Last Horizon: Beta

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “See jackass, you scared her,” Terets said motioning them away. “You two deviants stay over there, and give her some room.”

  “I'm thinking, though, we might want to wear our old armor for a bit longer yet, until it's about to break. Then Terets can salvage what crafting mats he can from it. Save this lovely new gear until then.” Terets and Dumadin quickly agreed that it was a sound idea. The four took turns in the changing room getting back into their older gear.

  The lovers moved towards the front to thank Alvira, leaving Terets and Amythyst alone for a moment.

  “Thank you Alvira. The armor is wonderful. I can't help wondering if you had any other leather items we could peruse?” Dumadin finished the sentence with a smile.

  Alvira eyed him for a moment then nodded towards the other corner of the shop, “Back there, if you're brave enough, dwarf.”

  Taking Kittish with him they wandered into that corner to look over what might be found. As they examined the goods, Terets and Amythyst went to speak with Alvira.

  “Do you have any belt pouches or perhaps a bigger backpack than we currently have?” Terets asked Alvira.

  “Yes to both probably, depends on what exactly you want. Belt pouches are one gold each, specialty belt pouches are two gold each. Backpacks of middling size are five gold each. As you are champions of Stoutbank I will extend a 25% discount,” Alvira said, watching Terets's eyes. “If you want I can give you an extra discount for services rendered, if you agree to come back after hours pretty boy.” Amythyst clutched Terets's arm tightly, which Alvira noted, “You can even bring her along if you want.”

  Terets rolled his eyes and sighed, “What the fuck, I never got this attention when I was younger. I will politely decline the extra discount Alvira, but thank you for the thought.”

  Amythyst eased up on her clutch and beamed at Alvira, who looked back at her nonplussed.

  “Kittish, we need some of the coin over here for bags,” Terets called towards the others.

  Dumadin and Kittish moved over to the counter and laid out a pair of knee high leather boots with spiked heels in the same dark grey leather as her new armor. “Sure thing,” Kittish stated, “we could all use some. What's the going rate?”

  After hearing the news they decided to just get one belt pouch each for the crafters and get Amythyst two of the regular pouches. Handing over six gold, the group took their pouches and attached them to their belts, then quickly switched their crafting goods into them.

  Thanking Alvira, the group filed out with Kittish pausing inside for a moment. She hurried out a moment later with a devious grin on her face.

  “Dumadin, we need to come back here after dinner tonight, which means after a quick log out.” Kittish said as she caught back up with the group.

  This caused Amythyst to turn red again and Terets to start laughing, “You two deviants stay over there.”

  Dumadin raised a brow and turned to look at Kittish when Terets explained it to him. Dumadin laughed after Terets was done. “Can't refute that fact man, won't even try. Kittish wants a fun filled night with a Domme, she can have it with my blessing. If Alvira tries it with me though, the gloves come off.”

  Terets blushed and just shook his head, “You two deviants stay over there,” he chuckled and put Amythyst on his far side.

  A few minutes later the group found themselves at the Lonely Wood Inn with an hour left before they would need to log off for a rest.

  “Shall we go say hi to our friend Bjorn and enjoy some of his wonderful food?” Dumadin asked the group in play.

  “Yes, I think that sounds delightful,” Terets said and presented his arm to Amythyst. “I will escort this beauty for the evening and you can take the wicked one.”

  Kittish laughed and took Dumadin's arm, “We each get what we want this way right, Amythyst?”

  Amythyst blushed red and nodded slightly without looking at Terets.

  LONELY WOOD INN

  As they entered, Bjorn called out to them from across the room, “Welcome back my friends! Find a table and I'll be right over.”

  The group waved and nodded, settling themselves around the same table they'd used on the past few visits. A few moments later a buxom waitress settled herself behind the bar and received a kiss from Bjorn. Bjorn picked up five mugs and brought them over to the table, placing one in front of each of the friends and keeping one himself.

  Picking an empty chair, Bjorn settled himself at the table and raised his mug, “To the champions of Stoutbank.” They all took a drink of the mead and thanked Bjorn. “It's the least I can do. I don't have coin or weapons or armor to give you. So I figured a feast on the house would have to do so I don't disgrace myself in front of the other merchants. I've also set aside three of my best rooms for you,” he handed out three keys, one to the couple and one each to Terets and Amythyst, “There you go. I know you adventurers don't really need rooms, but it makes me feel better.”

  The group thanked him with smiles and drank some more mead. “We'll be traveling north again shortly to speak with Thallien. Is there anything you want us to take to him?” Kittish asked.

  “Naw, he should be good for some time yet. Is he still prattling on about writing a book?” Bjorn asked as the servers brought food from the kitchen.

  “Yes, we retrieved a journal of his from the goblin cave while we were there for Dunstun,” Dumadin commented, watching the growing collection of food.

  “Ah yes, the journal he left behind accidentally. He always said he wanted to go reclaim it, to remember his lost love.”

  “That would be the elf who healed your group right?” Kittish asked as the servers finished laying down the food.

