SJ felt as paranoid as she had in Killic as she followed Dave's instructions to the pet trainers he had seen in the inner circle. Her mind was now racing. The rain was still light, and it brought a freshness to the air. The pristine gardens and cobbled roads of the inner circle were now glistening as the occasional ray of sun broke through the clouds. A rainbow materialised in the distance, its colours vibrant.
'I wonder if there is a pot of gold,' she thought.
"What?" Dave asked.
'Nothing, just a term from Earth about rainbows.'
"Ah, no, and if they did, you wouldn't want to run into any leprechauns. Nasty beasties they are."
'Leprechauns are real?'
"Yes," Dave scoffed, making out SJ's question was stupid. "Here on the left."
Looking left, she saw a building with a small walled yard in front of it. Turning, she walked towards the entrance. As she approached the yard, what she believed was a half-elf opened the door carrying a wooden sign. Looking at the rain-filled skies, it tutted and carried the sign to the front of the path and placed it out on the roadside.
"Morning," SJ said as she approached.
The half-elf looked up, smiling. Her face was pretty, and she wore robes of a magic user class. "Early customer. Maybe today won't be as bad as I thought with this weather. Please come in."
SJ followed her back inside the small building. Inside was brightly lit, and the smell of the shop reminded her of pet shops she had visited back on Earth. The only difference was the various creatures she could see in cages and display cabinets. Taking a cloak off, the half-elf draped it over a chair by a counter.
"I am Sally. Welcome to my pet paradise. How can I help you this morning?"
"Hi, Sally. I am here to find out if you can help me with something. I have an egg that I wish to hatch."
"An egg. I see what sort of egg?"
SJ removed the box from her inventory and placed it on the counter. Opening the lid, she turned it so Sally could see its contents.
"Oh my. A miniature wyvern egg. Very nice, Very nice, indeed. Do you mind?" Sally moved to pick the egg up.
"Please."
Lifting the egg, Sally gently turned it in her hands and then lifted it, brushing her hair out of the way, and placed it against her ear. "Amazing. It's fertile. So many of these aren't. Only a few weeks ago, I had someone bring two in they had purchased at the auctions. Unfortunately, neither was fertile."
SJ couldn't help but wonder if they were the ones that had been sold for Lythonian and Zej.
"I didn't realise some weren't fertile. So that's good to know."
"Wyverns usually hatch eggs in clutches of twenty to thirty. Only one or two from a clutch will ever be fertile. Miniature wyverns are slightly different. They only lay small clutches, and the chances of a fertile egg are even lower. You have a very special egg here."
Grinning, SJ asked. "So it can be hatched, then?"
"It can, although it's not a simple process. First, I need to determine which type of wyvern it is, and I can't tell from just looking at the shell. Each variant has a differing incubation need. It will never hatch if the temperatures are wrong, or you can damage it."
"How do you do that?"
"I can cast a spell to determine its type, but it costs three gold."
"That's fine, please do," SJ said, pulling three golds from her inventory and placing them on the counter.
The half-elf raised her eyebrow. "I should have said five."
In her excitement, SJ hadn't even considered bartering, feeling embarrassed.
Sally placed the egg back into the cushioned box and then moved, collecting several items from a shelf behind the counter. Holding the items, she cast a spell. A glowing ball of light similar to the balls of light she had seen both Petunia and the cleric from the cage fights appeared before her. This ball was a blue colour, and as it grew, Sally moved her arm, moving the ball to encompass the egg. As SJ watched, she noticed Sally's eyes go from focused concentration to that of surprise before she stopped casting, and the light disappeared.
"Well, that is unexpected. I can't remember ever seeing one before. The egg contains a crystal wyvern."
"Colossal goblin bogeys," Dave said. "Crystal wyverns are the rarest form. They have multiple abilities and attacks available to them."
"Do you know how to incubate it? How much would it cost, and how long will it take?"
"I do. Incubation is awkward. They require constant high heat to be applied. In relation to time for incubation, you are looking at sixteen to eighteen days. This can be sped up, but I wouldn't advise it. I will always suggest allowing nature to take its course rather than rushing it. I also assume that you will wish to bond with it."
"I will, yes. I am aware of moonstones and would need to purchase one."
