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You didn’t mean to fall asleep under the tree. It just sort of happened, really. You have been traveling between cities, aimlessly like you usually do, when you noticed how nice out it was. It was such a pleasantly warm day that you had to take a seat by a shady tree. One thing led to another and the next thing you knew, you were off to snooze-ville. Well, actually, the next thing you knew you were being awoken from snooze-ville by some loud shouts and weapons clashing.
Whatever was going on was not sounding good. You can’t ignore this. Quickly but quietly, you get up and move through the woods towards the commotion. The sight you come across…isn’t good. In the middle of a clearing, there are three people fighting a large Sadness, and by the looks of things, they weren’t winning.
From what you can tell, the healer of the group had run out of healing craft and wasn’t looking too hot on tonics either. The fighter’s attacks just weren’t effective against the Sadness at all despite how much he was trying. The researcher looked like she was anxiously waiting for her cool down to be over so she could do something, anything. All of them looked like they had taken a lot of damage, and, as slow as the Sadness was moving, the group was moving even slower. They were going to die at this rate. You grip your dagger.
You rush over towards the party and slash at the Sadness, landing a critical hit on the thing. You try to sound cool while you enter the fight, “Mind if I cut in?”
It didn’t take long for the fight to turn in your favor. The group might not be fast, but you picked up the slack. After a couple of turns and some lucky hits, the Sadness was defeated and faded from existence. You look back towards the group and see them dusting themselves off from a fight well fought.
The healer is the first to talk to you, despite seeming a little frazzled. Her hands were clasped together, and her eyes had a watery shine to them. “Th-thank you so much for helping us out! That could’ve been really bad if you hadn’t stepped in.”
“Yeah, we would’ve been goners if it wasn't for you!” The fighter was still dusting himself off. Despite looking worse for wear, he sounded cheery.
The researcher didn’t look as pleased. You hadn’t noticed until now but she had been staring at you hard. She adjusted her glasses as she spoke. “What were you doing in the woods, anyway? Sadnesses have been known to roam around these parts.”
“I was just passing through.” You shrug. “What about you?”
The healer suddenly looked nervous. She avoided eye contact with you, and you can’t help but wonder if you said something wrong. She does answer though, “Well actually, we’re sort of on a quest? To save all of Vanguard?”
The fighter filled in some more details on the healer’s behalf. He looked pretty proud of his companion as he explained, “The King has been freezing the country in time and we’re helping the chosen one here to defeat him!”
Your eyes grow big. You had heard something about a chosen one although you were fuzzy on the details. The idea of a quest, roaming with a goal, seemed really appealing right about now. Not thinking, you blurt out, “Can I tag along?”
The party looked surprised by your suggestion. You immediately second guess yourself. Maybe asking wasn’t a good idea? The healer looked the most surprised, like she wasn’t used to having volunteers for her cause which is kinda weird given she has a party already? Pulling you out of your thoughts, she asks, “You want to join our party?”
The fighter considered the offer for a moment and then nodded. “We could use the extra help! Plus he clearly knows their way around scissor craft. We could use another scissors type on the team.”
The researcher frowns and shakes her head. “We don’t even know their name.”
Oh right, you never introduced yourself. Wanting to make a good impression, you twirled your dagger in your hand as a bit of extra flair. “I’m Siffrin. It’s knife to meet you.”
That got a good chuckle from the fighter. His deep, loud laugh was just so satisfying to hear. The healer gives a small, “oh nooo” while the researcher groans, which are also good responses in your book. “Oh gems, this is going to be a long journey.”
“I like you already!” The fighter smiles and offers his hand out to you. “I’m Isabeau.”
You don’t remember what you’re supposed to do with that Vanguardian custom. You simply nodded in response. Isabeau seems a little confused and puts his hand away. Did…did you mess that up?
The healer jumped in frantically. She still seemed nervous, but she had a small smile on her face. “I’m Mirabelle! It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Finally the researcher introduces herself. She doesn’t seem as weary of you, but it felt like she still had her guard up. “Odile.”
Mirabelle’s smile faltered as she asked you, “Are you sure you want to join us though? It’s going to be dangerous.”
You smile and nod again. “I don’t mind danger.”
Besides, you have nothing better to do.