Part 4

As they arrived at the village Vordea left her gauntlet in several years ago, she was amused to see it finally had a name. However, she was less amused at the name itself, though it felt right. Godsdrink had a nice ring to it, at least.

"I thought you said this place didn't have a name?" Elias asked as they passed by the sign at the edge of the village.

"It didn't." Vordea answered curtly.

Elias chuckled in response as Vordea subtly gestured at the tavern. As the four of them stepped inside, the same barkeep who was there over 4 years ago recognized Vordea immediately.

"Lady Vordea! You've returned!" He exclaimed. "Please, sit!"

"I'm afraid I can't stay to chat. I've only come to retrieve my gauntlet." Vordea answered.

"Of course, it's still where you left it." He answered, gesturing at the pure black metal gauntlet still sitting on the counter, surrounded by various trinkets and prayers.

"It seems you created a small shrine." Elias said with a smirk.

"Oh never you mind." Vordea said, playfully punching Elias in the arm. She picked up her gauntlet, brushed it off, and looked at it. "Hmmm."

"What is it, Vordea?" Elias asked. "You look conflicted."

"Sorry. Somebody just came to visit. No, it's staying for now." Vordea said, putting the gauntlet back down on the counter. "Come on Elias, I'll explain later."

With those words, Vordea turned and walked out of the tavern, much to everyone's confusion. Elias and Nalaea looked at each other for a moment and raced after her, Francisco following shortly afterwards.

For several minutes, Vordea didn't say anything as they walked, her calm exterior betraying nothing about what just happened. She didn't even appear to acknowledge Elias at first, until he eventually grabbed her right arm and roughly stopped her.

"Alright that's enough of that." Elias said, admonishing the Goddess.

"You dare? Bold, but continue." Vordea said, crossing her arms and smiling.

"What happened back there? Obviously someone we couldn't see was there." Elias continued, standing in front of her, matching her pose.