Having never worked with pelts before, the two relied on the instructions from the armorer. Swamp fangs appeared to be some sort of beast with thick but malleable hide which could be made into a light armor after enough preparation.
Von and Monica were sitting in a small building far behind the smithy which had a horrible urine smell coming from the next room. Their current job was placing the hides over a wooden beam then using a fleshing knife they had to remove the excess flesh, fat and connective tissue from the fresh hides. The knife they used had a curved blade with two handles separated by the blade in the center. One side of the blade was dull, while the second blade was very sharp.
First, they used the dull side of the blade to push and scrape loose fat and meat off the pelt, then using the sharp edge, they cut the tougher areas away where it was too difficult to push using the dull blade. The pelt was continually rotated and shifted until it was completely fleshed.
An hour after the two of them began working on their stack of pelts, Von heard again from his mysterious voice:
Ten experience points is more than I earned before. Is it because I gained a level earlier or because I am now actively participating instead of watching how to do something. Hey, Voice, can I ask you something?
First, who are you, do you have a name?
system. You may call me 'System'.>
Okay, System, what are we doing? I mean, what are you doing? I don't understand why I hear you in my head. Where are you?
So, System, how do I use you?
Von wasn't sure about anything else, but this "System" wasn't very forthcoming about anything. He pondered this while continuing to clean the pelts.
Another hour passed and "System's" message arrived again:
At this rate, he could learn what happens when he hits one hundred out of one hundred sometime tomorrow. Von sighed in frustration wishing he could learn faster. Before they finished cleaning the hides, two more messages repeated his gains while he was fleshing the hides, and he was up to forty experience points.
Once the hides were fully fleshed, and checked by the other person, were taken to the next room back. This room was filled with vats containing very salty water. Looking over the vats, Monica was shocked to see many of the wooden vats had the family mark on the side. "These vats were made by my parents!" She exclaimed seeing the marks on the bottoms of the empty vats not in use. "I wonder how they got here."
Von seeing the same thing thought for a moment before responding, "A trader probably has a route travelling through here."
"This means someone comes here regularly from Milltown! They should know how to get back home, or to Marsgate, or somewhere!" She exclaimed.
With renewed vigor, Monica continued cleaning her second hide and Von joined her with the final hide. Four hours and four more system messages later, Von was wondering what would happen if there were more for him to do. He was already at eighty out of one hundred experience. Would one hundred of one hundred get him another attribute point, or something else?
Their arms tired and the four hides completely fleshed and soaking, they returned to Grimdon. "We have finished fleshing the hides, sir."
"Let's have a look at them, shall we?" Walking back and examining the fleshed pelts, he nodded. They would make good apprentices to someone. Their eye for detail and a desire to do the job right was admirable. "Exactly what I expected. Here, this should tide you over until morning." He said while handing them over a pouch of coins. "As you are not my apprentices, I have paid you more than a fair wage for a most of a day's work, and a little extra because I am going to keep the remains of your sword. You can find a meal and a bed at the Flooded Haven that way," he pointed, "on the other side of the town fountain."
Leaving the smithy and turning right, the two exhausted friends passed by Bogrunner's Supplies, the general store run by Halder the small. Looking in the open door, Von and Monica found themselves drawn to a display of sturdy boots and waterproof cloaks. Halder, a small person often called a halfling, looked at them with a mischievous grin, as he recommended items tailored for the unpredictable conditions of the swamp. His store was stocked with essentials for both adventurers and residents alike.
Thinking about their limited supply of funds as they passed through town, they discussed purchasing a pair of waterproof cloaks as they would double as blankets and ground cloths as they slept at night, especially since there was a high chance they might have to spend another night in the bog.
The inn's exterior blended seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Constructed from dark, weathered wood, The Flooded Haven bore subtle engravings of arcane symbols which seemed to shimmer faintly in the ambient light of the Bonechill Bog. Hanging lanterns adorned with iridescent charms illuminated the entrance, casting a warm glow on the wooden walkway.
A welcoming sign, featuring an elegant depiction of water flowing through a river surrounding a building looking much like the one in front of them, swung gently in the swamp breeze above the entrance. Bog flowers in rich hues adorned window boxes, adding a touch of color to the otherwise muted exterior.
Upon stepping inside, Von and Monica were embraced by the cozy ambiance of The Flooded Haven. The interior featured exposed wooden beams, creating a rustic yet inviting atmosphere. The air was scented with the comforting aroma of burning hearthwood in the central fireplace, which crackled with mystical flames.
Tables and chairs, carved from swampwood with intricate designs reminiscent of nature's beauty, were scattered throughout the common area. Moss-green tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of swamp creatures and mystical landscapes, creating a sense of connection to the Bonechill Bog's unique ecosystem.
