Nova was bored. The tavern they were sitting in had maybe two people there, and it didn't seem like it would get any more crowded. Not only that, but they hadn't been on an interesting adventure in what seemed like ages. In reality, it had only been four days. Maybe it was time to start thinking about going to the castle under the hill. Nova ran a finger around the lip of their glass and let out a breath. The castle under the hill… that was all anyone could talk about these days. Castle this, castle that. They'd always thought it was a little annoying to hear about it, but it definitely wouldn't be annoying if their name went along with it. Not because they'd died there, but because they'd walked out of there with all the treasure they could hold. That would be awesome. A lazy smile floated across their face. Before that happened, though, they'd need to find some people to go with, gather supplies, and do so much more. The smile faded– planning stuff wasn't their favorite thing to do.
Kelton entered the tavern wordlessly, he had tried to find a quiet spot in the forest to relax and figure out his plans on how to get to the castle, but there were many unfamiliar creatures, and he just felt nervous there. He sat down at one of the empty tables and pulled out his leather-bound journal. He had already written down some of his plans and ideas, he just had no idea how any of them would work. He sighed shaking his head at his writings, he heard on the workers approach him and he just waved him away, the last thing he needed was to be distracted from his work. He set out the maps he and his uncle had made before he had disappeared and his journal trying to find the shortest path to the castle. Kelton wasn't going to see the beautiful sights that surrounded the area, but rather find the castle and make his family proud. He leaned back and studied each map noting the similarities and differences between them. As he thought, an idea formed in his mind, 'If I could just communicate the animals, perhaps that could help?' But he knew that was a far-fetched idea, the animals were very unreliable when it came to directions. he smirked wryly thinking of what had happened when he had asked a rabbit for help to getting to this village, it had not gone well at all.
The door to the tavern opened and Nova turned to see who it was. Someone they'd never seen before walked in, sat down, and pulled out a journal. Now that might be interesting. Nova craned their head, then moved down the bar a few seats until they were almost right behind the newest patron. They turned around in their chair and rested their chin on the backrest. It looked like he had a bunch of maps leading to… ooh, could it be? Nova leaned forward, squinting at the maps. It looked like they were all showing paths going towards the castle under the hill. Maybe they wouldn't have to go searching for someone to go with them after all.
"Are you going to the castle under the hill?" They asked, their voice smooth and soft.
Kelton nodded slightly, not even looking up at the person speaking to him. He was sort of lost in his thoughts and ideas but realizing how rude that may seem he looked up and turned to face the person behind him, "Yes, I am going there. Might I ask why?" He knew that a lot of people in the area told fables of the castle and that was the last thing he needed at the moment, he had only come here in hopes of figuring out his ideas, then maybe finding a place to lodge for the night. He quickly studied the person sitting behind him, "If you are going to warn me or tell about how bad of an idea it is, trust me, I know all of that, you need not waste your time in telling me." He reached for his journal and pencil and began to write out a list of things that he would need, "So, if you would be kind enough to excuse me, I would like to get back to my work." Only after he said that did he realize that he must have sounded like a major fool, but at this point of his life, he really didn't care, he just wanted to find the castle, get the treasure, then come back.
“Goodness, you’re a friendly one, aren’t you?” Nova exclaimed, the accompanying smile indicating that they were joking. “No, I’m not going to warn you. Anyone with working ears knows everything there is to know about that place, and you look like you have working ears. As it happens, I am also thinking of going to the castle under the hill, deadly dangers and all.” They grabbed their bag and hopped off their chair. This conversation couldn’t keep going like it was at the moment. With a cheery grin, Nova slid into an empty chair at the guy’s table. “Are you looking for an adventuring companion? I assure you, I’m quite competent.” They leaned forward, resting their elbows on the table.
