Fluid - 13

At my confession about blowing up the rune plates, Yngvarr gave me an unsurprised nod. “At least your Class names aren’t completely obvious, but one of his translates to ‘dedicate to the Anar’. There are few elves among the Adventurers’ Guild leadership, but there are enough.”

“We’ll go check out the Guildhall and meet with Imhotep.”

Tove gave a little whistle and drifted between us. “I promised I’d go help Myrto, Nikias ‘friend’, get some classes to help her keep close.”

“I’ll watch over Gail then,” Pitnari states, and he ignores my low groan.

Poking him in the arm earns me an amused smirk. “I can take care of myself.”

“I’m here, ‌and I’ll have limited input into an arcane investigation. Since Tove is busy, I’ll come with you,” declares Pitnari, and he grins and continues before I can object. “I can either walk with you, or I’ll follow you. Which do you prefer?”

“Bully.”

My protest earns an amused huff, and I catch Tove giving the others directions via Telepathy. With the information shared, she sped away above the heads of the villagers who approached to examine the new temple.

“I think Tove is up to something,” notes Aggie.

Pitnari’s whiskers twitch in amusement. “Would you care to bet whether Myrto ends up meeting her Goddess in person today?”

“Why offer a bet on a sure thing?” Aggie snorts, and she steps aside for a group of children to rush inside.

Their curious gazes follow the motif curving along the inner wall, and following them, they cross the temple’s threshold. The welcoming energy elicits gasps of surprise and delight while I follow Aggie’s example and clear the entry for their mothers to follow them.

“Shall we go?” asks Pitnari as he motions to the other families staying well back. “I think your presence is making them hesitate to investigate.”

“Ipy might get some new faithful given the energy you’ve put into the building,” observes Yngvarr

The comment has me considering meeting with Irene to ensure I’ve not caused issues with Hestia’s faithful, as the Goddess has always been nice to me.

“I’ll meet with Hestia’s Priestess Irene late today, Grand Traveller Aggie. Her temple is south of here, the other side of the village’s inn.”

Using the formal title of her latest Prestige Class gets a raised eyebrow, and I giggle at the look Aggie gives me before I’m shooed away. “Don’t wait on me. It might take a while to unravel all the consequences of your efforts, and it would be best you’re not present while we’re reviewing it.”

Pitnari walks beside me as I wind my way through the village. The distant reactions I’d received when walking beside Phile aren’t present; instead, I get extremes ranging from curiosity to suspicion.

Partway there, after a few too many suspicious looks, Pitnari nudges me. “They’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. It's an important lesson, as suspecting someone’s motives isn’t a trait reserved to humans.”

Giving him a nod, we continue, and I try to greet everyone politely instead of ignoring those eyeing me suspiciously.

Zosime spots us approaching through the window from her position at the loom. She waits for us to get close before she offers me a concerned smile. “Good morning Gail. Your chair being down here had me worried I wouldn’t see you again. Who’s your companion?”

“Zosime, this is Pitnari; Pitnari, this is Zosime. She’s the local weaver, seamstress, and mother of one of my teammates,” I say and wait while Pitnari politely exchanges greetings. “Pitnari is here with the investigators checking on the changes I made to the Guildhall. He’s a friend of my mother and aunt.”

“An investigator and friend of the family, a bit of a conflict. Are you checking up on where she was staying?” Zosime asks, and I catch an undercurrent of distress in how her lips tighten.

“No, big changes can cause extreme emotional reactions, even if the results continually show they are beneficial, so I thought it best to walk with her,” replies Pitnari.

Zosime nods, but the distress doesn’t lessen. “The room is still yours to use, and you’re still my guest.”

The words accompany a firming of her tone, and her set gaze makes her determination clear.

“The evening’s events had made Phile uncomfortable, and I didn’t wish to stay somewhere that I wasn’t completely welcome,” I explain and have to suppress a wince at the unhappy edge in my voice.

“The house is mine, and I say you are welcome,” declares Zosime without a hint of budging. “You brought my daughter back to me, healed her, and I saw Nikias when he walked past earlier. Saving his life doesn’t mean you needed to outfit him the way you did.”

“Technically, she does. Since he swore an oath of service to Gail, she’s responsible for him,” corrects Pitnari, and he fixes me with a teasing look. His deep rumbling tone, or how his words sound, startles Zosime upright.

“Pitnari, don’t tease me. Mean kitty,” I grumble playfully, and he chuffs at my light tone.

Zosime suppresses a snort and moves to open the front door, beckoning us both inside.

