Eren closed the door to her room softly. She had just spent the evening talking with Ril about his upcoming mission. He had seemed excited but she recognized the danger associated with the quest.

Eren sighed, shrugging into a shift before sitting heavily at the desk in the corner of the room. She fiddled with some of the papers, mostly crime reports she had taken home from work, before facing the inevitable.

She was not looking forward to today's report.

Reluctantly she pushed all the papers to the side, and from the drawer pulled out a thin notebook bound in rough black leather. She turned it over twice, chewing on her lip, then unlooped the string that held it closed and lay the notebook flat on the table.

She brushed past several months of correspondence before settling on a mostly blank page. The notebook was nearly full, only a dozen or so pages left to write on.

The cramped handwriting of two styles looked up at her as she found a pencil to write with.

Without further thought Eren settled into her chair and began to write a careful sentence in a cramped handwriting that was atypical of her, but managed to fit many more words per square inch than her regular flowing style.

Ril received mission. Retrieve package from Menteridge. Go with Zed and team ‘Fellowship of the Bling’

Eren sat back and lay her pencil down.

As she waited for a response she thought about her work. It had been nice to work as a guard in Sela. The other guards in the police force appreciated her in a way that was flattering. Her Empyrean powers were actually incredibly suited for catching criminals.

It was easy to arrest a criminal when they could barely lift their own arms due to her power.

In the last month, after her promotion, she had been moved to a garrison near the center of the city where she would wait until one of the roving guards would request help and then she would rush to their position and weaken everyone in range.

The job was easier than having to push through the crowds and it reassured the other guards that she was looking after them.

They called her the Guardian Angel.

Eren blushed slightly at the unfortunate nickname. It wasn’t the most fitting name considering and was more than a little embarrassing, but despite her efforts the name stuck.

Suddenly, a flash of movement caught her attention. Underneath her cramped script, ink flowed up into the page, swirling and absorbing into the page, forming letters in an equally restricted style.

Why?! Siorraid gave? What for?

Eren quickly read the words, then picked up her pencil.

Siorraid thinks Ril ready. Also needed.

There was a short pause as the message was read by the other party.

Ril wants? The Fellowship?

Eren turned the page of the small notebook, there was not enough space on the previous page for any more words.

Yes, yes. He excited., Eren wrote.

Idiot, a response came a moment later. Can you join?

Tried, Eren wrote, Can’t. Many reasons.

The notebook went quiet. No response forthcoming to her words.

A minute passed, then two, and Eren was about to close the notebook when more text flowed into existence on the page. This time the handwriting was faster, more angular and not as tight as was customary with telegram paper.

Is he prepared for the journey? Does he have warm clothes, firestarter, lightsticks?

Eren smiled sadly at the words. The princess, for all her faults, really cared for that kid.

Yes, Siorraid helped prepare them himself. He will be fine.

A moment passed, and Eren could almost hear the sigh coming from the silence on the page.

Alright, continue report. Evelyn wrote her handwriting tightening once more.

* * *

The next day, four individuals swaggered into a particular shop of the market district of Sela. If Ril had been there he would have instantly recognized them as being remarkably similar to the drawings that Siorraid had shown him of the Fellowship of the Bling.

But Ril wasn’t there, so the shopkeeper who was manning the front desk did not recognize the famous, or infamous depending on who you asked, adventuring party. All he saw was a group of seemingly wealthy patrons ready and willing to part with their cash.

“Good morning! Welcome to the Gibli’s Grand Shop of Wonders! My name is Gibli and this is my store!” the shopkeeper cried, “What can I do for you today?”

The Fellowship of the Bling paused at the entryway, their eyes roving the collection of oddities that were arranged on the shelves of Gibli’s shop. It looked like there was everything from rope to swords arranged artfully on pedestals.

Gael, the blond leader stepped forward business-like and formal.

“We are about to embark on a journey, and we were wondering if you had any healing potions available.”

Behind him, Orion flitted to the shelves and began to touch everything almost randomly. Oohing and ahhing at the most mundane of objects. Delilah stood imperiously near the door, glancing distastefully at the street while Liam stood awkwardly in the center of the store, distrust in his eyes, and his burly fist clenched tightly over a bulging money pouch at his waist.

