Chapter 189
Jay was escorted down a hallway and then down some stairs. A long hallway opened up in front of him and his escort guided him to a set of double doors. A wooden plaque on the wall next to the doors stated simply “Function Hall No. 2”
His escort waved towards the double doors and Jay nodded in thanks. He opened the doors and walked in as his escort walked back down the hallway.
The room was huge and filled with round tables at which sat families and their children. Each table had a floral centerpiece and place settings for those seated at it. It was easy to see which children had gone adventuring that day as they were all wearing padded armor and carrying weapons. Jay peered about the room but was unable to find anyone that he recognized.
Many children carried items that they had won from their run in the ruins, but all of the items were common. Swords, shields, trinkets, jewelry, the items were many and varied. The children holding such items were all thrilled with their new treasures and could often be seen showing them off to other children or even adults.
There was a table to the side just as he entered that was covered in name tags and Jay was stopped by a bubbly woman with curly gray hair and a wide smile. She was sitting at the table and waved Jay over with an enthusiasm that made it impossible for him to ignore her.
“Hello and welcome! Name?” the woman asked without offering her own name.
“Jay.” he replied.
She nodded and looked about at a list before she looked back up at Jay. “I don't see you on the list. Which child is yours?”
Jay shook his head, “I'm not a parent – I brought a group of kids through the Pointless Ruins today.”
“Oh!” the woman said happily, “Bess is my niece! She was quite excited about her fireflies! Thank you so much for what you did for her! Here,” she said as she took a name tag that read 'Nancy.' She turned it over and hand wrote 'Jay' on the back and then pinned it to Jay's armor.
“There you go! All set! Bess' table is over in the corner there if you wanted to say hello! I'm sure her parents would love to speak with you.” the woman said with another wide smile.
Another family had arrived behind Jay so he thanked the woman and moved further in to the room. A band was up front and was playing music that Jay was unfamiliar with. It was a catchy upbeat tune to a 4/4 time beat. It was music fit for a celebration.
Jay moved through the room and towards Bess' table. It was in the far back tucked in to the corner of the room. As he drew closer he noticed that a crowd had grown around the table comprised of adults and children.
While other children were going up to others to show off their treasure things were working a bit differently at Bess' table. As Jay approached he had to thread through the crowd just to reach the table.
Jay's armor and collar device made him stand out in the crowd of dressed-up people. Although the clothing was not expensive compared to what Jay would see on an average night at Redgrass the clothing was the best and most formal dress that the people there owned.
People took notice of Jay's armor and made room for him to step up to the table.
There Jay found Bess, Cory, and Neiman, all seated at the table and surrounded by their parents who were glowing with pride at their children. Whatever reservations they may have harbored upon their return had faded as a crowd had gathered to see what the children had earned.
Bess' head was surrounded by a field of fluttering glowing fireflies. They would occasionally go red for a time before returning to their normal glow.
Cory sat to Bess' side and had his Charm Kit out in front of him, opened, on the table. He wore the bracelet but happily explained how the charms worked to anyone that stayed still long enough for him to do so.
Neiman sat on the opposite side of Bess from Cory. He wore his Flaming Choker and it's surface swirled with fiery reds and yellows. It was clear that the item was magical. In front of Neiman and laid out on the table was his new weapon, Precise Cuts, a named short sword.
The three children didn't have to ask to show off their treasures – people came to them to see them. The crowd had all wanted to see what the children had earned.
For the most part the other parents all seemed quite happy for the three children and just wanted to see what they had gotten. The families were all made up of tradesmen and those that made their coin doing things other than adventuring. The opportunity to see real magical items up close was not one they were going to pass up.
The children on the other hand were a bit upset that they hadn't had the same opportunity as Bess and her friends. They had gotten items, most of them anyway. The other children's treasure chests had not provided enough common items for their entire group so only some of the children had been awarded an item. While they had initially loved their items they had all lost a bit of their luster when compared to what Bess and her friends had gotten.
Eventually the crowd thinned out enough for Jay to have a seat. The occasional adult or child still approached to see what the group had gotten but there was now room enough to talk.
