Author notes:

Anyway here it is, quite a short chapter, the reason it's so late is partially related to the poll. You see since I finished college I've gotten in to drawing for fun again. And I recently downloaded GIMP a free art software, so I thought with my Bamboo pad I'd have a go at drawing Ellena. It took a lot longer than I expected about half the week in fact, for an outcome I'm not exactly proud of, but it's better than nothing.

Anyway that portrait will be at the start of the chapter, the poll is for which character you want me to attempt next, if you want one not listed then mention their name in the comments. I'm hoping to improve with every drawing, so once I have I will attempt Ellena again. On top of not being particularly well done there are also parts of her appearance I'm not 100% on. Such as should she have pupils? What skin colour should she have? Should her eyelashes be red or black? Should the pattern on her hair be blotches or striples. etc, etc.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter. Also if you know a lot about sailing, please forgive me, I know next to nothing. XD

Edit: I Don't know how I forgot, but I've also joined a new group the LitRPG Society that Blaise Corvin made. It's pretty cool stuff. So if you're looking for good fictions with RPG elements then click the link in the description for this fiction. Thanks :D

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~Day 86~

I felt a little ill as soon as I stepped out of the sleeping quarters. There wasn't any rain, it was just quite windy. By quite I mean windy enough to make the water shake the ship, but not enough to launch the seawater on to the deck.

Holding on to the rail I made my way to Avalas who stood at the helm grinning. He waved his hands beckoning me to come. Hawkwood was nowhere to be seen, most likely doing some official work. Which makes me wonder when does this old Lord get on with his work?

"What are you grinning about, Lord Avalas?" I asked hesitant, knowing him it could be something less than savoury.

"Fufufu~ We've got the wind on our side today Ellena. With the speed we're going we'll reach Libertas all the sooner." His grin widened.

I crossed my arms "How much sooner?"

Avalas shrugged. "If it's like this all day? A day. If it picks up maybe two? It's hard to tell."

I nodded, then left to find Verros. After looking around for a while I found him with Alvir eating breakfast in the kitchen. I joined them, after we finished I asked Verros to join me in some training. I would really like to train my Earth magic, however being on a ship in the middle of the sea makes that a bit difficult.

I also forbade Alvir from swimming in the water, at the speed we're going he might not be able to keep up and I don't want to lose him.

I activated Mushroom Shield and let Verros attack it. A lot of the soldiers on board that had nothing to do joined in to. There is a surprising lack of things to do on the ship. I think starting tomorrow I might ask if I can observe the sailors, learn how to work a ship.

By the end of the day most of us were exhausted, we tried many other ways to train too. A few soldiers seemed happy as some of their skills had gone up. Verros told me his Polearm skill had increased. I also managed to level Mushroom Shield a few times, so I'm more than happy. I think next time we do this I should also get Alvir involved, he was whining all day.

Not much else happened for the rest of the day. We took a rest and watched the sunset. Then it was on to dinner, until finally I went to bed.

Before I got in Avalas found me and told me that we would in fact be arriving about a day earlier. To be honest I forgot about the rocking of the ship, perhaps since it was rather gentle in comparison to a few days ago I got used to it?

I still don't think I could deal will a full on storm though.

~Day 87~

Today, it rained. Not heavy rain, but it was annoying enough that those that didn't have to work stayed inside. It wasn't exactly what I'd call quiet, but I still brought Samoras note to the kitchen to look through. Alvir happily slept at my feet and Verros chatted with some of the soldiers.

From the snippets I caught of their conversation they were swapping techniques and tales. At first many of the soldiers appeared quite wary of Verros, as most people have never seen one of the Mountain Clansmen. Well, they didn't stay wary for long.

...

I studied the notes for the rest of the day, they're starting to run out. She only had so much time so she couldn't get everything down. What's here is enough for me to hold a conversation with the Goblins... I think, I mean I could just about understand the Goblins when I talked to them before, with all this I should be able to hold a proper conversation with them. I doubt it's enough to make me fluent though.

Since I was already in the kitchen I joined Verros and his new friends for dinner, a few blushed a little or acted awkward, but I'm starting to get used to that now. I can't decide whether that's a good thing or not.

The rain had let up by the time I went to bed, Verros who had quickly adapted to being on the ship stayed up a bit later to do some midnight fishing with a few of the sailors. I hope it's dry tomorrow, or as dry as it can be for the sea, I guess?

I still want to learn how to actually... Work a ship.

