Perspective is always funny. Sure, it’s not a word that people think of as being ‘funny’, per se. Their internal thought processes don’t normally match perspective with any sense of amusement. And yet, when one looks at the grander picture, perspective often brings with it a certain feeling of sardonic amusement directed at one’s own naivete.

Case in point. All of Jack’s worries had been directed at Helmrest. To him, it seemed like the world. Because it very much was his world, given what he knew of it. The others around him had somewhat larger perspectives. Brom knew his home and the kingdom feuding with it. Ava knew Satyrs and learned some new things on the road. And Mrk knew the warrens and the stories he heard growing up in them.

Even Elia, born and raised in Helmrest, knew more about the world than Jack. Oh, sure, they were all preoccupied with it, given its latest developments, but in the back of their minds they knew there was a bigger world out there.

Jack didn’t. He figured there must be something, but he didn’t consciously think about it.

Hence his surprise.

“Adventuring.” He muttered, raising his shield.

That was the ‘profession’ that had been on the group’s mind for the past two days. When Elia first proposed it to them, Jack only gave her the blank look that signified he had no idea what she was talking about and that his memory wasn’t picking up the slack. The others knew of this trade and were somewhat more reluctant to her idea.

So, both she and they explained it to Jack.

Adventuring wasn't exactly a profession, but more what some people did when they had too much muscle and not enough coin. Well, that was the general saying, but it wasn’t always about muscle. People fought with ranged weapons, finesse, traps and even magic. But fought they did.

Because that was what adventuring was. Fight your way to a reward. It could be fighting off some monsters or bandits to receive a reward. Or taking nests of monsters and even normal animals apart for their pelts, organs… magical doohickeys? Or simply storming an abandoned settlement, dungeon, what-have-you for the loot that was guarded there.

Admittedly, that last one was sort of rare in their part of the world.

Which is where Elia came in. She apparently gave it some thought herself in her youth, about picking up the sword. The metaphorical sword, since she is and was an |Herbalist| and would have only involved herself as a support role. But she still knew the way adventuring worked and managed to scrounge up information on a potential location.

Now, all she needed was their approval. Which… wasn’t coming that hotly.

“It’s not dangerous, guys.” She had said when she first proposed her idea to them. “I mean, it is, but not life-threatening. And there’s a lot of coins there. Maybe even artifacts.”

“Even if we were to do it… where would we sell these artifacts.” Brom said. “I have not seen an Adventurer Guild in Helmrest.”

“There isn’t one, no. That’s because there isn’t much interest for one in villages and there aren’t many worthwhile locations around. Maybe that will change now. But that isn’t a problem. I’m Village Head now. If you bring it, I can arrange a trade with other towns. Even cities.”

“I see. I still do not know if we should do it.”

“Is it that dangerous? Adventuring?” Jack asked.

Elia had hesitated for a second, before answering.

“It is. If you pick your targets right, you can minimize the risk, like with this location I’ve found for you. But it still is. I wouldn’t have asked, but… well, you know what’s at stake. Even so… you can say no. We’ll find something else.”

They conferred among themselves, weighing out risks and rewards. There were coin and possible artifacts to be had, which wouldn’t benefit them directly, but would be used for Helmrest. An ‘altruistic’ take to adventuring. But they weren’t all fighters. Which was admittedly a big risk in adventuring.

Still. If Jack went, then so did Brom and Mrk. And since he did, so did they. Which only left Ava. The Satyr in question looked troubled, but eventually nodded her head. She wasn’t exactly keen about risking her life after just finding refuge, but she wouldn’t say no to the Keeper. Besides. She’d get to shoot things.

Which is how the next two days found them. Training.

“I really don’t get why I have to use a shield. You said it yourself, using a rapier doesn’t go along well with using a shield.” Jack complained, massaging his sore arm and shoulder.

“Normally, yes. However, rapiers are used by fencers and duelists. Some knights even. And both those with and without Classes fight with grace and experience. You have neither. Therefore, you will use the shield.” Brom lectured.

Jack sighed and nodded, enduring. Seeing his perseverance, Bom slightly amended his statement.

“At least at first, Jack. Until you get your war legs.”

Sightly more encouraged, Jack went back to getting his shield bashed in by Brom. Even so, it was a novel experience for Jack not to be the one most peeved by being new at something. Because on the other side of their ‘training grounds’, Mrk was not having a good time.

“Saw you!” Ava called out.

Mrk got up from the grass, he had ‘stealthily’ been making his way across, dejectedly.