“I'm Bess' father, Sean. I just wanted to say thank you for what you did for our girl. I've never seen her so happy. As for the magical item, I don't know what to say,” said the large man who wore a white button up shirt and black pants. His muscles strained at the shirt and it was clear that whatever he did for a living he did not do it wearing a dress shirt.
Jay smiled, “I'm glad I was there. As for the magical item, you're welcome but your daughter won that item fair and square just as if I had been running a Guild group,” Jay kindly pointed out.
Sean looked out over the room full of adults and children. “I don't see any other children with magical items out there though, do you?” he asked Jay - Sean's point being that Jay was very much the reason his daughter had a magical item.
At age 11.
The man smiled happily for a moment before he asked his next question. “How was Bess? Don't blow smoke at me either – I want to know what really happened. Did she do well?”
As the man finished speaking the woman next to him, Bess' mother, leaned over to ensure that she would hear Jay's reply. She had been almost casually ignoring the conversation up until that point but her movement made it clear that she was listening to everything.
Jay nodded, “Ok. Honestly? She did great. She followed directions. She fought off our enemies, even when painfully wounded. She refused to quit even when she had been repeatedly offered the opportunity to do so.”
Jay paused as he thought of how Bess had handled herself in the ruins. “She only rolled on items that she would use and never tried to gain an advantage over the others in her group. She offered her opinion when asked and kept focused on our tasks. I'd give her highest marks – if she were to join the Guild once she comes of age I would happily have her in a group.”
Sean beamed with pride at his daughter and nodded in thanks before he turned back to Jay. “Thank you.”
Sean's wife placed a hand on her husband's forearm that he had rested on the table next to her as she spoke.
“I am Cinn, Bess' mother. I was... concerned, over Bess' injury. I apologize for yelling earlier.” Sean's wife said. She had long blond hair that was going white in places. She was roughly the same size as Bess and it was clear that Bess would most likely not grow any taller than she had already. Cinn had a serious face and it was apparent that apologies were not something she offered anyone often.
Jay nodded, “Forgiven. As for her injury, you should know that she never cried out. No tears or complaints. She fought as if it hadn't even happened. You can't teach that – you either can handle pain or you can't. Your daughter is strong. I can see why you two must be proud of her,” Jay said with a smile and Bess, who had been listening in the entire time, blushed a dark red in embarrassment.
Cinn nodded but her expression didn't soften. “We owe you a debt,” she insisted.
Jay immediately waved her off, “Absolutely not, what was freely given was freely received. However, if you insist then I would accept friendship in place of a debt.”
Cinn narrowed her eyes at Jay as he spoke, “Are you a holy man, Jay? You speak like one. I was told you were a Guild man, not a priest.”
Jay chuckled and shook his head, “I'm a Guild man through and through. You're the first one to accuse me of being a holy man.”
Cinn hadn't stopped peering at Jay and he was beginning to feel uncomfortable.
“You must come for dinner – not today obviously. I'll reach out in a week or so,” Cinn offered a bit formally.
Jay didn't know what to do but Bess was looking up at Jay plaintively. It was clear she wanted Jay to accept her mother's dinner invitation. Bess' father looked on with a hopeful expression on his face.
It wasn't as if Jay was going to have a lot to do once his group all went for their secondary training. A home cooked dinner might be fun. Besides, getting to know more people might make his stay in Eden more enjoyable.
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“I'd enjoy that, thank you for the offer. I'm not sure how you'd reach me though,” Jay offered. He could give them his room number he supposed.
Cinn smiled a thin lipped smile – it was fast and was almost gone before he caught it – but she had smiled for a split second. “Patron Jay of Kagan's Dome, Member of the Glimmerhides. Loot giver? Treasure Master? Although I don't know the exact title for what you do I'm sure that others will know of your abilities. I'm equally sure that someone at the front gate will be capable of locating you.”
Jay smiled and blushed lightly in embarrassment. Of course she would be able to reach him – how many Jays were there at the Guild anyway? Probably just him.
Cinn offered a tiny hand and Jay grasped it in his and shook it lightly. “Until then,” she said simply and returned to watching her daughter show off her new magical item.
“Mom, can I go talk with my friends?” Bess asked. She had already gotten down from her chair.
