Day ~40~Part Two~

Today Rea was marching through the streets of Vestlei for her usual appointment with Ella Wyrmwind. These appointments always involved some home cooked vegetarian elf food, draining a sizable amount of blood, and, Rea's favorite part, attempting to draw out her [Poison]. Leaving that be for a moment it's probably worth mentioning that Rea's venom is more than just a potent killer, after thoroughly examining the substance Ella had informed Rea that her venom not only has paralytic effects but latent acidic properties. Ella hypothesized that as Rea matured she may one day be able to control the venom in a way that allows her to use it in various useful ways. As acid... well that has obvious uses, so does the poison, but a paralytic without poison or acid... Rea would really love to have the option of sparing some idiot's life if they tried to kill her after discovering what she is. Maybe even slowing down opponents in combat... but she really couldn't use venom unless she was alone. Rea didn't relish the idea of adventuring alone in this world.

After finding out such useful information about her [Venom] Rea was tempted to tell the doctor that she had in fact figured out how to secrete her [Poison]. That line of thought only lasted a moment though, Rea really did enjoy seeing what new method or tool the doctor could think of using in an attempt to extract her [Poison]. Guessing that when Ella hears about [Book] "Misadventures Vol.6 "The Misadventures of a shameless Ophidian" she would never attempt to extract the [Poison] again, Rea could only sigh dejectedly. Resolving herself to fully enjoy what time she had left with doctor feel good the shameless ophidian marched onwards. When Rea found herself hanging upside down during method number one today she began to cry. Upon asking what was wrong all Ella got out of her was, "I'm gonna curse that publisher." Lately Rea had noticed that Ella was acting a bit off. Upon closer inspection Rea was pretty sure the doctor was thinking about a certain memory involving her tonsils. Resisting an urge to make a move she decided to let the long lived elf steam for a few years.

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After arriving at the Horsemonger farm Rea was greeted by an all too excited Corn, the young tutor went on to explain that abilities take a very long time to learn and this wouldn't go nearly as quickly as the previous segment of her education. Rea unintentionally laughed in his face as she thought about her ability guidance blessing. The miffed kid signaled for her to follow him to the first part of their training. Before she followed after him Rea noticed Melody checking out her new attire. After doing a little spin for the blushing farmer she followed Corn.

Corn had led Rea to a large area of the irrigation system that provides water to the farm, as the clean scent of fresh mist washed over them Corn spoke up, "The first abilities we learn in school are important for any adventurer, [Swimming] and [Major Lung Capacity]." Rea smiled, "It'll take all day for you to learn swimming, we may not get to minor lung capacity today."

"Corn, I've already got swimming and minor lung capacity... I didn't bring a swimsuit."

The boy gave her an annoyed glance, "Adventurers never know when they will get wet, you're going in fully clothed. It'll take a few hours but hopefully you make it to [Moderate Lung Capacity] today. Also, I'm not sure if you know this but everyone has a different lung capacity. Just because two people have the same rank ability it doesn't make them equals. That goes for all skills, keep this in mind for the future. It should take at least four hours underwater to get moderate level and forty to attain major, get to it. I'll be here... just in case."

Rea tried not to laugh at her young tutor and didn't have the heart to tell him that for one, she had an insane ability acquisition rate, two, she was an [Aquatic] being with [Water Affinity]. For obvious reasons she was pretty sure they wouldn't be here very long. As Rea began to take off her boots she was interrupted, "Boots on!"

Rea shot him a glare, "Go get me some other shoes, I'm not about to drop brand new expensive leather in the water on purpose."

Being glared at by Rea really didn't make Corn happy so he complied. As the kid scurried off she removed the boots and dove headfirst into the large irrigation channel. While swimming around underwater through the crystal clear paths she focused on holding her breath. After hearing an echo above her she curved towards the surface. Unfortunately the echo had been a rather large stone that was now having a friendly greeting with her pretty little nose. Corn looked on in absolute horror as Rea emerged from the water. Her expression, her aura could only, as later described in his diary that night, could only be likened to that of a demon. Ignoring the copious amount of blood streaming down her face and falling to the ground Corn muttered a thousand apologies as Rea asked, with a malicious smile, "Did you need something Corn?"

The boy bowed low as his wizard hat fell off, "Oh almighty Rea! I have brought you boots for today's training, please forgive this humble peon."

At this point Rea was far too amused to be angry, "Thanks Corn."

Corn was relieved that she didn't seem to be holding a grudge. Rea didn't really think about what she was doing but today was a day the boy would remember for years. The way new clothing stuck against every curve of her body while wet wasn't something a kid should see. He stared with a mouth wide open as she bent over and put the boots on, gaped as she slowly waltzed away, and let out a wide eyed gasp as she dove in head first.

*pow*

"Owwwwww, mom what was that for!?"

Melody looked down at her son, "You know what..." As Melody turned and walked away she sighed inwardly, it just doesn't feel right punishing your kid for something you were doing too.

