1.2 - Preparations

After Leaving the ranch Willow found a place to sit down and decided to take a break. Logging out of royal road it was now 4 in the afternoon. Resting on her bed, she closed her eyes and thought back on the days events.

A knock was heard from the door and Dr. Kim came in. Dr. Kim was making her rounds and stopped by to check on Willow.

“How are you feeling?” Dr. kim asked

“I’m doing Ok,” willow said with a smile on her face.

Willow talked about her about her day and Royal Road. Willow talked about Spencer, how he had helped her and gave her the walking stick. One of Dr. Kims eyebrows raised after hearing this. Willow explained how she found her way to the stable after seeing the knights. Talking about the painted horse, as well as Sam and the Boss. She was happy giving the details of the quest and about helping the painted horse. Willow continued to talk as Dr. Kim listened waiting for her to finish.

“You were having problems with the use of your hand and with walking?” Dr. Kim asked.

“Yes,” Willow nodded.

“In Royal Road physical disabilities you have in the real world don’t carry over,” Dr. Kim explained

“What you are experiencing is something akin to phantom pains. Even though in Royal Road you should be able to use your hands and legs properly, your mind is stuck remembering your body in the real world.”

“I want you to do activities that will need you to use your legs and hands more actively”

Willow nodded again in conformation.

“You said the Boss told you to look for Granny WIlson, that will probably be a good start”

“There are also other things, like getting a job at a restaurant, or being a porter for at the trading post. There are plenty of jobs that could help you”

“You will also be able to gain a little money until you are able to leave the city.”

After talking a little more Dr. Kim left to finish her rounds. Willow decided she would go eat dinner then head back to her room to log in to Royal Road. Thinking to herself, Willow though even though its just a subsitute the ability to move freely and use her hand as she wished, excited her. After having a quick dinner Willow Logged back into Royal Road.

Once logged in Willow made her way to Granny Wilson’s farm. After a brief introduction, Granny Wilson asked, “I could use some help on the farm, if you’re up to it.” *Bing*

A Farmers Work

Help Granny Wilson on her farm. You will be need to care for the animals and help Granny wilson with any work she offers.

difficulty: F

“I’ll help you out on the farm,” Willow stated.

“Alright start by taking care of the chickens, I’ll check your work when its done.”

Heading to the chicken coop, Willow started to work. She let the chickens out, gently gathered the eggs, and started to clean out the coop. It was work she was used to doing, so it didn’t take her long to finish. Around the time she finished, Granny Wilson came around. Granny Wilson having watched Willow work, gave a nod.

“Ok, Girly come with me.”

Following Granny Wilson she was lead to a small shed near the pig pens.

“Alright I’m going to show you how to make my speciality pig slop, “Piggy Delight.”” Granny Wilson said gesturing for Willow to come closer.After a getting all the ingredients together from different barrels, Granny Wilson started to mix it up. Paying close attention to Granny, Willow noted in her mind the order and how much to mix in. The whole process took about 3-4 minutes.

Skill: You have learned Cooking

When she was done Granny Wilson stood up, “You can finish up from here.”

Willow took the pale and headed to the trough, there was 4 pens, and about 20 pigs spread between them. Willow diligently did the work she was given, which took about 30 minutes to complete. After finishing up Willow went off to find Granny Wilson. Granny was in the kitchen making some lunch. Granny offered her some lunch, it was soup with veggies, bread, and cheese. The two chatted while they ate having a good conversation. After lunch Granny had willow do a bunch of odd jobs here and there. Once finishing Granny called her over and said “Thanks for helping out around the farm.”

Quest Complete: A Famers Work

You have completed the work specified by Granny Wilson

You have been rewarded: 3 silver

For the rest of the weekend when Willow was free, she took up various jobs. She had cooked at a resturaunt, been a porter, and helped out at a few farms. She had helped weave grass baskets and mats as her primary job. Through the weaving job she had gained the skill Handicraft and was now at beginner lv. 3 in it. The weaving was also the most helpfully to her she could now close her right hand. Although it wasn’t a strong tight fist she was able to make one none the less.

It was now the start of a new week and Willow had to start going to school. She had enough credits so she only had to go to school for day. She spent most of her time in the library studying. While at school she went to the AV room and hopped on the internet. She was looking for pictures of a thumb ring used with the Mediterranean draw. She had seen her grandfather use it a couple times when talking about different ways to shoot a bow. It was a draw that would allow her to use a bow in her current state. After looking the pictures she was confident she could make one.

When Willow returned from school she completed her counseling and physical therapy. Willow quickly eat some dinner and headed straight to the capsule. She was on a mission, she had planned to spend the rest of the week practicing her archery and gather supplies to go hunting.

After logging in Willow visited various stores. She went to the general store where purchased a larger backpack, various utensils and spices for cooking. Stopping by the Smithey she picked up a thin dagger that could be used for carving and a hatchet for cutting wood. She also picked up a spool of really thin copper wire.