“Potion! Potions, of course. I have potions!” Gibli said, quickly he retreated, before pulling out a wooden box lined with velvet. Inside three small vials of red liquids clinked against each other as they settled from the speed of their transit.

“I have three potions of greater healing that I can sell to you!” Gibli gestured proudly at the meager supply.

Gael frowned but leaned forward to inspect the potions. Behind him, Liam stepped tentatively forward, his worried expression peaking.

“Hey, Gael, we don’t have t--” Liam started.

“Shut up Liam.” Delilah said, not even bothering to turn around and look at the big oaf.

Gael ignored the both of them as he held one of the potions up to the light. From his pack he retrieved a slip of paper which was colored in shades of red. He held up the potion to the light and compared the color to that on the sheet.

“Ah! A discerning customer. Very good, very good. I can assure you that these are the highest quality products you can find in all of Sela. I bought them off a trader who got them from the Schmidt Brothers!” Gibli said this, smiling widely.

It was widely known that the Schmidt Brothers were the best brewers this side of the mountains. Better quality potions were hard to come by.

“I see.” Gael said slowly.

Despite this, Gael looked unconvinced. He shook the potion watching the viscous liquid slosh. Then he pulled out a magnifying glass and proceeded to observe the flask.

“Hmm,” Gibli rubbed his chin, “well while you are here are there any other objects that you might need on your journey? Perhaps rope or a tent. I recently acquired an exceptionally well woven tent that I guarantee will protect you from even the most freezing of weather!”

Liam who had adopted the face of a kicked dog seemed to muster his courage. “We don’t need a rope, or a tent. Can we just go? This place makes me uncomfortable.”

Delilah snorted, tossing her angelic locks over her shoulder.

Gale turned around and gave Liam a long suffering look, then he shot Orion a pleading glance. Orion smiled brightly at Gael, then sidled away from the shelves and gave Liam’s arm a big hug.

“Aww! Don’t worry big guy. Let’s go outside. You can intimidate the passersby while Gael parts with our hard earned cash.”

Liam winced, but after a moment allowed the much shorter woman to drag him out of the store.

Gael returned to the shopkeeper and his potions.

“How much for these potions?”

Gibli nodded excitedly, “It is three hundred for one but I can give you the lot for seven fifty.But are you sure you don’t want anything else? Perhaps jewelry or a...magic item would interest you perchance?”

Gael paused when he heard ‘jewelry’ but stopped entirely when he heard magic. He gave the shopkeeper an appraising look, his eyes widening slightly. “What magic item do you have?”

“Ahh! Wonderful! I knew there was something else that you needed on your journey!” Gibli cried, he ducked into the back room and moments later returned with an ornate dark oak jewelry box. He placed it gently on the table and with a flourish lifted the lid.

“Voila!”

Inside the box lay a small iron ring with a small red and black garnet adorning it. Gael leaned forward staring intently at the ring.

“This here ring mayhaps looks simple, but it has some magical properties that an adventurer like you would covet. It is crafted from the hardest iron and upon its crest is a black garnet that greatly empowers its enchantment!”

“What is the enchantment for?” Gael asked, not taking his eyes off the ring.

From the back of the store, Delilah perked up and moved to stand next to the buff leader, her gaze also upon the small ring. However upon noticing its less than aesthetic appeal she snorted and returned to her spot by the door.

“This enchantment is incredibly potent. He, or she,” Gibli said, sending a sly glance at Delilah, “who wears this ring would be protected from the fires that would seek to harm your person.”

“So it is a ring of fire resistance?” Gael clarified.

“Mmmm, let's say fire protection.” Gibli corrected, “So what do you think. Does this artifact interest you?”

Gael nodded solemnly, “It does, how much for it?”

“I can sell you this powerful artifact for a measly five thousand dekars. A paltry sum I assure you for the power that this artifact holds.” Gibli reassured.

Gael paled, glancing indecisively between Gibli and the ring of fire protection.

“That sounds...expensive.” Gael gulped.

“But well within your means, is it not?” Gibli countered.

“Perhaps,” Gael shot a guilty look back to his party members. “Perhaps you would be willing to lower the price some?”

