Book Three Chapter Two: FrostProof_Clothing

Book Three Chapter Two: FrostProof_Clothing

The Chosen One snapped back to attention as soon as they reached the entrance gate of Cobbletown.

Hey, he said, looking down at Qube. Anything cool happen?

Qube, by now used to the Chosen Ones slang, shrugged.

Nothing unusual, she said, although some birds were flying strangely. Also, several of the trees seemed to be having trouble shedding their leaves, and Sexy Screamy Spider Lady and Sewer Bard she paused, trying to think about the nicest way to phrase what had happened had a lot of fun talking to each other and both are a bit overexcited.

Wait, you guys can talk to each other when Im fast travelling? the Chosen One asked, startled. Also, youre all awake during it? When did that happen?

Just now, Qube reassured him. It used to be very peaceful and quiet. She instantly felt guilty about the implied criticism of her friends, and shot a look to see if they were paying attention.

That wooden gate isnt the only thing thats Sewer Bard was saying to an enraptured Sexy Screamy Spider Lady.

Good, they were preoccupied with talking nonsense to each other.

I enjoy spending time with everyone, of course, Qube added, to soothe her own feelings of guilt as much as anything else, but peacefulness is sometimes nice.

Fair enough, the Chosen One said, walking past the blue-clad city guards that were, once again, welcoming him to Cobbletown. As soon as they crossed the threshold into the city, the faint, ever-present music Qube had recently started hearing changed into a chipper, upbeat tempo.

You could go have some peaceful time now, if you wanted. He looked over at the rest of the party, who were following him. What did you lot want to do then? he asked.

Definitely Bad Guy still requires his personal quest to be fulfilled, Sewer Bard said unexpectedly. I believe that should be our priority, as much as it pains me to cut short our visit to this lovely place.

He needs it fulfilled Sexy Screamy Spider Lady cut herself off, before continuing in a less sultry tone, I agree. Her claws flexed before she added: We only have one more Temple that requires completion, so well be needing his powerful new spell.

The Mage looked at Sewer Bard and Sexy Screamy Spider Lady with an unreadable expression.

You are correct, he said eventually, his voice sounding slightly stifled. He cleared his throat. I had not expected such support in my quest. I had hoped to use the time to examine the artefacts wed

Of course, Sparky! the Chosen One interrupted cheerfully, clapping the smaller man on the back. Time to go on your side quest! He swivelled in place and started marching back out of Cobbletown.

Chosen One, you still need to hand in the item from the Light Temple, Qube reminded the Hero.

Of course! he repeated, and swung around again back towards Cobbletown. That was what I meant to do!

We will also require specialised clothing in order to withstand the elements, Definitely Bad Guy warned.

To the tailor! the Chosen One cried, swivelling to the left. Then the inn, then some light shopping, and then we power up our magic man!

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It says here we need frost-resistant clothing, the Chosen One said, staring off into space. Where exactly did you say we needed to go?

The Hero made a small, pained sound.

Chosen One, Ill also need one, Qube said, adding to his financial agony. We can do some small quests from the Adventures Board if there isnt enough money, she said, worriedly watching his anguish. While she still hadnt figured out how to put on new clothes and make them look different, she didnt want to be left out and potentially unable to go to the Wizards Academy just because she didnt have the right outfit!

No, the Chosen One said with a sigh, we have more than enough money. Im just being dramatic. He narrowed his eyes at the tailor. Although Hey, clothes person. What about if I promise to tell everyone youre the best at clothes in this place and that you have my seal of approval? I am the Chosen One, after all.

Im the only tailor in Cobbletown, the shopkeeper replied frostily.

Well, what if I set up a rival tailor shop and ran you out of business? the Chosen One asked belligerently. Then Id get all your customers. Just cuz you wouldnt give me a discount.

The tailor looked more confused than threatened by this threat.

Anyway, make it five outfits for eight hundred and youve got a deal, the Chosen One finished triumphantly.

Five outfits is one thousand gold, the tailor said, utterly ignoring the Chosen Ones shenanigans. The Chosen One pouted.

Man, youre no fun, he said to the shopkeeper, before pulling out a bag of coins and dropping it on the counter. The shopkeeper, making no further conversation, handed over what looked like a single, folded-up outfit, which disappeared as soon as the Hero touched it.

Do you think the heating-magic or whatever will make me overheat in here? the Chosen One asked a confused Qube. Lemme try it!

His outfit suddenly switched to a light blue, fur-lined version. Looking around, Qube saw that the rest of the party had also instantly switched into their new clothes. Sewer Bards now blue tunic seemed just as poofy even with the heavier material, Sexy Screamy Spider Ladys off-the-shoulder top failed to gain so much as a second sleeve and, despite her earlier thoughts, Definitely Bad Guys new robes revealed just as much chest and tattoo as before.

Part of Qube wanted to ask how one single outfit had not only become four totally different outfits, but how everyone had managed to gain theirs without the Chosen One giving them anything. She knew that he could hand out individual outfits; shed seen him do so with the fireproof ones. So when he wanted to, he could absolutely separate out things. But here, he hadnt. Why?

Here, the Chosen One said, handing her what looked like the bundle the tailor had just given him. It hadnt decreased in size at all from having four outfits removed from it. Try this on.

A section of her mind was still frantically trying to figure out if this was some kind of spatial magic, possibly involving connected pocket dimensions, as she accepted the package.

Thank you, she said graciously, despite her inner gibbering. Ill try putting it on once I get a chance at some privacy. Will we be visiting Aurora Abode?

Nah, the Chosen One said, dismissing the home that Qube had involuntarily acquired through helping a ghost. Well check it out after this. I kinda wanna get Definitely Bad Guy up to speed with the rest of us, since it feels like hes got the most growing left to do. Hopefully hell grow in a less creepy direction after his side quest.

Definitely Bad Guy, standing directly next to the Chosen One, looked mildly annoyed.

It will give me an opportunity to learn a new spell, and increase my magic, the Mage said stiffly. This will enable me to grow as a member of the team.

Yeah, thats what I meant, the Chosen One said, giving Qube a look and shaking his head slightly. But with like, a less creepy spell. The making skin boil and other curse stuff? Little creepy, dude. Curses are gross.

We should go to the Wizards Academy! Qube cut off the conversation, desperately trying to change the subject before anyones feelings got even more hurt. Come on!

She started to hustle the party out of the shop before she stopped, and sheepishly turned around.

Um, which way is the academy?