Fluid - 8

At Tove's antics, Phile gives me a questioning look. “You two seem like old friends.”

“Yeah, when she was younger it took a few celestials to keep Gail out of trouble. Even that didn’t always prove enough,” laughs Tove, and I catch her teasing tone. “Such a handful, even after she started going with the family’s strike teams.”

“Hey, don’t go telling tales, Tove, or I’ll share some of yours.”

My amusement doesn’t help Tove take my warning seriously, and she spins merrily and starts for the east window. “I’m going to check the shrine, Ipy. Any hiding spots in there I can use?”

Without waiting, she streaks out the window. Even in daylight, the fast-moving golden glow attracts the neighbours’ attention.

“Maybe she’ll distract people from talking about you,” teases Phile. “Care to tell us how you met her and why you had celestials keeping you out of trouble? Though I should ask if the lantern archons even have a gender.”

“Tove was female in life. Elleth, the priestess of Lerina who helped mother with me, stuck around for nearly two decades. She only headed off last year to resume adventuring,” I offer, and Phile goes with the obvious assumption.

“She had summoned Tove as an ally?”

“Tove and a few others were regulars at the house over the last couple of decades,” I explain and keep a straight face with all the assumptions the pair have going. “Tove likes to use different names, but her scar gives her away.”

The comment distracts nicely, but Ipy, motioning towards the hut’s rear, cuts off Phile’s question. “I’m going to meditate for a while. Shall I meet you at the guildhall after dinner?”

Phile echoes my nod. “I’ll arrange a planning room this afternoon so we can speak to them privately. Normally it’s best to have a place to talk privately before and after making offers.”

Her response is more of an explanation for me, given Ipy’s experience.

Following her outside, I’m careful to let the door shut quietly and hear the latch settle.

“Since we’ve got the afternoon free, let’s head to the guildhall and see how well you can protect yourself,” says Phile. “After all, we might need two bodyguards to keep you out of trouble.”

Exaggerating a regretful sigh, I put on a woeful expression. “I’m not sure that will be enough since I can find trouble here without leaving your mother’s house.”

“How did Tove get so damaged that you recognise her by it?”

“That’s her tale to tell. Might want to ask her to verify Tier 7 Prestige classes exist as well,” I offer casually and nod towards some villagers focused on the shrine. “Though you might have some competition getting time to chat with her.”

Though the curious adults are slow in approaching, a gaggle of children race to the shrine’s glowing entryway.

“I thought she was looking for a hiding spot,” murmurs Phile, amusement sparking in her gaze. Giving a shake of her head, she focuses back on me. “Imhotep seemed sceptical about those classes.”

Pushing past the urge to huff at his attitude, I keep my tone bright. “But he didn’t deny he knew about them, just that he doesn’t feel they’re proven. I hadn’t wanted to offer celestials as examples with none around, but Amdirlain provided details on the Tier 7s; Lerina’s celestials have that knowledge as well,”

A thoughtful silence settles in place, interrupted only by more introductions before we make the guildhall. Phile's expression tightens when we turn into the guildhall, but fortunately for Petrus, he’s nowhere in sight. After speaking to the on-duty clerk to book a room for the interviews, she guides me through to the job board. The room is half the guildhall's width, with a few practical tables and chairs scattered about the place and a simple wooden bench set against the long wall opposite the door.

The job board is simple enough, but it's two boards, not one. A black slate section near the archway nearly reaches the ground, showing where small fingers have scrubbed out chalk letters. Next is a wood display divided into grouped columns with coloured plates above the groups showing copper, silver, and gold. Though I can make out the wooden plates secured by metal pins, the markings on all the plates and pins are a blur.

“You’ll only be able to see the copper jobs if we want something harder; Ipy or I will have to pick out the silver. Since he’s gold ranked we could take something from there, but that would be unwise. They have most jobs rated for the group it would take to handle them.”

“What about the ranks above gold?”

“Such work isn’t common, and the Guild Master would talk to suitable adventurers directly.”

