Day ~72~

Sereda and Rea vacantly talked about different possible combat applications of earth and water magic as they split some jerky and smoked cheese. Rea hadn't felt so comfortable with someone in forever, as they lay there on the bed passing a silver platter back and forth she pondered what this meant. As Noel she'd just gone from one person to the next for comfort, never staying for more than one or two nights. Sereda had been attached to her and very clearly confessed feelings for her, so somewhere along the line it must have changed something. The nature of her relationship with this woman was quickly becoming different from any she'd had before. Rea only realized the difference when she curled up and burrowed next to Sereda's bronze, cayenne scented flesh to sleep. It was more comforting than she'd ever felt before, Rea hadn't realized she could feel so at peace until Sereda wrapped her up in the usual manner before drifting off to sleep.

Deciding not to give Sereda any false hope she simply chose to enjoy the newfound comfort without discussing it. As they continued to talk about magic Sereda was... thoroughly shocked. Rea had to explain twice that if they ever ended up separated she shouldn't depend on the ability to conjure and throw steel spears. Still not completely believing Rea she tried to form a few, by the third four foot steel shaft Sereda nearly passed out as she fell back into Rea's arms. It was vexing to her, to realize how much she was depending on the bond for that particular strategy. At this point Rea couldn't stand seeing the pained expression and mentioned that smaller projectiles, arrows, would take much less mana for her to conjure. That comment directed the beginning of their day.

Once they'd gotten dressed and left the building Sereda examined the map while Rea read out loud the names of archery instructors. When they had managed to track down the hunters it became apparent that Rea was not welcome, that pissed Sereda off so much that the ophidian had to stop her from attacking the teachers. Because Denarius had already spread the rumor that Rea had a rare ability and sprouted some unusual things on her body, scales and fangs, people had already been wary of her. Add to that the fact that she had killed Rastel... well it looked like Rea might not be welcome at very many places in the academia. It was then that Rea thought of Lark, after telling Sereda about her grandfather, who happened to be an Elite Hunter X, they were on their merry way. Following a quick stop to explain the situation to a now fuming Denarius they were gone. Denarius picked up his staff and waltzed towards the hunter training fields...

Before the pair had made it to Vestlei's gate Dunwalt appeared, he went on to explain that his education as a lancer had been completed yesterday and he wouldn't be around much longer. Rea bickered and felt a little annoyed by Sereda's jovial attitude... It was at that point that she realized she had promised to introduce Dunwalt to Lark. With that all three were on their merry way to the Ainsworth mansion... they had not been expecting Rea to be so... difficult.

Three hours, seven jugs of java juice XXX, two dozen sweet potato tempura bites, a dozen cookies, four merchants with new personal rain clouds, one hero with wet pants, and two severely annoyed traveling companions later...

They had arrived at the Ainsworth mansion's bear gate. The familiar scent of Lark's cooking drifting out an open window caused Rea to barrel in. Marching into the parlor room like that shocked Meril and Lark. First there was the, "What happened to your hair!?", then there was the, "Who's she?"... After a few hugs and greetings were exchanged Lark spoke up, "Hadn't expected you to be home so soon."

Rea chuckled ruefully, "I hadn't expected to be home, to be honest there was a little trouble." Lark gave an inquisitive gaze as Rea glanced at Sereda. "It's nothing I can't handle but I was wondering if you could get us a few bows. Maybe show Sereda how to shoot while I knock off the rust."

Meril frowned, "They do have instructors for that, and spare equipment right?"

Rea laughed it off as Sereda spoke up angrily, "You haven't heard yet?"

This time Lark looked towards Sereda, "Heard what?"

"One of our teachers was a mass murderer and tried to kill us when Rea figured out her identity, she was well liked as a teacher and now we're being treated like the plague because Rea killed her." Sereda let out a huff as Lark sighed inwardly.

"I'm sure it won't stay like that, Denarius will handle the situation... for the time being we have plenty of spare bows and a shooting range out back."

"Before that," Rea interrupted, "I promised Dunwalt I'd introduce you to him, he's waiting outside... Something yada yada it's not proper to enter without yada yada or other is what he said."

"Dunwalt?"

"An elven friend whose been helping me out, he's here to make a reputation for himself and form alliances that will aid his people. From what I understand the situation is rapidly becoming worse in Kelaseran."

