new mission

Zhodan opens the door, holding it for everyone.

"Come on, I need to finish transcribing these notes before tomorrow's research session." He yawns widely.

The warmth of the guild hall envelops them as they enter, and the sound of laughter and clinking mugs greets their ears.

Jay immediately makes a beeline for the bar, while Nokai hesitates near Yokijo's usual study spot.

Yokijo gives Nokai a small smile before heading to her bookshelf.

Nokai stands there awkwardly for a moment, watching Yokijo disappear into the shelves.

Jay returns with three tankards of ale, thrusting one into Nokai's hand.

"Here, liquid courage for your next move." He winks and saunters away to find Zhodan.

Nokai takes a deep breath, clutching the tankard tightly as he approaches Yokijo's study area.

He finds her sitting at her desk, already surrounded by books and papers.

She looks up as he approaches, her expression warm and welcoming despite the late hour.

Nokai clears his throat nervously, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

"Hey... I was wondering if you wanted to... um... share some notes from today?" He manages to get out, though his voice wavers slightly.

His cheeks are already starting to flush again as he holds out the tankard of ale.

Yokijo's eyes light up at the mention of notes, and she smiles genuinely.

"Of course! I found some interesting connections between those runes and ancient elven texts." She gestures to the chair beside her.

She accepts the ale with a grateful nod, her fingers briefly brushing against his again.

Nokai sits down quickly, trying to hide his nervousness by taking a large gulp of ale.

The alcohol burns his throat, and he coughs slightly, drawing a concerned look from Yokijo.

He pulls out his own notes, attempting to focus on the research but finding it difficult with her so close.

Yokijo leans over to examine his notes, her shoulder brushing against his.

"These are well organized. I noticed you took detailed notes on the magical properties of the runes." She points to a particular section.

The proximity makes Nokai's heart race, and he struggles to maintain his composure.

Yokijo continues explaining her findings, completely absorbed in the discussion. Her enthusiasm is contagious.

Nokai finds himself relaxing slightly, drawn into the academic discussion despite his earlier nervousness.

Their voices become softer as they huddle closer over the notes, their heads almost touching as they study together.

Meanwhile, Jay and Zhodan sit at a nearby table, watching the scene unfold with barely concealed amusement.

Jay takes a sip of his ale, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

"Look at them. Like two lovebirds in a nest." He whispers to Zhodan.

Zhodan shakes his head, though he's also watching with interest.

"They're both hopeless." He mutters, though there's a hint of fondness in his tone.

Jay grins and raises his tankard.

"To young love and awkward moments. May they both survive this."

As the night wears on, Yokijo and Nokai become increasingly engrossed in their research.

Their voices grow quieter as they move from discussing magical properties to more personal stories.

Yokijo shares how she first discovered her love for ancient texts, while Nokai talks about his training as a warrior.

The ale continues to flow, and both of them are starting to show signs of intoxication - though Yokijo is handling it better than Nokai.

She notices him swaying slightly in his chair and giggles softly.

"Maybe we should call it a night, Nokai. You look like you're about to fall asleep on your notes."

Nokai blinks slowly, trying to focus on her face but failing miserably.

"No... I'm... fine..." He slurs slightly, attempting to straighten up but only managing to bump his elbow on the table.

He winces and rubs his arm, looking adorably disoriented.

Yokijo can't help but laugh at his clumsiness, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Come on, warrior. Let's get you to bed before you hurt yourself." She stands up and offers him her hand.

Nokai looks at her outstretched hand for a moment before taking it, stumbling to his feet.

"I'm not that drunk..." He protests weakly, though he's clearly leaning heavily on her for support.

Yokijo wraps her arm around his waist to steady him, guiding him toward the stairs.

"Sure you're not. That's why you can't walk straight." She teases gently, her cheeks slightly flushed from the ale.

They make their way slowly up the stairs, Nokai mumbling incoherent protests all the way.

Jay and Zhodan watch them go, exchanging knowing looks.

Jay whispers to Zhodan with a grin.

"Should we be worried about the state of his dignity tomorrow morning?"

Zhodan chuckles quietly, shaking his head.

"Nokai's dignity? It's long gone." He takes another sip of his ale.

They both turn back to their drinks, pretending not to notice Yokijo and Nokai struggling with the stairs.

Yokijo finally manages to get Nokai to his room, though she has to push the door open with her shoulder.

She helps him sit on the edge of his bed, then crouches down to remove his boots.

"Just try not to fall asleep sitting up, okay?" She says with a soft laugh.

Yokijo finally manages to get Nokai to his room, though she has to push the door open with her shoulder.

She helps him sit on the edge of his bed, then crouches down to remove his boots.

"Just try not to fall asleep sitting up, okay?" She says with a soft laugh.

Nokai looks down at her, his eyes slightly unfocused but filled with a warm, genuine affection.

"You're... really pretty when you laugh..." He mumbles, reaching out to touch her hair.

Yokijo freezes for a moment, surprised by the compliment and the gentle touch.

Her cheeks flush a deeper shade of pink as she looks up at him.

"Nokai... you're drunk." She says softly, though there's a hint of amusement in her voice.

Yokijo watches as Nokai's head droops forward, his hand falling limply to his side.

She sighs fondly and stands up, carefully maneuvering him to lie down on the bed.

"Sleep well, warrior." She whispers, pulling a blanket over him.