The sun was beginning to rise as the adventurers trudged back to Eldergrove. The forest trail was quiet now, its usual ominous air replaced with a sense of relief. Elara led the group, her sword sheathed but her hand never far from its hilt. Behind her, Vren carried a sack of recovered goods, Torin walked with his axe slung over his shoulder, Lyrel hummed softly to herself, and Sera brought up the rear, her staff acting as a walking stick.
As the village gates came into view, Elara turned to her companions.
"Remember, we don't need to make a grand show of this," she said. "We did what we were hired to do."
Vren smirked. "Speak for yourself. I wouldn't mind a little hero worship."
Torin laughed, clapping him on the back. "Just don't expect free drinks at the tavern for life, lad."
As they entered the village, the scene was far from quiet. The early risers of Eldergrove were already at work, and the moment the adventurers were spotted, whispers and cheers began to spread.
"They've returned!" one villager exclaimed.
"Look at all they've brought back!" another added.
-----
The group made their way to the heart of Eldergrove, their pace quickening as the familiar sight of Kai's Rustic Coffee House came into view. The cozy building stood as inviting as ever, its windows glowing warmly even in the morning light.
Kai was already outside, sweeping the pathway. He paused when he saw the adventurers approaching, a smile breaking across his face.
"Welcome back," he said, leaning the broom against the wall. "I take it the mission was a success?"
Elara nodded, her expression softening. "It was. The goblins are gone, their settlement burned to the ground. The forest should be safer now."
Kai's eyes flicked to the sack Vren was carrying. "And those are the recovered goods?"
"What's left of them," Vren said, setting the sack down with a grunt. "The goblins weren't exactly gentle with their loot."
"Well," Kai said, motioning toward the door, "you're just in time. I was about to open for the morning. How about a drink on the house? You've earned it."
-----
The adventurers filed into the café, their exhaustion evident in their movements. Kai was quick to prepare their usual drinks, his hands moving with practiced ease. Lyra joined him behind the counter, her quiet presence adding a touch of calm to the bustling atmosphere.
"So," Kai began as he placed a tray of steaming cups on the counter, "was it as bad as everyone feared?"
Elara sighed, taking a seat. "Worse, in some ways. The goblins were more organized than we expected. And their chieftain..." She trailed off, shaking her head.
Vren leaned back in his chair, a grin on his face. "Let's just say it wasn't your average hunt. But nothing we couldn't handle."
Lyrel giggled. "That's one way to put it. You should have seen him running from the goblin berserkers."
"Hey!" Vren protested. "That was a strategic retreat."
The group burst into laughter, the tension from the previous night easing with each passing moment.
-----
As the morning went on, more villagers arrived to express their gratitude. Miss Ada was among the first, her usual stern demeanor softened by genuine relief.
"You've done us a great service," she told Elara. "The people of Eldergrove can sleep soundly again thanks to you."
Elara nodded. "It's our duty. But the credit isn't ours alone. Your quick thinking to send reinforcements helped."
Ada waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense. You're the ones who faced those beasts head-on. If there's anything we can do to repay you..."
Torin grinned. "Well, a round of drinks wouldn't hurt."
Kai chuckled. "I think I can manage that."
-----
As the day wore on, the adventurers found themselves relaxing in the café, the events of the previous night already feeling like a distant memory. Kai took the opportunity to join them, his curiosity evident.
"So, what's next for your group?" he asked.
Elara took a sip of her coffee, her expression thoughtful. "We'll probably report back to the guild first. After that, who knows? There's always another quest waiting."
"Have you ever thought about taking a break?" Kai asked, his tone light but genuine. "Adventuring can't be easy on the body or the mind."
Elara smiled faintly. "It's crossed my mind. But for now, this is the life I've chosen."
Vren raised his cup. "To the life we've chosen. And to good coffee to keep us going."
The group laughed, clinking their cups together.
-----
As the sun began to set, the adventurers prepared to leave the café. Kai stood at the door, watching as they gathered their belongings.
"Thank you for everything," Elara said, extending her hand.
Kai shook it firmly. "The pleasure's mine. And remember, this place is always open for you."
The adventurers nodded, their spirits lifted. As they walked away, the village seemed brighter, the air lighter.
Kai stood in the doorway for a moment, gazing after them.
"Adventurers, huh?" Lyra said, stepping up beside him. "They live such dangerous lives."
Kai nodded. "True. But they make the world a little safer for the rest of us. The least we can do is offer them a good cup of coffee."
As the last rays of sunlight faded, Kai turned back inside, ready to prepare for another day in Eldergrove.
.
.