Exciting Times
Sloane sat off to the side with a guardswoman standing watch next to her while she watched Gisele and Ismeld gesticulate rapidly while speaking to the guard captain. They were showing the guards various scrolls and documents. Likely the documents establishing my ‘nobility.’ Although, the deference he seemed to give Ismeld didn’t really match the way he appeared to address Gisele.
Something to explore later.
The woman next to her hummed in amusement as Gisele threw her hands up when the guard captain pointed at Sloane.
Sloane turned her head and scrutinized the woman who was guarding her, and Sloane had to admit… she was too terrified to try and do anything to piss this woman off.
Probably why they told her to watch me.
The woman was as if a telv had mixed with a giant that was a solid two meters tall and undoubtedly made of stone. Her tattooed arms were the size of Sloane’s legs, and she was the very definition of muscle mommy with her pretty face, striking golden eyes, and copper hair.
I wonder how many men she’s crushed between those thighs.
I just need to get on her good side. I don’t want to be next.
“So, how’s it goin’? I’m Sloane. What’s your name?” Sloane asked the female mountain.
The telv looked down at her with a blank look. “Nemura.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Nemura. So… do you know what they’re talking about over there?” Sloane asked.
The woman stared down at her, which was a welcome change for Sloane, because at one-hundred and eighty-six centimeters–or six-one in freedom units–it wasn’t often that people towered over her. Sure, lots of people were taller than her, and seeing people near Nemura’s height happened, but it was rare, especially in Italy where the average female height was one-sixty-five.
Nemura shrugged. “Whether you get fined or not or if you’re a menace.” The last part she said with a small smile.
“And here I thought we were fast friends, Nemmy. But ya gotta go and call me a menace. Not nice, girlfriend. Not nice,” Sloane schmoozed.
Sloane simply received a raised brow at that, so she refocused on the knights defending her honor. Just thinking about it caused her to snort.
The woman next to her looked back down at her “What?”
Sloane shook her head. “Just thinking about how the knights are over there arguing on my behalf.”
“Aren’t you a baroness?”
Sloane shrugged. “Yeah, I guess I am. But it’s all so different here. Where I’m from, knights in shining armor don’t come and stand up for you. You have to do it yourself.”
She could feel the woman’s eyes boring into her. “Hm,” she hummed thoughtfully. “Perhaps the way your people do it is the proper way.”
After that, she tried to get Nemura to open up more while the others spoke, but frankly, it didn’t go anywhere. The woman was a wall, and she barely spoke to Sloane.
It took a while, and Sloane was a bit peeved she couldn’t be involved, but eventually, the exchange with the moon elf captain ended. Gisele and the man started making their way over to Sloane and she stood up to not look rude. She wanted to make a good impression so that the knights wouldn’t get fined because of her.
Sloane looked over at the captain as he approached. He was a moon elf about her height, which meant he was at least fifteen centimeters shorter than the telv Amazon next to her. He was older, and if he were human, she would expect he was in his late forties.
However, she had learned that the Loreni aged more slowly than other races. It wasn’t as if they lived longer like she would have guessed. No, they simply entered what they called their waning years in the last five to ten years of their lives where they physically aged rapidly until they passed.
The Loreni life expectancy seemed similar to modern humans based on what she’d been able to get out of Ismeld. Which, Sloane supposed meant that they probably did live a bit longer than humans on average. Now with all of the changes to their world, she had no idea how mana and magic would affect such things.
For her part, she felt physically healthier than ever before.
Even more than when she was active in college in her early twenties.
Sloane wasn’t sure what mana was doing to her at all, but she knew that some improvements were going on.
She would definitely need to figure out a way to test and measure the effects.
It jolted Sloane from her thoughts when Nemura nudged her.
“Huh?”
She then noticed the captain was looking at her with an unamused expression. “Baroness?” Sloane tilted her head, which he took as acknowledgment, and started over. “So, as I was saying, I am Captain Jorin. Ser Gisele and Ser Ismeld explained what had happened and that you’re a bit of an eccentric… inventor?”
He paused, then turned his head toward a raithe who was scanning the court. “Was there any damage, Quen?”
The guard glanced over at him. “None that I can see, Captain.”
Captain Jorin nodded and faced her again. “Good. So, I’m not required to fine you, milady. Which is always a good thing. However, could we discuss what it was you were trying to test and why you did it in a courtyard filled with people?”
Sloane quirked her eyebrow. “To be fair, there wasn’t anyone around when we were training. I didn’t even see anyone come in until the end.”
