The leather pouch made a sound like a small avalanche when Kaelin dropped it onto her desk. Gold coins spilled across official paperwork in a cascade that caught the lamplight and threw tiny dancing reflections across the office walls.

The Guild payment for ten completed missions, plus bonuses for "architectural innovation" and "unprecedented efficiency ratings," had accumulated into what could only be described as serious money.

"Your earnings," Kaelin announced with the tone of someone delivering either good news or a natural disaster warning. "Standard rates, completion bonuses, and hazard pay for geological surveys."

Pyra stared at the golden waterfall with the sort of reverence usually reserved for religious experiences. "That's... that's a lot of money."

"More money than I've ever seen in one place," Kindle added, azure flames creating tiny heat mirages that made the coins seem to shimmer even more.

"Enough to live comfortably for several years," Ember calculated, though her golden fire betrayed excitement that suggested comfortable living wasn't the only thing on her mind.

Cinder was already counting, sorting them by denomination, and organizing them into tidy stacks like an extremely enthusiastic accountant. "Two thousand one hundred and thirty-seven gold crowns. Sixteen silver marks. Copper... actually, forget the copper."

"Since when are you good with money?" Pyra asked.

"I am a mature, responsible woman," Cinder declared, already calculating their shares into five portions. "I understand many things, including, but not limited to, budgeting, spending wisely, and avoiding financial self-sabotage."

"Of course."

"I am absolutely not thinking about buying two hundred pairs of shoes," Cinder said, without the slightest trace of irony.

Ash sighed. "Pyra, stop her."

"No, I like her plan." Pyra paused. "Actually, I like her plan a lot."

Kaelin waited patiently for the coin-counting frenzy to subside, then gathered the paperwork that had been buried beneath their payment.

"Guild regulations recommend establishing savings accounts through the Merchant's Exchange. Reasonable investment portfolios. Modest living adjustments."

The five nodded with the sort of earnest attention that suggested they were absolutely going to ignore every word of financial advice.

"We'll be very responsible," Ember promised.

"Completely reasonable," Cinder agreed.

"We're rich!" Pyra's celebratory flames erupted around the table. "Actually, properly, ridiculously rich!"

"Temporarily rich," Ash corrected, though her smoky fire was creating pleased spirals. "Wealth without wisdom leads to poverty with experience."

"Philosophy later," Kindle announced, bouncing in her chair hard enough to make the coins dance. "Shopping now!"

Twenty minutes later, they stood in Amaranth's Market District with pouches full of gold and no adult supervision.

The Amaranth Market District had clearly been designed by someone who understood that commerce was fundamentally about creating environments where people made decisions they'd later question. Cobblestone streets wound between buildings that seemed to lean inward conspiratorially, while shop signs competed for attention through increasingly elaborate magical displays.

Pyra stood before "Mordecai's Magnificent Implements," a shop whose window featured weapons that glowed, hummed, and in one case appeared to be quietly singing opera. Her orange flames painted enthusiastic patterns across the glass as she studied the merchandise with the sort of intense focus usually reserved for tactical planning.

"Good morning, miss!" The shopkeeper materialized beside her with the sort of smooth approach that suggested considerable practice in ambushing potential customers. "Interested in our premium collection?"

Mordecai himself was a thin man with the kind of mustache that required architectural planning and enough magical jewelry to power a small city. His robes shifted colors as he moved, cycling through shades that complemented whatever he happened to be standing near—currently a fetching shade of "weapon shop orange" that matched Pyra's flames perfectly.

"That sword," Pyra pointed at a weapon that was generating its own weather system. "The one with the lightning."

"Ah, Stormcaller! Excellent eye for quality. Enchanted steel, lightning generation on command, and guaranteed to make any battle significantly more theatrical." Mordecai's sales pitch carried the practiced enthusiasm of someone who'd learned to make modest enchantments sound epic. "Two hundred gold pieces for the blade itself."

Two hundred gold pieces. Less than half her accumulated wealth for a single weapon, but the lightning effects would complement her flames beautifully. At her speed, the electrical display would be spectacular.

"Does it make bigger lightning if you swing it faster?"

