Conversation with Raven

“I've got something to take care of. Why don't you all take the afternoon off, relax a bit, maybe explore the village?” I suggested to the group. Oman had just roused, appearing a tad disoriented at first, but visibly relaxed once he saw we were all safe and sound outside. Everyone agreed to the suggestion; they deserved a break.

Feeling a grim determination settle over me, I headed towards Raven's place. Her house was a small, cozy cabin, made from sturdy oak. An odd assortment of pots, pans, and herbs hung around the entrance. The scent of simmering stew wafted through the air, reminding me of the first night we arrived – the night of the muddled bear stew that had been served to me.

I knock on her door, three times, which then it creaked open and Raven peered out, her eyes narrowing slightly as she spotted me. Her gray hair was pulled back in a tight bun, her features etched with lines of age and annoyance.

“Can I help you?” she asked curtly, her voice making it clear that she wasn't in the mood for visitors. I cleared my throat and squared my shoulders, trying to appear confident despite my growing nerves.

“I need to speak to you about the meals you've been preparing for us,” I started, trying to keep my tone respectful and diplomatic. Her eyes narrowed further at this and she crossed her arms over her chest.

“And what about them?” she shot back, her voice icy. I took a deep breath and plunged ahead.

“I've noticed that my food has been...different from the others. The bear stew was muddled, and the toast...I think there might have been a mix up with the sugar and salt,” I said, watching for her reaction.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “What, you're saying my cooking's not up to your standards?”

“No, that's not it,” I tried to clarify. “My meals are different. Salt instead of sugar, stale bread... I mean, is there a reason you're singling me out?”

The change in her expression was immediate; her face reddened as her eyes widened in disbelief. “Oh, I see. Esther's been flapping her gums, has she?” Her lips curled into a bitter smile as she said, “You think because you're an adventurer, you're entitled to know everything? How about you mind your own business?”

“But it is my business, Raven. Esther's a part of my team and so am I,” I tried to argue but she was having none of it. She reached out, placing a firm hand against my chest and gave me a push.

“A part of your team?” Raven scoffed, “Or just a warm body for you to use at night?” Her words were like a slap, leaving me momentarily speechless. She took advantage of my silence, her words dripping with venom.

“Is the mighty adventurer gonna throw a tantrum because he didn't get his precious sugar on his toast?” she taunted, her voice dripping with mockery. “From where I'm standing, all you adventurers are the same. You swagger in here, disrupting our lives, expecting to be pampered and served. You act all high and mighty, but when you're not slaying monsters, you're just screwing each other.”

Her words hit a nerve. I could feel my temper flaring, my hands clenching into fists. But she didn't stop there.

“I've seen your kind before,” she continued, “You play the hero during the day, and come nightfall, you're just an animal in heat, rutting with whatever's available.”

“You know nothing about us,” I snapped back, the heat of my anger rising, “You have no right to judge our personal lives.”

She leaned in closer, her eyes cold and piercing. “Maybe you should try stuffing something else down your throat if you don’t like my cooking. Maybe Esther’s sweet pussy would be more to your taste!”

I felt my blood boil. My voice rose as I shot back, “What the fuck is your problem with me? You have some kind of twisted pleasure messing with us, don’t you? Esther is a kind soul, and you're just... just...”

“Just what?” she sneered. “You think because you swing a sword around and play hero, that makes you special? Maybe you should think about how you’re using poor Esther. Maybe she's the one paying because she’s tired of your whiny, needy ass!”

The sides of my vision started turning red, steam gathered to the top of my head, waiting to explode into a cloud of my anger like a kettle.

“Ask her yourself, adventurer. Maybe you'll finally understand how much of a burden you and your friends are.”

Her words stung, harder than if she had slapped me where I stood, “You have no right...” I growled, struggling to maintain control.

“Ah, finally. A reaction. You know, for someone who values justice, you sure have a narrow perspective,” she taunted. The audacity of this woman to judge me, to play with us like this, was infuriating.

Raven's smirk twisted into a vindictive grin, “Perhaps if you pulled your weight more, dear Jasper, Esther wouldn't have to foot the bill.” And with that, she slammed the door in my face.