~day 88~

Excellent, just as I had hoped the weather today was good, or at least it wasn't raining. The cold wind was unfortunate, but it's not anything new. It meant that Alvir could get back to swimming and Verros could get back to fishing.

With Avalas' permission I decided to observe the sailors and their work. I watched the sailors climb around the ropes, handle the wheel and tighten knots. Honestly I don't know the first thing about ships, I have no idea what anyone is actually doing. Well, I can at least understand that turning the wheel turns the ship, I'm not an idiot. Also I suppose if I look around at what the ropes are tied to and how the sails work I can guess the basics.

After watching them for a few hours I thought I would give it a go too, they showed me how to raise and lower the sails. With close supervision I also got to control the wheel for a very short while.

For the rest of the day they continued to show me various jobs done around the ship, I think it might actually be less complicated than I originally thought.

Before I realised night had begun to roll around, I was still outside learning what I could. However as the moon rose the wind had already mostly died down. Almost every sailor retired for the night, just a few stayed to make sure everything was fine.

I was also about to retire, but then I spotted the night sky...

I don't know if it was because we were on the sea, or because it just happened to be a nice night, but it was breathtaking.

Hundreds of stars clustered together to form spirals filling the sky. Long streaks of bright beautiful colours reached every corner of my vision. The waters surface sparkled and came to life reflecting the sky above.

I had never seen the sky so beautiful, so clear... So calming.

"Roo..." My attention was pulled from me by Alvir who sat next to me peaking through the railing at the water below. I think that was his version of a serene sigh.

"Oh? Ya' still up? Usually you'd be in bed by now." I looked to my other side, Avalas walked toward me, his hands folded behind his back, a soft smile on his face.

"I just... Saw that." I motioned towards the sky.

Avalas blinked and looked to the sky, his face relaxing even more than it already had. "Ahhh. Indeed, it's a beautiful sight. I'm surprised it's taken you this long to see it."

I rested my arms on the railings as a gentle wind fluttered my ponytail. "I've just always retired to my hammock before it gets this late. The sky isn't that much different from the mainland, but somehow it seems clearer? More beautiful... Why is that?" I turned my head to Avalas.

He just shrugged. "Who knows. There's something magical about the sea, something that draws us to it. Why do you think so many people take to living their life on it?"

I smiled. "Maybe I'll do some proper sailing. After Lavias is gone, I'm going to need something to occupy my time. Hopefully without less throwing up next time."

The old lord chuckled. "You're welcome to join me on any future excursions. Young Verros is welcome too of course."

I let out a sigh. "If he's still with me then."

Avalas' brow scrunched up. "You think he'll leave you?"

"Not quite." I turned my head again to look him in the eye.

The Lords eyes drooped. "Ah, I see." He shook his head. "It's true, from what we know of the last battle most that fight Lavais wont survive."

I scoffed. "That's not exactly making me hopeful."

I felt his arm pat my back. "Lying will only make it worse when the time comes. Besides, you still have plenty of time to get stronger."

What do you know, the Lord can be mature. "You think I can get strong enough to beat him?"

"No." Avalas answered bluntly. As he saw my face sink he chuckled. "But strong enough to survive? Most definitely."

I smirked. "I guess that's good enough for me."

After another few minutes of watching the night sky, I went to bed followed closely by Alvir.

~Day 89~

Just as Avalas predicted we arrived at the port of Libertas today. The Free City came in to view early afternoon. Even before then we began seeing fishing boats and merchant ships sailing by us.

The city itself didn't look like anything special from first glance. It had no wall and the docks were ordinary. However once we actually reached the docks and began disembarking you could see a difference. There was a clear separation of the different districts of the city. The Merchants district were vibrant and green, full of open shops and well dressed women. The houses were large and towering. On the other side sat the Mercenary district filled with guilds and equipment vendors. There also appeared to be a brothel or two. Finally there was the one street that belonged to the Church, it wasn't extravagant, but it was well maintained, the flowers that lined the walls were well kept. It was humble.

Each of these sections spread out from the dock in a semicircle, the three streets belonging to the merchants to our left, the three belonging to the Mercenaries to the right and the church street directly ahead of us. Far at the other end it was just possible to spot a towering church, the largest I've ever seen.

Avalas gathered our large party and clapped his hands. "Now then. I have business to attend to, but that can wait until tomorrow. For tonight I want to enjoy myself. You've all just spent nine days on the sea, so I'm sure you want to relax for a bit to. Meet back here the day after tomorrow, dawn sharp." He looked around with a serious. look. "Understood?" Everyone nodded. A wide grin appeared on the Old mans face. "Good. Dismissed!"

