The inn was dark when the traveller first arrived. No\u2014not traveller. She was, in fact, a Gnoll cub. She had white fur. Her name was Mrsha.<\/p>\n
This was her home. But she had been away from home. Just for a little bit. And she had come back just now. But, for however short her absence had been\u2014a lot could happen while you were away.<\/p>\n
The Gnoll knew it before she pushed the door open to the inn. She paused, cautiously standing on two legs to push at the handle. She sniffed the air. And then, slowly, she swung the door open.<\/p>\n
The first thing that greeted Mrsha was an empty inn. It was day, but the inn was unnaturally still. Too quiet. The Gnoll cub dropped to all fours and hesitated.<\/p>\n
Where were the guests? The staff? It was\u2026she sniffed the air again.<\/p>\n
No dream. But she could see nothing but shadows in the inn. Then, as she padded inside and the door swung closed through no help of her own, she saw the red.<\/p>\n
Red. Drops of crimson on the floors. Overturned tables. Broken chairs. Mrsha stared at the destruction. Then, slowly, she looked forwards and saw her.<\/p>\n
There was a body lying amid the worst of the destruction. Something had hit a table hard enough to split it. And lying there, was a familiar person. In the center of the red.<\/p>\n
Something terrible had happened. Mrsha froze. Then she slowly moved forwards. She saw Erin Solstice, lying in the splinters of wood. Surrounded by liquid.<\/p>\n
Erin?<\/em><\/p>\n A lot could happen while you were away. Mrsha stopped. Erin was breathing. But faintly. The Gnoll, eyes wide, looking left to right, still sniffing the air, stepped closer. Erin didn\u2019t move. Her eyes were closed. Mrsha halted a few feet from her. She glanced around again and then patted the floor with one paw.<\/p>\n It made a faint sound. But she could not speak. Erin didn\u2019t move. Mrsha looked around again. But the shadows were all she saw. She looked at Erin. Her fur was rising. Mrsha hesitated. Then she moved forwards. Her paws trailed in the red. She looked down. And then slowly, eyes wide. She reached out, for Erin\u2019s face\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cUgblaagh!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin came to life and screamed wildly while her hands flew up. Mrsha leapt away and Erin lunged. Her arms encircled the Gnoll and caught Mrsha as she fled for the door. Laughing, Erin scooped her up. Mrsha glared up at Erin and began licking the red liquid on Erin\u2019s face. The [Innkeeper] started giggling.<\/p>\n \u201cGotcha! Well, how scary was it, Mrsha? Hey! Hey, that tickles!\u201d<\/p>\n The lights came on. Embers flared in the fireplace, and the inn\u2019s patrons emerged from their hiding spots, from behind the curtains of the [Grand Theatre] at the other end of the common room, the kitchen, the staircase\u2014Lyonette walked out of the kitchen and put her hands on her hips.<\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin set Mrsha down. Reproachfully, the Gnoll stared up at her. Then she held up her paws and curled up a few fingers. Erin\u2019s face fell.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em> Six outta ten! But I was such a good actor!\u201d<\/p>\n Laughter. Some of the guests who\u2019d come out of hiding were chuckling. Rufelt, the Gnoll [Bartender] of Tails and Scales, shook his head as he stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe she smelled all of us, Erin. If you want to fool a Gnoll for your\u2014house of horrors\u2014you\u2019ll have to block our noses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd ears and eyes. She could also tell you were breathing, Erin. And that it was sauce on you, not blood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014I know that! But even for a bit, isn\u2019t the illusion good?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBetter actual illusion magic or actual blood. I\u2019m afraid it won\u2019t work. Gnolls can smell as fast as you can see. You\u2019ll never get them this way.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin threw up her hands as Ishkr walked over with a wet towel. She wiped herself off, grumbling and letting Mrsha lick more tomato sauce off her face.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that\u2019s a bust. Back to the drawing board! At least we got Hawk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat wasn\u2019t funny! I was about to raise the alarm! And if you were a second slower I would have! Watch Captain Zevara would have burnt me to ash for a false alarm!\u201d<\/p>\n The Rabbit Beastkin complained as he clambered out from behind an overturned table. Mrsha watched as Erin pointed a finger and the artfully broken table and chairs reassembled.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Hawk. Captain Zevara hates me anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder why. Can I have a carrot cake now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure! Carrot cake for everyone!\u201d<\/p>\n Only Hawk and Mrsha cheered. The rest of Erin\u2019s guests who\u2019d taken part in her haunted house idea as participants or unwilling test subjects looked dubious. A Drake regular with half a tail\u2014it had been severed and was now a stump only a few feet long\u2014raised his claw.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes it taste like carrots?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the best part! It only tastes sort <\/em>of like carrots. It\u2019s mostly like sugar!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake brightened up.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright then! On the house?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely! It\u2019s one cake, Lyonette.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin waved at Ishkr. He looked at Lyonette first. Erin met Lyonette\u2019s eyes pleadingly and held Mrsha up to add the silent appeal. The [Princess] sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright!\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone cheered that. Mrsha righted the table with Hawk\u2019s help. Or rather, she sat on the table while the Rabbit Courier lifted it with one hand and clung to the edge, defying gravity and giggling silently. He had to smile.<\/p>\n The Wandering Inn was alive and well. Erin laughed as Ishkr came out of the kitchen with a carrot cake. Rufelt sniffed at the cake, noting the tiny carrots Erin had drawn on top.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Looks sort of like the other ones.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, except when I cut it\u2014tada! Orange! And you can see bits of carrots.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh! Me first! Me first!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc hurried into line, pushing people out of the way. He lifted Ceria up<\/em> and dropped her to one side. The half-Elf protested of course, as did the two Gnolls and the half-tailed Drake veteran, but Relc simply pushed<\/em> and they slid. He stopped as Mrsha cannonballed into one shin and a furry hand stopped him on the chest.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no you don\u2019t. I asked, and I\u2019m getting my cake after that heart attack.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey Hawk! Let me just get by you. I\u2019ll finish my cake so fast you won\u2019t even notice\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The two jostled for position as Erin, rolling her eyes, sliced up the cake. Hawk was actually strong enough to push Relc, and they were so quick that it looked like a blur as they spun, pivoted, and \u2018gently\u2019 <\/em>rammed each other out of the way.<\/p>\n \u201cThin slices because it\u2019s for everyone. It\u2019s extra healthy. Less sugar\u2014although it tastes great! And carrot, which is good for the eyes and stuff. I didn\u2019t even frost it all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut that\u2019s the best part!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc complained. He and Hawk reached for the plate. Erin narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cStop fighting!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah! Get out of the way, you two!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut it whoever said that! I\u2019m a Senior Guardsman<\/em> and the first guest of this inn! I deserve first slice! Plus, that one\u2019s the biggest.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin made a face. She\u2019d made the first slice biggest by accident by almost twice as much as the others. Hawk smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not fighting with Relc, Miss Solstice. I\u2019m just protesting a bully\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just overeager for cake! It\u2019s an addiction!\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha waved her paws between the two as they shoved around her. Erin sighed. Then she had a wicked idea. She turned and lifted the plate and cake like a discus.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette raised her voice warning, but it was too late. Relc and Hawk turned as Erin\u2019s arm shot out.<\/p>\n \u201cGo get it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Patrons ducked or swore as Erin threw the plate down the length of the [Grand Theatre]. It had far to go\u2014the expanded common room could hold hundreds of people very comfortably and Erin had thrown the plate and cake far enough to hit the [Actors] on stage at the back of the room.<\/p>\n But it never made it that far. Hawk and Relc jumped out of line and the plate sailed ten feet before Hawk zipped<\/em> past Relc and caught the plate. He swore\u2014he\u2019d been just a step behind.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! The big slice is mine!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEat my tail, Relc!\u201d<\/p>\n Hawk laughed and he came to a stop, already chewing down a bite on a fork. Relc glared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou suck.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a Courier. Even the Gecko of Liscor can\u2019t beat these <\/em>legs.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc opened his mouth, looked around, and made a strangled sound.<\/p>\n \u201cJerk! Hey! I\u2019m at the front! Excuse me! Excuse me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin rolled her eyes, but she doled out the portions of cake to all of her guests. There were only about forty people in her inn at the moment. Put another way, there were forty<\/em> people in the inn, and she was lucky not all wanted cake. Mrsha scarfed hers before Rufelt had even tasted his, and she peered over the table at his plate, licking crumbs out of her fur.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. This does taste different! I quite like it.\u201d<\/p>\n Rufelt smiled as he tasted the carrot cake. Erin smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cWhaddya think? Hawk? Good or not?\u201d<\/p>\n The Courier smiled. He gave Erin a thumbs-up as he savored his last bite.<\/p>\n \u201cI like it! How much for one?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm, eight silver. Frosting runs you an extra four, but I can do any decoration you like.\u201d<\/p>\n Rufelt\u2019s brows shot up.<\/p>\n \u201cHalf a gold piece for a cake? Pricey.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014it\u2019s unique to my inn for now. And it costs four to six silver for the ingredients alone depending on how much some of the stuff is. Two silver\u2019s fair! Plus, Lyonette would kill me if I charged five.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, absolutely not five. Seven or six would be fairer.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Bartender] remarked thoughtfully. Hawk shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t care if it\u2019s nine so long as it\u2019s not an entire gold piece. And I\u2019ll pay for frosting. How about\u2026oh, can I make it a name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh. Got someone in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely. I want to have something made of carrots that a date can like. Can you write Asheli? That\u2019s \u2018ash\u2019 plus \u2018e\u2019, \u2018l\u2019, \u2018i\u2018\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Erin nodded. Ishkr was scribbling down the order on a quill with ink near the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all on the order log! I\u2019ll have it by tomorrow morning. You want hearts?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc sniggered.<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n Hawk was unembarrassed. He fished around in his jerkin pockets and came up with a glint of gold. Mrsha looked at it, deeply impressed.<\/p>\n \u201cCan you change this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust one second! And would you like something else to drink? To eat?\u201d<\/p>\n Moved by the speed of glitter, Lyonette was there and giving Hawk his change. He paused, thoughtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, Erin mentioned she\u2019d made carrot bread<\/em>. And carrot noodles\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, the special orders? We can serve you a sample! Ishkr, bring out the two special dishes and some bowls! Free to everyone who wants to try it!\u201d<\/p>\n Another cheer. Erin might have been surprised by Lyonette\u2019s sudden generosity, but the glint in the [Princess]\u2019s eyes was all avarice. Rufelt leaned on the table as Mrsha grabbed her plate.<\/p>\n \u201cNo licking! You can have some of the pasta or bread, but not too much!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin scolded the Gnoll cub. Mrsha sighed. Rufelt laughed. He leaned over the table as Ishkr trotted into the kitchen to boil said pasta and heat up the bread. You couldn\u2019t have carrot bread without it being warm and having butter, after all! He nodded at the patrons.<\/p>\n \u201cNice touch your assistant has there. Miss Lyonette knows how to work a crowd. Serve them food and have them buy drinks! Then again, Hawk alone will more than make up for the free food. He\u2019ll pay anything <\/em>to fix his carrot addiction. I\u2019m a bit worried about him, to be honest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. I mean, isn\u2019t it a stereotype that rabbits like carrots? They don\u2019t actually love it. It\u2019s like\u2014not good to feed them that all the time, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI uh, don\u2019t know about stereotypes unless you\u2019re intimately familiar with the Rabbit Beastkin tribe. Or\u2026raising rabbits? I think it just tastes really good to Hawk. Like meat to Gnolls. Or fruits and Garuda. How do you make carrot noodles, by the way? Puree them and make a dough with some egg?\u201d<\/p>\n Rufelt looked amused. Erin smiled with delight.<\/p>\n \u201cExactly! How did you know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t marry a [Chef] without picking up some tricks. By the way, she\u2019ll be stealing that carrot cake as soon as I tell her about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou [Thief]!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin good-naturedly wagged a finger. Rufelt grinned, exposing all his teeth as Lyonette came out with a steaming slice of buttered bread for Hawk, not Relc. The Rabbit-man perked up as he saw it was indeed carrot-based. Rufelt grinned totally unapologetically.