Lucinda awoke with a start, her body jolting unpleasantly as a result of the dream she’d been suffering. The contents weren’t surprising: A retelling of her ending the life of the Wizard the day before. Yet, that hadn’t stopped the distressing feelings she’d experienced, or those that continued to linger in her waking mind.

Ahh, not that again… He was going to kill us both…

“Morning,” Waflaw greeted, bringing her thoughts to the present.

“Morning,” Lucinda returned quietly, trying and failing to smile at Waflaw, whose own bedding was nearby.

“You alright?”

“Just a bad dream.”

“That’s to be expected.” Waflaw nodded solemnly. “Sorry you had to go through that on top of everything else that’s happened. Life’s unfair sometimes. But, we have to press on and try our best all the same.”

Lucinda let out a quiet sigh as she let her mentor’s words sink in. “You’re right, I know. I need to try and put it all out of my mind. It’s just… hard.”

“These things take time."

"…How did they find us?"

“Mmm,” Waflaw started as his brows furrowed. “That's not really putting things out of your mind, is it. But, if you really want to know… I can only really protect against mundane tracking methods. In other words, it was no doubt thanks to the Wizard. They have spells that can pinpoint the location of a person. Thankfully, from what I understand, there are several limitations on such magic. Saseligan’s messenger bird quite likely played an unwitting part too.”

“Oh… I see,” Lucinda replied, frowning as she considered the implications of Waflaw's words. Forcing herself to try and cheer up, she switched the topic. “What are we doing today?"

“Well, you may recall I said I wandered from place to place, offering aid to those in need. Or put another way: I have no immediate plans. You, on the other hand, are bound to have things you want to do, now that we’re safely past Prilemia’s borders. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I would,” Lucinda admitted. “I do want more shapeshifts… And an animal companion would sure be nice.”

“Now we’re talking,” Waflaw grinned. “Those are certainly things we can get started on. However, we do need to visit a town first, and sell off this extra baggage.”

“Oh, and buy my armour,” Lucinda added, with her mood steadily picking up as the possibilities for the upcoming day spread out before her.

“That too. But, before we go, I’ve a task for you,” Waflaw said as he rose from his bedding. “I want you to sort through the backpack we acquired, putting the contents in piles by type. Unless, you’d rather I did?”

“No… It’s okay. I can do that,” Lucinda said, while averting her gaze from Waflaw's unclothed form.

“Great, I’ll be casting a lengthy spell in the meantime,” Waflaw said, as he conjured a ball of mana between his hands.

“Do you have to do it naked?”

“Yes, it helps strengthen one's connection to nature.”

“I don't think I believe you…” Lucinda laughed quietly. “Can I use some water to wash first?”

“Of course. I can magic the waterskins back to fullness if needed.”

With water skins in hand, Lucinda moved behind and out of sight of her mentor, in search of privacy. After a quick rinse, she dried herself off with her warming spell, and then dressed once more. With that out of the way, she moved to complete the task Waflaw had given her. The contents of the pack weren’t anything too exciting, at least in Lucinda’s opinion, but she found a few coins, some food and drink, several sheets of parchment, underclothes that were thankfully clean, and a single tiny ruby.

We can sell most of this. Probably not for too much, except the gem. Maybe we can gift the clothes to someone?

Seeing Waflaw was still casting, Lucinda carefully reorganised the pack based on the piles she’d pulled out of it, before having a quick breakfast. Finding herself still waiting after eating, Lucinda opted to check over her spell casting progress from the night before.

Spells Name Description Mastery Heal Restores a portion of target's health on touch.

Shaping Steps: 10 · Base Mana: 30% (37)

Attribute: Willpower 12% Biting Frost Small burst of frost in front of caster. Slows and damages those caught within.

Shaping Steps: 4 · Duration: 15s · Base Mana: 45% (55)

Attribute: Intelligence 9% Morning Sun Warming glow that very gradually restores health in area. Only usable outside.

Shaping Steps: 20 · Duration: 1m/level · Base Mana: 10% (12)

Attribute: Willpower 5% Bitter Berries Conjure a handful of bitter berries.

Shaping Steps: 60 · Cooldown: 1 Day · Base Mana: 100% (122)

Attribute: None 2% Touch of Rot Inflicts a disease on target via a touch. Disease reduces physical attributes for duration.