The sailors and soldiers cheered and spread out in to the city. Some went to the merchants to spend their wages, some to the church, to pray and some to certain parts of the Mercenary district. Avalas was not far behind the last group licking his lips as he jogged towards the scantily dressed women.

I heard a deep sigh next to me, Captain Hawkwood held his hand to his face rubbing the bridge of his nose. It was rare to see him exhibit any emotion.

I lent down to look up at him. "You're not going too?" I asked a smirk on my face.

He turned his head to look at me. "Please, don't even joke about that."

I shrugged my shoulders. "Why not, you said yourself that you're single."

Hawkwood began walking to the mercenary district.

I blinked a few times. "WAIT! Are you actually going!?" I ran to catch up with him, Verros and Alvir both followed me.

The captain shook his head. "No, I'm just going to find a tavern to drink."

My ears pricked up when I heard that. "Oh. I think I'll join you!"

He scratched his stubble. "Well, you're welcome to, but are you old enough?"

I laughed. "The answer to that is complicated. Short answer is yes." I turned to Verros. "Verros, you want to join us?"

Verros stopped and looked between both of us. He then sighed. "Actually I was wondering if I could go look at fishing supplies. I want to use my own next time."

I nodded. "Uh. Yeah sure, you don't need my permission to do that."

He nodded his head changing his direction to the merchants district. I turned back around and swapped glances with Hawkwood who crossed his arms.

"I think he's misunderstanding something." Hawkwood commented.

I laughed nervously. "Well it might not always be a misunderstanding."

The captain gave me a quick glance then carried on walking. Ah, he ignored me.

"Still. I'm surprised he didn't try and get in between us. I thought he was interested in you." Hawkwood said without turning.

I furrowed my brow. "Verros? No, I doubt it. Not with the way he felt about this girl he told me about."

The large soldier turned down another street. "Really? Maybe I'm just getting old."

We carried on walking in silence for a few minutes. I was quite happy to walk in this busy street openly as I didn't stand out massively. Being the free city there were no rules against those allowed inside, it reminded me of Rose Valley. Only in that sense of course, otherwise it was very different.

Eventually we arrived at a tavern called 'The Three Giants', the sign hanging above it sporting a picture of... Well three giants.

Hawkwood headed straight for a small table at the other end of the tavern, it was raised on a platform slightly which it shared with a few other tables. Each table sat in it's only individual cubicle with a wall separating each one.

I sat on the table next to him. "Have you been here before? It seems like you knew exactly where you were going?"

Hawkwood removed the cloak and massive sword from his armour. Resting the mass of metal against the wall besides us. "I guess I didn't tell you. I was born in Libertas."

I removed my overcoat, it was very warm in the tavern. "Oh. That's... Hard to imagine."

The hulking mans eyebrow twitched slightly. "Why? Because I'm not into brothels?"

Is he angry? I can't tell. "No no no! It's just, it doesn't suit your image. The Captain of the Guard? I thought you must have been born in to a minor noble family or something."

Hawkwood sat back in his chair. "I suppose to an outsider a commoner being the Captain of the City Guard is an odd thing. But you met Roland right? he's a commoner, but he's the Captain of the capital. That's just the way it is in our country." He signalled for a waitress to come over.

We both ordered a beer. The waitress gave me a weird look, but didn't say anything. After we got our drinks we kept talking. I asked him about his life here, he told me it wasn't anything interesting. Even when he was young he stood a foot higher than most other kids and possessed unusual strength. Since he lived in Libertas it only made sense for him to become a mercenary.

So that's what he did, he joined the Mercenary Guard, the group that acts as the guards of this city. Even back then he was a guard. He joined at the young age of fourteen and stuck with it until he was nineteen. He only left when Lord Avalas came to the city to hire mercenaries. Despite the Mercenary Guards given duties, they were still mercenaries, so when confronted with the wages Avalas was paying not many could refuse. Avalas, however only wanted the strongest, so he chose Hawkwood and seven others.

The job was to eliminate a very powerful monster they called 'The Iron Serpent' it was an oddly large Silver Snake with skin as strong as iron that had been attacking fishing villages. They were losing the battle, Hawkwood was going to retreat with Avalas when he saw the at the time young Lord protect a child with his own body from the Serpents attack. While the beast became distracted by Avalas Hawkwood managed to cut the back of it's head open with his at the time slightly smaller sword.

