Floor 6 - Chapter 2 - Dirty Dealings

Thirty minutes later...

The small group reformed, and began their final preparations for their dungeon crawl. Mostly just going over the guide, and taking a quick look at the enemies they should be expecting inside the dungeon, and forming a party, to ensure they could all keep an eye on each other, especially during the heat of battle. The more surprising thing was that Mater, the girl who'd been staunchly against help last time, seemed to be quite willing to accept help.

Mostly without thinking about it, Jet spoke - ''You're awfully agreeable today...''

''Our goals and methods coincide. I agreed after thinking about it.''

Lisbeth, evidently more perceptive than Jet, picked up on the girl's subtext - ''So, you do feel lonely then?''

''Yes, that explanation is acceptable.''

''You're well behaved, but you really aren't honest with yourself, are you?''

''Umm, Mater might be a little weird, and well, kind of unique, but she's not a bad person...'' - Jet reckoned that was one of the bigger understatements he'd ever heard, but said nothing.

''Come on! Solo players familiar with MMORPGs tend to be like this!'' - Yuuki evidently knew more about games than Jet did, before answering with his opinions - ''Not great at expressing themselves? Don't mean that in a bad way, by the way.'' - Jet threw a hand up, as if to hope he hadn't offended anyone.

''I'm not mad either, just threw me for a loop. Our party'll be fine, anyway. No issues, and we're done with prep?''

''Yup, onwards to the wetlands...'' - Jet visibly shuddered at the thought, but laughed at it anyway. He'd been to Wales before... ''it's not like it'll be that bad, right?''

The wetlands really had lived up to their name. It was a good job this didn't involve being stealthy, else they'd have all been screwed over! Squelching of boots, and the constant mud and sodden grass, made for an unpleasant surface underfoot, and the rain dripping off the trees above made it even worse. Needless to say, none of them were particularly enjoying themselves, least of all Koharu, who's boots didn't go that far up her legs, meaning mud was being kicked onto them. Jet thought about asking if she wanted a pair of trousers for her birthday, but thought better of it... mainly as he nearly went in the mud himself.

''Eurgh, if we spend any longer in this, I'll start to grow mold...''

Lisbeth seemed to dismiss the concerns of most of the party, and had decided that the materials were more important than their comfort - ''To a blacksmith, this is a mountain of treasure. Your storage will fill up grabbing everything.'' - Lisbeth punctuated that comment by smashing her mace down on some unsuspecting mob, sending it to whatever the equivalent of the afterlife was. Momentarily, Jet actually felt bad for the mob, before deciding that it would've taken them down if it had the chance, so killing it was probably fair.

''You're a lot more combat orientated than I expected, Lisbeth...'' - Jet spoke without thinking, as the brunette glanced at him. She thought about a practical demonstration of her mace, but thought slightly better of it.

''RrraGGHH!'' - Another mob met it's demise at Lisbeth's mace, and Jet quite quickly shut up, valuing his life a little more than before - ''I'll let my mace show you! I'm not a fighter though, so I'll do my best not to hold you all up.''

''I'll pick up the slack... come on, let's get exploring!'' - How Yuuki was still cheerful, despite the conditions, Jet would never know...

Almost two hours of fighting - and squelching - later, and the group still hadn't found the dungeon... just a load more angry mobs, and a rather unhappy looking Koharu, who looked as if she'd decided on an impromptu mud bath. Unsurprisingly, Jet kept his mouth shut on that one, other than promising her a nice long bath, once they'd found... umm, anything, actually. By this time, Yuuki had returned from her third attempt to find the entrance to the treasure room, and for the third time, she'd been unsuccessful.

''I still can't find the treasure room. It's got to be here somewhere, right?''

''I got some rare materials, so I already feel like I found treasure!'' - Jet looked back into his inventory, and found... nothing. Nought. Nil. - ''When!?''

''Today's a good day for drops. It's not unheard of to go weeks without anything good... I admit, it's a bit strange that we've done so well though.''

''I see, that's good then.''

''We should keep going whilst we're doing so well!'' - Jet and Koharu exchanged glances, wondering who the 'we' in that sentence was, because it sure as hell wasn't them. Their little non verbal communication trick was interrupted as Mater noticed something...

''Wait, there's something down there.''

