The morning sun bathed the bustling streets of Eldoria in a golden light, highlighting the town's lively charm. Eldoria wasn't just a hub for adventurers; it was a merchant's haven, with rows of shops offering everything from enchanted weapons to rare spices. Merchants called out their wares, tourists marveled at the displays, and adventurers restocked supplies before their next quests.
At the heart of the town, near the Guild Registry branch office, stood a bakery and two cafes, all vying for attention. Each had its own flair: the bakery specialized in elaborate wedding cakes and rustic bread, while the cafes catered to a mix of locals and travelers with steaming cups of coffee and fragrant teas. But soon, Eldoria would have something entirely unique—a place that no other bakery or café could rival.
Serys Larkwell, Exousia's former vice captain, stood in the middle of the marketplace, a bag slung over her shoulder and a sparkle of determination in her amber eyes. She strolled through the streets with purpose, her long braid swinging with every step, glistening a fiery red under the morning light.
Serys wasn't just an adventurer or a healer. Her years of experience in the field, and her mastery in alchemy, gave her a unique edge. She didn't just create potions for personal and guild use; she learned every property of an ingredient she put in her cauldron, discovering that some didn't just add magical or physical attributes to a potion but could also flavor a dish. She was also clever, taking advantage of her position in the guild by having her guild members try and test the recipes she came up with—not just potions and ampoules, but also food.
For example, after finding out that cinnamon could boost magical resistance, she made cinnamon rolls for a party of novices who were about to gather fire essences from a horde of fire boars. "Remember, eat the rolls before starting to attack the boars," she told them. The young guild members came back to the guild house unscathed from fire and wind damage.
Without knowing why Serys was giving them food before going on a quest, these edible creations became an occasional treat for her guildmates for years. But now, they were about to become something more.
While drifting into a hundred recipes in her head, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps behind her.
"Vice Captain Larkwell!"
She turned to see Iona, a young dwarf healer, rushing toward her. Behind her followed Ronan, a young warrior apprentice with unruly curls and an expression caught between determination and panic.
"Serys," Iona began, breathless, "we—we wanted to talk to you about your announcement last night."
"You can't leave!" Ronan blurted out, his hands flailing slightly. "The guild won't be the same without you. You're… you're the glue that holds everything together!"
Serys tilted her head, amused by their earnestness. "The guild will be fine without me," she said gently. "You have Rieze, Gress, and the rest of the guild. You'll soon have another vice captain elected. Besides, this isn't about leaving—it's about starting something new."
"But—" Iona began, only to be cut off by a raised hand.
"Why don't you come with me," Serys said, her voice calm but firm. "I want to show you something."
The two novices exchanged a glance but fell into step beside her as she led them away from the busy marketplace and toward the quieter outskirts of Eldoria.
A dilapidated two-story house stood at the edge of town; its shutters were crooked, the paint was peeling, window panes shattered, and dead grass grew everywhere. Half of its roof had caved in, and a faded sign hung by a single chain. The words "Moonlit Haven" could barely be deciphered beneath the layers of grime.
"This," Serys said, gesturing to the decrepit structure, "is my dream."
Ronan frowned. "This is why you're leaving the guild? To… fix this?"
Iona's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. "But… it's falling apart!"
Serys crossed her arms, a small confident smile tugging at her lips. "This may look like a mess to you now, but to me, it's an opportunity. A place to create something different—something meaningful."
"But why?" Iona asked, her voice quiet. "Why leave everything you've built at the guild?"
Serys didn't answer immediately. Instead, she placed her hand on the faded sign, her expression softening. "Let me tell you a story."
"Do you know how our guild was founded?" Serys began, glancing back at the two novices.
Iona and Ronan exchanged puzzled looks before shaking their heads.
"There were three of us," Serys continued. "Rieze, Gress, and I. We were young and passionate, but more than anything, we wanted a place where we could combine all the things we loved—adventuring, crafting, learning. The guild was supposed to be more than just a headquarters for quests. It was meant to be a home. A place where friends could come together, no matter their calling."
Ronan frowned. "So what happened?"
Serys smiled wistfully. "Life happened. We grew, the guild grew, and soon it became something bigger than we ever imagined. Rieze loved leadership, and Gress became obsessed with the adrenaline of raids. As for me…" She paused, her gaze turning toward the shabby cafe. "I loved adventuring, but my heart was always drawn to quieter pursuits. Baking, cooking, decorating, planning parties… creating things that bring comfort to others."
Iona's expression softened. "And now you want to go back to that."
Serys nodded. "This bakery will be more than just a business. It'll be a place where adventurers can rest, where locals can gather, where magic and comfort meet. It's my way of carrying on the spirit of what we started all those years ago."
Iona and Ronan exchanged another glance, and this time, there was something different in their eyes—understanding.
"I still think you're crazy," Ronan muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets. "But… I guess I get it."
"Do you?" Serys asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because if you do, I might just have a proposition for you both."
Ronan blinked. "A… proposition?"
"I'm going to need help," Serys said, a sly smile curving her lips. "Iona, Cookery is your secondary skill. Ronan, you're learning alchemy. Imagine what we could create together—a bakery that serves not just delicious food, but food that heals, strengthens, and inspires. What do you say? Also you will both be paid employees," Serys winked at both of them.
The two novices stared at her, wide-eyed.
"You want us to leave the guild?" Iona asked hesitantly.
"Of course not!" Serys corrected. "Just… expand your horizons. This will be a new kind of adventure. Also, it's hard to recruit these days," she added, chuckling in embarrassment.
There was a long pause before Iona broke into a tentative smile. "Okay. I'm in."
Ronan groaned but nodded. "Fine. But if I get stuck cleaning an oven, I'm quitting."
Serys laughed; her heart lighter than it had been since her announcement. This wasn't just a step closer toward her dream; it was the start of something she only imagined.
Serys and her two new companions, Iona and Ronan, spent the rest of the day brainstorming how to fix up the house. They made lists of supplies they would need, planned out the layout of the bakery, and even experimented with a few recipes.
By evening, the small cottage was filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries. Iona discovered how to bring out the potential flavor and attributes of ingredients added to the dough after learning it from Serys, creating loaves that not only satisfied hunger but also eased minor wounds and fatigue. Ronan, with his knowledge of herbs and potions, crafted unique elixirs that added a magical twist to their coffee and tea-based drinks.
As they worked, laughter and conversation flowed easily. The camaraderie that had been a hallmark of their guild days was rekindled, and Serys felt a renewed sense of purpose. This bakery was more than just a selfish wish; it was becoming a beacon of hope and community.
"So what are you going to call this place?" Iona asked, watching a tea leaf float in her drink.
Serys paused, considering the question. "How about 'The Enchanted Hearth'? It feels fitting, doesn't it?"
Ronan chuckled. "It certainly does. It's got a nice ring to it."
As the night deepened, they sat around the worn wooden table, sharing stories and dreams, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow over their faces. Serys looked at Iona and Ronan, gratitude swelling in her chest. "Thank you," she said softly. "For believing in this dream with me."
Iona smiled, her eyes shining. "It's not just your dream anymore, Serys. It's ours."
Ronan raised his mug in a toast. "To new adventures."
They clinked their mugs together, sealing their pact. Outside, the stars twinkled like promises of a bright future.
As dawn approached, they knew the real work was only beginning. But with their combined skills and unyielding spirit, they felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.