Last Horizon: Beta

by Daniel Schinhofen

  Amythyst listened and a few tears trickled down her cheeks. “Oh, I think I can understand. Thank you for the honesty and for sharing your life with me.”

  Dumadin chuckled fondly, “I won’t die soonish, I have hopes of seeing a great wonder. Something I thought impossible and out of reach but seems close right now” He trailed off and watched as they all waited for him to continue. “He might get a woman who is worthy of him, actually better than he deserves, but he might be extraordinarily lucky.” He hooked a thumb at Terets as he finished speaking with a chuckle.

  “Jackass,” Terets said, shaking his head.

  Amythyst turned a deep red and looked away as Terets flipped his friend off. “I hope so too,” she murmured just loudly enough to be heard. Which caused to Terets to blush just as deeply and Dumadin to laugh loudly and long.

  “Life is what you do, mighty or not. Plans will always change, nothing is forever. Do what you love, with those you love. If you do no harm and enjoy life then you have lived well. I am truly happy to be here for as long as I have. My only regret is those that will be left behind when I go.” Dumadin finished and took the lead for a bit, cutting off further conversation for a time.

  Kittish spoke softly, “He really does love and care for his friends. He just wants his friends to laugh and enjoy life. Right now he gets the most enjoyment out of being here and helping push the beta. So I will do everything I can to support him. I do agree with him though, live, love and laugh are the only things that really matter at the end of the day.”

  The group rode on in silence for a bit. Amythyst rode alongside Kittish, close enough to lean over and whisper an idea to her. Taking a moment to think it over, Kittish nodded her consent and motioned Amythyst to fill Terets in on her idea. Once the idea had been shared they nodded and looked at the back of Dumadin, who still rode ahead of them.

  An hour into the ride Kittish noticed a woodsage and informed the group. They all dismounted and got ready as Kittish walked towards the plant to pick it. After she had gathered it and walked back they waited there for almost five minutes.

  “I guess they did indeed fix the RNG on being attacked for herbs,” Kittish answered with a smile.

  “They only toned it down from a 100% chance,” Terets said.

  The group continued to stroll along the road in comfortable silence for a while. A day passed with them traveling and talking, logging out as the clock dictated. They came upon a village by the name of Oakbridge.

  It was a small village with the Oakbridge Inn, a general store, and a blacksmith. There were no other shops, just some small houses. They spoke to the blacksmith, finding he could do rudimentary repairs for a small fee. The general shop, Stuff for Sale, had a third of what Mixed Goods had in Stoutbank. They stepped into the Inn and were greeted by the innkeeper as heroes of Stoutbank. After a few pleasantries they took their leave after finding out the town had been aided by another group of adventurers recently.

  “That was a nice little place,” Amythyst remarked as they continued on down the road.

  “Yeah very peaceful and restful. Glad others stopped by to help them with their vermin problem,” Kittish noted as they strolled along.

  The next few days passed without much excitement, outside of gathering and random mobs. They passed through another village called Oakhearth which seemed to resemble Oakbridge a lot. A few hours later they came across the cave that they were looking for. Terets stealthed towards it as the group settled down to wait for his return.

  “Okay, there’s a mob in there, but I didn't get a good look. It seemed to get agitated when I got close to the cave. I’m assuming it has a stupidly good sense of smell. I think it has wings too, I heard a slap of leathery hide as if something flexed its wings. So we’ll be going into this blind. There’s a nook just above the cave opening. Give me a few minutes, I’m going to circle around and get to that nook. When I get there I’ll whisper you to let you know and when you attack it and draw it out I’ll drop on it.” Terets finished his plan and looked at his friends.

  “Works for me man. Let’s get the goods and take them back.” Dumadin stood and got his shield settled and hammer ready.

  “Let me mark you first,” Amythyst said and nodded when she was ready. Terets stealthed and moved off.

  About fifteen minutes later Dumadin nodded to his friends, “He’s ready. Let’s go poke an unknown beasty.”

  The trio spread out a little to make it harder for them all to be hit. As Dumadin got within one hundred yards of the cave a leonine roar issued from the cave. Pausing, Dumadin glanced at his friends and noted the shimmer of Terets posed for his attack. The trio slowly closed on the cave, waiting for the attack. They made it to within fifty feet when the slap of leather could be heard and a Manticore came charging out of the cave and snapped its wings open as it cleared the cave entrance.

  Terets, not being able to see what it was dropped down on top of it and plunged his swords in. He then noted what the creature was and cursed. He quickly withdrew his blades and fell off it as it took to the air.

  “I am not getting stabbed by that thing’s tail for being on it,” He yelled as he landed and turned to face it as it flew up and circled back at them.

  The Manticore looked very similar to a lion with bat like leathery wings and a multi-spiked tail. As it turned back towards them it snapped its tail forward and three spikes came shooting down at Terets. Three solid thunks could be heard as Terets gasped.

