Triple A Adventuring Agency (Part7)

"Now," Malbec continues, his calm country drawl mixing with the crackle of the fire. "This next story is not quite as fun or silly as old Dinga but I hope you'll like it nonetheless. It's the story of a young man, let's call him ... Merlot, trying to find his place in the world."

A story about Malbec? I mean... Merlot? This should be interesting...
She leans in closer, looking up with her eyes wide with curiosity. "Ooh, I love a good origin story! Does Merlot have any special talents? Like... I don't know, an uncanny ability to fall out of trees and land on his feet?" She yawns, fighting to keep her eyes open. "Sorry, I promise I'm listening. It's just... your voice is kind of soothing. In a good way! Like a... a warm blanket made of words." 
Oh gods, did I just say that out loud?
"Um, anyway... tell me about Merlot! I bet he's quite the adventurer."

Malbec shrugs back a chuckle and clears his throat, "On the contrary, young Merlot was quiet the screw up.” 
Ok, so maybe I wasn't exactly subtle, looks like she's caught on already. Let's roll with it.
"It didn't seem to matter what he did; he'd break the eggs he'd just collected, cut into the turnips he was digging up, and he even got dragged around the pasture by the tamest, most mild-mannered mare at the neighbor's ranch. It took a long time and a lot of bruises before he was even half-way competent. He was lucky his new family was so understanding." 
Wait where was I going with this again?
He glanced down at Cricket as she listened intently, the cool night wind mixed with the fire's warm air to tussle her hair. 

"B-but even as the villagers did their best to make him feel welcome, he never felt like he fit in. His thoughts dwelt in a forgotten past, on what he was and what he should be, that it caused him to lose focus on the present. One day, a group of adventurers stopped at the town, said they were tracking a huge host of strange goblins last spotted in the wilderness around the village, and they gave everyone a warning to stay inside. Merlot, however, wasn't around to hear this warning.
He was out in the fields trying to figure out why his radishes were so small. One of the neighbors,
a young girl, came to let him know, when suddenly as if out of thin air a goblin appeared and attacked. Merlot, terrified but even more scared of losing part of his new family, grabbed the closest thing he could find, a big heavy hoe. Without thinking, he swung the tool at the goblin and poof, it disappeared as quickly as it had shown up."

"After that, he learned about the adventurers, many of which had shadowy pasts. They taught him that if he could focus on the present, he could write his own future. His work improved and he was able to help the villagers however he could. He wanted to find a way to repay the kindness they all had shown him. So, he decided to set out on his own adventure. Away from his family and friends, he felt lonely and often got lost until he wound up in the big city. He—"

Malbec pauses as he felt the weight of Cricket's head on his arm.

Oh no, I'm falling asleep on him! But his story... it's so...
She jerks upright, blinking rapidly. "Huh? Oh! Sorry, I wasn't... I mean, I was listening! Poor Merlot, all those accidents. But he saved that girl! With a hoe! That's..." She yawns hugely, swaying slightly. "...pretty amazing. Like someone else I know."
Focus, Cricket! Say something clever!
"So, did Merlot ever find his... his place? In the big city?" Her words slur slightly as she fights to keep her eyes open. "Maybe he met a clumsy adventurer who... who needed a partner..." Her head droops again, this time coming to rest on his shoulder.

Too tired to worry about his actions Malbec reaches around and brushes a bit of hair out of her face, letting his hand linger against her cheek. As he looks down at her sleepy face resting on his shoulder, he smiles and takes a slow dreamy breath, "Well, to make a long story short, he did indeed. After searching the city for days, he met an amazing woman with burning passionate eyes, a contagious smile and a heart filled with adventure. She was able to look past his inexperience. And even though she seemed to have her own share of misfortunes,  Merlot knew that together, they could write a fantastic new story." Pausing to listen to Cricket's slow steady breaths, Malbec smiles. "Sweet dreams. Partner."
He leans down and gently places a kiss on her forehead, then turns to watch the fire burn down. He feels his cheeks burn as a semi-drowsy thought creeps up.

Oh... I do hope she was actually asleep for that. Oh well, tomorrow's problem.

* * *

The next morning. The crisp orange sunlight of early dawn causes the two adventurers to stir. Cricket awakens with a start, her neck stiff from sleeping upright.
Oh gods, did I fall asleep on Malbec? 
She blinks, disoriented, as memories of last night flood back. Her cheeks burn. "Morning," she mumbles, stretching. "Sorry for using you as a pillow." 
That story... Merlot... could it be?
She busies herself packing up camp, sneaking glances at him. 
Should I ask about the story? No, too awkward.

"So, ready for more herb-hunting adventures? I promise not to drug you this time." She grins, but her eyes betray her nervousness. "Unless you want me to, of course. For science!"

"No problem, you can use me as a pillow or blanket any time." He says through a sleepy yawn, the words floating out into the morning air before he could stop them. His eyes go wide as he awakens enough to hear the implications, "I, uh... that is to say, I'm g-glad you slept well."
I didn't say too much last night did I?
"I uh, think I'm rested and ready for anything, partner. But maybe we can leave the, uh, empirical evidence gathering, to a more controlled environment. With my luck I'd attempt to fight the river or something."

