As the last echos of the song faded into the background of the warehouse Micky became acutely aware that silence had descended upon the room. The earlier bustle and crash of a busy workspace had faded into an expectant hush. Looking up at Fredrickson he was stunned to notice that the previously boisterous troll was sniffling and running a massive hand across his equally massive nose.

“Uh yes, good show that man. I was expecting something a touch more jolly, but very well done indeed” motioning with his hand to the workers “back to work now you chaps. Shows over.” Turning to Micky he spoke again more softly “do warn a fellow next time you intend to tug on the old heartstrings like that would you.”

Micky stood silently for a moment before lowering the guitar back down to his waist.

“Sorry mate” he said to Fredrickson, still seeming a little stunned. “That wasn’t really what I had in mind when I picked it up. Most of the songs I know at least a little happier, I promise.”

At this point Blaes tried to get things back on track, he had a schedule to think about after all.

“I did enjoy the impromptu concert, although it is a shame there are less than 15 people here. I’m afraid it won’t count as part of your class acquisition requirements. It does however make me feel we have made the correct decision about the class path for you. Are you sure that is the instrument you wish to requisition?” Feeling his hands tighten around the instrument slightly Micky nodded.

“Excellent” Blaes continued “your clothing and boots appear to be suitable, so all we need now is some basic protective gear and some funds. Fredrickson, could you grab some light leather armor out, I’d say medium should do the job nicely.”

The troll nodded, all business once more and called out a different series of numbers. After a brief moment a worker in a nondescript boiler suit hurried over caring a small rucksack, a leather vest covered in a fine steel mesh, a pair of what looked like oversized bracelets, and a small pouch which jingled softly as he ran towards them. Handing it all off to Mickey in a pile the worker scurried back into the maze of shelves.

“Uh Blaes mate, the vest I think I understand, but what’s the story with these” he gestured to the bracelets.

“Those are vambraces” said Blaes as he took them from Micky, “they protect the area from your elbow to your wrist. Terribly helpful things should you find yourself under attack.”

“I kind of thought I’d be getting something like that” said Micky, gesturing towards a full set of plate armor standing off to the side of the room.”

“Ah a set of plate, well that would be more suitable had you chosen to pursue a melee focused combat class such as a Knight or Paladin. Unfortunately I don’t believe you have the required ‘Might’ to equip even a basic set of half plate or scale mail at present.”

“Oh” said Micky, deflating slightly, “I guess that makes sense. Still this feels a little flimsy if people or things are going to be attacking me.”

“It’s all in how you use it” replied Blaes, “now I do believe we’ve taken up enough of good Master Fredrickson’s time and you must be exhausted. Why don’t I show you to the temporary accommodations and we can begin fresh in the morning?” Without waiting for a response Blaes waved a farewell to Fredrickson and turned to walk out of the quartermasters hall.

A brief walk later and Micky found himself following Blaes into a small room with a cot made up in one corner, a small sink and bathroom in the other, while a small desk dominated the rest the of the space.

Blaes stopped and dug into his pocket, finding a large ring of keys. He removed one small iron key and handed it to Micky.

“Now before I leave you Micky, is there anything else you need?”

“No, I guess this is fine mate, cheers” said Micky.

“Excellent” said Blaes, “you make yourself at home for tonight and I shall be back bright and early. We shall get breakfast and then figure out a schedule to get you your Class and make some introductions to help find you employment moving forward.”

Without another word Blaes turned on his heel and walked down the corridor. Leaving Micky alone with his thoughts for the first time in Outremer.

Micky found sleep hard to come by despite the exhaustion of the day. He found his thoughts bouncing from topic to topic as his heart beat a tattoo in his chest. Now that the momentum Blaes had given him was gone he was left with a question. One that seemed to echo around and around in the dark silence of the room. What do I do now. On the one hand it seemed simple, meet his class requirements and become are bard. Get a job, maybe delving or maybe just performing from place to place, and then make a life here in Outremer. Is that what I really want? Thought Micky. Is that enough to make a life? Blaes mentioned that he knew some kind of physicist who studied the convergences? Could I try to find my way home? What do my friends think? Do they think I’m dead? BLEEP what about my mum? No matter how many times Micky turned these questions over in his hard he found answers hard to come by. Staring up at the roof again dawn seemed a long, long way away.

A staccato rapping on the door of his room signaled the beginning of Micky’s day. With a mumbled groan he levered himself out of bed, nearly clipping the Vaixell which rested against the foot of the bed. Several minutes and several gallons of water splashed over his face later Micky answered the door expecting to see Blaes. To his surprise instead of a familiar face her was confronted by 5”4’ of bouncing enthusiasm. The woman standing in his doorway seemed to almost vibrate with enthusiasm.

“Hi, I’m Tanya. Blaes has to take a meeting so I’m here instead. I’m very pleased to meet you. Are you ready to go? I’m gonna take you to breakfast, then we have so much to do.” She seemed to speak without pausing for breath, let alone allowing Micky a chance to respond.

“Uh, hi I guess” Micky said slowly, offering his hand “I’m not entirely sure what we’re doing today if I’m being honest. Although breakfast sounds like a great shout.”

“I’ve got a full schedule for us” continued Tanya ignoring the offered hand and brandishing a clipboard in Micky’s direction .

“Oh, good” said Micky with a decided lack of enthusiasm. “Does all of this have to do with getting my class?”

“Well some of it is class related, the rest of it part of the adjustment package Blaes told you about. Are you ready to go? Asked Tanya.

“Pretty much ready yeah” said Micky. “What should I bring with me? I don’t really know what I need for today.”

“Oh you should bring everything” Tanya said, glancing down at her clipboard “that’s item number 16 ‘Find Micky a place to live.”

“I see you’ve thought of everything” said Micky, as he turned back into the room to sling the Vaixell over one shoulder and tying the pouch to his belt. Everything else went into the rucksack which he carried over the opposite shoulder. With one last look over the room Micky followed Tanya out into the hallway and into his second day in Outremer.