First Encounter

???? “Here,” the advisor spoke as he took a parchment from behind the counter, placing it in front of Arthur.

Arthur “What’s this?” Arthur asked, confused.

???? “Your first quest, deadline is tonight so I suggest you best start now,” he spoke as he turned his back to Arthur, heading towards a door that led behind the bar.

Arthur “I thought we get to choose our quests.”

???? “This is nothing more than an introduction, take it as that, only after you complete it you will get to choose.”

Igraine “I’m sorry. Hi, we also would like to buy some potions,” she asked in a gentle manner.

???? “Not from here gorgeous, go to the left of the Guild, a few houses down, what you see here are mostly for show and are extremely expensive,” he responded while giving Igraine a wink.

Igraine “Thank you,” she responded as she sympathetically bowed her head.

Bedivere “Well, I’m starving, tavern first?” She asked as she looked at Arthur.

Igraine “Not going to lie, I’m a bit hungry as well, healing magic like that doesn’t come without its flaws, I’d also like to go to a tavern and have breakfast first, what do you say?”

Arthur “Tavern it is then,” Arthur replied with a smile.

Bedivere “Hey! I bet you would’ve wanted to go to the potions store first if she didn’t want to go to the tavern!”

Arthur and Igraine start walking away past her, giggling.

Bedivere “Hey! I don’t like to be left to the side! You two! I’m talking to you! Arghhhh!”

She starts rushing off after them, she then stops in her tracks and quickly turns back, fumbling, running, grabbing her ax.

---

10 minutes later,
Mingham tavern,

In the heart of the village, nestled between cobblestone streets and timber-framed buildings, stands a modest yet inviting tavern known simply as "The Hearthstone." The worn wooden sign creaks gently in the wind, its faded depiction of a roaring hearth and a tankard of ale hinting at the warmth within.

Stepping through the heavy oak door, enveloped in the familiar scent of woodsmoke, mingling with the aroma of hearty stews and freshly baked bread. The tavern's interior is cozy and dimly lit, with sunlight filtering through small, leaded glass windows adorned with ivy.

A series of sturdy wooden tables are spread across the common area, each polished from years of use. Upon their surfaces, glimpse of worn playing cards scattered haphazardly, evidence of countless games of chance played by travelers seeking respite. Wooden benches and mismatched chairs surround the tables, each bearing the signs of well-worn comfort.

???? “Ohhh! Hello!”

Arthur “Sorry for intrusion, the sign stated that you are open, is that not the case?” Arthur asked as he looked around the empty tavern.

???? “We are, come in, please, I’m sorry for my attire, I wasn’t expecting any guests and just got up to do some cleaning, we don’t usually have patrons until late in the evening,” she spoke in a tender and warm voice, guiding them to one of the tables, arranging the chairs in place for them.

Mia “My name’s Mia, welcome to The Hearthstone,” she replied with a short and soft bow.

Arthur “Thank you for having us Mia, I’m Art, these here are my companions, Igrritte and Bedivere.”

Igraine “Please to meet you Miss Mia,” Igraine replied with a small bend of her head to the right and a soft smile.

Bedivere “Hi,” Bedivere replied, while looking away from Mia.

Arthur looked slightly confused at Bedivere.

Arthur(Thinking) “What’s up with her? Do they know each other? *Arthur takes another look at Mia, she didn’t seem to act as if she knew Bedivere* Something is definitely off here….”

Igraine “I will have whatever you usually serve at breakfast Miss Mia and some water with a few ice cubes if you can, please,” Igraine replied in her soft voice.

Arthur “I’ll have the same and some tea.”

Bedivere “Anything with pork or chicken meat will be fine for me, a few slices of bread and some water as well. ”

Mia “I’ll see what I can do, it will be a while, like I said, we don’t usually have customers at this hour,” she spoke in a quiet and friendly manner.

Igraine “It’s not a problem, we can wait, take as long as you need.”

Mia “Thank you, Uhmm! Uhmmm! RIAN! GET YOUR BUTT DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW!” She shouted at the top of her lungs.

Rian “Ahhhh! Stop shouting! Ughhh!”

A young boy came from the wooden small stairs that led to the second floor of the tavern.

Rian “Hello,” the young boy spoke in an awkward manner, while facing away from them.

Mia starts pushing him with both hands on his back.

