As you walk through the sleepy streets of Bovine Bluffs, you marvel at just how different the energy is. All traces of the festivities from last month are completely gone. Bovine Bluffs is back to being the picturesque, quiet small town.
The serene afternoon is broken by an agitated voice coming from within the Greedy Cauldron. The door is open and Vanessa seems to be searching for something through rows and rows of books. Every once in a while she picks one up and thumbs through it before tossing it aside.
Vanessa (muffled)
“No not this one…ugh not this one either.”
A book flies out through the open door of the potion shop, nearly hitting you in the head. You look down beside you at the projectile literature and lift it up. You decide to return this and maybe even help Vanessa find whatever it is she’s looking for. You walk inside and close the door behind you. The bell on the door chimes quietly, announcing your entry.
Vanessa
“A customer? Oh, you…”
Vanessa straightens her dress and moves behind the counter. She quickly finds her cool demeanor again and gives you her best customer service smile.
Vanessa
“How can I help you today?”
Narrator
You hold up the book that Vanessa flung out of the open door, and she smiles almost sheepishly.
Vanessa
“Oh. Right. Thanks for that.”
You hand over the book and fold your arms over your chest, awaiting an explanation. Vanessa heaves a sigh and rolls her eyes.
Vanessa
“Fine, fine. If you must know, I was searching for a book, any book, on the gods and goddesses. However, it seems my personal library is quite lacking.”
Vanessa
“You see, I’ve heard rumors that the goddess Cybele has descended to Verdan for her season. I was looking forward to getting the chance to meet her, but I want to know more about her first.”
Vanessa
“But I was hoping to find a book or even just a passage or something. The last thing I want to do is insult a goddess as my first impression!”
You interrupt Vanessa as politely as possible. It’s honestly all a lot to take in and you decide to digest it by first asking who she heard the rumors from.
Vanessa
“Oh…Who did I hear about this from..? Never you mind! The point is, I heard it and it’s paramount that I meet with her.”
Your next question is just why this meeting is so important to her. If something is bothering her, you’re more than happy to help out.
Vanessa
“Well…”
The wind empties from her sails, and she stays silent for a moment longer.
Vanessa
“It doesn’t matter, it’s just important.”
Rune
“Always the cagey one, eh, Vanessa?”
You turn to look at the entrance behind you to find Rune leaning back against the door with his signature smirk on his face. Purple smoke gathers around him and he toys with it while he waits for Vanessa to address his presence. How long had he been there? You hadn’t heard the chime of the bell on the door, so just how had Rune gotten in? But Vanessa gives him a look that could kill.
Vanessa
“What do you think you’re doing here, Rune? I never said you could come into my shop.”
Rune
“Easy there, spitfire. I’m here to help you on your little quest.”
Vanessa doesn’t look any happier knowing the reason Rune is here, and when she walks out from around the counter you worry for a moment that she’s going to slap the smug smile off his face.
Vanessa
“I don’t need any help from the likes of you. Anything I want to find I can find on my own.”
Without waiting for Rune to respond, Vanessa pushes past him and storms out of the shop in a huff. You get the feeling there’s something larger at play here, but you’re not entirely sure what…
Rune
“Well? What are you waiting for? You’re going to help her sift through books at the library like a good little moo, aren’t you? When you get tired of the dusty old library, come and find me. I’m sure I’ll be more help than any boring tome.”
Suddenly, you begin to understand a little bit of Vanessa’s annoyance with Rune. But, you do want to help her. You head out from the Greedy Cauldron and make your way to the library…