In the early morning hours within their inn room, Lucinda was checking through her shapeshifts menu, while Waflaw remained asleep in his bed. Her ordeal with the milk and how it had eventually backfired, still weighed heavily upon her mind, no matter how hard she tried to forget about it.

It’s done with now… I’ll just have to think of something else to try. How was I to know Waflaw would react like that?

Shapeshift: Cat!

Following her mental command, Lucinda experienced the strange sensation of shrinking down to a size considerably smaller than her own. There were a myriad of other changes that took place too, yet Lucinda was already becoming accustomed to most, if not all, of them. Fortunately, that didn’t diminish her enjoyment of the change in any meaningful way.

Desiring to get a look at herself in detail, Lucinda padded silently over to the small washbasin in the corner of their inn room – which she was gradually discovering to be a staple of the rooms Waflaw rented.

It’s so high up… But, I feel like I can make it easily. Here goes…

Relying on her imparted instincts, Lucinda lined up, and then leapt upwards from the floor. The act was as simple as walking, and almost as silent too, allowing her to land flawlessly atop the wooden surface. Ignoring just how far off the floor she suddenly seemed, she moved over to the small mirror – which wasn’t really small any longer – and got her first proper look at her feline form.

…I’m adorable! Nothing like that fat grumpy old thing in the farmhouse.

Her eyes were a clear blue, that almost matched her normal human colour, while her fur was a smokey grey with faint black marks along her body and face. Admiring as much of herself as she could, she soon concluded her body appeared entirely normal, right down to the long tail it possessed.

Still sitting on top of the wooden surface, Lucinda decided to try out the ability that came with her form. Activating it, she saw her mana overlay dip slightly before a rush of new sensations came to her. It turned out there were quite a few tiny creatures in and around the inn, and Lucinda was suddenly aware of the general locations of a wide number of them.

There’s a lot more than I expected. Ah, if only people weren’t so against shapeshifting… I could offer my services as a pest remover.

Done testing out her cat form, Lucinda quietly hopped back down to the floor. Shifting back to human form, she moved the small, slightly dirty mirror from the washbasin down to the floor, and then began trying out more of her smaller forms.

Her dog form turned out to be a friendly-looking, medium to large-sized dog, with mismatched green and blue eyes, and short dark fur. Spending only a moment considering whether or not she could use the form’s ability on Waflaw to find out some embarrassing fact he was keeping secret, she moved on.

Goat form was revealed to be about the size of her dog form, with black fur all over, except for white streaks on either side of her head. A quick examination of her body didn’t reveal anything remarkable – other than her lack of horns – and the experience wasn’t particularly novel, causing her to shift back into her own body without lingering.

Lucinda was pondering whether it was a good idea to shapeshift into any of the other forms she’d acquired, when Waflaw awoke and interrupted her. Instead, after a brief trading of morning salutations, they made their way downstairs for breakfast in the common room.

“No worries about coin for a while,” Waflaw announced happily, once he’d paid for their food.

“Really? In just a few hours of work?”

“I suppose I can share my secret with you…” Waflaw leaned forwards conspiratorially. “Gambling,” he offered quietly. Leaning back he let his words sink in as he smiled smugly. “Did I mention being immune to poisons has its advantages?”

“That sounds a bit shady,” Lucinda replied with a frown on her face.

“Bah, don’t worry about it. I didn’t force them to take part, and they were bound to lose their coin to someone. Why not me?”

“I guess…”

“I didn’t leave them penniless if that’s what’s bothering you. It was just a series of friendly games. Anyway, it’s about time I finished up with classes. Next up, Wizards. I’m going to be upfront about this: I don’t like them. Generally speaking, at least.”

“How come?” Lucinda asked, slightly surprised by Waflaw’s declaration. “Saseligan was very nice to me.”

“I did say generally,” Waflaw conceded. “The reasons are pretty simple. Wizards spend all day cooped up inside, pouring over dusty old tomes.”

“While we stare at plants outdoors instead?” Lucinda added with a brief giggle.

“That’s right we do. It’s obvious to anyone which is the better choice.” Waflaw agreed with his own vocalised mirth. “If we ignore that, and the wealth they often possess, that still leaves us with the fact that Wizards are, unfortunately, better at magic than any other class can hope to be.”