Oh gods, did he just offer to be my pillow? Focus, Cricket!
She fumbles with her pack, nearly dropping it. "Controlled environment? Right, good idea. Wouldn't want you challenging any rivers to a duel." She glances at you, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Though I bet you'd win. You've got that whole 'rugged adventurer' thing going on now."
Wait, did I just say that out loud?
"Anyway! Herbs. We should, um, find those. Before they run away. Can herbs run? Oh look, a bird!" She points randomly, then marches off, tripping over a root.

'Rugged adventurer thing'? Wait, what did she mean by that?
"H-hey now, let's not get carried away by any rapid ideas. Let's just focus on our current plan." He chuckles as he finishes packing up, hoping it would cover up his awkward thoughts. "Sorry, was that too many puns for first thing in the morning? You might think I'm fishing for a laugh." 
As he catches up after Cricket marches off, he shakes his head. "You ok? And yes some herbs can run away, I just hope those aren't what we find today."

Oh no, I'm making a fool of myself again. Pull it together!
She turns back to him, brushing leaves from her hair. "Puns? Never too many! Though I might need to... leaf... some for later." She winks, then grimaces. "Ugh, that was terrible. I blame the early morning." She gestures vaguely at the forest. "So, Mr. Herb Expert, where should we start? Any secret plant-whispering techniques you'd like to share?"
Please don't let him notice how flustered I am.
"Or we could just wander aimlessly. I'm pretty good at that too!"

"Back on the on the farm I got up much earlier than this, maybe adventuring life is making me soft." He smiles at her pun-ing, taking quick looks as they walk.
Although this is only my first adventure. So probably not.
"As much as I lov–a-hem– very much enjoy aimless wanderings with you, I think we need a plan if we're going to pay the bills and or your crippling debt." 

They put their heads together to discuss the next steps. Malbec describes some of the common medicinal herbs they should be able to find in the area. "Look for trees with lots of bird guano, err, poop. If the birds like a spot there is probably has something useful, or at least tasty, nearby. Also, it may feel backwards but a lot of healing potion ingredients grow where something recently died." With his focus on the work ahead of them he does not appear to notice Cricket's current flustered state. "But you're the professional, I have no problem if you want to lead again. It was you that got us to the river yesterday.”

“Professional? Me? Ha! I'm about as professional as a drunken badger in a wizard's robe." She snorts, then catches herself. "I mean, yes, very professional. Herbs. Right."
Oh gods, why did I say that? Focus on the mission!
"Bird poop and dead things. Got it. Sounds... delightful." She wrinkles her nose. "But hey, if it pays the bills and keeps angry wizards off my back, I'm all for it." She starts scanning the ground, occasionally poking at suspicious-looking plants. "So, farm life, huh? Any exciting stories about rebellious turnips or sneaky carrots?"
Please don't let him realize I'm fishing for more personal info.
"Oh! Is that... nope, just a really weird-looking rock. Darn."

"Oh you know root vegetables, they're always trying to get some dirt on you." He says while trying to maintain a serious tone. "Not sure about exciting, but I helped track down a missing sheep for the neighbor. I'm pretty sure their dog did most of the tracking, I just carried it back. I am a little disappointed I won't get to see the lambs this year." He pulls out a small book while examining a small bunch of black mushrooms. Shakes his head and continues slowly walking along the bank. 
"Although, if we earn enough coin, we might be able to make it back for the harvest festival. I'd love to show—" He stops himself. "S-sorry I shouldn't make plans for money we don't have yet."

"Harvest festival? That sounds amazing! I've never been to one. Do they have pumpkin carving contests? Ooh, or apple bobbing?"
He wants to show me his home? That's... sweet.
She stumbles, catching herself on a tree. "Whoa, slippery leaves. Anyway, don't apologize for making plans. It's good to have goals, right? Even if they involve chasing sheep." Her eyes light up as she spots something. "Hey, is that feverfew? Or just a really fancy-looking weed?"
Please be the right plant. I need to impress him somehow.

"Yep, the folk from Ardev know how to throw a party. They have a dance, a feast, the Harvest brawl, biggest pig contest, and a bunch of other games. They even had the local wizard and her apprentice put on this huge light show. Like fireworks without the worry of setting the fields on fire." I hope you'll include me in your plans.
Malbec stoops down beside her to examine the plant but his eyes are drawn to her face more than the flower. "Close, it looks like wild chamomile. That's a great catch, I knew you had cute eyes. Ahh. A-cute, err, sharp eyes." He busies his hands digging up the plant while quickly changing the subject."So, uh, where's home for you; you a Sharn local?"

Oh gods, he noticed my eyes!
"Sharn local? Ha! I'm about as local as a fish in a tree." She laughs nervously, twirling a strand of hair. "I'm actually from Cyre. Or... what used to be Cyre." Her smile falters for a moment. "But hey, Sharn's home now! It's got everything. Towers, crowds, angry creditors..." She kneels beside him, fingers brushing the chamomile. "This festival sounds amazing. I've never seen real fireworks. Maybe we could... I mean, if you wanted..."
Stop rambling, Cricket!
"So, uh, how much of this flowery stuff should we grab? Enough for a lifetime supply of tea?"

"Hmm we shouldn't take more than half of what's here. That way we can try and find it again next year." Malbec's eyes seem childlike as he starts working. He pulls out a couple clay jars and a scrap of burlap. "Pick the buds and young green leaves. I'm going to see if I can dig out some of it with the roots, see if we can bring it back to cultivate it and—"
His mind catches up to the non-plant thing Cricket had just said. Even in his scattered memories he recognized the name Cyre. 

Gods below, she's from the Mournlands?