“Ava is cheating. You has |Enhanced Vision|.”

“Yup. Which is why its perfect for you to train with me. Besides, it’s not a given we won’t encounter someone with vision Skills. You heard what Brom said.”

The plan was relatively simple. Elia had found a moderately known abandoned lord’s manor about a day worth of travel separated from them. It belonged to a lord, so some coin was given to be stashed around, somewhere inside. It was also a place with multiple monster sightings confirmed, so it’s was likely it had something magical and/or valuable inside, since monsters were attracted to magic. Which was good, since it meant whatever was inside was still around, as nobody had looted the place yet. And also bad, since it meant they couldn’t just go in willy-nilly.

Enter Brom. As the one with the most fighting experience, he took charge as the one being responsible for the plan. What he did, was assign roles to their party as best they fit to their abilities. Brom would act as a frontliner. Ava would be their ranged combatant. Jack would act as their trump card with his Skills and Spells. And Mrk would be their scout.

And so, for the past almost two days they trained towards their respective roles. Brom would have a session where everyone would try to get him and he would fend everyone off. Jack would have his sparring sessions with Brom. Ava would shoot at distant targets, while trying to spot Mrk making his way to her unnoticed. And Mrk… Mrk would try to be as stealthy as possible, while also trying to remain calm in the face of the cheating Satyr.

They also received some new equipment, courtesy of Elia. Ava had a new bow, quiver and arrows. Mrk now had two long daggers. Jack had a wooden shield. And they were all propped up with all the healing potions, healing creams, stamina potions and so on that Elia could spare without bankrupting herself. Only Brom received no new equipment. That was because he was already better decked out that the others.

They trained for the reminder of the day, until they tiredly made their way to dinner.

“I don’t feel like I’ve gotten any better.” Jack said. “No offence, Brom, it was a good plan. But I think it was too short a time for us to expect to actually improve.”

“Mrk thinks same. Mrk not thinks I is stealthy now.” The ratling wheezed out.

“I don’t necessarily agree. You are not a better fighter or scout than before, true. But that wasn’t the point of the last two days. The point was for you to better understand your role in the party and get a better feel of what you will be doing.” Brom responded.

“Yeah, I tend to agree. I saw hunting parties with really good hunters in them, but no cooperation.” Ava said. “They were usually a disaster.”

“Huh. So, you think we can do this. Go in, fight monsters, grab the loot and get out?” Jack asked.

“If Mrk finds anything too dangerous, we don’t go in. We’d all like to help Elia, but we won’t be able to do that if we’re dead. If we can go in, though… I believe we’re as ready as we’ll ever be.”

“I’d toast to that of we still had any ale. Remember to remind me to buy some, will you?”

“No alcohol before a mission. But yes, I will remind you.” The dwarf sighed.

“Mrk no like this rule.”

“I hear that.” Ava responded.

Their discussion turned more light-hearted after that and soon they were off to their beds. The next morning, they would be off to start their new career as adventurers and Elia would be there to see them off. It was funny to Jack.

A few weeks ago, it was all I could think off to get some meat to eat and lounge around. Now, I’m going to fight monsters to help a village fight off a kingdom.

Perspective.

***

The next day, they woke up early. Well, most of them. Out of the four, only Ava had a tendency to sleep in. She said it was because she missed sleeping under a roof. Personally, Jack thought she just wasn’t a morning person.

They made sure their supplies were well-packed, checked on their gear a final time and only then sat down to have a heavy breakfast. Brom attempted to tell them to eat light, but gave up when he saw he had no audience whatsoever. They all knew their lovely morning stew would be missing for a few days so they compensated for that by chowing down.

With one last look at their hall, they went ahead to make their trek through the forest.

I really hope I get to see this clearing again.

They exited the forest, just as the sun was peeking up above the horizon. And, right on time, just when Elia, Lola and a third someone were nearing them.

Huh? Who’s that?

It was a young man, he saw as they neared, perhaps just a little younger than Jack himself. He thought he was familiar, but couldn’t rightly place him. Jack thought he was good with faces, but he had just met a whole lot of people in Helmrest. Even so, as they almost reached them, it finally clicked. He might not have recognized the young man by face alone. But he did remember him when he spotted the vest.

“Hey!” Jack shouted, before Elia could greet them. “You’re that kid that hit Mrk with a rock!”

As far as greetings went, that couldn’t have been too near to the top.

The ‘kid’ looked like he just swallowed a lemon. For good reason too, since Mrk was looking at him balefully. Brom and Ava were less violent in their gazing, but they too had cause to wonder just why did this young man hit their comrade with a rock.

