Erin and Ryoka left the room in the Runner\u2019s Guild, a sleepy Mrsha draped in Ryoka\u2019s arms. They left as friends, refreshed, ready to face the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cRyoka\u2019s back!\u201d<\/p>\n
Erin sang and danced down the steps, beaming in delight. She flexed her arms while Ryoka shifted the snoozing Mrsha.<\/p>\n
\u201cErin and Ryoka, together again! The invincible duo!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ryoka smiled, embarrassed, and then covered it with a scowl.<\/p>\n
\u201cStop that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, don\u2019t you think we make a good team?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think a good team doesn\u2019t brag about how good they are.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we\u2019re like a duo! You know, Bonnie and Clyde! Jesse and James! Bert and Ernie! Tom and Jerry! Uh\u2026Batman and Robin!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cErin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSiskel and Ebert! Spongebob and Patrick!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhich one are you, then?\u201d<\/p>\n
Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh\u2026Sp\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re Patrick.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo\u2026I don\u2019t want to be him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell I\u2019m<\/em> sure as hell not Patrick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, maybe that was a bad comparison. But I could be, uh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Batman.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw.\u201d<\/p>\n Their banter was interrupted by a [Receptionist] who hurried to them on the stairs with a smile on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Erin, Miss Ryoka, I hope your discussion was productive?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Yeah. Oh\u2014right.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] was staring meaningfully at Ryoka. She hesitated, cursed internally, and then shifted Mrsha to fish at her belt pouch.<\/p>\n \u201cHere.\u201d<\/p>\n She handed the woman two gold coins. Both Erin and the woman\u2019s eyes bugged out when they saw the glitter. The [Receptionist] gaped at Ryoka, and then hurriedly curtsied to Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope you enjoyed our brief hospitality, Miss Erin. Please, if there\u2019s anything we can do, do not hesitate to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh. Okay.\u201d<\/p>\n When the woman had hurried off with the coins Erin grabbed Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Guild charges a 5% fee on all deliveries. I\u2019ll do the paperwork later, but right now they think you just gave me a delivery worth forty gold coins.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut that\u2019s so much! Ryoka\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Runner shook her head. She was in a good mood.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got the money, and I think we got what we paid for, right? Private rooms, delivered food, entertainment for Mrsha\u2026and I feel a bit bad for bullying that receptionist.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry about it. I\u2019m not. Here, hold Mrsha for me, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka dumped Mrsha into Erin\u2019s arms. The Gnoll grunted and Erin did too. Ryoka strode over to two Runners who were approaching her.<\/p>\n \u201cGaria, Fals. Thanks for looking out for Mrsha.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was our pleasure, Ryoka. That little furball can run pretty fast! Are you going to teach her how to be a Runner?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho knows?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka smiled at Fals and turned to Garia. The shorter Runner smiled at Ryoka with an awkwardness Ryoka recognized. She\u2019d felt it herself not a few hours ago.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry for overfeeding her, Ryoka. She\u2019s just so cute\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo problem. And I\u2019m sorry I had to cut you off, but Erin and I really needed to reconnect. Uh\u2026how\u2019s it been, Garia?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, you know. I\u2019m just running deliveries. I don\u2019t do anything that<\/em> interesting\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot like a Runner who made it to Invrisil in two days! I heard the rumors Ryoka\u2014don\u2019t tell me it actually happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot quite. I hitched a ride, actually\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka gave them a cut-down version of the events, minus the assassinations and heard their envious comments about getting to do that many deliveries at once. Then she got to the heart of the matter as she turned to Garia.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, Garia, I\u2019ve really dropped the ball on hanging out with you. You keep offering to do a delivery together and I\u2019m always busy\u2026I\u2019m not a good friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Garia turned bright red and waved her hands hurriedly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? No, I know you\u2019ve got a lot to do. I don\u2019t think\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA good Runner makes time for friends, right Fals?\u201d<\/p>\n The young man blinked at Ryoka, and then smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cTrue enough! Are you planning on doing a delivery with Garia then, Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBetter. I was wondering if that offer to visit her family was still on the table. We could hang out for a day or two.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka really had no desire to meet Garia\u2019s family, but she had every desire to be a good friend to Garia, and from the way the girl\u2019s face lit up, that was the right thing to offer.<\/p>\n \u201cMeet my family? Well\u2014of course! They have a farm\u2014we could have you over any time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about in a day or two? Maybe tomorrow? I\u2019d hate to impose, but I don\u2019t want to get tied up and not come\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no! They\u2019d love to have you. I\u2019ve told them all about you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Garia\u2019s eyes slid sideways to Fals. Ryoka noticed, and turned towards him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not come with us? I\u2019m sure Garia would love to introduce you as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Fals looked surprised. He glanced at Garia and then met Ryoka\u2019s eyes. She stared at him silently and he hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t want to impose\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, what if I bring a friend? Garia, would you mind if Mrsha joined us? I think she\u2019d love to see a farm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo problem! And I bet she\u2019d love to have fun with everyone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Garia was sneaking glances at Fals. Pressured on two fronts, he gave in graciously and smiled at Garia.<\/p>\n \u201cI would be glad to. Just let me know when and we can run there together. Does your family enjoy sweets by any chance? I would love to buy them a jar of Miss Erin\u2019s honey\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t need to bring anything! Really!\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka participated in the conversation for a little bit, set up a tentative date, and then rejoined Erin, who\u2019d persuaded Mrsha to walk on her own four paws. Her real struggle was making four paws turn into two.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, Mrsha. You can\u2019t always run around on all fours. Krshia doesn\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha gave Erin a glance that said quite clearly that Krshia was a fool who only walked upright to fit in. Erin smiled at Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cReady to go?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep. I\u2019d say we\u2019re in time for a late lunch if we get back to the inn now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just ate! Well, I guess I can make something if the adventurers are hanging about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka frowned, perplexed.<\/p>\n \u201cDo they always stick around? I thought they\u2019d have things to do. Like kill monsters or go into the dungeon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, well, they don\u2019t actually do that so much. Griffon Hunt and the Halfseekers are always talking and making plans\u2026some days they go in and come back really late, covered in all kinds of nasty stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, hopefully Pisces is still about. I want to talk with him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Pisces was indeed still in the inn, drinking and talking with the other Horns of Hammerad. And Griffon Hunt. And the Halfseekers.<\/p>\n None of the adventurers had left the inn, although Zel had. They were all clustered in the center of the room, talking heatedly about some big discovery. Ryoka had to get Ceria to explain it to her while Erin went to make a late lunch.<\/p>\n \u201cSome adventurers went into the dungeon, Ryoka! This team\u2014they\u2019re only Silver-rank. They\u2019re called Vuliel Drae and they went down through that hole Mrsha fell into. Apparently there\u2019s an entirely new section of dungeon down there!\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka stared at the adventurers as they fussed over a bit of parchment. She walked over, peered over Ceria\u2019s shoulder and was treated to a very rough map.<\/p>\n Or rather, the copy of a map. As it turned out, Halrac had just gone into the city and come back with a map of the dungeon. It had been made by Vuliel Drae, a relatively inexperienced group of adventurers who\u2019d descended into the new hole and come out with a rudimentary sketch of a few passageways, a tale of running into half a dozen traps and monsters within the first hour, and the head of a monster no one could identify.