Submission (#3637) Approved

Quest: Resonance - Act 2
Act Type: Character
Word Count: 995
Adult Elnin Present: Nether [ELN028]
Regional Affinity: Zevija
Claiming AP for: Darcy [MYO-ELN221]
Adventurer Rank Unlock Mini-Requirement: Depict Elnin with an adventuring outfit (he is depicted getting food and potions for the journey in this act.)

I am resubmitting this prompt in the right category. I also tried to depict Darcy's adventuring outfit a little more. Hopefully that's enough.
Also submitting as 'Aspirations' as suggested

"Where are you planning on going?" Darcy asked, the three settling around him, but he was most focused on the dark, mysterious Elnin looming above him.

"I have no set destination, only to share my stories to anyone who listens," she replied, eyes glancing toward the heart of the city. It seemed she yearned for some company, yet planted herself on the outskirts.

"Ah, so you don't need any guide for this region?" he asked, a little disappointed that he was both swindled out of his little gem adventure and now out of a job. He figured he'd try to help someone today to make up for that. The dark elnin seemed to sense his disappointment and shook her head.

"No, I think I will need a guide. Not just for myself, but for those two. They have never been here... perhaps you could show them around? Educate them in the dangers and the beauty of grand Zevija."

Darcy blinked in surprise, but smiled and laughed in happiness to have some company for a while. "Yeah, sure! Mind if I grab some supplies first? I think the springs should be the first stop!" The dark elnin nodded, an unnatural movement that Darcy noticed, but didn't question. So, he led the group into the trade center of Hadaven, searching for a few supplies he needed for the next few days.

Adventuring wasn't an easy job, those who traveled needed supplies to keep them going when civilization wasn't at hand. Darcy made sure to get food he could cook over a fire as well as some potions. The fae always wore a robe of some kind so he could stash his things. The lantern he used for exploring the caves sat at his hip, the oil low but he figured it would be enough until they traveled to the next village. He just wanted to make sure to have food in case they needed to stop or perhaps a potion if one of them got injured along the way. The dark elnin had followed him over to the stand of potions, purchasing the majority that was stocked. He wanted to ask about her afflictions, but felt it was too rude as he didn't even know her name!

"Oh! My name is Darcy! Never introduced ourselves back there."

"Nether." she replied, "And that's Anima and Maia."

He already knew Anima, but Maia waved at him happily. "Thank you for finding my sister! She tends to wander off sometimes... Guess I need to watch her better."

So that's why he found Anima way down into a cave spring. He had a suspicion this is why Nether wanted him around. It would be quite tragic if Anima wandered into an unsafe part of Zevija. Darcy felt it was his duty to guide those around the volcanic traps foreigners were unaware of. Anima was prone to wandering off and if she wandered into the volcanic fields...

"That's my job!" he exclaimed, smiling widely and putting his goods away. "There's another village I think would be a lot safer, there aren't as many tunnels and we can see the springs while on our way."

"Sounds fine. I'd rather quieter places anyway, now that I have potions to hold me over." Nether put hers away as well, all ready and set to adventure into the wilds of Zevija.

With Darcy leading the way, the four of them made their way out of the city limits of Hadaven. Maia was far more conversational than Anima or Nether, the both of them trading a few stories here and there. Anima looked between them as Darcy and Maia walked beside her, Nether right behind them. She couldn't wander off so easily now.

The walk was long as he took the scenic route. Steam rose in the distance indicating they were close to the hot springs. Unlike the pools he found down below the earth, the water was too hot to touch and too toxic to drink. Anima would need to be watched thoroughly.

"Here's the springs! Can't get in them though, too hot." Darcy looked toward Anima, making sure she understood she couldn't get into the pools. Maia complained how much it smelled of sulfur. The water was very clear, the girls peering over the dock to watch the bubbling water for a moment. A sheen of prismatic colors shone over the surface when the sun hit them right. Nether stood waiting for them to get their fill of the sight before she ushered them forward. She was getting tired and Darcy could tell.

"The village isn't too far! The tavern there is nice and cozy, with good food and relaxing rooms." Darcy would motion for them to follow as they walked through the docks.

Anima was more intrigued by the wooden boards they walked upon. She seemed to make a game out of trying not to step on the cracks. Soon, both Maia and Darcy followed suit, skipping along the pathway. Nether was never far behind them.

The sun was setting behind the mountains by the time they arrived at the village, the path diving into the ground and leading into the small community Darcy loved so much. Another place he wanted to live...

Alas, his heart belonged to Hadaven.

Darcy led the group straight to the tavern. The owners recognized the faenin and greeted him as well as welcoming in the other three. "I'll need some rooms and food! You know the routine." he chuckled, sitting down at a table he frequented. The owners laughed and arranged menus before anything else. Nether and the two kittoms sat down with him, Maia a bit excited at the prospect of food.

"Thank you, Darcy. I appreciate you leading us through Zevija." Nether plucked a few coins from her pomu before sliding them across the table toward the fae.

"Hey, as I said, it's my job!" he said, pulling the coins toward him. "It was a pleasure."