Day 24: Fireday the 12th Lamashan, 4707
I woke up this morning to no sense of danger or warnings. The birds were chirping, so I assumed it was morning. Savah was wrapped up in the sheets again. I smiled because she wasn't awake yet, but she looked happy. I decided to get her breakfast before she woke up. I left the Master Bedroom and shut the door behind me. I checked all of the locks for the breakroom before going into the pantry and getting some of the supplies. I worked up some basic breakfast stuff, I certainly wasn't the chef that Jonathan was.
She must have woken up to the smell of the coffee brewing. She opened the door to the kitchen and came in to embrace me. She was still naked. I smiled to her and gave her a cup of coffee. She drank it and smiled. I told her that I thought that she might like coffee since she didn't have tea last night. She dropped the mug and asked what I was doing. I looked at her confused. I told her that I didn't know what she meant. She must have seen that I was confused because she brought me out to the breakroom and sat down with me.
She told me what she meant by tea. My mind went blank. She asked what I had thought she meant. I told her that tea was just tea where I was from, that we had other methods of preventing that. She laughed a little and said, so from my world, tea is just tea and coffee was just coffee. I smiled and told her that generally that was the case, but some people used "coffee" as slang for what we did last night. She jumped onto my lap and kissed me again. I smiled with my mind still reeling. I wasn't sure I would be prepared for this change to our relationship.
I got breakfast finished after throwing out the burnt remnant from the first attempt. We were both dressed and you could barely get a sheet of paper between us at times. She said that she can understood now why I didn't seem to notice whenever she asked me what my thoughts on "tea" were in the past. We had breakfast and I helped her get everything set up for the day. There wasn't all that much that would really need to be done for setting up the Armory for the business' opening, but we got it set up all the same. I took a read over the script while some of the locals came in and inquired of Savah about this shortsword, or that dagger, or the crossbow on the wall over there.
Savah would occasionally ask for my opinion on something when she was trying to convince the customer on something, and I'd set down my copy of the script (I had made a copy of the script with some of the remaining paper that was laying around the former office) and provide my insights, as limited as they were. Some people wanted to see my armor in action, and one time, when I wasn't paying good enough attention, I got a crossbow bolt to the breastplate. It didn't penetrate, but it certainly was jarring. People tended to balk a bit at the price, but when Savah told them that part of the benefit of it was that it could be made in a day, a lot of people got more interested.
At one point, Savah came over to ask me if there was any way we could get the price of the armor down, and I told her that the main cost of everything was the living metal. If that was removed, it would decrease. I noted that the armor would lose the self-repairing capability and I wasn't sure that the alchemical cement would mix correctly after removing it either. She nodded and told the person asking that the specialist says that we can't drop the price on the armor. I noted that this price modification was just for the breastplate and other hard parts. Savah noticed what I was doing and let me speak. I told them that the under layers were a lot cheaper to make, and that if someone didn't want the hard parts of the armor, we could whip out the under layer much cheaper.
The person who was there asked what the value of that was. I told them that it should at the very least be as protective as studded leather, if not a chain shirt. It wasn't that proof against the concussive force that would come from a hit, but that it should stop the cut or a lot of the point from getting through. The person nodded and asked if they could get an example of what I mean. I held up my bicep and asked them to see if they could slice it with a weapon. They asked if they could use their own dagger. I told them yes, as long as it isn't adamantine. The customer pulled out their dagger offered it to me to inspect. It looked to be a standard steel dagger, not much special about it.
I told him that it would be okay, and he tried it. My armor material didn't cut. I told him that Dame Rebekah's armor had even withstood the bite of a horse sized Barghest. The customer was impressed with this and he asked us how much this would be. I told him that a shirt of this would probably be around eight hundred and fifty gold. He balked at the price for a minute and asked how it was any better than a regular steel chain shirt? I told him that he could have Rynshinn take it to be installed inside of a coat or something so that people didn't know you were armored. He said that he would think about that and thanked us for our time.
Savah looked to me and I asked her what? She told me that we could make just the underlay for a whole lot less. I told her that she could, but then she couldn't stock up on the materials that she would need to make more. I added that the price to upgrade the armor would be less this way, when someone buys the underlay for eight hundred and fifty gold and then later looks to get the hard portions added on. Instead of a jump from one hundred or so gold to twenty-seven hundred gold, it's now a much lower difference, making it more likely to be accepted as a jump. If you add in another eight hundred or so for the arm guards, and a second similar amount for the armored faulds and cutlet, that last portion of the armor is even less.