<\/p>\n \u201cFair\u2019s fair. Hawk\u2019s a customer at Tails and Scales. We have to cater to his tastes! I can\u2019t believe Lasica didn\u2019t think of it\u2014but then, she\u2019s done all kinds of carrot-based dishes for him before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFancy stuff? Anything I can copy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you liked honey roasted carrots, or braising them in a stew\u2014she could tell you all the ones she\u2019s done for him. Between you and me, I think Hawk actually lays off the carrots if he likes someone. It\u2019s just that he wants to meet someone who\u2019ll eat some<\/em> carrots among the Drakes he dates, so this is how he weeds them out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh, gotcha.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin watched as Lyonette showed Hawk a tidy bundle of the carrot noodles she\u2019d made and the Courier obligingly pulled out more coins. Erin smiled. It was another ordinary day. In fact, this might be a small record for how peaceful it had been of late. Aside from excitement worldwide, Erin hadn\u2019t done anything crazy since Esthelm.<\/p>\n And even that had been fairly uncrazy by her standards. This haunted house idea was the biggest thing so far. Erin didn\u2019t know why she\u2019d thought of it\u2014it wasn\u2019t near October! But she\u2019d missed it last year and it was a fun concept.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, where\u2019s Lasica?\u201d<\/p>\n Rufelt looked up and shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cShopping for tonight. I\u2019m free.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not joined at the hip?\u201d<\/p>\n He snorted.<\/p>\n \u201cHardly! You have to give a lovely lady like Lasica time to herself. That\u2019s how the relationship works, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh. Gotcha. Advice from an expert! I\u2019m not in on the dating scene right yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo? A nice young Human girl like you doesn\u2019t have Gnolls and Drakes coming by?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin coughed, turning red at Rufelt\u2019s smile. He was better at teasing than she was! He and Lasica often visited the inn, despite the issue of teleporting from Pallass.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I mean, there was this thing with this Drake\u2014and uh, Goblins. Word got around. But I\u2019m not super into dating even when I was home. I had a boyfriend once\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Thump.<\/em> Mrsha had fallen off the table. Rufelt raised his eyebrows, not seeing Lyonette, Relc, Ceria, Drassi, even Ishkr all turn and look at Erin. She waved it off, blushing.<\/p>\n \u201cJust for a bit. It\u2019s hard. Dating, you know? I like chess more. Um\u2014so about the haunted house! Thoughts?\u201d<\/p>\n Rufelt obligingly changed the subject, ignoring the blatant curiosity from everyone else. He frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it needs work, honestly. You can\u2019t fool a Gnoll with illusions or with poor tricks. Even if you got, say, cow\u2019s blood, we can smell the difference.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDarn your noses!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin raised a fist and shook it comically. Mrsha climbed up and sat smugly next to the two adults. Rufelt grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the other hand, it\u2019s a fun idea. A house where you get scared on purpose? Children might enjoy it. It beats Liscor\u2019s actual terrors. But why are you so insistent on trying to make one?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014Temile wanted to know if I had any more plays and stuff. And I don\u2019t. Plus, I\u2019ve run out of new foods! At least, any really<\/em> new stuff. This is easier!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin spread her arms, shrugging. Rufelt raised both brows.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019re not making magical foods? Lasica said she could help you with that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a lotta work! Ingredients are expensive, you can burn a hole right through your cauldron and it might, you know, do something. <\/em>And I\u2019ve been trying to keep it calm lately. Haunted houses? That\u2019s silly fun! Just what I need!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin waved her hands vaguely. Rufelt nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cBut what made you think of it now? It\u2019s such a strange idea.\u201d<\/p>\n He was giving Erin a searching look, one she was familiar with. The young woman looked blank.<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno. Sometimes you just have weird thoughts. Like\u2014do you ever wonder if Selphids get itchy?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll [Bartender] had to process that question. He opened his mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014well, no. But I suppose that explains that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Hey, let me talk to Temile. Be one sec!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin waited a beat, and then turned across the inn. On stage, the Players of Celum\u2014at least, the second-stringers who were making up the troupe still working from Celum were rehearsing for their daily plays. Erin got up and walked over to them. As she did, she navigated down the long room. And everyone she met along the way she knew.<\/p>\n \u201cHi there, Fleaears! What\u2019s up, Menolit? Like the noodles? Awesome! Numbtongue! Want some bread? No? Okay!\u201d<\/p>\n A Gnoll, the Drake [Veteran] with the missing tail, and the Hobgoblin all looked up from their respective tables. Fleaears, who did not currently have fleas, grinned at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cErin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n Menolit nodded to Erin, smiling. He had a scar that had blasted all the scales clear around his neck and a pock mark under one eye along with his missing tail. For all that, he wasn\u2019t too old\u2014he was most certainly retired, though. At least from the army. Erin grinned at him.<\/p>\n \u201cLike the pasta?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI might bring some back for the family. Can I get an order for tonight? Regular pasta works, actually. Just put some of those spicy meatballs in and some of the good sauce. Cheese? My kids love it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlfredo and spicy meatballs! On the order!\u201d<\/p>\n Ishkr came by and obligingly noted down the details. It was a new system at the inn. Lyonette was making changes and Erin loved<\/em> this one. Instead of having her in the kitchen all the time, there was a running \u2018meal order\u2019 system whereby patrons could request a dish for this night, tomorrow, or other dates and Erin would know what to cook. It worked since she was still the inn\u2019s only [Cook]\u2014for now. She passed by Menolit and came to a Hobgoblin who\u2019d declined to eat cake or the other carrot-based foods.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Numbtongue, how\u2019s it going?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n The Hobgoblin was absently reading a book. He looked up and Erin was impressed by how far he\u2019d gotten already. She knew Numbtongue could read of course, but that fluently? Then again, maybe it was the other Goblin who he could call upon now.<\/p>\n Changes to the inn. Now there was a [Goblin Soulbard] in the inn along with a [Princess], both of whom had powers they could use only a few times a day. It meant that for a minute, Numbtongue could be Pyrite. He often shared meals with the other Hobgoblin\u2014or used him when mining in the mountains. Or sometimes, Pyrite just appeared, to sit for a minute, or enjoy a drink.<\/p>\n It was sad and kind, and Erin had no idea what to make of it entirely. On the other hand, she knew exactly how to feel about Lyonette, and that was jealousy.<\/p>\n \u201c[Flawless Attempt]\u2014done!\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette came out of the kitchen with a nearly-perfectly done veggie burger, courtesy of Erin\u2019s recipe, but the product of Lyonette\u2019s Skill. It wasn\u2019t perfect<\/em>\u2014Erin had seen Lasica, a real [Chef] making food in an instant and of higher quality than should have been strictly possible with her Skills.<\/p>\n Still, Erin would have wagered this was as good as any regular cook\u2019s best efforts from Earth! It wasn\u2019t perfect, again, but it was the best attempt Lyonette could conceivably do, which meant she had made a darn good burger!<\/p>\n Out of veggies. The Gnolls sniffed the air once and shook their heads. The Drakes looked equally disgusted, but Hawk looked delighted.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is great! I\u2019m coming back to this inn more often! It\u2019s hard to find a place besides Tails and Scales that serves convenient non-meat food.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s hard living among carnivores, you mean. Drakes and Gnolls. You should live among half-Elves. They\u2019re more your style.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria spoke up from her table. That was somewhat ironic, and Hawk gave her a knowing look.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ceria, I\u2019ve seen you eat all-meat dishes three nights in a row.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf blushed.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, well\u2014I\u2019m not a typical half-Elf. Meat\u2019s good alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah! Let\u2019s have real hamburgers! For free?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc pounded the table. Lyonette just folded her arms. Laughing, Erin turned back to Numbtongue and found he was engrossed in his book. She went on.<\/p>\n \u201cTemile! Bad news! The haunted house idea might not work on Gnolls!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Damn!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Actor] looked up from the rehearsal and cursed. He was now actually a [Producer], if a low-level one. But he had taken charge of the Players of Celum and was whipping his new cast of Drakes, Gnolls and<\/em> Humans into shape. Erin shrugged helplessly.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. Unless you or the Players who went north get the [Writers] to make more plays, you might be outta luck. Because I\u2019m all outta plays. I\u2019ve used up all the ones I actually knew from home. I mean, you could try The Lorax<\/em> or something, but I don\u2019t think it works.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe what?\u201d<\/p>\n Temile looked up excitedly. Erin waved a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no. It\u2019s a children\u2019s story. It\u2019s not a good play.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Actors] not practicing had gathered around Erin. She was a bit embarrassed by the way they treated her\u2014she was almost like a boss and<\/em> an acting legend to them, as the person who\u2019d helped them discover the world of theatre to begin with. She cleared her throat, embarrassed.<\/p>\n \u201cAny word from Wesle, Jasi, and the rest?\u201d<\/p>\n Temile sighed enviously.<\/p>\n \u201cJust bits and pieces. I\u2019ve heard they\u2019re going north. They\u2019re actually around Invrisil by now! They\u2019ve been performing in each city\u2014sold out shows<\/em> once word got out. They\u2019d stay a few days, then go by carriage to the next city! Apparently they\u2019re making more money than they can spend! And some of it\u2019s come back!\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded around significantly to the other [Actors] and then pointed to the rest of the crew.<\/p>\n \u201cSee our staff? We\u2019ve got [Builders] and [Carpenters] working with us now, thanks to the money we\u2019re getting from working and<\/em> the northern team. I\u2019ve got apartments leased so we\u2019re all in one place, and I\u2019m even looking at making some sort of deal in Celum or Liscor for the same for our new [Actors]. Honestly, we could even afford to buy a place to perform and store our things if you weren\u2019t hosting us. I might need to tell Wesle to stop sending coin!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t do that! Take it and use it!\u201d<\/p>\n One of the other Human [Actors], a woman, urged Temile. She looked at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Solstice, we can\u2019t fall behind! Emme says their [Writers] are doing bits and pieces, but nothing as good as what we have yet. Can\u2019t you give us anything new? Our regular crowd has seen everything so far and since we can\u2019t all go through the door to Pallass\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n They were all looking at her. Erin winced; Shakespeare and the classics of the acting world were a high bar to force [Writers] to match. She sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno, guys. I\u2019m serious\u2014I can\u2019t remember any full plays. I have a Skill and I\u2019m empty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about the story you mentioned?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, The Lorax<\/em>? It\u2014doesn\u2019t translate well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive it a try!\u201d<\/p>\n Now even the Drakes and Gnolls practicing their lines were gathering. Erin held up her hands, trying not to succumb to peer pressure. And failing.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014come on. It\u2019s just a kid\u2019s story. You see, there\u2019s this, uh, magical protector of the forests, and this guy who begins selling these uh, special, magical trees that provide a unique substance\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The crowd listened attentively. Erin realized that the story of Dr. Seuss\u2019 classics were actually very plausible in this world. She gave them an abbreviated version of the story, ending with the message of environmental awareness.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd then there were no more trees, see? And so it\u2019s terrible. And that\u2019s the ending.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked around, gauging the reaction of the crowd. Erin had thought that a message of conservation wouldn\u2019t exactly fly in the pre-industrial world she now lived in. Surprisingly though, some of the Gnolls were nodding solemnly. They got it. Temile and the Drakes on the other hand\u2026<\/p>\n One of the Drakes raised a claw, frowning.<\/p>\n \u201cSo why doesn\u2019t he find another forest?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s unique, obviously. That\u2019s the point.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo? Replant the damn things! Or get a [Druid] to regrow it all. Even a [Farmer] could do it, although it would take a few years. Easy. Oh! I get it! It\u2019s a lesson about not being prepared. Duh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s certainly not as dramatic as love betrayed, death, and the downfall of the mighty due to hubris and the follies of men.\u201d<\/p>\n Temile sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Drakes and Gnolls.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone else put that in helpfully. Erin had to smile. She shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. I tried the haunted house thing, but Gnolls smell too well. I suppose we could use illusions?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe?\u201d<\/p>\n Temile had helped set up the fake scenes with Erin. He stepped back and called into the crowd.