Lia nervously fidgeted with her robe, watching her companions gather their belongings and the few pieces of loot they had found in the crypt. Their long adventure had finally come to an end, and she was very glad about it. She always tried to enjoy any situation, but in this cursed place, it was physically impossible. Now, it was time to go home.
And Lia was nervous. In a semi-conscious state, she couldn't worry about anything, and when she came to her senses, she tried to ignore bad thoughts. But now, everyone around was busy, and the elf was left alone with herself. Her thoughts kept returning to the vision she had seen in the crypt: memories of her mother and the fate of her father.
The girl tried to count the days since they left home but couldn't do it because most of the time the group was underground, not seeing the sun or the moon. Her internal clock was messed up because she was constantly in a daze. But quite some time had passed, no less than two weeks. She was very worried about her father's fate. How was he doing? Completely alone. It's unlikely anything happened to him, but that was exactly what the sorceress feared. That due to complete loneliness and the absence of external stimuli, the old elf would withdraw into himself. She couldn't lose her last relative...
-Are you worried?- Robert asked, taking the girl's hand.
-Well... yes,- Lia admitted with a shy smile, trying not to look the man in the eyes.
Something had changed in him after the events in the crypt. He had always been very attached to everyone in the group and always helped the girl, but the current Robert felt different. He was constantly around, paying special attention to her, even Lia felt it. She couldn't decide if it was good or bad and felt awkward.
-It's normal,- the mage tried to comfort the elf. -But let's believe everything will be fine. And we'll be able to see it with our own eyes very soon.
-Yes, you're right, thank you.
Finally, all preparations were complete, and Lia focused, reaching deep within her soul. After a few seconds, she found within herself a tiny sprout of the Great Tree, living in the essence of the elf, and mentally touched it, connecting to the power of the tree from another world.
-Homecoming.
When the tree's roots opened up, releasing the group outside, Lia's eyes beheld the beautiful sight of her home with her father. The anxiety temporarily subsided, replaced by the joy of returning. Sighs of relief were heard from her companions, who also missed home. Klein, the sweet boy, took the initiative and said:
-Well, we'll probably go now, we don't want to intrude, and everyone has their own business and families. See you soon!
The adventurers said their loud goodbyes and went in different directions, breaking into small groups. Only Lia and Robert remained, and the girl turned to the mage, saying goodbye:
-Then, goodbye to you too, Rob. As Klein said, we'll see each other soon. I'm going home. Bye-bye!
-No,- the man unexpectedly objected, -let me first make sure that everything is alright with your father and you.
-Well... okay, as you wish. Then please come in. But don't make a mess, take off your shoes before entering!
With a nervous smile and an unsure joke, Lia entered the house, removing her shoes, and shouted:
-Dad, hi! I'm home! Sorry, I'm a little late, but now you'll hear such a story! Robert is also here, our leader, remember? He will tell you too, right, Robert?
-Huh? Uh, well... yes, as you command, ma'am!
The two entered the living room, where Lia had left her father before the journey. He was still there, looking out the window. He paid no attention to Lia's chatter, sitting motionless in the same pose.
The girl anxiously approached him and gently shook his shoulder, expecting the usual weak reaction. But there was none. The sorceress turned her father's head towards her and was stunned to see his empty, lifeless gaze.
Lia stood, silently looking at her father's lifeless face. Robert, seeing this scene, was horrified. Blood drained from his face as he felt true fear. The elf stood, mechanically stroking her father's hair. Absolutely silent and emotionless, which scared the man even more. He hesitantly spoke:
-L-Lia? I... I understand how it looks, but... maybe he hasn't frozen? Maybe he fell asleep? Yes, that's it! With elves close to freezing, it's hard to tell when they're asleep or awake, right? Maybe try to cheer him up as you planned earlier?
A light color returned to the elf's cheeks, and she responded more emotionally:
-Y-yes. You're right. Surely, that's it. Then... Oh, Dad, how could you just fall asleep like that? If only you knew how you scared me! Haha, you know, it's not very funny. Let me tell you how our adventure went instead! It was a nightmare, you can't imagine. It all started when we left the city...
Robert anxiously watched as the sorceress talked to the elf's lifeless body. Although she spoke as usual, it felt like she was reading from a script. Even when she laughed, there was no usual joy or cheerfulness. To bring her to her senses, the mage also joined in Lia's story, adding his comments and awkwardly trying to joke. The girl looked at the man in surprise and gratefully smiled. It was a weak but honest and genuine smile.
