The Floodplains of Liscor. So named because of the valley that had been formed between the High Passes, one of the two routes between northern Izril and southern Izril. At least, for most of the year. For two months out of the twelve, the floodplains would fill up with water as the spring rains poured down. All but the highest hills would be engulfed in water until the rains stopped and the water drained. It was an annual process, a well-known feature of Liscor.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had no idea. I mean, I know they\u2019re called the Floodplains, but I guess I just assumed it was a weird name. I didn\u2019t know that this<\/em> happened, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was still in a state of shock. She stared hopefully at the young woman across the counter. Octavia looked up as she painstakingly made a bunch of matches. She was leaning over a bowl filled with red liquid, dipping wooden sticks into the bowl and attaching the wet matches to a small device she was rotating with her other hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew that. Even I know what happens in Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven you?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared in shock at Octavia. The dark-skinned Stitch-Girl shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, it\u2019s common knowledge. It rains in Liscor, and trade ceases for two months out of the year. Big deal. So what?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was speechless. It seemed like a big deal to her<\/em>, but then, Octavia had lived here her entire life.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t think that\u2019s cool or weird or\u2014I dunno, special?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEh, it\u2019s water, Erin. I never planned on going to Liscor in my life. Maybe past it, but\u2014look, would you move back? This mixture is<\/em> flammable, and I don\u2019t feel safe with you hovering about.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Alchemist] shooed Erin back a step or two as she continued dipping the set of match sticks into the bowl. Erin watched, keeping a respectful distance, although she resented the implication that she could make the matches catch fire by breathing on them. For a few minutes she just watched Octavia make matches.<\/p>\n It was a fascinating process. Octavia had created a red liquid she was dipping a series of uniform sticks into. This was the liquid form of the match heads, and the [Alchemist] had to rotate the matches to prevent the matches from dripping. She\u2019d managed to create a turnable \u2018wheel\u2019 of sorts that she used to dry the match heads, but as she\u2019d explained to Erin, it was an involved process.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m trying to figure out how to air-dry them without the match heads dripping. That way I\u2019ll be able to triple my output if I don\u2019t have to manage them. I can get up to fifty boxes done each day if I work at it with my other projects, but I\u2019d like to be able to do up to three hundred without any effort eventually.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWow. That\u2019s a lot of work.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at the neat little wooden boxes that Octavia had filled with the matches. She\u2019d wrapped each bundle of matches in wax paper to avoid the heads rubbing against each other or the box and igniting. Octavia nodded proudly, showing Erin a line of boxes ready to be sold.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m making money hand over stitch thanks to these things! True, anyone with a fire spell can light something, but how many people don\u2019t<\/em> know fire magic? And this is so much easier to carry about than a flint and steel\u2014and a lot more fun, too! I\u2019ve got [Traders] and [Merchants] asking how many I can make.\u201d<\/p>\n She paused and pursed her lips.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of [Alchemists] want to know my recipe as well. I\u2019ve tried to make sure they can\u2019t get their hands on my formula, but it\u2019s only a matter of time before someone figures out my secrets! I want to flood the market before that. And of course I have a lot of potions I\u2019m making with all the gold! Take a look at this!\u201d<\/p>\n She showed Erin a crate of bottles, each one labeled and filled to the brim with glowing or sparkling liquids. Erin whistled.<\/p>\n \u201cOoh. That\u2019s so cool.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd don\u2019t touch! Some of those are dangerous!\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia slapped Erin\u2019s hand away. She protectively edged in front of Erin, guarding her precious wares. It wasn\u2019t often that Erin hung out in Octavia\u2019s shop these days, but the [Alchemist] clearly didn\u2019t trust her any more than she had when Erin was experimenting with her magical cooking.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to deliver this to that scary Gnoll [Shopkeeper] of yours, and I don\u2019t want my first delivery to be delayed! Thanks for telling me about the rain, though. I\u2019ll have to cover my matches so they don\u2019t get wet.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin blinked at the crate and the bag that Octavia was busy stuffing her wares into.<\/p>\n \u201cWait, are you going to Liscor? You never<\/em> leave your shop!\u201d<\/p>\n The Stitch-Girl snorted.<\/p>\n \u201cI leave sometimes. For food and ingredients and\u2026stuff. And I\u2019m not going into Liscor, what, do you think I\u2019m crazy? I\u2019m not ducking those giant Crab Rocks or whatever you call them. No, I\u2019ll leave my potions and matches in your inn. That Gnoll lady said she\u2019ll send a Street Runner to pick them up. Just show them where it is, okay? And no touching<\/em>!\u201d<\/p>\n She waved a match stick at Erin. The [Innkeeper] frowned as she studied Octavia.<\/p>\n \u201cWait, so you\u2019re going to bring your goods to Liscor through my inn.\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia didn\u2019t look up as she dipped more matches.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019re going to sell them through Krshia, who I introduced you to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep. She gets a cut and I get a cut. Apparently Liscor imports most of its potions from Pallass. Hah! I can beat the [Alchemists] with my prices since I don\u2019t have to ship them a few hundred miles! Plus, my matches haven\u2019t been seen in Liscor yet. Even with that damned Gnoll\u2019s cut, I bet I\u2019ll turn more of a profit this week!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh huh. And the matches were my idea. Mine and Ryoka\u2019s, since she told you how they were made.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell yeah, but I had to figure out the exact formula. Phosphorus? Heh, that\u2019s not nearly as combustive as powdered Corusdeer Horns and some Fire Beetle shells\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia smiled to herself as she plucked a dried match from her drying wheel and poked at the head. Satisfied, she transferred it to a box of completed matches. Erin nodded, watching the [Alchemist] work. Then she dropped her bomb.<\/p>\n \u201cShouldn\u2019t I get paid for all this then?