Tuck awoke when someone entered his suite.

He had taken a shower before luxuriating in a hot bath. Tuck had not experienced any luxury for the past 800 years and the bath felt like heaven. When the water began to cool Tuck got out, put on a pair of shorts that he bought from the Militia and sat on the bed to plan his shopping but his exhausted mind wouldn’t allow that so Tuck had no clue when he dozed off.

He Sensed that the person was delivering food and came out to see what they had brought for him. Being on the move for the last few days Tuck had relied on his Void Wyrm ability to convert matter to energy and ate fruits occasionally since he did not dare an open fire in the ferocious wilds. So just like the bath he was looking forward to a cooked meal. Such mundane things were pleasures that most people overlooked.

The person delivering his meal was a gorgeous woman who was dressed in the uniform of the Jaunty. Her green hair and ruby red eyes caught him as striking. She was in the middle of unpacking a tray and pitcher when Tuck walked out and he was happy to note that she slowed down and eyed him in return.

"Thank you, is that dinner or breakfast?" Tuck asked. “I was asleep.”

"Um… It’s dinner, you checked in just after the noon meal." She replied while finishing her task. The moment lingered as she continued to stare.

"So … joining me for dinner?" Tuck asked with what he hoped was a roguish grin. The woman blushed and closed her eyes to collect herself.

"My apologies, I was… I was going to ask if you had any laundry you wanted done?" She replied.

"No, no laundry for me just yet. I've only got one shirt and pants right now. I need to go shopping before I have enough to launder. Just hope I can find my way." Tuck said, sitting down to his meal. Which looked like some form of pasta and steak. Tuck wasn't sure which beast it was from but it smelled divine.

The lady stopped as she was leaving.

"I get off work in another hour. If you can pay 5 kilos I can show you about the levels, the best places to shop, which areas to avoid. Nothing ever closes in The Warren." She offered. Tuck didn’t need to think about it, he was starved for companionship and would enjoy the company.

"I'd appreciate that, I'll be ready. Name is Tuck, by the way."

"Miriam." She smiled before closing the door. Tuck watched her go before he turned all his attention to the meal. Although he took the time to savour every bite he still felt like the food was gone too soon.

Forty five minutes later Tuck left the Jaunty and waited outside until the end of Miriam’s shift. When Miriam came out she saw him standing across the tunnel, he waved to get her attention.

Tuck studied Miriam as she crossed the tunnel, her age was somewhere between her late 20s or early 30s. Standing at around 5ft 11in, she was tall for a woman. Her skin was tanned unlike most of the pale people within the Warren. Her dark green hair was in a single braid that ended between her shoulder blades. Miriam had smaller breasts but wide hips and she was toned, built like an athlete with graceful movements like a dancer. All of that was topped by a dazzling smile.

By the time she joined him Tuck was smiling too. Miriam pointed out that the level they were on had everything he could ask for but the prices were astronomical, which was why it was so quiet since the tourist season was over. She led him down a few levels where they found a busy crowd of people moving from store to store.

“This is one of the Merchant levels, this is where locals and those in the know shop. You said you wanted to buy clothes, so we can start at Ginty’s.” Tuck’s official tour of the Warren started there, Miriam pointed out the best areas to get the things Tuck mentioned including a construction company that might be able to help him with his personal project.

Rather than shopping immediately Tuck decided he would come back and do that at his leisure. Instead he focused on learning the ins and outs of the Warren’s transport system. Every tunnel / street of the Warren had a series of 3 moving tracks that ran down the middle of the street before looping around. The track on the outside was slower, the middle faster and the inner track sped along. At the end of each street was an escalator that moved between floors. It took a bit of finesse to mount and dismount the tracks but Tuck learned quickly.

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As they moved from one location to the next their conversation strayed into personal territory, once Tuck learned that Miriam was single he turned on his limited charm. Fortunately for him she was receptive and soon they were both enjoying themselves, she laughed at all of his dumb jokes and told a few good ones in return.

Throughout the evening Tuck stopped at every street food vendor to try the wares, he bought various treats for them as well as extra for her to take home. Miriam protested that he was doing too much, after all she was being paid to show him around, but Tuck urged her to take the food, he suspected she had children to feed even though she avoided the topic of family.

