Kheeta realized that she hadn’t moved forward while she watched and there was roughly two feet of empty space. She quickly moved up her cheeks burning hot for a different reason now. There was one person left before she would be standing before Seh’ Luca and everyone would see the highlight that they had picked out from her test. I wonder what it’ll be? She thought to herself, looking up at the projection in front of her. An Abysytes girl stood in the Mage’s Maze with two of the bone rattling stalkers on either side of her. The Abysyte’s two sets of wings weren’t much help in the damp maze, as the walls stretched from the floor to ceiling in most areas. Her horns curled upwards, almost as if they were trying to hide in her magenta hair. Kheeta watched as the girl raised her hands to her mouth and they began to glow a soft purple. The Mage-to-be inhaled deeply and exhaled in three short controlled bursts; as she did three, sharp, purple, crystal darts shot out and found their mark in the first beast. The flesh where the projectile protruded began to sizzle and bubble as the Trepidor fell over screeching in pain. The girl wasted no time as she quickly turned her attention to the other creature, but to her surprise it had already fled, fearing a similar fate.
The projection screen lit up brightly, and Kheeta could hear Seh’ Luca say ‘you have an extremely powerful poison dart spell, and I think that you have chosen the path of Witch Doctor wisely.’ Kheeta gulped, what if she doesn’t think that I should be an Invoker? What if she thinks I should try and be a Witch Doctor? She began to panic as she realized that the Pro-Quester was gesturing for her to step forward.
“Hello again Kheeta,” the snake woman drawled, “I’m pleased to see you chose to continue down the Mages path, despite the fearsome things you have seen,” she smiled coyly, raising her eyebrow, indicating the crowded room. Turning Kheeta became aware of the various reactions across the floor, ranging from exclamations of disgust to murmurs of horror. She looked up to see a smaller her fighting off the hidden four armed monstrosity of the Mages test, as those in line behind her began questioning if anyone else had seen creature.
“Ah looks like you found Seh’s secret critter,” Pip piped up over the crowd, acknowledging Kheeta’s battle against the Vormaw “nice job, it’s been a while since someone found that nasty thing. So what Class are you going’ with?”
“Oh…um, me?” she squeaked, realizing what felt like the whole world was staring in her direction, quit being stuck on stupid, they’re just watching the screen above you, she scolded internally but it didn’t help, she felt herself becoming warm and her tails swished about anxiously. “I want to be a…a,” her eyes grew wide as her mind went blank and she began to mumble “it’s…the one with fire, and lightning…the one with all the elemen-“ she trailed off as her eye caught a glimpse of the paper on Seh’ Shira desk, “an Invoker. That’s what I want to be.”
“Oh yea, that’s a good one,” Pip said giving her an encouraging wink before turning back to his line.
“I think that you’ll make a fantastic Invoker Kheeta,” the Sehrmic woman assured her as she took the scroll from Kheeta and scribbled her signature. “Now I would like you to take this as well before returning to your seat.” Seh’ Shira handed her a small blue book with a leather bound case, the title read, A Beginner’s Guide to Summoning Elemental Familiars.
“Well that’s quite the mouthful,” Kheeta commented noting the long name and taking the book in her hands.
“On day one at Dauntless Dungeon all Invokers are expected to summon and bind an elemental familiar of their choosing from the spells in this book, so study it well.” The Pro-Quester explained as she beamed down at her star applicant. “Please take your seat now Kheeta.”
She did as she was told and quickly rushed back to her table where Aurora and Golluk were already seated. It only took another fifteen minutes for the rest of the students to finish their specialty selections and retake their seats, eagerly awaiting instruction from their mentors.
It was Gorn who stood to talk first, breaking the anticipation that hung in the air. “As you all can see there are a few Party’s here that have some missing roles.” Kheeta took a moment to look around at the other tables and noticed that there were indeed several empty seats. Not every Party had all their members pass, Kheeta reminded herself as the Selchii continued. “Now that you all are officially locked into a Class and Role we can assign your permanent Parties. This will be your Party for all three years that you attend Dauntless Dungeon, make sure to have each other’s backs because you are now essentially family.” As Gorn finished speaking he took his seat and Pip stood up and cleared his throat.
