The long-awaited day had finally come. With all of the gold we had saved from recent quests, plus the additional 50 pity gold Haron had given us, we had a total of 143 gold.
We'd really come a long way.
We planned to start the day bright and early at the stables, then head back to Luxia City to browse the shops more thoroughly.
As we entered, one of the stable hands glanced up and smiled. "You're back. I think the horse you wanted is still available."
She led us down the rows, and the moment I saw Juniper, our eyes locked. It was as if she sensed me too. I walked up and cupped her head in my hands.
"I told you I'd come back," I whispered softly to her. Then I turned to the stable hand. "She's the one."
"Uri, which horse do you want?" I asked.
He looked around for a moment, then shook his head. "I don't need one."
"You sure? We've got more than enough," Talos said.
"I'll ride with one of you. I think I can be more useful that way."
"Alright. We can always come back later if you change your mind," I said.
When we reached the stable master to finalize the sale, I tore my eyes from my beautiful new steed long enough to smile at him.
"Thank you," I said, rubbing Juniper's neck.
He smiled briefly, still staring at the paperwork.
I mounted Juniper, while Talos and Alva climbed onto their horses. Alva glanced over. "So, Uri… who are you riding with?"
"Vel," he said without hesitation, hopping up behind me before I could even react.
And with that, we set off for the Elf Kingdom — Talos to my right, Alva to my left, and Juniper carrying both Uri and I in the center.
There was nothing like riding a horse — the wind in your hair, your hat nearly flying off. Way better than being a passenger.
I was so caught up in it that I didn't even notice we'd reached Loris Bridge.
Luxia City was just as packed as it had been last time. This time, though, we took the chance to really take in all the shops and eateries. There were stalls and storefronts of every kind. At the city's square, we stopped to admire a gorgeous fountain gleaming in the sunlight.
"Well, guys… here we are," I said.
We decided to split the gold evenly, but Uri insisted Alva take a little extra since he didn't get a horse. Alva happily accepted.
"Okay, I'll be over there," Alva said, already pointing toward the clothing shops.
"Meet back here in a couple hours?" I called after him.
He waved at me, him and Celestia riding for the storefronts.
I was probably going to have to drag him out here later.
"Well, I think it's about time I get some more armor. Can't defeat the Orc King with broken armor," Talos said, running a hand over the broken spot in his chest plate. "I should be back before the two hours." With that, he headed off.
And then it was just Uri and me.
"So, what did you want?" I asked him.
"I'm still deciding. Can I stay with you until then?"
"Yeah, sure. But it's probably gonna be pretty boring."
Instead of armor or new clothes, I was looking for potions, tonics, and enhancement spells. I was already proficient with elemental magic, but with the Orc King journey ahead—and the certainty of more battles on the horizon—I needed to broaden my arsenal.
Enhancement magic, along with a better stock of potions and tonics, would make me more prepared for anything and allow me to take a more active role in combat.
I didn't spend much time learning those when we first started the party, since I figured I wouldn't need them for a while.
Wow, time flew.
I stowed Juniper, and Uri and I stepped into a potion shop.
"Welcome to Potions & Tonics. How are you today?" the clerk greeted us.
"I love your hat," she added with a smile.
"We're fine. And thank you," I replied.
"If there's anything you need, just let me know," she said before returning to sort inventory.
Now that is what I call customer service.
I grabbed several potions and tonics from the shelves. There were enhancement brews like strength and speed, though their effects never lasted as long as spells and weren't exactly reliable in a pinch. Instead, I focused on stocking up on cleansing and rejuvenation potions — remedies for the kinds of ailments my healing magic couldn't cure.
We paid for the items and headed straight to the magic store.
"Welcome to Spells & Scrolls. How are you today?" the clerk greeted us.
I nodded.
They must be under the same umbrella company.
"Neat hat," he added with a smile.
Two hat compliments in one day? Now that's a little weird. I needed to make this quick.
Most mages specialized in one type of magic — but not me. My capacity for learning spells was extraordinarily high, and I planned to learn as many types as I could so I could be as helpful as possible.
I thought back to the fight against the Haron Party and considered what could have helped us then.
I picked up a few enhancement spells — Simple Strength Boost for Talos, Simple Haste for Alva, and Swiftness for Uri.
Spells were categorized into three tiers: Simple, Standard, and Greater.
I figured this was the most efficient use of my gold without spending it all. Plus, not only did the caster need practice using the spells — the person being cast on had to get used to the effect, too.
Starting them off with Simple was the safest bet, though Uri insisted he could handle a Standard.
As we left the store, I looked at Uri.
"Your turn. Where do you want to go?" I asked.