<\/p>\n And an enchanted mace. It had sent ripples through the growing adventuring community within Liscor. Because it was proof the dungeon had treasure.<\/p>\n \u201cNot just any treasure. High quality enchantments.\u201d<\/p>\n Ulrien explained that to Ryoka, although she had a sense he was also telling her for Ksmvr and Pisces\u2019 benefit. The Horns of Hammerad were listening intently to the Gold-rank adventurers talking. Despite Ceria and Yvlon\u2019s experience, they were still juniors watching experts in their field work.<\/p>\n And argue. Seborn was talking about the mace, much to Jelaqua\u2019s clear displeasure.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has some kind of auditory enchantment. It shrieks like a Death Wailer when you hit something, and everyone but the wielder is affected. I\u2019d say the effect isn\u2019t just sound-based\u2014there seems to be some kind of immobility effect to it as well. So that\u2019s two benefits. Too bad only one person can use it safely, but the cost\u2014<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn it, those bastards were already getting offers for the mace! It\u2019ll probably sell for thousands of gold pieces!\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua burst out and kicked a chair into the air. Lyonette screamed and ducked, but Moore caught the chair out of the air. He stared reproachfully at the Selphid.<\/p>\n Interestingly, Jelaqua blushed. Ryoka wasn\u2019t sure she\u2019d be able to with a dead body. But her cheeks did change color. They turned slightly orange, as if something inside<\/em> the dead skin was heating up.<\/p>\n Disturbing, to say the least. Ryoka looked away as Jelaqua apologized to Lyonette. Ulrien, the other team leader, was less emotional.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was luck. Those adventurers were lucky to survive an encounter with the monster carrying the mace. It\u2019s not like they made it to a vault or raided a monster\u2019s lair.\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac nodded and grunted.<\/p>\n \u201cWord is they would have been completely wiped out if another adventurer hadn\u2019t helped them out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s unclear. Some lone adventurer with the ability to resist the mace\u2019s effects. She slew the monster carrying it and got the team through several hallways filled with traps by all accounts. There was no name given\u2014she\u2019s described as a masked swordswoman with incredible talent.\u201d<\/p>\n The other Gold-rank adventurers murmured at this. Typhenous raised his eyes at Revi and Ryoka saw the Stitch-girl shake her head. Jelaqua ground her teeth together.<\/p>\n \u201cA lone swordswoman? Everyone\u2019s getting the jump on us!\u201d<\/p>\n Ulrien frowned at her.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not who\u2019s fastest, Jelaqua. It\u2019s who\u2019s alive at the end to claim the treasure. You know that. Forget a lucky break; if just one of the dungeon\u2019s treasuries is partially intact, we\u2019ll reap a hundredfold times that amount.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I just don\u2019t like someone stealing a march on us.\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua groused. She looked towards the kitchen and lowered her voice.<\/p>\n \u201cPlus, you know those idiots wouldn\u2019t have had the courage to descend, much less survive, without Erin\u2019s cooking!\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka had been told all about the magical effects of Erin\u2019s food. Not only could she make a soup that warmed you up when standing naked in the cold, but she could make one that toughened the skin, and another that made you stronger than you should be.<\/p>\n It was an incredible Skill with several caveats. You couldn\u2019t have more than one effect at once, it wore off in a few hours, the food spoiled quickly, and Erin had to make it. Her or someone else with [Wondrous Fare]. And it was the exact sort of thing an adventurer might want, especially going into a dungeon. However\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure if they\u2019ll conflict with our potions.\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua had asked Erin to make her some of the Scale Soup, but she hadn\u2019t had a chance to test it yet. She paced around the room, understandably anxious.<\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t that<\/em> be wonderful? Erin\u2019s magical cooking helps all the low-level adventurers who can\u2019t afford better enchantments, but we\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ulrien ignored his counterpart. The Halfseekers seemed used to Jelaqua\u2019s emotions, but Griffon Hunt was methodical. He nodded to the others.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to talk with the leader of Vuliel Drae. See if he can describe these Gnoll-like monsters. I hear they brought back a head.\u201d<\/p>\n Seborn nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cSome of the Gnolls were quite agitated when they saw it. They may know more.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll inquire about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac left with Seborn, the two being the most knowledgeable about the monsters. Ulrien and Jelaqua went to track down the leader of the adventurers who\u2019d gone into the dungeon.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re probably at the bottom of a barrel of ale and celebrating. Still, I want to know what it was like in detail.\u201d<\/p>\n That left Typhenous, Revi, and Moore. Ryoka was surprised the [Mages] didn\u2019t have their own duties, but then she saw all of them sitting down and eating Erin\u2019s magical food, with varying degrees of enjoyment.<\/p>\n \u201cSee, I can make the Corusdeer Soup into a patty. And the uh, Scale Soup becomes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Revi paused as something went crack<\/em> inside her mouth. She spat out what she\u2019d eaten and stared at a hard fragment in horror.<\/p>\n \u201cEw! What is<\/em> that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA uh, Stonelizard scale. But I boiled it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that lemon and mint?<\/em> And\u2026fish?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt tastes better than it does as a soup!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGah. That\u2019s hardly an improvement.\u201d<\/p>\n Revi made a face. Moore, chewing down his food, shrugged his huge shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cYou must admit it still tastes a thousand times better than some potions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrue. Now, to see how it might conflict with spellcasting and other enchantments.\u201d<\/p>\n Typhenous pushed his plate back and began rummaging at his belt for a potion. Ryoka turned to the Horns of Hammerad, who\u2019d been talking amongst themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you all doing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re wondering whether we should be looking into this dungeon too, honestly.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria confessed to Ryoka as she watched Typhenous carefully imbibing part of a potion and making a disgusted face. She sighed as she scratched at her bone hand. Ryoka looked at her hand and then glanced at her missing fingers.<\/p>\n \u201cIt sounds intense down there. I hope you\u2019re thinking it over carefully.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf nodded seriously.<\/p>\n \u201cWe learned our lesson once, Yvlon and I. But honestly Ryoka, there\u2019s not much else we can do around here. Monster hunting around Liscor isn\u2019t exactly a lucrative business, especially in the winter. Plus, I\u2019ve seen Rock Crabs and I don\u2019t want to tangle with them, even with our new gear. We could look for work around Celum thanks to the magical door, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She shrugged, making a face.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re talking it over. Which reminds me, we need to pay you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like to say it was between friends, but I wouldn\u2019t say no to gold either. Still, you did get Erin back to Liscor for me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe owed her<\/em> for that. Come on, if you want one of our artifacts or the gold that [Enchanter] gave you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka was sorely tempted to see what she might ask for, but she had something else on her mind right how. She hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll think about it. But could I borrow Pisces? I need his help for some research.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cResearch? Hey Pisces! Get over here! What are you looking into?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria eyed Ryoka curiously as Pisces walked over, looking disgruntled at being summoned.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, Miss Ryoka. What may I help you with? Or am I not permitted to know the details of this endeavor either?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria stamped on Pisces\u2019 foot and he hopped around, shouting while Ryoka explained. The [Necromancer] stopped yelping and his eyes lit up when she mentioned the door.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, a project to measure the door\u2019s capacity? Well now, that<\/em> is an interesting subject. May I take it that you intend for me to test the limits of the enchantment?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIs there some way to tell how much energy the door consumes? Definitively, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Erin did manage to find the effective limit by jumping through it repeatedly. But I suppose that is not the aim of your inquiry?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka gave him a look.<\/p>\n \u201cJumping through a door isn\u2019t exactly a precise measurement. I\u2019m just asking if there\u2019s a way to calculate exactly how much energy is used per transportation. Is there a limit to weight or mass? How does distance affect the drain? Can you reduce the magic consumed into a figure and derive the maximum travelable distance from that figure?