\u201d<\/p>\n The Stitch-Girl dropped one of the matches into her bowl. Cursing, she grabbed at it, tossed it into a bin at her feet, and then gave Erin the fish-eye. Erin smiled sweetly as she leaned over Octavia\u2019s counter. The [Alchemist] stared at her and then gave her a big and not-entirely-genuine smile.<\/p>\n \u201cErin, Erin,<\/em> we\u2019re friends, aren\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Alchemist] sidled up to Erin, putting her arm around Erin\u2019s shoulder. She squeezed tightly, smiling like a used car salesman selling her most corroded piece of junk.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course we are! You and me, we go way back. We\u2019re practically sisters! Well, I think of you that way. You\u2019re an [Innkeeper], I\u2019m an [Alchemist]\u2014but we do the same things! Remember when you made all those magical dishes in my shop? Great times! And remember how I was encouraging you the entire time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin, it\u2019s all in the past<\/em> now. I know we had our differences, but I am so grateful\u2014did I mention how grateful I am?\u2014so grateful that you are helping me grow my business. And I know it\u2019s a small imposition that you let me work through your magical door\u2014which I\u2019ve installed in my shop by the way, just because you asked. I still haven\u2019t fixed my front wall, you know. It gets drafty at night\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI paid for that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd so you did! But Erin, business is one thing, and I\u2019m a small-time [Alchemist]\u2014I hardly have my head above water most days. Hah, water, it\u2019s a heck of a thing isn\u2019t it? Imagine Liscor flooding all the time? Well, I\u2019m sure you see my predicament, but I want you to know that I care, and so I can give you, uh, these potions as a sign of friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia eyed her shelves and grabbed a few bottles. She pushed them into Erin\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n \u201cI insist, a token of our friendship!\u201d<\/p>\n She was smiling desperately, and a slight sheen of sweat covered her forehead. Erin, smiling as well, looked at the bottles.<\/p>\n \u201cAs much as I\u2019d like a stamina potion, hair-regrowth tonic, and\u2026ooh, one of Ryoka\u2019s stink potions, I think I want an actual deal, Octavia.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay? Okay\u2026we can deal.\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia looked wary, but she immediately grabbed a seat and dusted it off for Erin. She gave the young woman another big smile.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat were you thinking? A monthly convenience fee? How about we talk about it over dinner? My treat? We could go for a, uh, a deal where I give you six\u2014no, twelve<\/em> match boxes each week? And a potion?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin declined to sit. Instead, she loomed\u2014just a tiny bit\u2014and gave Octavia one of the scary grins she\u2019d seen Ryoka give other people.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s one idea. But how about this? A non-negotiable surcharge on every match box made and a copyright fee as well as a fee for using my door and a finder\u2019s charge for introducing you to Krshia and storing <\/em>your goods in my inn, which also adds a protection fee, a delivery fee, a storage fee, and city taxes, since Liscor is importing the goods from Celum.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was no businessperson, and she had no idea what she\u2019d actually said, just that it sounded complicated and expensive. Anyways, it didn\u2019t matter. Erin could say something entirely stupid so long as she delivered her lines with the right attitude. And the result was impressive; Octavia went dead white. She gaped at Erin for a moment and began speaking rapidly.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, Erin, let\u2019s not be hasty! I mean, you\u2019re a businesswoman and I\u2014we don\u2019t have to do this! We\u2019re friends! Why, I\u2019m sure we can strike a deal that\u2019s not this harsh! Did I insult you with the potions? Let me take them back! Forgotten! Let\u2019s try again, and why don\u2019t I buy you a drink and dinner? Five drinks? Come on Erin, don\u2019t throw me under the wagon, have a heart\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She looked so desperate that Erin couldn\u2019t help but laugh. She spread her arms as Octavia stared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cKidding! I\u2019m not that much of a jerk.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Alchemist] sagged against her counter, weak-kneed with relief.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods, Erin, don\u2019t do<\/em> that! Do you know how worried I was?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, now you know how I feel every time you try to con me. Besides, I have a point, which is why you got nervous.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin smiled triumphantly. Octavia grumbled and kicked at an empty bottle lying on the floor. It sailed across the shop and shattered<\/em> loudly. The [Alchemist] winced.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, point. I guess I owe you something. But Erin, this is my livelihood!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich is doing better thanks to me. I\u2019m not asking for much, Octavia. And remember, I\u2019ve got all kinds of cool ideas. But my inn needs money since I have Goblins in it and apparently that\u2019s a bad thing. We can deal, but equally, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cGoblins. I forgot about them. No wonder no one\u2019s asked to go to your inn for a week now. I did wonder, but they must have slipped my mind. Fine, we can talk gold.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need much. And I won\u2019t charge you for doing business, but some money for my ideas each week would be nice. Say two coppers for every gold coin?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin saw Octavia brighten and waggled a finger.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I do want some matches for myself! For free, Octavia. I\u2019ll give you new ideas, too. That\u2019s worth all the gold you can bargain for. When you finally figure out that penicillin stuff, you\u2019ll be really<\/em> rich, trust me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat will take a while. Those molds are hard to figure out. And Erin, some<\/em> of your ideas are good, but there is no way I can make an anti-gravity potion because you thought it would be \u2018cool\u2019. I need ideas that are real, not imaginary.\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia grumbled as she went behind her counter. For all she moaned about coin, she was surprisingly good-natured, and Erin pocketed a handful of gold and silver coins and came away with several matchboxes and two potions. She let the [Alchemist] complain about unfair business practices as she lugged her crate of potions and matches into her inn and then opened the door to Octavia\u2019s shop.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going into the city, Octavia! Don\u2019t be scared if you see Goblins, and tell Lyonette to keep Mrsha away from your stuff!