Chapter 21: An Awakening, Squire

Silence reigned over the small alleyway where the fight had been waged. Even the lone conscious thug tied in his own weapon ceased his struggling, staring in shock at where his leader had once stood.

"Woah…" came the voice of Alistair, the first to recover from his shock. "...That. Was. Awesome!" he exclaimed, gaining a wide smile and jogging over to the still smoking remains. He looked over it with a curious eye. "Barely any metal left! That was some serious power! You never told me you could do that Indira…" As he turns to her, the words die in his mouth and the smile slips from his face.

Indira is looking down to the ground, but none would miss the steady drips of tears landing on the pavement below. She looks up at Alistair, her eyes red and a mix of fear and anger on her face. "Ah, I didn't mean that…" Alistair started, before Indira turned and ran right past Garrick and out of the alley.

"Indira!" Alistair called, and went to follow. However, Garrick stepped in front of him and blocked his path. "Get out of the way Garrick! I need to apologise, I need to…" he started, but Garrick cut across him. "You need to calm down. It might not be for the best for you to go to her until she has recovered some. What you said was rather lacking tact, yes?" Garrick said quietly.

Alistair stopped struggling, and sighed before looking down and away from Garrick's disapproving stare. "Yes, you're right. I didn't think she would be quite so upset." Garrick nodded and lost his stern glare. "You must remember, friend, that not everyone has grown as used to killing as we have. Even if it is necessary occasionally. I strongly suspect that was the first human she has ever killed." Seeing Alistair nod, Garrick then turned and started to leisurely walk towards the exit of the alley, Karasumaru landing upon his shoulder from where he had been staying during the fight.

"I shall go and ensure that she is safe. Once she has calmed down, I will meet you back at the tavern, as planned". Then, with a wave thrown over his shoulder, he turned the corner and walked out of sight. Alistair gave a frustrated grunt, and kicked the leg of the thug that had been hit by Garrick's arrow earlier.

"Stupid Alistair, go and upset your best friend why don't you? Grand idea that…" Breathing deeply to calm himself down, he looked around the alley. At some point during their conversation, the still conscious man had wriggled free of his bindings, choosing to simply flee rather than stick around. His weapon was still lying where he had left it.

Alistair cast a gaze across the other would be muggers, both unconscious and dead. "...Well, it would be a shame to waste their generosity by bringing us so much gear. Will keep my mind occupied too…" And so Alistair began to divest the bodies of their better condition weapons and armour.


Varus entered Charlie's shop once more, pleased to see that it was still empty of other patrons. Making his way to the counter, there was no sign of Charlie, though the sound of movement beyond the curtain suggested she was in the room beyond once more.

Varus glanced at the bell upon the counter, reluctant to ring it due to the obnoxious noise it made. Thankfully, after several minutes of glaring at it, he was saved from having to do so. "Glaring at it won't make it ring, dear…" came the voice of Charlie. Looking up, he saw she was leaning against the counter, wiping her hands on a cloth after whatever work she had been conducting. "You're back quickly. Find the extra gold in a back pocket did you?" she joked with a smile.

Varus, never one to laugh at a human's humour, simply dumped his book and money pouch upon the counter. "Appraisal of this, five gold yes?" he asked. Charlie did not reply however, her eyes fixed upon the book, the wiping of her hands forgotten. She placed the cloth she had been using down, and approached the book almost tentatively. "Now...what do we have here…"

Before even touching the item, she began by retrieving the book from the satchel strapped to her side. Opening it, she appeared to be using it to determine the enchantments upon his own book. After a few minutes of this, she seemed confident that simply touching the item in question would not harm her. She reached out, and pushed the pouch of gold off with little care for it. The book, however, she picked up far more carefully.

Reaching into her dress pocket with her free hand, Charlie retrieved a hand lens. She then proceeded to look over various parts of the book, once more holding her own book in her free hand, its pages swirling back and forth of their own accord, and referring to it continually. Throughout this, Varus stood to the side looking almost bored, but any that knew him would note that his eyes had not wandered from watching Charlie work.

Eventually, Charlie stopped, and placed the book upon the counter once more. Once she did, she broke out into a large smile and turned towards Varus. "Well, I must say this is one of the most interesting items I have seen in a long time! It is a truly marvelous piece of enchanting...tell me, where did you find such an artefact?"