Lark nodded in understanding as he pointed Rea in the direction of the archery range while leaving to greet the elf. Meril scurried off towards her room. Once they passed through an identical room to the parlor the pair found themselves in a twenty five meter long archery range... Rea took a moment to wonder how Lark managed to get the people around here to let him have so much space to build it. The wooden floors and walls, sanded and oiled to perfection were well kept, all along the back wall were common practice bows of varying length. Rea noticed a few chests nearby, likely filled with arrows. She quickly retrieved a single arrow while motioning for Sereda to follow. Rea had used bows before for a few of her more covert vigilante missions so she was familiar with the basics, she wasn't the best but she knew about how long a bow or longbow should be for a person to use it comfortably. It was a little odd, holding a wooden bow, she'd only ever used composite mechanical bows before.

When Rea formed a line with Sereda and demonstrated a proper stance she quickly realized this was a bit different. As Rea went to draw her bow she noticed that they had skipped a step, Sereda had remembered earlier than Rea and let of a slight smirk as she formed a small cylinder of steel. Rea just gave her a ~yeah yeah~ nod and sat down in Sereda's lap. The pair took their time slowly inspecting the arrow before Rea tossed it aside. For the next few moments they both crafted arrows, Rea was more comfortable using her water magic to craft them. When Meril walked in on the pair she commented how odd it was to see a couple of mages making steel and ice arrows. Rea's eyes immediately dropped to the red objects Meril was carrying over. She recognized them immediately, but something was different...

Rea has obtained [Protection-Armor] Mountain Lord's Bustier.

Rea has obtained [Protection-Gloves] Mountain Lord's Long Gloves.

Rea has obtained [Protection-Leggings] Mountain Lord's Shorts.

Rea has obtained [Protection-Feet] Mountain Lord's Over Knee Boots.

Rea has obtained Scarlet Choker.

Rea has obtained Scarlet Undershirt.

Rea has obtained Scarlet Traveler's Cloak.

Rea took a moment to marvel, she quickly recognized the familiar craftsmanship. Nathan's armor had been altered to fit herself. More than altered, the design had completely changed to fit her own taste.

Meril smiled fondly at Rea, "I asked Lisa to do the alterations... she knows your proportions after all. I think brother would have wanted you to have it."

Mountain Lord's BustierClassificationHeirloom ArmorRankRareEffects-

-[Minor Endurance]

-[Minor Charm]

-[Durable]Description-

A leather bustier crafted using the fur of a rare hind bear. Its black lacing goes from bottom to top and complements the fur's natural vibrant scarlet color. This low cut bustier was crafted with an emphasis on comfort, and protection... for some reason it leaves little to imagination. The bottom of this bustier is completely lined with long, intricate, well crafted faulds that hang just above knee length. The craftsman put great effort into using high quality threads, and fine needlework to complete this highly customized piece of equipment.

Mountain Lord's Long GlovesClassificationHeirloom ArmorRankRareEffects-

-[Minor Strength]

-[Minor Dexterity]

-[Durable]Description-

A pair of leather gloves crafted using the fur of a rare hind bear. These near elbow length gloves were crafted with comfort in mind and have been left fingerless to put an emphasis on utility. The craftsman put great effort into using high quality threads, and fine needlework to complete this highly customized piece of equipment.

Mountain Lord's ShortsClassificationHeirloom ArmorRankRareEffects-

-[Minor Endurance]

-[Minor Charm]

-[Durable]Description-

A pair of leather shorts crafted using the fur of a rare hind bear. This comfortable pair of shorts was sent back by the consumer to be lengthened slightly, for some reason the craftsmen had made them very short. The craftsman put great effort into using high quality threads, and fine needlework to complete this highly customized piece of equipment.

Mountain Lord's Over Knee BootsClassificationHeirloom ArmorRankRareEffects-

-[Jump Boost]

-[Kick Boost]

-[Durable]Description-

A pair of over knee boots crafted using the fur of a rare hind bear. This piece was sent back by the consumer for alterations, for some reason the craftsman had initially added uncomfortable heels to the design. These heels that would have caused its wearer's buttocks to be very appealing due to the posture of their feet were removed. Without the heels this pair of boots are easily a highly durable and very useful set of equipment. The craftsman put great effort into using high quality threads, and fine needlework to complete this highly customized piece of equipment.