As always, Jack was there to better the situation with an explanation.

“This guy is… or was, I guess, part of Louis’s gang. He was among those who troubled Lola and when Louis set out to have that duel with me, he sent him to invite me. And he did that by hitting Mrk in the head. With a rock!”

Brom and Ava were now looking at him in the same way Mrk was.

“Hi Jack. Hello everyone.” Elia said, a little winded. “Jack, what you said was true, but it isn’t the whole story. When you all accepted to go on this mission, I looked around the village for help. Moran here was the only one to accept, even if he has no fighting inclination.”

“…what? Why?”

“I’m trying to make amends, sir.” The young man said.

It was odd, him calling Jack ‘sir’, though they were so close in age. Moran himself was almost trembling, but he soldiered on.

“I won’t say I was part of Louis’s gang unwillingly, but… sir, I have no real way to excuse myself. Louis treated his friends nicely, even if I was the one odd out. Because of that I didn’t see… no, I did see. But I just turned a blind eye to how he treated others. But these last few weeks, what he and his family did and what you did, saving us from the monsters. It opened my eyes, sir. I cut ties with them, a little before he and his family left. I just didn’t apologize until now, because I was… well, scared.”

“Moran good to be scared.” Mrk intoned.

He blanched, but nodded.

“Yes. I… I wanted to apologize to you Mrk, for what I did. Just for the record, I wasn’t aiming for your head, but… Still. I am very sorry. And to you, sir. For how I’ve treated you.”

Jack hadn’t been on the receiving end of such a heartfelt apology before, so he wasn’t sure exactly how to act. Well, he did know one thing.

“Don’t call me sir. I’m not saying I’m accepting your apology, just… don’t call me sir. It feels weird.”

“Yes… Jack.”

“Jack.” Lola said. “Moran apologized to me too. Before now, so he isn’t just doing this to get in with the group. And he was never one to make fun of me, even if he was close to Louis. I’ve accepted his apology. I’m not saying you have to, I’m just telling you I’ve forgiven him, for his choice in friends.”

Before Jack could respond, she continued.

“We all make bad decisions, sometimes. What matters is what we do to about it.”

That was something Jack could feel directly. Lola’s past, his lack of will. He understood that. And though he didn’t see it, the gleam in Brom, Mrk and Ava’s eyes softened up as well.

He looked at Mrk, catching his eye. The ratling simply shrugged, in a ‘what-can-you-do’ type of gesture.

Fair enough.

“Alright, then. I’ll forgive you for what you’ve done, Moran. But, Elia, I’m still not sure he’s the right type for this kind of activity? Moran, you ever been in a fight before.”

“Uh, yes s- Jack, I’ve been in a couple of scraps. But only with other boys from the village. Nothing like what you did in the forest, with the monsters. My parents lived because of you, that day. I just wanted to say that.”

He seemed eager enough. And he looked apologetic too, Jack noticed. Still, should they take him in?

“I didn’t bring him here because I thought he could fight.” Elia said. “Brom, I understand you are the brains of this little adventure. I know most likely only the four of you will be fighting. But I thought you could use help on the road as well. Moran here knows the roads and he can help you carry your loads.”

“So… he’s going to be our mule?” Jack asked.

He looked at Moran and thought the young man would be insulted by the unfortunate turn of phrase, but if anything, he looked eager.

“Yes. I’ll help, anyway I can. Like I said, I’m not much of a fighter, but I’ll help any other way I can.”

“I still don’t like this. He is an unknown and if we get ambushed, I cannot vouch for his safety.”

“That’s ok, uh… Brom?”

The dwarf nodded.

“I have a club.” He said, brandishing a leather handled wooden club. “Pickle gave it to me. I’ll stay back, but I can defend myself if need be.”

Of course Pickle gave him an actual club.

“Hmm. Fine. You can come. If the others are all right with this too.” He said, nodding at them.

“I guess I’m alright.” Jack shrugged.

“Mrk too.”

“Yeah, sure, beats having to carry all of this.” Ava laughed.

“Then it is settled. Now, come with me.”

Moran was then carried off a few feet away, where Ava cheerfully unloaded half of all their bags and saddled Moran with them, while Brom gave him a stoic crash-course in what he was and what he was not allowed to do while they fought.

That left Jack and Mrk to have some last words with Lola and Elia.

“Take these. I know Elia have you all sort of things, but these I made myself.” She said, as she handed Jack an Mrk each a couple of hardened clay spheres, one painted red and one green.

