A New Start

On this bright and sunny September afternoon, in the forest that leads to the city of Tara, two women, Ashley and Kate, are riding on a horse-drawn cart from Taillteann, their hometown. Ashley, who moved to Tara a few years ago, is now helping Kate move there and start a new life in the city. As they journey, Kate shares her excitement about the latest chapter in her life. She turns to her childhood friend, Ashley, a woman with fiery red hair, vibrant blue eyes, and pale skin adorned with freckles. The joy and anticipation in Kate's voice are palpable as she envisions the adventures that await her in the bustling city of Tara.

(K)I'm so excited to get to Tara. It's going to be so much fun living there. I can't wait. Tell me again what it's like there.

(A)You'll love it, Kate. There are shops everywhere, lots of wonderful people, places to eat and hang out, you name it. You just have to experience it for yourself, honestly. There are also a lot of areas to forage, and there's a special place where you can go and dance.

(K)[gasp] Really?! Oh, the anticipation is killing me.

(A)Relax, we're almost there. Try not to fall out of your seat.

(K)[giggles] I'll try, and thank you so much for helping me move. I'm sorry I didn't do it sooner when you left Taill.

(A)Don't even worry about it. Your mom got sick, so I understand why you didn't want to leave right away.

(K)Mom insisted I go, but I told her I wanted to stay and help Dad take care of her. I didn't want to leave him alone to do it.

(A)You've got such a big heart, Kate. Your parents are so lucky to have a daughter like you.

(K)[smiles] And I'm fortunate to have a best friend like you to help me start a new life in the city. I'm sure it'll all be worth the wait.

(A)Oh, I promise you, it will be.

(K)Also, thank you for letting me stay with you.

(A)Of course, that's what friends are for. Where else were you going to stay?

(K)That's true. I just don't want to be a burden on you, Ash.

(A)Nonsense, you're never a burden to me. You're my best friend, like a sister to me, and you know that. Besides, after what you went through, I was more than happy to get you to Tara so you can be happy.

(K)I know. I'm just hoping this new life will help me heal. Maybe I'll even find love again, although I'm not sure if I'm ready. Maybe something amazing will happen, and I'll find someone who loves and is good to me

(A)I hope you do, hon. You deserve it, and if any man breaks your heart, you let me know, and I'll kick their ass. I'm sure you'll find the right person.

(K)I just hope my past doesn't come back to haunt me. I don't want it to stop me from being happy again.

(A)Oh, sweetie, I don't want anything or anyone to stop you from being happy, either. I'm your best friend, and I'll do anything to see you smile. You've always been so cheerful, and I hate seeing you in pain.

(K)[smiles] Thank you so much, Ash. You're an amazing friend, and I don't know what I'd do without you.

(A)[smiles] I love you, too, hon. You know I'd do anything for you just as you've done for me.

(K)Of course, that's what friends are for.

The two women giggle among each other as they both continue chatting and riding through the forest. After a while, they finally arrive outside the northern entrance of Tara, as Ashley stops the cart and turns to Kate while smiling. Kate notices they have stopped and looks over at Ashley with a confused look on her face as Ashley speaks up.

(A)Well, you're in luck. The wait is over, we're here.

Kate's gaze is fixed ahead, her eyes widening in amazement as she takes in the majestic city walls. Ashley continues to guide the cart along, and soon, they arrive at the entrance. As they venture further into the heart of the city, Kate finds herself increasingly spellbound by the vibrant surroundings. She observes the bustling streets, filled with people, including joyful children and busy merchants, with street food vendors and the lively local food market adding to the lively atmosphere. Kate's smile grows wider as she takes in the array of sights and sounds, savoring the delightful aroma of the food and reveling in the lively ambiance of the city.

(K)Oh my goodness, Ash! This city is so big and beautiful, and there are so many people here, and it smells amazing. I bet the food here is great.

(A)Oh, it is. You definitely won't regret it. You can shop at the market for ingredients so you can cook your amazing food, which I love and miss so much. There's a place I like to go to and relax. I used to work there, and now I just hang out. Sometimes, I'll help the owner since we're still good friends. You'll love it there. I'll even introduce you to the friends I work with.

(K)All of that sounds so exciting. I'd love that. What do you do for work now?

(A)I'm a Royal Guard. Well, technically, I'm a royal alchemist, but I do guard work if they need me. I use my alchemy to help fight bandits.

