Night draped Molgaroth in its icy mantle as Melodía and Thalindra stopped in front of The Honey Nook. The warm glow inside contrasted sharply with the cold of the snow-covered streets.
—There they are. —Melodía gestured subtly toward the window, where Haruto and Yuna sat, engaged in quiet conversation over their tea.
Thalindra studied them silently. The wind elf matched what she had heard, but her focus was on the human and the white crow perched on his shoulder. The image fit the rumors far too well, but she couldn't jump to conclusions just yet.
—So these are the famous adventurers. —she murmured to herself.
Melodía tilted her head with a playful smile.
—Curious, isn't it? Almost as if fate was pushing them to meet you.
Thalindra scoffed softly, keeping her gaze fixed on the café. She had assumed Melodía had found them through some "elf connection", but now she wondered if there was more to her interest.
—Are you coming with me? —she asked, still watching the café.
—Oh, my apologies. —Melodía placed a delicate hand on her chest—. I just remembered I have a pressing matter to attend to.
Thalindra shot her an incredulous look. The light elf had guided her all the way here, and now, just before the meeting, she was suddenly backing out? Coincidence, or something intentional?
—If you ever need anything, you'll find me at Star Lumina. —Melodía continued with an easygoing smile—. After all, we're practically friends now, aren't we?
Thalindra hesitated for a second. She wasn't used to people approaching her without expecting something in return. But Melodía didn't seem like the type who cared for titles or fame.
—You don't seem like someone who goes around asking for favors. —she finally said, extending a hand—. I guess we are.
Melodía shook her hand with practiced elegance.
—Good luck with your new clients. —she said lightly before turning and disappearing into the snow.
Thalindra watched her go for a moment before refocusing on the café. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open with determination.
The scent of coffee and freshly baked pastries enveloped her immediately. The warmth inside was a stark contrast to the freezing air outside—but she wasn't here to relax.
She walked with firm steps toward the table where Yuna and Haruto sat. Both of them looked up as she approached.
—You must be Yuna Kazeharu and Haruto Kibou. I was informed at the guild that you've been looking for me urgently. —she stated in a neutral tone, crossing her arms.
Yuna blinked, caught off guard by the sudden appearance.
—You're the master artisan Thalindra? —she asked, though the answer was obvious. They had seen hundreds of dwarves that day, and this was the first red-haired one.
—The one and only. —Thalindra replied calmly, her eyes settling on Haruto—and more importantly, the white crow.
Haruto glanced at Yuna, who returned his look with equal surprise. They hadn't expected Thalindra to find them first.
—I don't like wasting time, but I also don't want to discuss important matters in a café. —Thalindra continued, her tone all business—. Come to my forge first thing in the morning. It's better to talk when you're well-rested.
Yuna nodded seriously.
—Understood. We'll be there at first light.
Thalindra gave a nod of approval before turning on her heel and heading toward the exit. There was no need to drag the conversation out. She had confirmed that they were indeed looking for her—and, more importantly, that the white crow was with them.
As the door closed behind her, Haruto let out a sigh.
—Was that a job interview, or a warning…? —he muttered.
Yuna picked up her teacup and smirked slightly.
—At least we found the person we were looking for. Now we just have to wait.
Simo let out a soft caw, as if approving of the plan.
Outside, Thalindra walked through the snow-dusted streets of Molgaroth with a small, satisfied smile.
Today had been productive. She had finally found the human with the white crow. Maybe they knew something about getting Umbranite. And, beyond that… she had made a friend.
The memory of walking with Melodía crossed her mind, replaying their lighthearted conversation, the unexpected camaraderie.
For the first time in her life, she had made a friend without her surname or her reputation playing a role.
She didn't want to admit it, but she was happy.
She stopped for a moment, crossing her arms as she looked up at the starry sky, letting out a small sigh.
—What a strange day… —she murmured to herself.
But her expression brightened again.
—Well, back to the forge! I can't wait for tomorrow. Time to get back to work!
With renewed enthusiasm, the dwarf dashed through the streets of Molgaroth, the snow crunching beneath her boots.
Her excitement wasn't just for the thrill of forging a new weapon…
But for the unexpected joy of feeling just a little less alone.