Fantasy The Clueless Wizard (Completed)

[ArcticFox]

"A decent bet from our Wizard." The vendor nodded when she handed over the tickets. He wrote a number upon the small piece of slate and then hid it under a piece of cloth.

After her first guess he laughed.

"Pick a number between one and a hundred, Wizard. You have only five more tries, but I'll tell you that the number is not one hundred."

- Use your magic.
- Keep guessing.

 

[Yokai]

》Keep guessing.

Surprise flitted across the brunette's features as she leaned heavily against Watson, her chin propped carefully on his head. Or, what she guessed would be his head if Watson were actually a person and not a big stick.

"Let's try 43!" Arden continued to guess, just picking the first random number that popped into her head.

Besides the hot or cold element to the game it was purely luck based, something that she was more than happy to mess with. She'd alter her guess everytime, lowering it when she went too high and raising it when she went too low. Winning wasn't a huge motivator for the young wizard as she was mainly there fore the game itself. And the fact she had tickets to spend. That didn't mean she wasn't trying though! She just didn't want to cheat for once.

Imagine if it ruined her reputation! Arden had to maintain her image of being a... flirtatious wizard? Was that what people expected of her?

 

[ArcticFox]

After using up all the guesses and adjusting her number, the vendor gave her a shake of the head.

"That was a nice try, but sorry, you are wrong."

The vendor pulled away the cloth and reveals that the number written on the slate. The crowd applauded her attempt and dispersed. The next player handed over her tickets and the vendor erased the slate in order to write a new number.

The sun was getting closer to the horizon as the afternoon wore on. The crowd was still very large since everyone enjoyed the festival in the streets. Arden stepped out of the crowd for a moment as a group of rowdy, drunken merchants passed.

"Having fun?" A voice said from above her.

Revy was sitting on the roof of the building, watching her and the other people passing by. She wearing her tight leather armour with the many straps and buckles across it. Her ginger hair hung across her face as she watched Arden with mischievous eyes.

- "What are you doing up there?"
- "Are you back to your thieving ways already?"
- "Are you enjoying the festival?"
- Something else.

 

[Yokai]

》"Are you enjoying the festival?"

Dark eyes blinked rapidly against the image of the retreating backs of the drunken merchants, watching them sway together like blades of grass in the wind. Slowly her gaze shifted skyward, following the direction of the voice until she was staring directly up into the cheshire expression of Revy. The smile that she conjured, sitting atop the roof of one of Blackcliffe's buildings and people watching the festival goers, was entirely genuine in return. It'd been a long time since she'd last seen the thief.

"Hey, Rev!" Arden greeted, one of her hands coming up to shield her eyes before she realized that her eyesight was blurry from the alcohol and not the light. "I am having fun but really, when am I not?" Arden had enough imagination to make anything interesting and an attention span short enough that she regularly needed to exercise that skill. "Are you enjoying yourself up there?"

 

[ArcticFox]

"Not really." Revy answered with a sigh. "I'm bored. I haven't stolen anything yet, but I have to admit, I'm tempted." She gave Arden an expectant look.

- Encourage her to steal something small.
- Encourage her to keep her record clean.

 

[Yokai]

》Encourage her to keep her record clean... kind of.

"Hmm," Arden hummed, dropping the hand shielding her eyes to reveal the playful smile beneath. "This is the part where I'm supposed to tell you to stay on the straight and narrow, right? To tell you to keep your record squeaky clean." Her smile broadened, seemingly delighted by this turn of events and unperturbed by Revy's expectant gaze.

"Just know that if you do get the case of sticky fingers then I won't be allowed to associate with you anymore, which will be very sad for me. I've got a reputation to uphold as a troublesome wizard, you know?"

 

[ArcticFox]

"Oh, I get you." Revy says with a grin, hopping nimbly down to the street beside Arden. "It's just hard when I see some of the other thieving bands turning such a high profit. Festival days are a great day to make some money.

"Hey, do you want to come with me?" She looked at Arden thoughtfully after a moment. "Not on a job, but I know a great place to have some fun."

- Accept.
- Refuse.

 

[Yokai]

》Accept.

