Book Two Chapter Thirty Eight: FF_Minigames_R_Route

Book Two Chapter Thirty Eight: FF_Minigames_R_Route

Once Sewer Bard returned with a few pieces of loot (which the Chosen One said was a beautiful start to the Bards journey to become a true loot goblin), they set off back to hand in their quest.

Qube was extremely interested to know what Snugglepusss present was. Shed never seen a present for a cat before! Would it be salmon, or some other kind of fish? No, itd been in the attic of a potion and tailor shop; maybe it was some kind of adorable outfit? Presumably it was something that Snugglepuss would know from scent alone why else keep it in another location? Unless could cats open presents?

Perhaps some herbs? Qube knew that there were some plants that sent cats crazy from the smell alone maybe it was one of those?

By the time they reached the old Wood Elfs home, Qube was practically vibrating with curiosity.

A present for your pussycat, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady cooed, as she handed over the white box with the enticingly large, tantalisingly red, ribbon tied around it.

Thank you, the Wood Elf said. Snugglepuss, still atop the Wood Elfs head, opened one eye, and sleepily sneezed at the Hunter. See, Snugglepuss agrees! Youll make a good Ruler. You have my approval. She handed over the same wooden token that the other two groups had given them.

Did everyone have these tokens? Qube wondered. Did that mean that anyone whod had a problem had needed to go to Ruler Wefton, or the Head Guard, and get a token, just in case Sexy Screamy Spider Lady decided to come along and help them? Or were they all just pretending to have problems, and they were all secretly fine, and this was all part of the test? That would explain why the quests had been so strange and so easy.

The pleasure was all mine, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady said in her most gracious purr. Sewer Bard, still cheerful, bowed to the Wood Elf and the cat, both of whom ignored him.

Okay, the Chosen One said, his eyes bright. Now I want you two to hand this in to the guy in charge.

Of course, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady said. Its almost sundown, so well have to hurry. Come, my darling, she said, turning to Sewer Bard.

Something felt strange about what Sexy Screamy Spider Lady had just said, but Qube couldnt quite put her finger on it. Something about her tone when talking to the Chosen One. However, Qube had rather more pressing matters at hand.

But what was in the present? she asked the Chosen One. Get her to open the present please, she added, rather belatedly.

I dont know if there was anything, the Chosen One said.

There had to be! Why would she give him an empty box as a present? Qube replied indignantly. The Chosen One grinned at her.

Well, cats do like empty boxes, he teased.

Chosen One! Qube resisted the urge to stamp her feet. Please!

All right, all right, the Chosen One said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. Hey, you, he said to the eldery Wood Elf.

You certainly did a very good job helping her, the Wood Elf responded randomly.

Whats in the box? The Chosen One ignored her interjection.

Shes lucky to have such a strapping young man as a Head Guard. I look forward to seeing you around more. The elderly Wood Elf gave a cackle of laughter.

The Chosen One pulled a face. He opened his mouth, then caught a glimpse of Qubes eager expression, and closed his mouth with a snap. After a moment, he tried again:

What was Snugglepusss present? he asked patiently.

For his birthday, Snugglepuss got a very special birthday cake, the Wood Elf replied. He got a fish cake.

Oh for crying out loud, the Chosen One said, glaring at the sky. You lot arent as funny as you think, you know.

Qube nodded seriously. Fish cake as a present made sense. Fish were known for their strong smell, so the Wood Elf must have hidden it in a shop with other strong smells to mask the scent. Making an entire cake out of fish must have taken a lot of work! Snugglepuss was lucky to have an owner who loved him so much.

Meanwhile the Hunter and Bard had already set off, not waiting for the Chosen One, etc. to follow. Qube, her attention now free of the present mystery, noticed this breach of party etiquette and grabbed the Chosen Ones arm.

If he was, he was doing a stellar job of hiding it. As the duo approached their tree he popped out, clapping Sewer Bard on the back, staggering the smaller man.

Well done! he said cheerfully. I knew this would be interesting! And who knows, maybe this means that youll become the relationship target! Good luck!

Thank you, Noble Patron, Sewer Bard said, looking confused. Sexy Screamy Spider Lady, tossing her long brown hair over her shoulder joints, turned and faced a roughly-hewn path out of the village.

All right, lets go check out these tests! the Chosen One said, oblivious to his lady-loves cold shoulder.

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Heres the token, plain as you can see, the Wood Elf said, holding aloft the wooden item. And here it goes under the middle clam shell. Nothing up my sleeves! Now watch carefully! Around, around, around it goes, and where it stops, nobody knows!

The Wood Elf, wearing a strange red and white striped outfit, started swapping around the three clam shells, faster and faster until Qube could barely keep track of which one the token was hiding under.

The Chosen One, never the best at focusing, was looking totally baffled.

Its the one on the left, Qube helpfully told him.

I knew that! he replied defensively. But this is for Sewer Bard and Sexy Screamy Spider Lady! You shouldnt give them hints!

Qube gave a squeak of dismay, and slapped her hands over her mouth.

From half a field away the Hunter and Bard were standing in front of the trio of clams, arguing over which was correct.

I believe it to be the middle one, my sweet Hunter, Sewer Bard was saying.

I feel it to be the right one, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady replied.

Noble Patron, Sewer Bard said, turning and looking over his shoulder at the Chosen One.

My darling, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady cooed at the Hero.

Definitely Bad Guy, who hadnt said anything in quite some time, closed the book hed been reading with a snap.

This is pointless, he said.

I think its a unique way to test their attention to detail, Qube said. The Mage looked at her, his eyes narrowing.

This is true, he said reluctantly. But I despise this damp place, and the greenery everywhere. Youd think Elves would be more civilised than to live in an overgrown garden.

Qube scowled.

Theres nothing uncivilised about living in a jungle, forest, or woods, she said.

Attagirl, the Chosen One said. Definitely Bad Guy flushed, but before he could reply Sewer Bard and Sexy Screamy Spider Lady interrupted.

Which one do you think is correct, Noble Patron? Sewer Bard asked from his relatively remote position.

Yes, darling, tell us which one is right, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady purred dangerously.

Uh-uh, the Chosen One shook his head. You two gotta figure this out for yourselves. I aint about to help you. After all, this is your trial. He grinned, razor-sharp. Its already been so interesting. I cant wait to see what happens next.