In the darkness, there was fire. And fire, that elusive, dangerous thing, was brightest as night fell around Invrisil.<\/p>\n
It was a horrible thing. It could burn the land to ash. But it was also essential. And it was at its most beautiful when the shadows closed in.<\/p>\n
Fire. A contradictory thing. It blazed in a young woman. If you looked at her and saw, you could witness it. An old flame, emitting one last surge of radiance.<\/p>\n
For the [Lady] remembered. And fire was like memory. They had called her Lady Firestarter, once.<\/p>\n
She watched as another spark of fire blossomed. This was mundane light. But no less welcoming for it.<\/p>\n
Outside the gates of Invrisil, an adventurer was starting a fire. A woman wearing somewhat battered plate armor, well-maintained, but clearly damaged from fighting, was attending to it.<\/p>\n
There wasn\u2019t that<\/em> much tinder to be found lying around Invrisil. It wasn\u2019t as if she could jog towards the nearest forest miles distant and find the waiting sticks and logs of wood pre-chopped on the ground. And trees didn\u2019t actually like to burn that<\/em> easily.<\/p>\n So she\u2019d had to improvise. She had pried off sections of the rickety wagon the adventurers had been riding in. The guardrails, taken her sword to the back of the wagon\u2014<\/p>\n They were burning their ride. But they\u2019d come to their destination, so the wagon was so much scrap. It was, in fact, a very practical action. And Yvlon Byres only despaired that other people weren\u2019t capable of thinking on their feet. And that number included her team.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean,<\/em> the city\u2019s closed? The gates never close!\u201d<\/p>\n A [Trader] was wailing at the [Guards] on the gate. One of them shouted down as the others ignored the plaintive voice. A crowd was milling around the shut gates.<\/p>\n \u201cMayor\u2019s orders, sir!<\/em> The city was attacked less than a week ago! There\u2019s a travel restriction\u2014whomever sent yonder giant at our walls is still out there!\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed. Every head turned to the decomposing flesh giant in the distance. It was being burned. But flesh liked to burn even less than wood, and the thing was massive.<\/em><\/p>\n The [Trader] paled.<\/p>\n \u201cBut what are we to do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFind an inn. Come back in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Captain] was unhelpful. The crowd milled about. Yvlon watched, sighing as she fed the small blaze she\u2019d created with some flint and tinder.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a mess. Invrisil almost never<\/em> gets attacked. Let alone closes the gates.\u201d<\/p>\n She remarked to no one in particular. Her teammates had wandered off the instant they realized they weren\u2019t getting into the city that night. They might still be milling around the gates. But the [Silversteel Armsmistress] had immediately taken stock of the situation. She\u2019d moved the wagon off the road, set up a small camp.<\/p>\n She was an adventurer. And unlike the distressed [Trader] who was terrified of having to camp with his valuables outside, Yvlon was already planning out a night in the open. It wasn\u2019t hard; they didn\u2019t have a tent, but they could sleep in the wagon or under it if it rained. She wished they\u2019d kept the outdoor tents adventurers brought, but they had blankets aplenty.<\/p>\n She\u2019d started the fire, checked their supplies. Another mistake; they had little more than dry rations, but with some water from a well somewhere, they\u2019d make do. A bit of hunger never killed anyone. Well\u2014a bit.<\/p>\n And Yvlon would dig a latrine. Maybe Ksmvr could help with that; he was Antinium. The [Armsmistress] glanced about.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are they? I swear, if Pisces gets caught trying to go over the walls\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She grumbled under her breath. Her team. She loved them. But they were a disaster of a group in some respects. She still remembered the eggs incident. Food poisoning! For nearly two days she\u2019d had to herd her teammates around. And they could get into other trouble as well.<\/p>\n Ksmvr, at least, had the excuse that he was three. Ceria and Pisces on the other hand? [Mages].<\/em> And while Ceria wasn\u2019t as arrogant or inclined to causing mischief as Pisces, she could be just as crazy.<\/p>\n Yvlon\u2019s old team hadn\u2019t been that bad. They\u2019d had characters, but\u2014actually, no. Compared to the Horns, they\u2019d been as interesting as dirt. Yvlon had never walked in on one of the Silver Spears rolling around in a pile of treasure. That had happened twice with her teammates. First Pisces and Ksmvr, and then Ceria who\u2019d heard about it and wanted to try it out.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see. Fire\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Armsmistress] critically examined the fire. She added some more wood, fearlessly inserting her hand into<\/em> the fire. Because her hands and arms up to her shoulder weren\u2019t flesh.<\/p>\n They were a strange metal, a mix of silver and steel, hence her class. And the metal imitated her arms perfectly. Down to the curvature of her muscle; they even flexed and tendons rippled as she adjusted the fire.<\/p>\n Metal like flesh. Or rather, metal that had replaced her flesh. Yvlon could even feel the heat; she felt exactly<\/em> how hot it was. But the sensation was removed from the burning she would have experienced normally. It was passing strange.<\/p>\n Yet, here were her arms. And they were far better than the crippled mess she had been resigned to a month ago. Yvlon inspected her hands as she took them out of the fire. She touched her leg and burned herself.<\/p>\n \u201cOw.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Her arms kept the heat of the fire. Yvlon stared at them, slightly exasperated, slightly\u2026<\/p>\n She\u2019d had time to get used to them. But how much time was enough? These were her arms. And they were beautiful.<\/p>\n And foreign. They were lovely art. People stared at them when they met Yvlon, even more than her features, which had always been the case beforehand. They told her how beautiful she looked.<\/p>\n But she was Yvlon, not art. She would have admired her arms too. But they were hers.<\/em> And that changed everything.<\/p>\n Nevertheless\u2014she had her team. That was what mattered. Grumbling and looking around for them now, Yvlon made sure the fire wouldn\u2019t spread and then dusted her hands. She looked about.<\/p>\n The smart visitors to Invrisil, the City of Adventurers, were on the move. [Farmers] were taking their goods back, bemoaning the lost time, but with homes to visit. Or\u2014they were heading back down the road to find lodging.<\/p>\n Some were milling about. Unable to cope with events so dramatic and profoundly troubling to their way of life as being locked out of a city for a night. They\u2019d make poor adventurers. Yvlon had some sympathy for them, but it had limits. They were all adults. They had to take care of themselves; if they couldn\u2019t handle this, how could they even live <\/em>in this world where monsters might attack out of nowhere?<\/p>\n The uncharitable thought gave Yvlon some pause. Of course, it was the Byres way to give aid to anyone in need. Her brother would, at this very moment, be organizing everyone, making sure no one went hungry. He was like that.<\/p>\n But she wasn\u2019t. Yvlon sighed as she watched a family milling about. Well\u2014maybe they could share their rations. Such as they were. Just a few mouthfuls of some seeds Ceria had bought to snack on, some flatbread, two days old\u2026where could she find food?<\/p>\n \u201cAnd where is my team?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Gold-rank adventurer complained. She looked around and spotted a young woman tethering her horse to a rock. She was well-dressed, in a somewhat ill-fitting noblewoman\u2019s garments. But they were expensive and Yvlon imagined the young woman\u2014around her age\u2014was a [Lady] of some sort. At least of the landed gentry. But she seemed industrious. Industrious and inexperienced, that was.<\/p>\n She\u2019d started a fire. A brilliant flame on the ground. But\u2014Yvlon frowned. There was no firewood. Some Skill? The young woman had left her horse some grazing room and tied it securely, but now she was rummaging around. And she clearly had nothing to eat or anywhere to stay.<\/p>\n A traveller for a day. Yvlon shook her head. Now, Ylawes, or her father, Yitton Byres would be trying to figure out how to feed everyone. Ylawes would raise his voice, stride into the road, and tell everyone he\u2019d watch out for them. Yvlon didn\u2019t have that kind of courage. Her older sister did, and Ylawes\u2014but of different sorts.<\/p>\n \u201cHah\u2014Ysara would be selling them food. And Ylawes\u2026did Pisces go looking for a way into the city? We have to bring the door<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the objects in the wagon was a wooden door, inset with a magical stone. It should have been the first candidate for burning, rather than the wagon, which could be sold. But Yvlon hadn\u2019t touched it. Because it was a magical door.<\/p>\n And they were nearly at Invrisil. So nearly. But one last hurdle eluded them, after a long while of small adventures. Fighting off natural stone golems, experiencing food poisoning\u2014hostility against Ksmvr as a member of the Antinium\u2014Yvlon sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cIf only we could hop through the door. But\u2014no, that would never work. It wouldn\u2019t be able to take us all, anyways. Just two of us at best, right? Still\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cPisces would demand to be first. And Ceria. So Ksmvr and I get to guard the wagon. I suppose that\u2019s better than listening to Pisces grumble all night. Hm.\u201d<\/p>\n She reached for the door. In the darkness, other people were setting up camp outside the walls. Yvlon coughed as some of the foul odor of the burning flesh giant in the distance wafted to her. She reached for the door\u2019s handle\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t do that, Yvlon. The door won\u2019t activate. And even if it does, I think we\u2019re good.\u201d<\/p>\n A female voice. Yvlon Byres\u2019 head turned. She saw a half-Elf, her hair shining by firelight. The [Cryomancer] smiled as Yvlon straightened. And she was different too.<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s eyes were pale. And the air was colder around her. Just a bit. If she lost control, it turned to ice, and it might even snow in her presence. One of her hands was skeletal. And the [Ice Mage]\u2019s magical powers in her element had grown even stronger of late. She was also carrying something.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? I thought you\u2019d want to try the door, Ceria.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon gestured at the door. She saw the young noblewoman looking around and cursing, clearly unsure of how to find food at this hour. Ceria grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, me? I can sleep outdoors one day. And I doubt Erin\u2019s attuned her<\/em> door to ours. It won\u2019t open if she doesn\u2019t set the stone, remember? We\u2019ll have to [Message] her. You can try it, but I think we\u2019re stuck for the night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Right.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon lamely opened the door. And of course, nothing happened. She sighed. There went one of her food options.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did Pisces and Ksmvr go?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have no idea. But I\u2019ve got water.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Armsmistress] looked up. Ceria held up something. Her bag of holding.<\/p>\n \u201cI went to find some. First things first, we need water, right? I don\u2019t know how much food we have, but conjuring water is a pain. Magical ice you can\u2019t eat, so\u2026here. Enough to fill the pot a few times.\u201d<\/p>\n She held out the bag of holding. Yvlon blinked. She peered inside.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you pour the water inside? It\u2019ll get\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI took everything else out first. I\u2019m not an idiot, Yvlon. Shame we don\u2019t have a bag of holding with multiple pocket-spaces. Anyways, it\u2019s simpler to find a river, like I did than to keep conjuring water. I\u2019m a [Cryomancer] after all; I sensed it. Did you make that fire? Nice!\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria sat down with a smile and began to warm herself. Although it was mostly for pleasure; she felt little cold anymore. Yvlon blinked at her friend.<\/p>\n Ceria Springwalker, Captain of the Horns of Hammerad. She was a good leader in a fight and the most easygoing of all of them, but Yvlon had never really thought she was this resourceful. But she forgot\u2014Ceria had lived in a forest growing up.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, did you see Pisces and Ksmvr?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope. But I\u2019m sure they\u2019re just scoping out things.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon doubted that. But\u2014her uncharitable thoughts about her team\u2019s expertise in a survival environment were shattered yet again. Because out of the darkness emerged a glowing [Light] spell. And there was a young Human man, dressed in white robes, a rapier at his side, and an Antinium Worker.<\/p>\n At her fire, the young [Lady] raised her head warily as the two approached. But Pisces, for all his newfound power, looked like\u2026Pisces. And until he sniffed or sneered or conjured an undead creation, he was actually fairly handsome. As for Ksmvr\u2014he was a Worker. And they were both carrying armfuls of\u2014food?