Kelton inwardly groaned, not sure what he was getting himself into, or if it was even wise to speak to this person. But he didn't want to come off as even ruder than he already made himself seem. He moved over some of the maps to give the newcomer some room, "I wasn't looking for one, in fact I really had not thought of that." He began to fold up his maps, "I have no doubts about your competence, I'm sure you would make a worthy companion. I just wonder if you would be able to stand me." He smiled a little, he knew he wasn't the easiest person to be around or work with, and at times he just tried to make himself difficult to make people leave him alone. That might sound cruel, but he was very picky about who spent their time around him, and he preferred to have people he really cared about, instead of people who he didn't know well, or trust. Truly he preferred being alone, but it wouldn't be wise for him to travel to the castle by himself, "Perhaps it would be wise for us to travel together," he mused, "You do seem as though you know quite a bit about the castle, perhaps more than I."
"Oh, dear! Traveling alone to the castle under the hill? That's basically asking for death." Nova laughed, their lips curving into a smirk at the man's compliment. "Why thank you. Ah, don't worry about that. I usually get along with everyone." Unless they were Nova's parents, and then… nope. But everyone else was fine. "I'd say we're getting along pretty good right now." They ran a hand through their hair, floofing it even more. If this guy let them come along with him, it would save so much time and effort. They wouldn't have to find people to go with, because he was right there! "I see you've come to your senses. And I do know a lot about the castle, but that's just because I've lived here for years and heard every story about it at least five times." Nova shrugged, then realized they should be selling their expertise, not writing it off. "But I've also done a little research." That was a half-lie. They'd started, but gotten bored and never continued. "Not as much as you, though."
Kelton shrugged a little, "The reason we are getting along is that I am making an effort to be at least polite, that doesn't happen too often though." He tried to smile a bit at the man, trying to make himself seem a bit friendlier, "I know the stories, mainly from my family, and people living in the village, but that was about it, most people will tell you their opinions of the castle, rather than what the story really is, or was. And then you have the people who make things up and such, it is so hard to figure out the truth," he said shaking his head. Kelton figured that they might be a good fit, perhaps the journey wouldn't be all that bad, he'd just need to try and keep himself calm. "Oh, my research? No, mainly it was my uncle's, but after he left I did my own work, but most of these maps were his, and some were passed down in my family. But that is unimportant, I believe we should be talking about our plans, when would you like to set off?" He was thinking about asking about lodging, but a tree would suffice, he would just need to find a sturdy branch, then nature could take care of him from there.
"Huh. Well, thanks for being polite so far," Nova said cheerfully. "I hope it will continue, though I can still work with a dreary person." They leaned back in their chair, crossing one leg over the other. "Well, that's the whole fun of the stories! You get to hear everyone's opinions on it, and sift out the few facts that might be true. It's like a treasure hunt." One of the reasons why they hadn't gone mad with all the stories about the castle under the hill was because almost everyone put their own spin on it, so it was almost like they were listening to a different story every time. "Well, they're nice maps, anyhow. I don't really care when we leave, so whenever you're ready, I'll be ready," Nova said, grinning. The guy had accepted their offer! They didn't have to look for people now! "Oh, speaking of, where are you staying?" They leaned towards him as if sharing a secret. "I really hope it's not here. Their beds are the worst. And everything is so dirty you'd almost be better sleeping in the street. You're welcome." Nova winked and leaned back in their chair again.
Kelton chuckled a little, "Hhm, we'll see about that, I might just be the dreariest person you've ever known - at least at times." He tried to crack a bit of smile at them, "That's the issue with the stories, it is impossible at times to tell what is true and what is a fable, at times it is impossible to tell what is just pure nonsense." He shook his head in slight disgrace, "I do not understand why the story is told so wildly if there could just be one story, that had everything there was to know about the castle, then and only then would I be truly happy. Oh, and thank you about the maps, they are one of the few things for me that makes sense when it comes to the castle." He nodded along to them speak about the rooms here, "Ah, I was planning on finding a nice, sturdy tree and lodge there. There aren't many bandits in the area, I hope, or that plan might not be the smartest." He had done things like that many times in his village, but this wasn't his village, and there were many things that were done differently here than at his home. He sighed softly, feeling a bit glum. The sooner the quest began, the quicker he would be able to go back home, "How about maybe tomorrow, or the after, I do need to gather a few supplies?"