Varus shrugged. "Found it" he replied simply. Charlie shook her head with a slight smile. "You truly are friends with the half-elf from earlier." Varus looked affronted by this, but Charlie had already turned her attention back to the book.

"This book is one written by Balfrys himself! Now, many claim to have items made by him, few have the genuine article. This however...well. I've never seen one in person before, but I know what to look for. As is customary for items made by powerful mages, it is protected by a multitude of defensive spells. Tell me...have you tried to open it?"

Varus winced ever so slightly. "...Might have, yes." Charlie looked impressed for a moment. "And yet you are still alive, impressive. Did you manage to open it?" Varus shook his head, though did not wish to explain to Charlie what had happened when he had attempted to open the book. Charlie looked down in thought. "So, a partial rejection only huh? Interesting…"

Before she could fall too deeply into contemplation, Varus drew her attention once more, "Can you remove the protections?" Charlie gave a genuine chuckle, "Oh by the Seven, no. While I can tell that there are protections, breaking them is beyond me. You must understand, Balfrys was of a calibre rarely seen. Few would have the knowledge or the power to break one of his creations. Using them, however…"

Here, Charlie gained a serious look. Unusual given her normally carefree attitude, Varus felt. "The only way to use an item enchanted such as this...is to prove yourself worthy of using such an item. If you fail, well...death is but one of many possible outcomes" she finished ominously, glaring at Varus to ensure he had got the message. Seeing Varus maintain his stony look, Charlies believed he had received it loud and clear.

She turned her back on him, starting to return to her room behind the curtain. "Now, seeing as you have failed your first attempt to open it, I would leave that book well alone. Return it to wherever you "found it" if you have any sense…" Before she could disappear behind the curtain, a strong wind whipped up behind her, causing her to turn and look in shock.

There, in the middle of the shop, a small whirlwind had formed with Varus in its centre. As soon as Charlie had turned, he had proceeded to pick up the book and attempt to pry it open once more. Immediately the wind had got up, though Varus had braced himself. "I am a Drow! None are more worthy of such knowledge, and I will not be denied it by some feeble enchantment! You hear me Balfrys? I will not be beaten by a BOOK!" Varus yelled as he fought against the defences, desperately trying to wrench it open.

The whirlwind stopped suddenly as Varus finally succeeded in opening the book in one swift motion. Charlie tentatively raised her head above the counter she had hastily thrown herself behind once she saw what Varus had been trying to do. "...my word, you actually did it…" she whispered, seeing a very much alive Varus with the book open in his hands.

Varus gazed upon the first few pages of the book. "Elemental Manipulation?" he thought, seeing the first paragraph dedicated to what appeared to be several experiments in moulding elements to your whims. Turning the page, he came to a description of a specific spell.

"Gust?" came the voice of Charlie from his left. Starting slightly (something he would never admit to, though he had been distracted by the book), he turned to see that Charlie had rounded the counter and was now looking at the book in curiosity.

"Interesting, that helps explain the wind kicking up. Still, Gust is a basic spell many wizards can cast, it hardly seems relevant for a wizard such as Balfrys" she mused. Varus shrugged, and looked at the book while copying the described incantation. Charlie chuckled at this, "You can't simply cast spells, it'll take a few weeks to learn it at least..." She was cut off as immediately a gust of wind coursed through the shop, shooting up the aisle before hitting a mannequin at the end. Thankfully, the armour upon said stand simply dispelled the force and remained undamaged.

Charlie stood in shock, before turning another calculating look at the book itself. "So, it confers the ability to cast the spell, not just the theory of it. Impressive indeed…I suspect that, so long as you hold the book upon your person, you would be able to cast the spells held within."

Varus looked noticeably excited, and started to flip through the book. He lost a bit of his excitement upon discovering that the book only held four spells within it, all elemental in nature. Useful, but hardly the power befitting a supposed legendary mage. Sighing, Varus was about to return the book to his pack, before noticing the line upon the last page. "To whoever finds this book, know that you can find a safe place to study and stay. All you need to do is ask…"

Varus frowned in thought. "That sounds like a riddle...does it need a password or something?" "Open" Varus spoke, to no effect. "Study" he tried again, but still no response. Charlie was looking on in curiosity, wondering what it was he was trying to accomplish. "Safety." Varus tried, and this time a reaction most definitely occurred.

From within the book, a small one man tent suddenly bloomed. Varus, not expecting the reaction, suddenly found himself on the floor with his bottom half trapped under said tent. Thankfully, it did not appear to be heavy, and he was able to pull himself out from underneath while cursing under his breath.

