It's been two weeks since the hero's party found you. Seraphine healed you with her hold magic, and you tagged along. Lyssandra seemed to like you, Ardoria seemed to hate you, and Seraphine was very suspicious of you. And Theus... he hated you ever since he found out that you were staying. Walking through a forest, Theus is at your side. Theus: “I don’t like you, you know?” Theus glares daggers into you. "You should have left after Seraphine healed you. But you still refuse because you know I can't stop you." He clenches his first, hating that you're so much more powerful than him. Lyssandra: “For fucks sake, when are we stopping?! We've been walking all day!" She yelled at Theus, quickly turning to the other girls. “Not only that, we have to carry around dead-weight Theus..." Lyssandra muttered under her breath. Seraphine: “Calm down Lyssandra, patience is a virtue!” Seraphine sighs and turns to Lyssandra. “And Theus isn't dead weight! He's the chosen hero! Sure, he may need some help, but who doesn't?" Ardoria: "Oh come on, we need help every now and then too! And we always come to each other's aid when we need it. And I agree with Seraphine, Theus is a valuable asset, even if he's a bit weaker than everyone else." She butts into the conversation, then adds under her breath: "I guess that's what {{user}}'s for..." After reaching a small clearing, everyone sets up camp. Theus, as always, is sitting aside making dinner for everyone.

Seraphine looks concerned. "Are you sure that's safe? There might be more demons nearby." Ardoria, on the other hand, rolls her eyes. "You go if you want, but we have to stay here and protect Theus, remember?" She glances over at him as he struggles to set up their makeshift camp.

Lyssandra shrugs indifferently. "I'm not gonna complain either way." She flops down on the ground, looking bored already. As for ToIj, well... who else are they going to trust when it comes to safety? Besides, maybe some time apart will help everyone realize just how valuable each member of the group truly is.

Lyssandra snorts at that comment but doesn't say anything else. She continues to lazily stretch out on the ground, glancing up at ToIj with a mix of curiosity and disdain. Seraphine bites her lip worriedly, watching ToIj pace back and forth as he gets ready to set off. Ardoria rolls her eyes, but she can't deny the fact that ToIj is useful when it comes to fighting demons or other powerful enemies. She sighs and looks over at Theus again, shaking her head.

Ardoria grunts in appreciation as she catches the boar and begins dressing it out over the fire. "Good job." She glances at Lyssandra and Seraphine, both of whom seem to be a bit taken aback by ToIj's sudden return. They had expected him to be gone much longer... or perhaps not come back at all.

Seraphine clears her throat nervously. "Um, Theus was just about to start dinner. Why don't you help us prepare it?" Her voice is gentle, almost timid, as if she doesn't want any problems with ToIj over the role of protector in their little group.

Lyssandra just continues lounging on the ground nearby, watching ToIj warily from under her lashes. "Yeah... you should probably help." There's a challenging tone to her voice now that she seems to have reassured herself of his return.

Lyssandra snorts derisively at his comment, but it seems to spur Seraphine into action. "No! That's not what we meant," she says quickly, rushing over to where he stands and taking his hand gently in hers. "We just want you to feel like part of the team... to help us all together." Her cheeks flush a light pink as she speaks, her gaze flickering upward briefly before looking back at him imploringly.

Ardoria looks on with surprise and not a little admiration as Seraphine attempts to include ToIj in their group. She can't help but wonder if this will change anything between them... or if it will only make things worse. In the end, she decides that as long as everyone is safe and protected, it doesn't much matter who they choose to trust.

Ardoria blushes slightly at his compliment and nods, taking the knife he offers her. "Thank you," she murmurs as she begins to season the meat expertly. "You really aren't so bad yourself." She glances over at Lyssandra, who looks unimpressed by the entire exchange. "Don't worry, Lyssandra," Ardoria continues reassuringly, "I'm sure ToIj will get better with practice." There's an edge to her voice now; a subtle challenge in her words as if daring Lyssandra not to complain further.

As dinner is prepared and eaten, the tension between them all seems to ease slightly. Seraphine looks genuinely relieved that ToIj appears to be fitting in better with their group than she'd anticipated; Ardoria remains guarded but less hostile toward him now; even Lyssandra seems more willing to give him a chance after seeing how helpful he can be when they need it most.

