9 Bestiary (1/2)
Bryn had made the decision to stop by the blacksmith's forge first, the same place his father had told him to go if he got into trouble. He knew from hearsay that magical gems could be utilized in smithing to make stronger weapons and armor.
Henceforth, there was a chance the smith would give him a better deal for the rank two earth wolf's magical gem. A reasonable deduction. However, that was not the only reason...
”Judging from yer looks, you must be George's boy, eh? What can I do fer you?” The dwarf grunted.
”Uncle Grum! Don't act like you don't recognize me!” Bryn was indignant at the way the dwarf addressed him.
”Heh, last time I saw ye, ye were this tall...” Grum put a hand to his chest representing Bryn's former height. ”What can I do for ye boy?”
Bryn looked around, reached into his pocket, and pulled out the green magic stone before handing it to Grum.
Luis, who was examining the large red salamander, suddenly felt a chill trickle down his spine. Using an instinct he didn't understand, he turned and locked his eyes with a man who was staring intently at the exchange between the drawf and Bryn.
The blond haired man was dressed like several others he had seen, wearing a mix of leather and metal armor. He had a curved sword at his waist, and a thoughtful smile was on his face.
What is this? Is he a threat? Luis' instinct was telling him to be wary of this man. Why or how, he didn't understand. He just felt that the man was a threat in some manner.
Strange... Luis took a mental note of this. Bryn however, was completely oblivious, as was the dwarf.
”A rank two magic stone... Grum whispered softly, spinning the gemstone carefully in his hand. Out of nowhere, he barked his offer. ”Six gold, not a copper more!”
Bryn was about to demand a higher price when the dwarf cut him off by raising his other hand.
”Yer father told you to haggle me I presume. He is smart enough to know he can get at least five gold fer this. That's why I gave ye the extra gold for yer trouble. Yer welcome, now stop.”
Bryn felt that this was not quite the lesson in haggling his father had in mind, but the prospect of a whole gold piece to himself was too tempting to risk. ”Deal!”
Revealing a rare smile, the dwarf pocketed the gem, left, and returned with the gold. Handing the small pouch to Bryn he inquired. ”I see you have a beast following ye...” Grum left the rest of the question unsaid.
Reaching into one of his many pockets, the dwarf tossed Luis a piece of dried meat. Merely reacting accordingly, Luis caught the jerky with his mouth, and found it to be delicious, chomping on it gratefully.
The red salamander on the other hand, narrowed its eyes, a look of betrayal on its face as Grum patted Luis' smooth head.
”Yea, about that I wanted to ask you if he...” Bryb started before Grum cut him off again, believing he knew what he was going to be asked.
”I wouldn't worry about it boy. No one would bother trying to take yer beast. He looks like he is only rank one, and rank one beast cores and stones are worthless.
They contain too little energy to be used for anything, and any if any pitiful fellow tried to sell one, they'd be lucky to recieve fifty coppers. Not worth the effort...”
Bryn nodded, his knowledge regarding magic stones slightly increased. However, this wasn't his question.
”What I wanted to ask was if you know what he is? What kind of magical beast?”
Grum bent down and scratched the base of Luis' neck, who shivered in pleasure from the touch. ”I'm afraid not boy, but I would check the bestiary at the guild. Maybe you'll find some clues about this here beast.”
Bryn nodded and left after saying goodbye with Luis following behind. Next stop, the guild! Bryn's somber mood from before considerably brightened. The guild was the place he hoped to frequent in the future, after he became an adventurer himself.
The building the duo stopped in front of was in the close to town square. It was large, approximately two stories, and a big sign was hung over the double door.
On the sign, there was a symbol of a large iron shield. The most identifiable feature though, was that the walls of the building were made of white stone. Very few buildings were made of stone in this city, not including the walls, and Luis assumed they were all important in some way.
Bryn took a deep breath and opened the door. Luis followed Bryn as he walked in. The interior reminded Luis of the DMV.
People were in line to meet three separate receptionists behind windows cut into a wooden wall. Around the space, there were tables where various people sat, mostly men and a couple women. There was a bulliten board on a nearby wall with papers pinned to it
Luis noticed that everyone minus the receptionists and Bryn were dressed in various levels of armor and carrying all manner of different weapons. Soldiers? No, there was no uniformity. They more closely resembled mercenaries... Luis couldn't be certain. Most of the people here yelled out greetings when Bryn entered.
Several even came over and clapped him on the back, talking excitedly. Bryn returned their enthusiasm. He must come here often... Luis was made aware of Bryn's popularity among these people.
Some dialogue was exchanged, the Bryn pointed to Luis. All at once, Luis found himself suddenly surrounded by a large group of men and woman, all much larger than him and carrying sharp looking weapons.
Luis felt a cold sweat trickle down his back, mentally of course. They all started poking and prodding him with their hands, much to his annoyance. These people are lucky I am patient... Grumbled Luis internally. Otherwise, several of them would have lost fingers from their invasive touching.
”Wow, he really is docile!” One of the adventurers observed, impressed at the beast's patience. A normal magical beast would be too nervous to be surrounded by humans like this.
”He is quite cute too!” Observed a well built female adventurer. ”You are very lucky to have a cute magical beast following you around. Grumpy ol' Grum's salamander pales in comparison...” She rubbed Luis' small head, cooing softly.
Luis' dignity demanded he not be embarrassed by the cooing sound this woman was making to him. He was not a child.
Bryn asked them all what their plans were, and they explained they were going to go hunting for beast cores and stones as a group. Humans were always stronger and safer in numbers. Bryn was brimming with jealousy, wishing he could join them.
Suddenly, Luis felt a familiar chill going down his back, pinpointing the source of the feeling, he saw a man sitting at a table in the corner covered in a long robe that concealed his body. His face was hidden, but Luis could somehow tell he was looking over.
Strange... The feeling was the same as what he felt before, but it lacked the sharpness of hostility he felt from the previous man. Basically, he sensed that the man was dangerous, but not currently a threat. Huh...