That night, I first attempted to stand again. On shaky legs, radiating heat and pain, I had made my way to the outhouse attached to the guild with some direction from a patron. Some adventurer who was decked out in armor with a battleax on his hip, drunk off his rocker. It made me chuckle, and brought me back to reality. After doing my business, I had hobbled over to the counter of the bar to request a meal be brought up for the foxes and I, ate then went to sleep.

The following morning, I woke with newfound energy. My body still hurt, but now it only felt like I had overdone a workout after weeks of stagnation, not like I had been quartered by a half dozen horses for a crime I didn’t commit. Not that I knew what that felt like, but one could imagine. So, when I woke in the morning to the chirping of birds and the light bustle of the city coming in from the window, I bolted up and grabbed a few of my coins.

Perry wasn’t leaving for Linden until the morrow, and I intended to join him. In the meantime, I had a couple of metals I would need to acquire to make a new sword, and a hankering for the next addition of either Frith or Lexico runes. I made my way down the stairs wearing my purple and black self repairing silk clothes, my rugged leather boots that still had blood and muck caked to them, and about twenty of the gold coins that had been given to me. I had left the rest stored beneath the mattress, not the most secure place for them but it was something.

This time, as I went into the guild hall proper, I got to take a good look at it. The majority of the room as I walked down the stairs resembled a well maintained, if a little dingy, tavern. Wooden tables and chairs were scattered throughout the room and a bar with a grizzled looking man stood washing a glass as a stereotypical bartender in the movies would. He was at least a foot taller than me, and I wasn’t that short despite my age. I was coming up on five foot nine, and I knew he was closing in on seven foot tall.

I approached the bar, somewhat surprised at how lively the room already was. Dozens of groups of adventurers were already sat at tables, all decked out in gear.I didn’t see many beasts or companions. One person had a large dog or wolf beside them, and another had a bird sat on a leather pad on their shoulder. Some people were simply laughing and eating with their companions. Others were researching in books and taking notes, likely digging up information about the next quest they were intending to take. I saw a man in glittery blue armor saunter up to a lone woman, an elf with dark skin and leather armor, and attempt to flirt with her. I couldn’t hear what she said over the din of the room, but the mans face lit up bright red, and the smile that had been on his face turned to a scowl.

As I approached the bar I realized the only open seat was beside the elf. I walked up and pulled the stool out from under the bar, throwing her a glance. “Seat saved?” I asked succinctly as she turned to look at me. She gave me a shake of her head and I sat down. Luka and Sky laid down near my feet. The bartender approached before an awkward silence could fill the void.

“Ain't seen you ‘ere before. New?” His voice did not match his body. I had been expecting a voice with the ferocity of the bear he resembled, but his was much lighter. Very soft, demure. It didn’t feel quite timid, but it felt like it lacked power.

“Sort of, been unconscious till yesterday, this is the first day I’m really walking about.” As I mentioned being unconscious his eyes flickered to my arm, where I had tied the silk sleeve in a knot to prevent the fabric from flying about annoyingly. Understanding and a twinge of regret flashed across his features before he steeled them again.

“Ah! I see, yer the newbie that Perry tol’ me about. I’ll go get ye some grub. Mead, ale, any preference?”

“Do you have any citrus juice? I’m not much for drinkin’ till my work is done.” I smiled at him, barely noticing as the elf beside me turned her attention toward me. It wasn’t like she had turned her head but I could see she was watching from the corner of her eye.

“Comin righ’ up! Anything ya need don’ hesitate to ask.” The large man scurried off, calling an order into the kitchen before moving to get some orders to other patrons.

I sat for a few minutes, trying to figure out a plan for the coming days. I didn’t know how long the journey to Linden was, but I could use the time to work on a new enchantment for my sword. I had some ideas now that I could pull on the elemental mana, but wasn’t sure if it would be possible to amplify all elemental effects or if I should focus on one.

My musing was interrupted as a familiar face stopped next to the elf, giving her shoulder a clap as she stood, waiting to order some food. The elf woman glanced at me then turned toward the rest of the room and said, “Should we find a table? I don’t see an empty one but if we wait a few it looks like a small group is about to head out.”

Her voice was husky and sultry. It didn’t sound like she was flirting, but her voice was naturally doing the work for her for any who listened. I glanced up as she said the words and noticed the woman who had come to join her. I blushed slightly, remembering my companions teasing over the redhead bard. She was the one I had spent several nights listening to in Kinnesville. Now that I was up close I could see she had fair skin with a few freckles spattered across her face, bright green eyes and cute dimples on her cheeks. She was pretty, but I already knew that.

“Ah, sorry, would you like to sit? I can eat standing up.” I started to rise up but the woman shook her head, a small smile on her lips.

“Don’t worry about it. You were here first.” Her voice was just as beautiful as when she was singing. It was alluring, light and rich. Naturally sing songy in a way that made red rush to my cheeks when I made eye contact with her.

“Papa, why warm?” Luka asked as I flushed. I ignored the fox for the moment, not willing to be teased by my own companions. Plus, the others couldn’t hear them.