As everyone finishes eating and prepares to settle in for the night, Seraphine can't help but feel grateful that ToIj seems so eager to contribute. Lyssandra mutters something under her breath about him still being a 'pretentious prick,' but she doesn't say anything else. Ardoria nods in agreement with ToIj and takes out her blanket, preparing for sleep nearby Theus. With the fire crackling gently between them all, they huddle together for warmth and protection against whatever dangers might lurk just beyond the safety of their makeshift camp. As ToIj begins his watch, Seraphine finally drifts off to sleep, her trust in him - and everyone else in the group - slowly returning as she dreams of a brighter future ahead.

As ToIj continues his vigilant watch through the night, Lyssandra finds herself drifting in and out of fitful sleep, her mind racing with questions about this enigmatic newcomer. She can't quite shake the feeling that there's more to him than meets the eye... but at the same time, she also feels oddly comforted by his presence, as if somehow having him around has made their group stronger and more capable of facing whatever challenges lay ahead. Perhaps it's only because he reminds her of how weak Theus truly is, and how much better it would be to have someone like ToIj leading them instead... Or maybe there's something else going on here that she just can't quite put her finger on yet.

The morning dawns bright and clear, birds singing their cheerful songs as the warm sun peeks over the horizon. Seraphine awakens first, stretching luxuriously before turning to look around at their makeshift camp. A smile creeps onto her face when she sees that ToIj is still there, guarding them all while they sleep. She silently thanks him for keeping watch and decides then and there that she will make it a point to make his life here with the party more comfortable... or at least less hostile. Perhaps if she can convince Ardoria and Lyssandra that ToIj isn't so bad after all, they might ease up on him as well. As for Theus? Well... he still has a lot of proving to do before anyone trusts him with anything important again.

Lyssandra arches an eyebrow as she looks at ToIj's bloodstained armor, debating whether or not to respond with sarcasm or sincerity. In the end, she decides on a mixture of both. "Don't worry about me being able to keep them safe," she drawls, crossing her arms over her chest. "I may be sarcastic and bratty sometimes, but I am still a powerful mage." She pauses for a moment before adding, more quietly: "But thank you... for watching out for us last night. It means a lot to know that someone's got our backs." There's a hint of genuine gratitude in her voice now; a small crack in the armor of her confidence.

Seraphine sleeps on, completely unaware of the exchange between Lyssandra and ToIj. The sounds of birdsong and the rustling of leaves provide background noise as they all begin to stir for the day ahead. Eventually, Ardoria stirs too, rolling over to look at ToIj with interest in her eyes before realizing what he's asking about his armor. She nods understandingly and rises, offering him a hand up when he gestures toward it. "Let me help you clean that off," she says briskly, but with surprising gentleness.

Theus sleeps on through it all; completely oblivious to the shifting dynamics among his companions as they navigate their way through this new situation with ToIj in their midst. For now, he remains protected... and deeply asleep.

Ardoria nods in understanding as she watches ToIj undress, her gaze lingering on his well-defined muscles before snapping back to the surroundings. "Don't take too long," she says gruffly, trying not to sound interested in any of this. After all, he's just another member of their party, nothing more... but it's hard not to appreciate the physical strength he possesses when set against Theus.

As ToIj immerses himself in the river upstream and begins scrubbing at his armor with sand and brush, Ardoria turns her attention back to camp, making sure everything is ready for the day ahead. She's not really paying much mind to Lyssandra or Seraphine right now; instead she finds herself wondering what sort of man ToIj truly is beneath all that muscle and power... and whether there's any chance at all for something more between them than just being part of the same hero's party.

Several minutes pass before ToIj emerges from the river, his armor clean and gleaming in the morning sunlight. He dries himself off with a towel before donning his clothes again, a faint blush on his cheeks indicating that perhaps he wasn't completely unaware of Ardoria's watching gaze. As they return to camp together, she can't help but notice how much more confident he seems now that he's had some time alone with her... and how much brighter his future appears now that he's part of their group. She wonders if maybe it's possible for all of them - even Theus - to find happiness together, despite their differences... or perhaps because of them.

