Fantasy The Clueless Wizard (Completed)

[ArcticFox]

Through the window she could see an orc, presumably her new guard, waiting underneath her window with arms crossed, impatiently pacing.

"I always said the Wizards are useless." The orc shook his head as Arden moved to find her way down. "I honestly don't know why this stupid Tower insists on getting more of you."

It wasn't that difficult to find her way down. Actually what seemed like a maze of corridors when Mel led her, now looked to be a really straightforward path down on corridor and then a set of spiral stairs and she was back in the hall. It was as if the Tower was guiding her to where she wanted to go. Well, it shouldn't be that surprising, it was a magical Tower that could summon people from different universes after all.

As she opened the fronts doors of the Tower she was faced with the stairs and the portal at the bottom. The Orc had made his way there and was joined with a middle-aged woman who carried two large baskets in her hands.

"Well, don't just stand there, help out." She said to the orc, who grumbled, but took the baskets anyway. "And why are you half naked on the street?" She gave him a disapproving look.

"I'm in the guard no longer, can't make me wear all that heavy armour anymore." The orc responded, then turned to Arden. "Can you be any slower?"

"Don't mind him, dear." The woman said, giving her a kind smile. "Oh, look at you, so pretty."

- Introduce yourself.
- Let the woman inside first.
- Let the orc inside first.

 

[Yokai]

》Introduce yourself.

"I can, indeed-y!" Arden answered instantly, throwing a rogue wink in the orc's direction. "I can walk extremely slow if I want to actually, it's one of my particularly useless talents as a wizard~" She didn't seem insulted, however, in fact Arden looked genuinely delighted by the other's prickly disposition.

"Now, my name is Arden and I suppose I'm a wizard as of today?" Her smile faltered for a split second and then was turned, full force onto Miss Jacqueline. Or whom she assumed was Miss Jacqueline.

"Pretty?" She repeated. "Ah, flattery will get you everywhere! Would you like to come inside first?" Arden asked with an offered hand and welcoming smile.

 

[ArcticFox]

The orc rolled his eyes at her comments, grunting as he was left to stand there with heavy baskets in his hands.

"Oh, thank you, darling." The woman said as she took Arden's hand. "My name is Jacqueline and I am going to take care of you as of today." She smiled once inside, patting Arden's cheek fondly. "Oh, please bring him inside too, all my fresh fruit and vegetables are in those baskets. I'm going to make you a welcoming meal."

"Yeah, I can see this is going to be just great." The orc grumbled, stepping up to the portal.

- Let the orc inside and help with the baskets.
- Let him inside and leave him to carry them on his own.
- Let him inside and ask his name.

 

[Yokai]

》Let the Orc inside and help with the baskets.

"I'm looking forward to it, Jacqueline." Arden grinned, basking in the easy and maternal affection of the older woman. With a little wave she slipped back through the portal, amused to find the orc still had a surly look upon his face.

"Would you like some help, Mister Orc?" Arden asked, reaching up to take one of the heavy baskets with a quiet huff of effort. "Better get these groceries inside Pronto!" She enthused, taking his hand as she eagerly pulled him through the portal.

"You know... I was under the impression that orcs were supposed to be fun." She hummed once they were inside.

 

[ArcticFox]

"Oh, I'm plenty fun." The orc responded, looking around for a moment in curiosity as they entered the hall of the Tower. "Just not your crazy Wizard kind of fun. What are you gonna do here the whole day, sacrifice virgins?" He mused as he set his one basked on the floor in the middle of the room. "I'm Kogan, by the way, and I wouldn't mind that meal."

"Well, you have to earn it first. Take the baskets and follow me." Jacqueline seemed to have in all under control as she approached the doors opposite. As an explanation she said to Arden. "I know where the kitchen is, dear, I cooked for Thomas too, that poor man." With a sorrowful shake of her head she went through the doors and Kogan followed her.

--

The meal, breakfast, was done half an hour later and Jacqueline served it in the dining room. It looked very tasty and while the plates and the cutlery was much simpler than what Arden was used to, the food did not look that different. There were freshly cooked eggs and roasted sausages, along with salad of mixed vegetables, most of which she recognised. As an addition a fruit salad was made as well, for desert.

