As we approached Hannumas, the famous thieves' camp that would serve as our temporary base, a mix of excitement and trepidation coursed through me.
The camp that looked like a town stood as a haven for outcasts and rogues, a place where survival relied on cunning and resourcefulness. The reputation of our group had undoubtedly reached these nefarious grounds, and I couldn't help but wonder how our arrival would be received.
Nervous murmurs filled the air as the thieves and brigands observed our procession with wary eyes. Among them, I spotted an old acquaintance, Tilmi, a former serf of the disbanded Astrea house known for his shadowy dealings and connections within the camp. With a flicker of recognition, he approached us, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed our captive caravan.
"Subaru, comrade, what brings you and your entourage to town?" Timli's voice carried a mix of curiosity and caution.
I met his gaze, making sure to convey confidence in my response.
"Tilmi, we bring both goods and slaves," I replied, emphasizing our purpose while keeping the true nature of our captives veiled.
Tilmi's shrewd eyes studied me for a moment before a smirk played across his lips.
"Ah, the spoils of your exploits, no doubt. Well, you've come to the right place. We have plenty of opportunities for those who can seize them." he spoke.
As we entered the camp, whispers and sidelong glances followed us, a blend of curiosity and wariness dancing in their eyes. The thieves' camp had always been a hub of danger and lawlessness, and our presence added another layer of uncertainty to the already volatile mix.
I turned to my companions, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation. The tension in the air was palpable, and we needed to execute our tasks with precision and caution.
"Stay on guard, everyone," I reiterated, emphasizing the importance of vigilance.
"Otto, Hachin, you will take the captives to Tilmi's Slaver Den. Negotiate a good price for them and ensure a smooth transaction. Gaston, Camberley, your task is to sell the remaining wares and looted items to the Thieves' Guild. Remember, discretion is key."
They nodded in understanding, their determination mirrored in their expressions. Each member of our group had a role to play in this intricate web of alliances and criminal dealings. It was imperative that we carried out our assignments without arousing suspicion or drawing unnecessary attention.
"As for me," I continued, my voice lowering to a whisper, "I have a business to attend to at the Smugglers' Tavern. There are certain contacts and information I need to acquire. Keep everything under control in my absence."
With a final nod of agreement, my comrades dispersed, each heading towards their respective destinations. As they disappeared into the depths of Hannumas, I prepared myself mentally for the encounters that awaited me at the Smugglers' Tavern.
riding towards the Smugglers' Tavern, thoughts of old man Coatl crept into my mind. He was known for his unpredictable nature and penchant for stirring up trouble. I had crossed paths with him before, and his reckless actions had nearly jeopardized our operations before.
"Man, I hope old man Coatl doesn't do something stupid again," I muttered under my breath.
As I stepped into the dimly lit Smugglers' Den, my eyes scanned the room, searching for familiar faces or potential sources of information. Amidst the sea of shadowy figures, a man with a pastoral air about him caught my attention. It was old man Coatl, the unpredictable troublemaker I had hoped to avoid.
My heart sank slightly as I approached his table. Flanked by his thugs, Coatl wore a knowing smirk that betrayed his mischievous nature. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the interaction that lay ahead.
"Subaru, my boy! How delightful to see you in this wretched den of scoundrels," Coatl greeted me, his voice a blend of charm and deviousness.
I forced a polite smile, my guard firmly in place. "Coatl, always a pleasure," I responded, my tone laced with caution.
His eyes gleamed with a glint of mischief as he leaned back in his chair. "Tell me, what brings you to my humble establishment?
With a necklace in hand, a memento from the merchant I had eliminated earlier, I presented it to Coatl. "Here, I've already taken care of your bounty," I declared, my voice brimming with confidence.
Coatl's face lit up with a grin, clearly pleased with the news. "Ah, splendid! That means old man Trellock will no longer trouble us," he replied, his satisfaction palpable.
Impatience tinged my voice as I pressed for my reward. "Ok, cool Now, where's my reward!?" I interjected, eager to reap the fruits of my labor.
Coatl raised a hand, calming my impatience. "Easy there, partner. We'll get to that. But before we do, let's discuss something else. Cash or contraband?" he proposed a playful wink accompanying his words.
A dilemma unfolded in my mind. Cash was a safer option, allowing me to acquire anything I desired without drawing too much attention. However, the allure of contraband enticed me.
Its risky nature promised the potential for greater fortunes, though it came with its own set of dangers.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I inquired further. "Coatl-san, what exactly is this contraband you're referring to?" I asked, my voice filled with genuine curiosity.
With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Coatl produced a large brick of white powdery substance from his coat. My eyes widened in shock as I struggled to comprehend its nature.
"What the heck is that?" I exclaimed, unable to contain my surprise.
Grinning, Coatl leaned in, his voice low and filled with excitement.
"My friend, this substance is like no other. Not yet released to the world. I've had the pleasure of trying it, and let me tell you, it surpasses alcohol in every way imaginable." he said, his face still grinning.
A skeptical thought crossed my mind, questioning the nature of the mysterious substance before me. Drugs, perhaps? No, I had no interest in partaking in mind-altering substances or becoming entangled in the dark world of drug peddling. Cash, on the other hand, held a far greater appeal.
