"That was a good fight. You have my thanks."

Women, children, and all assortments of passerby fled in horror. Lines of unconscious bodies paved the road from the east into the sleepy seaport of Rippletide, a strong trade node in the Coastlands. Although it possessed little in land area, it made up for it with beautiful beaches, glistening sands, and the salty smell of the sea. It was a popular honeymoon spot within Orsterra for that very reason.

But no one in their right mind would make that trip now.

"May the Flame forgive us…" Ophilia lamented, looking downcast upon the bodies as they walked.

"May the Flame give us more," Primrose retorted, flipping her fingers through a fat stack of parchment. "We collected about five hundred leaves off these people. You would think a town of this reputation would have more prosperous inhabitants."

"Don't you mean I collected those leaves, and you just scavenged their forms?" Olberic replied.

"Tch. It would have been bloodless if you let me just solicit them."

"But that's wrong, Therion!" Alfyn added. "Stealing isn't the right way to go."

"The scoundrel haveth a pointe." H'aanit spoke up. "What maketh thievery wrong, yet mugging to be righteous?"

"Whatever the perusal of income may be," Cyrus chimed in. "It is obvious beyond reasonable doubt that we are low on financial resources. We won't have enough to apportion lodgings for the lot of us tonight, and have rations to last us to Stonegard."

"Well…?" said Therion. "Don't you think it's time to let me break loose?"

"If I may, Therion, even if we permitted you to engage in your trade, judging by the income we've obtained through the brute force method… we'd be scraping by on scraps by the time we get there. The folks out here do not have the deepest pockets on the continent…"

"Then let's go back to Atlasdam…"

"Enough!" Olberic shouted. "We will not be engaging in anymore thievery, nor shall we be mugging these kind people. We have water, and we will have bread, and that will suffice as it did in the barracks."

The party of nine moved forward, seeing nary a soul in sight. Would they even be able to purchase that bread?

The idea of fighting passerby for leaves was of Olberic's mind. He remembered the night in Sunshade when he engaged that bouncer and left with a hefty sum. He soon learned that not many within the Inner Sea region carried leaves in such a quantity. But if he didn't provide enough leaves for their ever-growing family, what would he be but naught a failure?

Even if they allowed Therion to entertain his desires, it would mean nothing. Owning all the wealth in the world is meaningless is one does not know the true value of it, or how to spend and save it. Fools and their money are soon parted. It would be something they would have to learn the hard way.

"Alfyn, couldn't you just concoct some mixtures together as a source of food?"

"I can't, Ophilia. They don't have any nutritional value. It would be like founding a town on rainwater."

The group made it to the center of town, the brick pavement still fresh from the fleet of feet frittering upon its frame. There were stands of armaments and tonics on the streets, but with no one to people their treats. Cyrus spied a number of patrons within the local alehouse, moving enthusiastically and uninhibited. It was entirely peculiar.

'That's them! Swords and daggers and bows, oh my!'

The scholar could spy a massive ship within the Rippletide Harbor, evident that there were indeed more people within this settlement, albeit visitors. If they got closer to the harbor, they could maybe bump into someone, and…

"Excuuuuuse me, gals and gents."

Their wish was granted. They were accosted by a person in a long, white sundress paired with a brown, leather vest. The enquirer had sharp green eyes, bobbed brown hair, and a distinct feathered brown hat. Even more striking was the overly-sized brown backpack resting on the figure's shoulders.

But it was a teenage girl.

"Ah, welcome to Rippletide. I can tell you're all from out of town."

"Yes, we are." Ophilia replied. "But we haven't run into many locals here, unbefitting of the number of houses in this town…"

"There's a good reason for that…" The young girl said. "We always carry the best wares in all of Orsterra!"

"So good that nobody shows up…" Therion snubbed.

"Hey! I'd prove you wrong, if there weren't something more… pressing… going on right now."

"Pressing?" Ophilia perked up.

"From the looks of those weapons on your hips, I reckon you're all sellswords?"

"Quite observant of you, young one." Olberic chimed in. "But I gave up that lifestyle some time ago."

"I'll pay you three thousand leaves, and nothing more, for your services."

"Three thousand leaves!?" Alfyn exclaimed. "Do ya want us to rob a bank?"

The girl turned away to the side, lightly pressing her fingers together. "Not to rob, no… to reclaim something from robbers!"

