- Day 12 -

The Friend and the Gnome

I awaken to the sound of chirping birds and town folk shouting around the place. I can't complain, I live in the middle of the city, of course there's going to be noise. It's my own damn fault for not closing the window.

*Yawn*

I really must have been tired as it's well past dawn from what I can tell. I can hear everyone downstairs, so I'm probably the last one up--

--Bwaha, he left the damn thing behind didn't he!

Hmm? Unfamiliar voices. Risk's friend maybe?

Time to get up and do morning training I guess.

After stretching, making the bed and changing out of my nightwear, I head down the stairs at a leisurely pace. It seems everyone is gathered in the dining room having breakfast. Yosh! I didn't miss it.

"Good Morning Master. Did you sleep well?"

I walk into the dining room to be greeted by a bright-eyed Kate with everyone sat around the table having various conversations.

"Like the dead it seems, thanks Kate."

She nods to me before disappearing into the kitchen.

I take my usual seat as Kate returns to place a bowl of soup and some bread in front of me.. I didn't fail to notice the rather muscular man at the end of the table, but I've already guessed its Risks friend, so I'm waiting to be introduced.

"Aburi Draconis, this is Gruff Tylack--"

[Scan]

Name: Gruff 'Juggernaut' Tylack

Race: Half-Human, Half-Dwarf

Level: 59

HP: 100% MP: 100% ST: 100%

What an odd name. Looking at him though, I wouldn't be the one to mention it. It's clear from his very stocky build that he's an experienced fighter. An older man, mid to late 50's with short greying hair and a big, bushy unkempt beard. His light blue eyes seem to be in flux which is as haunting as it feels.. like he's looking right through me...

"So, you're the master of this house then."

I can see why he's retired though. He's missing his right arm from the mid-forearm down. I still wouldn't mess with him though.

"I guess I am. A pleasure to meet you Gruff."

"Er, yea.. and all that."

Crass fellow but seems friendly? Well, as long as he can keep the girls safe, I don't really care if he's not a conversationalist.

"I'm sure Risk has told you why I am in need of you and whatever Risk offered you in payment will be honoured. Just keep the women safe while we're not around."

He just nods. Those damn eyes of his, I feel like I'm being constantly sized up. Maybe this is what Risk meant..

Risk seems to find something funny as the conversation between the girls, Risk and Gruff continues on while I eat. Seems they like him.

"..Bella--"

Oh.. I'm only noticing now, but Bella isn't at the table with the rest of us.

"She still out cold?"

Risk shakes his head.

"Lass was up early. I believe she's out the back with Sam."

Sam.? Another new.. Wait. Isn't that the forge builder that was meant to turn up two days ago? Well, better late than never I guess..

"I see, I should go say hello."

Getting up with my hand on the bowl, I catch Kate's eye.. I'll just leave the bowl here then.

Risk follows me out.

"Aburi, a moment."

"What's up?"

"About Gruff. I promised him bed, board and drinking money."

Seems fair.. Not sure where he's going to sleep though as there are only six rooms upstairs and they're all taken.

"I'm fine with that. You'll have to try and sweet talk Emily into giving up her room--"

He stops me mid-sentence with a smug shrug.

"She's already agreed to move into the same room as the other lasses."

"Oh really? How'd you swing that?"

"I gave her permission to come with us later and promised to get Bella's too.. and additional training sessions later down the line."

I can't help but chuckle at that. She sure does have us all wrapped around her little tom-boy finger. I'm kinda impressed at how clever she is but--

"She actually wants more training? From you too? I thought I was the only masochist in the group--"

Risk bursts out laughing while shaking his head.

"I know right. I was taken aback by it.. I think she just wants to not be a burden to us. Anyway, Gruff will keep the lasses safe from anything those lybian nuts may do while we're out, you have my word."

"Yeah, I can tell he's a tough old bastard just from looking at him, so I'm not worried--"

"He's the toughest man I know Aburi. Even with one arm, I wouldn't like to be on the other end of his axe."

Neither would I with a level of 59 behind him. I just nod.

"Anyway, I'll leave you be."

"Righto. Oh, we'll be going around noon so make your preparations for then."

He nods and heads back into the dining room while I continue outback to find Bella and the 'Forge Builder'.

[Scan]

Name: Samuel

Race: Gnome

Level: 14

HP: 100% MP: 100% ST: 100%

..A 4ft nothing, slim built man, currently covered in soot. Definitely not what I imagined when I heard 'Forge Builder' just the other day.

He seems to have a large plank of wood with him that he's using to take measurements at the far western end of the yard..

