I wake up

The next morning, you wake up and then get ready for the day. You grabbed a light breakfast and then made it towards the bounty board. The bounties were either too late or would take you too far away from the your current location, and even then the pay didn't justify the effort. You weren't exactly scrapping the bottom of the barrel for cash, so spending a few days not doing any real work wasn't going to affect you all that much. So, instead you spent it finding Delilah, who was surprisingly working the morning. It didn't take you long, you found her working her usual spot. She perks up when she spots you, and puffs her chest out, looking as prideful as ever. You find a seat and begin talking to her. Some of the other people at the bar leave once you two start talking. Your conversations are pretty casual. Eventually your chatting leads to how she's going to end her shift, and then if she has any future plans. She sighs and leans against the counter, giving the tavern a good look before she comes with a proper answer.

"I hate to ask, but there's a another town a little ways out that I'd love to visit. We have travelers that leave that area often and they always say it’s a bit of a downgrade, this area, which, you know, kinda deserves the hate, but I've always wanted to go there myself." She pouts, looking away. "I don't want you to think I'm trying to take any kind of advantage from you, but since you're asking me, I'm just bringing it up. It's far away, and we'd probably have to spend an extra day or two in the area just because of the distance."

You lean into the counter. "Are they talking about Lakeside?" She perks.

"Yes! Yes, they are! Have you been there before? Before I ended up here, I passed right by it and regretted it ever since!"

"How'd you miss it?" You say. Delilah's expression darkens and she looks away.

"It's a little bit of a long story. Sorry, it isn't really something I like to talk about..."

You clear your throat and apologize. "Hey, don't worry. I won't pry."

Delilah gives you a weak smile and thanks you for being kind. You continue. "If you'd like to go to Lakeside, I'm more than happy enough to go there with you. You don't need to worry about any kind of expenses either, consider it my treat."

A more generous smile curls at her lips this time. "Are you sure? You...we're not really--"

"I'm positive!" You laugh. "I... don't sell yourself short. I'm glad we have these conversations."

Delilah turns a shade pinker, and all of a sudden you feel a little warm yourself. Before any silence can build however, you continue to talk. "I've been through Lakeside a few times already, I know a trail that we can take on horseback, but I'd understand if you prefer to wait for the next train."

She scrambles to her next sentence. "I hate horses, but I already have the next few days cleared. The sooner the better, I'd love to see it as soon as possible! Especially with you. In fact..." She looks around and sucks in her cheeks.

"They can't fire me, so I'll just leave now. I- I mean we can leave now if you are ready! I don't really have many things, and I'm sure some of my friends would like to house sit if I asked them to." She stares intently at you. You nod and smile, telling her that you can take your leave whenever she ready. Her smile can't be contained, she bobs her head in a cute smile and bounces off to find one of her friends after you both agree to meet at the stables. As you grab some things to take with you, you wait for her outside in the crisp, bright morning. Once she arrives, you find that she's changed out of her work uniform is now dressed in jeans and boots. A light jacket has also been put over her. She has the same choppy hair and light make up from earlier, giving the the cute appearance you've grown to adore from her.

A small conversation breaks between you two again before you go to the stables had buy two horses. You'll end up returning them later, but there's no avoiding the full price for going this distance...

On the way to Lakeside, she trouts beside you. She seems a little unnerved being on the horse, but her attitude keeps her chippy and excited. "Thanks for doing this. I can't express my gratitude."

"Don't mention it. Don't be shy in asking me anything. I really like your company."

A strong blush goes over her cheeks. She blinks and laughs awkwardly. "I- I don't know what to say..."

"You don't have to say anything," you tell her. "Let's just talk like we usually do."