“Oh, that must be a sore spot for you, then.”

“You’ve got that right. Though if you tell anyone I said such a thing, I will entirely deny it. Wizards also like to claim that their exclusive magic type, Arcane, is the basis of all magic, and therefore superior. While we Druids, argue that mastering the elements that make up all things, is far more important.”

“I’m sure you and Saseligan must have gotten on really well.”

“We didn’t talk about magic, fortunately. My griping aside, Wizards are capable of using magic from every type except Light, Shadow, and Life. Though, it is my understanding that they must specialise in, and therefore more heavily focus on, one or two types.”

“Mmm, I see. I wonder what Saseligan specialises in…”

“Good luck getting him to answer such a question. Now with Wizards done, it’s time to talk of other classes that share a strong similarity with another.”

“Like us Druids, and those evil Shifter people?” Lucinda said with a poorly restrained smile.

“Exactly. Just as we must suffer due to such a despicable class-cousin, so must others.”

“Ooo, those despicable Shifters, how dare they!”

“You could at least try to keep a straight face as you say such a thing,” Waflaw replied less loudly.

“I was trying!”

“Fortunate we chose a quiet inn, then. Anyway, unlike that alternative class, not all of the others are quite in the same situation. Archers and Knights are both well-accepted Fighter related classes, for example. Of course, Necromancers, related to Wizards; and Night Stalkers, related to Rogues; are not well accepted, as you know.”

“I think everyone knows Necromancers focus on Death magic, but what about Night Stalkers?”

“As the name suggests, they make use of Shadow magic alongside their other abilities.”

“Aww, I should have guessed. Are there others?”

“There are… Probably.”

“Probably?” Lucinda returned, adopting a feigned look of surprise. “I thought Waflaw knew everything there was to know about everything?”

“If that were true, I’d know how to make my apprentice stop poking fun at me.”

Lucinda laughed quietly at her mentor’s words. “Sorry,” she added unconvincingly.

“Just as Shifters are rare, so are other alternative classes. In fact, I remember hearing about a class that relies upon nothing but their fists to do battle with.”

“You’re making that up!” Lucinda exclaimed. “How would that work?”

“Who knows. It was just something I heard. The point is there is always a chance you might run into something you’ve never seen before.”

“Mmm, okay. I’ll be careful then.”

“I’d expect nothing less. Now, with some time before you can collect your armour, I think you should begin seeking information on birds of prey within the town.”

“Don’t you know which kinds live around here?” Lucinda’s question caused Waflaw to raise an annoyed eyebrow in retaliation, and little else. “I’m not poking fun this time!” she added hastily.

“I know,” Waflaw admitted as his face relaxed into something less accusatory. “Unfortunately, my knowledge of large, local birds of prey is limited. I’m sure you could find some in the mountains to the north somewhere, but that doesn’t really help you all that much does it?”

“No, I suppose not,” Lucinda agreed with a slightly dejected frown. “But, what about your spell? Wouldn’t that reveal what species are around, like in the forest?”

“It very likely would, yes. At least if we travelled somewhat near to the mountains first. Not that I’m entirely against a potentially pointless trip in that direction, but finding an animal companion is something of a rite of passage for young Druids, and using your mentor’s magic to overcome one of the steps is not really in the spirit of things.”

“Oh, I see. I suppose that’s fair. So, I guess I should ask around town… Maybe look for a library…”

“I’m sure you’ll manage. Shall we meet at the armour shop at noon?”

“Sure, okay.”

“Until then, stay out of trouble,” Waflaw said, as he rose from the table.

Waving her mentor off, Lucinda remained seated as she considered how best to approach the task she’d been set. The thought of whether or not to still go with a bird of prey was largely decided already, as, despite the ample time she’d had to choose something else in their most recent forest adventure, she had simply felt little desire to do so. It wasn’t that she felt the animals there weren’t suitable, but rather there was something about birds that drew her to them.

Before long she had come up with a list of likely places to begin her search, the first of which was the one she hoped had the best chance of success. Stepping away from the table, she moved over to the inn counter and caught the attention of the barkeep.

“Can I get you something else, lass?” the portly man that ran the bar asked her.

“No, thank you. I was actually wondering if you could point me in the direction of a library.”