"By the Gods!" Ophilia said. "You were just robbed? Is that why nobody is in the town square?"

"That's correct. We just had a run in with some pirates, who took our wine! And I'm going to get it back…!"

Noticing a sudden change in tone of voice, Primrose gently strutted toward the young girl, resting a hand on her shoulder. "But what?"

"B-but… I've never been in a real fight before, s-so…"

"You would charge head-first into danger against dastardly pirates, knowing full-well the odds were against you?"

"We must help her!"

All eyes turned to the voice of Ophilia's sudden outburst.

She continued. "Money or no, the lot of this town will suffer so long as these renegades continually threaten their way of life. We can't just sit here idly!"

"I agree," said Olberic. "I like her pluck as well. All those in favor, say 'aye.'"

"Ayes" came from all, except Therion, who looked off to the shimmering seaside.

"Therion, you can keep whatever you can carry if you join."

"Now that's more like it…" The thief replied.

"Now, young lass…" The warrior bent down on one knee, placing his firm hands on her shoulders. "What is your name?"

"Glad you can help! I'm Tressa Colzione!"


The path to the Caves of Maiya was just as idyllic as the one into Rippletide. The sands were just as glistening, the rocky overgrowth just as aggressive, and the smell just as adventurous. It was a shame that such a quaint retreat had to be soiled with scurvy sea dogs.

"I assume you have a plan to get in, Tressa." Olberic inquired.

"You bet I do! You just gotta carry this barrel until we get there."

And so, the party continued. They eventually spied a lone lookout outside of a large, dark cave.

"Not you again! You lookin' for trouble, brat!?"

The young girl moved a finger to her lips, indicating to the group to let her do the talking. She walked forward to the Pirate Lackey. "No, siree! I came to apologize on behalf of my town. We should've known we didn't stand a chance against you swashbucklers. This is for you. I hope you can forgive us."

She motioned Olberic forward, barrel of wine in tow. He begrudgingly placed the casket in front of the blue-bandanaed sea dog in front of them.

"Wine!" The Lackey exclaimed, greedily rubbing it with his fingers. "The cap'nses'll be happy to see this."

She waited until he took the barrel out of sight, before flashing the "V" sign to her hired help.

"Just wait a little bit…"

"It should be just about time. All right, let's go!"

"Time for what?"

Tressa turned to the inquisitive Ophilia. "That barrel of wine was laced with Sleepweed. Despite the cave being filled with pirates, they should all be asleep by now."

"And here I thought we were facing a full-frontal assault…" said the warrior.

"Nope! We can get in and out without firing an arrow! But just in case it didn't work…"

"Heh," Therion added. "Not half bad, kid. You really know how to sell yourself."

The young girl defiantly put her hands on her hips. "It helps to be a merchant!"

The party, now numbering eight, entered the dimly-lit caves. When they came upon the first soul within, lying on the ground, they proceeded with caution. Alfyn quickly jaunted to the body, checking him for any signs of condition.

"Yep… he's fast asleep!" he said.

"Then he won't mind if I take these…" Therion quipped as he picked up a pouch of coins.

It was an ingenious plan. As he passed by each of the slumbering pirates, raising his lantern to examine each one, he marveled at the ingenuity that went into such a simple, yet effective, plan. Were it left up to him, he would have just charged in through the front.

'But the others…'

It was true, each of them was talented in their own, unique way. They had confronted numerous obstacles, ranging from Lizardmen, overgrown Froggen, vicious wolves, and the like. But every time they were confronted by a group of insidious men, especially within the Sunlands and Ravus Manor, he had always taken the charge. Fighting all assortment of monsters is one thing. Fighting men, especially trained men, is another.

These children weren't ready for what they were getting into.

In a world were military-aged men were in short supply, and the ones who existed were tied up in private companies or in crime, it was a dangerous place for green recruits. They were greatly fortunate that these pirates were asleep, lest they would put up a formidable challenge, even if they were inexperienced. Men were a danger exceeded only by the Gods, and it would be imperative on him to protect this group from them, for only he understood their depravity in the fires of war.

They rounded another corner, this time bringing them into a dark corner of the cave. It had a wooden pier cut out for small pontoon boats. It would be a convenient navigation route for heavier heists. Gingerly, the eight of them tip toed around the slumbering pirates on the boards. Unfortunately, they were not alone.

"Thosen are bats ahead." H'aanit whispered. "Do you think they would waken them?"