We browsed through all the shops, passing by stores of every kind. When we finally circled back to where we started, he said to me,
"Um… there aren't any stores for me here."
"What do you mean?"
"No rogue stores."
That's when I realized — just like in the Human Kingdom, there were no shops here dedicated to rogues. As you know, rogues have been dwindling for decades, and so has the demand for their gear. Sure, Uri could find a dagger in a weapons shop, but no stores specialized in tools like throwing knives or darts. He's always had to make do with whatever was available — which may explain his incredible agility and sharp senses.
"I'm so sorry, Uri," I said.
"I just… I don't want to be the last one." He looked me straight in the eyes.
That was the most heartfelt thing he'd ever said. He'd probably been wrestling with it alone this whole time.
For once, I had nothing to say.
What could I say?
I grabbed his shoulder and pulled him into a hug. That was all I could think to do.
As I pulled away, we sat there for a while, people-watching the elves in the square as we waited for our two party mates.
Then Talos came strolling up in shiny red and gold plate armor, covered in ornate designs, carrying a golden gilded, etched shield.
"Wow," Uri said, his eyes wide, getting a closer look
"You really nailed the warrior look now," I said.
"Thanks," he grinned. "I want to never have to upgrade again, so I went all out."
"How do you even move in that?" I asked.
"Tadah!" a voice rang out behind him.
Talos stepped aside to reveal Alva in his new attire.
He wore a sleeveless white tunic with small floral embroidery, paired with long fitted gloves in the same style. A jeweled circlet, pendant, and earrings completed the look — and somehow, it really did fit him.
So this is why he was so eager for this day.
"So, what do you think?" he asked, posing triumphantly.
"I see you went all out too," I said.
"Are you sure that's the best attire for fighting? What about armor?" Talos asked.
"I can't move in armor. Plus, the store clerk said she liked my confidence. That's what I call customer service!"
Maybe Alva and I weren't so different.
I needed to work on that.
"You didn't want a new bow?" I asked.
"Oh dang it, I knew I forgot something. Oh well. Anyway, I'm starving. Hey, I know! We're old enough now, let's go to the Flower Tavern!" Alva said.
I looked around at the many eateries and stalls around us.
"You don't want to eat here?" I asked.
"Nah, the food here's too expensive," he said, already heading for the horses.
We followed him.
"So I assume you spent all your gold?" I asked.
"Yes, but not just on me. Look."
As we approached the horses, I noticed saddle banners on all three of them. Each one had a custom crest: four quadrants — a bow, a dagger, a halberd, and a hat that looked just like mine.
"I figured we needed a crest. Hope you guys like it," he said, flashing a proud grin.
I started to argue about him being so impulsive with money, but I had to admit, I wasn't mad at it.
"That's actually really cool, Alva," I said.
"I like it too," Uri said.
"The Talos Party crest. Good thinking," Talos added, running a hand over the one on Gabriel.
"Now, about that food," Alva said, mounting Celestia.
After his impulsive — but ultimately thoughtful — decision, I figured we might as well go along with his suggestion. We left the Elf Kingdom and headed back to Apple City, aiming for the Flower Tavern — the most popular spot in town.
As kids, we used to walk past it without giving it a second thought. But now that we were finally old enough, I figured why not see what all the fuss was about?
We finally arrived, tied up our horses outside, and walked in.
Immediately, the sound of music caught my ear — a beautiful flute melody, played by a brown-haired man in a yellow tunic. He looked about our age.
"Hey, haven't seen you in here before. Luka, quiet that music for a second," the barkeep called.
"We're the Talos Party," Talos said.
"Ah, the ones who cleared up Loris Bridge. Welcome. Come, have a seat."
We each took a stool at the bar.
"So, first time here?" the barkeep asked.
"Yes," Talos answered.
"Well, you look old enough. What'll it be?"
That was all the confirmation he needed? I was prepared to conjure my birth certificate.
"I'll have roasted chicken, sautéed carrots, onion soup… and two ales," Alva ordered.
Being half-elf he definitely couldn't digest alcohol — his elf side just couldn't handle it.
"Alva, you can't have alcohol," Velara warned.
"That's just a myth, Velara," he replied confidently.
I was glad I'd bought those tonics — they were about to earn their keep pretty soon.
Talos ordered an ale with his food and Uri and I ordered our food with no alcohol.
As we ate, Luka's flute filled the room, and we reminisced about our journey and old quests.
This was probably Alva's favorite day ever — and for me, it was close. His joy was infectious, impossible not to catch. I let myself linger in that feeling for as long as I could, knowing we had no idea what tomorrow would bring.
Or even later that day…