After bidding Beatrice goodbye Yvlena stopped to marvel at the blooming flowers dotting the once barren landscape of the Floral District, it wasn’t so long ago that she wondered where all the flowers went.

  The Miasma had taken most of the joy with it, but Yvlena was happy she could return some of it to the citizens of Bloom Haven.

  As she reached Bloom Haven’s central area a familiar voice called out to her, she turned to see Bernard the shopkeeper calling her attention, the girl ran up to him curious to what he had to say.

  “My, I didn’t know I had been talking to the Harvest Guardian this whole time and now they’re saying you cleared the old outpost.”

  Yvlena beamed.

  “I did? Did you know someone who worked there? I’m sorry for your loss.” Yvlena said.

  Bernard shook his head, he took off his hat and lowered his head as if his next words would carry a heavy weight.

  “I regularly traded with the men of the Outpost, such brave souls. When the Miasma first appeared I had to stop as the beasts soon got too strong for me to handle on my own. I felt like I had abandoned them.” Bernard said.

  “There wasn’t much you could do.” Yvlena said sympathetically.

  “I know and with your hard work the town is mobilizing more of the town guard to staff the Outpost again, I’m sure by the time you see it, you won’t recognize that old place.” Bernard laughed. “Just don’t forget about old Bernard, I always have something interesting to sell.”

  Yvlena nodded and bid the man farewell as well. It was time for her to see Risel.

  The street to the apothecary was brimming with people as Yvlena made her way to the Artisan District. She wove her way past chatting NPCs and open shops she made mental notes to check on later.

  Despite what she thought, Bloom Haven was a pretty big town and she had only explored a few out of several districts.

  “Risel?” Yvlena called as she entered the store.

  “Yvlena over here.” Risel’s voice called from behind the counter, the blonde seemed to be in the middle of organizing somethings.

  Yvlena slipped under the store table separating the customers from the other side of the apothecary and realized she hadn’t been behind it since the last quest Risel had given her to help clean the apothecary shelves.

  ‘Good times, the game’s story line has really progressed.’ Yvlena thought. The room behind the apothecary reminded her a little bit of the Beatrice’s house. It was a wide space with a kitchen tucked in the back and a small living area where Risel received guests.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  A bedroom and wash room just out of Yvlena’s sight. As she turned to look around she noticed a book shelf, no doubt full of books Risel studied to be a master Alchemist. Another that led outside the apothecary and into a garden outside. The space was small but cozy, perfect for an elf that lived alone.

  Risel hefted a pack unto her back and smiled at Yvlena who had been patiently waiting for her to be ready.

  “Are you ready for this, Risel?” Yvlena asked.

  “I’ve been waiting for this for a long, long time Yvlena. Nothing will stop me now.” The blonde said with a soft smile.

  “Then let’s go.”

  [Risel has joined your party!]

  ----------

  Despite the pack she was carrying Risel didn’t slow Yvlena down as they entered the Bloom Meadow. The other elf had her face set in grim determination to follow Yvlena through the terrain.

  In a swift strike Yvlena, disposed of the pesky horned rabbits that had respawned, giving Risel time to run past and toward the entrance to the Verdant Woods.

  [Yvlena Acquired

  Exp: 755/2700

  ***

  Rabbit Fur x2

  Rabbit Meat x4

  Carrot x1

  Moon Points x20]

  “It’s just like I remember it.” Risel said placing one foot in front of the path that led down the Verdant Woods. “I never thought the Miasma would ever go away.” She said in awe.

  The boot stepped over the healthy green grass as she and Yvlena continued on their way towards the forest.

  “Give me a second, Risel.” Yvlena said the closer they got to the sign that would diverge in a path to the Verdant Lake and Avaresh Swamp or The Spider Forest and the next town.

  “What is it?” Risel asked in concern worried that her friend might have been hurt when she wasn’t looking.

  Yvlena took a moment to call her summons to her aid, there hadn’t been any enemies yet but that wouldn’t stop them from sneaking up on her when she wasn’t looking.

  “Oh how adorable, I never realized you were a summoner Yvlena!” Risel said stooping down to give Kuti an inspection. The door said nothing only looking to Yvlena in confusion at the new member of the party.

  Rabbit Knight said nothing, only looking ahead to scout the area as Sprite flit around.

  “I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a Forest Sprite. Risel remarked as they began walking again. “You’re really amazing Yvlena.”

  [Affinity with Risel increased +5]

  “How come?” Yvlena asked curiously, she knew the answer was probably related to the Miasma but it didn’t hurt to ask.

  “You’ve probably guessed by now but Sprites can’t live in an unhealthy forest, there used to be a lot of them in the Verdant Woods, I hope they’ll be able to come back.” Risel said.

  Yvlena recalled Sprite’s earlier comments about the sickness of the forest when they first entered it, she had thought it strange at first that the summon had noticed but now she knew it was all part her nature.

  “I’m sure they’ll be back once the Miasma’s gone.” Yvlena said, holding the Moon Sickle close, this area was where she had once gotten attacked by the corrupted the Lesser Miasmic Beast. A creature like that would be no problem for her now.

  Yvlena glanced around the forest, noticing the trees no longer leaked the strange Miasmic sap she had given to Risel, as the two pushed on ahead they eventually came to the faded sign that diverged the path into two.

  “Through here is the path to the Verdant Vale.” Yvlena reminded her.

  Risel laughed, but Yvlena could hear the nervousness in it. Risel’s eyes shifted towards the path with sad eyes.

  “I remember. Of course I remember.” Her eyes fell to the ground as if she was about to cry. The summons inched closer to her, worried the elf would run off like Dylan had done when they had escorted him prior.

  Yvlena placed her hands on Risel’s shoulder, then pulled her into a hug.

  “Don’t worry Risel, I won’t leave your side.” Yvlena said softly, Risel’s eyes met hers and the elf smiled up at Yvlena in relief.

  “I trust you. You’re my Harvest Guardian after all.” Risel said. The elves pulled away from each other as Risel gathered her courage.

  The forest she had walked so many times before, had now become a den of danger but with Yvlena by her side…

  She would be fine.