Shaping Steps: 6 · Base Mana: 20% (24)

Attribute: Willpower 0%

Lucinda had discovered that casting spells which required a target, without one available, still counted for improving masteries, just at a considerably slower rate. The perfect example being Touch of Rot, which even after several casts remained at zero percent. Yet, she was still pleased with her overall progress, and determined to continue towards whatever awaited her at 100%. She had asked Waflaw more than once as to what that might be, but her mentor had stubbornly refused to 'spoil the surprise'.

During their night of dice playing Lucinda had also spent a bit of time as a boar, which she and Waflaw were amused to discover could in fact still play. It had taken several attempts before she managed to successfully roll the small dice, but that had only added to the experience. Lucinda also used her boar's forage skill for the first time during a small break in their dice playing, which had led her to a nearby collection of mushrooms. Though she decided not to eat the discovered food in the end, Lucinda's time as a boar had still been enough to bring her to rank 3 of the form.

Status (Boar)

Health

Strength

Agility

Endurance

234

234

20

15

33

A sudden burst of magical noise brought Lucinda's attention back to Waflaw. Seeing he'd finally completed his spell, Lucinda switched back to human form.

“At last,” Lucinda said. “What was that?”

“A spell that has given me knowledge of the surrounding terrain within a very large radius.”

“Wow, really? What kind of knowledge?”

“Terrain and features, including the location of the nearest town. And more importantly for you: The types of animals around here."

“Ooo, are there bears?”

“There are, in a forest to the east. But, town first.”

“Aww… That does seem like a useful spell though.”

"it has limits. It's very vague, doesn't detect people, and I have to remember everything, as I can only use it once a day."

Once Waflaw was dressed and their gear was packed, Lucinda shifted into her boar form to rank it up during their journey towards town. While it was certainly handy that she could improve it simply by walking around, she was still forced to return to human form whenever she wanted to speak to Waflaw.

“Any more thoughts about how you’re going to spend your attribute points, then?” Waflaw asked, a short way into their walking.

“You do it on purpose, don’t you,” Lucinda replied as she shifted back to human form. “Just as soon as I shift, you ask me a question!”

“Think of it as practice,” Waflaw shot back, thoroughly amused. “You can’t alter how long it takes to change, but you can improve your reactions. Anyway, are you going to answer my question?”

"I have thought about it, but I'm not quite ready yet."

"I don't mean to rush you, but you do need to decide eventually. Preferably sooner rather than later."

Ah, he's right…

Shifting into her Giant Spider form, Lucinda fell into an eight-legged step behind Waflaw, as she checked her status and shapeshift menus.

Status (Giant Spider)

Health

Strength

Agility

Endurance

190

190

22

35

22

Shapeshifts Name Base Attributes Attribute Bonuses Base Level Rank Bonuses STR AGI END STR AGI END Deer 12 17 12 X1.0 X1.2 X1.0 2 2 Sure Step Boar 15 12 20 X1.1 X1.0 X1.3 3 3 Forage Giant Spider 20 27 20 X1.1 X1.3 X1.1 5 5 Poison Bite,

Web

It looks like I can only just get my Endurance higher than what Spider form offers if I use every point I have. Although… Boar and Spider form only have a difference of 7 points in their base attribute with a 1.3 times modifier, even though they're 2 levels apart. That should mean putting all my points in Endurance would be better in a few levels. Which is mostly what Waflaw said…

But, do I want to go that route? Or do I want to focus more on spell casting?

I do like shapeshifting a lot. But, magic is fun too! From how it looks, and with the way Waflaw summarised it: It seems like the magic route would mean I have great spell casting, and okay shapeshifting. While the physical route would mean great shapeshifting, and not very good spell casting.

There’s still the problem of Endurance though…

Shifting back into human form, Lucinda moved alongside her mentor.

“Are there other ways to increase my Endurance?” Lucinda asked.

“There are indeed. I think we talked about temporary and permanent bonuses?”

“Oh, of course! Then I can get equipment that would give me more? And spells and potions?”

“Yes, though unfortunately, it’s Clerics that have the spell for Endurance. Potions can be expensive in the long term too, but we could pick a few up in town. As for equipment: That costs even more, unsurprisingly.”

“Too much?”

“Hmm… Hard to say. I have to admit I’m not exactly rich – wandering the wilderness doesn’t pay very well as it happens. It also depends on how powerful an enchantment you want.”

