's Toe. Odd name, that.... Besides the herbs, which are rather valuable, we also have a few extra swords, axes, and even a chipped, yet functional staff from that Goblin Shaman. All in all..."

Gathering our stuff up once more, I nodded to myself and looked at my team, taking in their reactions to the list of goodies we had acquired and smirking as I said "I think we have a good chance at first, honestly. But, let's not get complacent now! We still have tomorrow and the day after to further line our pockets. Even if we don't get first, we'll still have made ourselves a nice profit!"

Paci gave me a grin, accepting her spoils back and humming contentedly to herself as she watched me give Victor and Inga their spoils back as well, the two observing me closely as they made sure they got everything they were owed.

"Come now, really? If I wanted to swipe some of your loot, I wouldn't do it in such an obvious manner! Besides, I REALLY wouldn't do it here, deep inside our own encampment? Alessia and I may be... friendly, but I doubt she'd protect me if I was that stupid!"

"What wouldn't I do?"

Jumping slightly, I looked over my shoulder and stared at the blonde Dogkin, shaking my head as I gathered myself, only to sigh as Paci happily said "Protect your toy if she misbehaved!"

My cheeks darkened at that rather 'demeaning' way of describing our relationship, but I stayed quiet as Alessia just nodded, the Dogkin saying "Depends on the things she did; if it only warrants something minor, I'll make sure she doesn't misbehave again. Something major, and... well, I do have authority to jail those that 'misbehave'."

The warning was clear, and I nodded again as I said "No misbehaving here! Promise!", raising my hands and giving the woman a small smile, who stared down at me for a few moments more.

"Good. Well, I was doing the rounds and telling everyone to come get some grub. Then we'll set up the roster for watch before turning in for the night. C'mon."

I stood up and looked towards Victor and Inga, saying "Really, I'm not asking you to place your lives in my hands, but... give me a little bit of trust, okay? For the next few days, we're going to be comrades. While I might be weak, I think I showed I'm good for the title, no?"

The Aviankin stared at me silently before giving me a curt nod, with Victor just grunting as he stood up as well, looming over us and making his way towards the fire, but not before saying "Could be worse."

I held back a snort as I followed the man, my two other teammates beside me as we sat together and ate, digging into the stew that one of the other soldiers had prepared and swapping some stories with the other teams that grew curious.

It reminded me that even though this was a competition, these people were all comrades for a long, long time now, and there wasn't any ill will between anyone as they listened and joked with one another.

"-en she summoned one of those root thingies and stabbed it square in the eye! Like this! Then she cast another spell and disoriented another, letting big ol' Vic smack 'em upside the head and obliterate its skull! Wha bam!"

Paci was grinning as she wove an interesting tale of our day, making me chuckle as I felt a few gazes turn towards me as the listeners further appraised me, grinning and shaking their heads as they tried to pick apart what was clearly embellished.

The Dogkin's tail was thumping hard as she continued on, her excitement clear to see for all, which only made it funnier to listen to, everyone chuckling and laughing at her retellings of our battles.

Eventually, Alessia and Trania stepped forwards and announced the roster, which had me at the end of the list - something I felt was intentional as Alessia winked at me, the Talonmaster using her authority to 'order' me into her tent for some relief.

Something I was more than willing to do as I unwound some of the worries and darker thoughts in my mind; the constant reminders that I was stuck here still nagging even now.

Things I wanted to let go stuck firmly inside my mind; memories and thoughts about home, about Mom and Mother, about Lulu, my classes, my really comfy bed...

Things I took for granted were now gone forever, and I would never get to see them, hear them, feel them ever again; that hurt, but...

I needed to move on, and Alessia was making that idea easier with each night we shared, the intimacy proving to be the greatest thing to distract and anchor my mind at the same time.

This... This was my new reality, and while there would be some kinks here and there, some bumps in the road and some dark spots, I was... I was more willing to think about them, to deal with them as they came.