#02

The next morning I rise with the sun in my eyes. Quickly washing up at the provided basin, I don my new, to me, linen shirt and head down stairs.

"Ah lad, You're up." Leonard calls out, spotting me as he turns away from a conversation with the innkeeper. "Good, good, I just ordered breakfast for the two of us and was about to come wake you." Gesturing to a nearby table, he sits down once I join him. "I've got your reward here, a full gold for each of those bastards." He passes over a small pouch which holds more than just two coins. "Took the liberty of breaking that into some small change for you, not many around here will be able to break a full gold."

"Thanks." I say with a nod as the innkeeper arrives with two plates full of sausage, eggs and hash. He's followed by a young girl of about ten carrying a pitcher of water and two wooden mugs. "Ah, looks fantastic. Thank you, and thank you, little one." I say to the innkeep and his daughter, as she hides behind his legs after delivering her load.

"Thanks Fred, thanks Annie. No need to hide girl, Sorrel here's a friend."

"Can you really do magic, mister?" She asks shyly while peeking out from behind her father.

"Light!" With a nod to her, I conjure a soft, glowing orb above the table .

"Wow, you really are a mage." Annie said, now pressed up against the table staring at the light. "Lisa didn't believe it when I told her we had a real mage staying here. Were you really living in the woods hunting wolves, without even a shirt?"

"Hahaha" Fred laughed. "Sorry lad, it's a small town and we don't get a lot of excitement here. You and the lass are all everyone's been talking about."

"That's alright, it's understandable. Yes Annie, I was living in the woods hunting wolves. I was actually making a new shirt when that whole mess happened last night. Speaking of the girl, How is she doing?" I asked Leonard.

"She's doing alright, physically at least, seems everything was just too much for her last night. Maddie took her home and has been keeping an eye on her."

"If that fire I saw in her eyes was any indication of her usual self, then she should snap out of it soon."

"Hopefully." Leonard concurs. "After we finish up here, we can head over and see if she's awake. Then, I can show you around town."

"Sounds good." I replied before turning to the little girl that was still staring at the light in fascination. "Here you go Annie, it'll only last a couple hours, but you can show it around to your friends in the mean time." I Send the warm globe into her hand with a gesture.

"Wow! It's like holding nothing at all. Can I go show it off, Da? Can I? Please."

"Sure thing, just play nice with Lisa." Fred tries to tell his daughter, but she's running out the door before he can even finish the sentence. Shaking his head, he returns behind the bar as we tuck in.

On our way to Maddie's place we're waylaid by a group of children and I'm forced to make lights for each of them. Stretching my magic muscles I play around with the spell and create a rainbow of lights in all different shades, earning a skill level from System-chan for my efforts.

At Maddie's we find the girl still asleep so Leonard continues the tour, familiarizing me with the town, which is somewhat larger than I initially thought. Telling me it's name is Southwood, and a little of it's history while introducing me to the local merchants.

"So lad, any idea what you're going to do from here on?" Leonard asks as we return to the inn. "That coin is more than enough to live comfortable for a while, and with your skills you'll have no trouble making more."

"Well, I suppose I can't stay in the forest for the rest of my life." I shrug. "The girl mentioned the Capital last night and I thought I might head there, maybe find someone to teach me some more about my magic."

"I hear the mages guild is always looking for new members, and I'm sure they'd love to have someone so strong in nature magic." Rubbing his chin for a moment before continuing, he then says. "If you head east and follow the vilages then the Capital is several months away by foot, you may be able to find a free horse to buy, but not likely until you leave the woods. Though if you're in a rush, you could head south. There's a city on the river about a week away, and from there you should be able to buy a horse and head East across the grasslands. Or, if you're willing to wait for a merchant caravan to show up, you could join one of them for a much easier trip across the grasslands. I'd recommend this option as it's a desolate area."

"That could work. I'm comfortable in the woods, but not too sure about travelling across country. At least, not on my own, not all the way to the Capital."

"You're heading to the Capital?" The young woman I saved yesterday asks from the door of the inn, her stuffed saddlebags loaded over one shoulder. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I came over to thank you for saving me yesterday. The healer, Maddie, said your name was Sorrel, is that right?"

"Sorrel Rumex. And there's no need to thank me, I'm just sorry I wasn't able to get there sooner. Are you..." Even I'm not fool enough to ask someone that just lost a brother to violence if they're 'okay'. "Is your head feeling alright? No headaches? Nausea? Double vision?"