“Aww, that would be useful. Not that I’m trying to steal all your riches,” Lucinda said with a brief giggle.

“So you say,” Waflaw returned, looking faintly amused.

Could I make do with enchantments and potions? I’ll soon have armour as well… It still only really matters in human form too, and that will be less of an issue once I can cast while shapeshifted. The penalty is annoying though…

“When can I get the next rank of Natural Casting?” Lucinda asked.

“Hmm, let me take a look… Of course, there’s no guarantee it will match up… Ah, level 12, at least for me, and the efficiency is 100%.”

“Okay, thanks!”

Then, I guess both options are good in their own way… Even if physical is probably a lot safer…

Lucinda fell quiet as she considered her options again at length. Back and forth she went, continually weighing up the pros and cons as she saw it, alongside her own preferences.

“Okay, I’ve decided,” Lucinda announced with some conviction. “I’m going to focus on mental attributes.”

“Good to hear. What brought you to this decision?”

“Umm… Well, I know it seems like it will be riskier… But, I really want to combine shapeshifts and spell casting. Both are such fun, and when I think about how powerful it might be… I can’t wait to find out!”

“Thinking of firing off spells from the skies, by any chance?” Waflaw smiled knowingly at Lucinda.

“Yeah…” Lucinda admitted sheepishly.

"I think most Druids imagine themselves doing that at some point in their lives. And who could blame them?"

“But, you don’t think it’s too dangerous, do you?”

“It does seem riskier, I have to agree. But, what is life without a few risks? I wouldn't want you to be unhappy for the rest of your life, stuck wondering 'What if…', either. Employ caution, be prepared, pick your battles carefully, and I’m sure you’ll be fine. Of course, that does apply to everyone… But, you at least will have me to help keep you safe for now.”

“I know, and I’m very grateful for that,” Lucinda replied with a warm smile.

“Fleeing is always a good option if you do find yourself in trouble. I’d say Shifters might even be one of the best classes for it.”

“Is that something I should be pleased with?” Lucinda laughed.

“Yes! You’ve been listening to many stories of heroic deeds, no doubt. In the real world, fleeing is a valid tactic like any other.”

“If you say so…” Lucinda replied teasingly.

That just leaves how to distribute my attributes… All three mental ones seem useful. Intelligence for Biting Frost. Willpower for Heal and Touch of Rot. Spirit for Poison Fang and Web.

Ah… I’m not sure. All of those do something for me. Maybe spirit is the least useful? But, I’m sure I’ll get more forms with Spirit related abilities…

Then, if I can’t decide… Why not keep them balanced until I know more? I’d still get some benefit from each, and then I could shift my focus if one attribute looks more useful later on. Waflaw said he split his points between the three, so it wouldn’t be wasted…

Lucinda mulled over her latest thought for a few moments more, before deciding she was content with the idea. Allocating her attributes was a simple affair, requiring just a few directed mental commands to complete the process, leaving her feeling eager to test her newly more powerful magical abilities.

Status

Name

Lucinda Bazan

Class

Shifter

Level

3

Experience

83%

Health

Strength

Agility

Endurance

126

126

8

10

7

Mana

Intelligence

Willpower

Spirit

198

198

18

18

19

There… Done. That just leaves, Skills.

Purchasable Skills Name Description Proficiency: Grants ability to use . Skill improves with rank.

Requirements: Related item or relevant knowledge. Shapeshifting Mastery I Shapeshifting is 20% faster and 20% cheaper to use.

Requirement: None. Brutish Forms I Increases Strength modifier for all forms by 0.05 per rank of form.

Requirement: 1 shapeshift at rank 5. Graceful Forms I Increases Agility modifier for all forms by 0.05 per rank of form.

Requirement: 1 shapeshift at rank 5. Hardy Forms I Increases Endurance modifier for all forms by 0.05 per rank of form.

Requirement: 1 shapeshift at rank 5. Natural Casting I Allows spell casting while shapeshifted at 75% efficiency.

Requirement: 2 shapeshifts at rank 5. Level 4. Careful Casting I Reduces Mana cost of spells by 10%.

Requirement: 1 spell at 20% mastery. Level 4. Aquatic Forms Grants the ability to acquire and use aquatic shapeshifts.