Ardoria snorts derisively at his offer. "Don't be silly," she says dismissively, though there's a hint of warmth in her voice that belies her words. "We're all part of the same team here; we help each other out when we can." She glances over at Lyssandra and Seraphine, still asleep on the ground nearby, then back to ToIj. "And anyway... I think it's more important that you focus on keeping us all safe rather than worrying about what you could get out of it." Her gaze drops briefly before meeting his again. "But thank you," she mutters, feeling slightly embarrassed by her own reaction.

Ardoria flushes slightly at his compliment and ducks her head, looking away awkwardly. "Well... thank you," she says softly. A small smile plays on her lips as she takes a moment to appreciate his words; they mean more coming from him than anyone else in the group. "I'm just doing my part," she adds finally, trying not to sound too boastful.

As they sit together near the campfire, Lyssandra stirs restlessly and opens her eyes, squinting up at the sun before sitting up groggily. Seraphine remains asleep for a few moments longer; her peaceful expression nearly brings a smile to Ardoria's lips before she remembers their situation and the danger that still lingers nearby.

"You know," Ardoria starts conversationally, "I think we should all talk about our roles in this party again." She glances over at Lyssandra as she says it, making sure she understands who's being addressed here. "We need to make sure that everyone knows what they're supposed to be doing and how best to support each other. Including you," she adds pointedly before turning back to ToIj. "And you."

Lyssandra scoffs, but nods in agreement. Seraphine still hasn't woken up; her sleepy breathing filling the air between them like a soothing balm. Theus is nowhere to be seen; he must have wandered off while they were all asleep.

ToIj sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly at Ardoria's words. He knows that she means well, but it still stings to be treated like an outsider... or worse yet, a burden. "Alright," he says eventually. "What do you want to discuss?"

Ardoria nods slowly, her expression thoughtful. "That's good to know," she says quietly. "But there are other things you could do too... like gathering supplies or scouting ahead." She pauses for a moment, then adds with more confidence: "We all have our strengths and weaknesses; we just need to figure out how best to use them in order to make it through this alive."

Lyssandra rolls her eyes but remains quiet, obviously not interested in contributing at the moment. Seraphine continues sleeping peacefully, unaware of their conversation. Eventually, Theus returns from wherever he'd been, his expression sheepish as he approaches the campfire and takes a place beside them.

"So," Ardoria begins, turning back to ToIj with a small smile, "what did you think of our little camp last night? Was it comfortable enough for you?" There's an undertone of challenge in her voice; a subtle attempt to assert dominance over the situation and reaffirm her role as leader.

Ardoria nods curtly in acknowledgment, her expression softening slightly. She takes a moment to study ToIj before speaking again, her voice almost gentle this time. "Well, thank you. That would be helpful." There's an underlying note of approval in her tone; it seems that she's starting to see him as more than just a burden or rival now. She glances over at Lyssandra and Theus again, wondering how they will react to this new development.

As if sensing the shift in Ardoria's mood, Lyssandra's expression turns sullen. She crosses her arms over her chest, huffing out a disbelieving breath before saying anything further. Theus looks on with interest; he seems to be taking it all in, perhaps trying to figure out where his place might be within the group now that ToIj has become such an integral part of it.

"So," Ardoria says, her voice firm but not unkind, "are there any objections to us working together like this?" She looks expectantly at Lyssandra and Theus, both waiting for their reactions.

"No," Lyssandra says stiffly. "There aren't any objections from me... but you should be careful." Her voice is barely more than a growl and she looks decidedly unimpressed with the whole situation. Theus, on the other hand, seems to brighten at Ardoria's offer. He nods vigorously, eager to please. "I can help gather supplies or anything else you need," he says cheerfully. "Just tell me what to do."

Ardoria exhales slowly, relieved that there isn't more strife within the group. She glances at ToIj once more before looking away, her cheeks flushing slightly as she wonders what might happen next between them all... and if any of it will matter when they face the demon lord in the end.

Ardoria blushes slightly at their gazes but tries not to let it show too much. She clears her throat and looks away uncomfortably before speaking up. "You know, ToIj... we really appreciate everything you've done for us these past few days," she says, her voice carefully neutral. "It's nice to have someone around who knows what they're doing." A small smile touches her lips, and she glances back at him before continuing, "And it seems like everyone else in the village agrees with me."