"Ah. There is a problem there. Moonstones don't work with crystal wyvern. You require a sunstone."
"I have never heard of one."
"They are much rarer, and unfortunately, I do not have any. You can probably purchase one at the auction house. You will need one before it incubates to attempt to bond."
"Attempt to bond, you say?"
"Yes. Bonding is not guaranteed, especially with rarer pets, and a miniature wyvern is very rare."
"I need to check for a sunstone. Thank you for your help. I will be back soon," SJ turned to leave after placing the box back in her inventory.
Walking outside, the rain was heavier, the clouds darker.
'Miserable day, and I need someone to check the auction house for me now.'
"I am sure Jay would be happy to," Dave said.
Walking through the inner city, SJ returned to the tower and stables. The streets filled with beings hurrying between locations to escape the rain. Her cloak was keeping her dry, and she was enjoying the walk. A cart clattered past on the cobbles, catching a puddle as it did, sending a spray of water at her. The cart's being looked back, calling sorry as he went past.
Standing staring at the cart at the bottom of her dress, which was now drenched as it disappeared down the street. Sighing, she at least knew her dress would dry. Reaching the stables, the usual busy courtyard was virtually empty. Most carts were still present, and the only sign of activity was a stable hand standing in a stall, brushing a beautiful black mare. SJ had always liked horses and walked to the stable looking at the magnificent creature. Its coat was a gloss black and shone.
"She is a beauty."
"Aye, miss. She belongs to the Arch-Mage of the tower."
Patting the horse on its nose, it whinnied before she turned, heading to the office. When she entered, she couldn't see Jay, and after inquiring, she was told that he had gone out on an errand and would return later.
Grumbling, SJ left again. 'Time to go to the house. I need Yawnees' advice on shopping in Asterfal.'
Walking behind the stable, looking around to ensure no one could see her, SJ shrunk before taking off and heading straight to the house. Landing on the balcony, she went to open the door and found it locked. 'Who's locked it?' she frowned. Taking off again, she flew over the roof and dropped into the enclosed yard at the rear. Climbing the steps to the back door to the kitchen, it was the first time she had been in the yard. No windows looked into the area from the other buildings, making the yard private. The wall which separated it from the street corner the house sat on stood ten feet tall.
‘A portal could be set up in this yard.’
"I agree. It's pretty ideal with nothing overlooking it."
'I just need to ensure nothing is left in the yard. The plant pots will need moving.'
Reaching the kitchen door, SJ tried the handle and found it locked. She was going to have to get more keys. Knocking on the back door took several moments before Lurtew's frowning face appeared in the kitchen doorway. Smiling, he hurried over and opened the door. SJ walked in, removing her cloak and draping it over the back of a chair to dry it off.
"Thanks. The balcony was locked?"
Lurtew looked at her apologetically. "Oh, sorry. That was me. I noticed it open this morning when I returned from the bakers, and as it had started raining, I didn't want the rain to get in. I didn't think and locked it naturally."
"No problem. I think we need new locks anyway, so we can make some new keys. Is Yawnee here?"
"Yes. She is down in the garage."
"Thanks." SJ walked downstairs to the garage, where Yawnee was busy with a large piece of planed wood. After chatting with her, SJ had a long list of different locations to shop for the items she wanted. She opened her map and tried to navigate the streets as Yawnee explained, but it was no good.
"Can you accompany me? I don't think I can remember all the details."
Smiling, Yawnee replied, "Sure, let me get cleaned up." She was wearing her coopers clothing and apron.
"Where's Cristy?"
"She is running an errand."
'What is it with everyone running errands this morning,' SJ thought.
Sarcastically, Dave replied. "Forbid anyone to have a life that doesn't revolve around yours."
Grunting in annoyance, SJ waited in the garage for Yawnee to get ready.
The streets of the outer city were still busy, even in the continuing rain. Carts and wagons moved through the crowds of beings, getting on with their daily lives. The different locations that Yawnee mentioned were in various areas of the city, and she informed SJ that they had better reputations. The first place SJ wanted to visit was a tanner. SJ was reminded of a high street shop back on Earth by the building Yawnee led them to. Large windows made up the front of the building, with mannequins dressed in various leather garb.
As the shop door opened, a bell tinkled, and Yawnee called. "Morning, Preston."
