Back Again

The celebration lasted for three days, where the villagers of Verdant Hollow and the four saviors of the forest shared tales and adventures from the past. The joy and gratitude of the villagers were evident in every smile, laugh, and cheer. Songs were sung, and the night skies were filled with the sounds of merriment and hope.

On the fourth day, Everleaf voiced that it was time for her to return to the capital. "It will likely take one to two weeks to get there because I have to go to Oakvillage first and tell Braum the good news. He will most likely hold a small banquet to celebrate, too."

Lilith looked at Elara with a knowing smile and nodded. Then Elara spoke. "We will join you, Everleaf. We know you are strong enough alone, but there is still safety in numbers. Besides, Lilith and I are not done with the capital sightseeing yet," she said with a smile.

Ella, a little flustered, said, "I-I-I'm also part of the group!"

Lilith laughed and said, "Of course you are, Ella. We would never leave you."

Ella then beamed with a great smile, her wings fluttering with joy.

Rurik, overhearing them, spoke out. "I too will join you. Well, I'll guide you back to Oakvillage, that is. Braum did request me to guide you, and as an adventurer, I do need to finish the quest given. Especially when it came from the guild master!"

Lilith looked at Rurik and said a little too loudly, "WAIT, Rurik, you are an adventurer too?"

"Of course," Rurik said with a grin. "When we first met, I was on my way to Oakvillage to do quests to earn some gold. I had gathered herbs in the forest, but at the time, I had to toss them aside since the direwolf was attacking me and I had to run."

Lilith's eyes widened in surprise. "I had no idea!"

Rurik chuckled. "Well, now you know. And I'm glad I get to see this quest through with all of you."

Elara smiled and patted Rurik on the shoulder. "We're glad to have you with us, Rurik."

Everleaf nodded in agreement. "It seems we have a full company. Let's make sure we have everything we need for the journey back."

With their plans set, the group spent the rest of the day preparing for the journey ahead. They packed supplies, said their farewells to the villagers, and ensured they had everything they needed for the trip back to Oakvillage.

The next morning, they set off early. The journey back through the forest was much easier now that the mana poisoning had been cleansed. The forest felt alive and vibrant, and even the animals seemed more at ease.

As they traveled, they shared stories and laughter, strengthening the bonds they had formed during their adventure. By the time they reached Oakvillage, they were all in high spirits.

Braum greeted them warmly at the guild hall. "Welcome back! I see you've brought good news with you."

Everleaf nodded. "The forest is cleansed, and the mana poisoning is gone. We performed the Ritual of Renewal at the ancient tree."

Braum beamed with pride. "Well done, all of you. This calls for a celebration! And thank you, Rurik. I can see you fulfilled the quest I gave you. You can go to the reception counter to gather the payment we agreed on."

"Thanks, boss," Rurik said with a grin. "I'll just go and do that."

Rurik made his way to the reception counter, his steps light with the satisfaction of a job well done. As he approached, he was greeted by none other than Bragg.

"Oh, look at that, if it isn't little greeny we have here," Bragg said with a smirk. "I guess you've finished the quest Braum gave you."

Rurik frowned. "Yes, I have completed the request that Braum gave. And would you please stop calling me little greeny? I am one of the tallest goblins in Verdant Hollow."

Bragg just laughed, clearly enjoying the banter. "Sure, sure, I'll try to remember that." He reached under the counter and pulled out a small pouch, handing it to Rurik. "Here's your payment. Nice work out there."

Rurik took the pouch, feeling the satisfying weight of the gold coins inside. "Thank you, Bragg," he said curtly. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he added, "Oh, by the way, Braum is hosting a banquet. Let's see who can hold their liquor best there and see who the little one is after."

Bragg's eyes lit up with the challenge. "You have a deal," he said with a laugh. "But don't say I didn't warn you. I can drink like a fish."

Rurik returned to the others with a grin. It was not well-known, but goblins could drink like dwarves and hold their liquor better than most humans. And so, another banquet was prepared in Oakvillage, where the adventurers shared their story with the guild members and villagers.

In the midst of the celebration, Rurik and Bragg's drinking competition began. Even Elara joined in on the fun. Lilith and Ella looked on with happy eyes, cheering on Elara. Despite her long life and experience, Elara was no match for Rurik, who indeed drank like a dwarf. Bragg was even weaker and was the first to fall down on the floor, drunk as a skunk.