She noted that the eight hundred fifty gold from the base layer, seven hundred and seventy-five for the arm guards and another seven hundred and seventy gold for the faulds would leave only a few hundred left to get everything done. It could easily be broken up over months or years of purchases. She ran over and kissed me for that little marketing scheme. She asked what to do about people that only purchase the harder portions? I told her to charge the standard rates. If they are only seeking the Breastplate, tell them that the price is twenty-two fifty, and that by purchasing everything from her, either together or over time, they would have been getting a discount on the final piece.
She nodded and we her the ding as another customer came in. They were looking for a crossbow and Savah got to work, explaining everything about all of her models of crossbows. I have to admit; she was very good when it comes to the art of the sale. I'm fairly certain that she was just humoring me by listening to my pitch earlier. I think that she just wants me to feel useful. I hope I am.
I finished my first two times reading thru the script and decided to take a break to make another copy of the books for the Academy. I was up to four copies now, and was thinking about when to deliver them. I figured that after I had made a full listing of copies for the kids, I was going to have to start working on what I was going to set up for the couples that were to be wed on Crystalhue. I figured that I had a book or two that might work for a lot of the couples. Granted, the same sex couples might not get as much use out of all of the book, but there was at least something in there that everyone could use.
Savah must have been reading my mind because she came over after she made the sale and asked if I wanted to go out for some kind of meal, her treat. I told her that she had really good timing because I had just finished a copy of the text book for the Academy, and we could drop these four copies off, and I could talk to Ilsoari along the way to wherever we were going to eat. She smiled and we locked up. She put up a sign saying that we were out to lunch, and we headed off. We were fairly noticeable in our matching armor and my regal looking cape. I figured that it was just good security to keep on you something that could help save your life. I only had my machete (and my pistol, hidden) on my, so I didn't think I would be violating any ordinances.
We stopped off at the Turandarok Academy and met up with Ilsoari. That wizard from a week and a half ago, Vaeren, was there. He was showing the kids some cantrips and telling about different theories of magic. He saw me and smiled. I pulled two books out from my bag and handed them to Ilsoari. He looked at them and opened them up, flipping through them. He noted that they were exactly the same. He looked at me and said that this usually requires magic. I just said, yep. I told him that if he could get me more blank books, that I would transfer more of the books from my records over to a form that all the kids could share. He thought for a minute and said that it was kind of inefficient for me to just make the copies.
He noted that if I got him a copy of each, that he and Vaeren could make further copies for the kids. I told him that this was very logical. I added that these two were gifts to him and the academy anyway, and that when I got more materials, I would copy off other books. I added that most of the books that I had were well over three hundred pages in length, and that these were just the shorter ones. Vaeren heard his name and set forth a mystical force to amuse the kids for a few minutes.
I marveled at the spell and Vaeren snapped me out of it noting that it was an excellent child minder. Savah smiled at that and I could feel the need to get something that could cast that already. Vaeren came over and shook my hand, telling me good day and saying that he had heard about the Barghest. He said that they were a nasty bit of work. I nodded and told him that it would have been a lot easier if it wasn't invisible. Vaeren nodded and said that they do have that capability.
Vaeren noticed the books and asked if this was one of the books that I had brought for the class. He flipped it and was immediately impressed by uniformity of the text. He said that the only way to get something like this was through magic. I noted that Ilsoari had just said the exact same thing. He grabbed the other book and noted that it was exactly the same. I told him that it was a direct copy.
Vaeren asked if it was common where I was from for there to be multiple copies of a book in one place. I told him that where I was from, every student would get a copy of the text manual. Vaeren asked if he could have permission to make a copy of this. I cautioned him that it should be an exact copy, and that when making copies it was always best to go back to the source. Vaeren asked why. I committed an interplanetary act of war then. I told the first Dad joke I had ever heard. The celibate / celebrate monk joke. They looked in horror as I explained the concept of thousands of priests not getting any for millennia because of a transposition error.