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s eyes went slightly cross-eyed, but Pisces\u2019 eyes lit up. He stared curiously at Ryoka for a second and then smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cAstounding. You seem to have a fascinatingly astute mind for magical theory. Have you some kind of connection with the [Engineer] class, by any chance?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka smiled slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could say that. Will you help?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have nothing better to do, and the subject interests me as well. Very well.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces and Ryoka strode over to the door, Mrsha padding over behind them and watching curiously as they bent over the door. The Gnoll stared as Ryoka and Pisces opened the door and started chatting about the effects of the teleportation spell. She got bored and watched Revi poking herself with a dagger. Pisces and Ryoka\u2019s conversation wasn\u2019t exactly riveting.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand that Erin\u2019s new Skill provides the inn with a lot of mana. How fast does it replenish, though?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf it works under the principle of a site of high ambient magical power, like a mass graveyard or perhaps Wistram Academy for example, it would be a daily influx of energy with a set upper limit to the environs. However, I believe it is the door\u2019s individual capacity that should be measured.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? You\u2019re saying the enchantment can only hold so much mana itself?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cNaturally. This enchantment is built into the very wood and is of exceptional quality, but the most complex ward or binding has its limit. That is why the best enchantments on weapons, or objects such as this door, have mechanisms that allow them to recharge themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo that\u2019s our variable. Right. Well, if we\u2019re testing how many times it can be used, we need to tell how much the maximum is.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere are several ways to determine that. But I believe exhausting the supply and deriving the limit from usage would be easiest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight. But just teleporting to Celum gives us only one variable. I\u2019m suggesting that I teleport from set distances\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNaturally, naturally<\/em>. We must account for the variable of distance as well as mass and weight. You need not lecture me on basic theory\u2026although I am surprised I need not do the same for you, Miss Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n It was surprising, but Pisces understood the theory of the scientific inquiry, even if he didn\u2019t have the terminology. But he knew the need to account for variables, and how to assign units to calculate the amount of mana used by the door.<\/p>\n In fact, the discussion made part of Ryoka\u2019s mind light up. She hadn\u2019t thought in terms of calculation or figures since coming to this world. And apparently, [Mages] shared at least a few genes with mathematicians, because their conversation attracted Typhenous\u2019 attention.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, Miss Griffin and young Pisces. May I ask what your fascinating discussion is about?\u201d<\/p>\n The older [Mage] came over and in seconds, was engrossed in the idea of testing the limits of the door\u2019s ability to teleport. Pisces had already created a second \u2018anchor\u2019 which could be used to teleport back and forth\u2014it was a mug.<\/p>\n He\u2019d been drinking out of it and it was the closest thing to hand. Ryoka upended it and let a few drops fall onto the floor before she agreed to carry it a mile from the inn. But they still had to find a way to measure how much energy was being used each time she teleported.<\/p>\n \u201cMy suggestion would be to use a simple cantrip to do the measuring. You see, it is possible to draw from the door\u2019s capacity. Thus, the change in the size and intensity of a [Light] spell linked to the door\u2019s mana supply would indicate the reserves contained within the enchantment.\u201d<\/p>\n Typhenous stroked his white beard importantly as Ryoka did some warmup stretches for her legs and arms and Pisces squatted by the door. The [Necromancer] smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. That is interesting. What if I were to use this as a benchmark?\u201d<\/p>\n He raised his hand and his other palm on the door\u2019s surface. Ryoka blinked, and then felt every hair on her head try to stand up. She swore and ducked as a thin column of electricity burst from Pisces\u2019 hand and shot across the room. Yvlon and Lyonette jumped out of the way, the armored woman cursing at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch it! I\u2019m wearing metal<\/em>, you crazed maniac!\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces ignored her. The thin, crackling stream of electricity had formed a straight line that shot out and then began to earth itself on tables a good twelve feet away from where he was standing. Mrsha got close, reached out at the bright crackling bursts of energy, thought better of it, and scampered away.<\/p>\n \u201cPisces! What are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shouted at him. The [Necromancer] stopped casting the spell and carefully walked over to where the spell had stopped. He marked the edge of the spot where the electricity had reached and marked the point with a cup. He turned to Typhenous and Ryoka and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201c[Lightning Jolt]. Simple, and relatively costless. I am naturally using the ambient mana to fuel the spell while drawing on minimal reserves of my own.\u201d<\/p>\n Typhenous nodded appreciatively while Ryoka went over to Erin and explained why she shouldn\u2019t<\/em> hit Pisces with a pan.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly naturally. But can you keep your own output steady, young mage?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces smiled archly at him.<\/p>\n \u201cMy control is sublime, Typhenous. I shall cast the spell again once Ryoka has teleported the first time. And if we have a measuring tape, we may derive a very rough estimation of how the range of the spell decreases with each casting\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight. So if we assume that was close to 100%, we\u2019re at\u2026about twelve and a half feet. And if I hop through the door and come back\u2014two teleports\u2026Pisces, will you do that again?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces obliged. This time everyone watched as the lightning shot out\u2026and stopped a bit before the place where Pisces had marked with his cup.<\/p>\n Ryoka blinked as Pisces placed a spoon on the second spot.<\/p>\n \u201cOh wow. That doesn\u2019t go down much. We might have to break out a ruler after all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, a rough estimate is possible. I conclude that the distance of the first spell was roughly twelve and two thirds feet, Miss Griffin. As for the second measurement, it would be fair to say the spell decreased in length roughly two to three inches. With rough estimation, that would mean the distance of one hundred and fifty two inches decreased by three inches per two jumps, which would mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka did the math faster than Pisces could.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could bring over fifty people to the inn and back before it ran out of juice. But that doesn\u2019t account for how fast the door recharges.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces stopped. He blinked at Ryoka and cleared his throat. Ryoka saw Ceria sniggering at the [Necromancer] behind his back.<\/p>\n \u201cAh\u2026yes. That is correct. Well, we shall account for those elements as well. Once the door\u2019s mana is fully depleted, measuring the length of the [Lightning Jolt] spell after a set period of time would allow us to calculate the rate of passive mana absorption.\u201d<\/p>\n Typhenous nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n From her kitchen, Erin scratched her head. She looked at Ryoka and shrugged her shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t get it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka did. It wasn\u2019t difficult math, although all the variables meant they\u2019d need a lot of data to get good results. She saw Lyonette was watching them curiously, as was Mrsha. Yvlon and Ceria on the other hand looked like they weren\u2019t able to follow the conversation at all. Ksmvr seemed to get it, but he was showing solidarity with his other teammates by pretending to be disinterested. And Revi was still poking herself with a dagger.<\/p>\n \u201cOw! Typhenous, we\u2019re supposed to be testing the food, not checking on the stupid door!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndulge me, please, Revi. I do enjoy this. And I seldom have the opportunity to speak with minds of similar inquiry.\u201d<\/p>\n Typhenous waved at Revi and got a glare in response. From his seat on the floor, Moore got up and stepped carefully over to the mages and Ryoka. He smiled at them.<\/p>\n \u201cI too would like to observe. And may I ask whether you intend to use the door as an involuntary translocation spell or as a portal effect? That may have a bearing on the mana cost.\u201d<\/p>\n Typhenous and Pisces looked appraisingly at Moore. The half-Giant smiled at them. Typhenous cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe young Pisces and I agreed that maintaining the portal effect was most efficacious. The natural caveat was that suddenly running out of mana would adversely affect someone caught in the middle of transportation\u2014but I am pleased to report that testing finds this to be untrue.\u201d<\/p>\n The other adventurers rubbed at their ears. Ryoka just rolled her eyes. [Mages] loved their fancy words, as much as any scholar. Mrsha shook her head and padded away and Erin went back into her kitchen, grumbling about an \u2018older Pisces\u2019. But Moore just nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI see. And the reason is?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces smiled and answered for Typhenous.