by L. R. Wolf
Aya opened the marketplace as well. Before this had all happened, there would have been very little chance she would have been able to buy most of the stuff in this shop as it was for people to blow their disposable income, of which they had very little. Since she had VIP status she and her family could get anything and everything they wanted from the cash shop without paying a dime. Most of the stuff in the shop was strictly vanity items. Cool looking clothes or awesome looking armor sets that made people look good, but the items had no stats or effects beyond visual ones. Other items available were mounts, 25% experience boosts, the ability to summon other Dreamers to them among others that wouldn’t necessarily make too great of a difference between a VIP and non VIP. One specific item caught her eye.
Anonymity-This item will grant a person full anonymity. Skill level, class, tradeskills, stats and gear will remain hidden and inaccessible to other Dreamers. WARNING: Will not work in a Player Vs. Player environment.
Aya immediately grabbed the item and used it the second it dropped into her inventory. She saw Brackerd smile and nod approvingly.
“Ah, I had completely forgotten about that particular item. I would still recommend buying one of the vanity sets considering some gear makes it completely obvious what gear you’re wearing due to the distinctive appearance. Your Fire cloth gear for example, anyone who knows what it looks like will know exactly what you’re wearing, but with the anonymity item and a vanity set you could be wearing all Ancients and Uniques and no one would be the wiser!” Brackerd picked up a few vanity sets for himself and donned them in front of her to give her an idea of what some of them looked like. The first set he put on made him look like a noble paladin. He was clad in gold and silver armor. Golden ethereal wings flared out behind him as if he were about to take flight before they disappeared. His eyes glowed golden through the slit of his helm. Angels adorned the breastplate striking imposing poses. He held a sword up that seemed to be made of pure light, the crossguard was wings, but the edges and feathers looked incredibly sharp.
Aya nodded, “Nice, you can truly be my guardian angel now!” She giggled as he struck a pose, raising the sword high above his head and flaring the glowing wings out behind him while wearing a silly grin.
“Well, I was going to show you some of the other sets, but I can’t bear to take this one off.” Brackerd ran a hand over the front of the chestplate marvelling at the craftsmanship. He knew it was purely visual, but damn if he didn’t look like an absolute badass.
Aya laughed again. “That’s ok, I can preview the items to see if there’s any I like.” Aya continued to browse through the marketplace looking for the perfect vanity set to cover her current armor. They even had vanity jewelry in some of the sets so she’d be able to disguise her unique ring. Her eyes were drawn to a lava and fire themed vanity set. Just like the Fire cloth set made her appear as though she were a living walking flame, this set made her appear as if she were part of flowing lava, the outer edges of the cloth were black and cracked looking representing obsidian where the lava was erupting from, while the center of the clothes, from the boots to the hood, was a deep orange and yellow. The colors shifted and flowed down her body as if she were molten lava herself.
With a thought, she purchased the Molten Cloth Vanity Set and a jewelry set that was made purely of amethyst. The sets weren’t actually physical items that one had to wear to take on the appearance, rather you had to go to your character screen and assign which vanity item you wanted to cover what gear slot. If you were wearing something in that slot then it would appear to be whatever vanity item you assigned there. She quickly assigned the Molten set and the jewelry to their appropriate slots, now if someone were to look at her they would see her wearing Molten Cloth Armor and Amethyst jewelry. She checked a few boxes so that the Molten look would only be visible when she was wearing armor and not when she was just wearing everyday clothing like she was now. The jewelry would always be showing so long as she was actually wearing any jewelry. She made sure that the amethyst ring was showing in every ring slot so that if she decided to switch her Unique ring to a different finger it would still appear as amethyst. Right now she only appeared to be wearing two amethyst rings and an amethyst necklace as she was currently wearing just regular clothing since Elohwa had taken her cloth armor for cleaning.
Brackerd narrowed his eyes examining her. Since he was a Game Master here, he could still see her vital information and gear. Finally, he nodded at her. “You look good. Anyone looking at you wouldn’t see anything amiss.” He thought for a brief moment before he remembered something. “For obvious reasons, the only people who can know about this place are you and your immediate family. To anyone else this place doesn’t currently exist. When your extended family arrives the surrounding areas will be hidden from them. They will not be able to see anything to indicate where they are either on their maps or even the mountains and skyline. They will just see an open field when they arrive.”
Aya nodded, she wasn’t going to say anything to anyone besides her husband, she didn’t want to jeopardize the deal they currently had and the things they wanted to add to the deal.
“One more thing before I start working on a play area for the kids,” Brackerd took a book from his satchel and held it out for Aya. The book was bound in leather and looked just like any other book, the cover completely bare of any identifying marks. “This will teach you all of the basic spells and it will also teach you the portals to all of the capital cities and all of the starter cities. These spells shouldn’t raise any eyebrows, they are all spells that can be purchased within the major cities even by brand new Dreamers if they can get to the cities.. We’re just eliminating all of the running around you would have to do to get them all.” He grinned as she took the book and started flipping through it. “I’ve already seen what you’re capable of creating with just a handful of spells so I’m really interested to see what you do with some of these other spells! Also, just between us, since you’re going to lose your overpowered secret buff, you might want to take a look at the back of that book for something extra special.” He winked at her before he turned to leave and get things set up for later in the evening.