Requirement: Level 6. Mental Boost I Provides 5 extra points to chosen mental attribute immediately, and 5 more every 5 levels, starting from, and including, level 10. Applies retroactively.

Requirement: Level 6.

Ah, I need to hurry up with boar form if I want to get Natural Casting at level 4. Which I do! That's going to be great. Right now though, I can get either one of the attribute modifier skills for my forms, or Shapeshifting Mastery… A trade-off between versatility and performance, I guess? Less mana cost would mean more spells, and more, faster, shifting if I need to switch to something else. But, even more health would be nice, especially as I'm relying on forms for that now.

I should probably try and work out how much a 0.25 modifier provides…

Lucinda flicked back and forth between her forms a few times, while checking her status and shapeshift menus. Maths had never been her strongest subject in school, not that she was bad at it, she just didn't particularly enjoy it. However, her determination to make an informed decision was more than enough to overcome her disinterest, and eventually, she managed to come up with a solution.

It looks like 25 is the base Endurance for boar form at my current level and rank, which means with a 1.55 modifier it should be around 38. Which is 5 more than it provides now. I guess that's not bad. The same as Mental Boost in fact. Although, it might be a bit lower for other forms… Then again, it should get better with levels? I think…

"Not far until we reach civilisation," Waflaw announced.

Still in boar form, Lucinda shifted back to human form at her mentor's words, as she recalled his advice about keeping her shapeshifting ability to herself. It wasn't long after that before an actual road came into view, which came as something of a shock to Lucinda after having wandered the wilderness for several days.

If it's going to be better as I level, then I could simply get it later… But, Shapeshifting Mastery would be good now, and continue to be good. I am going to be shapeshifting a lot, and It would help ensure I can shapeshift into a safer form when needed… Then, I think it's decided.

Skills Name Description Shapeshifting Mastery I Shapeshifting is 20% faster and 20% cheaper to use.

"Phew," Lucinda breathed, as she walked alongside Waflaw on the quiet dirt road. "It's not easy choosing."

"It isn't," Waflaw agreed readily. "What did you decide upon?"

Lucinda explained her choice, and the reasons behind it while they walked. Even with the conversation ongoing, Lucinda took in their surroundings with a critical eye. Having never been to Chakog'mar before, she was intensely curious as to how it might differ from Prilemia. That curiosity had, unfortunately, dwindled somewhat, as the land they'd travelled through turned out to be quite similar to what she was used to, including the appearance of the few travellers they met along the road too. However, her gradually mounting disappointment was soon forgotten, as their destination came into view.

“It’s huge!” Lucinda exclaimed, as she took in the distant sight of the urban expanse, that had just become visible as they’d emerged from a wooded stretch of road.

Her excited outburst had Waflaw chuckling heartily beside her, before he managed to reply. "Kloip is fairly small as far as towns go, I suppose.”

Looking over the large walled area, and the large walls themselves, Lucinda could only agree. To her eyes, it looked to be somewhere in the range of two to three times more expansive, and boasted a much greater number of buildings poking above the walls than seemed normal to her.

“I can believe that now…” Lucinda replied, managing to shrug off a sudden unease brought on by the mention of her home town.

“Well, come on, let’s pay it a visit. Wollow’s been complaining about carrying that armour for a while now.”

Waflaw’s words were met with a quick bleat from his animal companion.

Reaching the town after another stretch of walking, they were admitted without issue, allowing Lucinda to take in the sights up close.

This place is different at least… Some people with unusual clothes, some strangely styled buildings. It looks a bit run down though, and there are plenty of unfriendly faces…

“There’s a lot of people,” Lucinda said, as the streets they walked down started to become fuller.

“Regretting coming here, yet?”

“No… I want my armour!” Lucinda retorted, turning Waflaw’s smile into a short laugh.

“Well, if it’s any consolation, Wollow is liking it even less than you are.”

“Aww, sorry Wollow,” Lucinda said to the antlered animal.

Unfortunately, their destination turned out to be within the part of town that was the busiest, but they made it there without incident at least. Leaving Wollow outside, Lucinda accompanied Waflaw as he sold the armour and spare weapons they’d accrued from their attackers, along with the small gem Lucinda had found in the Wizard’s pack. Lucinda had little idea of what to expect in terms of payment for their goods – another topic she added to her ever-growing list of things she needed to learn about – but was relieved that they weren’t questioned about the origins of their acquisitions.