<\/p>\n \u201cAccidental transportation. If it were immediate, any contact with the door might trigger it, or a method of activation might be needed, all of which is far more complicated. An open portal allows for less disorientation as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery true. Ah, I see that Pisces has managed to alter the enchantment. Miss Ryoka, will you be carrying this marker out to distances for us to test with?\u201d<\/p>\n Moore handed the quite ordinary ceramic mug to Ryoka. She nearly dropped it and stared up at the half-Giant. Talk to him like a normal person. She knew that, but she had a horrible, horrible urge to call Moore a different name. She couldn\u2019t help it. If he started waving around a pink umbrella, she\u2019d really be in trouble.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right Ha\u2014uh, Moore. I\u2019ll run it out one mile to start and we\u2019ll see how much energy that requires.\u201d<\/p>\n Typhenous nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe may have to rely on a more precise spell to measure the energy consumption. I will consult with Moore and Pisces, although I believe a restrained [Flame Jet] spell would be more precise.\u201d<\/p>\n Moore looked concerned.<\/p>\n \u201cThe inn is<\/em> made of wood, Typhenous.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrue. What would you suggest?\u201d<\/p>\n Moore smiled and tapped the ground lightly with his huge staff. The floorboards suddenly sprouted a line of grass that shot forwards and ended at Ryoka\u2019s foot. She gaped at the grass until it withered and faded, seconds later.<\/p>\n \u201cSimple, accurate, and less dangerous to Miss Erin\u2019s guests and her inn. Wouldn\u2019t you agree?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces and Typhenous exchanged a glance. Then they stepped aside so Moore could get a better look at the door. They began speaking all at once as Ryoka grabbed the mug and headed towards the door. Pisces stroked his hairless chin in an imitation of Typhenous as he chattered with the others.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the purposes of experimentation, we must naturally use the instantaneous teleportation effect\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut how to differentiate between the costs for portal-style teleportation and instantaneous?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if we configured the door leading to Celum and measured the difference between the two for the mana cost?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. But if we are<\/em> accounting for the variation in distance, we should also take measurements at different distances than simply one mile. I propose a sample at one mile, five, ten\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnly naturally. Has anyone a piece of parchment? I have a sheaf and some ink in my room if necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces produced a slip of folded parchment. Moore opened his spellbook and took out a magical quill that needed no ink. Typhenous rubbed his hands together.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, good friends, it is a privilege to be working together with such fine minds. Shall we begin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re all nerds.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin peered at the three mages standing around the door with narrowed eyes. Ceria paused as she gulped down the spicy meatballs made in Drake fashion. They were on a skewer, and meant to be dipped in a sauce Mrsha had gotten all over the fur on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s a nerd, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh, someone who talks about a lot of complex and weird stuff?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin wavered. She didn\u2019t mean she actually thought Pisces, Typhenous and Moore were lame or deserved to have their pants pulled down or have their heads swirled in a toilet. Not that she\u2019d ever seen that happen in real life. Besides, if anyone tried that to Moore, he\u2019d probably throw them through a wall.<\/p>\n Maybe not. Moore was nice. Ceria just shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m actually glad Pisces has found other [Mages] he can talk to.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked at her half-Elf friend.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t talk with Pisces about stuff like that?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Magical theory and numbers that don\u2019t make sense? No way! I can\u2019t follow what they\u2019re doing. Calculating a door\u2019s mana supply from a spell that makes grass? How would that even work?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin vaguely understood what they were doing, because Ryoka had explained it briefly to her and because she\u2019d had to take classes in algebra and so on in high school. But she wasn\u2019t surprised no one else got it. It was surprising Ceria didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n \u201cWait, why don\u2019t you understand? They\u2019re talking about magic, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA kind<\/em> of magic, Erin. They\u2019re looking into the enchanting magic, but also spatial magic. Teleportation, you know? I don\u2019t study that, and for good reason.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria put down her finished skewer of meat and grabbed another off of the plate. Across the table, Yvlon picked hers up and showed Ksmvr how to dip his with etiquette. On another table, Mrsha demonstrated how to eat like a savage. Ceria smiled as Lyonette tried to wipe Mrsha\u2019s face and the Gnoll tried to avoid the clean cloth.<\/p>\n \u201cMagic isn\u2019t like that for me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? What\u2019s it like?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMagic is like\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria frowned. She conjured a small orb of water up with a flick of her hand, and as Erin watched, it fragmented into droplets and formed into a tiny replica of Ceria, which waved at Erin. Erin watched, open-mouthed as Ceria flicked the icy figure into the air. It shattered as it reached eye-level, and then landed on the table, a spatter of water droplets. Ceria breathed out and then grinned at Erin\u2019s dumfounded expression.<\/p>\n \u201cWhew, that\u2019s tough. But magic is like that, see? I visualize my spells and put everything together just right. It\u2019s hard to do earth magic and fire magic can get nasty if you don\u2019t understand it right. But ice magic is like sculpting. You harden the ice here, lengthen it here\u2026and you have a spike. It\u2019s all seeing and concentrating, not\u2026numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, so magic isn\u2019t math?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not!\u201d<\/p>\n Someone interrupted their conversation. Erin looked over and saw Revi chewing on a meatball with a sour expression. The Stitch-girl\u2019s tone was acerbic, but not exactly rude as she spoke to Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cMagic isn\u2019t the same for every mage, Miss Erin. Why would it be? Different schools use magic in different ways. Ceria specializes in destruction magic, in shaping her ice spells. But magic isn\u2019t like that for me. I summon warriors. Magic is all about maintaining a link between myself and my spirits.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s it like?\u201d<\/p>\n Revi hesitated. She drummed on the table and looked away before she replied.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s rather like keeping a conversation up with all of my familiars. I have to maintain them, make sure there\u2019s nothing wrong with their bindings, and I\u2019m always looking for more. Magic is like collecting, exploring, augmenting what\u2019s there. I slowly improve myself and the spirits I summon, buying new equipment for them, learning new ways to boost them with spells in combat\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMagic\u2019s different for everyone it seems.\u201d<\/p>\n Revi and Ceria nodded. Erin sighed. She wanted<\/em> to learn magic, and knew that she couldn\u2019t. Okay, in theory she could, but she didn\u2019t have the raw talent or capacity Pisces and Ceria did. And\u2026she didn\u2019t really have the time.<\/em> She had to get more help, like Ryoka said! It was just too bad she couldn\u2019t throw around fireballs for fun now and then.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, is that food I see? Friends, let us adjourn for a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n The other [Mages] had finally noticed that there was food on the tables. Typhenous, Pisces, and Moore came over to eat, and while they did Erin quizzed them on what magic was like.<\/p>\n Pisces snorted when he heard how Ceria practiced magic.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course an [Elementalist] would think that way.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria threw a meatball at his head and he caught it in the air and levitated it onto his plate. Typhenous smiled at Erin and lowered his voice conspiratorially.<\/p>\n \u201cAlas, it is the case where Revi and I have disagreed on the fundamentals of magic theory. A [Summoner] is\u2026well, not the same as a general practitioner of the arts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUp yours, Typhenous. Our spells are fine!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, well, I\u2019m sure they\u2019re quite functional. For spells that require no adjustment and have little variation no matter how they\u2019re cast.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces smirked and Typhenous smiled at him. Ceria muttered and flicked her fingers at them, showering the two [Mages] in snow. Typhenous blew it back at her and Revi hurled her plate at the two male [Mages].<\/p>\n There was a definite tension between the female mages and the male ones. Erin edged away. Mrsha and Lyonette stared at her as she joined their table.<\/p>\n \u201cThat wasn\u2019t my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone popped<\/em> into place in front of the door. Erin turned, and saw Ryoka, sweaty, looking about and scowling when she saw the eating mages.