  Kittish cast Shock on it but the stun from the spell didn't effect it, even though it had taken damage. It winged away into another loop above the area.

  “Into the cave,” Dumadin shouted as Amythyst cast heals on Terets. “It’ll have to land, giving us a better chance to fight it.”

  The group ran for the cave as it looped back towards them and snapped its tail forward again. This time Amythyst and Kittish each took a spike and the third barely missed Terets. They reformed deep in the cave with Dumadin at the point, facing out.

  After a few minutes the Manticore landed outside and snapped its tail again. Three more spikes launched and hit Dumadin. Terets drew his bow and fired as Kittish cast Shock. The Manticore roared at the damage and charged them.

  Dumadin charged as well, meeting it head on as he triggered his necklace, getting a full Block on its bite. “I got it Terets, flank this bitch and cut that damn tail off.”

  “Right,” Terets tried to swing past his friend and got slapped back by a wing. “Fucker can use its wings in combat.” Returning to the bow he began to fire as fast as he could draw.

  “Just burn it down then,” Kittish yelled and started to chain Shock on it.

  Amythyst kept up a continual barrage of Healing Light on Dumadin watching the secondary Retribution damage the Manticore. “I really like Retribution.”

  After a few minutes the Manticore lay dead at their feet as the group checked their status. Aether usage had been high for Amythyst and Kittish. Dumadin's health had fluctuated but not been in serious danger with Kittish tossing in a HoT occasionally. Terets had been fine after the first barrage and hadn't used any aether to speak of.

  “Sweet, that wasn't horrible at all. Just need to note those things are probably best dealt with in ground situations.” Terets muttered as he began to skin it. “Hey, nice the remaining barbs on its tail can be used in weapon crafting. I'll send those along to Felton when we find a mailbox.”

  Amythyst and Kittish took the time to search the cave, finding mostly old bones and debris. Eventually they found a few pouches with various coins and a small unlocked chest. Inside the chest on a bed of crushed velvet lay the bell, ring, and knife.

  “Found them,” Amythyst called out. “Wow these look exquisite.”

  Kittish looking over her shoulder nodded, “The chest by itself is worth a nice bit I would hazard. What is the mark on the front of it?”

  Amythyst walked out of the cave to get better light and looked it over as Terets finished with the Manticore. “Hmm a styli
sh emblem of crossed swords on top of a mountain. Looks like a crest of a noble or something.”

  “Well, we got it all. Let's fast travel back to Stoutbank and see what Bjorn has to say.”

  LOVE IN THE AIR

  Appearing in the town square, the group made a brief visit to the UPS to send the spikes to Felton. Then they went to the inn with high spirits, wanting to see what Bjorn was going to do. Upon entering the Inn Bjorn called out in joy, “The heroes return! Be right with you friends, find a table.”

  They picked their usual table and greeted various players and townsfolk while they waited. A few minutes later Bjorn came over and motioned them to follow. Bjorn led them into the back of the inn, into a private dinner room. They took seats as Bjorn laid food and drinks out on the table.

  After making setting the table, he took a seat and looked at them expectantly. Letting a small smile flit across her lips, Kittish set the chest on the table. Bjorn’s eyes focused on it and took in the details. “The sigil of my family. That is the chest indeed, but are the items still inside?” Bjorn asked breathlessly, his hands twitching slightly.

  Kittish slid the chest over to him and they all watched as he traced the emblem for a moment. Taking a breath, he opened the lid and looked inside. His face broke out into a huge grin, “Well done, my friends. I knew you could do it. Now to see if I can have happiness.”

  Bjorn went to the door and called in a powerful voice toward the bar, “Tabitha, I need you please.” He stepped back toward the table and took a few deep breaths before the door opened and Tabitha came inside.

  “Yes Bjorn?” Tabitha's voice was a sultry musical tone.

  Taking one more deep breath, Bjorn turned to her and went to one knee. “Tabitha, you have been a boon to me since I opened this inn. With the aid of these heroes I have been able to reclaim what I needed to ask this question. Will you do me the honor of marriage?”

  Tabitha's mouth opened and closed a few times without sound, clearly stunned. Her eyes went to the group who watched her with smiles on their lips waiting for her answer. “Bjorn... I... I...” As the seconds dragged out Bjorn's face started to fall as Tabitha stammered. “YES! Oh gods, yes! My dreams oh...” She rushed him, and knocking him completely over followed him to the floor hugging and kissing him.

  The friends exploded in cheers and whistles for them, calling out encouragement and suggestions as the duo kissed and clung to each other. A few moments later Tabitha and Bjorn separated enough to stand and blushing, thanked the friends.

  “I didn't have the courage to ask her without my ancestral items. Without you we might not have found this happiness. I am forever in your debt friends.” Bjorn spoke with a big grin while holding Tabitha to his side.

  “Oh, my deepest thanks heroes. I know now that you have given me the greatest dream I have had.” Tabitha said as Bjorn finished speaking. She went and hugged each of them in turn, thanking them again. Bjorn went around the table thanking them as well.