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, they\u2019re wandering about? Where are\u2014aaah!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Stitch-Girl spotted one of the Redfang Goblins heading down the stairs and ran screaming for the doorway. Erin shook her head as Rabbiteater stared at Octavia brandishing a potion at him. It would be fine\u2014Lyonette could sort it out, Erin was sure. Probably.<\/p>\n She turned and strode out the doorway, confident that Octavia would either bargain for her life or start selling matches to Goblins. Octavia was all very well, but a deal with her was small potatoes compared to what Erin had in mind. The [Innkeeper] walked through Celum, staring at the Humans walking past her.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not raining! Huh, I guess the storm\u2019s only around Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n It really was amazing. If Erin turned her head, she could see dark clouds on the horizon to the south, right where Liscor was. But she\u2019d come a hundred miles north to Celum in a single bound. And she could go to Pallass, which was four hundred miles <\/em>south of here, from her inn! The possibilities of her door were endless. As were the dangers. But that wasn\u2019t what mattered now. What mattered was\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cGoblins.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin sighed as she walked down the street. Several of the people around her gave her strange looks. Celum had heard about Erin\u2019s Hobgoblin population, and they had likewise boycotted her inn. Erin hadn\u2019t cared about that as much as Liscor, but now she did. Her Goblins were a problem? Well, they\u2019d be an even bigger<\/em> problem after this! She was nearly at the Runner\u2019s Guild when she heard a voice shouting angrily behind her.<\/p>\n \u201cTurn, hellhound, turn!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The voice was male, authoritative, and echoed down the street. Erin whirled around, grinning. She saw a man dressed in bright clothing pointing at her as all the pedestrians on the street turned to see who had shouted.<\/p>\n The man lowered his hand and strode down the street towards her, a broad smile set on his face. Wesle had changed markedly since Erin had first met him. Where he had once been a competent, if slightly resigned, low-level [Guardsman] in service to Celum, he was now a confident [Actor]. He now led the troupe of actors in Celum, the first of their kind, with his leading co-star, Jasi.<\/p>\n \u201cWesle! Just the guy I was looking for!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin walked over and hugged Wesle. He smiled down at her, and his voice was deeper and more resonant than she remembered when he replied.<\/p>\n \u201cIt seems I have impeccable timing, then! I was just walking down the street for a bite to eat when I saw you leaving Miss Octavia\u2019s shop! What brings you into Celum? And do you have time to talk with a humble [Actor] such as myself?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course! You\u2019re one of the reasons why I\u2019m here! I want your help, and I have a cool offer for you and Jasi and all the other [Actors]\u2014I was going to the Runner\u2019s Guild first, but now that I think of it, you\u2019re better. Let\u2019s get to one side and chat, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n They were in the middle of the street, and Erin was wary of rogue wagons, especially after what had happened to Ryoka on these same streets months ago. Wesle stroked at his clean-shaved lips and chin.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can certainly do that, but it, ah, might be better to step inside somewhere. I think we\u2019ll attract a crowd if we linger outside.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? Why\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin turned and saw to her amazement that a crowd of onlookers had already gathered around Wesle. She saw a young woman push forwards, a [Baker] or a baker\u2019s apprentice by the looks of her. She had eyes only for Wesle.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Salkis, I\u2019m such a huge fan. I know you must be busy, but could you possibly spare the time to\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n She blushed and pushed back her sleeve. Wesle gave Erin an apologetic glance and then gave her and the crowd a huge smile.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course! What is your name, mistress?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cColina, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman blushed again. Wesle pulled something out of his pocket with a flourish, and Erin blinked as she saw a piece of black chalk or\u2014was it charcoal? The tip looked almost wet as Wesle unwrapped it from some waxy paper. He gently pressed it to the young [Baker]\u2019s arm, and to Erin\u2019s astonishment, began to sign his name!<\/p>\n \u201cWell then, Miss Colina, I am delighted to meet you. What play do you enjoy the most, pray tell?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Hamlet<\/em>, sir! When I saw you on stage, calling your uncle a false [King], well, I\u2014it was incredible. And that line you delivered just now! I know Sir Macduff always performs it and it\u2019s Mister Pralcem who plays the part, but I would so love to see you play his role as well!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn intriguing idea! Perhaps we\u2019ll mix up the roles next time. Thank you for your support, Miss Colina.\u201d<\/p>\n Wesle smiled, and the young woman nearly fainted with embarrassment and pleasure. He turned, the charcoal in his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n There was a chorus of voices. Erin saw the people line up, and Wesle went from person to person, signing arms, hands, and a cheek! The people beamed as he spoke with them. When it was done, Wesle walked towards Erin, looking pleased and slightly apologetic.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s hurry inside somewhere before another group finds us. It\u2019s not always I get stopped, but once someone asks\u2026the Runner\u2019s Guild will keep them away.\u201d<\/p>\n He hurried with Erin towards the Runner\u2019s Guild. There, too, Wesle\u2019s face instantly drew attention. A [Receptionist] hurried forwards, beaming at him, and when Wesle requested a private room, he immediately got it\u2014despite not being a Runner\u2014and much faster than Ryoka had when she\u2019d asked.<\/p>\n There was even the cheese platter. Erin sat across from Wesle as he signed the [Receptionist]\u2019s palm. He smiled at her, embarrassed, and she shook her head when they were alone.<\/p>\n \u201cWesle, you\u2019re a star!<\/em> When did this happen?\u201d<\/p>\n Wesle flushed and stroked his lips where his mustache used to be.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know about a star, Miss Erin. I feel like I\u2019m a [King] in his court sometimes, but it\u2019s all flash and show, it really is. As for when it started happening, well, it began about a month ago. We\u2019d been putting on plays each night when we started getting requests to go to other cities and put on a performance for the [Mayor], and, well, people started coming up to us on the streets after that and saying how moving they thought our acting was.