Back outside, Waflaw was forced to chase off of a few local children who had taken a keen liking to Wollow, before they set off for their next destination.

“It stinks!” Lucinda groaned, as they approached the shop in question, which was unsurprisingly situated in a quieter part of town, right near the edge.

“Don’t fancy taking up hide tanning as a craft then?”

“No way,” Lucinda said with a disgusted look.

Once inside the shop, Lucinda looked over the wide selection of leather goods while they waited for another customer to be served.

“There’s a lot of different types of armour,” Lucinda noted.

“That there is. Even I’m surprised truth be told. I’m sure the shop keeper can help you out, though. When he’s next free at least.”

Fortunately, Lucinda was approached by the shopkeeper before long. The man was suspiciously wiry for someone in the business of a physical craft, but otherwise looked friendly enough.

“Welcome! How may Ellar assist you this day?” the man asked with an easy smile.

“I’d like to buy some armour,” Lucinda replied. “I’m just not really sure what kind.”

“No trouble, my dear! That’s what I’m here for! Would you mind telling me what class you are?”

“A Druid,” Lucinda replied without hesitation.

“Say no more. Say no more! We offer a wide variety of armour, which varies by the quality and hardness of the material used to make it. Harder armours naturally offer better protection, but typically weigh more. While softer armours provide greater mobility, and will trouble you less on long journeys.”

“Mmm, I see.” Lucinda nodded thoughtfully as she took in the man’s words.

“For you, my dear, I would suggest something on the lighter end of the scale. I don’t intend to belittle you, by any means, however, you look to be a bit on the thin side.”

“… That’s fair,” Lucinda agreed begrudgingly.

He’s right… But, I am going to be most vulnerable in human form. Harder armour could easily save my life, and it shouldn’t matter for travelling, as long as I can shapeshift.

“I’d still like a harder armour, if possible.”

“Well, of course, if that’s what you wish. A trade-off somewhere between the two would suit, I’m sure. Hmm, some deer leather might be the answer.”

“Ah, umm, could it be something else?” Lucinda replied, as she heard Waflaw chuckling nearby.

“Oh? I suppose goat could work just as well. Would that be acceptable?”

"Is that really strong enough?"

"Fear not, my dear. Once my wife has worked her magic on it, it will be superb, you have my word."

Her concerns eased by the man's professional manner, Lucinda readily agreed. "Then, that's fine with me."

“Wonderful. Though, I must confess, it will take some time for a set to be ready for you.”

“But, you have so much armour on display here already? Are none of those the right sort?” Lucinda asked.

“You are quite right, some certainly are. However… Putting it as delicately as possible, you are quite top-heavy, if you’ll pardon me saying so. Considerably more so than our usual clientele.”

“Oh…” Lucinda voiced, as her cheeks flushed red. “You’re saying the pieces you have here won’t fit?”

“That I am, I’m afraid. At least, not comfortably, and I’d hate for you to be unhappy with your purchase in the long term. For best results, we’ll take your measurements and then craft a set specifically for you.”

Lucinda’s lingering embarrassment quickly faded under a giddy sensation of excitement at the prospect of not only having her own armour, but armour made entirely for her.

“That would be great!” Lucinda smiled widely at the wiry man. “Oh, but, is it more expensive?” she added with a slightly soured expression.

“Only marginally more so. If you’re agreeable to the deal, I can have my wife take your measurements in just a moment.”

“Okay, sure!” Lucinda replied, before glancing over at Waflaw, who met her gaze with a nod of encouragement.

“Wonderful! Just head on through the curtain behind the counter. You’ll find my wife inside, tell her I sent you for a fitting and she’ll take care of you.”

“Great, thanks.”

“Come back and see me once that’s done, and we can move onto the design part! Which is always my favourite aspect of the job, let me tell you!”

Smiling at the man’s enthusiasm, Lucinda made her way over to the curtain as he’d suggested. Slipping through she was greeted by a small corridor that led further into the building, and as she travelled along it she was soon met with the same familiar stench.

Ugh… It wasn’t so bad in the shop front, but here… How do they live like this?

Fighting back waves of nausea under the continuing nasal assault, Lucinda managed to find her way to a large room with a plump, middle-aged woman inside. Unfortunately, as well as having found the person she sought, she’d stumbled upon the obvious source of the stench that so plagued her.