Rea wasn't too happy with the boots, it just doesn't feel right trying to swim with shoes on. After only ten minutes or so underwater she managed to learn [Moderate Lung Capacity]. That sort of shocked her... something that would normally take four hours only took a little more than ten minutes. Deciding not to boast just yet Rea continued the training. Seriously though, she was getting really annoyed with the boots. While taking into account just about how long she could hold her breath, Rea kept staring at something that had caught her attention... falling stones, this time much, much smaller. Rising to the surface she gave Corn an inquisitive look.

"I forgot to mention that if you get a revelation saying [Job-Something] don't take it. You only get one job, best not to take one until you know what you want. Also, don't worry about missing out on one, you can always come back to get it by replicating the conditions in which you first received the revelation."

Nodding, and once again not bothering to explain some of her more unique traits, Rea dove back under. If the tender genius was worried about her accepting a job during this training it obviously meant there was a job to be gained down here. If it was so urgent that he couldn't wait for her to come up for air then that meant it had nothing to do with [Lung Capacity]. For the next twenty minutes, aside from ranking up [Jester] because of some extreme poses, and glaring daggers at a laughing kid, she really didn't accomplish much. Rea only tried making some poses because she once worked as an underwater model for an aspiring photographer. That was one week she clearly remembered, spending time sober and away from bars after her hospital stay was rare. A week without booze while modeling for someone so pure, someone who was still dreaming, had done wonders for her as Noel. Of course that didn't stop her from going right back to bars when he returned to college.

Not really giving a damn anymore Rea, after soaking a laughing peon, decided to explore the dark aqueducts of this irrigation system. There really was no danger here, Rea could easily see out either end of the underwater tunnels. After a few more minutes of sneaking through aqueducts and splashing water at Corn, Rea was happy to have learned [Job-Marine]. She assumed that it would level up as she spent more time in the water and, like spearman, probably grant her more passive abilities that had to do with underwater actions. Just like that Rea continued to enjoy the time underwater, maybe it was because of her aquatic nature, or maybe memories of a certain college student, but Rea really loved the water.

Ability [Major Lung Capacity] learned.

[Job-Marine] Level 5!

Ability [Improved Swimming Speed Lv. 1] learned.

Corn was still a kid, so yeah he was getting impatient now. It was his job to watch and make sure she doesn't drown, but still, watching someone else play in the water was boring. If it wasn't for the fact that he was watching a beautiful older woman swim around he'd have long since abandoned the job. To his utter and complete shock, Rea emerged in little less than an hour and announced, "I've got [Major Lung Capacity] now, what's next?"

As Corn kicked up a ruckus and interrogated her on exactly how she'd done it Rea reluctantly informed him of the divine blessing. After the first few minutes of annoying and rowdy antics the tender genius kicked up, Melody had noticed that Rea seemed to be done swimming. After retrieving a towel from its resting place near the cabin she approached the pair. Interrupting her son and handing Rea a towel she spoke, "Cornelius, the climbing course is next right?" Calming down he nodded yes. "Then you should get it ready for her... muck out the horse stalls when you're done." After a slight argument about his having to clean a horse stall for bad behavior Corn was off.

"Thanks for the towel Melody."

Observing Rea as she began to dry off Melody spoke up once more, "I think you should go dry off in the barn."

Rea grinned knowingly and sauntered off to do as told. After entering the barn she silently admired the comical nature of how a farmer had gone to the trouble of putting a bed in her storage barn. As the door opened and closed behind her she chuckled ruefully while imagining the woman's reaction when she hears about the book that contains, in vivid detail, a few of their encounters.

"I brought you a change of my clothes, they'll be loose even though you're taller than me. As you can see, it's all I wear."

"Thanks Melody... you know these clothes are really stuck," Rea ran both of her hands from hips towards bust, effectively displaying some of her midriff while putting an emphasis on two very appealing prizes, "I could use a little help, if you're not too busy with..." Before Rea could finish her sentence she was on the ground looking up at a very eager woman, "You know, the ground is really hard Melody."

"I'll carry you to the back as soon as you're dry...," there was something in her eyes this time.

Rea chuckled in disbelief, "Please tell me you didn't just punish your son to buy time for us to..."

Once again, before she could finish the sentence Rea was effectively shut up by Melody. Rea found the sensation a bit odd, "This is new, usually I'm the one forcing my tongue down your throat, did something ha..."

"Shut up already..."

"That's no very ni... *ahn* ...shutting up."

Melody had noticed something that she found a bit annoying, "I see you're spending your free time in other people's beds."

Rea had forgotten that Lisa had the nasty habit of leaving little marks here and there with her mouth, "I told you the first time didn't I? I'm a worthless person that depends on the kindness and warmth of strangers to get by... I'm not someone you should fall in love with Melody."

That, for some reason, really seemed to piss her off... "You aren't worthless."