(K)Oh, that's right. I remember you telling me that. You've always wanted to be a royal alchemist, haven't you?

(A)Yeah, luckily, I was able to get some training thanks to one of my friends, who helped me get in.

(K)Oh, I'm so happy for you, Ash. You must be really happy working for the Royal Guards.

(A)Oh, trust me, I am. It was a lot of hard work and a lot of training, but I did it. I'm still shaky on a few things, but I'm working on getting better.

(K)I'm sure you'll get better, Ash. You've always worked so hard on your alchemy skills. You just have to take it slow since you can't rush perfection. Don't be too hard on yourself. You're an amazing person.

(A)Thanks, Kate. You've always been my biggest supporter, and you're right. I do take pride in my work. I just need to improve some more, that's all. But I'm just really happy that I finally achieved my dream, that's all that matters to me. Dragging you here so I'm not alone is a plus.

(K)[giggles] Hey, I was more than happy to travel here with you. I'm just glad I'm not here alone, either. We'll get to hang out all the time. We're gonna have so much fun!

(A)Hell yeah, we are. We'll go to the hangout spot, but first, let's go drop your things off at my house. Well, our house.

(K)Sounds good to me, I can't wait.

Upon delivering Kate's belongings to her new home, the women head to a vibrant pub named Bright and Sherry. Their destination is to meet Ashley's friends, who are gathered at a large table. Seated across from each other at the table is Merig, a goblin with a light brownish-gray skin tone, and Larry, another goblin with a lighter skin tone. Donned in official Tara Royal Guard light armor uniforms, the pair engage in a lighthearted game. Merig meticulously fashions a tiny bow using toothpicks and an elastic band, carefully drawing back a toothpick as an arrow and directing it at a small target made from cork, adroitly held by Larry. As they play, Larry appears visibly apprehensive, his hand trembling, while Merig exhibits an air of annoyance as he addresses the game in progress.

(M)Come on, Larry, hold the target still. I don't want to miss this shot.

(L)I swear if you shoot me and not the target, I'm putting you in a chokehold.

(M)Calm down, it's just a toothpick, it's not gonna hurt you.

(L)Merig, you're a master archer, you can make anything hurt if you shoot it.

(M)Just be quiet and hold still. I'm trying to concentrate.

(L)Fine, just get it over with.

Merig turns his attention back to the target and draws back the tiny toothpick arrow, carefully aiming it at the center. Larry closes his eyes, a sense of anticipation in the air. After a moment that feels like an eternity, Merig releases the elastic band, launching the tiny arrow toward the target. The arrow flies gracefully through the air and miraculously sticks right to the center. Merig's face lights up with a triumphant smile as he revels in his victory, savoring every moment of his accomplishment.

(M)Yes, Bullseye!

(L)[scoffs] Show off. I bet I could do it.

(M)Are you sure about that? The last time you tried shooting an arrow, you almost killed one of the other guards during training. Poor guy was traumatized for days. You might take an eye out with this toothpick.

(L)Hey, that wasn't my fault. My hand slipped because you distracted me.

(M)I was standing behind you, Larry. I wasn't even in your line of vision.

(L)Whatever, just give me that thing and take the target.

Larry reaches across the table and grabs the small bow from Merig, then reaches for a toothpick arrow on the table. Then, he grabs the target and hands it to Merig. Merig reaches over and reluctantly takes it from Larry. He holds it up for Larry to shoot at. The atmosphere is tense as they both concentrate on the task at hand.

(M)Now, if you miss the target and hit me, you'll be the one in the chokehold.

(L)I got this. Now hold the target still, and don't distract me.

(M)[sigh] Alright but hurry it up, Ashley told us that she and her friend should be here around this time.

(L)Ssssshhhhh I'm about to shoot this.

Merig rolls his eyes as Larry turns his attention to the target and concentrates, drawing back the tiny arrow with shaking hands and a nervous look on his face. The pub door opens and Ashley and Kate enter, with Kate trailing behind Ashley as they make their way to the table and approach Larry from behind. Ashley speaks up and greets the two, and Merig cheerfully looks up at her as he greets her back.

(A)Hey, guys!

(M)Hey, Ash!

Larry startles and misfires the arrow, but luckily Merig's keen eye immediately notices it coming straight for his right eye and quickly closes it, with the toothpick only hitting his eyelid. Merig immediately reacts and covers it as he yelps in pain, then gives Larry a glare with the other eye, while Larry looks back at him, smiling nervously.

