Jamtara, Kingdom of Divinium, Eastern region of Rohana Federation, 2051 S.C. 152nd day
"Consider this the last leg of your piggyback adventure," Lucia chuckled as they approached the gates.
As they approached the gates, Heron tensed, remembering his confrontation with the guards. The same guard from yesterday stood at his post, but when he saw Richard, his demeanor shifted completely.
"Sir Pridens," the guard said, straightening his posture. "I trust the expedition was successful?"
Richard produced the carefully wrapped Crossus specimens. "Three samples, as requested. Grade A quality. The research division will be pleased."
The guard accepted the flowers with surprising reverence. "Excellent contribution, sir. The medicinal research team has been asking for fresh specimens." His eyes flickered to Heron, slumped on Almir's back. "Training accident?"
"Something like that," Lucia said with a smirk. "Wild boars can be quite educational."
They passed through the gates without incident, the guards now nodding respectfully as they passed. Once they were safely inside the city walls, Heron spoke up weakly from Almir's back.
"Still can't believe you set me up to fail the first time," Heron mumbled into Almir's shoulder.
"I set you up to learn," Richard corrected. "In this line of work, things rarely go as planned. We need people who can adapt, who don't break under pressure." He paused. "Are you still angry?"
Heron considered this for a moment. "No," he said finally. "I understand why you did it. Though I might be a bit more skeptical next time you send me flower picking."
"If you're done with the heart-to-heart," Almir interrupted, "we should get him to a proper healer."
"The crystal helped, but he still needs proper care," Lucia said, eyeing Heron's pale face. "We should get him to the healing house."
Richard nodded. "Get him patched up. I have business to attend to at the guildhall to see about the provisional licence." He turned to leave, then paused. "Also Heron? Take good care and then join us tomorrow at Altaria. It's a place where we reside. You'll meet everyone from the party there."
"Come on, hero," Almir said, adjusting Heron's weight on his back. "Let's get you fixed up before you pass out again."
The healing house was a modest building with crystal lamps burning in its windows. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of herbs and antiseptic. A woman in white robes looked up from her desk, her expression shifting to concern at the sight of Heron.
"What happened to this one?" She asked, already gesturing toward an empty bed.
"Training accident," Lucia said smoothly. "He'll need to be back on his feet by morning if possible."
The healer clicked her tongue as she examined Heron's wounds. "A crystal's been used on him recently," she observed, her fingers probing gently at his neck. "Did a decent job with the wounds, but he's lost too much blood. He needs rest and proper nourishment." She turned to gather various vials and powders from her shelves. "I'll do what I can, but I make no promises."
"I'll be fine," Heron protested weakly, but the healer silenced him with a stern look.
"You'll be 'fine' when I say you're fine," she said firmly. She held out a cup filled with something that smelled strongly of mint and copper. "Drink this. All of it."
Heron grimaced but obeyed, draining the bitter concoction. The healer began working on his wounds properly, her hands moving with practiced efficiency as she applied salves and bound the deeper gashes.
"He'll need to stay the night," the healer said to Almir and Lucia, who had remained by the door. "The potion will help, but rest is what he needs most. Come back for him in the morning."
Lucia looked at Heron, then at the healer. "You heard the woman. Get some sleep, hero. Tomorrow you meet the rest of us."
As the door closed behind them, Heron's eyes grew heavy. The crystal lamps on the walls blurred and dimmed, and sleep claimed him.
Morning light filtered through the healing house windows when Lucia arrived to collect him. She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching as Heron gingerly tested his neck's range of motion.
"Still attached, I see," she said. "Good. I was concerned if I'll get you in one piece."
"Thanks for the concern," Heron muttered, standing carefully. His legs held, though everything still felt stiff.
"Don't mention it, hero." Lucia pushed off the doorframe. "Come on. We need to get you cleaned up and properly dressed before you meet everyone. Can't you look like you crawled out of a monster's den."
They walked through Jamtara's morning streets, the city already alive with the sounds of vendors and steam engines.
"Let's get you back to your tavern first," Lucia said. "Do you mind if I get myself something on your tab?"
"Pay for your own stuff," Heron grumpily replied.
Marcus was behind the counter, and he raised an eyebrow when he saw Heron's condition.
"What happened?" Marcus asked.
"She can fill you in," Heron said as he pointed to Lucia. "I need to go wash up."
Half an hour later, Heron descended the stairs in clean clothes. The wounds on his neck were hidden beneath his collar, and aside from moving a bit stiffly, he looked presentable.
"Much better," Lucia said, inspecting him. "Now you look like an adventurer instead of a disaster. Let's go. Altaria isn't far, and the others are already waiting."
They left the tavern behind, heading deeper into the city. Altaria sat on a corner where two streets met, a three-story building that was cleaner than the rough taverns near the gates but lacked the polish of establishments in the richer districts. A wooden sign depicting a stylized wing marked it.
"Here we are," Lucia said, pushing open the door. The place was busy when they arrived, with loud noises of the hostel residents and city folk.
"There they are," Lucia exclaimed, pointing at a few people who had claimed a large table in the corner. Richard sat at its head, with Almir and Icarus to either side. But there were two women Heron hadn't met yet. One with intricate braids and what appeared to be a purple ornamental key as a necklace, the other with dark skin and shoulder-length black hair, wearing a loose white blouse decorated with embroidered butterflies.
"Ahh, good you have arrived. Please take a seat, so we can start the introductions. We just finished eating, but you order something if you are hungry before we start."
"Oh, no need." Lucia said cheerfully. "I ate while I waited for Heron. Oh, and Heron, you owe Marcus two blue coins."
"What?" Heron asked, surprised. "Did you eat on my tab, even when I told you to buy your own food?"
"Yes, but then I remembered you owe me for the arrows I used on those boars, so you got off cheap," Lucia said, chuckling.
Heron groaned. "Ok, fine. Thank you for saving me. Lunch was on me."
"You're welcome. But you should eat something," Lucia responded. "You haven't eaten since I picked you up."
"Okay," Heron said. "What do you recommend?"
"A boar stew," Lucia replied instantly.
"Lucia… are you mocking me?" Heron asked unamused.
"Never," Lucia giggled.
"Alright, Lucia, let's not do this now." Richard interrupted them. "Let the boy order his meal, and then I'll introduce everyone. It is a little awkward having others sit in silence."