The wards over the first two columns react to Phile’s token, and when I retrieve mine from Inventory, the script on the copper job plates columns becomes readable. Oddly enough, the job plates for gathering jobs have the herb names burned into the wood, but they’ve chalked the price onto the plate. Someone's written details about wild boars, giant centipedes and various pests onto other wood plates using a grease pen.

“I don’t recognise many of those herb names for gathering. I take it most experience comes from patrolling for goblin activity and hunting these creatures. No gnarls close, I take it?”

“No, thank the gods,” breathes Phile. “The caves around here don’t go deep enough for their tastes. Goblins will nest in thick woods, shallow dens within hillsides, and even in sea caves. It isn’t the season for kobold trouble, but those jobs will show up in the copper section unless it's a large clutching year.”

“What silver jobs are there we could handle with two novices if we recruit both spots?”

“Nothing I’d want to do. Those are gathering jobs deeper in the swamp or requiring seafloor experience. Even if it looks easy, you can run into wild animals that don’t care that you’re just after some herbs. Now, the silver board has a few jobs involving ogres and lizardfolk. I’d best catch up on the news so we don’t take new adventurers into serious trouble. The three of us would be right, but it only takes one Ogre’s javelin to ruin a youngster’s day.”

“So, would it help if I skip past the closer gathering spots once I’ve explored?”

My question has Phile pull a face, and I guess her answer. “Stray too far from the village and the monster population gets higher. Silver teams might harvest while passing through on other jobs. You didn’t tell me your levels, though I’d say they’re reasonable based on Imhotep’s comments this morning. Are you open to sharing?”

“Level forty in each.”

Phile’s sigh speaks volumes. “I had suspected both you and Ipy out levelled me.”

“That might be so, but you’ve got the local knowledge and contacts. I take it that lots of time is spent on gathering jobs to cover expenses that provide little experience?”

“Growth in skills but not in levels,” admits Phile. “Most combat experience comes from random creatures objecting to your presence, unless you get jobs dealing with goblinoid tribes or monster infestations. How about we use a small training room? I’d like to get a feel for how much protection you’ll need.”

Phile seems more relaxed after I prove my competency with daggers, bare hands, and clubs. She’s bemused by my lack of proficiency with the quarterstaff and teases me about not being a proper Wizard. Unlike the previous night, only three of us were at dinner—a savoury vegetable and fish soup that Zosime had already cooked when we got back. I ensure we clean up for her; leaving her to wash after she’s cooked would be rude.

The lessons are underway when we get back to the guildhall. I had expected a uniformity similar to mother’s Domain, but within the area are a half dozen groups, some as young as 12 years old, getting taught dagger work among other weapons. Nikias and Myrto are within the group conducting sword drills with gladius-sized blades. Though Nikias spots us entering, it's good his attention stays on Nanoĸ.

From Ipy’s description, it's Myrto training beside him, her essence burning hot and determined. While it makes sense, her practical short haircut doesn’t show off her hair’s rich chocolate hue. An oval face, with the lean planes of her cheeks leading down to full lips about a dimpled chin, something about her gives me a sense of trustworthiness before I even listen closer. There is certainly a sense of confidence and surety in her that Nikias doesn’t possess.

“Ipy says they butt heads, but they train beside each other,” I note, nodding to the group of twenty doing sword drills.

“Guess you’ve got a lot to learn about humans if you think that’s unusual,” whispers Phile.

“Phile, can we give Nikias the first position?”

“Why?” asks Phile. “Right now, he has only one useful option for adventuring; well, two if he’s stupid enough to take Warrior and Fighter?”

It’s pointless to explain what I hear, so I stick with the obvious.

“Consider it this way, since Myrto has the potential for four classes, she will have no problem getting onto a team, even if we don’t take her in ours,” I murmur. “We both know what it's like to want things to change. In his case, Nikias needs to change the situation with his family, or he’ll be miserable. Can you blame me for wanting to help? Unlike others, he was polite, didn’t ogle at us, and if we give him a chance, won’t take a risk in desperation.”

“What did you want to change?”

“Ever grow up feeling like you were living in others’ shadows?” I ask and catch her spike of pain.

