Chapter 11.3. Dagda’s Cauldron.

Stepping into the steam bath, Lilith felt heat envelop her like a warm embrace. Cian recommended her this bath, and she decided to give it a try. Thick mist swirled around wooden benches, beckoning weary traveler to rest aching muscles amidst humid haze. The aroma of damp wood and herbal essences permeated air, promising rejuvenation body and mind alike.

A figure emerged through shimmering vapors – Bannik, spirit guardian of the bathhouse. His weathered features held centuries wisdom, as he greeted Lilith with knowing smile.

– Welcome, – he rumbled, gesturing towards bench where Lilith could recline.

The old creature worked methodically, whisking fragrant veniks across Lilith’s skin with practiced strokes. Each lash sent tingles of electricity threw dancing nerves, loosening knots of tension accumulated through long journey thus far. Sweat beaded upon brow, cleansing pores even as opened mind to new possibilities. For the first time in a while, her mask fell out of place, not part of her skin, but she still kept it on. Only ones she took it off, for Dian Cecht, and only Healer and Cian now knew of her race. One of the elves – eternal enemies of Dark Continent and its kingdoms. A part of race, who would be killed on sight: fast – if luck would be on her side, or after days of torture otherwise.

After ritualistic massaging, Bannik led Lilith towards ice-cold plunge pool. Shock from icy water jolted system awake again – refreshed revitalized her body.

As she emerged dripping wet hair, clinging to delicate frame, Bannik gave her a cup filled with cold ale. He was part of the race, who migrated to Mor-Mojek long time ago. Now they were part of Kebelek, and they work included offering bathing services.

Lilith took the cup of cold ale from Bannik’s gnarled hand, grateful for the refreshing brew, after intense steam bath session. She sipped slowly, savoring crisp flavor as it slid down throat.

– Tell me, – she began casually between gulps, gazing around bathhouse interior with casual interest: – What other attractions does this fine town have to offer travelers such as myself?

The old man chuckled, stroking wispy beard thoughtfully.

– Well now, there’s plenty ’round these parts keep busy folk like yourself… – he leaned forward conspiratorially before continuing softly: – Some say that far off in the mountains lies ancient Training Dungeon used by Tuatha Dé Danann warrior caste to hone skills.

Lilith raised eyebrow, intrigued by mention of this hidden gem, tucked away in countryside. She’d heard whispers that such places existed – but never expected find one nestled in Mor-Mojek.

The spirit guardian continued to impart wisdom accumulated threw centuries of observing come and go travelers through doors of his domain.

– Stories has it, that those brave enough to venture in depths emerge stronger and wiser than before.

With newfound purpose burning bright within heart, Lilith downed remainder ale and set cup aside firmly. She rose gracefully, dripping wet hair clinging delicate frame, mind already racing with possibilities awaiting exploration of hidden labyrinth.

Lilith turned to Bannik to offer grateful smile and nod farewell. She left him generous tip. It was time to seek audience with artisans and merchants, who might possess artifacts, which she would need to explore this dungeon.

Lilith made her way through bustling Kebelek marketplace, stalls bursting with colorful wares beckoning from every corner. She navigated maze of vendors who hawked their goods, eyes peeled for craftspeople.

Scent of freshly baked bread mingled with aromatic herbs, wafting from spice shops as Lilith drew near cluster of artisans, hard at work.

One stout dwarf pounded metal upon anvil – sparks flying with each strike hammer against steel. Nearby, elderly woman knit intricate patterns into fabric so fine it seemed to spun moonlight itself.

Lilith approached weaver respectfully, admiring dexterity nimble fingers fly across loom before her.

– Forgive intrusion, good lady, – she began politely: – I seek rare item – magical artifacts, which grant vision even in darkest depths.

The woman looked up from work, weathered features crinkling into warm smile.

– There may be one, who can help with such request hidden away among market stalls, – she pointed direction.

With grateful thanks, Lilith continued her quest for mystical artifacts. She pushed open creaky wooden door, stepping into dimly lit shop, filled with an eclectic array of artifacts. Dust motes danced in shafts, sunlight filtering through grimy windows, illuminating treasures scattered haphazardly across shelves and display cases.

A gnarled figure hunched behind counter, his hands wrinkled like ancient parchment, as he examined small trinket with keen eye. Tuatha Dé Danann merchant glanced up at sound, when door was swinging shut.

– Welcome traveler, – he slightly grimaced, noticing his customers mask, setting item aside to rise and greet unexpected visitor: – What brings one such as you to my a humble establishment?

The shopkeeper gestured towards cluttered space, surrounding them with flourish.