For an hour, the man and the girl vividly recounted the story to their silent listener, who showed no signs of life. When Robert exaggeratedly demonstrated the size of Lia's battle magic, Siannverlay blinked, causing the man to choke on his words and nearly fall to the floor.
The elf's gaze shifted to Lia, and tears streamed down her face. With a trembling voice, she picked up her companion's story, stumbling over her words in fear of losing their luck. Recovering, Robert awkwardly tried to joke:
-Alright, Lia, enough, your tongue is already tying. Sorry, sir, I'll make sure your daughter doesn't get any more to drink.
-What am I saying, dear God,- the mage mentally scolded himself, burning with shame. Then he heard a chuckle. A faint smile appeared on Lia's father's lips, apparently amused by the man's awkward attempt.
And Lia burst into tears. Tears of relief streamed from her eyes as she cried and laughed at the same time. Robert gently hugged the girl, comforting her, and she buried her face in his chest, continuing to sob. The mage saw a mischievous spark in Siannverlay's eyes and, blushing, turned away.
Meanwhile, Isabella reached the inn and, opening the door to her room, shouted:
-I'm home, hello everyone, my little babies!
She dropped her belongings aside, finally removed her thorn crown, which had not left her head for several weeks, and with a contented moan, plopped onto the bed, happily pressing into the soft material. The girl looked around her room, rejoicing that she could finally return.
After lounging a bit on the bed, she waited for the fruits she had ordered to be brought. Isabella thanked the blushing boy, the innkeeper's son, took the dish, and approached her shelves. The druid ran her hand along the spines of her numerous books, enjoying the touch.
-And which little one should I pick today?
Choosing a book, the girl settled back on the bed. Breathing in the fresh air from the window, she opened her favorite story, took an apple slice from the tray, and immersed herself in reading, traveling through time. Isabella felt like she had returned to the carefree days of her childhood and youth when she could read for days on end, numerous servants fulfilling her every whim, surrounded by living, loving parents, and everything around was so beautiful and simple. That's why she loved books. It was her personal portal to a happy life. And she plunged into it headfirst.
The bell on the door rang, and Mrs. Rosenarm looked at the girl who entered. Anna nodded to her mother and began laying out the remnants of her potions and ingredients, tidying up her equipment. They stood in silence, each busy with their own tasks. Soon, Mr. Rosenarm came out of the door, asking his wife:
-Hey, dear, I heard the bell, did we have visitors? Oh! Annie! You're back, my little flower! How I missed you!
The father's joyful exclamations were very annoying. A person who couldn't keep their emotions and thoughts in check was pathetic. But now these displays of irrational emotions brought the fifteen-year-old girl a fresh feeling of being home.
-Yes,- she answered. -I'm back. And I missed you too.
The head of the family clasped his hands to his mouth, not believing what he heard. His eyes immediately welled up with tears of happiness and tenderness. He breathed out:
-Annie...
His daughter went behind the counter and hugged her parents tiredly. She sighed and said:
-I'm so tired... and I love you.
-And we love you, our dear, beautiful rose!- Mr. Rosenarm chirped. Tears openly flowed down his cheeks, and a blissful smile lit up his face.
-Understood,- Anna's mother replied in her usual manner. -Rest behind the counter. You're late. While you were gone, there was so much work, it's your turn to help with the shop now.
-Our girl has grown so much,- the husband quietly told his wife, looking at Anna, who obediently took on the task. -Already so mature, well done.
- Yes, - the woman confirmed, warmth appearing in her gaze directed at her little copy, and a shadow of a smile touched her lips. - You are right.
- That's why I love you, my sunshine. - Mr. Rosenarm grinned from ear to ear, looking at his wife, and she, seeing this, immediately put on her cold face again, returning to commander mode.
- Stop standing around doing nothing. You still need to check all our ingredient supplies and restock what's missing! Get to it, half the day is almost gone, and you've done nothing!
- Yes, ma'am! - The man responded with the same smile and went to carry out the task given by his iron-willed wife.
In the Adventurers' Guild, the buzz of voices was as constant as ever. Dozens of men and women came and went, eating, drinking, taking assignments, and completing them. Many, as usual, formed into groups, sitting at their tables, happily celebrating their successes or preparing for them.
Only one table had a lone figure, a dwarf drinking the strongest beer available. Glen gloomily watched everyone around, and equally gloomy thoughts pursued him. "Why am I doing all this?" he did not understand. "What's the point? My only goal is revenge and restoring honor... And I... have been playing at friendships. Idiot, like a greenhorn." After the vision shown to him by the vampire, depressing thoughts did not leave the berserker's head, and now he decided to come and drown them in alcohol. However, it was only getting worse.