Vaeren asked why the God or Goddess they worshiped wouldn't just tell them there was an error. I told him that the gods didn't act like that where I was from. Vaeren seemed mortified by the revelation and the concept. I told him that he could make copies from these two books, that they should be sufficiently accurate representations of the original books. He nodded and noted that he would be careful. I thanked him for his caution.
Ilsoari told me to wait before I headed out and came back with two books of a similar size to the original books that I had given him. He told me that he'd appreciate it if I could get two other books if they could fit. I asked if he had any requests for topics. He asked if we had any theories on magic where I was from. I told him that I had a few books about it, but that since magic did not seem to function as it did on this world, it might not be as useful to him. He thought for a second and asked if I had anything about treating wounds or other medical issues. I told him that I had some material that would take up both of these books. I would copy it when I could and get them back to him. Vaeren was engrossed in one of the books and immediately went outside.
Savah and I went after him and he was staring at a piece of dirt. He asked how my people had been able to look at things so closely. I asked him if he had ever used a spyglass. He said that he had in fact had the opportunity to use one, but not to touch if for more than a minute. He told me that they were normally a thousand gold pieces in value, and he didn't have that kind of money lying around. I asked Savah if it would be okay for him to drop by the Armory after we got back from lunch. She was playful and said only if he was buying something. I kind of shrugged and said that the lady is the boss. She smiled at that.
Vaeren said that he would be by later, that he needed a new dagger anyway. I figured that I could show him my scope and that we could use it to see the threads of some fabrics. From there it would be simple extrapolation to show him that things were built up of smaller and smaller things. That would give him enough to ponder for days. Savah tugged my arm and said that we needed to get to lunch. I gave the universal sign of "sorry" and turned to head off with her. We made our way through some alleys to get to Risa's Place.
Savah was a native, so there wasn't any issue for her. I wasn't seen as much of one by the people, but she smoothed it over by talking with the owner. Apparently she had been good friends with Risa and Risa was glad that Savah had found someone who was willing to put up with her. I noted that it was more of her putting up with me. That got a laugh out of Risa, and she softened a little around me. I told her that her place seemed really nice and that I was glad that the locals had something that was just for them. She asked me where I was from, and I told her that I could tell her, or if they preferred I could give a story about my home land to the tavern. She said that it didn't matter to her either way, but that the townsfolk might get picky about people bringing their stories of adventure to their tavern. I told her that I understood, and that I would try to keep it as down to earth as possible.
Risa accepted that, and told the tavern that I had a story to tell. I got to a corner of the room, with almost everyone in the room eyeing me skeptically. I started off with telling them that I was grateful for the opportunity I had been given to stay in this town. This place was really charming, and the people deserved to feel really good about their home. I told them that a lot of people had asked me about where I was from, and that I figured that it would be the best time to tell everyone. Savah sat there listening as I started.
I told them that I was from a very small mountain community from an extremely far distance away. I told them that back there I was a person who fixed things that got broke. I worked in a big building where other people worked and they would tell me when the things they used to work got broke and I would go and fix them. I continued with my story letting the people know that back there, I also raised chickens. Someone from the crowd asked how many I had back home, and I told them eighty-four. I continued and told them that every day I would leave my home in the morning and travel an hour to get to where I worked. I would be there for almost all of the day and then come back home to deal with the chickens and anything else I needed to deal with.
I added that the place where I worked was like Magnimar, it was very much larger than the town that I was in. I worked in a place that baked all of the bread for the city and they needed really big machines and tools to do that. I repaired those things when they broke. Someone asked why didn't a wizard just do it. I replied that we had no wizards or priests there, just the people who worked there. There was silence. I continued on and told them that I was heading home one day when I got lost. My mount had gotten hurt and I needed to find a place to check it out without being in danger. I found a trail and it led me to Windsong Abbey. I told them that I was certain that a god had sent me here, but I had never even heard of Varisia where I was from.
One of them asked me if I was ever going to try to go back. I looked at Savah and she seemed to be waiting for the same answer. I told the person, and Savah indirectly, that I would not be seeking my way back, since I had found out in the interim that I wasn't needed back at the farm or where I worked. I added that I hoped that I would be able to help this town more, since it had been so kind and welcoming to me. The crowd seemed to really enjoy my story. I thanked them all for listening to my history. I went back to the table and Risa asked how much of it was true. I told her that all of it was true, it would just be more fantastical if I gave more precise numbers for everything that I didn't. Savah whispered to her that I lived over fifty miles away from where I worked and the thing that I used to get me there would get me there in an hour.