“Party one will consist of, Jorah, Morrigan, Urgoth, Gothleck, and Rogesh. Party two will be…” Kheeta watched with anticipation as the various parties were named, wondering who was going to replace Tarek in theirs. “And that brings us to the final party,” Pip continued recapturing Kheeta’s attention. “Party eight will be, Golluk, Kheeta, Aurora, and Bartlebee. Thank you all for applying and congratulations on making it to the next step of your journey! Classes will be in three days time, so return to your cabins, gather your personal belongings, and enjoy Dravenmoore. Meet at the lake at sunrise in three days time for your first day at Dauntless Dungeon!”
“But we only have four people!” Bartlebee piped up, alarmed concern showing clearly in his tone.
“We did not predict Tarek’s disqualification when the selections were made, so we find ourselves one student short.” Seh’ Shira explained, leaning forward in her chair. “We will meet with the Quest Master tonight and see what he wants us to do to rectify the situation. As such party eight will have to return tomorrow morning to receive their replacement Cleric. Now, everyone go and enjoy your last few moments of freedom!” The Sehrmic chuckled at her own joke as she took a deep drink from her wine goblet.
“Well guys, I know a nice Inn that we can stay at.” Kheeta offered as she turned to look at her Party, her friends, her new family. A Meripint, a Florae, an iron Golem, and a Kitsune… I wonder what tomorrow will bring. Kheeta thought to herself with anticipation as she walked back to the cabin unsure of what challenges lay ahead.
Epilogue
As consciousness slowly carried Kheeta back to reality she felt the sudden sensation of being tangled up. I must have rolled around a lot last night to get this stuck in the blankets, she thought to herself with a light chuckle as she reached for her bonds; however, when her fingers touched a smooth cold surface instead of the warm blankets she was jolted fully awake. Peeking downward Kheeta realized she was being enveloped with vines, causing her heart to instantly tighten as the Venova Dente that had eaten her flashed in her mind once again, before rational thought reminded her she shared a room with a Florae.
“Um…Aurora…” Kheeta whispered, feeling guilty for waking her friend, but immobility had begun to make her feel claustrophobic. She felt her friend stir slightly, but not enough to be fully awake. “Hey, Aurora,” she said a bit louder, trying to look up and see her companion, tickling the Flora with her fur as she did.
“Oh, hi Kheeta,” Aurora replied, stretching, unraveling herself from her furry friend. “It was so cold in here last night that I couldn’t sleep, and your fur looked so warm, and then it was really warm, and I guess I fell back asleep.”
“It’s okay, I don’t mind…” Kheeta replied awkwardly, her cheeks flushing at the pressure of the girl’s body against her own, as her eyes darted to her discarded outfit on the floor.
Just then a knock made them both slightly jump, before a small creak signaled someone’s intrusion. “Hey guys I was just seeing if you were u-“ Bartlebee stopped mid sentence as his face turned a deep purple and his eyes widened. “I’m sorry!” He squeaked before quickly shutting the door, flustered by seeing the two girls in bed together. Aurora simply looked at Kheeta who had pulled the blankets up to her shoulders and after a brief moment they both erupted into laughter.
Kheeta hopped down out of bed and began dressing as Aurora’s vines coiled back aroun
d the her torso and chest, forming her usual plant corset. After gathering their things they opened the door to Golluk and an embarrassed Bartlebee. “I guess we learned why we wait for a response after knocking didn’t we?” Aurora asked Bartlebee with a flirtatious wink, heading down the stairs to the Inn’s common room.
As Kheeta followed her friends down the stairs she was met with one of the most succulent scents she had ever smelt. Roasted ham with honey apples and fresh eggs adorned many of the patron’s plates, the breakfast rush getting underway.
“Will you be joining us for breakfast?” Tina, the innkeeper, asked from her position behind the bar. She had her back to them and stood halfway up a ladder, hanging up the large painted portrait Bartlebee had done the previous night.
“Not this morning, we have pressing matters at the school,” Golluk answered for them, “but thank you.”
“Of course,” she flashed them a small smile, “your rooms will still be here when you get back, and I’ll have the other one prepped as well.” With Tina’s assurances the Party left the inn and began down the street towards the lake that led to Dauntless Dungeon’s waterfall, eager to meet their new cleric.