“Sure, I won’t be too long. By the way, weren’t you in Kinnesville a few months back?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t intruding on her and her friends conversation too much. I figured I’d be here a while, I may as well make a few friends. It was at this time that I realized she was dressed much as she was while in Kinnesville: she was wearing a flowy green dress with a brown corset, and a white long sleeve and flowy shirt underneath. It was a cute outfit that I’d expect to see at a faire, not what I’d expect to see at an adventurer’s guild. She carried no weapons save for a dagger tucked into her belt, and no instruments save for a small reed flute on her other hip.

“Aye, we were. How did you know?” She sang back, her elvish friend softening up a bit but still clearly on guard, or perhaps just not social.

“Oh! I was staying at the tavern just before you left. Heard you sing a few times.” I glanced over as a waitress carried over a platter of food for me. At the same time a table for four cleared out and the red haired singer nodded toward it.

“Join us?” She intoned before sauntering off, dragging the other girl with her. I shrugged and took the food along with my tankard of juice to the table, the foxes dutifully following. I noticed the elf’s eyes light up on seeing them, realizing she hadn’t noticed them before.

“Oh! I remember you now! Kristen kept talking about the foxes, so did the gal at the bathhouse. I never met them myself of course! Oh, where are my manners. I’m Rose, by the way.” The bard’s voice was bubbly and excited as we sat down. Sitting with the two attractive adventurers I felt a few people give me the stink eye, but thought nothing of it. They could stew in their jealousy.

“Ah, yes, they're friendly if you want to pet them. My name is Lios.” I reached a hand out for her to shake as Luka crawled into my lap and Sky launched herself onto my back, causing me to hunch over a little so she wouldn’t fall off, or dig her claws too deeply into my shoulders.

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I barely caught it but the dour looking elf let out a soft giggle as Sky jumped up on me. I didn’t call any attention to it as Rose shook my hand. “Eva.” Was all the elf woman said to me before reaching out to grab my hand for a shake.

“Nice to meet you both! The one on my lap is Luka, and this here,” I gestured to Sky, “Is Sky.” I smiled at both adventurers as I idly fed them both a thick piece of ham that was part of my breakfast platter. I saw two fried eggs, both larger than a chicken egg, a bowl of fruits, far too much meat which I figured was meant for my companions, and some golden brown seasoned potatoes - home style. There was also a mug of the requested fruit juice.

“Are you a beast tamer, Lios?” Eva asked, reaching out to grab a sausage from my plate to lure Luka over, giving me a questioning look to ask if its okay. I nodded an affirmative at the same time as I sent a mental prod to Luka that he could go take it from her.

I wasn’t expecting it, but the fox was reluctant to go. It took a moment to realize why but once I did I nearly choked up. My expression turned a bit somber for a moment before I convinced him I was okay, and that he could protect me just as well from her lap. At the same time I noticed Sky was carefully checking out anyone who came near as she perched on my shoulder.

“Papa, you sure? I protect” Luka intoned in my mind as Eva shook the sausage link near the ground.

“Yeah Luka, I’m sure. I’ll be fine.” I said aloud when I saw the two women giving me a look, letting me know I’d been staring off in space far too long. “Apologies, I was, unfortunately, injured recently and this one took it upon himself to be my guardian while I recover. Well, I ‘spose both decided that. Oh! But to your question, no I am not. I’m a swordsman, in fact.”

As I said all of this, Luka reluctantly crawled out of my lap and went over to Eva and allowed her to place him in her lap. Instead of laying down he sat up so he could keep his eyes above the table and greedily ate the meat from her hand. “A swordsman? I don’t see a sword though.” She said, smiling gently as she pet Luka a little bit. The smile quickly went away, as though she were trying to protect this facade of stoicness.

At that same time, the plates for her and Rose were brought to the table along with a couple of mugs of mysterious liquid. Eva’s plate, to my surprise, comprised of no meat. Instead she had an omelet with mushrooms and veggies, fruit and potatoes on the side. Rose’s plate looked much closer to my own, but with much less meat confirming that most of it was for my companions.

“Ah, well. It was unfortunately taken from me. I was preparing to go and buy some metal to make a new one, although I’m unsure how I’ll manage without...” I trailed off, glancing to my arm and suddenly feeling awkward. “Anyway, yes when I have a sword I am a swordsman. Technically, my class can use other bladed weapons as well, but my proficiency is in swordwork.”

Rose was next to speak. “So, you need to go shopping? Lucky. We’re heading into -”

“Rose, he doesn’t need to know exactly where we’re heading does he?” Eva cut in curtly. “I mean no offense Lios, But-”

“No, no its okay. I understand. I saw the smurf earlier.” I shrugged.

“Smurf? What is that?” Rose perked up through a mouthful of food, easily brushing off her friends caution. Eva also tilted her head toward me as she continued to feed Luka.

“Oh, uhm. Just a tiny blue creature like a sprite that I read about as a kid. I don’t think they actually exist though.” After that we chatted for a bit and finished our food. I wasn’t in a rush today, and I knew that after we parted ways I would just go shopping for some metal and books and come back to work on the actual enchantment for the blade.

