The morning light streamed through the inn's windows as Olivia wiped down the counter, the usual rhythm of the day settling in.
That was until Skorn burst through the door, his face etched with panic.
"Skorn?" Olivia called out, hurrying toward him. "What's wrong?"
"I got a letter," Skorn said, breathless. "My family's in trouble—they've been falsely accused of theft!"
Olivia's eyes widened in concern. "Where's Ren?" Skorn asked, his voice shaking.
"Upstairs," Olivia said. "He hasn't woken up yet."
Without another word, Skorn bolted toward the staircase, taking the steps two at a time. Reaching Ren's door, he knocked furiously, the sound echoing through the quiet inn.
After a few moments, Ren cracked the door open, his hair messy and his eyes half-lidded.
"What's with the apocalypse knocking? It's too early for—"
"I need help!" Skorn interrupted, his usual humor replaced with desperation.
That got Ren's attention. He opened the door fully, leaning against the frame as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Alright, slow down. What's going on?"
Skorn took a deep breath, his voice trembling. "My family—my parents—they've been accused of theft. It's not true, but the guards in my hometown have arrested them. I don't know what to do."
Ren blinked, processing the information, then looked at Skorn with unexpected seriousness. "Alright," he said finally. "Don't worry. We'll figure this out together."
Skorn's tense shoulders relaxed slightly at those words.
Ren turned back into the room, grabbing his gear.
"Olivia, let Talos know what's happening and inform the guild we're out of commission for a few days. Skorn and I will head out first."
"Understood," Olivia said with a nod, already moving to prepare for the unexpected journey.
Ren slung his bag over his shoulder and clapped Skorn on the back. "Let's go. Your family's not facing this alone."
Skorn looked at Ren, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thanks, Ren. Really."
"Don't mention it," Ren said with a small smirk. "But when this is over, you owe me breakfast for waking me up this early."
Despite everything, Skorn managed a short laugh. "Deal."
With that, the two headed out, determination driving them forward as Olivia worked quickly to ensure the team was ready to support their friend in his time of need.
____
The streets were already buzzing with the usual morning activity as Ren and Skorn stepped outside the inn. The sunlight was warm, but Skorn's expression remained clouded with worry.
"Alright," Ren said, adjusting his gear, "how far is your hometown?"
"Half a day's journey by carriage," Skorn replied. "It's a small village—mostly traders and craftsmen. My parents run a workshop there."
Ren nodded thoughtfully. "Do you know who accused them or why?"
Skorn clenched his fists. "The letter didn't say much. Just that they were arrested for theft and that there's no evidence in their favor. My parents wouldn't hurt a fly, let alone steal."
Ren patted his shoulder reassuringly. "We'll clear their name. And if someone's setting them up, we'll handle that too."
Just then, Olivia emerged from the inn, her usual calm replaced with quiet efficiency. "I've sent word to Talos. He's packing supplies and will meet us shortly. The guild is informed as well. They've approved our absence."
"Good," Ren said, giving her a thumbs-up. "Any sign of Talos yet?"
"Not yet," Olivia replied, glancing down the road. "But he'll catch up. I made sure he packed enough to keep us all fed."
Ren smirked. "And here I thought you didn't like sarcasm. Look at you, throwing subtle digs now."
Olivia blinked, genuinely confused. "I wasn't being sarcastic. I told him to pack extra in case we get delayed."
Skorn snorted despite his stress, shaking his head. "Never change, Olivia."
Moments later, Talos appeared at the far end of the street, lugging a heavy pack. His feathers ruffled slightly as he jogged toward them.
"Apologies for the delay," he puffed. "I had to double-check my herbs—some of them aren't stable for long journeys."
"Great," Ren muttered. "We're dealing with a family crisis, and you're worried about your plants."
Talos adjusted his glasses and gave Ren a pointed look. "Those 'plants' might save your life someday.
You're welcome in advance."
Ren rolled his eyes but didn't argue. Instead, he turned back to Skorn. "Alright, we've got the team, the supplies, and a mission. Let's move. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can fix this."
The group set off, their usual banter subdued but present, a reminder of the bond they'd forged. As they left the city gates behind, Ren glanced at Skorn and gave him a small nod.
"Don't worry," he said firmly. "We've got your back."
Skorn didn't respond immediately, but the tension in his shoulders eased just a little as they started their journey.
____
As the carriage rattled along the uneven road, the steady clatter of wheels against the dirt filled the air. Ren leaned back against the cushioned seat, arms crossed, watching the trees blur past through the small window. He broke the silence, his tone casual but curious.
"So, Skorn," Ren began, tilting his head, "does your family have any enemies? You know, people who'd go out of their way to mess with you?"
Skorn, sitting stiffly on the opposite bench, let out a long sigh. "Not enemies, exactly. But there are three people who come to mind."
"Go on," Ren prompted, his interest piqued.
"Two of them are local farmers—Rowan and Gareth," Skorn said, his claws tapping against his knees. "They've had minor disputes with my dad over land boundaries. Just small-time squabbles, nothing serious."
"And the third?" Ren pressed.
Skorn's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "A noble. Baron Damelion Fransk. A few years ago, he tried to buy our workshop. My father refused, and Fransk didn't take it well. He's not the kind of man to let something like that slide."
"Ah," Talos chimed in from the corner of the carriage, adjusting his satchel. "That sounds about right. Nobles like him tend to think they're above consequences. If this Baron wanted revenge, framing your family would be an easy way to do it."
Skorn growled low, his claws digging into the edge of the seat. "That slimy—"
"Hold it," Ren cut in, raising a hand. "We don't know for sure it's him. Let's not start sharpening the pitchforks just yet."
"But," Talos said, tapping his beak thoughtfully, "it's a strong lead. We'll need to approach this carefully. Accusing a noble without evidence could make things worse for Skorn's family."
Ren nodded. "Agreed. No wild accusations until we've got proof." He turned to Skorn, his tone firm but reassuring. "We'll figure this out, Skorn. If Fransk is behind this, we'll expose him for the rat he is. Right now, focus on getting to your family."
Skorn's shoulders relaxed slightly, though the tension in his eyes remained. "Thanks, guys. I don't know how I'd handle this alone."
"You'd probably punch the wrong guy and end up in jail," Ren teased with a smirk.
Skorn chuckled despite himself. "You're not wrong."
As the carriage jostled over a bump in the road, Ren adjusted his seat and turned back to the group. "Alright, let's get ready. We'll need to hit the ground running once we reach your hometown. Talos, Olivia—be ready to ask questions and spot anything suspicious. Skorn, stay calm. And me..." He grinned. "I'll just keep being me."
The group chuckled at Ren's antics, the mood in the carriage lightening, even if the weight of the situation still lingered in the back of their minds.