Mia “To the kitchens, with you, that academy entrance exam is not going to pay itself.”

Rian “Okay! Okay! Stop pushing me!”

---

Their morning meal was a hearty yet balanced spread, thoughtfully prepared by the tavern's capable young cook. In the center of the table sits a platter of warm, crusty bread, accompanied by a dish of eggs cooked to perfection—soft yolks surrounded by tender whites. The eggs are seasoned with a touch of fragrant herbs and a sprinkle of finely grated cheese, enhancing their flavors without overwhelming. Beside the eggs is a dish of crispy strips of smoked bacon, its smoky aroma mingling with the tavern's rustic scents.

A pot of steaming herbal tea, its fragrance carrying notes of chamomile and mint, stands ready for pouring into delicate cups. The steam curls upward towards the ceiling.

---

Bedivere “Ahhhhh! I’m stuffed!” She stated, as she rubbed her belly and stretched herself.

Mia “I trust that the meal was to your liking?” Mia asked as she came with Rian at her side.

Igraine “Very much, we thank you for the meal Miss Mia and Rian? Did I hear that correctly?” She asked as she bent her head slightly to the left to look at Rian who stood behind Mia.

Rian “Yes,” the young boy replied, slightly scared.

Igraine “I might just come back one day and hire you as my personal cook, Haha,” she replied with a small laugh and tender smile.

Arthur “Please don’t…”

The boy runs off towards the second floor of the Inn.

Igraine “Did I say something wrong?” Igraine asked, with a puzzled look.

Mia “No, he’s just… he doesn’t do well with people… he wasn’t always like this… It’s… please don’t concern yourselves with my troubles.”

A silence breaks into the room as Igraine feels that she asked something that she shouldn’t have.

Bedivere “I’ll wait for the two of you outside,” she spoke as she gave a glance to Mia before leaving the tavern.

Arthur “I’ve read on the outside sign that you also have rooms available.”

Mia “Yes, we do, give me a few seconds to check,” Mia spoke as she headed to the counter, picking up a small notebook.

Mia “I’m afraid, most of the rooms are booked tonight, we only have one left.”

Igraine “Are there any other Inn’s in town?”

Mia “I’m afraid not, hence our overbooking…”

Arthur “We’ll take it.”

Igraine “Uhmmm… I’m not sure that’s appropriate…”

Arthur “Do you want to sleep outside?” Arthur asked as he looked at his mother.

Igraine “.....”

Arthur “We’ll take it,” Arthur spoke as he turned his gaze back towards Mia.

Mia “For the food and one night, that’ll be 6 silvers,” Mia spoke as she crossed with an X a poorly drawn design of her tavern’s rooms on her notebook.

Arthur gives her 10 silvers and leaves the Inn, Mia thank’s him multiple times while bowing down.

Arthur “You two go and buy the potions we need, I’ll go take a look around the town, meet you in front of the Guild in 30 minutes. And I don’t think I’ll have to repeat myself, behave,” Arthur spoke in a stern tone while looking at Bedivere.

Bedivere “Yes! Great job! Leave us to do the work while you go and fuck around!”

Bedivere “Come on Elfie,” Bedivere spoke as she forcefully stomped the ground as she walked.

Igraine(Thinking) “What are you up to now?” Igraine asked herself as she looked at her son’s back as he walked further away from her.

Bedivere “Elfie!?”

Igraine “Yes… I’m coming…” She replied, giving Arthur another look.

---

Arthur(Thinking) “There’s a few things that have been bothering me ever since I stepped foot in this town… Why are they asking me for a toll? I mean… I never paid for one and never thought that one existed in the first place… Is this father’s doing? Surely not… Is he aware of this? Most likely… Yes… There are a few things that escape him, without question this is not one of them, and the other thing… *Arthur’s eyes start gleaming blue, the camera moves through buildings with an insane pace indicating Arthur’s vision, further into the distance, a bluish aura depicting a person.* Who the fuck is that….”

Arthur starts slowly walking towards the blue aura.

---

10 minutes later,
On a back alley,

Arthur is met with three human males in their early 30’s stomping a young boy’s legs within a back alley.

???? “Guahhhhhh!” The man vomits his blood onto his white shirt.

???? “We fucking told you multiple times, 50 silvers…”

???? “I… Guahhhhhhh! I don’t…. Guahhhhh!”