Having stood up and brushed himself down, Varus glared at the small tent. He was not impressed. "That's it? It's tiny, how is that meant to be a safe place to study and stay?" he scoffed. Charlie meanwhile had started to circle the tent that was now taking up most of the space in front of the counter. "Now, hold your horses there lad, this is clearly no ordinary tent…" She then proceeded to cast numerous detection spells once more, muttering under her breath and referring to her book constantly.

Varus decided to let her do so, unwilling to risk death twice in one day. It did not take long before she stopped and gave a wide smile. "It's safe to enter, as far as I can tell. Why don't you go in and tell me what you think? I reckon you will be pleasantly surprised." Varus scoffed, but decided to humour her. He seriously doubted he would be impressed by a tent…

As he ducked inside, the thought died as he witnessed the interior. Inside, he did not have to stoop as he had expected given the size of the tent. Instead, he was free to stand at his full height, and gazed at the space in front of him.

Varus found himself in a fairly large room. It was by no means massive, but was probably of equal size to the bar area at the Mermaid Inn, though it was square in shape. The walls were still canvas, though the floor appeared to be polished wood. It was also much warmer than a tent had any right to be, pleasantly so. The room was, however, devoid of any furniture.

Behind him, Charlie ducked into the tent. "See? Plenty of space. This will be of huge benefit to anyone travelling out of the city." Varus simply nodded, then frowned. "Indeed, though I will need to purchase furniture at some point. That could be expensive. What good is a place to rest if it doesn't even have a bed…" he started, before he was interrupted by a bed forming out of apparent thin air in the middle of the room.

Varus gaped at the bed, then looked to Charlie who looked both impressed by the magic and smug at him being proved wrong. Varus looked back at the bed once more, seeing a basic cot with thin sheets. Frowning in thought, he concentrated on the bed itself, imagining a far more comfortable setup. The bed morphed, turning into a double bed with a thick mattress, thick duvet and numerous pillows and cushions.

Seeing the changes occur, Varus gained a genuine smile. "This...this I can work with."


Indira ran along the main street of Artificers' Lane, tears still flowing freely. She got many strange looks and comments from the citizens milling about, but she really didn't care at the moment. Eventually, she ran out of breath, and chose to simply sit herself down on a nearby bench.

As her tears started to dry and her breath evened out, she gave a self depreciating chuckle. "Good job Indira...can't even handle killing a mugger. He was scum...and yet…" At this point, Peanut wriggled free from her front pocket, landing upon her knee and looking up at his companion in concern. He gave a few concerned squeeks, and patted her knee in an almost comforting manner.

Indira gave a tired smile, and picked him up in her hands. "At least I've still got you, Peanut. You forgive me, right?" Peanut nodded, though whether he truly understood the question is anyone's guess. "Good. I am unsure if my other companions...if Alistair will think the same…"

Before she could continue her upsetting line of thought, she was interrupted by several loud caws coming from above. Looking straight up, she saw a Raven circling over her position, continuing to caw loudly. As she watched, she felt a weight sit upon the bench next to her, causing a wry smile to form upon her face as she looked down once more.

"Come to chastise me?" she asked quietly. Initially, there was no response, and she turned with slight dread, fearing the look she would receive. Sat next to her, Garrick was currently not even looking at her, busying himself with retrieving a pipe from his jacket. He took his time filling it with tobacco, before gently lighting it and puffing it into life. After a moment he stopped and took a large inhale, before expelling the smoke and replacing the pipe in his mouth.

Several moments of silence passed, where Indira was afraid to speak lest she worsen her situation. Eventually, Garrick spoke. "My dear, what is it that I should be chastising you for?" he spoke softly, far from the anger that she had been expecting. Indira looked at the ground and fidgeted. "I don't know? Perhaps the man I burnt to a cinder, despite the fact that we could have easily knocked him out?" she said a little spitefully.

Garrick paused and puffed another smoke cloud out. "Tell me, what do you think my job was? Before I met you all in Grayben's Bay, I mean?" he asked, drawing a confused look from Indira. She blinked, and then shrugged. "I do not know. We have never exactly shared our experiences before meeting, have we?"