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Jexam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere!\u201d<\/p>\n A Drake pushed himself forwards. Erin blinked; he bowed slightly to her as Temile introduced him.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is our special effects person, Erin. Jexam, tell Miss Erin about your abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake shook Erin\u2019s hand, beaming.<\/p>\n \u201cA pleasure, Miss Solstice! I am indeed the uh, special effects of the plays. [Hedge Mage]. Self-taught. I do all the illusions for the Players of Celum\u2014this group, at least. I know our main troupe was seeking out a real<\/em> [Illusionist]. I\u2019m afraid though that my abilities aren\u2019t enough to handle your idea of this haunted house.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be modest! I\u2019ve seen you doing effects and they\u2019re great! I love the snow magic! It even feels cold!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake blushed with pride at Erin\u2019s compliment.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to hear you say that, but it\u2019s just low-grade magic. Not even Tier 1. [Cooling Breeze]. Just a little cantrip I worked up. It\u2019s wonderful<\/em> on hot days. I used to get paid just to cool rooms down. The problem with illusions on the other hand is that I have to work for a long time to make them work well. And animating them? Making them real?<\/em> Very tricky and I\u2019m not high-enough level yet. Nor am I an [Illusionist], Miss Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked apologetic. Erin shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cAw, that\u2019s okay. Gnolls could probably smell that they\u2019re fake. I think we really need to rethink how we\u2019ll do a haunted house or put it on the shelf, Temile. I mean, we could do the creepy little girls, but can you make an entire haunted house out of little creepy girls?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm\u2026no?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin nodded sadly. Temile looked around. The Players of Celum had their own area behind the stage that was more or less permanently filled with props, and some dedicated tables they could eat and drink at\u2014discounted or free after performances! He gestured to Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if we think over the idea? Hey, you lot, get a space cleared for Miss Solstice. We have some water\u2014where\u2019s the pitcher?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll just get it! Excuse me! Water please!\u201d<\/p>\n Laughing, Erin waved towards the front of the inn. That was the thing about being an [Innkeeper] with a staff! And it was Lyonette herself who came over to offer everyone a refill.<\/p>\n \u201cTrouble with your newest idea, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n She sounded vaguely relieved. Erin sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. I really thought it\u2019d be a small thing, but\u2014fun, you know? But if we can\u2019t make it good for all species, what\u2019s the point?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette nodded as she put the pitcher down. Temile and some of the \u2018veterans\u2019, who\u2019d been acting for a few months were gathered around the table, thinking it over.<\/p>\n \u201cCould we erase the smells in the room?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe. But that\u2019s a higher-level spell than I know as well, Temile.\u201d<\/p>\n Jexam sighed. Temile slapped his thigh in vexation. Erin frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWe could definitely do monsters, or costumes\u2014although that\u2019s hard work. But if you can\u2019t surprise a Gnoll because he can smell you, what can you do?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette studied Erin\u2019s face and then smiled slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know who\u2019d be perfect for your plan, Erin? You-know-who.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVolde\u2014oh. <\/em>Hey, that\u2019s not funny!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked up sharply. Lyonette gave her a twisted smile, but she could at least joke about Toren these days. Erin shook her head in reply to Temile\u2019s querying look. Then she sat up.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we\u2019ll draw the line at asking Pisces to do stuff with actual skeletons. But what about illusions? He is<\/em> good at them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? I wouldn\u2019t be surprised given how he boasts, but I\u2019ve only seen him\u2014no, wait, he did them for the first plays, didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette frowned, intrigued. Erin nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah! And I\u2019ve seen him do great stuff as well! The first time I met him he disguised himself as this terrifying monster! That\u2019s actually how he lived before he came here. He\u2019d frighten people out of their money! He could do the voice, smell\u2014and a horrifying image!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think he\u2019d teach Jexam, or at least work on a few spells?\u201d<\/p>\n Temile was interested. Erin bit her lip, thinking. It would be a lot of work to rope Pisces into doing a haunted house, but Erin still wanted to give it a shot. She had a vision of a warehouse, or a house in say, Liscor, that people could go into and experience cheap, non-life-threatening scares!<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe. If I bribe him, sure. And he likes the plays. I bet he\u2019d love to scare people. I haven\u2019t seen him. Lyonette, do you know where he is?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] looked up as she refilled the last cup.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I had to have Drassi bring him up breakfast because he was in his room all day. He might be there still.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe missed breakfast? That\u2019s unusual. Hold on, Temile. I\u2019ll get back to you.\u201d<\/p>\n So saying, Erin got up and wandered down the length of her inn. There was only one Horn of Hammerad today, and Ceria was finishing her lunch.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Ceria, where\u2019s your team?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf looked up from her sausages. She chewed, swallowed, and nodded towards the door.<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon and Ksmvr are in Liscor. I\u2019m just about to join them, actually. We\u2019re all going to visit the Bloodfields. Scouting.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin slapped her forehead.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Right! Bevussa stopped by this morning. She wanted one of the mana stones. You\u2019re going to teleport there, right? It\u2019s not too far?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly about as far as Celum. Even less, I think. We\u2019re going to the edge of the Bloodfields\u2014nowhere closer with it active. But it\u2019ll save us from having to camp out and march all the way there while we find a route. We\u2019ll all be back once Bevussa sets up a door.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHandy having her do that, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Cryomancer] grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard Tekshia made<\/em> Bevussa do it. She didn\u2019t want to pay Hawk to run out that far.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t even have charged her that much! Your Guildmistress is a skinflint! Classic Drake!\u201d<\/p>\n Hawk called out from his table. Ceria chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going with the other teams to see how it looks. Oh\u2014but Pisces won\u2019t be coming with us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Why? And do you know where he is?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cHe made a very good point that he annoys the other teams. Almost as much as Yvlon and I do with the Celum ones\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She grimaced. Erin looked at her sympathetically; she\u2019d heard about the Horn\u2019s troubles in Celum.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re still mad at you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, they agreed to join the Bloodfields expedition, so they\u2019re willing to be civil. Plus, it pays well and we\u2019re all adventurers. But Pisces might aggravate them even more than Yvlon and me. Plus, Pisces is actually studying hard. I\u2026don\u2019t want to interrupt him, as the team leader, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s studying?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked blank. Ceria nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah. And I mean studying<\/em>. He was always good at focusing\u2014more than me. I have to sit in a bathtub with Ksmvr boiling my skin off to concentrate, but Pisces studies on his own. These last few days\u2014remember when he woke us up screaming? Ever since then he\u2019s been in his room. He barely comes out to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI noticed that. Huh. What\u2019s he working on?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf finished the last of her meal and wiped at her mouth with the back of her hand.<\/p>\n \u201cUndead? No, but seriously, Erin. He\u2019s studying a new spell, I think. He keeps muttering about \u2018puzzles\u2019 and the complexity of it. I think he\u2019s trying to take down another Tier 4 spell. It\u2019s worth letting him work to do that. Me\u2014I\u2019m just trying to improve my spell power. Grimalkin says I\u2019m making progress\u2014I\u2019m not burning myself anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n She sighed. Her daily boil-baths were another facet of the new inn lifecycle. Erin patted her on the back sympathetically.<\/p>\n \u201cHang in there. And hey\u2014cheer up. Grimalkin might not come tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe comes every night, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, to help you!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sinew Magus] was surprisingly dedicated to his agreement with Erin. He\u2019d come every day this week to drop Ceria in boiling water and shout encouragements at her for an hour or two. The half-Elf shuddered.<\/p>\n \u201cI know he\u2019s coming tonight. Frankly, the Bloodfields will be the fun part of the day. Look, I\u2019ve gotta meet Yvlon and Ksmvr. It\u2019s nearly time to head out. We\u2019ll come back through this way. Hey, did Moore and Seborn already leave?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope. They went to Pallass, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPallass?<\/em> But the door\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria twisted and Erin smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cMoore charged it! He can do it for Seborn and him, but it tires him out. Seborn\u2019s refusing to walk to Invrisil while Jelaqua\u2019s, you know, seeing<\/em> Maughin?\u201d<\/p>\n She waggled her eyebrows. Ceria stared at them and then at Erin\u2019s face. The young woman stopped.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it\u2019s just as far as the door to Invrisil. What about their wagon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cApparently they\u2019re in a little fortress of vines with a bunch of food. I dunno. Seborn\u2019s mad at Jelaqua, it\u2019s this thing\u2014I\u2019m never going to get the door to Invrisil!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin sighed. She needed it too, so she could find Ryoka! But that was a big thing<\/em>, and this week had been pleasantly full of small things. But Ryoka\u2014Erin wanted to find her. She had to come back. Even if she brought danger. Ceria shrugged in reply to the drama of the Halfseekers. She pushed herself up.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, hopefully they sort it out. See you, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh! Wait! Can I get Pisces to help me with this haunted house thing? Or will it take too long?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin pleaded with Ceria. The half-Elf bit her lip.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. Pisces would probably say yes\u2014why not? He\u2019s got time and it\u2019s his choice. But you\u2019ll have to knock a lot. And he might be snappish. Come to that, did he eat lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll bribe him with food. Hey, can I get some sausages and some of that pasta?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin called towards the kitchen. For once no one appeared with the food. Her staff weren\u2019t all slaves, so Erin marched in and got it herself. She\u2019d filled a big bowl and stuck a fork in the meal, then went with Ceria. They were about to climb the stairs to Pisces\u2019 room when Drassi caught them.<\/p>\n The Drake was working alongside Ishkr today. The [Barmaid] and incorrigible [Gossip] waved at Erin and Ceria and the two stopped to look at her.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, I just heard you\u2019re looking for Pisces? He\u2019s out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? I thought he was in his room, studying.\u201d<\/p>\n Drassi grinned toothily at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was<\/em>. But Selys got him. This morning, when you were pranking everyone. Didn\u2019t you notice?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026what did Selys want with Pisces?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think she was going shopping for magical items. You know, since she\u2019s rich?<\/em> She told Pisces she wanted his opinion. So they left. They\u2019re not back yet.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Gossip] looked at Erin. The [Innkeeper] looked at her. There was something to be said for having Drassi on staff. If Ishkr was the dependable employee that every establishment needed, because it needed someone who brought no drama in, had few demanding quirks and whose only goal was to do his job, get paid, and go home, Drassi was the employee who knew everything and everyone. Erin sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, great. Selys has Pisces. We\u2019ll have to wait. If you see him on the way to the Adventurer\u2019s Guild, tell him I wanted to see him, Ceria?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill do.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf adventurer headed for the door. Erin, shaking her head, went to put the food away. As she did, a thought struck her. Selys. And Pisces. Going shopping?<\/p>\n \u201cThat almost sounds like a date.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria paused. She looked back at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cWith Pisces? No way.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin laughed uncertainly.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah! I mean, Selys? I don\u2019t see it. She\u2019s got standards! And Pisces\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Both paused. Then they grew thoughtful. Drassi looked between the two and broke in.<\/p>\n \u201cGoing shopping together? That sounds like a date to me. Hey Erin, what\u2019s this about your<\/em> boyfriend?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The sword swung at her neck. She could trace the arc. Not with her eyes alone\u2014it was too fast to visually process and come up with a thought-out plan of response. Her body moved by instinct, by training.