"The enchantment responds to kinetic energy. Faster swings, more impressive discharges." Mordecai's eyes gleamed with commercial enthusiasm. "For someone with your... energetic combat style... the results would be extraordinary."

Pyra's grin could have lit up a small village. "I'll take it."

"Excellent! Now, you'll want the matching accessories. Lightning-channeling gauntlets to protect your hands—only forty gold. Storm-resistant belt to prevent the lightning from earthing through your body—thirty-five gold. And these boots that leave flaming footprints while channeling electrical energy—fifty gold pieces."

The accessories made sense. Magical weapons required proper safety equipment, and the combined effects would be magnificent. Her flames plus lightning plus speed would create a combat style that was part martial arts, part natural disaster.

"Oh, and this helmet!" Mordecai produced a piece of armor that sparkled with embedded crystals. "Projects battle cries in multiple languages while protecting against electrical feedback. Very popular with lightning sword users. Only seventy-five gold."

The helmet was definitely necessary. Lightning swords probably generated significant electrical feedback, and battle cries in multiple languages would be professionally impressive.

"What languages?"

"Draconic, ancient Elven, classical Dwarven, and something the enchanter claims is 'original Orc battle poetry.'" Mordecai tapped the helmet proudly. "Very intimidating during combat situations."

By the time she'd completed the transaction, Pyra had acquired a complete lightning-themed combat kit that had consumed exactly (after a bundle discount) three hundred and twenty-five gold pieces of her accumulated wealth. The sword hummed with electrical potential, the gauntlets crackled when she flexed her fingers, and the helmet was already muttering what sounded like compliments about her combat prowess in ancient Draconic.

"Let me test this," she announced, drawing the sword for a few experimental swings.

The first swing generated a satisfying crack of lightning that made the shop's windows rattle. The second swing produced a more impressive discharge that caused several street lamps to flicker ominously. The third swing created an electrical display that triggered every magical security ward within a three-block radius.

"Perhaps," Mordecai suggested diplomatically as his jewelry started sparking in sympathy with her sword, "outdoor testing would be more appropriate?"

Pyra emerged from the shop into the street, where she had proper room for combat demonstrations. The sword responded to her movements with increasing enthusiasm, generating lightning that danced between her orange flames in patterns that made passing pedestrians dive for cover behind market stalls.

"This is amazing!" she announced to the Market District in general, executing a spinning attack that created a small electrical storm above the cobblestones. Her new boots left flaming footprints while channeling the lightning into the ground, creating a trail of fire and electricity that looked like a dragon had learned to dance.

"PYRA!" Cinder's voice cut through her experimental combat routine. "What are you doing?"

Her crimson-flamed sister-self approached along the street with the sort of exasperated posture that suggested someone with their hands full of responsible adult ideas. Cinder dodged Pyra's lightning trail, ducked under her flaming footprints, and arrived beside her with arms folded and flames flickering with concern.

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"Combat equipment evaluation," Pyra replied cheerfully, demonstrating another sword technique that caused nearby stall canopies to flap wildly. "Want to see how it combines with speed enhancement?"

"No!" Cinder said quickly. "Definitely not in the middle of the Market District."

"But the lightning effects are so much better when—"

"Save it for actual combat," Cinder interrupted, eyeing the small crowd of nervous merchants who'd gathered to watch the impromptu weapon demonstration. "Some of us are trying to conduct respectable business transactions."

Pyra reluctantly sheathed the lightning sword, though it continued humming with electrical potential. "You're no fun when you're being responsible."

"Someone has to be responsible. Clearly, it's not going to be the person who just bought a weapon that makes street lamps explode."

"They didn't explode. They just flickered dramatically."

"Three of them are still sparking."

Pyra glanced back at the street lamps, which were indeed producing small electrical displays in rhythm with her sword's ambient discharge. "That's probably temporary."

"Probably."

"Want to see what I bought?" Pyra gestured toward her new equipment with obvious pride.

Cinder examined the lightning-themed combat ensemble with the sort of analytical attention she usually reserved for tactical planning. "Quality craftsmanship. Proper safety features. Enchantments that complement your natural abilities." She paused. "How much did it cost?"

