🎀 Wisteria 🎀

Night was approaching, and Rogdan was still sitting at his dimly lit desk, vigorously scribbling with writing utensils across crumpled pages. Pausing for a moment, he would reread what he had written, then shake his head in disapproval, crumple the paper, toss it aside, and start on a new sheet.
—Uhh, everything alright, boss? — Zerek's lazy yawn distracted the baron from his task.
—Oh, my old comrade! — Rogdan greeted him. —It's as if we haven't crossed paths in a hundred years. How are your days passing in Clematis?
—Well, it's okay, in principle. — the adventurer shrugged. —Though there's really nothing to do here.
—Nothing? — the baron wondered sincerely. —What about the workers' guild? Quests and commissions? The church library? In this beautiful little town, there's enough to keep oneself busy for a good hundred years, no less!
Zerek wanted to answer, but just then, Ilensia walked briskly past their room accompanied by Sylphida.
—Oh, hey... — the former bandit didn't have time to finish his sentence, staring in astonishment at the old acquaintance. —F***! How is this possible?! Boss, just look!
—Yes, yes, a wonderful new hairstyle. — Rogdan cast a brief glance toward the girls, then continued his work as if nothing had happened. —Lady Sylphida, I hope Clematis has seemed like a quite satisfactory place to you.
—How is that even possible?! — Zerek was still in a stupor.
Ilensia herself decided not to blabber left and right about the return of her eye without necessity. She didn't like to brag, and most other people were perfectly capable of adding two plus two regarding this happy event and the appearance of a powerful heroine by her side.
—It's all thanks to Sylphida. — the Knight pointed respectfully toward the cryptid.
—Man, you really got lucky with your hero. — the adventurer drawled with a sigh. —No, not that I'm complaining, it's just that I haven't really met mine yet.
—Quite funny, considering you two are a perfect match for each other. — Ilensia smirked. —Though maybe it's for the best; you two as a couple wouldn't leave a single stone unturned in this town.
—And I had the honor of meeting Sir Maedo during the day... — Rogdan muttered distantly. —We made a most curious bet regarding the utility of the workers' guild.
—Boss, I don't think that's the best idea. — Zerek grew cautious. —Well, if I were in his place in my prime, it wouldn't have ended well.
—Oh, come now, gentlemen. Is such a great hero capable of some kind of foul play? I don't even want to hear such things.
—So, have you read his biography?.. Well, it's my job to warn you. No matter how expensive it might be.
—Speaking of expense. — Ilensia suddenly remembered. —It seems we won't be getting any government assignments, and I'm running out of cash.
—Don't look at me, friend. — Zerek hurried to refuse. —I'm broke myself.
—I'd rather drop dead than ask you for money. — the Knight huffed. —Anyway, there's a mission hanging in the guild to destroy a beastman who is terr... retr... harassing migrants from one of the border towns.
—Yes, yes, I recall something like that. — Rogdan drawled thoughtfully, setting his manuscript aside. —Helping the locals and a good reward? Sounds like a worthy bit of work!
—Exactly, that's what I'm saying. — Ilensia nodded in agreement. —But judging by the reward, the enemy there is no slouch. We'll need backup.
—I understand. Then it's worth questioning the other party members. I'm sure you'll easily find assistants for this noble cause. As for us, we were just planning to set out in search of the tomb of the great Crag Ashingir.
—Sounds reckless. — Zerek noted.
—And useless. — Ilensia added.
—Now that is unnecessary, friends. The first chance to gain fame and carve your name into history has opened before us, and you are completely overlooking it! — Rogdan protested at such a reaction.
—Alright, alright boss, don't get worked up. Oh, what are you writing here? — Zerek decided to change the subject, glancing unceremoniously at the baron's notes. —Wow, something about love...
—A love letter! — Rogdan declared proudly.
—Whoa, that's the last person I'd expect. — the adventurer wondered for the second time that evening.
—Lucky woman. — Ilensia smirked.
—No-no, you've all misunderstood! — the baron tried to correct them. —It is for a friend of mine!
—Ehhhh... — Zerek and Ilensia froze in time for a moment. —No, well... such things happen, right?
—Uh-huh. It's all good, boss. — the former bandit patted Rogdan on the shoulder. —This region seems pretty progressive, so don't worry, we understand.
—What? What are you... Ah, no! — he threw up his hands. —Not for the friend himself, but for his lady love!
The baron's comrades froze in place once again.
—That's... not very nice, boss. — Ilensia finally spoke. —I had a better opinion of you.
—Oh come on, as they say, whoever takes the initiative, they...
—Oh, enough! — Rogdan pleaded. —I've already blabbed more than I should have, so keep your tongues behind your teeth.
—Got it. Our lips are sealed. — his companions promised hastily.
—Speaking of which, has anyone seen old Darbon? — Rogdan suddenly remembered.

And the little old man was napping peacefully in his room, dreaming of something of his own.