Triple A Adventuring Agency (Part2)

The pair starts to make their way through the city towards the outer walls. Sharn was an impressive city, but Malbec thought the hustle and bustle was a little suffocating after knowing only pastures and fields. After a few dead ends, and asking an elderly gnome couple for directions, they make it to the city gates. 

After taking the rough-hewn path that felt like south, Cricket breaks the silence before it even has a chance to become awkward. "Amnesia, huh? That's... actually kind of exciting! Think of all the cool backstories we could come up with for you." She says with a high-spirited grin. "Maybe you're a long-lost prince, or a legendary hero who forgot their own legend!" She starts marching confidently, then abruptly stops and turns to him. "Oh, by the way, if we run into any angry mobs, or debt collectors, or suspiciously well-dressed wizards... just keep walking, okay? Totally unrelated to our quest."

I can't believe she's actually hiring me and letting me accompany her on a real quest. I can feel my luck is finally looking up.
"I guess I never thought of it that way. Although, if I had been someone famous then you'd think someone would have recognized me by now. It's been almost two years without any recollection of my past before then." Malbec starts to recount part of his story as he and Cricket continue walking.

"A young married couple, Luna and Art, found me near dead by the roadside between their farm and Ardev. They told me I had looked starved and dehydrated but otherwise didn't appear injured in any way. Although his resources were limited, the village doctor couldn't find any sort of ailment, magical or otherwise that explained the memory loss. After that, I started helping out on their farm and doing odd jobs for the villagers. Oh, I'm sorry if I'm talking too much. Tell me a little about yourself. Have you been an adventurer long?"
Probably not a problem if I over share. Honesty is important if we'll be working together.

"Ahhh..." Her eyes dart around as her mind races. Oh no, he's asking about my adventuring experience. Quick, change the subject!
"Me? Oh, I'm... uh... a seasoned professional! Yep, that's me. Loads of experience. Tons. So much I can't even remember it all!" She laughs nervously, then abruptly points at a nearby bush. "Oh look, herbs! Maybe. Are those edible? Let's find out!" She crouches down, pretending to examine the plant. "So, Malbec, ever thought about trying your hand at magic? I hear it's all the rage these days. Totally safe too. Usually."

Malbec looks over Cricket's shoulder at the plants. He had little memory of his own life but a natural aptitude for plants. It had made him a decent farm hand, and he enjoyed growing things but part of him always (for the brief time he could recall anyways) wanted to explore and travel. It takes only a second for him to recognize the plant Cricket was looking at. Is she testing me? 
"That's a good eye; thistle, while often seen as a weed, can be used to ease a cold and calm an ill wind. It grows everywhere and it can be tricky to use without causing stomach irritation, so it's probably not a worth much. If we have room in our packs on the way back, I'll grab some for us. I'm impressed, most people wouldn't have given it a second glance." 

He thinks about the magic question. "Magic is pretty incredible, I've seen my neighbors use some utility magic for harvests and keeping the tools in top shape. I have no idea if I have any aptitude for it. I couldn't afford lessons or scrolls even if I could use it. How about yourself?"

Oh no, he knows plants! He's going to figure out I have no idea what I'm doing.
"Wow, you're like a walking herb encyclopedia! That's... super useful. We're gonna make a great team!" She stands up quickly, almost losing her balance. "Magic? Me? Pfft, nah. I mean, sure, I know a spell or two. Nothing fancy. Just enough to... uh... make things go boom sometimes." She starts walking again, trying to look confident. 

Malbec flinches when it looks like Cricket might fall over but feels relived when she catches herself. "Well, the folk who rescued me taught me a lot about plants, animals, and farming in general, but I seemed to know more about herbs and veggies than myself. Maybe I was a scholar in my past life," says Malbec hiding his thoughts behind a smile. Although, I doubt that. I was found in a mangled suit of armor. Luna and Art think I was a soldier but it doesn't explain my ties to nature. I'll just leave that part out for now.
"And hey, a spell or two is still two spells more than me. Who knows, some explosive power may come in handy." He follows a step behind. 

"Wow, a scholar-turned-adventurer! That's way cooler than backstory I made up." She chuckles nervously.

The small scraggily trees dotting the region were joined by their taller, hardier brethren. The road meandered languidly around the slopes of the hills. A handful of tiny birds took off from the gravel roadway, startled by the approaching duo, flitting away on a cooling breeze that did little to hinder the sound of their boots in the dirt.

"So, Malbec, ever fought any monsters? Because I hear the Lowlands are full of... um... really big... lizards. Yeah, giant lizards. Totally harmless though. Probably."

"Monsters? Nothing major, at least as far as I can remember. Some wolves and a boar that got too close to the farm. A couple goblins, but I had help with those. Giant lizards sound really interesting, but if they're harmless I guess we should avoid fighting them. Though, I do wonder if they'd be tasty."

