They are already most of the way to their destination when Iryla brings up the problem that has been bothering her all this time. It had been a long, long journey already and the two girls were stopped in a desert town on their way.

“We probably need to find someone else to go with us if we follow this clue any further.” Iryla speaks when she's settled into their room in a small and dusty inn. “If there were already cultists in that ruin, or whoever they were, they probably already know where we’re going. Traveling in a small group will be better to be stealthy, but I don’t like our odds as just two against who knows how many enemies.”

This would likely be a dangerous endeavor, she sighed already thinking of the scolding she would get if a certain someone ever found out about this adventure of hers….

“Cyran is going to be so mad at me.” She mumbled under her breath, not intending for Cirice to hear her complaints. She had to make sure when she reported this all to Zarius he would never tell Cyran about what she got up to. Then again, that would likely be in Zarius’ best interest anyway, as he was the one who sent her out here.

“Do you know anyone who could come with us in the area? A skilled fighter, at the very least?” Cirice had likely traveled far more than Iryla had, maybe she had other 'friends' around. "I don't think there's anyone I can contact around here.. So if neither of us know someone, we may need to hire a sell-sword to come with us."

They were in a big enough town for it, surely there had to be someone here who would be willing to accompany them to their destination and help keep them safe, even if they had to pay for it. It would be worth it to give them a better chance at succeeding in this journey. Though for Iryla, success at this point felt less like a goal she was aiming for and more like something she would accomplish purely out of spite. 

Getting chased by cultists. Trekking through the desert. Spending Gods only know how long away from home. All because of some wild goose chase Zarius sent her on.

If she didn't come out of this with something to show for it, she was going to be royally pissed. 

"That's a good idea, we should get someone else! But... I don't know anyone around here. I've never been to Arid Mesa before. I haven't really been north of the Crescent Isle before. Well honestly I've never even left the Isle before. But whos Cyran? Why would they be mad?" Cirice tilts her head with curiosity. "Let's go look around and see if we can find someone!"

She locks arms with Iryla, happy to get to spend more time with her best friend, as they head downstairs into the main area of the inn and look around. Cirice is happy to just shout at the top of her lungs and see if anyone is looking for a job, but she's sure Iryla wouldn't like that. Iryla isn't much for being loud and obvious. When they head downstairs there aren't really that many people there to talk to. They grab a table together and some food and drinks and look at the slim pickings in the dining hall.

"So we're going to go on an adventure and we need someone cool and muscular and really amazing to go with us, right?" Cirice asks, not shouting but loud enough the others around can hear if they want. This seems like a perfect solution to her.

A bespectacled man sits at one of the tables, his attentions focused on the sketchbook he has in front of him. His looks are quite unassuming. Really, he looked like any other bookworm you could find anywhere.

Ulrich, when's the last time we went on an adventure, eh? I'm itching for some excitement!

Alvis, we can't be adventuring all the time. We need to take it easy every now and then.

Ulrich's gaze is diverted momentarily from the book to the two people who just walked into the main area. They sit and order food, but one of them is speaking loudly about their current endeavor. Almost as if they were trying to catch the attention of a worthy adventurer to tag along with them.

Oooh, do you hear that?! It sounds like adventure calling our names!

Ulrich breathes a sigh through his nose. He closes the sketchbook and gently places it in his satchel. He begins to push out his chair not noticing the big burly man moving his way in the two's direction. They bump into each other, with Ulrich's chair falling to the floor.

"Oi! Watch where you're goin', Four Eyes! I could've hurt you, you're so scrawny!" The Burly Adventurer bellowed.

Ulrich's expression was unfazed as he stared up at the taller man. He pulls his chair up and fixes it into it's position at the table. "I doubt it," he responds back. Ulrich turns in Iryla and Cirice's direction with the intention to leave, but the Burly Adventurer misunderstands.

"What di- Oi! No, I'm goin' on that adventure! Piss off!" He goes to grab Ulrich by the shoulder from behind, but he misses?! He turns his head in shock to see Ulrich on his side giving him an unamused look. Apparently the man is quick to anger because he starts to swing his hands around trying to get a hold of the bespectacled man.

A swipe here, a swipe there! Ulrich swiftly weaves his way around the Burly Man's reach. He's facing in Iryla and Cirice's direction as all of their eyes meet. He gives them a goofy warm smile as he shrugs his shoulders. The Burly Man is panting behind him, attempting to catch his breath. A growl can be heard behind him as the man lunges forward for another attempt at a grab.

