“The Stormguard fort isn’t a bad idea, the goblin encampments are a few hours past the goblin fort in that area. There was a village out there and we can still send you there, but that would place you firmly in contested territory with no friendly people around.” Her tone gave the impression that the second option was for the foolhardy.
“Thank you,” Alburet said. “I would like to go to the fort then. A few hours of walking are worth not being completely surrounded.”
“The fee is one gold if you are going alone, sir. If you join the group currently waiting they can get five silver each refunded and your price would be fifty silver.” She indicated a large man in chain as she spoke.
Alburet thanked her before strolling over to the lounge area, “Excuse me, please.” He addressed the large man the receptionist had pointed out, “I’m going to go off to the goblin area and the receptionist said you already have a group for that portal. If I join up with you, she would be refunding you each five silver.”
The large, black bearded man sneered at Alburet, “No thanks, we’re good. Five silver is nothing. We also don't need a useless caster with us.”
“Thanks for the consideration, fucking useless meat,” Alburet’s words were clipped and harsh.
The large man and three others all cut from the same over-muscled mold stood up together. “Stupid casters should know their place,” the large man growled in reply.
At that moment the portal master came hurrying over, “Gentlemen, we don’t condone fights here and your portal is ready. Please, follow me. Any conflicts started here will cause you to be banned from the premises for a day.”
Alburet glanced at the portal master then to the four men before stepping away. “I apologize, portal master. It wasn’t my intent to cause a scene.” Even with his rage bubbling Alburet did his best to be civil, bowing to the portal master.
The portal master nodded and ushered away the four fighters, who were openly sneering at Alburet as they trailed after the man. Alburet clenched his hands making his knuckles pop, his face hard as he watched them go. As they disappeared up the stairs, a small cough caught his attention. A very short, petite, black haired woman got his attention, “Oafs, am I right?”
Alburet felt his anger ebb. The woman before him embodied the word cute. Her hair was a short bob cut which framed her heart shaped face. He met her green eyes before replying, “Yes. I’m sorry if I caused you any inconvenience with that scene. I need to set up for a portal, if you will excuse me.”
The woman held up a hand, “You’re going to the east. I couldn’t help overhearing. Why not go with me to the ruined village? I was going to try and solo it but I would be happy to have another along.”
Alburet considered for a moment, taking in the black leathers and daggers the woman wore. “What flavor of rogue are you?”
She chuckled, “The leather and daggers, right? Assassin is my trade, to answer your question. What kind of caster are you that you use a heavy maul?”
Alburet's lips twitched into a small smile, “Summoner.”
Sucking in air through her teeth the woman winced, “A strength build Summoner? Oh, that has to be a rough road. You interested in joining me?”
At Alburet's nod she sent him an invite, letting him see her name, “Thank you for being so kind, Karen.”
“Let’s advise the receptionist that we’re grouped and get the discount, shall we Albert?” Karen said, walking to the desk.
Alburet winced, “It’s Al-Burr-Et, actually. Yes, let’s.”
Karen glanced back, her eyes sparkling, “Oh, so serious about your name I see. This might be fun.”
The receptionist looked up as they approached, “Can I help you?”
“We made a group for the destination I asked for earlier, can I get some cash back?” Karen asked politely but bluntly.
The receptionist nodded, “Of course. Your refund will be half a gold. Your fee is one and a half gold, sir.”
Alburet placed the amount on the desk, “What’s the cost for just one person, if I may ask?”
“Two golds,” the receptionist said as handed fifty silver to Karen. “There is your discount. You are the next group to go, if you will just give the portal mage a moment.”
Alburet nodded and set another gold on the counter, “For you. Both times I’ve been here you have been exemplary in your service. I will tip the mage as well, even though I know you pool and split them here.”
The receptionist’s smile went from a polite, business-like expression, to one more real that showed off a dimple. “My thanks, sir. If there is anything else we can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.”
Alburet gave a small nod of his head before turning to see Karen watching him with crooked lips and a raised brow. “So you like the ladies, it seems,” Karen said with a chuckle. “I’ll have to keep that in mind if anything amazing drops while we hunt.”
Alburet snorted softly, “We shall see.” He motioned towards the waiting area, “Ladies first.”
Smirk becoming more pronounced, Karen turned towards the lounge, “I always thought that rule was so the guy could watch the woman’s ass as she walked in front of him.” She started walking with a sexy sway to her hips, “Am I right?”
Alburet laughed, “You very well may be right. I always say it though as I consider myself a gentleman.” He did let his eyes follow her, though, nodding in appreciation at the way the leather hugged her curves. She was one of the rare few who hadn’t gotten carried away at character creation it seemed. Alburet had already noted her small bust that was perfectly suited for her small frame, with her hips flaring just enough to give the impression of an hourglass figure without exaggerating it.
Just as she reached the seating area she glanced back, catching his eyes track up her back to her face. “Well, you didn’t wolf whistle, so I guess I can call you a gentleman for now.”
“A gentleman always notices when a lady is making the effort. It would have been rude of me not to take note of your charms when you obviously wanted me to.”
“Touché,” she replied. “I think I’m going to like working with you. So how are the angels treating you at level eleven?”
“Don’t know, didn’t take them,” Alburet remarked. “I’m good with my demons. You’ll probably love Bob.”
“You named one of your demons Bob?” The sheer incredulity in Karen's voice made Alburet chuckle.
“Yes. Bob the Mighty and Tiny the Fearsome are my current minions. I’ll summon them as soon as we portal.”
“Excuse me, your portal is ready. If you will follow me,” the same portal mage from earlier stood there waiting.
“I think this is going to be more fun than I had thought I was going to find today,” Karen said out loud before turning to the portal mage. “After you, Jeeves.”
The mage bowed slightly and lead them up the stairs. As they passed the receptionist she turned to them, “Good hunting to you, sir.”
Alburet tipped an imaginary hat to her with a smile as he went by. He saw the portal mage glance back with a raised brow. A moment later they were shown to a different door than the one he had used before. Inside was a rune, glowing blue. “Step into the rune and you are set to go,” the mage said, stepping to one side.
Karen stepped onto the rune and vanished. Alburet paused at the edge of the rune. “For you, sir. The receptionist already got the exact same from me.” Alburet handed over another gold, figuring higher levels would get him more anyway so might as well see if he could get the NPCs to like him quicker this way.
The mage accepted the coin with a smile. “Thank you for your generosity sir. Next time you come in ask for me by name, Rolland.”
“I’ll do my best to remember that, Rolland. Have a pleasant day.” Alburet again tipped an imaginary hat as he stepped onto the rune.
Ruined Village