  Quest Complete: Marriage material.

  Receive: Fifty thousand experience and increased rep with Bjorn.

  You are now Trusted Ally with Bjorn.

  Bjorn will now aid you any way he can.

  The group smiled as the messages went across their UI. “Maybe a feast should be called for and you can inform the town of the good news.” Dumadin suggested, watching the soon to be couple.

  “Yes! Indeed that is what we shall do. I shall inform the kitchen and tomorrow we shall inform the others of our joy.” Bjorn said, holding Tabitha's waist with his off hand. “Let’s keep this between us for now though, until tomorrow.”

  The group agreed and settled in for a private celebration for the couple. Tabitha stepped out for a minute to get someone to watch the bar for a time. When she returned they feasted and celebrated for a few hours. Eventually the group had to log out but promised Bjorn that they would be around the next evening for the announcement and feast.

  “When is your date, Amythyst?” Kittish asked as they made ready to log for the night.

  “We have it planned for the day before we go back to Th...” Amythyst cut off and looked at her, then to Terets.

  Terets held up his hands, “She is a nosy one and has a keen nose for things. I didn't tell her. I would think she was fishing and hoping for a bite.”

  Kittish chuckled, “Correct. I am sorry Amythyst. Me and Dumadin had been hoping you two would have a private date after our last get together. I was fishing and hoping that I was correct. I’m a hopeless romantic at times.”

  Amythyst blushed and spoke softly, “I am not used to people who want good things for me outside of my sister. You have all been so kind to me. He planned the date, I believe, for the day before we are due back at Thallien's to get the next quest.”

  Terets nodded, “Yes, two days from tonight. Now, butt out Kittish and let it be. It is the first date for both of us in years, I would think. So neither of us will talk about it afterwards in detail.”

  Dumadin grabbed his lover and pulled her to him, “We will abide. We just both are so eager for happiness and good news. So we will only ask for general news after the date and stay away from the more risque areas. My word upon it.”

  Kittish stamped a foot and pouted slightly, “You just had to give your word. Damn it, I was going to do girl gossip with her now I can't. You are a brutish, mean ogre.”

  Dumadin laughed and slapped her ass, “Come on, it's time. Let’s go and stop embarrassing these two. We will see you on the morrow.”

  The duo logged out, leaving Amythyst and Terets alone. Sighing, Terets shook his head, “I am sorry Amythyst, for their behavior at times. They just want to see their friends as happy as they can be. However, if he gives his word he will hold to that as rigidly as he can.”

  Amythyst nodded, “It’s fine. My sister was much worse. I just don't want...” Shaking her head she stopped and took a step toward him. “Tomorrow, the feast,” she leaned forward and brushed her lips to his, then vanished.

  Terets groaned and brought his arms up to hold her as she vanished. Sighing deeply, he stood there for a few moments trying to gather his wits. He heard a soft sultry voice behind him. “Excuse me Terets, may I have a few minutes of your time?”

  Spinning around, he found Talia Nightsbreath standing there. Clearing his throat he spoke, “What is it Talia?” He raised a brow as he didn't feel in the mood for her games.

  Talia batted her eyelashes once and let her voice exude sensuality as she arched her back slightly. “I was wondering if I might trouble a great hero for some private lessons. I notice you are alone now and surely need to work off some energy. I can promise you that the lessons I seek would do wonders for us both.” She traced her upper lip with the tip of her tongue as she finished.

  Terets took a deep breath and focused on fighting down his base urges. After all, he was still a red blooded male and this slut was just throwing herself at him. He shook his head as he regained control and spoke in a frosty tone. “No, and this is the last time I will say it. You have nothing I am interested in Talia. I’m not the sort to bed just anyone or thing.” He put emphasis on the last word while looking at her with all the contempt he could muster.

  Talia laughed a delightfully sinful laugh and stepped toward him with her hips swaying. He noted at that point that she wasn't wearing armor and her shirt was unbuttoned clear to her naval, showing off her ample assets. “Oh, come now. It isn't like you two are exactly a thing yet, and I can give you so much. Just take a moment and think about the pleasure I can give you with this body.” She let her hand trail down her front, opening the shirt so her hard nipples could be clearly seen.

  Terets looked at her, stunned by her blatant refusal to be rebuffed. She just wouldn't stop and gods that body looked delicious. He vanished leaving Talia standing there half naked and blinking in surprise. A moment later she began buttoning her shirt and cursing as she turned and left the inn. “This isn't over Terets, I will get you yet.”

 
Twelve hours later, Amythyst was chatting with Kittish and Dumadin when Terets finally logged back in. They greeted him and became curious as to why he was looking around with such intensity. “What's up man?” Dumadin asked as they walked from the hallway into the main taproom.

  Terets shook his head and growled, “Talia, she doesn't understand not fucking interested.”