The smell of herbs and moisture was strong this morning. This was one of the few times Domic was lucky enough to be alone at the communal baths while his tub was smaller than most, and lacked a heater, the quiet was something he could only find in his dreams. It was hard for him to connect with his fellow hunters. They seemed so… Jolly. So eager. Most were aces as well. It made Domic feel lesser. Weaker. He couldn’t drag them down to his level.

As he dunked his head into the ice cold water Domic felt his body engulfed once more, and his skin felt like it was burning despite bathing. When he got out his stomach growled and as usual, Domic began chewing on his tongue. The metallic taste teased his hunger. [color=firebrick]”Lets eat.”[/color] after drying off Domic donned his clothes, followed by his armor, and head to the cantina.

It was loud and bustling. Hunters, handlers, researchers, and Palicos were out and about doing their business. Domic did his best to stay out of the way as he made his way to his table. But as he did, he saw that there were no seats. From all the noise and hubbub, it seemed like everyone was at the gathering hall. All good and seats were there due to the comet. [color=firebrick]”Right. Forgot about that.”[/color] Domic never much liked the gathering hall. Too far from his gardens. Too many people. But he’ll deal with it. He had to.

Sure enough there were large crowds at the Gathering Hall. So many people coursing, singing, and feasting. Domic ordered some food and went to find a table, though he had to eat with a group of strangers. He minded his business as he ate his meal; a big hunk of roasted wyvern tail, with buttered bread, served with a side of rice with Mosswine brain curry, and a large mug of wyverian brandy. Domic ate heartily as he passively listened to others chat and talk. Apparently there was some big mission going to happen soon. Domic was considering it.

Money’s been a bit tight since Domic commissioned his Super Scattergun. He’s been able to pay his living expanses easy enough via gathering and his garden, but he wouldn’t be able to pay for any equipment upgrades unless he can find a real good bounty. This could be his lucky break. Of course, he might end up having to work with others but… He’ll just have to deal with it. He had to.

At the notice board Domic simply wrote his name in the biggest, newest request. Hearing that something fell from the meteor does sound interesting, though Domic doubts it’s anything too big. Otherwise the older hunters would’ve already been sent out. Domic knew how this usually goes down: eager boobies go out thinking they’ve found a big haul, and fueled by youth they lay down the ground works for a new settlement or research base, but it’ll be years before it yields any results. In the mean time the youth will just clear out the local threats and await further orders. That’s how it usually goes.

[color=firebrick]”And if it doesn’t… That’s when things get messy.”[/color]

After signing up for the job Domic turned to head back to his room. He’ll need to stick up on supplies. Potions, rations, bombs, ammo. They’re heading north so that could also mean cold weather. Fortunately his armor was quite adapt at dealing with the cold, but some hot drinks would be helpful nonetheless. There was also the possibility that once he’s up there, he won’t be coming back to Astera for a while. He’ll need to make arrangements for someone to tend to hos garden and ferry supplies to wherever he’ll be going. A bunch of logistical stuff. 

[color=firebrick]”Work’s never done.”[/color]