Cart Pushing (Easy Quest)

There was always that someone that tried to draw attention to themselves at the marketplace. Often, they were people hawking goods that weren’t good enough to be sold by their own virtue, other times they merely served as a distraction to aid pick-pockets, but every so often, there were those that made a fool of themselves.

Lavian sighed and placed a hand on one hip but she sauntered forward to get a clearer view.

Discretion was clearly not this one’s forte, or he was playing at something. Lavian’s distrustful nature prevented her from easily swallowing his conveniently worded spiel, but if there was a chance to make profit, the catfolk wasn’t about the squander it. She was about to volunteer her services - for a pretty penny, but a familiar little figure went on and beat her to the punch.

Yellow, diminutive, obnoxious - though the latter was something that was entirely personal, Lavian did have a low opinion of most people. She knew this one. “Miss Loaf.” the name left her lips with some doubt, she wasn’t very good with names, but she had an easy time remember short ones, especially those belonging to the adventurers of her familia. “You’ll not take this task alone, our goddess would have my hide were I to leave you to your own devices. I am a huntress, tracking prey is something I excel at. Though this mightn't be an animal, I am inclined to think it should be easier to trace if it cumbersome to transport.” she explained, tapping her nose as if she were proud of her sharper sense of scent. “I mean to join this endeavor.”

"I do wonder about the competency of your men for bringing your cargo through the ruins, unless that’s where it was excavated in the first place. It casts some doubt on their integrity, if they willingly decided on that route of any other they could take." that in itself was suspicious enough, but the bandits on top of that only lent the entire situation made things way too questionable, still, it could just be her bad habit of looking into things too much that came looming over her head. “But such thoughts are the purview of authorities, I suppose. So long as we know what manner of container serves as the vessel of your ware, we’ll recover it.”

She would wait for the response, if it was given, and commit it to memory he disclosed that information. “Where would you have us deliver your wares?”

“You would have us hold back against bandits? It seems to your advantage if we were to finish them off… they'll not harry your men ever again... but I suppose the customer is always right.” her fingers slid over the grain of her spear and she tapped it against the ground as she came to a conclusion. "I'm not quite sure I can hold back to that extent, but I can endeavor if there’s coin to be had.”

“Do you know a short-cut to the old city ruins Miss Loaf? Or shall we refrain from taking the less traveled road?”

 

Lilian was somewhat less spirited today than normal. A long journey of adventure lied ahead and she found the dungeon to be a truley grueling place. She needed training in the true art of heroism! That was what she still lacked for sure! Lilian had not helped enough of the citizens. Today that would have to change... but no one seemed to need her. Sigh. What is a hero to do when they have no quests that won't be a death sentence? This isn't how it was supposed to go and Lilian had to keep that fact a secret if it was true. Nothing quite like a hero you had to feel sorry for.

Patrolling the city on a daily round. Lilian entered the trading district. There were always some needy merchants in places like this right? Her father told her many stories of great adventures that started looking for a simple drop that a random merchant needed. This was so frustrating. Any new quest would be helpful, really, any! Looking around while adjusting the strap of her large sword around her torso nervously. This was so noobish. What a disappointment. Lilian Felding couldn't go on this way for long though... destiny always finds a true hero!

Making a turn, the hero trainee's eyes widened. Two female adventurers were talking to a stressed looking merchant. This was a crisis! Running up with her armor clanking around, and stooping with her hands on her hips for extra effect. Lilian spoke breathlessly.

"What is the disturbance? Bandits, or these two the problem? I, Lilian Felding, am here to help you in your moment of need!"

 

If there was one thing Lavian detested, it would be people who spoke before they thought. She considered herself uneducated, though her foster-father had taken the time to teach her how to read and write, she couldn’t count herself a scholar in any capacity, but she knew to listen before she spoke.


Nevermind that she had been compared to a crook. She didn’t have the most conservative of ensembles, but this? Why it was enough to darken her mood almost instantly.


“That I would be regarded as a bandit...” she muttered softly, her half-hooded eye sweeping over their new red-haired companion. “I have been called many things before, some of them not flattering, but this may well be the first time I’ve been compared to a petty thief.”