“A what now?” the man replied, with confusion plastered across his ruddy face.

“A library? You know, a place full of books?”

“Ah, a book shop! Aye, lass, we’ve got one of those here. You’ll want to head towards the town centre, then from there it’s one street over to the south-east. There’s a sign with a book outside, you can’t really miss it.”

Still taken aback by the strange misunderstanding that seemed to have taken root in their conversation, Lucinda hesitated a moment more than was apparently acceptable.

“Shall I repeat that for you, lass? Wasn’t going too fast was I?”

“No…” Lucinda quickly replied. “That’s fine, thank you. I’ll find it, I’m sure.”

“Happy to have been of help, and hope you’ll be staying with us again tonight.”

With her backpack in place, and her staff in hand, Lucinda stepped out of the inn into the morning air. The streets weren’t especially busy, but then the inn they’d stayed at was in a quieter part of town. Moving away from the building she’d spent the night, Lucinda set off in search of the aforementioned shop.

Did he really not know what a library is? Or was it some kind of joke that I missed? A book shop isn’t really what I want… But, I guess it’s still a place to start.

Taking the scenic route to her destination in an attempt to avoid the bustling town centre, Lucinda still had little trouble finding the shop she sought. Spotting the sign she’d been told to expect wasn’t hard, largely thanks to the pristine condition of it, and the shop it sat above. It was something of a surprise given the condition of most other buildings, and hinted to the shop being quite new.

Stepping inside revealed little out of the ordinary. The shop sold books in vast quantities, which were displayed in shelves lining the walls, and occupying large sections of the shop floor. Behind a desk in one corner of the room, Lucinda saw the shopkeeper, who was a man of middling years with neat blonde hair, and rounded spectacles.

“Ah, a customer! Please, take a look around, and let me know if you have any questions.” the man called out in an overly friendly tone.

Full of questions, Lucinda directly moved over to the desk. “Is there a library in town?” she asked.

Looking up to meet her eyes, the man offered the kind of smile one might use on a lost child.

“A library? No, I can assure you there is not.” the man announced happily. “No such archaic relic of bygone days haunts our fair town.”

“What’s wrong with libraries?” Lucinda asked in utter confusion.

“What isn’t wrong with them?” the man countered. “Who wants disgusting collections of parchment, that are held together by string, stained with who-knows-what, and probably missing half of their original content? No one that’s who!”

“I’ve never seen a library book like that…”

“If only we could all be so fortunate,” the man said with an over-the-top look of wistfulness. “The harsh reality is that for most who visit a library, that is inevitably not the case. Whereas here,” the man said, sweeping one arm around his shop. “That is never the case. All the books here are in immaculate condition, and for a reasonable fee can be yours to keep. A superior arrangement in every way, wouldn’t you agree?”

“I suppose that depends on how reasonable the fee is.”

“Tell me what book you seek, and I shall endeavour to amaze you with our reasonableness.”

“I’m looking for something on local birds of prey.”

“An interesting topic for a young woman such as yourself,” the shopkeeper commented as he stood from behind his desk. “But, not one that is out of our purview. This way.”

Lucinda followed the opinionated man to a bookcase just opposite his desk. With surprising speed, a book was pulled from the crowded shelf and held out in front of her.

“One book on birds found in the surrounding areas, including birds of prey. You may browse through it briefly, but no creasing the spine, touching the pages, or any other action that might damage it.”

“I understand,” Lucinda replied as she struggled not to roll her eyes at the man’s overbearing manner.

If it really does have all that information in it, this might be just what I need.

Prying open the book with the utmost care, Lucinda spent a short time searching through the page of contents, before discovering an entry dedicated to the northwestern area of Chakog’mar, where the town of Malart was located. Equally carefully, she navigated to the listed page and began reading through the section as swiftly as she could. Unfortunately, she’d read nothing on birds of prey, when the shopkeeper interrupted her.

“I’m sure you’ve verified the contents of that book by now. For the highly reasonable price of 1 gold and 14 silver, you may continue to peruse its depths at your leisure.”

He’s not serious? There’s no way it should cost that much! I was expecting a dozen silver at most…

“That does sound reasonable,” Lucinda replied, as she placed the book down. “It’s just I left my giant sack of money back at home.”