Willow’s shopping was done, She now stood in front of the Archers Guild. Over the last few days she had read up on Royal Road. Willow thought being an archer was probably the closest profession to what she wanted to do. Although she was still unsure about it, she could still train her archery here. She found a place near the Archers Guild that was out of the way and sat down. Reaching into her backpack she pulled out a small block of wood and the knife she had gotten earlier. She carved away on the wood for about 5 minutes. Making a small ring with a long lip reach the end of her thumb. Willow had made her thumb ring, now all that was left to do was practice.

Entering the Archers Guild, she looked around there were a few Npcs, most dressing in leathers. Shortly after entering she was greeted with a warm hello. Walking to the man standing behind the counter, Willow ask, “Is it possible to train my archery here?” The man behind the counter was one of the guild’s instructors. He replied with, “Yes.”

Before continuing they introduced themselves. The man was named Gaven. Once the introductions were done Willow asked,

“Are there any training bows I can use? I can’t grip very well at the moment I would need one easy to draw. Since the strength in my hand is slowly coming back, I wanted to wait to buy one till I am able to shoot properly.”

“Well we might have some things laying around but, you aren’t part of the guild so it would be stretching it a little.” Gaven replied.

“I don’t have much money and i’m still unsure on what i want to do for my profession,” Willow said before pausing for a moment.

“Oh, How about this, I could help clean up around the guild.” Willow stated while facing Gaven. Unknown to her the other guys were giving their oks, or clasping the hand pleading to Gaven just out of her sight.

“Ok you got yourself a deal.” Gaven said with a light smile.

After excusing himself for a minute gaven returned with couple of bows and a quiver with a dozen arrows. Receiving the first bow, Willow set aside her walking stick then placed the thumb ring on her finger. Gaven stood watching while wondering what she was doing with the ring.

Taking the first bow in her left hand, she then got into her stance. Making a fist a couple times, she rested the bow string around on the inside of her thumb making a loose fist. She then began her draw till she had fully drawn the bow. Willow held it there for a few moments then release the string. Willow repeated this with the bows a few time before deciding to use the bow with the heavier draw.

Once willow had finished, Gaven remarked, “I haven’t seen that draw style in a long time. Where did you learn it?” Willow explained how she was taught how to shoot a bow by her grandfather and he has shown it to her a couple times.Gaven nodding, lead her to the archery range.

“If you need anything just ask,” Gaven said as he was returning to the counter.

Willow once again setting aside the walking stick, proceeded to nock an arrow. Willow took a breath, then exhaled. In her next breath in a fluid movement she started her draw finishing when she had taken a full breath. Holding her breath for a moment, she then fired the arrow. The arrow was horribly off target. Not being used the draw she continued to shoot till the quiver was empty. Retrieving the arrows she began to repeat the process. She continued to do this for about 3 hrs before her stomach started to growl. She went to her bag and pulled out her canteen and some bread and cheese she had gotten from Granny Wilson. Willow continued to practice till it was about an hour before she had to log out. After finishing up, she started to clean up the guild. The guild was full of cluther, a lot of the mounted trophies were dirty and full of dust. After working for an hour Willow returned the bow and quiver of arrow to Gaven, Thanking him and saying good bye. Willow then found a spot outside the guild to sit down and log out.

Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!

The next day she continued to practice, she could already see a considerable amount of improvement with the use of her hand and her aim. After about 2 hours she was greeted with a somewhat familiar window.*Bing*

Skill: You have learned Archery

Archery(Beginner Lv.1 0%)

Attack power with a Bow has increased by +10 %

Attack speed with a Bow has increased by +3 %

Agility rises by 1.

A smile of accomplishment flashed across Willows face. Willow retrieved the arrows, the headed toward the front counter. Where she was greeted by Gaven, “Working hard again to day I see. I take it, its time to move to a new bow?” Willow nodded, “Yes.” “I thought it was about time. I had prepared this for you to use,” Gaven says as he places another bow on the counter.

“You have improved a lot. Seems like you are getting better control of your hand.”

“Yes, it still has a long ways to go before it back to normal though.Thank you again, for letting me practice here,” Willow replied.

“No Problem you’re a great help around here. The place is already starting to look ten times better.”

Willow then headed back to practice.She would take a break from time to time to listen to Gaven tell stories about hunts and to learn about good hunting grounds.It was now Wednsday, Willow had gotten a considerable amount of stregenth back in her hand. Her leg to was starting to do a lot better, she was able to stand with no difficulties and walk easily without the walking stick.

Today, she decided to take a break from practice and pay the Boss a visit at the stables. When she was working odd jobs from time to time she would run in to him. While chatting with him Willow had learned his name was Conner Duncan.

Upon reaching the stables, she headed to the smithy to greet Corner. “ Hi Mr. Duncan,” Willow said from afar since he was in the middle of work. He was forging horseshoes and nails and repairing various tools.

“Hello Willow, What brings you here today?” Conner asked.

“I was hoping to help you, by working the bellows. My leg is doing a lot better and exercise would help me alot.”

“Hmm, Why not. I could use the company. Don’t tell anyone but this gets boring from time to time,” Conner said in a low voice.Willow then headed to the bellows, the Smithy’s bellows were a medium sized one that you had to step on to use. She used working the bellows to train her legs.