Gibli shook his head sadly, “Unfortunately I cannot do that. This is not some paltry item that is sold by most anyone. I daresay that this here artifact is the only one in Sela! I am sure that another buyer would be more than willing to take this here ring home with them for the sum I outlined. In fact! There has been several someones who have portrayed interest in this ring. It would be a crime against my business if I were to sell this ring for less.”

Gael nodded along stealing greedy glances at the ring.

“Come on Gael. Let’s go already.” Delilah called impatiently from the door.

“Coming, give me a sec!” Gael called back to her, “Say Gibli. What about five thousand for the ring and the three potions?”

“All three!” Gibli gasped in indignation, “that is far too much! Perhaps I could part with one of the potions as a gift for selling the ring, but all three is being unreasonable young master.”

Gael hesitated, his hand hovering over his coin pouch.

“Gael. Just buy the potions and let’s go. You don’t need the ring, and besides its winter. It won’t be helpful to you where we’re going.” Delilah grouched. She had lost her patience and had come to the front desk to drag Gael away, physically if she had to.

“But look at it!” Gael gestured to the ring as if it was a priceless artifact. “I want it.”

“Fine, whatever, buy it. But let’s go already.” Delilah said impatiently, tapping her heals rapidly on the wooden floor.

Gael hesitated, “But I don’t really need it do I?” He made it sound like a question.

“Then don’t buy it!”

At this point Gibli whose neck was starting to ache from ping ponging back and forth between the two decided to step in to reclaim his sale.

“It is indeed a valuable artifact, and if you do not buy this here ring now, it is likely to be gone before you come back!” Gibli gesticulated, trying to convey the importance of the sale to the vacillating customer.

Gael seemed torn, his face shifting rapidly before it seemed that one side won out.

“I don’t need it.” He said firmly. He nodded to himself firmly as if that was that. “We will take the three health potions for seven fifty dekars.”

Gibli sighed, but nodded knowing when he lost. He swiftly tucked the ring away and packaged the three potions in soft bags to protect them from impact and vibration.

“An intelligent choice!” Gibli said, “If you are still interested in the ring I will still have it for the next day or so, but after that it will be gone!”

Gael nodded painfully, and regretfully strode out of the store with Delilah in tow.

Outside the two adventurers met up with Liam and Orion who had found a semi secluded wall to lean against while they waited. When they appeared, Liam perked up.

“How much?” Liam asked desperately.

At his side, Orion stroked his arm calmingly. “There, there. It’s alright. Soon we will leave the city and make a whole boatload more money. You don’t have to worry a thing.”

Liam glanced down at her, but didn’t seem fully mollified. “We don’t need the potions. I’ll just take all the blows...” he murmured.

The others ignored him.

“So what else do we need?” Orion asked, then started ticking off fingers, “We got rope, blankets, the tent, food, food for Liam, dresses for Delilah, and... Am I missing anything?”

Both Liam and Delilah gave the Eliminator affronted looks but it was Gael who responded.

“I believe so.”

“Did you buy that ring he offered you?” Liam asked intensely.

“Ahh, no. Just the potions.” Gael answered regretfully.

Delilah snapped her fingers twice loudly. “We need to meet up with the two Outriders we hired to join us. Where did you say they were waiting for us again?”

“Near the front entrance of the city. We still need to rent out a cart and horses for the journey.” Gael added as an afterthought.

“Ok, let’s go.” Delilah said imperiously and strode into the crowd. Liam quickly ran past her and started making way for the beautiful woman. A moment later Orion and Gael joined behind the wake that Liam was making.

They only made it one street when Gael shouted “Wait!”

They pulled to the side and gave him questioning looks.

With an evasive expression he muttered “There is just something I forgot to buy, just wait here a second.” Then he ran off the way they came. Liam looked curiously at Orion who shrugged. Delilah sighed deeply and started tapping her foot again.

Barely a minute later, Gibli looked up from the magazine he was idly perusing to gaze upon a huffing adventurer standing in his doorway.

“Oh! Back so soon?”

* * *

“Now do we have everything that we need?” Delilah asked crossly, her arms crossed, and her face petulant.

“I’m good, sister!” Gael replied happily while twiddling his left hand energetically so that the iron ring topped with a black garnet caught the faint blue light of the mushrooms.

“Oh! That’s a pretty ring, good for you Gael!” Orion congratulated.

“Why thank you. It is a ring of fire resistance!”