''Huh, I don't see anything?'' - If Jet really focussed, he could just about hear some mumbling, but that really was it. Yuuki on the other hand, could seemingly tell that whoever it was, was currently holding a conversation - ''I think there's someone down there...''

''Maybe it's another party?''

''We should go down there... but be careful. We've got no idea how they'll react to us...'' - Being surprised in a dungeon sounded like a very bad situation to find yourself in, Jet thought.

''I agree. We can work out a bit more after we talk to them, right?''

''Then we'll be subtle. Stay quiet and see what they're doing, right Jet?''

''Agreed... but when did I become this party's leader, again?'' - Jet wondered if he'd missed an election or something...

The group approached as quietly as they could manage - surprisingly quiet, considering their group consisted of a blacksmith, and a knight in a breastplate. Jet, being the tallest, and able to see through the clearing with slightly less effort, noticed something that disturbed him - a Forest Elf Commander, similar to the one on the Fourth Floor, and an unidentified second person, although Jet vaguely recognised the armour that covered their back. Bronze in colour, and very war worn, Jet thought back, hastily trying to think who it could be.

''Hang back...'' - Jet whispered, as he attempted to blend in with a tree, and get a better view of their marks.

''Join forces? You'll probably just murder us in our sleep the moment our use to you expires. There is no elf in the land that doesn't know of the crimes you have committed to make the Sacred Tree your own!'' - The Fallen Elf seemed scandalised, almost certainly an act, if Jet recognised how NPCs in Aincrad acted when lying. ''That was a misunderstanding. My father was only trying to save this world, by solving a mystery regarding the Sacred Tree.''

(''Jet, doesn't that sound awfully familiar?'') - Koharu recognised the voice, but was struggling to place it. Jet suddenly had a chill run down his spine, and not from the undergrowth this time. That was the Fallen Elf Commander, the one that had seemingly died last floor...

''How insolent. Your only reward was losing the grace of the Sacred Tree.''

''Reward, you say? Well, I won't disagree. Even so, we may have lost our grace... but we have not lost our faith. As proof, in our ranks, we have none that desecrate the sacred taboos. No Fallen Ones. We wish to regain the grace of the Sacred Tree, and devote ourselves once again.''

''Silence vermin! The only reason your head is not currently rolling on the floor is most certainly not because I trust you. You are alive because you opened the Cathedral.''

''Hah, are all Kales'Oh officers quite so hot blooded? If you are... I can certainly understand why you are still at war.''

''You dare mock me!?''

''I would simply ask you to entertain a simple proposal. The Jade Key, the Lapis Key, the Black Key and the Agate Key, these are the four keys that are currently in the Dark Elves hands, and they allow them to hog the Cathedral, yet you seem to overlook this through sheer stupidity and pride.''

''Opening the Cathedral, returning to the surface, and regaining the Sacred Tree's grace...'' - A look of deep thought and concern flashed over the Forest Elf Commander's face. - ''I cannot believe that is all you want. However...''

''The Kales'Oh people desire to open the Cathedral, return to the surface, and regain the lost magics of old. It's just a temporary pact until those cursed Dark Elves are bought to a suitable end. It's much better than...''

''Fine! I agree. But... we will hold onto the keys. Try anything, and I promise you, you will not survive.''

''I understand. We shall hand over the item. The rest shall be delivered later. Please make good use of it.'' - The Forest Elf Commander took off, back into the undergrowth, whilst the group continued to hide...

(''I don't think he's friendly...'') - Jet fought the urge to make a quip, and looked for an easy out. A small room that jutted out oddly, probably large enough for the five of them, he hoped... or it was going to be a very unpleasant experience for all of them.

Unfortunately, said room hadn't turned out to be bigger on the inside, and in fact, made Jet's locker at school look massive by comparison, as the five of them squeezed into the tiny space. Something apparently fun for Yuuki, but absolutely painful for the other four... especially the six foot Jet, who know wished he was a short arse instead.

''You can come out now. I know you're there.''

(''Did she just find us?'') - Lisbeth asked, voice as hushed as she could manage.

''Hm, the Forest Elves fell for the trap.''

(''Apparently not.'') - Jet muttered, his spine being reformed by the shape of the cupboard.