Rea was too excited, too moved to even comment on Lisa's efforts to make her assets more appealing. Without saying anything else Rea started tearing off her clothes as Dunwalt and Lark came walking in. Sereda pulled up an earthen wall while glaring at them... the pair quickly turned and left. The undershirt reminded her of see through fishnet stocking's made from knitted wool, Rea easily slid the form fitting garment on and adjusted it slightly. Aside from the three inch segment of scarlet cloth that covered her spine it was black see through hosiery. Meril was already looking away and missed it when Rea turned to Sereda and very obviously squeezed her bust. Sereda somehow managed to hold back and Rea quickly put her new choker on. After that she started by sliding on the shorts, boots, and gloves... Rea was quickly driving Sereda insane by doing a few twirls and poses without the bustier on. After she did wrap the bustier around herself Rea had noticed that it was made to leave a decent amount of her supple cleavage exposed. Rea wasn't busty but this bustier certainly made her seem slightly more endowed. She could see the reason why Lisa had opted to make her undershirt a black see through material, it went perfectly with the scarlet fur and made the bustier much more modest than it would be without the undershirt.

"Sereda do you know how to tie bustier lacing?" Sereda shook her head back and forth while glaring at Rea, "Meril could you teach my roommate to tie this?" Rea knew she'd be overwriting her previous spearman garb with this armor equipped so that she could put it on quickly, but she was sure she'd enjoy slowly taking it off or having Sereda help her put it on later.

"I don't mind... there isn't a seat in here, let's go to the..." *rumble rumble* a small flat topped earthen pillar raised out of the ground behind Rea, "...that works, you can get rid of that later right?"

Sereda nodded in affirmation as she stood behind Meril and watched her tie the lacing. It took nearly fifteen minutes for Sereda to become able to tie it properly, Rea enjoyed teasing her until Sereda said that they wouldn't be sharing a bunk tonight. After it was all on properly Rea did a few twirls before crouching to the ground and making a rather sad smile while clutching her knees. That forlorn smile baffled Sereda to no end until Meril mentioned that it was the armor of a deceased relative. Standing back up and smiling brightly Rea gave Meril a bear hug. "I'm sooooo happy right now!"

As Meril laughed and caught her breath Rea proceeded to set the garb and lob her ashwood spear at a target, she then used her garb reloading to instantly return the spear to hand and throw it again. As Rea set her casual garb and banished the spear back into her garb apparatus, Sereda glared at her, "How did you do that?"

Rea absently rubbed her noggin, "Sorry, it's a legendary relic that I can use to assign equipment sets to myself... it's kind of seared into my flesh, you know the little shiny thing in my arm?"

"Oh that little plate, I wondered what that was." Sereda had been a bit annoyed that she was going through so much effort to learn to conjure spears and Rea could just magically throw the same one over and over.

"Alright let's get back to it."

Sereda immediately sat back down, Meril excused herself when Rea plopped down in the bronze woman's lap. Lark and Dunwalt both entered at that point. Rea apologized to Lark and asked him to give them a few minutes before getting started. At that point Rea focused on helping Sereda get her steel arrows down while the two continued to discuss the current condition of Vestlei's forces. Rea was busy checking density, balance, length, and smoothness. When Rea was satisfied with Sereda's miniature shaft she got up and told Lark that it was time to start. Leaving the teaching to him Rea approached Dunwalt, "So you won't be around much longer?"

The elf cracked a smile, "No, I'll be traveling to Solanis in the central plains, then south to Tal'ma'tarn, then home to Kelaseran. After that I'll discuss my findings with the tribe and we'll send out envoys."

"You've a long journey ahead of you Duny, I'd say good luck but I doubt you need it."

The elf actually laughed, "I would take it none the less."

Rea pulled her spear out, "I'll be stealing as much of your time as I can until then, alright?"

Dunwalt nodded while removing his weapon from its place upon his back, Sereda grunted at her when Rea formed the hive and began practicing with Dunwalt.

Ability [Sweep] altered, [Carve] learned. (Rea was enjoying the sudden boost to her abilities when they altered into a stronger form.)

Ability [Velocity Lv. 1] learned.

Ability [Job-Archer] learned. (Rea turned and grinned at Sereda when she learned velocity and unlocked archer without even touching a bow.)

[Job-Archer] Level 8!

Ability [Bull's Eye] learned.

[Job-Archer] Level 17!

Ability [Double Nock] learned.

[Job-Archer] Level 24! (Rea was a little confused by the instant level jump till she realized this was like what happened with wrestler, just more extreme. Likely because of piercing power and bow proficency for the most part.)

Ability [Hawk Eye] learned.

Ability [Improved Piercing Power Rank Up].

Rea got a little overexcited and fired off her abilities back to back for entirely too long, with her stamina drained to nil Dunwalt smacked her around like a rag doll. A few hours later Rea checked her status to find that she'd hit level 19 adept spearman. After a few seconds of pondering she realized that abilities must be a little more rare as jobs progressed. With the sun setting Rea and company said there goodbyes to the Ainsworths and began to journey back towards the academia.

