515. Days In Red Oak I

515. Days In Red Oak I

Omen: 1, 10

“Nobby, let’s go meet with your ma and pa,” Adam said over breakfast. He had already finished his hot bath that morning, having enjoyed himself thoroughly. His magical tower was great, but there was nothing like a nice hot bath in a town.

“Okay, mister boss,” Nobby replied, simply.

Jonn’s and Dunes’ groups made their way out that morning to quest, off to slay some manner of beasts. At first Adam had thought to send Vonda’s group out instead of Jonn’s, since both groups would have had Priests, but upon seeing the deathly glare of the Demon Lord, he decided against it. Plus, Dunes was a Priest of War, and Vonda was a Priest of Life, so he supposed that Vonda wouldn’t have felt comfortable with slaying beasts and such.

‘Politics.’

The pair of Aswadians followed the Demons out, exchanging glances between one another. He certainly must have known their feelings when putting them together, though he didn’t seem to mind them working together. He hadn’t warned them either. Did he expect them not to kill the Demons? Or did he have that much faith in the Demons? Or was it his faith in them, through Dunes?

Adam and Nobby made their way through Red Oak. Adam wore his breastplate over his thick clothes, providing him some protection as he travelled through the town, and carried Wraith at his side. He decided against bringing along his shield, finding it too awkward to carry. However, since he was a Half Elf, he also wore a scarf around his head, hiding his pointy ears. Nobby walked alongside the Half Elf, taking away half the attention. He carried an axe at his side, since he followed the way of the Rot family.

‘Now that I think about it, what is Nobby’s relationship with the Iyr?’ Adam thought, but he decided to let the thought go.

They weaved through the various alleyways, dodging clothing lines, as well as stray cats, before finding a small shack. Adam stepped aside, motioning with his head, and Nobby knocked on the door with a gentle rasp.

“Yes?” called a quiet voice.

“Ma,” Nobby said.

The doors flung open as the thin woman revealed herself, her dark hair now cut short. “Nobby!” She swung her arms around the large boy, but quickly stepped back when she saw Adam’s puthral armour in her peripheral vision.

“It’s good to see you, Annie,” Adam said, smiling.

“It’s a pleasure to see you, uh, mister Adam.”

“Just Adam, please,” Adam said, wincing at the name. He noted the thin woman had gained a little bit of weight, but she was still fairly thin. “Is Anne here?”

“She’s at the school,” Annie replied, before stepping inside. “Come in.”

Adam stepped inside, noting how empty the place was, save for some clothing nearby. “Is Ted at work?”

“Aye,” Annie replied, pouring some water in for the pair, before beginning to chop some vegetables.

“No issues with the money I hope?” Adam asked.

“The guild sends it on the first of every month,” Annie replied. “Nobby’s pay and Anne’s fees.”

“Good, good,” Adam said, before he placed down a gold coin onto the table. “If you need any more coin, just pass a message to the guild, and I’ll be sure to send some more coin.”

“Yes.”

Adam threw them a casual salute before heading out. He walked through the town, heading back to the Adventurer’s Guild. His thoughts were of his first life, and to his family. He stopped at the field, noting the few adventurers who were practising their weapons. He watched them for a few moments, his eyes narrowed as he saw a different time, and a different world.

“What are you looking at?” an adventurer asked. It was a woman in her late thirties or so, with short dark hair. She wore a steel breastplate, with a purple scarf around her neck. At her side was a blade.

“Nothing,” Adam replied, before bowing his head slowly, and making his way to the Adventurer’s Guild.

“You say we’re nothing?” the adventurer asked.

Adam stopped. “No. I’m saying that I was looking past you, reminiscing about something.”

The adventurer cocked her head slightly. She wasn’t sure how to take his words. They were so blunt and queer, yet seemed to hold true. Upon seeing that she wasn’t going to respond, Adam stepped up to the guild’s doors.

“Yeah, walk away, boy,” the adventurer said.

Adam had his hand pressed against the door, but stopped. He looked back, finding that the adventurer’s companions had turned to watch the scene. Their tags were Steel, a rank higher than his own Bronze, and were stamped a few times, meaning they weren’t just typical Steel Rank adventurers.

Adam could feel it at his side. A magical axe, still yet to draw blood. It called to him, but he noted how many adventurers there were. He pushed the guild doors open, peeking inside to see his companions inside.

“Jurot,” the Half Elf called, the adventurers gathering together. The Iyrman stepped out of the guild, beside Adam. The adventurers noted his tattoo, and the thick furs of the Iyr. Their eyes darted between the pair.

“Adam,” Jurot replied.

“What do you think?” Adam asked, motioning with his head to the woman. “If I were to fight her, who’d win?”

“You,” the Iyrman replied, near instantly. He glanced between the rest of the adventurers, each who held a greater rank than him, but none which could defeat even himself. “Are we fighting?”

“No,” Adam said, before stepping into the guild. Jurot scanned the adventurer’s faces, before he turned and followed Adam in.

“Assholes,” the adventurer muttered under her breath. “The Iyrmen think they rule this town. Didn’t they fail in the last war against the Elves?”

“Speak a little louder,” a nearby guard said. “They’re not one to run away from a fight.”

“Doesn’t seem like it.”

“You expect them to kill every dog which barks at them?” the guard asked.

“Do you want to have a go?” The adventurer sized up the guard.

The guard smiled. “No, don’t think I will.” He tipped his helmet, before chuckling as he walked by, continuing his rounds. “Bill, ol’ boy, you’re gonna have a riot when you find out an idiot tried to mess with the boy in purple. Didn’t hear about no Awakened Beast in town, though. Did he kill it?”

Don't interrupt Adam when he's reminiscing.