Her soft chuckle did not reach her eyes at all, in fact her gaze was dark, almost feral without being so.


“Neither of us are causing this man inconvenience.” she explained coldly as she shifted the shaft of her weapon to rest upon the crook of her neck. “But I suggest you hold your tongue and choose your words wisely if you should so ever feel the urge to accuse anyone of anything in the future, Miss Felding. Lest I might see it fit to divest you of it and make your accusation true.” her smile was predatory, not because she flashes her teeth, but rather the lack of any overt look of taking offense flanked by an aura of anger that was starkly opposed to her expression created that impression.


“My apologies, but no alternate route to the old city ruins is made known to me. If we should proceed, then I suggest we follow the road proper. That, Miss Loaf, is the one path known to me.”


The invitation her fellow familia member extended to the fiery-haired fool annoyed Lavian, but she wasn’t quite as crass as to take back the words of someone who was going to be associated with her now and in the future. Ishtar might not be a goddess famous for her virtues, but she did have a reputation that warranted respect. “You would have her join us?”


“I suppose she might serve the role of bait.” Lavian said while rubbing her chin thoughtfully. “Whilst using someone to distract my foes is not the my preferred tactic in battle, it has its merits.”


“No, I have no love for senseless violence and I care little for the bandits, but I was merely speaking about efficiency.” she shrugged. “It requires far more skill to capture men rather than it would to slay them. You court danger in every battle, well, every true battle, I suppose. I would rather put ourselves in less danger if I had any choice in the matter.”


“With that said, if neither of you wish to waste more time, shall we make haste? We can speak while we move our feet. I would hate to be beaten to the job by some heroic fool. This city seems to have them in no short supply after all.” and if she received their assent, she would pick up her spear and walk ahead of the two, taking a rather mundane route through moderately occupied roads to reach their destination.

 

Lilian was immediate in entering judging mode as she tended to with first encounters. The Hume-Bunny named Miss Loaf seemed like a good person whom the young heroine would need to protect as a citizen of Orario, but... this other one was a trouble making type. Before she could even apologize about any misunderstandings, the cat woman was throwing nothing but derogatory statements towards her and those that follow the hero way. Lilian knew this type of personality from her father's stories. Often they were the schemers and secretly plotting some nefarious deeds behind their cold and aloof demeanor. Lilian would have to be careful of this one. Especially when she speaks down to heroes and the heroics that had defended this world.

Folding her arms and nodding to the bunny girl's words in understanding. Lilian then looked to the merchant.

"Fear not. The task shall be fulfilled even if it meant death! That is the code of a hero. I'm sure adventurers have similar codes as well."

The girls voice was filled with confidence, just as she had learned from her father. Never make those in need feel you cannot accomplish a task for them. Even if you think you cannot. Giving him a happy smile she looked away.... Her face grew dark as she turned to the vile cat woman. Lilian's young and innocent look changed to a determined stare of distaste and distrust. It would be her responsibility to try and spread the proper view of a hero among those that would bring them down as well. At least now Lilian came to that conclusion.

"I would have apologized for a misunderstanding... but I take it back and then some! You speak down about those that give their lives to protect others? Heroic and fools in the same sentence... hmph! There is a word for people like you, but I won't break my vows and bring down another human being who has yet to be deemed a villain. I am a servant of justice and your ridicule is unjust and unwarranted. You would not even be alive if not for the brave heroes of the past who brought you the peace to grow up... and I will add.... hmph. Never mind. There is a more important task at hand."

Lilian finished her semi lecture which would have been five times as long if the time allowed. Then she looked to the bunny girl, with a curiosity and concern.

"Is this woman someone you know Miss Loaf? I do not see you being around such dark hearted company."

Just then a thought came to her, but before she could ask it the unfriendly spear user had begun to head off!

"Urgh.....Regardless I must protect her. It is my job through and through... sigh."

Lilian murmured this to herself as she rushed after her, hoping that Miss Loaf would not leave her to partner alone with this unsavory character.