  “Yes indeed, a lovely slip of an elf she was. She looked somewhat like Amythyst there, but different eyes and facial structure. Bettie was a fair lass with exquisite taste in all things.” Bjorn seemed to trail off in memory. “Enough of that though, we have a feast here.”

  Standing, Bjorn called for silence in a loud tone which momentarily silenced everyone. “Patrons and friends, tonight I am holding a feast for the champions of Stoutbank, who have vanquished a goblin threat to the town. In honor of the service they have provided there will be food and drinks on the house for an hour.” He sat back down and smiled as the Inn cheered this announcement and began to order food and drink from the staff.

  Bjorn started slicing up some of the various meats on the table and passing out plates to the group. They gladly took them and began to partake of the lavish food. While it was good, it wasn't the mind blowingly great food they had eaten earlier in the day.

  “This taste normal to you guys?” Terets inquired of his friends.

  “Yup. Guess they hot patched a fix to mitigate the sense of taste, knew it would happen. Eating a piece cheese shouldn't be an orgasm waiting to happen.” Kittish answered, watching Terets cough at her phrasing.

  “Oh, well. It's still damn tasty,” Dumadin added, taking a few more slices of beef.

  Bjorn excused himself from their table to help his staff with the demands of the growing crowd. “Enjoy the feast,” he said as he went back to the bar.

  They spent some time chatting with adventurers who stopped by to ask what they had been doing to prompt such a welcome. Dumadin began to explain the quest they had just finished with the goblin cave, stressing level ten would be best if they were going to try and tackle it. A number of people thanked him and began leaving the Inn with eager looks on their faces.

  “Think they're about to go see if it's as difficult as I said?”” Dumadin asked his compatriots.

  “More than likely, human nature being what it is,” Terets replied and shook his head.

  “Ah well. At least that elf hasn't come back to bother you yet,” Kittish smirked. “Just be aware, I think she's going to chase you. She seems the type that likes a challenge.”

  Terets rolled his eyes, “Great. Where was this attention when I was thirty? I could have done with it then.”

 
That prompted a laugh from his friends. “Besides, I'm not looking for a one night stand and she just seems off to me. You guys know I'm not like that.” Terets shook his head and refilled Amythyst's mug. “Oh, Amythyst, we're going to meet up in Vegas in twelve days. Dumadin has a doctor appointment there, so we figured we might as well do dinner. We were hoping you would join us.”

  Amythyst paused with her cup half raised then set it back down trying to buy time. “It's wonderful for you to ask, it's just...” She sighed and shook her head slightly, “I mean I really want to, but...”

  “Amythyst,” Kittish cut in as Amythyst waffled. “We really would like to meet you in RL. Yes, you aren't going to be this you, just as I am not this me. We will not judge or condemn you. We do very much want to meet you.”

  Amythyst looked at Kittish with a smiling forming on her face, “Then yes, I will trust you and come. It's been ages since anyone really wanted my company.”

  Dumadin frowned briefly at the line, but banished the look from his face before the others could see it. “We'll make it a nice informal meal, twelve days from today at Celebrity Franks on Flamingo. Okay?”

  Amythyst acknowledged the time and place, blinking back tears, then excused herself for a moment to freshen up. The group watched her go.

  “Seems really skittish of meeting people doesn't she?” Dumadin spoke softly.

  “Yes, she is. From earlier comments I believe she's disabled in some fashion. We must make sure to greet her warmly and to do our best to make her feel comfortable with us. It's horrible to be isolated because no one wants you around.” Kittish said with a sad look on her face.

  “Ah, well it's about time. Terets, if you'll stay for when she gets back. Me and Kittish are going to log off for a bit, before going back to see Alvira.” Dumadin waggled his eyebrows at his friend.

  Laughing, Terets motioned them away, “You two deviants go enjoy yourselves. See you in the morning, say around ten?”

  Chuckling Dumadin and Kittish agreed and logged out, leaving Terets alone at the table. As he sat there waiting for Amythyst, an elf sat down in a now empty seat and smiled at him.

  “It seems your friends have all stepped out on you,” Talia softly said. “Since you're not currently engaged in anything, maybe you and I can chat for a bit.”

  Terets grimaced and let out a small sigh, “It depends on what you wish to speak about, Talia. My friends have not all left, one of them will be back momentarily.”

  “Ah, that must mean the doe eyed one will be back soon. She seems so sweet and innocent. I was hoping maybe you would enlighten me as to what it is that would engage your attention. From what I've seen, you and that little elf aren't actually together.” Talia watched him and let her lips part slightly.

  “It's none of your business Talia, whatever there might be between me and Amythyst. Since it doesn't involve you. You're aggressive and forward and while that has its charm at times, that is not what I find attractive. So please go, and leave me alone,” Terets said waving her away.

  Talia slipped gracefully to her feet and bowed her head at him, looking at him though lowered lashes. “Oh yes sir, I do so love a commanding alpha male. I will be back eventually and I just want you to think if maybe a more open and willing woman might not suit you better in the long run than a simpering maid.” She turned and sashayed away, knowing that he would have to watch for a moment as she left.