Garrick nodded, before looking up at the clouds, watching as the Raven, Karasumaru obviously, stopped his circling to land on a nearby lamp-post. "I was a soldier, plain and simple. I was part of a unit of the Savarrah army, my homeland. Savarrah had been at war with the various Orc tribes that call the nearby Headlands home" he explained. Indira gained a look of understanding, "Ah, so that's why you do not like Rogon."

Garrick nodded "Indeed, although he himself is too young to have been involved in the war when I was. Still, old habits die hard" he said, before gaining a frown. "Of course, during my service, I had to kill many Orcs…" Indira gained a pained expression, but nodded in understanding. "So tell me dear…" Here, he looked her in the eye for the first time since sitting next to her, "Do you think me a monster?"

Indira started, before shaking her head vehemently. "No! Of course not, you were just protecting your home, right?" Garrick gave a short nod. "Indeed, although I am sure the Orcs would disagree with that sentiment. I digress. Why, then, should we think you are a monster?" Indira frowned, went to rebuke the statement, before sighing and slumping in her seat slightly. "A fair point. I still feel awful about it though."

Garrick gave a shrug. "That, I am afraid, is a natural feeling. Pray you never get used to killing. If you do, you lose something of yourself. It is not a pretty sight, I can tell you." Indira nodded in agreement. She looked curiously at Garrick, but seeing his slightly pained expression, decided against asking him to elaborate. "Thanks...for helping me, I mean" she said instead.

Garrick gave her a smile. "Quite alright dear. I can't speak for all of the group, but I know that you can always ask if you are struggling. I know Alistair is willing to help, at least." Indira nodded, but grimaced at the thought of facing Alistair. "I am sure, he is a dear friend. Still, I am unsure if I want to face him quite yet…"

Garrick nodded in understanding, before looking around the street they were in. His eyes fell upon a shop front across from them, before a smile bloomed on his face. "Then perhaps, a distraction in the meantime? I know whenever my wife was upset, she used to enjoy a bit of frivolous spending!" he joked, gesturing to the shop.

Indira looked to where he had gestured, before smiling softly herself and chuckling. "I believe that is an excellent idea, Garrick."


Varus sighed as he exited Charlie's shop and began to walk down the street. "That took longer than expected," he thought. After discovering how to open his book, Varus and Charlie spent several minutes experimenting with its capabilities. Once satisfied with his choices, they stepped out and spent a moment figuring out how to collapse the tent once more.

It turned out to be as simple as closing the book that sat underneath one of the tent corners. With the book now fastened securely from a hanging harness on his belt, he paid Charlie for her services and strolled out with the intention of finding his companions.

Walking back along the main artificers lane, it was not long before he found one of them. He paused and watched with interest as Alistair stepped out of a nearby alley, his arms laden with various armour and weapons. He was moving slowly due to the additional weight, making it easy for Varus to catch up behind him. When he was walking along just behind him, it was obvious that he had yet to notice Varus' presence.

"So...you steal all of that did you? I can't imagine the old man liking that…" Varus said, startling Alistair badly enough that he dropped several of the items in his hand. Realising who it was, Alistair scowled at him before attempting to pick up the dropped items. "No. I'll have you know these items were gained completely legitimately" Alistair said, struggling to balance what he already had in his hands.

"Oh really? How?" Varus asked with genuine curiosity. "Muggers.'' Alistair replied distractedly. Varus gave a nod of understanding. Varus continued to watch Alistair struggle, before he finally gave up attempting to pick up the dropped weapons "Are you going to just stand there and watch or are you going to help me?"

Varus shrugged, "What are you even going to do with all that? You can hardly use it all." Alistair gave a small chuckle. "Why, sell it of course! Might as well profit from our attackers. Besides, we need all the money we can get now that you got us indebted to that Charlie lady." Varus, agreeing with this logic, finally bent down and picked up the few items that Alistair could not cope with, "Very well, you have an idea where to sell these?" he asked.

"Nope" Alistair replied happily, getting a huff from Varus, "But I can't imagine there not being a blacksmith in a city this size. Let's just walk down the street and go to the first one we see." This said, the pair continued to walk, Alistair occasionally trying to start up a conversation and Varus mostly attempting to ignore him.

As predicted, it did not take long to come across their first blacksmith. Located towards the end of Artificers' Lane was a shop with a large chimney belching out smoke, a sure sign that there was a forge currently at work within. Despite this, there was no apparent shop name, the sign above the door merely displaying a hanging metal anvil, the only way to determine this was a business and not a private residence. The large door to the shop was made of solid, but well made metal with a small window set within. Without delay, the pair entered.