Risa almost didn't believe her, but she didn't know Savah to be a bull-shitter. She brought out our meal, a rack of the wild hog and peppers skewers. I told Risa that this was excellent and that it reminded me so much of home. She asked what was different about it. I told her that back home it was a hot spiced pork sausage with green peppers and onions on a roll. A mustard sauce was optional. She told me that she would think about trying that out to see if it would go anywhere. I told her that if she did go with rolls, to slice it only most of the way down the side so that all of the stuff fits right inside the roll and people can eat it without needing to set it down. She asked if we really ate like that, and I said it was certain, one thing that we had developed was a way to technique of eating food on the go, since that was all we ever seemed to do.
Risa just shook her head and had one of her daughters bring out the spiced potatoes and her son brought out our ciders. She hit the ciders with a ray of frost and I told her that this was an awesome gimmick. She thanked me and left me and Savah to enjoy our lunch. Savah just looked at me with an odd look on her face. I asked her what was wrong. Savah told me that I was a very odd fit for this town. She loved me being here and wondered what new thing I would introduce to the town next. I told her that the next thing that we need is a root-beer float. Savah made the mistake of asking what that was.
Now I'm a person that has OPINIONS on root beer. Some of them are absolute crap while others are passable. Others are only good for one thing or another. I am of the opinion that Barqs is better root beer for general drinking than Mug or A&W. However, when it comes to floats, even I acknowledge that A&W reigns supreme. I asked one of Risa's daughters if they had ice cream here. She said that she would go ask her mother. Risa came back out and said that they didn't have any, but that she could freeze up some milk and get something close. I asked if I could help out, as there was something I wanted to have Savah try, but it would require magic to do it. Risa looked at me oddly and was curious enough to accept my request.
We went into the kitchen and she froze up a very shallow layer of milk. I shaved it up very fine with using my prestidigitation to keep it cold. She watched with interest while I told her every step that I was doing. I asked one of her children to get a pitcher of cider and six mugs. The girl looked to Risa and she nodded in acceptance. I got the ice cream doled out into six scoops of ice cream just big enough for the mugs.
I told Risa that a large part of this was setting everything up right. She listened and had her children listen too. I used my prestidigitation power to chill each mug and then the pitcher of cider. I made the cider taste exactly like A&W root beer and poured a little into each of the mugs. Since there was a fair amount left over, I offered it to Risa to taste what it should taste like. She tried it and asked if it was still cider. I told her it was while continuing. I made each of the ice cream scoops taste like French vanilla ice cream and plopped them each into a mug. I gave each of them, Risa and the kids, a mug and told them that spoons would be best. I brought out the two leftover mugs for me and Savah.
Savah tried it, with a spoon that was thankfully brought out by one of Risa's daughters, and told me that it was a very interesting combination of flavors. I told her that it was hard to reproduce without the fizziness. She said that she could see how that might change it. Risa came out and said that this was something that she had never tried even in all of her dreams. Risa thanked me and I told her that it was no issue. I added that was just glad that I got to share it with people.
Savah thanked Risa for everything and asked what we owed. Risa noted that we had this one for free, since I was a new town resident and all. I smiled to her and thanked Savah for taking me to lunch. Risa smiled and told us to come back anytime. We started to head back and Savah asked me if I was every going to make anything just for her. I told her that I was working on something special for her, I just needed to find a way to set it up. I was still working on the logistics of it. Savah looked at me like I was pulling it out of my ass, but then realized that I was fairly serious.
Savah asked if I would tell her what it was. I asked her if she wanted it to a secret or not. She thought for a minute and asked if it was a type of meal. I told her nope. I told her that I could continue to answer as many questions if she liked, but the more questions that she would ask, the closer she would get to it. She smiled and asked if it was more expensive than a longsword. I told her that most likely, yes, unless I found some REAL deals on some of the things. She smiled and said that if she knew what I was looking she might be able to get better prices. I told her that I couldn't keep it a secret then.