“My father’s death left a shadow for a long time.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean… just-”

“Relax, I get your point. We all have things in life we want to change. Let’s talk to both after the lesson, but I’d like to offer Myrto the first spot. Some locals can be hidebound about women adventuring, and I don’t want her feeling she’s second choice,” explains Phile. “Her being a Priest gets her some benefit of the doubt, but not a lot.”

“I’m not opposed to it, even though I don’t believe that’s an issue. Myrto burns with confidence. We’ll have to ensure they both know we won’t tolerate them butting heads.”

“We can make it clear we'll send them both on their way if either starts trouble, especially if it puts lives in danger,” agrees Phile.

Ipy arrives as their lesson finishes up—an odour of fresh blood explaining his delay—and is only approaching when Phile motions the pair over.

Though Nikias hurries over, Myrto follows along more warily until she sees Ipy moving to join us.

Tove following him into the hall causes a burst of excitement.

“Nikias, you’ve met Gail and Phile already-”

“I know Phile, but I was a lot younger than,” injects Myrto and holds out a hand to me despite an air of suspicion. “Nikias mentioned you a few times this evening, Gail. I’m still surprised an Elf would find anything in our village of interest.”

Clasping her hand lightly, I offer a smile and have to resist wincing when distress spikes in her gaze. “I look forward to getting to know you, Myrto. I only know a little about Hestia’s teachings. Perhaps you’d discuss them with me at some point?”

Phile coughs before Myrto can reply. “We’d like to speak to you individually to determine if we could work together. That’s assuming that would interest you, Myrto.”

“I’ll hear you out,” Myrto says warily but starts when Tove gives my shoulder a friendly nudge.

“Evening Gail,” chirps Tove and drifts around Myrto. I hadn’t known how to suggest letting them refresh, but Tove’s spells make them look freshly washed. “That’s better. You were both dripping sweat.”

“Tove, interviewing someone where they’re tired and uncomfortable can tell you a lot about them,” grumbles Phile.

“Bah, too late; they’re sparkly now,” retorts Tove with a giggle. “I guess you’ll have to make do with tired.”

“Tove always will run ahead of anything you intend,” I offer.

Tove whistles sharply. “Oi, no telling tales.”

“You know a Celestial?” asks Myrto, her awe breaking the ice, especially when Tove nudges me again with a giggle.

“She knows a bunch, we used to help mind her before she left home,” answers Tove gleefully.

Tove zips away when I try to poke her side. “Tove, are you trying to make things difficult?”

Phile snorts in amusement. “I’d say Tove broke the ice is more like it.”

Sighing at Tove’s antics, Ipy looks vaguely perplexed. “Which room did you reserve?”

“First one past the reception desk,” replies Phile. “Nikias, if you’d wait, we’d like to talk to Myrto first.”

“I can go first; that way Myrto can rest,” offers Nikias eagerly.

Myrto cuts him off with a slashing motion and starts towards the room. “I’m fine.”

“What did I say?” Nikias asks us, drawing a snort from Phile.

It’s easy to figure it out based on Phile's explanation, even if I find the attitude weird. “I’m unsure if you offended her by suggesting she needed the rest when you didn’t or something else.”

“That wasn’t what I meant to do,” protests Nikias softly.

Phile just pats his shoulder. “It's okay. You’re simply clueless about women. We’ll speak shortly, Nikias. Come on Gail, since Ipy and Myrto already know each other, this is more for us.”

The room Phile arranged has space for up to eight people around a long stone table. The window has its shutters closed, but the breeze through the gap still brings in the town’s odours. Following Phile and I, Tove floats up towards the ceiling and dims her light to blend with the magical crystal set into the ceiling.

I find the black slate set into the long table’s middle the room’s most interesting feature. It shows signs of partially cleaned chalk marks like a rough map and what looks to be part of an equipment list. The flasks listed at the top catch my attention and remind me I still need to find out if the village would like glass items from the sand.

With Ipy already seated next to Myrto, I don’t want to crowd her by sitting beside her, but across from her might seem too formal.

“Darn table etiquette,” I mutter and fix Ipy with a smile. “Where do I sit to avoid being rude? I keep tripping myself on the local manners.”