(''Regardless, we should stay quiet...'') - Mater whispered, a sentiment everyone agreed with, as they continued eavesdropping.

''They believe they are superior, the fools... however, they are useful as pawns.''

(''Their tone's changed? Is that how they normally sound?'') - Koharu asked.

''Let's move forward, according to the plan.''

''I will not allow delays. Our dream is about to come true. We should hurt them a little before we reap the fruits of our long servitude.'' - Footsteps disappeared back into the forest, and the group left their cramped hiding spot...

''Wow, that was exciting!''

''I think I need to see a chiropractor now.''

''I wonder what that was... those two elves were making a deal, right? Can NPCs do that?''

''That Fallen Elf, the one in the Bronze armour, we saw them on the last floor's Elf Quest. They were supposedly killed, but...''

''I'm guessing that was the trigger for this floor's part. Any of our quest logs updated?''

''Oh! It says 'Get proof of the Forest Elves secret deal, and talk to the right person'. So, it's definitely the Elf Quest.''

''Proof of a secret deal though? And 'talk to the right person'?'' - Whilst the group continued to discuss that statement, they'd failed to notice Lisbeth wandering over to another small room, this time considerably bigger than the cupboard they'd been unlucky enough to have to hide in...

''Hey! Do you think that item the masked elf was on about might be in here?''

''Perhaps, shall we get it then?''

''Yeah, it's worth a shot. If this is part of the Elf Quest, then maybe we'll get some info on the floor boss...''

''Plus, we might be able to save Kizmel! Either way, I'll give it my best!''

''Isn't that dangerous?'' - ''And everything else we've been doing is perfectly safe, Liz?'' - Jet thought, but kept to himself... a mace is a fantastic deterrent to a big mouth as it turns out.

''That Kysala person seemed strong, but the Forest Elf... not so much. I think. Either way, we'll take care of them! You coming, Liz?''

''You're taking this quite lightly, Yuuki. Mater, what are you going to do?''

''I'll go with them. The treasure might be in there... and I'm interested.''

''Well, it's decided then. Let's do this!''

''Huh, you are coming then... I thought you'd just wait here...''

''You know that I am a craftsman, right? I prefer not to go into danger, but I'll do my best to help my clients!''

''Okay then, we'll take the lead, so be careful when you're following us, Lisbeth.''

The group entered the unlit room, and found nothing much of any note initially.

''Nobody's here, so let's use the opportunity to investigate.''

Lisbeth wandered over to a secluded corner of the room, and noticed something a little odd - ''I wonder what this box is? It looks a bit suspicious...'' - It didn't take a genius to know not to do what Lisbeth was currently doing - shaking the box. 'It's a good job that isn't a bomb, else you'd have killed us all...''

''Ah! Maybe don't do that, Liz!'' - BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! ''How obvious does a trap have to be?! Does it literally have to have 'HELLO, I'M A (BLEEP)ING TRAP!' on it!?'' - Jet moaned in his head, rolling his eyes as the alarm continued...

''You know, I think I'd have preferred a bomb, actually...'' - Jet sighed, as he readied his sword and shield.

''Eeep, what did I do?!''

''Alarm trap, heads up - we'll have mobs incoming...'' - A single figure came running - the Forest Elf Officer they'd spotted earlier, and to say he didn't look pleased was an understatement.

''You work for the Dark Elves?! You thieves!'' - Followed by quite a few more figures, now blocking the exit of the room. From the corner of his eye, Jet could see Lisbeth looking quite alarmed at that. Yuuki acted as the voice of calm amongst the group, and prepared her blade for the soon to begin fight...

''Hmm, we'll be fine. We can beat them! Jet, Koharu, can you take half, and I'll take the others?''

''Got it! Lisbeth, Mater, hug the wall if you can!'' - Jet got into his ready stance, and prepared his first attacks, whilst Koharu began her first attack runs. ''Let's go!''

A short fight later, and the Forest Elves had been dealt with, and the three fighters sheathed their weapons - ''Lisbeth, Mater, you guys doing alright?''

''Unscathed thanks to you guys... but that trap box... I'm such an idiot to even fall for that! I'm really sorry...''