<\/p>\n That was what it meant to be a [Warrior]. So she was already raising her two-handed sword, knocking the blade aside. It meant she had also seen the stab coming from the side. She pivoted, letting it slash across her armor. Her sword darted in, chopping quickly at her opponent\u2019s unguarded side.<\/p>\n Normally that would be enough. But what got her each time was her opponent. He had three<\/em> arms. And the enchanted buckler caught her attack and neutralized it. All the force she\u2019d put into the blow stopped on the glowing force field of energy in the air. Yvlon Byres saw ripples as she retreated. Too slow. Ksmvr swung the dagger and his practice sword. She saw him use a Skill\u2014<\/p>\n Yvlon raised her sword and Ksmvr\u2019s sword slashed across her guard with a crack <\/em>of wood meeting wood that made some of the other sparring partners glance up from their sessions. Yvlon winced and called out.<\/p>\n \u201cPause! Ksmvr, that\u2019s good enough for today.\u201d<\/p>\n Obediently, the Antinium [Skirmisher] lowered his weapons. He\u2019d been zipping around their dueling area, using his newfound [Quick Movement] Skill to pressure her. Yvlon lowered her blade, wiping sweat from her forehead as she removed her helmet. Ksmvr hopped over to the place where they\u2019d stored their actual weapons and came back with a bottle of water.<\/p>\n True to the Antinium\u2019s practical nature, he had already drunk a few mouthfuls. Yvlon accepted the bottle, smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Ksmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are welcome, Yvlon.\u201d<\/p>\n The two were training in the Adventurer\u2019s Guild\u2019s practice yard. It was fairly full even in the morning; it was one of the few areas in the city where people were able to practice their skill at arms. And in a world where [Warriors] went toe-to-toe with monsters and magic-users, they had to practice. Now, Yvlon and Ksmvr stopped for a small break. If people were waiting they\u2019d have given up the sparring circle, but they had time. A pair of Gnolls were exchanging artful cuts with axe vs sword to their left and no one was using the place to their right.<\/p>\n \u201cYou predicted my [Quick Slash], Yvlon. I am most impressed. May I ask how you anticipated it?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon smiled at Ksmvr. She gestured with her sword to his. He had kept his Forceshield Buckler since it wasn\u2019t dangerous in the sparring match, but he\u2019d substituted his regular enchanted shortsword and Flamecoat Dagger for wooden ones to keep the spar fair. Just like how she\u2019d put away her Sword of Weight and taken a bastard sword instead.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew it was coming, Ksmvr. You should have gotten my back or forced me into a position where I can\u2019t block it. I\u2019m always ready for it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh. But if you were not you, Yvlon, surely I would catch you by surprise?\u201d<\/p>\n The two were discussing tactics. It was their custom to spar every day and they were a regular sight at the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. Yvlon shrugged, feeling at her arms.<\/p>\n She was wearing armor. Enchanted steel\u2014a bit mismatched in decoration because it had all been bought piece-meal, and a bit ill-fitting compared to her brother\u2019s custom plate, but still high-quality. It was more expensive than anyone but a Gold-rank adventurer could field, really. But her arms\u2014<\/p>\n Yvlon never took off the armor that covered her arms, from the wrist all the way to her shoulders. Never in public, and usually, not even when she was alone. Ksmvr noticed the motion and Yvlon stopped herself. She cleared her throat.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think you should count on that, Ksmvr. People can generally expect you\u2019ve got a Skill like that. Most [Warriors] learn one of the primary activation Skills. [Quick Slash], [Power Strike], [Counter Blow]\u2014they\u2019re all Skills that turn into better ones as you gain levels.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. So my deception is already a predetermined variable.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon paused. Sometimes Ksmvr sounded like Pisces, only without the sneer. Her lips moved and she nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. You should instead circle and use it to capitalize on an opening rather than make it a surprise attack.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium nodded. He was a skilled fighter, but unlike Yvlon, he\u2019d only been alive for a few years. He was almost four years old. That shocked Yvlon when she thought about it, but the Antinium were adults when they were \u2018born\u2019. Even so, fighting with a four-year-old would have given her pause. But Ksmvr had nowhere else to go. The Antinium gestured with one of his three arms to Yvlon.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I ask what your Skill is, Yvlon? I know you have mentioned it, but I have never seen you use it in any battle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Oh. That\u2019s because mine isn\u2019t good against monsters. I have [Crescent Cut]. Want to see it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay then. I\u2019ll cut at you hard and fast. You block it, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium nodded. Yvlon lifted her sword with a smile. She saw him raise his buckler, watching her sword. She lifted her blade over her head and then swung<\/em> it as fast as she could.<\/p>\n She slashed diagonally at his chest and he moved flawlessly to block it. Yvlon used her Skill.<\/p>\n [Crescent Cut].<\/em><\/p>\n Her blade curved<\/em> in its trajectory. It swept down, like the arc of a waning moon. Ksmvr tried to adjust his shield, but the Skill slid Yvlon\u2019s blade down, fast, fast.<\/em> Without losing momentum, it curved along the arc, sweeping below his guard. It would have hit him hard if Yvlon hadn\u2019t pulled the blow. As it was, the thwok<\/em> was audible throughout the practice courts.<\/p>\n \u201cYou alright, Ksmvr? Did I crack your shell?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon looked concerned as she glanced at Ksmvr. The Antinium wore no armor; he had forgone it since armor was hard to fit on his body anyways and he was a [Skirmisher], built for speed. Ksmvr felt at his side and shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI am undamaged superficially. A splendid Skill, Yvlon. It does not slow the blade. If anything, it speeds up.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon leaned on her sword, smiling crookedly.<\/p>\n \u201cExactly. It\u2019s a neat trick you can use on someone expecting a [Quick Slash]. But it\u2019s mostly good against opponents who\u2019re trying to block, Ksmvr. Not monsters. I wish I had your Skill\u2014or [Power Strike], honestly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know about that. I\u2019ve seen you take down a score of [Bandits] and I never complained once when you saved my life.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon Byres turned. Her fair hair moved in the breeze. She stopped at the familiar voice. She saw a woman holding a staff, wearing chitin armor made of a Shield Spider, watching from the spectator\u2019s side of the practice courts. Yvlon stopped uncertainly.<\/p>\n The man standing next to the [Mage] raised his hand. He was older than Yvlon and the [Mage]. A grizzled veteran with pepper in his hair. Crossbow Stan smiled hesitantly as Ksmvr turned.<\/p>\n \u201cHoi there!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStan. Alais.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon hesitated. The two Silver-rank captains were watching her and Ksmvr. She looked at Ksmvr. But then she put a smile on her face and walked towards them.<\/p>\n \u201cHello. You two made it here alright?\u201d<\/p>\n She spoke politely to the two Silver-rank adventurers. Alais nodded. She\u2019d been the one who\u2019d called out. She knew Yvlon. Yvlon knew her. Once, they had been fellow adventurer team leaders. Friends, if not especially close.<\/p>\n Now? Well, at least they could speak civilly. Alais nodded, watching Ksmvr as he went over to put the practice weapons away. She looked at Yvlon and the [Wounded Warrior] saw her throat move before she spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cNot bad. We caught the end of the session. You train like that every day? Your skill hasn\u2019t left you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks. We were just finishing our spar. We\u2019re not late, are we?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no. Our teams just got in from the\u2014inn. We\u2019re all gathered. Is Ceria not coming?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe should be here soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon answered distractedly. Stan gestured.<\/p>\n \u201cGood job that. Your teammate\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat is me. Hello, Crossbow Stan, Captain Alais. We have met. Are we fighting or socializing, Yvlon?\u201d<\/p>\n The woman winced as she took her sword from Ksmvr. She saw Alais and Stan\u2019s expressions flicker, but that was what was lovable and tricky about Ksmvr. He lacked subtlety. Actually, she liked that about him.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Ksmvr. We\u2019re teammates, remember? All working together on the Bloodfields request? Cutting a permanent trade route towards Pallass?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Yvlon. I am aware. However, I perceived that last time we were similarly engaged in discourse before turning to violence. I simply wished to know if that was an option in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon chorused with Alais and Stan. She turned to Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cNo more fighting. That was\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She paused. Alais looked to one side. Stan filled in for her.<\/p>\n \u201cA bad scene. Lots of thoughtless words.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn whose side?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon nudged Ksmvr. He looked at her, but obediently fell silent. She turned back to Alais and Stan and tried to smile. It felt about as good as Alais\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re professionals. And we\u2019re working together, so be nice, Ksmvr. Stan? Where\u2019s your team?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust inside.\u201d<\/p>\n Relieved, Stan led the other three adventurers into the Guild. Alais looked warily as a group of Drakes passed her to fill the adventuring yard.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s my first time in Liscor. It\u2019s so\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDifferent from a Human city?\u201d<\/p>\n Alais bit her lip. Stan looked a bit reproving, but Yvlon hadn\u2019t meant it as an insult! They were all Silver-ranks, having adventured for years, but not all of them had ever been down as far as Liscor. Yvlon hadn\u2019t until recently; she\u2019d felt that it wasn\u2019t her area. Stan on the other hand had been doing this job for decades.<\/p>\n \u201cLiscor\u2019s alright. Good city; the Watch keeps order. You don\u2019t have to watch your back at night most places. Can\u2019t say I don\u2019t like those walls either.\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded towards Liscor\u2019s four tall walls that marked the edge of the city. Yvlon exchanged a look with Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re nice, but I\u2019d prefer them twice as tall and thick, honestly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? They\u2019re already better than most Human cities. But I guess with all the monsters and undead\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Alais stopped delicately, glancing at Yvlon. The other woman compressed her mouth and Stan glared at Alais. It was with some relief that they entered into the main room of the Adventurer\u2019s Guild.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd here we are.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon saw the room was packed! More than nine teams filled the usually quiet Guild, most of them Human. She recognized the two teams Alais and Stan made for.<\/p>\n They were both Silver-rank teams. Thunder\u2019s Solace and the Boltspitters. Good, solid teams, like the Horns of Hammerad had been.<\/p>\n Like the Silver Spears, too.<\/em> Yvlon suppressed the thought, but she couldn\u2019t help but tense. Neither could the two teams of adventurers. They looked up at Yvlon and Ksmvr and their postures stiffened.<\/p>\n But they\u2019d been through this. Yvlon forced a smile as she walked over to the teams. She didn\u2019t sit, though.<\/p>\n \u201cI see all the Boltspitters are here except for Lailli. And Thunder\u2019s Solace. Hello, Caddin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon.\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t even meet her gaze. Yvlon still remembered hitting him again and again in the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. She turned to Alais. The rest of Thunder\u2019s Solace only glanced up at Yvlon.<\/p>\n A bad scene.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I think we\u2019ll go look for Ceria. Meeting\u2019s about to start. We\u2019ll talk after. Alais?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n Unconvincing smiles. Yvlon backed away. But she\u2019d played nice and\u2014and that was important. She knew the other teams had seen her. Many of them were groups she recognized. Some were whispering.<\/p>\n Yvlon Byres. Captain of the Silver Spears. One of the leaders of the group that got wiped out in Liscor\u2019s dungeon.<\/em> It felt like forever ago, but her reputation still haunted her. She walked towards the main doors, looking for Ceria. Ksmvr stared at the Boltspitters and Thunder\u2019s Solace. The adventurers stared at him too, but for different reasons. He edged closer and they all leaned back, staring at the Antinium.<\/p>\n Ksmvr glanced over his shoulder at Yvlon, paused and whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cDominance.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr, stop that!\u201d<\/p>\n He hurried after her and found Yvlon outside. She was leaning against the side of the Guild, massaging her arms again. The Antinium saw her look up with a grimace.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t provoke them, Ksmvr. We made up. We can at least be civil.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry, Yvlon.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr lowered his head. Yvlon instantly smiled, and then felt at her arm again. It didn\u2019t hurt. It should, but\u2014she felt liquid. And as she sniffed at the edges of her armor she grimaced. Foul.<\/em> She shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not angry, Ksmvr. It\u2019s funny. They don\u2019t actually mind you as much. I think they actually respect you for taking out all those [Bandits].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand the joke. The hated Antinium is given higher esteem than the fellow Human adventurers. I will register my amusement if laughter is indicated. But I do not believe their complaint is valid, Yvlon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, well\u2014I nearly broke Caddin\u2019s jaw. That\u2019s enough reason to hold a grudge again. Look, just be polite when we go back in. There\u2019ll be other teams\u2014Ceria and I can handle them. Just as well Pisces isn\u2019t with us. We can\u2019t take all of them in a brawl.