Aya immediately flipped to the back of the book, within the pages were portal spells to some of the higher level dungeons and instances including what appeared to be treasure maps that would allow them to teleport directly to Ancient Chests that spawned once a day deep within open raid territories and were supposed to have some of the best loot hidden within. A slow, calculating smile crossed her face. If she was going to be losing the overpowered buff that she had, then by god she was going to make use of it before the servers came back up for the general populace.
Chapter 30: Fresh From the Kitchen
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Aya sent Elohwa a quick message telling her about the buff she would be losing as well as the massive luck modifier and how they had to remain quiet about Eventide Falls for now as well as the dungeon portals and the Ancient Chest teleportation maps. Elohwa found her rather quickly afterwards.
“We can actually teleport directly to those chests?” Elohwa was very aware that they were now under some serious time constraints. If Aya’s immediate family was getting access tonight, and the rest of the family would get access the next day, then odds were that the other Dreamers would be flooding in the day after.
“I’m not sure if that’s what it does, we can always give it a try! I’ve still got more than nine hours before my family is supposed to start arriving.” Aya was both excited and anxious to see her family, this would be a good time to go out and do something that would keep her busy and distracted which would make the time pass faster.
Elohwa must have had the same idea as Aya, if they could get a jump start on some of the really good gear, they would be able to add to the city’s coffers. They had both looked at some of the later buildings they would need and the costs were enormous in both platinum and resources, but the benefits of those buildings
would far outweigh the cost. “Let us try out one of the maps, see what happens. Since they are supposed to be Ancient chests you should not touch them. There are most definitely going to be traps, likely multiple traps on the same chest. If we can not disarm them ourselves, then we can bring them back here to store until Va'lore is whole again. If anyone could disarm them it would be him.”
“Wait, what? What do you mean bring them back with us? We don’t have to open the chest there?!” Aya was blinking in confusion. Everything she had ever played you had to loot the chest where it spawned. Either the chest would disappear once looted, or it would remain in its location, but empty until the loot within respawned.
Elohwa saw her confusion. “Of course, we can bring them with us. They only spawn once a day. The chests themselves are a treasure. You can add them to the vaults in the keep if you would like, or once you build a home here you can place them in there.”
Aya’s inner packrat had gone into a full blown loot frenzy. “What are we waiting for?! Let’s go!” Aya ripped one of the treasure maps from the book Brackerd had given her before she went back to the beginning and touched the first page. The spells contained within swirled around in her mind as she learned them. The pages containing the spells fell away leaving only the treasure maps, which there were quite a few of. She was about to use it when she hesitated for a moment. “Actually, hang on a minute, let me set a timer to go off just in case we get too distracted.” With a thought, she opened her interface and set another timer. She was going to allow about an hour to get back, get a bath if needed and get changed into clean clothes.
“You might want these back too. We do not know if there will be anything guarding these treasures.” Elohwa held a bundle of clothes towards Aya that contained her Fire cloth armor.
Not wanting to go through the trouble of physically changing clothes, she put the armor in her quick equip slots. Now she would be able to change clothes with a thought if she wanted to. As she swapped to her armor, Elohwa gasped in surprise. This was the first time she saw Aya wearing her Molten vanity set and the effect was as striking as the Fire Cloth.
“That suits you. Incredibly explosive power and deceptively hot.” Elohwa nodded appreciatively at Aya’s new look as she quickly swapped to her own armor.
“Er, thanks.” Aya blushed a bit at the compliment. She wasn’t used to compliments outside of her family, to hear something like that from someone else filled her with the confidence she normally lacked. “Okay, NOW let’s go!” Aya held the map up and was about to activate it when Elohwa stopped her.
“Perhaps we should pick up some of the new rations from the kitchen first?” Elohwa was just as tired of the cold rations as Aya was and now that they had a steady stream of meat, fish, vegetables and fruits the food quality would most definitely be phenomenally better.
“Oh, that’s right. I actually meant to do that but got distracted with the thought of loot.” Aya put the map back into the book before closing it and dropping it into her satchel. The thought of freshly cooked meat and fish with some freshly picked fruit made her start to salivate.
The women turned and headed down towards the makeshift kitchen. On their way over, Aya linked Elohwa several of the Companion Only vanity armors that she had seen in the Marketplace. Because her gear was better than even Aya’s, she too would have to be covering up her equipment. Elohwa finally settled on a set of Shadow Leather as well as a simple silver jewelry set. Within seconds, Elohwa’s equipment changed to pure black leather armor even the metal bits on her armor were a dull black sheen so as not to catch in any light.. Her Twin Blades of the Gods became plain sharpened steel blades with black leather bindings on the hilt.