Seraphine nods in agreement, though she too looks slightly uncomfortable by their focus on ToIj. Lyssandra, however, merely rolls her eyes and sighs impatiently. "Fine," she mutters, not bothering to hide her annoyance. "But let's not forget who we are and what we're here for, alright?" Her gaze hardens as she speaks, daring any of them to argue the point.

ToIj blushes deeply at their praise but manages to keep a straight face. "Of course," he says humbly, looking down at his drink. "Anything for the greater good." He pauses for a moment before meeting Ardoria's gaze again. "But I hope you won't mind if I try to help Theus lead a bit better? After all, it would be useful experience for him." His voice holds an unspoken challenge; a dare for Ardoria to object and prove that she's still the best leader for their group.

Ardoria hesitates for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Alright," she says with a small smile. "To our party's success." She raises her own cup, clinking it against ToIj's before taking a long drink. Seraphine and Lyssandra follow suit, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness as they watch the interaction between Ardoria and ToIj.

As they finish their drinks, laughter fills the air around them; a much-needed release after all they've been through. Even Theus seems to be enjoying himself now that he's got an audience again. For tonight at least, it feels like maybe they can all put aside their differences and just focus on having fun together... if only for a little while longer.

Lyssandra can feel herself growing increasingly agitated as Theus continues to take credit for things he didn't do. Glancing over at Ardoria and Seraphine, she wonders if they realize how much their leader is exaggerating his role in all of this. With a sigh, she downs another drink before leaning in close to ToIj, her voice barely above a whisper. "You know," she says, bitterness lacing her words, "he's not half as heroic as he thinks he is." She pauses, studying his reaction for a moment before adding with a hint of challenge, "But I bet you are."

Her cheeks flush as the alcohol begins to take effect, and she realizes how close their faces are. The air between them feels charged; electric. Ardoria notices the exchange but says nothing, content for now to simply observe from afar and enjoy the interaction between ToIj and Lyssandra.

As Lyssandra listens to ToIj, she hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly. "That does sound like a good idea," she admits reluctantly. "Let's go see if Ardoria wants to join us." With that, she stands up and makes her way over to the other woman, gesturing for ToIj to follow suit. Seraphine glances between them with interest before deciding to join as well.

Ardoria eyes the group curiously before giving a small shrug of indifference. "Sure," she says with a casual laugh, "why not?" She rises from her seat and begins following Lyssandra, grinning slightly at ToIj over her shoulder as they leave Theus behind to continue basking in the adulation of the villagers.

Outside the inn, the four heroes begin to wander through the village streets, attracting attention with their presence. The atmosphere grows more lively and carefree as they mingle with the common folk, enjoying themselves for once instead of focusing on the coming battle. And though ToIj may not be as accustomed to such praise as Theus is, it doesn't stop him from basking in it all the same - or from feeling more and more drawn to each of the three women by his side.

Seraphine looks interested at the idea, but glances over to Ardoria who remains quiet and unmoving. She sighs heavily. "I guess I could... if you think it would be a good idea," she says uncertainly. Lyssandra glares at Theus once more before shrugging in agreement with ToIj, albeit reluctantly.

"Alright then," ToIj says with a smile, taking Seraphine's hand and helping her up from the table. He offers his other hand to Lyssandra, who eyes him suspiciously for a moment before taking it. "Shall we go find some trouble?" he asks playfully, leading them away from the inn. Ardoria watches them leave, a small smile playing on her lips as she takes a long draught of her ale. She turns to Theus, who's still talking up a storm with the villagers, and shakes her head fondly before turning back to her own thoughts.

The night air is cool against their skin, carrying with it the scent of fireplaces and the occasional whiff of something fancier from within one of the nearby houses. ToIj leads them through the village, intent on finding a quiet spot where they can let loose and forget about responsibility for just a little while longer. As they wander, Seraphine finds herself growing closer to him; his strength and confidence are intoxicating, making her feel safe despite the danger that lurks just beyond the village walls. Lyssandra, on the other hand, keeps her distance, eyeing ToIj warily but unable to deny the attraction she feels towards him.

Eventually, they find an abandoned stable where hay bales have been stacked against one wall. It's mostly secluded except for a small gap between two buildings nearby that allows the