They were immediately hit with dry heat, enough to cause their brows to sweat despite only just stepping through. The cause for this was obvious. The room they were in was mostly spartan, devoid of any shelving you would typically find in a shop. Dominating the far wall was an enormous furnace, belching out heat into the confines of the room. It was also the primary source of light, casting most of the shop's corners into shadow.

The only exception to this was a lantern sat upon a solid wood counter that stood to the side of the room, the only real surface in the shop. The walls were lined with various metalware. While racks of swords and mannequins wearing armour took up part of the display, it was clear that the bulk of the work consisted of everyday items, such as cutlery and farming tools. Regardless of the item however, even the untrained eye could tell that the work was of good quality.

The one responsible for this was currently hard at work, standing beside the furnace seemingly uncaring for its heat. He was large, due in part to his clearly Orcish features. He was wearing sturdy trousers, while his top half was covered by a brown smithing apron. He was currently hitting a glowing piece of metal at a steady pace, slowly forming it into a blade. He had yet to apparently notice their entrance, focused as he was on his task.

Shrugging, Alistair dumped the various items in his arms upon the counter, glad to finally be free of the extra weight. Varus simply remained where he was, happy to hold his fewer items for the time being. Alistair approached the figure, at least until the heat prevented him from getting closer. Seriously, how did the guy stand it?

"Hello?" Alistair called out. The Orc continued to hit his metal, seemingly having not heard him call out. "Hello?" *bang* "We were just…" *bang* "We've got items that you might…" *bang*.

Alistair huffed, frustrated at constantly getting interrupted by the hammer hitting metal. "You've got CUSTOMERS!" he shouted between two sets of hammer strikes.

The Orc completed another hit, before he held up a finger towards Alistair, indicating he should wait. He had still yet to take his eyes off the metal he was working. Alistair crossed his arms and tapped his foot impatiently, as the man hit the metal several more times before, seemingly satisfied, plunging the item into a nearby bucket and filling the room in a thin layer of steam.

Leaving it there, he placed down his tools and retrieved a cloth that he proceeded to wipe his hands and brow with. He then turned towards Alistair with a brow raised, though he still did not say a word. Alistair uncrossed his arms, then pointed towards the counter of stuff. "We have some goods you might be interested in." The Orc threw his cloth down and walked over to the counter.

He began to sift through the items, picking up the occasional weapon and grunting at the condition of many of them. Very few, if any, had been looked after properly at all. As he did so, Varus had wandered over to the armour selection and was browsing one mannequin in particular. It housed pieces of armour, rather than a whole set, that appeared designed to specifically protect the extremities. Arms, shoulders, thighs, calves. Each had a piece of finely crafted leather armour with metal studs.

The Orc paused as he inspected the armour, picking up one piece to show a gouge in it that had what was clearly dried blood surrounding it. Looking at Alistair with a deadpan expression, the only response he got was a shrug. Sighing, the Orc dropped it once more and crossed his arms.

"Fifty for the lot." He spoke in a deep baritone. "Fifty!? But there's about three sets of armour and weapons here! Surely it's worth more than that?" Alistair exclaimed. The Orc grunted in apparent amusement. "Poor quality. Mostly broken. Scrap metal only" he stated, refusing to budge on his offer. Alsitair grumbled under his breath, but still. Fifty gold was better than none. Before he could accept, however, he was interrupted by Varus.

"What about a trade? Leather for metal? You would be able to make an item you could sell that would be worth more, we get better protection. Win Win, yes?" he said, gesturing to the pieces of armour he had been looking at. The Orc looked over, and scoffed. "Worth Seventy-five gold. You're short" he said.

"But you have not taken these few into consideration" Varus stated, dumping the couple of weapons he was still holding onto the counter. The Orc looked at them with a sigh, and picked up the large mace among them. It would certainly contain more metal than most of the items. Placing the mace back down, he grunts and nods in agreement, if rather reluctantly.

Varus breaks out in a smile, and starts to remove the armour from the mannequin. The Orc does not move to stop him, instead chucking the armour and weapons from the counter into a large metal container behind him. Alistair frowned, looking like he wanted to interject. He decided against it however, and just shakes his head and leans against the door.