Nova shifted in their chair slightly, a thoughtful look on their face. "It can be annoying, I guess. But it lets you see a little of each person who tells it. 'Cause they all like to tell it in their own way, you know? One story being told over and over again would be even more annoying, in my opinion." They paused, trying to bite back a laugh. "You're going to lodge in a tree?" The laugh finally burst out of them. "Gods, that's the funniest thing I've heard all day. Sorry. But this isn't the only place you can get lodging. The other places aren't much better, but at least you'll have a bed. I wouldn't pass on the last time you can actually sleep in a bed for a while if I were you." They shook their head slightly and looked up at the man in front of them. "I'd be fine with tomorrow. The sooner the better! If you need supplies, then we can go get it as a team, yeah?" Nova grinned winningly at him. So far, he wasn't turning out too bad… A frown passed over their face as they realized something. "We never exchanged names, did we? That's a problem. Ehm, anyway. Nice to meet you. I'm Nova." They stuck out a hand towards the man.
Kelton shrugged a bit, trying to show that he was interested in the conversation, "Hhm, I never thought of it that way, but, you are correct. I guess I just like things simple, the easier it is, the better and more quickly it can be done." He wondered if it did show the person's mindset or ideas, and if it did, he wondered what people thought of him when he told the story, 'They probably think that I am a bore.' He mused, 'They aren't wrong.' He winced a bit at their laughter, "I. . .I wasn't joking, I have done things like that before have you not? Oh, it is amazing, just being out in the forest, sitting on a sturdy branch, being able to look up at the sky and admire the stars, it is one of the best things in the world. But, if you suggest finding a room for the night, perhaps I should begin to look." The sun was beginning to set, and he had much to do. "Well, I do have some things necessary for the journey, we will need food, and maybe some more items." Kelton smiled back at them then shook their hand, "I am Kelton, it has been very nice meeting you." He waved over one of the bartenders and order an ale, "Would you like one? To make a toast?"
"I see your point. Things don't have to always happen quickly, though, to still be good." Nova laughed lightly. They'd just met this guy, and they were having debates with him already. "Oh, you weren't? Sorry. Most people don't want to sleep in the outdoors unless there's nothing else." They pressed their lips together slightly. "I have, but usually when I was in the middle of an adventure or something with no place else to sleep. And usually not in a tree." Nova nodded, then smiled at him. "Nice to meet you too, Kelton. I hope we have many adventures ahead of us! And hopefully one will start tonight! I will take one, yes." They nodded enthusiastically. Was it wise to be drinking the night before setting off on an adventure? Probably not. But it wasn't like they were going to be drinking excessive amounts of alcohol that night. One couldn't hurt.
"Maybe not to be good, but to just be done, the sooner things are done the better, at least that is my look on life. OI do not like drawing things out longer than they need to be, it is just a waste of time for me, and for anyone else. You would be wasting resources, wasting money, and who knows what else, so yes, you should take time to do it right, but if you can do it the thing quickly, you should." It was odd how he could easily begin to argue with anyone, it's not that he always felt that his idea was right, but at times he would try to defend the undefinable, he wasn't exactly doing that now, but perhaps he ought to stop. "Oh no, it is quite alright, I have gotten that reaction so many times, so I quite used to it. After all, it is an odd thing to hear, that a person would prefer to sleep in a tree than in a bed. But, that's just me." He said, his smile growing even more. When the drinks came Kelton grabbed his mug and lifted it up towards Nova, "A toast to our new adventure!"
"That can apply to some things. Just not adventures, at least in my opinion. Part of the fun is just getting there!" Nova grinned. They loved adventuring for the thrilling fights and great payoffs, but also for the journeys they went on to get there. It was amazing to see all the different places the world had to offer, and someday, Nova wanted to see them all. "You may be wasting time and money, but as long as the stakes aren't too high and the views are beautiful, I'd say it's worth it." They crossed their arms, though the move was more casual than defensive. "Oh, good. I'd hate to sour our relationship before it even started. To each their own, I suppose." Nova grabbed their mug and clinked it against Kelton's. "To new adventures, lots of fun, and making history!" They agreed, taking a long sip of their drink.
