Ch 6 What happened to me?
I regretted it. I was barely lucid. I acted my age. My inner self hiding away from my child self. I couldn't interact with the outside world. The little girl that was out there wasn't really me. She was a child that was a scooped out portion of me. all I got was flashes and scenes as if memories. I think they knew something was wrong. They treated me differently. More like a baby instead of a mini adult as they had been.
I couldn't tell the passage of time. but I felt it. Every now and then I would wake up, come fully aware while my child self was doing something. Martha, Misha or Marsha was with me. I didn't see the captain anymore. They would pause and ask me how I am. I would respond that I was awake. Then they would ask me the last thing I remember, so I would tell them about my last conversation with whoever it was. Then they would teach me something. An actual something. not the childish things I was learning, but reading, writing, or proper speech. When I faded, I would say goodby and go back into the hole I was tossed in.
It kept going like that. I never asked how much time passed. Never asked what happened to me. I never wanted to know. I knew I did something I shouldn't have. I knew I caused the problem. I didn't know if they could fix it. I knew they never tried.
It seemed like only hours passed sometimes, yet other times it seems like months would pass. I never kept track in-between times I was lucid. It was too much for me. It felt like if I wasn't there my child self would just take over and I would just fade away. but something kept me there and I don't know what.
Then one day I woke up. Not just lucid but as in I woke up from bed, woke up. Marsha was on the couch with her needle point by candle light. I wanted to call her, but I couldn't tell if I was dreaming or not.
So, I slid to the edge of the bed. Which was much closer now. And dropped to the edge. I was much taller than I remembered. How long has it been? How long was I away? What had happened?
I looked around the room. It didn't seem much different, but I could see it far better. I thought about my skills and tried to toggle my light vision. I could see everything as if it was noon day light in here.
There was the same bed, two couches and desk. The kiddie table had been removed. Now there was a small dinette with three chairs. The desk had a new chair. The cushions on the couches seemed to be different. There were rugs on the floor now. And there seemed to be another wardrobe as well?
As well as a chest of what seemed to be toys at the end of the bed. I stared at it. Was I truly a child? Had I damaged my mind in an attempt to improve it? Did I go insane? I tried to take a mental assessment. My calm mind had done little for my child self. But it kept me from being a brat at least.
I looked over the memories I had, the glimpses of the thoughts that came. Most were centered around my three maids. I was emotionally attached now. Even though I had the rational thought they were here for something, and I was the priority. They were mine now.
They cared for me? I couldn't tell. But they took good care of me. And now I trusted them. Because now they know I had store access. I showed them that. I didn't tell them what I bought. But I didn't hide my spells. It didn't cause any issues I could tell. But I was insistent I didn't need a bath and just used cleanse on multiple occasions. Or just because I wanted to.
I looked up. Marsha was watching me. As I just stood there next to my bed. She didn't say anything. I had no memories of her talking, ever. I had passing thoughts she was telepathic because she seemed to read my mind. But now I knew she could just read my face.
“Hello, Marsha. Good morning.”
She nodded to me and stood. She went to the hall and pulled in a cart, presumably breakfast. So, I went to the dinette. But this time she set out two servings. It seems I had gotten used to eating with them.
Breakfast was a bowl of oatmeal with fruit mixed in. Not as glamours as when I had been smaller. But it was still delicious. We ate in silence together. I had an idle thought after finishing eating. So, before Marsha took the bowl, I cast cleanse on it.
The bowl was clean. So clean in fact I could see a decal now. Marsha looked at me surprised.
“I’m truly awake again, Marsha. Thank you for looking after me for so long. I think I know what the problem was. It had unintended side effects.”
She stood there silently for a moment, then handed me the rest of the dishes. So, I cast cleanse on everything. Might as well save them some work. They cared for me. So, I will care for them now.
She then stacked the dishes neatly on top of the cart, all orderly. She gave me an odd look then pushed the cart into the hall. She came back briefly. Looked at me. And made a motion for me to stay in the room. So, I just nodded at her. There wasn't a reason to leave before I had more information anyway.