In a quick series of precise movements; Ulrich pivots, catches the man's outstretched arm at the wrist, places his leg in front of the man to trip him, and with his free hand he pushes his shoulder into the floor while twisting his arm back while placing his knee on his back.

He put the man in an armlock. The man was screaming a bit in agony as Ulrich held him there. He looks back up to Iryla and Cirice with a smile.

"I guess you've found your muscular companion! I'll leave you all to it then."

He lets go of the man's arm, and he's now wincing in pain.

"Please be safe on your journey, you two."

And with that, he makes for the door.

Iryla is surprised when Cirice takes her arm and brings her downstairs. She’s even more surprised when Cirice speaks of their plans loudly, and she opens her mouth to scold the other girl when she pauses and her eyes go wide. Ohh. That was actually… very clever. Instead of going searching for a companion, one could come to them instead. Though the people already in the dining room didn’t seem… Promising. Perhaps word would spread and someone would approach them soon.

In fact, sooner than she thinks they are being approached at their little table. Though she is hardly impressed with either man who notices them.

At least, she isn’t impressed at first.

She watches impassively with her cheek propped up on her hand as a large, burly, and most annoyingly, loud man seems to cause an altercation over joining their adventure. While he certainly looked strong, Iryla already had it in mind to reject him entirely. Men like that would be loathe to listen to the orders of others, especially a young girl. He didn’t seem particularly bright, either. Someone who was loud and stupid and wouldn’t even listen to Iryla when she tried to make judgement calls was not someone Iryla wanted to deal with in a potentially deadly situation. Hell, she didn’t even want to deal with someone like that in line at the market.

But the scrawnier one. He also catches her eye, in a good way.

He deals with Burly’s piss poor attempt at fighting smoothly, and smiles at both herself and Cirice pleasantly enough, seemingly amused by the situation he had found himself in. Someone with a level head, then. And she is impressed with the way he manages to completely disarm Burly without drawing a single drop of blood.

Not bad. Not bad at all. She wondered what he could do in a fight that would challenge him.

But then he turns to leave, and Iryla realizes she needs to say something to him quickly.

“Hold on a second, there.” She calls while slipping out of her chair. Her feet are light and quick as she steps on and over the man groaning in pain on the floor to catch up to Glasses before he can leave.

“Why don’t you sit and have a drink with us?” She offers. “You must have worked up a sweat just now, am I right? There’s a third seat open at our table.”

"Yeah join us! That was awesome!" Cirice giggles, smiling at him, really liking this guy's style and general demeanor. He seems really capable but also really nice. The smile he'd given when their eyes met had made her heart flutter just a little. What a strange sensation. She straightens the chair next to her so he can sit with them. "Please have a drink with us! I'm Cirice and that's my best friend Iryla! What's your name? Where'd you learn to fight like that? You're graceful like Iryla! Oh, on second, let's take care of that man first..."

She gets up, heading to the grumpy, burly man on the ground before he can get up and bends over him to look closer, he doesn't appear hurt other than a bruise blossoming on his shoulder. She touches him gently with one hand, silvery moonlight pouring from the runes poking out from under her gloves, and the bruise fades away¹. Once that's done the silver takes on a slightly more purple hue and the man's scowl softens².

"Please don't cause any more trouble sir. There's always more adventures to be had. Keep working hard and work on being nicer and I'm sure other people will want you to go with them next time!" She smiles at him brightly.

"Yeah... I guess I'll do that. Sorry to cause a ruckus. You're pretty skilled for a scrawny kid." He nods at Ulrich before getting up and going back to sit at his own table.

Cirice goes back to their table and smiles at her friends. "There now, that's settled so let's have those drinks!"

---

1 Minor Healing
2 Be Jolly [post 1 of 2]

Ulrich's turns back to the two with a face of surprise, but then it shifts into his usual warm smile and he gives a soft chuckle. They both offer him to sit and drink with them at their table. One of them even straightens a chair for him to sit on. 

Please, Ulrich. This adventure is practically calling our names! Why don't have have a drink and a nice chat with these two. eh?

Ulrich slightly nods his head in agreement. Was it a nod to the two in front of him or a nod to Alvis' request? Who knows.

One of them introduces herself as Cirice and the other is named Iryla.

"My name is Ulrich, Ulrich Ambriz. It's a pleasure to meet the both of you!"

