The sun was already setting as Jon and Gwen entered the village, their shadows elongated by the twilight. After a quick meal at their favorite tent, a place that had become a refuge since Jon arrived in this world, they headed towards the caravan camp.
Melissa, recognizing the two from afar, stood up with a mischievous smile. "Ah, fearless Jon and his partner, Gwen! What do you bring me today?"
Jon, tired and impatient with Melissa's usual teasing, got straight to the point. "We have 25 goblins. What's your offer?"
Melissa's smile faltered for a moment, clearly surprised. "Only 25? What happened, was the day..." She stopped, her eyes widening. "Wait, did you say 25 goblins?"
Jon, noticing Melissa's genuine surprise, decided to have a little fun. "Exactly. If you're not interested, I can try the village market. The hunt wasn't easy."
Melissa frowned, assessing the two young ones before her. "Goblins are not common prey around here. And certainly not in such numbers. How did you manage?"
Gwen opened her mouth to respond, but Jon was quicker, interrupting her. "It was pure luck. A group of them showed up right where we were hunting. Nothing special."
Melissa raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying the story, but she decided not to press further. "Well, be that as it may, it's an impressive quantity."
Melissa pondered for a moment, her eyes assessing the two young ones before her. "I offer 10 Tils per goblin," she proposed, her tone of voice revealing that she was accustomed to dictating terms. The unexpected stop in Riverwood was proving more lucrative than she could have imagined.
However, Jon wasn't ready to accept the first offer. He raised his arm, displaying a blood-stained bandage. "These creatures weren't exactly cooperative," he said, a defiant glint in his eyes. "And if I recall correctly, you mentioned at the adventurer's guild that these pieces could fetch up to four times more."
Melissa's demeanor hardened, the initial surprise giving way to a shrewder expression. "So, the young hunter did his homework," she murmured, an ironic smile forming on her lips. "Let me guess: the young Gwen found herself in trouble, and the brave Jon came to her rescue?"
Jon held his stance, not allowing Melissa's sarcasm to affect him. He simply stared at her, waiting.
Melissa let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine, 15 Tils per goblin," she conceded, clearly annoyed to have been outmaneuvered in the negotiation. "But don't expect me to be so generous next time."
As Jon and Gwen distanced themselves from the caravan, a familiar scene unfolded. Ren, with quiet steps, approached Melissa and enveloped her in a surprised hug. "How long has it been since I've seen you give in during a negotiation?" He whispered with a wicked smile.
Melissa, sparks of challenge in her eyes, swiftly turned, cupping Ren's face in her hands. "It seems fortune is smiling upon us today," she whispered before kissing him passionately.
She had noticed the exchange between Jon and Gwen, and while curious about what they might know, she was more interested in immediate profit. "Should I follow the boys and find out what they're hiding?" Ren suggested as the two began to undress in the privacy of the tent.
Melissa's gaze hardened, and she grabbed Ren by the collar. "You don't move without my permission," she growled. "Our business thrives on discretion. If we draw unwanted attention, not only the village but the imperial guard will be on our trail. Remember how they despise traders who dodge taxes."
With a nod of understanding, Ren succumbed to Melissa's passion, and the two lost themselves in each other.
Meanwhile, Jon and Gwen walked side by side, the silence between them heavy. Trying to break the tension, Jon asked softly, "Gwen, are you sure you don't want to talk about what happened?" He noticed her discomfort and avoided her gaze.
She sighed, the sadness evident in her voice. "It's just some issues at home, Jon. Everything will be fine."
---
The night had already settled in as Jon crossed the threshold of his house. Soft sounds of conversation drifted from the kitchen, where his parents shared a quiet moment. He greeted them with a wave, his thoughts already turning to the warm bath awaiting him. 'What a blessing to have installed that MOD that makes life in Aeloria so convenient. I can't imagine facing the rigors of a medieval world without some modern comforts,' he reflected, a shiver running down his spine at the thought of a cold bath.
"Jon Woodmoon!" His mother's firm voice snapped him out of his reverie. He turned to find her with a stern expression, causing his heart to race. 'What could I have done now?' He wondered, scratching his neck in discomfort. "Yes, Mom? Do you need something from me?" He tried to sound as innocent as possible.
His mother, an elf of ethereal beauty, approached with graceful steps, but there was concern in her eyes. She gently took Jon's arm, examining the injury. "This doesn't look like the kind of wound you'd get from a Thorned Boar," she murmured, her voice tinged with worry.
Jon swallowed hard, relieved that it wasn't something more serious. "Oh, this," he began, noting the inquisitive looks from both parents. "We ran into some goblins during the hunt. Gwen was a bit distracted, and I had to intervene. By the way, Dad, have you heard anything about what's happening at Gwen's house? Did her father mention anything?"
He skillfully shifted the focus from his injury to Gwen's situation, hoping this would alleviate his parents' concern and, at the same time, give him some insight into his friend's strange behavior.
"GOBLINS?!" The exclamation echoed through the room, unified yet carrying distinct emotions. His mother's voice quivered with tangible concern, her eyes reflecting fear for her son. His father, on the other hand, though surprised, had a glint of disbelief and a hint of excitement in his eyes, as if the mention of goblins had awakened something dormant within him—what Aeloria hunter wouldn't be thrilled by the mention of goblins near their home.
'Could it be that the potion MOD, along with the introduction of the Goblins, has destabilized the balance of Aeloria?' Jon pondered internally, firming his decision to alert Gwen. It was imperative that, no matter the circumstances—even under the shadow of death—they must never reveal the dungeon's existence to anyone.