Chương 21: The Helpful Guide

Ch. 21 - The Helpful Guide City infrastructure is, by and large, a complete shambles in this world. I've yet to see any settlement larger than a town be anything other than completely inequitable in regards to the state in which the citizens live. This is due to the fact that people don't see the need for city planning to include anything other than the most basic of sewer systems — why would they? After all, a few people with high level skills can address most problems that arise.

Societies rise and fall along with the skills of its citizens. A high level [Sweeper] is able to keep a street spotlessly clean with only a few passes from their broom. A [Lady's] private [Maid] might gain a skill that allows them to scourge a chamberpot clean in seconds. If there is a need, someone will develop the skill to deal with it … but therein lies the problem. Why would a [Sweeper] work to keep a street in the poor part of a city clean for coppers a day?

A noble might pay them gold for doing the exact same job in the wealthy district. People with high level skills are very rarely employed in the areas of a city that truly needs them. It is hard for anyone born to this world to understand just how unfair this is. - from the writings of Steadholder Eckhart Wyatt walked with the Protean woman, Lera, through the courtyard outside of the dungeon entrance, Kit at his heels.

He wasn't entirely sure how he had arrived at this situation, he'd just been swept up in the wake of the amiable woman. Lera was sauntering along at an easy pace, her head constantly moving as she took in the world around her, a smile always on her lips. Wyatt shot a questioning glance down at Kit, but the fox just shrugged.

'I don't know what she's after. Just go along with her for now — I don't sense that she is anything other than who she shows herself to be.' Wyatt started when Lera suddenly turned to speak to him, her voice pleasant and even.

"So what should I call you? I mean, I caught your name when I overheard you with Lycet, but we haven't been properly introduced." Wyatt gave the woman a slightly strained smile. He still wasn't entirely over her appearance, and it wasn't just the blue skin either. She truly was distractingly beautiful.

"Oh, I'm Wyatt." Lera flashed a grin at him.

"Just 'Wyatt'? Nothing else?" Wyatt hesitated, about to demure, but Kit's private whisper changed his mind.' Be courteous, Wyatt. She's strong.'

"Well, Wyatt Eckhart is my full name." Lera beamed, looking pleased.

"It's fine to meet you Wyatt Eckhart, very fine. I am Lera Delu'Amarr."

"Pleased to meet you?" Lera laughed readily and easily.

"Oh, how careful you are! You don't sound sure of yourself at all. I think I may be hurt." The blue Protean set her face into an expression of distress, but she broke almost immediately, laughing again. She shied a playful punch at Wyatt's shoulder. Wyatt rocked back a step, stumbling. Even a light and slow blow from her had hurt. Lera looked apologetic, rubbing at the back of her neck.

"Oops, sorry — I don't know my own strength these days. But who is your lovely lady friend? We haven't been introduced yet."

"My what — oh! This is Kit." Wyatt felt entirely off balance, to the point that he missed Kit's dissatisfied glare at just how casually he had given out her name. The fox snapped her jaws at Wyatt's ankle, forcing him to quickly pull his leg out of the way. Kit turned pointedly, and walked a few steps away from Wyatt, growling under her breath. Lera watched the exchange between the two of them with raised eyebrows.

"You know, you should be more careful, Wyatt Eckhart. Don't take just a regal lady like her for granted. Here you go, Kit — I hope you don't mind my using your name! Would you like one of these?" Lera pulled something out of her belt pouch, holding it out to Kit on the palm of her hand. It looked like a piece of candied salmon, or at least something similar. Kit trotted over and sniffed at the treat with interest. Lera nodded encouragingly.

"Go on, it's good — I promise. It's made from a fish species from the coast that is mildly magical. So it should be perfect for you." Kit gave her a sharp and searching look, but just yipped her thanks before delicately taking the offering from Lera's palm. She made short work of the snack, devouring it with every sign of enjoyment. As she licked her chops, the silver fox shot a look at Wyatt.

'You should take notes from her.' Before he could respond to that snarky little aside, Lera turned to Wyatt once more.

"Come on, we can walk and talk. The guild isn't that far from here, it's just inside the gate to the inner city." Wyatt was left behind for a few steps as she set off, and he hurried to catch up. He looked at Lera searchingly once he reached her side again.

"You're being very helpful." The Protean gave him a wry smile.

"Should I not be?"