I poked around a bit. Then I had a thought and cast cleanse on myself. And poked into the wardrobe. I should be old enough to dress myself, right?
The second wardrobe had cutesy things. Completely impractical cutesy things. From dresses to skirts to onesies. I didn't know onesies were a thing in this time point until now.
The other wardrobe had practical young noble wear. Including pants. So that's what I pulled out. Only to realize they were a bit small. So, I started checking for the right size. Only to give up when I could find an outfit, I liked the right size.
Only to pause. They knew I had system access, including the store. Would they think much of it if I bought an outfit? Now that I have truly awoken? I sat on a couch to open system store. Only to be surprised once more.
My status page opened instead. It was just there. Pretty as you please. I selected it. It had my name and age and an option to open my list of skills.
Name
Age
Rank
Leti (Agleen)
10
Journeyman
What? My name? I was 10? I was a journeyman? I was overwhelmed. Then I felt myself calm. My mind smoothing out. My thoughts started working through everything faster than my consciousness could keep up with. The name Agleen was not familiar to me. It was not my mother's last name. so perhaps my fathers? Were my parents married, did he claim me? My name is Leti. I had my own name. I was ten years old, I had full system access. I could select a profession. I was a journeyman. I had the average skills for a journeyman. I could select any skill at journeyman that I wanted. I could rank up any skill to journeyman easily. Or I could buy skill books from anyone up to journeyman.
But I had unlimited credits and could buy skills at any level still. I don't think my maids knew about my credits. This was not the time to ponder. I wanted clothes. So, I set about finding something to wear.
I wanted sturdy clothes that I could wear daily. Maybe even enchanted? That was a possibility. Did I want to get a full wardrobe or just a few outfits to mix with my regular clothes? Maybe just one or two outfits now, then I can buy more later if I don't like the clothes available to me.
I can ask for new clothes from the baron as well. But they won't be as nice as system clothes either. But I don't want to show off my credits. Decisions.
Looking through the clothes I found a good leather jerkin. In a light blue with a pattern of paisley, it was subtle with a darker blue. I rather loved it. So, I bought it. I could wear it as daily wear or training. I wanted to look at enchantments too, but I needed a full outfit first. Looking at shirts I selected a light cream poets shirt. It would go well with the jerkin.
Then I went to leather pants. Because those were the sturdiest. I found some in a darker blue than the jerkin. Without a pattern it would match well. Then I looked for a good sturdy pair of boots. With wooden soles. There were a lot of choices. But I found some I truly liked. A blue so dark, they were nearly black. With straps instead of laces. That would work well.
Now for enchantments. There were so many. First, I selected growth. These clothes would grow with me. And be sized for me. That cost me a good amount. And I would have to pay more each time they would grow with me. But I wouldn't have to rebuy them or pay again for the rest of the enchantments.
The next was durability. Then water resistant. The slash resistant. That would keep them clean and tear proof. Add self-repair. And self-cleaning. Just to be sure.
I pause, feeling dumb. I'll need underthings as well. So, I go select the most basic comfortable looking ones. Then add the same enchantments to them. I might as well get used to wearing something under my top. I bought the shorts version of under wear, easier to manage for the most part.
What other enchantments can I add to these? Looking through it I found one called ever-fresh. So, they never smell. No b-o here thank you. That would be doubly helpful as I age up. I grabbed five more pairs under wear and bralettes adding the same enchantments. Just in different colors. Wearing the same underwear day after day would be weird. Even if they were always clean.
Were there any other clothes I wanted? I should get a daily wear dress too. Maybe a light dress to wear in the manor. I was thinking purple.
Looking through I found one I liked. It had an under gown that was a light violet, with the overgrown being a richer purple. The undergrown had full sleeves and the over gown was sleeveless. So, it looked pretty. Like a full gown with a wrap on it. I added the same enchantments to it. The modest neckline would be good for me as I aged too.
I would need some house shoes for the dress though. I found some light leather shoes. In a dark purple. Adding the enchantments, I added it to my purchases.