“Hi.” Lucinda coughed out, as she reluctantly entered the hide filled room.

“Hello there. Did my husband send you back here?”

“He did…” Lucinda said unsteadily. “For a fitting.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, dear,” the woman replied with a faint smile. “I can see this room is having an effect on you. Let’s go somewhere a bit less stuffy, shall we?”

“Thanks.” Lucinda smiled back at the woman through watery eyes.

Following behind her guide, Lucinda was lead into another room, which like the front of the shop had a thick curtain across the door. Inside, Lucinda was relieved to find considerably purer air. Taking several much needed deep breaths, she smiled gratefully at her host, who had been waiting patiently for her to recover.

“There, much better I’m sure. Sorry about that, my husband and I have worked like this for decades. The smell hasn’t been noticeable for a long time.”

“That’s okay, I’m feeling better already.”

“Glad to hear it. Let’s take those measurements then shall we?”

The older woman moved to a nearby cupboard that decorated the humble kitchen they were in. From inside she pulled out a flexible stretch of measuring tape.

"I must say, as someone that helps make armour and clothing for a living, I can tell you have quite the figure," the woman said.

"Oh, you think?" Lucinda asked uncertainly.

"Absolutely, Dear. Why, I expect men are practically throwing themselves at your feet."

"Umm, I don't think so." Lucinda found herself laughing at the strange mental image, even as she felt embarrassed by the woman's words. "I would have noticed something like that."

"Perhaps, but I am rarely wrong in these matters."

Slightly off-put by the initial topic of discussion, Lucinda soon relaxed under the woman's care. Having never been officially measured before, Lucinda was surprised to find out just how many parts of her needed measuring, and equally surprised to hear the outrageous gossip her host offered her. Freshly filled with knowledge of several local scandals, Lucinda emerged back in the shop proper, with measurements in hand.

“Hello again, Dear. Sorry to make you wait!” the shopkeep Ellar said with the same easy smile.

“That’s okay. I have the measurements you wanted.”

“Wonderful, let me take a look at those,” the man said, taking the scrap of parchment from Lucinda’s outstretched hand. “Mmm, yes, just as I expected. Marvellous,” he continued, as he scrutinised his wife’s scribbles.

“Is everything okay?” Lucinda asked.

“Yes, of course, my dear. On to design! I’ve had some thoughts of what might suit you best, let me run them by you and you can tell me what you think.”

“Sure!”

“I’m imaging a moulded chestpiece that will cover your body to protect your vitals. For the shoulders you'd have some pauldrons, but we would keep them small, as anything too large would stand out far too much on your frame. Then for your lower body, I’d add a knee-length skirt that extends out from the chestpiece, as they provide a great balance between protection and freedom of movement. Truthfully, I try and encourage most of our male customers to consider one too, but I bet you can imagine how successful that usually is.”

“I think I can, yes." Lucinda laughed at the man's words.

“What do you think of that then? Once you add some vambraces and some good quality boots, which we also sell, of course, you'll have a fine set of armour to keep you safe.”

“That sounds great. How long will it take to make?”

“I expect about two days. Let’s say lunchtime the day after tomorrow, shall we?”

“Okay!” Lucinda smiled excitedly.

“Wonderful! Then, there’s just two more things to discuss. Firstly, do you want your armour to be dyed any particular colour? And secondly, the matter of payment.”

“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that. Umm, I guess the same colour as Waflaw’s would be fine.”

“The man you came in with? Certainly, that can be arranged.”

As Ellar nodded thoughtfully and took down a note of Lucinda’s choice, Lucinda managed to catch Waflaw’s eye and beckon him over.

“All good?” he asked as he approached.

“Almost. There’s just the money to deal with.”

“Ah-ha. How much of my hard-earned coin is my apprentice taking from me today, I wonder.”

“Hey, you promised me armour!” Lucinda shot back.

“I know. I don’t mind really.” Waflaw smiled in amusement.

“That will be 46 silver in total,” the shopkeeper supplied.

Wow! That much?

“I expect it will be of remarkable quality then,” Waflaw commented.

“Take a look around my store, Friend. You will not find a single piece of poor quality armour, I assure you!”

“I had a good look as it happens. As long as you produce something similar, I’m sure we won’t have any issues. Half now, half when it’s done,” Waflaw said, before he counted a number of silver coins from a pouch he had in his pack.

