Chapter One-Hundred Thirty-Four

Chapter One-Hundred Thirty-Four

Larez

The elf stands in awkward, tortured silence as he waits for Rhonda and her spider to return. Old Staiven seems to be relishing in the silence, seeming to dare Rezlar to break it. The ratkin is lord of his domain, and Rezlar isnt certain hes seen higher nobles use silence more deftly than this shopkeeper.

Mercifully, Rhonda and Lucas dont take too long to return, likely because she only needed a change of robe and hat, and to bring an odd staff with her. Where her shop robe is a bit looser, this one is more close cut, so as to not get easily caught on various dungeon things, yet still loose enough for her to easily move in. Her hat has several little crystals, fangs, claws, and other odd bits tucked into the band around the center cone of it, and her spider is walking around, checking on them all.

Her staff has two small gems near the end, but the entire thing looks deliberately unfinished, though the red and blue of the gemstones contrast nicely. At her hip, she has a small book and charcoal stick, as well as pouches with potions and other nicknacks.

She smiles as she hits the floor, already making for the door. Come on, Larrez! Freddie is over at the church! She all but drags him out, and the smirk on Staivens face tells Rezlar this is exactly what he expected would happen.

The silence with Rhonda is more companionable, at least, and much less awkward for Rezlar to break.

So an Ice Sage? he asks, curious about a class he hasnt heard about. He can make some guesses, like the fact that shes obviously a caster and seems to specialize in ice affinity spells, but he would still like to know more about his potential party member.

She smiles, happy to share the information. Yes! Its, uh pretty rare, as Master Staiven said. I guess the biggest difference between me and a lot of other casters is that I didnt get Arcane affinity.

Rezlar frowns slightly at that. So youre an ice specialist? But your staff? he asks, not finishing his sentence as he realizes he doesnt know very much about how caster classes actually function.

The goblin smiles at him and holds the staff in question up for him to see. Looks kinda unfinished, right? Thats because it is! And Im not quite an ice specialist, either. I have fire affinity, too! she says with pride as she conjures twin spheres of ice and fire around the tip of her staff. She has them orbit each other for a few moments before letting them dissipate, leaving Rezlar looking rather impressed.

Opposing affinities? No wonder its a rare class, he says, surprised shed be able to get a class like that from any dungeon around here. Fourdock is supposed to be unlucky with dungeons, and generally weak besides. Rhonda continues, and keeps him from retreating into his thoughts too much.

Theres more to it, too, but it gets pretty deep into magic theory. She blushes a little in embarrassment. Ive tried to explain to a few people, but only Master Staiven has been able to make any sense of it at all. But! She brightens and Lucas chitters. That just means I need to learn more! Learning is definitely part of my class, too, which is great!

Rezlar smiles at her enthusiasm. He was never one to delve into books and scrolls, but his teachers often were. He could always appreciate that gleam in their eye when theyd get access to some new scrap of knowledge, even if he doesnt feel the same drive they do.

Before too long, the group reach the Church of the Crystal Shield, and an aged wolfkin smiles as he recognizes Rhonda. Ah, are you here for Freddie? he asks as he leans on his broom, and Rhonda nods.

Your friends and a guest of theirs. I dont think formality is going to be a major concern for someone Rhonda and Lucas bring along, says the gnome with a chuckle, before turning his attention to Rhonda, Lucas, and Rezlar.

You dont usually bring someone else, though, Rhonda. Whats the occasion?

Rhonda smiles and gestures at Rezlar. Hes from the Adventurers Guild, and he wants to recruit me and Freddie! He needs a party!

Torlon strokes his chin as he considers that. You two did get your classes, didnt you. Hmm Freddie? What do you think?

Freddie gets a shirt on and joins the others, his own spider seeming to like to cling to the shield on his back and peer her face over his shoulder. Id like to join but are we ready?

Torlon nods. Yes. Honestly, youre more than ready. Not ready to leave just yet, but joining the guild would be a good thing to do. Karn is smart enough to not go sending you off abroad. Im not even sure he has the abilities to accept quests that arent local, come to think of it he says, trailing off as he thinks, before shaking his head and continuing. Yes, I think you joining the guild would be a good way to grow, Freddie.

Besides, speaks up Rhonda with a wide smile. We go delving enough were practically members already! This will just make it official.

Torlon chuckles and nods. That too, heh. So, this is to be your third member? he asks, looking at Rezlar. The elf noble tries his best to not shrink under the gaze, and the lack of judgement helps him manage it.

This is Larrez! He says hes a fencer! We could use some dedicated damage, right, Freddie? says Rhonda, and her friend nods.

We could. We do pretty well, but from what the experienced adventurers say, we take a bit longer to deal with encounters than most. The spider on his back chitters and Freddie smiles. And Fiona says itd be nice to have someone else in melee. Shes right, its a lot easier for me to manifest a phalanx with friends closer to the action.

Is that was that was? asks Rezlar before he can stop himself, and Freddie glances at Torlon before answering.

Yes. Im a rare variant of Paladin, who focuses on combined shield teamwork, instead of a single shield.

Rezlars eyes widen for a moment at that. Two rare classes? No wonder Karn wanted them both in the guild! Im, uh Im going to have to work hard to keep up, then. Im just a fencer. Uh, water and kinetic

Freddie steps forward and claps a hand on his shoulder, and smiles at the elf. Im sure youll do great with us, Larrez. If were going to be a party together, well have to work together to succeed!

Rezlar still feels hell be slowing them down, but its still nice to be relied on, to be trusted. His fears of failing to live up to that trust flare for a moment, but a squeeze of his shoulder trips it before it can get a grip on him. Can he live up to their expectations? Hes not sure but he also gets the feeling theyll help pull him back back up if he falls, instead of pushing him further into the dirt.