Twenty minutes, one grilled veggie stall, one baker's stall, two jugs of java juice XXX later...

Dunwalt had asked Sereda to haul Rea back over her shoulder, Sereda grinned and tossed the complaining ophidian over her shoulder.

Ten minutes, one sullen ophidian, and three soaked companions later...

Dunwalt cursed under his breath while saying his goodbyes, returning to the dorm looking like a drowned rat wasn't his idea of a pleasant day's end. Sereda pinched Rea on the behind before dropping her and marching towards their room. Rea just laughed while shaking some of the water out of her hair and chasing the bronze woman. Sereda would've stayed mad a while longer if Rea hadn't torn off her clothes and dragged her into a nice warm bath. Rea took her time apologizing.

Later that night Sereda took the bottom bunk as promised... Rea really hadn't expected her to make good on the we're not sharing a bunk tonight thing. Rea had been wearing one of her ceremonial garbs after they got out of the bath and gazed at Sereda as she removed her sash. She could see the inner conflict bloom across Sereda's visage as her garb slowly fell to the ground. Rea then ascended to the top bunk, when she heard Sereda sigh with relief Rea slid a hand down her own pelvis and enacted part two of the plan. Sereda laid there staring passionately at the top bunk as Rea started to moan, as the bed creaked ever so slightly. With every quiet gasp, every hushed cry of ecstasy, her will crumbled. Rea grinned impishly as Sereda climbed into the top bunk. Gazing into the bronze woman's unique multicolor eyes she taunted, "I thought we were using separate bunks tonight."

Sereda's purplish blush made it impossible to hide her embarrassment, "you play dirty."

"You'll have to get used to me teasing you once in a while, I didn't mean anything by the lacing," Sereda let out a lusty sigh as she slid both hands along Rea's inner thighs, "I'm not about to spend a night alone with you so close by, no matter what."

Sereda began to use her powerful hands to finish what Rea had started, "What does that mean?"

Rea gripped the sheets with all her might while grinding against Sereda's attention with slow, powerful, fluid motions. "It means, *ahh* that *ah* even if you didn't give in *ahhn* I would've come down *nnnn* and gotten more forceful."

Sereda stopped just before Rea could taste heaven, "You can't always have your way."

As her chest heaved with anticipation Rea added, "If I ever do something really bad, I'll let you punish me for it. But teasing each other is very allowed in my book... just not this kind of teasing. Please don't stop there." Rea realized just how effective this tactic she'd used on other women before was.

Sereda let a sly smile grace her features as she began again, "You're right, I was being unreasonable."

Sereda used her free hand to run along the small of Rea's back and pick her up, Rea yelped in surprise before catching herself on Sereda's shoulders. The bronze woman licked her lush lips as she dug into Rea full purchase with another appendage. Shocked with the sudden increase in width Rea curled her toes and body, burying Sereda's face in her chest as she let out a resounding cry of pure bliss. Sereda didn't stop as she convulsed, the woman continued to dig deeper, Rea cursed a low ceiling against her back for not letting her retreat any further. Before Rea got the chance to turn the tables Sereda asked her to put on the fishnet undershirt and scarlet overknee boots...

Day ~73~

Rea woke up early and immediately shook Sereda senseless. In less than three minutes Rea was fully prepared for the day and began to rush off ahead of Sereda, she was determined to make every second left with Dunwalt count towards training. Sereda was taking her time slipping on a vest while Rea opened the door and dashed out. As soon as Rea's foot hit the floor outside their door a glyph lit up, light flashed around her, and she vanished without a trace. Sereda screamed in utter horror and dashed to the corridor, on the floor beneath her was a burned out magic circle. She didn't know what had happened so she made a mad dash for Denarius. Minutes later the both of them were back in the hall, a small crowd had gathered.

After inspecting the burned out glyph for a few seconds he looked up at Sereda and claimed, "This is a teleportation circle, she isn't dead..."

Sereda was still panicking, "Where is she!?"

Denarius looked back down at the glyph, "It's impossible to tell, this was made to fire off once then fizzle so that tracing it isn't an option." Denarius looked up at the obviously worried woman before calling out to the surrounding students, "This was obviously done on purpose, did anybody hear anything, see anything?"

As the young women scattered after denying that they knew anything, Sereda spoke up again, "We can't trace the location so we ask the culprit?"

Denarius gave her a single nod before heading towards the tower, Sereda followed after him. Both were fearing the worst... as soon as they were outside Denarius shot a pulsing beam of light in the sky to summon all instructors to the auditorium.

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