- May I sit here? - A voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
Glen looked at the inquirer and saw Elsa, a very young but already beautiful girl from the registration desk. This guild worker brightly and sweetly smiled at the halfling, causing his irritation. Women. Women never understood the path of true men. And those who got distracted by them always strayed from their path, losing the meaning of their existence. Fatal women. Truly so. Embodiments of doom, a malevolent fate that follows those who deviate from the warrior's path to a peaceful life. Although, with that elf from the group, Glen wouldn't mind sneaking into some nook for an hour or two. And the druidess was also pleasant...
- So, can I sit here? - Elsa repeated persistently, and Glen, angry at himself for such treacherous thoughts, rudely barked:
- Can't you see I'm trying to drink here! Get lost, you little brat! You're supposed to be working, aren't you? If you've got no one to eat with, eat with the rats, they certainly won't chase you away!
The gray world around did not appeal to the dwarf. Everyone gathered in groups, wanting to talk, share thoughts and feelings. They smiled at each other. They laughed. Glen needed none of this. He was on his own. Always. Even in this semblance of a team, he had no friends or comrades. There was only his goal of revenge and strangers. And Glen needed nothing more. Let everyone else live the life of fools in a world of illusions, relying on each other. He could only rely on himself, his faithful axe and hammer, and the wonderful person who made this excellent beer. Only they never betrayed the dwarf.
Meanwhile, Glen's thoughts were interrupted by someone suddenly brazenly plopping down on a chair next to him. Angered, the dwarf growled:
- I said no one can sit here, get lost!
- Hey, what's up? - Klein asked, puzzled. - I just got here. Relax, let's have a drink. It's always better together than alone, right?
- Klein? - Glen asked, surprised. - What are you doing here?
- Hmm? Well, there's no work at the temple for now, and I haven't checked in there yet. Everyone went home, and here you are alone. So I thought, why not keep you company? To wash, so to speak, our success. Are you against it?
- But why with me and not by yourself?
- Becouse... you're my friend. Or something like that.
- I'm no one's friend! And you are not my friends! Just temporary party members.
- So, I came here for nothing? - Vasily's voice suddenly chimed in as he sat down on the other side of the dwarf with a pint of drink.
- Vasya? - Klein was now surprised. - What are you doing here? Weren't you in a hurry to your girls?
- It'll keep, - the hunter smiled gently, - I asked one of the grandmothers in our village to look after them. And now I thought, why not have a drink with my friends?
- Hey! - Glen exclaimed sadly. - I'm trying to get drunk here, pondering the futility of existence and my loneliness in this world!
- Haha, what a coincidence, - Klein chuckled, - we're here for the same reason. So let's drink together and complain to each other about our woes! To loneliness! Bottoms up!
- Bottoms up! - Vasily supported the guy with a smile.
- Bottoms up. - Glen reluctantly replied. He was still displeased, but since a toast had been made, it would be extremely disrespectful not to join in...
- Bottoms up! - Grandpa Brung, already drunk, unexpectedly joined the group.
- Old man Brung? - Klein was surprised. - What are you doing here? We're kind of celebrating the end of our adventure and a glorious victory over the boss!
- Wow! Congratulations! - The old man exclaimed joyfully and replied proudly: - And I ended up here by the call of fate and the clinking of mugs! Life itself tells me where to go for a drink, and I can hear it even from the other end of the city! If I hear a toast, how can I pass by!? Although, the problem is that my mug is completely empty...
- Not sure that's something to be proud of, but as you say... - The paladin muttered. - But alright, you old devil, today you're in luck, I'll treat you! And I'll tell you a story! This time I will tell you, not you to me! And moreover, this time it's true, not your silly tales! So rejoice and listen to the tale of how I, the great Paladin of Aronis, Klein, almost single-handedly defeated the spawn of evil, the vampire Victor!
The buzz of voices in the Adventurers' Guild was as constant as ever. And the loudest among this celebration of life was the voice of the well-drunk Klein, telling an incredible story, Glen, always trying to correct his comrade's beautiful tale, and Elsa, who eventually joined the adventurers instead of working, listening with rapture to their heroic exploits. Only Vasily sat quietly and smiled, watching his friends. And it was not that he had nothing to say, but that the guy couldn't handle drinking at all, and was already out of it. And when asked what he thought about the adventure, the archer only responded with one thing:
- We all came back. And life is good. And to live is good. - And he was right, what else can be said?