 

“I think you misunderstand me, Felding, I have the highest respect for those that serve and protect people. My foster father was one such man, once upon a time.” twenty-two years, he told her, a largely monotonous career marked by traumatic skirmishes every now and then. He didn’t love the job, he said, that it merely put money on the table. But he was a soft man, deep inside - he did charitable things whenever he thought she wasn’t looking. He likely did work because of a sense of duty, nor matter how small. “I do not put stock in heroes. There were no heroes that saved me when I was begging in the gutter, no heroes that sheltered me from the cold rain and no heroes that spared me stale bread when I was a child! Were it not for the kindness of ordinary folk, I would likely have spent my formative years in a brothel attending to the scum of society.”

She eyed the bright eyed girl’s face and frowned. She must have been someone blessed by the world, to be this innocent at her age.

“I will say this for your sake. Justice, Miss Felding, is a luxury only the strong and wealthy enjoy. If you claim there is justice here in Orario, that is only because the agents of the law in these places, need to maintain the peace to keep the city’s economy stable. We did not enjoy such luxuries in the backwater towns of the world. It is a fabrication, a finely woven idea for privileged to enjoy.” Lavian exhaled swiftly, recognizing that this girl was pressing her buttons in all the wrong ways. That was not the proper mindset when one was on the hunt. She shook her head and took a purposefully long and deep breath before she continued, this time her voice far less hostile than it was moments ago. “It is the ordinary man I put my faith in, it is the ordinary man’s efforts I praise. The kindness of the ordinary man that saw me through dark days. Not the Heroes of legend that merely happened to be at the right place at the right time.”

After reaching the ruins and being asked a question by the golden-haired girl from her familia, Lavian rubbed her chin. “Where do we begin? Well, when I hunt, I usually put myself in the shoes of my prey before all else.”

“As we are pursuing men who carried with them a cumbersome weight, then imagine the fastest route to take to reach the city proper. Men are lazy by nature, industry is a purview of only a few strange folk.” she explained. “I’ll find higher ground, then look for anything unusual, if I cannot find something, then we merely trace the main avenues and search for tracks on the road. Once we find them my nose will lead us there.” she tapped her nose proudly with her index finger. “Catfolk, you see. Does your people have some skill in tracking prey as well? I must admit, you may be the first of your race I’ve spoken with.”

“Miss Felding, can you scout the area with Miss Loaf as I scale that tower?” she pointed into a distance, perhaps two blocks away from where they were. “We can meet under that in half an hour, but come when you see me waving my cape like a flag.”

“If neither of you oppose this plan, I’ll start for the tower.”

 

It would seem that maybe Lilian had misjudged the rather depressing woman. The young heroine listened carefully and knew that as a hero. She would have to respond properly to this and be the optimism to her dark pessimism. The world according to this woman was so dark and cruel. It couldn't be as bad as she says. Was it? No! The woman did see the light in others, but didn't understand the true role heroes played. Lilian would have to show her that heroism was not dead. It lived on in her bloodline and in her father's sword!

"You have had a tough life. I'm sorry for my earlier comments. However if ordinary people tried to do their own justice it would be anarchy. Heroes are those that they can put their hopes on.... The things that are both bad and good about people would be nothing at all without my fa-"

Lilian realized she was becoming defensive and if this person learned who her father was. She may disgrace him with her words. Lilian didn't want to go into this. The cat lady was making things complicated for the young girl. How could she focus on fulfilling her destiny if she was being thrown these distractions! Hmmm... Well, best avoid this for now.

"Very well. I am happy to assist in this role Miss... I'm sorry hahaha... what's your name?"

Lilian was having a bad day for sure. To be this awkward was not going to get her any hero awards.

 

“You needn’t patronize me, I was at fault as well.” she told the girl, deciding to accept this development rather than allow things to turn towards chaos. At least she was finally willing to cooperate despite their initial friction. “Put more stock in the strength of the common man, Miss Felding. They’ve done quite well for themselves even before the Gods descended from the heavens.”

“If you do, I shall make an effort to give your heroes a chance.” she told the red-haired girl with a soft and easy smile. “An eye for an eye.”

“Lavian.” came the swift answer. “Just Lavian, no more, no less.”

…​

The pair, whatever it was they did with their time while Lavian was navigating her way up the ruined tower would find the catfolk finally atop the building. Hands on her hips, with her spear strapped to her back. She held in one hand, a rolled up cape. It didn’t even take her long, but she spotted what appeared to be tracks, notably darker than the rest upon the ground. Mud, caked mud, the color likely suggested they were fresher than the rest.

