Meeting up with the rest of the party

Her bags packed, her gear on and her trusty shortsword hanging by her hip, Eris looks wistfully at the interior of the cottage that was her home for the past 18 years. The memories of her training with her father in the garden, riding his horse around the village and playing with her friends flood her mind and she struggles to hold back tears.

'It's finally time.' Heaving her adventurer's pack onto her shoulders, she takes a deep breath and steps out the door.

"Yo!" A smiling, blonde-haired man greets her with a cheerful wave.

Brandon has ditched his shirtless look for a more practical tunic that clings to his sinewy, muscled frame. On his back is strapped a bow and quiver, and a pair of daggers are tucked neatly into his belt. His rucksack is small- given his experience as a hunter, he packs only the essentials. He knows how to forage for more.

Next to him stands a shorter, brown-haired male. "He- hey Eris." He says nervously.

Marcus, on the other hand, has a massive backpack. No doubt it's filled to the brim with herbs and potions, along with an assortment of books and thingamajigs that he thought might be useful. His limbs shake slightly from the weight but he keeps a grin on his face. He wants to be there for Eris, to support her and hopefully win her heart.

"You guys!" Eris breaks into a smile as she sees her two best friends waiting to accompany her on her journey. "I couldn't have asked for better friends."

"Yeah." Brandon licks his lips as he remembers how close he got Eris to giving him a blowjob yesterday. He was sure that by accompanying her, he'd get a chance to tap that ass sooner or later.

Marcus nods in agreement. This was finally his chance to get closer to Eris. Yesterday had been a fluke but if he got closer to her, maybe she'd finally agree to go out with him.

"Alright, gather round." Adam's voice booms out.

He waits for them to stand around him in a loose circle before he continues. "Listen up. The road to the Royal Capital Dachshund is a straightforward one. It cuts right through Foxhound Forest, with no detours whatsoever. If you travel at a good pace, you should reach the Capital within three days. The only thing you may need to worry about in the forest are goblins, but as long as you stick to the road, you should have no issue."

The trio nod in acknowledgement. Adam then gestures that he wishes to speak with Eris privately.

Bringing his daughter out of earshot of the boys, he tells her. "I've taught you the basics of swordfighting, but remember, it's always better to avoid combat. I'll meet you in the Capital in a week's time. Here is 50 gold pieces. Use it to pay for a room at the Capital Inn if you need to. And Eris, I love you."

"I love you too, Daddy." She whispers as they hug for what could be the last time.

Adam watches with a heavy heart as the trio head towards the forest. He watches until their bodies are swallowed up by the mist and then he turns back to the cottage. Time for his own mission.

A deathly stillness hangs over the trio as they march down the dirt road leading towards the Royal Capital. Although vision down the road is clear, the **** mist still curls around the trees flanking the path, obscuring their view of the forest. Not a single bird chirp or insect buzz can be heard. The only sound is the crack of twigs and rustle of leaves beneath their feet as they walk. It is almost unnatural. Perhaps the world was responding to the return of the demon king by falling silent.

Unable to bear the quiet, Eris is the first to crack. "Hey Marcus, you doing alright?"

"Huh? Yeah I'm fine." Not wanting to show weakness in front of his crush, Marcus gives her a shaky thumbs up.

Unfortunately, his foot chooses that exact moment to trip over itself and he clumsily crumples forward, faceplanting onto the forest floor.

As he picks himself up, Marcus tries to laugh it off. "Spoke too soon I guess."

"Man, you really overpacked. Here, let me help you." Without waiting for an answer, Brandon easily hoists Marcus' bulky backpack onto his own broad shoulders. "You need to know your limits man."

Although there is no malice behind his words, Marcus cannot help but feel a pang of jealousy and inadequacy, especially as Eris clings to Brandon's shoulder, saying "Wow, you're so strong!"

Still, that brief exchange significantly lightens the atmosphere, and the trio make light chatter about nothing as they continue their journey.