The group blinked at the stallion, then Kittish approached cautiously and began stroking the horse's neck. “He's gorgeous! And the tooling on the bridle and saddle is exquisite.”
Dumadin's eyes shifted sideways to Terets and he smirked, murmuring softly so the girls wouldn't hear. “Don’t worry. I'm sure she'll be glad to have something smaller between her legs when she gets to you.”
Terets slapped his friend in the back of the head hard enough to send Dumadin stumbling forward while laughing. “Jackass, a supreme jackass you are.”
The girls stopped and looked at Terets, who had a look of consternation on his face and the dwarf who was laughing at his friend from where he was sprawled on the ground.
“Do they do this often?” Amythyst inquired of Kittish.
“Yeah, pretty much. They have an odd friendship. Then again, we all do.” Shaking her head she went and helped Dumadin to his feet, then slapped him in the back of the head herself. “Stop it, you're setting a bad example for Amythyst.”
Grumbling Dumadin looked at Terets and then Amythyst. “I'm sorry and I'll try to curtail my humor as best I can. I apologize.” Hugging Kittish to his side they watched as Amythyst whispered in the horse's ear and it became a figurine again which she placed in her bag.
“I accept your apology. Please, do not change who you are just because I'm here, though. It's great to see such friendship that disagreements don't cause harm to it.” With that Amythyst started forward again. “Dunstun's shop, Silken Layers, is just ahead and around the corner to the left.”
Falling into step the group followed her, looking forward to seeing the shop and maybe getting some new clothes that were of higher quality than they had now.
SILKEN LAYERS
The group stopped outside a modest building that resembled others in town. The sign hanging above the door indicated they'd arrived at Silken Layers. Amythyst and Kittish entered, trailed by the men. A small bell jingled as they walked in and Dunstun greeted them with a smile.
“Ah, the champions of Stoutbank have arrived. Welcome to Silken Layers, I am honored you stopped in to visit me this morning. Please, have a look around, you will find quality garb of all sorts. We have lovely silks in several styles. If you are of a more practical mind we have the best travel clothes short of Veno.”
As Dunstun waxed on about the clothing he had available, a beautiful dwarven woman came out of the back and looked the group over. “Ah, the champions have come. Why didn't you tell me, husband? Probably talking their ears off instead of showing them what they need.” She come out from around the counter and went to the women. “Come with me ladies, I will show you what you might like the best, let's leave the men to gossip. It is what they're best at.” With that the dwarf took them by the hands and led them into the back.
Dunstun chuckled and shrugged at the men, “My wife Theresa, as you probably guessed. A good woman she is, and blessed I am to have her. Now gentlemen, what was it you would like for yourselves today?”
Dumadin looked at Terets who was looking back at him and they both shrugged, neither of them interested in fancy clothes. “Well, Dunstun, probably best if you show us the traveling clothes. We aren't likely to be going to any balls soon.”
Dunstun nodded happily and lead them over to a set of tables where a variety of clothing lay folded neatly. “Here are the ready-made travel clothes in a variety of colors. What kind would you like, hmm?”
Dumadin and Terets browsed through the clothing, and Dumadin noticed his UI was telling him about the durability of the clothing. Each piece had a set durability number which would be reduced by one each day it was worn. He then glanced at his starting clothes and noted that they didn't have a durability stat at all. So new clothes will eventually wear out, but those you start with last forever. Interesting, Dumadin thought.
“If you can give us a moment to discuss, please Dunstun,” Dumadin asked and motioned Terets over, who seemed puzzled. “If you haven't noticed, the starting clothes have no durability. They are effectively indestructible clothes. The others here are set to degrade by one point per day worn.”
Terets nodded, looking thoughtful, “Money sink for those that want to dress up in silks and furs then. Eventually we might want a set of fancy clothes, but not for a long time yet I would think.” Looking at the travel clothes laid out he nodded, “Each of these is good for three hundred and sixty five days though, a year of wear. They also have small bonuses if you didn't look close enough. The gray set has a small increase to stealth, the red set has a small increase to health, and the green to intelligence. They want it to be attractive to get other clothes besides the ones we start with. Since he's going to give us a set we should go ahead pick some out, and just hope the girls don't go all frivolous.”
Dumadin barked out a laugh, “Yeah, Kittish is just known for dressing up.” Dumadin rolled his eyes and gave Terets a smirk.
“Yes, jackass I know she isn't, but Amythyst might be,” Terets sighed and shook his head. “Dunstun, we would love a set of these done to our sizes, I would prefer the gray set. One of these might come very close to fitting me with only minor adjustments. For shorty here, though, you might need to cut three feet or so off the legs.”
Dunstun started nodding happily when Terets spoke, only to frown as Terets described Dumadin as shorty. “Of course sir, I can make the adjustments quite readily. I will just need my tape measure.” The words came out frostily as Dunstun went to retrieve his tools.
Dumadin sighed and shook his head, “He's married to a dwarf and might not get our humor, jackass.”