(M)Looks like you're the one getting the chokehold, Larry.

(L)Hey, you distracted me, I told you not to do that!

(M)I figured you heard Ashley talking, and you'd think to put it down since she's here now! So, in reality, Ashley distracted you.

(L)You both distracted me!

(A)Hey you two, knock it off, or I'll put both of you in a chokehold! Put that damn thing away, before you hurt someone else. I want you to meet someone.

The two goblins are engaged in a tense stare-down, their eyes locked as Larry carefully sets the small bow down and Merig lowers the target to the table. With a swift movement, Larry turns around, and as Merig glances up, their attention shifts to Ashley, who maintains her composure and continues to address them.

(A)Now, I'd like you two to meet my best friend, someone I've known since we were kids. She's the one I've been talking to you guys about. I just helped her move here from back home in Taill to start a new life here, and I want us to make her feel welcome. Merig, Larry, say hello to Kate.

As Ashley steps aside, a shy but eager Kate emerges from behind her with a friendly smile. Merig still covers his right eye with his hand, but when he looks up at Kate, his visible eye widens with a stunned expression on his face. Kate is a short-stature woman with thick, long, and wavy reddish-brown hair, pale skin, and brown eyes adorned with black spectacles. She wears a long green loose-fitting dress and a knitted long-sleeve brown cardigan. She looks at the two goblins with a soft, warm, and inviting smile, then turns her attention to greet Larry and extends her hand for him to shake as he looks up at her. Larry stands up, faces Kate with a smile, and gently shakes her hand.

(L)Hi Kate, it's nice to finally meet you. I'm Larry Dugan.

(K)[giggles] Hello, Larry, it's very nice to meet you too. I'm Kate Blackmore.

(L)[gasp] Your last name is badass, I'm jealous. But welcome to the friend circle. Any friend of Ashley's is a friend of ours. Except for One Eye over there, he's crazy, probably best to avoid him.

Larry smirks while he looks over at Merig from across the table, and sees his frozen and stunned expression as he's still looking up at Kate from his seat, still covering his right eye. Larry then speaks up and attempts to snap him out of his seemingly hypnotized state.

(L)Merig?…Merig!

Merig hears Larry shouting and finally snaps out of his trance. He gives Kate a shaky smile as she giggles and gives Merig a friendly smile back. He thinks to himself of what to say, but he becomes speechless as he sputters and struggles to say hello. Ashley rolls her eyes and introduces Kate to Merig since he's having trouble speaking.

(A)And the one sitting over there on the other side of the table is Merig Flynn.

Kate walks past Ashley and cheerfully walks around the table to properly greet Merig. She happily extends her arm and holds out her hand for him to shake. He looks at her open hand as he quickly and nervously stands up, realizing he's still covering his right eye, and lets go of it. Merig then gently grabs Kate's hand and shakes it as she greets him.

(K)Hello Merig, it's very nice to meet you.

(M)[stutters] H-H-Hi Kate, it's n-n-nice to meet you, too, w-w-welcome to Tara. I hope you like it here. Ash has told us so much about you.

(L)Yeah, she wouldn't stop talking about you for weeks when she heard you finally wanted to move here. We've heard stories before that, but not as much as we have recently. She was excited to get you here and meet us. Are you liking it here so far?

(K)Oh absolutely! This city is so gorgeous and I love it already. And this place looks so lively and warm.

(L)Oh, it is, you'll like it here. This is where we usually hang out when we're not working, so you're more than welcome to join us if you're ever bored.

(K)With a place like Tara, I don't think I'll ever be bored.

(L)I like your enthusiasm, Kate. If anyone ever gives you trouble, you let us know.

(K)Thank you so much, Larry. I'm so happy to be here.

(L)We're glad that you finally made it here. Why don't we sit down and have a chat and maybe get to know you some more?

(K)Of course, why not? I don't have anything better to do.

(M)Oh, how rude of me! Please have my seat. You must be pretty tired from your travels here.

(K)Thank you so much, Merig, that's very kind of you.

(M)It's no problem at all.

Merig quickly looks behind him and grabs his chair, moving it as he offers Kate to sit in it. Kate happily accepts the seat that is offered to her while Merig sits in the seat next to her. Ashley sits down next to Larry, who sits back down in his seat as they both sit across from Kate and Merig. Kate looks at Larry and Merig's attire with curiosity and speaks up to start a conversation.

