The young bully beside him accused Amukelo and Eliss of instigating the earlier conflict, Maryam's gaze shifted towards them, his expression inquiring yet stern.
Amukelo stepped forward, recounting the incident with a calm clarity. He explained how they had intervened to stop a group of children, including the one standing beside Maryam, from bullying a boy named Liam, who had resorted to stealing herbs to care for his ailing sister.
Maryam listened intently, his expression softening slightly at the mention of Liam's plight. "Such behavior is unacceptable," he admonished the young bully. "But stealing cannot be the solution, no matter the circumstances."
"We intend to pay for the herbs," Amukelo offered, his tone resolute. "That way, no harm is done, and Liam can care for his sister without resorting to theft."
Maryam considered this for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "A fair resolution," he concluded. Turning to the young bully, he added, "And you, young man, will face consequences for your actions. There are more civilized ways to handle such matters than resorting to violence over herbs."
The young bully mumbled a sullen response, his eyes darting between Maryam and Amukelo: "But he was a thief..."
"Violence is not always a solution," Maryam stated firmly, concluding the matter.
With the situation resolved, Amukelo and Eliss continued to the Adventurer's Association, the weight of responsibility and their promise to Liam propelling them forward.
At the association, they presented the head of the sandworm, an impressive trophy that earned them surprised looks from the receptionist. "You've completed the quest quite rapidly," she remarked, her eyes wide with a mix of respect and incredulity. "I expected you to return after several days at the earliest."
Amukelo and Eliss exchanged awkward laughs, aware of how their recent trials had honed their abilities to an exceptional level.
The reward for the quest was substantial, more than they had anticipated. They arranged to share a portion of it with Maryam to cover the cost of the stolen herbs, a gesture that elicited a nod of approval from the town's influential figure. "Your reward is very generous," Maryam acknowledged, a hint of respect in his tone.
Unfamiliar with the local currency and its value, Amukelo and Eliss didn't initially grasp the significance of their reward. However, realizing the ample amount they had received, they decided to embark on another quest. The remainder of their earnings, they planned, would go to Liam, a commitment to aid the boy and his sister in their time of need.
Back at the reception desk of the association, they scanned the available quests, seeking one that matched their skills and timeframe. The scroll they eventually chose was another challenge, a task that would test their abilities and ensure they could fulfill their promise to Liam.
With the new quest in hand, Amukelo and Eliss left the association, their spirits buoyed by a sense of purpose.
Upon accepting the quest to escort a family during their important ceremony, Amukelo and Eliss returned to Liam and Ella with the reward they had promised. The siblings' humble abode, a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside, was a reminder of the harsh realities of life in this desert town.
Liam's eyes widened in disbelief as he counted the coins they handed him. The amount was beyond anything he had ever seen, a small fortune that would undoubtedly change the lives of him and his sister. His voice trembled with gratitude as he thanked them, the relief evident in his every word. "This will save Ella," he said, a glimmer of hope lighting up his face for the first time.
When Liam asked how he could repay their kindness, Amukelo, thoughtful, inquired about the nature of the ceremony and the family they were tasked to escort. Liam's response brought a moment of surprise – the family was none other than that of the bully they had encountered earlier, and the ceremony was a crucial event for the town's prosperity, dedicated to the deity that blessed them with water.
Liam explained that the ceremony was often targeted by creatures that sought to disrupt it. The success of the ritual was believed to influence the town's fortune for the coming year, making the role of the guards exceptionally vital.
With this new understanding, Amukelo and Eliss prepared for their role in the ceremony. They were provided with ceremonial garb, an attire that blended the traditional elements of the town's culture with the practical needs of protection. The clothes were a rich tapestry of colors, adorned with symbols and motifs that spoke of the town's history and reverence for the deity of water.
As they donned the ceremonial attire, they were briefed on the specifics of their task. Their role was not just to provide physical protection but also to participate in the ritual, to stand as symbols of strength and guardianship.
The town square, where the ceremony was to take place, was transformed. Stalls were cleared to make way for an open space that was now decorated with banners and lanterns. A sense of anticipation hung in the air, the townspeople gathering in their finest clothes, murmurs of excitement and anxiety intermingling.
The family they were to escort arrived, dressed in their ceremonial best. Among them was the young bully, his demeanor subdued in this solemn atmosphere. Their eyes met for a brief moment, a silent acknowledgment of their earlier encounter.
As the ceremony's commencement drew near, the air was filled with the scent of incense and the low hum of prayer. Musicians took their positions, their instruments a blend of strings and percussions, ready to accompany the ritual.
Amukelo and Eliss took their places beside the family, their senses alert for any sign of the creatures Liam had warned them about. They stood as sentinels, their presence a reassuring weight to those they were sworn to protect.
The sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the town square. The moment of the ceremony's beginning was at hand, a pivotal event that held the weight of tradition and the hopes of a community. In this moment, Amukelo and Eliss were more than just travelers or adventurers; they were guardians of a culture, protectors of a sacred rite that wove the fabric of life in this desert town.