The Witch's Relay, Volume 2

The morning chilly air threatens to pierce through my wool blanket as I wait for Cedric and his adventuring party to wake up.

I know that since we're all staying at the same inn, I might as well wait inside, but unable to calm my usual nervousness before a journey, I had figured that I might as well get some fresh air.

I sigh deeply. I never used to be this nervous in the past. When my brother died, I also lost my father. He had broken down from grief, and not long after, he became sick and also died.

When some of the villagers that I had grown up around began spreading rumors, I had chosen to leave the place.

I just can't stand two-faced people.

With a creak and small brass bells ringing, the door behind me swings open.

"I know I said we were in a hurry.. But I didn't mean that we wouldn't have time for breakfast." Spinning around, I see Cedric standing in the door opening, holding the door from closing.

"Don't worry. I didn't mistake your meaning. I felt like some fresh air is all."

"Ahh. Well, the inn is serving food now. So I recommend you get a bite."

"I'll be there in just a moment."

"Ok."

Picking up on the fact that I want to be alone for a little bit, Cedric backs away with a subtle bow, allowing the door to shut behind him.

So my new travel companions have both manners and are able to properly read a situation.. Good to know. Maybe this journey won't be so unbearable after all.

...

"What's the breakfast menu?" I ask the red-nosed and cheery innkeeper.

"Two freshly boiled eggs, along with apple-oatmeal porridge." It's nothing fancy, but nothing that I've eaten at this place is actually bad.

"Great! I'll take some of that." Digging in my small leather pouch I dig out two copper coins and toss them to him with a smile. The standard rate here for breakfast is just that.

"Take a seat and I'll be right there then!" With bumbling steps befitting his large.. Girth, he heads towards the back.

Turning around to find a seat, I immediately notice my new acquaintance and his friends at a table. Cedric, whom I make eye contact with waves and points to the empty seat and the corner of their table.

Deciding that I might as well get to know my new travel partners, I accept the invitation.

"Got enough fresh air?" Cedric grins at me.

"Yup. For now at least." Unlike last night, none of his companions are wearing their hoods, allowing me to get an even better look at them than before.

"Well, where we're going there should be plenty of that stuff around." Cedric teases.

"I suppose." Suddenly acutely aware that all his companions are curiously observing me, I look at the rough table before me.

"It seems you've forgotten to introduce us." The one sitting nearest to Cedric points out. He is the one I got the best look at yesterday, the sketchy looking man with messy dark hair and piercing green eyes.

"Oh! My apologies. You are correct." Cedric's tone switches from teasing to flustered. "This fine man here we like to call Licht. I promise that despite his looks, he's a decent fella." He says, meaning the man who had just requested the introduction. I make note that he said "we like to call" rather than "this is".

"And this here is Ansel, useless in a fight and our self-proclaimed wordsmith." This time Cedric points towards the man- or rather boy seated next to me. His face just screams innocence, starkly contrasting Licht, and his strawberry blonde hair and big blue eyes just go to assist that perfect image.

"His words. Not mine. I am not self-proclaimed anything other than.. Other than.." He pauses for a moment, trying to think of a good way to end his retort. "Never mind. But I am for the record not useless in a fight. It's just that being the only C-rank in a party of B's and A's I get less chance for action.."

His three companions chuckle. I am guessing that they commonly bug him about this, even though C-rank is pretty powerful in its own right, especially if he is on the higher end of C-rank.

"And this.." Cedric starts, but pauses briefly to quell his inner laughter. "Is Riley. Our resident princess."

"For the last time!! Riley is NOT a girl's name! Why do you ALWAYS have to introduce me like this!?" Standing up, Riley smacks his fists frustratedly on the table. His otherwise pale cheeks are bright red. While his soft facial features and long hair don't necessarily give me "princess" vibes, I do get the idea that his delicate appearance might be attributed to some rank of nobility.

His body does not however quite match his rich face, and I notice that his shirt is tightly gripping onto his body, suggesting that his life might not be quite as easy as one might guess at first glance.

Based on looks alone, I do believe that Riley would best fit into the role of "white knight."

I give him a quiet look of sympathy before Cedric chooses to interrupt and continue the introductions.

"And this here is Grace. And like I briefly mentioned last night, she will be traveling with us back to the capital."