Chapter 11: Full of Surprises
It’s another busy day in Rohan! From daily performances to magic battle tournaments, there was always something to see or do! However, sitting idly in the corner of the street was a hooded young lad with his small companion.
"Woof!" (Diloria)
Hm...what’s in my inventory...
Peering in his traveler’s sack, Marcus was taking note of what he had in stock...
Misc seeds x 1255
Bread x 7
Flour sack x 6
Blacksmithing hammer x 1
Bucket x 1
Digging shovel x 1
Drinking canteen x 1
Hoe x 1
Instructions for ‘minor pesticide’ x 1
Trowel x 1
Woodcutting Axe x 1
Gold: 10 gold 77 silver 12 copper
While taking his time examining the many seeds he possessed, several gold coins kept falling from the sky. Looking up, Marcus could see the people passing by were ‘donating’ gold to him. Marcus hasn't noticed quite yet but his riddled armor and dirty cloak made him look like a beggar.
“Mommy! Mommy! Look!” (???1)
“Don’t look dear, keep walking!” (???2)
Looking down at his appearance, he realized what was happening. Embarrassed, Marcus quickly picked up the gold he earned and went to the back alley.
"Woof, Woof!" (Diloria)
“Yup, I need to repair my armor... -repair!-” (Marcus)
[ping]
Repair beginner lvl. 2! (12%)
+slight reduction in durability when repairing
Coming back to the spotlight, Marcus decided it was time to travel to Hansbridge. He didn't get the chance to add Stephanie as a friend. Her sudden disappearance worried him a little but he didn't have the capabilities to track her down, so he decided it was time to move on. Stopping by the ‘Baker’s Shop’, he needed to stock up on food for the long journey ahead; if a player needed to fill their satiation bar while on a tight budget, bread was the most obvious solution.
“Hi, I’ll like to purchase some beginner’s bread please!” (Marcus)
“With pleasure my dear customer, how many would you require?” (Baker???)
“I think 100 should be enough” (Marcus)
“Oh my, please give me a moment sir, I’ll have to bake some more bread!” (Baker???)
Marcus stood at the counter while watching the middle-aged women scurried to the kitchen. The simple act of kneading dough created a very warm and pleasant atmosphere. As the baker started to load trays into the stone oven, Marcus called out to her.
“Excuse me, your name wouldn't happen to be Annalise would it?” (Marcus)
The baker turn around with a soft smile. She answered Marcus with a slight nod. Marcus recalled the many stories his friend, Woodcutter Alex, had told him.
“Alex was right, you’re very skilled at baking” (Marcus)
The baker paused as she finished bagging the freshly baked loaves.
“You...know Alex?” (Annalise)
“Yeah, he taught me how to cut down trees. There wasn't a day out in the forest when he wouldn't stop talk about you!” (Marcus)
A soft glow emanated from the woman's face. She smiled dearly at Marcus. A single tear slowly rolled down her cheek. Handing the bag over to Marcus, she softly whispered the words “thank you”.
“Hehe, no, thank you! So how much do I owe you?” (Marcus)
“No need young traveler, take it as a gift” (Annalise)
Marcus didn't like the idea of taking bread for free. Even though he took the 19 silver worth of ‘donations’ from strangers, he would feel awful for not paying 3 silver to such a kind person.
“No really, I insist! Here!” (Marcus)
Rummaging through his bag, he accidentally pulled out 3 gold coins while quickly placing it in the hands of the Baker. Annalise looked surprised as she counted the gold.
“Dear customer, this is too much-” (Annalise)
“Haha, it’s nothing! A friend of Alex is a friend of mines!” (Marcus)
“Then please wait as I get you some change” (Annalise)
“No need! Talent and hard work deserves an equal reward!” (Marcus)
The baker could only smile brightly. She never had anyone praise her work so much before. Amongst the cooking professions, bakers earned the least amount of gold, while being looked down on by other chefs. She thought Marcus was truly a kind individual. She had to do something to repay his kindness.
[ping]
Through special action(s):
+ 5 charm, +affection with Baker Annalise
Oh, cool!
“Oh dear customer, I didn’t catch your name” (Annalise)
“My name’s Marcus, pleasure to meet you” (Marcus)
“Would you like to stay to learn the art of Baking?” (Annalise)
Marcus had to give it some thought. He knew he had to travel to Hansbridge soon but the thought of being able to cook his own bread would save him gold in the long run.