We made it back to the Armory with a little bit more back and forth but I held firm on not telling her about my plans for making a hot tub. If she reads my notes, she'll see what I'm planning, but as long as I keep things close to the vest, so to speak, I should be able to make this a surprise, at least as much of one as I can until she absolutely needs to know. I'll try to talk to the town smith tomorrow to see if I can get him to make me two steel boxes that can be made around the two enchanted stones that I have from Taren in Magnimar. I knew I was going to have to order more when I could.
We unlocked the Armory and opened it back up for business. It wasn't too long before Vaeren made his way to the Armory. He looked over a couple of daggers and asked my professional opinion. I told him that I had personally never used a dagger, just the knives that I came here with. I added that Savah was the best person to get the advice about the proper weaponry in this time period. But, I added, that if he had the option, that it would be smart to get it made of Cold Iron. As long as he didn't intend to enchant it, it made no difference in the operation of it in the long run. Savah smiled at me and said that she did have a selection of Cold Iron daggers that Vaeren could select from.
Vaeren looked over a few and actually bought two, a silver one and a cold iron one. He said that it made a lot of sense to be able have enough items that could pierce through the inherent resistance that supernatural beings possessed. I went to go get my rifle and he looked mystified by it. Savah asked if I was ever going to show her how to make one. I told her that we needed to get the components, and that I'd get them in Magnimar the next time we were in town if I had the money for it. I took the scope off of my rifle and asked him to look through it.
He noted that it was like a regular spyglass. I asked him to look at the material that I was wearing. He said that he saw that he could make out the individual strands of the armor. I asked him if he thought that if the spyglass was a bit stronger if he could see the individual strands of the cotton. He said that he could probably could. I got a single strand of cotton from my shirt. And said like this? He agreed. I told him that matter was just like that, that it kept getting smaller and smaller. By using multiple lenses, we figured out a lot of what matter was made of.
He just thought about that for a minute. He asked if there was an easy way to prove this. I asked him if he ever watched a blacksmith combine materials to make a different type of metal, like electrum. He noted that yes, he had seen something that was electrum. I asked him that since it was originally silver and gold that had been mixed, in my world we could separate them again. He looked a little incredulous. I told him that even on this world, it was likely that gifted jewelers could separate the gold from the silver if they wanted to. Really, what my people did was figure out how to do that on a much smaller scale. Vaeren seemed to accept that answer.
I told him that if he wanted, he could read the books that I provide to the school as well and begin to learn the details about my world's science. I told him that I hope to one day have a group of people that can adapt what my people learned to this world and a fusion can take place. Vaeren nodded at that, and asked if there was any way for him to get access to more of the information. I looked at Savah and smiled. I quickly whispered to him some of the things that I would need for my project for her. I told him that I need to get these items for a special project, and that if he can get me them, I will find at least four hundred pages' worth of my books for him in a subject of his choosing, provided that I have something in that field.
Vaeren quickly agreed and asked for a written down list of exactly what I needed. I wrote it down and he ran off. I smiled at Savah and she kind of pouted. She said that someone would now know what I was making her. I replied that the things that I had put on the list were so esoteric that they might as well have been the ingredients to a potion. She laughed and said that Vaeren would at least understand that. I smiled and walked over to her to embrace her. We kissed until we heard the door open. It was Vaeren. He said that he wanted to wish us well, as he was going to be heading to Magnimar. I asked him to not leave on our accord. He said that he wanted to get this stuff done quick, so that he could get access to the kind of information that I had.
I shrugged as he left quickly. Well, it would mean that he would be out of our hair for a few days at least, Savah said. I nodded in agreement. There was a different knock at the door, and my erstwhile cousin came in with the Sheriff. I asked if everything was okay, and the Sheriff said that it was fine. He needed to get a set of armor and some weapons for his newest guard member, my cousin. I looked to the Sheriff and to Savah, and she just rolled her eyes. The Sheriff asked me if I had already told her, and I asked him if he could think of keeping things from a significant other when he finds someone like that? Savah rolled her eyes at me then.
The Sheriff told us that he wanted to stop all thoughts of pretense and said that Orik would be known in town as Oren. He said that he would be my cousin, and as such, he'd be staying with us. Orik said that he didn't want to be burden. Savah laughed and said that she would be absolutely fine with my cousin living here with us until we can find some place for him to stay, or maybe even some woman to make him an honest man, like she did for me. The Sheriff laughed at that and said that he'd be impressed to see that. I told him that if anyone would be able to change my cousin Oren, Savah would know them.
