Upon descending to the dining room, Arden and Ava were greeted by a scene that exuded a warm, communal atmosphere. The room was abuzz with lively conversations and laughter, reminiscent of a family gathering, albeit with a distinctly different setting. Swords leaned casually against the table, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of ale and hearty food.
Galadrian, now fully embracing his new role as a mercenary, had donned the dual sword harness that Arden had obtained. The harness, paired with a rugged leather armor that seemed to appear from nowhere, accentuated his imposing figure. Lila, seated at the table, looked frail and worn, the toll of her recent ordeal evident in her pale complexion and the delicate way she held herself. Yet, there was a determined glint in her eyes, a silent testament to her enduring spirit.
Tammy, ever the lively host, was the heart of the gathering. Her laughter rang out clear and infectious, punctuating the air with joy. She flitted between the guests, ensuring everyone's cup was full and the conversation never dulled.
As Arden and Ava took their seats, the chatter settled, and all eyes turned towards Bailey, who stood at the head of the table. His presence commanded attention, and the room fell into a respectful silence.
"Right," Bailey began, his voice steady and clear. He produced a small rod from his pocket, holding it up for everyone to see. Recognition flashed across Lila's face, followed by a nod of approval. With a subtle flick of his wrist, Bailey activated the rod. To Arden's astonishment, a spell of suppression enveloped the room. It wasn't merely a silencing charm but a combination of a sound barrier and a magical shield. The spell's intricacy was evident, creating an isolated haven, impervious to eavesdropping, magical or otherwise.
Arden's initial surprise must have been apparent because Bailey’s gaze lingered on him with an inquisitive tilt. "Do you approve, Master Arden?" he inquired, his interest in Arden's reaction evident.
"Yes," Arden replied, analyzing the spellwork, faintly glowing runes visible to him through his [Mana Sight]. "The magical block is impressive, leaving mental connections open. It's not a big risk in our situation." His response was met with a brief flicker of surprise in Bailey's eyes, though it was swiftly masked by his composed manner. Arden couldn't help but wonder if he had just seen a glimpse of something more behind the Divinarian's guarded expression.
With the room now enshrouded in secrecy, Bailey resumed, his tone serious yet inviting. "Now that we're assured of privacy, we can delve into matters of importance." He paused, sweeping his gaze across the room, locking eyes with each person in turn. “Before we dig into Tammy's explanations...” Tammy interrupted with a playful huff, feigning offense, eliciting light chuckles from Galadrian and Lila.
Bailey's attention shifted towards Ava. "Your [Anatomy Adept's Insight] and [Intricate Insight Diagnostic] are remarkable skills, but I'm more intrigued by your application of fundamental skills like [Basic Healing], [Heal Minor Wounds], and [Heal Minor Diseases]." Arden's surprise mirrored the unspoken question lingering in the air, but Lila interjected before anyone else could speak. " Bailey possesses an uncanny ability to identify the skills in use," she explained.
"Interesting," Arden murmured, filing away this new piece of information.
Bailey leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What I'm curious about, Ava, is how you're getting such good results with these basic healing techniques."
Arden, aware of the Church of Enlightenment's worship of the system's creator as a deity, trod carefully. He respected the sacredness they attributed to skills. "In my view, all skills, once mastered, provide a solid foundation to build upon," he ventured cautiously.
Bailey's frown deepened, reflecting a mix of contemplation and skepticism. "Yes, I've encountered that theory before. But wouldn't a more advanced skill be better? Guided by the hand of our Maker?"
"If it's possible, certainly," Arden replied diplomatically, not wanting to ignite a debate.
Tammy, rubbing her temples, interjected with a playful groan. "Can we skip the theological back-and-forth? It's giving me a headache."
Bailey's tone softened, but his intent remained clear. "Yes, sorry, Tammy," he said with a hint of jest. "What I'm really asking is, wasn't it a bit much to have Ava do all the healing on your way here? Sure, it's a good way of learning, but seems a bit harsh, don't you think?" His words suggested a clear critique of Arden's approach as a mentor.
His question hung in the air, charged with a silent accusation. His posture and expression conveyed his disapproval of Arden's methods as a master. Lila, sensing the tension, cautioned, "Bailey, tread carefully."
Bailey, undeterred, pressed on. " And about removing the spell that was slowing down the poison – was that to push Ava even more?" His gaze bore into Arden, seeking answers.