''I'm so amazed that I'm speechless. Those with intellect can learn, and not repeat the same mistakes.'' - Unlike Jet, Lisbeth couldn't sense any sarcasm there, but even so, she wasn't about to be insulted by a child! - ''That's quite a way to talk to your elders!'' - And now, Lisbeth looked furious. Not for the first time, Yuuki ended up acting as peacekeeper...

''Come on guys, everyone's safe. Let's get out of here, before the Forest Elves return... but before that, treasure!'' - Yuuki pointed to Lisbeth, who looked blankly at them. ''Uhh, Liz? You might be sat on the treasure...''

''Huh? Oh!'' - Taking a slight note from her earlier mistake, Lisbeth opened the box gingerly... to reveal a small jute bag, rather than a screeching trap. Opening the bag revealed a number of copper coins, about 10 of them, all in all.

''Huh, they're rusted so they must be old. They're kinda like the fifth floor relics, those Karlul coins, only a bit bigger.''

''Hm, there's no treasure. Could the secret deal item be something else?''

''There isn't anything else though, unless the Forest Elves took it with them?''

''I think this is the treasure. The trap box was just a decoy to hide it, so I believe it is valuable.''

''These just might be, they're an item called 'Old Currency' and there's no further description. An unknown item, and conveniently, an item found inside a quest related dungeon, seems more than a little coincidental, right? Either way, I think we should get them checked out... and we should just get out.''

Another slog through the dungeon ensued, and upon reaching daylight again, Jet thanked any gods for the natural light, because whatever light was in that dungeon, it really did remind him too much of wasted mornings, waking up at 4am for the first bus of the day, and the boredom, sleepiness and mild irritation those days bought...

Koharu, on the other hand, was ecstatic to finally be out of the mud and sludge, and on semi-solid ground again. The group eventually reached the Teleport Gate, and began to divvy up the rewards from the dungeon - ''Knowing that the treasure is real is reward enough for me. I'll only take a few copper coins, the rest you can keep for yourselves. Thank you.''

''You don't need to give me some of them... we did this whilst searching for materials, so I don't have a reason to take them. Besides, I still owe you for helping us around here.''

''Does that mean we get a discount then?''

''Don't push your luck.'' - The smirk on both of their faces showed that neither were being particularly serious about their conversation. - ''But still, I feel bad not giving Mater any of the rewards.''

''You shouldn't. I gained additional knowledge today, so I will happily take that instead. Keep the rewards to yourselves.''

''I feel awful about this, it's like stealing candy from a baby...''

''I am neither a baby, nor is this candy, so I fail to see how it could be like that.'' - ''Huh, I wonder if she's thinking like Ell used to... which would mean-''

Koharu interrupted the brewing tensions, and Jet's train of thought, to act as a translator - ''Erm, Lisbeth? Mater has a very... Mater-like way of seeing things. I think she's trying to say it'll be more valuable to us, than it would be to her. Am I right, Mater?''

''Yes. I heard someone say we raise our effectiveness by helping each other. I believe that circle is the best way to maintain balance in this world.''

''You say some pretty complex things, Mater.''

''So, if I understand, you want to give the crafting market a boon, right?''

''Yes, you understand correctly.'' - Lisbeth made a sound of understanding, and a slight chuckle - ''Well, why didn't you say that then? Still, I hope your faith is well placed...''

''It is, I'm certain of it. Regardless, I'm going. Goodbye.'' - The young girl left, as the rest of the group processed what she'd just done.

''She was kind of strange, wasn't she? She's almost like me in a way...'' - Yuuki mumbled the last bit, making all but indecipherable to everyone except Lisbeth.

''I mean, except for the way she looks, the way she acts and the way she speaks, you could be twins!'' - Even Jet had spotted how Yuuki noticeably shifted at that comment, and seemed to go a little quieter afterwards. ''Yeah. It'd be great if we could be better friends next time though.''

''I hope so too, and I hope she'll be okay being that stubborn. She's the kind of person I always want to protect... but still! She gave us all of this as a gift! It's way too much! You two, take some of it... I set off the trap, and you guys had to clean up the mess. Sorry about that, by the way...''

''Thank you Lisbeth, we'll be sure to use it wisely!''

''Oh, and I might have an idea about this coin... I need some time to clean it up though, so could you come back a bit later?''

''Sure, we'll be back in a couple of hours...'' - And with that, the couple left for some downtime...

