Second Skin: Unified: A litRPG Adventure (Second Skin Book 3)

by M Damon Baker

  “I understand your concern, Dreya Sintári, but you have no reason to fear that,” Hilgreth responded as she regained a bit of her composure. “Everyone here knows what’s at stake, and more importantly, they believe in your vision. If anything, this will only motivate them even more.”

  “I’m glad to hear that,” I replied. “But still, let’s not overexaggerate this, okay?”

  “Don’t overexaggerate the God-forged armor,” Hilgreth responded wryly. “I think I can handle that.”

  I couldn’t help but let out a sigh of frustration and I wondered if I had made a mistake in revealing the Armor so soon, but my only other option was to hide it from my people, to hide who I was from them in a way, and I was done with keeping secrets like that. So, I resigned myself to let the chips fall where they may and see how the disclosure played out among my citizens.

  “I’m sure that you can,” I replied to Hilgreth’s sarcasm. “But before you do, there’s one other matter I need to ask you about; Renn.”

  I was about to explain my inquiry, but before I could, Hilgreth’s face turned beet red, and she stammered back at me in utter embarrassment.

  “I… it… it kind of just happened, my lady,” Hilgreth sputtered. “I only meant to share a few drinks with him, but before I knew it, we were back as his place.”

  “What are you talking about?” I asked her incredulously. “I thought that he was acting a bit strangely this morning. That’s all I was going to ask you about. Are you telling me that the two of you are together?”

  “Oh, no,” her shoulders drooped as she lamented her disclosure. “I thought you’d found out about us.”

  “Why would you think that was a bad thing, Hilgreth?” I asked her.

  “It’s not exactly common, dwarves and elves… getting together,” she replied hesitantly. “I thought you might disapprove.”

  “Have you still learned nothing about what we’re building here?” I responded in utter frustration. “After what I revealed about my relationship with Tási just last night? Do you really think that I care about such things?”

  Hilgreth fell silent and stared at the floor, obviously unsure of how she should respond. This was not the first time I had to remind her of the level of acceptance I sought to accomplish, and she was clearly disappointed in herself.

  “Does he make you happy?” I asked her in a softer tone.

  “Yes,” Hilgreth didn’t lift her head, but replied without hesitation.

  “Then that’s all that matters,” I told her. “And all that should matter—to you or anyone else.”

  “I’m sorry. I should know that by now,” Hilgreth said as she finally met my gaze.

  “We’ve been keeping it secret, but I’m not going to do that anymore,” she continued, gaining more confidence in her words as she spoke them.

  “It hasn’t been long, but I’ve come to love him. He understands me in a way that no one else ever has,” Hilgreth went on. “You were right to do what you did last night—you weren’t afraid to let us know who you loved, and I’m going to follow your example. Renn is a good man, and I’m not going to hide our relationship any longer.”

  “Now you just have to convince Renn to go along with you,” I teased her, thinking of the shy elf’s awkward nature.

  “I think I can get him to cooperate,” Hilgreth smiled back at me. “He’s not quite as bashful as he seems.”

  I left Hilgreth’s forge much happier than when I had arrived. Although the smith’s repeated miscalculations regarding the different world I was trying to build were irksome, she came around every time I pointed out her errors. Her shortcomings in that regard were something of a mixed blessing—while they provided me with an almost constant reminder of the obstacles that I faced, the fact that she always saw the light once I shined it in her face gave me hope.

  I finished my tour that day and checked Ridge’s work on the Palace and its surrounding fortress on my way back home. With the help of his assistant, Ridge was making great progress, and the construction was moving along faster than I had anticipated. I didn’t want to interrupt their work, and since my compliments and praise never seemed to faze them, I left them to it and passed by with only a wave.

  Over dinner that night Venna informed me, in a very terse manner that let me know just how little she liked the idea, that Stel would be going on his recruiting journey in three weeks. Khorim would be joining him again, along with the same group of guards that had gone out with them on their first trade mission. Broda was not pleased with the arrangements either, but Stel quickly told me that he hoped that this would be the last time they needed to venture out this way.

