The mansion felt quieter than Jake expected after the chaos of the Black Diamond quest. The sun was dipping low, casting long shadows across the polished floors. Jake and Kale had just finished settling in when a knock echoed through the main door, crisp and deliberate.
Jake froze. "We didn't expect anyone…" Kale's eyes narrowed slightly, scanning the hallway as if she already knew who it would be. Jake shuffled forward and opened the door to reveal a young woman standing there. She had long brown hair, a confident posture, and eyes that flicked nervously toward Jake and Kale.
"Hello," she said, her voice steady but carrying a hint of urgency. "My name is Flo. I heard about your recent accomplishments and… I want to join your party." She shifted from foot to foot, clearly nervous but determined. "I come from a distant land, and I… nearly got taken advantage of. I need strong allies and friends."
Kale's arms crossed instantly, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "I don't trust strangers easily," she said flatly, taking a half-step back. Her tone carried the weight of centuries, even if Jake knew it was only part of her persona. Jake felt the tension in the room spike.
"I… understand," Flo replied quickly, giving a polite bow. Her eyes softened as she looked at Jake. "But I wouldn't bother you if I didn't have to. I'm capable, I promise. I just… need a safe place to recover and train."
Jake scratched the back of his neck. He glanced at Kale, who was still assessing every inch of Flo's posture and presence. Finally, he stepped forward. "Alright," he said carefully. "You can join us, for now. But you follow our rules, understood?" Flo's face lit up with relief.
Kale made a small, almost imperceptible sigh. "Don't make mistakes," she muttered, mostly to herself. Jake gestured toward the mansion's interior. "Flo, come in. We'll move your things in and get you settled."
Flo stepped inside, eyes widening at the luxury surrounding her. She couldn't hide her awe as she looked at the ornate furniture, the clean floors, and the smell of freshly cooked food that still lingered in the air. Her mouth watered at the sight of the dinner laid out on the table, and she paused just a second too long, caught between gratitude and excitement.
Jake offered her a chair. "Eat something, relax a bit. This is your home now—at least for the time being." Flo nodded eagerly, her tension easing slightly as she finally sat down. Kale leaned against the wall, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. "Don't get comfortable too fast," she warned softly, glancing at Jake. "People aren't always what they seem."
Jake waved her warning off with a shrug. "Relax, Kale. I have a good sense about people." Flo smiled shyly at him, still nervously glancing around but visibly relieved. The three of them sat there for a moment in uneasy harmony, the mansion suddenly feeling a little fuller, a little louder, and much more unpredictable.
A clock chimed in the distance, reminding them that time moved on even in moments like this. Jake looked at Flo and then at Kale. "Alright," he said finally, standing. "Tomorrow, we start planning our next quest. But tonight… we rest." Flo nodded enthusiastically, Kale simply inclined her head, and Jake knew the real work had only just begun.