Everyday, from morning to evening Cloud waited in the inn. Every moment Magnus was present, Cloud would glare at him while he sipped his apple juice.

“Cloud, sonny. Why don't you talk to him?” The bartender asked as he refilled Cloud's glass.

“Because.”

“Because why?”

“Because then he wins.” With that, Cloud said nothing more. He waited and glared and waited some more. When night fell he climbed the drainage pipe to the roof of the inn where he had collected some hay and went to sleep. He tried to be in game as much as possible, he had nothing much to do in the real world. He could talk to Henry but he knew that he was just a bother, Henry probably had no option but to take him in. By this reasoning Derec thought it best to slay out of Henry's way, to stay in game, to be Cloud.

The next morning as the son rose, Cloud lay on his back observing the lightening sky.

From down below a voice echoed, “Hey brat!”

Recognizing the rough timbre of the voice, Cloud quickly rolled over and rushed to the edge of the roof, though hurrying he slowly peeked over the edge. “What do you want?” he asked, not giving an inch.

“That's what I should be asking you.”

Cloud ran to the corner of the roof and scrambled down the drainage pipe clumsily. So happy in the excitement that he had won, He hadn't given in to Magnus' stubborn ignorance. “I have a letter. From some old lady.”

“So that's what it is.” Cloud quickly withdrew the letter from his inventory and shoved it in Magnus' face in expectation of the reward. Magnus crossed his arms and raised a brow inquisitively. “You didn't think it was gonna be that easy did you?”

Within moments Cloud's expression of excitement faded to be replaced by anger. “What! I came all this way for you and some dead ladies letter and now you won't take it?”

“How do I know that's the truth?”

“Cause I say it is!” Replied Cloud indignantly.

“Haha, the word of a stranger holds no weight, brat. If you can bring me five lucky rabbits' paws then I'll accept the letter.”

Prove Your Word

Magnus Burnade is a very suspicious man. He does not believe your reason behind giving him a letter. Collect five lucky rabbits' paws to prove yourself

Difficulty Level: E

Quest Requirements: Accept quest: letter of a dead woman.

Force Magnus Burnade to speak to you.

Reward: Magnus Burnade will accept the letter

“Fine.” Cloud turned and stalked down the street grumbling under his breath, “stupid old man, making me do stupid things.”

You have accepted the quest

Headed toward the gates Cloud wondered how the heck was he supposed to get rabbits' feet. He had tried a few days ago to exit the town, but there appeared to be some restriction. “Stupid guards, saying I'm not old enough to go out. I just turned ten, I'm old enough to take care of myself.” Cloud continued to grumble to himself as he wandered down random streets, often bumped into because of his size. This just left him in even more of a fowl mood. First he wasn't trustworthy, then he's not old enough, and now he's too small to see.

“Gaaahh!!” he yelled and slammed open the door into a lively building. All the occupants automatically glanced to the doorway and turned back to their tasks, chuckling under the breath about temper tantrums. This just had a worse effect on Cloud's mood.

Pausing at first he evaluated the room. Grabbing a wooden sword left behind by some other player he began to take out his frustration on the scarecrow. Yelling with every hit, he insulted the scarecrow as if it were the people who angered him.

“Damn, old drunkard! Stupid guards! Ugly People! I'll show you who's small!...huff huff...Everyone will know me!”

Like a rolling boulder with every hit, he hit harder. Every thrust he aimed better.

Strength increased by 1 point (+1 STR)

Though he had claimed to never eat the rye bread, pausing to read that message allowed him to realize his stomach was twisting in pain from hunger, within moments he devoured a piece of the rye bread. Nevertheless he screwed up his face and plugged his nose with ever bite. When finished he drank the entire contents of his canteen.

Looking around he noticed many people still within the training hall but they seemed to give him a wide berth, at least three scarecrows in every direction. Turning on his heel, Cloud exited the building and returned to his nest on top of the inn. Hugely fatigued he lay down to rest and quickly fell asleep beneath the warmth of the sun.

*******

Looking over the edge of the roof, the crowd before the inn looked daunting. Cloud didn't think he could handle another moment being pushed around, he may be driven to hit something other than a scarecrow. If this had been some other game, then he wouldn't have to be this small. If this had been Assassins Creed or Hitman, people would be afraid of him they would get out of his way or he could go wherever he wanted without people knowing.