<\/p>\n Yes, food. Pisces put an armful of potatoes on the wagon\u2019s back\u2014enough to feed everyone dinner and then some. Ksmvr had a jug of milk, a half-wheel of cheese, and a small jar filled with strong-smelling spices among a few other sundry ingredients. Pisces pulled a few more items out of his pockets, some onion, a bit of wrapped butter, as Yvlon stared.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere have you two been? I thought you were looking for a route over the walls! And where did you get that food? Don\u2019t tell me you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces glanced up at Yvlon. He shook his head, mystified.<\/p>\n \u201cWe stole nothing, Yvlon. Rather, I was securing our dinner. Ksmvr helped me carry the lot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have also found some natural growing rhubarb and an herb I believe is known as basil out of the ground, Miss Yvlon. I had also dug up a number of nutritional worms, but Comrade Pisces believed they were unnecessary.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium watched as Pisces fished around in the team\u2019s belongings. He had a bag of holding too and he came over to the fire with a pot, cast-iron kettle, and nodded at Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr, peel those potatoes. We can cook the food in here. Where\u2019s the butter\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere. What are you making?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm. I have no idea. Cheese and potatoes were all we could get. I intercepted some of the [Farmers] and this was cheapest. Brown the potatoes with the butter, add in a bit of the milk and cheese?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMhm. Any meat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn. I\u2019ll live. Ksmvr, how tasty were the bugs you found?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMostly worms, Captain Ceria. I can retrieve them if you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Nah. Nah, I\u2019m good.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon watched in a minor state of shock as the rest of her teammates gathered around the fire. Ksmvr peeled potatoes with all three hands as Ceria levitated a few ingredients to Pisces. He was gently heating the cast-iron pan and cooking the first of the potato slices in the butter before she came to her senses.<\/p>\n You could know someone, and not know<\/em> someone. Her teammates had changed so much since she\u2019d met them, but still\u2014Pisces sat by the fire. And he grumbled about the weight of the cast-iron pot, and began to levitate it instead of holding it. And he was browning the potatoes as he made an impromptu meal of cheesy potatoes. Ceria was making some tea in a kettle, and Ksmvr had found more wild plants to add to the meal.<\/p>\n Yvlon had assumed prior to this moment that if they were ever dropped without her in the middle of a forest, her team would starve\u2014or Ceria and Ksmvr would eat Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cI had no idea you could cook, Pisces.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] sniffed. That was somehow reassuring to Yvlon; he hadn\u2019t been replaced by some phantom taking his body.<\/p>\n \u201cI seldom do. I find cooking quite inconvenient and time-consuming since I have few Skills. But it behooves one to know a few tricks of the trade. Cast-iron is a wonderful retainer of heat, incidentally. Ksmvr, some salt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere, Comrade Pisces.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you found the rhubarb and other plants, Ksmvr?\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium that had been adopted by the Horns of Hammerad, whom Yvlon thought of like a younger brother sometimes, the one she had never known she wanted\u2014smiled brightly.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Yvlon. I have studied many edible plants as part of my training to become a Prognugator. And Comrade Pisces is a good cook. He has cooked many times, with things he has purloined. Or so he informs me.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces coughed hurriedly and turned his head. Yvlon narrowed her eyes, but Ceria was inspecting the tea.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s sort of weak, but it\u2019ll do. We\u2019re sleeping in the wagon tonight, everyone. I was just telling Yvlon I doubt the magic door to Erin\u2019s inn is open.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI could send a [Message]. I have the spell now. To that\u2026Palt? Or Montressa?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces commented neutrally. Ceria chewed on her lip. She glanced at the wagon, part of which had been cannibalized.<\/p>\n \u201cNah, this isn\u2019t bad. Besides\u2026I want us to be in Invrisil before we see Erin, you know? Hey, who destroyed part of our wagon?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon turned red. She looked at the fire, which she\u2019d made. The food, water, everything else? Her team. She\u2019d been about to suggest they all have a handful of seeds and dry flatbread and call it a night.<\/p>\n \u201cI uh\u2014I did. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLowers the resale value.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces murmured with a frown. Ceria waved it off.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Halfseekers bought the wagon, Pisces. It\u2019s fine. Nice fire. Say\u2014it\u2019s getting a bit cold, isn\u2019t it? Windy.\u201d<\/p>\n Indeed, a wind was beginning to whip around Invrisil. Yvlon didn\u2019t feel it on her arms, but her face objected to the sudden chill. She heard a curse\u2014the young [Lady]\u2019s fire had gone out. Another mark of inexperience; you couldn\u2019t make most Skill-based creations last more than an hour. She needed actual firewood to keep the fire going.<\/p>\n Pisces frowned as he adjusted the pan. He was putting in shredded cheese and a bit of milk and watching his potato slices marinate.<\/p>\n \u201cInconvenient. Oh glorious captain, can you deal with that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria rolled her eyes. Yvlon got up quickly; she\u2019d unhitched the horses and tethered them.<\/p>\n \u201cI can help push the wagon against the wind\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNah. My [Ice Walls] should do. They\u2019ll last a few hours. I\u2019ll recast as we sleep and we won\u2019t notice once we\u2019re out.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria drew her wand. The [Artic Cryomancer]\u2019s pale eyes, like a winter\u2019s chill, flashed as she pointed. Yvlon saw walls of opaque ice rising out of the ground. On all four sides, the ice rose higher. And then made a slanted roof overhead. Critically, Ceria added a few windows. And the ice house was done.<\/p>\n \u201cThere. Shouldn\u2019t whistle with the winds in the background. And the campfire shouldn\u2019t melt it.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon stared about the temporary dwelling. Ceria had even included the wagon inside.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Won\u2019t the ice drip over time? Even if the campfire doesn\u2019t melt it?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Warrior] lamely looked at Ceria. The half-Elf shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cMagical ice. It\u2019ll just vanish if it does. Whoops! Good catch, Yvlon. Nearly forgot the chimney.\u201d<\/p>\n The ice reshaped itself as Ceria pointed. Her mastery of her magic had improved; before she had only been able to conjure simple walls of ice. Ksmvr happily stared around.<\/p>\n \u201cVery defensible, Captain Ceria. I will then take first watch. I see there are also spaces for cover that I might shoot our enemies through. I would expect nothing less.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces snorted as he checked on the potatoes. Ceria sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr, we don\u2019t need a guard. I mean\u2014it makes sense. But we\u2019re not in that<\/em> much danger here.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium [Skirmisher] thought about this.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, this would be part of our talks about \u2018paranoia\u2019 and \u2018not alarming people\u2019, yes, Captain Ceria? In that case, I will obey. And simply set up a few tripwires.\u201d<\/p>\n He bustled out of the ice home\u2019s door. Yvlon saw the Antinium produce lengths of thin string. And he hung a few bells on them that would jangle if anyone tripped over them, tying the strings to stakes he hammered into the ground.<\/p>\n One of the first things Ksmvr had bought with his share of the immediate profits from killing the Crelers and his adventures was more gear. He already had his personal bag of holding with a number of crossbows in it; Crossbow Stan\u2019s legacy. But he\u2019d added bells, two bear traps, and any number of gadgets to his repertoire.<\/p>\n And with that, their security for the night was taken care of. Yvlon would have wanted a watch, just in case. But between the ice house and Ksmvr\u2019s traps\u2026<\/p>\n The daughter of house Byres looked around. More people had set up camp, but the Horns of Hammerad\u2019s camp was by far the most\u2026luxurious. Ceria was laying out blankets in the wagon. Ksmvr was patting horses. Pisces pronounced his first bowl of potatoes done and the smell was making Yvlon\u2019s mouth water. She decided to pour everyone some tea.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks for the fire, Yvlon. Really helped to come back to it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria smiled at the [Armsmistress]. Pisces handed a bowl of food over.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, thanks are in order.\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded. Ksmvr bowed his head slightly. Yvlon\u2014waved her hand.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026It was nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n Humbling, surprising, but gratifying. The Horns of Hammerad sat about the fire and Yvlon realized\u2014this was why she liked her team. They, including her, were a band of idiots. But they were united<\/em> idiots. Teammates. She was laughing as Pisces began to complain about the flesh giant\u2019s smell\u2014muted by Ceria\u2019s ice walls.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not saying I approve of the methods. I am just saying<\/em> that it was inefficiently made! Solid flesh? You can make a framework and\u2014no, I\u2019m not endorsing killing that many people, Ceria! I\u2019m just saying that if I were doing it\u2014hypothetically<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Dingaling.<\/em><\/p>\n The sound of a few bells ringing made the Horns of Hammerad look up. The adventurers immediately stood. From outside their fort, they heard a muffled curse. And then a voice.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me! I\u2019m unarmed! I just came to ask if you\u2019d be willing to share some food? I can pay!\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers looked at each other. Ceria relaxed. Pisces\u2014vanished.<\/p>\n The invisible [Necromancer] brushed against Yvlon and she glanced over his shoulder. He was at a window. Paranoia? Or sense? Ceria called out.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on over, by all means!\u201d<\/p>\n She stood. And that was when Yvlon saw the young woman she\u2019d observed earlier.<\/p>\n The [Lady]\u2019s dress was mussed from travel. And her hair was in disarray. More than that\u2014she looked a bit saddle sore. Yvlon hadn\u2019t seen a saddle on her horse. The young woman was wearing slippers, not riding boots.<\/p>\n Her clothing didn\u2019t fit<\/em>, Yvlon realized. And that made her suspect a [Thief]. But who wore what they stole? And for all that, she belonged in the clothes. She had a presence.<\/p>\n Her hair was jet black, mixed with fiery red and orange. Like embers in the smoke. Long gleaming hair, a strong profile\u2014oh yes. Yvlon recognized the blood of a noble house at once. Many mothers had childbearing or bloodline Skills. Some fathers, come to that. The nobility and even royalty bred their offspring to be the best.<\/p>\n But the young woman was perfectly respectful. She bowed slightly, smiling with a touch of wariness as she held up a string with bells attached.<\/p>\n \u201cI broke it, I\u2019m sorry. I\u2014hope I\u2019m not intruding? I was wondering if I could\u2014share the pot? I can pay, but I was locked out of the city with everyone else. And I don\u2019t have supplies for the night\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Her words were also a bit odd. Not as if she had a lisp, but rather the tone and wording themselves. She switched from authoritative to polite halfway through. Yvlon got the impression the young woman\u2019s preference would have been to demand the adventurer\u2019s food.<\/p>\n All heads turned to Ceria. The [Ice Mage] blinked, but she only had to look at Yvlon for a second before she smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Don\u2019t worry about the money. We\u2019re all stuck. I\u2019ve never heard of Invrisil being closed. Come on in\u2014we\u2019ve got more than enough food. Come to that, I wonder if anyone else is hungry? I thought I saw some families.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Yvlon. And that was why she liked Ceria. The [Armsmistress] half-rose.<\/p>\n \u201cI saw a few families. I can check.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman was hesitating at the opening to the ice house. She looked at Ksmvr and then pretended not to be. Ceria smiled and waved her over.<\/p>\n \u201cCome in, have a seat. Don\u2019t mind Ksmvr. He\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAntinium.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman murmured. She walked forwards. Not afraid, but wary of Ksmvr. She studied him as Ksmvr raised two hands on his left side.