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr tilted his head as if counting and nodded at last. He stared as Yvlon cursed.<\/p>\n \u201cYour arms are not well, Yvlon?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked up. He was staring at her arms. Few people knew the extent of Yvlon\u2019s injuries except for her friends. She had been injured a while back. At Albez. A fire elemental had melted her old armor. And the metal had burnt right into her arms. Lodged there.<\/p>\n Metal mixed with bone. It had made her arms weak, so fragile they could break if she hit something too hard. Yvlon had thought it was the end of her career\u2014until Pisces had helped her reinforce the bone. Now her arms looked\u2014well, she didn\u2019t feel the alterations he\u2019d made and they were as solid as ever. She didn\u2019t even feel pain if she didn\u2019t want to. She could literally [Ignore Pain]. But another complication had emerged a week back. She shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not bad. Just a bit infected. I\u2019ve had worse.\u201d<\/p>\n Pus and blood<\/em>. That was what she\u2019d see if she opened the gauntlets. Ksmvr stared at her arms and Yvlon looked away. The Antinium\u2019s voice was serious.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is not good, Yvlon. Infections are very bad for a [Warrior]. A healing potion will make it worse. That is how potions work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I know, Ksmvr. I just can\u2019t take a bad injury, that\u2019s all. And if I used a potion, it might<\/em> clear up.\u201d<\/p>\n Or grow ten times worse in the flash of an eye<\/em>. Ksmvr was pointedly quiet. Yvlon cleared her throat, looking away. He was the only one who knew about the infection, and that was because he had walked in on her dressing the wounds. She and Ksmvr were\u2014friends. More than he was with anyone but Pisces. But only he called her \u2018Yvlon\u2019 and not Comrade like Pisces, or Captain like Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I need to, I can use a healing potion. It\u2019ll make this<\/em> worse, but the rest of my body will still heal, Ksmvr. Look. I\u2019ll talk to Ceria about it, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoes it hurt? If it hurts\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t hurt. It\u2019s strong.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon made a fist with her right hand and pounded it into her left palm as hard as she could, feeling the shock run through the metal gauntlets. Inside her armor, her arm didn\u2019t flex<\/em> or break as it would have before. That was thanks to Pisces. He\u2019d used his necromancy to reinforce her bone with artificial pieces. What he couldn\u2019t do was fix her flesh and tissue, hence the infection as the metal and skin rubbed at each other.<\/p>\n If only he could fix the underlying bone issue. He\u2019d told her he was working on it. But it was beyond complicated, even for a [Necromancer], apparently. A lot of Yvlon\u2019s bone was just\u2014gone. And the metal wasn\u2019t exactly solid steel; it had all the strength of a\u2026a\u2026really thin bit of metal. A lock pick. But even they<\/em> were stronger than\u2026<\/p>\n Yvlon Byres stopped. She stopped thinking about her arms. She stopped worrying about them because that was an endless cycle. She stood straighter, sighed, and smiled at Ksmvr. It was her life now. And once, she had had another team. But this was hers. She turned as she saw a familiar half-Elf striding towards them. Ceria\u2019s robes were shimmering and the half-Elf\u2019s pointed ears were twitching with nerves.<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon! Ksmvr! Am I late? Something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n She stopped, panting slightly from her jog. Yvlon shook her head as Ksmvr opened his mandibles.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nothing. Ceria, everyone\u2019s here. Stan and Alais are there. And some others. Let\u2019s go in!\u201d<\/p>\n She wanted to go inside with no further fuss and just do her job, which was be an adventurer. But Ksmvr lacked subtlety. He raised one hand.<\/p>\n \u201cHello. We are not late. Good to see you again, Captain Ceria. Before we engage in our mission briefing, I would like to interject a pressing fact about Yvlon\u2019s health, Captain Ceria.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh? What? Did you break your arm again, Yvlon?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria looked alarmed as she adjusted her robes. Her eyes went to Yvlon\u2019s arms\u2014the woman stopped feeling at them and smiled weakly.<\/p>\n \u201cI need to talk to you later. About my arms. They\u2019re okay for fighting. Just\u2014complicated with healing potions.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Ice Mage]\u2019s eyes flickered. She could guess what Yvlon meant by that. Still\u2014she looked at Yvlon and the [Wounded Warrior] tried to convey that it was not a problem. Ceria nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll talk. Today\u2019s supposed to only be reconnaissance. We\u2019re not getting anywhere near the Bloodfields. Come on. I don\u2019t want to be late.\u201d<\/p>\n Together now, they pushed into the Guild. Pisces was still absent, but Yvlon felt better with Ceria by her side. She had been in the crypt too.<\/p>\n The three Horns of Hammerad paused as the adventurers gathered together looked at them again. They were mostly Human, mostly from up north. Ceria and Yvlon had talked to Stan and Alais about getting in on the Bloodfields contract, and word had spread. Yvlon looked from team to team.<\/p>\n All of them were Silver-rank. She knew some teams personally, others only by reputation or in passing. The Boltspitters. Thunder\u2019s Solace. The all-male team of Ensoldier Shields, predictably armed with their classic shield-and-mace combination. The Whistling Bows\u2014looking decidedly mismatched with their new recruits filling the gaps. Ceria took a breath.<\/p>\n \u201cWell then. Let\u2019s say hi. Ksmvr, be nice! Don\u2019t say anything\u2014follow our lead, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Captain Ceria.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf put a smile on her face. She strode forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cWalt! Is that you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCeria? I heard we\u2019d be seeing you. Is this your new team?\u201d<\/p>\n The Captain of Ensoldier Shields got up, and more team leaders drifted over. Yvlon saw Ceria shaking Walt\u2019s hand. Yvlon turned and a slight woman with a rash of scales along one cheek looked up at her. She was Human, but for that one sign of cross-speciesism. She didn\u2019t smile, but that wasn\u2019t her way.<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon. Good to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKammy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease don\u2019t. It\u2019s \u2018Captain Kam\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon smiled, and Captain Kam\u2019s lips tried to move a bit. She turned and stared at Ksmvr. He was staring back. Yvlon prayed he wouldn\u2019t mention Kam\u2019s sign of distant Drake ancestry. She was\u2026touchy about it. Yvlon was amazed she\u2019d come to Liscor at all.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is Ksmvr, one of my teammates. He\u2019s a\u2014unique member of the Antinium. Ksmvr, this is Captain Kam, leader of the Whistling Bows. She\u2019s a [Bow Rider]. Ksmvr\u2019s our [Skirmisher], Kam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHi.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHello, I am Ksmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n The two shook hands. Yvlon turned and saw more adventurers she recognized lined up to say hi. One of them, a former [Raider] with two scars along his cheeks\u2014self-inflicted, she knew, for appearance\u2019s sake\u2014reached out and slapped her on the shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods, is that an actual Antinium? I heard Liscor had \u2018em. Hey! Yvlon! It\u2019s us! Do you remember the Reddogs? We might actually buy some war dogs if we get paid enough from the Bloodfields! There\u2019s this [Beast Trainer] in Liscor and he\u2019s got a wonderful animal\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDrakes, Antinium, and Gnolls. Dead gods, this is weird. We went through that door and the inn. Yvlon, Ceria.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Travelled sixty miles to get here. Just because we heard this was good work. And, well, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about! Not disappointed yet! We should have come here earlier, but we were hunting this damn Ogre for\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026lost six on my team. To damn Ghouls.<\/em> There were twenty of them and they just leapt at us. It was just five weeks ago. I still remember it. If we\u2019d just had caught them. Terrica was on duty and I just couldn\u2019t work with her any more after that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n It was a familiar scene, chaos as everyone talked and caught up on the news. And it made Yvlon feel good. This<\/em> was what she\u2019d hoped for in Celum\u2019s guild before it had gone so wrong. If the other teams wanted to talk to her and Ceria about the loss of all the other teams\u2014well, word had either spread about the previous incident or they were holding back.<\/p>\n In fact, they treated Yvlon as if she was still a team captain. Yvlon was listening sympathetically to Captain Kam\u2019s tale of her own team\u2019s losses. Maybe that was it. Some of these teams understood. She looked around, seeing familiar faces, new ones.<\/p>\n Silver-rank teams. Yvlon had been among their number, jostling for the position of \u2018top team\u2019 with the others. Now? It might be arrogance, but she felt like the Horns were above them in raw ability and magical items. Above, but below Gold-rank. Yvlon knew her brother\u2019s team, the Silver Swords, still had that extra edge.<\/p>\n The gold would change that. Once they got it changed in Invrisil with the contacts the Halfseekers and Griffon Hunt knew, the Horns could gear up even further. All this was just keeping themselves busy. Some of the other adventurers were admiring her armor. Walt came up and tapped on Yvlon\u2019s breastplate with one knuckle.<\/p>\n \u201cFancy gear, Byres! Better than our stuff. You\u2019re not doing bad, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n She glanced up. The [Armored Warrior] wasn\u2019t trying to be mean; Walt just lacked all tact. And a way with women, hence his team. She forced a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cNot bad right now, Walt. But you\u2019ve got a new shield.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked proud, gesturing at his shield.<\/p>\n \u201cIt freezes whatever hits it. Cost us a fair bit, but it\u2019s solid! Your armor do anything fancy? I saw this Drake wearing high-<\/em>grade magical armor! Dead gods, but I\u2019d trade Kelvin and his useless ass for it and all my gear!\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon laughed politely as the luckless Kelvin enjoyed the punches and jeers from the Ensoldier Shields.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s got to be Keldrass you saw, Walt. Captain of the Flamewardens. He got it from this dungeon. The Raskghar, actually. You heard about them? And it\u2019s worth a lot more than that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Raskghar? I heard about them. You fought those things, Yvlon. A new monster type? No\u2014wait, some sentient species? Tell us about it! And this dungeon.\u201d<\/p>\n The other adventurers crowded around Yvlon. She was looking for a seat to explain and hoping no one was smelling her armor when a voice burst through the hubbub among the mostly-Humans team.<\/p>\n \u201cHah. Look at that. The backup to the backup\u2019s finally arrived. Dead gods, but what a crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone fell silent. The drawling voice had come from another team who\u2019d entered to find the overcrowded tables. It was a Drake, and he and four members of his team were looking around dismissively.<\/p>\n Those were fighting words. Walt instantly reddened. Yvlon recognized the Drake and bit her lip.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! You have a problem with us being here, asshole? We were invited<\/em> to come here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019re in our seats and causing a fuss. Who got into a fight with the Scaled Guard this morning? Kicking around local Bronze-rank teams and claiming all the seats?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake had bright orange scales and he was looking unhappy at all the Human guests. Yvlon saw Walt hesitate. But another team captain spoke up.<\/p>\n \u201cThe best teams have arrived, whoever you are. We\u2019re having a reunion, so if you\u2019ve got a problem\u2014take it up with the [Receptionists]!\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured to the desk. Yvlon saw the Gnoll behind the counter duck. It wasn\u2019t Selys on duty today. She bit her lip. This wasn\u2019t good. All the teams present, from Alais\u2019 to Stan\u2019s to the rest were used to being fairly big fish in their local guilds. But the Drake who was talking just sneered at them. He put his hand on his side and exposed a shimmering sheathed blade. The other adventurers fell silent as his team laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cBest teams? Let me introduce myself. I\u2019m Gold<\/em>-rank. Lifwail Blades. We\u2019ve been here a month. You lot? You just swaggered in like you own the place. Funny. I haven\u2019t seen your faces around. Or in the dungeon. Something holding you all back? Horns of Hammerad excepted, obviously.\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded casually at Yvlon, Ceria, ignoring Ksmvr. And the other teams\u2026fell silent. Gold-rank<\/em>. Yvlon knew how they felt. Gold-ranks were rare around Celum and the area. But this was an exception. The Drake went on, casually putting one scaly foot on a chair.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re Pallass\u2019 <\/em>team. What did I hear you say? You were contracted? For what? The Bloodfields job?\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed. So did his team. The Human adventurers hesitated. Walt blustered, face red.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah? What about it? You taking it too?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUs? We\u2019re too busy killing monsters in the dungeon to shepherd a bunch of [Bricklayers] making a road around the Bloodfields. You all want the safe stuff? Go ahead. But whichever one of you hazed our<\/em> Drake team this morning, we\u2019re onto you. You Humans all look alike, but you can apologize properly<\/em> or we\u2019ll get one later.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake glared around the room. Yvlon saw Ceria slap her forehead. Walt<\/em>. He was an idiot about rank. Had he really started something within a few hours of getting to Liscor\u2019s guild? Without even checking to see what the score was?<\/p>\n \u201cIs that a threat?\u201d<\/p>\n Oh, and he also couldn\u2019t shut up. Walt blustered as he pushed his way forwards. He looked at the other Silver-rank teams. There were a lot more than Lifwail Blades\u2019 team. The Drake raised a brow.