The three hired a carriage and set off along the dusty road. Inside, the atmosphere was light but curious, especially as Alia's thoughts drifted to the events of earlier that day. She turned toward Talon, her gaze steady, and asked, "Can I see that mushroom again? Talon, do you know if it has any other uses? And why did we need Leona to get it in the end?"
Talon, who had been resting his eyes, opened them slowly, considering the question before answering. "This mushroom is quite rare," he began, pulling the half of the mushroom from his pouch. "It's documented in our werewolf clan's records of oddities. If ground into powder and mixed with 'dragon's tongue grass,' it can create a perfect painkiller that numbs the body without dulling the senses. That's invaluable to warriors like us. And if combined with 'thorn flowers,' it can significantly boost speed and attack power in a short time." He paused, his expression growing more serious. "As for the most important use… well, that's a secret of our werewolf clan. I'm sorry, but I can't tell you."
Alia raised an eyebrow at Talon's sudden awkwardness. It was rare to see him hesitate, and even rarer to see him blush slightly under the pressure of a question. Sensing that she shouldn't press him further, she smiled softly and said, "Thank you for sharing what you can. It's clear that this mushroom is more than it seems."
Leona, sitting opposite them, broke the silence with a cheerful laugh. "Don't worry, big guy. Everyone has their secrets, and thanks to your keen eyes, we didn't miss this hallucinogenic mushroom. You deserve half the credit. Thorn flowers and dragon's tongue grass are common herbs. We'll prepare them as we go."
With that, Leona reached into her own pouch, pulled out the hallucinogenic mushroom, and split it in half, handing one portion to Talon. "Here," she said. "You'll find more use for it than I will."
Talon accepted the mushroom with a nod of thanks. As he stowed it carefully in his bag, he retrieved a small, intricately designed knife from a separate pocket and offered it to Leona. "This is a keepsake from an earlier adventure," he said. "It's sharp—really sharp. I know you prefer your longsword, but sometimes a blade like this can come in handy in close combat."
Leona looked down at the knife, momentarily stunned by the gesture. She then laughed heartily. "A gift from the big guy himself, huh? Alright, I'll take it. Thanks a lot."
Talon felt a strange warmth spread through him as he watched her smile. It was a rare moment of camaraderie for him, and something in Leona's bold and playful nature was beginning to grow on him. Though his nature leaned towards solitude, he found her presence to be easy, even comforting.
As the carriage continued down the dirt road, the day began to slip away. The trio watched as the sky transformed, fading from a deep blue to the soft shades of dusk. The palace they sought was not far from Joy City, just under two days' journey by carriage. After a long day's travel, they decided to rest for the night in a small grove just off the road. The carriage driver brought the horses to a halt and took them to a nearby resting spot while the three of them set up camp.
A small fire was lit, casting flickering shadows across their faces. The crackling of the flames and the soft chirping of night creatures filled the air as the three adventurers settled in. Talon stood up and stretched, the muscles in his arms flexing under the dim firelight. "I'll take the first watch tonight," he said.
Leona, sitting cross-legged by the fire, grinned up at him. "Alright, we trust you, werewolf senses and all. But," she added, her eyes gleaming with excitement, "before you stand guard, how about we have a little sparring session? I've been itching to test my skills against yours all day."
Talon raised an eyebrow, slightly amused but not surprised. He'd sensed Leona's competitive spirit brewing throughout their journey. "A sparring session? Here?" He glanced around the clearing, then back at her. "Alright. But remember, the night favors us werewolves. I could tie one hand behind my back and still spar with you."
Leona's smile widened, clearly unfazed by his boast. "No need for that," she replied, standing up and drawing her longsword. The blade was massive—nearly a foot wide—and shimmered in the dim light. Its black surface was etched with intricate tiger-like stripes, giving it an almost menacing look. "We'll go all out, or it won't be any fun."
Talon grinned, the challenge sparking his interest. He shrugged off his outer garment, revealing his powerful, well-built frame. With a quick motion, his hands began to shift, transforming into sharp, steel-like claws. "Fine by me," he said, his voice low and ready. "Let's see what you've got."
Alia, sitting quietly to the side, sighed with a mixture of amusement and mild exasperation. "You two… just try not to break anything, alright?" she said, knowing full well that their sparring would likely become a spectacle.
Moonlight filtered through the trees, bathing the grove in a soft, silvery glow. The fire crackled warmly, casting dancing shadows around the clearing as Leona and Talon faced each other. Leona swung her massive sword with a powerful overhead strike, the blade whistling through the air. Talon sidestepped with ease, his movements fluid and precise. His claws gleamed in the moonlight, ready to counter.
Leona's attacks were relentless, each swing of her sword accompanied by a ferocious grunt. But Talon's reflexes were too fast. He dodged, ducked, and weaved, never letting her land a hit. As they clashed, their movements became faster, their strikes more intense. The clang of steel on steel rang through the night as Leona's sword met Talon's claws in a series of lightning-fast exchanges.
Alia watched the battle with a keen eye, impressed by both their prowess. Leona's strength and determination were undeniable, but Talon's speed and precision made him a nearly untouchable opponent.
As the sparring intensified, Talon caught Leona's blade between his claws and pushed back with a grin. "You're strong, warrior, but you've got to be faster to keep up with me."
Leona grinned back, her breath heavy but her spirit undaunted. "I'm just getting started," she replied, launching into another flurry of attacks.
The battle beneath the moon continued, neither combatant willing to yield. But just as the tension reached its peak, the sound of distant hoofbeats broke through the night air, halting their sparring.
Both Leona and Talon froze, their senses immediately heightened. Alia stood up, her eyes narrowing as she listened to the approaching sound. "Someone's coming," she whispered.
The peaceful night had been shattered, and now, a new challenge awaited them.