As Smith's group disappeared through the tavern door, I slid out of my seat and moved to the now-empty side of the booth. Sitting across from Maya and Rowan gave me a better view of their faces in the flickering candlelight. The tavern had grown quieter as the evening wore on, making it easier to have the serious conversation we needed.
"Alright," I said, leaning forward and keeping my voice low. "We need to come up with a plan. What's next, where's next, and how we're going to get there."
Maya and Rowan exchanged a meaningful glance – the kind that showed just how close we'd all become. After a moment, Rowan cleared his throat.
"Well, first things first – we don't have anyone to rely on anymore, so we need to start making money," he said, his voice carrying a maturity that seemed at odds with his twelve years of age. "While Maya's suggestion shocked me at first, Becoming adventures is actually a really good idea. We've spent the last couple of months getting stronger, so we should be able to handle lower-level jobs at the very least. That will keep food on the table and keep us moving."
I nodded, impressed as always by Rowan's clear thinking. Sometimes it was easy to forget how young he really was – but then again, circumstances had forced all of us to grow up faster than we should have.
"I agree," I said, absently tracing a pattern in the wooden table. "Adventuring seems within our capabilities, so we'll check out the guild tomorrow and see what we can find." I paused, choosing my next words carefully. "However, adventuring might keep food on the table and a roof over our heads, but we need a destination, a goal. We can't just wander aimlessly forever."
Rowan met my eyes, and I could see the weight of our situation reflected in his gaze. "That's a good idea and all, Kai, but where do we go? We don't have any family or friends to speak of. We have no place to go."
His words cut deep, each one a reminder of everything we'd lost and left behind. The silence that followed felt heavy enough to crush us, until Maya's quiet voice broke through.
"U-um, actually..." she started, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "I might know somewhere we could go."
She spoke so softly I had to lean in to hear her properly. "There was a girl who lived in the orphanage before you two came along – Sara. She moved away to the capitol to try and join the Royal Guard." Maya's voice grew even quieter. "W-we got into a big fight before she left, and I haven't heard from her since, but she was always like a big sister to me. If we go to her, I know she'll help us."
Though Maya's voice wavered, there was a spark of hope in her words. The Royal Capital of Irdath, Brightspire – it was ambitious, but it made sense. A city that big would have plenty of opportunities for young adventurers, and having a potential ally there could make all the difference.
"Alright," I said, feeling more confident than I had all day. "That sounds like a plan to me. Tomorrow, we become adventurers and start building up some money before leaving this town and starting our journey to the capital."
Maya responded with a quick nod, though I could see uncertainty swimming in her eyes. Whatever had happened between her and Sara clearly still bothered her. Rowan, on the other hand, sat up straighter, his face set with the same quiet determination I'd come to rely on.
As we sat there in the dimming tavern light, our plan finally taking shape, I couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring. Becoming adventurers, making our way to the capital – it all seemed so huge, so impossible. But looking at my companions, seeing the mix of hope and determination on their faces, I knew we'd find a way to make it work.
We had to. We didn't have any other choice.