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that, third-stringer? You picking a fight? Or are you trying to start something with all your Human friends here? You do realize this is our<\/em> city, right?\u201d<\/p>\n He gestured at the Drakes in the room. Yvlon noticed the non-Human adventurers were sitting far from his team. She wanted to slap her own face. What had the teams here done already? She counted two more Gold-ranks in the room. Walt\u2019s face was red.<\/p>\n \u201cRespect\u2019s respect. We didn\u2019t start anything. Some assholes want to poke fun at us, we slap them a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Well, some Humans come into a Drake city and think they can hit a few Drakes and maybe we decide to do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake leaned forwards. He had muscle, even if he wasn\u2019t as burly as Walt. And he was Gold-rank. Yvlon looked for Ceria. The half-Elf was opening her mouth, clearly wondering if she could defuse or if it was better to get back, when a loud, dry voice interrupted the rising tension.<\/p>\n \u201cAdventurer Bessr. If anyone\u2019s slapping anyone in this Guild, it\u2019s me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n An old, short Drake walked down the stairs. She had a little wooden cane, greyish scales, and a very<\/em> irked expression. Everyone turned and Yvlon exhaled in relief as she spotted a familiar, irritable face, following the nervous Gnoll [Receptionist]. Guildmistress Tekshia glared at the Drake, Bessr, and Walt.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one\u2019s fighting here. You want to settle it? Take it outside and no one breaks any bones! Do it later and stop pissing around like little hatchlings. Stop starting Lizardshit, Bessr.\u201d<\/p>\n Bessr immediately backed down. That was the difference between Celum and Liscor\u2019s Guild, too. In a similar scene\u2014Yvlon flushed\u2014Celum\u2019s Guildmaster, a former Silver-rank, hadn\u2019t even appeared when the altercation between her team and the adventurers there had erupted. Here though\u2014she saw Alais and Stan were still tense.<\/p>\n But Tekshia was Tekshia. Bessr raised his claws.<\/p>\n \u201cOutside, Guildmistress. Got it. We just wanted to send a message.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReceived. And you, Human, no one pulls rank in my Guild. And no one starts a fight, got it? You start another fistfight, and we\u2019ll pour you onto the road.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what if\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Walt got no further. Tekshia Shivertail didn\u2019t argue. She just threw the cane like a javelin. It flashed across the room so fast that Bessr was still leaping back when it hit Walt in the chest. His armor didn\u2019t bend around the point of impact; rather, the impact turned into pure momentum and sent him flying backwards.<\/p>\n [Launching Strike]. <\/em>Or something like that. Yvlon watched Walt crash<\/em> and lie on his back, winded and stunned on multiple levels. Tekshia walked forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyone else want to waste my time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOw. What was\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Someone kicked Walt. Tekshia looked around. No one spoke. The Guildmistress walked forwards and fixed Bessr with a look<\/em>. He winced as his team decided to take a seat out of the line of fire.<\/p>\n \u201cLifwail Blades, eh? Well, Bessr, I haven\u2019t ever seen you in the Bloodfields. If it\u2019s so easy compared to the dungeon, mind strolling through it for an hour or two? That\u2019s how Gold-rank teams in my <\/em>day proved they were worthy of the name.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Flushing, the Drake retreated. Tekshia nodded. Then she whirled around and snapped<\/em> at the Human adventurers.<\/p>\n \u201cYou lot! Listen up! I\u2019m Tekshia, Guildmistress of the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. You\u2019re in my Guild, so stop making a damn mess! You\u2019re here to take on the Bloodfields contract. Well, we must be truly desperate, but you all qualify for the job.\u201d<\/p>\n She accepted her cane as the Gnoll brought it back to her. She rapped<\/em> the floorboards, scowling. No one spoke. Yvlon admired the old Drake. This<\/em> was a proper Guildmistress.<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t a game. Liscor needs experienced adventurers to protect our workers and scout ahead, hence you all getting the offer. But if any of you are Bronze-rank incompetents masquerading as Silver, get out. The Bloodfields are nothing to joke about. Your job is to stay away<\/em> from the Bloodfields, but even that can be dangerous. And any idiot who thinks they\u2019re tough enough to wander too close and get their team killed and everyone they\u2019re guarding? Step on up if you\u2019re that tough and I\u2019ll save us all the headache.\u201d<\/p>\n She glared at Walt. He decided to remain sitting. Tekshia looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright. Today you get to listen to a wonderful explanation of why the Bloodfields are so important and help us scout which way we\u2019re going. East or west! Then, when all of you have put your heads together to come up with this difficult answer, we\u2019ll begin actually preparing a road. You all report here each morning or you don\u2019t get paid. Bevussa? Get these rookies out of my guild!\u201d<\/p>\n A Garuda who\u2019d been sitting at a table stood up with her team.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Guildmistress Tekshia! Issa, get the [Scouts] and [Master Builder] Reikhle. You all, with me!\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured, and strode towards the door. The Silver-rank adventurers paused a moment before they realized Bevussa was moving<\/em>. Then they scrambled to grab their things and rush after her. Yvlon knew where they were going and made her way to the back door. She saw Bessr waving at her and paused.<\/p>\n \u201cBessr?\u201d<\/p>\n The Captain of Lifwail Blades was still flushed from his dressing down from Tekshia. But he growled at her as Ceria and Ksmvr paused with him.<\/p>\n \u201cHeard some of the teams who gave yours shit for the crypt were here. They give you any trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon stared at him. She managed a startled response.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014uh\u2014no. It\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. Don\u2019t let teams who haven\u2019t taken a beating do that. I heard yours went down holding the line. Not a lot of teams do that, disaster or not. Stay safe; Bevussa knows what she\u2019s doing with the Bloodfields. Gold and glory, Horns.\u201d<\/p>\n It was an old phrase, but maybe not among Drakes. Yvlon was so startled she clapped an arm across her armor reflexively.<\/p>\n \u201cSilver and steel.\u201d<\/p>\n She left with Ceria and Ksmvr. The half-Elf gave her a wide-eyed look. Respect?<\/em> From a Gold-rank team? It filled Yvlon\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n Then they were outside, making a beeline for The Wandering Inn. The other teams were following Bevussa\u2019s at a fast march. They were disconcerted by Liscor; not only by Tekshia, but by the fact that Liscor\u2019s pedestrians would<\/em> shove them aside rather than give way to adventurers.<\/p>\n \u201cMove it, you inbred Humans! I see you in that armor! Move it! Don\u2019t you know how to walk?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods. That was the Guildmistress? They\u2019re so\u2014military<\/em> around here!\u201d<\/p>\n Alais panted, too wide-eyed to be awkward as Ceria and Yvlon fell into place next to them. Yvlon had to grin.<\/p>\n \u201cWelcome to Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHey Bevussa! Ceria, Yvlon, Ksmvr! My favorite team!\u201d<\/p>\n Another surprise greeted the Human adventurers at the inn. They\u2019d all come through, but the sight of Erin Solstice, a bunch of [Actors] trying to put on zombie makeup, and a carrot cake stumped them. Bevussa turned as they poured into the room via the door.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright! Everyone move forwards! To that side! We\u2019re going back through the door! Erin, I set up the door. It\u2019s the purple stone now. Where is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLyonette already added it to the dial. We even have labels now! See?\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers all turned and saw the purple stone marked \u2018Bloodfields\u2019 on it. Bevussa nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t let anyone wander around near there or go through, Erin. Oh\u2014and I\u2019m supposed to tell you your service fee\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAwesome! Hey everyone! I\u2019m Erin Solstice! This is my inn and you\u2019re using my door! It\u2019s free of charge and<\/em> we\u2019ve got a connection to Esthelm! You can go to Pallass, but you have to apply. And this is my favorite team in all of Liscor! The Horns!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin waved at Ceria, Yvlon, and Ksmvr. Yvlon flushed and Bevussa raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u201cAll of Liscor? What about us or the Halfseekers?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014hey Bevussa, want some cake? It\u2019s carrot! Hey, you adventurers! Any of you ever had cake?\u201d<\/p>\n Some of the teams looked very interested; they\u2019d probably not even stopped when coming through to the guild. Bevussa shook her head briskly.<\/p>\n \u201cNo time, Erin. We\u2019ll come back later. Everyone through? Okay\u2014someone turn that dial to the purple stone. Yes, just turn<\/em> it. Then open the door\u2014go on through, but don\u2019t go anywhere!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She began barking orders. Erin waved the adventurers off.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, but when you get back, I\u2019ve got cake ready! Ooh, and potions and my special Scale Soup! Lyonette, we\u2019re doing a product demonstration when they get back! Have you got a nail? My knife is too sharp\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon followed Bevussa out into another world. South of Liscor, the bowl-shaped valley opened up and the higher elevation sloped downwards, away from the High Passes, the mountain range that separated Izril. A flatland emerged, full of grass and open space, perfect for pastures and forests.<\/p>\n Or that was how it should have been. In truth, the flat area was a perfect battleground that Humans and Drakes had traditionally fought in in ages past. By mutual consent, armies had fought in this space, and so much blood had been shed that over time the ecology of the grass had mutated, turning red. Crimson. And a new biome had emerged, one that craved blood. A deadly, alien landscape.<\/p>\n The Bloodfields.<\/em> Yvlon looked around, her skin crawling under her armor. She stared around at the green\u2026lush\u2026grass..<\/p>\n They weren\u2019t at the Bloodfields. The adventuring teams spread out on the grass, looking around, many muttering about their encounter with Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cI was told she\u2019s insane\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHeard about the incident with that gang?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKnows the Horns? Maybe\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright! Attention! Eyes forwards teams!\u201d<\/p>\n Bevussa\u2019s shout made every head turn. She flew out of the door and held her position in the air, wings beating as her team flew out and landed behind her. A few other Drakes and Gnolls were present; Yvlon recognized them as [Scouts] and the [Builder]. Bevussa\u2019s voice directed her attention back up.<\/p>\n The Gold-rank Captain was in full authority-mode. She shouted down at the Silver-rank teams.<\/p>\n \u201cMy name is Bevussa Slenderscale, Captain of the Wings of Pallass! You are now standing at the edge of the Bloodfields, where you\u2019ll be working! I don\u2019t have the specifics of your job; it will change day to day. You\u2019ll be responsible for removing monster nests, guarding workers as they clear a road, and scouting! However, my job is simple! To educate you about the dangers of the Bloodfields!\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed one wing, turning in midair. The adventurers turned with her and saw\u2026<\/p>\n Red. Dark red soil and grass in the distance, crimson. Like a stain, spreading across the normal grass and trees. But where the Bloodfields began, still miles distant, the world changed.<\/p>\n It was alien. Distant, tall and strange plants grew out of the soil. Brambles, huge and twining, emerged. Bright, glowing plants emerged, and the Bloodfields grew denser further in. Almost like a jungle\u2014but in pockets. Some areas looked strangely bare; the growths of plants were dense in some places, not at all in others. But what stood out was simply the color.<\/p>\n Blood red. And yet, it was still distant. So far away in fact that Yvlon estimated there were at least two miles, maybe even three of ordinary grass between them and the Bloodfields. Bevussa pointed grimly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may know of the Bloodfields or you may not. Either way, this is what you must<\/em> know. The Bloodfields are an exceptionally dangerous area south of Liscor. The plants, animals, and monsters are all a lot more dangerous than most areas of the world. Everything there wants your blood. Even the animals and other creatures living there want to drain you dry.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked back at the Silver-ranks. Yvlon glanced around and saw some doing likewise. She\u2019d heard of the Bloodfields of course, but they weren\u2019t being paid to go through<\/em> it, just around it. However, older adventurers like Stan were seriously listening to Bevussa, and Yvlon looked back up. The Garuda\u2019s voice snapped at the teams below.<\/p>\n \u201cMy only lesson I\u2019m being paid to teach you is this: do not go near the Bloodfields.<\/em> Not in the summer, and even in the winter some of the things living there will<\/em> kill you. The Bloodfields are a Gold-rank threat\u2014meaning that Gold-rank teams can and have died there, not that it\u2019s safe for them. The only time the Bloodfields are safe is when an army comes through and literally burns everything away. And when they\u2019re gone, the Bloodfields are back within the month. Now. I know you\u2019re probably not convinced, so we\u2019re going to have a demonstration. Everyone look ahead. See those huge plants?\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed. Yvlon had to squint to see and the adventurers shaded their eyes. They were so far distant from even the nearest discoloration in the soil from green grass to red, and the nearest objects breaking up the flatlands were even more distant still. Because everything was flat, as opposed to Liscor\u2019s rolling valleys, Yvlon could see what Bevussa was pointing out.<\/p>\n \u201cThose things? What the hell is that?\u201d<\/p>\n Kam muttered as she peered ahead. She was looking at a cluster of fat\u2026plants? They looked like pillows. Or fat cushions, some as large as\u2026Yvlon squinted. Houses? Only, it was one entire plant.<\/p>\n It was an odd, disconcerting sight. Some of the adventurers muttered.<\/p>\n \u201cI can barely see it! What is that, a boulder?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. It\u2019s a plant.