“When you heading out?” David asked, his mouth half full of breakfast.

Their guild had spent the day before finishing the clear on the first floor of The Tower and had all hit level 15. That meant today they were once again going their separate ways to complete their class quests.

“Right after breakfast.” Ethan lazily flipped his fried egg and added a thick slice of ham to the pan. He was already wearing his armor, which was unusual for so early in the morning but he intended to leave right after he’d eaten.

They were, for their guild, making record time in leveling. The two days spent in The Tower had been more than beneficial. He wasn’t sure how long it would take to finish his own quest and wanted to get an early start in case there was a lot of travel time.

“What about you?” He asked as he slid the eggs and ham over toast. “Taking a relaxing morning for once?”

David snorted into his coffee.

“No, Sitifus is only a day’s ride from here so I’m leaving early.” He said, wiping drops of coffee from his mustache. “Want to get a quick start so I can finish quickly, get back into the Tower.”

“I hope you’re ready to sit and pray for hours and hours every day.” Ethan said, pouring himself a cup of coffee before taking a seat at the counter. “You and Miguel riding together?”

The Cleric and Paladin classes were headquartered in a temple in the city of Sitifus, a Roman inspired town full of beautiful white columns and large buildings. Ethan had enjoyed his time there, when he hadn’t been praying for what seemed like days on end. The busy city always had festivals and events going on.

“If he gets his ass up quickly I might.” David took another drink of coffee and gestured in the air as he examined an unseen menu.

“Did Tae-Won and Leah leave already? Their room is suspiciously quiet.” Ethan asked.

“Yeah, Leah’s got to go to the Eldergrove and Tae-Won is heading to Anvasa.”

Ethan winced. Neither location was even close to Startesgarde. The Eldergrove was a beautiful forest home to all kinds of fey creatures, including the Elven Druidic Masters Leah would be learning from. On a horse it would take her at least four days of riding to get to.

Anvasa, on the other hand, was at least five days away. It was an oasis in a sprawling desert. If Sitifus was inspired by the Romans, Anvasa was definitely Egyptian. Ethan hadn’t yet made it out to the desert, but he had heard stories of its colossal pyramids and wonderful stone sculptures.

“You think two weeks is going to be enough time for everyone to get back?” He said, trying to calculate just how long travel time would be for everyone. Not including the actual days it took to complete the quest. “I didn’t think about Tae-Won having to travel so far.”

“The Rogue questline usually isn’t that long. Besides, if anyone is taking longer, they can just message and let you know.” David finished his eggs and pushed his plate back.

“Can’t.” Ethan mumbled, his mouth full of breakfast sandwich.”

“Hmm?”

“Once they get to their destinations, they get locked out of all forms of communication.” He said after he swallowed.

“Fuck, I forgot about that.” David rubbed his chin, deep in thought about what to do. “I guess if someone takes longer than two weeks, we’ll just have to wait it out.”

“It only took me a week and a half to finish my Paladin quest, so if you’re back before me, start recruiting.” Ethan said, after he’d taken his last bite of sandwich.

Before David could respond the door from the outside opened. Both men leaned back in their chairs to see who would be coming into the guild hall so early in the day.

Miguel entered looking slightly disheveled, he was adjusting his robes and his eyea were red and puffy.

“Morning guys.” He said when he saw them staring at him. “David, we going or are you going back to bed?”

“Where did you just come from?” Ethan asked, slightly confused.

“Tara’s.” Miguel replied quietly. “I told her last night I had to go away for a while again and she didn’t let me leave.”

“You been crying?” David asked.

“What? No.” Miguel blatantly lied as he wiped his eyes. “I just, uh, didn’t get much sleep last night. If you know what I mean.”

“If you mean you were up all night crying with Tara, then yes, we know exactly what you mean.” Ethan locked eyes with Miguel and sipped from his mostly empty coffee mug.

“Yeah, looks like that to me too.” David nodded in agreement.

“You’re both assholes.” Miguel adjusted the belt of his robes. “David, we leaving soon or what?”

“Just have to get dressed.” He said, standing up and collecting his dishes.

“Ethan, if I don’t see you before you head out, good luck and be safe.” He said after he’d placed his plate in the sink.

“Thanks man, you too.” He said, tipping his coffee mug in a salute. “You’re going to wash those before I get back though, right? I don’t want to come home to weeks old dirty dishes in our sink.”

“Yeah,” David laughed. “I'm just going to get ready first. Don’t want to make lover boy wait forever before we leave.

Miguel followed him up the stairs and Ethan refilled his coffee mug. His hand shook as he refilled the ceramic cup. He was excited for the quest he was about to take but also nervous. Is Battle Shaman really what I want to do? I could easily just talk to Torben and take Weaponsmaster. I wouldn’t even leave the city, I could spend every night home in my own bed.

“Hey Ethan?” A timid voice behind him caused him to jerk and spill the remainder of his coffee.

“Oh, sorry about that.” Daniel apologized and hurried to grab a towel from the sink.

“It’s okay.” Ethan said taking the towel and wiping up the spillage. “What’s up Daniel?”

“Not much, I just wanted to say thank you.” He hesitated and looked down at his feet. “And apologize again. I know you guys are having to do your quests because of me, and I’m sorry for that.”

“You know, what? It’s in the past.” Ethan said, Daniel wasn’t usually this cowardly. “Just keep focusing on your Blacksmithing and we’ll be able to continue moving forward.”

“I will, and thank you again for giving me this last chance.” Daniel nodded energetically.

“Alright, I think it’s about time I head out.” Ethan said as he stood up. “Take care of the guild hall while we’re gone.”

“You guys still thinking it’ll be a couple weeks before you’re all back?” Daniel asked him.

“Yeah, at least.” Ethan nodded.

“Well, take care out there. By the time you get back hopefully I’ll be able to take my own specialization.”

“Good, use the the guild bank if you need anything.” He said as he started walking towards the door.

“Will do. Good luck!” Daniel called back to him.

Ethan stopped before he opened the door to the outside, gestured into his inventory and withdrew his axe.

I got this by luck, but it’s pretty much been an indicator of how well this respawn has gone. Hopefully this questline will be just as great. He thought to himself as he looked at his weapon. Reaching back and he hooked his weapon into his harness and grabbed the doorknob.

Well, I guess this is it.