Not waiting for a reply, or caring to hear one, Lucinda walked out of the shop and away down the street.

I never thought I’d miss having a library so much… Oh, well, I’ll have to try something else.

After a frustrating visit to the book shop, Lucinda made the rounds of the town seeking a variety of other places she’d added to her initial list of ideas. Her next stop was a butcher’s shop, which was closer in terms of location, if not priority. The thought that the providers of meat and other animal products might have information on where their supply of animals came from, had seemed to have merit, but as she had feared, large birds of prey were not on the menu.

Continuing through the town, she visited a scribes shop, even though she had a fair inkling it was even more of a long shot than the butchers before it. Inquiring about the source of the quill feathers they used, she was surprised to receive the name of a local hunter, and then dismayed to learn the woman in question was unlikely to be found in town for another week at the earliest.

Growing increasingly despondent, Lucinda made her way to the messenger hub she’d used previously to send a letter to her parents. It was a building that managed a sizeable quantity of birds, none of which were large, or birds of prey, as she’d known. Determined to exhaust her options, all the same, Lucinda discovered the messenger birds were regularly purchased from a local merchant. Unfortunately, tracking down the merchant proved to be a fruitless endeavour, as he revealed there was no profit in dealing with larger birds.

By the time noon rolled around, Lucinda found Waflaw waiting for her outside the armour shop as he’d promised. Even with the abject failure, she’d experienced, the thought of receiving her own crafted set of armour, at last, did improve her mood, at least somewhat.

“You look a bit down, apprentice,” Waflaw noted as Lucinda reached him. “I take it things didn’t go so well?”

“Yeah… They didn’t. This place doesn’t have a library, and the barkeep didn’t even know what one was!"

Waflaw chuckled at Lucinda’s words, doing little to appease her soured mood. “Well, cheer up. You’ll have plenty more time to continue your search after you’ve been properly outfitted. And if you truly get fed up, we can work something out.”

“Okay, that sounds fair,” Lucinda agreed with her concerns eased slightly.

“Good, come on then, your armour awaits.” Waflaw waved elaborately to the store they stood by, bringing a smile to Lucinda’s lips in spite of her conflicting emotional state.

The inside of the shop was much as she’d remembered, and she and Waflaw only had to wait a short while for another customer to finish their business, before the smiling face of Ellar the shopkeeper, greeted them warmly.

“Welcome! I think I know full well how Ellar can assist you this day, isn’t that right, my dear?”

“Is it ready?” Lucinda asked with no small amount of excitement.

“I must confess… It is entirely ready, and awaiting a new owner. This way, please!”

Lucinda followed Ellar over to the counter at the back of the shop. The shopkeeper ducked behind it briefly, before piece by piece he brought Lucinda’s brand new armour out for her to view. The parts were easily distinguishable: The chestpiece, the pauldrons, the skirt, the vambraces, all a dark muddy brown in colour. Alongside them, Ellar also placed two sets of boots.

“I’m sure you’ve spotted the items I’ve added here,” Ellar said, once everything was lain out before him. “It’s true we didn’t agree on vambraces or boots, however, I have added the vambraces, and dyed them accordingly, with no extra cost.”

“Oh, that’s great!” Lucinda replied with elated surprise. “And the boots?” she added hopefully.

“How I wish I could so easily part with a pair of these fine boots for naught! But, I’m afraid they will cost a small amount extra. There is also the option for you to make do with your current footwear, which I’ve noted looks reasonably sturdy, if a bit on the short side.”

“Aww, okay. Can I try everything on then?”

“You can indeed, Dear! If you’ll follow me through the curtain over here.”

With seeming ease, Ellar scooped up the entire set of armour and extras in his arms, before leading Lucinda over to a curtain that rested against the back wall. It was not the curtain that led deeper into the house, but instead, one that hid a small changing room, with a full-body mirror propped up on wooden legs, sitting in one corner.

“Putting everything on is quite straightforward, although I’ve known about armour all my life! If you do run into trouble just call out, and I will gladly assist you.”

“Thanks, I’m sure I’ll manage,” Lucinda replied.