We all shared a laugh, including Oren. We got him kited out with the basics that the town provides to the city guard and Sheriff Hemlock told him that he should be ready for his first day or training tomorrow. Oren repeated everything that the Sheriff said and nodded. I told Oren that we had a spare bedroom that had recently been vacated. He nodded and we took him to Faunra's old room. I had taken a few minutes after Faunra had vacated everything to use prestidigitation to clean everything, so that the room would be ready for any guests that we might have.
He looked in and nodded to the accommodations. Savah and I showed him where the kitchen, the breakroom, and the bathroom were. He asked if there was anything that we needed done in the house. Savah told him that eventually we might need someone to watch the shop, but as for right now, we were in good condition. I told him that Jonathan and his fiancée had been dropping by in the mornings, but that their shop might end up taking a lot of their time here starting Moonday. He accepted that. I also showed him the back entrance to the Glassworks and how he could walk down a trail to get to the beach if he wanted to swim in the sea.
He thanked us for the hospitality, and I told him that as long as he was looking to make good on his promise to the people of this town, we would be glad to help him out. If he decided that he needed to leave after that, we could find a way to get him equipped so that he could start out in a good condition. If he wanted to stay, we would also help get him set up here. He accepted that and asked if I ever thought about going back to where I was from. I told him that there wasn't anything left for me there, and Savah grabbed me. She finished my statement, saying that she was trying to make this place be my new home, and that having family, she winked, would only help cement those bonds.
Oren nodded and asked what we had planned for the night. Savah noted that I was getting ready for a role in a Cyrdak play, but that it wasn't anything that we couldn't put off. I asked if he wanted to go see whatever was playing, or just go to a Tavern? He said that he would like to go to a Tavern, and try to have a good night. I told him that Cracktooth's was probably the best Tavern to hit up tonight. He noted that he didn't have any gold, and Savah said that we would cover him for drinks tonight. He thanked us again and took stock of his room. He got his new equipment all set aside and started to take care of it. Savah and I went back to the store to finish up the day and I got my tablet out to get all of this down. I made sure to snap a couple of pictures of Savah when I thought that I could get away with it.
We went through the rest of the day without too much issue. We locked up the store at the end of the day and offered to Oren that we could get the locksmith in town to change out his door's lock tomorrow if he wanted some privacy. He noted that he was used to the jail for now, but that he might take us up on the offer. We all got ready and headed out. Oren was wearing his guard attire, and Savah and me were both in our armor. I didn't know what the night would hold for us but I hoped it wouldn't be something terrible.
We all headed to the Cracktooth and we welcomed by Jesk. He asked why we weren't at the play, and I muttered something about a minor falling out with Cyrdak. He nodded and said that Stage people can have big egos. I said that it was basically a concern about dedication and that it should hopefully resolve itself eventually. We introduced Oren, my cousin, to everyone and Jesk asked if we wanted a table or our booth. Savah said that we should have a table, and that if Jesk knew of anyone of the female persuasion that wanted to have a drink with a new watch-member of Sandpoint, they could join us.
Jesk snickered and told us that he'd keep an ear out for any hopefuls. We sat down at a table and Savah ordered us all a round of Tooth Cracker, to start off. The attendant asked us if we wanted our "usual orders" as well. I smiled and said that we were going to go with the drunkfish vittles and some understudies to start. The attendant went off to get our orders in, and we all got ready for a night of drinking and storytelling.
We got out food and drink brought out to us and we each had our share of stories. Oren told Savah all of his history, even the bad portions of it. She listened and tried to sympathize. I knew most of it, but there were even portions that he had not told me. He even filled in a lot of the details of his escape from Riddleport. I asked him if he had a bounty on him back in Riddleport. Oren said that it he didn't have one from the watch.
I noted to him in all of his stories he never killed someone while they were down. He killed people sure, when he fought them or was enraged, but he didn't take the steps to kill a person that was down. He just didn't save them when they were down. I told him that he could turn back from his path and change if he wanted to. I cautioned him that if he did try to head back to Riddleport, I feared that he would just have more of the same. I told him that there was a time in my life where I was involved with some people that would get me in trouble. I had to get away from my home town. When I went back to my hometown, I learned that I had changed and the town had changed.