"You are right, and I understand what are saying, I guess I just like rushing things," Kelton said taking a quick swig of his drink, "I mean, in my family, it was always a race to see who could finish the job most quickly, but also do it the best. We also would also try doing more chores and such than the others to win approval with our parents and other family members." He took another swig of his drink, it had been a while since had had a good ale or actually enjoyed himself around someone else. He truly hoped that this Nova person would actually turn out to be a good companion, and would help him with this quest. He finished off the ale and set the mug down, "So. . .uhm, err, do you have an idea of a quick path to take to the castle, or a scenic route?"
"Huh. That makes sense, I guess." Nova bit back a 'imagine getting approval from your family' joke– that sort of thing probably shouldn't come up on the first day of knowing someone. "Well, I think this trip will teach you to take some things slowly and just enjoy the journey." They took another sip of the ale. The tavern might have had terrible lodgings, but it sure had some good drinks. "I… think I have something." Nova had figured out a path to the castle… kind of. It was rough, but maybe with Kelton's maps, they could find out a more solid way. They leaned over the table, finger tracing circles in the air over the map. "It's a little scenic, but I think it also avoids some dangers present on the more direct path." After thinking a little, they started tracing a path in the air above the map. From what Kelton had said, these maps were pretty important. They didn't want to damage the map by touching it. "Like that, I think. Like it?" Nova looked up at Kelton.
"I guess, it does, although I don't think that any of us really. . .you know what, I need to stop talking about that? right?" Kelton sighed and ordered another mug of ale, it probably wasn't wise to drink away his feelings, as least tonight, but it was just his issue, and perhaps he would be fine, just another drink or so and he would be fine. "That sounds nice, it would be nice to see some of the wildlife and flora." He smiled a bit happily just thinking about that, "I do like it, it should be a nice path to travel, and I'm sure that we would get there soon. At least I would hope, but if you would prefer taking a longer route, I'm sure that that would be nice, and perhaps maybe help me slow myself down, maybe enjoy some more things." His next drink came and took a sip of the drink, he was already feeling a bit better, but he didn't want to embarrass himself in front of Nova, or a new town. He quickly finished off the drink before putting it down, enough was enough.
"I wasn't going to say anything," Nova admitted, smirking at Kelton. They finished off their drink but didn't order another one. They'd already had one before Kelton had shown up, and two was enough. Any more and they might get a little silly. "Yeah. There's definitely some of that on the trail. And look," Nova pointed at one part of the path, "if we take a small detour, we have an amazing view overlooking a canyon! Oh, you'll love taking it slow. It's not like the castle is going anywhere." They laughed and ran a hand through their hair. Kelton had said he might be dreary, but they weren't seeing it so far. Maybe it was because he'd just met them, or maybe it was because he'd gotten some alcohol in his system. "We should probably figure out a place to meet up now before we forget, yes? I'd hate to waste half the day just trying to find you." Nova grinned at him.
Kelton looked out the window and noticed a large tree out in the distance, "You see that tree there? You'll find me there on one of the branches. The weather seems favorable, so I think that it will be a perfect night to spend outside. Or we could meet back up here? That ought to work unless your lodging is too far, then I could just go and meet you where you are staying. " He laughed a bit at the joke, "Although that would be an interesting start to our adventure, just going and looking for one another, then finally heading out to the castle." He rerolled his maps back up before gently placing them in his satchel, " I'm sure that taking it slow will be fine, but I will definitely quicken my pace if we encounter any unfriendly people or creatures, I ran into a few on the bandits on my way to this town, and honestly, I'd prefer to have a smooth trip." He reached for his satchel pulling it into the lap, "So, I shall see you tomorrow?" He started to stand up, he wanted to get to that tree quickly, he was exhausted and just wanted to get some sleep, it would be a while before he would be able to get a good's night sleep again.
