Authors Note: Going to try and update weekly if possible.

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Chapter 3: Homeward Bound and an evening of tales (Raw/ Unedited)

Eldric gently checked to make sure Vespera was well secured in her new wheelchair. While she struggled to remember if they had a life together, she knew that she had to rely on him, at least for now. As they made their way home, Vespera was left to wonder about her past and the uncertain future that lay ahead.

 

As Eldric pushed Vespera's wheelchair through the town, he pointed out various places that should be familiar to her. "That's Dirg's blacksmith shop he's the best in town when it comes to custom pieces." he said, gesturing towards the sound of hammering metal and the warm glow of the forge. "Over there is the apothecary, Silvi makes a lot of unique potions, and pays fair prices for ingredients."

 

Vespera listened intently, trying her best to remember. Eldric continued, "And that lovely little park is where they hold Lampetia's Light festival, and people often use it as a place to train.”

As they continued to make their way through Riversmeet, Vespera found herself growing more uneasy. She couldn't help but be skeptical of the care he showed to everyone they encountered—whether it was asking about someone’s sick relative or congratulating a young couple on their newborn child.

As they passed a vibrant market bustling with people, Eldric chimed in, "This market is the smallest but It's always lively and full of unique trinkets from far-off lands." Vespera's eyes widened at the colorful fabrics and intricate jewelry on display.

 

Eldric noticed her fascination and smiled gently. "Did you want a closer look?" he said.

"Maybe another day Sir Eldric." She replied.

As they continued their conversation, Vespera couldn't help but make comments that revealed her noble upbringing. She mentioned the town's lack of grand architecture and wondered why there weren't more guards patrolling the streets.

 

"Sir Eldric why are some of the people here dressed so poorly?"

 

Eldric, cleared his throat then said, "Ah, see that quaint little inn over there?" pointing at a charming building with ivy crawling up its walls. "We've shared many a meal with comrades before leaving on quests. They serve the best honey-roasted chicken in town. It's run by a really kind family Trogan is a dark elf, his wife is human, and their young daughter looks like a high elf."

 

Vespera nodded, noting that some of the smells wafting out reminded her of home. She tried to imagine herself enjoying the camaraderie and laughter that filled the cozy looking dining room. 

 

Seeing what looked like a marriage celebration inside Vespera asked, “Where did our supposed marriage take place?”.  Eldric smiled warmly, pausing in front of the inn. "We had a small but beautiful wedding on the island of Shone. It was quite Lavish for only around forty guests. The sun set over the water, turning the sky into a canvas of fiery oranges and reds. You wore an exquisite white gown made of Thayan silk and adorned with embroidery in the finest mithril silver."

Vespera looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of deceit. Thinking, ‘He must be a good actor his seems so sincere. It must be a Lie I’m not even wearing a ring.’ She purposely looked down at her hand and asked, " And did I have a wedding ring?".

He explained that he had taken it off when she was getting treatment and brought it today but had forgotten to give it to her.  He takes it out and gets down on one knee to put it on her finger.

 

The platinum ring, adorned with five blue stones, took Vespera's breath away. It was such a beautiful piece, featuring her favorite metal and gems. Vespera whole face lit up with a smile despite herself, as he gently placed the ring on her finger. "Wow, It's so beautiful.”

 

Eldric smiles back and replies, "I'm glad you still like it," then continues, "Now, let's get you home before you're due for your medicine."

 

As they continued their conversation, Vespera occasionally still made remarks that revealed her noble upbringing. She tried to hold back, noticing Eldric's frown and frustration at her comments. It’s not her fault the city is so dirty or unsophisticated.

Upon arriving at the home Vespera couldn't help but express her confusion at the small dwelling. "Is this some joke? How do I live here, it’s smaller than the doghouse, and where are the servants?" she blurted out.

 

Eldric frowned, his tone turning a little harsh as he responded, "I bought this home 7 years ago, and we don't have any servants." and wheeled her inside.

 

Hearing the edge in his usually kind voice, Vespera regretted her words. She attempted to apologize awkwardly, but her words were met with silence.

 

Upon entering the house, Eldric showed Vespera around. As they walked through the living room, Vespera tried to hide her surprise at the modest size and simple decorations compared to the grand noble dwellings she was used to. "Oh, this is... cozy," she said, forcing a smile. Eldric nodded, picking up on her hesitation but not commenting on it.

 

He led her to the study filled with magical books, which excited her. "Wow, what an impressive collection, Sir Eldric," she said genuinely, her eyes scanning the bookshelves. He grinned, "Yes, we gathered these books during our travels and adventures."

