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2: meeting the lord of the manner
As the guard turns me away from the eastern gate I decide to go and talk with the Lord of this town. Hopefully, he isn't 1 of those "do as I say, not as I do" people. I got enough of that back at Hogwarts.
Retracing my steps to the fountain I continue west for a bit, before winding my way north. As I enter the manner through the large double doors on the west side of the town, I think to myself, "Holy Morgana this place is big." Thankfully it seems my mapping feature also works inside a building. As I walk through the entrance hall I come across a door to the south. Checking to see where the door leads I find a dining hall. Stepping back into the entrance hall I mark this door as the dining hall, before heading back to the middle of the main entrance and continuing exploring to the west. As I reach the end of the entrance hall I find I can turn either left (south) or right (north). Turning north I spot a door 8 feet down the hall. This door has a sign next to it marking it as the "Gallery". I mark this door on my map and retrace my steps.
A few feet north of the entrance hall I spot another door with a sign next to it. The sign marks this as the "Armory". I try the door, but it is locked. I mark the door on my map and continue moving south.
A few feet south of the entrance hall I find another door on my right. This door also has a sign marking this room as a guest room. I mark it on my map and continue south.
Near the end of the hall, I spot a closet door on my left. After glancing inside I mark it on my map and move on.
Reaching the end of the hall I can once again turn left (east), or right (west). To my left, I see another door, although this 1 isn't marked. Walking forward I enter the door to discover myself in the dining hall again. Backing out I mark this door on my map and turn around.
As I finish turning west I see a door at the end of a short hall. As I walk down the hall I pass another entrance to the gallery, and then another unmarked door on my left.
Deciding to see what this unmarked door is, I turn left and enter it. The door leads to the kitchen. Looking around I can see the entrance hall from the door, but I decide to finish exploring this hallway. I mark the door on my map and continue heading west.
Continuing down the hall I come across another door. This 1 has a sign marking it as "Gwen's Bedroom". Who is Gwen? Deciding not to think about it too hard, I mark the door on my map and continue west.
At last, I reach the door at the end of the hall, and stepping through it I find myself out on a balcony overlooking the back of the manner. A gardener is trimming the hedges as I step back into the manner. Marking the door on my map, I look around to see where else I can explore.
Retracing my steps I realize there is more passed the gallery door, and so I head for it. Upon reaching the gallery door I head west. I can see a door just down the hall ahead of me, but just passed the gallery door on my right is a door with a sign marking it as the "Alchemy Lab". Not interested in alchemy I mark the door on my map and continue west.
Reaching the door at the end of the hall I take note of a door to my left, but step through the door in front of me. This door leads out to what looks like a training area. I can see someone training with a sword, but they're in a shadow, so I am unable to clearly see them. However, I swear I know them. Deciding to think about it later I step back into the manner, mark the door on my map if I need it later, and turn toward the door on my left.
Examining the door I find a sign that marks it as Lord Adrianus's study. Marking this door on my map, I enter the study. A man I suppose is Lord Adrianus stands next to a large desk. He is A tall, stately man dressed in black velvet robes. His hair and neatly trimmed beard are silver and his face is lined with care, but his blue eyes are bright and piercing. Swallowing my nerves I approach him.
His eyes peering into mine he says, "So, there you are at last."
I raise 1 eyebrow. "You were expecting me?"
Adrianus nods. "I make a point of knowing what goes on within my city's walls. When I heard about your defense of the south gate - well, naturally I've been looking forward to meeting you."
I blink at that. "I guess word travels fast around here."
Adrianus smiles. "The guard told me everything. I understand you want to help with the defense of the city?"
I nod in response. "That's right. It's not right for your people to live in fear."
Adrianus claps his hands. "Excellent! We can always use more able-bodied guards."
I shake my head. "Your guards can only hold out for so long. I intend to find out what's causing these attacks."
Adrianus blinks in surprise. "You...you mean leave the city walls? No, you mustn't!"
I frown. Wouldn't Lord Adrianus want to know what is causing his city problems? "Someone has to, and your city can't spare the guards."
Adrianus looks off somehow. "Yes, of course. But the lands beyond are not safe. It's too dangerous."
I shrug at that. "I am willing to take that risk."
Adrianus sighs. "I can see there's no dissuading you. Very well. The attacks are coming from Silvershade Mine to the west, the graveyard to the east, and the forest of Deepwood, north of town. If you want to stop them, I'm afraid you'll have to survive all three areas."
Again excitement courses through me. "Then I'd best get started. Thank you for your help."
Adrianus doesn't look thrilled at my words. "May good fortune go with you. I'm afraid you'll need it."
As I turn to exit the study the words "An Offer of Aid, completed" flash above my head.
Before exiting the study I search the desk, and find another potion. I am going to have to examine these potions soon. I also search the bookcases next to the desk, and find "A Guide to Deepwood Forest", "A Guide to Farhaven Graveyard", "Miner's Introductory Handbook", "The Noble Houses of Farhaven", and "The Tale of Titus Adrianus". Maybe these books will come in handy.
Following my map I make my way back to the entrance hall. As I step through the doors to exit I hear a familiar voice call out to me. "Hey - wait! I heard you speaking to Father. Are you really going to leave the city?"
As I turn to face the voice I stumble back in shock. "Ginny!"
Ginny frowns for a minute before she recognizes me. "Ivy! What are you doing here?"
"I was just about to ask you that. I thought I was the only 1 here."
Ginny saggs in relief. "I've been here for 3 years, and no I don't know how that is possible since I remember us fighting in the ministry only an hour ago. Anyway all that aside, are you really leaving the city?"
I nod. "That's right. Why?"
Ginny grins in excitement. "If you're going, I want to come with you."
I look confused. "Given what happened to us at the ministry, Why would you want to come with me?"
Ginny looks determined. "This might sound crazy however I feel like this is something I need to do. Also, I'm going crazy, cooped up here. And it's not fair. Other people are putting their lives on the line, but I love this city; it's my home. I know I can help protect it - I just want the chance to try. I don't know why that is."
I smile at Ginny. "I can't say no to a sentiment like that. It would be an honor to travel with you."
Ginny looks excited. "So you'll let me come with you?"
I grin teasingly at her. "Like I have a choice? Come on."
Ginny matches my smile. "You won't regret this; I promise."
Together we exit the mannor and head east.
Ginny looks at me. "So what is our first task?"
I smile. "First we will see if any of the store owners need some help, and then we will be heading for the graveyard."
Nodding Ginny follows me.
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An: and that's the third chapter. Yes, Ginny has joined Ivy's adventuring party, and she won't be the last. If any of u have played the game you will know that Ginny takes the place of Gwin, whose bedroom Ivy came across while exploring the manner. Next chapter our adventurers visit a couple of stores, and then we will be heading for our first dangerous area.
As always if you have a comment or questions you can leave me a review, or send me a PM. I hope you are enjoying this story, and I will see you all next time.