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy the hell are we so far back?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor your safety.\u201d<\/p>\n That came from one of the Drakes. One of the Silver-rank teams, actually, a rarity in the north. She looked very nervous. And Yvlon realized all of the non-Humans were regarding the distant red edge of the Bloodfields warily.<\/p>\n She stared at the pillow-plant in the distance. It gave her an uneasy feeling. Ceria moved over and whispered to Yvlon and Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cMy [Dangersense] is going off just looking at that thing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI believe it is highly dangerous, Captain Ceria. I am familiar with the Bloodfields.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Ksmvr?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have only studied it, never seen it, but most likely\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour attention!\u201d<\/p>\n Bevussa shouted and everyone looked up. She pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cCan anyone hit that target from here? If not, I\u2019ll fly closer and shoot it.\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers looked at her, surprised. From here?<\/em> If it were a thousand feet, it would still be a huge ask. Alais looked around, shifting as she lifted her staff.<\/p>\n \u201cI could try a [Lightning Bolt]? It\u2019s awfully long, though, and my control\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, and fry us? I\u2019ve seen your aim. Let me try. [Long-Range Shot]!\u201d<\/p>\n Captain Kam stepped up. The [Bow Rider] wasn\u2019t mounted; she\u2019d been complaining about having to find a stable since Erin\u2019s inn didn\u2019t have one, a huge problem. She lifted her shortbow, drew it back, and loosed<\/em>. Her arrow sped through the air as the adventurers watched. High, going further, further\u2026<\/p>\n It fell short by about, oh, nine thousand and five hundred feet. Good for a shortbow! But the adventurers all laughed. Kam lowered her bow, flushing.<\/p>\n \u201cIt really is far. I wondered if it were an optical illusion.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet us try, then. [Seeker Shot]!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Arrow of Light]!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Ice Spike]!\u201d<\/p>\n Even Ceria joined in. Spells and arrows flew from the Silver-rank teams, but all were far, far too short. Even Ceria\u2019s best, enhanced spell didn\u2019t even come close to the distance. Yvlon looked around and saw some of the Gold-rank adventurers of Bevussa\u2019s team shaking their heads. She looked mildly annoyed.<\/p>\n \u201cIf none of you has a mile-long Skill\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho has one of those?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n One of the adventurers looked incredulous. Bevussa stared at him. Gold-ranks<\/em>, that\u2019s who. Captain Kam looked around and frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fine. I\u2019ll get closer and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold your ground!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The order came from Bevussa, a screech of fury. Kam stopped, flushing, and Bevussa swooped down, glaring.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one gets closer! I don\u2019t care how fast you are or what dodging skills you have\u2014even if it looks clear, you will not<\/em> approach the Bloodfields, regardless of how the ground looks! You will <\/em>keep your distance? Is that clear?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut we\u2019re two miles away! This is ridiculous! We don\u2019t need to be this far. Do we?\u201d<\/p>\n One of the adventurer captains looked annoyed at this display of caution. Zassil, the Oldblood Drake on Bevussa\u2019s team, snapped at him.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why we\u2019re demonstrating<\/em> this, Human!\u201d<\/p>\n Bevussa ignored them. She swooped down towards where Yvlon was standing. The adventurers moved back as she stopped before Stan. He hadn\u2019t tried loosing a bolt. He blinked at her as his team stared. Bevussa nodded at his side, her brilliant plumage blowing in the faint breeze.<\/p>\n \u201cCrossbows, right? Mind if I borrow one?\u201d<\/p>\n Stan started. He reached for the two crossbows at his side\u2014Yvlon knew he had four more in his bag of holding. He could fire six bolts in a blink, hence his nickname.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Captain Bevussa. Here.\u201d<\/p>\n He offered her both crossbows. Bevussa took one and jumped up into the air. She looked down at the others.<\/p>\n \u201cSee that plant? Furthest from the right? Watch it.\u201d<\/p>\n So saying, she flew towards it. The Garuda was fast, a speeding bullet in the air. Yvlon had only seen Bevussa\u2019s max speed once during the baseball game and now she understood why the Gold-rank Captain was one of Pallass\u2019 best. Bevussa closed the distance as fast as any bird, even with her armor, gear, and the crossbow\u2019s weight. They saw her flying higher as she reached the edge of the crimson grass.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s got to be at least three hundred feet up. What\u2019s she worried about?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria glanced at Yvlon. The armored woman bit her lip. There were stories, but she didn\u2019t know the specifics. Everyone was watching now, as Bevussa paused in the air. She was aiming, Yvlon guessed. But she was so tiny they couldn\u2019t see when she fired.<\/p>\n They didn\u2019t see the bolt strike the distant pillow-plant either. But what they did see was it pop.<\/em> One second it was a bulb in the distance, the next\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods! It exploded!\u201d<\/p>\n It was so hard to see, but\u2014Yvlon stared. A mass of red and black had erupted<\/em> as the bulb burst. It flew into the air\u2014like powder? No\u2014it wasn\u2019t spores. She saw it land, and then\u2014movement. Bevussa was flying back quickly, but the Silver-rank adventurers were transfixed.<\/p>\n The pillow-bulb had unleashed\u2026something. But the adventurers took a few minutes to figure out what they\u2019d seen. Then they realized what the squirming, moving mass was on the ground and several swore or blanched.<\/p>\n Bugs.<\/em> So many that they\u2019d filled the plant to bursting. They rained down, writhing, released from the crossbow bolt hitting their bulb. Now they were spreading out in a huge mass, visible even from here.<\/p>\n How many? Yvlon shuddered. She tried to imagine being covered in them. You\u2019d inhale<\/em> them. And if they bit or tried to get in your armor, your mouth\u2014<\/p>\n Everyone was silent when Bevussa dropped down in front of Stan and handed him the crossbow back. She looked around, flew up again, and pointed with one wing towards the exploded bulb.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if you fly, you will not get closer to the Bloodfields. That\u2019s one reason why, and the least of your threats. Let me say it again: my one<\/em> job is to explain to you how dangerous the Bloodfields is today. You\u2019re all adventurers, but you need to understand.\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured at the other pillow-structures. Now they seemed full of danger to Yvlon. Each one was a nest of insects? How did that even work? Yvlon felt a crawling sensation on her arms and shuddered. Bevussa was continuing her lecture.<\/p>\n \u201cYou walk by one of those living beds and it pops and those things will eat you alive faster than you can scream. That\u2019s one<\/em> of the Bloodfields\u2019 fauna. Ever seen a Watchertree? They stand high up and \u2018see\u2019 anything that moves on the soil for a hundred, sometimes hundreds of feet around them. You can spot them by the bare ground around\u2014that\u2019s because their root system is killing anything in their area! And if you step on the ground, a root comes up<\/em> and spears you! It can even go through unenchanted armor if the hit\u2019s right!\u201d<\/p>\n The Silver-ranks shifted. That sounded like a nightmare come to life! But Bevussa pointed out a nearly invisible, tall, tall<\/em> plant in the distance. And it was indeed devoid of vegetation around it.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are monsters too. Blood slimes, vampiric spiders\u2014there are animals, but all are adapted to live there and most are dangerous. Even the rabbits.<\/em> That\u2019s why you will all stay clear of the Bloodfields by at least<\/em> two miles from the nearest visible edge, understand?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Bevussa, is that safe? Would some monsters\u2026pursue us out of the area?\u201d<\/p>\n Kam raised her hand, looking worried. None of the adventurers were protesting Bevussa\u2019s injunction now. If anything, Yvlon agreed. Were they too close? Bevussa shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cMost of the Bloodfields\u2019 threats are stationary. The bugs, for instance, don\u2019t pursue you that far. And the Watchertrees? Totally safe if you stay away. That\u2019s why the radius is important. Frankly, you need to be worried about creatures living around the Bloodfields; there are monsters in the area. But we want to make sure you don\u2019t wander close. Got it?\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone nodded. Bevussa flew lower. Now her team took wing. The Wings of Pallass joined Bevussa and she pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m with you all just for today. I won\u2019t be around to bail you out; I might be in the dungeon or unavailable. So we\u2019ll be flying above, watching you. These are some [Scouts] from Liscor. [Pathfinders]\u2014and [Master Builder] Reikhle is from Pallass. He\u2019ll be helping determine which way we\u2019ll be setting a path. Your job is to escort the [Scouts]; each team pair off with a scout and coordinate your path. They know where to go!\u201d<\/p>\n Suddenly, it was work. And credit where credit was due; the Silver-rank teams might have been nervous from the threat of the Bloodfields, and new to Liscor, but they were still adventurers<\/em>. Each captain began calling orders and Yvlon found Ceria and Ksmvr. They made their way to a Drake [Scout].<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me? I\u2019m Ceria, Captain of the Horns of Hammerad.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHissle. Don\u2019t laugh. I\u2019m a [Pathfinder]. Is this your team?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s only three of us today; our fourth member\u2019s occupied. Is that a problem? Should we double up?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake paused.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Maybe. Let\u2019s see what Captain Bevussa has to say. How fast is your team?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can jog. Yvlon, you can keep up, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can. Can you?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon looked pointedly at Ceria. The half-Elf was the least in shape. She turned red.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been running! Grimalkin\u2019s been forcing me to do all kinds of lifts with those stupid weights\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey! That team! Yes, you! Thunder\u2019s Solace? With the Horns of Hammerad! There! Partner up with Scout Hissle!\u201d<\/p>\n Bevussa\u2019s voice shouted from overhead. Yvlon winced, but Captain Alais and her team didn\u2019t protest. Awkwardly, she made room for the other team and Hissle looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cMy name\u2019s Hissle. Don\u2019t laugh. I\u2019m the [Pathfinder] tasked with the eastern side\u2014we\u2019ll be taking that route. It\u2019s some climbing, but we\u2019ll move as fast as you\u2019re comfortable. Let\u2019s confer before we get moving. Who has detection Skills? I\u2019ll share point if there\u2019s someone with similar Skills to mine. And who are the team captains? I know Captain Springwalker. And the other is\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlais. This is Thunder\u2019s Solace. We have a [Tracker]. Ceria?\u201d<\/p>\n Alais stepped forwards and Hissle shook her hand. Ceria shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cAll we\u2019ve got is Ksmvr. He\u2019s fast, though. [Skirmisher]. And he can jump. Should we put him on the front?\u201d<\/p>\n Hissle brightened up.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d appreciate that. Extra security is nice. Uh\u2014oh, one of the new Antinium? Are you painted?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Ksmvr. The former Prognugator shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI am a disgrace.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Pathfinder] looked at Ceria. She shook her head. He paused.<\/p>\n \u201cRight then! Let\u2019s get marching. We\u2019ll sort out an order of movement and commands; for now, listen to me when I shout! If any of you see something suspicious, shout it out and everyone groups up, understand? If one of the Wings of Pallass shouts? Pay attention!\u201d<\/p>\n The team took off. The [Scouts] moved on with the faster teams first\u2014Yvlon\u2019s group began a fast march after them. The Wings of Pallass watched from above. Their only job besides being backup was to teach the adventurers how to keep from getting too close to the Bloodfields by accident, and they did that rigorously.<\/p>\n And then it was just a job. Yvlon had done escort requests before, and while Hissle set a fast pace, he assured the adventurers this wouldn\u2019t be their job the entire time.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll have to escort people clearing roads, even laying stones, perhaps. The Council hasn\u2019t decided yet, but they want a good, fairly safe road. So you\u2019ll get a slow pace. You just need to be on watch! You never know what\u2019ll come up in the foothills or on the road. Mostly, I think it won\u2019t be bad, but it\u2019s the rare examples that calls for adventurers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Council\u2019s spending a lot on this trade road.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria remarked as she, Yvlon, and Alais kept pace near the head of the group. Alais glanced at her; the Human woman was lost, but Yvlon and Ceria had gotten to know Liscor\u2019s politics. And indeed, Hissle was more comfortable around them. He nodded as they climbed a rocky slope.<\/p>\n \u201cCareful. Watch your step. Hold on\u2014I need to map this. Our current area maps are good, but we want to be certain and to check there are no nests or hazards the [Map Makers] missed. Too bad an expert [Cartographer] didn\u2019t come through here, but the Bloodfields aren\u2019t exactly prime terrain. [Merchants] just go through the center in the winter, so\u2026yeah, the Council\u2019s got gold! Apparently the Antinium and the Walled Cities are donating a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked sideways at Ksmvr as he said that. The [Skirmisher] nodded helpfully.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Hive is rich.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow rich?