Koharu didn't exactly seem too happy... why, Jet couldn't imagine - after all, it wasn't like she was caked in mud, and covered in gunk from the dungeon run... oh wait, that's exactly what it was!

''You okay, Koharu?'' - Jet asked, watching Koharu give every mob within any distance a glare that even Medusa would've winced at...

''I'll be fine... just, this stuff is really unpleasant!''

''I know, and I stand by my promise, so we'll head into town, and you can get that bath...'' - Jet smiled, and not for the reason many of you are probably thinking.

Including his girlfriend. ''Anyone would think you just want to see me naked...'' - she teased, as Jet began spluttering and choking on air, earning a chuckle from her. ''Relax, I know it's not that. You're just being nice to your girlfriend, right?''

''Yeah, plus, you know... you are kind of caked in mud.''

''Charming, you look lovely too...''

''I didn't mean it like that!''

''You really are too easy to wind up sometimes...'' - ''Cheeky little minx'' - Jet thought to himself, remembering just how easy she was to tease too... and how he could easily get payback on her for it. ''I mean, what would happen if I tried to hug you right now?'' - Jet thought about just legging it, but decided that washing his coat was easier than repairing a relationship, and so, he allowed her to hug him...

Quite some time later...

He could see exactly why Koharu was unhappy... this stuff was bloody indestructible! He'd been scrubbing for nearly twenty minutes now, and nothing had come out! If you were to ask for his opinions on Kayaba right now, the resulting tirade would not be allowed by any film rating board, for depictions of extremely graphic violence, and incredibly graphic language...

''I'm done in the bath now...'' - Koharu stepped out, still draped in a towel, with skin glistening from the residual water, and slightly smirking as she struck a suggestive pose... a sight which would usually have caused Jet to stop doing... well, anything, whilst he tired to process that. Unfortunately for her, at the moment, that barely elicited a grunt from the irritated knight. Koharu looked towards him, with a sense of disappointment, as she re-equipped her clothes. ''You know there's soap for that... you don't need sandpaper for it.''

''Yeah, I was just polishing it...'' - Jet blatantly lied, the mud still clear as day on his armour, as the incredibly worn out cloth finally gave way.

''Sure... about earlier, when Mater and Lisbeth were talking, you looked like you'd seen someone like her before?''

''Huh?'' - Jet quit trying to 'polish his armour' with the torn rag, and turned to Koharu, who was now in her indoor clothes. - ''Oh, yeah. Reminds me a bit of my baby sis.''

''I'm assuming you don't mean Strea, then?''

''Not unless Strea became 10 years younger, no. My twin sisters, Ell and Beth, well, Ell always had a very mature way of seeing things. Lovely girl, wouldn't hurt a fly, but she got bullied a lot, and she basically became a recluse. A bit like I was, but she shut off from everyone except us. When I look at Mater now, I kind of see her in her, and I hope she doesn't get hurt for it... I know what people are like, and it's worse here than it ever was IRL.''

''She'll be fine, you know?''

''I can but hope.'' - Jet's tone became far more jovial - ''Anyway, what was with the little show, just...'' - Jet winked as he made that quip.

''You saw that!?'' - ''EEEPPP!''

''Yup.'' - Koharu blushed furiously as she realised how much she'd shown off, whilst Jet just laughed at her response. ''I mean, if you're into that sort of thing... I'll happily play along...''

''Umm, I just-well, umm...'' - Koharu struggled to come up with an explanation that didn't seem to make her look worse than she'd meant...

''Relax, I know you aren't like that. You just wanted to see my reaction, right...?'' - Jet chuckled. ''HEY! Don't use my own words against me!'' - Koharu's inner voice yelled, as she began twitching in annoyance.

''You're an ass.'' - She pouted, as Jet bit his lip, avoiding telling her how cute she looked like that.

''You aren't the first person to tell me that, nor will you be the last.'' - Jet realised that he probably shouldn't be bragging about something like that, but oh well.

''Well, for that... you owe me something.'' - Koharu had decided that her boyfriend deserved to pay for his teasing, and settled on physically paying for it...

''Does dinner and dessert sound good?'' - ''The best, yes.'' - Both her inner voice, and Koharu agreed to those terms. - ''Yes, yes it does. Also, message from Lisbeth, she says she's done, and to meet her in the town square.''