The bar, crafted from polished serpent-scale wood, showcased an impressive array of enchanted potions and elixirs, unique to the region. The innkeeper, a genial gnome named Thistle, welcomed guests with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with the wisdom gained from years of hosting travelers.
Guest rooms, accessible via a winding wooden staircase, featured comfortable beds adorned with quilts woven from shimmering strands of mist. Each room carried the soothing sounds of the swamp through open windows, providing a serene backdrop for restful slumber.
"Where ya folks?" came the high-pitched heavily accented voice.
"We're here on our own, and we need food and lodging for the night. Can you provide it?" Monica said. She has spent a lot of time hanging around the inn in Milltown to listen for rumors and knew they wouldn't question too much.
"I can, an' I can even give ya a room on the balcony if ya want, or one lookin' over the courtyard in the back if ya' wan'. Either way, it'll be two rounds for a meal an' a bath for the two a' ya."
Pulling the coins out the pouch, the two children looked at them, bewildered. Not a single coin was recognizable to the two of them. There were square coins, triangular coins, coins shaped like a quarter of a circle, one diamond-shaped coin, and two different round coins. The first type of round coin was smaller with a hole in the center made out of brass, the other was solid and appeared to be made of gold. Thinking for the moment, Monica placed two of the solid coins onto the counter in front of them.
"Very good, which room did ya' want?"
Letting go of her breath, she looked at Von who shrugged. Slowly she said, "can we have the room on the..." She drew out the last word at though she was uncertain of it being the right choice, but since Von didn't correct her, she finished it, "...balcony?"
"Very good, very good. The baths are to the left, the room will be upstairs turn right, room number eight. If you need anything, my name is 'Thistle,' and I own the inn, just come down and ask, and I will try to help you." He then smiled at the two of them. Honestly, he wasn't certain if they were here to sneak off together, running away, out shopping in Sungrove, or for some sort of rite of passage, but their parents had made certain they were properly prepared for the journey, providing them enough for a couple of days here with some spending money. Thus, he had no issues providing the two young children a safe place to spend the night and a good meal. After all, humans do some very strange things to their children, who was he to ask as they were obviously not from Sungrove.
After a hot bath, the two youths made their way to room eight. Ascending the worn wooden staircase, they were greeted by the comforting sounds of laughter and hushed conversations emanating from the common area below. The air was infused with the enchanting scents of hearthwood and aromatic herbs, creating a welcoming atmosphere that seemed to embrace them as they reached the second floor.
The corridor leading to the guest rooms was adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of mystical creatures and vibrant landscapes native to the Bonechill Bog. Soft, ambient lighting from wall-mounted sconces cast a warm glow on the worn wooden floor, guiding their way.
The door to Room Eight was adorned with an intricately carved serpent emblem, indicating a connection to Mistweaver's Balcony. As Von and Monica entered, they found themselves in a cozy space that seamlessly blended rustic charm with mystical allure.
The centerpiece of Room Eight was a comfortable canopy bed with sheets woven from misty threads. Shimmering curtains framed the bed, creating an ethereal enclosure which hinted at the magical energies present in the room. Bog flowers in vases adorned the wooden bedside tables, adding a touch of color and fragrance.
A small hearth crackled with hearthwood flames, casting a warm light across the room. The fireplace seemed to be enchanted to respond to the occupants as it adjusted its intensity based on the comfort desired, while above the mantel, a small shelf held trinkets and charms built into the wood and imbued with protective enchantments.
A corner with a comfortable armchair and a small bookshelf invited guests to unwind and delve into the tales of the Bonechill Bog. The shelves housed volumes on local flora, fauna, and mystical lore, providing insights into the secrets of the swamp.
The door to Mistweaver's Balcony stood ajar, revealing a tantalizing view of the moonlit swamp beyond. As Von and Monica approached, they felt a gentle breeze carrying the ambient sounds of the bog and the soft melody of enchanted wind chimes. The balcony itself featured lush greenery, creating a tranquil escape bathed in the silver glow of moonlight where guests could enjoy the ever-changing vistas of mist and ethereal lights while enchanted wind chimes created soft melodies, harmonizing with the natural sounds of the Bonechill Bog.
Throughout the room, small, enchanted artifacts adorned the area, adding a touch of mysticism. A hanging lantern with swirling mists cast intriguing patterns on the walls, and a small crystal on the bedside table pulsed with a soothing light.
The room emanated a sense of tranquility and connection to the magical forces of Sungrove. As Von and Monica settled into the bed, they found themselves surrounded by an enchanting blend of comfort and mysticism—a perfect retreat after their journey through the mystical realm. The whispers of the Bonechill Bog seemed to linger outside the balcony, inviting them to continue exploring the wonders awaiting in the heart of the swamp.