On a mission

You set out for Thalberg the next day. Most of the town turns out to see you off, cheering as you and the girls head out the gate. Soon, though, you’re surrounded by the relative quiet of the woods, and it feels like a pleasant hike more than a dangerous mission.

As your group walks, conversations happen. You’re happy to see that, despite her recent addition to the group, Nadia has been completely accepted by the other girls. In particular, she spends time chatting with Melora and Sarah, seemingly having found common ground among them. The hellhound, the faerie, and the seer have all been through a lot, and have plenty of experiences to share with each other.

Alex and Cassie are a pair as always, practically inseparable at this point. Their seemingly endless energy, along with their largely positive attitudes, keep spirits up during the journey. Cassie in particular seems to enjoy the forest, happily singing and dancing along the trail, much to everyone’s amusement. Alex, never one to let a chance for fun slip by, joins in, and you can’t help but smile at their easy happiness.

Ferra, of course, is by your side. She seems to be amused by Lilith’s attempts to distract you, and occasionally catches the succubus spirit off guard with her dry, emotionless quips. The two of them seem to amuse themselves with verbal sparring, with the golem girl’s logical mind sometimes frustrating Lilith’s more whimsical bent. Still, no tempers flare, and you’re gratified to see Ferra making an effort to speak with Lilith.

The trip takes about four days, and finally, you approach the gates of Thalberg, in the mid afternoon. The first thing you notice, is that the guard isn’t an Order troop. Instead, they’re wearing the insignia of one of the local nobles. What’s more, they don’t seem particularly interested in stopping anyone coming or going. They give your group a look, particularly Nadia, Sarah, and Cassie, but no more than they would for any group of attractive monster girls. With your armor covered by a long cloak, you don’t draw any particular attention, yourself. You pass into the city with no problems.

The city is bustling, and you soon blend into the crowds. It doesn’t take long to make your way to the warehouse your scouts have set up as your base, and when you head inside you’re pleased to see that it’s fairly well set up already. Someone has set up makeshift walls, sectioning off living areas, and there’s plenty of open space for planning and training. As you walk in, you’re greeted by one of the scouts, a man named Richard, who shakes your hand and smiles.

“You made it safe and sound! We were beginning to worry.”

You chuckle. “Yeah. We’re here, and ready to start. After a good nights sleep.”

He laughs. “Long walk?”

Ugh, small talk. Boring.

You chuckle at Lilith’s usual annoyance, and shrug. “We’re pretty used to it by now. But tomorrow we begin.”

Richard shows you to the living quarters, and leaves you in peace. For now, you relax, and the girls do the same.