She looked back towards the directions she’d last seen her companions and noticed what the other girl had seen too, though from where she was, she could barely see the men. Their profile was hidden behind a set of columns. She wove her cape from left to right to catch the attention of the two and as soon as they were close to the tower’s base, Lavian would hastily slide down.

It was easier for her, perhaps more than it might’ve a human. Cats were famous, after all, for landing on their feet.

“There seemed to be men on that avenue near you Miss Loaf, but I failed to see more, they were obscured from my vantage.” she pointed in the said direction. “And what of you Miss Felding? Were you able to find something amiss?”

 

Lilian really felt out of the loop here as she went along with the bunny girl. She did not even have to ask anymore. It was pretty obvious that these two were linked by something. Probably that familia stuff. Did it really make people allies that well? Was it not a from of slavery to some random gods whim? Lilian believed that humans should fight for peace and justice themselves not to accomplish some gods likely nefarious or selfish ambitions!

The trip was uneventful for the most part. Lilian wanted to bring justice to the thieves but if there were no thieves around that would really be cruddy. Miss Marzipan decided to take a break it seemed. Well, she was definitely the carefree sort. What if they were ambushed?

"Miss Marzipan... um. You should be careful. We are at the mercy of the bandits out here. You cannot let down your guard for a instant."

Lilian made a worried look but then realized that maybe the girl's great hearing was why she was that way. Scouting the area with her human eyes, Lilian began to think about how odd being a different race must be. They had advantages she could never have. If the young hero could see, smell and hear like some races. She would be that much more of a worthy hero. No use complaining about something she couldn't control...

Separating from Miss Marzipan for a short time. Lilian still found nothing. What a chore this was turning into! Why was a caravan this hard to find? Returning to the pillar she saw the girl running off very fast!

"Hey wai-!"

She covered her mouth quickly as she didn't want to make her location known to hiding bandits. Maybe Miss Marzipan had seen them? Running after her, they eventually rejoined with Miss Lavian. The mature cat woman quickly clarified what Lilian had thought. The bandits were spotted! The hero shook her head to the question sent her way.

"No I saw nothing of interest at all...."

Lilian reached for the the large sword on her back. Her face grew determined.

"Shall we go defeat them then? So we may bring them to justice?"

Lilian was sad that she had to be the follower here. True heroes always were the leader of a party but her lack of real world experience was placing her in a support role rather than that of the commander.

 

"We shall exercise caution then." she said, her voice almost a murmur despite being outside earshot of the bandits. "We shadow these brigands first to find our mark as Miss Loaf says. We must determine if more will be joining them and if a confrontation appears favorable to us, we'll go on the offensive and foil their scheme."

They'd never worked together too, so she hoped there would be no opposition.

"I recommend that we each choose the target nearest to our person once the melee begins. Then only help the other once we've incapacitated our respective foes. If you find yourselves cornered in the heat of battle, kill your foe if you see no way out of it. Luck shan't always favor us adventurers after all." Lavian knew never to trust in something as fickle as fate. "However, if our bandits somehow outstrip us in ability - if they happen to be more experienced adventurers who have taken up banditry, we should all retreat to the marketplace. There is no shame in escaping certain death."

Should the proposal be accepted, Lavian would start tailing their target, her footsteps silent and her form shrinking against the obstacles dotting the ruins.

 

Lilian listened to the two discuss the situation and battle plans. Hmmm... sneaking up on the enemy was not terribly hero like. Although it did make sense if the bandits were strong. Maybe she should act as a decoy? I would help protect her current allies.She really disliked Lavians talk of retreating from thugs. Lilian Felding would never run! Straightening her belt and making sure she was prepped for battle, Lilian was ready to give her first city enemy encounter a go!

"Alright. So we sneak up and attack them in separate before assisting each other... I will be the decoy! Charge the enemy!"

Lilian ran off with her sword drawn to draw attention away from the others and trigger the supposed trap. Simply expecting the other two to go about their sneak attack. Lilian was a reckless as always! Melody wouldn't have let her hear the end of it if she knew....