The captain closed his eyes for a moment and tried again, looking between the two of them. “Lady Reinhart, Ser Gisele, we have training halls or yards that can be rented out specifically for this purpose.” He glared a bit at Ser Gisele. “This is a courtyard. Anyone can walk through at any time.”
Gisele attempted to speak, but the Captain held up his hand. “Ser Gisele, I understand what you intended. However, at the very least, this was a public disturbance situation that required guards to mobilize. That disruption itself is irresponsible.”
Sloane took the chance to speak up. “Captain Jorin, I apologize for the disruption. I was not aware that my alchemical device would produce such a loud noise. It is a non-lethal tool to help scare away beasts or to disorient bandits and the like. There isn’t any damage because there isn’t meant to be.”
Captain Jorin rubbed his chin as he considered what she had mentioned. Gisele’s face was filled with confusion as the orkun gave her a questioning look, but Sloane was prepared.
She reached into her satchel and brought out one of her steel spheres. “This is one of the test devices. While this particular one isn’t functional, it’s a good way for you to see what it looks like.” She handed the sphere to him, causing a brow raise from Gisele–who luckily stayed mum.
The captain rolled the sphere in his hand as he examined it.
Yeah, okay, it’s a grenade.
He looked up at her in disbelief. “This, did that? How?”
She smiled, “My apologies, Captain. That’s a trade secret. I’m still experimenting, and when it is complete, I will be selling them.” She reached out for the orb and he handed it to her. “Again, I apologize for the disturbance. We will endeavor to utilize the appropriate venues for future tests.”
Captain Jorin slowly nodded, still focused on the orb. “Thank you. If you start producing those in bulk, please come see me. I believe the guard would be interested in such a contraption.”
That caused Sloane to smile again. “Of course, Captain! I will keep you in mind. Thank you for your understanding.”
The man squinted his eyes before gesturing to his other guards. “Guardsmen, let’s go. They’re cleared.”
Nemura leaned closer to Sloane. “Your secret’s safe with me… baroness,” she whispered before nodding to Sloane and walking with the other guards out of the courtyard.
Captain Jorin looked at them all before addressing them one last time. “Please, remember your word. You will use the proper location next time.”
“Certainly. We appreciate your discretion as well, Captain,” Gisele responded.
The man just nodded as he turned and left.
The others approached them and Ernald spoke up, “Well, that went better than I thought.”
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Ismeld shook her head. “No. It definitely did not. He now knows more about us than I wished to be known. He also didn’t mention the shield he clearly saw before Gisele quickly ended it.”
“He seemed a good man. I suspect that he will not use that knowledge for his own gain.” Cristole reassured her.
Sloane’s eyes flitted between Gisele and Ismeld. “So, did they not overly scrutinize my documents? He didn’t catch that they were fake?”
Ismeld’s eyes narrowed dangerously and her voice took on a steel edge. “Your documents are not fake,” she sneered. “They are legitimate. Your past isn’t entirely truthful, but nobles have been elevated on less.”
Sloane tilted her head in confusion. “But… how?”
Before Ismeld could snap at her, Gisele placed a hand on the high elf’s shoulder and gently pulled her back. “That isn’t important for the time being,” the orkun woman told Sloane before redirecting, “First, did you mean what you said? That sphere is going to be able to do what you did with your magic?”
Sloane narrowed her eyes but ignored Ismeld for the time being. “Yes, that is the goal. I am working on a way to do it. I have an idea. Testing that idea will come later as we get a bit more settled in.”
“Good, because having the ability you demonstrated will be an edge that we can utilize.”
Cristole nodded along with Gisele and then added, “I agree. Having experienced the effect, we definitely need this capability. It is as you’ve said before, a game-changer.”
Sloane smiled. “Oh, if you think that’s good… you should see some of the other ideas I have.”
Ernald laughed. “Describe them to us over lunch. I think I speak for everyone when I say I’m hungry.”
Sloane chuckled. “Ernald, you’re always hungry, but yeah, let’s go. I think I have a few things you guys will be interested in.”
✦ ✦ ✦
Sloane walked with Maud into the crowded tavern and was instantly taken aback by how busy it was. It was as if everyone had decided tonight was the perfect opportunity to go eat and drink. There didn’t even appear to be any tables, but before she could suggest going somewhere else, Maud flagged down a passing barmaid and inquired about available seating.
The youthful raithe woman scanned the crowded space before shaking her head. “No, but there's two seats at the end of the bar. You're welcome to 'em.”