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, I am Ksmvr. I am not a monster. Also, I do not eat people. I am an adventurer and perfectly safe.\u201d<\/p>\n He\u2019d been working on that introduction. It hadn\u2019t ever quite worked beforehand, but the young woman nodded tightly. She sat on the other end of the fire as Ceria checked the pot. Yvlon was heading for the door when a figure bustled in.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve just done a quick circuit of the other fires. It looks like most people are well attended to\u2014oh, hello. Who is this, then? A guest? Many people are sharing fires.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces smiled innocuously at the young lady. Maviola glanced at Pisces, and smiled in a friendly way as Yvlon stared at Pisces. He gave her a nod and stepped back.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, I didn\u2019t know where to go. I was about to ride back, but I was afraid my horse would stumble in the darkness.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola didn\u2019t seem surprised to see him. Nor had she blinked at his sudden entrance as the rest of Pisces\u2019 team had. The [Necromancer]\u2019s [Invisibility] spell\u2026hadn\u2019t worked on Maviola El.<\/p>\n But no one noticed that. Ceria sighed as she stared at the browned cheesy potatoes, bubbling hot.<\/p>\n \u201cDinner\u2019s ready! Don\u2019t worry about paying. Miss\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaviola. And thank you. Are you sure you wouldn\u2019t accept\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf impatiently waved off the offer as she ladled the piping hot food into bowls and passed them around.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got money. We\u2019re adventurers, actually. The Horns of Hammerad. Any idea why Invrisil is closed?\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola accepted a bowl, murmuring thanks. She shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard there was a failed attack. That Flesh Giant. No casualties in the attack, but an entire village was\u2026killed to make it.\u201d<\/p>\n The Horns looked shocked. Pisces just counted as he moved his lips silently. You could make three<\/em> if\u2014<\/em>Yvlon punched his shoulder and he winced.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had no idea. Where did it come from?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA [Necromancer], or so they say.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola\u2019s face was guileless. She was dissembling, but she couldn\u2019t have known how that comment would make the Horns wince.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not good. [Necromancers], huh? Sounds like whoever killed those people was a monster. Right, Pisces? I wonder who might have done that?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] burned his tongue on his food, but it really was delicious for such a simple meal. He put more potatoes into the pot to be seared as he thought out loud.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t think of any cult or group with the power to make a giant<\/em> undead like that. It must have been a Level\u202640 [Necromancer]. Surely.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola\u2019s head turned. She saw a chitinous hand waving at her and instantly recoiled.<\/p>\n \u201cWould you like some salt, Miss Maviola?\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium was politely offering some salt in a packet to Maviola. The [Lady] hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014very well.\u201d<\/p>\n Gingerly, she accepted the salt packet, taking care not to touch Ksmvr\u2019s hands. And she looked at him. The Antinium was smiling, forgetting that most people had no idea of how to read his face.<\/p>\n The other adventurers noticed. Yvlon chewed, swallowed, and then spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Maviola. Are you part of the noble houses of Izril, by any chance? Perhaps related to the House of El? Their matriarch is named Maviola.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lady] blinked. She looked up\u2014and again, she was very good at hiding her feelings. Her eyes flickered.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Slightly, yes. I was named after Maviola El. And I\u2019m a distant relation. Not that noble, but my family thought it was a good way of currying favor.\u201d<\/p>\n Wariness.<\/em> Yvlon instantly tried to clarify.<\/p>\n \u201cI see. I just ask because I\u2019m Yvlon Byres. Third Daughter of the House of Byres. I know a lot of the family names.\u201d<\/p>\n Instantly, Maviola relaxed. Her expression cleared and a smile flitted across her features at last. She seemed to notice Yvlon\u2019s arms again.<\/p>\n \u201cHouse Byres? That\u2019s an honorable lot. What is a daughter of the Byres family doing here? I know of a Ylawes Byres, a Gold-rank adventurer. Would you be\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHis younger sister. Gold-rank as well, actually. We were just promoted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman blinked. She chewed on the burning-hot potatoes. Even Ceria, who would eat bugs, and Pisces, who would eat hot dishes, had to wait. Yvlon too. Only Ksmvr and Maviola seemed immune to the sheer heat of the food. The [Lady] looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cForgive me, but I didn\u2019t know I was bothering a team of Gold-rank adventurers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cForgive what? We\u2019re not that big. And we just<\/em> got promoted. I\u2019m sorry, we haven\u2019t introduced ourselves, have we? The Horns of Hammerad, adventurers from down around Celum. I\u2019m Ceria Springwalker, the Captain. [Cryomancer]. Don\u2019t mind the hand.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf waved her skeletal hand. Maviola blinked at it. Pisces bowed slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Maviola, I am Pisces, a [Mage] from Wistram at your service.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon Byres, [Armsmistress]. My arms are recent too.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon stared at Pisces. Ksmvr raised one of his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cI am Ksmvr, formerly of the Free Antinium. But I was kicked out. I am a [Skirmisher] and the least-able member of my team. Hello!\u201d<\/p>\n The young [Lady] was blinking at the introductions. Skeletal hand, silversteel arms\u2014Ksmvr. She looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cI am Maviola Imarris. Distantly related to the House of El and the Imarris family, but an offshoot branch. Not really of the high nobility, but I am a [Lady]. Thank you for gracing me with dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all. Heck of a thing, isn\u2019t it? Invrisil being closed. Even if there was an attack, I can\u2019t remember it ever happening in the years I\u2019ve been in Izril.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s happened three times in recent memory. But it is rare.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola murmured. She was eating with a passion. Her eyes lit up as she savored each bite while trying to scarf at the same time. It was rather reminiscent of Ksmvr, actually. The sheer joy she had for the food made Yvlon envious, and she liked<\/em> the meal.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is amazing food. Thank you so much for sharing it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not that excellent. But I have to admit, there is some pleasure in cooking a meal well. By all means, have seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces puffed up slightly and he tended to the second serving. And there were certainly a lot of mouths to feed. Yvlon was a [Warrior] and hungry\u2014and the rest of her team was just gluttonous by nature. Maviola no less than the others.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I ask, what brings an Antinium out of their Hives? I don\u2019t\u2026know the Antinium nearly as well as I thought I did. I thought they never left their Hives. Much less became adventurers. Or\u2026spoke. Except for their leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola had to breach the question at last. Yvlon was impressed by her restraint, but she was still clearly wary for all she was relaxing. It was Ceria who replied with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr\u2019s a bit\u2014different. He was kicked out of his Hive. And he was an uh, Prognugator. That\u2019s one of their leaders. But he\u2019s alright. Don\u2019t mind him if he makes any mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am learning. And I was a disgrace to my Hive so I was exiled. Hello! Again!\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr waved at Maviola. She blinked, and her eye sharpened with interest.<\/p>\n \u201cReally? <\/em>May I ask\u2014if it\u2019s not too impolite? What brought an Antinium into a team? Are there more like that? And\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She glanced at Yvlon and Ceria. The [Armsmistress] smiled crookedly.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, everyone wants to know. And it is a story.\u201d<\/p>\n The other Horns chuckled. By now, the tale of their slaying of the Adult Creler wasn\u2019t something that filled them with an abundance of embarrassment and pride. But\u2014it still felt good to tell. Yvlon told it as quickly as she could, with Ceria helping and Pisces adding anecdotes as he stirred the potatoes. Maviola listened. And her eyes lit up.<\/p>\n \u201cYou killed an Adult Creler as Silver-ranks?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot alone. We lost a lot of good adventurers. We got lucky. It was Yvlon who kept bashing it in the head.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was all luck, Miss Maviola. But we\u2019ve had a lot of it. We paid for it, though\u2026Ceria\u2019s hand, my arms.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven so. Adventurers. I dreamed of being one as a girl.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola looked at them, eyes shining by firelight. Somehow, the fire wasn\u2019t dying down. Yvlon hadn\u2019t needed to add to it for over an hour. Ever since Maviola had arrived. And\u2014the young woman had an aura about her.<\/p>\n Not just a presence, an aura.<\/em> Yvlon recognized it. It wasn\u2019t hostile, though. But when the young [Lady] leaned over, you felt like she was looking only at you. It made you want to tell her everything. It was also, vaguely\u2026familiar. Different, but familiar.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not all glory and treasure. Being an adventurer is sometimes wading through muck. Or getting hurt. But it is\u2014something. Not that I\u2019m saying you should dive into it, but you could get into adventuring, Miss Maviola. Sorry\u2014is it [Lady]? You\u2019re young enough.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman laughed ruefully.<\/p>\n \u201cIf only. I\u2019m not the best for fighting. And I think I\u2019d better leave such things to you. I\u2019m just envious from afar. Once again, thank you for hosting me. I haven\u2019t had a meal like this in\u2026dec\u2014years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t really need to thank us. It\u2019s just a little bit of food.\u201d<\/p>\n But the [Lady]\u2019s smile was infectious. And Yvlon, sitting in the ice fort, listened as Maviola had to ask what had led to Ceria\u2019s skeletal hand. Her ice magic\u2014the conversation turned lively.<\/p>\n And outside of Invrisil\u2019s walls, the people were sitting around campfires. Even if not protected from the wind, they huddled together. Taking something from the communal experience. Strangers, moving closer in the darkness.<\/p>\n And enterprise was a thing of beauty. It could fit anywhere. As Ceria was explaining about Skinner and Maviola was gripping her bowl, Pisces looked up from his second round of potatoes.<\/p>\n \u201cWine! Half-price if you\u2019ll throw in part of your pot! Silver a cup; twelve a bottle! And that\u2019s a bargain!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A [Trader] was shouting as she went down the lines of campfires. Pisces\u2019 head rose. So did Maviola\u2019s. She reached for her purse, but Ceria was faster than both.<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr, secure that wine!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Skirmisher] shot to his feet. He rushed out the door, like a shot. Maviola jerked as the [Skirmisher] moved with all the Skills afforded to him and a Prognugator\u2019s reflexes. He was as fast as a horse for a second. Yvlon heard his voice from outside.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me! I would like to purchase\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A scream. The [Trader] saw a huge bug-person coming at her in the night. Yvlon jumped to her feet, sighing. Ceria looked shamefaced.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go.\u201d<\/p>\n It took Yvlon a minute to calm the [Trader] and get her coin. When she came back, it was with three wine flasks.<\/p>\n \u201cOho! That is generous for you, Yvlon!\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces rubbed his hands together, beaming. Yvlon gave him a look, although it was true.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a guest, Pisces. It\u2019s not the best, Lady Maviola\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman\u2019s eyes were locked so hard on the wine flasks that Yvlon thought she was a [Drunkard]. But her first sip of the wine made her sigh.<\/em> And her eyes watered with emotion.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t had a good cup\u2014tasted it in\u2014eight years?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEight years?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola jumped.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014I had poor taste buds. I um\u2014had a sickness. And restrictive family members. [Healers]. I\u2019m free to drink now, though. And allow me to pay for my share.