Becka clutched his hand and walked off. “Let’s get out of the smithy. I’m already roasting.”

Glenn followed. “You’d be a lot more comfortable in something other than that dress.”

She laughed and brushed her hair back over her shoulder. “If only Levos would pull the stick out of His ass, I’d shrug off everything I own and prance around for you in nothing at all. Three months.”

Glenn happily followed her out of the smithy. Once she closed the door, the heat abated immediately. Perhaps the door had some sort of Skill cast on it as well. Glenn found himself incredibly curious, but now was not the time.

“Sit,” Becka said, and pointed at the chairs they’d vacated.

Glenn glanced at Karl. “With your father in the room?”

“He’ll be sleeping until morning,” Becka assured him. “Trust me, I know.”

Glenn settled back into his seat. Becka pulled her chair over to sit beside him, but didn’t invite him closer. Glenn waited, evaluating her now somewhat pensive face. What was this about?

“If the Blazers ask you to join them,” Becka said, “you say yes.”

Glenn frowned. “I thought we’d agreed to make that decision together.”

“We did. And I’ve just told you what decision we should make, together.”

“I think you may be misinterpreting what together actually means.”

Becka poked him with a frown. “Don’t dance around stone. I might thirst after you for months after you depart on a life of adventure and glory, but if you have to leave me, I’ll Level and move on. I’ve prepared for that. You need to prepare as well.”

For a moment, it hurt Glenn that Becka had just admitted that she’d be just fine if he left her trapped here in Wolfpine and joined the Blazer’s Guild. Yet in another moment, it made him glad she’d just assured him she’d be okay even if he did have to leave. Of course she’d be okay.

He didn’t want to leave her. Becka was exciting and practical and absolutely gorgeous, but she was also correct. They could not defy the Gods. Adventurers were always prepared for any bump in the road, including that the Gods might not choose them as one at all.

“If the Blazers invite me to leave,” Glenn asked, “you’re certain you won’t let me stay and help?”

“Just knowing you would stay for me is all I need,” Becka said confidently. “Just like you know I’d stay here and help you if our situations were reversed.”

As Glenn looked into her determined brown eyes, he knew he couldn’t talk her out of this. He also knew she was making sense. “I know you would.”

Becka took his hands. “So we have an accord. If the Gods bless us both as Adventurers, we’ll Level together here in Grassea. If the Blazers choose only one of us to join them, we’ll accept even if the other remains behind. And if one of us is chosen as Townsfolk, the other leaves town with no regrets.”

“And if both of us are chosen as Townsfolk…”

“Then the Gods are blind and deaf,” Becka said. “And stinky.”

Glenn chuckled. He didn’t disagree with anything she’d said. Yet she still needed him to say it aloud, to seal the bargain they were going to make.

“So?” she asked.

“We have an accord,” he confirmed.

“Excellent. Now, sit here a moment. I’m going upstairs. Give me a few minutes to get changed, then come up to the attic and join me.”

Glenn had been up her attic before. He really liked her attic.

“Before you arrive, I’m going to slip that dress back on. The one I wore in the square, with the cut that had your eyes glued to my chest.”

“Oh,” Glenn said.

“And those shoes.”

“You could barely walk in those shoes.”

“I’ve already gotten quite a bit better, though I could use more practice. I’ll need someone to watch me walk around my room and watch my progress closely, and after you worked so hard to get me drunk, I’ll definitely need a great deal of assistance in keeping my balance.”

“I volunteer,” Glenn immediately said.

“Such a gentleman.” Becka sauntered over to the ladder leading up to her attic room and climbed—very slowly—up the ladder.

Glenn enjoyed every rung.

====

Celes, Goddess of Resurrection, exists at the beginning of all things, while Ralun, God of Endings, exists at the end of time. Together, these two Gods created Balarel. They gave birth to the Nurturer Gods, who ensure mortals thrive, and the Challenger Gods, who challenge mortals to grow stronger.

These ten Gods are known as the Pantheon. While all are worshipped by mortals, mortals pay particular tribute to Gods known to favor their Class.

Gods of The Beginning and the End

Celes, Goddess of Resurrection: The Mother of All who created Balarel, the Nurturer and Challenger Gods, and everything that lives and breathes. Patron of life and Lifecasters.

Ralun, God of Endings: The End of Everything. Ensures Balarel’s population remains in balance and allows the defeated to pass peacefully. Patron of Deathcasters and Desouled.

Nurturer Gods

Vox, Goddess of Adventurers: Also known as the “Goddess of Battle” and worshipped by all who Level through combat. She favors those with an adventurous spirit and those who yearn to unlock new discoveries. A patron of Duelists, Skirmishers, and Tinkers.

Levos, God of the Hearth: Also known as the “Common Age God”, a name used derisively by those who chafe at the Laws of Levos. He favors mortals who improve themselves by creating resources for their community. A patron of Culinarians, Cultivators, and Builders.

Isdon, God of Commerce: Also known as “The Townsfolk God”. He favors mortals who seek to gain experience and grow wealthy through service to others. A patron of Auracasters, Blacksmiths, Merchants, Politicians, Alchemists, Enchanters, Scribes, and Entertainers.

Kya, Goddess of Duty: Also known as the “Shield Goddess”. Favors mortals who devote their lives to growing stronger in the service of protection of others. A patron of Brutalists and Town Guards.

Challenger Gods

Idros, God of Monsters: Also known as the “Primal God”. Favors tribal Monsters of all kinds and those with strong connections to the raw elemental forces of Balarel. Patron of Harmcasters.

Ansin, God of Beasts: Also known as the “Savage God”. Favors beastial Monsters of all kinds and those who fight only with the strength of their bodies and minds. Patron of Anchorites.

Xiva, Goddess of the Unseen: Also known as the “Goddess of Shadows”. Favors Demons and those who defeat their enemies using misdirection and deceit, as well as those who subvert magic. Patron of Shadowers and Guilecasters.

Dina, Goddess of the Hunt: Also known as the “Predator God.” Favors those who hunt and defeat others to grow stronger, both mortal and otherwise. Patron of Rangers.