GGRRRRRRAAAUUUUUUUUUUCK*
The Crystal Golem shrieked again, as it pulled its arms back and thrust them forward, releasing crystal shards at the group. Arrya pushed Ivo and herself out of the way of the rain of spikes. Cole easily dodged, and Tezzeret pulled his arms up to shield his face. The golem then stomped forward as its arm came down to strike Tezz before he could maneuver out of the way. As the golem went to strike again, a thunderous voice roared out, shaking the sky.
“Valta Bruma” the voice cracked through the sound of battle. A guard, atop the Great Oak root archway, called out to the party.” Sorry, sorry, so sorry. Sorry Arrya, we thought we fixed the golem attacking you guys.” The guard speaking was Orsen, a human man, wearing the standard steel and leather guard uniform. “ We were sure that the damned thing would take heed of the new orders it was given.” Orsen descended down the steps on the north side of the wall before continuing.” Arrya, Cole, I am truly sorry for this. Again, I will talk to the mages and see if they can fix the issue.”
“Let’s hope you can, otherwise we may not get so lucky, with you being here.” Cole spat, not to be pleased about almost dying for the fifth time within a week. The golem attacked them every time Cole or Tezzeret tried going into town. Normally the golem was correct in attacking Demons or Vampires, but the group had been hired by the Mayor of Ymin to help with a gnoll problem. They had a reputation in the country for being exceptionally good at hunting Gnolls, so the Mayor insisted. As for why they did not reside in the city, a demon and a vampire walking around freely at all hours of the night would drive business away from the Inns. Arrya and Ivo were reluctant to stay in the city by themselves so opted to camp with their friends instead. Also, they had the misfortune of being very attractive and got hit on quite regularly.
“Alright, let's get going guys, I’m sure Meredith is waiting for us.” Arrya gave Orsen a death stare as she ushered everyone into town. As they entered town Ivo was enamored by the community that Fort Ymin had. The connection to magic and nature truly befuddled him. Citizens who live in the trees could climb stairs, the trees themselves or take the lifts. Small 5 by 5 foot platforms that floated up and down allowing passage to and from the upper levels of the city. The town itself was surrounded by trees of all kinds, not just Great Oaks. The one that made up the south and southwestern wall of Ymin was the only Great Oaks for almost one hundred miles. Ironbark trees were significantly more common, making up about half the tree population in the Ishigar Republic, Ivo remembered reading in some book back home. The people of the republic were mostly wood elves and high elves but humans and dwarves also lived here. It was one of the only countries in Atica that didn’t outright admonish people based on race. Mind, it was far from a perfect place. Plenty of people of all races lived here and they all had different ideas and point of views, but it was illegal to openly discriminate against someone for the simple fact they were different.As the group journeyed to their favorite tavern in town, Shade Lounge, they talked amongst themselves. Tezzeret and Cole considered going to Luchorion’s Emporium to see if he had any blue hubflower pepper. The spice was known to be delicious and very hot. Being a demon and an undead, flavor was hard to find, but Blue Hubflower pepper made it possible to actually taste their food.
Arrya is such a good person, and really takes charge,’ Ivo thought to himself as she continued talking about what she was in the mood for today. Arrya hadn’t meant to be the boss,the big cheese, she just liked things a particular way and was a tad OCD when going about it. The others had argued about it at first, especially Cole, but relented when they one by one realized that no matter how they tried, she would still do it her way. It also didn’t hurt that she was ten levels above Tezzeret. Arrya was the highest level, followed by Tezzeret then Cole, with Ivo being lowest. He didn’t mind really, Ivo was never really much for leveling up, and didn’t really work that hard at it. That was one of the reasons his parents were so adamant he do the Pilgrimage of Scholars. They figured that he would have to fight to survive the journey and would in turn level up while undertaking the trip. His parents really did love Ivo, but his lazy, shut-in attitude hadn’t won him any favors. He didn’t have any friends he cared about growing up, and his sister left home almost forty years ago. His parents had three children. Markus, the eldest, whom Ivo never met, Miranda whom Ivo loved more than anyone. She was kind and gentle. She made Ivo feel smart and always quizzed him on things he learned in school and took him on adventures around the capitol. He missed her dearly.After she left home, he stopped hearing from her, except when she would write letters, but she didn’t write that often, and when she did it was never more than a page. He figured it was due to her not wanting their parents to find her. She had run away, one cold winter night, and they all thought she died.