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! I just ran five miles<\/em>. Get back over and finish testing!\u201d<\/p>\n She snatched a plate full of the skewered meatballs from Moore and began scarfing them down, much like Mrsha. Actually, that was probably where the Gnoll was learning her table manners. Erin resolved to have a word with Ryoka about that.<\/p>\n While her friend was busy appearing and disappearing in the inn and the mages were arguing about the results, Erin had another visitor. It wasn\u2019t Pawn or Bird\u2014Lyonette told Erin they\u2019d gone back to their Hive, much to her disappointment.<\/p>\n Instead, Klbkch came into the inn, looking for Ryoka. He got Erin instead, and didn\u2019t seem put out by the trade.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Ryoka\u2019s busy teleporting. But if you have time, I\u2019d love to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have a reasonable supply of time, Erin. How may I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI uh, I want to hire some of your people, Klbkch. And maybe upgrade my inn? Um. I can pay!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin waited, looking hopefully at Klbkch as he sat with a plate of lukewarm meatballs in front of him. The Antinium Revalantor stared at her. He had a long gash down one arm, where the chitin was splintered. Was that new? Why hadn\u2019t he healed it? After a minute Klbkch shook his head slightly, as if coming to.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. You never cease to surprise me, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? Is that bad?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Rather\u2026it would be fortuitous if not for the timing. May I ask what reason you have for this course of action?\u201d<\/p>\n That was odd. Erin explained her problem with overwork as Klbkch nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cNaturally this is an issue. So you wish to hire\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Garry? I know you\u2019ve got lots of Workers and Soldiers, but I really need a [Cook]. And I get along so well with Garry and he\u2019s a friend, so\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch drummed his fingers on the table, thinking. At last he slowly shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI regret that I cannot allow Garry to work at your inn, although I will naturally consult with you about construction costs and options.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw. Why not?\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium paused, and for some reason, looked awkward. He clicked his mandibles a few times before replying.<\/p>\n \u201cMy Queen\u2026is partial to Garry\u2019s skill at preparing food. I do not believe she would allow him to work elsewhere no matter how much gold was offered.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean she likes his cooking?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I mean, that\u2019s a bummer. But it\u2019s okay. She probably needs to eat a lot because she\u2019s uh, so, so\u2026grand. Big. Huge. Gargantuan. Which is a good thing! Right?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch wasn\u2019t as quick to nod as Erin would have thought. He traced on the table with a finger, catching a tiny ant that had somehow wandered into her inn. He stared at it as Erin blinked at it and him. She wondered if he had a connection with\u2014<\/p>\n He squished the ant and then picked up a meatball with the same fingers. Klbkch ate it slowly as he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cThe\u2026Queens of the Antinium are naturally large. However, this is not due to their need to birth eggs. That method is inefficient and was removed from our process long ago. Rather, Queens are normally composed of an extensive matter of brain. Sometimes Queens had bodies that were two thirds thinking matter. However my Queen merely emulates that fashion.\u201d<\/p>\n It took Erin a moment to figure out what he was hinting at.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean she\u2019s\u2026fat?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch looked around the room slowly. Ksmvr sunk down low at his table as the Revalantor spotted him. Yvlon scowled at Klbkch, but the Antinium just turned back to Erin and lowered his already quiet voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe that she is the lightest of all the Queens on Izril by a considerable margin. She was the only Queen able to relocate herself to Liscor to start a new Hive, and as such she is still capable of movement.\u201d<\/p>\n He paused and thought about that statement.<\/p>\n \u201cFor now.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin had a horrible urge to start telling \u2018yo mamma\u2019 jokes about the Queen of the Free Antinium, but she resisted the impulse with difficulty. It wasn\u2019t nice, although the Queen was a huge jerk. Plus, Erin couldn\u2019t think of any good ones.<\/p>\n So instead she sighed and slumped over on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cToo bad. I was really counting on getting Garry! But if the Queen wants her munchies\u2026aw.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch regarded Erin for a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cI regret that I cannot allow you to take Garry. However, I would have to say the same of Anand, Belgrade, and Pawn. They all fulfill important roles within the Hive, now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. And what would I get them to do? I mean, I could have them help Lyonette, but they\u2019re not [Barmaids]. I\u2019m going to talk with Safry and Maran about that anyways\u2026although I could use some guards.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin nodded, thinking. She hadn\u2019t discussed that with Ryoka, but Selys had always told her she needed help. Of course, she\u2019d gotten Toren after that\u2026Erin pushed away the memory.<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone to stay here while I\u2019m out and all the adventurers are away would be good. I don\u2019t like leaving Lyonette and Mrsha by themselves, even if there is a magic door to Octavia\u2019s shop. For that matter, what if trouble comes in through the door?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. That is a quandary. Would you hire an adventurer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe\u2026but they cost a lot! With how much I make, I\u2019d only be able to hire one. And Selys says the job isn\u2019t popular, I mean, a bouncer or a guard has to stand around all day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. It is an unenviable task in many respects.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin sighed, thinking out loud.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I really need is someone who\u2019s patient. Someone I know\u2014only all my adventurer friends like<\/em> adventure. It\u2019s their thing. But I need a guard, and not Wesle! Someone who never gets bored, who has practically no life\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Erin chewed at her lip as Klbkch sat silently. She turned to look as Lyonette showed Mrsha how to dip her meatballs in some raw egg and eat it. Erin opened her mouth to ask if that was hygienic, remembered that no one besides Ryoka knew what that word meant, and then stared at the eggs.<\/p>\n The idea hit her in a flash of inspiration. She turned to Klbkch.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about Bird?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBird! What if I hired him?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch stared at her. He visibly hesitated and glanced towards her window.<\/p>\n \u201cBird? He is unusual. Do you truly believe he would serve as an adequate guard for your inn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not? He likes high places, and he likes sitting in one spot. He told me so. He can sit on top of my inn and shoot birds all day! Hold on\u2014I\u2019ve just had a great thought. Let me show you what I mean!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin rushed into her kitchen and ran back to Klbkch with a piece of parchment and charcoal. She began sketching energetically.<\/p>\n \u201cI told you I wanted to upgrade my inn, right? Well, I want a bigger common room\u2014can you expand it like ten feet? And I want a third floor and longer second floor so I can have a lot more guests. But what if I added something on top of the third floor?\u201d<\/p>\n It took Klbkch several minutes and a few questions before he could identify Erin\u2019s sketch as a blueprint for the inn. What she had envisioned was a third floor for the inn, but her newest addition was a tall tower on top of the inn, a watchtower with no roof that would give anyone an unparalleled view of the landscape, much like the crow\u2019s nest on a ship.<\/p>\n Erin grinned as she pointed to it and showed Klbkch a tiny stick-Antinium with a bow standing on the tower.<\/p>\n \u201cHe could sleep on the third floor and go up to the tower to shoot birds and watch out for danger. That\u2019s all Bird does, right? And the tower would be totally cool! Doesn\u2019t it look cool? I\u2019ll call it\u2026the Bird\u2019s Nest.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She waited. Klbkch stared at her. Erin coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was, uh, a joke. You know, because of Bird and his name? And nest? And it\u2019s tall?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI am aware. And if Bird agrees, I see no reason to object.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean you\u2019d do it? You can build my inn?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin sat up excitedly. Klbkch pored over the designs for Erin\u2019s inn and nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cYour proposed designs for your inn seem feasible. However, I will have to charge you for this work, Erin. I am\u2026unable to requisition supplies and aid so readily from my Hive at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s fine! I wanted to pay you anyways. It wouldn\u2019t be right otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin smiled brightly at Klbkch.<\/p>\n \u201cHow much are we talking about here? I\u2019ve got lots of gold coins.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI believe three hundred and twenty eight gold coins would be sufficient for this work.