“Wherever you want to sit?” asks Ipy.

A quick Spell shifts the unused furniture and rids the room of formality. The table and spare chairs against the wall under the window leave four in a circle so we can chat. Ignoring Myrto’s wide-eyed smile, I drop onto the seat facing her. “Much better.”

“You’re very casual with your use of magic,” notes Phile and Myrto nods in agreement.

“It was a single Spell. Is it just me, or does it feel friendlier not having a table obstructing a conversation?”

The pert smile from Phile earns her a laugh, and I focus back on Myrto.

“I’ll be right upfront. Ipy has already told us a bit about you, and he’s already suggested you as a suitable candidate to recruit. However, I’d like to know what you want to get out of adventuring. After all, it's quite possible what I’m looking to achieve doesn’t go along with your long-term plans.”

“What do you mean?”

“Why take up adventuring? A Priest can gain experience following their deity's precepts and tending to the faithful. Are you looking to leave the village and head somewhere different after you get stronger?”

“Why would I want to leave here? All the family I know are here. I want to get stronger to help keep them safe,” exclaims Myrto, her fists clenching as if I’d issued her an insult, but beneath it is lingering pain. “Do you expect me to leave my family as you’ve done?”

“Wow, you escalate fast-” cutting myself off, I change tack. “Would you count exploring the peninsula while operating out of the village as leaving?”

“All the better adventurers leave eventually,” replies Myrto defensively.

“I’ll be here until I find what I need, but I’ll admit I don’t know how long that will take. I’ll be looking to form a team of six to eight to handle the exploration, but I expect we will return here daily.”

The explanation gets a confused frown. “Does that mean you’re not planning to take paying jobs? Just explore?”

“No, we’ll be taking jobs as we go. Everyone will get an equal share of the job reward and materials gathered.”

That statement just deepens Myrto’s confusion. “But the magic you did, you’re clearly high level. What would I be adding to get an equal share?”

“We’ll all be risking our lives, and I’ve been told that is standard for adventuring teams. I don’t know what you’ve accumulated equipment-wise, but I'll provide some armour and weapons if you don’t have gear yet.”

My offer has everyone stiffening in surprise, and Myrto's suspicion returns in full force.

“What terms apply to repaying the equipment cost?” asks Ipy carefully.

“Terms?”

“Most serving as sponsors take part or whole of the person’s share until they repay initial equipment loans with that sort of offer,” explains Ipy. “I’ve heard of some wealthy patrons keeping control of adventurers by requiring them to pay interest on expensive or custom equipment. The guild frowns on those arrangements, but it's not banned.”

“I don’t want it repaid—I want to keep everyone alive,” I reply and catch the wounded pride in Myrto’s expression. “If you’ve got the spare funds later, that’s fine, but it's not mandatory, and there won’t be any interest. Remember that we won’t start with high-paying jobs while we’re getting our teamwork settled, so those silvers can be better spent on themselves or family.”

“That’s not how such arrangements customarily get made,” cautions Phile.

Blowing a raspberry prompts Phile to stop. “I don’t care. It’s our arrangement. I don’t have to follow anyone’s stupid rules, especially if its custom not law. What gear do you have at present?”

“I’ve got a set of leather armour and a gladius, but I’ve not saved up for a shield,” admits Myrto. “I still need to get a pack and some gathering tools.”

Remembering a conversation between mother and Moradin, I smile at Myrto only to receive a wary look. “Pay it forward.”

“What?” asks Phile. “Can you actually explain what you mean, and not just blurt words?”

“Imhotep’s a bad influence,” I mutter.

“You can’t blame him. You’ve been here barely more than a full day and did the same thing earlier,” teases Phile.

“It must be from magical training then,” I counter.

“I don’t make minimalistic statements and expect others to understand my meaning,” counters Ipy, his tone dry enough to serve as tinder.

Pulling a face at his sense of humour, I put my thoughts in order. “Myrto, when you can afford to repay me, help another young adventurer. That way I’ll see my investment making a bigger difference than just helping you, which to me is repayment enough. Agreed?”

Resonance paints a clear picture of her concerns, and my nodding prompts her to speak up.