He said that he really loved his hometown, and that he missed his sister. I asked if he thought that it would be good to get her out of the town too, if it was possible that she might be targeted for the things that he did. Oren said that he never thought about that. I told him that there was always someone who could be targeted in a person's wake. I told him that this was a lesson that I had to learn a while back too. Oren said that he would think about it. I told him that I had a lot of faith in him, that he could do a lot of good here if he wanted to stay.
A young woman who I thought I recognized from Alma's bakery came up to the table and asked if we were sharing adventuring stories. Savah noted that Oren here, my cousin, had a long history of adventuring and being a bodyguard. She perked up and looked to Oren. He said that he didn't know where to start. I told him to just tell her about all of his good stories seeing all of the strange things that he had seen. I told him that he could tell her about his infiltration of an evil cult and fighting off extraplanar enemies. He didn't catch it for a second, and I reminded him about the Yeth Hounds and how he was deep undercover trying to get the town the information about the dangers that we stopped. Savah smiled to me when I gave Oren the suggestion.
I asked Savah if she would like to dance. She said there wasn't any music playing. I told her that I could handle that. I got my phone out and pulled up my music App. I asked Jesk if there would be an issue with me having music play. He said that he didn't care. I decided to load up something nice and slow, a traditional composition for something like this, Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D. Savah rested her head on my armored shoulder and we danced in an area of the tavern that had the room.
Savah was amazed by the fact that the music was coming from my phone. I told her that it really was a very useful little item. She agreed that it was. I told her if I found a way to reproduce it in this world, even with magic, I'd try to get her a version of it. She smiled a lot at that. She asked if she would be able to use it the same way that I could. I told her that if and when I got her one, I'd load up all of the music and videos on it and teach her how to use it.
We had a few more dances and a few more songs or compositions before returning to the table. It was just about the time when Oren was heroically shooting the Yeth Hounds along with everyone else. I smiled because Savah told me the young woman's name was Arika Avertin, and Savah told me that she seemed to hanging on every word of Oren. She seemed kind of disheartened by the fact that he was a town guard, until Savah noted that his tasks were so secret that most of the town didn't even know about them. She whispered conspiratorially that the town council wasn't even briefed on it and isn't that the definition of an adventurer.
Arika kept talking to Oren and we left them to it. Savah gave me a look and we both walked over to Jesk. Savah asked if we could settle up and leave a bit for Arika and Oren's drinks? Jesk gave us the amount that we were currently on the hook for, and we left a large amount for their drinks and a tip from whatever was left over. I told him to let me know if it didn't cover it with enough for a tip the next time he sees us. He asked why we were heading out early, Savah smiled at him and I told him that it would be best to not be here when Cyrdak and his crew get here. He shook his head with a wry grin.
I remembered that I had one more thing to tell Jesk for the wedding, and I asked Savah to let Oren and Arika know that we were heading out. I told Jesk about a variation on the fondue where you use pastries and fruits and chocolate instead of cheese. I told him that the chocolate would have to be heated in a double boiler system, but that I'd really love it if he could look into it and get something set up for the giant Crystalhue betrothal. He asked how many people we were looking at. I told him that it was going to be big.
Jesk nodded and said that he would look into it, but that he'd be happy to see what he could come up with. I nodded and told him that I would drop by some other time with a healthy deposit to make sure that everything was set up for the event. He thanked me for everything I've given him so far. I asked Jesk about the popcorn and whether it was being profitable for him. Jesk said that it was slowly ramping up. I told him that it would be good to have a cart for the festivals. He said that he would have to think about it.
It was just then that Savah came up behind me and grabbed me. I was about to react before she whispered in my ear that we should head out. I told Jesk that I hoped that his night went well. Savah escorted me out of the tavern and asked what was wrong. I told her that I had an issue with people sneaking up on me due to some things that had happened to me in the past. I told her that it definitely wasn't her. Savah checked with me to make sure I was alright. I told her I was and we headed home.
We made it back to the Armory and made our way back in. We checked all over and I noted that I still needed to set up some alarms at the doors and windows to get us safer. All of the doors and windows were checked and confirmed as locked. Savah told me that I should get my notes done and out of the way quickly, as she was going to take a long bath. I smiled and told her that I hoped it goes well. She stripped and walked from our bedroom to the bath right in front of me, smiling and swaying her hips seductively. I decided to finish these notes quickly so I could join her.