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, my approximate understanding of our gold supply was\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria nudged Ksmvr. After a moment, Hissle went on, pointing ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like the east has a viable path. Rocky in places, but there\u2019s some good flat land. West is too grassy. I don\u2019t like the odds of the Bloodfields or something spreading. Rocks? That damn stuff doesn\u2019t like rocks by and large. We can cut a path going away from the Bloodfields just in case, then angle it once we\u2019re well clear and shoot for Pallass. We might be on the winning path, folks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nearly four hundred miles from Liscor to Pallass. It\u2019ll take years<\/em> to do a route, surely?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon was panting, sweating in her armor and the warm air. Hissle laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cFor a proper road, maybe. With stones and everything? Sure! But clearing<\/em> a road and making sure two large wagons can roll unimpeded all the way? We can do that a lot faster. The Antinium have [Diggers] and our own teams can move dirt! [Merchants] will use this road if we do just that and ensure all the major hazards are out of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBrave of them.\u201d<\/p>\n Alais panted. Her team was wearing wood and chitin armor due to her imprecise control of lightning, but it was still heavy. Hissle called a halt to avoid them getting too winded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll slow the pace. You need to be able to fight, after all. And is it brave, Captain Alais? I\u2019ve seen [Merchant] caravan guards. They\u2019re good! And they might even hire teams like yours to guard them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFair point. But looking at this, Hissle\u2014it\u2019s going to be a lot of work.\u201d<\/p>\n They\u2019d summited the rocky hill. Hissle nodded. Yvlon stared down and imagined someone having to shape the hillside to create a natural ramp a wagon could climb without extreme effort.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be work. But paid work. And Pallass will help from their end too. In truth, we just need to get past the Bloodfields by about, oh, ten miles? Then we\u2019ll hit Drake roads and we\u2019re done! And Liscor will be connected<\/em> to the south again.\u201d<\/p>\n That did make it seem easier. And the tone in Hissle\u2019s voice\u2014Yvlon looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou seem passionate about it, Hissle.\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI volunteered to scout. Liscor wants the trade route, and so do I. I\u2019m a native\u2014grew up here. Served in the army, but not for long. I\u2019ve been to Drake cities, though. The city needs<\/em> it a lot more than Pallass does. Otherwise we can only trade by land when it\u2019s late fall or winter. That\u2019s why we\u2019re called a border city, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n He paused, staring across the landscape. In the distance, the Bloodfields were visible, a red stain on the land. All the teams were moving around it, searching for that path, east and west. Hissle stared darkly at the Bloodfields. Yvlon almost imagined she could see the red grass advancing, slowly, second by second, year by year.<\/p>\n \u201cIt didn\u2019t use to be like this. There was a time when the Bloodfields were smaller. And they were less\u2026active. But it\u2019s growing. We should stop it for good, someday. But fire only makes it pause for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n He shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on. Let\u2019s keep moving. I want to go a good distance before we report back. Shame we can\u2019t use that teleportation door, but apparently it\u2019s got a hefty mana limit. Just as well; I need to earn a living too!\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n On they went. Yvlon began chatting on the march; it helped with the work. And she found herself talking with Thunder\u2019s Solace and Alais. You couldn\u2019t help it. She didn\u2019t make up with Caddin, but she was eventually comfortable enough to laugh at a joke around him, and he could talk to her without having to look away.<\/p>\n It was something. And Yvlon was used to disputes between teams. The incident in the Guild hadn\u2019t even been bad; it could get nasty. Soon, she and Alais were telling Ksmvr about the \u2018good old days\u2019, and their rivalry between teams.<\/p>\n \u201cThat bull, Calruz, he was always a pain to deal with. You know Walt? He and Calruz nearly had both their teams throw down over a dispute one time. Stupid idiots. Stan, now Stan\u2019s great to work with. He\u2019s led a team for longer than all of us put together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy is he not a high-level adventurer, then, Captain Alais?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Aeromancer] looked uncomfortable.<\/p>\n \u201cSafety, maybe? Stan\u2019s got two kids, Ksmvr. He doesn\u2019t take huge risks; he takes jobs that don\u2019t end in him being dead. Being an adventurer\u2019s a career for him; he earns a good amount, more than most jobs, and he can take more breaks. It\u2019s smart for him. I hear he\u2019s got a lot saved up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh. May I infer by your omission then, that Crossbow Stan is not married?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Yeah. His wife left him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr, why don\u2019t we move ahead? I\u2019ll explain to you why that\u2019s a touchy subject and why you\u2019re never allowed to ask Stan that.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon smiled at Alais. Relieved, she let Ksmvr and Yvlon move ahead. Ksmvr turned and Yvlon tried to explain heartbreak, infidelity, and the changing nature of affection to an Antinium who she was fairly certain had never been interested in the opposite sex. If there even was one besides his Queen. Wait\u2014Ksmvr was<\/em> male, right? She had seen him \u2018nude\u2019 and there wasn\u2019t anything to actually see. He just wore clothing\u2014<\/p>\n The Antinium was marching with Yvlon when she grew silent. He looked at her questioningly. Yvlon kept looking back at Ceria, laughing with Alais, and Thunder\u2019s Solace. He looked at her arms, but she hadn\u2019t been feeling at them.<\/p>\n \u201cIs something wrong, Yvlon?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon Byres hesitated. She bit her lip, looked at Ksmvr, and then spoke softly.<\/p>\n \u201cHer name was Maise. But with an accent on the \u2018e\u2019. Mais\u00e9.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho is Mais\u00e9?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy former teammate. Back when I was Captain of the Silver Spears.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. I see.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon shook her head. Her old friend\u2019s face appeared in her mind. But the details were faded. It was harder to remember the exact curl in her hair, the way she stood. The sound of her voice. She went on. She\u2019d never talked to Ksmvr about Mais\u00e9. But he had to now.<\/p>\n \u201cShe used a spear. We used to joke that she was the real leader of the Silver Spears since she was the only one on the team who actually used the weapon regularly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all he said. But he was listening. Yvlon looked at the Antinium.<\/p>\n \u201cDid I ever tell you about the others?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Yvlon. You did not.\u201d<\/p>\n She bit her lip and looked down. Veronika, Mais\u00e9, Dalia, and Samite. There had only been five of them, but they\u2019d all been good<\/em>. At least, Yvlon had thought so.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me talk to you about them. For a bit. We were a team. Just last year. I wanted us to be like my brother\u2019s team, the Silver Swords. We weren\u2019t\u2014we were good. That\u2019s what I always thought. And if we kept training, if we got that one big windfall, we\u2019d be Gold-rank. There were five of us. You see, back when I first wanted to become an adventurer\u2014I knew Mais\u00e9 growing up. She lived on Byres lands. We were always\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She never forgot them. And she had never told anyone of how they died. She knew how Ceria had left her team. Fleeing, as Gerial bought her a moment of time. As her teammates fell around her. Calruz\u2014disappearing, screaming as Skinner plucked his arm from his body. But Yvlon had been there too.<\/p>\n It haunted her dreams. Her failure. But now? Yvlon looked at Ksmvr. He listened to her every word. Trusted her. She looked back at Ceria, her friend, huffing as she ran along. Even Pisces. She wished he\u2019d been here to bond with the other teams. But he was improving. She\u2019d have a word with him, try to introduce him. She hoped Kam and the others would accept a [Necromancer].<\/p>\n She\u2026had her team now. That was what mattered. But Yvlon still felt like she was back in the crypts sometimes. Watching her friends disappearing as they ran, fighting the undead, trying to reach for the surface.<\/p>\n I heard yours went down holding the line.<\/em> If only that were entirely true. Was it cowardice, or practicality? Why was she the only one who\u2019d made it? She was rich now. She had magical armor, a strong team\u2026<\/p>\n But she hated it. Yvlon shook her head, realizing she\u2019d fallen silent. She forced a smile at Ksmvr. He needed her, almost as much as she needed him.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, looks like we\u2019re being called back. Let\u2019s go join the others. And remember\u2014no talking about Stan\u2019s wife.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will attempt to do so. May I talk about his children?\u201d<\/p>\n It would get better. It had to. Without that, what did she have left? Yvlon laughed, and she joined her group. Her team. The infection would get better. It had to. She couldn\u2019t let them down. Not again.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The adventurers had all finished their scouting by evening. It had been a solid\u2026eight hours of work? From morning to evening! Yvlon was tired<\/em>, but pleasantly so. There hadn\u2019t been much trouble; six of the teams had run into monsters and her team had encountered a deer. Ksmvr had shot it, his reasoning being that they had a bag of holding. It was fresh meat and it had been a welcome meal for lunch, if wild. Yvlon wondered if Erin could make something of it.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright. The [Scouts] will confer and help pick the route. By tomorrow, we\u2019ll be sending more scouts and beginning preparations to build an actual road! We\u2019re not dallying around; Olesm, [Master Builder] Reikhle, and our other experts will be working all night on this one! But you all earned your pay! Good work!\u201d<\/p>\n Bevussa called out and the Silver-rank teams cheered. Yvlon saw gold being passed out; even if it was going to be split, it was a welcome sight. Ceria accepted hers and grinned, flashing some at Yvlon. Strange, how it was so good to see. They were rich<\/em>. As soon as they got to Invrisil\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get a drink, huh, guys? And some cake at Erin\u2019s inn!\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf called out to her team. But Alais stopped her as the teams began filing back towards the inn.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Ceria. The team captains are going to have a drink in Liscor. Not your inn\u2014somewhere private. Most of our teams will stay at the inn, but\u2014you want to come? You and Yvlon?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria blinked. She looked at Yvlon. The armored woman stared at Alais. The [Aeromancer] was biting her lip and pointing. Stan, Kam, Walt\u2014all of the team captains and some of the older adventurers were waiting in a small group by the door. Ceria hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cI uh\u2014with all of you? What about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust\u2014talking about the past. Recent events. Stan and I want to\u2014all of us. If it\u2019s alright. Your friend\u2014Ksmvr?\u2014can come. But we\u2019d like to talk. The old crew.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon looked at Alais\u2019 flushed face. It couldn\u2019t be easy to say that. Yvlon saw Ceria looking at her, her brows raised in silent inquiry. Yvlon hesitated, and then smiled. She reached out and touched Alais\u2019 shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like that. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Alais looked up and smiled. Yvlon followed her with Ceria and Ksmvr to the other group. She looked at Walt, Kam, Stan\u2014and all the others. And they nodded to her. She felt a strange sense of nostalgia. She felt welcomed again. She smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cA drink? I know a good bar if we\u2019re spending a lot of coin. If not, I know a few dives. Let\u2019s hit the town; Erin\u2019s got poor alcohol. Everything else is great, though. We\u2019ll have a chat and then see a play and eat some cake.\u201d<\/p>\n They laughed and agreed. Yvlon led the way through the magic door, smiling a bit. The adventurers left, closing the door, and leaving the grass, the wilderness in silence.<\/p>\n Up ahead, the Bloodfields rustled. The watching plants swayed in the breeze. The dark earth was silent. Few things moved. It was\u2026almost inviting.<\/p>\n A dead bird lay on the ground, in a bare patch of land. It was freshly dead, an inviting meal. Some creatures might ignore the danger for a free snack like that. And indeed, one red russet fox, believing its fur coat was a good fit for the red grass, crept closer to the bird. It looked around, but the Bloodfields were silent.<\/p>\n There was no grass where the bird lay. And if the fox had been cautious\u2014it missed the hole in the center of the body. It was food. So it darted ahead, rushing towards the bird, prepared to grab it and dart back into cover. It passed under the watchful aegis of a tall, thin plant. With a strange bulb near the top. The fox pattered forwards. It snatched the bird in its jaws.<\/p>\n A tendril stabbed<\/em> out of the ground, spearing the foolish fox through the abdomen. It jerked\u2014stopped moving. Its blood ran onto the soil as the tendril lowered back into the ground. The dead fox\u2019s corpse remained, to feed the soil and attract other unwary scavengers. The Watchertree absorbed the blood, its wide root system feasting.<\/p>\n Silence again. And death. All that lived here was made of the Bloodfields, or dangerous enough to resist the death here. The adventurers had gone. Food had gone. But food would be back. Few things dared to live around the Bloodfields. But what did live was dangerous. And the Bloodfields were just as deadly. Food would return.<\/p>\n The Bloodfields waited.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The inn was dark when the traveller first arrived. No\u2014not traveller. She was, in fact, a Gnoll cub. She had white fur. Her name was Mrsha. This was her home. But she had been away from home. Just for a little bit. And she had come back just now. But, for however short her absence […]<\/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":[11693086,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693135],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-7094","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-6","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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