"Leave this to me!" Tressa eagerly reached into her massive bag. The others were bewildered at how there was any method to her madness, but she didn't seem lost at all. Eventually she pulled out something strange, and clutched it with glee.

"Have a taste of this!" She whispered once more, letting the strange, green substance from her fingertips. The green substance morphed in the air, swirling into a thick, green gust from her very fingertips.

"Fire!?"

"Nope, Wind! Specifically, the Trade Winds!"

The green wind quickly met the bats, pushing the winged creatures further into the abyss. They wouldn't return to bother them again.

The winds did have an unfortunate side effect. The torches that aligned the causeway through the cave were blown out in the ruckus. The lanterns they brought into the cave wouldn't suffice on their own. It would be too risky to not step on any toes, literally.

"Oh no! Now we can't see. This is my fault…"

"Um, Tressa…" Ophilia stepped forward. "I have an idea. I want to try something out, if nobody objects."

"By all means," Cyrus replied. "Give it a shot."

The Cleric hummed for a moment, lightly tapping her staff on the ground twice. From the head of the staff, a small ball of white, pure light emitted, illuminating their immediate surroundings far greater than anything they had prior.

"Wow Ophilia, what was that?" Alfyn asked.

"The archbishop taught us Clerics to harness the power of the Light. Lianna was always so much better at this magic than I was, so I'm surprised it worked."

"Next time, you should try it on those bats. You're so much more than just our support."

"I will keep that in mind. Thanks, Alfyn."

AS they rounded the next corner, they could immediately tell that their adventure was almost over. They saw a massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and just beneath it an elevated platform, which luckily had stairs leading straight to it.

At the top of the stairs, a wonderous sight was to be beheld. Overflowing chests filled to the brim with gold lined the walls. Priceless portraits and vases flanked the empty space between them. Even ornate Sunlands Carpets were strewn on the floor. Within the center of the room, sat a large casket of the wine stolen earlier, and off to the side, another, empty casket of similar volume. This was presumably the drugged drink, which was fully imbibed by the patrons they crossed before.

Tressa immediately identified the two men sleeping on the floor in front of them. Both of them wore a white bandana, different from the blue bandanas they met before. The skinny one was known as "Mik" and the stout one was "Mak." Both claimed to be the "Captain" of their crew. Oh, the sweet irony that the items that they would take while the weak quaked, would in turn be taken back under their noses!

Tressa made a few steps forward, but froze suddenly by an interruption.

Mik stood up upright instantly.

"Who goes there?"

'Rats! We've been had!'

"I'll have you know…" the pirate said, drooping from side to side, "That I'm the Cap'n of this crewwww…"

His arms started moving on their own, while the "Cap'n" himself seemed to be frolicking around the room. The young merchant rubbed her eyes and did a double take.

"No way!" she whispered. "He's asleep!"

"Hoi!" Mak shouted, also rocketing upwards. "I'm the Cap'n, and yer me first mate!"

"Is he also…"

"Yes, Cyrus, he's also asleep."

"Oh, good to know Tressa. So, I interpret this as still a success?"

"Not quite… I've never heard of sleepdancing before, but there's no other explanation for what they're doing."

Her words rung true. The two white bandanas staggered in random jigs around each other, each with eyes sealed shut and following only each other's voices. Fortunately, they were completely unaware of the travelers' presence, and so they stood and contemplated their options.

"We must tread carefully… if we upset their natural cycle, then they will surely snap out of it and wake up."

"I think we can take them, Cyrus."

"Primrose, you saw how many pirates we passed on the way here. It would be bad news to drag all this stolen loot out of here with them up our pants."

"Duly noted, Alfyn…"

Meanwhile, Tressa and Olberic were of two minds. In their experiences with men such as these, they didn't think that the situation could get any weirder.

The Gods wouldn't let them down, this time.

"We're a school of salty swanks!"

Mik cried out.

"And we're lootin' across Orsterra."

Mak followed up.

"Cross us once or twice…"
"…And we'll send you to Galdera!"

"…Olberic, tell me, have you ever seen…"

"…No, Therion. I've never seen…"

Sleepwalking, dancing, signing pirates.

"This is just ridiculous…" Tressa groaned.

The young girl pinched her eyes shut in frustration, but just for a moment. She did a complete shift and snapped her fingers, with a clearly different expression on her face.

"…This is just ridiculous! I have a plan, guys, but we need to play along."

