The Road

There was probably a reason why Ironsbane wasn't on the map, not just because it wasn't updated. They were no main roads leading to it, they had to use the tracks. "How's life in the castle, by the way? I've been meaning to ask you." asked Pyre as they were traveling through the woods. "If you're expecting an answer like, It's quite fantastic or exciting, then you'll have to ask some other high born". replied El. "Why don't you like it there?". "Basically the same shit happens every day in the castle, you wake up to your maids beside your bed with different clothes for you to choose from", then they bathe you and bring you out for breakfast at the long hall", and everytime the chefs serve more than you can eat. Mom and Dad were always too busy for me, even as the only kid. They were always stuck with their dumb royal meetings ". "If I lived a life where I could get served anything I wanted and did anything I wanted, I'd go for it" said Pyre. "Of course you would, that's every peasants dream, but that's bullshit. Life isn't just about comfort zones, sometimes you gotta step out of it". "So that's why you're always sneaking out?". "Yh". "That's really nice, doing what you love, even with the risk". "But a friendly advice? you shouldn't always be sneaking out too often. The village isn't safe. Can't have a pretty girl like you getting raped". " I don't need you to protect me. I'm not some damsel in distress". said El. "Still, I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you ". she snorted. "Like you care". I do actually"he said, looking into her eyes now, her deep blue eyes. "And when did this start?" she asked laughingly. "Since we became friends ",he said smiling. "Oh, we're friends now?" "Of course we are. What? Did you want some kind of proposition or official statement?" he asked laughingly. "Wouldn't hurt, I guess" replied El. "That'd be weird ". "Couldn't be weirder than you". "Really, you think I'm weird?",Pyre laughed. "Well, What do you call a guy with a weird haircut that simps over a girl he just met",asked El. "Not my fault " said smirking. "The hair too", They both laughed.

"Look at them, all giggling like five year olds" said Max. "I'm sure you wouldn't know anything about that",said Brida. "And you would?" asked Max. "I fell in love once, so yeah I would". "Must have been terrible, considering how you're always quiet and sometimes deep in thought". "I'm still grieving, it's only been a month". "So then why'd you agree to this mission instead of grieving fully?". "Cos some things are more important, people like me don't get life-changing opportunities like this in their entire lives, so yh, I sucked up all my griefs and joined the team. "Hmm....wonder what fortunes that gem could bring to my family house, could last for centuries", said Max. "Yeah, definitely, mine too. Don't get all greedy Max" said Brida. "I'm not".

Leading the pack was Grim alongside Ethan. "Can you believe it?"asked Ethan."We're going on an adventure to get a priceless gem that's worth fortunes that could last us and our generations to come. This isn't all about the money, Ethan. I need it to save my Dad. Priceless for priceless, remember?". "Yh I know but...think about it, Grim". "Sure, it'll definitely cost a generational fortune". "Yh and you're not the only one who knows that", said Ethan looking over his shoulder at the others.

"Do you really think they'd let you trade that fortune to some witch?". "They're my friends, they understand what's at stake".said Grim. "El wouldn't care much about fortunes but the others?Hell na....Every one wants something Grim, remember that". said Ethan. "And what do you want, Ethan? asked Grim, looking into his eyes. "To see you happy, which in turn makes me happy"replied Ethan.