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s no\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI insist. Here.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola dug out some silver coins and handed them to Ceria. The half-Elf accepted.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. And let\u2019s all have a drink. To burning Flesh Giants outside of Invrisil and good potatoes!\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone laughed. The wine began to flow as Maviola settled back. She sipped liberally, and Yvlon found the drink was a welcome comfort in the cold; Ceria\u2019s ice walls kept out the wind, but they themselves had a chill. And soon\u2014the Horns of Hammerad were back to their usual mood, plus one.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay\u2014hear me out. This is a hypothetical scenario.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria was smiling as she waved at the others over a third helping. Yvlon sat back, groaning and adjusting her armor as she lifted the wineskin. She squeezed a bit too hard and splashed far too much wine into her cup. She didn\u2019t know her strength, sometimes.<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2014here we have some uh, cute, fluffy\u2014uh\u2014uh\u2014things. Like bunnies, except they have two legs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds horrifying.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon laughed. Ceria waved at her.<\/p>\n \u201cShh! Listen! Here\u2019s the thing. The bunny-things are magical<\/em>. They don\u2019t hurt anyone, and they go around eating grass and crap all day. And they\u2019re intelligent, and cute, and they\u2019ve done nothing wrong. But if you kill<\/em> them, you level up. In any class. And you get\u2026one level for each fifty you kill.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone stared at Ceria. Yvlon checked how much wine Ceria had had. It was fairly strong, but\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cCeria!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, twenty? Kill twenty per level, then. I\u2019m just asking\u2014would<\/em> you? If you could level up, but they were crying and begging when you killed them\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo! <\/em>Not even one! Let alone fifty, or twenty!\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon was disgusted. She raised a finger and then hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014I mean, they\u2019re sentient, right? And you can\u2019t level up forever<\/em>, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cForever, let\u2019s say.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria spread her hands out, grinning. Yvlon had to think.<\/p>\n \u201cBut that\u2019s so wrong. <\/em>Even if they were just bunnies\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, is killing bunnies better?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon was trapped. Pisces slowly raised a hand and Ceria pointed at him. The [Necromancer] tapped his fingers together thoughtfully before speaking.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Is this in an isolated place with no possibility of the consequences of my actions coming back to haunt me, or would this be a known fact? How morally acceptable would this practice be, culturally?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPisces!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria was laughing. Yvlon raised a fist. Pisces edged back.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s worth levels<\/em>, Yvlon! Morality aside, or even with morality\u2014the benefits are\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have an opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium made Maviola look up slightly from her cup. She regarded him with the slightest haze of wariness. But Ksmvr spoke brightly, looking innocently from face to face.<\/p>\n \u201cI would divide the totality of these creatures up into segments of fifty, or twenty and kill one fourth of them to thus split the potential level growth, Captain Ceria. Or perhaps it would be most efficient for one of us to kill all<\/em> these creatures to achieve the highest level in one person? I can see why this question is so difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone looked at Ksmvr. Yvlon put her head in her hands. And Maviola El began to laugh.<\/p>\n It was an old laugh, at first something like a cackle. And then\u2014it became younger. She began to chuckle, giggle. Hiccup. The laughter turned into hiccups as everyone laughed. And the [Lady] kept laughing. She had tears in her eyes, but she forced herself to speak.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I share my opinion?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon looked exasperated at the ethical dilemmas Ceria and Pisces loved to argue over. Maviola quieted. And then she nodded authoritatively at Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a nice idea\u2014Ksmvr? However, flawed.\u201d<\/p>\n She took a deep drink from her wine, tossing her head back. And her hair caught the light. Yvlon saw Maviola smiling. And in that moment, Yvlon was envious of that young [Lady]. Because here was a beauty people would talk about. As much as Lady Dealia. Maviola must have been from an obscure family if she wasn\u2019t famed for her looks. The [Lady] smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cRegarding these creature\u2014if you wanted to maximize their worth, you\u2019d breed them and keep leveling\u2026forever. Then sell them to people. No, wait. You\u2019d allow them to open up your own businesses. They\u2019d have to slaughter on-site and you\u2019d have to make sure no one walked off with one. That\u2019s a mistake I\u2019d make.\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers stared at Maviola. Yvlon\u2019s jaw dropped. Ksmvr was nodding. So was Pisces. Yvlon looked at Ceria\u2014<\/p>\n And then they all began laughing. Yvlon found herself holding her side and wheezing because it wasn\u2019t<\/em> funny. But they had drinks, food, company. And this was her team.<\/p>\n Pisces was cooking the last of the food, Ceria was splashing wine into the pot to \u2018give it taste\u2019 as he flung spices at her, furiously, and Ksmvr was speaking to Maviola. She caught herself, looked at him. And an expression of strange curiosity flickered across her face. Wariness, reserve, hostility\u2014but she looked at Ksmvr again. And smiled, spoke. Answered his question.<\/p>\n Who was she? Yvlon didn\u2019t know. Not Maviola\u2019s deepest secrets, or why she had ridden towards Invrisil with naught but an ill-fitting noblewoman\u2019s dress and slippers, for all she had money. Or why the fire blazed around her and the young woman made the air feel alive. Made each moment feel worth living.<\/p>\n But she didn\u2019t have to know. You could fail to be friends with someone after knowing them for years. Or find a fast connection in a night. And that night, Maviola El sat and ate and talked and drank with the Horns of Hammerad, a chance meeting, long into the night. She slept in the house of ice.<\/p>\n And she felt more alive than she had in a long time. The cooking fire blazed all the way into dawn as she slept. Smiling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n An ordinary night, to follow an ordinary day. No monsters attacked The Wandering Inn. No armies marched on Liscor.<\/p>\n That was a good sign. It was going to be uneventful today. Erin could feel it. And that was okay.<\/p>\n And she didn\u2019t know. The young woman was surprisingly ignorant of many things. Perhaps\u2014it was willful. Perhaps ignorance was<\/em> bliss.<\/p>\n \u201cMorning, Mrsha. How\u2019re you doing today? Where\u2019s Lyonette?\u201d<\/p>\n The white Gnoll cub was sitting at a table when Erin came down. Arms folded. Scowling. Erin blinked at the uncharacteristic look on Mrsha\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cIs Lyonette asleep?\u201d<\/p>\n Nope.<\/em><\/p>\n Two shakes of the head. Erin frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014maybe she\u2019s getting our new guests ready. Right\u2014we need breakfast for everyone! Good thing we have the preservation stuff, right?\u201d<\/p>\n She closed her eyes, thoughtfully. Yes, Temile and some of the [Actors] were in their rooms. Palt was too, and Montressa. Beza was\u2014in the outhouse.<\/p>\n Erin could feel<\/em> their presences. It was part of her new power as an [Innkeeper]. Perhaps\u2014[Crowd Control]? [Inn\u2019s Aura]? Or was this just her class? She couldn\u2019t tell what they were doing, just their general area.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Looks like\u2026oh, good. Our Antinium guests are still asleep. And Lyonette is with Pawn. I bet she\u2019s teaching him dancing and stuff. They\u2019re pals. Isn\u2019t that great?\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled at Mrsha. The Gnoll gave her a look<\/em>. But she said nothing. And Erin didn\u2019t pick up on the look. She just assumed Mrsha was jealous, which was a conclusion perpendicular to the truth.<\/p>\n Willful ignorance or not? Erin Solstice got ready. By the time her guests came down and Lyonette hurried out to help, the food was ready.<\/p>\n And\u2014the inn had guests. Erin stared at her magic door, tilting her head sideways from left to right. Lyonette frowned as she looked at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re doing it again, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStaring at the door. What\u2019s wrong? You keep doing it, every few days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do? I guess I do. It feels\u2014different today. Huh. Say\u2014do you have a fever? You\u2019re sweaty.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette jumped.<\/p>\n \u201cMe? No. I just did some sword training this morning. Let\u2019s get to work, Erin. Liscor\u2014hello, Drassi! Welcome, guests.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, okay. But stay healthy! That\u2019s important because you can\u2019t get sick in an inn. I mean, you can<\/em>, but it\u2019s not good. Hi, Drassi! Menolit. And there\u2019s little Visma!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHello. I came to have breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n Visma stared solemnly up at Erin with her brother holding her claw. Erin smiled at Feiss. He ducked his head shyly as the other guests came through.<\/p>\n \u201cHi, Feiss! We have breakfast! Come in!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh\u2014my mother wanted to give you the coin for last time. Visma ate the ice cream, Miss Solstice\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The young Drake, blushing, shyly offered Erin some coins. She waved it away, laughing, and slapped him on the shoulder. He <\/em>jumped.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry about it! Visma\u2019s Mrsha\u2019s friend. And a friend of a friend is\u2026uh, it\u2019s on the house!\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded at Lyonette and the [Princess] nodded back. Anything for Mrsha\u2019s little friends. The older brother watched his sister run into the inn, shouting for Mrsha. He nodded to Erin, blushing still, and hurried after her.<\/p>\n \u201cEsthelm. Hello! <\/em>Anyone for Liscor? Come on through! One moment please!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin waved at the Humans waiting in line. A few she knew; the others bowed to her, having heard of her by reputation. Erin adjusted the door as Lyonette let her take over. She moved the dial to the third setting.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyone for Wailant\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A gaggle of Humans stared at Erin. She stared back. Citizens of Celum, [Farmers], and more were waiting.<\/p>\n \u201cIs this the<\/em> inn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTold you. Pay up. I mean, pay me later. Morning, Miss Solstice! Just spreading the word about your inn to other folk. Good business, I imagine.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Pirate], Wailant, winked at Erin. She gave him a look. But she had to welcome people through. And whatever Wailant\u2019s finder fee was\u2014she wasn\u2019t in the mood to catch him today.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, is Numbtongue here? Thought I might stop by.\u201d<\/p>\n Garia was at the end of the pack. The fit City Runner looked like she\u2019d dropped another few pounds. Erin blinked at her. This was more than just weight loss. She even looked more\u2026lithe.<\/p>\n \u201cUm\u2014yeah. He\u2019s having breakfast. Come on in, Garia! You\u2019re looking good!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. Thanks, Erin!\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman closed the door as Garia came through. Wailant sighed, and walked off. And then\u2014Erin stared at the door.<\/p>\n \u201cCurious and curiouser.\u201d<\/p>\n The feeling hadn\u2019t disappeared. Erin felt like something<\/em> was calling to her from the door. Her eyes moved to two unused stones on the door. She kept trying one, on a hunch. The red stone that had belonged to the Redfang Goblins and Cave Goblins. But the other one? Her hand reached for it\u2014<\/p>\n And then, Erin remembered.<\/p>\n \u201cPallass.\u201d<\/p>\n Almost perfunctorily, she switched it to Pallass and threw the door open. Then she\u2019d try\u2014<\/p>\n Muscles stared down at her. Erin looked at the green wall of scale and sinew in front of her and blinked. Then she looked up. Grimalkin was standing in the doorway, arms folded.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Grimalkin! Hey! You want to come through?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAmong others.