It was barely dawn outside and the first lights of the twin suns began to peer through the clouds, causing a light mist to fall over the streets of Dravenmoore. Soft dew and frost covered almost every surface, giving the city a shimmering effect, it’s simply beautiful. Kheeta mused as they made their way down the still quiet streets. Drawing closer to the other end of town, where the lake was located, Kheeta could vaguely make out two silhouettes in the distance. “I wonder who that is?” Kheeta mumbled to herself as they continued their approach.
“I’m glad to see that Party Eight understands what it means to be punctual.” Seh’ Shira commented the group finally reaching the two figures.
“I told you they wouldn’t be late,” Pip replied smiling at Kheeta and company. “I believe Velora will be here soon as we-“ As the Musmeer turned around the water of the waterfall began to take on a familiar stair-like flow.
Kheeta’s eyes ascended the stairs to see two more figures descending. The first was tall, at least eight feet, he had orange skin, a singular eye enveloped most of his forehead, with two large bull-like horns sitting not far above. He had no hair, and three large teeth protruded from his thick lips. Next to the massive man was a race that Kheeta had never seen before; deep purple in color, the newcomer had the physique of a humanoid but their skin and hair seemed to be made of a gelatinous ooze. A large skull with glowing yellow eyes floated, suspended in what appeared to be slime molded to resemble a female face.
“Ah Mr. Icculos it’s so nice to see you again,” Seh’ Shira said to the large one eyed man as the two strangers reached the bottom of the stairs.
“This one didn’t want to get out of bed this morning.” The man replied, gesturing to the pouting slime next to him.
“I would have had no problem waking up if someone wouldn’t have insisted that I teach him how to play Go Skinsnapper.” The purple ooze, who Kheeta assumed was Velora, shot back playfully; receiving only an eye roll in reply.
“Well either way you’re here now.” Pip interjected with a chuckle. “Now I wish I could help you guys get to know each other but the Quest Master has requested a meeting with all Pro Questers and faculty so we really must be going.” Without waiting for any kind of response Pip turned and began heading up the stairs followed promptly by Seh’ Shira and Mr. Icculos.
Velora just stood before them staring, the awkwardness of the situation not lost on anyone. Kheeta just smiled at the odd girl and gave a little wave.
“So… you’re a Slime.” Bartlebee said, finally addressing the Korlax in the room.
“Bartlebee! You can’t just go around saying what race people are.” Aurora exclaimed, embarrassed by the blunt declaration of the bard.
“It’s fine, I’m not actually a Slime anyways.” Velora responded, the skull inside of her translucent body bobbing slightly with her speech. “I’m a Slyrum, we’re a subspecies of Slime, and we’ve even signed the Peace Treaty.”
“I’m sorry,” Bartlebee offered meekly while looking down at his shoes.
“Really don’t be. Slyrum have just recently been declassified as monsters; in fact, I’m the only one that’s ever left my village.”
Just like me! Kheeta thought to herself excitedly, her twin tails swishing back and forth, as she stared on at the curious girl, there were so many questions she wanted to ask her.
“I’m actually finishing my fourth and final year at Dauntless, I’m already a level five Druid.” Velora’s tone showed pride that her limited facial expressions couldn’t convey.
“That’s really impressive! Why are you being placed with a first year Party then?” Golluk complimented and then asked, voicing the confusion shared by the rest of the group.
“As a Slyrum the Quest Master felt that I needed another year of schooling before I’m allowed to get my license.” Velora explained, more than a hint of irritation in her tone.
“So did the rest of your Party already move on then?” Kheeta asked.
“Well three did… the other died.” Velora’s tone was a mix of disappointment, sadness, and guilt.
“I’m so sorry,” Kheeta replied, not meaning to reopen old wounds.
“It’s okay… I just… I’d rather not talk about it.” Velora was staring anywhere but the Party now and they could all tell that she was getting extremely uncomfortable.
“Well we have two more days in Dravenmoore… what do you guys want to do?” Aurora asked them trying to change the topic.
“We should go see my friend Calisto at the market square,” Kheeta offered. “His wife invited us all to breakfast?”