A middle-aged man looked up from where he sat at a large workbench covered in tooling.
"Yawnee. Is your apron worn already?"
"No," Yawnee smiled. “I have a friend who wants some gear, and I know how good a deal you are offering.”
Preston smiled as he stood from his bench and looked at SJ. "What are you after, miss?"
"I am after a pair of boots. These are getting a little worn now."
"Preston. I said I needed a hand," a female voice called from the back of the store.
Rolling his eyes, Preston shouted back. "I have a customer, dear; I will be there soon."
"I will help Carla while you serve SJ," Yawnee said, heading back.
"What sort of boots are you after?"
"Ideally similar to the ones I have, but a better durability, mine have seen a bit of action."
"Do you mind?" Preston kneeled and reached for her foot. Lifting her foot, SJ allowed Preston to remove her boot. Holding it for a moment, she noticed his eyes widen. "Oh my. These are very nice boots or were. The quality of craftsmanship is exceptional. It is a shame they are so worn. They must have cost you a lot. I see you never had them enchanted. Any reason why?"
"Not specifically, no."
"Are you after the same basic quality?"
"Ideally, I would think so. I don't suppose you have anything that improves as I level, do you?"
"Umm, let me see." Standing, Preston walked towards a set of shelves where several pairs were on display. "Nope. Nope. Nope. Umm. I will be back in a moment," he said as he disappeared into the back where Yawnee had gone.
Several moments passed before he returned to the front of the store, carrying three pairs of boots.
"Ok. Which of these three styles do you prefer?" Holding up the three pairs of boots, one was ankle-high, the second was calf, and the third looked like they were just over the knee.
Her calf-high boots were good, but she liked the extra length in the knee-high boots.
"Knee-high."
"Ok," dropping the other two pairs on the counter. "What colour would you prefer?"
"I suppose black would be good?"
"Excellent choice." Walking over, he handed SJ the boots he held. "Don't worry, these are example boots for you to try on."
Slipping her boots off, she pulled on the new pair. They felt beautifully soft, no different from her old ones, and they resized to fit perfectly. She spun her leg around in a kicking motion, surprising Preston.
"Sorry. I wanted to make sure they didn't restrict my movement. They feel great."
"Excellent. So let me see now. Minimum epic grade, perfect quality. You said you would like high durability, like a repair function?"
"Ideally, that would be preferred."
"I don't have any with the same attribute yours has, but I can increase the number of enchantment slots to allow that enchantment to be added again. How many would you prefer?"
The process was so detailed that SJ felt like she was purchasing a car with added extras rather than a pair of boots. After several more minutes of discussion, SJ confirmed the boots she would like. Preston wrote the order and agreed he would start them immediately. He couldn't confirm their exact price, but the enchantment slots were pricey. It got expensive, even for a basic pair with no enchantments. They began at one gold for 1, 3 for two, 7 for three, and then 15 for four slots. He had quoted her 19 gold, at least.
Boots (Knee-high)
Grade - Epic (minimum)
Quality - Perfection
Durability - Perfection
Enchantment Slots - Four
Armour Class - Base 10
"When might they be ready?" SJ asked.
"If everything goes well, I should have them made by this afternoon. I can't confirm the grade until they are made, but epic should easily be achievable."
Amazed, SJ said, "That quick?"
"Yes," Preston frowned. “When you get to my level, boots are the easiest item to produce. They are the only leather item that all classes can wear, so they are our first recipe choices as a tanner.”
"What level are you? If you don't mind me asking." SJ knew he had to be an expert to offer four enchantment slots.
"Level 4 Master."
That surprised SJ, but considering the quality of items he could produce at a guaranteed rate, she could see why he would be. Her tailoring had taken a back burner since she arrived, and she needed to return to it. Thanking Preston, SJ saved Yawnee from Carla, who was busy gossiping about the latest city news, and they left, heading for the next store. After four hours, SJ had visited all the stores that she wished for the members of Killic. Her inventory was full, and she had returned to the house to unload before visiting the other traders she wished to.
