Chapter 70

"This place has everything," Riley boggled at the hidden community.

The grounds of the northern tower revealed a strange wonderland.

"It's like a hidden city," Tobias looked around again, awed as they left the quartermaster.

"In many ways it is. Only rangers are allowed here, so when we get too old to serve or broken down, many of us end up here in the north quarter. The tower there is temporary lodging, where we've been assigned," Cid explained.

"Level Nine, rooms C and D," Tobias recited as if testing his memory.

Instead of a grassy field, there were houses and cobblestone lanes, contrasting strangely with the smooth stone construction of the towers and keep. Even the tower was different, standing on a massive platform with eight graceful arching legs, creating an open air space where the first floor should be.

The effect continued down, connecting the walls back to the main keep.

Twin pillars spaced every ten feet chased back to a massive door, letting out to the main area. There was a walkway made of the same smooth stone, allowing easy access to the western side, which was constructed almost as a mirror to the eastern area they found themselves in

In the center of the small village was the quartermaster's warehouse, with the rest of the structures radiating out from it in tight, carefully constructed rings contained and concealed by the umbilical stone walls that connected the western and eastern towers.

"They'll be enough time for gawking later, but we've not much time for eatin, keep up!" Cid snapped.

"His mood has been shifting like the weather," Riley projected to Tobias, who nodded gravely as he moved to keep pace.

"I'm hoping they'll grant him some downtime and let him grieve," He replied as they turned left, coming upon a tavern, complete with stable.

"This is the Hidden Blade. Never eat in the commissary unless you're desperate or broke; you'll thank me later. Now, who's up for an ale and some eggs before we get grilled by command?" Cid asked, rubbing his hands together.

"You had me at food," Riley answered for the both of them.

The murmur of dozens of individual conversations washed over them, mixing with the feel of over warm air and cooking food.

Riley, amongst the cacophony, heard Tobias' stomach rumble as Cid cleared his throat.

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"Everyone! A moment of attention, please," he cried as every voice fell silent, and Riley began looking for a quick exit.

"Cid?" Tobias challenged.

"This is Ranger Tobias, and he won't be needing this anymore," without ceremony, Cid reached behind his neck and pulled off his golden torc before holding up two made of obsidian.

The room erupted into cheers.

"United in magic and purpose, we are the tip of the blade. We serve and bleed for theAshenrealm," came a hearty toast from a lady ranger, who moved like a cat. Young and lithe, every movement was a poetry of motion, flowing into the next like her body was made of ribbon, blowing in the wind.

The rest of the room broke out in chorus as Cid placed it around Tobias, then Riley's neck, "United in magic and purpose, we are the tip of the blade. We serve and bleed for the Ashenrealm."

"For the Ashenrealm," Tobias replied with a weak stutter, holding up his hand in greeting.

"I'll see these are turned in," He assured as people filed over to grasp arms with the new Ranger, and offers of drinks abounded.

"I've duties still. I'll have to settle for tea now," Tobias eyed an open table and moved towards it while Riley did her best to avoid being trampled.

As if by magic, once they got seated, two massive plates of breakfast were brought, consisting of twin mounds of blue eggs and bread, along with Tobias' tea.

Still, the congratulatory train did not stop, as people filled by to slap his shoulder or welcome him to the corps.

"And what does your companion eat?" Asked the waitress.

"Fruit and grasses, mainly. She's mad for tenganut and jogana," Tobias replied over the din.

"We'll not leave you out, love," She assured Riley, pausing to pat her between the ears.

"Thank goodness, this would be torture otherwise," she replied to herself, watching Cid and Tobias eat.

Her stomach rumbled; grass and greens had been scarce the last few days, and the stress had been high.

She fidgeted, squirming a bit in her seat, before falling to a face groom, trying and failing to not feel surrounded and trapped, fueling a low key simmering panic that was all too familiar.

Still, the new torc around her neck felt different. It wasn't just an accessory but a point of pride. It was something earned, not given, which made as much a difference as the material. Its presence itself marked the journey she had endured.

"Endured is a good word," She said, having her own private conversation as her food arrived and her mood brightened.

"Praise the Thirteen Gods, clover, tenganut, and jogana!" She exclaimed, diving in, a feral hunger overdriving her reason.

"Riley, chew, Tobias cautioned.

"Take your own advice!" She projected back.

Her fur rose as her hide tightened in endorphin soaked rapture at the familiar, succulent taste. All hints of the cold earlier were gone, and despite the noise and the smell of humans, relaxation worked its way down deep, leaving her heady.

Her mind pitched between panic and peace, the mixed signals sending her ears crooked as if they were each receiving a different station.

About half an hour into their feast, Tobias was on his fourth cup of tea, and Riley on her second Tenganut, while Cid was through his second ale when a servant entered and made their way to the table.

"Rangers Cid and Tobias, I've been instructed to bring you to the Generals," he announced.

Tobias sighed, taking one last, long pull off his hot tea.

"Fair enough, lead the way," Cid said, polishing off his ale.

"He didn't look keen to stop," Riley whispered to Tobias.

"No, he did not. We'll have to keep an eye on him after this meeting," Tobias said before rising to follow the servant.

"Should I be nervous?" He asked Cid.

"It's just a report, not a trial, son. You'll be fine," He assured as they made their way out.