(K)So Larry, and Merig, I noticed you two are wearing some light armor. Are you knights or something?

(L)Oh, you're way too kind, Kate, not exactly. These are more like uniforms.

(A)So Larry and Merig are Royal Guards, too. They're the ones I mentioned that I work with. Like I said before, sometimes we get called to fight off bandits outside the walls of the city. Thanks to these two, myself, and the other guards we work with, the citizens don't have to worry about bandits raiding Tara.

(K)Oh wow, that's amazing, so you three are heroes around here, then.

(M)I guess you could say that. We do work hard at what we do.

(L)Yeah, but we're basically pest control.

(K)Nonsense, you protect the people here. That sounds like heroes to me.

(L)[chuckles] I like you already, Kate. I think you'll do just fine here.

(K)What are your ranks in the Royal Guards?

(M)So I'm the commander, and my best friend Larry here is my second in command.

(L)Yeah, we're pretty much the brains of the whole thing. Merig tells me what to do, and I tell the rest of the guards what to do.

(M)You have just as much power as I do, Larry, and you know it.

(L)Yeah, yeah, although I do like to take care of the training grounds. I like to keep it clean as much as possible.

(M)I also recruit people and Larry and I train them together at the training grounds.

(K)That sounds like a lot of fun. I'm actually looking to train my magic. It's been a while since I've been able to. When my mother got sick, my dad had to stop training me, so I'm a little rusty.

(M)Well, you're more than welcome to use the training grounds anytime you want. Either Larry or I will be there in the mornings.

(K)Thank you so much, Merig. I really appreciate it.

(M)Of course. If you need anything, just let us know.

(K)Oh, I don't want to bother either of you too much. I'm sure you both work very hard.

(M)It's no bother at all.

(L)He's right. That's what we're here for. You're among friends, Kate.

(K)[smiles] You both are very kind, thank you. Also, I'm curious, what kind of weapons do you two use?

(L)I'm a master swordsman. I dual-wield beautiful blades of steel and slash bandits up with them.

(K)That's amazing, such a classic weapon. I bet you're badass with them.

(L)[chuckles] Well, I try not to toot my horn, but I'm pretty great at what I do.

(K)[giggles] You go ahead and toot that horn loud and proud. I'm sure you're an outstanding Royal Guard.

(L)Why thank you, Kate, I do my best.

(K)What about you, Merig? What weapon do you use?

(M)Oh, uh, I'm a master archer. I'm very skilled with a bow and arrow, as well as a crossbow.

(K)Another classic weapon. I love it. I'd love to see you two in action sometime.

(M)Absolutely, you're more than welcome to watch us when you come and practice your magic at the training grounds. Larry uses the wooden training dummies, and I use the range targets there. There's also a resting area where we can sit and hang out.

(K)That sounds like a lot of fun. I'd love to. Maybe I can train to be a Royal Guard someday. I think that would be fun. I've got a lot of training to do with my magic, so that might not happen anytime soon.

(M)[chuckles] It's possible. I'm sure you'd make a tremendous royal mage someday.

(K)[smiles] I guess that's something to think about for the future, but for now, I think I'll just train my magic and have some fun here. I'm so excited about starting my new life here.

(L)I bet you are, and we're happy to have you here, Kate.

(M)Yeah, we'll make you feel welcome in your new home of Tara.

(K)[smiles] Thank you both so much. I feel welcome already.

(A)Well, now that we've got you acquainted with these two shitheads. Let's celebrate your arrival here in Tara. Are you hungry at all?

(K)Oh my god, yes! I'm starving.

(A)[giggles] Good, because the food here is fantastic.

(L)I can attest to that.

(M)Me too. Sherry is a fantastic cook.

(A)Well, Kate here is also a fantastic cook, and you both need to try her food.

(K)She's lying. My cooking is terrible.

(A)You shut your face, it is not terrible and I absolutely love it.

(M)I'd actually love to try your cooking sometime.

(L)If Ash says it's fantastic, it must be.

(K)Oh, stop it. You're both making me blush. I'd love to cook for you two sometime.

(A)Oh, don't forget, Kate, we also have another thing to celebrate.

Ashley looks at Kate from the opposite end of the table, a self-satisfied grin spreading across her face. In response, Kate's cheeks flush with embarrassment, her expression betraying a mix of nerves and discomfort. She shakes her head disapprovingly at Ashley, appearing puzzled and evasively playful as she denies Ashley's statement in a skittish tone of voice.