"Sure, I'll tag along to keep you out of trouble." Arden agreed easily, not bothering to think over the implications of the offer or what constituted 'fun' in Revy's book. She doubted it was anything outwardly malicious or cruel, though she hadn't been lying about trying to keep her reputation clean. The fact she'd been unable to keep the Queen safe, that she'd died while she was presumably in the same building as her, was still something that weighed heavy on her mind.

"Where is this place?" Arden asked, straightening up slightly as if her thoughts had sobered her. "Or is it a secret?~"

 

[ArcticFox]

Revy smiled cryptically as she led her through the streets of the festival. She moved with an easy grace, taking Arden's hand, pulling her through the congested streets. She couldn't help noticing how tight fitting her leather armour was. Many of the other citizens also noticed Revy's athletic body in her near-scandalous attire.

She took Arden into a small alley where there were no people. She found herself standing at a nondescript door. The ex thief knocked on the door using some kind of pattern. There was a return knock. Then the door opened for them to enter.

The interior was well-lit and clean, which was a contrast to the dark door they just entered through. A large varl stood nearby watching carefully.

They walked into the room to see many people sitting at various tables, playing some kind of a card game. There were heaps of tickets piled in front of each player. Arden could see waiters and waitresses walking around with silver trays loaded with drinks. In the dark corners of the room, she saw scantily clad men and women offering vices of a sexual nature.

"This site isn't sanctioned or licensed." Revy said. "But if you want to have some drinks and play some high-stakes games, this is the place to be. The Bengals run this house. They play for gold on non-festival days, but using tickets today is even more profitable since they can cash them in for some big rewards tonight at the prize table. They take a portion of each hand for themselves, and in return, you can bet a lot of money against other high-stakes betters."

- Play some cards.
- Leave the place.
- Leave the place and report it to the guards.

 

[Yokai]

》Leave the place.

From this angle Revy looked a little bit like a medieval catwoman. Arden had been in a leather catsuit before and all she could wonder was: how did she not get chafing? It took dedication to look like a hot badass.

Since Arden was a little distracted by this train of thought she didn't realise how suspicious their circumstances were until she was standing in the proverbial lion's den. So, this was what Blackcliffe's underbelly looked like? Logically she knew that it had to have one but it was still strange to be looking at solid proof.

"Woah," Arden murmured, glancing around at their surroundings with intrigue. "This is the kind of scene you'd see James Bond sauntering around in, like some unspaded alley cat." She commented lightly, momentarily forgetting that Revy -- and anyone else from this world -- had no idea what she was talking about. Her analogy was unfortunately lost on these people.

"Though, this definitely isn't somewhere I should be caught in. No matter how much I wanna play," Arden pouted slightly, visibly disappointed. Card games were something she genuinely enjoyed, especially when betting clothes and not money. But that was another lifetime ago and she was trying to clean up her act... they'd see how long that lasted. "I'll leave you to it, Rev. And I'll see you round sometime?" She flashed her a friendly smile and headed for the door.

 

[ArcticFox]

"Your loss. I'll string 'em up for both of us." Revy said, waving to Arden as she left the illegal gambling house and returned to the legal areas of the festival.

She saw a boy shimmying up a lamp to light the lantern on the top with a burning taper. The sun had set and the game booths were all being closed down for the year.

The crowd in the street, mostly drunk, pushed and shoved their way toward the main courtyard where the final activities of the day will be held. She had no choice but to move with the crowd. Many tables had been set up and an enormous bonfire built to one side.

King Tobias was sitting at the head table nearest to the steps leading to palace. He was with several nobles. They all talked among themselves, but she saw that they have noticed her entrance.

Jace was present as well, sitting at a table with several other soldiers. He looked very sad and Kogan appeared to be trying to cheer him up for some reason. It was a comical scene.

Alexei was seated at another table. He looked much more sober than the last time she saw him. Percival was there too, sitting with some other merchants and discussing business. And then there was Mel. Standing near the front, wearing the formal robes of his order. He smiled at Arden shyly, giving a little wave.

- Go to Mel.
- Go to Alexei.
- Go to Jace and Kogan.
- Go to Percival.
- Greet the King.

 

[Yokai]

》Go to Mel.

The crowd flowed through the streets, an unstoppable force as they congregated in a large courtyard adorned with various tables. Arden's gaze slipped over the crowd making their slow journey past familiar faces until she finally settled on the one she most wanted to see. Mel's hesitant smile was a cooling balm to the long day of excitement and entertainment. Arden couldn't have stopped herself from moving towards him if she'd tried.

