Chapter 2 - The choice, The Knight and The Path Awaiting

A few days later…

In the days that followed, Thadbe helped Ariana recover from her wounds and tried to restore whatever memories she could recall. Feeling the need to repay Miss Thadbe for all she had done, Ariana took on the duties of an innkeeper — helping with the tavern and tending to the crop fields. With each passing day, she began to remember little pieces of her past, yet to her, it still wasn’t enough to quell that lingering feeling inside…

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Ariana: Staring out the window, watching the fields sway in the wind.

“That feeling still lingers within my heart… what reason am I still here for? Anthesi — that’s what Miss Thadbe called me. The children of the Dark Forest — that’s what Father always said… but how do I know that? I can’t even recall Father’s face. But his voice… I remember bits and pieces — soothing and kind… but I need more.”

Sighs

“Maybe if I go back to that place, it’ll have answers for me…”

Knock Knock

Ariana: “Ah! Please, come in!”

Thadbe: “No need to be so modest, dear! Haha. How was your sleep?”

Ariana: “I–I know, but I still owe you so much!” Ariana stands, bowing politely.

“But I couldn’t sleep. It seems I only rest when completely exhausted… though, I did get to watch such a lovely sunset. Who knew the sun could bring such comfort?”

Thadbe: “Haha, I dare say — best sunset view in all of Tellus, I dare say!”

Ariana: Cracking a small smile “Haha, I suppose so… But, Miss Thadbe, I… um… what I mean to say is, I need a way to get back into the Dark Forest. I feel like it may hold answers — if I go back to where I awoke.”

Thadbe: “Hmm… I understand your feelings, dear, but that’s a dangerous place for any creature to wander. Perhaps… we could send an escort.”

Front desk bell rings.

Thadbe: “Oh? A customer this early? My, my — this week is full of surprises! Come, dear, perhaps getting some fresh air will ease your worries for the moment.”

Ariana: “Perhaps…” She stands and follows Miss Thadbe out of the room.

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Mysterious Tall Man: “...”

Thadbe: Walking in “Hello, dear! Welcome to the Gnomish Tavern. How may I serve you today?”

Mysterious Tall Man: “Ah… hello. Sorry for the early burden. I’m seeking a room to occupy — no less than a few nights.”

Thadbe: “Haha, no need to apologize, dear! And I don’t need special glasses to see you’re not from any nearby kingdom — not with armor like that. May I ask what brings you to little ol’ Lesserwind?”

Mysterious Tall Man: “...Nothing of importance. Just seeking information.”

A voice echoes inside the man’s head:

Mysterious Voice: “I seek justice…”

Thadbe: “I see… hmm. Well, there isn’t much excitement here in this small town.”

As Ariana enters from the back to the front, her eyes meet the gaze of the knight’s. Even with his helmet on and face obscured, the white shine in his eyes never truly dims. She freezes in fear, and he reacts as well — slowly reaching for his sword, all too familiar with the scent of a monster.

Mysterious Tall Man: Slowly reaching for his sword “...A zombie? No… it’s not attacking needlessly. Perhaps… a walking corpse of sorts.” He takes a few steps back, readying a stance.

Mysterious Voice: “She could be evil… she must be purged if she is a monster…”

Thadbe: Quickly stepping in “Oh! May I introduce you, stranger, to our fair inn maid — Ariana the Anthesi. She’s a docile girl, and more than happy to serve you a fine meal, haha!”

Mysterious Tall Man: “...Oh.” He hesitates. “I don’t sense any malice from her… perhaps it’s alright to lower my guard…” He ponders silently.

Thadbe: “Ah yes, with all this excitement, I forgot to ask for a name, stranger! What can I call you?”

Alistair: “Alistair… but it’s not a name worth remembering, though.”

As Ariana escorts Alistair to a table, his thoughts flare up again — the same voice whispering those relentless words that have haunted him since that day.

Mysterious Voice: “We must not delay our goals… you MUST keep your oath, host. I seek vengeance on the ones who wronged us…”

Alistair: Whispering to himself “Now’s not the place… please…”

A faint sound breaks his thoughts — the Mushroom Girl speaking softly.

Ariana: “H–Hello… u-um… what was that, sir?”

Alistair: “Ah, I’m sorry. It was nothing. I was merely lost in thought.”

Ariana: “U-um… it’s okay! I’m sorry — I was just asking if you’d like to order anything to eat before being seated.”

Alistair: Thinking to himself

“I don’t need to eat — not after the deal I made with… him. Still, I should order something to keep up appearances and avoid suspicion.”

“Uh, yes. I’ll take your best dish. I’ll seat myself in the back, if that’s alright. Thank you.”

He walks to the back and sits quietly.

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Hours later…

Lesserwind Villager 1: “Haha! Hey, Ariana — bring another round here!”

Lesserwind Villager 2: Chugging a hefty mug of ale “Ahhh! Can’t believe we’ve got a cutie maid serving our drinks! Haha, beats the ol’ hag onc—WHA!”

He gets a plate thrown at his head.

Thadbe: “What was that about ‘old hag,’ you were saying, you whippersnapper!?”

Lesserwind Villager 3: “Haha, had to see that coming, man! They didn’t call her Thadbe the Berserker of Lesserwind for nothing!”

Thadbe: “I’ll show ya berserker! I was wrestling orcs when you were still sucking on your thumbs, whippersnappers!!”

Laughter, cheers, and Thadbe’s playful banter fill the tavern as the night carries on.

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End of Chapter 2