She would spend some time practicing archery at the archers guild and the rest helping Conner at the smithy. After a few days working the bellows, Willow was able to walk without the aid of the walking stick. Running was still a problem, she couldn’t run for more than 20 yards before her legs would start screaming.

In between her practices she would work as a porter at the grocery store. She especially like this job because she would make a little money and get fresh fruits as a reward. It was now the day before she could leave the city. Willow had gathered most of the supplies she would need for a hunt. She had information on good hunting spots around the city, which she had learn from Gaven and other at the Archers Guild. Willow had decided to wait on picking a profession till after her first hunt. Thinking that she would fine since she wasn’t going to stray far from the city.

Heading to the Archers guild, Willow still needed a bow. She was confident with the training she did and felt she would be able to use any standard bow. Once arriving to the guild, she quickly headed inside. Gaven was sitting on the other side of the counter fiddling with something. Noticing that Willow had arrived Gaven called out, “Hello again, so the day is finally tomorrow eh?”

“Yes, I have a general idea of where I want to hunt. I just need to get a bow and a few other supplies. I was hoping you could point me in the direction of where I could find a decent bow.” willow replied.

“Funny you should ask. I thought It was about time for you get one of your own. Normally we don’t help those outside the guild, but you have shown your skill in archery.”

*Ding*

Beginner Archery Test

Gaven has given you the chance to test your skills. There are various animal shaped dummies on the range. To pass you need to score at least 5 kills shot with the 10 arrows provided.

Difficulty: F

Failure to complete the quest will result in lose of intimacy with Gaven and the Archers Guild

“I will take the test.” Willow replied

Quest Accepted

“I’ll take the test,” Willow stated.

With a smile Gaven, hands Willow the bow and leads her to the range. Looking on to the range, Willow can see many target dummies of various animals. There are deer, foxes, boar, pheasants, a turkey, and even a bear in the back. Scanning the targets she can see red paint on the targets in different areas on indicating their vitals or kill shot locations. The setup reminded her of the a 3d range back home.(3D archery is a subset of field archery focusing on shooting at life-size models of game and is popular with hunters.)

Standing in position, Will readies herself and gets in to her shooting stance. Taking aim at the deer about 20 yards away she lets loose the first arrow. The arrows was a hit in the area around the heart, it was then followed by an arrow to the base of its neck on the side. Quickly switching targets she fires 2 arrow in rapid succession. Hitting the turkey and pheasant, she takes aim at her next target a cougar that is around 30 meters away. Taking her time to aim her shot, she fires this time it was a little off. Readjusting her stance and taking a deep breath, she lets loose another arrow. Its a hit in the appropriate location. Looking further down the range she take aim at the boar, fires, and scores a hit. With 3 arrows left she eyes the bear at about 40 meters away. Taking aim and firing, Willows first shot is off alittle. Shooting one more arrow she scores a hit. With one arrow left she takes aim at a moose that is at about 40 yard. Taking a breath, she draws, aims, and fires. The shot is a hit which is followed by *Bing*.

Quest Complete: Beginner Archery Test

You have completed the test giving by Gaven. Return to him for the reward.

Clapping could be hear from Gaven’s direction, Gaven saying “Well Done.” Willow returns the bow to Gaven, replying with a smile, “That was fun.” Gaven then hands Willow a bow and a quiver with arrows, “Here you did a very well, you deserve these, though its not much. Happy hunting none the less.”

Receiving the bow and arrows, will replies, “Thank you.”

Beginners Bow of Accuracy:

Durability: 50/ 50

Attack: 3-5

Multiple shot speed: 4

Agility: +5

A short bow designed with the beginner in mind. The maker payed close attention to balance, making it a suitable bow for precision strikes.

After receiving the bow Willow said her goodbyes. Willow was now heading to the grocery store to pick up enough food to last a few days. She wasn’t planning on straying far from the city. Double checking through her pack, she felt she had everything she needed. With one task left Willow headed for the Tailors Guild, to learn tailoring. She would need tailoring to deal with leather she would get from hunting. After learning the tailoring skill,Willow was now ready to leave the city tomorrow. Willow took the time to look at her stats and skills, “Show Stats, Show Skills.”

Character NameWillowAlignmentNeutralLevel3ProfessionNoneTitleNoneFame0Health150Mana100Strength15Agility20(+5)Vitality15Intellect10Wisdom10Charisma5Luck0Attack5Defense5Magic Resistance0

Handicraft (Lv. 3 0%): Has extra effects on various types of craft skills, and sword mastery.

Archery (Lv. 4 57%): Increases attack power and accuracy for Bows.

Cooking (Lv. 2 89%): Allows you to cook meals. Prepared meals give a 5% bonus to life.

Bandaging (Lv. 1 5%): Enabled one to be able to tend minor wounds and stop bleeding, with the use of bandaging.

Tailoring (Lv. 1 0%): Can create cloth and leather armor.

Animal Husbandry(Lv. 4 20%): Allows you to care, breed, and raise animals.

Satisfied with her preparations, Willow logged off for the day. Tomorrow she would venture out past the gates.