"No, I didn't mean — I appreciate it! I'm just wondering why, that's all." Lera tapped a finger to her lips thoughtfully as they walked. She seemed to have no trouble in avoiding the people everywhere around them — or perhaps they were the ones who subconsciously got out of her way. Lera had led them out of the courtyard, and they were now navigating one of the winding and narrow streets that branched off from it. It wasn't a scenic walk by any measure.

There was no guttering that Wyatt could see, no real delineation between street and buildings. There was muck, pools of suspicious liquid, and rubbish anywhere he cared to look. People just avoided it where they could, perhaps kicking larger pieces of trash out of their way. There was a pervasive smell as well, the origin of which Wyatt didn't wish to speculate. Lera gave Wyatt a rueful smile.

"Why? Well, you are — and I mean no offence — a junior Adventurer to me. A rookie —" Wyatt opened his mouth, but then decided not to correct her assumption that he was an Adventurer just yet. Lera continued.

"— and I overheard you took that ugly great-sword from an orc? Taking on an Orc is impressive, if a bit reckless."

"I didn't really have a choice." Lera nodded amiably.

"Ah, yes. It can go like that sometimes." Wyatt gave the blue woman a searching look, but Lera appeared relaxed and utterly genuine. If she was pretending or had some kind of ulterior motive, she was an amazing actor.

"It sounds like you were listening in for quite a while …?" Lera shot Wyatt an amused glance, her lips quirking. She laughed.

"So suspicious! Lady Fox, you must have your work cut out for you with dealing with him." Kit twitched at being addressed so directly, but she waved her tail hesitantly in assent. Lera playfully poked Wyatt in his side, making him jump.

"So self-important too!" Wyatt flushed, flinching away from her. He tried to protest.

"I'm really not! I was just —" This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Lera paused, standing in the middle of the narrow street, putting a hand on her hip. She smiled at Wyatt, not unkindly.

"Relax, Wyatt Eckhart. I am only teasing — only enjoying myself. The reason I overheard so much was that I was waiting for Lycet to finish with his customer before greeting him. Politeness was my only reason, I swear to it." Wyatt relaxed a little, although he still didn't feel in control of the situation. Her explanation did make sense though. And Raek, Marie, and Losmer had been just as willing to help him out as this woman was.

"Sorry, it's just that I — sorry. Uh, so you know Lycet well?" Lera had got them moving again, and glanced carelessly over her shoulder at Wyatt.

"You could say that. We used to date, years ago." Wyatt's eyes widened at hearing that. It was very hard to picture the two of them together. The merchant had been rather portly, with a florid and reddened face for all that he'd been cheerful and friendly. Lera, on the other hand, was statuesque and beautiful almost to the point of it being ridiculous, not to mention her exotic colouring. Wyatt couldn't quite manage to keep the astonishment out of his voice.

"Y-you did? Really?" Lera frowned gently at Wyatt, but she still sounded amused.

"Oh, don't be judgemental! I'll have you know he was quite the powerhouse when he was younger — and he is still quite strong even now! Don't tell him of course, but I might even be tempted into catching up with him in a more intimate setting … if it wasn't for that damned beard." Wyatt blinked, his voice feeling like it was coming from a long way off. Lera seemed to be quite open and comfortable with discussing matters he would have considered private.

"The beard?" Lera sighed, running her fingers through her hair in exasperation. Her hair flowed around her hand like water, reforming back into the sculpted appearance once her fingers had passed through.

"Yes, the beard! I know it's his pride and joy, but when I think of it …" Lera affected a genteel shiver.

"… nope, no way. I just couldn't do it." Wyatt nodded along blankly. It didn't seem to be the reaction that Lera was looking for, since she turned and gave him a serious look, poking him in the stomach.

"Be warned. Never grow a beard, Wyatt Eckhart." Wyatt cast Kit a desperate look, silently asking for help, but the fox just looked benignly amused at his predicament.

"I … wasn't planning to?" Lera nodded at him firmly, smiling as she patted him on the shoulder in approval.

"That is good. You will never be popular with Protean's if you do."

"I won't? What, are all Protean's clean shaven?" Wyatt didn't need the quiet groan from Kit to know that he'd made a mistake. Lera was giving him a searching look, cocking her head as she studied him intently. Then she gave him a crooked smile.

"No. Very few ladies are able to pull off a beard. They tend to be judged for it."

"Oh, there are no men …?" Lera was still looking at him closely, but she didn't appear all that suspicious of him — just surprised.

"You haven't seen many of my kind before, have you, Wyatt Eckhart?" Wyatt shook his head, seeing no point in attempting deception. Besides, Kit didn't look too worried.

