It was a crisp spring morning. The sun was framed by whispy clouds, damping the warm glow for the market place below. Among the bustling square, a small trading post sat. An array of exotic goods lay on the dwarfed counter-top. JD leaned forward from behind the store front, engaged in light conversation with a costumer.
"…and then this huge metallic beast came out of now where. It was like a statue, only it moved. Whatever it was, it was trying to protect this book." He shrugged. "It's actually come quiet in handy. I can tell if something's been possessed like that." He snapped his fingers, causing the lady to squeal.
"You don't have anything like that, do you?" She hid her mouth behind a clenched hand.
"Not to worry man. I can assure you all our objects are 100% magic free. If you'd like I-"
"Look, buddy!" An older gentlemen huffed from behind the lady. "You've been yappin' for half an hour already. There are other people who need to do business here." The girl gasped, ready to apologize, but JD spoke before she could.
"That candle-stick your holding is made of tin." JD frowned. "If you want to do business, go back and bring the whole set. Then we'll talk." He turned back to the girl. "You're fine, don't worry about him." Running off on an adventure had improved JD's self-esteem a bit. But above all, it gave him a job. Someone was needed on land to sell the items Emet and Rhodri found during their travels. Admittedly, he hadn't heard much from them directly; just a few packages and some rumors of a female captain roaming the high-seas. Though, knowing them, he was certain that they were just fine.
+ o +
The bronze claws of a wounded griffin hit the forest floor. From behind the beast, a sandy blond woman sprung. She landed on its side and strutted a few steps before aiming the blade at its eye.
"For a fearsome beast, you didn't put up much a fight." Emet sighed. She looked over her shoulder to see her proclaimed husband with a crystal orb under his arm. "All hype, not bite." He shook his head.
"I think we should get out of here before mommy comes back."
"Cute." Emet said snidely. She hopped down and followed after him towards the surf.
"Whatever," He rolled his eyes, "I'm guess this thing will fetch a couple gold pieces. A few more of these and you can pay off your debt." The rich earth transited into pale sand as they made their way down the mountainside.
"For the last time, I don't owe you anything." Emet fought with the wind to keep her hair away from her face. "I lost your money, but you lost my ship. I foot the bill for a new one, so you can earn back your money; through forty percent of my profit."
"Our profit." Rhodri tsked. "You're taking the best years of my life, the least you can do is pay me for it." He tried to flip his hair dramatically, but was foiled by the same breeze.
"Shut up." Emet pouted. She stomped onto the ship. At the sight of the massive expanse of clear blue, any annoyance Emet had was carried off with the wind. "China's going to make up for it." She grinned.
"Whenever we find it." Rhodri chuckled. Emet playfully punched him in the shoulder.
"Don't start with that again."
+ o +
Dear Mother,
I hope this letter finds you well, it's a pain to find a page these days. After our internship was cut short, Harv had to find other means of employment. He's actually managed to land a steady job as a monster hunter; though he still seems to be having issues with the 'hunting' part. Still my reputation more than makes up for it, I'm sure you've heard some of my stories around town. People just can't get enough of the 'mysterious horned monster' we had to face.
Even with all this traveling, we've managed to get a place in the woods East of Fengrel. It's not as lavish as I would have hoped, but it doesn't draw a lot of attention. Fear not, somewhere under the dust is a livable dwelling, even if I have to beat it out of it.
On a side note, Harv's been seriously considering dragging a child into all this. Part of me thinks he mentions it just to watch me squirm. I don't think I can take care of a small ball of terror, goodness knows how you managed to do it; though it looks like I may have to kidnap an orphan in a year or two. And here I thought I'd managed to steer clear of fairytale work for the rest of my life.
Let me know if there's any juicy gossip around the castle. You know how to find me.
Yours Truly,
Finn
Leenan placed the letter with others of the like in a stack. She sighed, her voice seemingly echoed through the empty halls. It was quiet, deathly so. Perhaps she should poison another princess.
AN: Thank you all for reading Plain Gold Ring! Since I first published this on Deviantart a year ago, I forgot I hadn't kept it updated on Fanfic, so I apologize for the wait. Though not as wildly successful as its predecessor, I found that this was a fine way to end the storyline, while at the same time fleshing out the versatile world Aisha had hinted and joked about in her doodles. I really appreciate hearing from you guys and seeing the fan art you have made of the scenes. As good of a run as it was, I'm afraid to say that this is the finale.
That said, I feel that this series may have on more story left in it to tell, that is, if you guys wanted to hear it. I've been entertaining the idea of a prequel of sorts to Good Intent that follows Leenan and how she came to Cailbury. I want to be able to explore the magic of Warrior U more and toy with what is and isn't considered witch craft, as well as who Finn's dad is. If I were to write this, would you be interested in reading it?