Rea's expression softened as she vacantly gazed into Melody's amber eyes, "I won't tell you about what happened to me, I'll never tell you. It hurts too damn much to watch what happens when I start talking about why I am the way I am, I've tried and it never ends well. I don't know how to explain it but, I'll never fall in love, I'll always seek comfort and take it where I can get it. This body isn't yours, and this worthless person," Rea's lips quivered before forming the saddest smile Melody had ever seen before, "this worthless person isn't worth loving. The things I've done, my soul is stained in more blood and sin than I can ever hope to atone for. Do not fall in love with me."

Melody didn't know what to say, she'd had a simple life as a farmer, as the wife of an accomplished blacksmith. Even her husband's young death had been relatively peaceful. Melody knew on instinct that she'd never be the person Rea needs, she'd just be one of the people Rea thinks she needs. While silently hoping that somewhere, someday Rea would meet the one who could change her, save her, Melody didn't argue any further. She decided to just do what she could for Rea, be a small comfort to a tortured soul. Melody didn't even think of herself this time. Her feelings, she let Rea know them through actions.

Rea was a little surprised when her [Masochism] ranked up, Melody had taken her time peeling the soaked garments off and those obstructions hadn't stopped her from taking the chance to be the dominant partner for once. Even after Rea was peeled she still remained pinned to the cold hard ground, after a few nights together Melody had finally figured out some of Rea's weaknesses and used them to full effect. Flexibility really doesn't do a damn thing when you're pinned to the ground and quickly losing the will to escape... Feeling self-hatred for the way she uses people, especially the untainted ones like this loving, caring woman... Rea surrendered without a second thought to the woman she'd obviously vexed.

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Nearly two hours later Rea was dressed in loosely fitting farmer's clothing and watching Corn set up some netting under a large oak tree. She still wasn't entirely back to her usual jovial self, but that wasn't something learning a new ability couldn't change.

Corn tested the netting himself a few times by pulling it down with all his strength, satisfied with the safety precautions he approached Rea, "Alright cheater, ability training number two, Climbing stability and grip... I'm not gonna bother telling you how long this usually takes, just get it done."

Without mentioning that she had some previous experience climbing trees, she'd even spent the night in one, Rea moved to do as told. Once again Corn was in shock, he silently watched on as Rea attempted to step from branch to branch and shimmy up long sections of a massive oak tree. No he wasn't impressed by her skill, he was impressed with her sweater puppies.

*pow*

"Owwwwww, mom what was that... never mind."

After realizing that she'd just sent Rea to learn climbing while wearing her own loosely fitting clothes Melody had hurried over to scold her undoubtedly happy son. Melody took over after sending a sulking Corn to milk cows, wash up, then remove the stew from its place on the cast iron burner and ladle out some dinner. Once again it just felt wrong to scold her son for doing something that she herself was now, really, really, really enjoying.

Ability [Swift Climbing] learned.

Ability [Improved Grip] learned.

Just as Rea was ready to descend she nearly fell off the tree when [Charm] ranked up. When Rea turned to glare at Corn she could only laugh. Deciding to add a little excitement to Melody's day, Rea let go of the tree and fell backwards with arms wide open. Hearing Melody yell in panic was... not as pleasing as she had thought it'd be. After hitting the net and flying a few feet back into the air, just missing the tree, Rea let out a startled laugh. The next hour was spent taking a lecture from the worried farmer, the net was insurance... not a toy. Feeling that the lecture would never end she just waltzed up and smooched the farmer. Shocked that Rea would do that out in the open Melody went near catatonic. Triumphantly waltzing by and smacking Melody on the derriere she sauntered off to dinner. Melody muttered a few silent curses before falling in line.

Corn sighed audibly as Rea made her way in, things that should be taking her days to do were taking hours. The stew, as usual, was great. After saying their goodbyes Rea decided it was time to return home.

When she arrived at the Ainsworth mansion Meril burst through her door, ran down the stairs, and leapt into Rea's arms. She apologized over and over again for hitting Rea the day before, she also said that Rea didn't have to stay out that night. Rea didn't bother explaining that the reason she stayed out all night was an eccentric tailor, Meril would find that bit out later. The two shared a slice of apple pie after Rea showed off a few pieces of the clothing she had gotten from Lisa already, and explained why she was wearing farmer's clothing at the moment.

Later that night, while they were getting ready to go to sleep, Meril mentioned that her publisher said the books would be on sale in three days time. Rea made a mental note while nonchalantly mentioning that she had some new material for Meril. Once again, after battling with her morals, Meril gracefully accepted. As Rea began to recount the details of her encounter with the tailor Meril stopped her. Meril would never look at Lisa the same way again... Biting the bullet for the sake of her career Meril asked Rea to continue. Rea didn't leave anything out as usual, Meril had to admit that she almost couldn't believe some of the things Rea would tell her. Rea kindly offered to demonstrate certain excerpts of her tales with Meril while motioning to the bed, but unfortunately was, as usual, turned down. As Rea made herself comfortable for the night Meril opened up a jar of ink and got to work. As it turns out the book had already been so wildly popular at the publishing company that they'd asked her to write a bonus story. Rea warned Meril to never use Lisa's name this time, the woman is married after all. Meril silently gazed at the ceiling for a moment as she realized that Rea is... a damn hurricane.

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