As Dunstun came back to them Dumadin bowed slightly at the waist and began to speak. “Dunstun, my friend means no disrespect to your wife or dwarves in general. We've bantered back and forth for years about me being short and him being too long. Please forgive us if we accidentally trod upon a tender spot. It was not our intent.”
Terets bowed as well, “I truly didn't mean insult and apologize for any that might have been given.”
Dunstun rubbed his head and sighed then bowed back. “It is well, I accept your apology. It was just a sore spot when we married. My family in Veno objected strenuously and many insults were given us. I know you meant no harm. I didn't know until the words struck me that the subject was still so tender. Let us see about getting these tailored to fit you, shall we?”
Theresa led the girls into a back room with all manner of clothing hanging from the walls and draped across most of the available surfaces and offered them tea. “Let's have a sip of tea and see about what kind of clothing you would like. Dunstun will talk their ears off for a while yet and, well, it wouldn't do to undo the age long tradition of women trying on clothes.”
They accepted the tea and sipped with their hostess. “Actually, I've never been big on being a clothes who..... I mean, I never cared much about looking stylish.” Kittish began and then quickly switched tracks.
Theresa laughed at the abrupt right turn, “Clothes whore you meant dear. Oh yes, I know the term and I know most of those that are for miles around. There is no shame in being one way or another. Every person is unique in their own ways.”
“I am curious as to what we're being offered exactly,” Amythyst asked.
“Any one set of clothing that strikes your fancy, for each of you, as our gift to you. That is what my husband said.”
Kittish spoke up quickly, “I'm fine with just a good set of traveling clothes. I never cared for dresses or skirts that get all tangled up every time you turn around.”
Amythyst seemed to hesitate, not quite sure how to express herself. “Umm, Kittish you've known Terets for a while. I was wondering if you might be able to help... me” She trailed off with a blush starting in her cheeks.
“I've known him for over twenty years now, and I would be delighted to help you. If I can get to know you. He's been a great friend to me and Dumadin for so long he's practically family. So, depending on what exactly you're looking for and why, I can help. I w
ill warn you ahead of time, he isn't one for flings and if that's your intention then it will only be bad for all involved.”
Amythyst shifted uncomfortably and her blush deepened, “No that isn't... I mean I wouldn't... I...” She took a gulp of tea and some deep breaths then looked over at Kittish. “He... well he just... I mean he... god, why is this so hard? He saved me from a bad spot and he seems so sure of himself. You and Dumadin stand by him and a person's friends give you a gauge of who they are. I mean I don't know where things might eventually go, but I'm not a hussy looking for a one off, like that elf yesterday.”
Kittish chuckled, “While I have no issue with people who enjoy playing without strings, it really must be acceptable for both of them. I'm glad you're not doing that though, however that means the road might very well be difficult. He's a good man, but, well he isn't exactly a ladies man. He isn't smooth or suave. He's blunt, honest, kind, caring and above all someone who will stand by you if you're a friend. I don't know your circumstances, but let's just say it's been... a bit... since a lady showed any interest in him. He's painfully shy at times, and it has cost him before.”
Amythyst bowed her head, letting her hair hide the deep crimson of her face. “I can understand being shy... I know how it feels when the tongue knots up and you can't speak. I know the feeling of finally being able to do so and being flatly rejected. The pain and humiliation that you feel from that, it hurts deeply. I want to thank him for what he did, but more than that I just feel comfortable near him.”
Kittish smiled and gently patted Amythyst's knee, which twitched slightly, “I'll help you Amythyst, above all just be you. None of us deals with false masks and deception well, don't try to be anyone you're not. If you want something greater, don't try and do what you think might be useful. Just be you. So if dancing mostly naked in the street is really your thing...”
Amythyst shook her head slightly and a sob slipped out, causing Kittish to gently reach out and gather Amythyst into a hug. Sobbing, Amythyst spoke in halting sentences, “It's not like that... It was just the sudden freedom of being able to... I'm not like that at all, but being able to stand and dance again after so long... Being fit and attractive after years of...”
Theresa came over and sat down on the other side of Amythyst and also wrapped her in a hug. “Shh now you poor thing. Everything will be fine it will, you have friends here that care for you and seem willing and eager to help. Trust them a bit hm, and see if maybe that isn't repaid a few times over.”
A few minutes later Amythyst was able to compose herself and sniffled, “Thank you both. I didn't mean to do that, it's just hard sometimes.” Lifting her head, she brushed the tears away and gave each of them a hug. “We're here for clothing, not for me to break down and go all soppy. I'm sure the guys are waiting for us.”
Kittish placed a hand gently on her knee, “If you want to talk about yourself to me Amythyst, you can when you're ready. In the meantime, let's get some traveling clothes and see what else we might like, okay?”
Nodding Amythyst stood and the two of them followed Theresa toward a corner with premade outfits that could be modified.
The guys waited in the front with Dunstun. After a short time he began to fidget nervously. “I was wondering if perhaps I could speak of some business with you on behalf of Stoutbank?”