Once Varus was finished removing the armour, he began to don them himself. A perfect fit. Nodding in satisfaction, he looked to the Orc, who had returned to his forge and had placed the metal back into the heat of the furnace. "What is your name, Orc? You make fine items" he asked somewhat rudely. The Orc starts to hit the metal once more, striking several times before answering. "Smith" he answered.

"Seriously? Smith the blacksmith? You're having us on." Alistair said from the door. Smith simply shrugged between hits. "What everyone calls me" he replied. Rolling his eyes, Alistair exits the shop, eager to escape the hot room. Varus nodded to Smith, a gesture mostly ignored as he was focused on his metal, and followed.

Outside, the pair started to make their way towards the Mermaid Inn once more. Varus inspected his new armour as they walked. "Well, that worked out alright, didn't it?" he said to Alistair. He got a deadpan look in return, "Well, glad you got something out of it. You weren't even there dammit" he grumbled.

Varus simply ignored him.


The shop that Indira and Garrick had just entered could not be any more different to Smith's forge. Firstly, it was nowhere near as hot, though that did not mean that it was not warm. The area in the shop held a temperature that was comfortable to stand in, without being suffocating. Looking around curiously, the most obvious thing that stood out was the colour scheme...most of the shop was decorated in shades of pink. A little bit of an eyesore, Garrick thought, but not offensive at least.

The shop centre contained numerous shelves displaying a wide variety of pet foods and accessories. Unsurprising, considering the shop they had entered was "Creature Comforts - Pet and Familiar Menagerie". Indira had already wandered off down the centre aisle, Peanut excitedly squeaking from her shoulder as she perused the wares. "Hopefully, looking around here to treat Peanut will aid her in relaxing after that ordeal" Garrick thought fondly. A loud "Caw!" from his shoulder caused him to realise he'd been standing still for several minutes. With a wry look at the impatient bird on his shoulder, he looked around the shop himself. "Might as well get you something as well, huh?" he asked, to which Karasumaru bobbed in answer.

Heading off around the shop, he purposefully avoided the section to the left that appeared to house numerous spacious cages. No doubt, this was where you could buy yourself a pet if that was your wish. All manner of calls and sounds emanated from the cages, but both Indira and Garrick had no desire to expand their animal companionship.

Reaching a set of shelves that appeared to house bags of dried insects, Garrick picked up the first which contained mealworms. Karasumaru cawed and shook his head, prompting a raised brow from Garrick. Replacing the bag with one containing dried beetles, Karasumaru bobbed instead. Chuckling slightly, he took the chosen bag and started off towards the counter to the rear of the shop.

The counter in question was unlike most that Garrick had ever seen. The counter itself was fairly standard, with a dark wood top and a painted front (pink, unsurprisingly). Behind it however, was where the differences lay. Rather than an area where a shopkeeper might stand, there was instead a very large plush armchair, complete with numerous cushions and a foot stool. Beside it was a dark, ornate wooden side table. Directly behind the counter was a doorway, while on the other side of the chair there was an old fashioned fireplace. This was clearly the source of the warmth in the room. All in all it was...cosy, Garrick had to say.

Seeing no sign of a shopkeeper, Garrick looked around for a bell or something. Indira arrived next to him and giggled slightly at the setup in front of her, before also looking around. Her attention was drawn to the right side of the counter, where a glass cabinet was sitting upon the top. The cabinet held a stand, upon which a collar was hung. The collar seemed fairly normal, with a basic leather strap and a simple metal buckle. Nothing about it seemed to set it apart from the numerous other collars and accessories that adorned the shelves in the rest of the shop. In which case, why was it displayed so prominently?

Her thoughts were interrupted by Garrick finally finding a tool with which to gain attention. Unlike the usual countertop ringer, this was an old fashioned bell with a carved wooden handle. Shrugging, Garrick grasped it and gave it a few good swings, the loud chime it produced swiftly being accompanied by a louder cacophony of various animal cries from around the shop.

Despite this, an audible "Coming!" came from beyond the door behind the counter, showing that it had done the job. Putting the bell down, the calls from the shop quietened slightly though still remained a prominent background noise.

Quiet rattling reached their ears, increasing in volume and approaching the door. Giving each other a puzzled look, their confusion was cleared up upon the entrance of the shopkeeper. The door swung open, and a very elderly lady bustled in carrying a tea tray. She had wispy grey hair, a pair of spectacles sat upon her nose and she was wearing a heavy pink cardigan that matched the rest of the shop. Smiling to them, she set the tray upon the small table, before easing herself down into the large armchair.