“Now come in and have some tea. I didn’t come down to the beach, but I saw what you did to the cove. I hadn’t expected you to be singing so beautifully. Is that typical of elven magics?”

“I’m glad the song appealed. Some species don’t appreciate the musical tones involved,” I reply and give Pitnari a poke. “Most wizards, regardless of the species, don’t sing. A few classes do, both among elves and other species.”

“I only have a problem when you’re singing the ear-drilling high notes,” huffs Pitnari.

“You don’t owe anyone in this village the generosity you’ve already provided. Androkles told everyone you barely haggled with him over the price, and it was far less than he’d expected you to charge.”

“I charged him a stack of coins, so I hardly consider that generous,” I replied. Pitnari snorts at my statement and dodges a kick to his shin. “Shut up, fur face.”

My words have him laughing, and Zosime shakes her head at our antics as she leads the way to the house’s courtyard.

“Sunshine, you’re not in charge of me,” teases Pitnari.

He doesn’t dodge when I bop him on the nose. “Then chose not to cause problems.”

“Have you two known each other a while?”

My nodding glumly causes Zosime’s laugh lines to deepen. “He’s been a semi-regular visitor to my mother’s house the last few years.”

“Gail has too much energy and likes to make things for people. I’m surprised the town doesn’t look far different already.”

“The bridge over the river’s mouth has tempted me every time I walk over it,” I admit with a laugh.

“That thing doesn’t even have enough clearance to let the river barges come to the dock,” says Zosime before she sets kindling to start a fire. “While I’ll agree that Phile is upset with you, she’s the only one in this house, and I doubt it will last long. I’d like you to know that.”

“Thank you,”

“And I don’t know all of what’s gone on, but you don’t resolve an issue by running,” says Zosime, and her lips tighten, and unshed tears cause her eyes to glisten. “You don’t listen so well. I’m in your debt, Gail, so thanks are unnecessary. Will you accept my invitation to continue to stay here? Please?”

“I’m sorry I upset you by leaving without speaking to you.”

“That’s not a yes,” persists Zosime, and she smiles when I squirm about momentarily.

“Fine, I’ll stay, but-”.

Zosime gives me a beaming smile that lights up her gaze. “No buts Lady Gail.”

My wide-eyed groan of protest sets her laughing, and I wait until Zosime settles down before I cross my arms. “Not you, too.”

My frustration sets off her laughter again, and Pitnari snorts in amusement. “Poor little sunshine.”

“Fur face.”

“Brat.”

“There is some truth to both our statements,” I remark primly and get a snort in response.

Zosime covers her mouth with both hands as she tries to stop laughing, and eventually, she has spare breath to speak. “I never met a noble even before the Adventurers’ Guild took over the country, but you behave nothing like the stories, Gail.”

“Is that in a good way or bad?”

A twinkle of amusement remains, but she leans forward to pat my arm reassuringly, despite apparently being tempted to tease. “Definitely good.”

“I guess that's acceptable,” I declare, subverting the snobbish tone with a wink.

“Then, once you’re done with drinking your tea, return your chair to your room,” instructs Zosime. “No more trying to end our arrangement without prior discussion.”

“Yes, Zosime.”

We’re halfway through the tea when Nikias calls from the front. “May I come through, Zosime?”

“Nikias, you know the way.”

Zosime filled another cup with the mint tea she’d served us and looks up in time to see Nikias duck through the courtyard’s doorway. The blink and little oh of surprise she makes are enough to make it obvious that, despite seeing him earlier, being framed in the doorway makes his new height and bulk clearer.

“He’s a big fellow now.”

My comment has Nikias blushing, and Zosime laughs, waving him towards the last spare seat. Nikias gives Pitnari a respectful greeting after a quick introduction. Instead of claiming the seat, he perches on the step along the courtyard’s edge, close to me.

“From what Gail’s shared, your classes seem melee-focused, Nikias. If we’re here a bit, I’ll help you practise,” says Pitnari, when Nikias has settled.

“I’d appreciate that Pitnari, the guild instructors say it's important not to get used to a single opponent in training, and I’ve sparred with everyone I can at the hall.”

“How are your family handling your new situation?”

“They’re well, but shocked to see how big I grew. Father was always trying to talk me out of adventuring, saying I was essential to the brewery, yet my sisters have split my chores between themselves,” explains Nikias before he smiles at me. “Thank you for the way you handled my father last night. Mother was afraid he would get himself hurt the way he addressed you, but you and Zosime talked him down.”