Before Arden could respond, Ava interjected her voice firm, " That's enough, Bailey. I was the one who asked Arden to take off that spell, and he's been a great help since then. " Her defiance was clear, a protective barrier around her mentor.
Lila, weary yet alert, chimed in, her voice laced with authority. " Ava, don't speak for your master." She then instinctively used a simple [Basic Healing] spell on herself, feeling a bit more alert after casting it.
Bailey leaned back, his eyes moving thoughtfully between Arden and Lila. "I had my suspicions while I was working on Lila's healing," he said, his voice reflective. "I felt your magic, how should I say, under control. And now it's clear — you restored her magic, didn't you, Arden?" His question didn't carry a tone of accusation; rather, it seemed as if he was fitting together the final pieces of a puzzle that had been forming in his mind.
Lila's reaction was immediate. She realized her mistake in using a skill under Bailey's watchful eyes. He raised his hands in a calming gesture. " No need for alarm. I'm not here to accuse anyone. But I've got a problem that needs solving, and for that, I need to be sure. Arden, did you restore Lila's magic and neutralize the magical aspects of the poison?"
Arden, momentarily uncertain, exchanged a quick glance with Lila. Her subtle nod gave him the confirmation he needed. "Yes," he replied simply to Bailey's question.
"And could you do it again?" Bailey probed further.
"It depends on the spell, but in principle, yes," Arden responded, his tone measured.
Bailey's demeanor softened, a hint of understanding dawning in his eyes. "Clearly, you're not a master healer, that much is evident. You would have been more hands-on with Ava's healing if you were. But you’re also not the harsh master Chandler's been trying to make you out to be," he observed, his gaze shifting thoughtfully between Arden and Ava. He seemed to ponder for a moment, then added, "And yet, there’s something more, isn’t there? Your interaction with the mana, the way you understand and manipulate it, combined with your grasp of magic and runes... It's unusual and nuanced. It speaks of a depth of knowledge that's... quite extraordinary." His words reflected a newfound appreciation of Arden's unique blend of skills.
"I'd like to think I've contributed some knowledge that's helped Ava on her healing journey," Arden said, his voice tinged with modesty. Ava's nodding in agreement conveyed her acknowledgment of Arden's role.
Suddenly, Arden felt a chilling sensation in his mind—a subtle mental probe, a whisper of an intrusion into his thoughts. Lila's paranoia about mental attacks and her insistence on Ava training him for such a scenario paid off. He would not have time to cast a [Basic Mind Shield]; instead, he projected a memory, one strong enough to repel the attack.
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This was a memory that spoke to the deepest, most instinctual fears—a predator of such magnitude that it dwarfed all other threats. Arden could almost hear Ava laughing at his earlier 'fearsome' memories, memories from his old tame world, but this, this was different. This was a fear that resonated on a fundamental level, an undeniable urge to escape.
The image he chose was vivid and primal — the encounter with the Roc, massive and terrifying. Accompanying the image was a single, powerful word: 'RUN.' The word was imbued with a primal magic that screamed 'Flee, for you are prey.'
Bailey, visibly taken aback, reeled slightly from the mental backlash of Arden's defense. For a fleeting moment, he was engulfed in the primal fear of being prey, his instincts screaming for escape. The room fell into a tense silence, the air thick with the weight of the unspoken confrontation.
It took Bailey only a second to snap back to the present, but in that moment, several realizations dawned on him. First and foremost, he noticed Lila's presence in his mind, her magic as strong and potent as he remembered. Secondly, he felt a strong magic emitting from Arden, a truth-finding spell more compelling than he ever experienced, likely amplified by the dagger in his hand. Meanwhile, Ava had swiftly cast a [Basic Mind Shield], enveloping both herself and Arden in an impressively solid barrier. Galadrian, too, was alert and ready, his posture subtly shifting to a defensive stance, prepared to act should the situation escalate further.
The dynamics in the room had shifted significantly. Bailey's probing had opened a window into the depth and complexity of the group before him. His approach had been a test, one that had backfired impressively, revealing the group's strengths, unity, and resolve. He could not remember when he had been overpowered so completely. Arden's message had been delivered with unmistakable clarity: he was not to be underestimated, whether in magic or in guarding the secrets of his mind.