"Amelia Rialta" She introduces herself. "My head's fine and you sound just like the healer, she wouldn't let me out the door without a battery of tests. And..." She takes a deep breath. "You don't need to dance around what happened yesterday. I'm... no, I can't say I'm dealing with it, but I'm holding together..." She trails off.

"I was thinking about heading to the Capital." I say, shifting the conversation back to her initial question. "I've never left the woods before, though... I have little holding me here now. I take it you wish to accompany me?"

"Yes." She says with a nod of gratitude, as much for me offering, as for me changing the subject. "I need to inform our parents." Her breath hitches for a moment. "Father's a merchant, he had a big opportunity in the Capital and went ahead while Rodrick." Another hitch. "and I stayed with his sister in Northwood. We finally got word from a messenger around noon yesterday that everything went better than planned and we could join them Capital. I was so excited that I grabbed the bags I've kept prepared ever since they left and practically dragged Roddy..." She trails off as tears start to leak from her eyes.

"Stop!" She jumps at my tone. "You had nothing to do with what happened to your brother. Those scum were waiting in the woods and would have attacked no matter when you left."

"He's right lass." Leonard interjects. "You'll only tear yourself apart if you keep thinking that way. If you need someone to blame, blame me. I'm in charge of the patrols to scare the beasts away from the road, but those two legged wolves snuck past me."

"Thank you." She says to me before turning to the guard captain. "I don't blame you sir, Actually I would like to ask you a favor. I need to send word to my Aunt about... What happened. Could you please deliver a letter for me? I don't think I can face her, least of all, right now. We've never really gotten along, you see. Part of the reason I was so eager to leave yesterday." Barely a hitch that time. "I've asked Miss Maddie to arrange a ceremony... for tonight." A bigger hitch that time. Turning back to me, she says. "I hate to ask you, after all you've already done for me... But, could we leave tomorrow? I... I just can't sit around, I need to do something."

"I understand that." I nod. "Dealing with loss is not easy, but having a goal helps while you're learning to handle with it." 'Says the guy who lost his entire life' I think, sardonically. 'Should probably take some time to deal with that.' Dying over, and over, and over again for a day gave me some time to think, but I know there's some landmines just waiting to be uncovered.

"I'll need to pick up some supplies for the road first." I continue. "While I do that you can get started on the letter and maybe consult with Leonard about what route to take, he had some good ideas." I say with a nod towards the man.

"Aye, if you're sure lad." He says to me. "Having a goal can help a lot, though eventually, you will need to stop and let yourselves grieve." His comment is directed at both of us this time.

I nod again before standing up and heading out the door, pausing a moment as I hear Amelia ask. "Is what Maddie said about him true?" Starting off again, as he replies. "Aye lass, seems he and his ma were living in the deep woods when..."

'Good.' I think to myself. Seems like he bought my back story, there was a reason I didn't tell him any outright lies. First, I had a feeling that he would know if I had lied to him. He may be a small town guard, but he definitely did not feel like one, and chances are he could have kicked my ass, magic or no. "Not that he even took that risk." I muse softly to myself with a wry smile, thinking about how the man had waited until I was exhausted from shaping the tree, and surrounded by his men, before asking for my story. I'm probably just being paranoid, but I was just thrown into a whole new world with no support structure, and nothing to rely upon but my own wits and newly gained powers. So, better paranoid, than dead, again.

I can easily use my magic to survive on the road, so most of what I'm picking up is actually just going to be used as social camouflage. No need to walk into a new town wearing nothing but a pair of rough trousers again, after all. Deciding to head for the blacksmith first for one of the few non-camouflage pieces of equipment.

I quickly head to the far side of town where it stands within it's own thick walls. Presumably there to reduce noise, and prevent any fires from spreading the rest of the mostly wooden buildings in town. Heading in, I greet the smith's wife sitting at the counter.

"Hello again" I greet the rather lovely woman, still mildly surprised to see a woman like that married to a smith. "Looks like I'll be heading out sooner than I thought, I'll need a good knife for day to day use on the road, a small cook pot. And, I was hoping it would be alright if I could take a closer look at those staves."

