LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 50: Hidden Gems 2
As Elara walked through the rain, she spotted a tavern with its warm glow spilling out into the street. She rushed over and walked in, shaking off the water as she entered. She quickly noticed she wasn't the only one seeking shelter here. The tavern was bustling with people, all taking refuge from the storm.
Elara made her way over to the counter where an empty stool awaited her. She sat down, feeling the comforting warmth of the indoors. "A pint, please," she requested.
The dwarven barkeep smiled at her, wiping his hands on a rag. "Coming right up," he said, and soon a frothy pint of ale was placed before her.
Elara took a deep sip, letting the rich, earthy flavors warm her from the inside. As she drank, she looked around the tavern, observing the varied crowd of townsfolk and travelers all hiding from the storm. The atmosphere was lively, the air filled with the murmur of conversations and the occasional burst of laughter.
While she waited, Elara took out the small trinket she had recently purchased from the market. She turned it over in her hands, studying its ancient-looking designs and intricate details. The trinket seemed to tell a story of its own, with symbols and patterns that hinted at a long-lost culture or forgotten legend.
As she examined the trinket, the tavern grew louder. People were becoming more boisterous as they drank, their voices rising in volume. A group in the corner began singing a raucous tune, and others joined in, creating a cheerful yet chaotic chorus. Elara couldn't help but smile at the scene.
She focused back on the trinket, running her fingers over its worn edges. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and she wondered about its origin and the hands that had crafted it so long ago. Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed when someone took the seat next to her.
"Interesting piece you got there," a voice said, pulling her back to the present. She turned to see a man in a weathered cloak, his eyes sharp with curiosity.
"Yes, it is," Elara replied, holding it up for him to see. "Got it at the market. It seems quite ancient."
The man nodded appreciatively. "I've seen a few like it before. It's a Good Luck Charm and Poison Resist trinket, used in the old days. It is of dwarven making."
"Oh, really? That is indeed interesting. I haven't seen one before, so this is quite a surprise. I never thought I would get something like this at a market," Elara said with a smile.
"Ah, yes, they are getting rarer to see. But they are not that expensive to get—maybe 25 gold coins nowadays," the man said.
"Really? I paid like 3 gold for it, so I guess I found a hidden gem," Elara smirked happily.
The man chuckled. "Seems you did. Sometimes you find the best things when you least expect it."
Elara's spirits lifted even more, knowing she had come across something valuable and useful. She carefully tucked the trinket back into her satchel, feeling a sense of accomplishment. The storm outside continued to rage, but inside the tavern, the atmosphere remained warm and inviting. People were now singing songs, sharing stories, and enjoying the impromptu respite from the weather.
"Name's Darian, by the way," the man said, extending a hand.
"Elara," she replied, shaking his hand firmly. "Thank you for the information, Darian. Are you an adventurer as well?"
"I am," he nodded. "I've traveled quite a bit, seen many things. If you ever need assistance or just want to exchange stories, feel free to find me. I'm usually around these parts."
"I might just do that," Elara said, feeling a sense of camaraderie with this fellow adventurer.
As the storm wore on, Elara and Darian exchanged tales of their travels and exploits. The tavern, now filled with the buzz of conversation and the occasional clink of mugs, felt like a haven from the storm. Elara knew that once the weather cleared, she would continue her journey, but for now, she was content to enjoy the company and the warmth of the fire, her newfound treasure safely tucked away.
...
Meanwhile, Levy and Ella had gathered the children into the small shed, where they found shelter from the storm. The space was a bit cramped with five lively children, but the two faeries hovered effortlessly above their heads, making room for everyone.
Ella began weaving a tale of adventure and magic, her voice carrying a melodious tone that captivated the children's imaginations. She described far-off lands where dragons soared and forests whispered secrets, painting vivid pictures with her words. Levy added flourishes of light and color with their magic, conjuring small illusions that danced around the shed, much to the children's delight.
As the storm raged outside, the children listened wide-eyed, their imaginations sparked by the fantastical stories and magical displays. They asked questions eagerly, wanting to know more about the faeries' world and the creatures they encountered on their journeys.
