Return to Silverhaven

The road to Silverhaven stretched like a ribbon of sunbaked earth beneath the sky. Trees flanked the trail for miles, tall and proud, swaying with the gentle summer breeze. Birds chirped overhead, and the distant hum of life grew louder with every step toward the capital city. Silverhaven's gleaming spires were just starting to peek over the horizon, silver rooftops glinting in the afternoon sun.

But despite the beautiful weather, Selena walked a few paces behind Red, arms crossed, lips tightly pressed, puffed cheeks adorably pink as she sulked.

Red glanced over his shoulder.

Red: You've been quiet.

Selena pouted deeper, turning her head to the side dramatically.

Selena: I'm not talking to you.

Red: You are now.

Selena: That doesn't count!

she huffed, quickening her pace to pass him, only to immediately slow down again because her legs were shorter.

Red blinked at her, a subtle smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Red: Is this about Sarah?

Selena froze.

He tilted his head.

Red: So it is.

Selena spun on her heel to face him, her finger jabbing into his chest.

Selena: Of course it is! She kissed you! On the lips! Right in front of me!

Red looked unbothered, but his voice was calm and almost teasing.

Red: And?

Selena: And? What do you mean 'and'?! That's a big deal!

Red: She said she wanted to marry me if she becomes a swordswoman.

Red continued walking.

Red: That's still far off. And just a promise.

Selena chased after him, her boots crunching against the gravel.

Selena: But still! I...I trained hard too! I fought slimes! I didn't get kidnapped even once lately! That has to count for something!

Red looked sideways at her, eyebrows raised in mild amusement.

Red: Didn't get kidnapped 'lately'?

Selena: That's not the point!

Selena groaned, stomping her foot.

Selena: You can't just go around letting girls fall in love with you!

Red chuckled under his breath.

Red: It's not something I plan.

Selena: Well, unplan it!

she huffed, her cheeks flushing darker.

Selena: And promise me you won't marry Sarah!

He stopped again, this time turning to face her fully.

Selena blinked as their eyes met his calm, hers flustered.

Red: Selena..., he said softly,

Red: I haven't made any promises to anyone. You don't need to worry.

Her face lit up, only to immediately twist into a pout again.

Selena: Hmph! Fine. But if you ever do… you'd better at least tell me first.

He smirked, then reached over to ruffle her hair.

Red: i will...

Selena squeaked and batted his hand away, trying (and failing) to look furious.

Selena: Stop that! I just fixed my bangs!

They crested the hill just as Silverhaven's outer walls loomed into view. The gates bustled with merchants, guards, and travelers. Flags bearing the silver hawk insignia flapped lazily in the breeze.

Selena straightened her back as they entered, trying to look taller and more mature, which only made her trip on a cobblestone.

Red caught her before she hit the ground.

Red: careful

Selena: Shut up! she groaned, red-faced.

The walk through the city was lively. Children darted between food stalls. Traders hawked their wares in dozens of accents. The scent of grilled meat, baked bread, and fresh herbs filled the air.

Selena's stomach rumbled loudly.

Red: We'll eat after the guild.

Selena: But I'm starving!

Red: You can eat your reward.

Selena: That's not how coins work! she whined.

The Guild Hall came into view, towering and proud at the center of the district. Its arched doors welcomed adventurers of all types. Selena pushed through them dramatically, arms wide.

Selena: We're back! And we brought a mountain of herbs!

Receptionist Sophia, the silver-haired receptionist behind the polished desk, looked up and smiled warmly.

Receptionist Sophia: Welcome back, Selena. Red.

Red gave a brief nod while Selena practically bounced up to the counter, slamming down their sealed quest parchment with pride.

Selena: We completed the herb gathering quest from Elmsbrook!

Selena: We even brought double the required amount!

Sophia took the parchment, inspecting the village seal and the weight of the bulging herb sack that Selena carefully unstrapped from her back.

Her eyes widened.

Receptionist Sophia: This is… quite a haul.

Selena: I had help! Selena said cheerfully.

Selena: A lot of the villagers pitched in after we… um… took care of some bandit problems.

Receptionist Sophia arched a brow but didn't press. She stamped the parchment and motioned to the attendant behind her. A few moments later, a heavy clinking pouch was brought forth.

Receptionist Sophia: Three silver coins per bundle. With the extra, that comes to...

Receptionist Sophia paused, did a quick tally,

Receptionist Sophia: eighteen bundles. Fifty-four silver coins.

Selena's jaw dropped.

Selena: Fi—Fifty-four?!

She snatched the coin pouch like it was treasure from a dragon hoard.

Selena: That's… that's like… more money than I've ever seen! I could buy...oh no, I don't even know what I could buy! Maybe a cat-shaped teapot! Or a sword with sparkles! Or a hundred skewers!"

Red: Don't waste it.

Selena: I won't! Probably.

She hugged the pouch to her chest and began humming as they walked away from the counter.

Selena: Look at me, Red! I'm rich! I'm rich and no one can stop me!

Red: Just don't waste your coins...

Selena: Aw, come on…

They settled in a corner booth at the tavern inside the guild hall, ordering two breakfasts, hearty meat pies, eggs, and mugs of coffee. Selena spent the entire meal counting and recounting her silver coins, stacking them into different towers and assigning each one a potential purchase name.

Selena: This one is for a new dagger," she said, flicking the coin.

Selena: This one is for potions. This one is for an emergency chocolate stash…

Red watched her, sipping his coffee in silence, expression unreadable.

But when she caught him staring, he quickly looked away.

Selena: What? she asked, leaning in.

Red: Nothing.

Selena: Were you smiling?

Red: No.

Selena: Liar!

she grinned, stuffing a piece of pie into her mouth.

Selena: You were! I saw it!

He said nothing, but the edge of his lips twitched again.

Outside the guild, Silverhaven buzzed with activity. Selena stretched her arms in the sunlight, holding her coin pouch like a trophy.

Selena: So… what's next?

Red's eyes drifted northward. Somewhere, far beyond the rooftops, mountains rose, cold and wild. His fingers brushed against the scroll hidden beneath his cloak.

Red: The usual, Another job.

She tilted her head.

Selena: Another herb quest?

He looked at her, then chuckled.

Red: Something like that.