"What'ya mean?" asked Alfyn."

"Follow my lead."

The merchant slowly but surely walked forward, huffing her chest as she went. What she lacked in experience she made up for in pluck. The dynamic duo working off of each other could play to their benefit, but only time would tell.

"Come on, Cap'nses! We need to plunder that town!" She called out.

The two white bandanas stopped suddenly, and shifted towards her. Their expressions were clearly blank, processing the information coming in. Taking a deep breath, Mik let out a retort.

"Send for the King, cuz we're comin' for his crown!"

Next came Mak.

"The fiercest pirates of the Coastlands."
"More persistent than fleas."
"From the Swamps to the Snows."
"We're the kings of the Seas."

Both interlocked arms over one another's shoulders, singing in unison.

"A pirate's credo, the strong will take. The weak shall tremble, the weak shall quake!"

"Psst," Tressa urged to the seven travelers. "Get those bags ready and load them up! Everything must go go go!"

She watched as they unfurled their large brown bags, each the size of her, and filled them up with whatever they could carry. She wanted to join in too, but she noticed a bit of wavering from the white bandanas in front of her.

She called out again.

"Let's follow the map to the treasure!"

"We'll celebrate in the town of one thousand pleasures."

Said Mak.

Then came Mik.

"All the riches be ours."
"With doubloons we will be sailin'."
"We'll only be stopped…"
"…When our rhymes start failin'."

"A pirate's credo, the strong will take. The weak shall tremble, the weak shall quake!"

The young merchant was pleased, their game would still go on. She looked around to see the status of the haul. Primrose appeared to be fixated on various jewelry, throwing three tiaras into her sack. Therion monopolized the gold coins, or at least the ones he could carry. Cyrus gingerly plied at the artworks, although he spent more time admiring them than storing them. All in all, they would need more time.

"All right men," She returned to the dancing duo.

"It's time to set sail!"

Mik replied.

"Our victories shall be beyond the pale."

With Mak as a follow up,

"Like Cap'n Leon before us."
"We will take what we please."
"They can fight us on the beaches..."
"…But they'll end up on their knees."

"A pirate's credo, the strong will take. The weak shall tremble, the weak shall quake!"

More loot was filling their coffers. Soon, Rippletide would be prosperous again, but they need more time.

Tressa dusted off her cap, trying to think of another line to prompt them with. She eventually got one.

"Some scurvy sea dogs say pirates can't sing songs."

The ever-jubilant Mak came forth.

"We'll show those scalawags we know it won't be long."

Followed by Mik.

"Villagers know our might."
"Our prowess can't be compared."
"When they meet our dancing jig…"

"…They'll all be runnin' scared!"

"Alfyn!" Tressa decried.

The Apothecary had somehow managed to snooker his way between the two pirates, interlocking his arms around their shoulders. To everyone's surprise, they managed to mingle around him and continued as normal, even welcoming his note.

"Hoho!" Mik bellied. "That was superb!"

'No, it wasn't…' She thought to herself.

It wasn't ideal that one of their hired hands had abandoned his post and joined in on the merriment, but so long as the rest of the operation proceeded, they had little to fear. Still, she had to say something… without waking their company.

"No time for games!" she said.

"We need to work!"

Gleefully responding, Alfyn stayed true to character.

"Labor alongside song is just a little quirk!"

Playing off him, Mik continued.

"If ye come to judge us…"

Then Mak.

"…We're gonna be frank."
"If ya curse our bards…" Alfyn followed.

"We'll make you walk the plank!"

"A pirate's credo, the strong will take. The weak shall tremble, the weak shall quake!"

'Will this ever end?' Tressa thought.

She returned her gaze to the others to see their progress. They were almost done collecting what was needed, but there were a few stragglers. Olberic, with an extremely stretched out bag over his shoulders, was holding out another stretched-out sack for Primrose, who was marveling at the glittering treasures in her hands. Ophilia and H'aanit both had a way to go and elected to work together, but while the former's speed could be explained by her upbringing, the latter had no true assessment of the treasure in front of her, only that it was held in value to others. Cyrus and Therion seemed to be doing their own things.

"Just a little more…"

She said, albeit a bit too loudly.

"Bring out yer chalk if ye want to keep score."

Replied Mak.

'Okay, this is driving me nuts!' Tressa thought.

