Elara, observing their exchange, sensed Lily's interest in Caelum. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of something akin to protectiveness, though she wasn't sure why. Caelum was more than capable of handling himself, yet she felt compelled to intervene.
"Lily, thank you for showing us to our room," Elara said, offering a friendly smile to ease any tension. "We appreciate the hospitality."
Lily, slightly abashed but still hopeful, led them upstairs to their room. As they entered, the trio was greeted by the sight of a spacious chamber. The centerpiece was a large, plush bed draped in fine linens and a quilt of deep blues and greens, the colors of the Valorian landscape. A private bathroom, boasting polished fixtures and soft towels, promised the luxury of a hot bath. A cozy loveseat sat invitingly in front of a stone fireplace, where logs were neatly stacked, ready to be lit.
Both Elara and Lily blushed at the thought of sharing such a room with Caelum, albeit for different reasons. Elara was aware of the awkwardness of their situation, while Lily harbored a youthful crush.
Caelum knew Elara and the previous owner of his body were lovers. Although they hadn't gone far in their relationship, they would often escape to the forest under the cloak of night to exchange loving words. The furthest they had gone was holding hands, both too shy to venture beyond. These same memories haunted him, particularly the night when bandits attacked and killed everyone in their village. Eclipse's presence within him was dominant, exerting a strong command over his emotions. Yet, the memories of Caelum stirred his heart, making it race when near Elara. Despite this, Caelum didn't insist on separate rooms again. Since Elara had declared it was okay, he accepted the arrangement. He still had control over his emotions, a testament to Eclipse's influence.
"Thank you, Lily," Caelum said, his voice neutral, betraying none of the tumultuous emotions stirring within him. "You can leave us now."
Lily lingered for a moment, her gaze flitting between Caelum and Elara, before nodding and leaving the room. Once she was gone, Elara turned to Caelum.
"Caelum, about sharing the room..." she began, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Caelum cut her off with a gentle but firm tone. "It is fine. We need to rest before embarking on our quest. Don't worry about it."
Elara nodded, a small smile of gratitude on her lips. There was a comfort in his presence, a sense of security that she couldn't quite explain. It wasn't just his physical prowess or his mysterious aura; it was something deeper, a connection that seemed to transcend their current circumstances.
Caelum started to undress, making Elara blush once more. Realizing this, he paused and said, "You bathe first, I will take a bath later." Elara nodded and quickly disappeared behind the bathroom door, leaving Caelum alone in the room. He chuckled to himself, noting her naivety in not bringing any clean clothes for after her bath. Sighing, Caelum redressed and left the inn in search of supplies.
As he stepped out, he encountered Lily, who lit up at seeing him. "Anything you need, Caelum?" she asked eagerly.
Caelum nodded. "I have some carcasses and monster cores to sell. Where can I go?"
Lily's eyes widened in amazement. "You can try the Adventurers' Guild or specific artisans based on the carcass. They can be used in different crafts and might bring a hefty sum of gold. How about I come with you? I'm pretty knowledgeable about the shops around here."
After a moment's consideration, Caelum agreed. "Alright. Let's go."
Lily quickly informed her father and returned, taking off her apron. They started walking through the streets of Lighthaven, with Lily leading the way.
As they walked, Lily enthusiastically shared details about Lighthaven. "This street leads to the Central Market Square," she said, pointing to a bustling avenue lined with colorful stalls and shops. The air was filled with the aromas of fresh food and the sounds of lively trade. "You'll find everything from the finest weapons to exotic spices here."
Caelum observed the vibrant life of Lighthaven, noting the cobblestone paths and the diversity of goods being sold. "It's quite lively," he commented.
"Yes, and over there is The Golden Tankard, the most popular tavern in town. And next to it is The Gilded Anvil, a renowned blacksmith shop," Lily pointed out, her voice filled with pride.
They passed by the River Edgewater, a wide, flowing river that served as a lifeline for the town. Merchant ships and small boats frequently traversed the river, with bustling docks and riverside markets along its banks.
"The river is our town's natural resource. It's used for trade, fishing, and even leisure," Lily explained.
Caelum's gaze then turned to the imposing structure of Redthorn Keep, the ruler's residence, situated on a hill overlooking the town. "That's Redthorn Keep," Lily said. "Lord Alistair, our ruler, lives there. He's known for his fair governance and strategic acumen."
As they approached the Adventurers' Guild, Caelum noticed the diversity of people gathered there - explorers, thrill-seekers, and those seeking quests or looking to sell their findings.
"The Adventurers' Guild is always bustling. They organize expeditions and handle quests from townsfolk. It's a hub for adventurers like you," Lily said with a hint of admiration in her voice.
Caelum nodded, his mind already calculating the potential value of the items he had to sell. He was intrigued by the myriad of possibilities this town offered, from its rich commerce to the hidden secrets that lay beneath its vibrant exterior.
"The town also has a strong military presence," Lily continued, pointing towards a group of well-equipped soldiers. "Valoria's Militia is known for their discipline and strength. And there are also guilds like The Watchers' Guild, who specialize in reconnaissance and protecting the town's peripheries."
Caelum listened intently, filing away every piece of information. Lighthaven was not just a town of trade and craft; it was a place of power, secrets, and potential alliances.
Arriving at the Adventurers' Guild in Lighthaven, Caelum's first task was to check the bounty posters. The guild hall was a bustling hub of activity, with adventurers of all types coming and going, discussing quests, and sharing tales of their exploits. The walls were adorned with maps of the region and various notices, but Caelum's focus was on the bounty board.
He scanned the posters, looking for any information related to his recent encounters. His attention was caught by a notice about a witch in the Whispering Forest, a target he had recently eliminated. The reward was substantial, a testament to the danger she had posed. Another poster caught his eye: a bounty on the Bandit Leader who had destroyed their village. The image on the poster was a crude drawing, but Caelum recognized the features immediately. A sense of satisfaction washed over him; he had already exacted his revenge.
[WANTED]
Name: The Witch from the Whispering Forest
Description: Sinister visage, with long, unkempt hair and piercing eyes.
Crimes: Dark magic, terrorizing nearby villagers.
Reward: 25 Goldens (EG-Eryndor Golden)
[WANTED]
Name: Bandit Leader
Description: Ordinary appearance, unremarkable in stature.
Crimes: Extensive list, including robbery and extortion.
Reward: 15 Goldens
(Official Adventurers' Guild Notices)
Approaching the guild's reception, Caelum waited patiently for his turn. When it was finally his, he spoke to the guild officer, a burly man with a scar across his cheek. "I've come to claim a bounty," Caelum stated, his voice steady and confident.
The officer looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Which one?" he asked, his tone indicating that he dealt with many such claims daily.
"The witch from the Whispering Forest and the Bandit Leader," Caelum replied, his gaze unwavering.
The worker at the Adventurers' Guild, a grizzled man with a gaze that seemed to weigh Caelum's every word, took the posters from the board. He examined them closely, his expression a mix of skepticism and interest. The posters were of standard design, each detailing the target with a rough sketch and their known offenses. The Witch from the Whispering Forest was depicted with a sinister visage, her crimes listed including dark magic and terrorizing nearby villagers. The reward for her was 25 Goldens (EG), a reflection of her troublesome nature. Next to her, the poster of the Bandit Leader was more mundane in appearance, but his list of crimes was lengthy, and the reward for his capture or death was set at 15 Goldens (EG. He wasn't known for his strength but for the large number of bandits under his command.