"No. You're the first."

"Ah! You should have told me!" Lera laughed loudly. She reached out and pulled Wyatt to her in a one-armed hug. The Protean squeezed him against her side with casual affection. Wyatt's breath rushed out of his lungs — even with one arm, she was far too strong. It was very hard to focus, and not just because of the strength of her grip. It was the first time Wyatt had actually touched her, and her skin felt cool, like water, the texture silken.

She smelt good as well — but it wasn't that she had a pleasant scent about her exactly. Rather, it was a complete lack of any form of body odour, the every day smells that you'd expect a person to have. No sweat, nothing. But it was mostly that Wyatt was having trouble breathing. Lera, noticing Wyatt's reddening face, let go hurriedly. She patted him on the arms, her tone apologetic.

"Sorry! I levelled up recently — I haven't got used to my strength yet." Wyatt coughed as he recovered. He waved off her apology, wondering what her level was. Kit had said she was strong.

"No, I'm alright — I was just surprised. I guess it would be difficult to suddenly be that much stronger …" Lera looked relieved that he was okay. She peered at him, double checking before nodding in satisfaction, then gave him a rueful smile.

"Difficult isn't the half of it! I've broken so many mugs … and of course sex is off the table entirely; at least for a while yet. It's an accident waiting to happen! Oh, wait just a second. I had an order placed in this store. I won't be but a minute." Wyatt's eyes widened as he watched the Protean duck into a nearby shop. Lera's voice had been very matter-of-fact as she'd spoken. He looked at Kit uncertainly.

"Kit? Is that normal?" The fox shook her head, but she sounded amused at Wyatt's discomfort.

'What, are you some kind of prude? Proteans are generally very happy and good-natured. Unless you cross one of course. So make sure to not do that.' Wyatt shook his head, remembering her effortless strength.

"Yeah, definitely going to avoid doing that. And all of her race are female?" Kit nodded.' That's right.'

"Really? Then how do they —" Kit flicked her tail about primly, her tone warning.' Wyatt …'

"Okay, okay. But — does she know about you, Kit? She's not treating you like you're just a fox." Kit looked thoughtfully at the shop where Lera had vanished.' Proteans are a magical race. It's possible that she just senses that I am more than what I seem.'

"And she doesn't find it strange?" Kit shook her head.' Proteans tend to be more accepting of others than most races you meet —' Lera breezed out of the shop, interrupting their discussion, while tucking a package into the bag of holding on her belt.

"Done! Sorry for the delay, Wyatt Eckhart!"

"You know, you don't have to keep using my full name. Just Wyatt will do." Lera clapped her hands to her cheeks, affecting an air of bashfulness.

"You want me to use your first name already? How bold you are! You really should buy me a drink first." She pouted at him, looking so over the top that Wyatt couldn't help but laugh at her, Lera soon joining in. He grinned.

"It's not that big a deal, surely?" Lera smiled, getting them all moving again, and spoke as they navigated the narrow laneway.

"No, it's not really. I'm just showing my respect for your accomplishment."

"Respect? What for?" Lera shook her head commiseratingly at Kit.

"He must truly be a lot of work, Lady Fox. It's because you took down an Orc! An Orc, at your age! And, I mean no offence, at your level!"

"You can tell? My level, I mean?" Lera nodded.

"Nothing exact, but I can sense how strong you are in relation to me. I'd place you at maybe level fifteen. Perhaps lower."

"That's … about right, yeah." Lera clapped him on the shoulder.

"See? Impressive! Especially since Orcs are at least level twenty."

"… they are?"

"Oh yes. Level twenty is the threshold where a Goblin can evolve into an Orc. It can rarely occur earlier, but level twenty is the threat level designated by the guild. Do you mind if I ask how you killed it?" Wyatt nodded absently, thinking about the ramifications of what Lera had told him. If those two Orcs had been at least level twenty, what had they been doing in an area that Raek and others had said was safe? Should Wyatt tell someone?

"I used a spear. But I wasn't by myself — my friends, they —" Wyatt trailed off, remembering. It still seemed somewhat surreal that they were gone. Lera gave him a sympathetic look, interpreting his silence.

"They didn't make it, did they?" Wyatt shook his head, and Lera sighed.

"Poor rookies. It happens all the time. You should have all stuck to the first floor until you were stronger. Over-confidence has killed more Adventurer's than anything else put together." Lera was silent for a few moments as they walked, then she shook herself. She gave Wyatt a nudge with her shoulder.

