At least I have an inkling of an idea now, SJ thought as she walked home.
Fas had at least agreed to consider becoming Cortisar.
"I'm not sure it's a good idea, the more I think about it," Dave mused.
Why?
Fas's reaction. Didn't you notice?"
No. What reaction?
"He almost broke into a sweat when you mentioned pretending to be Cortisar."
A fine rain had again returned to the city, as SJ frowned, her hood pulled up, hiding her expression. He may have shown concern, but he didn't appear nervous.
At this time of day, the streets were packed as she weaved in and out of the many beings going about their business. A cry from a cart driver drew her gaze as his horse bayed at a small child running in front of it. Then her senses tingled, that unnerving sensation she always felt when someone was watching her. She didn't need to turn her head with her adapted vision, and as she reached the end of the street, she noticed a being hurrying behind her. Not obviously, but walking fast enough, and following her path as he kept glancing in her direction, his hand resting on his belt at his side. A chill ran down her spine.
Who's following me?
"I can't see clearly in the crowds, sorry," Dave's voice had an edge.
As she turned the corner, slipping past a stall, where a large goblin was busy pushing gathered water from an awning, before entering a trader's. The bell tinkled as the door opened. She quickly closed it as her nostrils flooded with floral scents. The shop was small, and every surface she could see was covered with small vials. Each one was labelled with the name of a different oil, many of which she had never heard of before.
"Can I help you, miss?" a friendly-looking man said. He had fine grey hair, and his eyes sparkled with intensity.
SJ moved to start browsing. "I'm not sure what I'm after yet," she smiled. As she spotted the being she believed had been following her, she stopped in the street outside. He was turning, looking around, before he moved off, continuing the way she would have.
"What was that all about?" Dave said.
No idea. I hope it's not anything to do with the chief.
"They have no idea who broke into her home, and if they did suspect you, from what Fas has said, I don't think they would just follow you. They'd attack."
It was suspicious; they had to be following me, the way they reacted when I had gone off the street. SJ was casually browsing the store's contents.
"May I make a suggestion?" the owner asked.
The man was still sitting at a small table; he hadn't moved.
"Yes," SJ replied, looking at him.
"I would suggest the Barmisian oil. It would be perfect not just for your skin and hair, but also your wings."
SJ stood a little shocked; her wings were tucked under her cloak and weren't visible.
"How do you know what I am?"
He smiled warmly. "It's obvious to me. I've spent my entire life observing my customers, of all races, and I know a fae when I see one. You have some telling signs."
"I do?"
He laughed softly. "Yes, I spotted the dual tones in your hair under your hood when you looked at me. No other race has the natural appearance yours has. Some dye their hair, but it never looks natural. Also, your height, build, and movements. You move with a natural grace that only a few have. Elves, some half-elves and fae. It's your height that differentiates you from elves, though, you are much shorter in comparison. I could have been mistaken with my guess, but I'm usually pretty good at guessing a being's true race."
SJ blushed, if this random shopkeeper could identify her race so easily. Her chest tightened at the thought of being so easily recognisable when she was covered the way she was.
"He has a fine eye for detail. You could learn from him," Dave said.
And if he can tell what I am so easily, I need to be more careful.
"I wouldn't worry too much; most beings are too focused on themselves and their actions to consider who is around them."
Perhaps, but I still need to consider it.
"Which is the... Barmisian, you said?"
The man moved to a shelf and took down a small vial. It contained a clear, purple liquid. "This," he said, handing it to her.
SJ took the small vial and uncorked it, smelling the oil. It was a smell she hadn't smelt in a long time since arriving on Amathera, and the recollection of the scent washed her with memories from Earth. Crisp, sharp linen, freshly washed. Their home had always smelled of fresh linen, where freshly washed items hung on the airer in the utility room. SJ hadn't felt such an emotional pull to Earth in months, and she felt her eyes well up.
She replaced the cork carefully. "It smells lovely," she said, biting back her emotions.
"Please, take this one as a sample. If you feel the benefits, I can guarantee you will be back for more," the man smiled.
"I can't take it for free?"
"Please, I insist. As I say, I'm sure you will be back," he winked.
"Thank you," SJ said as she pocketed the small vial.
"Not at all, and I will see you again soon."
SJ looked out of the window as she reapproached the door; the being that she suspected had followed her wasn't anywhere to be seen. The busy streets hid the actions of so many, even with the fine rain, and SJ attempted to blend into the crowd again as she crossed, heading towards an alley. As soon as she was off the main street, she immediately shrank and took off towards the rooftop. That was one way beings wouldn't be able to follow or notice her easily.
Did you get a chance to see the being that was following me when I entered?
"No, sorry. I still couldn't get a clear view of them."
Damn, it would have been nice to have a better idea of who it was. Never mind who is following me or why.
"It is a little suspicious, but it could just have been a chance encounter. You know what these streets can be like." Dave's change to nonchalance as he shrugged off the incident.