“Naturally,” Ellar agreed. “As I told your apprentice, it should be done in two days time.”

After a brief set of farewells, Lucinda followed Waflaw outside.

“No Wollow?” Lucinda asked, as she looked around for Waflaw’s animal companion.

“He’d had enough of civilisation for one day.”

“I don’t blame him,” Lucinda replied. “Thanks, for buying the armour for me. I’m really looking forward to it!”

“Don’t mention it. Now, there’s just one more place I’d like to visit before we decide upon what to do next. Unless you have anywhere to add?”

“Mmm… I should probably send a letter to my parents. Let them know I’m doing well,” Lucinda replied.

“Good idea. Two places then.”

“What’s the first one?”

“Ah, well, it’s to do with that brooch of yours. I’ve seen similarly designed ones in the past, and I think there’s a good chance it might be magical.”

“Oh, I completely forgot!” Lucinda exclaimed, before glancing around to ensure no one was in earshot, and then continuing in a quieter voice. “Mother told me my grandmother was a Shifter. The brooch was hers.”

“Huh… That answers some questions then.”

“You really think it’s magical? And why didn’t you ask me sooner?”

“You’re blaming me? Why didn’t you mention it was a gift from another Shifter, sooner?” Waflaw responded with an amused grin. “Anyway, I think it’s worth getting it checked. I saw a likely shop back near the centre of town.”

Lucinda walked alongside Waflaw as they travelled back down the road they’d used to reach the leather armour shop. The streets quickly became crowded again, and Lucinda found herself suddenly noticing the pointed stares of many of the men they encountered, though thankfully they all managed to keep their feet, and stay away from hers.

“What do you think it does?” Lucinda asked, as the shop Waflaw was leading them to came into sight.

“Just wait and see. I don’t want to get your hopes up if I’m wrong. They do differ somewhat too.”

“Aww, okay.”

While the exterior of the building they approached looked much the same as any other in that part of town – minus the large sign declaring its magical orientation – the interior was anything but. Instead of dirt, dilapidation, or other signs of disuse, the room was spotless, with not a single hint of anything unwanted in sight. As one would expect from a shop, there were shelves and glass cabinets stocked with all manner of goods, in this case of a magical nature. Glowing gems, swirling concoctions, and intricately decorated weapons. Lucinda had never seen such a collection of seemingly expensive artefacts in her life.

Should I have become a Wizard after all? No… I love being a Shifter. I don’t really need heaps of coin…

Behind the counter of the store – which was thankfully void of other customers – Lucinda spotted a robed woman, whose eyes twinkled mischievously as their gazes met.

“I’ll let you handle it,” Waflaw announced. "There's somewhere else I just realised I need to visit. Shouldn't take too long. Wait for me here, okay?"

“Sure,” Lucinda agreed, before making her way over to the counter and the woman standing behind it.

“Greetings. Looking for something in particular?” the shopkeeper asked, in a tone that Lucinda assumed was meant to be mysterious.

“Hi,” Lucinda replied, feeling slightly put off by the strange woman. “I’d like to know if this brooch I wear is magical at all.”

“An identification? That is well within my powers. For the small fee of three silver pieces, I can fulfil your desire.”

Aww, three silver? I hope it’s worth it!

Reluctantly, Lucinda fished out the requisite coin from her pack, before passing it across the counter.

“If you could place the brooch on the counter before you, I shall begin.”

“Thanks,” Lucinda said, as she undid the clasp and placed her brooch as directed.

Lucinda watched the robed woman begin her spell, which began as a simple glowing white line in the air between them. From the first simple line, a series of unrecognisable symbols appeared in Lucinda’s view as the spell continued. Until finally, after a few minutes, a pale glow illuminated the woman’s hand, and Lucinda’s brooch in turn.

“Interesting,” the woman voiced as the spell’s effects dissipated.

“Is it magical?” Lucinda asked.

“One moment, please.”

The woman retrieved a large book from beneath the counter. Placing it down with a hefty thud, she began flicking through it at speed, eventually stopping on the page she seemed to be searching for.

“Yes, I see,” she said, before looking up at Lucinda. “I am pleased to inform you that your brooch is indeed magical.”

“Oh, great!” Lucinda exclaimed buoyantly. “In what way?”