What else? Maybe a few nightgowns and sleep wear? That way I had the ultimate comfort? Ooh I should make all my clothes the perfect comfort. They should have the perfect fit for me. But I can make sure they don't chafe or anything. Especially my leather pants.
Going back to enchantments I add inner satin lining to everything. That way it would never hurt. Not that I could feel much pain but still. My skin could still be damaged.
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Anyway, sleep wear. Two nightgowns that went to my calves and two sets of shirt and pants. All with the same enchantments, because why not? It's not like I had to worry about temp. Should I get a cloak for the look of it?
No. I'll get one in the cold season. Now that I have learned more of the world. There is a cold season and where I'm located it does get below freezing here. As its spring now I won't need it anytime soon.
One last check of everything I wanted. I stopped. I needed to see how big my inventory was now. Otherwise, this would all just be dumped on the floor.
I went to inventory in store and saw that I could upgraded it to 600cubic ft. So, I did. It was now 10x10 and 6ft high. That was more than enough for me for a good while. I made my clothes purchases and they were stored into my inventory.
I noticed it had been almost an hour since Marsha had left me alone. I decided to get dressed in my blue jerkin outfit. I stripped of the nightgown I was in and laid it on the bed. I pulled out a bralette and saw that I could just pull it over my head like a modern sports bra. Easy enough. Took me a few moments to scramble into it, but I did. It lay nearly flat on me which was fine. So, then I pulled on my new shorts underwear. Then my new poets shirt. I tied the laces a bit, so my bralette didn't show. Then I pulled on my leather pants. There were ties on them too. So, I tucked my shirt in and tied them. Now for the jerkin. It went a little past my waist which might be a problem. Put as I put it on, I could feel it softening to mold to me.
I didn't tighten the laces on the jerkin, I would need help with that. So, I would wait for Marsha to come back. I did go ahead and pull my new boots on though. They were an effort, they were shaping to my feet as I pulled them on. Thankfully I had satin lining so I wouldn't need socks with them.
After they were on, I did up the straps and buckles. Now I felt prepared to face the day. One last purchase from the store was two new practice swords. Newly sized for me. Added durability enchantment too. Heavier than I needed.
I waited another few minutes before I decided what the hell. I wanted to look at skills. So I opened my list.
Skill
Rank
Alterty Language Speech
Journeyman
Alterty Language Read
Apprentice
Alterty Language Write
Novice
Etiquette
Apprentice
Needel Point
Novice
Embroidery
Novice
Cross stitch
Novice
Dance
Novice
Sew
Novice
Singing
Novice
Dictation
Novice
Glittering Grace
Journeyman
Inventory
Journeyman
Piano
Novice
Violin
Novice
Calm mind
Apprentice
Fey Language Dialect
Novice
Kin Language Dialect
Novice
Draw
Apprentice
Knit
Apprentice
Color
Apprentice
Swordsmanship
Apprentice
Dual Wielding
Apprentice
Archery
Novice
Trap Making
Novice
Spears
Novice
Staves
Novice
Best Respite
Master
Talent
Rank
20 x learning speed Academics
Apprentice
20x learning speed Athletics
Apprentice
20x learning speed Crafting
Apprentice
Zoom in sight
master
Zoom out sight
master
Agile mind
master
Spell
Rank
Water Breathing
Novice
Hover
Apprentice
Cleanse
Journeyman
Portal
Journeyman
Heal
Expert
Cure
Expert
Complete light Vision
Master
Resistances
Rank
Temperature
Expert
Fire
Apprentice
Ice
Apprentice
Lightning
Apprentice
Mind attack
Apprentice
Slash damage
Apprentice
Blunt damage
Apprentice
Poison attack
Apprentice
Piercing attack
Apprentice
Pain
Journeyman
Necrotic
Apprentice
Paralysis
Apprentice
Enchantments
Rank
Speed
Journeyman
Agility
Journeyman
Dexterity
Journeyman
Wisdom
Journeyman
Intelligence
Journeyman
Acuity
Journeyman
I had a huge list. But it was a good list. Maybe I should pick a few more things up? I wanted regeneration now. So, I looked through the store. It could be bought as a skill or talent. I selected it as a master grade talent.
