Adrian and Yena continued their walk towards the Guild, the morning sun now fully illuminating the bustling streets of Oakhaven. The initial awkwardness of their encounter had given way to a strange, almost comfortable rhythm of veiled jabs and genuine curiosity.
"So, Yena, about this caravan escort," Adrian began, his voice light. "Have you worked with Borin Ironhand before? I hear he's quite the character, very particular about his cargo. Any tips for dealing with a dwarf who probably loves his barrels more than his kin?"
Yena's lips twitched, a fleeting hint of amusement crossing her features. "Meticulous is the word I'd use. He's focused on efficiency and safety. He trusts experienced adventurers, but he doesn't tolerate fools. Just... don't touch his pickled herring. Ever."
Adrian feigned a gasp. "Pickled herring? A man after my own heart! Though I'm more of a grilled boar sausage enthusiast, myself. Is it a common dwarven delicacy? Perhaps I should try some before we depart."
"It's... an acquired taste," Yena said, a dry note in her voice. "And yes, they're rather fond of it. As for 'efficiency,' Nyxal, you handled yourself well in the Whisperwood. For an E-rank, as you are currently classified. Your movements were... remarkably precise. Almost unnaturally so." Her gaze was sharp, probing.
Adrian chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that seemed to vibrate with suppressed power. "Unnaturally so? Why, Yena, you wound me! I merely try to be... economical with my energy. No need to waste effort on unnecessary flourishes, eh? Saves you from getting too sweaty." He patted his perfectly dry forehead with exaggerated flourish. "Besides, all that running around out there, it's terrible for your stamina. My secret is simply good posture and an early bedtime."
Yena rolled her eyes. "Right. Good posture. And avoiding spiderwebs, I recall."
"Precisely!" Adrian grinned, a charming, disarming expression that masked a mind working furiously. "Speaking of mundane inconveniences, do you find it hard to get a good cup of coffee on the road? Or are you more of a tea person? I've discovered a newfound appreciation for Oakhaven's morning brew. It really sets the tone for the day."
Yena paused, visibly considering the sudden shift in topic. "I prefer tea. And yes, good tea is hard to find. Most roadside inns brew what can only be described as boiled leaves and desperation."
"A discerning palate!" Adrian exclaimed. "I commend you. Perhaps we should pack some proper tea leaves for the journey? Could make the long nights much more bearable. After all, a well-brewed cup of tea can truly soothe the soul, even after a long day of, shall we say, 'unforeseen challenges'." He emphasized the last phrase with a wink.
Yena's lips twitched again. "Perhaps. It would certainly be an improvement." She looked around, at the various stalls and shops they were passing. "So, Nyxal, what truly drives you to be an adventurer? Most come for coin, or fame. But you... you seem to have a different kind of purpose."
Adrian's casual demeanor didn't waver, but his voice took on a deeper, more thoughtful tone. "Coin is certainly a motivator; a full belly is a wonderful thing. And fame... well, it has its uses, I suppose. But for me," he paused, genuinely considering his answer, "it's about seeing the world. Learning its secrets. And perhaps," he added, his gaze sweeping over the bustling town, "making sure places like Oakhaven, and the people in them, can continue to enjoy their peace. There's a lot of beauty out there, amidst the chaos. Worth protecting, don't you think?"
Yena's sharp gaze softened, a flicker of genuine appreciation in her eyes. "That's... a noble sentiment. Not one you hear often from many of the Guild's recruits."
"Well, I'm just a simple man with simple tastes," Adrian said with a humble shrug, though his eyes sparkled with irony. "I appreciate a good meal, a warm bed, and a world that isn't actively trying to fall apart. Is that too much to ask?"
"Given the state of things," Yena replied dryly, "it might be. But I suppose that's why people like us exist, to try and keep it from crumbling completely."
"Exactly!" Adrian clapped his hands together lightly. "See? We have more in common than just a shared caravan mission. Perhaps by the end of this journey, we'll have solved the mystery of the perfect tea blend, and even convinced each other that our chosen methods of dealing with 'unforeseen challenges' are equally valid." He grinned, stepping up to the Guild doors. "After you, Yena. I wouldn't want to get in the way of a seasoned adventurer with such... complex interests."
Yena gave a faint huff, a sound that might have been exasperation, or perhaps, a suppressed laugh. "Very well, Nyxal. Just try not to cause too many 'unforeseen challenges' before we even reach the caravan." She pushed open the Guild doors, the bustling interior a stark contrast to the quiet banter they'd just shared.