Once settled, she returned to smiling at them. "Hello dears. Sorry about that, I was just getting my tea. Helps me through the day, you understand." So saying, she lifted the fine china cup to her lips, taking a sip before placing it back upon the table with a sigh. "Lovely. Now, how can I, Agnes Featherby, help you today?" Garrick chuckled good naturedly, before placing the item he had upon the counter, along with the required coin. "Just this, please" he said.

Agnes nodded, before reaching beside her and lifting what appeared to be a modified walking cane of some sort. It had a flat, crooked end to it. With a deft movement speaking of experience, she used it to hook the coin from the counter and pull it towards her. This allowed her to scoop up the coin without the need to get up out of the chair. After a quick check, she nodded and placed it under the counter itself.

As she turned to address Indira, she paused before smiling more softly. Indira was still looking at the collar in curiosity. "See something you like, dear?" Agnes questioned softly. Jumping slightly at being addressed, Indira turned to her and bowed slightly in apology for not paying attention. "I am sorry. Honestly...I'm not sure. What is it? Other than a collar, of course" Indira replied. Agnes waved off her apology, picking up her teacup and taking a sip, before resting it on her lap. "No need to worry dear. That is a "collar of awakening". It allows stronger bonds to be formed between yourself and your familiar, as it improves communication between you" she explained.

Turning back to the item in question, Indira stared at it deep in thought. As she did, Peanut hopped down from her shoulder to also look at it in closer detail. It was currently clearly too large for him, but given its magical nature, there was a good chance that it would shrink to fit.

"Well my friend, what do you think?" Indira asked the small sugar glider. Peanut circled the cabinet a few times, before squeaking and cocking his head to the side in a similar motion of thought to Indira. After a few seconds, Peanut turned to her, and shook his head with a series of squeeks.

Indira gave a heartfelt chuckle, picking up Peanut as she did so. "I quite agree" she said before returning him to her shoulder and looking at Agnes once more. "I am sorry, but we will have to decline. Peanut and I feel we understand each other enough as it is. We have been together for a long time after all" she said, bowing once more.

Agnes did not look the least bit upset by this. "Not at all dear. It is lovely to see a pet so well looked after. It is not often I see a sugar glider for that matter either." Before Indira could offer to show Agnes Peanut in greater detail, they were interrupted by loud caws coming from the counter top.

Karasumaru had hopped off of Garrick's shoulder, and was now peering intently at the collar. He would occasionally tap the glass with his beak and caw. Garrick sighed and went forward to retrieve him. "I apologise, he is most likely attracted by the shiny metal buckle, as most crows are." However, when he went to pick him up Karasumaru hopped back a bit, before tapping the cabinet once more and looking at Garrick.

Garrick paused. "You genuinely want this?" he asked in slight disbelief. A head bob and a caw was his answer, causing him to turn to an amused Indira and Agnes with a sigh. "How much for the collar, if I may?" Getting her chuckles under control, Agnes replied "10 gold dear."

Garrick winced a little. That, along with the trip to Charlie's would make this a fairly expensive day. "Frivolous spending indeed...I had expected Indira to be the one to partake. Still, she appears happier since coming in here. It would also make training Karasumaru into a messenger far easier, if it works as described."

"Very well, we'll take it." Garrick said, causing another smile from Agnes and a chuckle from Indira. Karasumaru clearly understood that he had won, as he stood on the counter bobbing and cawing excitedly. Garrick placed the coin upon the counter, where it was collected once more by Agnes and her walking stick. "Simply open the case and take it, dear, it is not locked" she said after counting the coin.

Doing so, Garrick held the item in his hands. Nothing about it would suggest it was anything but a normal collar, even by feel. "I really need to learn how to check for magical items. Anything could be a trap, after all…" Shaking off that rather morbid thought, he instead turned to Karasumaru. Attempting to affix it to a bobbing and fidgeting crow proved to be a challenge.

"Karasumaru, stop moving. If you don't I can't very well clip it on, can I? Good, now where's that buckle...and…there!" Threading the buckle through clearly activated the magic within, as the item immediately shrunk to become the perfect size for Karasumaru. Karasumaru continued to caw loudly, causing Garrick and Indira to wonder if it was working or not.

"Give it a moment, dear. The second part takes longer to kick in." Agnes told them, as she poured herself out another cup of tea. Nodding in understanding, Garrick turned back to Karasumaru to watch.