After that Avalas offered him a job as his personal Guard, to which Hawkwood accepted, impressed by the selfless nature of the Lord. It was only a few years ago that Avalas made Hawkwood the Captain of the Guard after the previous Captains death.

By the time we reached the end of the conversation, I felt myself getting tipsy. Through the blurred vision I could see Hawkwood still completely sober and straight faced, even though he had drank way more than me!

CAN HE NOT LOSE HIS COMPOSURE FOR ONE SECOND?!

...

I feel as though I'm being carried.

Huh?

Is that Hawkwood.

Is he carrying me?

I can't seem to keep my eyes open...

Damn. this is a perfect oppor... tunity....

~Day 90~

Well... This is awkward.

Today I woke up, in a strange bed. On the ground sleeping next to me lay a half naked Captain of the Guard. His chest and stomach were entirely visible. His large well toned pecks covered in scars. The muscles on his stomach rippling as he breathed.

...Is this okay? Should I just be sitting here ogling him?

I mean, I'm pretty sure we didn't do anything, I don't think Hawkwood is the type to take advantage of a drunk girl. Even drunk I imagine I would put up a pretty good fight anyway.

Although would I put up a fight if it were him.

I shook my head. No, no no! Take your mind out of the gutter.

"Oh you're awake." I turned to the right. Sitting in another nearby bed was Verros, he was polishing the head of his spear.

...That's really embarrassing. I was too busy staring at Hawkwood to notice the other bed right next to mine... Oh God's...

"What exactly happened last night? The last thing I remember was Hawkwood carrying me up the stairs." I asked Verros.

Verros jumped off his bed." Well from what he told me he rented this room out, put you in bed then came to get me as 'it's improper for one man and one woman to share a room'. Personally I think he just wanted proof that you two didn't do anything you would regret."

"I don't think I would regret it." I muttered under my breath.

Verros narrowed his eyes at me. "Anyway. He chose to sleep on the floor and gave me the other bed."

I blushed slightly. "Wow, a proper gentleman." I turned to Verros who shrugged in a way that somehow showed approval. "So do you have any plans today?" I asked him.

Verros showed me a smile then lent down the other side of his bed pulling out a fancy looking fishing rod. "You could say that." He answered with a wink.

I scratched my chin. "I wouldn't mind joining you, but I think I should go with Hawkwood and Lord Avalas when they go merc hiring."

"Actually you don't need to do that." Hawkwood said in a tired voice. He began rising out of the bundle of cloth he used for a bed. "Lord Avalas and I don't require your presence. You can spend the day relaxing if you want."

I nodded my head slowly. "Okay, I guess I can join you." I looked around. "By the way where is Alvir, he was with me in the Tavern earlier."

Verros pointed to the door. "He's downstairs being fed by the owner. Seems the mans quite fond of Dogs."

I furrowed my brows. Alvir's not a dog though....

...

On the way out of the tavern I pried Alvir away from the owner. Outside Avalas was waiting for Hawkwood. He told us he slept in one of the Merchant District Inns. Mainly so he could get some info from any Demon merchants that might be there...

He didn't get anything, anything that would help us much anyway. Just rumours about who in the Demons government could be working with New Monarch and other such rubbish.

After arranging to meet back here at the end of the day Verros, Alvir and I headed for the dock. We walked to the edge of the water near where a few others were fishing and set up. I brought a sort of mini leatherworking kit with me whilst Verros had his new fishing rod. Alvir on the other hand just want to swim, if he did it where we were he would scare the fish away though, so I pointed him towards a part of the water which nobody was using.

He wagged his tail and barked happily jumping in to the relatively cold water. I am very happy that he has the intelligence to understand why I tell him to do certain things, it makes things a lot simpler.

Anyway, whilst Verros practised his fishing I got on with strengthening my pauldrons.

...

After a few hours I managed to add another thinner layer to the pauldrons, it wasn't anything fancy, I just lifted up the side of one to protect my neck a bit more and added a bit that hung over my arm slightly. I don't want anything to cumbersome, the reason I wear light armour isn't just because I can't smith, it's also because I rely on speed. I also have a lot of defence and health, so to be honest heavy armour isn't really needed.

By this point Verros had caught a bucket load of fish. Literally, he brought three buckets with him. I didn't think he would even go through one. Maybe fishing was big back in his clan.

Since Verros was quite happy to sit there all day, I asked him to keep an eye on Alvir whilst I went shopping. I may be a lot more in to beating things ups in this life, but I still can't resist a bit of shopping.