  “I think we can recruit enough people to keep a small group at the camp by the crossroads,” Stel explained. “They can trade with any caravans that pass by, and more importantly, use those caravans to send out our recruiting message. It might cost us a few coins, but the caravans will spread word of what we are doing throughout all of Arrika, and we won’t have to venture out ourselves to do it.”

  “If we’re going to establish any sort of permanent presence there,” I responded to his proposal, “they are going to need more substantial protection and shelter than the campsite that is there now. I’ll need to send Ridge out there to build a real outpost for them.”

  “And once we send out these messages, we will need to prepare for people to arrive,” Tási added. “Ilvain will need to build more homes, and the dwarves will have to carve out extra chambers in the caverns.”

  “That’s an excellent point, Tási,” I replied to her comment. “Since this is your idea, Stel, I’m putting you in charge of making sure that there is adequate housing available for anyone who responds to your recruitment efforts.”

  “But that’s practically a full-time job!” He protested.

  “That didn’t seem to concern you a moment ago when you assumed that I would be handling it,” I crossed my arms as I replied in irritation.

  Stel bowed his head and then nodded slowly as he accepted the responsibility I had given him.

  “I will begin organizing things before I leave, and will make sure that the efforts are well on their way before I depart,” he replied reluctantly.

  “I’ll help you, my love,” Venna offered, showing a hint of support before she yanked it out from under him. “And I’ll keep on top of it until you return and can take over the burden again.”

  She stared at him, daring Stel to object, but he was trapped—he had been pushing the idea so hard, that once we gave in to him, he couldn’t back out.

  “Thank you, my dear,” he replied flatly as he slumped back into his chair.

  Despite his reluctance, Stel dove into the assignment I had given him with zeal. Over the next three weeks, he worked with Ilvain and his carpenters to plan the construction of several villages inside the valley, and then laid out the order in which each of them should be built. Ilvain and his crew took over from there, setting out to build each village one-by-one until they were all complete. Hopefully, the pace of construction would keep up with the flow of new citizens that Stel anticipated.

  While Ilvain worked on the villages that would cater to the human, elf, and halfling population, the dwarves started construction of new housing built into the cliffsides around the two caverns. Although the areas had initially been developed as mining operations, they’d quickly grown into something more. Small communities sprung up around both sites, and the dwarves that were not guarding our outer fortifications settled there in chambers they carved out for themselves in the cliffsides. Stel told them of our plans, and the need for more homes to be built, but when he offered them Ridge’s help, they refused his aid, and promised instead that they would keep up with the need on their own.

  The dwarves took great pride in carving out their own communities, and while they admired Ridge’s work on the fortifications and barracks, felt the need to build their permanent homes for themselves. Stel took them at their word that they would provide shelter for a
ny who might join us, but also made them promise to accept Ridge’s help if they couldn’t carve out the dwellings fast enough.

  While Stel was busy overseeing construction, the rest of us kept to our normal routines. For the first few days, things were mostly normal for me. But then, as word spread about my new armor, I found people staring at me as I walked by or trying to peek at the boots and gloves that stuck out from beneath my outfits. I finally gave up and realized that the events that occurred had transcended my ability to hide from them. After that, I simply wore the Armor openly, and with the Quiver on my back, I let everyone see for themselves just what had been bestowed upon us.

  It caused a bit of a stir the first day I made my rounds in the God-forged gear, but after that, once people had seen it for themselves a time or two, things calmed down and almost returned to normal. The only difference was, as Hilgreth had predicted, my citizens took the Artifacts as confirmation of our mission and seemed to redouble their efforts. Their dedication had never been an issue, despite my occasional doubts, but they began pursuing their various duties with a renewed sense of enthusiasm. The increase in morale was a boon, and construction and production from both our mines and forges benefitted tremendously.