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sinew Magus] stepped through. And Erin saw\u2014six<\/em> people waiting in line. She blinked. Octavia hurried forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry! I\u2019m late for my meeting with Master Saliss! Thanks for breakfast, Erin\u2014I took some food for\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHalt! No entry without\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s on the list!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shouted at Kel. Grimalkin waved a claw and the [Guardsman] checked his list. Erin stared at the two Drakes, a Dullahan, and two Gnolls and a Garuda. She recognized none of them.<\/p>\n \u201cAre they<\/em> on the list?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey are.\u201d<\/p>\n Kel informed Erin. She crossed her arms and smirked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do I know?\u201d<\/p>\n Sergeant Kel\u2019s right eye began to twitch uncontrollably. The Drake [Sergeant] slowly turned his list towards her.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you could have just written that down. How do I know\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have time for this. Miss Solstice, kindly stop harassing Pallass\u2019 City Watch.\u201d<\/p>\n Grimalkin sighed. Erin looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, fine. Come on through! Anyone want to go to Liscor? Anyone for the Strongheart Farm? They\u2019ve got good eggs! Esthelm?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe! Me, please!\u201d<\/p>\n One of the two Drakes pushed forwards. It was\u2014Emessa. The Drake [Blacksmith] apprentice glanced at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to Liscor, and then Esthelm. To look into\u2014um\u2014can I go to each? Do I have to pay\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope! Free of charge! Which one first? Liscor? Through you go! And you just have to wait like ten minutes, tops, and the door will open! Have a nice day!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin waved after Emessa. And then she smiled to herself. Aha!<\/em> The other guests hurried past, staring at the inn, asking about the play.<\/p>\n And then\u2014Erin turned back to the door and saw Grimalkin. He was standing there. Watching her.<\/p>\n She jumped. The [Sinew Magus] eyed Erin and then stared at the door that Emessa had hurried through.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Solstice. May I have a word? On behalf of\u2026Pallass.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at Grimalkin. She looked at the door, and then at the [Sinew Magus]\u2019s narked expression.<\/p>\n \u201cAw. What, am I in trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The inn was back to normal. Or rather\u2014the pain had ceased. The danger was non-imminent. For now\u2014the inn was peaceful.<\/p>\n And because it was, on such a day as this, Apista woke up. She was rather miffed as she flew around the Garden of Sanctuary. Someone had been having a good time. And it hadn\u2019t been her. She\u2019d rather enjoyed the sensations, but it wasn\u2019t her<\/em> mating.<\/p>\n And in fact, the Ashfire Bee had a purpose today. She flitted about the Garden, busily inspecting the growing plants. They were shooting up, thanks to a certain Gnoll [Druid] who was racing around the garden with her best friend, Visma. Ekirra was grounded due to throwing a ball through a window.<\/p>\n Soon, though, Apista flew towards the special hill at the back of the garden. There were no statues for her. But there were the flowers.<\/p>\n The Faerie Flowers bloomed in the garden, vibrant. Magical. The bee alighted on each, sucking up the nectar, spreading pollen.<\/p>\n Not getting high. <\/em>A shock! An upset! The bee ingested the nectar, but it didn\u2019t go into her stomach-stomach, but her other stomach. Her honey-stomach, which bees had and was separate from the digestion one.<\/p>\n Bee fact. And that was deliberate on Apista\u2019s part. Now she was feeling better, she was working on her project.<\/p>\n Because Apista had a life. She was a bee who knew how to take care of herself, even if she and Lyonette were a pair. She had mixed feelings on the Pawn thing too, but at least Lyonette might increase the size of her Hive in time.<\/p>\n And when her second stomach was full, the bee flew off. She did a loop-de-loop out of the joy of flight as she flew up, through the garden\u2019s roof. And she appeared on top of the inn.<\/p>\n A Worker Antinium stared as Apista flew past him. Belgrade, waking up and sitting in his room and marveling at his own Fortress of Fluff TM<\/sup>, <\/em>saw Apista fly by his window. He waved.<\/p>\n Bird aimed his bow down from his tower in progress on the third floor.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. It is Apista. How disappointing.\u201d<\/p>\n The bee flew through a window. Lyonette\u2019s. Mrsha had been the only one asleep the entire night there. But the bee was a third occupant from time to time, although she had a lovely little nest in the Garden of Sanctuary. But today\u2014she climbed up to the top of the dresser. And there, on the top, was a bit of\u2026hive.<\/p>\n A few small, hexagonal cells made of propolis and other substances. Honeycomb. Just a few sections, nothing like an actual Hive with walls. The inn was her hive. And still, it was part of the Hive.<\/p>\n A crucial part. Apista crawled over to the little container. She had to process as her insides moved for a moment. And then\u2014<\/p>\n Blergh.<\/em> She vomited the contents of her honey-stomach into the little wax honeycomb cell. Apista regarded the nectar from the Faerie Flowers she normally liked to ingest. Then she began eating the contents of her stomach and chewing it up.<\/p>\n She was adding to it, making it into honey. This was the job of a worker bee in the hive, but Apista was a bee alone. And she was\u2026different. Not a Queen, or a Worker, or anything else. So she was doing a full Hive\u2019s job.<\/p>\n Chew, chew, chew\u2014<\/em>Ashfire Bees were good at making honey. So it wasn\u2019t long before Apista felt it was time. She forced the new substance out of her honey-stomach once more.<\/p>\n Apista vomited a second time and regarded the syrup that would become honey with time. That was how bees made honey. Second bee-fact.<\/p>\n It was just a little bit. Not even enough to fill the cell up a quarter. So Apista covered the honeycomb with a bit of wax. She, in her vast intelligence, had made a removable lid! It still preserved the honey within.<\/p>\n Even with her labors, the end result wouldn\u2019t be vastly impressive. It was her project. Just a bit of honey to pass the time away. She was a bee after all, and honey was food for the future. And it was fulfilling work.<\/p>\n Was it crucial? No. It didn\u2019t really matter. It was just honey. Made from faerie flowers. Apista liked the labors of her work as she flew off to begin the laborious task of making more. She just wondered if she was doing it wrong. No one had ever taught her.<\/p>\n \u2026Was honey supposed to glow like that?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the inn, a bee flew upside down past Erin\u2019s head where she sat at a table with Grimalkin. The Drake and Human looked at the bee for a second. That was just Apista being playful, incidentally. And maybe a tiny contact high from all that processing. Just a buzz.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026As I was saying, Miss Solstice. Stop poaching our best artisans.\u201d<\/p>\n Credit to him, Grimalkin was by this point inoculated against minor weirdness at Erin\u2019s inn. The [Innkeeper] sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t steal\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were heard by a number of sources. And the Assembly as well as Pallassian leadership turned to me. Because we have a relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw, stop, you. We haven\u2019t even dated!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin laughed and waved one hand. Grimalkin\u2019s expression didn\u2019t change.<\/p>\n \u201cPelt is considering moving to Liscor. On your suggestion. That is active poaching of an exceptionally high-level individual. Miss Solstice. This is what we would recognize as economic attack or even destabilization against the Walled City. A hostile action.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cN-no it\u2019s not. I mean, I just suggested <\/em>it. If he\u2019s happy, it\u2019s okay, right? It\u2019s not a big deal, even if he moves. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n The huge Drake leaned over.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Erin. I would not be here if it wasn\u2019t a \u2018big deal\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman gulped.<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2026what do I do? Tell Pelt not to come?\u201d<\/p>\n Grimalkin pinched at his snout, tiredly.<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, that isn\u2019t how it works, Miss Erin. Pelt is a free individual. The wheels are in motion, to use a Pallassian term. I am telling you that you have done something that is jeopardizing your relationship with Pallass, and Liscor\u2019s by proxy. There will not be any immediate consequences\u2026especially if Pelt does not move. But it will not be forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked at Grimalkin.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat kinda consequences?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe kind that involve a Walled City blacklisting you. Or taking other punitive measures. Erin. Frankly speaking, I think you understand that it is better to have a Walled City on<\/em> your side?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you know your actions are punishable? You were jailed. The goodwill certain members of our society have towards you does not place you above the law. You understand that when I warn you, it is a true warning?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Yes. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin hung her head. She felt her stomach twisting a bit. Grimalkin sighed. He drummed his claws on the table as Erin fidgeted.<\/p>\n \u201cPallass would like to be\u2014strongly connected with The Wandering Inn, Erin. I\u2019ve been aiming for that myself. This warning is, I hope, carefully taken, but without animosity.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve been wanting Pallass to be buddy-buddy with the inn and Liscor? Aw, Grimalkin! I didn\u2019t know you cared!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin glanced up, smiling. The [Sinew Magus] looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy did<\/em> you ask Pelt to begin with, Erin? You\u2019re not a fool. You clearly knew\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He broke off, eying her. Erin shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought he\u2019d be happier. That\u2019s all. I mean, it would help Liscor. But I thought Pelt would like it more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust that?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mage] looked incredulous. And Erin gave Grimalkin a cheerful, and unsettlingly direct smile.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Sometimes I like doing things that I think will make people happier. And do other things. But I like doing good things for friends. Is that strange for Pallass\u2019 leadership to consider?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake narrowed his eyes. And the [Innkeeper] glanced at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy does Pallass like me, though?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAside from the fact that you have a magical door?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Oh. So the Walled City actually likes <\/em>me?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake had a headache. How could someone be so intelligent and so obtuse at the same time? He saw Lyonette giving him a sympathetic shake of the head as she passed by. Grimalkin shook his head slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cAffection has nothing to do with this, Miss Solstice. It\u2019s about courting useful allies and individuals. Their relationship matters, but\u2026this is a matter of forging connections. Do you\u2014do you understand the basics of politics?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm\u2026you make laws?\u201d<\/p>\n How much was deliberate?<\/em> Erin turned as a welcome relief came for both sides. Drassi stopped at the table.<\/p>\n \u201cOne\u2026Meat Supreme Sub\u2026and two letters for you, Erin. Street Runner from Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n Drassi panted. She put down the gigantic disgrace to cuisine on the table. Grimalkin eyed the stacked meat.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard people talking about it. Excellent. This is an absurd amount of meat you realize, Miss Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYup. Are you\u2026gonna eat all of it?\u201d<\/p>\n Not even Palt and Beza and Numbtongue had managed anything close to one whole sub. Relc hadn\u2019t come by, but\u2014Grimalkin nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s hardly\u2026elegant. But I\u2019m still rebuilding my body to its optimal condition. I\u2019ll digest it\u2014I may need more drinks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cComing up! Drassi, water! And\u2014aw, it\u2019s just more of the spam letters.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin sighed. She looked at both letters, addressed to her. Grimalkin eyed embossed lettering and rather delicate penmanship.<\/p>\n \u201cSpam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMhm. Junk mail. You know\u2014it\u2019s like Pallass courting me. Wait\u2014these can\u2019t be real, can they?\u201d<\/p>\n Laughing, she showed him one of the letters. Grimalkin choked on his bite. The letter was from Oteslia\u2014the other from Manus. Erin waved both as she began to fold one to make an airplane for the fireplace. Then she thought better; Mrsha liked drawing on the backs.<\/p>\n \u201cI keep getting them. Invitations. You know, \u2018would you like to visit Oteslia?