Thinking of the night’s high emotions has me nodding. “He was upset, and I could understand that. Your selection of the classes in one hit almost killed you.”

Nikias looks abashed. “Tove let me know what it did to me and you. I’m sorry saving me caused you such pain.”

“We both had a part to play in how the night’s events went. Let's avoid rushing things without talking to others first, especially when an immediate decision isn’t a matter of life or death. Okay?” I ask, softening my words with a smile.

The sheepish nod I get is enough confirmation, and patting him on the shoulder cheers him up.

“In the vision, I felt someone was getting ready to take the options away. Like I’d crept into somewhere only adults should walk, and at any moment, I’d get found out and pushed from the newly opened path,” admits Nikias. “When I woke up, there was a golden script message like those talked about during the Gods’ War.”

“What did it say?” gasps Zosime.

“It was clear it was only directed at me,” Nikias says in a rush, and Zosime sighs in relief. “Sorry, I hadn’t heard of anyone seeing the scripts any other time.”

Biting my tongue to avoid any comments about my aunts, I motion him to continue.

He smiles sheepishly. “It said Icarus Flight School Survivor. Flew too close to the sun and gained an assisted landing that prevented death. There was a note, but I should only talk to Gail about that as it mentioned her.”

“Icarus was the legendary man who built wings and fell to his death after the wax melted from flying close to the sun,” states Zosime.

It sounds like a silly tale, but maybe the wings’ enchantment failed from stress. “As I think I mentioned last night, the Oath let him access classes that were too powerful for someone with no foundation.”

“Yes, but why?”

“I’m sorry, Zosime, but it's a family secret, and speaking of it could risk people’s lives,” I explain, half-expecting a protest; it's surprising when she readily nods her acceptance.

“Is this why my daughter is upset, because you didn’t tell her something?”

“Lies of omission,” I confirm with an embarrassed smile.

The affronted huff Zosime gives echoes in the courtyard. “We’re not entitled to know everything about another. You’ve given Phile so much already, and she wants to get upset about not knowing everything. I’ll give her-”

Holding up my hands to ward off Zosime’s heated words cuts her off. “Peace Zosime, it's complex, and it was an eventful evening. Please let Phile and I work it out between ourselves.”

“I won’t stick my nose in as long as you’re not planning to guest elsewhere. It could cause trouble for us both, and ‌I’m in your debt,” adds Zosime.

Nikias’ understanding nod convinces me, though I’m still curious why she’d be in trouble. “I wouldn’t think anyone would accuse you of being a poor host, Zosime.”

The statement had come off Nikias’ lips even as I registered my curiosity within his oath link.

“I’ve had enough trouble with Petrus’ kin,” replies Zosime, and at her comment, Nikias wrinkles his nose. “No rush to finish your tea, but I need to work on the cloth for some dresses.”

With my cup empty, a quick Spell cleanses it, and I put it back on the rack. “I’ll take my chair back upstairs.”

“I’ll get it for you,” Nikias volunteers and starts for the front room, with Zosime following behind.

“Getting schooled in village etiquette,” observes Pitnari.

“They take offered hospitality seriously if a guest leaving could cause trouble. Is it like that in the northern lands?”

“Not that I’ve seen,” replies Pitnari, even as Nikias returns with the chair, handling the polished wood carefully to avoid banging it on the doorframe.

Rising, I lead the way to the same room I’d used the night before. I was uncomfortably aware of the weight of accepting hospitality when I hadn’t known the social expectations of a host or guest.

“So, leaving the way I did was bad; when is it acceptable to leave?”

“Did you leave with a place to stay already in mind or because you’d become a burden to your host? Because if you didn't have a place, then the hosts' situation made you homeless again, and making someone homeless without cause isn’t acceptable,” answers Nikias. “Pa said he believes it's always been that way, but grandma says it comes from the days of the scourge since we were all made homeless. The gathering your first night was to acknowledge you as a community guest.”

“I thought it was just because of Phile’s return,” I admit and note Nikias’ shrug.

“Easy enough to make the wrong assumptions, but Phile left, and while it's good she returned, her place was always here waiting for her.”

I catch Nikias' surprise when I enter the room, but the way his gaze darts about the surprise is obviously because of the lack of furnishings. “No bed?”

“It’s not an issue for me, elves don’t sleep. We only need a place to sit and meditate; it’s called reverie.”

“Is that the case for all elves or only the Anar?”

“If the note contained that name, I should put some wards to block anyone overhearing or scrying.”

