23 Chapter 23: 2 is a party and this is a crowd

The Adventuers guild hall in Durum was far more impressive than the one in Panacea. I looked on with wide eyes at the glittering marble floor and the silver lined wall art displaying heroism in it's most glorious form. It had been a whole 2 days since we had been here but with having to make reports, strategy meetings, and catching up on much needed rest; today was the only time we found to come.

"Count Rory was once a noble adventurer my lady. After he ascended to Count with his father's passing he put a lot of money into this place." I nodded and then glared; He was still calling me that. After reaching Durum Don was all but swarmed by adoring fans. He gave them a wave and a smile but kept his attention on me; This did not go over well with the many girls here. unfortunatly since he kept calling me My Lady with so many eyes and ears around people kept giving me confused or fearful looks. I thought this whole courtly love thing wouldn't affect anything but I was woefully wrong; How was I supposed to lay low until I honed my skills if every eye in Durum was on me? I sighed heavily; so much for that plan.

We went up to the receptionist and she beamed a smile at Don; of course she knew who he was it was in line with her job. she look extremely flustered but proceeded in a professional mannor.

"Welcome to Durum's Adventurers guild, How can I be of service?" The receptionist was average but her smile made up that well enough. Don took the lead before I could speak and I gave him a dirty look. Hey-hey it's my first time here! don't deny me my first experinces man! I screamed internally; my angry thoughts of course didn't reach him.

" My Lady would like to apply for membership at this guild hall." said Don with confidence. the woman's brows creased when she heard him say my lady. she immediately looked back at me; Her eyes seemed to study me for a moment before she gave a confused look. of course she was confused there weren't many noble elf families and I wasn't even considered that to my own kind. If there was a dark elf born form a noble family even if it was just a rumor people would know about it. also I was wearing a short sleeved shirt that was tucked into loose fitting pants; both were made of cheap material. Worn out boots, and even with my haired tied up I looked no more a noble than a dead fish did a crane.

"Whom is your lady Don?" said a sweet voice; it was so soothing to the ear that I immediately seeked out it's source. Elves were known to have charming voices but this held an unfamiliar accent that just added to it's precularity; at least for me anyway.

The lady was absolutly breath taking, the noble air around her held a sublime authority that was reminicent of Don's. She had lush golden hair that tumbled down in ringlets around her soft and glowing peach colored skin, her eyes were a shade of hazel with a little grey sprinkled here in there that made them stunning, her lips were a shade of light red that matched her elegent yet simple red dress, she was rather tall at least for my short 5'4 anyway not to mention her heels. She wore a gentle but some how menacing smile.

"Ophelia." The way he said her name was so unexpectly soft and affectionate I blushed feeling like I had witnessed something privet. I looked at the receptionist quickly and smiled gratefully; apparently I wasn't the only one.

"Ah you'll have to excuse Don he keeps calling me that but I'm not a noble so.." This was awkward why did I have to feel like I am the other woman? Curse you Don I thought to myself.

" But you are My Lady." He said with finalty. his voice was tingled with such a cold tone it was like the previous words were a dream. I looked back at Opheila who was now aside 3 others.

" Ophelia you can't just run off like that." said one of them.

" Ah let me introduce you to my wives." he pointed at each in turn.

"This is Katherine Everst; Of the noble Everst family" She was closest to my height. She was a silent and shy looking beauty with cheek bone length black hair and stunning green eyes, her lips were a light plumb color and her skin a milky white giving her a frail look; but enhancing those eyes all the more. She wore a black, long sleeved shirt lined with simple ruffles it had green jewels that seemed to pale in comparison to her eyes; and a flowing black skirt to match. she didn't have a curvy body like Ophelia; in fact she looked much younger. I eye'd Don with sudden suspicion; and he continued on as if nothing was wrong.

"This is Angela Mayfare; of the newly ennobled merchant family Mayfare." Angela did not lack in the beauty department either. but she gave off such an energized vibe just making eye contact with her made you feel winded. she had long light green hair with golden colored eyes that seem to buzz with life, her skin was slightly tanned and her lips a light shade of baby pink. her clothes were what you'd expect a noble merchant to wear somewhat formal but not so much so it made you uncomfortble.