Ten minutes later, Floor 6, Stachion Town

Now back into their combat equipment, the couple came back out of their inn, and into the town square. Lisbeth hadn't failed to notice that Koharu was a hell of a lot happier now, and Jet was seemingly in high spirits too, albeit wearing slightly different gear than before... - ''So, Lisbeth, what did you find out?''

''Oh, there you are! Right, the Old Currency. I think we should try and get it appraised at the NPC shop, find out a little bit more about them, and maybe we could find a hint as to who the right person could be.''

''Does this mean you'll be helping us with the Elf Quest now then, Lisbeth?'' - Koharu asked.

''Yep! I'll be helping you out too, until the sword I ordered is ready!'' - Yuuki chirped, seeming quite happy at the outcome, especially knowing her sense of adventure.

''I would've been happy if the treasure was an amazing ingot... but sadly, the world isn't that kind.'' - Lisbeth deflated, before shaking off her annoyance - ''Well then, let's go to a shop!''

The group headed into a NPC blacksmith, and Jet remembered his dislike of forging from his last attempt. It was hot, humid and just generally an unpleasant place to be... and that was just the counter. He dreaded to think what the forge itself was like...

''Excuse me. Could you look at an item for us?''

''Welcome. An Item appraisal?'' - Lisbeth nodded - ''Understood.'' - A few seconds passed by, as the NPC smith looked over the Old Coins. The usual look of concentration was broken by a look of realisation, as the smith returned to them - ''Please wait here, I'm just going to get the owner.''

''Well, this is the first time that's ever happened. What's going on?''

''Maybe it's an event flag?'' - Yuuki looked excited at the thought of continuing the quest - ''Let's hear what the owner says anyway.''

''Thank you for waiting. These are commonly called Bronze Dwarf Coins, and were the currency of the ancient kingdom.''

''You mean the Brawny Ground Fairies? They're normally big, stout and they're good tanks.''

''Really? In normal RPGs, they're usually small and round old guys. Anyway, they're usually skilled arms makers in fantasy, so if they're really on this floor, I can't wait to meet them!'' - Lisbeth turned to the forge's owner, and continued that conversation - ''Sir, are there any dwarves around here?''

''Hmm, it's said that they once interacted with humans, but that's nothing more than a legend now. I don't think it's possible, not until foreign warriors unite the tower into one.'' - Once again, Lisbeth looked deflated at that statement.

''So there's no dwarves on this floor! Maybe there's some above!''

''Umm, pardon me, but... would you mind if I held onto the Bronze Dwarf Coins? I'll pay you nicely in Col. It's boorish, but beautifully made. You might not even get one Col if you took it elsewhere. However, I have some customers that like to collect old articles, such as these.'' - The group all glanced at each other, none willing to speak first - ''Well? I'll give you 100,000 Col for it all.'' - Jet's eyes went slightly wide - 100,000 Col was more than he and Koharu had, combined, and he suspected that Koharu, Lisbeth and Yuuki had all had similar thoughts about the value that the owner had attached. But that gave him a further question... even if these coins were antiques, why would they have that steep of a value attached to them?

Koharu spoke first, and asked for a moment - ''Umm, can you give us a minute? I'd just like to talk to everybody?'' - The group moved away from the counter, and went outside the shop. Koharu checked her quest log, and Jet did the same. - ''It says that the owner wants these coins, and to find out why, which means...''

''The collectors were just a lie! There's another reason, probably some plan involving elves...''

''We should probably ask him again, maybe we'll get something out of him.'' - The group headed back indoors, and Yuuki acted as the spokesperson for them all - ''So, sir. Is there a special reason you want these? We might sell them, depending on the situation...''

The owner looked around shiftily, and spoke oddly quietly - ''I... really can't talk about it. If you do sell them, please think of me.'' - Jet raised an eyebrow, as he tried to think through the circumstances - ''Let's see, shall we? A load of coins in a dungeon that was used for a secret meeting between reluctant allies. A mysterious item that we never saw, but was implied to be some form of weapon, and now, a store owner who seems to be acting as if getting those coins is the only meaning in life for him... could those coins be some form of embezzlement? The way that the Fallen get items, despite being disavowed by both sides?'' - Whilst Jet had been thinking about it, the NPC store owner had shut down, and the group were considering their next move...