"Three hundred and twenty-five gold pieces."

"For the complete set?"

"For everything. Sword, accessories, helmet, and discounts."

"That's... actually, that's a good price."

"It's from Mordecai," Pyra said. "He gave me a discount on the boots and gauntlets. Do you wanna shop there?"

"Nah." Cinder shook her head. "I have a different plan."

"What plan?"

"You'll see. I'm doing commerce. Respectable, proper, no-exploding-streetlamps commerce."

Three shops down, Cinder stood before "The Cobbler's Crown," an establishment whose window displays featured footwear that seemed to exist in a state of perpetual elegance. Boots, shoes, and slippers arranged themselves in aesthetically pleasing patterns while magical signs advertised "ENCHANTED SOLES!" and "FOOTWEAR FOR EVERY FANTASY!"

"Just practical boots," she told herself firmly, studying the window display with the sort of analytical attention she usually reserved for tactical planning. "Essential adventuring equipment. Not shopping for pleasure. Definitely not indulging in frivolous footwear fantasies."

The boots in the practical section were admittedly impressive, but her attention kept drifting to the elegant display area where delicate evening slippers seemed to dance by themselves, their silk and satin surfaces catching light like captured starlight.

"Welcome to the finest footwear establishment in Amaranth!" The proprietor emerged from the shop with the confident stride of someone who understood that proper shoes were the foundation of both practical success and personal happiness. Master Cordwainer was a stout man whose own boots were polished to mirror perfection, but whose eyes held the gleam of someone who genuinely loved beautiful footwear.

"I need practical adventuring boots," Cinder announced firmly. "Nothing else. Just boots."

"Of course, of course. But perhaps you'd like to examine our complete collections? We cater to every possible footwear need." Cordwainer gestured toward sections that displayed everything from sturdy work boots to shoes that appeared to be made from crystallized moonlight.

"Just the practical section."

The adventuring boots were genuinely impressive. Reinforced leather, steel toe protection, and enchantments that provided everything from improved traction to temperature regulation. Each pair was crafted with the sort of attention to detail that suggested genuine pride in workmanship.

"These are quite well made," she admitted, examining a pair of black leather boots that seemed to absorb her flame light and reflect it in subtle crimson patterns.

"My specialty," Cordwainer replied with obvious pride. "Twenty years of outfitting adventurers. Those particular boots feature reinforced soles, weather resistance, and comfort enchantments. Twenty-five gold pieces for the complete protection package."

Twenty-five gold pieces for quality adventuring boots seemed reasonable. Cinder completed the transaction with the satisfaction of someone who'd made a sensible, practical purchase.

"Now," Cordwainer continued with the enthusiasm of someone who'd identified a customer with excellent taste, "you might appreciate seeing our artisan collection. Not that you need anything else, of course, but these represent the finest craftsmanship in the kingdom."

"I really shouldn't—"

But her protest died as he led her toward a display of shoes that could only be described as wearable art. Elegant heels crafted from leather so supple it seemed like silk, dancing slippers that sparkled with embedded gems, boots that managed to be both practical and breathtakingly beautiful.

"These are..." she paused, studying a pair of deep crimson heels that seemed designed specifically to complement her flame color. "These are exquisite."

"Handcrafted by master artisans. The crimson pair there? Enchanted leather that shifts shade to match your magical aura. They'll look perfect with your flame signature." Cordwainer's sales instincts had clearly identified her aesthetic weakness. "Forty gold pieces, but they're genuine works of art."

Forty gold pieces for shoes that beautiful seemed almost reasonable. They would complement her flames perfectly, and she'd never owned anything so elegant.

"I suppose... one pair of nice shoes wouldn't be excessive."

"Excellent choice! And these"—he gestured toward elegant black evening shoes with silver embroidery—"perfect for formal Guild functions. Every successful adventurer needs appropriate footwear for official occasions."

The formal shoes were undeniably gorgeous, and their reputation was growing. Guild ceremonies and client meetings required sophisticated appearance.

"Those are quite beautiful."

"Thirty-five gold pieces, and they project an aura of competence and refinement. Essential for professional advancement."