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked happy, red-faced, and excited all at the same time. Erin just grinned at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWow. Look at you! I knew the plays were cool, but\u2014just wow!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe owe it all to you.\u201d<\/p>\n Wesle bowed his head slightly. Erin waved it away, feeling embarrassed herself. She had<\/em> been the one to come up with the idea and then teach Wesle and the others a play, but she could never have dreamed it would turn into something like this! He was an actual celebrity, and somehow, without her involvement, he had already begun signing autographs and having groupies follow him around.<\/p>\n Some things were the same across worlds. Erin sat forwards in her seat and talked around a piece of gooey brie cheese on a cracker.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, tell me. What\u2019s with the charcoal? You sign your name with that? On people\u2019s bodies, not paper?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPaper? Most folk can\u2019t afford paper. Although I have signed parchment for some of them. They keep it as mementoes. And we can\u2019t walk around with a quill and inkpot, so one of the [Alchemists] in the city made this up for us. It\u2019s sticky and makes a mess, but it shows up well.\u201d<\/p>\n Wesle offered the bit of charcoal to Erin. She touched it and found it was more like an oil-based marker than actual charcoal. She drew a smiley face on her arm, and Wesle raised his eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA smiley. You should draw one on the next person! I bet it\u2019s easier than a signature. And you could have your own special symbol, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin showed Wesle a few more symbols from her world, and he was stunned.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce again you have new ideas, Miss Erin, that\u2026well, it\u2019s always something wondrous with you. We\u2014the Players of Celum we\u2019re calling ourselves for now\u2014owe you a huge debt. Jasi and Grev talk of you all the time, and if you could spare the time, we\u2019d love to have you meet our troupe. We\u2019ve taken on a lot of new [Actors] since we started, and we now have our own warehouse to practice in. Hah, we\u2019ve had to hire [Guards] and [Mercenaries] to keep people from watching us practice! It would mean the world if you visited.\u201d<\/p>\n It was amazing to hear that the [Actors] had already become this successful. Erin shook her head again.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I\u2019ll come! But I\u2019m just a humble [Innkeeper]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNonsense!\u201d<\/p>\n Wesle\u2019s ringing denial was far grander than the acoustics of the room should have allowed. His pose was equally impressive\u2014his body radiated a fierce refutation of Erin\u2019s modesty. Was it one of his new Skills? He leaned over, giving Erin a look that was both genuine and serious.<\/p>\n \u201cYou, Miss Erin, are our patron and muse! We would never have started this without you, and, as I say, we owe you a great debt. We\u2019ve put on plays in Ocre, Remendia, and Wales because of you, and we\u2019re thinking of travelling further abroad once we have enough [Actors] for two groups to perform at once. Not to mention, we\u2019d love to know if you have more plays you could teach us.\u201d<\/p>\n He coughed and winked at Erin. It was such a theatrical move that she burst out laughing.<\/p>\n \u201cNot that there\u2019s any shortage of [Writers] clamoring to have us perform plays they\u2019ve come up with. Not just [Writers]\u2014we\u2019ve gotten submissions from countless members of the public already! None of it holds a candle to the stuff you\u2019ve given us, mind, but we\u2019ve been paid good coin to put on some performances other people want to see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAmazing. And you\u2019ll probably get more. I bet [Lords] and [Ladies] will want you to perform. Oh, Wesle, I\u2019m so glad this is working out for you!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin rose and hugged the man. He smiled at her.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd to think it all started with a [Washer] and a [Guardsman] in an inn. That\u2019s a play in itself, and we may have to perform it sometime. But I talk too much now, don\u2019t I? Why did you<\/em> want to see me, Miss Erin? Anything we can do, anything at all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I was actually hoping you\u2019d say that! I\u2019m in a bit of a pickle, you see. I haven\u2019t been in Celum for a long time because I\u2019ve had so much to do. Have you heard about it?\u201d<\/p>\n Wesle grew serious and once again reached for his shaved mustache. That habit hadn\u2019t changed at least.<\/p>\n \u201cI did, Miss Erin. I saw some of it, or pieces at least. That business with the false Named Adventurer, the tragic death of that Gold-rank adventurer and Gnoll\u2026Zel Shivertail himself coming north and falling in battle\u2026and now I hear your inn is hosting Goblins.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shook her head, her joy fading as she recalled all the trials of the last few months.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s always hosted Goblins, Wesle. Only now people are scared, and my inn\u2019s suffering. I\u2019m actually in a bad spot financially. So I was going to ask\u2014this is really difficult, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSay no more.\u201d<\/p>\n A finger raised towards Erin\u2019s lips. Wesle shook his head as he leaned across the table.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d be the most wretched of ingrates if we didn\u2019t offer you what we\u2019ve earned, Miss Erin. You never asked for a cut of our profits, and you deserve it for teaching us the plays, let alone giving us our classes! We can offer you quite a lot of gold\u2014I\u2019d have to ask Jasi how much we earn per week, but we could give you at least\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWesle, I don\u2019t need donations!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin cut him off, laughing with relief. Wesle blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t? But see here, Miss Erin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to give me some money, that\u2019s great and I\u2019ll accept. I\u2019m not going to say I can\u2019t use it. But I don\u2019t need you to give me money for nothing. Actually, I wanted something a bit more from you that I really hope you\u2019ll agree to. Listen\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman sat forwards on the edge of her seat, and Wesle did likewise. His eyes widened as Erin explained her idea, and he frowned, but within minutes he was nodding and pacing around the room excitedly.<\/p>\n \u201cThat can work! Of course it can! Just the other day, Kilkran\u2014he\u2019s one of our new [Actors], a man you haven\u2019t met. A former [Blacksmith], but a voice that could shake the rafters of a barn, I\u2019ll swear! He was saying that we needed to think about the long-term. And this idea is perfect!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t think it\u2019ll drive away business? It\u2019s a risk, Wesle.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin warned the man, wanting him to be clear on what he was agreeing to. Wesle dismissed her concerns with one shake of the head.