"That's no problem at all sweetie, I've got the perfect dagger for you, just one and a half silver, sheath included, and another five copper for the pot. And, you came to the right person for staves, I actually do all the woodwork here. Though, I suppose, being a nature mage and all you'll be wanting to fashion your own."

"Ah, yeah." I laugh awkwardly as I hand over the coins. Freakin' small town gossip, I'm surprised she doesn't already know about Amelia's plans to leave tomorrow. "I may be a nature mage now, but I don't know much more about a good staff, than that it should be long and straight."

"Two excellent qualities in any staff." She says with a slightly wicked smile and a hint of a laugh to her voice. "Go on, give this one a twirl, get a feel for the weight and balance. Most people prefer one that's just slightly taller than they are, though length isn't quite as important as girth." She says with an actual laugh this time.

'Damn, I don't know if I feel sorry for the smith, or wish I was him.' I think while trying not to blush, before clearing my throat. "Ahem. Is there any secret to the wood itself?"

"Not a secret." She replies. "You just want to look for a long straight grain. The best place to find that is the core of the tree. The oaks around here are great, but they may be heavier than some care for. Though, I doubt that'll be a problem for a strapping young man like you."

Returning the quarterstaff to it's place in the rack, I thank the smith's wife for the knife and the instructions. Then, before I start taking her teasing too seriously, I make a hasty exit as she looks on with an obviously amused twinkle in her eyes. 'Geez, I'm only supposed to look like a teenager, not act like one.' I think to my self, with a chuckle, as I rush away from the most dangerous woman I've met in this world so far.

Grabbing boots next, thankfully they had a pair in my size... well, close enough that I barely had to Shape-shift. One belt, water skin, and backpack later, I leave the leather worker's, then proceed around the market and stock up on various fruits, vegetables, and any seed grain I can find. Growth magic combined with my previous botany studies makes getting fresh foodstuffs much easier, though I do grab a couple pounds of jerky just to snack on later. Lastly, I make my way to the seamstress.

"Ah lad, come in, come in." The kindly, old shopkeep calls out after looking up from her embroidery work. "Heard you're leaving us already, boy. Well, don't you worry, I've already got my girls taking in a couple outfits for you. They'll be ready tonight, I'll send little Lisa over to the inn with them later. You should have heard her going on about those lights you gave her and her friends."

"Oh, thank you. How much do I owe for that and could I get a decent blanket..." I trail off spotting a dusty bundle of familiar white fibers that I must have missed on my earlier trip with the guard captain. "Is that cotton?"

"Hmm?" She asks, glancing behind her to where I'm looking. "Oh, that? Yeah, picked up a big bale from a trader years back. Lovely fibers, but those seeds are a nightmare to pick out. Got to the point where I used to use it as a punishment when the young'uns where acting up." She says with a bark of laughter. "You interested? that bit hasn't been picked clean yet." Seeing my nod, she continues. "It's just been sitting there, so I'll give it to you for a half copper, bringing you up to 5 total, including the blanket. If... you promise to make some more of those lights for the kids again before you leave, that is."

"Haha. I'd be happy to." I laugh before exchanging some coins for my purchases before saying my goodbyes and leaving the shop. 'Wasn't expecting to find cotton here. Need to remember that this is a different world and not just some pseudo-Europe like in the books I used to read.' I think after putting the bundle into my new pack and heading back to the inn. 'Might be able to re-invent the cotton gin if I ever need a big influx of cash. Though, I'd better check the views on slaves first. I already know they send criminals to the mines and there's no need to repeat America's mistakes.'

Returning to the inn, I enter and spot Amelia alternately drinking from a steaming mug and chewing on what looks like a fountain pen while staring down at a piece of paper. With a final nod, she sands the paper to dry the ink before folding it in thirds. Taking off my bag and shifting it into my inventory, only takes up one slot, even with all the stuff in it. I give the blonde a nod as she looks up at me, before walking over to Fred to ask for a snack and my own mug of whatever Amelia's drinking. After he heads into the back fix my late-afternoon snack, I go to join my new companion at her table.

"All done?" I open with a motion of my chin towards the folded letter. After she answers with a nod, I continue. "Good, you should probably pick up a pack before the leatherworker closes up for the day, that and anything else you might need. I can store your saddlebags in my inventory, but it'll look strange if we're travelling around without any bags."

"Ah, thank you. I didn't even think of that." She replies.

