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“Here’s your funds, your funds, your funds–”

They had returned to the city after two more days of investigating.

Syrus’ prize did invite a whole lot of questions from everyone involved, and she didn’t hide anything about what happened. They were concerned if she was injured, as she replied that she was fine. The only thing she was currently suffering from was her weakened body and the mana strain it constantly experienced.

For better and worse, they were told to continue the investigation for the full allotted time, but once it was done, it was decided there were no other issues to pursue for the time being. Afterwards, everyone regrouped again and returned to down, then twelve hours later regrouped again to get their payments.

“And here is yours.” A clearly bigger bag was dropped in Anlesa’s hands. The coins bounced for the clings of metal were much louder than the rest.

“Damn, jealous.” Lavender, having a bit of fun, poked Syrus’ shoulder. None of the crew minded Syrus's extra pay; that was the arrangement, and they all got a reasonable amount.

“I didn’t have much choice in the matter.” Syrus snapped back.

Lavender laughed, “Ah boy, do I wish I was there for that! Would’ve been a lot of fun.”

Maca ominously warned, “It would've been better if you regrouped.”

Lavender threw an arm on his shoulder as she pointed to the still-fresh head of the mutated deer. “Did you see that cut neck, Maca?! Look how bloody clean that shit is.”

Maca shook when she did, uncomfortable. Not from the action, but clearly not used to large displays of physical contact.

Lavender moved closer to Anlesa, “Soooo, what are you going to buy?”

“Supplies, food, rent, standard stuff.”

“Boring, come on, get yourself some custom armour; you must’ve gone crazy out there. You have to start getting that brand recognition, and what better way to do that than with your own sense of style? Come on, I know a few people.”

“Cease it.” Said Maca.

“I have no plans, Lavender.” Syrus tossed the coins into her bag. “I’m not interested.”

[The extra cash will certainly be nice for Elly and the children.] (Syrus)

[Yeah…. I’m worried they are getting low; that is a lot of mouths to feed.] (Eva)

“Fineeee.” Lavender raised her hands, surrendering to both of them. “But you should hang around the Clarzxa Guild, or at least the Leaf Leave Hunting Guild. You shouldn’t waste your time in the plant collector den.”

"No,” said Syrus.

Maca added, “You’ll be recommended for escort quests… if desired.” He wasn’t trying to agree with Lavender, but he did want to let Syrus know of the possibilities. The fact that she successfully had proof of tough kill proved her combat prowess, and the job they just completed was a multiple-day request, which was what was required for escorts towards the borders.

“I know, but thanks.”

The group didn’t stay together for long; they had things they wanted to do. Maca went somewhere, Lavender went to have a nice long bath, and Anlesa went home to unpack and prepare for later.

On the walk home.

[There are more around.] Luna declared that there was no clarification required.

[...That… can’t be good…] (Eva)

[I see.] With even more around, Syrus was starting to pick up on the similarities between the disguised priests.

There was nothing they could do at the moment, but they each kept that information in the back of their minds.

Finally, home, Eva took control and looked around at her mostly clean table of potion supplies and empty bottles ready to be filled.

[I have so many potions I need to make…] (Eva)

[Come on, don’t you enjoy making them?] (Syrus)

[I do, but that doesn’t change the fact that there are a lot of them I need to make.] (Eva)

[You know, you are the one deciding how many to make; you are your own boss in this house.] (Syrus)

[Which is exactly why we need to go out and collect and buy a lot more material… and bottles, a lot more bottles.] (Eva)

Eva had a set amount of potions she wanted to make for the week, but she had changed her plans, and that amount had quintupled.

[Do you want to go out now?] (Syrus)

[That would be good. Let’s go buy the supplies first before stock runs out for the week.] (Eva)

[We got the cash, so sure.] (Syrus)

[Afterwards, there is something I want to do.] (Luna)

[That’s fine.] (Eva)

[Sure, what is it?] (Syrus)

[Here is what I want to do…] (Luna)