As she walked back through District 11, she read the name of a trader she couldn't resist visiting. It was named 'Bag's & Bogging's', and underneath the quotation 'all your inventory needs', she asked Yawnee about it. Yawnee had never been in, so she couldn't advise on the quality of items. Entering the dark shop, it was filled to the brim with every conceivable bag shape you could imagine. SJ had seen similar things in the tourist areas of Italy when she went on holiday; so many items were crushed into one space, and you could never see everything they offered. A gnome and dwarf stood at a counter, smiling when SJ and Yawnee entered.
"What can we get for you, good ladies, today? I am Bag, and I am here to help with whatever you need. This is my business partner Bogging," the dwarf said. He had a wizened face and wore glasses across his bulbous nose and bright red tunic. The gnome, Bogging, was a small female gnome who looked just as wizened as the dwarf, wearing a brilliant yellow blouse. The colours clashed so badly that SJ couldn't help but smile.
"Afternoon. Do you sell bags of holding?"
Bag's eyes lit up. SJ knew the information Dave had told her not long after arriving in Amathera at the cost of them. "We do indeed. Profession specific or general, and what size would interest you?"
"General, please, what do you have and what price?"
Bogging walked over to SJ and began walking around her, looking at her. "I wonder?" Bogging said as she walked away into the back. SJ felt a little uncomfortable after the strange encounter.
"We have ten, twenty, and one fifty slots available. The tens start at 25 gold, but we currently have a special offer of two for 40 gold. The twenties are 55 gold, and the fifty is two platinum, 35 gold."
With the money she had received from Malaki, she could afford the fifty, but she didn't want to spend all her money on one purchase, however tempting it was. At least she knew the prices they charged if she ever specialised in making them in the future.
"Ask them how many tens they have," Dave said.
Confused at first, SJ asked the question. "We have eight in stock," Bag's replied.
'You're thinking auction house, aren't you?' she thought.
"Yes. I have only seen them as low as 25 on the auction house, so it's an investment. You can resell holding bags, even after they have been used in your inventory."
'You think buying all eight is worth it?'
"Your inventory would increase to eighty-two plus ten, tailoring from your ten plus ten now. Then, when you can eventually make them, you can sell them and still make a profit."
'That's 160 gold.' SJ thought over the idea more before she answered.
"How much would you sell all eight for?"
Bag stared at her for several moments. "I would need to speak to Bogging."
Yawnee stood next to SJ, wide-eyed, as she calculated how much gold SJ was talking about spending. Bag disappeared into the back, where Bogging had gone. A few minutes passed, and SJ browsed around the other bags they had on display. They had every size backpack that you could consider, in various designs and colours. Some were leather, others cloth.
Bogging came back through to the front. "Sorry about the delay. I think you nearly gave Bag a heart attack asking for all eight," the gnome stated calmly. "If you purchased all eight, we would happily accept 140 gold. I also have this that I think you need." Lifting a green and silver-coloured belt.
SJ looked at the belt. She had been meaning to buy one for so long, and the one on the counter matched the colour of her dress perfectly. "How much for the belt?"
"I will throw it in free. We don't trade in belts. I picked it up at a house auction years ago, and seeing the one you have, you need an upgrade."
"That would be amazing. I will take the bags then."
"Excellent," the gnome beamed, showing a missing tooth. Her smile was contagious.
"Bag's you, old fool. Bring the bags out."
Bag walked through to the front, carrying a small wooden chest. They then both removed the keys hanging around their necks, placed them in the chest together, and turned them. There was a flash of green and a clicking sound as the chest unlocked.
The eight bags pulled from the chest were the most drab and lifeless items SJ had ever seen. Uncertain of what to expect, they just looked like small cloth pouches. Picking one up, SJ read its description.
Bag of Holding - 10 slot
She then checked the other seven before removing one platinum and forty gold from her inventory and placing it on the counter. Picking a bag up, she removed one of her inventory items before adding it to the slot. She then moved her inventory items into the first bag before adding the other bags. Her inventory capacity was now sitting at 82. Bogging placed the belt in a bag and handed it to her. SJ took it and dropped it into her now massive inventory space.
"Thank you for your custom," Bogging said. Bag was staring at the pile of gold and platinum on the counter. SJ knew they rarely saw much trade.
"Thank you, miss," Bag called as SJ left, followed by an awestruck Yawnee.
"No need to unload now," SJ said to Yawnee.
Yawnee couldn't reply. She was dumbfounded by what she had just witnessed.