As we left, I asked for directions to reputable stores which they gladly gave me. When we parted ways I noticed Eva glancing back at the foxes before they rounded a corner down the street. The foxes hovered close to me as we started walking, practically hugging my legs on either side. It made it a bit difficult to walk, but once we reached a rhythm it was seamless.

I took a deep breath as I entered the city proper, realizing that I was already in the center of town. Despite being fairly early in the morning the city was bustling. Adventurers and merchants were quickly walking through the cobblestone streets, and the smell of bakeries and restaurants flooded my nose. Even though I had just eaten I felt myself salivate over the smell of good bread. The smells alone were almost enough to make me tear up.

The architecture was very reminiscent of fourteenth century europe. Where I had emerged from the guild, the buildings reminded me of smaller stone cathedrals. Each building was intimidating, powerful. Some buildings looked more like tudor style homes, specifically a tailor and a bakery had that look from what I could see. The guild was located at the edge of the city square, and as soon as I walked down the street toward where Rose told me the smith was I emerged into the bustling city square. Compared to the other towns and small cities I had been too, this massive city was a monolith. It felt endless and massive, and it was, if we were being realistic. Save for a few towers and mansions I could see in the distance, all clustered near each other and before a gigantic fortress, the buildings were short and spread out. It was almost claustrophobic.

I watched people for a few minutes, admiring the dizzying array of colors that adorned them. The adventurers, perhaps unsurprisingly, drew my attention the most. This was the most diverse place I had ever visited. I could see folk who came all the way from Terran, the continent on the other side of the Myrid Sea. I wasn’t all too familiar with the bevy of nations that inhabited the other continent, most of my research as a child had been for the countries within Prios.

I watched as elves and humans and dwarves interacted with beastfolk, humanoids who retained characteristics of various animals and beasts. They were fascinating to me, especially a large lion like man with white fur who casually carried a keg from a nearby tavern to a wagon he had set up outside of it. I also saw what I would consider naga, snake folk with glittering scales and arms but no feet, who laughed with a hiss as they chattered with the other denizens. I wasn’t blind to some of the looks of derision that the various species tended to give each other and that made me want to scream. It was amazing to see so many different types of people comingling and living with or near each other, a sight that should have provided these people with pride but was filling a lot of them with hate. They wanted to be special, to be on top, and this diversity challenged that.

I looked about in wonder, idly making my way toward the other side of the massive city square. In the middle of the square there were town criers spreading news, one called out news about Linden and asked for donations or labor to rebuild the nearby city. It felt wrong to call the town a city after comparing it to Ironfell, but it was still considered as such. Others cried news about the monsters from the Wastes or even dungeons nearby. I wasn’t sure what dungeons were in the context of this world, but from my readings I didn’t think they were naturally made entities. Some adventurers were calling out requests for others to join their parties so they could fill their teams, mostly looking for healers of a sort or support mage. One called for a level one sixty swordsman and I wondered how I’d compare to someone of that level.

I walked and wandered until I found a smith, the same one that Eva had mentioned, and was astounded by the lack of clanging emanating from it as I approached. I could see four smiths working at individual stations, but it was only when I was about twenty feet away that I could hear them. They were using silencing arrays to hide the sound. I grinned as I stepped through the open doorway of the storefront to see mannequins covered in various beautiful armors and weapons on shelves or the walls. Some crates were scattered about with lesser quality weapons and armor, or even used ones from the looks.

I waited and wandered about the room as all of the attendants were busy with other customers. I used my appraisal skill on a few dozen arms and armaments, gladly accepting the free levels in the skill. The mana cost for it was negligible. I did the same with my [Runesight] and [Mana Sense], seeing that most of the weapons and armor were unenchanted but quite a few pieces glowed like the sun to my senses. It felt likely that only one or two of the employees here knew how to enchant.

Soon, I was interrupted from my idle perusal by a male teenager who looked not much older than me. He had on a blacksmiths apron and had spark marks scattered across his forearm from forging. His arms were thick with muscles that were well used, and his hands covered in callouses from wielding a hammer. I matched his smile as he approached me confidently. “Hello, sir, welcome to Sir Orvacks Armory! Is there anything I can help you with? My name is Eric.”

“Ah, hello. Yes I could use some help. While I’m in the city, I was hoping to purchase some metals for my own forging. Oh, but I have no intention to act as a competitor. If I wish to sell, I’d also be interested in selling through this smithy so as not to create bad blood between us.” The lads eyes narrowed at the first part of my request but quickly opened again as I clarified my intent. It was difficult to justify supplying a competitor with materials if they were just going to undercut the business. On the other hand, an offer of partnership was much more agreeable.

“Oh I see, I’m afraid I don’t have the authority to make such a decision. Are you okay waiting for a bit while I check with the owner if he has time to meet with you to discuss this?” I could practically see the dollar signs in his expression as he was preparing to fetch the owner. I wondered if he was on commission of some sort.

“Of course, Eric, thank you. I can wait a bit.” He thanked me and left through a door behind the counter, where other sales reps were finishing up sales and discussing maintenance with their patrons. They were all well practiced and their instructions were succinct and understandable. It was admirable.