"Still, taking one on with a spear is noteworthy. I saw the reach on that great-sword, that would have been a tricky fight. We should have a spar later." Wyatt looked cautiously at Lera, remembering how strong she was.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea. And it would be pointless for you, wouldn't it?" Lera smiled gently.

"It's not pointless at all. I'd do it every day if it meant more rookies made it."

"Ah, here are the gates!" Lera had led Wyatt and Kit to the fortification that ran around the inner city. Set into the base of the wall was a tall iron portcullis, currently raised, with a number of guards stationed in front of it. They appeared to be checking everyone before they let them pass, and there were a number of people waiting to be processed before Wyatt's group would get their turn.

Now that he was closer, Wyatt was surprised to see that there were buildings all the way to the base of the wall, with some of them appearing to actually be using it as part of their structure.

"Is that normal? I mean, I'm no tactician, but isn't that a bad idea?" Lera folded her arms, shaking her head in amusement as she followed Wyatt's gaze.

"Oh yes. If Skalholm was ever sieged, it would fall within a day. See, look over there — I could jump from the roof of that house and reach the top of the wall! It's idiocy, pure and simple." Wyatt eyed the fifteen foot gap that Lera was referring to dubiously. He had been thinking more in terms of ladders; he certainly wouldn't try to jump it. He wondered what sort of class the Protean had that made her so confident she could leap that high.

"Why'd they let it get that bad?" They moved closer as the guards let through a group of people. Lera grimaced, lowering her voice so that only Wyatt and Kit could hear.

"Unfortunately when the dungeon was opened, there was a lot of wealth to be made. Fortunes rose very quickly, and all the power that went with it. Those with gold have a lot of influence in the decision making of the city — and they fight anything that might impact their profits. The ruling family are little more than figureheads these days." Their turn arrived, and Lera strode up confidently to the waiting guards. One held up his hand to stop her.

"Identification." Lera nodded easily, fishing a hand down her shirt to pull out an adventurer's tag that she had hanging on a cord. She raised it so they could see it, the tag glinting brightly in the sun. Shining silver.

"Lera Delu'Amarr — Silver Rank Adventurer." The guards instantly straightened up. They eyed Lera carefully, like they couldn't decide whether to be deferential or wary. The guard who was questioning her inclined his head slightly.

"Adventurer Lera, you are of course welcome into the city proper." The guard turned to Wyatt who was standing just behind Lera, Kit at his heels.

"And you are?" Wyatt hesitated, not sure what he was supposed to do. He hadn't thought he would need to identify himself — and he had nothing that would suit either. The guards, noticing his behaviour, focused their attention on Wyatt, all of them turning to him. Wyatt was just about to pull out Raek's bronze Adventurer tag in an attempt to pass himself off as the [Swordsman], when Lera put a hand on Wyatt's shoulder. The Protean beamed at the guard.

"He and his little friend are with me." The guard hesitated, his eyes flicking from Wyatt to the smiling Silver Ranker.

"Ah … of course, Adventurer Lera. But, I really should take down —" Lera ruffled Wyatt's hair.

"You don't need to bother with my little rookie — we are just off to the guild. No detours, I promise." Lera winked at the guard, and he flushed, looking uncomfortable.

"Y-yes of course. As long as you don't — you're free to enter." The guards moved out of the way, waving them through. Lera grinned, nodding her appreciation.

"Thanks, boys! Don't let your officers work you too hard, okay?" Once they were past, Wyatt whispered to Lera.

"I guess you're a big deal?" Lera laughed, not bothering to lower her voice to match his.

"What, little old me? Maybe, but it's all overblown."

"Why'd you do that? Help me get in, I mean?" Lera raised an eyebrow at Wyatt.

"Oh, I'm sorry — was I wrong, and you do have identification?"

"… no?" Lera nudged him playfully, almost knocking him over.

"Whoops, sorry — I need to stop doing that, hey. But don't think I was risking my neck for you or anything. Getting into the inner city isn't that big of a deal. The guards were just fishing for a bribe." Wyatt felt like he was beginning to miss the dungeon, even though Lera had been nothing but friendly and helpful. He could admit to himself though, that without her he would have been completely lost. Lera gave him a sympathetic look.

"You look like you're about to bolt — city life isn't for everyone, is it?" Wyatt shook his head.

"Something like that. But I'll be okay." Lera looked at him for a long moment, then gave him a half-smile.

"I'm sure you will be. Come on, the Adventurer's Guild is just around the corner from here."