<\/p>\n \u201cBusiness? We could divide our troupe and still earn enough for all of us to live on. Besides, this is better. This is right<\/em>. And if you think this will stop people from watching us\u2014hah! The power of the stage will draw them in, Miss Erin. Just you wait! I don\u2019t want to speak for everyone, of course, but I can\u2019t think that any of the original cast will say no, and the new [Actors] will come round once they know all you\u2019ve done for us!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019m relieved. If you want to tell them, I can settle things in the Runner\u2019s Guild. Or maybe you can help me? I think they\u2019d believe it if you said it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. And we must have a drink at your inn as well, Erin. That is to say Miss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin!\u201d<\/p>\n She laughed, and Wesle laughed too.<\/p>\n \u201cYou kept telling me that before, as well. All this business about your magical door and the Goblins sounds incredibly difficult. I wish you\u2019d come to us months ago, or that we\u2019d known you needed help!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cYou guys had to do your own thing! You\u2019re stars, and I didn\u2019t have as much trouble until Zel and\u2026well, and Pallass. Those jerks are making stuff difficult, but I\u2019ll win in the end! And think of this<\/em>, Wesle! With my door, you guys don\u2019t have to just go to Human cities! You could put on a show in Liscor or even Pallass!\u201d<\/p>\n His eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u201cA Walled City? But that would be\u2014dead gods, could we do it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst Liscor, then the world! I bet the Drakes and Gnolls would love you! But let\u2019s do this first. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin headed down the stairs with Wesle, and the [Receptionists] and Runners in the Guild looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Salkis!\u201d<\/p>\n One of the [Receptionists] hurried forwards, and Erin smiled. Wesle\u2019s last name was Salkis apparently, and it seemed like everyone was too shy to call him by his first name. Wesle greeted the woman and explained Erin\u2019s idea. The [Receptionist]\u2019s eyes went wide, and she took a step back.<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014well, of course we can spread the word, Mister Salkis. But you\u2019re sure? You\u2019re going to\u2014I mean, there are rumors\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She stared at Erin, who folded her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! I\u2019m standing right here, you know!\u201d<\/p>\n The older woman blushed, and Wesle bowed slightly. His voice could be heard at the back of the room as he replied.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Bellia, I can assure you we will be perfectly safe. Safer, <\/em>in fact, which is the point of this little announcement. Now, I have to get to my troupe, but please send the bill to us. And if Miss Erin has anything else she needs done\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Erin expectantly. She hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cIs Fals here? Or Garia? Has anyone seen Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] shook her head, her brow creasing when Erin mentioned Ryoka\u2019s name. The Runner\u2019s Guild in Celum still hadn\u2019t forgotten the incident with the Frost Faeries.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re all out on deliveries in other cities, Miss Solstice. Well, I can\u2019t speak for Miss Griffin. Shall I ask them to call on you when they arrive in Celum next?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease. I haven\u2019t seen them in a while.\u201d<\/p>\n The woman nodded, and Erin strolled out of the front door with Wesle. He was smiling at her. She peered at him suspiciously.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, nothing. It\u2019s just that life is never dull when you\u2019re around, Erin. I think I\u2019ve had enough excitement and then you turn up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I do like interesting stuff. I\u2019ll go back to the inn, Wesle. Meet you later?\u201d<\/p>\n His eyes twinkled. Wesle took a step back in the street and swept Erin a dramatic bow that drew all eyes to him once again.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t miss it for the world. We\u2019ll be there.\u201d<\/p>\n He strode off. Erin watched him go, shaking her head and smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a showoff.\u201d<\/p>\n She thought it suited him perfectly. Humming, Erin walked back to Octavia\u2019s shop, a spring in her step. Everything was going according to plan! Now, there was just one last step.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin breathed the words that night. She stared around her inn, stared at the Humans crowding around one side of it where the tables had been shoved aside, stared at the Redfang Goblins, and stared at the bit of cloth she\u2019d been writing on all day. Lyonette peered at Headscratcher.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s insane, Erin. Even for you, this idea is crazy. It\u2019ll never work!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll totally work! It has to work! It\u2019s already working! It\u2019s the most amazing idea I\u2019ve come up with yet! Lyonette, this is going to blow people\u2019s minds!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin waved her hands over her head excitedly. Lyonette shook her head, but she couldn\u2019t help smiling in amazement.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s something,<\/em> alright. But do you really think Watch Captain Zevara and that guy from Pallass will like it?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] didn\u2019t hear her. Erin looked around her inn and strode over to the group of Humans at the far wall. The Players of Celum turned to greet her. They were all dressed up, some wearing face paint or other cosmetics, others dressed as [Guards], the nobility, wearing swords on their belts, or practicing fencing with dulled blades. Two, a Drake and a young boy, turned as Erin approached and exclaimed.<\/p>\n \u201cErin!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJasi! Grev!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin hugged first the young Drake woman and then the boy. Jasi and Grev had both changed as well. Gone was the young timid Drake that Erin had met in Liscor. Jasi had been bit by the acting bug, and if she wasn\u2019t as flamboyant as Wesle, she had an inner poise of her own. She dominated space despite her small frame.<\/p>\n Grev looked better too. His thin frame had filled out, and he was wearing good, new clothes. He was also helping set up props at the far wall.<\/p>\n \u201cErin, it\u2019s been so long! I\u2019m so glad to see you again! When Wesle ran in and told us you want us to perform here<\/em>, I was overjoyed!\u201d<\/p>\n Jasi gushed as she held up her arms to let one of the other actors attach shimmering crystal bracelets around her. They were magical and radiated a chill, but Jasi seemed used to the cold. Erin smiled at her.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks for doing this, really.