Kogan was sitting at the table already, not one for formalities it seemed. Jacqueline have him a dirty look as he speared a sausage with a knife, but he ignored her, taking a big bite out of it.

- Ask Jaquline about herself.
- Ask about himself.
- Ask about Blackcliffe.
- Ask if you were supposed to pay them.
- Ask where they would sleep.
- Eat in silence.

 

[Yokai]

》Ask if you were supposed to pay them.

"It looks amazing, Jacqueline." Arden praised as she sat down, looking over the food with a hungry expression. Honestly she hadn't eaten anything other than frozen or fast food in weeks. It was an honest to God miracle that she hadn't contracted scurvy or something worse. As she piled up her plate the thought of how to pay for their services, and the food, belatedly occurred to her.

"Wait, hold up, nobody has explained to me how I'm supposed to pay you," Arden frowned and then shoved an entire tomato - or what she guessed was a tomato - into her mouth. She chewed thoughtfully for a moment. "Though Mel mentioned you'd be living here too? The bedrooms are... uh, a little messy --" Understatement of the year. "-- but you're free to chose what you want! I'll help clean everything up too!"

 

[ArcticFox]

"No, you don't need to pay us, dear." Jacqueline said. "The Queen does. She will pay for all the food and anything else you need. You don't have to worry yourself about that stuff, you will soon have plenty more important work to do."

"Yeah, right." Kogan snorted, which got him another glare from Miss Jacqueline.

"And don't worry about cleaning up either, it is why I am here for. Your guard will help with the heavy lifting." She added.

"I don't think so." The orc mumbled through a mouthful.

Jacqueline ignored him completely though. "Now, you go study or see the town, dear. We'll take over here." If there was anyone that could make someone do what she wanted it was her, the lady seemed more like a marshal than an innkeeper.

- Spend the morning exploring Blackcliffe.
- Spend the morning studying.
- Spend the morning helping get everything in order.

 

[Yokai]

》Spend the morning studying.

Arden's newfound ability to use magic was still fresh in her mind and she was still enthusiastic to learn more. Jacqueline's offer was hard to refuse and the young woman ate the rest of her breakfast at an impressive speed. There were more books to read and perhaps later she'd take a walk through Blackcliffe to clear her mind. Arden almost snorted at her own thoughts: she sounded like an old woman! And yet, she felt like a child again.

"I'll spend the morning studying in the library," Arden said as she adjusted her cloak. "So, if you need anything at all then just come and find me. Especially if you end up getting hurt." With that said she stood up and stretched out again, back cracking under the pressure.

"See ya round, roomies!"

 

[ArcticFox]

Arden found the library with ease now and curled on the chair to read the next book. The book of divination was written in a more complicated style than even the book of healing. Some pages were completely filled with the repetition of only one word. Honestly, all those books looked like they could have been written by a lunatic. Yet, somehow, Arden understood that. Would this make her a Wizard or just another crazy?

She finished the book and walked out of the library to take her walk. She was just rounding a corner when a body slammed into her, driving her to the hard floor. Blinking her eyes open she saw Krogan on top of her, his heavy body pushing her down, his bare muscles brushing against her. He had raised himself slightly on his hands so his face hovered an inch away from hers. And then, ever so slightly, she raised her head, connecting her lips to his.

The book fell on the floor with a thud, closing. What was that? It seemed too real to be a dream. A vision? That could make sense. So, Kogan would slam into her once she got out of the library. That was useful to know. But, did she want to evade it, or let it play out like she saw in her vision? What was she doing kissing an orc anyway?

- Go outside carefully.
- Go outside casually.

 

[Yokai]

》Go outside casually.

Ohohoho~ How strange! Arden wasn't really one to go around kissing people -- unless she'd had a couple glasses of wine and then she definitely did lots of that -- so it seemed odd to be shown that. Then again, Krogan was fun to tease and he wasn't unattractive... which was weird to admit even mentally.

Humming to herself the young woman picked up the divination book and placed it aside, deciding to play this by ear. Besides, she wanted to see whether her vision would come true and how the orc would react. With that in mind she practically frolicked out of the library and into hallway. Arden did actually want to explore Blackcliffe after all. If she happened to kiss an Orc along the way then well, who was she to deny fate?