Exchanging a glance with Sloane, who responded with an indifferent shrug, Maud accepted the offer. Taking the initiative, Sloane led the way to the stools and they promptly ordered their food from a burly raithe man with some mutton chops and a jovial smile.
While waiting, Maud, the redheaded knight-medic, turned to Sloane with her green eyes and a warm smile. “So, how are you doing?”
Sloane exhaled deeply. “I'm alright. I think I've come to grips with everything that happened, I just…” A chuckle slipped past her lips. “How do we always end up in bars and taverns?”
Maud's lips twitched into an amused smile. “Because we're traveling? Where else would we go?”
Contemplating the question, Sloane's mind wandered. “Are there any restaurants? Stores? Spas?”
“There’s all of that and more. Well, not spas, but there are the baths, why don't we go tomorrow? We can grab Gisele and Ismeld and make a lady's day out of it.”
Sloane's face lit up with a smile. “You know what, that sounds like fun.”
Nodding in agreement as their drinks arrived, Maud took a hearty swig of hers. “Then it's a plan.”
Tasting her own drink, Sloane shrugged. It wasn't too bad.
Catching her gaze, Maud queried, “So, about your plans you talked about at lunch, is that what you've been working on in your room?”
Sloane's mood brightened instantly. “Yes! I have so many ideas, Maud. I think we can do some good. Now, I know some of the more immediate ones are more uh... martial in design, but you guys are knights. So…”
Her words trailed off as Maud merely smiled, encouraging Sloane to share her thoughts. The sincere interest and insightful questions put Sloane at ease, letting her discuss her designs with someone who genuinely cared. It didn't matter if Maud's primary purpose was to evaluate her mental state.
That's what friends did, right?
She was beginning to view the knights as friends, which brought comfort to her. It was soothing to have a support network in a world that was still new and often overwhelming.
A bittersweet smile curled on Sloane's lips. I don't know what I would do without that.
“You know, I hope Gwyn has this too…” she said quietly.
Maud raised a brow and placed a hand on Sloane’s. “What’s that?”
Sloane smiled. “Friends.”
The telv gave her a genuine smile and a nod before the two returned to the drinks and started chatting about small things. It was nice, and Sloane found herself enjoying herself.
Finally.
Sloane and Maud were engaged in pleasant conversation when their food arrived.
And Sloane felt her mouth salivating as she took in the spread. It was an enticing platter laden with medley potatoes, something that looked like broccolini, and a pair of perfectly roasted quail.
They both shared a satisfied glance before digging in, the food fulfilling in taste and presentation.
It was probably the best-tasting thing she’d had… ever.
Well, since being here at least.
As they ate, Maud leaned over and murmured, “They can tell we're higher class. It's why we got the more expensive meal without asking.”
Sloane merely nodded, unfazed.
She didn’t care and she sure as hell wasn’t about to contest the wonderful food before her. After eating bland or poorly made food since arriving, this was like trying a high-end restaurant for the first time after a life of ramen.
The two of them dug into the meal with gusto and the stress that had been knotting Sloane’s shoulders gradually released as she finally just…
Relaxed.
Which meant, of course, something had to happen.
In the midst of their feast, a sudden commotion stirred behind them.
Sloane and Maud turned in time to see a brawl unfolding between a burly raithe and an orkun. Food went flying, ale spilled, and as fists flew, the orkun man failed to block the fourth or fifth blow and received a nose-cracking punch that sent a spray of red over several onlookers as his head jerked to the side.
Oof. And that’s why I would never get front row seats to a fight.
A gasp swept through the tavern that turned even more eyes to the spectacle.
Then, abruptly, the fighters were sent sprawling apart. Standing in their place was the towering telv guardswoman Sloane had met earlier.
She glanced sternly down at the battered men, her deep voice resonating through the tavern, “Enough. Unless you both want to spend the night in the stocks, you will clean up your mess and pay for the damages.”
The orkun, his hand cradling his bleeding nose, pushed himself to stand and winced.
The guardswoman, Nemura, stepped over to him, tugging his chin up roughly to examine his injury. “Let me see,” she murmured, inspecting his broken nose. “Here, if I don't fix this it won't set right.”
As she reached towards him, Maud leaped to her feet.
“Wait!” Nemura’s and all other spectator’s heads turned, the guardswoman’s eyes narrowing slightly at the interruption. Hurrying forward, Maud clarified, “I'm a knight-medic. Let me help.”
Nemura gave a nod of understanding, stepping back to let Maud take over.
As the redhead gently probed the man's face, she gave him a comforting smile. “Alright, this won't be too bad. You ready?”