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe should be thanking you! This is the least we can do. And we\u2019ll be happy to perform here as many nights as you want! It\u2019s so obvious I can\u2019t believe I didn\u2019t think of it\u2014here we are trying to find the best place to perform and you have your own inn! After we left Miss Agnes\u2019 inn on bad terms, we kept bouncing from place to place without remembering you!\u201d<\/p>\n Jasi gestured around The Wandering Inn, her bracelets catching the light and glittering. Erin laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t either! But isn\u2019t this a good idea?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe best.\u201d<\/p>\n Wesle strode up to them, dressed in a woodcutter\u2019s outfit. He looked entirely like a rustic outdoorsman, sinking into his role with ease. He gestured around Erin\u2019s inn, at the tables she\u2019d pushed to one side to give the actors room.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a big inn as well. We need all the space we can get\u2014I wager we\u2019ll fill this inn every night after this first one. My word on it!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin nodded, hoping that would be the case. She looked at the other actors as they bustled about. This was her big plan. Her inn was starved for coin and company, so why not bring the most successful and popular show in Celum here? She hadn\u2019t known if Wesle and the others would agree, despite his promises, but they had shown up, enthusiastic and early. Now the stage manager, a heavy, short woman, bustled up.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Solstice? We\u2019d like to attach some [Light] spells to the rafters. They\u2019ll fade away soon, but for the snow it\u2019s all about lighting, you see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, go ahead! Just watch out when you cast the spells\u2014my inn\u2019s charged with mana, so things will get really bright! Other spells too\u2014they get bigger, apparently.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? That\u2019s\u2014wonderful!\u201d<\/p>\n The woman brightened. She turned and shouted at a [Mage] and two [Actors] fussing in one corner of the room. As she hurried to them, waving her arms and explaining, Wesle leaned over.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s Emme, our stage manager. She loves the stage, though there\u2019s fewer parts for someone of her height. She\u2019s often the lower half of an animal or a moving prop\u2014she likes this play because she can have a leading role. She\u2019s got a bit of Dwarf blood in her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin watched Emme gesturing at the ceiling and saw a bright ball of light appear. It shone, illuminating the entire stage, and the [Actors] cried out in surprise. Grev shook his head as he popped up next to her.<\/p>\n \u201cMagic inn, good food, and you know more plays. If Wesle weren\u2019t in makeup, he\u2019d kiss you, Miss Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n Wesle turned red, and Erin laughed as the man raised a mock-threatening fist and Grev skipped around Jasi. He turned back to Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll bring you coin, have no fear, Erin! But that\u2019s only half of your plan, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin smiled slyly and looked back to where Headscratcher was standing awkwardly with Lyonette. Business and coin for her inn was one thing, but the real masterstroke of Erin\u2019s plan was actually in the Redfang Warriors, or rather, the fact that they were standing in her inn with Humans about.<\/p>\n The Players of Celum walked warily around the five Hobs but were too consumed by their tasks to stare. Much. They looked nervous, but Wesle, Erin, and Jasi had reassured them again and again that the Hobgoblins were no threat. But perhaps it was the special addition Erin had given each of the Hobgoblins that helped.<\/p>\n Each Hob was wearing an armband, nothing more than a white bit of cloth tied around their arm. It was nothing special, save for the single word emblazoned on each one. \u2018Security\u2019<\/strong> had been written on each armband in big black letters. The Redfang Goblins poked at their armbands and stood around trying to look menacing, which wasn\u2019t very hard given their natural aptitude in the field.<\/p>\n \u201cGoblin bouncers. Or rather, Goblin guards for an inn. Break my legs, I never thought I\u2019d see the like.\u201d<\/p>\n Wesle shook his head as he saw Badarrow standing next to the door. The Hob looked grumpy, but also interested as he followed the Humans around with his eyes. He was clearly trying not to show it. Erin smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI offered them the job, and you know what? They took it! I think they\u2019re bored, and I need more protection. And this way no one can say the Goblins are a threat because they\u2019ll deal<\/em> with any threats!\u201d<\/p>\n It was the perfect plan. Erin had hit on it when Venim had suggested paying the Halfseekers to guard her inn. The Redfang Warriors would be out in the open, allowed to walk around as proud employees of her inn! And if people didn\u2019t like it, they could sit on five pins, because Erin was doing this. She turned back to Wesle.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure you want to perform every night over here?\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely. We had an ongoing contract with the inns in Celum to perform in each one night to night, but having a permanent place to perform is just as good. Better. We can store some of our props in the basement and this way half of our members won\u2019t walk to the wrong inn on the other side of the city!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot to mention, you have [Advanced Cooking]. Your inn serves better food than most of the ones in Celum, and we do like good food, after we perform.\u201d<\/p>\n Jasi interjected. Grev was nodding as well.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have a big enough inn for us to perform in, and no one\u2019s gonna interrupt the stage with them scary Goblins hanging out.\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed to the Hobgoblins, clearly more at ease with them than the adults. Grev turned as a small white shape moved in the corner of his eye. He saw Mrsha staring at him until the Gnoll fled upstairs.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd even if people don\u2019t come right away, I have an audience for you. That way you\u2019ll earn money, guaranteed.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was speaking to Wesle and Jasi. She\u2019d actually made tonight\u2019s show private, despite the news going up around Celum and Liscor at the moment. Despite this, the inn was packed. Erin pointed to the audience of black and brown bodies. The Painted Soldiers and Workers sat quietly around their tables, eating from bowls and eying the popcorn in the middle of the tables. The Antinium had readily agreed to send enough guests to fill Erin\u2019s inn. All the pieces had lined up as Erin had gone about her day.<\/p>\n Her only fear had been the Players of Celum balking about either the Hobs or the Antinium. It had seemed like they might, at first, but Wesle had reassured them. However, they were eying the mass of silent watchers nervously. An older man or, rather, an [Actor] dressed up as an older man wearing a [Lord]\u2019s costume sidled up to Wesle and Jasi.