Standing outside Tert's building, Nolai said to the group, "Thanks again for everything, guys. I dunno how much longer I could've lasted seein' everyone act so boring and dead inside."
"You are very much welcome, Nolai!" Kantuta responded, "Though I wasn't too fond of the idea of coming here, the fact that we could rid this city of its curse made this experience worthwhile."
"Hey, I appreciate that. But there's just somethin' that's botherin' me: who or what even caused all o' this to happen?"
"Hmm…" Kantuta squinted and held her chin, "Whatever caused this must have had to be very powerful; only the most potent of sorcerers or artifacts could control an entire city."
"Yeah, I figured. But who would want to do somethin' that evil? Why would they even want to do that?" Nolai thought for a moment before shrugging, "But whatever, that's water under the bridge. We're fine now, and that's all that matters." she smiled, "And I've got a little somethin' to give you as a gift." Walking ahead of the group, she said, "C'mon, follow me!"
Obliging, the trio walked after the goblin, moving through the slightly brighter streets until they came across an ordinary, brown brick wall. Looking around, Nolai checked to make sure that no one else was watching before pushing against the front of the wall, revealing that it was actually a cleverly-colored drape. Waving the others over, Nolai escorted the adventurers through the exposed hole, leading them to stand in an area decorated with a large amount of posters, trinkets, and toys strewn all over the place.
"Welcome one and all to the Nolai Zone!" the goblin said, "You should consider yourselves lucky; I normally keep this place to myself." She flashed the others an expectant grin, "So, how do ya like it? Pretty posh, ain't it?"
Kantuta chuckled lightly, saying, "Well, it certainly has…personality."
Nolai laughed, "Hey, I'll take it! Anyway, I brought you here for a reason, so let's just get right down to business." Walking over to a wooden treasure chest in the back of the hideout, she opened it and rummaged through its contents, "Now where did I put that thing…?" She picked up a crooked stick and threw it behind her, "Not that…" she picked up a book and discarded it, "What's this even doin' here?" another item, a toy hammer, was thrown away, "Heh, this brings back memories…"
As Nolai proceeded with her search, Yuchauzh, who was unfortunately positioned behind the goblin, dodged left and right, trying his best to not get hurt by his associate's reckless actions. "Hey—!" he ducked under a flying baton, "Watch where you're—" he sidestepped a dirty rag, "Watch where you're thro—mmph!" At that moment, a bouncy rubber ball lodged itself in Yuchauzh's mouth, rendering him mute.
"Hm? You say somethin'?" Just then, Nolai eyes lit up as she gazed at a small, green seed held in a small, clear case, "Oh, there it is!" She proudly displayed it to the group, saying, "Here it is, guys: my gift!"
Spitting out the rubber ball, Yuchauzh asked, "And what's that supposed to be?"
"I'm glad you asked! This thing's apparently called the Mystic Kernel. Whoever eats it is supposed to have their control over plants enhanced…or so the druid who gave me this thing said."
"Wait a minute," Kantuta's eyes widened, "A DRUID gave you this item?"
"Eh…I wouldn't say that. It's more like I took it from her after a bet." Nolai snickered, "The sucker thought she could beat me in a race through the forest, but I blew her outta the water!" Sighing, she continued, "Anyhow, this should be perfect for you, huh, Yuchauzh? I don't usually deal with plants, but you're an expert with them, right?"
Yuchauzh crossed his arms, "That's right, but I don't need no help in that department. Me 'n my log are just fine as is."
"Oh come on, you orc, don't be such a blockhead." Kantuta retorted, "Why would you skip out on this opportunity to become stronger?"
"As I said, I'm already strong enough. Only weaklings need to take stuff like that."
"But Yuchauzh," Siquioce said, "Wouldn't it make sense for us to accept this gift? I mean, you saw how you performed against that strange person earlier; your log strike did little to affect his tough body at first. What if we face a stronger enemy in the future? You may become overwhelmed if you don't take this opportunity to strengthen yourself."
Yuchauzh frowned, tapping his fingers against his shoulder as he considered Siquioce's words. "…Fine. But only cause you're the leader." He held out his hand, "C'mon, gimme the seed."
Nolai gladly placed the case in Yuchauzh's hand, prompting the orc to open the case and swallow the kernel. Immediately after doing so, Yuchauzh's body flashed a bright green, his muscles tingling as he felt a miraculous power emanate through the fibers of his being. "…Wow," he said in a breathless voice, "Didn't expect that."
"Hehe, that gave you a kick, didn't it?" Nolai grinned, "I bet you'll be enjoyin' your new power for a looong time." Following that, Nolai pushed her guests out of her zone, saying, "Okay, that's all, folks. Have a good trip!"
"Wait, what?" Kantuta asked, "We're leaving so soon?"
"Yep! It's been fun, but I have a life to live. Besides, you lot seem like adventurers. You've got places to be, right?"
"Yeah, but…"
Turning his head, Siquioce asked, "Mä segunda suyt'am, kunatsa jan nanakamp chikt'atäkta? 7 wakiskir puntonak uñjañatakis mä thakhinktanwa, ukatx machaq misioneronakaruw katuqapxta. (Wait a second, why don't you join us? We're on a journey to see 7 important points, and we're always welcome to new members."
"Hmm…" Nolai pondered for a second, "Disculpa, ukampis janiw ukhamäkiti. Jichhax aka chiqan qhiparañ munta. (Sorry, but no. I want to stay here for now.)" She nodded, "Yeah, as I was sayin' to your friend, I would rather not go on some huge adventure. I still have school and junk to go through, y'know? Thanks for the offer, though."
"Alright, fine with me." Yuchauzh replied nonchalantly.
"Okay, if that's what you desire." Kantuta added.
While Siquioce was disappointed, he opted to not let that feeling show, smiling and nodding as he said, "Sumakiwa, nayax amuyasta. Nayax suyt'twa jumanakax suma jakañanïpxañamataki. (Okay, I understand. I hope you have a good life."
Nolai nodded back, "Pachpa. (Same.) Now scram!"
With that, Nolai gave one final push to the trio, forcing them out of her hideout and giving them one last mischievous yet friendly grin before darting back into her hole.
"Hm," said Kantuta, "Well, that was something." She looked towards Siquioce, "I do believe we're done here. Shall we get going?"
Siquioce nodded, "Yeah, let's."
And so, the adventurers made their way out of the city, ready to move on to their next destination. Along the way, they came across another group of dwarves, a quartet whose skin looked less lifeless than usual. Just when it looked like the miners were about to bump into Siquioce and his friends, they split in the middle, creating an opening for the travelers to walk through. Smiling at this, Siquioce pressed on with his allies, satisfied at having solved another problem.