Levy and Ella shared tales of their own adventures, recounting encounters with mischievous sprites, ancient tree guardians, and brave knights they had befriended along the way. The children gasped in awe and giggled with excitement, hanging onto every word as if they were part of the adventure themselves.
Amidst the thunder and rain, a bond formed between the faeries and the children, forged through shared stories and the enchantment of magic. The small shed, once a refuge from the storm, had become a sanctuary of wonder and imagination, where friendships blossomed and dreams took flight.
Outside, the storm continued its tumultuous dance, but inside the shed, laughter and the soft glow of faerie magic illuminated the faces of those sheltered from the tempest. Each child felt a sense of wonder and possibility, inspired by the tales of bravery and the glimpse into a world where anything seemed possible.
Levy and Ella, their hearts warmed by the children's joy, knew that moments like these were precious reminders of the magic that existed not only in their world but also in the hearts of those who dared to dream.
...
With the weather clearing up, the faeries bid farewell to the children in the shed and set off towards their inn. As they flew gracefully through the sky, they spotted Elara walking in the same direction below. They descended with a gentle flutter of their wings, landing gracefully beside her.
"Hello, Elara!" Ella chimed, her voice light and cheerful. "Fancy meeting you here after the storm. How did you fare during the downpour?"
Elara looked up, her face breaking into a smile as she recognized her faerie companions. "Hello, Ella, Levy! I found refuge in a nearby tavern. Met some interesting people and acquired this," she said, holding up the ancient-looking trinket she had bought earlier.
Levy's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "That's quite a find! Did you learn anything about its history?"
Elara nodded, recounting her conversation with Darian and how he had explained its origins as a Good Luck Charm and Poison Resist trinket of dwarven make. She shared her excitement at discovering such a treasure at the market for a mere three gold coins.
As they walked together towards the inn, they exchanged stories of their adventures since parting ways earlier in the day. Ella and Levy described the enchanting time they had spent with the children in the shed, weaving tales and showing them faerie magic. Elara listened intently, her imagination painting pictures of the scene inside the cramped but magical space.
They laughed about the sudden onset of the storm and how everyone had scrambled for cover, each finding their own refuge in the bustling city. The conversation flowed easily, filled with camaraderie and shared experiences.
By the time they reached the inn, the sun had fully emerged from behind the clouds, casting a warm glow over the city. The streets glistened with rainwater, and the air was crisp and clean after the storm.
...
As they entered the inn, Ella and Levy spotted Lilith sitting gloomily at a table. "Hello, Lilith!" Ella called out cheerfully. Lilith looked up, a hint of a smile crossing her face as she returned the greeting. "What a day..." she murmured softly.
Curious about Lilith's mood, Elara asked, "What happened?"
Lilith sighed and began recounting her first gambling experience. She explained how she had started winning at first, but then luck turned against her, and she ended up losing all the gold coins Elara had given her. "I guess I was just unlucky," she concluded ruefully.
Ella and Levy couldn't help but laugh at the story. Levy grinned mischievously and said, "You might have been tricked by the faerie Tia."
Elara looked at Lilith with concern. "Don't worry, Lilith," she reassured her. "Now you've learned that gambling isn't for everyone, and not every adventure or person can be trusted, even faeries. We've been fortunate with the people we've met so far."
Changing the subject, Elara reached into her satchel and pulled out the ancient-looking trinket she had purchased at the market. "Oh, by the way, Lilith, I got this good luck charm. I thought you could use it," she said warmly, handing the trinket to Lilith.
Lilith's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude as she accepted the trinket. "Thank you, Elara," she said sincerely, holding the charm in her hands.
"Let's get some food and then head to bed. Tomorrow, we're leaving Bridgeton," Elara declared, steering the conversation towards their upcoming journey.
The group gathered around a table in the inn's cozy dining area, sharing a meal and exchanging stories of their day. Despite the ups and downs, they felt a sense of camaraderie and readiness for the adventures that lay ahead. As they retired to their rooms later that night, each felt a renewed sense of purpose and anticipation for the journey beyond Bridgeton, united by the bonds of friendship and the shared experiences of the day.