“Tell me why we are doing this again?” Redrick complained as they headed back to the Ancient Fissure once again. They had been running errands for Ain Greid, hoping to get further knowledge of Black Spirits.

“Because helping people is good?” Deneve said with a smile.

He rolled his eyes. “If you say so, more like helping isn’t aiding us.”

Deneve had become used to the fact that Redrick acted much younger than most men his age would. So she just laughed again, “Well, if you prefer to stay at home like some wizened sage, be my guest. Besides, we need to get closer to the secret guards for more information. They have been investigating the black spirits for generations.”

“We would have finished earlier if you hadn’t treated every injured person on the road,” Redrick complained.

“The same power that set your arm when that wilderness golem got you,” she chided. “I’m just saying that we need to act more swiftly on this,” Redrick said.

Deneve tilted her head at him as she tried to determine if he was just being a crotchety old man or was upset. Redrick had spoken about his disapproval of her helpful nature before. In fact, the last time he almost yanked her away from the woman, she was healing.

“I’m sorry if that upsets you.” She said with a gentle determination. “But I will not quit. If you want to move faster, you need not remain with me.” Redrick glanced at Deneve as she pressed her lips together and continued walking into the dwarven cavern. “Ain, we’ve returned,” Deneve said, walking out of the cavern. “Here is the document for enhancing the Bautt Lithograph. We made another one for you in case you need it.”

Redrick scowled as she used the term we. She insisted on it against his wishes. It had taken so much time to gather the ingredients.

Ain took the document and scanned it before handing it to a scribe. “You are most considerate. The protection is weakening. You should have the honors of using it.”

Deneve stepped forward and performed the short ritual. “It’s done,” Ain said. “You learned our ancient language, and although you are a foreigner in our lands, you have helped us.” He moved to pull an item from his pouch. “You are dealing with the Dark Energy, are you not?”

Deneve nodded, glancing at Ain curiously. “This is the Ancient Dwarf’s Token of Edana,” he explained, “It will serve you on your journey. This token is one of three. First, you will need to locate the Ancient Giant’s Token and Cartian’s Token. Joining the three together will re-enact the legend of Edana.”

“At least we are getting somewhere finally,” Redrick said. On the walk back to Tariff, Deneve once again treated a traveler. Redrick angrily walked past her as if she wasn’t there.