The journey back to Vesta was calm, the faint rustle of leaves underfoot and the soft calls of distant birds were the only sounds accompanying them as they made their way through the valley and back into the city.
The streets of Vesta were just beginning to glow as lanterns were lit, casting a soft golden hue over the cobblestone— the cold air blowing through the city carrying the scent of the river and dinner that everyone was preparing.
As they passed through the city gates, Samuel stretched and took a deep breath, eyes scanning the familiar skyline.
"Well, we made it back in one piece."
He said, his tone light, as though the journey had been nothing more than a simple stroll.
Seraphina nodded in agreement, honestly she expected something to go wrong— knowing the usual pacing of these types of events, but it seemed it was just her imagination.
Her hand brushed over the pouch at her belt, which contained the reward for their work— she wanted to drop it off and get it over with.
"I'll be glad to rest my legs."
She muttered, eyes glancing upward at the dimming sky.
"A good meal would be nice."
Samuel grinned as he laughed at her words.
"Ah, you're not thinking of just going to bed, are you? We've got to celebrate! After all, we're official now, part of the guild, and your breakthrough!"
Edwin, who had been walking a few paces behind them, gave a quiet chuckle.
"He's right, you know. You deserve to unwind. It's been a long day, and you've worked hard."
Seraphina glanced at the two of them, both clearly eager to enjoy themselves. Samuel, ever the social one, wasn't surprising; he was probably already imagining the fun he could have, while Edwin, an unexpected twist, seemed more subdued but no less insistent
Her instinct was to retreat, to meditate and get a better idea of the changes that her body had undergone, but she couldn't deny the thought of having some fun didn't sound tempting.
"Fine."
She said with feigned reluctance, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"But just a little fun. No more than an hour."
"An hour!?"
Samuel gasped in mock horror.
"That's no way to celebrate! Come on, we'll make sure it's worth your while."
The trio dropped off the herbs at the guild on their way back, collecting a simple reward in return. They never expected much from it, to begin with, they were simply doing it to gain some experience and test the waters.
Then they made their way to the inn, where the evening crowd had begun to settle in. The low hum of conversation filled the air, accompanied by the clinking of glasses and the sound of footsteps on the wooden floor.
A few patrons nodded in recognition as Seraphina, Samuel, and Edwin walked in, their presence acknowledged but not much beyond that— they had kept to themselves mainly, but they were not new.
The inn was cozy, a perfect spot to unwind after a long day, the fire in the hearth crackled softly, and the scent of fresh food was in the air.
"Welcome back!"
The innkeeper who had been serving food, wearing her messy apron, greeted them with a wide smile.
"Good evening. We'd like some food as well, please."
"Of course! Come right this way."
The innkeeper said, leading them to a small, round table near the center of the room. As they sat down, she leaned in slightly toward Seraphina, her voice lowering just a touch.
"And how's the training going, hm? You've got a look about you— like someone who's been working hard."
Seraphina blinked and simply replied with an off-handed remark, not wanting to reveal too much.
"It's going well. I'm improving, thanks."
The innkeeper smiled, her eyes glancing at Seraphina's arms, where muscle definition had begun to show, even under the layers of clothing.
"I thought so, those muscles of yours... Well, I'd say you're in for a bright future. And I bet you're stronger than you look— physically and otherwise."
Seraphina tilted her head and shrugged her shoulders as she seemed to be unsure what the lady was referring to.
"I don't know about that, but I'm trying to get better."
"Mm, well, it'll get you far."
The innkeeper said, her smile widening as she straightened up.
"But enough of that for now. What can I get you all? Drinks? Food?"
"We'll take three of whatever the night's special is, and I think we could use a drink or two to celebrate."
Samuel said enthusiastically, his grin spreading from ear to ear.
"Celebrate?"
The innkeeper asked with her curiosity piqued now, ignoring the other customers while she conversed with the group.
"Yeah, we joined the Guild today, and our lovely Sera made great progress, she doesn't show it but she's quite good."
Samuel said as he boasted about Seraphina's progress— he was proud of her, but he also didn't reveal any exact details since it seemed like Seraphina herself didn't want to.
"Is that so? Well, I knew she had talent when I saw her training, even before that. Know what, wait right here I'll bring your drinks first. I've got something special in mind. Be right back."
Once she was gone, Samuel leaned in, his voice playful.
"She seems pretty interested in you, huh?"
Seraphina frowned, glancing at him.
"What are you talking about?"
"Come on, she was practically only focused on you, don't tell me you didn't notice."
Edwin snorted, shaking his head.
"You two are hopeless. She's just being friendly, Samuel. That's all."
"He's right, she's just friendly, she's like that to everyone else. Plus, we don't know her."
"If that's what you say."
Samuel said, leaning back in his chair with a grin.
"You're just not used to people being kind to you. But it's okay. I'll have to teach you the ways of the world."
Edwin chimed in at his words and spoke.
"If she learned anything from you I would be worried."
Hearing his reply, Seraphina chuckled, and even Samuel took it lightheartedly and laughed along with it.
Just as Samuel was about to say something else, the innkeeper returned with a tray of mugs filled with frothy ale— she placed them down in front of them.
"Here you go. On the house tonight. To celebrate your joining of the guild— and for your progress, Sera."
Seraphina gave a small laugh and thanked the lady as she went back to work. She picked up her mug and took a sip, the rich, bitter taste of the ale filling her mouth.
The conversation turned to lighter topics as the evening continued.
Samuel, true to form, struck up a conversation with a few of the other patrons at the inn, quickly making friends and joking around with a group of young travelers who had just arrived from a nearby village. Edwin, though less talkative, was in a much better mood than usual, even laughing at Samuel's antics from time to time.
Seraphina, meanwhile, found herself growing a little tipsy after several mugs of ale— and while she enjoyed the conversations, laughed and even had some fun.
It was her first time drinking so much, and the alcohol was starting to cloud her mind in a pleasant, hazy way. The room seemed warmer, and her thoughts floated as if they were flying away from her. She hadn't expected it to hit her so quickly, and by the time she realized how much she'd drunk, the world around her was a little wobbly.
"Alright, I think I'm going to head to bed."
Seraphina said, standing up slowly. The room tilted slightly, and she had to steady herself against the table for a moment before continuing.
"You two can keep having fun. It seems I'm not good with alcohol."
Samuel looked up at her, a mischievous grin on his face.
"Aw, you're already calling it quits?"
"I'm not calling it quits. I'm just going to rest."
Seraphina muttered, though her words were slurring just a little— she absolutely was calling it quits. She stumbled slightly as she made her way toward the stairs, her steps not as steady as she would have liked.
"Don't fall over now!"
Samuel called after her with a laugh.
"Goodnight, Sera."
Edwin said with a chuckle, though his tone held a bit of concern.
As Seraphina made her way up the stairs, the innkeeper was nearby, catching sight of her and chuckling softly to herself.
"Looks like someone's had a bit too much fun."
As she spoke, she walked over to the girl with an amused smile.
"Need some help getting to your room?"
Seraphina blinked, her vision swimming slightly as she turned to look at her.
"Uh, sure, I guess..."
With a smile, the innkeeper offered her arm.
"Come on then, let me help you to bed. Wouldn't want you stumbling around up here alone."
Seraphina, a bit too drunk to refuse, allowed the innkeeper to help her up the stairs. As they ascended, the innkeeper helped her to the room they had rented, taking her inside— Seraphina didn't even need to wait for a prompt before she just sat down on the bed, sprawling out in a drunken stupor.
Her mind was too foggy to fully process what was happening, but she knew one thing for sure— she would never drink that much again.