Cinn nodded seriously, “Check back in with us shortly and don't go too far.”
Bess grinned and skipped off to meet up with a group of girls and boys that had gathered at a nearby table.
There were others waiting to speak with Jay and Sean quickly noticed and said a final thanks to Jay. They clasped forearms and shook before Sean smiled and sat back down next to his wife to make room for the next person.
Jay stepped over to a thin looking man with close cropped black hair.
“I'm Ezra, Cory's pa. His ma couldn't make it today, wasn't feeling well. I wanted to thank you for what you did – I could never have afforded an item like what Cory got! I'm a little peeved that he didn't sell it but, like you said, lawfully given, lawfully kept. Not our loot to give out, right?” he said nervously.
Jay looked down at Ezra and realized how much shorter he was compared to Jay. And thin. Ezra was a bit too thin. Jay tried to put Ezra at ease.
“Cory did well and earned what he got. The children weren't merely guided through the ruins. They each participated just as much as I did. Cory even helped me disarm a trap. He fought through an entire ring event without quitting. Also, he recognized and warned another member of lash-vine when he encountered it. He was a valuable member of the group,” Jay said as he listed the positive aspects of Cory's performance.
Ezra had listened carefully and spoke up, “But? I feel like there is a but coming.”
Jay laughed, “No, he did really well. He can be a bit impulsive at times but that is just a matter of him growing older. I was concerned about one thing in particular though,” Jay said and he drew Ezra off to the side and away from others, and Cory's, ears.
“The firefly circlet,” Jay began and Ezra nodded.
“Very pretty magical item. Bess has been showing it off since she arrived!” Ezra commented.
Jay nodded, “Yes, well, I think your son wanted to roll on it.”
Ezra looked worried, “Was he not supposed to?”
Jay shook his head, “No, the problem was the opposite I'm afraid. Cory wanted that item, I'm sure of it, but he was too embarrassed when Bess wanted to roll for it but Neiman did not. That worried me. Just because Neiman didn't want it was no reason for Cory to pass on it – yet he did. There's something going on there and I don't know what it is but maybe you should talk with him about it at some point.”
Ezra nodded and thanked Jay, “I'll speak with him about it, thank you. The bracelet he got though – that is amazing. Amazing. Thankfully the Church has offered to help guide him in its use. I was worried when he told me that it would let him do fire damage. Or cold damage. He's 11, you know?”
Jay laughed and nodded. “Well he's remarkably mature for an 11 year old. He did good in there, you should be proud.”
Ezra's smile widened in to a grin and he nodded – he was proud and he looked over at Cory who was still seated at the table. Cory was explaining to a young girl with short brown hair what the red charm did. She looked suitably impressed and Jay chuckled to himself.
“Well thank you – for everything! I don't know why my boy got you but I'm glad he did! My wife as I said couldn't come but if I don't invite you over to the house she will kill me when she finds out what you did for our Cory. I know today isn't a great day for it but we'd love to have you over the house for lunch or dinner sometime. I know you're probably very busy,” Ezra said and trailed off hopefully.
Jay chuckled, “Not too busy for a home cooked meal. If you send a message to the front gate for Patron Jay of the Glimmerhides it should reach me. Or so I've been told,” he said as he caught a glimpse of Cinn talking with her husband Sean.
Ezra laughed and nodded, “Yes, well I expect it would wouldn't it? I won't take up any more of your time so, thank you again. From me and my wife. And Cory, if he hasn't thanked you already,” he pointed out.
Jay laughed, “Actually that was a funny moment. The children all thanked the group every time they were awarded an item. I've never seen a group do that before. People congratulate each other, sure, but thanking everyone else for your item? That's not commonly done. They're some good kids.”
Ezra smiled warmly and shook Jay's hand before they returned to the table. Ezra went right over to Cory who didn't even look up as he was too busy talking with the short dark haired girl. Jay was quickly intercepted by a strong looking woman. She wore her dark blonde hair in a thick braid that hung down her back. She stood straight – too straight, the way dancers and politicians or performers stand.