I judge, but I guess anything can be used as a measurement as long as you stay consistent. I mean horses are still, to this day, measured in hands.. I still find that fact ridiculous, especially after they dumbed down 1024 to 1000.. A tangent. Course correcting!

Bella looks to be standing over Sam, chatting and laughing away.

I've got to admit that I've not seen this side of Bella. A playful woman that can smile easily and so brightly.. They must be close.. Then again, I've only known her for less than a week so what do I know, right?

"You must be Sam. I'm Aburi--"

The gnome suddenly stands to attention and turns to face me like I'm some sort of drill instructor.

"Yes, Yes. Hello. Taking Measurements. Late. Very Late. Sorry. I am sorry."

He says while making exaggerated motions..

Erm, you know I know you don't really talk like that right? I was literally listening to you and Bella a moment ago after all..

"Sam gets nervous around people he doesn't know. Don't worry about it."

"Yes. I. Make smithery for you. Yes. Gold 300. If you please."

Guess I'll be cheeky here and show the requisition order. It was typically meant for supplies needed for the expedition, but Graham did agree to cover any equipment I needed for the property as well so it should be fine.

*blink*

"Is this acceptable?"

Bella rolls her eyes. Pfft, fine.

"Call it 310 instead of 300. Would that suit better?"

Sam seems to ponder my proposition for a moment before offering his hand out in confirmation, which I take without hesitation or realisation. Nice... So I'll just swipe this off on the back of my trousers then yeah.. *Ahem*

"Start.. Tomorrow. Take.. two weeks? Okay?"

I nod in affirmation.

Two weeks sounds a little fast considering the size of the area he just mapped out but sure.. I guess this means it's unlikely I'll be smithing any new equipment before we go to Aslogia as I want to be thinking about beginning the journey out there by then.

To be completely honest though, that's probably for the best. I would be hard pressed to find rare ores and gems while training, brewing potions and developing our tactics as a group. I just hope that this is how best to be spending my time.

..Bella seems to be enjoying Sam's company, so I guess I'll skip morning training and head back inside. I'd be hard-pressed to remember seeing her with a more genuine smile after all.

Okay. So there's still about 3 hours before noon, and everyone can still be heard in the dining room. I guess that means it's the perfect opportunity to get some odds and ends done--

*Grumble*

Hunger: 38% Thirst: 11%

Seems I'm still peckish though.. To the kitchen!

I sneak into the kitchen via the main room as to avoid disturbing those in the dining room. After some rummaging, I decide upon making a herbed bread sandwich while Millie's not about. I steal some of the fresher ingredients from the basement and some of that divine salted meat which I think is from a Raisen boar.

Oh, mustn't forget the butter!

...

*A wild 'Kate' appears*

Unfortunately though, or should it be expected by now, Kate catches me while I'm in the middle of cleaning up and scolds in the usual form. I'm not allowed to clean up, period, it seems.

Playing dumb, I offer her a bite of my sandwich while exaggerating playfully how good it tastes. It seems my charm offensive somehow worked as she tells me to get out while laughing and holding her sides.

So Kate's weakness is laughter huh.

Having successfully dodged Kate's scorn, and having finished my sandwich, I head into the bathroom to get washed up. Emily spotted me though and follows me in with Millie in tow. Time for a top-up I guess. Thank you, girls.

Hunger: 2% Thirst: 1%

Blood State: Good

With plenty of time left before noon. I head back to the storefront and begin preparing more potions from the stock under the stairs. I pour out around 20 of each and stack them on the shelves to the right of the entrance.

There's only enough to fill three shelves so you could hardly call this enough wares for a shop. I need to work on the variety of my wares too... For now, I locate some paper from the supplies Samuel the alchemist shop owner left and using charcoal, price up the tonics... I say paper, but this is more like thin cardboard, I think you call it deinking?

Name Effect Price Rejuvenation Tonic Rapid 45%

VIT based efficiency 48 Silver, each Mana Tonic Rapid 40%

INT based efficiency 50 Silver, each Alrist Antidote Rapid

Cures Alrist Poison

Due to strength, it will work on various other minor poisons 10 Silver, each Stamina Tonic Rapid

100%

STA based efficiency

Double ST for 24hrs 30 Silver, each

I've chosen my prices based on what I can remember the market value being on the closest obtainable competitor.

Name Effect Price Major Health Tonic Normal 25%

VIT based efficiency 42 Silver, each Blue Bell (flower) Rapid 10%

INT based efficiency 30 Silver, each Alrist Antidote Slow

Cures Alrist Poison with 80% Success rate 15 Silver, each Energy Drink Normal 15%

STA based efficiency

1.1x ST for 4 hours 1 Silver, each

The combat enhances are too potent and have a nasty after-effect, so I won't be selling those until I have a method of dilution.