<\/em> Travel and lodging paid for a week!<\/em>\u2019 I dunno, it looks like a tourist advertisement.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sinew Magus] just stared. He began thinking, and then slowly, nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThey sent letters addressed to you. And you think\u2026? No, you\u2019re absolutely right. Another piece of the puzzle. [Tourist]? Where is that a common class in\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n He was adding to his notes on her. Erin scowled. She liked Grimalkin. He was sort of a jerk at times, but she thought he was a genuinely good person.<\/p>\n But like Xrn\u2014she wasn\u2019t a Pallassian. And she didn\u2019t trust him. Heck, Erin slightly regretted telling some of her other friends. How many knew or suspected? And they didn\u2019t know\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWait, these aren\u2019t real<\/em> offers, are they? No one just pays for people to visit! Why me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake gave Erin a searching look. But her confusion was genuine, which in turn genuinely confused him. Erin stared down at the letter. And part of the problem was that she didn\u2019t think of herself as\u2026important enough to be sent an offer like this. She laughed a bit.<\/p>\n \u201cNo way. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n That was Erin Solstice. She felt the tugging<\/em> again, from the door. And she turned her head. On days like this, there was so much she missed. So much she saw through.<\/p>\n And it was coming. Can you feel it in the air? <\/em>Erin could. But what, she didn\u2019t know for certain. She had plans. Plans that involved, yes, advantage to Liscor, to her inn. But also making Pelt happier. And luring him out of a city so she could ask about magic rings.<\/p>\n Because Dwarves probably<\/em> knew about magical rings. Or was that racist? And her coin. And\u2026<\/p>\n Was it today? Invrisil awaited. The gates were opening, and the Horns of Hammerad stood in line, speaking with a young [Lady] who had lived in an era when three times as many nobles ruled Izril. And\u2014was it now?<\/p>\n The City of Adventurers. As famous as Pallass, the City of Invention. But if Pallass had begun to take note of the temptress in her garden, the other city was unprepared.<\/p>\n Unsecure. Unable to comprehend what waited. A laughing trickster that mocked law and tradition.<\/p>\n The door entered the city. And it called to her.<\/p>\n Lady Chaos. The Damsel of Drama. The Harbinger of Hilarity. No one ever called her these things, in point of actual fact. But her time had come again. And this city had no idea. No idea\u2014<\/p>\n Was it all an accident, as she claimed? Or was it fate? Some Skill?<\/p>\n Or was she smart enough to plot it all out in advance? No one knew. But here was a question to keep you up at night: which would be more terrifying if true?<\/p>\n The next day began as Erin stared at her magical door now and then. Wondering what she was feeling.<\/p>\n Soon.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And then they were at the gates. As the sun rose, so did the portcullis. And despite it all, the adventurers couldn\u2019t say it had been an entirely unwelcome night.<\/p>\n They\u2019d made a friend. Maviola stood with them, talking more naturally, even with Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cJust stick in the city for a day or two. Tell us where you\u2019re staying; maybe we can get the same inn. We\u2019re actually delivering cargo. And you\u2019ll want to see what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria was talking to Maviola, but the [Lady] herself wasn\u2019t sure if she\u2019d be staying.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have a plan. What kind of cargo is this?\u201d<\/p>\n She glanced at the door as the wagon rolled forwards. Ceria grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cThe best kind. I shouldn\u2019t say just yet, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReason for entry?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Guardsman] was yawning as he checked people through the gate. But he did a double-take as he stared at Yvlon and Ksmvr in the driver\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He grabbed for his weapon. Yvlon raised one hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s our teammate. Ksmvr. He\u2019s an Antinium. We\u2019re the Horns of Hammerad, a Gold-rank team.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn Antini\u2014they\u2019re not\u2014that\u2019s a Drake thing. No one\u2019s seen an Antinium in the north\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Guardsman] backed up. Ksmvr opened his mandibles and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cHello. I am Ksmvr. I am not a monster\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Guards] heard the commotion. They aimed their bows and crossbows down at the adventurers. Ceria sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn it. Not again. Hey! We\u2019re a Gold-rank team!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She shook her fist upwards as Maviola turned her horse, eying the suddenly very awake Watch. The [Captain] on the gates hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cGold-rank?\u201d<\/p>\n The word was like a magic spell. Ceria sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Gold-rank.<\/em> Adventurers! The Horns of Hammerad! This is our teammate! Not a ravening army!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Guards] relaxed a bit, looking shamefaced. The [Captain] stared at Ksmvr, but the half-Elf had practice at this by now. So long as you didn\u2019t let Pisces needle the local Watch, or Ksmvr didn\u2019t do anything alarming\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cStand down. Someone fetch the list.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Captain] ordered the others. Ceria sighed in relief. Pisces sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cI told you we should have let Ksmvr hide in the wagon and sorted it out later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe tried that. I\u2019m not being run out of Invrisil.\u201d<\/p>\n Soon, the [Captain] was walking out the gates. He stared at Ksmvr, but he was more interested now in Ceria\u2019s claim.<\/p>\n \u201cHorns of Hammerad? You\u2019re not on our list of Gold-rank teams.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Cryomancer] blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014we are. Ask the Adventurer\u2019s Guild.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have a Street Runner doing just that. If you\u2019re on their registry, we\u2019ll see. You are aware, Miss, that impersonating a Gold-rank team is a felony?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf gave the [Captain] a look<\/em>. She turned to Pisces and he leaned forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain, why would we both have an Antinium teammate and<\/em> claim Gold-rank status when we\u2019re already under scrutiny?\u201d<\/p>\n The Watch Captain\u2019s brows snapped together. He glowered, but Pisces\u2019 acerbic tone was a careful weapon.<\/p>\n \u201cMove your wagon over there. Next! You, miss. Purpose of entry?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI may see you later. Thank you for the company.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola smiled at the Horns. She rode up to the [Guard]. They gave her a look; she had mismatching clothing, and slippers. And her horse was bareback.<\/p>\n However, they didn\u2019t test her via truth spell. They were too distracted by Ksmvr, which was lucky. Maviola sighed as she rode through the gates. That might have been a problem, although she could have passed by telling them she was a [Lady] first.<\/p>\n She looked around as the Horns of Hammerad waited at the gates, arguing about whether they could have stormed the gate without taking a single wound. Not the kind of topic that endeared them to the Watch, but it was entertaining.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a strange group.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola smiled. She fidgeted; she was definitely sore from riding the horse without a saddle. Damn Lady Bethal\u2019s eccentricities. Then again\u2014that was why Maviola had stolen her horse.<\/p>\n And\u2014just like that, she was in Invrisil. The young woman stared around at the city, with the towering buildings. One of Izril\u2019s capitals.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s changed so much.\u201d<\/p>\n Wonderingly, she slid from her mount\u2019s back. Her horse snorted. Someone swore as they walked around her.<\/p>\n \u201cGet your horse off the sidewalk, woman!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A man dodged around her, and waved a ring-bespectacled fist at the young woman. Maviola blinked. She pulled her horse left, nearly walked into traffic. Someone else yelled at her. It was a novel experience. No one had raised their voice to Maviola and not been immediately sorry in years.<\/p>\n The young lady smiled despite the ire. She looked around. What did you do <\/em>when you first went into a city like this? Normally, her attendant, Zedalien, would arrange everything. But now\u2026it had been so long.<\/p>\n \u201cStables. And then\u2014clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola looked down at her dress, and laughed. She glanced around.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me, do you know where the nearest stables are?\u201d<\/p>\n A young Stitch-girl, walking and talking with an older Stitch-woman, gave Maviola a look<\/em>. She sighed, but pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cRight there, Miss. Tourists.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Revi commented to Dewlana and the two walked off. Maviola grinned. She debated kicking the rude Stitch-girl in the back. But then she walked off.<\/p>\n Soon, Maviola had her horse stabled. And then she found the nearest [Tailors], without asking for directions. She entered, reassured the salesclerk that she had gold, and emerged a few minutes later in travel clothes. Maviola looked around. And the city shone.<\/p>\n So did the young lady. People turned as she walked past. Her presence shone, even in the crowds. And so did her eyes. She looked around and smiled. The City of Adventure. A fitting place for something. Maviola El walked into the crowds.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, how it\u2019s changed. I wonder if Seatale\u2019s Tavern is still open?\u201d<\/p>\n She walked forwards, excited. And she resolved to stay a day. If only to meet the Horns of Hammerad again. Antinium. How strange. They had just been faceless enemies two decades ago. Were they walking around now, as adventurers? She hadn\u2019t known.<\/p>\n The thought made her feel\u2026old.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Horns of Hammerad were not delayed long. Soon, the [Captain] found they were indeed Gold-ranks. Newly minted ones, but still Gold-ranks. He let them in, even with Ksmvr. Because the Antinium was indeed alone.<\/p>\n It was funny. Ceria had no doubt that in the south of Izril, Ksmvr\u2019s very nature might get them attacked. But in the north? The Antinium weren\u2019t as immediate; they had never passed Liscor. Pisces as a [Necromancer] was more reviled. An Antinium alone wasn\u2019t a threat, especially in a Gold-rank team. Ksmvr was treated like a strange species, like a Selphid or Drowned Man.<\/p>\n And they were here. The adventurers stared around. Buildings, as tall as Liscor\u2019s very vertical city, stretched upwards. But Invrisil was far vaster than Liscor, where you could almost always see the walls boxing in the city.<\/p>\n It might have been ten times as large as Liscor. Or twenty? People of every species bustled around the walkways. A thousand sights to see. People calling out the latest attractions. Gelato<\/em> from Terandria, the latest sights at the Season Theatre, a menagerie showcasing a caught Griffin\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cInvrisil. I remember passing through with the original Horns\u2026dead gods, must be three years ago. Have you been here before, Pisces, Yvlon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnce. But briefly.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] murmured. Yvlon nodded, looking around.<\/p>\n \u201cI used to visit all the time as a girl. Not so much after I became an adventurer, ironically. I always thought I\u2019d come back here, though.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria nodded. Back<\/em>. That was the thing. The City of Adventurers had a lot of work for adventurers. It was connected to most places and you\u2019d pass through on missions. But\u2014it was for higher-ranking teams. You\u2019d come back here, after making your mark. And then you\u2019d have the coin to buy all the magical items on display, to walk into the back of the Adventurer\u2019s Guild and sit with the Gold-ranks.<\/p>\n The half-Elf found a smile crossing her face. And that was what had happened. She looked at Yvlon, who understood.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re here. We made it back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt took us a while. But we did. I wish the others could have seen it.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon stood, looking around the city as if she\u2019d never seen it before. Ceria was smiling and nodding, caught between\u2014happiness and regret. Pisces scratched at the back of his head. He looked at his two friends, and about the city.<\/p>\n Ksmvr? He just stared. The [Skirmisher] turned his head, his attention rapt on this unfamiliar world.<\/p>\n And people were staring at the Horns of Hammerad too. Not as many as you might think, but even in this city, an Antinium, Ceria\u2019s skeletal hand and Yvlon\u2019s arms stood out. The adventurers slowly drove into the city.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do we do first?