Once Elohwa had finished changing, the two women took a minute to look around. Different races sat together and milled about eating freshly cooked meals. The scent drifting from the kitchen caused both women to inhale deeper taking in all of the rich smells that reached their noses. As they got closer, they could hear low conversation and laughter coming from the different groups that were sitting together. Elves and dwarves sat together with barbarians, avians and humans. There was a rather long line of people on their breaks waiting for their food so the two women made their way to the back of the line. They were almost there when an all too familiar voice boomed across the open space.
“Now I know you ladies aren’t about to stand in line at your own kitchen!” Askar stood from his position at one of the tables. Conversations immediately fell silent as all eyes turned to them.
“That doesn’t make it right to just cut in front of such hardworking people though. We can wait our turn.” Aya knew he was right, that as the Lady of this land she could pretty much do and say whatever she wanted, but she had been raised better than to think she was above anyone else. She could see several people nodding, their eyes full of respect. One of the gnomish engineers suddenly began banging his fist against the table, those around him began banging their own fists on the tables, causing their plates and silverware to jump with the multiple impacts on the table. Soon, everyone sitting at a table was banging on the tables while those who were standing stomped their feet.
“Umm, I don’t know what’s happening?” Aya leaned over and said it directly into Elohwa’s ear, the sound of the banging and stomping was deafening.
Elohwa had to lean in close to Aya’s ear so that she could hear over the cacophony. “It is a show of respect. Apparently you impressed them a great deal with your words and actions. Not many Lords or Ladies would suffer themselves to wait in a line behind common workers when they can rightfully take what they want when they want.”
“Ok so what am I supposed to do? Do I need to give a speech or something? I really hate public speaking.” Aya wasn’t used to this kind of attention, she had always felt uncomfortable with people focusing on her when she was up in front of the classroom as a child and she was delivering a book report.
Elohwa held up her arms drawing their attention, the noise died down as all eyes turned towards her. “Lady Aya wishes to say a few words.”
Aya once again leaned over and this time whispered softly in her Companion’s ear. “I’m going to pay you back for this.” Elohwa winked at her and continued smiling innocently.
“I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for all of the hard work you’ve been doing around the city. I know it doesn’t look like much now, but with your help, we can return it to its former glory. If any of you need or want anything to help you in your tasks, please inform your Foremen or Masters who will then take the matter to Va'lore who is fully authorized to get you what you need.” Aya smiled at all of the faces that were staring at her, embarrassment causing her cheeks to redden.
“HOOZAH!” Askar boomed from his seat. He lifted a wooden mug into the air. “To Lady Aya!! To Lady Elohwa” His voice carried across the clearing drawing the attention of nearby workers. Mugs and water skins rose into the air. “That being said, get your asses up there and get some food in you!!” He laughed, causing others to do the same, soon, everyone in the vicinity was laughing or chuckling as many of them pointed to the front of the line. Those who were already in front of the two ladies parted ways and pointed forwards.
Aya and Elohwa exchanged a glance, though they desperately wanted to exploit the maps and the limited window of time available to them, they also wanted to be able to relax for awhile. With a subtle nod to one another they made their way to the front of the line and ordered some rations as well as a meal they could sit down with. A gruff looking human man emerged from the back of the kitchen wiping his hands on his apron. “Greetings to ye! I be Master Chef Derick.” The man reached behind him and pulled two large bundles from a makeshift chest nearby which he promptly set onto the counter in front of the two women. “Now ladies, there be twenty rations each in those. If’n ye need any more then ye be askin fer me n I will personally be preparing it for ye. Please be givin me a wee moment te prepare ye a fresh meal.” He gestured towards the side indicating whe
re the two women should wait. As he returned to the back, the two cooks taking the workers’ orders had returned to their posts and resumed taking orders while Derick personally saw to the needs of the women.
Aya picked up one of the bundles, although she was curious as to what was inside, she didn’t want to waste time opening it and then having to put everything back. At least while it was in her inventory, she would be able to open the bundle and take out individual packages without making a mess. She frowned at the bundle as it was too big to get in her satchel. Elohwa, seeing what Aya was thinking opened her own satchel before picking up her own bundle and touching the edge of the bundle to the top of the satchel where it promptly disappeared from sight.
“God, I love magic!” Aya chuckled as she, too, opened her satchel and placed the bundle at the opening and watched it disappear within the void of the satchel. She mentally opened her inventory and saw the bundle sitting at the very top for easy access. Elohwa chuckled at the wonder she so often saw in her Dreamer’s eyes.
After a few minutes, Derick once again emerged from the back carrying a tray containing a plate for each woman as well as a mug of water and two sets of forks and knives which he set on the counter in front of them. Aya’s mouth immediately began to water. A large steak took up most of the plates with two fish filets stacked upon one another just off to the side. Baked carrots topped with fresh herbs adorned the rest of the dish. “This looks amazing! Thank you!!”
“The honor be mine. I live te serve ye!” Derick beamed in pride at the attention he was receiving. He absolutely lived for that moment when he saw people walking by his kitchen and stopping suddenly as they caught the scent of what was cooking. To see them take that first bite of a meal he had slaved over watching their eyes roll back in pleasure at the taste. To hear them remark how the food he and his cooks prepared were some of the best they had ever tasted. These were the moments he truly cherished.