The next morning, the first light of dawn gently filtered through the curtains of the inn's room, casting a soft glow over Caelum and Elara, who lay still entwined in each other's embrace. The night had brought them closer.
Caelum, always the early riser, stirred first. He carefully extricated himself from Elara's hold, ensuring not to wake her. His movements were deliberate and gentle, a contrast to his usual straightforward manner. He glanced back at her, her face serene in sleep, a faint blush still present on her cheeks. A soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips, a rare expression of tenderness.
Quietly, Caelum made his way to the bathroom. The sound of running water and his morning routine filled the otherwise silent room. By the time he emerged, freshly dressed and composed, Elara too was awake.
Sitting up in bed, Elara avoided his gaze, the blush on her cheeks deepening. The events of the previous night, their shared vulnerability, seemed to linger in the air between them. Caelum, noticing her discomfort, decided to break the ice.
"Good morning," he said, his voice light. "I was thinking, before we head out, we could try some of Lighthaven's street foods. A change from the inn fare."
Elara looked up, her eyes meeting his. The mention of food seemed to ease her awkwardness. "That sounds good," she replied, a small smile forming. "I'll just get ready."
As Elara vanished into the bathroom, Caelum turned his attention to the room, gathering their belongings and ensuring everything was in order.
A short while later, Elara emerged, dressed and looking refreshed. The awkwardness of the morning had dissipated, replaced by a familiar closeness. "Ready to go?" Caelum asked, shouldering his pack.
Elara nodded, her spirits lifted by the prospect of exploring Lighthaven. "Let's see what the streets have to offer."
They made their way down to the common room of the inn, which was already buzzing with early risers and travelers. The innkeeper, noticing their departure, gave them a nod of acknowledgment, his expression a mix of respect and curiosity.
Stepping out into the streets of Lighthaven, they were greeted by the vibrant energy of the town coming to life. Merchants were setting up their stalls, the aromas of various foods wafting through the air. The town square was a mosaic of colors and sounds, with locals and travelers alike milling about.
Caelum led Elara through the throng, his eyes scanning the various food stalls. They stopped at a stall selling freshly baked pastries, their sweet scent irresistible. "Try these," Caelum suggested, purchasing a couple of the flaky treats.
Elara took a bite, her eyes lighting up at the taste. "These are delicious," she exclaimed, savoring the pastry. They continued their culinary exploration, sampling different street foods – from savory skewers of grilled meat to sweet, sticky fruits.
As they ate, Caelum brought up their plans for the day. "After this, we should head to the Adventurers' Guild. Signing up could provide us with valuable information and resources for our quest."
Elara, chewing thoughtfully, nodded. "That makes sense. We could use all the help we can get. Plus, it'll be interesting to see the different adventurers and their skills."
They finished their impromptu breakfast, their spirits buoyed by the simple joys of the morning. Making their way to the Adventurers' Guild, they passed through Lighthaven's bustling streets, absorbing the sights and sounds of the town.
The Adventurers' Guild, a grand building with an imposing facade, stood at the heart of Lighthaven. As they entered, they were immediately struck by the hive of activity within. Adventurers of all ranks and classes milled about, discussing quests, exchanging stories, and checking the bounty board.
Upon entering the Adventurers' Guild in Lighthaven, Caelum and Elara were immediately struck by the bustling atmosphere. The guild hall, a hub of activity and a focal point for those seeking adventure or fortune, was alive with the energy of myriad stories and quests converging under one roof even early in the morning.
Navigating through the crowd, they approached one of the counters, where a cheerful girl greeted them with a welcoming smile. "Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. How may I help you today?" she inquired, her eyes sparkling with the enthusiasm characteristic of someone who loved their job.
"We want to sign up as adventurers," Caelum stated, his voice calm and measured.
Her face lit up even more, if possible. "Of course! Follow me, please," she said, leading them to a separate area where a woman with an air of authority and experience waited. Her posture and expression exuded competence and a no-nonsense attitude.
The woman, taking a quick but thorough look at them, introduced herself as Marla, one of the guild's registrars. "Name, class, and abilities," she prompted, her tone business-like as she prepared to take down their information.
Caelum had already briefed Elara on the need to conceal their true classes. Understanding the potential risks and the unwanted attention it could bring, they had agreed on plausible alternatives. He declared himself as a "Bow Master," a believable claim given his skills with ranged weapons and his proficiency with bows from his past life as Eclipse. His lie was anchored in truth; he could indeed handle a bow with more skill than an average person.
Elara, following suit, identified herself as a "Lesser Druid," a more common and less sought-after branch of the rare Druid class. It was a strategic choice, offering enough believability without attracting undue interest or greed.
Marla nodded, jotting down their details. "Now, for the final step, you'll need to test your stats. This orb will do the job," she explained, producing a small, glowing orb. It was a standard procedure, but the orb's capabilities were anything but ordinary.
As they each took turns holding the orb, it glowed brightly, analyzing and displaying their basic stats. Caelum's stats reflected those of an experienced Bow Master, thanks to his adept handling of firearms and his latent abilities from Eclipse. Elara's stats, too, were consistent with her declared class, her connection to nature and her burgeoning skills as a Lesser Druid apparent.
With the registration complete, Marla handed them their Adventurer's cards. "Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. You're now officially Bronze Rank adventurers. You can take on quests suited to your level and skills. Good luck."
After completing their registration at the Adventurers' Guild in Lighthaven, Caelum and Elara, now official Bronze Rank adventurers, returned to the cheerful girl at the front desk. She introduced herself with a warm smile. "Hi, I'm Sara. How can I further assist you today?"
Sara was a young woman in her early twenties, her long brown hair tied back in a neat ponytail, and her eyes were a vivid shade of green that sparkled with enthusiasm. She wore the standard guild uniform, which was both practical and flattering.
"We're interested in learning more about forming a party," Caelum said, his voice steady and calm.
Sara nodded, her expression turning thoughtful. "Well, forming a party is a common practice among adventurers. It's a way to combine skills and tackle more challenging quests. Since there are just two of you, joining an existing party or recruiting more members might be beneficial."
Elara, curious, leaned in. "What kind of classes do teams usually look for?"
"It varies," Sara explained. "But a well-rounded team often includes a mix of melee fighters, ranged attackers, and support classes like healers or mages. It's about balancing offensive and defensive capabilities."
Caelum considered this, his mind already strategizing. "I see. We'll keep that in mind. For now, we have a specific quest we're focusing on. Can you tell us anything about the northern mines and the area of the Whispering Forest we're planning to visit?"
Sara's eyes widened slightly at the mention of their destinations. "The northern mines are known for their rich ore deposits, but they're also perilous due to unstable tunnels and aggressive creatures guarding the area. As for the Whispering Forest, it's a mystical place, full of ancient magic and home to many elusive creatures. It's beautiful but dangerous."
Sara leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But you should already know this. Let me tell you a few rumors. How accurate, I cannot tell."
Caelum's gaze sharpened, his interest piqued. "Go on," he urged.