Lila, her voice tinged with a mix of amusement and reproach, addressed Bailey. "Really, Bailey, one of my oldest friends, resorting to such recklessness? You know the price I paid for such boldness!"
Bailey, still recovering from the mental jolt, retorted his tone a blend of irritation and disbelief. "You did it to the king!"
"Hah, Bailey, do me a favor, will you? [Identify] Arden, and Ava, will you." Her request was firm, her mental grip on Bailey unwavering.
As Lila's request hung in the air, Bailey reluctantly proceeded with the identification spell. Arden received the familiar notification:
[Identify] Identification request by Divinarian Bailey Gary, Level: Citizen
[Identify]
Currently showing:
Name: Arden Thompson Title: First Ranger … (options) Class: Ranger … (options) Level: Steward … (options) Approve yes/no
A hint of astonishment flickered in Bailey's eyes as he processed the information displayed. His reaction was a single, stunned expletive. "Damn."
He looked at Ava. "You, a Citizen! How? Why?" Bailey's confusion was almost comical.
Lila, enjoying the moment, prodded Ava gently. "Now, Ava, would you kindly enlighten our dear Bailey here on who made you a Citizen?"
Tammy, whose shock mirrored Baileys, blurted out, "Wait, back up a second. You can just be handed Citizen status like it's a raffle prize?"
"Yes, Tammy, but it's not quite that simple. Ava, do share the details," Lila encouraged, her tone laced with amusement.
Ava, being deadly serious, explained, "Well, when Arden and I first initiated our bond, there was a warning from the system, and it granted me Citizen status."
Bailey's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. "The system... granted it?" His worldview visibly tilted on its axis.
Lila leaned back in her chair, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Bailey, dear, looks like your beliefs are in for a bit of an update. The system works in mysterious ways. Your words, not mine."
Tammy, shaking her head, poured herself another drink. "System, schmystem. Next, you'll tell me it bakes bread and knits sweaters."
Bailey, regaining his composure, turned his attention back to Arden. "I apologize, Steward Arden. That memory... it felt so vivid, so real," he admitted, searching Arden's face for confirmation. Receiving only a brief nod in return, he shook his head, a mix of respect and disbelief coloring his tone. "To stand your ground against a Roc... it's ..."
Tammy, her eyes wide, nearly choked on her drink. "Wait, hold on a second — Steward Arden? We've got a Steward in my inn?" she exclaimed, her voice a blend of surprise and disbelief.
Arden calmly held up two fingers, indicating that there were actually two Stewards present. Tammy's face went through a series of comical expressions, her gaze flitting between Arden and Galadrian in astonishment. "Two Stewards? In my inn?" she repeated her tone a mix of disbelief and pride.
The moment was so unexpected, so utterly Tammy, that Lila couldn't help but chuckle. Soon, the laughter spread, and each person at the table joined in, united in the moment of light-heartedness amidst the tension. The laughter was a welcome relief, breaking the ice and softening the edges of the serious discussion that had just taken place. The realization that not one, but two individuals of such high stature were under her roof had Tammy lost for words, adding a note of amusement to the gathering.
Lila's expression turned serious. "What's so important that you had to come to me, Bailey? What did you need my help with?" she asked, her tone filled with genuine concern.
Bailey hesitated, his expression troubled. "Lila, could you let go of my mind? I think Arden's skill will suffice for what you're trying to confirm." Lila eased her mental grip but remained alert. "Thank you," Bailey said, his voice reflecting a hint of relief. "I was hoping you could teach me how to get into someone's mind against their will. But now, I'm beginning to think I might not need that," he admitted, his gaze shifting towards Arden with an air of hope and uncertainty.
Lila recoiled slightly at the request, her eyes narrowing. "Bailey, the implications of such an act... What situation could possibly justify this?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mixture of disbelief and concern.
Bailey leaned in, lowering his voice. "There's a problem within my temple. Someone there might not be who they claim. I thought I needed a way to see through their deception. But now, seeing what you and Arden are capable of, I'm considering other options." He paused, looking at Arden thoughtfully.
Arden gave a slight nod, encouraging Bailey to go on. "Go ahead," he urged gently.
"We're up against something tricky," Bailey began, his voice tinged with worry. "It's like what Lila went through - a poisoning with a magical twist. I can't stop it. There's someone in my temple who knows how, but they're keeping quiet." His voice held a note of frustration.
