Encounter Shrouded in Lies

Today I had a craving for cornbread, so we're back at the hunter's tavern that I visited when we first arrived. The same server came over to greet us.

"Hello, I haven't seen you guys for a while but I heard that you're settling in here nicely. Everybody's talking about the new captain and his partner." the server said with a smile.

"I'm not a captain." Demi brusquely replied. This guy. Where did he learn his social skills? Maybe I should start giving him a class on how to be friendly.

"They say that because they like you, Demi." I shook my head at the obtuse man.

The server nodded. "He has quite the fan base here. Demi looked embarrassed and I chuckled. "By the way, remember what you asked me about the first day you came here? That woman should be coming to town soon. It's been a month so it's about time for them to stock up on supplies."

Oh my. I can't believe Demi kept me so busy that I forgot about Tali! Feeling slightly guilty, I thanked the server and asked which places they frequented. She said they mostly go to the smithies and to the market. "I'll keep an ear out for you and send someone to the guild if I see them."

I stared at her with a shining look of infinite trust. "Thank you so much!"

She smiled. "It's no problem. My brother is in the guild so I've heard a lot about you two. It's my pleasure to help."

Demi and I completed our meal and then headed back to the guild. I wanted to stop and talk to the Guild Master, so that if anyone came looking for me, I would get notified right away. Normally it's not that easy to talk to somebody so high up but, since he's trying his very best to accommodate Demi, I reap the benefits! I knocked on the office door and, though he looked slightly surprised, he welcomed me in.

"Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that somebody might come looking for me with some information. I was wondering if you could make sure that I meet with them right away when they come?"

"That's not a problem. I'll let the reception know to make it a priority, as well as any team leads who might be loitering around."

"Thank you so much!"

"My pleasure. How are you and Demi liking your stay here?"

"I like it a lot. The village is nice and lively, the food is good, and Demi has really taken to being a trainer."

"Yes, he's quite the valuable asset, so we hope to make you two as comfortable as possible. It would be nice if you two stayed here permanently." He gave me his best customer service smile, clearly hoping for affirmation.

I smiled awkwardly. "Yes, we really appreciate it. Thank you for everything."

A look of disappointment crossed his face. Having guessed that I wasn't going to say anything more, he awkwardly smiled. I quickly left and sighed in relief.

Not two hours later, a messenger came for me. The mysterious lady was in town. Demi saw the messenger and came strutting towards me. I told him that the people I was waiting for had arrived. He insisted on going with me.

"What about your classes?" I asked. I hope he wasn't expecting me to wait.

"Nobody gets upset about a surprise vacation. I'll just end it early. If the woman isn't your sister, it could get dangerous."

"Isn't that what all the training was for?"

We had a silent staring contest until I finally conceded. Quiet people are so stubborn. This man is so overprotective. Demi ended the class and there were mixed reactions; some of excitement and some of disappointment. But what's done is done and Demi had already made up his mind. We immediately left for the market. I searched around and saw some hooded figures in the distance. Our approach seem to startle them.

"Wait up!" I yelled. They paused their retreat. "I'm looking for somebody and I think they might be with you. Do you, perhaps, have a woman with red hair among you?"

"Sorry, we don't," a gruff voice replied.

"Oh, I see. Sorry for bothering you." I gave them a look of fake disappointment. They're definitely lying. As soon as I finish speaking, they promptly left. I looked at Demi. We silently agreed to follow them. Demi took the lead as he was accustomed to this sort of thing. We sneakily drifted behind buildings and finally, I saw her, a woman with red hair. I wanted to approach but Demi held me back. I watched, helplessly, as the group went up the mountain.

"Why did you stop me?!" I accusingly questioned Demi.

"Taya, they lied about the woman. I don't think they would take kindly to your approach. I'll suspend my classes for the time being, and get a map of the terrain. Let's figure out what they're hiding before we approach." I reluctantly nodded my head in agreement.