The hall erupted in laughter and cheers as Rurik was declared the winner. "I told you, Bragg," Rurik said with a smirk. "Goblins can drink."

Elara, though tipsy, managed to laugh. "I'll give you that, Rurik. You're a champion drinker."

Lilith and Ella clapped and cheered, their spirits high. "Go, Elara! Go, Rurik!" they chanted.

The celebration continued late into the night, with music, dancing, and more stories shared. As the night wore on, the adventurers and villagers found themselves bonding even more deeply over their shared experiences and newfound friendships. Braum and Everleaf sat in a corner, engaged in a serious conversation about the recent events and the ritual.

Everleaf leaned in slightly, her voice low and thoughtful. "There is something strange about Lilith. I don't know what it is. It feels like the presence of a greater being, you know, like heroes, dragons, and demon lords. But I sense no malice or any ill intent. All I have gathered is that she is just a young, happy child. It's rare for a maid-knight to take on the role of serving a young child unless that child is special."

Braum nodded, listening intently. "It's not uncommon for those with great potential to be surrounded by mysteries. Sometimes, their true nature reveals itself in time."

Everleaf sighed, her eyes reflecting her concern. "I suppose we'll just have to wait and see what the future brings."

The two guildmasters shared a moment of silence, contemplating the uncertainties and possibilities ahead. Despite the questions surrounding Lilith, there was a sense of peace and accomplishment from the recent victory.

As the night drew to a close, the last notes of music faded, and the adventurers and villagers began to retire to their quarters.

The next morning, the village of Oakvillage was slow to wake, the effects of the previous night's revelry evident in the sleepy faces of its inhabitants. Lilith, Elara, and Ella gathered their belongings, preparing for the journey back to the capital. Everleaf joined them, her expression a mix of determination and lingering curiosity about Lilith.

Braum saw them off, standing at the gates of the village. "Safe travels, my friends. Remember, Oakvillage will always welcome you back with open arms."

Lilith smiled brightly. "Thank you, Braum. We'll definitely visit again."

Elara nodded, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Take care, Braum. And keep an eye on things here."

Ella fluttered around, her wings catching the morning light. "Goodbye, Braum! We'll miss you!"

Rurik came running out of nowhere. "Oh, wait, wait! I wanted to say goodbye too."

Lilith smiled and yelled, "Goodbye, Rurik! I hope we meet again!"

They all said their goodbyes to Rurik and then started to walk back to the capital. The journey was filled with laughter and stories of their recent exploits. As they walked, Everleaf couldn't help but glance at Lilith, her mind still pondering the mysteries surrounding the young girl. But for now, she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the road ahead and the companionship of her friends.

The journey to the capital was long but pleasant, with the camaraderie of the group making the time pass quickly. They shared stories of their adventures, laughed at old jokes, and made plans for future quests. Lilith, ever the cheerful spirit, kept everyone entertained with her boundless energy and enthusiasm.

The landscape changed as they neared the capital, the dense forests giving way to rolling hills and well-trodden paths. The grandeur of the city slowly emerged on the horizon, its towering spires and bustling streets a stark contrast to the tranquil beauty of Verdant Hollow.

As they approached the city gates, Everleaf turned to the group. "Remember, the capital is a place of opportunity and intrigue. Stay close and be cautious. But also, enjoy the sights and experiences it has to offer."

Lilith nodded eagerly and said, "Don't worry, Everleaf. We know what we are doing."

Elara continued, "We will stay at the same inn as last time. It is called the Golden Acorn."

"Oh, the Golden Acorn! I know that place," Everleaf said with a smile. "The innkeeper is a jolly man, and his wife cooks very well. I might just stop by one of these days to get some good food." 

With the gate of Everwood in sight, they walked over to the line of people waiting to enter the bustling city. The crowd was diverse, filled with merchants, travelers, and adventurers, all eager to pass through the grand gates and into the heart of the capital.

As they joined the line, Lilith looked around with wide eyes, taking in the vibrant mix of people. Elara stood beside her, maintaining a watchful eye on their surroundings, while Ella fluttered just above their heads, her wings catching the sunlight...