Then it hit him, he could be like that. Scanning the nearby rooftops, they weren't all unconnected and he could jump some of the distances.

'Well how else will I know unless I try?'

With much care Cloud moved from one roof to the next, only ever picking those connected directly or by way of boards of wood. As he made his way toward the training hall his face got brighter with a happy grin. At times he would jump small gaps, too wary to make some of the larger distances.

Close to his destination he was caught up in the excitement and risk, clearing larger and larger spaces between rooftops. In time his destination was forgotten, he focused on the challenge of his new transportation route.

Agility increased by 1 point (+1 AGI)

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Surprised for a moment, Cloud teetered at the edge in his sudden halt.

“Stats Window.”

Character StatusCharater name:CloudAlignment:NeutralLevel:1Profession:NoneTitle:NoneReputation:0Health:100Mana:100Strength:9Agility:11Dexterity:10Vitality:10Wisdom:10Intellect:8Stamina:10Attack:2Defense:0Magic ResistanceFire:0%Water:0%Earth:0%Black Magic:0%

After staring at his stats for a short while, he was confused. Sitting at the edge of the roof he considered his stats. How was it that all the other regular stats start at ten, where the strength started at eight. He had managed to raise it a point so there wasn't much difference now. But it seemed to be the same with intellect.

Suddenly he stood up “I'M NOT A KID!!!” he screamed to no one. He was sure that the “restrictions” placed on his console had something to do with it. “Sneaky old game makers.” He muttered to himself.

“Hey, young man.” called a voice muffling laughter. “Since you're such a strong young man, I'm sure you can help me.

Scrambling down the drainage pipe, Cloud came to stand before a beautiful young woman. “Sure, what is it?” He asked, puffing out his chest and standing taller.

Eyes filled with mirth, the woman looked him up and down. “You seem to be able to move around this town quite quickly so I'm hoping you could do something for me. Since I can't myself, can you bring this letter to my husband?” She asked, rubbing her rounded belly.

Ttring

Letter from Cecile

Cecile is heavily pregnant, and has been advised by her midwife not to move around. Short walks are the most she can do, but her husband is far away at work and she can't make the trip herself. Find Cecile’s husband and present him with the letter.

Difficulty Level: F

Quest Requirements: Demonstration of agility.

Reward: Determined by the time in which the letter is received.

“Sure! Where can I find him?”

You have accepted the quest.

Smiling a little brighter Cecile replied, “He's at his Blacksmith, working at the anvil. Thank you.”

Returning to the drainage pipe, Cloud climbed hand over hand. When atop the roof he scanned the nearby buildings.

'I'm sure I saw it somewhere, where did it go?'

His eyes lit upon the blacksmiths, a sign decorated by an anvil and hammer that hung above the door. Leaping from rooftop to rooftop, Cloud made it to the Blacksmith's in record time. Finding a man working at the only anvil he approached with his arm set out holding the letter.

Not even glancing his way the man rebuked him. “Go away boy I have little time for you now.”

“Do you have time for Cecile?” Cloud asked.

“What of Cecile? Did something happen? How's the baby? Is the baby okay?” The man asked in quick succession, his worry evident. Cloud was struck for a second by the change in character.

“Don't worry, Cecile's fine. She asked me to bring this letter.”

Grabbing the letter the man placed some coins in Cloud's hand with a quiet murmur of thanks.

Quest Complete!

Fame Rose by 1 due to presenting letter quickly.Because you have completed a chore, you're now known more in the town as a good messenger.

Looking down in his hand Cloud counted 15 coppers. Bowing he turned to leave only to be caught by the shoulder and spun around. “Young boy, go to the market and fetch a couple blankets. My wife requires them.”

Cecile's requirement

Cecile is heavily pregnant, and needs a couple extra blankets to get warm. Geoff is far too busy having received a large production order. Go to the market and procure them from a vendor, then carry them to Cecile at home.

Difficulty Level: F

Quest Requirements: Complete quest Letter from Cecile

Reward: 20 coppers

Grabbing the money Geoff offered, Cloud climbed to the roof.

You have accepted the quest.