“What if they leave after getting the gear?”

“When you give them the gear, ask them to do the same thing. They might help people here or elsewhere, but that’s not your responsibility. Your repayment ends when you’ve helped one person, but only do that when‌ you can easily afford it. And by easily, I mean as in a fraction of your share of a guild job.”

“That sounds reasonable,” Myrto cautiously states, and it's obvious she expects a catch.

“Now my biggest concern, and this might seem ridiculously unreasonable I know,” I give a heavy sigh and catch her bracing for the worst. “Can you not argue with Nikias if you are on the same team as him? At least while we’re out of the village.”

“What?! Why would you ask that?”

“Well, he needs to get out of his family’s shadow, and he’s polite and has some weapon skills, so I planned to give him a spot. I wanted to make sure that wouldn’t be an insurmountable issue for you,”

“You already plan to pick him?”

“He’s polite and doesn’t have the same bright future as you. Ipy is confident you can gain four classes for adventuring, so four times his current Class vision, but you’re around the same age. So likely, if his spirit doesn’t get crushed by working in his family’s business, he’ll join a team as arrow fodder,” I reply and catch her surprise. “Or I can give him a spot and help him get better training to unlock classes. Which fate should I leave him to?”

“You just said you were giving him a spot,” snaps Myrto.

“I laid out the issue from my perspective. After the number of guys that had stared at my breasts or arse today, Nikias is a pleasant exception in the village. I’d like to give a nice person a better chance than they might otherwise have,” I explain.

Myrto sits there speechless until Phile shoots me an amused look. “Maybe they were trying to see if they existed. You’re pretty skinny.”

“So mean! I’ve got fine lines.”

“Mainly straight ones,” retorts Phile playfully, and tense lines within Myrto relax slightly. Oh, she… yeah, I’m not stealing her Nikias.

“Anyway, do you think you can work together, or will your ‘rivalry’ be a distraction for you?” I ask, primly ignoring Phile’s smirk.

My tone has Myrto blushing to the roots of her hair. “You said you would set up a team of up to eight. Besides Nikias, did you have others already in mind?”

“The plan is to mentor the two of you to decent levels and maybe even access better base classes. Depending on how quick you want to accept what’s offered to you,” I reply and continue when Myrto freezes in surprise. “Does it matter to you if they’re locals or visitors?”

“Few of the visiting adventurers stay for long. After they’ve earned money for better equipment, they head for Karía and we don’t see them again. There was a team last year I was considering, but when they spoke to me, they told me they were heading there,” explains Myrto.

“Which explains why you thought I’d want you to leave,” I reply, understanding the spike I’d felt—second-guessing an opportunity lost. “Where is Karía?”

Phile waves towards the north. “It’s a town three days upriver; we ship salt and other goods for inland trade via that route. It surprised me that Amdirlain’s Cadre sent you here. A lot of the larger guild requests come through Karía.”

“I asked for the closest location to the peninsula to base from.”

“You got that,” quips Phile.

With Myrto having her blush back under control, I continue. “I don’t ask for perfection but to do your best and not argue with each other. Our lives will be in each other's hands, so we need to work together.”

“I’ll do my best,” nods Myrto.

Remembering Phile’s suggestion, I set the line in the sand. “If you can’t, I’ll find replacements for you both. So are you sure?”

“I’ll be diplomatic and not yell at him,”

“I hadn’t heard you yelling yet, but you’re aware the degree of the issue,” I say, and get a rueful shrug from her. “Now, you’ve been taking lessons here, but is Priestess Irene going to be alright with you out adventuring?”

“Thousands of Hestia’s faithful had to flee persecution before the Gods’ War. To Irene, getting stronger is important so we can protect the faithful,” explains Myrto.

“Very true. That was horrible,” chirps Tove. Floating down from the ceiling, she lets her illumination brighten again until the room is as bright as daylight. “I had to cleanse a curse from one of their protectors.”

Myrto starts at the statement and looks at Tove in surprise. “Might I call you Tove as well?”