“It is not an enchantment I see very often, hence the book. The exact effect it conveys, is the ability for the item the brooch is adorned on to provide its effect even through a bodily transformation. Such as a Druid’s shapeshifting skill, for example."

“Wow. Really?”

“Really.” The woman smiled dazzlingly as she replied. “Is there anything else I can offer you?”

“No, thank you. That’s all I needed.”

“Then I thank you for your patronage. Please feel free to look around before you depart, I have a great wealth of items that might still interest you.”

Collecting her brooch, and attaching it to her shirt, Lucinda was slightly dismayed to see no sign of Waflaw. About to move through the shop while she waited, Lucinda recalled the earlier conversation with her mentor.

“Oh, do you sell potions that increase Endurance?” she asked the shopkeeper.

"A wide variety," the strange woman replied. "Perhaps the most reasonably priced would be to your liking?"

She can tell I'm poor… I guess it's obvious.

"What does that provide? And how much are they?"

"Our most affordable potion in that regard is a paltry 45 copper. While the effects are 10 additional Endurance for 30 minutes."

Aww, that's a lot for a single potion! A few of those would be almost all of my remaining coin…

"Thanks, but I think I'll just take a look around."

"As you wish," the woman behind the counter replied.

Wandering around the store, Lucinda found herself drawn to a large wooden bow that sat upon one of the walls of the shop. The wood it was made out of was a dark brown, and entirely unremarkable. Instead, it was the colourful arrangement of gems embedded within, that caught her eye.

I wonder what kind of magic this thing has… With all those gems it must be powerful! I bet it costs a fortune too…

"I'm back," Waflaw suddenly announced beside Lucinda, pulling her away from the expensive-looking object.

"You were right!" Lucinda greeted.

"Ah. Good. Judging by your expression, I'm guessing it was something to your liking?"

"She said it would let me keep the effect of the item it was attached to when I shapeshift. So, I guess, armour?"

“I see. Very fitting for the class you and your grandmother share. Congratulations, then,” Waflaw said, encouraging Lucinda with his smile.

"Thanks! I think it's incredible! I’d never even considered I might own a magical item of my own, and then I inherited one without even realising.”

“Something else to add to that letter you have planned then. And speaking of which, how about we move on.”

Lucinda only had a brief stretch of walking to consider the contents of her upcoming letter writing, as she and Waflaw meandered through the town to the nearest messenger hub. Borrowing some of the provided ink and parchment, Lucinda sat with her mentor at one of the tables within the bustling building, where she began planning the letter more completely.

“I don’t want to interfere, but best not mention where we are just yet,” Waflaw commented, as Lucinda scribbled a simple greeting at the top of her parchment.

“Yeah, okay. Hopefully, Mother will understand, even if I don’t mention what happened.”

I need to keep it positive… I don’t want her worrying about me. Life isn’t so bad. It’s fun even. Waflaw’s been treating me well… Though, I definitely won’t go into details there! Hmm…

Dear Mother and Father,

I hope things are going well in Kloip for the both of you. I heard from Saseligan about the troubles after I left, and I’ve been praying for your safety ever since.

My coming of age was a lot of fun, I’m sorry you missed it. Waflaw and I ate a wonderful roast pheasant in a small inn we stayed at. I finally chose my class too, and it’s everything I could have hoped for.

Mother, the gift you gave me turned out to be magical. I’m not sure if you knew, but its effects are going to be of immense use on my journey. Thank you again!

I intend to continue travelling with Waflaw for the foreseeable future, he’s teaching me a great deal about how to survive out here. So, please don’t worry about me. I can’t give you a return address, as we are still on the move, but I hope that will change before too long.

Lots of Love,

Lucinda.

Lucinda read through her completed letter a few times before nodding in satisfaction.

It really is too bad Mother can’t reply. It would be good to hear from her. Father too, I suppose. Ah, it can’t be helped.

Taking her letter to the counter, Lucinda soon paid a surprisingly large sum of 50 copper to have it sent to Kloip by messenger bird, leaving her feeling her better about herself, despite her almost complete lack of coin.

“About time for some lunch, I reckon,” Waflaw greeted as Lucinda rejoined him by the door.

“I hope you’re buying,” Lucinda replied with a slight grimace.

“My money is yours apprentice. At least while I’ve still got any left, that is.”