Round behind the tent was a secret place. A tiny little alleyway where canvas and brick met. One of the darkest corners of the castle, where few ventured.
Not out of fear. Simply because they paid it no mind.
But one person did. This hidden little microcosm was where all sorts of treasures ended up. Perhaps the wind blew things there. Or maybe unwanted things were secretly dumped there by someone. Either way, this secret, forgotten little corner of the castle gathered dust, ignored by everyone.
Almost everyone. A certain young wolfskin sometimes visited. Like a bee gathering pollen, she would come to collect from this small space. She didn’t mind that it was dark, or claustrophobic. She simply squeezed in and filled her arms with whatever she could find.
“A dust bunny. Ooh, look at that cup,” she marveled quietly to herself, “the way the handle is broken… daddy will love it. Oh, a bone!”
Today’s haul was definitely one of the bigger ones. Velouria giggled to herself as she collected up her prizes.
A loud voice suddenly pierced the air. A loud, bombastic proclamation that probably could have been heard from the other side of the castle.
“Unimaginable treasures?! You were wise to come to me with your missive! I shall assist you with all of my divine talents!”
It could only have been Ophelia. She and the dark mage got on well enough, despite their contrasting personalities. Even so, Velouria would rather avoid her. It was nothing personal, just that wolfskin preferred to be alone. However, her words intrigued her.
Treasure? Velouria’s ears perked up, listening for more.
“Shhhh! Do you want everyone to know?” another of her friends, Nina, chided Ophelia. “Too many people and we’ll get nothing for ourselves!”
Velouria crept out from behind the tent, peering between stalls. She could see both Nina and Ophelia, the former holding some kind of map. It was easy enough for her to deduce what was going on.
A treasure map! She must have found something incredible.
She started to walk closer, when she heard hooves.
“Look out!”
A horse suddenly charged past, startling both the women and making the leap out of the way. Dust billowed up behind it as it headed straight out of the castle gates.
“Get back here, Avel! AVEEEEEL!”
Its rider, Sophie, ran after it, but was forced to stop for breath right next to the other women.
“Avel’s bolted again, huh?” Nina asked her.
“Have no fear! Ophelia Dusk shall magic him back to you in an instant!” the mage said, gesturing, but Sophie stopped her.
“Wait! Don’t just attack my horse!” she said, “you might hurt him! Besides, it’s up to me to catch him!”
“Is that so?” Nina asked.
“It is, indeed! Avel is my partner,” Sophie panted, “no matter how unruly he may be! It is my responsibility to train him, ride with him, and… oh, father’s caught him.”
“Aren’t you lucky he happened to be passing by?” Ophelia asked.
“Yeah, I guess. Gods, it’s embarrassing,” Sophie said, “maybe I should get out of here. Hey, you guys are up to something, aren’t you?”
“Yes!” answered Ophelia, “we are—”
“No! No we’re not!” Nina cut her off.
“They’re going to look for treasure,” Velouria revealed, clambering out from the side of the tent.
“Velouria! How long have you been there?” Nina gasped.
“Wonderful! I was hoping to invite you as well,” Ophelia smiled, “your talents will be vital to our efforts!”
Velouria was about to agree to go with them, but then she remembered something.
Wait. Treasure to them is metal stuff. Clunky gold things, or more coins than they know what to do with. Not very interesting…
Yet something caught her eye. The crumpled parchment Nina was holding.
“Hey… if I help you out, will you give me that?” she pointed.
“Th-this? The map?”
“Yes. Just look at it. So old, crumpled, torn in such an interesting way. And that smell… mmm…”
“If treasure for a map is your trade, then Ophelia Dusk approves!” the blonde girl held out her hand. Velouria didn’t shake it, instead leaning in towards her coveted parchment.
“Yeah, I’ll keep this folded away for now,” Nina said, “payment upon completion!”
“Fine. So long as you promise,” Velouria agreed.
“Look at this. Such a fine collection of ladies.”
Pink hair flowing behind her, Soleil sauntered towards the group, slipping one hand over Ophelia’s shoulder and the other grabbing onto Sophie.
“Might any of you be willing to join me for tea? Or maybe you have… prior engagements?”
“Yes, actually!” Ophelia said, brushing her off, “Nina and I have found an amazing treasure map!”
“Ugh, everyone’s going to find out at this rate…” Nina groaned.
“We were just putting together an ace team of aces to venture out to claim the amazing treasure!” Ophelia explained, “you may join us, if you so desire!”
“Ooh, exciting! Sign me up,” Soleil said, “I’m more than happy to help such cute ladies out. So long as we celebrate our success with some tea…”
“Great. Now can we get going?” Nina asked.
“Yeah, quickly! Before daddy comes back this way!” Sophie urged.
“Very well! But we are venturing into a place very few have ventured before!” Ophelia warned, “we had best prepare for anything.”
“All right. Everyone go and get ready then,” Nina said, “let’s meet up here in, say, ten?”
“Wonderful! That will give me ample time to think of a name for our group!” Ophelia cheered, “Ophelia and The Four Divas? Ooh, The Five Shining Maidens?”
“Right, better get some weapons,” Sophie said as she headed off, “better boots too. I’m definitely going on foot!”
Velouria was one of the first back. She didn’t need to carry much, only her stone was really important. Most of the rest of her supplies were trinkets, little treasures she liked to stare at. Plus food, though she wasn’t sure she could resist it for long.
“Hi, Velouria,” Nina greeted her as she approached.
“Hey. You’re here early,” she responded.
“Actually, I’m a bit late,” Nina said, “maybe we should get going? Or maybe… they’ve gone ahead of us!”
“I don’t think so. You’ve got the map,” Velouria told her. It was easy for her to smell, that sweet scent wafting off the spy.
“…good point. But maybe we should go anyway?” Nina asked, “they can catch up.”
Velouria was usually one to go it alone, not too keen on hanging around others. She was wanting to get her hands on that wonderful map as soon as possible, too. But maybe there was strength in numbers?
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