“Of course you can,” The friends chimed in near unison, and chuckled.
“As you know, the town merchants are pitching in to hire a guard for the town considering the recent issues we've had. However, that means we no longer have the money to offer a bounty for some other trouble we've been having. You are great heroes and have helped before. We were wondering if you might aide the town in dealing with a band of goblins that have settled to the south. We will be willing to compensate you in goods and services, though we have no money to offer.”
Quest: Clean out the goblin cave.
Rewards: Better standing with Stoutbank and gifts from the merchants.
You will also receive five thousand experience.
Terets accepted the quest quickly, “We'll be glad to help, Dunstun.”
“Oh thank the messengers. The goblins been getting aggressive of late. The cave they're in is just a couple of days to the south of town, you should be able to find it easily.”
Dumadin cocked a brow at Terets, knowing full well they were going there anyway. “We'll probably be leaving shortly after the girls are done.”
The women eventually came out, wearing new clothing much like their own. Amythyst wore shades of gray, and Kittish's outfit was in green. They looked each other over and made appreciative comments to the tailor and his wife. Dumadin and Terets noticed Kittish and Amythyst carrying small boxes that they hadn't had earlier.
“A gift from a lovely hostess who insisted that we take them or she wouldn't help us with clothes again.” Kittish said, seeing the questioning looks from the men. She waved at Theresa as the four exited the shop, “Thanks again! We'll see you again soon.”
TO THE CAVE
The ladies stowed their boxes in their packs and the group set off.
“Well, ladies while you were in the back Dunstun gave us a quest from the merchants in the town to kill some goblins in a cave to the south. Since we already have a quest to go there it made sense to accept that one as well. It also will give Amythyst a reason to come along if she wants,” Terets finished softly.
“Oh, I am more than willing to go with you. The quest is just a bonus, “She trailed off as she looked the quest up in her UI. “But this is a nice quest. Free stuff from the merchants and five thousand xp.”
“Good. Let's head out, then. Dunstun said it was two days south which should mean about twenty four hours of travel for the npcs. Which means about twelve hours for us. So, if we leave now we can cut four hours off that, log out for a bit, then do six and log out for some sleep. Then the next day we can get the last two hours and see what the cave is all about.” Dumadin laid out the plan he thought up.
“True but if we hustle and don't go wandering off picking flowers and stuff, we can probably get further in four hours today, then do five and a touch more after we have dinner and whatnot, then log out for the night. Which will mean a casual stroll to the cave the next day.” Kittish suggested instead, with Terets nodding his agreement.
“I vote for Kittish's plan, we haven't tried to see what we can accomplish if we hustle,” Terets said as he checked his gear.
Once they cleared the outskirts of the town they fell into a quick march rhythm, going fast march for ten minutes then slowing to regular pace for ten minutes. After an hour they realized their conversation had dropped almost to nothing as they focused on moving fast.
“Well it was a solid plan, but I don't know if it's worth it to do this for four hours,” Dumadin said. “I mean we might have covered double what we would normally, but do we really need to hurry? Three of us are retired and don't have any pressing engagements in real life. What about you Amythyst? I'd like to chat and get to know you better but we've been rushing along too fast for that.”
Amythyst shook her head, “I do part time work from time to time. I'm mostly retired but I like to keep my hand in. We can slow up as far as I'm concerned. I was thinking of breaking out Roan and giving him a little work as well. Would you like to ride for a bit, Kittish?”
Kittish smirked at the guys, “Glad to, I do love riding a beautiful stallion.”
Chuckling, the guys dusted their pants off and started waking south as Amythyst summoned her horse. She gave Kittish a hand up and in a moment the girls were alongside them, chatting away about various things. Dumadin smirked as he eyed Kittish's hands on Amythyst's waist.
Terets glanced over at Dumadin's smirk and chuckled softly then whispered at his friend, “Looks like Kittish gets her hands on the lady before either of us.”
Dumadin boomed out a laugh, causing the ladies to glance at him with raised brows. Smirking he nodded his head at them, “Just glad to see you
both are at ease with a mighty steed between your legs.”
Amythyst blushed deeply and Kittish laughed and whispered into Amythyst's ear, which caused Amythyst to giggle and glance at the guys.
Terets laughed and slapped his friend on the back, “Want to bet that whisper was a joke at your expense shorty?”
Dumadin grumbled but declined to comment further, knowing he'd been bested this time around.
“Ha! One for the books, he didn't even try to riposte,” Kittish laughed, “well done Amythyst. That giggle was well timed.”
Amythyst blushed again and started to stammer. Kittish tightened her grip on Amythyst's waist slightly, “Now Amythyst, it's fine. He can handle a little bit of what he gives to others, even if you didn't mean it the way he thought. So don't apologize to him one bit. He was trying to bait us, and got the hook instead.”
Amythyst shook her head and then laughed with a clear voice, “You're all kind of nuts, you do know that right?”
Last Horizon: Beta Page 11
