l opened my eyes the sudden brightness causing me to have to close them again. I tried to move my arm to cover my eyes but to no avail. It had been quite a while judging by the position of the sun. Trying my other arm I managed to move it but not without great difficulty and pain but compared to the pain of having your soul torn apart and being killed by some Eldridge tentacle thing.
Straining myself I pulled. avail of low rank beast blood out of my inventory I managed to press it to my lips the taste of the honey-like substance felt energizing.
My skin instantly looked healthier instead of being withered. Standing up I could feel my bones scraping against each other as I stretched creating satisfying clicks as my joints popped giving me more mobility. I decided to head back to the village and finally gather information about the current time and setting of the world.
Each step felt exhausting and futile but I pushed on until I finally made it to the gate. The guards seemed surprised by my presence and I doubted the mud and blood stained clothes helped in any way.
A couple questions and proof of my business (I took one of the rabbits ears and the horn) and I was free to go. Stepping into the inn I was surprised to find they had working showers. Apparently it was made using magic stones to power the water magic but I didn't care at that moment just letting myself surrender to the warmth of the water. The refreshing effect it had helped calm my mind.
I was hesitating and I knew all too well that I couldn't afford to. What if this world was different from the one that I knew of? Mishia wasn't described in the RPG but I guess it's because she was technically dead before it even began. If something went wrong I wouldn't have any redo's. I would be dead and buried just like that.
Sighing I left the shower after my time was up and dressed myself before setting out to the guild.
~~
Upon walking into the guild I was met by the same atmosphere as the inn. Adventurers of all types were bantering with each other, daytime drinking and looking at quests. Each one had an aura of experience around them, it didn't matter if the person was weak or strong I could sense that they were all experienced and thus trustworthy. It seemed that there were many groups that were preparing for quests and the like but as I walked through the place became eerily quiet. I was wearing Mishia's armour which had turned into something more my style and I strapped a sword to my back. The armour looked worn so I doubted they would think of me as a rookie adventurer.
Each step sounded louder in my head as I walked past all the groups and towards the elf receptionist. He seemed old for an elf from the subtle differences in posture that I could see but his strength was nothing to joke about. If he wanted he could easily kill me with the flick of his finger. What made someone like him work in the middle of nowhere. With a sincere smile and a hint of suspicion he initiated a conversation.
"Good afternoon sir what may the guild do for you?"
"I need Information and a guide I'm willing to pay a decent amount for a trustworthy source. "
"I see sir then you have come to the right place. I believe I may be of use to you. My name is Trynowin a staff member of the silver Cresent adventurers guild. If you would please follow me to the waiting room we will sort out the details of your payment and specify the information you require. "
The room broke out into mutters that would usually be so quiet that nobody would hear but my senses picked up parts of conversations.
"elder.. picks... boy...who is he...rare..reaction
..name"
It seemed that this wasn't normal in the least. This elf must be someone influential at the least. All I could do was follow the polite elf into the adjacent room before sitting down.
Pulling out something that looked like a stone/metal tablet covered in runes he looked over to me.
"So boy what would you like to gain information on and how much are you willing to pay?"
"I need information about everything even things that seems stupid like our location and the date and I need it to be discreet so I'm willing to pay a hefty amount. I would rather ask you to calculate the price so that I don't overpay or underpay the informant."
_I see... Your best choice may be me then. As an old elf I have been on many journeys and seen history play out before mw. Will that be applicable with you?"
"That's...fine but what about your service charge? And the guide?"
"Hmm if you would like information from the last year and a guide let's say...3 gold coins."
"3 gold huh. That's not too bad if it's relevant information and a guide... Deal!"
"Please wait while we finalise the details and place the gold onto that silver platter and I will give you a time to return after my work as guild staff finishes as this will take some time."
Placing the gold coins onto the platter a magic array covered them before glowing green.
"Perfect they have been identified as real gold coins please wait while I finish up the details... and done. Please come back after the sun sets. Thank you for doing business with the guild. "
"The pleasure is mine." Standing up I left the room as a gathering of eyes followed me as I left the guild entirely.
~~~
~Trynowin~
"M'lord may I inquire as to why you were interacting with that human?"
"They're interesting"
"Milord?"
"They didn't react to my presence or my name and they asked for some odd things they have piqued my curiosity."
"How could one not know of you even if it is outside of the kingdom?"
"That's my question exactly. Even if one were to live under a rock they would still at least hear of our names."
Sitting down I picked up a cup and saucer before taking a sip of the herbal remedy inside. The aroma alone was relaxing. Leaves from the world tree blended with herbs to create a tea that was the speciality of the elven forest were rare but they were naturally my favourite reminding me of my home.
"They may be interesting to build a friendship with and we can guide them to their destination on our way back to the elven kingdom."
"Certainly m'lord. Shall I prepare for our trip?"
"Yes"
"Please excuse me then milord"
"Your excused"
As he left I let out a deep sigh. Even though we had been friends for over 400 years he still insisted on treating me like that. A small smile came to my lips. It has been quite a while since anyone has talked to me so casually even in the human domain they put on airs around me even if I was working as a guild staff member. My holiday was almost over causing a great sign to heave from my chest. I would have to go back to work but I didn't want to! I wish I could pass down my title to my son but my granddaughter was still too young.
Still that boy reminds me of my youth. The determination and defiance in his eyes were a spitting image of mine. It wouldn't be long before we would meet again to discuss what he needed but I was curious as to why he needed basic information.
"Maybe he really did live under a rock"