“It did.”

Taking the chair, I set it down and wave for him to sit as I create another. The music has barely begun to gather pace when I’ve got the first layer of wards set. The chair’s creation I take at a deliberately slow pace, buying time to affix the rest of the wards, including some keyed protections.

When I finally sit facing him with my hands folded in my lap, Nikias shifts about nervously, not looking me in the eye.

“The note said: tell the Queen I’ve closed the loopholes on all the Anar Oath-linked classes. An Oath alone will no longer be enough; only Anar with stronger foundations can now gain the classes from it.”

“No wonder you felt like the classes were going to disappear. They must have been preparing to restrict them and gave you the last chance to access them.”

“How can a class be changed?”

“They’re not static. There are classes now that never existed when the realm was new. They’re formed within a framework, but they adapt as ways of life change.”

The information Aunt Am had told me freezes him in shock, and he licks his lips before continuing. “Do you think I got a message from the God of Knowledge the Adventurers’ guild say manages the classes?”

“Gideon is the concept of knowledge, a primordial being stronger than a God,” I correct.

He straightens at my correction and finally meets my gaze. “It doesn’t make my question less relevant.”

His determination makes me smile; the last thing I’d want is a puppet unwilling to stand his ground. “Yes, besides accumulating knowledge, Gideon also manages the classes and experience—or life energy accumulation—however you prefer to view it. My Aunt Am says he’s frequently teasing in the messages she gets, and she gets lots of them.”

That information has him licking his lips nervously, and he continues. “His use of Queen didn’t feel like it was an attempt to tease.”

“My situation is strange, but I’m the Anar Queen,” I admit, and his face loses all colour. “Relax, Nikias. I’m the only living Anar if it makes you feel better.”

“But things Tove said make it sound as if your parents are alive,” rasps Nikias, and I can see his pulse throbbing in his neck.

“It's an unusual situation. My mother has a connection to the Anar and was powerful enough to give birth to one, so here I am.”

“Am I asking too many questions?”

“You took four classes that all focused on service and protecting me. Why?”

“I swore I’d serve you; being your guard seemed right,” declares Nikias, tapping his leg with a fist.

“Then promise to keep what I share with you a secret.”

“I will.”

“Then I’m not worried, but with your permission, I’ll set some protections so others can’t easily read your mind.”

“Of course, your… I mean Gail,” stammers Nikias, embarrassment flushing his cheeks with colour. “Do you think Zosime would rent me a room?”

“She’s got spare rooms, but why?”

“My classes are for protecting you and others, but mainly you; hard to do that if I’m not close by,” Nikias says, but I can tell there is more.

“Any other reasons?”

“When I got to the brewery like this, I thought my brother’s head would explode. I don’t want to be sharing a room with him now,” admits Nikias. “But I just didn’t want to bring him up.”

“You can ask Zosime, but if she agrees, I’ll cover the rent and food since you’re in my service,” I announce, and it reminds me of another matter. Drawing out four silvers, I hand them to him. “Your retainer will be four silver a week; it will increase as you gain levels. You’ll still get a full share in what we make from adventuring, even if you’re not registered with the guild.”

“Is Pitnar a Guild investigator or a friend?”

“He’s part of the team that arrived, and their primary Wizard—Yngvarr—suggested you not use the rune plate. Hopefully, some rule will allow you to register regardless,” I offer, catching his downcast expression at the news. “I’ll do my best to get you in the guild, but my own position with them isn’t secure.”

“I told you I’d serve you regardless, so it’s not important,” Nikias replies doggedly.

“People enjoy being part of something, so it is important and I’ll see what I can do. I know what it's like to feel out of place, ‌with the strangeness of my situation,” I admit. “Speaking of connection, were you aware you clarified Zosime’s situation because I was curious?”

“Your curiosity and reluctance were clear, so I tried to say enough to help.”

“Thank you. Why don’t you ask Zosime about boarding with her and then speak to Pitnari about weapon lessons? He prefers a bow, but he’s still skilled with various blades.”

I wave for him to move ahead when he hesitates and follow him downstairs. His conversation with Zosime is short, and I catch the increased tempo of her weaving, carrying a happy beat.

When Pitnari takes Nikias out into the house’s backyard, I follow along to watch them train and compose some new songs. Imhotep had mentioned that the river’s water level was currently leaving irrigation ditches low, but I'd need something self-correcting to avoid flooding.

They’re still at it an hour later when Aggie arrives and sits beside me. The relative position I hold to her is clear when she sets a barrier to muffle conversation without even asking. “Are you listening to my song at present?”