You think so? Why target me? I'm not flaunting wealth.
"It could just have been a coincidence, and have nothing to do with you as well."
Nothing that happens to me ever seems to be a coincidence!
No one looked up or saw her small form as she flew over the streets, and it didn't take her long to arrive back at her home, as she dipped to the balcony at the rear of her room. The reconstruction work completed at her home under Emily's direction from Edwards' construction firm had been a perfect addition to the already impressive structure. She slipped through the balcony door, moving to the writing desk she had. There had been several details from Fas's blackbook she wanted to note down. None of what she wrote would have been relevant or even considered as anything unusual if anyone read the parchment, even though she still opened the desk drawer and placed it at the bottom.
Holding the gem on her earpiece, she waited for Fas to answer.
"You miss me already?" Fas said as he answered.
SJ felt her cheeks heat from his words.
"No," her tone a little too defensive, she always felt safer when she was with Fas. "I think I was being followed when I left yours."
Fas's tone switched immediately. "Strange. Did you see them?"
"Not clearly."
"Hmm. I'm not sure why anyone would be watching you, especially when you are at mine."
"That's what concerns me, I may be being paranoid with everything that is going on," SJ said as she called the small pouch containing the earrings to her hand. They felt heavy sitting in her palm. She stared at the pouch as Fas spoke.
"It can't be the earrings that have triggered anyone following you, even if they were. If it were, I am pretty sure the chief wouldn't have someone watch you. She would just act."
"It's probably nothing," SJ sighed as she returned the pouch to her inventory and walked to her mirror.
"If you notice anything else unusual or have other suspicions, let me know."
"I will."
SJ stared at her reflection as the call ended. Her face looked tight, her jaw tense. She rubbed her jawline, massaging it, trying to relax.
"You need a holiday," Dave said.
The flippant comment made SJ snort. A holiday! A chance would be a fine thing.
"Maybe once all this is over, you should take one."
If only I had the time... Right, I can't stay cooped up all day, I'm going to go and see Daxe about new claws.
"Great idea," Dave said cheerily.
There were several in Daxe's store as SJ arrived. She had flown rather than walk the streets, changing in a nearby alley out of view. Her dress was now nondescript, and her hood pulled even tighter around her face as she entered. Concerned about her hair giving her away so easily. The oil store owner's comments and his ease in identifying her race had left a cloud of uncertainty. SJ casually browsed Daxe's various wares. The mix of weapons always surprised her. There were so many of differing sizes and styles, she didn't even recognise many of them.
The other customers slowly left, looking pleased with their purchases before Daxe walked over.
"Hi, SJ."
"Hi. I came to see what you have."
"Of course, give me a moment," Daxe said as he walked to the entrance and put the bolt in place, securing it.
SJ frowned at his action. "You worried?"
"No, no. Not worried, just don't want prying eyes for these beauties," he grinned as he moved through into a backroom behind the counter. "Come through," he called as he disappeared.
SJ followed him into what could only be his store room. If the front of the shop was filled with weapons, the rear was even more congested. Piles of varying weapons sat on shelves. Swords, daggers, knives, axes, warhammers. SJ triggered her mana vision, her display flashing with the glow of several areas where items held magical properties.
Daxe moved to the rear before lifting a chest and carrying it to a large table, placing it down. There was no glow coming from the chest as SJ returned her vision to normal.
SJ couldn't see as Daxe opened the lid with an almost ceremonious flair; his eyes sparkled as he lifted the claws from within, placing them gently on the table for her to see.
Each glove held three blades and was slightly shorter than her current claws, measuring about 16 inches. The blades were perfectly straight, and they didn't have the V-shaped catch in them as her current ones did, which allowed her to attempt to snap blades, not that she had ever been successful in using them for their purpose, only ever managing to offset an opponent rather than snap their blade.
The blades were not pure black; they had a dull sheen and a deep forest-green colour.
These claws looked deadly, yet understated. They didn't reflect the light in the room, as her current ones do. Daxe watched SJ, his grin widening as he noticed her appreciation of them.
"Go on, try one of them on," Daxe said, pushing the right hand to her.
SJ was mesmerised as she reached out and lifted the claw. She had expected the claws to feel heavier in her hands, having three blades rather than the two she had got used to, but they weighed virtually nothing. She turned them over in her hand, the leather of the glove was soft and supple, and the claws seemed to mould into it rather than stand out from it.
"These look impressive," SJ nodded appreciatively.
"Identify them," Daxe said excitedly.
Forest Wanderers +16
Level Requirement: Above 25
Quality: Legendary
Damage: 23-32 +16
Enchantment Slots: 4
Special: A Forest's Grasp
While standing still for three seconds, the wearer gains a camouflage effect, significantly reducing the chance of detection.
In forests, dense foliage, or deep natural shadows: The camouflage is near-perfect, granting legendary-grade concealment.
In urban, barren, or other terrains: The effect still functions, providing competent camouflage, but keen eyes may still spot you.