  Amythyst came back to the into the room in time to catch the last of Talia's comment and watched with a downcast face as the other woman stood and strutted away with Terets's eyes on her. Amythyst stood there as Terets shook his head and looked around, meeting her eyes and smiling warmly. She hesitated, thinking maybe she should go, but saw the genuine warmth in his eyes and came back to the table.

  Amythyst approached slowly spoke without sitting, “It's late and I see the others have already left. Are we meeting back up tomorrow morning?” Her eyes fell on the recently emptied chair.

  “Yes, we're going to meet back up around ten.” Terets watched her, seeing the shy scared person she was and wanting to help her, but afraid to push her. “I look forward to seeing you in the morning. And in twelve days for a real dinner.” He spoke with genuine warmth and watched her.

  She blushed just a little and ducked her head, “I look forward to it as well. Good night, Terets.”

  Terets watched her log out and sighed, shaking his head. Two very opposite women both interested in him. He was interested in Amythyst for her honest and shy nature, but a small part of him was interested in Talia as well for her aggressive take on life. Shaking his head again he logged out, trying to figure out what life was doing to him.

  ON THE ROAD AGAIN

  The next morning Dumadin and Kittish logged in and took a seat at a table. While they were chatting with Bjorn about getting some food for the road Terets showed up. Bjorn excused himself to go get the food for them, leaving the friends to talk.

  “Are we good to go?” Terets inquired.

  “Let's get all our gear repaired, then we should be good to go. I think we should set aside the weapons that Thallien gave us, save them for rougher patches and just use the new ones for now. We should also probably damn near break the old leather before having you scrap it and using the new stuff.” Dumadin said and Kittish agreed with him.

  “Works for me, hand me over your leather so I can start stitching.” Terets pulled out his crafting gear as he finished speaking.

  “Did you and Amythyst stay in game long last night after we left?” Kittish asked her friend curious.

  “No, we both logged out shortly after she got back. Talia dropped by before that and made it plain that she wants a chance with me. Which is fucked up. Where were either of them for the last twenty years?” Grumbling, Terets handed his blades to Dumadin and worked on repairing their armor.

  Dumadin shrugged as he began putting the edge back on the swords. “Don't ask me, I've been lucky as hell in that regard.” He motioned with his head at Kittish sitting there listening to them.

  She smiled and kissed his head as he worked, “We've gotten a chance at least to adventurer some with Amythyst and I feel she's a good person. We have no idea about Talia at all, though,” she shrugged. “Personally I would say spend a little bit of time with each of them and see who you have the most common ground with. I would think it would be Amythyst, but I could be wrong. Besides, Dumadin and I aren't the best ones to ask about monogamous relationship advice.”

  Dumadin laughed and finished the blades, setting them on the table in front of Terets. “True that, Kittish. Amythyst seems to really want to try and get to know you in a relationship way. Talia, who knows? She might want more than just a quick tumble, but who can tell for certain without talking with her?” Shrugging, Dumadin watched his friend work, “I would advise waiting until we meet with Amythyst in eleven days and see if you have any connection RL.”

  Terets just nodded and handed the repaired leather to his friends. “Probably the best advice I will get from you two deviants. Did you really go back to Alvira's shop last night?”

  Kittish smirked and nodded, “Yes indeed, and had a grand time of it. I have a new set of boots now for when I want to dress up.”

  Dumadin chuckled, “It was fun. This game really deserves that M rating.”

  As he finished speaking Amythyst appeared next to the table. “Good morning. Sorry I'm a little late this morning.”

  “It's fine Amythyst. We're waiting for some travel food from Bjorn to take with us. Let me have your staff and give Terets your old leather so we can repair it.” Dumadin said, and explained again his idea for getting the most out of their gear.

  “Sounds like a solid plan to me as well,” Amythyst said as the guys fixed her gear up. “So, we're heading north for you all to turn in a quest?”

  “Yes we are. We also want to get you the spots opened on your map for fast traveling later,” Kittish said as Bjorn arrived with four small sacks of food and skins of juice. “Tha
nks, Bjorn.” she handed him a silver and stood as the guys finished with Amythyst's gear and handed it back. “Shall we get going?”

  The said their goodbyes to Bjorn and made their way into the square. “The first little bit doesn't have any wolves or flowers, so we might as well ride,” Terets said as he got out his figurine.

  Agreeing, the others also summoned their mounts. Giving their steeds a good look over they noticed some of the other adventurers casting envious glances at them.

  “Seems we might not be loved anymore,” Dumadin murmured as he mounted Stoutlegs.

  Terets just shrugged and mounted Lightening, “Don't care, they can earn what we have if they just apply themselves.”

  The ladies mounted their steeds and the group rode out of town going north at a walking pace. “Last time it was a few hours before we saw the first plant and got attacked by the wolf. I say we push the steed a little and see what they can do.” Dumadin suggested to his friends who agreed to the idea.