Okay, here's another chapter in Trent and Arianna's Journeys. As a reminder, thoughts are ', " indicates dialogue, and _ is a change in point of view and/or a lapse in time.

Disclaimers: I'm you you know the drill, but the Dragon Quest series was created by Squaresoft.

Chapter III: From Stornway to Coffinwell

Trent, Raymond and Alicia spent the rest of the day resting and buying some new equpment with their earnings.

As the sun began to set, the three went to their room at the inn.

"What a day, huh?" sighed Alicia as she put down her staff.

"I agree" said Raymond.

The Priestess then noticed her brother glancing out the window"You're being quiet over there, Trent. Is something on your mind?"

The Warrior sighed"Not much."

"You're a bad liar, it's about Arianna isn't it?" frowned Alicia.

"N-no, not really" protested Trent.

The Priestess smirked"Deny it all you want, little brother. Anyone can tell you've got a secret crush."

"Whatever" shrugged Trent.

"Well, let's go down to Patty's place downstairs" said Raymond.

"I agree" said the swordsman.

The trio left the room they were staying in and headed down. When they got there, they found Arianna paying Erinn for a room for the night.

'Arianna? I thought she just left Stornway this afternoon' thought Alicia.

Trent took a step forward to greet the Minstrel"Hey."

Arianna turned from where she was standing"Good evening, Trent."

"Uh, no offense, but how are you still here?" wondered the Swordsman.

"I went back to Angel Falls to gather a bit more information that I might have missed. The guardian statue there had a name just like mine on it, which caught my attention on my first visit. Anyway, by the time I had left Angel Falls, it was starting to get dark, so I used a Chimera Wing to return here and I plan to go to Coffinwell in the morning" said Arianna.

"My hometown's facing a terrible decease, even now. If you go there, you might not survive" said Alicia.

Arianna shrugged"That's what I'm going to look into. After dealing with Morag and the Wight Knight, I have a hunch that the decease at Coffinwell can be cured."

Alicia seemed to relent"You're really different... something about you just makes me want to try, no matter how hopeless the situation, regardless of the outcome."

The Minstrel turned to head the Suites"Alicia, I don't want to hold you guys up. Good night."

As Arianna went to the suite, the Innkeeper Erinn addressed Trent and Alicia"You know, if you think Arianna has a death wish, there's more to her then meets the eye. At least that's what I thought after she rescued Patty from the Hexagon."

"What more can you tell us about her?" inquired Trent.

The innkeeper shook her head"Sorry, but I can't give out confidential information about the guests and staff at this inn. Regardless, I don't know much about Arianna, I've known her for only a few days."

"I see, sorry to disturb you" said Trent.

After buying and eating dinner at the pub, Trent, Alicia and Raymond went up to bed after paying for an additional night's stay.

Early the next morning, Trent woke up and headed outside the inn. It was still very early, so not many people were out and about. The swordsman stood in thought'I think I'll get in some sword practice. The others probably aren't awake yet'.

As Trent went out of town and walked a good distance away, he drew his blade and began practicing a series of moves and stances which his father taught him two years prior.

He exercised for the better part of a half hour when Arianna walked up to him"You're quite the early bird aren't you?"

"I used to get up at this time to train with my dad from when I was young up to two years ago, before the decease weakened him" sighed Trent.

"I see. Anyway, I have a few minutes. Alicia and Raymond are helping Erinn and Patty prepare breakfast for the guests, which includes us, at the inn to earn some more money. Shall we spar together?" inquired the Minstrel.

Trent thought for a bit, then said"You sure?"

The minstrel nodded, drawing her own sword"Yes, just don't hold back too much."

Trent shrugged, then got into a stance.

Trent and Arianna went into a light flurry of blows as they ducked, weaved and lightly clashed their blades together.

Their sparring lasted for minutes, until they tired.

"You're pretty good" remarked Arianna.

The Warrior shrugged"Yeah, my father taught me most of my skills after all. What about you? You were great, yourself."

The Minstrel replied"Well, I've been training since I was a child. Aside from swordplay, I was taught a few basic support spells. "

"Are all Minstrels as proficient as you?" inquired Trent.

"No, not that I'm aware of. Minstrels primarily support their allies, but my skill with a blade is above average. Shall we go back to the inn?" said Arianna.

"Yeah, good idea" flushed Trent.

The two returned to the Adventurer's Rest inn, where they found Alicia waiting.

"Where were you two?" said the Preistess.

"Just had a practice session together" replied Arianna.

Raymond grinned"Well, we just earned a bit of extra money. Let's go to the parlor."

In the parlor, the four ate a small breakfast while discussing a course of action once in Coffinwell.

"Apparently the mayor has someone researching some old scrolls and such, trying to find a way to end the deadly decease" said Trent.

"And the source might be?" inquired Arianna.

The Priestess shrugged"My grandmother once told me of some old ruin which lay north-west of Coffinwell. I don't know it's exact purpose, only the name of that ruin: The Quarantomb. Two guesses as to why it has that name."

"Then I will go" said Arianna.

"Mind taking us with you? Sure we'd be taking a risk since that decease would dig us an early grave, but it is Alicia's and my hometown" said Trent.

The Minstrel thought for a moment, then said"Okay, let's head out."

The four took their leave of Stornway and headed for the north east checkpoint.

The trip was uneventful, save for an encounter with some sluggers. Arianna and Trent hacked the monsters down while Raymond spammed Crack.

As they neared Coffinwell, the group was in for another quest.

I know this turned out somewhat short, but I hope this intermission chapter was enjoyable.

Please feel free to review.