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re nearly ready to go, Wesle. But are you sure\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n His eyes flicked to the Antinium. Wesle didn\u2019t glance at Erin. He put his arm around the other [Actor] and gestured dismissively at the Antinium watching them. Erin resolved to buy some curtains tomorrow as soon as she could. For now they were using bed sheets for the scene changes.<\/p>\n \u201cRelax, Esbell. They\u2019re an audience, same as any other! They might not clap or gasp, but Erin tells me that\u2019s normal. We do our show\u2014our best performance! If you don\u2019t have the guts to stand on stage in front of the Antinium, what will you do when you have a crowd of folk booing you and demanding their coin back?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly. We\u2019ll give them a show, and we\u2019ll all level. There\u2019s nothing like a new audience for that. Cheer up Esbell, you might get that [Loud Voice] Skill you wanted, tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n Jasi stepped forwards, her dress radiant. The [Actor] nodded and squared his shoulders. Erin saw the Players of Celum congregating around the backstage they\u2019d set up, and then the bright [Light] spell dimmed overhead.<\/p>\n The play was beginning. Erin rubbed her hands, looking at the Antinium, the [Actors], at Lyonette and Ishkr serving tables, at Mrsha, stealing popcorn from a bowl, at the Redfang Warriors keeping an eye out but watching with interest, and at Octavia, sitting at a table at the front of the room and looking very confused.<\/p>\n It was all so wonderful Erin wanted to cry. This was it! This was it. She muttered to herself as she watched Wesle stride out on stage.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can stay away from the inn if you want, but if you want to see an amazing play every night, you\u2019d better get over yourselves and come here! And I have the best security! Hobgoblins! You make trouble and they\u2019ll toss you out, even if you\u2019re a Silver-rank team! I, uh, think I\u2019ll let Gold-rank teams cause trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n She saw Wesle raise his hands and went silent. The man looked around the room, pausing a second for dramatic effect. Then he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cLadies and Gentlemen! Antinium! Gnolls and Drakes, please, allow me to introduce the performance for tonight. We are the Players of Celum, here to bring you all a performance of the play Frozen<\/em>. What follows is a tale of family and loss, magic and secrets, love and betrayal. We ask that you remain seated and do not speak during the performance. All that passes on this stage is an act\u2014please do not attempt to interfere with the play. At this time, please put away any wands or magical artifacts that may interrupt the viewing experience for other watchers\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Wesle stood on stage, his voice ringing, the lights shining on him, larger than life. Erin smiled as she saw Emme, the part-Dwarf woman, waddling around in what was meant to be an Olaf costume. Only, in this world, the people\u2019s idea of a Snow Golem was a lot less friendly looking!<\/p>\n It would be a great play. And the first of many. Erin turned her head and saw Bird peeking down the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cBird, you don\u2019t want to watch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will watch. But I like high places, so I will sit here, Miss Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n Bird perched on a higher step as the curtains drew back and a young girl appeared on stage. Not all of the Players of Celum were old, and the children took to acting with as much, if not more, passion than the adults. Erin took a seat next to Bird.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not mad at me for hiring more guards?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShould I be? They are guards. That is important. They can guard the ground. I will guard us against birds and other threats from above.\u201d<\/p>\n Bird replied calmly. Erin smiled at him. Jealousy didn\u2019t seem to be an Antinium trait. She looked around, got up, and came back with a bowl of popcorn. She offered it to Bird.<\/p>\n \u201cPopcorn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, bird bait. Yes, I will have some.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium took a handful and crunched it down. Erin laughed as the play began, and a model of a ship appeared on a blue background meant to be the sea. She wondered if Jasi\u2019s magical bracelets actually shot snow or would just do magic tricks. And she wondered if her inn\u2019s magical supply would make the effects more spectacular. Bird looked appreciatively at the play.<\/p>\n \u201cI quite enjoy this. Is it over, now that everyone has died at sea?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Bird. You\u2019re so sweet. No, you haven\u2019t seen anything yet. This is just the opening act. There\u2019s more to come, I promise you. Lots more.\u201d<\/p>\n Bird paused. He turned and looked at Erin. Then he smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cShe did what?\u201d<\/p>\n There wasn\u2019t any surprise left in Zevara\u2019s voice. She stared at the report Olesm had given her on Celum and then the more formal report from Klbkch. Olesm couldn\u2019t help but smile as he showed Zevara the written details.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s apparently hired the Hobgoblins as guards for her inn. And\u2014get this, she\u2019s invited a group of [Actors] from Celum to perform in her inn. Apparently, they put on these wonderful, uh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlays. And she\u2019s gotten the Antinium to watch them, and\u2014oh yes, told everyone about it. Loudly.\u201d<\/p>\n That was in Olesm\u2019s report. Celum\u2019s Runner\u2019s Guild had spread the word to Liscor and other local cities as well as told Runners to pass on this latest news: the Players of Celum would now perform exclusively<\/em> at The Wandering Inn, where they would be guarded by Hobgoblins and an Antinium no less. The inn was open to all species and prohibited violence against all guests. Admission was free, but there was already talk of obtaining tickets to prevent overcrowding the limited space\u2026Zevara paged through the report and shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s insane, Olesm. Completely insane.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if she is, it\u2019s a good kind of insane. If Erin gets support from Celum and Liscor, then even Pallass will have to acknowledge those Hobs aren\u2019t a threat.\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed that out. Zevara shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cIf only I believed that. But that\u2019s not the only thing she\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm looked surprised. He hadn\u2019t heard about the second point of news, which had been imparted to Zevara just minutes ago. She stared glumly at a second report. It was short, barely half a page, but it had a lot of underlined words.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll never guess what she did in the Adventurer\u2019s Guild.