“No, I’ve been trying to learn by observation,” I reply.

“How’s that been working out?”

“Well, I’ve had lots of dramatic incidents to make some people’s emotions clear,” I joke and catch it falling flat before I add a shrug. “I’ve learnt heaps more than I expected, but I'd certainly hope for that with all the messes I’ve made.”

“Can I ask why you came here?” Aggie asks, and she continues before I can reply. “Not the key you’re seeking. Why arrive alone and then seek a team? We both know you could have summoned dozens of unaligned celestials and picked up weaker helpers from among them. That wouldn’t cause an issue with getting an achievement, and they wouldn’t be causing you drama. So why come here?”

Letting out a slow breath, I brace myself for her reaction. “I love my parents, but they cast gigantic shadows. Everyone else fits at home, and though I know they love and care about me, I’m not sure I ever fit.”

“So just because you’re different?” Aggie asks sceptically.

“No Aggie, I don’t know what normal people are like, what it is like to grow up in a normal community, that's part of the issues I've had. Elleth was as much of an outsider growing up as I was at home. The pair of impossible girls, an Elf that should have been born a Dryad, and a living Anar. Despite being a Priestess in my mother’s service, even Elleth saw the need to leave. How can I become a proper Queen if I only know celestials, not the concerns of the living?”

Her thoughtful silence extends when she pulls out a waterskin and takes a sip before offering it to me. “Your mother thought that was your motivation, but I wanted to check. I’m glad that is the case.”

I can feel the enchantment in the cool waterskin, and it's nice with the warmth of late morning summer. Bouncing it on my hand, I hold off taking a drink. “Not going to talk me into going home?”

“I was told the condition Lerina placed on that, and I don’t think you’re there yet,” replies Aggie, and she motions towards the Guildhall. “Imhotep’s declaration of Nanoĸ being your team’s mentor has been reversed. Not that he had much room to argue since Phile made it clear she’s still part of your team and had already accepted being your mentor.”

“Thanks the light for that-”

With Resonance restrained, Aggie’s interjection catches me by surprise. “Nanoĸ is still available to be a member of your team.”

“What?”

“It took a bit for me to talk Imhotep into it,” replies Aggie. “You were upset about him being in your team because he doesn’t like you. Yet I think that’s exactly why he should be in your team.”

“And my question is still the same. What?!”

Her tolerant smile makes my protest feel childish. “Gail, you’ve never worked with anyone but those friendly to you. In a position of responsibility, you must learn to work with people regardless of their likes or yours. Not should, or it's recommended; it's a must unless you want to become an arrogant dictator.”

“Leading an adventuring team isn’t the same as managing a community.”

“You’re right, it’s a lot easier,” agrees Aggie. “There are people in your mother’s service that I loathe working with. Not because they’re bad; there is one fellow whose voice I can’t stand and a few women who remind me of situations I’d prefer to forget. I’m certain others don’t like me or my ways. Sometimes we must deal with people we don’t like or who don’t like us. It's important to learn to find common ground with people regardless of your dislikes.”

“Shouldn’t it be my choice?”

“That’s exactly what I said. He’ll still be available to be a member of your team,” repeats Aggie. “I would highly recommend it for several reasons.”

“Such as?”

“Given what you know, why don’t you tell me?”

Huffing in exasperation, I put together pieces, trying to maintain objectivity. “He’s slightly higher in level than Ipy, knows the local area and regular jobs. With him along, we’d have the three of us in the early to mid-forties of four classes, Phile in her mid-twenties, and two novices. So two-to-one ratio of experienced to novices will allow us to progress faster. It's also the smallest size team for exploring the peninsula Phile recommended, so we might not even have to get another team member.”

“You caught most of my reasons. Presently he’s slightly higher in level; that’s because he lost his Prestige classes and a bunch of levels saving his last party from fire wraiths,” states Aggie, and I wince at the pain of life draining by the undead. “He’s got a lot of reasons never to want to go back into the swamps again, but he’s willing to help keep Nikias and Myrto safe.”

“If I take him along, the party balance would be good. Three people with experience in scouting. Nanoĸ for primary melee, Phile and Ipy to back him up, and Nikias for close protection duty of myself and Myrto. Ipy and I have magical damage covered while Myrto covers healing and protection, but it would depend on what Tove helps her gain.”

“A bodyguard can only effectively protect one person,” cautions Aggie.