Saying that though I was never as in to as shopping as some of my friends from the village. They often invited me to go to the largest town on our island to do some proper shopping. I wouldn't go all that way just to shop, but if I had to go there anyway I would shop whilst there.

When I reached the Merchants District I did feel a little out of place, quite a few sailors and mercenaries would come here, but those in fancy clean clothes largely outnumbered them. So my dirt leather armour and coat stood out a little.

I mostly spent the rest of the day window shopping, but I did buy a few pieces of equipment for my leatherworking kit. It'll be nice to have some proper tools for once.

I couldn't find any clothes shops that did clothes in my size, which isn't exactly surprising. It would be nice to have some proper clothes though. I suppose I could try making some?

I looked up at the sky, judging by the sunset it was about time to meet back up with the others.

I arrived to find Verros already waiting, a second bucket filled. He looked happy with himself. Behind him was a sneezing Alvir. I mean, it's kind of mean to say so, but it is his fault.

After a few minutes Avalas and Hawkwood also arrived.

Avalas motioned for us to go inside. We sat where Hawkwood and I sat previously. I did wonder if this place was appropriate for a noble to be in a place like this, but thinking about this noble sitting right in front of me it doesn't surprise me.

The old Lord told us about his meeting with the currently elected representative of the mercenaries. A man by the name of Trolt Bloodlord. The last name being a title rather than his real last name, as an orphan he wasn't born with a last name. If you can't tell from that title he's rather effective at killing. Anyway his prowess in slaughter is a different situation, although he has promised to assist with fighting Lavias personally so it's not entirely separate.

Back on track he's promised to lend any mercenary guild available to the fight. If they agree to it. Although with the amount of money the Queens offering he doubts any of the guild leaders will decline.

From what Avalas told us Trolt is very mercenary, he wanted triple pay after hearing how dangerous Lavias is exactly. I mean he's not cowardly at least, willing to fight Lavias and all.

Since Hawkwood had already rented the room we slept in for two nights we decided to use it again. However since Hawkwood didn't have a bed Avalas insisted on paying to give him his own room. Avalas himself went back to the inn he used since he had also booked two nights. He told us to be at the ship by dawn though.

Hawkwood and I went up stairs to our respective rooms, albeit more sober this time and Verros went to put the fish he caught in the ships kitchen stockroom, so they wouldn't stick up the room whilst we tried to sleep.

It was only a day or so, but it was nice to take a quick rest from the journey. Tomorrow I'll be back on the ship... Then... Home.

I'll see home, if there's anything left of it.

[Name: Ellena]

[Age: 89 Days]

[Species: Virga Ferrea, Dryad]

[Height: 7'-3"]

[Sex: Female]

[Title/s: Kin of Ellephwen, Wolfmother.]

{Level: 59]

[Health: 6357/6357]

[Mana: 1532/1532]

[Stamina: 5746/5746]

[Hunger: 5746/5746]

[Attack: 5188]

[Defence: 7358]

[Magic Attack: 1616]

[Magic Defence: 3098]

[Skills: [Pain Resistance lvl 10 (Max)] [Poison Resistance lvl 8] [Mind Resistance lvl 2] [Venom Resistance lvl 7] [Night vision lvl 10 (max)] [Amplified Vision lvl 8] [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 59}] Up! [tough stomach lvl 7] [Unarmed Combat Expert lvl 5] [Polearm Journeyman lvl 7] [Demifoot lvl 2] [Warriors Heart lvl 38] [Warriors Will lvl 25] [Warriors Strength lvl 26] [Greater Regeneration lvl 4] [Guardian lvl 8] [Dryads Charm lvl 8] [Skinning lvl 5] [Tanning lvl 4] [Leatherworking lvl 4] Up! [Carving lvl 2] [Earth Magic lvl 6] Up! [{Wolfmother lvl 7}]]

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More notes: A quick backstory for hunky muscleman.

Anyway since I'm sort of on the subject of polls after chapter 20 and every subsequent 10 chapters I wanted to do a Q&A and character poll. You may remember I did that for my first update. I quite enjoyed doing that so I wanted to do it again, as I get more readers and things. Also for the new introduced characters. I really like things like Q&As.

However I wanted to ask what you guys thought? It wouldn't eat into the my writing of the chapters or anything, it would either be on the same day or the day after the release of chapter 20. However if you guys think something like that would be annoying, I don't have to do it every 10 chapters or even at all. It's not a must thing, it's just something extra that I enjoy.

Anyway, tell me what you think.