“Thanks. But, what are these?”

“These are the rewards of all your hard work.” She grinned. “I managed to extract the essence of the red and green mushrooms and packed them in these spheres. I also managed to, uh, increase their effect, though Elia helped me with that.”

“What balls do?” asked Mrk, sniffing one.

“I’m honestly not sure. But it should be powerful. So, you know, don’t use them up close. I would have made more, but… I’m still new to this and-“

“Not a problem, Lola. Thank you!” he grinned.

“Mrk thanks too.”

The girl smiled, but Jack could see the worry in her eyes. Sure, it wasn’t like they were facing off against an army of monsters, like they had before, but it would still be possibly dangerous.

“Don’t worry, Lola.” Elia said, perhaps sensing that. “They will all be fine. They have to. Helmrest needs a Refuge and the Refuge needs its residents.” She laughed.

Then, more seriously, she added.

“But I’m serious, Jack. Stay safe. All of you stay safe. If it’s too dangerous, turn around and come home. We need you more than we need what coin you may make.”

They said their goodbyes after that, their party of four plus one heading on towards riches and glory.

The creed of adventurers everywhere.

***

The road itself wasn’t very interesting. Just an endless dirt road, cutting through fields, hills and very rarely having any houses built anywhere in sight. But Moran knew the road, knew where they were supposed to go, more or less, so they simply followed him.

While they walked, they talked about what they might encounter.

“So, it’s going to be monsters, right? I mean, you’re sure?” Jack asked.

“I am. People have reported being attacked by monsters before. Enough times, from what Elia said, that I don’t believe monsters to simply be prowling around that location. It is most likely a monster nest.”

“Nest?”

“Yeah, it’s a general term.” Responded Ava. “It can be a pack of Rockhide Wolves or Ball Bats or anything. But if they’re there to stay, you call it a nest.”

“Right. So, what kind of monsters do you think we’ll find?”

“The deadly kind.” Ava said.

“I’m serious!” Jack said, but he smiled when Ava burst out in laughter.

“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I don’t know enough about monsters to say.”

“Brom?”

“I am afraid monster fighting is not my area of interest either. But I would expect something like Rockhide wolves. The manor is not a very long distance away from Helmrest, so I expect to find similar monsters to those that attacked it.”

Jack remembered the monster attack and walked straighter for a few seconds. That wasn’t something he would enjoy. He almost died that day, several times, so he knew fairly well just how dangerous those types of creatures were.

Still. Better the monsters I know how to fight than those I don’t.

“We will not go in blind.” Brom assured them. “Mrk will scout ahead and relay what he sees to us. Only then we will make the decision to fight or not.”

“Yes.” Said the ratling, with more bravado than he felt.

“Right. Well, I guess that’s as good a plan as any.”

“You’re all so doom and gloom.” Laughed Ava. “Is that how it normally is with you guys?”

“…no? I mean, we’ve had a rough few days, but I’d say we’re normally more lighthearted.”

“Yeah. I can see that.”

“I’m serious! Sure thing.” The Satyr grinned. “So, why don’t we talk about the loot instead? Lift your spirits?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean guess. Isn’t that part of adventuring too? Imagining all those goods you could get your hands on?”

“I don’t know. It may come as a surprise, but it’s my first time doing this.”

They laughed at hearing that and Ava went on.

“That Elia lady said this was some ancient lord’s house. So, we could expect to find enchanted items befitting a lord.”

“What befits lord?” asked Mrk.

“No idea. Satyrs don’t have lords.” She shrugged.

“If the lord was martially inclined, we could expect to find a set of arms and armor fit for that lord, perhaps enchanted.” Said Brom. “If not, then perhaps other items. Protective enchantments, anti-poison pendants and the like.”

“So, you guys are going to fight these possible monsters for a chance at finding magical things? No gold?” Moran asked them innocently.

They laughed even harder at that.

“Nah.” Jack told him. “Whatever magical things we may find are just the dessert. The gold will be our main course.”

Riches and glory.

***

It turned out Mrk wasn’t needed at all. All his days of training had been in vain. Well, it was only two days, but it still annoyed him quite a lot to try sneaking on the perceptive Satyr. Still, he didn’t regret not being needed. He very much preferred not needing to sneak up on that.

“Uh… guys? I know we’re supposed to be prepared to find any kind of monsters around here, but… just what the fuck is that?” Jack asked, pointing at the lumbering figure.

With a sigh, Brom responded.

“That is an ogre.”