"Well... maybe we should give them a wide berth. Just in case they're not as harmless as I... uh, heard." She stumbles over a root, catching herself on a nearby tree. "Oops! Nature, am I right? Always trying to trip us up." Her chuckle is anything but amused. 
"Say, Malbec," her voice is low and thoughtful as she traces her finger over the lines of bark. "Ever thought about joining a proper adventuring guild? I mean, not that Triple A isn't proper, but... you know, one of those fancy ones with actual members and quests?" She glances at him, a mix of curiosity and worry in her eyes. "Because, well... you seem pretty capable. Just wondering why you'd settle for... this." She gestures vaguely at herself and the surrounding wilderness.

Malbec winces sympathetically as he watches Cricket trip. He places a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "Hey, you alright?" His smile is a mix of concern and innocent optimism as he looks into her eyes. "You don't have to worry about me leaving for some other guild. Like I told you before, I talked to other guilds. Some took one look at me and turned me away without a word, plenty of laughter though. And the ones that weren't rude required experience, entry fees, and answers to questions I couldn't provide. I-" Those eyes are so deep I could get lost in them. Ack. Don't stare. 
He looks away a little flustered, "I don't consider this settling, really. It's just the beginning of our story. I can't say why, but I feel like I can be honest with you." He fidgets a little, scratching his cheek with a gloved hand leaving a bit of dirt on his face. "And if I'm being honest ... I uh, kinda wanted to get to know you better. Anyway. I agree. Avoiding needless fights is preferable, especially if we don't know what we're up against."

Oh wow, he actually wants to stick around? And get to know me better? That's... unexpected.
"You... you really mean that?" Her voice softens, a genuine smile replacing her usual nervous grin. "I... thanks, Malbec. That means a lot." 
She brushes some dirt off his cheek, her touch lingering for a moment. "You've got a little... there. All better now."

Suddenly, she perks up. "Oh! I just had the best idea! We should come up with a team name. How about... 'The Amnesiacs'? No, wait... 'The Herbal Heros'! Or maybe 'Cricket and Malbec's Excellent Adventure'?" She starts walking again, this time with a spring in her step. "So, partner, ready to make history? Or at least not get completely lost?"

"Oh, uh, thanks... partner." The lingering warmth of her touch brings a hint of pink to his cheeks. Sh-shut up brain, she's a professional. There's no way. 
He clears his throat, and his mind, as the conversation (and the roadway) turns a new corner. "Team name huh? Well, I like the sound of that last one, but how about 'Crick’n Wine, party of two' or 'The Triple A Team'? On that note, where did the name 'Triple A Adventure Agency' come from anyway? I really like it. Very memorable."

"Oh, those are great name ideas! 'The Triple A Team' - I love it! Makes us sound all official and stuff." She grins, a mischievous glint in her eye. "As for the agency name... well, it's a funny story. See, I wanted something that would come first in the directory. And what's better than triple A? Nothing, that's what!" 

She chuckles, then suddenly trips over a rock. "Whoa! Uh, I meant to do that. Testing the ground. Yep." She brushes herself off, trying to look dignified. "So, Malbec, got any secret talents? Besides being a walking plant encyclopedia, I mean. Can you... I don't know, juggle swords or something?"

He offers her a hand to stand back up."No, I'm afraid my talents are all rather boring. Farming, chopping wood, raising chickens. At least the ones I know about. I like learning about everything. It's one of the reasons I wanted to go on adventures. I kinda hope if I learn enough new things I'll remember something I used to know. Hmm, I don't know if that makes sense." I think that's the third time she's tripped. Is she nervous about something?
"You sure you're ok? I'm not sure how far we've walked but we can take a break if you need. I mean, what are you testing it for? Traps?" He asks, holding back a laugh, but knowing it could legitimately be something.

He noticed my clumsiness! Quick, play it cool.
"Traps? Yes! Exactly! You never know what dangers lurk in... uh... dirt." She replies taking his offered hand, and feeling the warmth even through his glove. "And hey, those aren't boring talents at all! Chickens are terrifying. I once got chased by an entire flock. Did you know they can smell fear?" She brushes off her leather armor, trying to salvage some dignity. "As for breaks... professionals like us don't need-" Her stomach growls loudly. "...okay, maybe a quick snack break wouldn't hurt. I know this great spot just ahead. Probably. Unless we're going the wrong way. Which we're not!" She pulls out the map, holding it sideways. "See? We're right... somewhere in this general vicinity. I think."

If I could read a map I might be a little more worried.
Malbec can't help but laugh at Cricket's tale of angry chickens. "Well luckily the hens I was looking after were pretty tame already. They can actually be fairly cuddly." He says as he steps close beside her to look at the map. The lines and pictures made his head spin a little. We'll be ok, right? At least if we get lost, we'll be lost together . . . 
"It's ok, I trust your sense of direction. Better than mine I'd wager. Just take your time, no need to rush it right?"

He trusts me? Nobody's ever trusted me before... Oh gods, I'm going to get us both killed.