 

As they continued through the bathroom and the restroom, Vespera couldn't help but notice the lack of luxurious details she was accustomed to, like marble floors and gold-plated fixtures. She bit her lip, trying not to let her thoughts show on her face.

 

In the kitchen, she saw the fresh vegetables on the counter and the cleanliness of the area. "I can see you take good care of the home, Sir Eldric," she commented. He nodded, "I try my best to maintain it, Vespera."  Eldric, on the other hand, was thinking about the effort he had put into making the house more accessible for her, especially the bedroom, knowing that she would be spending a lot of time lying down while she recovered.

 

Eldric showed her the bedroom and helped her onto the bed. Vespera noticed the carefully chosen decorations and the soft, luxurious linens on the bed. "This is lovely," she said softly, her tone genuine.

 

Vespera apologizes for her earlier comment about their house. Eldric simply smiles and tells her not to worry about it.

 

As she lay on the bed, Vespera was struck by her own weakness and how bad the pain was as the medicines wore off. She appreciated Eldric's gentleness in handling her. He told her he would get her medicine and make lunch, and she asked if he could bring her a book from the study.

 

As Vespera waited she tried to use a spell to watch what Eldric was doing but could only manage to see slightly down the hallway, ending it as she saw him returning.

 

When Eldric brought her an advanced shadow magic book, Vespera was delighted. He casts a levitation spell on it since she is unable to hold the heavy tome. She thanked him and summoned a small shadow flicking a finger slightly to turn the pages, skimming the book to decide which spell to study first. Taking breaks to observe the furnishings in the room and trying to piece together her life with Eldric based on the decor, noting the small details like the color of the curtains and the paintings on the walls. She hoped these details would spark her memory, the room seemed to reflect a blend of practical and elegant touches, remembering only one item in the room a candle holder her grandmother gave to her when she was 5.

 

In the kitchen, Eldric prepared soup and medicine. When done he brought them to the bedroom, pausing to observe Vespera's content expression as she read.  Thinking, 'There was something different about her current demeanor, and he wondered what had caused such a change in her over the years.'

 

"Are you enjoying the book?" he asked. "Yes, it's fascinating. You picked the perfect subject for me, although it's a little difficult." she replied with a smile.

 

As they chatted, Vespera continued to examine the room, searching for any familiar details or connections.

 

The soup finally cooled enough, and Eldric offered some to Vespera. She insisted she could eat on her own using her magic but couldn't manage the fine control. Embarrassed, she allowed Eldric to spoon-feed her, greatly enjoying the taste of the beef and vegetable soup. "The meal was acceptable, thank you Sir Eldric".

 

After finishing her meal, Eldric helped her take her medicine. He then began to recount the tale of an adventure they had been on. As he helped her with her arm and leg exercises, she found the pain bearable thanks to his gentle touch and engaging storytelling.

 

Eldric recounted their harrowing journey into the heart of a cursed citadel, long abandoned and overrun by malevolent spirits. It was rumored to hold an artifact capable of healing even grievous injuries, a relic sought by the kingdom of Thaya. Vespera and Eldric, along with a skilled party of adventurers that included a fearless warrior, a cunning rogue, and a wise cleric, ventured into the citadel, only to find themselves trapped within its walls.

 

As they delved deeper into the ancient depths, they learned that the devastating curse rumored to plague these ruins did exist, causing the souls of its inhabitants to be trapped within for eternity.

 

Vespera: "Spirits? Were they dangerous?"

 

Eldric: "Yes, they were terrifying spirits, filled with anger and despair. They manifested as dark, spectral figures with hollow eyes and twisted expressions, their tormented screams echoing through the crumbling corridors. They would attack any who dared to enter their domain, seeking to share their eternal suffering with the living."

 

Vespera shuddered, imagining the eerie spirits haunting the citadel. Eldric continued the story, describing the chilling atmosphere that permeated the ruins, the feeling of being watched by unseen eyes, and the constant whispers that seemed to come from the very walls.

 

Eldric: "We knew that we had to tread carefully, for the spirits could appear at any moment, materializing from the shadows and striking without warning. They could pass through solid objects and possessed the power to drain the life force from the living, leaving their victims as empty husks."

 

As they navigated the citadel, Eldric and Vespera had to rely on their wits and magical abilities to outsmart the spirits. The cleric called upon divine power to protect the party and bless our weapons so they could damage the spirits. The warrior bravely charged into battle, his powerful strikes cleaving through the spectral figures. The rogue used her agility and cunning to evade the spirits' attacks, striking with deadly precision while dodging.