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin paused. She stuck a finger in one ear and wiggled it around. But reality didn\u2019t change, although she did find some earwax.<\/p>\n \u201cUm. That\u2019s\u2026a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Sadly, if we acquire useable wood from the forest of ah, \u2018boom trees\u2019, there is the matter of construction, hiring the Antinium, glass for the windows\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut three hundred<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPart of the cost\u2014six silver coins out of every twenty\u2014is given to Liscor under our treaty with the city. It is a non-negotiable tax.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s highway robbery!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. That is our agreement. But it drives prices higher, as does a standing law that requires me to charge you for work outside of the city\u2019s limits, as well as the necessity of guarding said Workers while they go about their tasks. To construct a third floor and expand your inn is a difficult task, Erin. Building a new home of quality would normally cost around two hundred gold coins in itself.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin put her head in her hands. She didn\u2019t have that money. She had a lot<\/em> of money, but that\u2026no. She stared at Klbkch.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the glass that\u2019s expensive, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cEach window costs approximately eight gold coins.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin said a bad word. And then told Mrsha it was a bad word. The Gnoll nodded appreciatively as Erin sighed over the cost.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the problem?\u201d<\/p>\n Someone came over to their table. Ryoka was gulping down water as Lyonette refilled her glass. She heard Erin\u2019s woes out and barely listened to the issue of money before she nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll pay for it, Erin. Go ahead and get everything built.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin gaped at Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? But Ryoka, it\u2019s so expensive\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Runner shrugged carelessly. She sipped from her glass as Mrsha tried to leap onto her shoulder and failed. The Gnoll splatted onto the ground and went howling over to Lyonette, who scolded her about being reckless before cuddling her.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m good for it. The Horns are paying me a bit more than that for doing the run to Invrisil and back. I\u2019ll take it out of that and I\u2019ll still<\/em> have over a thousand gold coins to buy magical items with.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka flicked some sweat out of her eyes. She looked back at the door, where Pisces was waving her impatiently over.<\/p>\n \u201cErin, I really don\u2019t care.<\/em> Klbkch, I\u2019ll give you the coins later, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n She jogged back towards the door and vanished with a pop<\/em> of dislocated air. Erin turned weakly back to Klbkch.<\/p>\n \u201cI can pay some of it. Really.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe will negotiate the division of payment. But I will take Miss Ryoka\u2019s word on credit. Her generosity is worth accepting, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but I never give her anything back\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Erin sighed. She felt guilty, but she wanted a better inn more. She also felt a bit hurt. True, Ryoka had all that money from running dangerously, but she didn\u2019t treat it like it was, well, important.<\/em><\/p>\n Maybe it was because Ryoka used to be really rich? She said her father was some big shot politician guy and her mother also had an important job. Either way, it was done.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess I\u2019ll talk to Bird and see if he wants to be my guard. I think he will. And then I\u2019ll have one guard! Do\u2026do you think one is enough?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch pondered the question before nodding.<\/p>\n \u201cSafety is a relative term, but you are able to escape to Liscor and Celum quite quickly. Bird would no doubt be able to fend off any assailant if outnumbered or outmatched.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t mean\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is his duty. If his death meant your survival, it would be a trade both he and I would be willing to make.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch stared at Erin and she felt a cold pit open in her stomach. She didn\u2019t reply, and the Antinium seemed to realize he\u2019d made her uncomfortable. He switched subjects quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cIf assigning a group of Workers and Soldiers to your inn were permissible, I would do so. However, the contract between Liscor and my Hive\u2014and my Queen\u2019s own thoughts on the subject\u2014do not allow for this course of action. If Bird agrees, I would have no issue allowing him to work at your inn on a semi-permanent basis.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n He paused, looking at Erin. Klbkch clicked his mandibles and made a dry sound, clearing his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cWell. We shall begin construction shortly. However, for the moment there is a\u2026situation in the Hive and all Workers and Soldiers are needed. I shall send a team to begin work, but it may take more time if the need for bodies persists.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? Is\u2026something happening in the Hive?\u201d<\/p>\n For some reason, Klbkch glanced at the other adventurers, the mages clustered around the door and Ceria, Yvlon, and Ksmvr talking at a table about their magical artifacts. He shook his head slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing that need concern you, Erin. It is simply a busy time for us.\u201d<\/p>\n He left quickly after that, heading back to his Hive. A bit unhappy, but more exhausted by all the planning, Erin mechanically got dinner ready. But she realized she didn\u2019t have enough of the weird crunchy vegetable that was called for in her soup.<\/p>\n Yellats. Erin went to Celum rather than Liscor to get them. It was just as quick\u2014quicker, since she didn\u2019t have to go through the snow and she could get them at a shop. Erin made her purchase and headed back towards Octavia\u2019s shop. But she took a detour at the Frenzied Hare.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Safry! How are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Barmaid] turned and smiled at Erin as the [Innkeeper] entered the bustling inn. Erin looked around for Miss Agnes, but the woman was nowhere to be seen. That was surprising, given how the inn was fairly full and both Maran and Safry were busy working with another woman Erin didn\u2019t recognize.<\/p>\n \u201cWow. Busy evening crowd. Where\u2019s Miss Agnes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, she\u2019s out with her husband. Mister Agnes is feeling better, and business is good thanks to you. Miss Agnes hired another [Barmaid] and a [Cook]\u2014she\u2019s not around half as much as she used to be.\u201d<\/p>\n Safry made a face as Maran rushed by with some drinks for a table whose occupants were crying out in thirst. Erin knew the [Barmaid] was taking time to talk to her while the other two covered for her, so she talked fast and didn\u2019t beat about the bush.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Safry, I\u2019m actually looking for some help. And I think you could give me good advice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman\u2014well, relatively young, since she was older than Erin\u2014brushed sweat-dampened hair out of her eyes and smiled at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat could I help you with?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin smiled sheepishly. She liked Safry, and Maran. She\u2019d worked with them for a week and they were hard working people. She felt a sort of kindred spirit with them.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m actually sort of overworked right now in my own inn. I\u2019m always cooking, cleaning, and so on. Lyonette helps a lot, but she\u2019s only one person, you know? So I was wondering\u2026do you know any good [Barmaids] I could talk to? I\u2019d like to hire at least two, maybe as many as four. I\u2019m going to go to Liscor and ask Selys and Krshia as well, but I thought you might know of some people I could talk to.\u201d<\/p>\n Safry stared down at Erin, empty tray in hand. She looked around, and then to Erin\u2019s surprise, pulled up a chair in front of her table. She leaned closer to Erin, looking at the [Innkeeper] intently.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re looking for new [Barmaids]?\u201d<\/p>\n There was a curious intensity to her tone. Erin nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case\u2026what about me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not hire me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at Safry. Of all the responses she could have imagined\u2014and she hadn\u2019t imagined any\u2014this wasn\u2019t one of them. But Safry looked serious. And she was already turning, shouting out above the busy noise of the inn.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Maran! Maran!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The other [Barmaid] came over, looking footsore and tired.<\/p>\n \u201cAw, Safry\u2026we have work!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust sit. Listen\u2014Erin\u2019s hiring [Barmaids].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Do you want to hire me?\u201d<\/p>\n Maran immediately sat down next to Safry, leaving their third co-worker to struggle alone against the hordes. But the two older [Barmaids] were intent on Erin. And Erin couldn\u2019t understand why.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do you want to work at my inn? Maran, Safry\u2014I thought you two liked it here!\u201d<\/p>\n They exchanged glances. To Erin\u2019s bewilderment, they both shook their heads.