That way if I get hurt ill auto heal myself. Was there anything else I wanted to get? I didn't think so. Maybe a hand-to-hand combat skill? I think they just called it hand to hand here or weaponless or barehanded. I selected it and bought it at apprentice, no telling if I'll ever get to practice it. Maybe I should rank it up to journeyman? I think I will. Just to be on the safe side. If I'm ever caught off guard, I'll be safe still.
What is taking Marsha so long? It's been like an hour and a half? Didn't she just go to return the cart? Or did she go to get something? I didn't know. I didn't think she went to get Martha, but that was a possibility.
Maybe she went to the baron? But why would she do that? It's not like he really cared for me. Could she have gone to the captain? That made me brighten for a moment. But it was too early for such a thought. The dawn was passing by. He would be at and working by now. Likely in the training yard with his men.
So why did she leave me alone so long? I suppose I could look at some books? There seemed to be a few on the desk now. I went other and sat in the desk chair. It was more my height now instead of having to sit on my knees. I drew the stack of books closer to myself.
It seemed there were a few children's books here. I decided to read through them and see how good my actually reading was.
It took me a good bit. These weren't the modern children's books of a few colorful pages with pictures everywhere. These were children's fairytales teaching lessons. Mostly about the system. I read through the first in roughly an hour.
I was tempted to leave my room, but I had said I would wait. There was enough light to see by, even without my vision. So, I continued to read. The story was a simple one. A young girl was found to be the child of a noble and escorted to her rightful place at her parents side. Only to be scorned by her new found siblings.
It wasn't a bad read, a bit sad, a bit happy, they eventually reconciled. And became one big happy family.
I grew bored with the simplistic plot and started the next. It was also a bit sappy. A young prince was aware of his place as a second son. Knew he had to dedicate himself for the empire. But he didn't want to get lost in his brothers shadow. So, he set out to make a name for himself. Becoming a military man, earning rewards and accomplishing feats in the name of the empire.
Not that there was much to do for the military. The entire continent was the empire. So, he was basically do the same job as an adventurer, but in the name of the empire instead of money for himself. Go here and kill monsters. Go there and inspect a mine. Go there and raid a dungeon. Same thing.
It made a nice tale I suppose. One of great feats. But also simplistic of a handsome prince learning more about himself as he grows older and learns more about the system and what he can do. It was a children's story though. Or a children's story of a medieval fantasy world ruled by a system. That was created by dragons. So yeah. There was that.
Completely bored now. I thought to see if there were any blank papers on or in the desk. I was in luck. There was a stack of blank pages and a box of the colored sticks. So, I suppose that didn't change. I wonder how my coloring and drawing skills changed?
Taking a blank sheet and moving things about so I had room on the desktop. I set to. Using one of the greens I set to make a field of grass. An idle scene of nature started to sketch before me. Waving grass, various flowers. Blue sky, bright sun. A background forest. The scene I pictured would be a perfect setting for a picnic or something. Just a breezy day. It was a scene I had imagined countless times when laying in a hospital bed. Clear skies, cool winds, warm sun. Just laying in the grass and feeling the everything around me.
The page before me captured perfectly my feelings. It was almost realistic as it could be, made from colored wax. I could see myself there, just laying on the arch of a hill. Enjoying the sunshine or maybe napping under a tree.
I felt myself tearing up for no reason. I could go there now. I was ten. I could leave this house. I could travel. The adventurers guild takes anyone over 12. I could live in the woods. The system store has shelters and food. I could just camp out. Run away and not speak to anyone. Fighting monsters might be a pain, but I could rank up my sword skill and fight them.
It wouldn't take much effort. I could get myself a bloodline or learn a bunch of spells. I could just walk out and leave. Never to see Marsha, Misha and Martha again.
My heart clenched at that. Never see them again? What about the captain? Never enjoy that warmth? Maybe I would fall in love someday and find it again? But that could be a decade from now. I would have to keep running for a decade? Or would I have to keep running my entire life? Could I do that to myself?
I continued to cry.
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