“Hm, sure! I’ll love to!” (Marcus)
“Then if you can, please pick up 3 bags of flour from the flour mill. Here’s 15 silver” (Annalise)
Quest: Flour for Bakery
Rank: E
Description: Purchase 3 bags of flour from the local flour mill and deliver to Annalise
Reward: +Exp, +gold
Failure: Decrease affection with Baker Annalise
“Sure! Count on me!” (Marcus)
***
[Creak- thud thud thud thud - Creak-]
Giant wooden cogs were turning about, as a white powder sifts down a wooden shoot. Several men were hoisting up bags full of dry wheat to the floor above. Commanding the troop of men was a very old farmer. He had a small hunch, a straw hat and wooden cane. While several bags of flours were being processed, a young boy wandered inside the mill.
“Ah! Hey Jeremy!” (Marcus)
“Well if it isn't Marcus! How you doing sonny?” (Jeremy)
“Good, good. Hey Jeremy, I didn't know you owned the mill” (Marcus)
“Haha! You never asked my boy! So what brings you here?” (Jeremy)
“Oh right, I need to buy some flour!” (Marcus)
Jeremy wrapped his arm around Marcus shoulder as he pulled him in closer.
“My boy! Would you like to make your own flour?” (Jeremy)
“I-is that possible?” (Marcus)
“Of course! Hey Earl! Bring me a pestle and mortar!” (Jeremy)
A fairly husky looking farmer brought what Jeremy asked for. Crushing a handful of dry wheat, Jeremy released the contents in the bowl. He instructed Marcus as he slowly moved the pestle in small circular motions, first the grinding started in the center, then slowly moved to the edge, then back to the center. As the motion of the pestle continued, the wheat started to changed from a light brown to a fine white powder.
[ping]
You've learn sub-alchemy skill: Grinding!
Emptying the contents into a flour sack, Jeremy handed the tools to Marcus.
“Give it a try boy, you’re free to help yourself to the wheat” (Jeremy)
“Thank you for your kindness Jeremy!” (Marcus)
“Hahaha! You’re welcome sonny! I need to get back to work, take your time” (Jeremy)
Marcus took on the challenged. At first, it took Marcus 10 minutes to produce fine flour. But as time went by, his skill grew higher and higher, making it easier to grind the wheat.
[ping]
Grinding beginner lvl. 5!
+increase grinding proficiency
“Phew!” (Marcus)
Looking outside, the sun was setting.
“Ack! I didn't notice the time! Gotta hurry!” (Marcus)
Tying up the 3 bags of flour, Marcus made his way back to Annalise.
“Huff- Hi Annalise! Sorry I’m late!” (Marcus)
“Oh dear, I was beginning to wonder if you were ever coming back!” (Annalise)
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Opening the bags of flour, Annalise was surprise yet again.
“Oh my! Marcus, you didn't have to buy such expensive flour! Coarse grain would have been just fine” (Annalise)
“Ehehe, it was all free! Old man Jeremy taught me how to grind my own flour” (Marcus)
“Huhuhu! Oh Marcus, you’re full of surprises!” (Annalise)
[ping]
Quest: Flour for Bakery! (Complete)
Gain + 200 exp, + 15 silver, +increase affection from Annalise
“Okay then, shall we start?” (Annalise)
“Sure!” (Marcus)
Throughout the night Annalise showed the ins and outs of baking. She tailored the lessons to fit the needs of a travelling adventurer. Though Marcus had a little trouble at the start, he quickly learned the method of making dough and baking bread. Annalise was so excited having her first apprentice, she forgot what time it was. When everything was finished, the sun started to rise again. Lying in the chair, unconscious, was Annalise. Marcus now had a dilemma. He wanted to start his journey as soon as possible, but at the same time, he couldn't leave the store close while Annalise was asleep!
Dad always said repay kindness back twofold!
For the next 6 hours, Marcus diligently went to work.
“Hi mister! 4 strawberry jam bunbuns please!” (???)
“Here you go, that’ll be 60 copper!” (Marcus)
Waking up from her slumber, Annalise was surprised yet again! Her new apprentice who she taught overnight was now running her store!
“To be blessed with such an honest and hard worker. The gods must be smiling down on me!” (Annalise)
Though Annalise was correct about the gods smiling down, it wasn't Annalise who they were looking down upon.
“Hi Marcus” (Annalise)
“Ah! Hi Annalise, did you sleep well?” (Marcus)
Annalise ruffled Marcus’s hair while giggling.
“Thank you for watching the store Marcus, I’ll take it from here” (Annalise)
“Yawwn~ Okay, I need to start heading out now” (Marcus)
“If you don’t mind me asking, where will you be heading Marcus?” (Annalise)
“To Hansbridge, I’ll be travelling by foot” (Marcus)
“Rather adventurous are we? If it’s Hansbridge... wait here for just one moment!” (Annalise)
Running to the storage room, Annalise came back with a rather peculiar looking flute. The wooden shaft had only 5 holes for the fingers, with an enlarged bottom half that looked like a hybrid between a snail’s shell and heart shaped leaf.