???? “You fucking brat!” One of the three shouted as he hit the young man in his chest.

???? “Ahhhhhhhhhh!” The young boy on the ground shouted in pain.

Arthur comes closer to them and leans on one of the walls, folding his arms, looking at them.

???? “Looks like we’ve got company lads…”

All three of them turn their gaze at Arthur.

???? “Are you here to play hero, boy?” One of the three men asked.

???? “Please! Run! Guhhh! Guuhhh!” The young man shouted at Arthur.

Arthur(Thinking) “Well… this isn’t what I expected, such condensed mana, almost the same as mine, and to be beaten like this… I sense that something else is afoot here…”

Arthur “Ohh, no, please continue, I just enjoy watching,” Arthur spoke with a grin on his face.

???? “Here that lad? He likes watching you suffer! Well, let's not waste anymore time, shall we?”

Arthur waited for 5 minutes, watching them beating the young man on the ground.

???? “Ahhh! Enough! Stop it you buffoons! He’s clearly caught on…” The young man on the ground spoke while getting up.

They all stop from hitting him and help him up.

Arthur “So? What was the con here? I intervene? Beat the three of them? I get reported, you deny that I saved you, and for some coins you drop the charges?”

???? “Pretty much…” The young man responded as he arranged himself, while picking a health potion from his pocket, drinking it.

Arthur “You took that pretty well.”

???? “Thank you…” The young man responded sarcastically.

All four of them start walking away.

Arthur “What’s your name?”

???? “Tristan…”

Arthur(Thinking) “Hmmm… Why go to such an extent for some coins? With power like that…” Arthur asked himself as he watched Tristan.

---

Bedivere and Igraine POV,
At the same time,

Bedivere “Thank you,” Bedivere spoke, shily.

Igraine “What for?”

Bedivere “Earlier, your healing…”

Igraine “Ahh! That… It’s nothing…”

Bedivere “You shouldn’t be showing power like that around Elfie,” Bedivere spoke in a quiet tone while looking at Igraine.

Igraine “Why not?” She asked, with a confused look.

Bedivere “Healing magic is scarce, everyone wants a piece of it and they will do everything in their powers to possess it, it draws the worst from people… trust me….” Bedivere spoke with a slight guilt behind her voice.

Igraine “I’m sensing there’s more that you’re not telling me…”

Bedivere “Just… promise me you’ll be careful…”

Igraine “Awww! You care about me,” Igraine responded with a slight blush on her face in a joking manner.

Bedivere “All I care about is that I will be able to return back to my family and for them to see the light of day again, and that’s probably not going to happen if we’re dead…”

Igraine “Noted, but you still care about me, don’t think that I’m going to let what happened back then, happen again, even if you do…” Igraine spoke as she folded her arms behind her, stepping in front of Bedivere.

Bedivere “It wasn’t like that!”

Igraine “Apologize and I’ll forgive you!” Igraine spoke in a joyful tone.

Bedivere “There’s nothing to apologize for!”

Bedivere “Elfie! Ahhhh! Wait up!”

Igraine stops and looks to her left.

Igraine “I think we’re here.”

---

The exterior of the shop is unremarkable, its wooden façade weathered by years of neglect, yet a faint iridescent sheen hints at the magic that resides within, The scent of dried herbs and exotic spices dances through the air, mingling with the faintest hint of otherworldly essences. Each corner of the room holds a tableau of magic: bubbling cauldrons, incense wafting from intricately carved holders, and shelves adorned with potion ingredients from distant lands. Gossamer curtains drape elegantly, revealing only glimpses of the treasures that lie beyond.

Behind a worn wooden counter, a figure hunches over, meticulously measuring and mixing ingredients. The shop's proprietor—a mysterious alchemist with eyes that seem to hold a thousand secrets. Her dark robes are adorned with intricate symbols, and her hands, adorned with rings bearing mystical gems, move with a practiced grace.

The heart of Aetherbrew Apothecary is its central display—a collection of shimmering potions in a myriad of colors, each contained within delicate glass vials. Labels bear handwritten descriptions of their effects, from soothing ailments to enhancing one's senses. Luminescent liquids glow softly, casting a gentle radiance that hints at their enchanting potential.

Despite the poverty that surrounds the town, the shop offers its wares with a sense of compassion. A small wooden sign tucked among the vials reads, "Affordable Magic for All."