With a hesitant nod from the orkun, Maud's eyes began to shimmer with a mystical green light. Her hands took on the same otherworldly glow, which soon enveloped the man's injured nose. A sharp snap echoed, followed by a gasp from the man. Yet, Maud held him steady, the glow subsiding as quickly as it had come, leaving no trace of the injury behind.
The tavern seemed to inhale in unison, silence blanketing the room as patrons stared wide-eyed at Maud. It felt as if time had momentarily paused, the only sound being the faint crackling of the hearth. Then, as if a pebble had been thrown into a still pond, murmurs began to ripple across the room, growing in volume and intensity.
“Praise Eona!” exclaimed a large man in the corner, breaking the spell of silence.
His cry seemed to open the floodgates, and the tavern was soon buzzing with excited chatter. “Did she just perform a miracle?” a woman gasped, her eyes wide with awe. The whispers echoed from table to table, gaining momentum and creating a chorus of speculation and wonder.
“Is she a priestess?” asked an elderly gentleman, fidgeting slightly as he squinted at Maud. His question was met with a shake of the head from his companion, a matron with graying hair. “No, she has to be a saintess! Only they possess such divine powers.” The notion was quickly picked up and spread like wildfire through the crowd.
“She's Eona's Avatar! Eona Protects!” someone else cried out. The reverence in the room was palpable, the awe-struck faces of the patrons reflecting the divine reverence they associated with Maud's healing prowess.
As if driven by an unseen force, the crowd began to surge forward, their faces alight with reverence and curiosity.
Each wanted a closer look at the miraculous knight-medic who had turned an ordinary evening into a spectacle of divine intervention.
They pressed against one another, their eyes focused solely on Maud, the heroine of the hour.
Nemura intervened, her powerful voice cutting through the chatter, “That's enough! Everyone back up.” Turning towards Sloane and Maud, she suggested in a lowered voice, “We should get you two out of here.”
As the commotion continued, Sloane reached out to Maud, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You good?”
Maud replied with an exuberant smile, “Yup!” Before addressing the orkun man, who was watching her in awe. “Are you?”
His nod came quietly, lost in the uproar of the tavern patrons lauding Maud's miracle.
The towering telv woman began to usher them out as the patrons of the tavern reached out in an attempt to make contact with Maud. Each touch was filled with reverence and awe, each face lit with a newfound respect for the knight-medic.
As they exited, Sloane caught the eye of a barmaid, hastily handing over two large silver coins as she thanked the woman for the meal.
The barmaid's eyes widened, attempting to protest the generous tip. “That's too much!” she exclaimed.
“No, it's fair,” Sloane countered. “This was the best meal I've had in Westaren. Word will spread, and people will come in droves. Tell them it was a Knight of Haven's Hope that healed that man.”
There, now people will know the good they do.
Nodding rapidly, the barmaid accepted the coin, her face flushed with excitement. Turning on her heel, Sloane quickly caught up with Maud and Nemura, who had made their way outside.
Outside, Nemura became a physical barrier between the trailing patrons and Maud. Her stern voice echoing in the quiet night, she ordered, “Enough! Return to your meals and drinks. If you wish to praise Eona, visit the temple tomorrow.”
Disappointed groans echoed after them, but each patron obeyed, returning to the warmth of the tavern.
Satisfied, Nemura turned back to them. “Well, that was certainly more excitement than I was prepared for on a drinking night.”
A nervous chuckle escaped Maud, who appeared to be overwhelmed by the reaction of the patrons. “I...I just wanted to help.”
Nemura shrugged, her gaze lingering on Maud. “And you did, thank you. That was… something. But… how?”
Maud's eyes dropped to the ground, her shoulders hunching slightly.
Stepping forward, Sloane filled the silence. “The Flash changed everything. Magic is everywhere now; people are only beginning to discover it. You and your fellow guards will need to be careful.”
The tall telv woman sighed, tilting her head in thought before responding, “Just what we needed. More to worry about. I'm off to find another place to drink after I report this to the garrison. By Thezmos's sagging sack…” Her voice trailed off, shaking her head. “Have a good night, you two.”
Holding back a chuckle at Nemura's choice of words, Sloane bid her farewell. “You too, Nemura.”
Guiding Maud away from the tavern, Sloane finally addressed the elephant in the room. “Well, I think the cat's out of the bag now.”
A sheepish look crossed Maud's face. “Sorry. I just... feel like I have to help.”
Sloane nodded and gave the woman a small smile, putting an arm around her friend and squeezing. “I understand.”
But a silent worry tugged at her heart.
I just hope no one tries to take advantage of you.