Lila leaned in, her voice filled with surprise and concern. "You mean you have to get the cure out of someone? I can't believe there's a poison or curse out there that's got you stumped," she said.
Bailey let out a heavy sigh, his eyes showing his weariness. "Yeah, this curse, or whatever it is, is dodging everything I try. Maybe you, Arden, with your unique skills, could spot something I've missed." He looked at Arden with a mix of hope and urgency.
Lila's eyebrows furrowed. "And the Church can't give you a hand with this?"
Bailey slowly shook his head. "They're tied up with other things right now. In this case, I'm on my own. And I've run out of options" He paused, searching their faces. "Will you help?" His voice was earnest, almost pleading.
"You know I'm here for you, Bailey," Lila responded quickly, her loyalty clear. "Even though what you asked earlier was... well, let's just say it was a bit extreme. But first, let's have a closer look at what we're dealing with. We can decide how to proceed after we understand the full extent of the problem."
Tammy, unable to resist, chimed in with her usual flair. "Oh, I'm definitely tagging along for this. Someone's got to add a bit of sanity to this bunch! Just give me until tomorrow to sort things out here at the inn. You know, normal person duties and all," she said, her tone playful yet firm. Her statement elicited a round of chuckles.
***
As the first light of dawn streaked across the sky, Tammy was already a force of nature, her energy and efficiency setting the rhythm of the morning. By the time Arden stepped outside, she had transformed the chaos of the early hours into an organized convoy of three wagons, including their own. Her knack for delegating tasks and orchestrating the entire operation was nothing short of impressive. When Arden remarked on her organizational skills, Tammy just winked and quipped, "Just tidying up a few loose ends here at the inn, as promised." She then shared a story from her time as a logistics officer under Marcus, her tone light but her words tinged with nostalgia.
One wagon, laden with an assortment of Tammy's essentials, was reserved for her own use. Another, larger and more open, was set aside for communal transport, accommodating villagers who had decided to join their trek. Among them was the village blacksmith, burly and good-natured, who was accompanied by his eager younger son, Thomas, whose eyes shone with excitement at every new sight. Also joining was Mr. Hendrickson, a tall, wiry man with a gentle demeanor, proudly escorting his two young sons, Samuel and Peter. The elder boy, Samuel, was bound for the capital to start an apprenticeship, a fact that Mr. Hendrickson shared with anyone who would listen, his voice swelling with pride at each retelling.
Their party had now expanded to include Bailey, whose presence introduced a new dynamic to the group. Upon learning of their ultimate destination, Bailey's focus shifted to Ava. He assessed her healing abilities with the discerning eye of a seasoned healer, lamenting the church's reluctance to share advanced skills with outsiders — and Ava's own hesitance to join the church, a longstanding point of contention. Nevertheless, Bailey recognized his duty to assist Ava in refining her skills and guiding her in selecting the right ones for her development.
During Bailey's assessment of Ava’s active skills — which included [Anatomy Adept's Insight], [Intricate Insight Diagnostic], [Basic Lightning Bolt], [Advanced Telepathy], and [Basic Fieldcraft] — it became evident that there were no slots for additional skills. Recognizing this, Bailey recommended that Ava should focus on mastering [Basic Fieldcraft], a skill her father had emphasized for safely navigating the woods. Despite being close to perfection, the skill needed final honing. Acknowledging the urgency, Tammy and Bailey jointly decided to assign Ava as the convoy’s scout. Though initially hesitant, Ava accepted the role, her resolve reflected in the steadiness of her gaze.
Arden had only just understood that their journey would indeed take them to the capital for the royal festival, as per Cassius' invitation. Initially, he had doubted they would undertake such a lengthy trip, but Lila’s explanation had changed his perspective. She emphasized the importance of their presence, not only for the sake of the Wildwoods family but also in regard to Marcus' brother, the current Lord of the Wildwoods. Ava’s role was crucial; she needed to adeptly represent her family while carefully managing her identity to avoid drawing undue attention. And as her master, Arden realized his attendance was naturally expected alongside her.
As the convoy prepared to set off, Tammy's laughter echoed amidst the morning bustle, blending with the villagers' lively chatter. There was a palpable sense of camaraderie and anticipation in the air, as they embarked on a journey filled with both uncertainty and purpose. The rising sun cast long shadows behind them, a symbolic reminder of the challenges they were leaving behind and the new ones they were about to face.