"No problem, you've got a lot on your mind right now. I've never traveled before." 'Not even back on Earth.' "So, I'm mostly going off of common sense here, that and some stuff I've read before. I picked up a small cook pot, a knife, a blanket, and I'll be using magic to handle food, water, and shelter. If you've got any idea what else we'll need, or if you just want to load up on your favorite snacks, now's the time to do so." I'm a bit brusque, but she looks like she needs something to focus on.

"Ah. Okay." She replies, a look in her eyes like she's going over a list. "Yeah, I can think of a couple things. But, uh, I don't know my way around town." She finishes a bit shyly.

I'm about to speak up when the innkeeper walks up carrying my plate and mug. "Ah Fred, perfect timing. Is Annie around?"

"Should be around somewhere, never strays too far." He replies, setting my food in front of me.

"Think she could show Amelia around town for a bit?" I ask. "I'd be happy to make her some more lights to play with. I wanted to run into the woods for a bit and craft a walking stick before it gets dark. Had a talk with the smith's wife and she gave me a few pointers on what goes into a good staff."

Seeing my involuntary shudder when mentioning her, Fred laughs. "Hah. Don't worry about her boy, she just likes to tease. Never seen a happier couple than those two. Now, just gimme a few minutes to round Annie up and she'll be happy to show you around lass." He says, turning to my table mate.

"Thanks, I'd be happy to give her a copper for her time as well."

"She'll appreciate that lass." Fred says with a smile. "She's got a bit of a sweet tooth, but I only let her get candy when she's saved up enough to buy it herself."

A few minutes later finds us parting ways, Amelia led by Annie, and probably half the girls in town. This time I set the lights to orbiting around their heads while they slowly change colors, earning myself another level for the skill. Meanwhile, I head off to the gate.

"Hey, there. Paul, right?" I call out to the guard I recognize from last night.

"Hi there Sorrel, did you need the captain?"

"No, I was just hoping to pop into the woods for a bit, wanted to try my hand at making a quarterstaff."

"Gonna use your magic? Would you mind if I tag along to watch? I ain't never seen anything like what you did with that tree last night."

I shrug and say. "Sure, probably won't be all that exciting though, just gonna try and pull one from inside a tree."

"Still fascinating to me." Paul replies before calling out to the guard shack. "Hey Sam, watch the gate for a minute."

"What'cha up to?" Came the reply as the other guard walked from the shack. "Oh, hi Sorrel. You need something?"

"He's gonna use his magic to make a staff from one of the trees out there." Paul speaks up for me.

"Well, you know..." Sam starts, with a twinkle in his eyes. "Anything could happen while he's focused on his magic, it's for the best, really, if we both go and guard him."

"Hahaha" I can't help but laughing. "Sure, sure, I just need to reach the tree line. That way you two can 'guard' me while still keeping an eye on the gate."

A minute later and I find myself drawn toward a large oak just inside the tree line. Reaching my hand up to it's bark, and I can just sense that it's the right one. I don't know if it's my nature magic, my Plantkin species, or both, but I just Know, capital 'K'. Without even having to cast a spell, I sink my arm into the tree. Like pushing into water, the wood flows around me, until after I'm in up to nearly my shoulder when I feel it. A smooth hardness in the very center of the tree, it pulses with energy as I grab hold. Slowly pulling my new weapon free, the tree not only surrenders it, but freely offers it up to me.

"Thank you, Friend. Growth!" I say, offering a small gift of magic to the majestic tree.

*Ding*

-Using your racial skill, you have crafted a Livingwood Staff-

*Ding*

-You have leveled up, you are now level 2-

A rushing sensation flows into me, nearly bowling me over.

"You alright there Sorrel? That was amazing, by the way." Says Paul with a giddy look on his face.

"I'm fine, more than fine. I just leveled up."

"Congratulations man, but you're still looking a bit wobbly there." Sam says with a smile. "Let's get you back to the gate and you can have a sit on the bench there."

"Good idea." I say distractedly. Using my new staff like I've had it my whole life, we make our way back to town. "Thanks guys, I'm feeling better now." I say as we reach the gate. "I'm going to head back to the inn and wait for Amelia to finish her shopping. Will you be at the service tonight?"

"Yeah." Paul says, finally losing his dopey look. "Cap arranged for some of the other guards to cover us." Sam nods along.

"I'll see you there, then." I nod to the guards before leaving for a quiet place to look over my Status Screen.