Calm before the storm

A little uneasy after the reality of the quest that they decided to accept, the group went to the market to get the necessary gear to go to that infamous cave.

- So, what do we need, Ms Elyrielle? - Asked the magician.

- First, proper clothing. Something thick enough to help us survive that cold. Then, there are long-range weapons. You wouldn't want to risk one of those undead creatures getting near you. Finally, something to isolate the flowers wouldn't allow it to die before we get here. I think that would be enough. - Said Elyrielle then took a breath. - Too many words. - Said and laughed to lighten the mood.

Well, I know a place. - Said the knight. - Follow me. This dude ows me some favors.

- That sounds good enough. Lead the way metal head. - Said the beast girl that punched the knight's shoulder. He smiled to her in return.

The four of them walked what seemed two or three blocks until they found Edward's friend.

Hey, man! Good to see ya! - Said a young man who had a metal leg prosthetic. He was really pale, with light brown hair and lots of freckles. He had a yellowish shirt, a brown leather vest, some dirty gray pants and simple brown sandals, well, one sandal on the foot that he still has.

Hey, myyyyyyy man! - Said the knight and firmly grabbed the other man's hand in a laud display. - He's Otis. He is my childhood friend. We were neighbors since our PARENTS were dating! Cool, isn't it? - Said the knight with excitement.

Otis turned and exchanged a glance with Elyrielle's golden glowing eyes.

- Wow! She's new. How did you guys manage to get an ELDER in your team? That is sooooo sick! - Said the young man, really surprised.

- Good afternoon, Mr Otis. Well, we happened to find each other, and after one quest went well, we decided to proceed with that arrangement. And thanks! I am an elder, but I'm just as any other elf, nothing special about myself. - Said Elyrielle, a little red. She didn't quite catch the meaning of "sick" on that young man's speech.

- Well, man, I need to ask you for a favor. - Said the knight. Straight forward as always. - We need gear to go to a cave. At night.

- A cave? At night? Are you nuts? You are so getting eaten. Why do you plan to do such a thing? - Said the young man.

- Man, please. I need this. You know that. - Said the knight, a little worried. As if only that friend and himself knew something that nobody else knew.

- Okay man. I ow you one, so come on in. Look for everything that you might need. I will cover you half the price.

- Thanks man! Let's go, crew! We need to hurry up before it gets too dark.

The group entered and split. Everybody will look for what they thought they needed.

Edward, the knight, found a good quality shield and took it.

Louise, the beast girl, took a heavy hooded cloak wool and, when nobody was looking, made two holes on the hood with her long claws for her ears. She also took a long stick with a lamp attached to it and some parts of armor to protect her arms and legs.

Leonard, the magician, whistled, and a beautiful medium-sized great horned owl flew and landed on his shoulder. The owl hooted to his owner and petted his head against the magician's face. Once that was done, Leonard found a little glass vial with a green little creature that glowed inside. It seemed to be a little fairy. The vial's cap had holes in it, so the little creature could still be inside alive.

Elyrielle found what seemed to be an ancient cape for the royal elf guards. It was a dark purple, made of silk on the outside and wool in the inside. It even had the old burned insignia of their army. It was probably from the "The Great Fire" incident that happened 500 years ago. She was there. She still had a small portion of her back burned as a living reminder of that dark day.

- I have more from "The Great Fire" if you are interested. - Said the young knight friend.

-Oh! I would certainly would want to see that If that is possible Mr Otis.

- Of course Ms Elder! Follow me please.

Elyrielle followed him towards a big glass-front cabinet. There were arm and leg protections that seemed to be made of gold. Those pieces had many intricate drawings carved into them. Also, a royal guard's bow. It seemed to be from a really good quality wood and colder strings. One of the ends of the bow had a golden shaped phenix bird. The insignia animal of the royal guards.

- This is impressive. I want the whole deal if possible.

- Great Ms Elder. It's all yours!

Once all of them got what they thought they needed, they all go together to pay for their gear.

- So, how much for my part Otis?- Asked the knight.

- 100 coins in your case.

- What about me? - Said the beast girl.

- 150 coins.

- And me? - Said the magician.

- 300 coins.

- And finally myself. - Said Elyrielle.

- 400. But I will make it free for you.

- Why? I do have the means to pay it? - Said Elyrielle concerned.

- I- I can pay for her if necessary! - Said the magician.

- Is not that. I know a veteran when I see it. You were in "The great fire", right?

Elyrielle's ears pointed upwards suddenly. Her eyes widened and her and her mouth opened.

- How did you know? - Said Elyrielle genuinely surprised.

- Your eyes. With all due respect. I know the eyes of someone that went trough that. Not many elfs

that I know have that same darkness behind them. And the ones that I do know, have been there.