He was about to answer her question when she tells him to hold for a second. She gets up from her seat and walks over to the burly adventurer he had just embarrassed right in front of them. He watches as she touches his bruise gently, a silver-like glow encompasses the injury— almost like moonlight— and it fades away. Now the light transitions into a softer purple glow, and the man stands up. Surprisingly, his temper is no longer present, and he goes back to sit down at his own table.

One of Ulrich's eyebrows are raised as he ponders to himself. Well, not really to himself. Alvis can hear his thoughts too.

Must've been a spell? I don't think I've seen that one before.

No, I cannot say I've— oh! No, wait, I might have seen something like it before... When I had an actual physical body, that is.

Cirice turns back to them and joyfully says that they should have those drinks now. Drinks are something he would happily partake in! He pulls their chairs out for them, as he will wait for them to take a seat before he does. He gestures to their chairs with a warm smile as he waits.

Iryla is relieved when Cirice immediately backs her up in trying to drag glasses back to their little table to talk over a drink. Good, that likely meant Cirice was just as impressed as she had been. And while Iryla didn’t understand half of the things Cirice said (not because she didn’t understand them but simply because she could not fathom how Cirice came to some of the conclusions she did), she had first hand experience with how uncannily convincing Cirice could be.

Case in point, her ability to somehow get Burly to apologize to them and walk himself out of the tavern space.

Kind of creepy, really.

"My name is Ulrich, Ulrich Ambriz. It's a pleasure to meet the both of you!"

“Nice to meet you too, Ulrich.” Ah, so glasses wasn’t his name then. Bummer. “My name is Iryla, and this is Cirice.” Using fake names wasn’t an option at this point, so it seems a polite and truthful introduction was the best way to go.

Iryla takes her seat again and looks to Ulrich as they wait for Cirice to join them. “Go ahead and order what you want, you can just put it on our tab.” Iryla didn’t have infinite money to work with on this journey, but she was a frugal girl and getting a new ally on their little trip was a worthy business expense. “The juice is pretty good, if you don’t drink.” Iryla personally didn’t. Better to avoid questions on if she was old enough to be here without her parents by not even trying to get alcohol.

She waits for him to order what he wants and for Cirice to sit down again before she continues, though she keeps her voice a bit softer than their earlier conversation to prevent any more unwelcome attention.

"So, I'm guessing you probably heard our conversation earlier, didn't you?" Iryla leans casually on the table while she asks. "Interested in going on an adventure?"

"Please join us! You'll be a great addition to our team, I just know it!" Cirice practically bounces in her seat with excitement but she's lowered her voice slightly so as not to get too much more attention. They don't need any more help, as long as they've got this interesting man with them. She wasn't sure that they'd needed a third to go along with them, but Iryla knows best and Ulrich seems really cool. Confident, capable and goofy. His smile from before flashes through her mind and the tips of her ears get a little pink. What was that about?

"So we got this cool book and it led us here on an adventure to find something." She lowers her voice even more, "A rock. A magic rock that has to do with the sun god! Isn't that enticing?" She giggles. "We were already nearly caught before, but we were sneaky and escaped! But if you're with us I think we can fight them."

She wants to see him fight more. And smile more. She looks at Iryla for confirmation and totally not to hide the blush blossoming on her cheeks for no good reason at all. "He's really amazing so he perfectly fits with us, right Iryla?!? Oh but I follow Iryla in everything, Ulrich. She's teaching me how to be a really great adventurer. As long as you don't mind that or mind traveling with two girls then we'd love if you joined us. Please?" There's no magical edge to her voice to try to convince him, just a sincere wish that he'll come along.

Ulrich finally takes his seat next to the two after they've taken theirs. He was contemplating on something to order, but the conversation drew him in and he'd forgotten about ordering anything. He also noticed Cirice's excited bounces as she takes a seat.

Hmm, she must be excited to potentially get going, huh?

Uhh, I don't think that's ENTIRELY why she's excited.

His attentions are called back to the two as they continue to lower their voices at the object they found. A book! He was also very certain that it was the Sol Stone they were talking about. He had quite a few encounters which were about the aforementioned stone.

"I happen to have a book in my possession as well that speaks of the Stone," he says in whisper matching their own. "I found it while helping a friend who was in dire need at the time."

His eyes drift off as he flashes back to the violence of that night back in Moonveil. He shakes his head, snapping out of his trance.

"I fully understand the dangers that come with attempting to find this Stone," he opened his mouth to say something else, but he was interrupted by a voice.