Sure, she wanted to get to know their new King better and she was probably supposed to greet him and she was also curious about Jace's woes. But still, she slipped past the drunken festival goers, maneuvering her way through the busy courtyard until she was stood before Mel. Her expression was warmer, not so much from the brightness of mischief or flirtation but genuine happiness.

"I've been wondering where you'd be," Arden said, voice quiet to offer some semblance of privacy. "Were you hiding from me?" Stepping closer she brushed a teasing kiss to the corner of his mouth. She definitely wasn't shy about showing her affection but there was also the point of her wanting to make sure that people knew she was pursuing Mel. Alexei's kiss had made her nervous -- more so in that she leaned into it for a second and subsequently doubted herself. Arden needed to make sure that Mel was the one.

 

[ArcticFox]

Well, if she wanted to make it plain to other that there was something between her and Mel, she certainly managed it. All eyes were on her as she moved through the crowd and when she awarded Mel with a kiss, more than a few people gasped. The normal people liked the drama everywhere it seemed, and Arden was sort of a celebrity in Blackcliffe. She saw approving smiles and heard gossiping whispers. Jace and Kogan were too into their conversation to take note, but Alexei noticed and quickly looked away, out of decency or something else, she couldn't say.

Mel on the other hand, was completely red now. He stuttered and flailed his arms, to grab her and urge her on the chair next to him. His voice was shaky, but affection was plain in his eyes when he spoke.

"Well, there's no hiding from now on." He said, giving another shy smile, before reaching with his hand to hold her own. "I had to hold a sermon." He explained. "I hope to make it up to you later."

"Arden!" Jace seemed to have noticed her then, calling from his table. Without waiting for her to approach, he stood up and came to them, Kogan following. "I got in big trouble." The elf said sadly. "My superior officer reprimanded me for the kissing booth. He said it was unbecoming for a soldier."

"Maybe if you weren't on duty…" Kogan groaned.

"It was festival day! Everyone was off duty!" Jace said as he flopped into the chair opposite of Arden dramatically.

Mel softly chuckled.

- Scold him.
- Ask how bad is it.
- Offer to speak to his superior.

 

[Yokai]

》Ask how bad it is.

For somebody who was notoriously flirtatious Arden could be quite possessive over people she considered to be hers. A remnant from her last relationship, no doubt. Seeing as she'd made things practically official in front of the people of Blackcliffe and Mel hadn't even tried to push her away... well, one could say that she looked more than a little smug.

"Oh? A reward for my pining?" Arden teased, comfortably lacing their fingers together as she sat down. Her eyes were twinkling when she opened her mouth to continue when the call of her name caught her attention. Glancing up she saw Jace making his way over to the two, visibly pouting and sad. He reminded her of a kicked puppy and she couldn't help patting his cheek when he flopped into the chair across from her.

"Aw, poor baby~" Arden cooed, trying to fight back her amusement at the pair that him and Kogan made. Jace's dramatic moping and Kogan's gentle admonishing remarks were quite sweet to witness. If the corner of her lips had turned up it was simply because of a facial twitch. "How much trouble did you manage to get into? I mean, you were doing a valuable service for the village, after all!" Okay, now she was outright grinning.

 

[ArcticFox]

"Oh, they'll get over it." Jace said. "I've been put on night patrols for the next few weeks and I'll have to scrub some latrines, but it's not a big deal."

"Look on the bright side." Kogan added. "At least you are not bossed around by some stuck up Wizard."

The conversation was interrupted when a young boy approached Arden. It was one of the royal pages. "Excuse me, Wizard Arden. King Tobias would like to speak to you."

- Go straight away.
- Let him wait.
- Don't go at all.

 

[Yokai]

》Go straight away.

The brunette gasped in affront at Kogan's comment, the hand that had patted Jace's cheek now pressed over her heart as if she'd been mortally wounded. Oh, her pride! How it stung to be insulted in such a manner! And by a trusted companion too!

Luckily the royal page saved the three men from any more of her dramatics as she had to pause in order to offer him a smile of understanding. Though she puffed out her cheeks and glared down her nose at Kogan when she stood up -- well, as best she could at somebody taller than her. It was hard to maintain a regal image when she was a foot shorter than him.