Professional advancement was important. The formal shoes joined her growing collection.

"Now, for someone with your discerning taste..." Cordwainer produced a pair of ankle boots that managed to be both practical and stylish, decorated with intricate metalwork that caught the light beautifully. "These work equally well for adventuring and social occasions. Versatility and elegance combined."

Versatile footwear made perfect sense. Why carry multiple pairs when one could serve multiple purposes?

"And these dancing slippers," he continued, displaying shoes that seemed to shimmer with their own inner light, "perfect for victory celebrations and Guild social events. They're enchanted to make the wearer more graceful and light on their feet."

Dancing slippers that enhanced grace seemed genuinely practical for someone whose career involved rapid movement and combat coordination.

"How much for those?"

"Thirty gold pieces. But for someone assembling a complete wardrobe, I could offer a collection discount."

A complete wardrobe was a sensible long-term investment. Quality footwear lasted for years, and having appropriate options for every situation would save money in the long run.

By the time she'd finished "browsing," Cinder had acquired practical adventuring boots, elegant crimson heels, formal evening shoes, versatile ankle boots, enchanted dancing slippers, comfortable walking shoes for daily wear, weather-resistant outdoor boots, delicate slippers for relaxation, and a pair of knee-high boots that were simply too beautiful to resist.

"The winter collection might also interest you," Cordwainer suggested, producing fur-lined boots that looked both warm and stylish. "These provide magical temperature regulation while maintaining elegant silhouettes."

"Perhaps just one pair," she heard herself saying, selecting boots that would complement her flames while keeping her feet warm during cold-weather missions.

"And finally," Cordwainer announced with the air of someone revealing his masterpiece, "our signature enchanted collection. Custom-designed footwear that attunes to your magical abilities."

The signature shoes were displayed like precious artifacts, each pair radiating magical energy that suggested considerable enchantment investment.

"These heels," he explained, presenting shoes that seemed to channel crimson fire through their structure, "enhance your flame control while projecting an aura of confidence and power. Perfect for situations requiring both magical capability and sophisticated appearance."

Magical enhancement combined with sophisticated appearance seemed like a worthwhile investment for someone building a professional reputation.

"Sixty gold pieces, but they'll revolutionize your relationship with both magic and footwear."

By the time she emerged from The Cobbler's Crown, Cinder had acquired eleven pairs of shoes covering every possible scenario from practical adventuring to elegant social occasions. Her purchases totaled three hundred and seventy gold pieces, leaving exactly thirty coins for meals and minor expenses.

"Essential wardrobe investments," she announced to the Market District, admiring her flame-enhanced signature heels while carrying enough packages to outfit a small fashion boutique. "Quality footwear is fundamental to both professional success and personal confidence."

The shoes were definitely worth the investment. A woman should have options, and having appropriate footwear for every situation was simply practical planning.

"CINDER!" Pyra's voice carried across the Market District. "What did you buy?"

Her orange-flamed sister-self approached along the street with the sort of smug posture of someone watching an excuse for mocking.

"Professional footwear collection," Cinder replied with dignity, her new heels clicking elegantly against the cobblestones. "Essential wardrobe components for diverse social and professional situations."

"How many pairs?"

"Eleven. But they're all practical necessities for different occasions."

Pyra examined the packages. "Eleven pairs of shoes."

"Quality investments in professional appearance management."

"You said you weren't thinking about buying two hundred pairs of shoes."

"I said I wasn't thinking about buying two hundred pairs," Cinder corrected, clicking her heels again for emphasis. "This is eleven pairs. Also, that comment was sarcastic."

"Pretty sure buying eleven pairs of shoes isn't—"

"Trust me," Cinder said, adjusting her packages with the easy grace of someone who'd just acquired stylish confidence, "I'm the sarcastic one. I know. Which makes me the stylish one now, if you think about it."

"Who cares about style if you've got a weapon that shoots lightning?"

"I do. Because I'm also the stylish one. Which you aren't. So, there."

Cinder turned dramatically, letting her flame-enhanced signature heels carry her toward her next shopping adventure while Pyra shook her head in disbelief and ignited her lightning sword for another experimental combat routine.

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