“Well I’m starving so I’m down,” Bartlebee answered skipping up ahead towards the town market.
“Alright, breakfast it is then.” Aurora chuckled as they continued to follow the skipping Bard.
Walking into the market Kheeta was once again ambushed by mouth-watering smells as she lifted her nose sifting through the different scents until a familiar one caught her attention. Still sniffing at the air she began to wind and weave her way though the crowd as her Party attempted to catch up with her.
“Kheeta! Wait for us,” Bartlebee hollered, trying to avoid being underfoot to the larger races before being hoisted up by Golluk and placed on his shoulder.
Aurora rose up on her vines, stepping over a majority of the crowd to reach the Kitsune, “where are you taking us anyway,” she asked as they waited for everyone else.
“Mmm…I’m pretty sure to Calisto, this smells just like their house.”
”Kheeta!” a trio of voices rang out, “you came,” a small centaur crashed into the fox girls legs, knocking her down before being tackled by two small Satyrs. Two long tendrils of slime lifted the Satyr boys onto their feet as Golluk helped Kheeta and the Centaur girl to theirs.
“Hi guys,” she said beaming at the children, “everyone this is Tianara,” she said indicating the young centaur who curtsied in reply, “and this is Grett and Zohk,” the two boys waved in response to their name, “where’s your mom and dad?”
“Oh we’re just not as springy as those three, but we’re coming,” Calisto said as he and his wife approached the group. “Looks like you got yourself a pretty great Party, come on you can introduce us while we dish up your plates,” he said putting his arm around Kheeta’s shoulder and leading them to food.
They spent the rest of the morning enjoying the finest home cooked meal that Merigohl had ever made. Bartlebee told the stories of the Quester’s Exam much to the amusement of the children; he spoke of flesh eating Skinsnappers, the sleeping Venova Dente, the dull-witted Trolls, and the ferocious Dragon. After much laughter and revelry it was time to say goodbye and Kheeta’s Party waited patiently nearby for their friend to finish up.
“I can’t believe I actually made it…” Kheeta said looking at the Satyr before her, her first f
riend outside The Den.
“I knew you would,” Calisto replied back simply. “Kheeta, you’re going to be a fantastic Quester I know it…” He pulled her into a tight hug as his voice began to choke up, “I’m no good at goodbyes so you write me okay?”
“Of course, and I’ll visit whenever I can… I’m going to miss you Calisto.” She looked at him and smiled a teary smile. Turning away to prevent the other tears that were welling up she began walking towards her waiting party.
“I know what will cheer you up Miss Kheeta,” Golluk offered after a few moments of awkward silence. The Kitsune turned to look up at her iron friend, her tails both drooping down behind her. “Funnel cake!” Golluk finally finished, Kheeta’s ears perking up at the mention of her favorite desert.
“I mean…I’ll still be sad…” she sniffled, a small smile pulling at her lips, “but my tummy will be happy, so we should probably give it a try.” They laughed as they walked to the nearby stand for an early afternoon treat, where Kheeta greedily ogled the cakes, searching for the most powdered one. Reaching for the dessert she had determined to be the best she instead grabbed someone’s hand causing her to quickly recoil,. “Ah, I’m sorry I should’ve been paying attention,” she stammered as she looked up to meet a familiar face. “Oh, Soza, hi, I’m sorry I grabbed you, what are you guys up to,” Kheeta asked quickly still overrun with embarrassment.
Soza laughed at her fellow, frantic mage, as her group came to stand with her. ”You’re fine, I didn’t see you either, we’re actually just grabbing a snack before going to watch the Class Clash,” upon seeing Kheeta’s confused expression she elaborated, “Clash is an arena in town where people of each Class come to fight, show off abilities, or try to raise their Quester score so they can get better jobs.” She explained
Bartlebee hopped off Golluk’s shoulder, landing in front of Caprice, who let out a short yelp before cupping her hand over her mouth. “Wait a squidly minute, you’re going to Class Clash, we have to go, I’ve wanted to see one in action for years, my parents just never wanted to travel this far inland. Can we go, please, this can be my activity for today.”
Dauntless Dungeon Page 20