"For the record," Arden said, as airily and haughtily as she could manage. "I prefer to term 'cavalier'." Then she smiled, sudden and bright and cheerful again before turning on her heel to head over to the King. She didn't want to keep him waiting... and she was curious about what King Tobias wanted with her. Knowing him -- which she definitely didn't -- it'd probably be about the Queen's assassination.

 

[ArcticFox]

"Cavalier, my ass." She heard Kogan mutter as she left, with the two elves trying to shush him down.

But, Arden had more important business on her agenda. King Tobias saw her approaching and waved her over. The young King's crown sat on his fashionably short hair at a jaunty angle.

He didn't smile even though the festival was supposed to be fun and merry. His stern gaze surveyed the people gathered in the street below his palace as he spoke to her.

"Hello, Wizard Arden." He said coldly. "I wanted my citizens to see that we are cooperative and happy with one another. It increases their morale to see their King getting along with their Wizard even if it might not be the case."

- Say that it is the case.
- Say that morale is important.
- Say that you are all for keeping up appearances.
- Say something else.

 

[Yokai]

》Say that it is the case.

It was hard to maintain her good mood when faced with the cold, judgemental gaze of the King. Even among the festivities he looked as distant and untouchable as ever, the crown perched upon his head only made him more intimidating. Still, Arden bowed when she approached him, coming to a stand still as he stared out at the people.

"King Tobias," Arden greeted, straightening up as she regarded him. She winced minutely at his comment and followed his gaze, looking out at the people of Blackcliffe instead of their King. All of the annoyance from their first encounter was gone now, replaced with apprehension and perhaps some regret.

"It's not that I'm unhappy with you," Arden said after a moment, she spoke slowly as if trying to find the right words. Dark eyes danced over the crowd as if she'd find the answers there. "I want you to be safe and I wouldn't jeopardize that. It's just... you made your stance on wizards very clear so I thought you'd prefer if I kept my distance. I don't actually dislike you." The 'I just thought you were really rude to me' went without saying.

"If... you actually want to 'get along' with me, then I wouldn't be completely opposed." Nailed it.

 

[ArcticFox]

The young king looked her in the eye and slowly nodded, as though realising this himself for the first time.

"Yes, we can try that." He said. Then, after a slight pause he added. "I would have cancelled this wasteful festival, but my sister had already paid for it before I took the crown. The treasury is dangerously low right now."

- Say that the festival will help the people.
- Say that you agree.
- Say something noncommittal.

 

[Yokai]

》Say that the festival will help the people.

Arden twitched slightly at the comment on the treasury; she doubted the attack on the palace and the Yrantan forces encroaching into their territory were helping matters. She hummed thoughtfully instead of digging deeper into the matter and actually mulled over his comment.

"Since it has already been paid for..." Arden trailed off, leaning slightly against Watson as her gaze finally returned to the King. "It has definitely boosted morale after everything that happened. I think a little happiness is what people need right now. You should enjoy it, the damage is already done after all. You can build up from here, it's as good a starting point as any." She felt a little uncomfortable being serious for such a long period of time, it wasn't in her nature to be so open about her opinions. But she figured King Tobias deserved a little honesty right now.

 

[ArcticFox]

"Maybe. We'll see." The King shrugged.

The loud ringing of a bell gained the attention of everyone in the room, interrupting their conversation.

"Good evening, people of Blackliffe." A familiar voice spoke from the front. It was Mel. The priest had everyone's attention as he continued. "Welcome to the Festival of Banishment!"

A hush fell over the crowd. Many of them made religious hand gestures as the priest spoke. Several other priests and priestesses stood around him, listening to his words.

"Today we remember how the Four worked through their vessel to save us from the Demon Realm." Mel intoned. "Today is extra special because we have a new Wizard joining us. I'd like to formally present Wizard Arden."

The crowd cheered as Mel waved for her to say a few words.

- Do the speech and thank the people.
- Do the speech and thank Mel specially.
- Do the speech and thank the King specially.
- Don't hold a speech.

 

[Yokai]

》Do the speech and thank the King specially.