“Was it expensive?” Liam asked, wringing his hands worriedly.

“Not at all. In fact I got a marvelous deal.” Gael nodded proudly, “On to the stables! Let’s get this adventure started.”

* * *

Ril leaned against the concrete gate. Beside him Zed idly scanned the surroundings with half lidded eyes. Zed had been given his own mission briefing by Siorraid and the two had come here an hour earlier waiting for the Fellowship of the Bling to arrive so that they could leave.

Both of them were armed to the teeth. Sword, shield, and daggers to spare covered their leather armor, but was mostly hidden underneath their black cloaks and cloth face masks. They had silently agreed that it would be best to cover up as much skin as possible to avoid having to explain why their veins glowed slightly. In the perpetual dusk of Sela, the glow was evident.

What wasn’t hidden by their cloaks were two beautiful recurve bows that were strapped to their backs. The bows had been a gift from Siorraid and both Ril and Zed were ecstatic at the weapons. At their hips were quivers containing thirty arrows each.

Although neither Ril nor Zed were archers in the sense that they had abilities that empowered their shots, they had both gotten exceptionally good with bows during their training with the White Lily.

On their backs were packs full of food and clothing that would keep them warm in the winter weather. Ril had a small tent strapped to his pack, while Zed had the two bedrolls.

With the help of both Siorraid and surprisingly Eren, they had collected a surprising amount of useful equipment for the mission.

Ril even had a pan tied to the side of his pack.

“Are they here yet?” Ril asked Zed, who shook his head with a sigh.

After the prerequisite giggle at the adventuring team's name, they had lapsed into silence, and ultimately boredom.

“How are they late? Aren’t they professionals?” Ril complained.

“I mean- wait. I think I see them. Yes that’s definitely them.” Zed said, and pointed.

Ril looked and saw four richly dressed people approach. Well three richly dressed people and a shirtless barbarian. He recognized all four of them from the pictures that Siorraid had shown him, but the first thing that he noticed was that the images didn’t do the group justice.

Well, it didn’t do the girls- ahem, women in the group justice. Delilah was far more beautiful than the image could ever convey. She was wearing a dress unlike the others, but didn’t seem bothered by the impracticality.

Instantly Ril tensed, clamping down on his emotions, all of Siorraid’s warnings flashing through his mind in an instant. He did not like the near supernatural attraction he felt for the woman. Zed didn’t appear to have any such misgivings.

Ril elbowed his companion in the ribs.

“Ow, oh, right.” Zed nodded embarrassed, then waved at the four.

The Fellowship of the Bling quickly veered towards them and paused taking them in.

“I thought there was going to be two of you?” Gael, the tall blond bearded rich boy said. A garnet ring sparkled on his left hand.

Ril nodded, they expected that his clone would make issues of this sort. They decided that there was no point hiding the ability since Ril essentially used it twenty-four seven. “Yeah, that’s just an ability that I have. Don’t worry about it there are actually just two of us.”

Gael grunted, “As long as you are only taking your part of the pay, we’re good.” Gael grunted, then nodded over to the stables. “Orion could you get us a horse and cart?”

Orion perked up. She had been studying the two Ril’s and looked miffed at having to leave. “Hey Gael? Remember that time that I said you were cool?”

Gael blinked twice. “What?”

“Yeah, me neither.”

Gael rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Please?”

Orion pouted prettily at him, her lashes fluttering.

Gael sighed. “Fine.” Then turned around and walked briskly over to the stable.

For some reason Ril saw the man look at his garnet ring and smile on the way over. Perhaps the man was married?

Ril glanced curiously at Zed, wondering if he was as confused as he was, and noticed that Zed was trying, unsuccessfully, to redirect his eyes away from Delilah’s ample assets.

“You’re staring at me like you are trying to fill a void.” Delilah told Zed lusciously, her eyes though, were dismissive.

Zed blushed deeply, looking down. From under his hood a faint ‘sorry’ could be heard.

“Don’t be, I rather enjoy it.” Delilah replied, the predatory grin that Ril had noticed from her mugshot appearing at last.

“Aww? Is he blushing?” Orion teased, leaning down to try and get a look at his face. This unfortunately just showed more of her own cleavage and Zed’s face got even redder.

Ril sighed, suppressing his own embarrassment.

This was going to be a long trip.