Morning light spilled over the quiet village of Elmsbrook, brushing rooftops and fields with golden warmth. The soft rustling of leaves mixed with the hum of waking life. Birds chirped somewhere near the edge of the woods, and the faint scent of fresh herbs lingered in the cool air.
Inside the small room where they had spent the night, Red, Selena, and Lio were busy packing their things. The atmosphere was calm but filled with an unspoken eagerness to return to Silverhaven and the adventures that awaited there.
Lio was juggling two worn satchels, stuffing in what little food they had left, while Selena carefully folded her newly acquired leather armor, a faint smile lingering on her lips after the night's celebration.
Red, ever composed, stood by the door, silently checking the straps on his own gear.
As Selena tied the laces on her boots, she glanced toward Red with a hopeful expression. She had barely said more than a few words all morning, too nervous to break the comfortable quiet. It was a feeling she was not quite used to.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
In walked Sarah, the young blonde girl with piercing blue eyes who had been saved alongside the others. She was glowing with an energy that seemed to fill the room, wearing a simple dress and a determined expression.
Sarah: "Red."
Her voice was soft but firm.
Red turned his head, his stoic eyes meeting hers. Before anyone could react, she took a bold step forward and planted a swift, unexpected kiss right on his lips.
Selena's eyes nearly popped out of her head. Her face flushed bright red, a mix of shock, anger, and an utterly ridiculous jealousy swirling inside her chest.
Selena: "W-what was that?!"
She crossed her arms, glaring daggers at Sarah as if daring her to try that again.
Lio, meanwhile, was frozen mid-pack, staring wide-eyed and awkwardly at the two girls, utterly bewildered and clearly feeling very much left out.
Lio: "Uh... is this some kind of adventurer greeting?"
Sarah stepped back, a sly smile curling at her lips.
Sarah: "Just wanted to say thank you properly. And... maybe more."
Her eyes sparkled mischievously.
Selena: "More? More like claiming first dibs, huh?"
She pointed an accusatory finger at Sarah, then turned to Red with a mock scowl.
Selena: "Are you just going to let her do that? What, you like blondes better or something?"
Red, as usual, didn't respond. His expression remained unreadable, stoic to the core. Without a word, he slung his cloak over his shoulders and started walking toward the door.
Red: "Let's go."
Selena huffed and crossed her arms again, but there was a playful gleam in her eyes now. The rivalry had officially begun.
Sarah quickly grabbed her own gear and followed after Red, clearly determined not to be left behind.
Sarah: "I'm coming with you. I want to register as an adventurer in Silverhaven."
Lio finally broke out of his stunned silence, slinging his satchels over his shoulder.
Lio: "Well, looks like the party's getting bigger."
Selena shot him a side glance, then burst out laughing.
Selena: "Yeah, and you're stuck in the middle of this mess."
Lio: "Hey, I'm just happy not to be ignored for once."
They all laughed, the tension broken.
As the trio, now a quartet, stepped outside into the warm morning sun, Selena glanced once more at Red and Sarah walking ahead, their silhouettes framed by the rising sun.
She grinned.
This was only the beginning.
Just as Red, Selena, Lio, and Sarah were about to step onto the dirt path leading away from Elmsbrook Village, a small group of villagers emerged from their homes, carrying bundles of freshly picked herbs and flowers.
An elderly woman, her face lined with worry but brightened by hope, stepped forward. She held out a large basket overflowing with fragrant herbs, lavender, rosemary, mint, and more.
Villager Elder: "Please, take these with you. It's not much, but it's all we can offer. For freeing our daughters and sisters from the bandits' clutches."
Selena bent down to help carry the basket, eyes shining.
Selena: "Thank you. We'll make sure these herbs are put to good use, and so will the guild."
Lio grinned and added, "Maybe I'll try making some stew with these. Could be better than those slimes we keep fighting."
Sarah accepted a smaller bundle from a young girl who looked shy but hopeful.
Sarah: "Thank you. I promise to train hard and protect those who can't protect themselves."
Red, still silent, accepted a sturdy leather satchel filled with dried herbs from a burly farmer.
As the group turned to finally leave, the villagers called out their thanks once more, voices warm and grateful.
Villagers (in unison): "Safe travels! Come visit again!"
Walking down the path, carrying the gifts of healing earth, Red's expression softened just a little — a rare moment of quiet satisfaction.