Oh God, it was like high school speeches all over again. Arden desperately tried to hold it together as she turned to address the crowd. She'd be having some serious words with Mel later. Arden faced the crowd and bowed deeply, straightening up with a slightly nervous smile but otherwise confident demeanour.

"Thank you, it's an honour to be your Wizard," Arden began, keeping her voice smooth and warm. Behind the facade of calm she was desperately trying to remember how to give a speech. "I hope you've all enjoyed the festivities today, you all definitely deserve these celebrations and this moment of peace." Which was true; their village was under attack and yet they still remained loyal to their King. Well, she certainly hoped they did.

"Thank you, King Tobias, for holding this festival," Arden said, deciding to act on her previous offer of friendship as she glanced toward the King. "Where I come from we don't have celebrations like this and there are... many issues that have divided my people --" Could Australia be considered a 'people'? They were certainly still suffering from segregation and a refugee crisis when she'd left. "-- it's refreshing to see the unity of the people of Blackcliffe and their King."

Cheesy and cliché, but it'd do.

Arden blushed and cleared her throat, looking back to Mel to signal she'd said her embarrassing piece. She could fake the calm but she couldn't hide her flustered state.

 

[ArcticFox]

The crowd cheered happily as she speak. King Tobias nodded regally at her words. Mel raised his hands and continued his speech.

"Demons tore their way into our world and caused great mayhem for Traethia and Yranta alike. It was only through the personal virtues of a great hero that we were saved. Lucien and Auriel granted them strength in their time of need as Shadi and Noct gave them the fear and uncertainty to fight against the evils that were brought into the land."

"That's different." The King spoke aside to Arden. "Usually this is the part where the priest talks about how the gods worked together to fight off the demons."

A murmur of uncomfortable whispers spread across the streets as Mel continued. "The gods are the voices in our heads that tell us right from wrong. They grant us the courage to persevere in times of difficulty. This was how the hero was able to kill the Demon King, close the rift, and stop the invasion."

"What about the part where Noct and Shadi raised an entire castle into the air and threw it at the Demon King?" Someone called from the crowd.

"Good question." Mel said as a thoughtful expression filled his face. "Perhaps the castle is a metaphor for how the hero had to strive so hard to gain the strength to fight back against the evil Demon King?"

"What's a metaphor?" Another person called out as the crowd begun to chatter all at once.

"That's not how I remember this story." Another interrupted.

Mel's version was partially Arden's fault. When he had doubts about his beliefs she had restored his faith, but she had also told him that gods in her realm are not directly involved with mortals. Perhaps this was Mel's new take on the faith.

She had to save him from the crowd.

- "Maybe the hero used magic?"
- "Maybe the gods lifted the castle, and everyone thought it was the hero?"
- Define the word "metaphor" for the crowd.

 

[Yokai]

》"Maybe the hero used magic?"

Religion was such a hard subject to broach, from her own personal experience she knew that it varied from individual to individual. Still, Arden had to say something to quell the unease sweeping through the crowd.

"Perhaps the hero was gifted with divine powers?" Arden suggested gently. After all, magic had to come from somewhere, right? She hadn't been lying when she'd told Mel that if any realm had Gods it'd be one with magic. "The Gods could have given the hero the strength to overcome their enemies, magically or no. They're the vessel of the Four, after all."

 

[ArcticFox]

The crowd turned toward her voice to contemplate her words. This delay gave Mel the time needed to gather his thoughts and continue.

"The gods granted the hero the power to do many things." Mel said. "Fortitude, courage, diligence… these are some of the virtues we all have, but through the words of our gods, we can make them stronger."

The crowd listened, enthralled by Mel's new views. After a few minutes of lecturing, the speech ended and everyone returned to their drinks as Mel left the podium. Arden could tell from their conversations that a major change in their religious views has occurred today.

Several other priests and priestesses chanted loudly from their places near the unlit bonfire at the conclusion of Mel's speech. This drew all eyes to them.

They lit the large pile of logs, and soon, great flames danced upward as applause filled the courtyard. Servers carried out trays filled with overflowing mugs of beer and goblets of wine, which they sold for copper coins to the thirsty party-goers.

Arden saw Revy standing nearby. She motions for her to join, pointing toward a tent on one edge of the courtyard. Several other people were doing the same, including Jace and Kogan.

- Go see what's that about.
- Stay to listen to the priests.