"You fancy yourselves seadogs,

Slovenly bragging about your needs

Cut-throat pirates don't describe you

I'd call you lazy thieves!"

"A pirate's credo, the strong will take. The weak shall tremble, the weak shall quake!"

Little Colzione slapped herself. It wasn't undeserved.

"Hey, Tress…"

It was Alfyn, whispering gingerly into her ear. How he snuck out of the pirates' grasp, she did not know.

"What is it, Mr. Alfyn?"

"I think we finished up here."

"Oh, excellent!" She looked over at the crew, but caught a shimmering glimpse in the corner. "Over there, I see a piece of silver."

Mik interjected.

"The tavern be next, to which we will…"

"…Pilver?"

Mak asked.

"Aw shoot, I got nothin'"

"Guess this jig's over, then."

Both bleached bandanas rubbed their eyes, getting the dust sealing their lids shut out. They opened their eyes to the sight in front of them.

"Wh-who are ye and what are ye doin' in here?" Mik asked.

"Look!" Mak asserted. "Them brown bags, they've come fer our treasure!"

"Stealin' from thieves, how low can you go!?"

"Hey now!" The little merchant asserted herself. "None of that belonged to you in the first place! We're just returning it to its rightful owners!"

"Them rightful owners be us!"

To their merit, nothing they had said had yet to be logically inconsistent.

"…That's quite enough. You've done well, my girl."

All ten present simultaneously wondered who, or where, the mysterious voice was coming from. As a matter of fact, it came from directly behind them.

"Those who only pick on the weak and defenseless have no right to speak of the way the world works."

The man came into better view. His lush long blond hair, distinctive violet tunic, and straight blue spear made him a most distinguished figure.

"…Erhardt?" Olberic gasped, not believing his eyes.

But it wasn't him.

"Mr. Captain!" Tressa called out.

"You know this man?"

"Yep! He's the Captain…"

"…Leon Bastralle, at your service." He finished.

"What!?"

How could this be. He was the Leon Bastralle? They had only met just briefly before, in the port section of Rippletide. He had been a most kind merchant, going so far as to advise and provision her with sleepweed to infiltrate the Caves. But he looked and acted nothing like the fearsome pirate of legend!

"Aye, in name, though a pirate no longer. Now I'm just the captain of a humble merchant ship. Here's a lesson for you lads, from a true man of the sea… Dead men tell no tales."

They barely noticed it, but the twin bleached bandanas were huddled in a makeshift embrace of one another, cowering in fear of the man in front of them.

"I-I ain't a dead man yet!" Mak cried.

As quickly as they could, both blitzed out of the Cave, caring only for their lives.


With the plunder returned and the pirates overrun, the hamlet of Rippletide burst into celebration. Vast troves of wealth were reinfused into the economy, bringing prosperity upon most. People once again filled the trade district, and the tavern was more than busy. People sung the praises of Tressa and the mysterious travelers.

Best of all, the deed was done without a single blow. Not a drop of blood, sweat, or tears were spent in overwhelming the pirate crew. And all was to be credited to a young girl who didn't have a weapon of her own. If she were the future, the future was to be bright.

Meanwhile, within said girl's abode, her parents were throwing a lavish feast to show their pride in their daughter. Naturally, they invited the strangers who assisted in hauling back the treasures. At first, the most of them were too modest to accept the offer, but eventually relented once they smelled the freshly cooked meals.

H'aanit wasted no time devouring the roasted boar in the center. She made sure to save good sized portions for Linde, who was being a good girl waiting outside.

Tressa's father joyously hefted another pitcher to fill the guests' mugs. "Another round for our heroes!"

Hero

That word stung in Olberic's skin. He had yet to wear that badge in many years, and to this day, he still felt he did not live up to such a title. But in order to come back to Cobbleston, to be a figure worthy of Phillip's admiration, he must become one.

The door to the house blared open, and moments later, Tressa herself walked into the room. This time, she was clutching something within her hands.

"Welcome back, Tressa dear!" Her mother greeted her. "Please pull up a seat, and tell us how you met these fine individuals, and convinced them to go out of their way for us."

"Aww, shucks, ma'am." Alfyn scratched the back of his head. "We were just doin' a good deed, is all."

Therion said nothing, instead marveling at the massive number of coin pouches he snatched back there. The grateful townsfolk wouldn't mind someone like him skimming off the top, and he still got to act like a hero all the same. Win-win.

