181~Blame
At the sound of the guard’s words, Yvlena watched Risel crumble in sorrow, she swooped in and caught the other elf as she stumbled from the news. Tears gathered in her eyes and Risel fought the urge to bawl into Yvlena’s chest.
The first guard snorted, still distrustful of the two girl who arrived at the entrance to the town. He watched the blonde elf almost collapse and a twinge of sympathy arose but he quickly fought it down. It could all be an act.
“I’m sorry, I know it’s not the best news to hear.” The second guard said. “I knew him, he was a good man and while you can’t meet him, you can meet his family.”
“Lucas!” The first guard barked, revealing his colleague’s name.
Lucas cast an angry look at him.
“For the goddess sake! Look at her, Richard. You really think she has the sickness?” Lucas said walking over to Risel and Yvlena.
Richard glared, watching Lucas help Risel up who by now was sobbing. She wailed, hugging Yvlena who petted her hair soothingly.
“I should have come sooner Freude, I should have come sooner.” Risel bawled. Yvlena didn’t know what to say. She didn’t blame herself because she knew this must have happened before she had even become the Harvest Guardian.
Yvlena hoped Risel didn’t blame her as well, it took a lot to get to the point where she was able to unlock the path to the Verdant Vale.
She rubbed Risel’s back soothingly and allowed Lucas to lead them int the town to meet the Mayor of the Verdant Vale.
As they passed Richard, Yvlena looked away from the man who seemed barely able to contain his rage towards them. She caught a glimpse of his teeth grinding against each other as he glared.
Yvlena wondered why he was so against them entering the town, they already proved they didn’t have the Miasmic sickness, was he hiding something or was he just afraid a pair of outsiders would uncover. She hadn’t told them she was the Harvest Guardian.
The three of them walked through the stone streets of the stronghold, it looked just like a normal town behind the large gate, children played about running as their mothers scolded them. Houses lined the way they passed and Yvlena could spot a few shops selling various goods.
There must be an inn somewhere in this town.
“Is there somewhere we can rest before we see the Mayor.” Yvlena pleaded, she had to also attend to Risel who was rubbing furiously at her eye. Yvlena softened her gaze as she looked at the distraught elf and then back at Lucas who seemed equally sympathetic.
“Yes, there’s an old inn not too far from here.” Lucas said, “I’ll show you the way, after you rest you can find me in at the gate again.”
“Thank you.”
[Subclass Quest Complete: An Eerie Town
The Verdant Vale was once a thriving town known for it’s lush greenery and its proximity to the Caldress Mines.
Now the great Verdant Tree that once nourished the town is poisoned, the rivers polluted and It’s town ravaged by sickness.
As the Harvest Guardian you must investigate the Verdant Vale and find survivors for more information.
***
Rewards
Everbloom (Potted) x5
***
Moon Points x1000
Moon Gems x10
EXP:1500]
[Yvlena Acquired
EXP: 3700/3500
***
Everbloom (Potted) x5
***
Moon Points x1000
Moon Gems x10]
[Yvlena is now level 20]
[Class Skill: Summon Leveled Up]
Yvlena dismissed the window with a nod as she followed Lucas towards a wooden building with a large triangle roof, the more she looked at it the more she realized it was shaped to collect rain water when it fell from the Verdant Tree’s leaves.
Yvlena winced, knowing that who ever lived her must have regretted the design they chose. But it could be useful, if it collected Miasmic sap, she could use it in her fight against the creatures that plagued the town.
“This is the inn, they should have one room available with two beds for you.” Lucas said, he rested a hand on Risel’s shoulder, she had been quiet the entire walk and both Lucas and Yvlena worried about her.
“When you’ve rested you can meet Alder, Freude’s son and the rest of the family. I’m sure they would love to meet their aunt.” Lucas gave a small smile and faced Yvlena.
“I hope you can use those ancient techniques to help us, but I’ll leave you to rest before I discuss further details.”
“Thank you for defending us Lucas.” Yvlena said.
[Affinity with Lucas increased +2]
“Don’t think too deeply about Richard, he’s over cautious as anyone would be during these trying times, you know we used to think we were more blessed than Bloom Haven but—” Lucas stopped himself. “I’m glad you were able to come through.”
Lucas began walking away, his worn armor squeaking with every step he took, Yvlena hadn’t noticed it before, she tore her attention away from her new acquaintance and back to Risel who by now was staring into space.
“Let’s get checked in.” Yvlena said offering a small smile, Risel only nodded quietly. She allowed Yvlena to take her hand and lead her inside the building.
When they walked in they found an old, chubby woman manning the front desk, she seemed tired and only a little bit surprised at the faces that had just walked into her business.
“Hi, we’re looking for a room to rest in.”
“I guessed as much but...who are you? I know everyone in this wretched town and I’ve never seen two elves before, well I knew one but that’s an unfortunate story.” she said callously, Risel whimpered.
“Ma’am can we not talk about that, we need a room.” Yvlena pressed. Risel needed somewhere to collect herself while Yvlena needed to log out for a bit to also collect herself.
“Of course, of course, but after you’re done you owe me a story.” she said, retrieving a key with a tag from underneath her desk. Yvlena took the key and wooden token and the mildly rusted Iron key.
Once again, she took Risel by the hand and led her upstairs to the room marked 12, she slotted the key in and to her relief the room as as big as it was in Corr’s inn. She guided the shocked blonde elf to the other bed and sat with her. Yvlena didn’t want to leave her by herself.
Grief wasn’t something she should have to handle alone.
“Man, that innkeeper was pretty nosy huh?” Yvlena said trying to lighten the mood, she moved closer to Risel, waiting for the girl to speak.
“It’s my fault isn’t it?”
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