The morning sun barely pierced the mist that clung to the village outskirts. Sancho twisted the strap of her satchel nervously, glancing up at her father with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

“You… really want to do this today?” she asked, voice low, almost shy. “I mean… It's not exactly a walk in the park out there. We’ve got monsters, bandits, and… who knows what else.”

Her father’s grin only widened, bold and unshakable. Sancho hesitated, chewing on her lip. “Yeah… okay. I’ll follow your lead. But… I’m not gonna lie, my stomach’s doing flips just thinking about it.”

A few villagers passed by, nodding respectfully at her father. Sancho straightened, clearing her throat, and muttered under her breath, “F-forsooth… I shall… accompany thee, father…” She flushed immediately, rolling her eyes at herself when the villagers passed. “Ugh, why did I even say that out loud?”

She exhaled, letting her nerves settle just a little, and looked down the path ahead. Adventure awaited—messy, dangerous, and exhilarating—and, for all her nerves, Sancho couldn’t help the small thrill bubbling in her chest. “Alright,” she said, tightening her grip on her satchel. “Let’s do this.”