 

[ArcticFox]

Since she did not do anything to change the course of faith, the event she had seen in her vision transpired exactly like she had seen it. At least the beginning of it did.

Kogan was in a rush somewhere. Why and where did not matter once he bumped into her. Well, not bumped, pushed her backwards so she stumbled and fell down on her backside. The vision did not hurt, but the real thing did. The orc's bulky body was pushing her down and barely letting her breather, while her bottom hurt pretty bad.

"Ow." Kogan groaned, pushing up with a grunt. And there is was. His face near her own. Their noses almost touching. What would it be like, kissing an orc? Would those tusks of his get in the way? Did she want to try?

- Kiss him.
- Don't kiss him.

 

[Yokai]

》Kiss him.

It was strange; Arden felt no otherworldly compulsion to complete the vision and though they'd collided the interaction was still in her own hands. Also, her butt hurt! Apparently that wasn't included in the whole foresight thing. Which was good otherwise she probably wouldn't have pursued this course of action. She might as well follow through now, the question of how he'd react and what it'd be like kissing an orc were too good to pass up.

"You should probably watch where you're going," Arden said lightly and then leaned up to press a curious kiss to Krogan's lips.

 

[ArcticFox]

Kissing an orc did not really feel that different from kissing a human. His skin was strangely soft and his tusks only slightly grazed her as he slowly parted his lips to respond to the kiss. He was not much taken aback by her action, instead leaning into it. He smelled nice too. Not like cologne or perfume, but instead an earth smell, like freshly cut grass and pine sap. Did all the orcs have the same scent? One might have expected it to be worse.

"Look, Wizard lady, I am here as your bodyguard, I don't do those kind of services." Kogan spoke as he moved away slightly, but still not getting up. There was a smirk on his face that suggested that he might have been joking. "Also your damn Tower got me lost. I know I took two left turns, but when I tried returning to the rooms, everything got all twisted." With a frown he stood up, rubbing the back of his neck and looking around in confusion. "I swear this hallway was different."

- Help him get back wherever he wants to.
- Ask him to go on a walk with you.
- Something else.

 

[Yokai]

》Help him get back wherever he wants to.

Arden snorted at the mental image of Krogan being some kind of prickly escort, though she had been pleasantly surprised by the kiss. Sitting up she winced minutely at the flare of pain and wondered whether it was worth testing out her new healing abilities. Probably not. Still, she stood up with a laugh; readjusting her clothes and picking up Watson.

"It isn't my tower," Arden grinned. "I think it belongs to itself especially since it has a mind of its own." It was definitely strange but Arden was beginning to enjoy the uniqueness of the place. The changing hallways reminded her of where she was and what she was.

"C'mon I'll pay you back for the kiss and get you where you wanna go," Arden waved him after her. "Where were you headed? The bedrooms? Oh! Are you gonna be in trouble with Jacqueline?" Her grin was devilish with glee at the thought. Jacqueline was fast becoming her favourite person, anyone who could look that sweet and be that intimidating was a force to be reckoned with.

 

[ArcticFox]

"I just met you two and I hate both of you." The orc said. It was not clear if he was being serious or not. "Still, considering no one actually attacked Blackcliffe in a century and you Wizards are considered a national treasure..." He spoke the last words with a special kind of disgust. "...at least my job will be easy."

Kogan did need to return to the bedroom where Jacqueline waited for him with not the happiest expression on her face as she instantly ordered him to move over the dresser. With a scoff, the orc walked to obey. No matter how unwilling he was, it seemed like no one could disobey Jacqueline for long.

- Choose a location to visit in Blackcliffe.
- Stay inside the Tower.

 

[Yokai]

》Choose a location to visit in Blackcliffe: Merchants Quarter.

Whether or not Krogan was being serious, she honestly couldn't tell, it roused a delighted laugh from the woman. His inclination toward bitterness was concerning but Arden tended to laugh off concern. It was much easier to deal with when she could just smile or attempt to weasel her way out of the situation. Hmm, that probably said a lot about her personality, huh?