Ipy doesn’t outwardly react, but I feel the wheels spinning in his mind. While he’s not a spy or a spymaster, I know his stepfather has both, along with being a Bard. It seems he’s picked up a bit from him. The weight of his gaze rests on me while he tosses around all the reasons mother might have provided such an odd Celestial to aid him. It’s a blazing memory from his youth that yanks his gaze to Tove’s scar.

“Of course. Though it's only a name I use regularly, not one for summoning,” admits Tove, her glow shifting towards pink.

“Thank you for the help you gave them, Tove. I’ll admit I’m a bit confused. The texts I’ve read depict Lantern Archons as guides and messengers.”

“Oh yeah, I get that lots. I keep turning down the transformation option,” Tove glibly replies. “Sorry for interrupting, and I was happy to help. We can speak later, and please let Irene know she can ask me for help. I’ll be staying in town.”

Myrto looks across at Ipy. “You’ve not said Ipy, are you going to be adventuring with Gail and Phile, or are you here simply because you spoke for me?”

“I used a commune Blessing earlier today, and Lerina asked me to render Gail all the help I choose to provide for her work. I’ll be adventuring with them regardless of if you accept or not,” answers Ipy.

His announcement sets Myrto upright in the seat, as yet another shock to her system makes it hard to compose herself. Clearing her throat, I see her shake free of all the questions racing through her mind. “I’ll let you know in the morning after I speak with Irene.”

“That’s fine, Myrto, but you don’t have to give your answer right away. We’ve got things to sort out, so have a talk with Irene and ensure she’s okay.”

Myrto looks still shocked as she nods absently. “I’ll speak with her tonight if something hasn’t called her away. I feel turning this down would be the biggest mistake I’d ever make.”

“I’ll be down the harbour in the morning, maybe until lunchtime,” I offer and when Myrto stands I find myself on my feet and offering her a handshake‌. “Could you please ask Nikias to come through?”

“You’re not what I expected from an Elf, Lady Gail,” Myrto says when she releases my hand.

Phile’s quick laughter has me sighing. “Gail, Gailneth, or Gai, any of those is fine. Honest, I’m not a noble.”

Despite my reassurance, Myrto’s scepticism remains. Her gaze skims across my shirt and pants, taking in the runes stitched into the cloth. “Thank you for the offer, Gail. I’ll speak to you tomorrow.”

When the door has closed behind Myrto, I fix Phile with a grin. “Now who’s the flirt?”

“Did you want to give her the same explanation?” asks Phile.

When Ipy looks between us curiously, I give him a shrug and motion towards the door.

“It can wait, but I’d like to speak to yourself and Tove this evening about matters outside this team,” Ipy states.

We don’t have to wait long for Nikias to arrive. Buzzing out of his skin with excitement, he almost slams the door. He catches it at the last moment and closes it carefully, but I have to motion to Myrto’s vacated chair twice before he sits down.

Since it worked to break the ice with Myrto, a version of the same question seems right. “I’d like to know what you want to get out of adventuring.”

“I promised I’d serve you for this chance, Lady Gail, and I stick by it. I’m just looking to have a life that’s not under my brother’s thumb after he inherits. Please give me a chance.”

“I’m not a noble Nikias; just call me Gail. Do you promise to do your best for the team?”

“Of course, I will, Lady… I mean Gail,” shutters Nikias.

His awkwardness is so genuine and cute. I want a baby brother when I get home.

“Can you conduct yourself in a focused fashion with Myrto in the same team?”

Nikias scratches his head in confusion. “I don’t know why she’s always at me. I’m sure I won’t be arguing if she doesn't start grumping at me.”

The unequal treatment Phile had talked about prompts me to set the same line for both.

“Even if she grumps at you, you both need to take responsibility for your actions. Reacting to provocation is still your choice. If you can’t focus together, I’ll find replacements for you both. So are you sure?”

“You’d kick Myrto off the team if I mess up?” asks Nikias, with a wince.

“I’ll kick both of you off if the two not getting along puts yourself or others in danger.”

“I swear I won’t.”

“Then welcome to the team. Now about gear-”

I feel a link click into place between us and cut off when his eyes go vague; the Class vision that washes over him hits with the force of a tidal wave.