11 The snowflake that caused the avalanche (1/2)

After stocking up on a sizable amount of MP potions from the money they were given for their performance that day, the three comrades traveled to the nameless town Shiarra had told them about.

”Jericho, what is the skill you worked so hard on that can help the town?” Shiarra inquired.

”This.” Jericho replied as he used the ability create water. The water fell to the ground turning the dry dirt to mud. ”It will take some time to fill up their well but if I can go into it, I can do it faster.”

”Why is that?” The woman followed up.

”It is the secret the water elementals asked me to be careful who I tell. You have given me no reason to distrust you. However, since it seemed very important, I decided only to tell the people I know well in real life. I hope you understand.” He replied.

Shiarra smiled with a light laugh. ”Good, I was worried you would be overly naive and tell me just because we have adventured together a few times. In truth, the two of us are still technically strangers despite gaming together these last few days.”

Jericho nodded. ”That is true. Either way, when we get into the town, help me get into the well. I'll worry about the water issue. You and my little sister can go help out the village in other ways so you aren't bored.”

”Okay.” She agreed.

”I am curious though, what's a guild, and why were you so jumpy at that guy's friendly conversation?” Jericho inquired.

The armored woman shook her head. ”You know nothing about the cruelty of mass multiplayer games, do you? Thankfully this isn't the only VRMMO game out there so the effects have been spread out a bit. That guy wasn't friendly. I was just surprised that your audience went as far as to verbally chase him off.”

The bard frowned. ”I kind of feel bad for him. He only wanted to know the answers to a few questions and invite me to whatever this guild thing is and he got yelled at because of it. But, you have not answered either of my questions.” He pointed out.

Shiarra shook her head. ”You don't have to feel bad, those people have thick skin; they can take it. A guild is a group that works together to achieve goals. On the surface that is a great thing however underneath most guilds is a political game someone as soft-hearted as you wouldn't appreciate. Often guilds will wage war on each other and bully others because they are stronger. Having tricks like your cloning ability can give them the edge in these large fights. He wanted you to tell them how to get the ability so they could take advantage of it. As for the guild invite, he wanted to rope you into a situation where you earn them money. By my count, you have earned almost two gold piece in these last few days just for playing in the streets. They probably would have done things like a contract where you do concerts for them and they take most of the income. Some might even try to get you into a real life contract. Joining a guild would be great in the short run but it is typically harmful to someone like you or Princess in the long run.”

The bard sighed. ”Thank you, for watching out for us. Ill intentions or not, Emerald Flame shouldn't have had to go through that. Just because someone has 'thick skin' doesn't mean that other's words don't affect them.” Jericho pulled up the messaging system and typed up a message.

”What are you doing?” Princess inquired noticing her brother go silent for a bit.

”Hopefully I'm making a friend.” Jericho replied unknowingly sending the snowflake that caused the avalanche.

***

Emerald Flame, despite his high status in the Vextor guild, didn't have many friends. His guild mates treated him with respect born from fear, avoided him, and even spread nasty rumors about him. He didn't like them much, but he had been gaming with them for years. Because of their history together in past games, he joined them again in this one. Because of the things his guild asked him to do, he was frequently victimized and easily enraged. He knew in his head that he brought most of it onto himself but his emotions spoke otherwise.

At Emerald's request, some of his guild mates were keeping tabs on where Jericho traveled. The battle team he was in charge of had seen the power the music had in the water elemental fight and wanted to incorporate it into their guild one way or another. The mage had originally been given the task to try and recruit Jericho and learn his secrets. Since he was the most respected group leader in the area, the job became his.

As they stealthily followed Jericho and his companions south, Emerald couldn't get out of his mind the words the audience had shouted at him. He was only doing his job. ”Why did they have to get so aggressive?” He muttered. ”It's all...”

A notification appeared interrupting his thoughts.

[New message from Jericho the Bard] [Emerald Flame, I'm sorry you were treated harshly by my fans. Humans can be cruel sometimes. While I have no intention of joining a guild at this time, I wish you great fortune in the future. I hope you will continue to enjoy listening to the music I play and continue to be the great person I sense you are. This is also a game, it is supposed to be fun right? Remember, you are a survivor, not a victim. Sincerely Jericho the Bard.]

The mage stopped in his tracks. ”He… cared enough to message me by name? I'm a survivor huh? It's a bit sappy, but I never expected to see anything like this in a game.” He took a deep breath, light moisture filled his eyes as all of his suppressed frustrations resurfaced with better understanding. He started writing back. [Jericho, thank you, you really are a kind person. I will do my best and I wish you the best as well…

He paused in the middle of his message as he contemplated things. Sometimes a few well timed, simple words can bring clarity. ”A game is supposed to be fun? When did I forget that?” He continued mumbling.