Heroist
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***
The day of the unexpected deployment into the empire's service passed for many "Griffons" in great worry and bustle; Zerek and Ilensia were no exception.
While the knight did her best to help Sylphide prepare potions (or at least tried not to get in the way with her mandatory presence), the former brigand hurried across the city, hastily recalling fragments of trading stalls and shops that might be useful in what was perhaps the biggest adventure of his life. Doubts and fear troubled his mind from time to time, but the time spent under Rogdan's leadership had evidently instilled the necessary resolve in his heart.
A new crossbow at "Bivrest": with experienced movements, the adventurer inspected the weapon, aimed ahead, marking an imaginary target with a practiced eye — it looked quite satisfactory. A light training session at headquarters: mostly to awaken forgotten muscle memory for the familiar combat tricks in his arsenal. On the way, he swiped a couple of trinkets from the astrologers' guild: one for luck, the second for Ilensia in exchange for the potions her hero had prepared. It is impossible to provide for everything, of course, but going into battle without thorough preparation is a suicidal venture.
During this time, he turned to Raphael for help: with his trading experience, one could save a great deal. In conversation, he learned about a fine, hanging like a menacing cloud over the Griffon, after which he agreed to pay the latter out of his own pocket. After all, the money came from Meido anyway, and Zerek certainly wouldn't need extras on the front. He also handed over his jewelry to Mr. Kosto. If he's lucky, he'll return to Clematis a rich man. And if not, at least the finances will serve a decent person.
Having traded for the potions from Ilensia, the adventurer downed two of them in one go. His mood improved slightly, and with a confident stride, he headed to "Sukeba". This time, to relax and truly rest. Perhaps for the last time in his life. The dishes were simply magnificent — Zerek had never tasted such delightful food before. Sake flowed like a river, and the purse, packed full in the morning, gradually emptied until only a couple of dozen air remained at the bottom. The former brigand didn't want to leave at all; dark little thoughts returned: "Maybe, you know, this is it! Who's even going to look for me?" This state, however, did not last long: struggling to overcome himself, Zerek rose from the table, paid, and staggered toward headquarters.
Darbon only came to his senses with the sunset. Almost immediately, images of yesterday's drunken brawl surfaced in his memory: the old man clutched his head with his hands and shook it slightly from side to side, trying to banish the intrusive visions. Meanwhile, the noise of multiple voices could be heard outside the door of his small room. Could something else have happened?
After sitting in bed for about ten minutes, the sorcerer finally decided to cautiously check the living area. There, fortunately, the familiar faces of his fellow servicemen appeared before him. Many of them, however, expressed concern, dissatisfaction, or sometimes both. People were gathering animatedly, speaking briefly, leaving, and returning just as quickly. The front door was already creaking loudly, holding on only by some miracle to its flimsy hinges.
Finding the oldest of his acquaintances, Darbon slowly approached them.
— It's a pity, *hic*, that we, *hic*, will be serving in different detachments! — Zerek mumbled, swaying slightly on the spot.
— Afraid you won't last without me? — Ilensia smirked, carefully checking her equipment, neatly distributing potion flasks into her travel bag.
— Nah, *hic*, I'm worried about you) — the former brigand chuckled.
— Yeah, right... oh, Darbon. — the knight finally noticed the sorcerer, who was awkwardly lingering a short distance away. — How are you feeling?
— Th-thank you, everything is f-fine. — the old man hurried to answer. — And you?..
— Darboss, old man! — the intoxicated adventurer leaned on his shoulder in a friendly manner, causing the former to barely stay on his feet. — Very glad to see you! And we, and we, *hic*... — he paused for a moment. — On a mission, from the government!
— A small entrance exam. — Ilensia hurried to add, seeing the anxiety flare up in the sorcerer's eyes. — Don't worry, you'll stay at headquarters with Mr. Kosto, Garmid... In short, you won't be lost!
Hearing this, Darbon, who had begun to panic again, cheered up slightly. An involuntary sigh escaped his lips. Nevertheless, concern for his own safety was immediately replaced by apprehension for his squadmates.
— And don't even sweat us! — Zerek said, as if reading his thoughts. — We're just one foot in, one foot out. The main thing is that when we arrive, there's somewhere to return to, get it? So, can we rely on you here?
— Y-yes... Of course, sir. — the sorcerer promised sincerely. In the current situation, the desire to be useful to the comrades who cared for him outweighed even the fear of an uncertain future.
— Now that's great! — Zerek clapped his hands. — So, what's next, *hic*, is this the farewell?
— Something like that. — Ilensia nodded.
— Eh, it brings back memories... — the adventurer spoke dreamily. — We traveled together for so long, and now our paths diverge...
— The main thing is that we gather back together later.
— That's true. And next time, let's meet here again!
— And with the boss. — the knight added.
— Exactly. All together, with Mr. Rogdan! — Zerek extended a clenched fist. Ilensia responded in kind.
— And what about you, Darboss? You are also our most valued comrade! — the former brigand encouraged the sorcerer.
The little old man, hesitating slightly, timidly followed the example of his comrades.