“I’m sure you will, my dear! Let me just point out a few things before I leave you to it. Firstly, you might want to dispense with your trousers, as the skirt will be quite tight otherwise.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“For your upper body, you’ll want to keep your shirt on, otherwise there will almost certainly be some unpleasant chafing. Just remember to ensure it doesn’t bunch up, and you’ll be fine. And with that, I leave you it.”

“Okay, thanks!”

With a smiling bow, Ellar left the small room and pulled the curtain closed behind him. Taking a moment to sort through the pile he had placed on the floor, Lucinda began putting on her very first set of armour.

Picking the skirt first, Lucinda had been wondering how exposed she might be without her trusty travelling trousers. A close inspection of the lower garment revealed that while it had an inner lining to cover her most intimate area, the straps were still liable to expose a great deal of her legs. It was with some relief that she spotted a small pair of thin shorts amongst the bundle of items barely a moment later, erasing that particular worry from existence.

Inspecting herself in the mirror with only the skirt on, Lucinda tested that half of her outfit more thoroughly. Standing still, the hanging straps held together, entirely blocking off the sight of her legs underneath. To her probing hands, they appeared to be quite solid, yet didn’t hinder her movement by any noticeable amount. Trying a few different stances to see just how much they revealed, Lucinda was about ready to move on.

I think Mother would complain even with the shorts underneath... It is pretty revealing... And the shorts are, well, short... Oh well, this is what I agreed to. It does look quite nice too...

Tightening the thick waist straps on her skirt slightly, Lucinda picked up the chestpiece. It was considerably heavier than the first garment, and much harder to the touch. The design was fairly simple, but moulded to match her physique. Without much difficulty, Lucinda brought the armour down over her head, and into place, bringing it to rest just on top of the waist of her skirt.

Oh, it fits perfectly! There’s barely any give in it at all…

With just a few tugs on the straps that sat on either side of her torso, Lucinda was content the armour was as it should be. Testing its defences with a few raps of her knuckles that released a solid thudding sound, Lucinda moved on to the remaining pieces.

The pauldrons turned out to be a bit trickier, requiring her to slide them up her arms and into place, before forcing them to slot against the chest amour. Once in place, some more leather straps with metal buckles were used to keep them from sliding off. In terms of looks, they were exactly as Ellar had described, sitting just above the chestpiece on either shoulder, they slanted downwards around the curve of her arm, coming to a stop midway down her biceps.

Lastly, she added the vambraces, which only required her to slide them on and tighten the straps underneath. Both were simple leather items, starting from her wrist and travelling almost three-quarters of the way to her elbow.

Finally, with her armour – minus the boot options – fully equipped, Lucinda admired herself in the mirror.

I look… serious. Like a real adventurer! Not just a young woman going about her business in town. Even if Mother wouldn’t be entirely happy with the skirt, I’m sure she’d be happy that it still looks feminine. Mmm, I love it… I’ll have to thank Waflaw again.

With another quick check to ensure nothing was amiss, Lucinda drew back the curtain, bringing the rest of the shop into view. Waflaw was nearby, browsing through some of the wares on display, but turned at the sound of the curtain sliding along its rail.

“What do you think?” Lucinda asked, holding her arms away from her body slightly.

Moving closer, Waflaw unabashedly ran his eyes over Lucinda’s armoured body several times before replying.

“Looks great. I’d say it suits you, too.” Waflaw added a wide smile along with his words. “What do you think?”

“It’s amazing!” Lucinda replied happily. “And I never would have got it if not for you. So, thank you!”

“Don’t mention it,” Waflaw returned, with a clearly pleased nod.

“My dear!” Ellar interjected as he joined them by the curtain. “You look absolutely wonderful! Oh, I just knew you would!”

“Thanks, Ellar.” Lucinda smiled gratefully at the shopkeeper. “You did a great job with it.”

“That you did. I’d say you’ve outdone yourself, even,” Waflaw added, clapping the wiry man on one shoulder. “It’s clear you have taken extra care to ensure her most vital parts are properly encased.”

“But, of course! I try my best, Friend.” Ellar replied, with a clear note of pride in his voice.

Lucinda had partially turned from the two men to inspect herself in the mirror once more, but brought her gaze back to them as she felt eyes lingering upon her. Waflaw and Ellar were both nodding slowly and staring at her quite intensely, or at one specific part of her at least.

“Hey!” she called out in annoyance, while fighting a sudden rush of blood to her cheeks.