''Evidently, he doesn't want anyone finding his partners. It's probably that masked elf, but we've got no choice really. We need to get the shopkeeper to talk...'' - Lisbeth trailed off as she thought of something, her eyes going slightly wider, and a grin taking over her face... - ''I've got it! He's a merchant, right?''

''Ohh... the Argo approach! Why didn't we think of it!?'' - Jet slapped his forehead in realisation, as Koharu gave him a funny look...

''Ermm, maybe? I was going to see we ask him for information, in exchange for providing him with those coins for free.''

''Definitely not the Argo approach.'' - Jet and Koharu commented in unison. ''Let's try it though.'' - Koharu stated, as the group headed back again. ''Excuse me sir? Could we talk to the owner again, please?''

''Understood.'' - The clerk disappeared to get the owner, leaving the group in the shop. After a few seconds, the owner returned to the counter - ''Oh, are you here to sell the coins?''

''We won't take money for them. What we do want, however, is for you to tell us about who you're trading with, in exchange for them.''

''What?''

''The bronze coins? Do elves want them?''

''Hmmm, well, it appears you know more about the situation than I thought. It's true that these coins are worth next to nothing. They're old copper coins, so humans don't want them, for the most part anyway. However, elves always pay handsomely for them.'' - He sighed yet again - ''There. I've told you everything I can without breaking the contract. I had wondered why one bag had gone missing, when it should've been delivered. I cannot defy them though, even when it seems unfair...'' - All of the group began fidgeting slightly, realising exactly what had happened. They'd grabbed the bag before it could be delivered, and so, the numbers failed to add up, and the store owner had received complaints from the elves over the lost coins. Yuuki looked a little deflated herself, realising that the coins really were practically valueless, and that keeping the coins would now be absolutely pointless. Seemingly, everyone came to the same conclusion, and the coins were handed over with no other words said. ''Thank you for your kindness. You may be foreign warriors, but may fortune shine brightly on your travels.''

''Thank you.'' - And with that, the group left the shop again, looking more than a little disappointed.

''Did that progress the quest?''

''Yeah... but it says 'Tell the right person about what the owner told you.'...''

''The right person means the person that needs to hear about this, right?''

''Okay, so to sum it up - those Bronze Dwarf Coins are worthless to humans, but really valuable to elves. Why would the elves want them?'

''They were originally mined by dwarves, so... maybe they want to melt them down to make ingots, to make stronger weapons?''

''Doubt it, Lisbeth. Copper's malleable, so you wouldn't make a weapon out of it, plus, you'd need a load of tin to make bronze, and- what?'' - Everyone else stared at Jet, as he looked blankly towards them.

''How do you know this?'' - Asked Koharu, who was looking at her boyfriend as if he'd grown an extra head...

''GCSE Chemistry? We had a question on the properties of copper, and it's uses within the home. I got a 9 on that paper.'' - Jet looked quite smug at that, not that the others understood why.

''Anyway, even if that wasn't the case, you'd only get a few swords out of it, at maximum.''

''It doesn't make sense. We should find an elf to talk to about this... err, but not that masked one. Not if we can help it, anyway. They gave me the creeps, like some evil commander...''

''We could talk to Kizmel? Maybe she's the right person!'' - Jet and Koharu both went to facepalm at their collective density. They had literally missed the obvious option, and danced around it many times...

''Yeah, but where is she? Usually, she's the first person we see at the start of an Elf Quest...''

''Maybe we should check the fort on the Fourth Floor. Maybe the commander there will know where Kizmel's gone...''

''Hmm, yes, I understand... only one tiny question though? Who's Kizmel? I've not done the Elf Quest, so I don't know this person...''

''We'll tell you on the way to the Border Lake. Come on!'' - With that, Yuuki bolted, like a horse from an open stable, leaving the other three in her dust tracks.

{Author's Comments}

Umm, I've not really got anything here. Yeah, this isn't going to be one of those insights into how I work, really.

Oh, slight note - ''a 9 on that paper'' is the GCSE equivalent to getting an A* in a paper. The grading system is a little strange now (especially to someone who did their GCSEs before that system came in.).

As always, favourite, follow, PM and leave a review if you enjoyed it,

Signing out, Midland 2541