"What do you have there, Tressa dear?" Her mother called again.

"You wouldn't believe it, but I walked on Leon Bastralle's ship! And he gave me this cool journal as a reward for today. And this spear too!"

She gleefully presented both items for all to see. The spear and book seemed nothing but ordinary, something that could easily be scavenged on the roads. But one man's trash, was another's treasure.

Tressa happily took a seat next to Ophilia, who warmly greeted the young girl.

"That was incredible what you did back there!" She told her.

"Thank you! I didn't even believe it would work, but it did!" The merchant replied back. "I'm not sure who this book belonged to, but it's full of notes about an amazing journey! He's been all over the continent."

"How wonderful. Has it given you ideas about traveling one day?"

"I'd love to…" Tressa's eyes diverted to the ground, her voice starting to grow quieter while the milieu of the feasting grew louder. "…but I have to work here, in my Ma and Pa's shop. I love my parents and I want to be a great merchant one day too, but I want to see the world, like you guys."

"You should ask them then. I'm sure they would understand."

Her face shot back up. "You think?"

Tressa got up from her seat and walked over to her parents. Many moments later, with a few once-overs from her Father, they nodded at her and the young merchant returned to Ophilia's side.

"They said yes! I can travel with you guys!"

"That's nice… travel with us!?" The Cleric placed a hand over her mouth.

"With you guys and your fancy weapons and all, there should be no threats that can lick us. That's what you said, isn't it?"

A loud thud rung on the dining table. It came from a now-standing Olberic, with Primrose and Cyrus flanking both sides, giving him confused looks.

"Out of the question."

Shivers went up Tressa's spine, her green eyes looking scared and unsure at the large warrior. "B-but I can…"

"This world is a dangerous place, young girl. Though your abilities of the mind are great, they will not save a life on the battlefield. There is no doubt in my mind that if any one of the seven of us were separated from the whole, that we could hold our own in a pinch. I cannot say the same for you."

"B-but-"

"Tell me, young Tressa. Can you even lift a sword? String a bow? Your magic with the Wind is promising, and your potential is potent, but as you are now, it will not suffice alone in the dangers to come in the places you wish to see. We were lucky that those Pirates were asleep, lest we found out their true capacity for depravity."

Her green eyes started watering. She rubbed back the specs in her lids before they cascaded down her cheeks. "I-I'm sorry, Sir Olberic." Tressa stood up from the table, heading toward a door in the corner.

Primrose leaned in toward the Knight, in a hushed tone. "You're being too hard on the girl. She just wants to see the world."

He stayed firm, closing his eyes. "I've already failed to protect one life I dedicated my life for. Should any hair on any of your heads be touched, I would never forgive myself."

"Come now, Ric. If you're not going to take her along, at least play nice with her family. We can use all the discounts that we can get with only six hundred leaves between us."

"That's only because our leaves are wasted on the most frivolous of duties and we have no proper management…"

Tressa was about to turn the knob on the door when she stopped. Her training as a Merchant allowed her to sniff out a deal when there was one to be had, and her ears were trained to hone in on any matter relating to money.

There was blood in the water.

"So…" she turned around, with a very-much changed expression on her face. "I heard you were having trouble with finances."

"What's it to you?" Asked Olberic.

"Do the seven of you have such worldly experience, yet no concept on what the meaning, or value, of a leaf is?"

"We are doing quite fine, and will make due with what we have."

"With only six hundred leaves?" The young Merchant dug into her large bag and pulled out a massive roll of parchment, which she slammed on the table.

"W-what's that?" Asked Alfyn.

"One thousand leaves. This was just from this morning, before we met."

"H-how?"

"If my Ma and Pa taught me anything, it's how to stretch a few leaves. If you bring me along, you'll never be impoverished again. It will be the best business decision you've ever made."

"B-but-" Now it was Olberic who was stammering.

The familiar dancer placed a hand on his arm. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't you ready to sleep on the streets of Sunshade when we first met, Ric?"

"That was after we first met, Prim."

"I rest my case."

Nothing he said or did would wipe the smug smirk off the dancer's face.

"Does anyone else have any objections?"

The rest said not a word. They simply sat down silently, taking in the exchange as it happened. H'aanit eventually added to the conversation. "I haven no objections, so long as she learneth to fight with us."

He looked around across the room, and saw Tressa standing there, hands on her hips, and a smug expression on her face. "So..?"

