I made it back with time to spare. I had found a group of Chitral 15 miles further into the woods. There were 6 of them, but all level 12-15. I figured that would be good enough.
After jumping back to my room I went straight over to the guild. Electra’s line was open so I walked over and tried to play it cool chatting with her while she checked my cores. She barely checked my card and paid me for the job. I was walking out of the guild when I noticed one of the women from the party that had been fighting the Chimera watching me. She smiled at me and I returned the smile with a nod. ‘Oh no… did she see me in the woods?’ I thought. I just kept on walking out of the guild wondering what to do about it. Nothing I could, I thought. Either I was in trouble or I wasn’t.
In the Woods
Harald was standing in the middle of a clearing West of the capital looking at a dead Chimera. “What do you think happened Garlt?” He asked his second.
“I don’t know. If there are Beastmen around who could one shot this thing wouldn’t we know them? Why did they leave the carcass? This is big money.”
“I don’t know, but they took the core. If they were going to take that why take the core and leave?” He started to move around the field. There were several distinct smells and tracks. The Party and Chimera had come into the field from the West. Then the tracks of the Forest Rangers headed East to the Capital at a run. Another set of tracks came onto the field from the South. Harald found where the person had stopped and watched the battle. This had to be the bowman. He didn’t smell like any Beastman Harald new. Had to be a Dragonewt then. They were excessively clean like the humans. Trying to hide their natural musk instead of being proud of it like the Beastmen. Whoever he was he didn’t head to the capital, but returned to the forest.
“Ok, well we are taking the materials anyway. No need to lose out on getting paid. We came out here after all.” Harald said. He hoped that the Dragonewt wouldn’t come looking. Anything that could take on a Chimera alone was bad news. If he accused them of taking their kill they would just share the payment with him. They were heading out of town tomorrow anyway.
Back in Town
After leaving the guild I needed to clean up for the Art event. I went and got a bath and then found a place to get a shave and haircut. Since there weren’t any mirrors us little Iron ranks could afford, I figured this would be a regular thing. As it was only 2 large coppers I decided that I would just do this every few days. I then went over to the tailor’s and he helped me get dressed in the foreign clothes. They were somewhat normal looking, but included what was like a cummerbund and a few sashes and as ascot like thing. I felt like there were just too many flourishes to this, but I’m a simple man. I also put on my necklace that the tailor helped me incorporate into the acot.
My ring I was told should be worn on the left hand pointer finger to indicate that it was a ring of power and that I was a single Adventurer. Left hand because it would be protected behind a shield and pointer instead of ring finger to indicate I was single. Different cultures had different customs I thought. I wish I could take a picture of myself to take note of everything, but I made notes on how to get dressed next time or I would be coming back and begging the tailor. That would be a little too much so… yeah… lots of notes. He also said weapons were not worn at social gatherings unless during a time of war. With that I headed to the location of the art exhibit.
When I arrived, there was a short line and when I got to the front of it, I handed my invitation to the guard. He checked it against his guest list “Citizenship card.” He said, holding out his hand. “I don't have one, but would my guild card suffice?” He nodded and I handed it over. After waiting 5 seconds to make sure the writing faded, he handed it back and allowed me inside and handed me back my invitation.
I walked inside and the door man asked for my invitation I handed it to him thinking this was some tight security… not at all prepared for what happened next.
“MISTER JAKE SMITHSON.” He about yelled announcing me. I was shocked as this was a first for me and when I turned everyone was looking at me. Some with looks of surprise and others with smiles. ‘come on now’ I thought. ‘do I look that much like a country bumpkin?’
I walked down the stairs into the art exhibit and spotted the one person moving. Luckily it was Flare. I was never so happy to see someone in my life. This looked to be a night full of social landmines. I gave Flare a happy smile as we got closer and she blushed. ‘uh… did I just do something wrong. Better follow her lead from now on.’ I thought and waited to see what she would do.
She curtsied and said “It is a pleasure to see you again Sir Jake. You look very distinguished.”
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
I returned her curtsy with a bow and said “The pleasure is all mine Lady Flare. You look beautiful tonight. Have you been well?”
“I have” she smiled and came to my side and intertwined our arms “would you accompany me. I would love to catch up with you and look at some of the exhibits.”
My heart skipped a beat or two, but I managed to get out “I would love to escort you tonight. I hear that you have been very busy as well.”
“Yes I’m afraid the list of things my father gave me to accomplish while in the capital was quite long” she started moving with me through the crowd curtsying to the various people as we moved through the crowd. I tried to also bow as deeply as she curtsied to everyone. I might need to bow even deeper based on my station… I had no idea, but I supposed as her escort I should match her for now.
“Has Windy and… I’m afraid I have forgetten the lady in the carriage’s name… are they well?” I asked.