"Save your breath, old man. Cash is what I'll take," I firmly stated, crossing my arms in a display of indifference towards the drug-like powdery substance.
Coatl's grin widened, relishing in the playful banter. He leaned closer, his voice laced with amusement.
"Are you sure, Subaru? Remember, this substance is derived from the remains of a deceased elf," he teased, savoring the twisted nature of his revelation.
Confusion coursed through me, my brows furrowing in disbelief. Dead elf? In all my time in this foreign world, I hadn't encountered a single elf. The notion that this powder was extracted from the lifeless body of an elf left me questioning my own hearing.
"Huh? Did I hear that right? This powder is made from the body of a dead elf? I haven't seen an elf since I arrived in this world two years ago," I questioned, seeking confirmation, wanting to ensure I wasn't hallucinating.
Coatl, thoroughly enjoying the conversation, couldn't contain his excitement as he explained further. "This substance is called the Witch Dream. It's made from the body of an elf slain in the frozen Ellior Forest by the Thieves Alliance, with the aid of the great spirit of fire, Melakuera, and the late Margrave of the Roswaal Domain, Roswaal Mathers. Cool, huh?" he said, punctuating his words with a playful wink.
Before I could react or question Coatl further, he swiftly opened the sealed brick and took a portion of the powder onto his finger. With an enticing gleam in his eye, he transferred it onto a piece of paper and held it in front of my face.
"Here, Subaru, my boy. Snort this, and you'll experience bliss like nothing you've ever felt before," he enticed, extending the paper towards me.
Common sense urged me to refuse his offer and insist on my original demand for cash. But curiosity gripped me tightly, tempting me to indulge in the unknown. They say curiosity killed the cat, and at that moment, I was a very curious cat indeed.
Without pausing to think, I took the paper from Coatl's hand and proceeded to snort the entire contents. The consequences of my impulsive decision soon became apparent.
"Whoa, Subaru, take it easy! You snorted the whole thing..." Coatl burst into laughter, thoroughly amused by my lack of restraint. "Oh well, prepare yourself for what's to come. In 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4..." he counted down, but before he even reached 3, my mind became a blank canvas, engulfed in a blinding whiteness.
My consciousness faded, plunging me into a realm of unfamiliar sensations and altered perceptions. The world around me melted away, and I embarked on a journey into the depths of my mind, where reality and fantasy intertwined in a hazy dance.
Then I saw her.
An enchanting elf stood before me, radiating an otherworldly beauty. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, her amethyst eyes sparkling with a captivating allure. Her porcelain-like skin seemed to glow, and she wore a pristine white dress adorned with a delicate white flower. She was the epitome of ethereal grace.
"My name is Emilia. Just Emilia. Only Emilia," she introduced herself, her voice a gentle melody. A sweet smile graced her lips as she expressed her gratitude. At that moment, I felt a surge of emotions, and an unfamiliar sensation bloomed within me—an overwhelming sense of affection and adoration.
"Huh?" I managed to utter, my mind still swimming in a sea of confusion and wonder. The sight of her, the sincerity in her smile, ignited a spark within me, capturing my heart in an instant.
Suddenly, I found myself transported to a peculiar and grand room with opulent decor. I lay on the floor, my head resting on someone's lap. I looked up, and there she was again—the elf with silver hair and amethyst eyes. She gently caressed my head, her touch soothing and comforting. And to my surprise, she began to sing, her voice like a melodic lullaby.
"In the dream of that small boy, Soaring in the sky, on a dragon's back, Climbing on the mountain to save me..."
As she continued to stroke my hair, her voice resonated with a hauntingly beautiful tune. At that moment, I couldn't resist the overwhelming emotions that surged within me. I fell irrevocably and helplessly in love, drawn to her in ways that defied explanation.
"I Love You."
The words slipped from my lips before I could even process them, a raw and honest confession that sprang forth from the depths of my heart.
In an instant, I was abruptly jolted back to reality, finding myself seated once again in the smuggler's tavern, facing Old Man Coatl.
"So, what do you think, partner?" Coatl inquired, his voice brimming with confidence. "Did you enjoy what you experienced?" he asked with a hint of curiosity.
"Whoa, what the actual f***? What did you put in that stuff?!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with astonishment as I struggled to steady myself in the chair, still reeling from the intensity of my encounter.
Coatl, now looking puzzled, responded, "Huh? What do you mean?"
"I... I saw someone!" I shouted once more, unable to contain my disbelief and confusion.
"That's strange," Coatl mused, scratching his head. "When me and the boys use it, we just get high, no visions or anything like that. Look, if you don't want it, I understand. You can just have the money—" he began to say, but I swiftly cut him off.
"No! I'll take it. I'll take the witch dream," I asserted, determination clear in my voice.
"Very well," Coatl agreed, sealing the block once again and handing it to me. "Pleasure doing business with you, Natsuki Subaru."
I nodded in acknowledgment, taking the brick of witch dream in hand. Without uttering another word, I rose from my seat and departed, ready to venture into the unknown, with the strange and potent substance in my hand.
"Emilia... Emilia," I murmured softly, the name dancing on my lips like a fervent prayer as I made my way towards an inn, seeking solace and respite after the whirlwind of emotions I had experienced.
an experience like no other, an experience only a dream woven by a witch could offer.