“Here, take this with you” (Annalise)
“What is it?” (Marcus)
“Treat it as a good luck charm, if you’re ever lost in a forest, this flute will guide you to safety” (Annalise)
Taking a bow, Marcus was now set to leave. While walking down the dirt road, Marcus reminisce about all the fun he had thus far. He remember all the folks that helped him out, all the smiles and laughter, even all the food he ate...
Huh? Where did I buy all that food from?
A eerie feeling lingers in the back of Marcus mind. He felt something was off. Something had been forgotten.
***
[Crackle]
A light. A very dim light. Shadows dance in the night as the fire flickers in the wind. Like a performance under the moonlight, the trees were the audience. The trees didn't laugh, nor did they talk, but when the wind blows, they clapped.
Marcus sat among the trees. Like in a trance, he watched as the fire slowly chokes the wood of it’s last breath. A small whimper from below broke the mindless gaze.
“Eeeerm….” (Diloria)
“You hungry girl?” (Marcus)
Ah, I’m getting tired of eating bread, I should try to grow something.
“What would you like Diloria? Strawberries or blueberries?” (Marcus)
“Woof!” (Diloria)
“Haha, strawberries it is” (Marcus)
Marcus used his trowel to loosen the earth, then he planted several seeds. As if pressing the fast forward button on life itself, sprouts popped up for the soil, quickly becoming leaves, followed by red plump candy. It took less than 4 minutes but the strawberries were ready to harvest.
[ping]
Sow beginner lvl. 9!
+30% germination rate
+15% success rate
Achievement: 1000 plants grown!
+ 5 Nature, New title gained: Green thumb!
Would you like to equip your new title?
“Hmmm, yes” (Marcus)
Title equipped!
+5% bonus exp. for farming skill
Pleased with reaching a milestone, Marcus hummed a sweet tone while plucking the strawberries for Diloria to eat.
“Woof!” (Diloria)
“You’re welcome” (Marcus)
After putting out the fire, Marcus and Diloria cuddled while sleeping on the floor. As he drifted away, he began dreaming about another world. His dream were vivid, the landscape surreal, he didn't know where he was but he knew he'd been there before. Then it started to rain. He felt warm water cover his face. It felt kind of… slimy?
“Ughh... Diloria, stop it” (Marcus)
The licks continued as he heard Diloria whimper under his arm...
Wait, what?
Opening his eyes, all Marcus could see was white fur. That wasn't Diloria’s fur, hers were brown! Jumping up, Marcus was startled. Around him were several small animals; rabbits, cats, even a squirrel. All of them were eagerly looking at Marcus.
“Grrr, Woof!” (Diloria)
“Calm down Diloria, they’re not enemies” (Marcus)
Sitting back down, Marcus shared some bread with his audience. Marcus was curious why animals would gather around him. Normally, ‘monsters’ would run away from players if they were too weak, or attack if they were stronger. He didn't fully understand the game’s monster AI, but this was definitely strange.
All the fur-balls started to cuddle with Marcus. Looking at Diloria, he could sense she was jealous. So like a good father would, he gave her some affection with a belly rub. The from a distance, Marcus could see a small herd of animals running towards him! The whole situation was so bizarre, Markus gave up on trying to think of an explanation. But as the animals came closer, he notice 3 much larger animals in pursuit. Three grey wolves.
Now I get it! They want me to protect them!
Marcus readied for combat. His blood started to boil with excited; he couldn't remember the last time he hunted monsters. Marcus exploded from the ground. His hoe quickly found the scruff of the wolf. Marcus damage wasn't high, but his strength compensated for his lack of attack skills. The wolves turn their attention over to Marcus. Their attacks were coordinated, there was very little time in between attacks, it made it difficult to plan ahead. Marcus went in for a counter. Using the back of his hoe, he shoved the stick down the wolf's throat as it lunged towards Marcus. The wolf was gagging as Marcus spun its body to deflect his own allies. After another twirl, the wolf was tossed aside. Marcus was now on the offense. He aimed for the eyes and throat as much as possible. By the end of the fight, Marcus was out of breath, but alive.
The sound of squeaks and purrs started to pour from his furry friends. Marcus didn't know what to say. More like he was stunned speechless. It’s not everyday you witness the gathering of 50 some odd furry animals. Suddenly, a circle, roughly 1 meter in diameter, started to shine brightly. Emerging from the portal was a little girl. She had blonde hair and silver eyes. Like petals dancing in the wind, her white dressed flutter as she floated in the air. As the light faded away, her semi-transparent wings came into focus. Marcus knew it didn't take a genius to know what he was looking it. It was obviously...
a fairy.
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Author's Note: From this chapter onwards, still editing.