"I am Lilian Felding! Hero of Justice! Come out and face me vile minions of misdeed!"

Her shouts rang out through the area. Truly a inexperienced fighter she was.... very much indeed.

 

If there was ever a moment when Marzipan and Lavian's familia unity ever reared its head, it would be this moment where Lavian would bury her face in an open palm, almost exactly at the same time the rabbit-person did. It was infuriating, so see the would-be hero to charge to recklessly into the thick of danger just after the huntress thought that Lilian had been sorted out. Well, she could always talk the kid down, perhaps... if she found the patience too. Sometimes, not doing anything was just as effective as being an active agent in pushing for someone's death.

But then that would leave a bad name on the familia wouldn't it?

Lavian grumbled, but decided to swallow her frustration. Unlike Marzipan, Lavian was far more generous in using her skills. She wasn't forbidden to kill, but there were worse things she could do. The first bandit she encountered, she disarmed by stabbing her weapon forward into his forearm. It was far from a graceful move, in fact one couldn't be blamed for thinking it was plain, but more often than not, the fundamentals were the most effective in a fight - and she was more or less super human now that she enjoyed Ishtar's blessing. Abusing her weapon's superior leverage, she withdrew the spear and stabbed his thigh for good measure - not deep enough to cut through a major artery, and she knew well enough where that was, but enough to cause swelling, blood loss and swiftness.

It was a bloody trail of non-lethal attacks that Lavian would leave, but she would keep her eyes peeled. Sure they were doing well enough, but she couldn't very well allow any of the other two to get seriously wounded while she was in their party. Not that she truly cared about either them personally of course, but it was professional courtesy.

 

This was it! It was Lilian's first battle to bring forth justice and peace! Lilian saw the bandits charge followed by as she had hoped, her allies striking with their own great justice! At least Lilian would hope they were fighting for some kind of justice and not just money or glory of their god, whoever it might be. They were both good people for the most part and she hoped to not slow them down.

Two bandits rushed her with swords. The young girl was excited as could be. Holding her sword at the ready, she reminded herself that she could not treat them as monsters. They were humans and needed to be taken under arrest... not slain. Lilian may have been young and naive as heck but she did have the basics of combat in her father's style down. She was no godly blessed adventurer but through Lilian's veins ran the bloodline of heroes!

A blocked attack from a awkward bandit followed by a counter swipe of the Justice bringer into the other's poorly made weapon causing it to shatter from the large swords size. Both bandits became shocked at what they thought was just some stupid kid playing make believe hero as she twisted her sword around and rammed the first attacker in the stomach with the sword hilt. Followed by a slam on the head to put him down!

The thug whose weapon was broke realized his friends were losing and turned to flee. Lilian swung her sword hard hitting his right leg with the flat of the blade. The bandit's leg buckled as he shouted in pain. Lilian hopped she didn't hurt him too bad, but it was his fault for standing against justice.

In the end this was really easy and gave Lilian the motivation to possibly challenge the dungeon where the greatest evils likely dwelled. The young heroine did a flashy victory stance by spinning her sword and putting it into it's sheath on her back. A good day this might be!

 

Lavian watched her companions for the moment finish up and contemplated the next course of action. The element of surprise was lost to them now and the other member of her familia, well, she was at least able to plan ahead to a point. That was far more than she saw the younger, far less experienced swordswoman. "It appears you've subdued our foes effectively here Miss Loaf." she commented casually as she watched the rabbit girl hold one of the bandits at sword point. "That said, I'll not accompany you or Miss Felding, I'll shadow you instead. I'd rather keep them on their toes, if they see us all coming, well... if they still have a splinter group in the area, they'll be able to lay out an ambush."

"If you've no objections, then I shall make myself scarce." and if there were none, she would. The catfolk would withdraw to the perimeter, then vanish as she turned the corner. Stalking prey was something she was competent at and following people was no different. If anything, it was easier. Their thoughts occupied their senses and they hadn't the sharp senses or refined instincts an animal might have.

Small, feather light footsteps would keep the catfolk in the position to see her allies, but she would always be lurking in the shadow. Her spear at the ready in the event it was necessary to bring it to bear.