"Caw! Caw! Caw!...Cor, Blimey!" came the words from Karasumaru, shocking all members of the group, including Karasumaru, judging by his expression. "Are you well, Karasumaru?" asked Garrick. Karasumaru made a sound that was very close to a cough. Then he looked at Garrick and nodded. "I believe so, Squire. It is just a lot to take in, you understand…"

Garrick and Indira exchanged surprised looks. While they had been aware that the item would improve communication, they had not expected it to allow the creature to speak! Garrick recovered first, and cleared his throat. "I am sure it is a bit of a change of perspective, my friend?" he asked tentatively. Karasumaru shook his body and extended his wings as if inspecting them.

"That it is, Squire. One moment, you're thinking of nothing but your next meal. The next? You have an urge to read literature and listen to poetry. I don't even know what poetry is! It's just not cricket. Mmmm, crickets...still fancy those dried beetles though…" he stated, eyeing up the bag Garrick still had with him.

Garrick nodded gently, this was clearly a confusing change for the Raven. Still, at least he was easier to understand without the cawing. Maybe the collar just needed time to settle? Yes, that would be it…

Reaching into the bag he had got and passing a beetle to him, Karasumaru wasted no time in gobbling it up. It seemed some things were bound to remain the same. Smiling as he fed a few more still, Garrick was glad that it hadn't seemed to change the bird, despite the sudden increase in intelligence. Once finished, Karasumaru gave a small belch sound, to which he looked abashed. "I do apologise. Those hit the spot, they did." The chuckles from Indira showed that she had been far from offended by the sound.

Putting away the bag and allowing Karasumaru to perch upon his shoulder, something he was clearly still happy to do, Garrick then turned to Agnes once more. "Thank you for your service" he stated, bowing slightly. Interestingly, Karasumaru also gave a bowing motion, far more complicated than his usual bob, complete with a wing flourish.

"Quite alright dears. Is there anything else you wanted?" Agnes enquired. Remembering that she still held a bag of mixed nuts for Peanut, Indira placed them upon the counter. Agnes however chuckled and waved it off. "No need dear, they are yours. Consider it payment for seeing two fine familiars. It does make my day." Agnes then picked up and continued to drink from her second cup of tea. Nodding in thanks, the two turned and left the cosy shop.


As they walked down the street towards the Mermaid Inn in comfortable silence, Karasumaru was looking around the street with interest. It appeared that he could genuinely understand what he was looking at now. As they passed by a Dwarf walking up the street opposite them, both Garrick and Indira nodded politely. Karasumaru copied, including an "Evening" in the greeting.

The Dwarf, who had also been nodding politely, did a double take. So busy watching the talking crow, he did not notice the lamp-post that he proceeded to walk into with a thud. Karasumaru winced, "Oh dear…" Garrick shook his head and chuckled. "I get the feeling that will happen more often now."

Indira giggled and the pair continued to walk. After a moment, Indira looked to her companion in thought. Eventually, she came to a decision. "Garrick?" she asked quietly, getting a nod from him to show that he was listening. "Before, when you helped me...you mentioned that seeing someone who had grown used to killing was not a pretty sight. What did you mean by that? Have you seen someone do so?"

Garrick was quiet for several minutes as they walked, causing Indira to fear that she had upset him for asking. "Don't worry if you do not wish to answer…" she started, but was interrupted by Garrick. "Do not worry, Indira. You have not offended me by asking. That said, I do not believe I am comfortable answering such a question. Perhaps, another time, I will be. Is that okay?" he asked her with sincerity. Indira nodded in understanding, happy she had not offended Garrick. "However," he continued, "I can say that I hope you never meet someone who has become blinded by killing…"

Indira nodded in thought, the pair nearing the Mermaid Inn at this time. Garrick pulled ahead and opened the door for Indira, a gesture she accepted with a smile. Once she entered, Garrick paused before following, turning to look at the sky outside briefly as it started to turn to dusk.

"I, however, would very much like to meet that someone again…" he thought, before he turned and ducked into the warmth of the Inn.


Character profile:

Name: Karasumaru

Race: Crow, Subspecies Raven.

Karasumaru was once a simple Raven, content to live his days out around the top of the tower on Mages Tor. Deciding to follow Garrick upon being fed by him, he was potentially going to be trained as a messenger for the group. Now outfitted with the collar of awakening, he posses the intelligence to assist in passing messages along far easier.