People walked around her but she stood like an oasis of peace in the churning crowd of people. Some people just held themselves differently than others did. They stood out, drew the eye, and Neiman's mother did all of those things while barely even moving.
“You must be Jay,” she said and offered her hand to shake. Jay grasped her hand gently in his and she grasped his hands strongly, stronger than he had expected and he had to apply more force to his handshake just to avoid having his hand crushed. She was strong.
“I am Aspen, Neiman's mother. That is my husband seated next to him, Gregory,” the woman said. She was beautiful Jay realized after a moment and he quickly smiled and nodded.
Gregory was a nondescript looking man with short brown hair and a slender frame. He blended in with those around him as thoroughly as his wife stood out. It appeared that he rarely spoke and preferred to listen.
“Pleased to meet you,” Jay said as they finished their handshake.
“You heaped quite a fortune on our son,” Aspen began as she drove right to her point rather than dance around it. Aspen might hold herself like a dancer would but she spoke aggressively.
She raised one hand and motioned towards him, “That wasn't a question,” she said just as he was about to speak. “Is there a reason you awarded our son the weapon?”
When Jay didn't immediately answer she interjected, “That was a question.”
Jay wasn't sure if this was still a friendly conversation or not but decided to act as if it were.
“I never awarded anything to anyone. Loot was handed out via system triggered rolls. At no time did I hand anyone anything they had not been awarded. All items were awarded by the system, not me. All I did was hand them the item, nothing more,” Jay insisted. “Your son won those items all on his own, the weapon included.”
Aspen's lips tightened almost imperceptibly for a moment before her appearance smoothed once again. “Are you familiar with my family?” she asked Jay. As she did so she studied him intently and Jay felt like he was suddenly trapped under a microscope.
“Lady I've never heard of you or anyone else here before today,” Jay insisted as he became a bit tense from her interrogation.
She was still for a moment before she nodded. “You told the other families how their child performed. How did Neiman do?”
Aspen behaved differently from the other parents and for a moment he wondered what she did for a living. He quickly returned to the matter at hand as Aspen cleared her throat and gave Jay a dark look.
There was a brief moment of almost silence where the band had finished their song before they launched in to their next. It didn't last long and was quickly replaced by a catchy tune that would be perfect to dance to. Some of the children had decided to do just that and spun each other about while Jay spoke.
“Neiman did well. His sword work was impressive especially for his age. He was a great help during the combat section. He showed a real interest in traps and triggers and should even have a trap pin I gave to him. He got that pin out of an actual trigger assembly! He listened to directions and the sword went to him as he was the only blade user present and would use it.” Jay said as he motioned over towards where Neiman was sitting.
“He also helped figure out how to exit one of the rooms with a hidden door. He didn't always have the answer but he at least gave every problem some thought. He was a pleasure to have on the run. He'd make an excellent Guild trainee should he decide to go that route.” Jay finished. He wasn't sure what exactly Aspen was looking for him to say and she stared at him intently.
Aspen nodded and smiled, “That sounds just like Neiman. Although you may not have been the reason Neiman won I am well aware that you are the reason there was something worth winning in the first place. My husband and I are thankful for what you've done for our son.”
Gregory noticed the two of them looking at him a few feet away and nodded in greeting with a smile before he returned to watching Neiman.
“So, thank you. From us. You will of course join us at our home for dinner. I'm certain others have invited you as well but there are enough days in the week to go around I would think. I will have a card sent for you when the time is right.” Aspen said as she reached out her hand again. The two shook hands – this time Jay was ready for Aspen's grip and the handshake was a good one.
Aspen sat back down next to her husband and smiled warmly at her son. Jay could tell by her body language alone that she was fiercely protective of her son.
The people around him moved away as a Guild guard approached and stood near Jay until he noticed him.
“Your presence has been requested,” the Guild guard said to Jay. The children looked disappointed when Jay waved goodbye, “I'll try and come back to talk with all of you!” Jay insisted as the Guild guard led him out of the function hall and in to a side room.
The room was small and had room for a table, chairs, and not much else.
The doors shut behind him just as he recognized who was seated at the table.
Walter. T'lly. Victor.
Well. This wasn't going to be much fun, Jay thought to himself as Walter waved at him to have a seat.