"He also found me while on a quest with two others which involved this so called Stone!" The voice said. Though only loud enough that the three of them could hear it at the table. Ulrich's dagger slowly floats out of it scabbard to the tabletop, and stands on it's tip facing the three.

Ulrich gives a sigh, but the action also makes him smile again. "Iryla, Cirice, this is my companion, Alvis Worthington. Former pirate hunter, and now, spirit trapped in a dagger."

"Former GREAT pirate hunter, Ulrich! How many times do I have to tell you that?" The Dagger turns to face the ladies. "Hello, nice to meet the both of you! I would shake your hands, but I lack any appendages!"

Ulrich laughs slightly, "Yes, that is quite scary to picture, Alvis," he turns to the back to the two, "So, in actuality, we have a party of four. I'm not so sure I'm that amazing, really. I've just been trained a bit on the subject of combat."

"Mhmm." If had a pair of eyebrows, one of them would be raised regarding Ulrich's statement.

"And I don't mind adventuring with two ladies. I will gladly join you in this endeavor."

By this point in their travels, Iryla is clearly used to Cirice’s rapidfire chatter, if the unphased expression on her face says anything. She seems content to let Cirice do most of the talking and explaining while she keeps a careful eye on Ulrich, guaging his reactions and expression. Inviting him along did not mean she trusted him, after all, it just meant he showed potential. She’d watch him like a hawk as he accompanied them, just like she watched everyone around her.

The only crack in her smooth expression comes when Cirice comments on Iryla teaching her about adventuring. A bit of an embarrassed wince surfaces then as Iryla looks away and attempts to continue appearing nonchalant about the situation.

Seriously, teaching her about adventuring? Iryla wasn’t even an adventurer, at best she was just a thief.

"I happen to have a book in my possession as well that speaks of the Stone."

The half-elf’s attention is drawn back to the conversation at hand by that particular comment, her eyes going a bit wider as she turns her head to face Ulrich. Really?

“Those are some strange odds, that all three of us would be drawn here by the same thing.” There is the faintest hint of suspicion in her voice, though she does not press for more information or answers. It did make her wonder how many people knew about this stone in the desert, but she doubted Ulrich had anything to do with the mysterious figures they had encountered in the temple before. The timing didn’t quite make sense, and this would be a little bit too obvious of a trap if he were involved with them.

When the dagger starts floating and talking, however, Iryla almost takes back her assessment. Floating, talking blades apparently housing disembodied spirits sounds like some cult bullshit to her–

Nope. No. She was going to take things one step at a time. Why exactly this guy had a living, talking dagger was none of Iryla’s business.

Maybe… Maybe it was just a normal thing to have in this part of the world. Maybe there were dozens, hundreds of haunted weapons in the world. That… That made sense.

That totally made sense.

“It- Ah… It’s…. Nice to… meet… you?” Smooth, good job Iryla. She definitely didn’t sound freaked out when saying hello to a dagger. Not at all.

By the Gods, this trip was shaving years off of her life.

The dagger floats up of its own volition and introduces himself and Cirice squeals in excitement. "Oh. My. GODDESS!" She reaches out and takes Alvis by the hand guard, shaking it up and down gleefully. "Its lovely to meet you Alvis! Aren't you just super interesting??? How in the world did you end up in a dagger? Are you comfortable like that?" She leans in and looks at him closer, eyes glittering with wonder. She's never seen a haunted weapon before, the fact that he can talk and float on his own accord is incredible. 

"A party of four then, that's wonderful! It really is great odds that we all came together for the same reason, Mother Moon must really be smiling upon us!" She signals over a waitress to get them some drinks of their choosing. "Shall we head out then? There isn't really much outside of here I don't think so we should probably stock up on stuff and head out as soon as we're ready. I've never been to a desert before so I'm excited to see all the sand and stuff. Maybe we can even find natural glass! Wouldn't that be cool? Maybe make some earrings or something as a memento of our adventure. I could even make you a charm to hang from yourself Alvis, if you wanted!"

Alvis is shaken up and down by the handguard. It had been a while since someone had showed that much enthusiasm in meeting him— seeing as he was a floating dagger nowadays, and not an actual humanoid being.

"Ah, yes! Well, when I had a body I was chasing a famous Pirate back in my day! Marcia Calabran, the Violet Eyed Deviless, was her name..."

Ulrich's expression softened at the mention of the pirate. A hint of heartache could be detected in Alvis' voice.