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Ivo, lost in his memories, was startled when he was wanked off the street and into the Shade Lounge, he looked up and say Arrya’s concerned face.” Are you alright there sweetie?” she asked. The same thing he had heard plenty of times from his mother, as well as his pale friend. “ Yeah, sorry just thinking about my sister.” he answered coyly. “Oh, well happy thoughts, if you can.” she said, giving him a warm smile, trying to keep his mind kind.”Will do.” He answered and moved with her to the bar counter. Meredith, the redhead half-elf owner of the tavern, was in the kitchen making the final bits of breakfast for the group. “It’s the same as yesterday darling's, I had leftovers” she called from the kitchen after peeking her head out for a moment to see Cole and Arrya.” It smells wonderful, thank you.” Ivo called back. Meredith peered through the doorway at Ivo, giving him a genuine smile before the kitchen lit up like a bonfire and let out a small scream. After some fiddling and running around, she managed to get the flames under control once more. A few more minutes later, and everyone had already begun shoveling their food into their mouths and were drinking ale, except Ivo who drank water. Not much for talking with your mouth full, Meredith scolded Tezzeret for doing so. The rest of the meal went about in silence, save for the clanking of dishes and conversation from other patrons eating breakfast as well.
Having finished their food, the group relaxed for a moment and began chatting about what they wanted to do today, where they planned to go this week, and how many more Gnolls were enough. Ivo taking notes the entire time. Writing down what everyone said, as well as little side notes. As Tezzeret and Arrya finished deciding on the appropriate number for the week, they settled on 25, the door to the Tavern opened, and in stepped Orsen and two other city guard.
“ Ah, perfect, you're all still here. Three breakfast plates and ales please, Meredith.” Orsen called to the kitchen.”Yeah” she half yelled, being preoccupied by cooking already.” So, the mayor wanted us to escort you to his manor after you guys are done here. Something about another issue I guess.” Orsen stated as he sat at the bar next to Ivo.”Okay, well let’s all get fixed up first, brekky and all that” Cole chimed in. “Arrya, can we stop at Luchorion’s before we go out?” Tezz asked, almost pleading. “I don’t see why not, you guys kicked ass yesterday. A little detour won't hurt. Cole and Tezz fist pumped and went back to drinking ale. “So, Ivo, how’s it going? Having a good time in the city so far?” Orsen asked the high elf, though he was only half attentive. Ivo was in his own head again, and gave a “yeah, sure thing” in response. Orsen continued, "So what do you think about the city guard? We’re some nice chaps huh? Keeping the city safe and all that.”
“ Oh for sure.” Ivo was doodling in his book, drawing a crow, not listening to Orsen’s prattling. Orsen tapped Ivo on the shoulder, snapping him out of his doodle.” I’ll be honest, I have never had someone so vacant when talking with me before. Are you distracted?” Orsen questioned his own magnetism. After a moment of stunned realization, Ivo apologized. “Sorry Orsen, I just get really into my thoughts and I have learned that just agreeing with whatever someone is saying is easier than asking them to repeat themselves three hundred times. It’s not that you aren’t interesting, I am really tired and have a lot on my mind. Sorry.” The words came up like vomit and Ivo couldn’t help but explain himself. Orsen chortled and after a moment of thought replied. “Uh huh, yeah for sure.” Ivo’s eyes widened as he smiled and then burst out laughing, followed by Orsen, the other two guards and Arrya who had heard the entire conversation.
A few minutes later, after everyone was finished with their food and drink they proceeded to leave the Shade Lounge, and make their way to the Mayor’s Manor.