A couple of years ago I watched an old movie, An American Werewolf in London. Not bad for something so old. One of the scenes that caught my eye was the shapeshifting. Looking at Twink, I wondered if I was about to see something similar to what I had seen in that old movie. I hoped not, "Twink I would like you to become a Dragon again and then wait for me outside. I am going to go down and help with the cleanup. When I leave please let me know if anyone follows me."
Perhaps I was being paranoid, thinking like this. As the saying goes you’re not paranoid when they are out to get you. That guild full of old folks was making me itch all along my back. They had decades of sneaky experience on me, and I am sure that they all know how to use that experience. The other thought that was on my mind was Kaie. I am just not sure what to do if she shows up, but I know for a fact I do not want her to know about Twink, at least not yet.
Twink stretched and I heard a muffled "yes Poppa" and then she was a dragon. Nothing to flashy or loud, a golden glow for a second and then a little dragon flew out the window. "Poppa, I am still hungry, going hunting will be back soon." Alone in the room I sat down for a minute to collect my thoughts, it had been one of those days. Overall I was pleased with everything; I was doing exactly what the gaming process encouraged players to do. I was finding new skills and abilities as I immersed myself further into this game world. Granted I had been fortunate and was gifted with skills and abilities that most players would not achieve till end game, if even then. However, those skills needed to be developed.
Thinking of these things was not going to get the dishes done so with a small sigh I stood up and left my room. Dishes wait upon no man, I knew this well from my time helping in the orphanages kitchen. Once down the stairs, I proceeded directly into the kitchen. Grabbing my apron, I turned around and saw that Reona and the other two barmaids were standing there looking at me. Giving them a smile I said, "What can I do for you, ladies?" "Well for a start you can tell us why you did not tell us you had a daughter? And then if it pleases you perhaps you would explain why the child is here living with you at the Inn and not in a proper home. Also, where is the mother?" Staring at the girls, I realized I was going to have to be circumspect with my responses to their queries.
"I am here with my daughter because we needed a place to live," I replied. "I did not tell you that I had a daughter as I did not realize that you needed to know, and furthermore, I do not want to appear rude but it is not your business where the mother is or why we are here." Swallowing I hoped I had not managed to anger the girls. Still, it was not their damned business and I felt a touch or irritation that they were intruding on my personal affairs.
At this point I heard the Innkeeper give a shout "Tor, there is a lady here to see you." As I left the kitchen I saw all three girls look at each other and then troop out after me. By the unknown Gods, this is getting better and better. Looking towards the entrance, I see Kaie sitting at a table. I smiled at her as I felt a hint of nervousness. "Hello Kaie" I spoke softly as I sat down opposite her. This was clearly out of my comfort zone but as I looked at her and breathed in her scent I realized that I had to be careful with this lady. Something about her made me feel weak in the knees, and strangely enough, I like how I felt when I was with her. "Hello Tor," licking her lips Kaie smiled at me. "I want you to know right now I am far older than you. Do you understand?" Reona ignoring several other tables with guests that wanted refills walked over to our table and asked "So who is your friend Tor?"
Kaie looked at Reona and the temperature began to drop rapidly. "Yes and who is this Tor?" Kaie asked as frost began to form on the table under her hand." Frost mage, I wondered as I struggled to deal with the situation. Since when did Reona have the slightest interest in me? Nothing until she saw Twink. Is this some kind of misplaced mothering instinct? The way these two ladies were giving each other the eyes, what the hell was that. I would be the first to admit that they were both beautiful with figures that the average woman could only dream about. Was it that they could not stand competition?
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I am still not sure how I became involved in between them, but all of a sudden I wanted out. I do not think I am a prude, the idea that two good looking women would fight over me seems like a fantasy. Unfortunately, I think I was just the excuse for these two to flaunt their feminine wiles at one another. Regardless I was done. As I was about to stand up Reona spoke, "so is this the mother of Twink, Tor?" Of all the things that she could have said, that was the worst. "Who is Twink Tor?" Kaie responded.
I slowly stood up. "Ladies I have some business to attend to. Kaie I would love to meet with you sometime for lunch if you would like to?" "Reona, this is not Twinks mother, and it is rather personal. I do not want to talk about Twink or her mother." Bowing to the ladies, I slowly made my way to the kitchen and began to do the dishes. Two hours passed quickly with several deflections regarding Reona trying to chat with me.
Once the cleanup was done, I changed and calling out mentally to Twink I asked if she was ready? "Yes Poppa" looking down the street I emerged from the Inn. "Is anyone hanging around Twink?" Suddenly on my map, a red icon was highlighted halfway down the block. Trying to not seem obvious I slowly began to walk towards the entrance to the maze of streets that led to the park. I decided to try to use Shadows to see if I could lose whoever it is who was following. Making the left turn I proceeded until I could see he was still around the corner and then cast the spell.
In one step I entered a different place; it was like being outside on a cloudy day as the light is failing. I heard Twink excitedly say "Yes Poppa." Swiftly I stepped to the center of the street where most of the drain would run and people would avoid. In a minute, I saw a man, cloaked in a mist slowly walk down the street. He was moving silently and clearly looking for something he had lost. That would be me. I waited for him to pass me be and then activating the basic DPS attack all players start with I applied the shime waza.
It was a Judo submission hold that quickly leads to unconsciousness. With the 100 percent critical hit rate that Shadows gave me and the speed and power that the basic DPS attack spell provided, the man fell to the ground almost before my hands touched him.
DingDingYou have defeated an enemy over ten levels above you.Welcome to level ten player.Having sustained no damage in your last fight your
reputation has begun to grow.You have received 9000 xp and have earned 5 attribute points.You have received bonus XP. X 25 percent per level per kill.
One day buff.You have received the title Gladiator and will receive
a 20 percent discount on all weapons and armor.You have received a new title for defeating an enemy unseen.
The sneaky.You can now begin to plot out the direction of your class.
Be wise in your choices, there is no going back.