"Anyways, at the end of my life I'd cornered her! Although, as you can see, I never captured her... She— she was the one that got away I'm afraid." An audible sharp intake of air could be heard from the dagger, and it looked as though his spirits perked up again. "And to answer your other question, yes! Traveling with Ulrich here makes my existence quite comfortable, as a matter of fact! He is a very interesting fellow once you get to know him!"

Ulrich smiles warmly at Alvis' comment.

"Yes, I suppose we should get going. The sooner, the better when it comes to business about this Stone."

If Alvis could smile, he would be right now, but all he can do to show his excitement is to bob side to side like a happy puppy.

"Oh, that would be quite lovely, Darling! I would cherish it forever!"

At least Cirice seems to take the talking dagger thing in stride. Iryla supposed that one of them had to. Although leave it to Cirice to be more excited about potential sight seeing than concerned over the fact that they were likely walking into a trap laid out by some crazed cultists who had already threatened them once.

Well. At least she could depend on Cirice to be cheerful company. The moon elf would likely be much better at getting along with the people they met on this journey, like Ulrich and his talking knife, than Iryla had any hope of being.

“We can be ready to go as soon as you are.” Iryla slides back into the conversation when it turns to simpler, more practical matters. “We already brought some supplies with us when we journeyed out here, so the only things we’ll likely need to locate in this town is water and rations for the desert.”

She paused for a moment before adding on. “If there’s anything you need, Ulrich, just tell me. I’ll do what I can to get it for you, since you’ve agreed to help us track down this stone, it’s the least I could do. And um… For Alvis too.” Though she wasn’t quite sure what in the world a sentient knife could need on a journey.

It’s the thought that counts, right?

Cirice is even more curious about Alvis and Ulrich, she could sit and ask questions of them all day, but they have a mission. Alvis’ story makes her sad but his excitement over being included and thought about makes her perk up. She’ll take extra care to make sure he feels like a part of the team.

“I can’t wait to get to know both of you better! We’re going to be great friends! I want to hear all of your stories while we travel. I want to know everything about you guys, all three of you! I’ll cherish these memories forever!” She bounces to her feet. “I’m ready to go now. I’ve got a tent, and food and a spell for making a campfire. I’ve heard that it gets cold in the desert at night! Isn’t that strange? So hot in the day and bitterly cold at night! Hope you boys don’t mind a little snuggling!” She giggles.

“Hopefully we won’t get into a fight but if we do I know we can handle it now. We’re gonna be so prepared, those jerks from before won’t even know what hit them!” She’s fired up now and ready to go. “Not that I hope we run into them again, but they could be some shadowy creepy organization that’s all over. Who knows?”

Cirice waves her hand and a little shadowy rabbit-like creature materializes and looks at them with big purple eyes¹. “Go get our stuff Ur, we’re about to leave!” The wolpertinger nods, flexing its little wings and takes off upstairs to get their things for them while they finish their planning and meal.

---

1 Summon Minor Minion

Ulrich gives gives an agreeing nod to Iryla.

”Ah, yes. We shouldn’t have too much trouble finding water and rations here.”

He takes a moment to ponder on the topic. Yes, all they would really have to do is ask around.

Iryla pauses, but then she speaks up again, offering to obtain anything he or Alvis needed as thanks for their help in tracking down the Stone. He puts his hands up and shakes them goofily.

”Oh no, no! That’s quite alright! I thank you though, Iryla!”

”Yes, agreed. We should be fine as long we find those rations and water for the trip. Thank you again though, Darling.” The Dagger was gesturing happily towards Iryla.

Alvis turns to Cirice now as her excitement at having some new companions is contagious.

”I have many stories of my time as a Pirate Hunter! I could tell you all about those days, if you wish!” There is a pause, “Ulrich on the other hand– not that I have any hands now– takes a bit of coaxing when it comes to telling stories. I will say though that he has some interesting stories of his own!”

Ulrich smiles and nods, agreeing with the Dagger. “Well yes, I do have some stories. Probably not as grand as Alvis’ though.”

The idea of snuggling is mentioned, and Alvis quickly turns to Ulrich.

”Yes, the desert is an unforgiving place! Snuggling is a good way to keep body warm, isn’t it, Ulrich?”

A puzzled look etches itself across Ulrich’s face as he looks between the three of them.

”Uhh, well yes, it would be a good way to keep warm at night.”

Cirice is certainly ready to go, and he can’t but laugh.

”Hopefully we don’t run into too much trouble once we find what we’re looking for.”