Chapter - 37
"You won't believe it, Thorne. Even I, with my limited experience in these things, could see he was being ripped off. And what did Jacob do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Even after I told him what was happening," Elara said, exasperation evident in her voice.
Jacob sat across from them, silently eating a light meal. He stabbed at his food a bit harder than necessary, enduring Elara and Thorne's laughter at his expense.
Thorne chuckled deeply. "Well, from the way he behaves with me, you'd think he's a tough man who doesn't take any guff. But I guess that's just for little old me."
"Yeah, he doesn't treat you as well as he should, Thorne. But don't worry, now you have me as a friend. I'll treat you better," Elara said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Jacob looked up from his plate, his gaze shifting between the two of them. "When I said I'd like it if you two got along, I certainly didn't mean for this."
Elara and Thorne exchanged a glance, both struggling to hold back their laughter. "And you," Jacob continued, pointing his fork at Elara, "aren't you supposed to be all meek and docile? What's with the change in attitude?"
Thorne grinned. "Oi, don't bully the girl. She just wants to have some fun. I didn't expect you to be the kind of man who intimidates innocent women."
Jacob sighed dramatically. "Ugh, I give up. I'm going to my room. Elara, make sure you go to the training center for your classes. Also, tell your instructor we'll be leaving in a couple of days on a mission and that we'll be away for at least a week."
He stood up and walked away, leaving Thorne and Elara behind, still chuckling at his expense.
After Jacob left, Elara turned to Thorne. "He's a good man, you know. Just a bit... stubborn."
Thorne nodded. "Aye, that he is. But he's got a good heart. Now, about you, missy. You seem to have found your voice."
Elara smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with genuine happiness. "Jacob has been good to me. I've never been as happy in my life."
"How are your classes going?" Thorne asked, his curiosity piqued.
Jacob had enrolled Elara in a training center to enhance her weapon expertise and combat skills. She attended classes in the morning, and afterward, the two would embark on missions together.
"I've been improving steadily," Elara said, her confidence evident. "Jacob and I are getting better at understanding each other's abilities and fighting styles. Our coordination is improving every day."
Thorne nodded appreciatively, his eyes reflecting a sense of pride. "Impressive. Sounds like you're becoming quite the formidable pair."
Elara had the unique ability to manifest her faerium in the form of fire. She could control and mold it into various shapes, like fireballs, or use it to coat her swords and weapons, making them more destructive in combat.
Blushing slightly, Elara added, "Thanks. It's a lot of hard work, but Jacob's been very supportive. He's a tough teacher, but fair. And he's always looking out for me."
Thorne smiled, his expression one of genuine warmth. "Good. You keep learning and getting stronger. You two will need each other out there. The world beyond these walls is harsh and unforgiving, but together, you can face whatever comes your way."
As Elara and Thorne continued their conversation, Jacob entered his room. He picked up a book he had recently bought about the history of the Kingdom of Avele. Jacob had developed a growing interest in Mirntha's history, and his collection of books on the subject was steadily increasing.
Settling into a chair, Jacob began to read, immersing himself in the rich tapestry of Avele's past. The book detailed the kingdom's founding, its struggles, and the legendary heroes who had shaped its destiny.
Elara went to her training center as instructed. The facility was bustling with activity, filled with aspiring warriors and mages honing their skills. Elara's instructor, a stern but kind woman named Mariel, greeted her with a nod.
"Good morning, Elara. Ready for today's session?" Mariel asked.
"Yes, instructor," Elara replied.
Mariel noticed a determined glint in Elara's eyes. "You seem more focused today. Something on your mind?"
Elara nodded. "Jacob and I are going on a mission in a couple of days. We'll be away for at least a week. I want to make sure I'm as prepared as possible."
Mariel smiled. "That's the spirit. Let's get to work, then."
The morning passed in a blur of intense training. Elara practiced her sword techniques, learning to channel her faerium more efficiently. She focused on controlling her fire, creating precise and powerful attacks. By the end of the session, she was exhausted but satisfied with her progress.
After training, she met up with Jacob at their usual spot. He was already there, waiting for her. "How was training?" he asked.
"Intense, but good. Mariel really pushed me today," Elara replied, wiping a bit of sweat from her brow.
Jacob nodded approvingly. "Good. Let's have lunch together, then go hunt some Dire Wolves. We could use the practice, and the guild could use the pelts."
Elara's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Sounds like a plan."
They enjoyed a quick lunch, discussing the strategies they would use for the hunt. The Dire Wolves were known for their strength and pack mentality. But Jacob and Elara had faced worse and knew how to handle themselves.
Once they were ready, they headed out of Ironhelm and into the dense forests that surrounded the city.
"Stay close and keep your senses sharp," Jacob advised as they moved deeper into the woods.
Elara nodded, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "Got it."
It didn't take long for them to pick up the trail of a Dire Wolf pack. Jacob's tracking skills were unparalleled, and he quickly identified the signs of their presence: paw prints in the soft earth, claw marks on the trees, and the faint smell of their musk.
"There," Jacob whispered, pointing to a clearing up ahead. Five Dire Wolves were gathered, their fur bristling and eyes gleaming with a predatory light.
"Ready?" Elara asked, drawing her sword.
Jacob nodded, his revolver already in hand. "Let's do this."
They moved as one, their coordinated attacks a testament to the training and practice they had put in. Jacob fired precise shots, each bullet infused with his faerium, striking the wolves with deadly accuracy. Elara's sword blazed with fire as she engaged the wolves in close combat, her movements fluid.
One of the Dire Wolves lunged at Jacob, but he sidestepped effortlessly, delivering a powerful shot that sent the beast sprawling. Another wolf tried to flank Elara, but she spun around, her sword cutting through the air in a fiery arc, cleaving the creature in two.
The wolves were no match for Jacob and Elara's combined prowess. Within minutes, the pack lay defeated, their bodies scattered across the clearing.
Elara wiped the sweat from her brow, her breathing heavy but exhilarated. "That was intense."
Jacob nodded, holstering his revolver. "Good work. You handled yourself well."
"Thanks," Elara said, smiling. "You too."
They gathered the monster cores and pelts from the fallen wolves, securing them for their return to the guild.
"Another successful hunt," Jacob said, clapping Elara on the shoulder, as they made their way back to the inn after handing the cores and pelts to the guild.
Elara smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Yeah. We make a good team."
Jacob nodded. "That we do."