The soft morning light filtered through the thin curtains of the inn room, painting gentle streaks on the wooden floorboards. Selena blinked against the unfamiliar brightness, the warm sunlight contrasting sharply with the cold, dark cells she had known. Her body still ached faintly from months of captivity, but the freedom that filled the air invigorated her.
She moved carefully, not wanting to wake Red, who lay on the other bed. His breathing was steady, a rare sight of peace on his hardened face. Without his armor and weapons, he looked like an ordinary man, yet Selena knew better. He was a warrior, a protector.
Her fingers brushed the white tunic and black leather pants laid out for her, gifts from Red. The fabric was smooth, fresh, and smelled faintly of the market spices from yesterday.
Selena: For the first time, these clothes belong to me.
She dressed quickly, fastening the leather boots that fit snugly around her calves. As she smoothed the folds of the tunic, a surge of gratitude filled her chest, gratitude, and something deeper
hope.
Leaving the room quietly, she stepped into the hallway. The inn was already alive with the sounds of a waking town: clinking dishes, murmured conversations, and the steady rhythm of footsteps on cobblestones.
At the bottom of the stairs, Red was already awake, seated on a wooden bench near the fireplace. The flickering flames cast shifting shadows across his stern features as he methodically sharpened the edge of his dagger, sparks flying softly with each stroke.
He looked up as Selena approached.
Red: "Ready?"
Selena nodded, a small smile touching her lips.
Selena: "Yes."
The warmth of the inn contrasted with the chill outside, but Red didn't wait for her to protest. He pulled open the door, and the morning air rushed in, crisp, clean, and scented with dew and earth.
Outside, the market was in full swing. Vendors shouted their wares, colorful fabrics, fresh fruits, and exotic spices piled high on wooden stalls. The chatter of townsfolk, clinking coins, and occasional laughter filled the vibrant streets.
Red led Selena through the crowd, weaving between merchants and buyers. She marveled at the colors and smells, her senses awakening after so long in darkness.
Eventually, they arrived at a squat, stone building tucked between a bakery and a leatherworker's shop. A wooden sign swung above the door, emblazoned with a hammer and anvil.
Red: "Oki's smithy."
The door creaked as they entered. The air was thick with the scent of hot metal and oil, and the dull clang of hammer striking anvil echoed throughout the workshop. Shelves lined the walls, displaying an assortment of weapons and armor, some shiny and new, others scarred from battle.
Oki, the blacksmith, was a dwarf of stocky build, with a braided beard flecked with soot and eyes sharp as flint. He glanced up from the glowing forge, wiping sweat from his brow.
Oki: "Well, if it isn't Red the Redeemer. Back for more trouble?"
Red: "Not trouble. Protection."
He pushed a pouch of coins toward Oki.
Red: "Leather armor and a dagger. For her."
Selena's eyes widened as she took in the rows of gleaming blades and finely crafted gear. She tried to imagine herself wielding such weapons, a warrior of the guild, not a slave.
Oki grunted in acknowledgment and disappeared into a back room. Moments later, he returned with a set of supple leather armor, black and sleek, designed for agility rather than heavy defense — and a dagger with a curved blade and an intricately carved hilt.
Oki: "Try it on, girl."
Selena slipped out of her tunic and pulled on the armor, fastening the straps carefully. It hugged her body comfortably, light and flexible.
She grasped the dagger, feeling its weight in her hand.
Selena: "It feels... right."
Red gave a brief nod.
Red: "Good. You'll need it."
After paying Oki, they left the smithy and walked toward the towering stone building of Silverhaven Guild. Its walls were etched with symbols of past glories and fierce battles. Flags fluttered in the breeze, displaying the guild's silver hawk emblem.
Inside, the guild hall buzzed with adventurers of all kinds, seasoned warriors, mages cloaked in shimmering robes, and fellow rookies nervously scanning the quest board.
At the registration desk, a young woman with short blonde hair and sparkling eyes smiled warmly.
Receptionist: "Welcome! Here to register as a new adventurer?"
Red stepped forward.
Red: "This one."
He nodded toward Selena.
The receptionist glanced up and smiled.
Receptionist: "Name?"
Selena: "Selena."
Receptionist: "Age?"
Selena: "Sixteen."
The receptionist typed quickly, her fingers moving with practiced ease.
Receptionist: "Rookie adventurer. No class assigned yet, but you're officially registered. Welcome to Silverhaven Guild."
Selena felt a rush of emotion, a mixture of nervousness and pride swelling in her chest.
Selena (thinking): I'm not a slave anymore. I'm something new.
Red gave a sharp glance toward the quest board.
Red: "Start small. Learn the ropes."
Selena nodded, determination hardening her features.
Selena: "I'll work hard."
Red handed her a small leather pouch heavy with copper coins.
Red: "Use this wisely. Food, supplies, any basics."
Selena clutched the pouch, feeling its weight, a symbol of her new life.
Selena: "Thank you... for everything."
Red's lips twitched in the closest thing to a smile Selena had seen from him.
Red: "No thanks. Just survive."
The morning sun climbed higher outside, bathing the guild hall in golden light. For the first time, Selena felt the thrill of possibility — a chance to choose her own path.
She glanced up at Red, standing quietly beside her.
Selena: "I'm ready."
Red: "Good."
After the overwhelming sights and sounds inside the bustling Silverhaven Adventurer Guild, Selena stepped outside with a quiet gasp of relief. The air was cooler under the shadow of the building's awning, and a long wooden bench sat unoccupied beside the steps.
She dropped onto it with a sigh, hugging her small satchel close.
A moment later, Red emerged from the guild hall behind her, carrying two meat skewers wrapped in a cloth. Without a word, he handed one to her and sat beside her.
They sat in silence for a few moments. Adventurers passed them, laughing, arguing, bartering loudly with stall keepers. But on the bench, things were still.
Selena peeked at Red out of the corner of her eye. He wasn't watching the crowd. He was watching the horizon.
Selena: "You… really don't talk much, huh?"
Red: "Only when it matters."
Selena stared after him, her chest stirring with something strange and fierce. She hadn't known what to expect from him. But now… now she felt like maybe, just maybe, she wasn't alone.