After finding all the areas he needed to visit Tuck insisted on walking Miriam home, or at least to her level. She agreed but on their journey she continued to speak about each level and even pointed out the industrial elevators and the ramps that were used to transport large loads.

“This is my level,” She said as they got off of an escalator on floor 20. “Are you sure you can make it back?” Miriam asked.

“Yes.” Tuck replied. “I’ve got an immaculate sense of direction, here are your 5 kilos. You did a great job. You’ve shown me almost everything I need.” Tuck told her as he gave her the money.

“Almost? What area are you looking for that I didn't cover?” Miriam was slightly incredulous. Her tour was very comprehensive. They had moved about the Warren for nearly 8 hours.

“Well I am a single man.” Tuck began to say while looking embarrassed. “I just got in from the wilds and you haven’t told me where I can find some female companionship. Don’t judge me too harshly but it has been a very long time since I’ve been with a woman. There must be places like that in this city.” Tuck finished. Miriam smiled at him knowingly, his face was completely flushed but she found it adorable.

“Usually that would be on the same level the Jaunty is on but it’s winter, most of those girls aren’t about. They do have their regulars but there is no need to be up there, you are going to just have to try your luck.” Miriam told him.

“Ah well.” Tuck sighed, he didn’t trust his luck but it was better than most. Miriam gave him a long considering look and hesitated a while before speaking.

“I’ve never done that kind of work… but I find you attractive, I assume you find me attractive and you seem wealthy. If you would be ok with me, I could make arrangements to spend tomorrow night.” She eventually said. Tuck was flabbergasted, he did not see that coming and his shock obviously showed on his face. Yes he was hoping to start a relationship with Miriam but he was expecting months of wining and dining. Miriam saw Tuck’s hesitation in a totally different light.

“Of course, you probably want a younger woman... forget I mentioned it.” Miriam retreated.

“No!” Tuck exclaimed, grabbing her hand. “I would be most grateful for your company.” Tuck fumbled. Miriam smiled again. He had a funny way of saying things sometimes, she took a moment to weigh his words before agreeing.

"Ok then, tomorrow night. Good evening Tuck." Miriam said before walking away with the many bags of food he bought her. She glanced back and when she saw he was still watching she added a bit more swing to her hips for his viewing pleasure. Tuck was much obliged.

‘The society in this world seemed a bit more open about sex. Probably a mess of different factors that contributed to that outlook, the giant monsters outside were probably a big one.’ Tuck thought. ‘Hallelujah for less bullshit.’

While he went back up the levels to do business Tuck pondered on what other major differences he would find in the World of Shaards.

***

GreatMage Hizanko sat across from Mr Wester who was enjoying his glass of Tingle-water. She didn't like the shifty little man who had an appropriate nickname, The Weasel always looked like was up to something nefarious, not to mention how he ogled her Apprentice when he thought no one was looking. Disgusting.

Despite her dislike for him she had to admit that Wester was smart, he sold his information in two ways: you could pay per question, or you could pay a lower monthly fee and he delivered a missive filled with the week's pertinent information. On occasions where the information was time sensitive, like now, The Weasel made a personal appearance.

"I believe you've kept me in suspense long enough, Mr Wester." GreatMage Hizanko stated flatly. Wester’s eyes stopped roaming her expensively decorated office and focused on the stern elderly woman, he had only begun to sip his drink and already his welcome was wearing thin. So be it. Business was business. He placed his drink down and leaned conspiratorially.

"There are whispers in the tunnels about how your prophecy went. 'Nothing comes from the north.' I believe that was the wording." Wester reclaimed his drink once again savouring both Tingle-water’s taste and the GreatMage's annoyance before he continued.

"A Champion just entered The Warren, a Bagman with an unknown serpent Soulbeast. He came from the North." Wester finished his drink, waiting for any follow up questions.

"You believe this Bagman has something to do with the prophecy?"

"Even if he doesn't, questioning him may reveal something... interesting." Wester replied. GreatMage Hizanko thought about it for a bit.

“I’d like to commission you to know what he does for the next few days, daily reports.” She finally said, handing him a small box with his pay. Wester rose from his seat and executed a decadent bow.

“I look forward to working for you.”