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t like <\/em>it here, Erin. It\u2019s a good job, don\u2019t get me wrong, and I\u2019d work it the rest of my life if I had to. I have to eat after all. But if you\u2019re hiring\u2026I\u2019ve been to your inn before. It\u2019s larger than Agnes\u2019, and you\u2019re easier to work with than she is. And I\u2019d bet you\u2019d pay better than she does, too!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t like Miss Agnes?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin had her own private beef with Agnes after Jasi, and just how the woman ran her inn in general, but she hadn\u2019t ever expected the woman\u2019s relationship with her workers to be one of those issues. But to her surprise, Safry and Maran were only too happy to badmouth the woman.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Agnes? She\u2019s not half as good as you, Erin. She doesn\u2019t run the inn like you can, she can\u2019t cook\u2026on bad days, she\u2019ll scream at you for serving the customer the wrong order she<\/em> gave you. Or dock your pay for taking a break when it\u2019s not busy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe doesn\u2019t do that. Really?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, she\u2019s better when her husband\u2019s well. And Mister Agnes is a steady fellow, but when she\u2019s stressed it gets ugly. And, well, she\u2019s just not sympathetic! I had a terrible cold\u2014couldn\u2019t take or afford a healing potion, you know how it is with sickness\u2014and she told me if I didn\u2019t work I\u2019d be fired, never mind that Maran was down with the same illness! I swear I gave my cold to two dozen folk, but I had to work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s tight with her coin, too. We don\u2019t get tips, Erin. I don\u2019t know what world you come from\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin jumped, but it was just an expression. Maran went on tiredly.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014But folks don\u2019t just leave extra coin for us. We rely on what Miss Agnes pays us, and that\u2019s not much. True, it\u2019s what most [Barmaids] get paid, but you\u2019re a lot more generous than she is. You gave us a handful of coins each time after we\u2019d worked our fingers off serving those crowds after the plays. Agnes would never do that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI had no idea.\u201d<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t seem right to think less of Miss Agnes, not when Erin knew how the woman worked hard and tried to support her sick husband. But when she listened to Maran and Safry, Erin had<\/em> to believe them. She couldn\u2019t tell if they were lying, but she thought the things they were describing were the kinds of things Agnes might do. Like Ryoka had said, she wasn\u2019t a bad woman.<\/p>\n Just not always a good one. And now Erin was faced with a problem, because she liked Maran and Safry. And she thought they might be a great help to Lyonette. However\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cIf I hired you two, what would Miss Agnes do? I couldn\u2019t do that, girls.\u201d<\/p>\n Safry made a face.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, Agnes? If you hire us she\u2019ll find two other [Barmaids] like that.\u201d<\/p>\n She snapped her fingers dismissively. Maran nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of girls have a few levels in the class, and it\u2019s not like we\u2019re rare.<\/em> Erin, we\u2019re begging you. Hire us!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut if Miss Agnes is angry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019d never scream at you<\/em>, Erin. She\u2019s afraid of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? No.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes!\u201d<\/p>\n Both [Barmaids] chorused at the same time. Erin stared at them.<\/p>\n \u201cMe? Really?\u201d<\/p>\n Safry nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a Level 20 [Innkeeper] at least, right? Agnes is only Level 18, though she\u2019s been working here for nearly a decade! It\u2019s her husband who has all the cooking Skills. Ever since you came along, her inn\u2019s been making ten times what it normally has!\u201d<\/p>\n Maran chimed in.<\/p>\n \u201cYou also have that Skill\u2014you know, where you get really scary? I swear, Miss Agnes nearly wet herself when you lectured her. She won\u2019t kick up a fuss, Erin. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin put her head in her hands. This was too complex! She only wanted advice, but now she had to make a choice. When she looked up, Maran and Safry were still staring at her. Erin took a deep breath. Life was full of hard choices. And knowing what she did, Erin knew her decision already, though it might cause trouble. She looked at Safry.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, assuming I were <\/em>to hire you\u2026how much do you get paid now?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Barmaids] smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you<\/em> offering?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin wavered. She didn\u2019t know what [Barmaids] around here were paid, but she\u2019d done her math, and figured out how much she could afford to pay.<\/p>\n \u201cI was thinking\u2026one silver coin and six copper coins per hour, and more if it\u2019s a busy day? Bonuses if it\u2019s a rush, obviously. Maybe a bit more? I dunno. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n There was silence. Maran and Safry looked at each other. And then they looked at Erin. Safry spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cHow many [Barmaids] do you need? I have friends. And I could start tomorrow if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n They leaned over the table, ignoring their coworker shouting that she needed help. Erin sat back in her chair and looked at the two [Barmaids]. She gulped.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It was dinner time, or rather, a bit past that when Ryoka finished the testing. She popped back into the air in Erin\u2019s inn, staggered, and clutched at her stomach. The teleportation made her feel as though she\u2019d gone on a roller coaster ride at twice the normal speed. While inhaling paint fumes. Upside down.<\/p>\n \u201cI think\u2026I\u2019m gonna be sick.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces carefully stepped back as Ryoka covered her mouth. It wouldn\u2019t do to get his new robes dirty. True, he had the magical ones, but these were the unenchanted robes Ceria had gifted to him on Christmas. He would prefer to keep them clean.<\/p>\n Ryoka staggered over to a table and slumped onto it. Typhenous was sitting there, scribbling on a piece of parchment while Moore did math by tracing glowing numbers in the air. The two [Mages] concluded their calculations and looked up. They conferred with Pisces, and then presented their conclusion to Erin as she served everyone dinner.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re telling me you spent all day doing maths?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac looked outraged, especially since everyone else, including Revi, had been gathering information about the dungeon from the latest reports. But Typhenous refused to be shamed.<\/p>\n \u201cThe understanding of this door, my good Halrac, is a boon in itself. And our conclusion is stunning!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe door can send someone of Ryoka\u2019s general weight, give or take twenty pounds\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces flicked his fingers at Moore, and the half-Giant finished with a grin.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Five hundred and thirty six miles, given minimal change in altitude or magical ambience. The door would exhaust its magic after such a teleport however, and require roughly eight point two hours to recharge fully.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mages] sat back as the other occupants of the room went still. Ceria whistled and Jelaqua took a long drink of mulled wine.<\/p>\n \u201cAll the way to Invrisil, huh? Even if it\u2019s only once a day\u2026that\u2019s powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cInvrisil? Hah! Who\u2019d want to go there? It\u2019s full of annoying Humans!\u201d<\/p>\n Heads turned as Relc waved his mug and shouted from his table. By his side, Olesm slouched down as the Humans glared at Relc. Both Drakes had come up from the city, but Relc was in a substantially worse mood than Olesm.<\/p>\n \u201cGot something against Humans, have you?<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Seborn looked at Relc. The Drake nodded. He had a bruise on his arm, his scales faintly discolored. It was the first injury Erin could ever remember seeing Relc having, outside of when he\u2019d fought Gazi.<\/p>\n \u201cSure do, fish guy! I had to break up four brawls of adventurers today. Four! <\/em>You Humans cause too much trouble! At least when Drakes fight, they break it up when the Watch comes. But noooo\u2026you Humans always fight back!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably because they\u2019re not used to [Guardsmen] who are actually competent. Most of the ones in the northern cities are barrel-scrapings, not fit to be Bronze-rank adventurers.\u201d<\/p>\n Revi spoke up from her table, eliciting a glare from Halrac and Ulrien and putting her squarely in the \u2018not Human\u2019 camp in the room. Erin watched the arguments with half an eye, although she thought it wouldn\u2019t come to actual violence, especially when Lyonette circulated with another tray of drinks. She was getting good.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Erin, about what I was going to tell you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm caught Erin as she was serving tonight\u2019s dish, a spicy vegetable soup, mixed with some rather wonderful fried dino-bird that Bird had shot the other day. Erin slid into a seat as Olesm talked excitedly.<\/p>\n \u201cI was sending some copies of your chess game around, and I had a lengthy correspondence with a famous [Strategist] from one of the Walled Cities! Well, I say famous\u2026he\u2019s not exactly the most shiny scale around, but he\u2019s well-known and guess what? He wants to come here<\/em> and play a game of chess with you, Erin! Here!