(K)Do we have another thing to celebrate? No, I don't think we do.

(A)[giggles] Oh don't you play coy, Kate, you know damn well we do.

(L)Wait, what else are we celebrating?

(A)A certain someone's birthday.

(L)Kate? Today's your birthday?

(A)It sure is, but she didn't want me to say anything.

Ashley backwardly gazes mischievously at Kate, flashing a devilish smile that instantly catches Kate's attention. Kate responds by giving Ashley a playful glare, but soon sighs and concedes to whatever mischief Ashley has in store. Meanwhile, Larry and Merig catch the interaction and decide to join in the fun. They both give Kate warm smiles, wishing her a very happy birthday. The unexpected attention makes Kate blush, feeling slightly bashful as she looks at the two goblins and returns their friendly smiles.

(L)Well damn, happy birthday!

(M)Happy birthday, Kate.

(K)Aww thanks, you two, I hate celebrating my birthday but Ash insists on it every year.

(A)Because you're amazing, and I love you and you deserve to be celebrated, especially on your birthday.

(M)She's right and if we had known, we would've prepared something for you. Ash didn't exactly tell us it was your birthday beforehand.

(K)Oh no, it's okay, you all don't need to do anything for me. Besides, I've only just got here and met you two. I didn't expect you to know.

(L)Well, we can celebrate both your arrival and your birthday, that'll be fun.

(M)Yeah, that's a good idea, both are important, especially your birthday. What do you think, Ash?

(A)I think it's a great idea. How about it, Kate?

(K)[sigh] Fine, we can celebrate both.

(L)Alright, let's party and have fun!

(A)Hell yeah!

(M)Trust me, Kate, you're going to have fun.

The four of them exchange smiles at the start of celebrating Kate's birthday and her arrival in Tara, enjoying a delightful meal and drinks. They have a great time dancing, laughing, and creating memories, and before they realize it, the sun has set. As they leave the pub to head home, Merig holds onto an inebriated Larry, preventing him from stumbling as they bid each other goodnight.

(A)Damnit, Larry, I told you to slow down on the drinks. You never listen to me.

(L)[hiccup] I'm fine, I promise. I can walk home on my own.

(M)[sigh] No you can't, Larry, you're shitfaced drunk. I'm walking you home so you don't hurt yourself, or get lost. I'm really sorry about him, Kate. I hope he didn't ruin your birthday.

(K)[giggles] Not at all. I actually had a lot of fun with you guys. Larry made me laugh so hard, I almost pissed myself.

(L)See? Kate thinks I'm funny. How do you like those apples?

Larry smirks and gloats as he slurs his words while speaking, much to the amusement of his friends. Merig rolls his eyes at his drunk friend's antics, wraps his arm around Larry's neck, and playfully puts him in a friendly headlock. Larry, caught off guard, tries his best to wiggle out of Merig's grasp, much to the delight of Ashley and Kate, who can't help but giggle at the scene. Amidst the laughter, Merig adopts an assertive and stern tone of voice as he speaks to Larry, albeit with a hint of affection in his words.

(M)I'm gonna get you home before you embarrass yourself even more.

(L)Ow, let me go!

(A)Be gentle with him, Merig.

(M)Don't worry, I will. I'm glad you had fun, Kate. Hopefully, we'll get to hang out more now that you're finally here.

(K)Oh, of course, I'm really looking forward to my life here in the city.

(A)We're all gonna have a blast together, you're gonna love it.

(L)Hell yeah![hiccup] We're glad you came to Tara, Kate. I hope we made you feel welcome.

(K)Absolutely, and thank you for everything.

(M)No problem at all, we were more than happy to treat you for your birthday.

(A)Exactly, we had a lot of fun, too.

(M)Well, we should go. We'll see you two later.

(A)Goodnight Merig. Goodnight Larry. Go to bed as soon as you get home.

(L)Okay[hiccup]you're so beautiful, Ash.

(A)[eye roll] Goodnight, Larry.

(K)[giggles] Goodnight Larry and goodnight Merig, it was lovely meeting you both.

(M)It was great meeting you, too. Goodnight Kate, goodnight Ash.

The friends finish saying their goodnights and begin to walk away in separate directions and make their way to their respective homes, ending the night.