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria had to think. Her mind was spinning. There was so much.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s the door to Erin\u2019s inn. We should find a place to set it up. But we should go to the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. You know? Introduce ourselves. And\u2014and\u2014get our loot appraised!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith that [Enchanter]. What\u2019s his name? Hedault?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. But there\u2019s also the market\u2014and Ryoka\u2019s in the north. Maybe the Runner\u2019s Guild will know where she is? Erin said Reizmelt, but Ryoka\u2019s bound to be all over.\u201d<\/p>\n The Horns looked at each other. Now, they were getting excited. Like children at a fair. Ksmvr bounced up and down, staring about.<\/p>\n \u201cThis city is very big. And colorful. I am eager to see all the tactical advantages in the stores.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria was smiling as Ksmvr looked around, eyes shining. But then she felt a lump in her throat. Her excitement faded as the most important thing came to mind for her. She looked at Yvlon and Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cI<\/em> need to visit the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. I have to ask about Griffon Hunt\u2014they might have come through before us. And I want to deliver some news. I\u2019m sure they\u2019ve heard, but you know, there are some families of teammates that live around here. Even in the city.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon sobered. She looked at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cCrossbow Stan\u2019s family lives around here, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. And Gerial was born in Invrisil. I sent word\u2014and the coin for both. But the Adventurer\u2019s Guild would be able to connect us. I\u2019ll go there, ask about.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf took a deep breath. She had sent a [Message] and the money owed to each family, of course. But she had never told any of her teammate\u2019s families how they had died. And if they wanted to know from her\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go too.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria forced herself to smile and shake her head at Yvlon.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014it\u2019s just going to be an inquiry. Why don\u2019t you and Ksmvr go find that Hedault guy, Yvlon? Take him around? Keep him out of trouble? Pisces, you too.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] hesitated. He sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I\u2019ll accompany you to the Guild, Ceria. I wouldn\u2019t mind looking around the Gold-rank\u2019s section.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf smiled as Pisces adjusted his robes. Yvlon looked at Ceria, but then she saw how happy Ksmvr was. She smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThat sounds good. Where should we meet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm\u2014easiest place is probably the Mage\u2019s Guild. Let\u2019s head there in\u2014an hour? Then we\u2019ll find an inn and set up Erin\u2019s door.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt should prove entertaining.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces remarked drolly. His team grinned. They parked the wagon at the stables and Ceria leapt down.<\/p>\n \u201cRenting?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Hostler] walked up. He was leading Maviola\u2019s horse into a stables. Ceria saw a [Lady] and her [Chevalier] speaking to the [Stablemaster]. That was Invrisil for you; you could see noblewomen mixing with the common folk. First Landing was even more cosmopolitan.<\/p>\n \u201cNope. Actually, we\u2019d like to sell the wagon. And horses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan do. Say, why\u2019s the wagon all chewed up? This happen on some kind of adventure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope. Firewood.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Hostler] looked at Ceria. Yvlon waved to the others as Ksmvr looked about.<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon, Yvlon. What is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Looks like a sign for the menagerie. One must be in town. That\u2019s a\u2014place to see a bunch of animals, Ksmvr. Would you like to visit it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe after we locate the [Enchanter]. What is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026That\u2019s a carriage, Ksmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is pink.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Yes, it is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Horns of Hammerad left. Ceria looked about and nudged Pisces, who was counting the coins he\u2019d gotten from haggling with the [Hostler].<\/p>\n \u201cHey. The Adventurer\u2019s Guild is that way. Anything you want to do?\u201d<\/p>\n He sniffed. The [Hostler] glanced up as the [Necromancer] walked off. The magical door was in Pisces\u2019 bag of holding. And who the heck carried a door<\/em> about? The [Hostler] frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing that cannot wait, Ceria. However, I am keen to learn how much money we will make.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd to see Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I suppose. It will certainly be an eventful moment when we see her. Tell me\u2014are you tempted by the bounty on the Wyverns?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaaaaaaybe. But it sounds like trouble. The High Passes? I want to explore Invrisil, honestly. And didn\u2019t you say that you had an adventure in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, well, that would be Selys\u2019 request. Further north. I fear we might be under-leveled for it, but let\u2019s first see how well we can equip ourselves\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The two adventurers walked out into the crowd. The [Hostler] chewed over what he\u2019d just heard as he tended to the two horses who\u2019d been forced to pull the wagon for ages.<\/em> He was planning on rubbing them down, but he murmured the name.<\/p>\n \u201cCeria. Ceria\u2026where did I hear\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n And the sniffing. It had been described to him. The [Hostler]\u2019s eyes opened wide.<\/p>\n \u201cGrev\u2019s friends?<\/em> Hey! Wait!\u201d<\/p>\n He raced outside. But\u2014too late, the adventurers were all gone. The [Hostler] cursed. There was a damn finder\u2019s fee!<\/em> Six tickets to the plays! But he\u2019d get something for the word alone. He shouted at the [Stablemaster] and hurried off.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Horns of Hammerad were not the only Gold-rank team in the city. Another team had recovered from their injuries and an encounter with a dark legend.<\/p>\n Griffon Hunt had taken time to understand what they\u2019d run into. And more crucially, decide if they were going south, to battle with Wyverns. That had been the plan, but as they nursed their injuries, Halrac had begun talking with Briganda.<\/p>\n She was poking at her ribs and leg, which up till now had been healing the minor fractures she had received. The lot were staying at the Players of Celum\u2019s inn. Briganda and Halrac, at least. Typhenous was teaching Grev a few street tricks.<\/p>\n And Briganda was bouncing her son, Cade, on her knee. She nodded at the mission request she\u2019d pulled from the Adventurer\u2019s Guild\u2019s board.<\/p>\n \u201cTold you it was near your home. Riverfarm, where the Windrest folk got to. Most of them. I thought it was insane, but\u2014read it.\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac did. He stared at the request, which, like the incredible bounty on the Wyverns, was an unusual piece of literature unlike most quests offered at the guild. Most were utilitarian, listing the monsters or type of assignment, defense, search and exterminate, escort, and the prices and locations as well as the guild\u2019s analysis on the threat level. But this?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By order of His Majesty, [Emperor] Laken Godart of the Unseen Empire, a Gold-rank team or high Silver-rank team is requested for a range of tasks, including treasure finding, bandit and monster extermination, and other assignment as needed on a long-term contract.<\/em><\/p>\n Payment is minimal per week and may be negotiated, but a share of any treasure recovered will be awarded to the team. Food and lodging will be provided for free, as will most mundane supplies. <\/em><\/p>\n Adventurers must be willing to work with a variety of individuals, open to command. Also, the killing of Goblins under Emperor Godart\u2019s protection is strictly forbidden. Adventurers must be willing to refrain from killing Goblins.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Below was listed the location, Riverfarm, and the pay. Halrac stared at the numbers. Even for long-term duty, it was very, very low. Barely more than a few gold per adventurer per week. For a Gold-rank team?<\/p>\n Well, that wasn\u2019t the least of it. The terms were\u2014insane.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Unseen Empire? I\u2019ve never heard of it. Is that\u2014Riverfarm, now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYup. Some [Emperor] showed up out of nowhere. I heard a lot of weird rumors from there. Isn\u2019t it hilarious. It was being shown around the Adventurer\u2019s Guild for near a week. Mind you\u2014some people would have jumped at the request if it wasn\u2019t for the last bit about the monsters.\u201d<\/p>\n Briganda snorted. Halrac glanced up.<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah. That [Emperor] visited Invrisil, once. Left a big impression. Two Silver-rank teams went with him on some quest to his lands. Around mid-winter. Liked it so much they stayed. And there\u2019s rumors this Godart fellow has some kind of seeing Skill. Knows whatever\u2019s in his domain. But\u2014Goblins?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoblins.\u201d<\/p>\n Cade repeated, and his little box of wonders produced some Goblins he instantly put on the table. Halrac saw a bevy of the [Knights] chasing the little green figures around, hacking at them. There was no blood, but\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cStop that.\u201d<\/p>\n Briganda saw Halrac tap the box. Cade\u2019s expression went horrified as the Goblins disappeared.<\/p>\n \u201cMy box!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHalrac! Don\u2019t do that to Cade. It\u2019s okay, just make more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo Goblins.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Veteran Scout] looked at Briganda. He read the line again. The [Shieldmaiden] glowered at Halrac and then frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s gotten into you? We\u2019ve smashed enough Goblin tribes before. \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThings are different now. I told you about the inn? It has a Hobgoblin. It\u2014had more. This is an odd request.\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac went back to reading as Cade glared at him and then produced some little Crelers, which his illusory [Knights] began to battle. Halrac looked at the assignment.<\/p>\n \u201cMinimal pay. But a share of treasure\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the funny thing. How much treasure are we getting? Treasure-finding? Eliminating [Bandits] is the work we\u2019d be doing, I bet. And being a permanent militia. It\u2019s clever, but that\u2019s just an empty line.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Scout] nodded absently. That was what he\u2019d have assumed. But that last line\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe it\u2019s worth looking into. We don\u2019t have to accept. Riverfarm isn\u2019t too far, and\u2014we might go.\u201d<\/p>\n Briganda looked up as Typhenous produced a coin behind Grev\u2019s ear. And the boy\u2019s money pouch in the other hand. Grev looked at the [Mage] with awe as the Plague Mage winked.<\/p>\n \u201cSeriously?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have a hunch. \u2018No Killing Goblins\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac\u2019s mouth twitched. And he had a sense\u2014this might be something. Briganda blinked a few times.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if Halrac the Grim has a hunch\u2026it\u2019s not far, yeah. Fancy that. Cade, we might get to visit an [Emperor].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n The boy looked up blankly. Briganda was scratching at her head when the door flew open.<\/p>\n \u201cGrev! Grev!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A boy shouted as he tried to kick past the [Bouncer], Redit. The man had him in one arm. Grev stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s up? Redit, that\u2019s a pal. Let him in.\u201d<\/p>\n The urchin tumbled past as the [Bouncer] grumbled. But Grev was of the Players of Celum and they were faces in this city, however new. The boy panted.<\/p>\n \u201cGrev! It\u2019s them! One of the [Hostlers] saw \u2018em, the ant-fellow, the sniffing [Mage], and the half-Elf! Ceria! He didn\u2019t catch \u2018em, but they\u2019re in the city!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Where?\u201d<\/p>\n Grev\u2019s eyes widened. Typhenous sat up and Halrac and Briganda turned. There was only one group with that description.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Horns of Hammerad?\u201d<\/p>\n The old [Mage] looked at Grev. The boy was panting.<\/p>\n \u201cSouthwestern gate. Is there a reward? You said, six<\/em> tickets\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne for the [Hostler]. I\u2019ll give you one for running the information, but the rest only go to someone who brings me to<\/em> them.