The Map Only I Can Read

The bell above the door jingled softly as Ren stepped into Moira's potion shop. A wave of earthy scents met him—lavender, ashroot, citrus bark. Glass bottles lined the shelves in a precise, colorful array. Behind the counter, Evelyn looked up from a ledger, and the moment her eyes met his, her smile broke through like sunlight parting fog.

"Ren," she said, setting down her quill. "You're back already?"

He gave a short nod and gestured over his shoulder. "Becca's tied out front. Figured I should check in before heading to the guild."

"Becca?" she asked, brow raised.

"Ah, She's the horse I just bought. Her name is Becca."

Evelyn stepped around the counter, brushing a bit of dust off her apron. "You look... tired. But proud of you. Did it go well?"

"Well, I think its enough," he replied. "Wagon is full. Supplies are in. And I think I might've bought a strange map—very strange one."

She blinked. "That sounds... like something you'd do."

He chuckled. "Yeah, I'm not sure if that's a compliment or a warning."

They chattered while she gathered a few vials—plant growth elixirs, basic wound salves, and a new strain of mana-infused fertilizer she wanted him to test. Ren placed the coin for their purchase on the counter but didn't leave just yet.

"I was wondering," he said, watching her tie the vials carefully, "about tonight. I'll need to head out first thing in the morning, but I don't feel right leaving without thanking you properly."

Evelyn tilted her head. "Thanking me?"

"For yesterday. For helping. For... being the first face I saw that didn't look at me like I didn't belong."

That made her pause. "You do belong, Ren. Even if the world's still trying to catch up to that fact."

He glanced away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Even so… I'd like to stay one more night. If that's alright."

Evelyn gave a small warm nod, smooth rub hands on Ren's shoulder. "It's alright. You know the way."

Ren stepped himself out from the store.

He walked slowly, letting the quiet soak into his skin. From the end of the market alley, to the left, the biggest building around stood tall in the middle of the street, roads circling it like a moat of stone and dust.

The guild.

It stand tall like a stone fortress at the heart of Ironpeak, twin banners swaying lazily in the breeze. Inside, the usual din of adventurers filled the air—boots stomping, requests shouted, weapons clinking against walls.

Ren found Annie quickly behind the request desk. She was already half-dressed in her gear, yellow hair tied back, fingers ink-stained.

"I've been expecting you," she said before he could speak. "Evelyn told me to lend my hand."

"I'll be heading out at first light. I'm not good at fighting, also can't do magic. Thought it wise to ask for some help along the road."

"The wasteland's still wild. Long way to go. Bandits move like shadows in the night," she agreed. "Good call."

She led him to the guild master's office on the second floor, a wide room smelling of old wood and parchment. The man behind the desk was broad-shouldered, a bit older, maybe around 40, with a trimmed silver beard and the kind of gaze that could size up a man in one look.

"Four adventurers," he said, drumming fingers on the desk. "You'll get a swordsman, a vanguard, a mage, and a saint. Good mix. Handpicked by Annie herself."

"Yeah, That's a balance formation," Ren continue, "I'll cover their food and lodging,"

The guild master nodded. "Well… store your wagon and horse in the stable out back, and the rest of your gear will be in the vault overnight."

"Yeah, that would help." Ren said.

The guild master's voice was firm. "This is the safest place around. No one's bold enough to cause trouble here."

"I know. That's why I'm grateful for the help." Ren said.

A small pause between them.

Before Ren said anything, the guild master said, "Call it a favor. Annie's vouching for you."

That caught Ren off guard. "She is?"

"Yes, she is cold to most of the adventurers here. She doesn't vouch for just anyone."

With the guild matters wrapped up, Ren led Becca to the cattle guard behind the building, where the stablehands would see to her care.

He gave the mare a gentle pat and lingered there a moment longer, watching the sunset bleed against the rooftops.

Evening fell slow and warm, casting long shadows between the buildings as Ren met Evelyn outside the shop. They walked side by side, the soft rustle of cloth bags between them and the faint clinking of food jars tucked beneath.

The streets had quieted. Lanterns flickered to life one by one. They made their way to the bakery first—fresh loaves still warm from the stone oven. Then to a small food stall for smoked cheese and dried fruit. Along the way, they passed an accessories shop. A flash of green caught Ren's eye.

"Wait a second," he said, pausing by the window.

Inside, under soft candlelight, sat a pair of earrings. Delicate. Teardrop-shaped. A clear moonstone sat at the lobe, set in a swirl of etched silver. Below it, a teardrop jade crystal dangled with a faint shimmer, soft as breath.

He glanced at Evelyn. Her red hair had caught the last of the sunset's fire.

She noticed his stare. "What happened?"

"I think they'd suit you. Right miss?" Ren glancing at the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper, a woman with too much lipstick and a knowing smile, stepped out. "Ah, buying for your wife? Excellent taste. This agate would suit her well."

Ren leaned in conspiratorially. "Not yet." he whispered, letting the words slip just loud enough for Evelyn to catch them.

She turned bright red. "Ren!"

The shopkeeper laughed and lowered the price a little "For a charming husband-to-be," she said. Evelyn muttered something about nonsense, but her smile betrayed her.

He paid and handed the box to Evelyn. "A thank you. For the first bowl of soup. For the first roof."

Her fingers brushed his as she took the box. "I didn't ask for this."

"I know… that's why it means more."

Silence stretched between them as they walked back. The weight of the coming morning settled like dew.

At her door, she paused.

"Go take some rest. You're leaving at dawn, and it was a very long journey."

He nodded. "I'll be back. Eventually."

She hesitated. "I'll keep a room warm."

Their eyes met—no confession, no promises. Just something unspoken, shared between two people learning the shape of each other.

He touched her hand once more.

And this time, neither of them pulled away.