Waflaw chuckled heartily at her reproach, before sending an amused wink her way.

“Let’s get that payment dealt with, shall we?” Waflaw said, as he guided Ellar away from the small room.

Those pigs! Ah, I’d be more upset if it didn’t look so good… It really is well made, and fits so nicely. But, maybe it hugs my figure a bit too well?

Once the remaining coin had been exchanged, Lucinda had been encouraged to try out the two sets of boots Ellar had provided. Both were a dark, almost black colour, with the first pair rising up from her ankle only a short distance more than her current footwear, and the other all the way up to her knee. In terms of leg coverage, the second set was clearly superior, but more expensive as a result. Fortunately, Lucinda didn’t have to compromise, as Waflaw’s gambling ways footed the extended bill without issue.

“Well, my apprentice, you are looking quite formidable all of a sudden,” Waflaw said, once they were back outside the shop.

“I feel much more formidable too!” Lucinda agreed buoyantly.

“You’re just missing one thing though,” Waflaw continued.

Waflaw extended one arm, holding it with fist clenched between them. Lucinda frowned as she tried to guess her mentor’s intent.

“This,” Waflaw said, as he relaxed his fist, letting a silver chain fall out underneath.

Lucinda’s eyes went wide as she saw the piece of jewellery appear from its hiding place. The chain was simply constructed, but the larger piece of silver attached to it was far more interesting. It was shaped in the form of a bird, with wings spread wide as if in flight. Its taloned feet hung below it, grasping a tiny red ruby between them.

“It’s beautiful!” Lucinda exclaimed. “For me?”

“Who else?” Waflaw retorted in amusement. “Go on, take it.”

“Waflaw… You shouldn’t have… On top of the armour, and everything else! It’s too much!”

“Nonsense. If I want to give gifts to my apprentice, I will. Besides it’s not just for decoration, it’s enchanted with increased Endurance. Something I’m sure you will benefit from.”

“Even more reason for me not to accept it! It must have cost a fortune…”

“It cost about what you’d expect. Nothing too extreme, I promise. There’s no taking it back, though. So, if you really don’t want it, I guess I’ll have to pawn it off somewhere.”

Lucinda watched Waflaw’s hand draw back the offered gift with conflicting emotions, and lasted only a few moments before she spoke out.

“No… Don’t do that. I’ll take it… It’s a lovely piece! I just feel guilty taking even more of your money…”

“Well, don’t,” Waflaw said as he handed the necklace to Lucinda.

“It’s not that simple!”

“Sure, it is. Here, let me help you put it on.” Waflaw undid the chain’s clasp, and moved behind her. “Like most Druids, I’m really not fussed about coin. You should know that by now.”

“I know…” she replied, looking down at the attractive piece of jewellery as it fell into place.

“There, how’s that?”

Noticing a sizeable bump in her health overlay, Lucinda called up her status.

Status

Name

Lucinda Bazan

Class

Shifter

Level

4

Experience

21%

Health

Strength

Agility

Endurance

190

190

8

10

22

Mana

Intelligence

Willpower

Spirit

216

216

22

21

22

An extra 15 Endurance! That really will be useful.

Feeling a sudden onrush of emotion, Lucinda spun around and threw herself at Waflaw, who accepted her surprise hug with an amused laugh.

“Thank you! You’re more than I ever could have hoped for in a teacher,” Lucinda said with damp eyes, before she released her grip and stepped back. “Maybe you’re not a meanie after all, either,” she added, before letting out a light giggle.

“All that, and that’s still in question? I’m shocked.” Waflaw shook his head from side to side, though his smile remained firmly in place. “Well, I’m heading back to the inn. Stop by if you get stuck in your quest.”

“I will, thanks!”

“Until later, then.”

After waving Waflaw on his way, Lucinda took a moment to collect herself. Her unpleasant experiences earlier in the day seemed far less troubling, but hadn’t faded entirely, especially with her list of ideas for finding out about birds of prey being greatly reduced. However, there was one place which she hoped still had a reasonable chance of offering what she needed. She was just a bit reluctant to visit it.

It’ll be fine… It’s not like I have to have my status checked just to enter.

Her destination decided, Lucinda set off through the quiet streets on her way to the busier parts of town.