"I'll see you two later~" Arden called over her shoulder once she'd dropped Krogan off to his keeper. Flouncing out of the tower Arden found herself needing to make a decision on where to go. Mainly she wanted to have a good look at the people of Blackcliffe. Mel's earlier map came in useful as she glanced over the areas and guessed where she'd find te townspeople. The merchants quarters! Perfect~

With a destination in mind she set off toward Blackcliffe.

 

[ArcticFox]

The streets of Blackcliffe were spacious and clean. It was a well kept town and it looked calm enough. Guards could be seen patrolling wide boulevards, talking nonchalantly. People of all races and sizes were milling about their work. She saw tall elves, robust orcs and small dwarves all mixing together. At one point a giant passed her by, a huge man twice her size with a horned head and a long braided beard. He gave her a passing glance, then as if remembering something, stopped and nodded in her direction.

After a while she started noticing other people doing the same. As if reconigising her, they would stop and tip their hats at her, or shout out a greeting and the little children would wave excitedly. News travelled fast and she was already known through Blackcliffe. Not to mention that with a staff and a map in hand, she wasn't quite inconpiscous.

Once she reached the marketplace the crowds thickened. She saw merchants hawking their wares around stalls and people bargaining with them, some loudly, and some quietly buying their groceries. The market was set on a square and consisted of stalls arranged in a square, allowing for customers to walk inbetween them. All around the market were buildings that housed specialised shops, smithies, armouries, tailors, apothecaries and the like.

To the side of the market was an alley and just before she stepped onto the market square out of the corner of her eye she saw two hooded figures standing over a smaller one on the ground. A man that had protectively thrown himself over a chest.

So much for the ideal community.

- Go and confront the people in the alley.
- Look around and call for a guard.
- Ignore it.

 

[Yokai]

》Go and confront the people in the alley.

So much for being inconspicuous. Arden resisted the urge to squirm out of her skin under the attention, though she preferred it now that she wasn't naked. In fact, she tried to convince herself that she was pleased and that some shameless attention was nice! It was that or she allowed it to affect her good mood. Either way Arden made an honest attempt to smile encouragingly back.

When her gaze finally landed on the two hooded figures in the alley, Arden couldn't help but drift closer. It looked like they were standing over some poor figure of a man. Were they threatening him? The decision to interfere was mulled over; it wasn't like she had any offensive spells but then again... everyone knew she was a wizard, right? Arden could always bluff.

"Is there a problem here?" Arden asked cheerfully as she stepped into the alley. Watson was clutched tightly in her hand, ready to defend herself if need be.

 

[ArcticFox]

"Of course there is a problem! They are trying to rob me!"

The small man on the ground spoke. He was either a dwarf or a halfling, either way he was very small and obviously carried something very valuable.

The two bandits turned to Arden with menacing looks. They stood for a moment, taking in her appearance, but then decided to shrug it off. Once of them advanced toward her, while the other one stayed next to their target.

- Try resolving the conflict peacefully.
- Try threatening them.
- Attack the bandit.
- Call for guards.
- Cast a spell.

 

[Yokai]

》Try resolving the conflict peacefully.

Oh my God, he is so cute! Arden inwardly crooned over the smaller man's appearance though she managed to keep her expression mild. He probably wouldn't appreciate her cooing over him like a small child. Instead, she was caught between her desire to run -- Arden didn't know how to fight, let's be honest here -- and her desire to help the sweetie. So, she did what she was best at: talking.

"I take it that you don't recognise me?" Arden asked as the other advanced, keeping her posture friendly and open. "I'm Arden, the new wizard. I've only been here for a day or two now and my spells can be quite... messy--" She allowed the insinuation to sit for a moment, completely lying through her teeth. "--and I'd rather not get in trouble for having your insides splattered everywhere and ruining these pretty streets. So! How about you and your friend leave the little guy and I won't pursue or report you? I'm sure your lives are worth more than what's in that chest."

 

[ArcticFox]

"We know who you are. You are that new Wizard." The bandit show approached her answered.