- You... You are right, Mr. I’ve been there. But still, let me buy these historically relevant pieces at least for half its price. Please let me do this. For the honor of the royal hero that used these pieces before passing protecting its kingdom.

- Thank you for your purchase... your highness. - Said the young man and bowed.

Elyrielle didn't quite know what to say. She just smiled and nodded.

The four of them got out of that store in silence. Finally, the magician broke the silence.

- Did he say your highness?

- I'm curious now as well. Was that some kind of wooing? - Said the beast girl.

- I don't think so. It didn't seem like a joke either. - Said the knight.

- He is right. That was not a joke. My father... My father is Oberon. The King of elfs.

Silence.

- YOU ARE THE PRINCESS OF THE ELFS?? - Said finally the magician. With wide open eyes.

- Well I am. I can tell you more about it in detail once we are back from the mission. It's getting late. We must hurry. - Said Elyrielle a little worried.

- She’s not wrong, though. Let's talk about it later. - Said the beast girl.

- Okay, but promise that you will tell us about it. IN DETAIL. - Said the magician. Clearly exited.

- Yeah yeah, come on, people. Elyrielle is right. Let's get going.

-Did you bring horses? - Asked Elyrielle.

- Better. I can teleport us there. - Said the magician.

- Isn't that a spell that you can only use once a day? - Said the beast girl.

- Yeah. But I don't think that we will need it. Let me do this. - Said the magician.

- Okay, but if we need it later it's on you Leo.

- I know, I know. With Elyrielle with us, I'm sure that we won't need it. Now come, behind my back. You need to be physically in contact with me so I can teleport you all at once. - Said Leonard.

Edward touched his right shoulder, Louise his left shoulder and Elyrielle touched his back.

- Are you all ready? This is the last warning! You might feel dizzy once we get there! - Said the magician.

- I feel ready man.

- Me too.

- You can proceed young magician.

- Please, call me Leo Lady Elyrielle. So, Here we go!

<< Ad locum qui in mente mea est, me duc! >>

Said Leonard out loud which his spell book opened. The pages started shining with a golden light. So bright that it blinded the four of them for a few seconds.

The first feeling after that blinding light was their feet feeling no ground under their feet. Finally, they felt as if they feel a few centimeters from the air into the floor. The cold wind was the next sensation. Strong, cold and whistling wind surrounded the party. Elyrielle felt her ears and nose get red because of the cold.

The knight felt the cold breeze on his face that made his nose itchy.

The girl didn't feel much actually, due to the species she was related to. She was used to the cold temperatures.

The magician lost his balance and threw up a little by the side. His loyal companion hooted in response. Once he got cleaned his mouth and recomposed himself. He said to the party:

- You can open your eyes now people! - Said Leonard. Really proud of himself. As he didn’t just vomit because of his own spell.

- Wow! We really are here! Thanks man! - Said the knight.

- Nice skills man. One question though. Did you try this spell before? - Asked nervous the beast girl.

- Well... This was my first time actually haha.

- Are you KIDDING ME? - Said Louise as she grabbed Leonard by the throat. - What if you failed one word dumbass?? You could have killed us! - Said pressing even harder his throat.

- Do not worry Ms Louise. He cast the spell really well! It was dangerous, yes, but he did it as it should be. You should give him credit for that. Not only that, that is quite a complicated spell for such a young adventurer as him. Congratulations! - Said Elyrielle and smiled at both of them.

Leonard smiled and blushed. He tried to hide his face with his clothes but was still clearly visible.

- You are right Ms Elyrielle. I'm sorry about that. I just don't want to lose half of my body in a badly spelled spell. That is all. By the way. Did you hear someone or something throwing up?

Leonard blushed but this time because of embarrassment. And quickly added:

- Maybe it was an animal? Who cares! Let's get into the goddamned cave! - Said the magician.

-The four of them gave a last look to the outside because it would be a long time before they see it again.

The sky was getting slowly a dark blue and the first stars were visible already. The snow feel with strong winds covering them faster than they thought.

The cave. With an entrance of appropriately 4 meters tall, looked at them as a big, dark and endless mouth of an unknown entity. The stalactites only made that mental image even worse because they looked as sharp teeth around the mouth/entrance of the cave. The knight gave a step up and looked at his party. All of them looked at him. Expecting his orders.

- Ladies and gentlemen. We are just inches away before an important quest. I hope you are as ready as I feel. We can do it. Say it with me. WE CAN DO IT!

- WE CAN DO IT! - Chaired his party.

And just like that, the four of them entered the cave. Scared? Yes, but together they felt safe with each other. Their adventure, just started.

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