  The forge’s output was also helped by the outpouring of support that the two smiths received when they made their relationship known. It became a common sight to see the two of them walking hand-in-hand, and I saw more than a few smiles cast in their direction. Aside from some good-natured ribbing, which Renn bore surprisingly well, no one had a bad word to say to the couple.

  Although not many relationships were quite as unique as theirs, Hilgreth and Renn’s example spurred quite a few formerly hesitant couples into the open. It wasn’t long before many of my formerly single citizens were also walking around together, and the bonds between them became even stronger in the more relaxed and open atmosphere.

  Everything went well for us during those weeks, so a few nights before Stel and Khorim were due to depart, we threw a party for them. We had wanted to wait until the evening before they left, but Broda reminded us of Khorim’s penchant for overindulging, so we scheduled the going away party accordingly.

  It was an absolutely wonderful night, and the celebration went on far longer than any of us thought it would. But finally, when we thought it was safe, my companions and I snuck away and headed home for the night—while we would have loved to stay even longer, we still had our responsibilities to deal with in the morning, and hung over or not, none of it could wait.

  We laughed and joked the entire way back home until we walked in the front door and crossed into the common room, and our happy mood died instantly when we saw Nentai sitting there at the table.

  “You do seem to schedule your little celebrations on the most appropriate nights, Dreya,” the Goddess commented dryly as she rose from her chair.

  As my companions dropped to their knees, I cast about looking for Set, but it seemed that the Goddess of Vengeance had come alone this time.

  “No, she’s not here tonight,” Nentai smiled as she noticed me glancing around. “Her gift to you has been delayed, and I’m afraid my sister is having a little fit over it.”

  “But let’s not dwell on her absence when there are gifts to be given out,” Nentai continued before I could reply.

  The Goddess smiled and motioned to an ornate chest that sat on the table. The gilded box had not been there just a moment before, and Nentai’s gesture made it clear that I was the one who needed to open it.

  The chest itself was a masterwork, gilded with ornate gold designs. I was reluctant to even touch it, but when Nentai unceremoniously nudged me closer, I hesitantly lifted the lid.

  Inside the confines of the velvet-lined interior was the finest set of chain mail I had ever seen. It was not something that I could use, so the gift caused me some confusion until I picked it up and its properties became known to me.

  Thassa’s Armor of Light – God-Forged Artifact – This set of chain was crafted for Dreya Sintári by Thassa, Goddess of Light. While this Armor is irrevocably bound to the Sintári, it is intended to be worn by one of her companions. The mail will temporarily bind itself to whomever she bestows it upon for life, unless the Sintári revokes its use. Upon the death of the wearer, or if the Sintári chooses to reclaim the Armor, it will return to Dreya Sintári’s possession.

  The links of this Armor provide enhanced protection from nearly all forms of attack, and while not impervious to harm, the wearer will be shielded from most damage. This Artifact is self-repairing and has a reduced effect on Encumbrance.

  “Some of my brothers and sisters chose to interpret my father’s command to help you a bit… liberally,” Nentai explained as I reread the description. “So, in addition to the items that are intended for you, there are others that are meant for your companions.”

  I pulled the glittering set of links from the chest and carried the Artifact over to where Venna still knelt on the floor. She didn’t raise her head when I approached, so I spoke to her softly.

  “Get up, Venna,” I prodded her gently.

  “I cannot,” her voice trembled.

  “Stand up, Curate,” Nentai commanded. “Or were you intending to accept a gift from Thassa on your knees?”

  Although her words seemed harsh, Nentai was clearly entertained by Venna’s uncertainty, and her tone was one of amusement. But regardless of her motivation, Nentai’s words had their desired effect, and Venna rose shakily to her feet before finally glancing at me. When she did, I simply extended my arms towards her, and she saw what I was offering her for the first time.

  “Can you tell what it is?” I asked her as she stood there gaping at the Armor.

  “N-n-no,” Venna stuttered.

  “Take it from me; it’s meant for you,” I said as I pushed the mail into her reluctant arms.