\u201d<\/p>\n Grev produced two glossy pieces of paper, and the young boy\u2019s eyes went round. He snatched at one. And then Grev held out the other.<\/p>\n \u201cStraight to the [Hostler]. It doesn\u2019t disappear. [Street\u2019s Honor].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t sell it! I\u2019ll get it to \u2018em\u2014only let me out the back so I can get out!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis way.\u201d<\/p>\n Grev led the boy out and then whirled around. His eyes were shining.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you hear? The Horns\u2019re here at last! Took them long enough! But if they\u2019re here, that means so\u2019s the magic door!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes indeed. This should be interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n Typhenous stroked his beard, smiling broadly. Halrac didn\u2019t smile, but he did lean back in his chair.<\/p>\n \u201cMight be worth finding them to visit the inn. Briganda will want to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo right! These are the new Gold-ranks, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYup. They\u2019re an odd team. New, but competent. We should find them and join up; the Players will want to meet them too\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Revi skidded into the inn around Redit as Halrac was trying to explain each member to Briganda.<\/p>\n \u201cHalrac! Typhenous! I just heard that the Horns of Hammerad were in the city! Someone was talking about this giant bug and it has to be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Typhenous gave Revi a smile and she stopped.<\/p>\n \u201cGrev just got word, Revi. The street moves faster than gossip. We were just thinking of finding them. It shouldn\u2019t be too hard. I imagine the first thing they\u2019ll do is visit the Adventurer\u2019s Guild, right, Halrac?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Scout] was nodding.<\/p>\n \u201cThat, or the [Enchanter], Hedault.\u201d<\/p>\n Revi snorted, annoyed by the name.<\/p>\n \u201cGood luck with that. We<\/em> haven\u2019t gotten more than an appointment in two weeks, and that\u2019s just because we\u2019re established names. There\u2019s no way the Horns will\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She trailed off. The [Summoner] looked at Typhenous and Halrac. Briganda sat up.<\/p>\n \u201cCade, sit on the table for a second. Halrac, is this a new<\/em> Gold-rank team?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Scout] frowned. He looked at the others. Briganda raised her eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cWhich means they\u2019ll go to the Gold-rank section. First time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn. We have to catch them.\u201d<\/p>\n Revi shot to her feet. The other Gold-rank adventurers stood up. Grev looked confused.<\/p>\n \u201cI was gonna go out and find them. What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey may not know how things work, Grev. Let\u2019s go to the Guild. That should be their first stop. Briganda, can you leave Cade here?\u201d<\/p>\n Griffon Hunt hurried towards the doors. Briganda pointed at the [Bouncer]<\/p>\n \u201cWatch after Cade.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The man protested, but the adventurers were already out in the street. To save the Horns from themselves.<\/p>\n The Horns of Hammerad were in Invrisil. And that news was worrying. To their friends in particular. Because if Invrisil was unprepared for magic doors and Erin Solstice\u2014the new Gold-rank adventurers weren\u2019t prepared for Invrisil.<\/p>\n They were used to Liscor and Celum. But Invrisil was one of the<\/em> cities. It had rules which the Horns didn\u2019t know about, even if they\u2019d visited a few times. They might have been the big cheese in a small city, but in Invrisil?<\/p>\n There were rats.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pisces and Ceria walked into the Gold-rank section of the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. Ceria was breathing a bit heavily. With nerves.<\/p>\n She\u2019d already checked into the Guild and inquired after the families of the deceased. That had been hard, but the [Receptionist] had assured her they\u2019d get in contact within three days\u2019 time. Then\u2014after verifying their rank, she\u2019d pointed Ceria towards this room.<\/p>\n The Gold-rank\u2019s bar and private area. It was, to adventurers, something of a holy land for anyone under Gold-rank status. A place everyone wanted to enter.<\/p>\n \u201cOh wow. I can\u2019t believe we\u2019re here.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTry not to gape, Ceria. Myself, I think it looks rather plain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlain?<\/em> Shut your mouth, Pisces! I\u2019ve dreamed of being in here! So has Yvlon!\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria looked around the bar. It may have been just another room, albeit far more plush than the main room of the Adventurer\u2019s guild, but there was the board with requests meant for Gold-ranks and higher. Worn, from all the many teams who must have touched it!<\/p>\n And the room had teams in it! They turned to see the two new adventurers. Ceria stared around as Pisces, cool as a cucumber in the shade, looked about. She knew she<\/em> was gaping.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, well. Fresh meat! Are you two lost or do you belong here?\u201d<\/p>\n A swarthy man with a bandage on one shoulder stood up. He strode over with a swagger; Ceria saw him pass by a table of three half-Elves and three Humans, who looked up and dismissed him. The man walked over to Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cName\u2019s Todi. Captain <\/em>Todi. And you\u2019re what, greenhorns? Silver-ranks?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGold-ranks, actually. We just arrived to Invrisil. I\u2019m Ceria, Captain of the Horns of Hammerad.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria smiled. Todi glanced at Pisces. The [Necromancer] nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cPisces.\u201d<\/p>\n Todi\u2019s eyes flickered. He frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cName\u2019s\u2026familiar. Do I know you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you two are clearly new in Invrisil. Greenhorn\u2019s stare. Know it anywhere. You have more teammates?\u201d<\/p>\n The man\u2019s presumptuous questioning made Ceria blink, but she was still riding a high from being here.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. Two of our teammates are out, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcellent. In that case, why don\u2019t you get them and come back. Introduce yourselves properly and we\u2019ll all have a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n Todi smiled. He patted Ceria\u2019s shoulder and gestured towards the door. Ceria stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s customary. New teams come in together. Buy everyone a round. Then<\/em>, we talk. It\u2019s respectful. Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019m just saving you some embarrassment. Not everyone would tell you. Off you go.\u201d<\/p>\n He motioned them towards the door. Ceria blinked. She nearly turned, but Pisces just sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cThis reminds me of Wistram. Thank you. Todi, was it? You may buy us<\/em> drinks if you wish. But we\u2019re not staying around long. Let\u2019s check out the requests, Ceria.\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced past the man and walked past Todi. The Gold-rank adventurer\u2019s face darkened.<\/p>\n \u201cHey. Rude fellow, aren\u2019t you? Sure I don\u2019t know you? You\u2019re making a mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019re being quite rude yourself. How do we know you<\/em> are not new yourself, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces looked back. There was a chuckle from around the inn. Some of the other Gold-rank teams were watching the spectacle. Todi blinked at Pisces. Ceria sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me. That\u2019s my teammate. Pisces, be polite<\/em>. Thank you\u2014Captain Todi? But my other teammates are out.\u201d<\/p>\n She walked past Todi as well. The man looked at the two Horns and shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cBrats. So that\u2019s the new generation, huh? Don\u2019t say I didn\u2019t warn<\/em> you.\u201d<\/p>\n He walked back, chuckling to himself. Ceria felt a dozen pairs of eyes on her back. She hesitated\u2014but Pisces was studying the requests board.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n He appeared unaffected by the stares. But that was just because he was an excellent actor. Ceria looked at the requests. Or pretended to.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe we should leave.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd bow to a petty little tyrant? We can play their game, or not, Ceria. This is hazing, like the 3rd<\/sup> Year\u2019s swim around the island. Remember?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria nodded glumly. Wistram had their own groups like this. But\u2014she hesitated.<\/p>\n Everyone was watching. Pisces eyed a few requests, and then went to sit down. Ceria followed him. Conversation started back up, but she was aware of other teams glancing at them now and then. Amused. Todi was watching with his group.<\/p>\n No one went over to talk to the Horns, as they might in another guild. Ceria fidgeted.<\/p>\n \u201cI think, Pisces\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIgnore them. I refuse to humor the man. I may have a drink. Then we can leave. Relax, Ceria. We belong here.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] leaned back and studied the bar\u2019s menu. The other adventurers began talking, and Todi\u2019s voice rose among them.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, as I was fucking saying,<\/em> we should muster up and head south. We lost too much time to that damn [Witch]. <\/em>And my team just healed up!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHead south? Maybe with one of the faster carriages. It\u2019s not going to be cheap.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen we pool our money. Sounds good?\u201d<\/p>\n Todi was leaning on a table, talking with a few other teams. Ceria stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m gonna talk to them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re making a mistake. You know what sort of man that is. Play their game or don\u2019t, Ceria.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s such a thing as politeness, Pisces. Hello! Are you going after that Wyvern bounty as well?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria walked over. She smiled at another Gold-rank team. The woman glanced up as Todi turned his head. The half-Elf paused and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Ceria Springwalker. We were just from down south, around the High Passes. We arrived in Invrisil today.\u201d<\/p>\n The woman shifted. She was athletic, clearly a [Warrior] and she carried a thin blade of some kind at her side. A [Fencer] type? She glanced at Ceria\u2019s proffered hand; the half-Elf had hidden her left, skeletal hand in her robes. Always easy to talk about it later.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Jewel. Captain of Glitterblade. Pleased to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n But she didn\u2019t take Ceria\u2019s hand. The half-Elf wavered. Some of the other Gold-ranks who\u2019d pulled their chairs out to join the discussion looked at her. Some amused, some blank-faced. Jewel hesitated. She glanced at Todi.<\/p>\n \u201cCome back and introduce yourself properly.\u201d<\/p>\n The man grinned at Ceria. She stared at him. She withdrew her hand slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cRank means a lot here, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGold-rank is something you earn. Even if you get certified, girl. And you two are definitely<\/em> new.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s lips compressed. There was a laugh\u2014although Jewel and her team looked sympathetic and definitely annoyed at Todi. But he had seniority. Yet\u2014Ceria was more like Pisces than she liked to admit. She glowered at Todi.<\/p>\n \u201cSo we should come back, introduce ourselves properly, and you\u2019ll forgive us? And we do that because everyone has, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the way it works, girl. You want to change it? Become a Gold-ranker with experience yourself and let a little snot-ranked Silver come in and think you\u2019re equals. But you can do it when you\u2019re in my boots. But everyone else here knows that respect matters.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Todi laughed at Ceria. She had heard the same kind of line back in Wistram. And\u2014just like in Wistram, here came Pisces.<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] strolled over and smiled at Todi. The man gave him a toothy grin. Pisces looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cRespect does matter. Both ways, one assumes. Seniority? I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever heard of your team. The ah\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTodi\u2019s Elites.<\/em> We might not have been heard of in a backwater like\u2014what? Celum? <\/em>But that\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n The man laughed. Pisces\u2019 brows rose.<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed not. Nor in Wistram Academy. Or in First Landing, or any other city I\u2019ve ever visited. But well done.<\/em> Your career must have been illustrious. So much so that in your\u2026forty years, my companion hasn\u2019t heard of you either? She would also be older than you. A different kind of seniority, then. Age is clearly not worthy of respect, only age as an adventurer.\u201d<\/p>\n