 

"What happened when we finally reached the heart of the citadel?" Vespera asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

 

Eldric smiled, recounting how they discovered the source of the curse: an ancient lich who was twisting the power of the artifact to raise an undead army. The battle was fierce, with Eldric casting lightning bolts and Vespera slicing through the lich's minions with her enchanted blade. The warrior's mighty blows shattered the lich's defenses, while the rogue struck a critical blow that weakened the lich's control over the undead. The cleric channeled divine energy, healing the party, and bolstering their resolve.

 

In the end, they triumphed, breaking the curse, and recovering the artifact. The spirits were finally free, their tormented souls able to find peace at last. As the party left the citadel, victorious and bearing the precious artifact, they knew that they had faced a challenge like no other and emerged stronger than ever before.

 

Once the exercises were complete, Vespera looked out the window to the backyard, admiring the beautiful flowers and herbs in the garden. As she nodded off to sleep dreaming of time spent with her sisters in her family garden.

 

 

After a couple of hours, she awoke to see Eldric reading a book on alchemy as he sat on a chair near the bed. She asked Eldric if he could take her out to see the garden, and he agreed, carefully helping her into the wheelchair.

 

As they explored the garden, Vespera marveled at the variety of plants, asking Eldric about the ones she didn't recognize. He patiently explained their names and uses, and she listened intently.

 

She began to reminisce about visiting gardens with her grandmother, a memory that brought a smile to her face. Eldric asked her if she wanted to talk about it, and Vespera hesitated for a moment, wondering if she would just be repeating a story he knew. But if he wanted to listen, she was happy to share.

 

Vespera smiled, her eyes glazing over as she traveled back in time through her memories. "When I was a young girl," she began, "I found solace in the comforting embrace of my grandmother Nyxia. It was under her loving tutelage that I began to learn the simple pleasures of life, such as the art of cooking and the joy of tending to the gardens."

 

She paused, remembering the warmth of the inviting kitchen in their ancestral home. "My grandmother's deft hands moved with practiced grace, guiding me through the intricate process of creating the delicate pastries that had once enchanted My grandfather Valdris. The enticing aromas of our creations filled the air as she taught me the secret to achieving a flaky, tender crust."

 

As Vespera spoke, her eyes sparkled with the vividness of her memories. "Together, we would also explore the hidden wonders of the underground gardens, a place where delicate beauty thrived amidst the shadows. Hand in hand, we wandered through the soft, luminescent glow of the phosphorescent fungi, marveling at the sight of lush plants and the soft, musical notes of the subterranean birds."

 

Eldric listened intently, his fascination with Vespera's past growing with every word. Vespera continued, "One day, I asked my grandmother about a cluster of delicate, violet blossoms nestled among the foliage. She told me they were called Whispering Orchids, said to reveal one's innermost secrets when their petals were touched."

 

A tender smile crossed her lips as she recounted her youthful curiosity. "I gently reached out to brush my fingers against the velvety petals, waiting for the magic to take effect. But my grandmother chuckled and said that perhaps their magic wasn't meant for one so young and innocent as me, or that my heart was already an open book."

 

Vespera sighed, the memory of her grandmother still vivid in her mind. "As we continued our journey through the gardens, I asked her endless questions, eager to learn the names and properties of each plant we encountered. She patiently answered, her love for the natural world a gift she was eager to share with me."

 

"Your grandmother sounds like a wonderful woman," he said softly.

 

Vespera nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "She was, Sir Eldric. And I'll always cherish the time we spent together, exploring the wonders of our world and learning the secrets it holds."

 

After the garden and sharing her memories, Vespera starts to feel tired, so Eldric takes her back to the bedroom, gently putting her in bed.

 

She loosely grabs his hand as he is tucking her in and says, "What if they send another assassin? Won’t they know we live here?"

 

He tries to ease her worries, telling her the house is warded with several barriers, so they are safe. Still touching his hand, she asks if he can please keep her company until she falls asleep.

 

He begrudgingly grabbed a chair putting it next to the bed and held her hand, contemplating Vespera's story about her grandmother and how much more open and emotional Vespera seems. Wondering how she ended up being so closed off, and unwilling to discuss her past. After a while, he hears her breathing slowly as she drifts into sleep, still holding onto his hand. He gently dislodges it and heads down to the basement, sorting out some treasure he got from the manticore separating the magic items by type.

 

He spends time inspecting a set of enchanted bracers that enhance the strength of the wearer. Before deciding to check on Vespera. He quietly made his way back upstairs, careful not to wake her.  As he enters the bedroom, he sees her sleeping peacefully, a soft smile on her face. He feels concerned about her recovery, and a sense of responsibility for her well-being. With a sigh, he sits in a nearby chair. Eldric watches over her, contemplating what he should plan in case situations arise. As his thoughts swirl, exhaustion takes over, and he drifts off to sleep.