“It's not like either of us will completely depend on his protection,” I say. “I’m surprised Imhotep agreed to let his weapon’s instructor wander off so readily.”

“He didn’t simply let him, Nanoĸ also argued for it,” states Aggie.

“Likely he argued for it since he doesn’t like me. I’ll think about Nanoĸ; that’s all I’ll say for now.”

Aggie nods. “Let Imhotep and Nanoĸ know in the next few days. We’ll still be here a while longer‌.”

“Would you stay to help Ipy and the others with training? Imhotep doesn’t even believe in the Tier 7 classes.”

“Staying in the village and providing support is possible and wouldn’t interfere with the achievement you're after. It's not like we can’t teleport north easily if we get informed of trouble. But I’d need to check with the others and at least get some help for our efforts in return,” says Aggie after some thought.

“What would you need?”

“Since we’d be staying to help your team with training, I’d suggest you summon and pay a group of celestials to help patrol the kingdoms’ northern borders—and not just the republic’s region.”

It’s more than fair since the songs to create a few dozen useful magical items to trade with the celestials won’t add much fatigue. “Unaligned hound archons?”

“A few groups of those would be useful,” admits Aggie.

“I can make them protection devices, but how many are you talking about?” I ask, realising I assumed a limited group, and they’d hardly match her team.

“Start with a group of five and expand their numbers as you see fit,” replies Aggie.

“Only five? I can’t summon any close to you in strength.”

Aggie shakes her head with a smile. “They don’t need to fight whatever they find. Just scout the region for trouble with the tribes, and I can provide hundreds of images to allow them to teleport around.”

“Then I’ll create some gear and summon them tomorrow. Will you stay to help with training even if I don’t follow your suggestion with Nanoĸ?”

Aggie nods and leans back against the wall of the house, letting the barrier fade away. The first set of bracers appears in my hand, I tuck it into inventory, and start on more even as the first rush of life energy hits.

“Is Yngvarr still investigating the Guildhall?” I ask, even while I continue to create more gear using Silent Song.

“Yes. We figured out some aspects of the dimensional expansion with the information you provided, but he’s monitoring it. Another floor appeared after we started investigating the basement; we ended up back in the foyer.”

“The gears are timers controlling when the floors are accessible?”

“So it seems. We got moved out of the basement and returned to the foyer when the stairs down vanished,” says Aggie, and she gives me time to consider the news.

“Did it shove you out the door or teleport you?”

“We had been testing self-repairing training targets we found in the basement when it teleported us out,” explains Aggie. “There were people in the foyer, and it spread us among them, so some form of Greater Teleport for the ejections.”

“Thank goodness,” I murmur, not wanting to consider the risk of merging people.

My words get an agreeable nod from Aggie before she continues. “The other floors respectively provided a dormitory, crafting stations, and a woodland area filled with wildlife. On that one, we spotted a few golden boars the size of draft horses, with tusks the length of my forearm. One attacked us, so Alfarr killed it. The hide is worth a few dozen platinum, let alone the tusks and mana-infused meat. The most recent floor contains a large auditorium that could seat a few thousand.”

“Maybe I could put on a show,” I joke, and that gets a smile from Aggie.

“I’m pretty sure you’ll do that regardless of venue,” Aggie retorts cheerfully.

I keep my reaction restrained, merely uttering a dry thanks.

“Except for the woodland floor, none of the changes so far pose any danger,” Aggie says. “The boar’s essence sank into the ground despite leaving its body behind, potentially it will reform soon like some planar creatures.”

“You mean it's potentially an income source for adventurers strong enough? I wonder if it's an annex of the Beastlands or something else.”

“Precisely. Congratulations, you’ve potentially turned the region on its head. Depending on how it turns out, adventurers might flock to the village. A single kill is worth more than the villagers produce in a year.”

“Great, the local inn’s already overcrowded,” I grumble, remembering its sour notes.

“We’ll have to see if that dormitory floor disappears,” Aggie muses and grimaces. “I’ll have to see what Yngvarr plans to do for accommodation. I can always impose on Ipy since I’m sure there is plenty of space in the new temple.”

“Nikias is boarding here with Zosime since I’m going to stay here.”

“Well, I’m glad you sorted that out. Phile seemed worried about your plans.”

Another mess, but it's one I can’t control the outcome of, and I won’t push her. Unstopping the waterskin, the first large swallow I take feels like it tries to seal my throat.

“So cold,” I whisper afterwards, rubbing my sternum to speed the dissipation of the odd sensation.

“Sip, don’t guzzle.”