"This is Casey; she is an A class adventurer" Unlike the other 3 who screamed Noble; Casey gave off a calm air. She was pretty but not bewitching; her light blue hair was in an angled bob around her pretty face giving her a strangely dignified and defiant look. she was very slinder rather than curvy; and her skin was a shade of light brown. she had sharp looking purple eyes; and about average height. She was wearing fine gear made for a ranger class adventurer.

"And last but certainly not least; my dear Ophelia Pattailine of house Pattailine" the one from before gave a smug smile as if she was being praised. Oh dear was she okay? I gave a her a look of pity and her smug grin fell to a grimace; I looked away feigning ignorance.

"Everyone this is Eva She is both my charge and My Lady." He paused and looked back at them with a very frosty expression; none of them dared to object.

"I owe her a great debt and so we will be traveling together for..a really long time." he said the last part with a some what amused tone; causing me to give him a look of annoyance. was he trying to get me killed?! at this rate I wont even have to worry about the vampire; one of these obviously stunned, confused, and irrate woman would surely due me in before he can even lay a hand on me!

I waved in defeat and said with a heavy sigh.

"Hello, nice to meet you." I gave what I hoped was a charming smile. Well for now maybe I could plead to their better nature and not get murdered in my sleep?

"Are you really a dark elf?" the woman named Katherine asked suddenly.

" That I am." I said somewhat quietly; Don gave me a withering look. Katherine looked on a bit impressed. I feeling suddenly uncomfortble turned back to the receptionist and continued my registration.

"Put your hand on the large orb in the center when you enter the status chamber in that room there. " she gestured to the open door next to the counter. I looked over at Don who was now preocupied with his many wives and felt a sudden pang of jelousy looking at them all together for a moment. Could I have a family as big and jolly as that some day? I suddenly remembered Emma who was waiting for me too return and smiled; The idea didn't feel so hopeless anymore. I walked into the Status Chamber room and the door closed behind me; privacy was a major thing where a person stats were concerned. If your enemy knew what your skills, Titles, Abilities, and life stats were they could find the perfect way to eliminate you. Considering that some kingdoms require you to register at their adventurer's guild hall to even be considered a citizen it was of major importance.

The room it's self was made mostly of wood with little to nothing aside from the orb in the center inside; I could feel the magic used to encase this room and keep it secure. the orb floated ominously in front of me and the sudden urge to touch it came over me; I placed my hand tentatively onto it's circular surface. My stats came up in front of me on a translucent window:

Name: Eva

LEVEL: 4

Race: Dark Elf [Beast man/ Elf]

Age: 25

Titles: [The Shunned] [Explorer] [Body Modifier]

Job(s): [mage] lvl 5 ,[tracker] lvl 2,

-Status-

Stamina-210/ 210 mana 500/500

Health 700/700

stre- 7 Speech- 9

Int-11 Speed-9

Con- 9

-Abilities-

[Enhanced Perception] lvl 4

can see up to 4 meters in the dark. You also have enhanced hearing and smell

[Magic Affinity]

- You are able to grasp spells and magic related concepts easier than most others.

[Super Sense]

N/A

-Skills-

[Flame Manipulation] lvl 3

[Earth Manipulation] lvl 2

[Water Manipulation] lvl 4

[Wind Manipulation] lvl 3

[Body Reinforcement] lvl 1

[Strength Enhancement] lvl 1

[Light Manipulation] lvl 2

I noticed there were many changes to the power level of my stats and even a new title; I guess all that practice paid off. still there was no taming skill and I deflated at that fact. My constatution stat was rather high for my life style however, what could have.. my mind suddenly remembered the many cuts and lashes I recieved as punishment and I shivered. at least my pain tolerance wasn't going to be a problem. Deciding I should focus on obtaining a Healing skill and the tamer job I left the chamber feeling a bit more confident. as I looked over the group of woman who were staring at me all of a sudden; I was sure I was going to need it.