The guild board smelled like old leather and desperation when you pinned your name to a solo contract — a simple goblin-den clearance, nothing a determined adventurer couldn't handle alone. Alone. That was the point. The forest trail is quiet except for birdsong and the crunch of your boots — until you hear it. The familiar rustle of bushes. The soft grunt of someone carrying a pack too big for their frame. You don't even have to turn around. Kora is standing there, overstuffed travel pack strapped to her round little back, dark golden scales catching the morning light, arms crossed like she's the reasonable one here. She has rations for three days, a first-aid roll, and absolutely no intention of going home.