***
updates on current events tomorrow
The day of the unexpected deployment into the empire's service passed for many "Griffons" in great worry and bustle; Zerek and Ilensia were no exception.
While the knight did her best to help Sylphide prepare potions (or at least tried not to get in the way with her mandatory presence), the former brigand hurried across the city, hastily recalling fragments of trading stalls and shops that might be useful in what was perhaps the biggest adventure of his life. Doubts and fear troubled his mind from time to time, but the time spent under Rogdan's leadership had evidently instilled the necessary resolve in his heart.
A new crossbow at "Bivrest": with experienced movements, the adventurer inspected the weapon, aimed ahead, marking an imaginary target with a practiced eye — it looked quite satisfactory. A light training session at headquarters: mostly to awaken forgotten muscle memory for the familiar combat tricks in his arsenal. On the way, he swiped a couple of trinkets from the astrologers' guild: one for luck, the second for Ilensia in exchange for the potions her hero had prepared. It is impossible to provide for everything, of course, but going into battle without thorough preparation is a suicidal venture.
During this time, he turned to Raphael for help: with his trading experience, one could save a great deal. In conversation, he learned about a fine, hanging like a menacing cloud over the Griffon, after which he agreed to pay the latter out of his own pocket. After all, the money came from Meido anyway, and Zerek certainly wouldn't need extras on the front. He also handed over his jewelry to Mr. Kosto. If he's lucky, he'll return to Clematis a rich man. And if not, at least the finances will serve a decent person.
Having traded for the potions from Ilensia, the adventurer downed two of them in one go. His mood improved slightly, and with a confident stride, he headed to "Sukeba". This time, to relax and truly rest. Perhaps for the last time in his life. The dishes were simply magnificent — Zerek had never tasted such delightful food before. Sake flowed like a river, and the purse, packed full in the morning, gradually emptied until only a couple of dozen air remained at the bottom. The former brigand didn't want to leave at all; dark little thoughts returned: "Maybe, you know, this is it! Who's even going to look for me?" This state, however, did not last long: struggling to overcome himself, Zerek rose from the table, paid, and staggered toward headquarters.
Darbon only came to his senses with the sunset. Almost immediately, images of yesterday's drunken brawl surfaced in his memory: the old man clutched his head with his hands and shook it slightly from side to side, trying to banish the intrusive visions. Meanwhile, the noise of multiple voices could be heard outside the door of his small room. Could something else have happened?
After sitting in bed for about ten minutes, the sorcerer finally decided to cautiously check the living area. There, fortunately, the familiar faces of his fellow servicemen appeared before him. Many of them, however, expressed concern, dissatisfaction, or sometimes both. People were gathering animatedly, speaking briefly, leaving, and returning just as quickly. The front door was already creaking loudly, holding on only by some miracle to its flimsy hinges.
Finding the oldest of his acquaintances, Darbon slowly approached them.
— It's a pity, *hic*, that we, *hic*, will be serving in different detachments! — Zerek mumbled, swaying slightly on the spot.
— Afraid you won't last without me? — Ilensia smirked, carefully checking her equipment, neatly distributing potion flasks into her travel bag.
— Nah, *hic*, I'm worried about you) — the former brigand chuckled.
— Yeah, right... oh, Darbon. — the knight finally noticed the sorcerer, who was awkwardly lingering a short distance away. — How are you feeling?
— Th-thank you, everything is f-fine. — the old man hurried to answer. — And you?..
— Darboss, old man! — the intoxicated adventurer leaned on his shoulder in a friendly manner, causing the former to barely stay on his feet. — Very glad to see you! And we, and we, *hic*... — he paused for a moment. — On a mission, from the government!
— A small entrance exam. — Ilensia hurried to add, seeing the anxiety flare up in the sorcerer's eyes. — Don't worry, you'll stay at headquarters with Mr. Kosto, Garmid... In short, you won't be lost!
Hearing this, Darbon, who had begun to panic again, cheered up slightly. An involuntary sigh escaped his lips. Nevertheless, concern for his own safety was immediately replaced by apprehension for his squadmates.
— And don't even sweat us! — Zerek said, as if reading his thoughts. — We're just one foot in, one foot out. The main thing is that when we arrive, there's somewhere to return to, get it? So, can we rely on you here?
— Y-yes... Of course, sir. — the sorcerer promised sincerely. In the current situation, the desire to be useful to the comrades who cared for him outweighed even the fear of an uncertain future.
— Now that's great! — Zerek clapped his hands. — So, what's next, *hic*, is this the farewell?
— Something like that. — Ilensia nodded.
— Eh, it brings back memories... — the adventurer spoke dreamily. — We traveled together for so long, and now our paths diverge...
— The main thing is that we gather back together later.
— That's true. And next time, let's meet here again!
— And with the boss. — the knight added.
— Exactly. All together, with Mr. Rogdan! — Zerek extended a clenched fist. Ilensia responded in kind.
— And what about you, Darboss? You are also our most valued comrade! — the former brigand encouraged the sorcerer.
The little old man, hesitating slightly, timidly followed the example of his comrades.
***
updates on current events tomorrow
Whatever