Any deliberate movement breaks this effect. However, upon moving, the wearer is imbued with a Forest's Silence for 10 seconds, muffling footsteps and the sound of fabric against surfaces.
Dave was in awe as he spoke. "They are amazing. Four slots, increased damage, and that camouflage bonus."
SJ turned the blades in her hand and triggered her mana display again. This time, the item in her hand glowed; the imbued mana they must hold shone brightly.
My concern is that someone who can see mana could spot me still.
Dave scoffed. "Unless they are a mage with the skills, I doubt many have anything that could detect your presence. I doubt that you would show due to the effect of the special they hold once it is triggered."
SJ opened her display, returning her vision to normal again, and went to the Legionnarious before thinking her question.
Are Forest's Grasp items detectable by magic users?
The Legionnarious thought for a moment before her display filled.
The enchantment known as A Forest's Grasp utilises the ambient mana that is present in all items and light-bending principles to achieve its effect. It is a subtle, passive ward, not an active spell.
To standard mana sight: The item itself will glow with its inherent enchantment, as all magically imbued objects do. However, the camouflage shroud it generates when activated is designed to be exceptionally low-signature. It mimics the natural surrounding environment (foliage, shadow, stone). To most magic users, unless they are actively scanning for magical traces with focused intent, the wearer's concealed form may not even register, or appear as the exact surroundings it is active against.
To dedicated detection spells: Higher-tier detection or true sight spells may pierce the concealment, depending on the caster's skill and the level of the spell. The 'legendary' grade concealment in natural terrain will remain virtually undetectable. In urban settings, the lower-grade effect is more easily detected.
Conclusion: The item provides significant magical stealth, not just visual stealth. It is not perfect, but it raises the detection threshold considerably. A casual glance with mana sight is unlikely to reveal the being with the enchanted item. A determined search with the right tools might.
"I told you," Dave said smugly, feeling proud of his previous conclusion.
Now that I have access to the Legionnarious, you do realise that I am becoming more aware that you never bother to check it before answering my thoughts.
Silence.
"So, what do you think?" Daxe asked, looking a little uncomfortable now, his grin having wavered slightly the longer that SJ had held the claw.
She placed the claw back down on the table before looking at him. "They are pretty amazing, to be honest."
SJ spotted the relief in Daxe's body. "They are, aren't they. I've never been prouder of a creation of mine before."
"The damage bonus is similar to the Wolf Claw's that I looked at before, yet the level needed is much lower."
"It is, and they are. The bonus isn't as good as the Wolf Claw's, but the imbued enchantment during the smithing process is unbelievable. I'd never heard of it before. I had to go visit the Smithy Guild to get its full details. Its grading is mainly associated with that skill. There are higher damage ones, but I thought they would be perfect for you, and your trade," Daxe finished with a short cough.
"I can't argue with you. I do need to ask the price."
Daxe started to shift uncomfortably, almost bouncing from foot to foot. "Aye, that's where it may become a problem."
"Go on, tell me."
Daxe's voice didn't have its usual confidence as he almost whispered the price. "Four platinum... The legendary grade alone is worth that." Daxe added hurriedly.
Dave let out a loud whistle.
SJ didn't react, as Daxe's eyes flickered nervously.
"Deal," SJ said, not even pausing in her reply. Even if she hadn't been as wealthy as she was, she couldn't turn down the opportunity of the claws; they just had too many benefits.
"I agree," Dave blurted.
Daxe took a step back in surprise. "What?"
"I said deal." As she called four shiny platinum coins to her palm.
Daxe stared at the coins, bewildered at her immediate reply. "You're not going to barter?"
"I trust you aren't trying to rip me off," SJ smiled.
The completely disarmed dwarf didn't reply, absolute shock having taken hold of him, his mouth half-open, trying to think of his words.
"I should have asked for five," Daxe muttered quietly, staring at the coins in disbelief.
Her current claws contained enchantments, and she would need to get them replaced on her new set or improved.
"You could go and see Fran," Dave said, reading her thoughts.
I'm not sure she is even back yet. Also, there may be other enchantments that are better.
"True, but they are likely to be very expensive."
It was SJ's turn to snort, getting a quizzical look from Daxe.
"Do you know any decent enchanters?" SJ asked.
Daxe was still a little dazed, looking at the platinum coins sitting in his palm. They disappeared into his inventory as he reached up, stroking his beard. "There are several high-level enchanters, but I'm not sure who would be the best. I don't usually get asked. It may be worth speaking to the Mage Academy. Especially if you are after something specific, they keep a list of all the main enchanters and their available enchantments."
"I may do that. Thank you for these," SJ said as the claws disappeared into her inventory, as they moved back through to the front of the store.
"I'm not sure you'll need a replacement set for some time," Daxe said as he unbolted the store door.
"I hope not at that price," SJ said.
Daxe flushed at her comment. "What do you plan to do with your current claws?"
"I'll keep them for now," SJ said as she left the store.