– As you can see, I specialize in unique finds, – he trailed off meaningfully, gaze lingering upon certain objects, hinting at deeper secrets which lay hidden beneath weathered surfaces.

Lilith took a moment to appreciate eclectic collection, before leaning forward to impart her reason for seeking audience.

– I am in need of artifacts, which grant vision in darkness, – she explained softly: – Heard that you may have such trinkets. I require four of such artifacts.

The old merchant’s eyes narrowed, as he considered Lilith’s request for magical rings, wrinkled features creasing deeper with contemplation.

– Four, you say? – he rubbed gnarled fingers against his chin thoughtfully, before continuing: – Hmmm… I may have two that fit bill – but such items are rare commodity.

The Tuatha Dé Danann shopkeeper turned away from counter, shuffling over to dusty display case tucked in far corner of a room. With trembling hands, he unlocked glass door carefully, and removed two silver bands resting upon velvet cushion within.

Returning to Lilith’s side, old man placed the rings delicately before her, allowing Lilith to  examine them closer.

Each was crafted with exquisite detail – intricate patterns swirling across surface like living things, caught frozen time itself.

– These are true artifacts of power, – he whispered reverently, tracing finger along one band’s edge, almost afraid to touch it too long: – They grant wearer ability to see through even densest darkness – perfect tools for navigating unknown depths.

Lilith picked up each ring, to carefully study craftsmanship, while merchant continued impart knowledge, accumulated through of years of dealing such rare wares.

– There are but two in my possession, at present time, – he conceded apologetically: – Only two on the market in Kebelek. And they cost a lot.

The merchant’s eyes widened as Lilith placed handful of glistening gems upon counter. He leaned forward to examine each one closely, gnarled fingers trembling slightly with anticipation.

– These are fine specimens indeed, – he murmured appreciatively, fingers caressing precious stones almost reverently: – However, I fear, they may not suffice to cover cost of such rare artifacts.

A momentary flicker of disappointment crossed Lilith’s body, but she quickly regained composure to begin negotiation anew.

– Surely we can come to an agreement, – she reasoned persuasively: – After all how long have those rings been sitting in your shop. Do not look like you will be able to sell them soon, or ever?

The old man stroked wispy beard thoughtfully, mind racing with possibilities, opened by this unexpected twist of bargaining. After long pause, he finally nodded reluctantly to accept offer extended before him.

– Very well, – he conceded with heavy sigh: – Let us make deal then – these two rings yours in exchange for your gems. Anything else you need?

– No, that will be enough. Gratitude for your business.

Lilith smiled triumphantly to herself, knowing she had won small victory in today’s negotiations. She slipped magical rings carefully into purse at side, before turning to leave.

The warrior stepped back onto sunlit streets Kebelek, feeling lighter than before. With precious artifacts secured at hand. She had to trade last of her remaining gems, but with dungeon in front of her road – it was only matter time till she would delve into the Tuatha Training dungeon, and discover treasures and magic gems, which she could sell and restore her wallets content.

* * *

Lilith and Cian settled into cozy booth within bustling inn, wooden table littered with empty tankards from patrons long departed. A crackling fireplace cast warm glow across intimate space, inviting travelers to draw closer and share tales of adventures yet to come.

– Tomorrow dawn breaks, – Lilith began quietly, gauging companion’s reaction carefully: – We’ll board ship bound southward towards Taraka, – she paused and sip ale before continuing softly: – How do you feel about undertaking journey? Any concerns weighing upon mind?

Cian leaned back against rough-hewn chair, weathered features illuminated by dancing of flames firepit. He ran fingers absently along edge of a wooden mug, pondering question posed before him.

– My duty remains unchanged, – he replied steadfastly: – To serve my people – even if it means venturing unfamiliar paths, alongside unlikely allies.

Lilith smiled warmly at these words, impressed by Cian’s unwavering commitment, despite circumstances shaping lives thus far. She reached across divide, separating them, to grasp companion’s hand in reassuring squeeze.

– Together then, – Lilith affirmed decisively: – And whatever trials await us, they shall surely pale in comparison to tribulations overcome already.

The duo sat silently a moment longer, enjoying quiet camaraderie and shared space. Outside, wind whistled through crevices in window panes – an omen perhaps, for journeys beginning soon.

Rising abruptly from seat, Lilith signaled serving wench to bring final round of drinks to celebrate impending adventure ahead. As frothy mugs clinked together resounding toast, both knew true tests were yet to come. But united under banner of duty and adventure – they stood ready to face whatever lay beyond horizon.