The wooden door creeks as it’s opened by Igraine.

---

Dhuuuuum!

???? “Guhhh! Guhhh! Ahhh… Another failure…” The woman spoke as she held in her hand a vial that just burst in her hand.

Igraine “Hello?”

???? “Welcome! Welcome! Are you here to buy or to sell?”

Igraine “Buy, we would like some…”

???? “No! Don’t touch that!” The woman came running, stopping Bedivere from touching one of the vials that was on display.

Bedivere “Why not?”

???? “This will turn you into a newt.”

Bedivere “A newt? How do you know?”

???? “Personal experience….” She replied as she scoffed.

Bedivere looks at her up and down, bewildered.

???? “I’ve got better!” She replied, slightly annoyed.

Igraine “Forgive her, *She leans over and whispers in Bedivere’s ear* Stop touching things.”

???? “The prices are on display, I also have some items at half the price or if you want to buy in bulk, there are certain discounts,” she spoke as she placed the vial back on display.

Igraine “We just want some simple potions,” Igraine replied as she looked around the store.

Igraine “We’ll take three of these, five of those and… Uhmmm… as many as you have of these…”

???? “40 silvers, I don’t know you, so you will have to pay everything up front.”

Igraine “We’ll pay for everything, rest assured…”

???? “Good, wait for me outside while I prepare the order, I don’t want this orcish brute to touch anything.”

Bedivere mimics as if she were to touch another vial.

???? “Out! Out! Out!”

Bedivere “Bleah! *Bedivere attempts to mimic as if she was about to rush towards the tiny human female that ran the shop* Bitch!” Bedivere scoffed as she left the shop.

???? “You’re a bitch!”

Bedivere “I’m no bitch! You’re a bitch!”

Igraine “Calm down, let’s not pick a fight with the single shop that we can afford to buy potions from…” Igraine spoke as she gently placed her hand on Bedivere’s shoulder.

---

10 minutes later,
In front of the Guild of Mingham,

Igraine stood down on a wooden bench in front of the Guild, with her chin placed on both her palms, looking at Bedivere, who was furiously grinding her teeth and walking in circles.

Igraine “Calm down…”

Bedivere “That fucking tiny ass…. Arghhhh!”

Igraine “If it accounts for anything, I don’t think you’re a bitch…”

Bedivere stops in her tracks and looks at Igraine.

Bedivere “You don’t?” Asked, with sparkles in her eyes.

Igraine “I mean….”

Bedivere “Ahhh! Not you too…”

Igraine “HeHe…” Igraine started giggling.

???? “Hello,” A man came from their right side, greeting them.

Bedivere “Who the fuck are you?”

Tristan “My name is Tristan, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Tristan goes towards Igraine and kneels down, gently taking her hand and placing a kiss upon it.

Igraine “Ohhh! My!”

Bedivere comes from behind Tristan.

Bedivere “If you want to live, I’ll highly suggest that you take your hands off her,” Bedivere spoke in a grim tone as she stood behind Tristan.

Tristan “Always the same with you creatures.... My lady, does this horrid orc speak for you as well?” Tristan asked as he glanced up at Igraine.

Slap!

Igraine slaps Tristan with all her strength and forcefully removes her hand from Tristan’s grab.

Igraine “Get the fuck away from me!”

Tristan “I’ve had a really bad day today… And It seems like it just keeps getting worse…” Tristan spoke in an unpleasant tone as he got up.

Bedivere ‘It’s about to get way worse…” Bedivere spoke as she placed her hand on her ax that she carried on her back.

Tristan “I have absolutely no intention in fighting you without a weapon, so, I’ll take my leave… for now…”

Bedivere “Nothing would’ve changed if you had one,” Bedivere replied in a dreadful tone.

Arthur “What was that about?” He asked as he came from the opposite side.

Bedivere “Just a dumb brat, not knowing his place…”

Igraine came closer to Arthur, whispering in his ear.

Igraine “Did you find what you looked for?”

Arthur “Yes and no…”

Bedivere “Where to now?”

Arthur takes the parchment that the Guild Advisor handed to him.

Arthur “Well, this doesn’t sound that bad,” Arthur spoke as he showed them the parchment.

Bedivere and Igraine lean forward to look at the scroll.