  As soon as the links fell into her grasp, the nature of the Armor became known to her. Venna’s eyes widened in shock, and her whole body trembled as she struggled to accept the gift that she had been given.

  “Leave the Curate to come to terms with what Thassa has crafted for her,” Nentai counseled, deftly letting Venna know that the Goddess of Light had truly meant the gift for her. “There is one more item for you to see.”

  When I turned back to face Nentai, I saw that she was gesturing for me to return to the chest that was on the table. Her motion confused me, because I had seen nothing else in the chest once I’d removed the chain mail. But when I peered inside again, there was a bundle of folded cloth at the bottom, just waiting for me. Nentai smiled at my confusion and whispered to me as I picked up the bundle.

  “It’s just God magic, don’t let it bother you.”

  The familiar and offhand tone of her comment put me at ease, as she had obviously intended. I briefly wondered why the Goddess was so informal and relaxed with me, but before I could ponder the thought, the cloth I’d picked up sent me a notification.

  Robes of the Evoker – God-Forged Artifact – This finely made set of robes were crafted for Dreya Sintári by Kalla, Goddess of Fertility and Finnus, God of Commerce. While this item is irrevocably bound to the Sintári, it is intended to be worn by one of her companions. The Robes will temporarily bind themselves to whomever she bestows it upon for life, unless the Sintári revokes their use. Upon the death of the wearer, or if the Sintári chooses to reclaim the Robes, they will return to Dreya Sintári’s possession.

  In addition to having numerous pockets and hidden sheathes within their folds, the Robes provide increased protection against attack, and make the wearer’s image shift in combat, providing a difficult target for enemies. This Artifact is self-repairing and has no effect on Encumbrance.

  There was only one person for whom the Robes could have been intended, and as I walked over towards Tási to give them to her, I had to hold back my tears.

  She had been completely overlooked until then, as neither the dwarf spirit nor the elf King had foreseen her coming. So
, while the rest of my companions had received priceless relics from the two ancient sprits, Tási had been left out entirely. Knowing that the Gods had chosen to bless her with such a valuable Artifact made my heart swell with gratitude, and I was nearly overcome with emotion as I presented the Robes to her.

  “There is no one more deserving of this gift than you, Tási,” I said as I came to a stop in front of her. “And I am honored to be the one to give you this gift–your gift from the Gods.”

  Tási had heard the exchange between Venna and Nentai just before, and so she did not hesitate to rise when I spoke to her. When she stood up, I pulled on the ribbon that bound the bundle of blue cloth together and handed her the Robes.

  “It should be a relatively simple matter for you to put them on, Tási,” Nentai commented wryly. “Why don’t you go upstairs and do that now. I’m not leaving until I see you in them.”

  Tási hesitated, unsure whether or not the Goddess was truly serious, but when Nentai glared back at her, Tási practically bolted up the stairs and into our room.

  “I absolutely hate those horrible things she wears,” Nentai commented to me as Tási disappeared. “I’m just dying to see her in something more appropriate.”

  “You have a keen interest in her attire,” I observed.

  “I have a keen interest in seeing people free to dress as they like,” Nentai pointedly replied. “She’s been hiding herself behind a wall of cloth for too long.”

  I understood what she meant and couldn’t disagree—Tási choice of outfits was strongly influenced by the fact that her people were often targets for acts of violence and depravity, so she nearly always wore clothing that hid her figure and didn’t make her stand out. But as Tási descended the stairs in her new robes, I could see that would no longer be the case.

  The Robes were a deep blue color that perfectly matched her eyes. The lower half of the outfit draped gracefully around her legs and seemed to flow like smooth running water with every step she took. A wide belt cinched the Robes around the waist, and the long tab of the embroidered sash hung down almost to her knees. The belt was off-white in color, and heavily embroidered with rich, golden thread that matched the trim accenting the rest of the Artifact. A hooded vest of sorts covered most of Tási’s upper body and was exquisitely trimmed in the same style as the belt, but while the vest covered most of her upper half, its open panels revealed that the Robes underneath clung tightly to her very feminine figure.