"Very well… You may join us in our quest."

"Yahoo! This is going to be great!"

The room relaxed from its tension considerably. The young Merchant rummaged through her belongings, finding an appropriate bookmark for her new journal.

Her head popped back up, book and quill in hand. "I was going to write about my journey in here, and I'm going to mention all of you, of course! You guys are all so different, I don't know why you travel?"

"Why we travel?" Ophilia asked.

"Yes! What are your journeys for? You all know I'm in it for treasure."

"My travels are for the Sacred Flame, For Light," Ophilia held up the lantern carrying the selfsame flame to the girl's face.

"For my freedom," Therion lazily added, flashing his thieves' bangle briefly.

"For mine Master," H'aanit followed.

"For succor," succeeded by Alfyn.

"For truth," continued Cyrus.

"For revenge," amended Primrose.

All eyes turned to the last one in the room that had yet to speak.

"What about you, Sir Olberic?" Inquired Tressa.

"For… for…" The words seemed heavy, and he struggled to get them out. His thoughts grew so loud that the line between internal and externalized voices were blurred. "…a reason."

"For Reason?"

"I pray that eventually I can give you a proper answer, but on this day, I cannot." Olberic turned to Tressa's parents, who were listening with patient respect. He kneeled before them, presenting his sheathed blade. "Mr. and Mrs. Colzione, I, Olberic Eisenberg, promise to take your young daughter under my wing. I shall care for her as if she were my own."

Both parents looked at each other, and back at him, responding in unison. "Very well, Sir Olberic. We grant you our blessing, and entrust her among this band you lead."

"I thank you… lead?" He looked up, startled at the last part.

Olberic stood up and looked back at the rest of the travelers, who had expectant looks on their faces.

"Is there a problem? That was my assumption when I joined." Cyrus said.

"You've gone out of your way to take care of us when in need," added Alfyn.

"You're clearly the most experienced out of all of us, and you've already asserted your authority in all but name." Primrose interjected.

The Knight looked down at his hands, unsure of the feeling of responsibility bearing over him. "I'm not sure if I'm worthy… but I will give it my all."

'With that settled, I don't think I have a proper name for my story just yet…' Tressa thought to herself, in complete excitement to be following a knight from the legends. 'But here we are… seven travelers, and one hero.'


Golden rays shot across the sea onto Rippletide at the crack of dawn. Though the town was still slumbering from the festivities the night before, the sun had come early this morning. There wasn't a cloud in the sky.

Departing the Inn, H'aanit reconnected with Linde, who was resting underneath a large tree in the yard. It was a habit she learned from Z'aanta: waking up at dawn would ensure her the primacy of the hunt above all other competitors. Every minute is precious, so she must make hers count.

But there was no wilderness to hunt in this cobbled, brick jungle. Only sleepy men and buried crabs. Still, a brisk walk through the crisp morning air was one of the highlights of her morning, and it would feed her appetite for breakfast later.

She rounded a corner upon Linde picking up an odd noise. The huntress took caution, not sure of what to expect, as to maintain her stealth. She came to the back of the Inn, where the source of the noise could be found.

"Olberic!?"

The Knight, startled by the surprise, fell on his face. He slowly gathered himself and sat upright on the cobblestone.

"Good morning H'aanit. I wasn't expecting you to be up."

"Likewise. I didn't take thee to be an early riser."

"Ah, this is a… new habit."

"Indeed. I did not see you awake yesterday at this hour. What doeth you at this time of day? There are no monsters to fight."

"I was just doing some push-ups."

She cocked her head to the side. "What is a 'push-up?'"

He scratched his head. "It's a form of exercise, meant to keep one in top condition."

"I see…"

"Would you like to join me? They will make you stronger."

"If that is the case, then I shall join thee."

"Glad to hear it. Place your belongings next to mine and I will show you how to do them."

It was a nice idea, that after all these years, he finally regained something he had lost in the fall of Hornburg. An externalized push for physical development. It wasn't everything, but it was a start.


A/N: And that's that for the infamous Chapter 9! I hope you enjoyed this one, and didn't mind me deviating from the script a bit. With all characters properly introduced, the story can truly take off now.

My next chapter will focus on one of the main characters and add a bit more depth to his/her story. As a warning, it will contain spoilers for chapters 2/3 from here on out, but I assume that if you've made it to this point, you've already gotten there or past it.

Thanks and, as always, happy trails.