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? No way!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah! I told him\u2014well, I told him I\u2019d ask you, but do you think\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d love to! Anytime! But wait, I barely have time to play\u2026and I haven\u2019t in such a long time! I\u2019m rusty! Quick, let\u2019s play a game.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin and Olesm fussed over a chess board while Ryoka wandered over to a corner of the inn. She\u2019d spotted someone fly in at some point, and sure enough, Ivolethe was eating an egg while perched on Mrsha\u2019s head.<\/p>\n Just an egg. She\u2019d cracked part of the bottom and was sucking the insides out. There was something disgusting about the tiny faerie eating that way, and Ryoka didn\u2019t look too closely as she squatted down. Mrsha immediately moved over to sit next to Ryoka as the girl spoke to Ivolethe.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere have you been, then?\u201d<\/p>\n Ivolethe licked some yolk off of her arm and looked archly at Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAway. I do not hover about ye all the time, Ryoka Griffin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFine, be obstinate. I just wanted to say that Mrsha and I\u2014yes, you, Mrsha\u2014are going to visit a friend in a day or two. She lives on a farm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAh, friendship.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Ryoka waited for Ivolethe to say something biting, but the faerie just paused. Ryoka looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cYou down for a visit, or will you be going somewhere else?\u201d<\/p>\n Ivolethe shook her head.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI will come. And it is good you will be going away for a day or two. I think it is time I taught you something. The winter will end soon, Ryoka. And when it does, so too shall we part.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Right.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka hadn\u2019t been thinking about that. Rather deliberately. She stared at Ivolethe.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean you think you can teach me magic? We haven\u2019t gotten around to it. And I didn\u2019t really manage to learn much when you tried before. But you think I can really learn how to run like the wind?\u201d<\/p>\n The faerie was silent as she tossed the empty egg over her shoulder. It flew surprisingly far and high and bounced off of Ksmvr\u2019s head.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI do not know. But I think\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Ryoka watched Ivolethe carefully.<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n The faerie nodded slowly. She smiled wickedly.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I think it will be entertaining for <\/span>me.<\/em><\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n She grinned at Ryoka, and the young woman bared her teeth in reply.<\/p>\n Across the inn, as Ksmvr stared at the eggshell and wondered aloud where it had come from, and then promptly asked Pisces to explain, Erin sat with Olesm and talked about her door.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so cool! Ryoka says she could take a portal-door-thingy to Invrisil and then I could go there and back any time I wanted! Okay, I could only go like once a day and then come back, but if I bought a mana potion or something\u2026Pisces says he could fuel the door with his own mana to make it charge faster!\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm was sweating over the chess board, tail lashing furiously. Relc looked bored as he watched them play.<\/p>\n \u201cInvrisil. Hah. Why\u2019s everyone want to go there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Ryoka knows some people there and it sounds really cool. It\u2019s one of the biggest cities on the continent!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the biggest Human <\/em>cities.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc folded his arms. Erin looked at him as she took one of Olesm\u2019s knights and he covered his face in despair.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with that? I want to go to a cool city. So what if it\u2019s Human?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you don\u2019t have to. You could go to one of the biggest Human cities on the continent\u2026or a Drake city. You could reach one of the Walled Cities from here, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc pounded a fist on the table, and then held out for Olesm to gingerly tap.<\/p>\n \u201cScales over skin! Whoops, sorry, Erin. Why not Drakes? Give us a chance!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? A Walled City?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin had never gone south from Liscor. Neither had Ryoka. She had no idea what was south of Liscor, what things looked like. Ryoka had said she\u2019d gone to a mountainous place, a forest, the Blood Fields\u2026but never a city.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Walled Cities are amazing, Erin. I think you\u2019d love to visit. Why not try and get a teleporting door there? I\u2019m sure a lot of people from Liscor would pay good money to travel back and forth as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc was nodding as Olesm spoke. Then he sat up, scratching at the spines on his head.<\/p>\n \u201cHome, huh? That reminds me, what with this dungeon thing\u2026I was thinking about it after that stupid Gazi kicked my tail a while back. But I really need to get my spear back.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm and Erin looked at Relc. Erin pointed silently to the spear the Drake had leaned against the wall near his table. Relc waved his tail at it dismissively.<\/p>\n \u201cNot that.<\/em> That\u2019s just an ordinary spear, Erin! I mean my spear<\/em>, my enchanted spear! I had it back when I was a [Sergeant] in army. But I had to leave it when I left. Stupid rules\u2026but I think I need it to handle all these monsters and stupid Human adventurers.\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced across the room at Ryoka, who was tossing Mrsha up and catching her, much to the Gnoll\u2019s delight. He nodded at her and spoke conspiratorially to Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cThink your runner friend could go to one of the Walled Cities for me, Erin? For maybe a discount? I need to send a message to the army.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich army?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLiscor\u2019s! Duh.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc snorted.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re fighting around one of the Walled Cities, last I heard. Well, they\u2019re always fighting. I don\u2019t know where they are exactly, but I bet anyone could tell your Runner friend. She looks familiar, by the way. Have I met her before? Ah, well, you Humans\u2026anyways. It would only take like\u2026a week or two? She\u2019d be back in no time, I bet, especially if you give her one of those teleporting things.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at him. Olesm stared at him. Relc looked around innocently.<\/p>\n \u201cOne week? Come on. It\u2019s not like it would take months. <\/em>No? Fine. I guess I\u2019ll go bug Hawk.\u201d<\/p>\n The last visitor to the inn dropped by long after Mrsha had figured out how to throw up in midair and Ryoka had learned why tossing children and engaging in vigorous exercise around dinner time was a bad idea. Bird wandered into the inn and was immediately accosted by Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cBird! Guard! Bird House! I pay, you shoot! Birds! Bird!\u201d<\/p>\n It took a while for him to understand what Erin was getting at, but when he realized what Erin was suggesting, Bird was ecstatic.<\/p>\n \u201cI am ecstatic. Is that the word?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes! Oh, Bird, it\u2019ll be great! You can have your own room, you can shoot birds, I can cook birds, Mrsha and Lyonette can be safe and you can stop her from running off without supervision\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha, recovered and eating more food, gave Bird a wary look. He gave the Gnoll cub an even warier look, but nodded at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cRevalantor Klbkch has informed me of my duties. I would be happy to accept.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin smiled at him.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s great. Everything\u2019s so great! Oh, by the way, is Pawn around? I heard he was trying to talk to me earlier, but I didn\u2019t get a chance to see him. What did he want?\u201d<\/p>\n Bird looked confused. He scratched his head, and then remembered. He replied cheerfully.<\/p>\n \u201cAh yes. I remember now. Pawn was to be assigned to combat duty with the group of Soldiers under his command today. He wished to speak with Erin and talk with her in case he perished later.\u201d<\/p>\n It was like a spell. Everyone that heard Bird went instantly silent. Only Relc and the Halfseekers across the room hadn\u2019t heard. Relc was laughing loudly at Jelaqua and challenging her to a drinking match when he realized the room had gone still. He turned and looked at Bird as Erin put a hand over her mouth. Bird looked confused as he stared around. He shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? He said it was only a possibility.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Erin and Ryoka left the room in the Runner\u2019s Guild, a sleepy Mrsha draped in Ryoka\u2019s arms. They left as friends, refreshed, ready to face the world. \u201cRyoka\u2019s back!\u201d Erin sang and danced down the steps, beaming in delight. She flexed her arms while Ryoka shifted the snoozing Mrsha. \u201cErin and Ryoka, together again! The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693084,349],"tags":[7224,250708,4330244,4472517,11693079],"twi_volume":[11693133],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-4017","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-4","category-writing","tag-fantasy","tag-inn","tag-web-novel","tag-web-serial","tag-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n