Mission report

As we made our way back to the guild, Varis barely conscious in our grasp, the weight of our successful mission settled upon us. The familiar sight of June, the woman who had been handling our paperwork and quests for years, greeted us at the reception desk. Her honey-colored eyes widened with surprise as she took in our unexpected arrival.

“Oh my, Jasper!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine astonishment. “You've truly outdone yourself this time!”

I nodded, pushing Varis forward to take the spotlight. “We've completed the quest. Here's Varis.”

June's surprise quickly transformed into excitement as she processed our achievement. Her warm smile never wavered as she deftly began working on the necessary paperwork. Her fingers moved with elegance and precision, reminiscent of a skilled pianist playing a melodic tune.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Esther's gaze fixated on June, a peculiar hunger lingering in her eyes. Without wasting a moment, I leaned closer to her and whispered a warning, “Not her.”

Esther's expression turned a mix of disappointment and irritation, but she acquiesced. “Fine, no snacking on the friendly guild clerk.”

As June concluded the paperwork, she handed us seven glistening gold coins as a reward. “Excellent job, team. Bringing him in alive earns you a bonus payment.”

With a final wave and her unwavering smile, June escorted Varis towards the guild's prison, assuring us that she would take care of him from there.

As June disappeared from sight, I turned my attention to Esther. “How did you know Nia was going to be able to find Varis?”

“The 'me' inside Nia probably thought of the same plan that I did,” Esther shrugged, a mischievous glimmer dancing in her eyes. “That body was just more nimble, so she could get there first.”

“And that plan is...” I asked, one eyebrow raised higher than the other.

“A secret.” Esther's rich purple eyes gave me a wink, which then regressed back to Esther's innocent sky blue hue.

I must have looked like I was worried when Esther asked, "Jasper, are you alright?"

"He's probably constipated." Nia snickered with her mouth hidden behind her hand.

"Milk of wormweed." Oman said in his lifeless tone.

"Screw that! Real men would swallow dirt to cover up whatever was causing the trouble in my tribe." Zarah exclaimed loudly, patting her shining abs.

I gave out a good couple of chuckles as I looked at everyone, "I'm fine, "