Nova followed Kelton’s gaze, spotting the tree after a few seconds of looking. They listened to the rest of Kelton’s suggestions and nodded. “I’ll just meet you at that tree. It looks interesting. And I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to see you sleeping in a tree. Though I’ll probably see it a lot more. But still.” Nova giggled. That ale was hitting them a little harder than expected– oh, right. They had had half of one… no, one whole one before they’d had the other first one. Oops. “Well, who wouldn’t run while being chased by something after your blood? OH, yeah, bandits. They’re the worst.” Kelton started making moves to leave, which was probably a good idea. Nova reached into their pocket and pulled out a few coins for the ale. “I shall see you tomorrow in the tree!” They confirmed, standing up as well. The smile on their face was wide and excited. This adventure would be so much fun, even if they didn’t make it out the other side.
Kelton chuckled a bit, "It's surprisingly a lot more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, perhaps when we venture out you would try it? All you really need is a strong branch that's wide enough to lie on and you should be fine." He didn't mention the fact that at times the trees would shift to accommodate his tossing and turning. Kelton wasn't even sure if that really happened at times, he figured it was his imagination or something, but somehow he always woke up in the branch, never near the edge and never on the ground from a fall. He dug into the bag and pulled out a few coins as well, then pulled the satchel over his shoulder, "That they are, and terribly ruthless too, it is nearly impossible to escape them at times, especially when there are so many running after you." He said test they reached the door of the tavern, "Yes, I shall hopefully be awake and functioning at that time, and if not, please wake me up, I do not want to delay us at all." Kelton felt a bit jittery, he was excited about going on this adventure, as Nova had called it. It was more of just a necessary journey for him, you could even say a closure. He just hoped that he made it out alive.
Nova set the coins on the table and picked up their bag. "I guess I will. But if I fall out of the tree– and I'm probably going to– I'm blaming that on you." They gave Kelton a lopsided smile and followed him to the exit. "They're very annoying. It's always funny, though, when one thinks they've got me because I'm small and weak, and then they find out that I'm not weak, but by then I've got something sharp against their throat. But only one. A whole pack of them is no good. At least it will be two against a thousand instead of one against a thousand." Nova knew they were talking too much, but whatever. "It will my pleasure to wake you up if you aren't when I arrive." They stepped out of the tavern and started towards their place. "See you tomorrow, Kelton!" Nova threw over their shoulder, giving him a small wave as well.
"Oh, I hope you wouldn't, I'm yet to do that yet, so I'm sure you would be fine, just balance a bit first, and I'm sure things will turn out fine." Kelton shifted the satchel, "Ah, yes they really are upsetting. I try to avoid them as much as possible, but when push comes to shove, or when I really need to defend myself, I do begin to fight. I mean one or two isn't that bad, but I do know when to run." He said his smile growing a bit, "That would be much appreciated, but I will try to be awake by the time you come by." He smiled a little, "I am a bit of a morning person. " He took a step in the opposite direction, "Tomorrow." He said waving back, then began to head towards the tree. After a few minutes or so he finally arrived. He grabbed onto one of the lower branches then began to climb up to one of the higher branches, until he found one that would suit him, "Ah, finally," he sighed as he closed his eyes, "I hope that this all goes well."
Nova smiled softly as they walked away. They still couldn't see how this Kelton guy could be dreary. Maybe it would start tomorrow, and he'd just been putting on a really good show that night. After a good 10-minute walk, they arrived at the place they'd been staying for the time being. It was a small room over a bakery, which meant they were treated to delicious bread smells in the mornings. And they always had something to eat, even if the weather was terrible outside. The stairs weren't all that great, Nova reflected as they climbed, but at least they got a nice workout. They unlocked the door and stepped inside. After locking the door again–one couldn't be too careful– they took a few steps over to their bed and flopped onto it. Before they even had time to take off their boots, they were asleep.
Nova always woke up early to get their hands on the fresh bread, and today was no exception. Though, they would be a little later than usual, since they had to pack everything they needed for the trip. Still, the sun had barely risen as they skipped down the stairs, a full backpack on their back. They paid for half a loaf with butter and some thin slices of meat– their breakfast. After giving the baker a bright smile, Nova headed out towards the tree. The town was just waking up as they made their way through the streets, taking bites of their breakfast as they went. Anyone on the streets got a friendly grin and a 'good morning'. Nova didn't get a lot of responses, but that was fine.
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