“Mindy Delcourt would be heartbroken to know you forgot her already. Yes they are well.” Flare teased.
I smiled at her “who could remember anyone else when you are present Flare?” I said with a smile and earned another blush from her. Apparently, she should could dish it out, but couldn’t take it because she was silent for a moment before changing the subject.
“Windy couldn’t come tonight and I believe Mindy is trying to work with her father to figure out why the bandits were trying to come after her.”
We were stopped in front of an interesting piece of art depicting a mother and small daughter of about 3-4. I was admiring the quality of the art and it took me a moment for all of what she had just said to sink in.
“They were targeting her. Not just travelers?”
“We don’t think so. So far they have narrowed it down to a few people who could benefit from kidnapping or killing the daughter of a count. I have been helping where I can, but this isn’t my home town.”
“Hmm… I don’t want to stick my nose where it isn’t wanted, but can I be of any help?” I don’t know why I said that. Maybe it was just the desire to look good to a woman like Flare, but my mouth was writing checks I would have a tough time cashing.
Flare looked up at me and gave me a dazzling smile that left me wondering what else I would be willing to do to see that smile again. Was there a dragon around for me to fight?
“For now let’s just enjoy the evening. I owe you that for your protection… the whole way home.”
“Ha ha. I wasn’t very good being stealthy following you was I?”
“No one except an Elf would have known. Even Windy didn’t notice you. It made me feel very safe knowing you were watching over us. I did feel bad thinking of you out there without a fire. You must have been cold.”
“Not at all.” I said. “I have a spell called Warmth Unto Me that keeps me warm.”
She stopped. She then led me to the side of the exhibit where there were few people. “Jake.” She said. “Warmth unto me requires both Fire Magic and Mana Manipulation skills. Do you have the Mana Manipulation skill?”
Not sure why she was asking I nodded. “Why?” I asked.
She stared at me. “because it is a very rare skill!” She whispered “You may not know this because you are a Guided, but those who are gifted with it are the most blessed among mana users. It is said they are impossible to hurt as they can heal themselves without limit and they can travel in the hottest or coldest environments never tiring. Their spells take on new levels of power and they can strengthen their bodies so that nothing is stronger than them. I’ve never heard of a human with that skill. You should probably keep it as your trump card. Not telling anyone about it except those closest to you. I have only ever met one other with that skill and I am one of the few who know the secret.”
It was my turn to start at her for a minute. Long enough she looked away. “I understand. I will be careful. I can see it’s a little over powered.”
She nodded, looking back at me. “I will share this with no one. I will consider it a part of the payment for you saving me and my sister. Come lets continue to look at the art before people become curious.”
The rest of the night was a dream we talked and discussed the art. We had very similar tastes it turned out and also talked about everything from food to politics in Dungeon City. I didn’t want the night to end, but it did and I escorted her to a carriage that would take her home and she asked me to accompany her home then the carriage could then take me back to my inn. She sat down in the carriage across from me as the carriage got going and said
“my business here should slow down in a week. At that time I would like for you to come and have dinner with me.”
I smiled and said. “I would love that. I’m used to being the one to ask though.”
She nodded. “I have heard from my father that that is normal among humans. I wasn’t sure as you really don’t seem to be a normal human, but in the Elf world the women have to be the ones to push a relationship forward. If we didn’t the species wouldn’t survive as the men are all to passive as they have a long life and see no need to move things along.” She looked at me and paused. “Jake I know you are a Guided and don’t have elves where you are from. Just so we are clear. I wish to court you. Will you accept this? It isn’t an engagement, but indicates my intention to court only you and you would do the same. She paused looking down. “Dear me, that sounded rather like I wanted you to sign a contract for merchandise. Let me try again. I’m not used to feeling this way…” She said turning red for the third time tonight.
I took her hand and she looked up at me and in the moonlight through the window I thought I was looking at an angel. I took a screen shot feeling a little guilty and then said. “Flare I feel the same. Tonight has been wonderful for one reason. I spent it with you. I am not apposed to courting you. I am so new to this world I’m not even really sure what is happening from day to day, but if you are interested in spending more time with me then I am on board. I will be happy to not court anyone else until we figure out where this goes.” She nodded and took my hand and moved my ring from my pointer to my ring finger and did the same for her own ring. I looked her expectantly and she noticed and then after a second startled. “oh you don’t know what that means! I’m sorry that was very presumptive of me. The ring on the ring finger means that you are not available for courting. I nodded and we both fell into a mutual happy silence for a few minutes. Then the carriage ride was over and I declined the offer of a ride back to the Inn. I then made my way to an alley and jumped to my room at the inn when I was sure no one was watching. I fell on my bed and said to myself “Yep. I was right. I’m in trouble.”