Wood splintered, a loud bang brought forth as an old man rammed through the door. With a pitch fork in hand, he stood tall above a now quivering Lucian. His bald head reflected the sun's glare, causing Lucian to cover his eyes.
"What the hell are ya doing here?!" The old man screamed, wielding his pitch fork similar to a spear. Spit flung out as a crazy gleam came from his eyes. His makeshift spear readied to skew Lucian. "ARE YA DEAF? ANSWER ME!"
"We-we're here for a request!" Lucian exclaimed, frantically he searched his pockets. Only able to bring out their ids; he whipped his head finding the request scrunched on the ground. "T-This! We- we came here to fulfill this request!"
"Request, ha?"
"Yes! You submitted it at the adventurers' guild!"
"Let me see that." The old man grumbled, taking his request. He mumbled, reading every word out loud. After he finished, he lowered his weapon and let out a belly laugh. "I forgot about that! Hahaha, sorry about that young man!"
A smile formed over his previous furious expression, and stretched his hand out for Lucian. As soon as Lucian accepted his hand, he was yanked to his feet.
"T-Thanks…"
"By the way, is that yer partner over there?"
"E-Eh?"
Lucian craned his neck, following the old man's directions. Fei was unconscious on the porch, her head lulled to the side. Underneath her bangs, her eyes were closed. Frantically, he got to her side and held her head up.
"Don't worry young man. Your little partner will be fine."
'Did the smell get to her?' Ignoring his words, Lucian lowered his head. She was still breathing. In the next moment, he let out a breath of relief – not taking the chance from his nose, instead his mouth.
"Bring her inside, she'll be awake."
"Alright-"
With an arm under her knees, and the other supporting her back, he stood up with her in a princess carry. The old man held the door open for him.
'What the heck?' Lucian internally commented. The inside was completely obvious, things were spotless. No dust or dirt could be seen, the maroon walls didn't have a tear or crease.
The two paintings on the walls were straight, not even off by a degree. In addition, the floorboards were perfectly aligned, if one could step on them, there would be no creaks.
"Honey! We got guests!"
The boisterous voice from the old man caused Lucian to jump out of his skin. As a matter of fact, how did an old man – who looked to be no older than eighty be this energetic?
"What?"
"N-Nothing…"
"Oh, be quiet you old fart." An old lady, whose hair was fully grey, came out around the corner. She wore an apron, and her sweet wrinkly smile eased Lucian's fright. "Welcome you two, please have a seat over there."
"T-Thanks."
Lucian slowly edged over towards the left. The kitchen was directly across their living room, there was a rectangular table placed in the middle. Two rocking chairs on the furthest sides. Equally important were two wooden chairs centered, facing towards the kitchen.
"U-um… Please let me down…" Fei pleaded in a squeaky tone. Her face flushed red, ears shaking violently, and her hands balled.
'Adorable.'
"Ay, yer awake, huh? I thought ya were going to nap a little longer." The voice of the old man called out behind them. Fei's two feet hit the ground, frowning when he entered her view. "What? I was just messin' with ya. Anyways, have a seat ya two. It'll be a while before the drinks come."
In a swift, graceful motion, unbefitting of his age, the old man twirled his body onto the rocking chair on the left and flashed a smile. Lucian nodded his head, turning to Fei who shook a small amount.
"It'll be okay."
Lucian gave her a comforting smile, taking her hand into his. In addition, reassuring her silently. "I don't think they'll try anything."
Aside from nearly getting pierced cleanly through, he felt no ill intentions from the old couple. Even pointing towards the old man, who sat there, rocking back and forth. His gaze was pointed towards his wife in the kitchen.
"O-okay…" Fei squeaked out, due to her embarrassment and nervous mood, her racing heart never slowed. Conversely, her quivering slowed.
With a squeeze of his hand, and motion of his head, they sat down at the chairs.
'Damn…' Lucian silently cursed, while trying his best to find a comfortable sitting position. Every angle, and position had splinters poking into his butt. Albeit, twas small, but sitting normally was impossible. Eventually giving up and finding the least pricking position.
"Ay, youngster, I gots a question."
"Huh?"
"I got a question for ya."
"O-Oh, what is it?"
"Why did you take our request? The rewards aren' eye candy, so why did you?" The old man turned his chair to meet eye to eye with Lucian. His expression was serious, his mouth contorting into a frown.
"It was the only request I could find, that's why…"
"Huh?" He leaned forward, additionally grabbing his chin before continuing his thoughts. "I thought the adventurers' guild was pretty popular. Have ye and yer girlfriend been adventuring long? Yours and hers getup seems recent."
"We… Um, started today."
"Ya started today?! What the heck! I should've raised that reward if I knew ya two were comin'!"
'That'd be great…' Lucian thought. There was a cold feeling coming from his side. 'He really shouldn't have made that girlfriend comment…'
"Ah, right… I need to get your signature." Lucian muttered, he patted his pocket for a moment. Continuing with his investigation he searched everything on his person. Until the old man waved the slip in front of him.
"I'll sign it after ya two do yer jobs."
"Thanks…"
"Yer girlfriend is staring daggers over here, did I do something?"
Fei had her hands clutching the skirt of her dress, her face was even redder – Looking akin to a tomato. An awkward air surrounded them, until the shuffling of feet entered their eardrums.
With a tray in hand, holding four mugs, the old woman walked into the living room. Continuing her little venture, she placed each individual drink in front of the respective person.
"Here you go, please be careful, it's hot." She said to them all with a sweet smile, turning her head to Fei, she had a slightly surprised expression. "Oh, you're awake." Remarking with a slight airy tone.
".."
"Thank you for the tea…" Lucian thanked her, staring at his mug wearily. Inside, was a green liquid, white strands of steam flicked upwards. Heeding her words, he brought the mug to his lips.
As if his throat became a boiler room, he hid the agony on his lips. The hot tea dashed down his throat, reaching his stomach where it left a hole.
"What do you think of the tea?" The old man asked without skipping a beat.
"It's… good."
"Good response boy."
"Here you go, be careful missy."
"Welp!" The old man slapped his knee before standing up. "Once ya finish your tea, come to the front lawn."
With a nod of his head, Lucian understood. Meanwhile Fei kept her head lowered, and flicked her ear.