He was a muscular and scarred man, the hood barely covering his big head, a typical brute. However, he hesitated in his step when Arden continued speaking. She was already well known and considering the Wizards of the Tower were only spellcasters in their realm no one really knew the limits of their power. The bandit did not look like he wanted to test them.

The other bandit snorted. "This city has plenty of targets." He said, not looking at Arden. Then just shrugged his shoulders and walked down the alley, his friend in tow.

The small man stood up from the ground, dusting down his clothes and then taking a handkerchief to wipe his large blue and gold chest with care. When he straightened up, Arden saw that he barely reached to her waist, yet his limbs were proportional. He did not have a beard nor a very gruff voice, so he was leaning more toward a halfling than a dwarf.

"Thank you, Wizard." He bowed deeply once he turned to Arden. "My name is Percival Nickelson and I am a merchant. Just arrived in Blackcliffe, mind you. So far, I am not impressed."

- Ask about his chest.
- Ask about his race.
- Ask about his business.
- Introduce yourself.
- Tell him he should report the thieves.

 

[Yokai]

》Ask about his chest.

That actually worked? Arden barely managed to keep the broad smile off her face until the two bandits had left the alley. Lying really was a girl's best friend! Though, she should probably study some offensive spells when she returned to the Tower. It was probably best to have something lined up in case an opponent actually decided to call her bluff.

"Nice to meet you, Percy!" Arden said as her attention was turned to the possible halfing. Was it rude to ask what somebody's race was? "I'm Arden as you probably just heard, sorry 'bout all that nasty stuff. It's my first day on the job, I'll try to keep our streets clean better~" She teased.

Dark eyes flickered past him to the chest curiously, he'd cleaned it with such care after all. "What have you got there by the way?" Arden asked lightly, head tilted to the side as she ventured over. "Something worth risking your life over?"

 

[ArcticFox]

"No problem, Wizard Arden." Percival answered, bending down to heft his obviously heavy chest. By the way he cradled it protectively, it was obvious that he would not let anyone near it. "This here is my whole livelihood. I sold everything in my hometown to buy these trinkets and come to set up a shop here. I heard wonderful things about Blackcliffe. Hopefully my rough start was just a coincidence."

He passed by her to the mouth of the alley, looking around warily, jolting back at every passer by that glanced his way.

- Offer to escort him.
- Ask where is he going.
- Say goodbye.

 

[Yokai]

》Ask where is he going.

The likelihood of this just being a rough start felt a unlikely to Arden, after all she'd only just wandered into Blackcliffe too. Both of their first impressions were a little rocky, so that meant it could only improve from here!

Arden followed Percival to the mouth of the alleyway and leaned casually against the wall. She glanced out over the crowd and wondered how he was going to get wherever he was going while looking like a scared mouse. Still curious, and enjoying the company of the cute little man, Arden brightened up as an idea formed.

"Hey, where are you going by the way? I might just happen to be going in the same direction," Arden asked with a wide smile. "I could help you get there!" Realistically she was just taking a walk through Blackcliffe with no real destination in mind. But following Percy could be fun!

 

[ArcticFox]

"I am leasing a shop space just near here. It's not yet open." He looked at her with mistrust for a moment. He seemed to be the type of a man that would jealously guide his secrets. And his treasure. "Hmmm... well..." The halfling spoke after a moment of consideration. "I guess there is not harm in taking you along. You couldn't be a bandit and a Wizard, could you? I mean you could, but small chance of that. Alright, I'd appreciate your escort."

Percival nodded with a finality and proceeded across the market square and to one of the buildings that housed specialised shops. His shop was right next to a weaponsmith. There was no sign above the door which Percival unlocked with a brass key the size of his hand. He walked inside and left the door open for Arden, though he did not invite her in.

The shop was empty inside, with only a built in wooden counter and a crude bench to one side. There were materials everywhere, wooden planks and nails and various fabrics.

"The workers will be back soon." He explained. "I'll have the grand opening in a week." Then a sly smile stretched his lips. "You know what, if you come to the opening and give a very nice speech and an endorsement I can give you a discount and access to my special wares." His voice dropped. "The magical kind."

- Agree.
- Refuse.
- Ask about his wares.
- Ask about the speech.
- Say you have no money.