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n There were some things Selys would do for friends, and then there were things she\u2019d only do for Erin, and only because she\u2019d been talked into it. She stood on the second floor of the Adventurer\u2019s Guild, holding a piece of parchment between her trembling claws. She whispered a few words before she knocked on the door.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Ancestors.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSelys? Come in.\u201d<\/p>\n Selys walked into the office of the Guildmaster of the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. Or rather, Guildmistress. Tekshia Shivertail, Selys\u2019 grandmother, looked up from her desk. She and Selys were the only two people left in the guild at this hour.<\/p>\n \u201cHi Grandma, I just wanted to give this to you before I went home.\u201d<\/p>\n The young Drake [Receptionist] nervously approached the desk. Tekshia sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t it wait until tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I just got done writing it up so\u2026here. I\u2019ll see you tomorrow, grandma! Love you!\u201d<\/p>\n She put the piece of parchment on the desk. Tekshia frowned up at her, sensing Selys\u2019 odd behavior.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s this about, you scamp?\u201d<\/p>\n Selys grinned and ran for it. Tekshia Shivertail stared at the application on her desk. It was a simple one, a standard request to form an authorized Bronze-rank team. The only curious thing was the name of the group and the five members applying for it.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Redfang Goblins. Members are Headscratcher, Badarrow, Rabbiteater, Numbtongue, and Shorthilt. Exact levels unknown. Classes unknown. Four [Warriors] and an [Archer]. Species: Hobgoblin.\u201d<\/p>\n The old Drake stared at the form. She stared at the doorway and listened to the sound of Selys\u2019 running feet. Then she took a deep breath.<\/p>\n \u201cSelys!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n And then it was night. The [Actors] left in good spirits. The Antinium, who had given them a standing ovation for five minutes straight, had gone happily, if somewhat bloated, on the popcorn they couldn\u2019t quite digest. Erin understood it was a special snack given the Hive\u2019s recent lack of conflict.<\/p>\n Lyonette was asleep. Mrsha was already passed out. Bird was upstairs\u2026probably not asleep but happily sitting in the rain. The Redfang Goblins were in their rooms, pondering their new state of existence.<\/p>\n And Erin was happy. She knew she had caused a lot of trouble, not least for Zevara, but she felt it was worth it. Her inn had been filled tonight, and the Goblins were walking about in the open. It was a first step. An important step. It was what she could do, so she lay in her mess of blankets and pillows in the corner of the kitchen and smiled to herself.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need you to protect me, Zevara. The Goblins<\/em> will do that.\u201d<\/p>\n Her eyes closed. Erin listened to the drumming of the rain overhead. It was still raining, pouring, rather. She wondered if the Floodplains would fill up tomorrow or the day after. Or maybe\u2026?<\/p>\n Her breathing slowed. Erin\u2019s mind drifted off. She felt darkness, warm and soothing engulf her\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n [Magical Innkeeper Level 34!]<\/p>\n [Skill \u2013 Inn: Grand Theatre obtained!]<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cGah!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shot out of bed. She banged her head on the kitchen counter, stumbled out of the kitchen, swearing loudly, and stopped. The common room of her inn was in front of her, empty, deserted as it should be. But it was not as it had<\/em> been.<\/p>\n The common room. It had been large before, capable of holding a crowd. Now it stretched out in front of Erin, impossibly large for the dimensions of the inn. It was twice\u2014no, perhaps three times as large as it had been? Erin couldn\u2019t tell in the darkness. But it was vast, and at one end she could see the stage that the Players of Celum had set up. Erin stared around the common room, at the theatre hall ready for crowds. She blinked, raised her hands into the air, and screamed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhoo! Alright!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She danced about, shouting, until she heard a thump<\/em> from overhead. Jelaqua shouted through the floorboards.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, we\u2019re trying to sleep!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n It was the first time Erin had ever heard the Selphid in a bad mood. Erin lay down in the middle of her common room, feeling small in the vast chamber. She grinned at the ceiling and listened to the rain fall for a while before she fell asleep.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Drip.<\/em><\/p>\n There was one last thing. The rain fell across Liscor in unending droves, but it did not patter down in all places. In some locations, there was simply no space for the rain to fall, and so it trickled down as water from above, landing on an invisible barrier overhead.<\/p>\n Drip.<\/em><\/p>\n The sound was loud. The water fell, splashing down and filling the underground chambers with sound. It was not nearly as loud as the screams or shrieks or sounds of combat that sometimes filled this place, but it had its own insistent, persistent ability to get in the head.<\/p>\n Drip, drip.<\/em><\/p>\n It was just noise, and it should have bothered very few people in this hour when almost all were asleep. And yet, it did bother one person. One being sat up, unable to ignore the sound. He could not sleep. And as the sound repeated itself, two purple flames brightened with annoyance in the empty chambers of his skull.<\/p>\n Drip.<\/em><\/p>\n Toren the skeleton looked up as he sat below the chasm leading up and out of Liscor\u2019s dungeon. He stared at the invisible barrier keeping the water from crashing down over his head and gnashed his jaw furiously. He was getting really tired of hearing that sound. Yet the rain continued to fall, and the skeleton moved.<\/p>\n Drip, drip, drip.<\/em><\/p>\n He reached down and picked up a mask lying next to him, regarded it once. Toren hesitated and then put it over his face. As she lowered her hand, Toren turned and drew her sword. The water dripped but didn\u2019t bother her any longer. She grinned behind her mask.<\/p>\n It was her turn now.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Floodplains of Liscor. So named because of the valley that had been formed between the High Passes, one of the two routes between northern Izril and southern Izril. At least, for most of the year. For two months out of the twelve, the floodplains would fill up with water as the spring rains poured […]<\/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":[11693085,349],"tags":[7224,250708,4330244,4472517,11693079],"twi_volume":[11693134],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-4585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-5","category-writing","tag-fantasy","tag-inn","tag-web-novel","tag-web-serial","tag-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n