New Fantasy World: Galeia-Chapter 53

We reached the first floor and the Human Accountant, Yolanda, was waiting at the front door.

She smiled when she saw us and walked over to Lapia, giving her a big hug.

"It has been a pleasure working with you, Lapia." she said.

"Same, Yolanda. I wish you peaceful and happy times." the Elf returned the hug.

They separated and the Human faced me with a smile. "Please take good care of Lapia, Your Excellency. She’s a bit cheeky sometimes, but she means well."

Lapia blushed and crossed her arms.

I laughed. "I think she’s the one taking care of me."

I offered a hand and she took it while laughing. I stared at her for a few seconds.

Humans... huh.

I felt nothing, not even loss at not being a Human myself. A very small relief, perhaps.

"I wish you good travels and plentiful spoils of war, Lady Alyssa." the Human gave the Luzo a warm smile. "Please take care of Lapia."

"I will." the healer giggled.

"Thank you for seeing us off, Yolanda." Lapia smiled and hugged the woman once more.

"You’re free to visit anytime." the accountant took a handkerchief from a pocket and wiped a few tears forming on the edge of her eyes.

"I’ll make sure to come before you kick the bucket." they both laughed at that comment.

That’s dark. I turned around and bit my lips.

They said a few more words of good-bye and we left the building towards the parking lot.

The suns were still rising, not visible yet due to the high walls. We hadn’t spent that much time having sex and cleaning.

"You okay?" Alyssa asked Lapia.

She nodded, her chin trembling a little.

We all hugged and the Elf let out a few tears.

"Fifteen years." she whispered. "It doesn’t feel wasted, but I could’ve done so much more."

"That’s what we’ll do from now on." I tried cheering her up. "Go around, explore ancient ruins, maybe save a few countries."

She laughed at that. Alyssa giggled.

"Thank you." she kissed us both and tightened the hug. "Let’s go."

We separated and she wiped her cheeks. She had a big smile, now. I had only seen her cry three times, and this was the one I liked to see; looking forward with clear eyes, instead of fearful and pained.

"What time is it?" I asked as we saw Sonya.

The beast perked up and stood, looking at us while her tail swayed.

Alyssa took out a pocket watch and looked at me "Seven fifty. We woke up at around five."

I produced the metal balls and fed the Ratnak. I took one of her massive hands and rubbed between her fingers. Her eyes opened wide and growled in joy. If she had lips, she would be smiling.

That booklet had a lot of information about these monsters. I smiled at her.

"Good morning, girl." I let her hand go and patted her head, then put the saddle on.

I mounted up and helped Alyssa and Lapia up.

"Damn, you’re strong!" the Elf commented after she sat behind the Luzo.

"I would tell you the exact number, but you’d get mad." I snickered.

Alyssa laughed and hugged me. "Go slow, please."

"Where to?" I asked.

"Let’s go where you bought Sonya, then we can go to the market and buy a few last-minute things." Lapia answered.

"Sure." I nodded and rode my fantastical mount to the street. "In the meantime, I would like to hear more about the Dragon Tongue."

"Kahi." the Luzo pulled back and took my hair. "That means ’sure’."

"Kahi." I repeated.

We rode like that. Alyssa playing with my hair, Lapia with Alyssa’s, and me looking around.

The city was starting its day, people going in every direction, stalls and stores opening, and Bards singing in the distance.

Two hours later we arrived at the Burhim & Pam farm. The fields were not as expansive as those outside the city, and the suns were starting to show themselves over the walls.

I dismounted and helped them down, giving each a kiss. I noticed Alyssa’s white hair done in a stylish braid.

"You look beautiful, Alyssa." I hugged her. "Nice job, Lapia."

"I’m not 80 years old just because, sunshine." she smirked, hugging us both.

"Thank you, Natasha." the Luzo gave me a shy smile and a soft kiss. "And thank you, Lapia." she gave the Elf another soft kiss.

"You’re welcome, honey." the wizard blushed and separated. "Let’s go buy Bhin."

"I’ll stay here." I announced. "My Lancer class influences mounts too much. You should find a companion that likes you."

"Makes sense." Alyssa smiled and Lapia nodded.

Jök, the merchant that sold me Sonya, limped out of the shack and opened his arms wide. "Welcome to Burhim & Pam. Oh, I see you’ve returned, Lady Natasha."

"Good to see you again, Jök. Sonya’s been a good girl." I patted the Ratnak’s neck.

"Love to see it." he smiled, then turned to the Elf and Luzo. "How may I help you Ladies?"

"We’re looking for Bhin." Lapia explained. "We’re going northwest."

"Let’s go inside, then." he motioned towards the stable-looking building and walked off.

Both followed him and disappeared into the white edifice.

I leaned back on my mount and summoned Kingdom Fall, the novel Alyssa gave me.

"Holy shit!" I exclaimed. "Not even a paragraph and someone already died."

The story was fairly straightforward. It began with the death of one of the Queen’s many partners, Rinal. Distraught by the death of one of her lovers, she began an investigation. Fearing it was done by an enemy nation, she sent spies all over her Kingdom. When the story was getting juicy with drama and overly flowery dialogue, I heard Lapia’s voice.

"Hey there, sunshine." I looked up and saw her riding a red horse with ox-like horns. A Bhin.

Behind her, Alyssa was sitting on top of another one. The horses were pretty thick boys, tall and muscular.

"What do these eat?" I asked, caressing the closest one’s head.

"The same a horse does. These have better stamina, higher constitution, and run faster." Alyssa answered. "And eat less."

"Hoooh..." I breathed in wonder.

The animal stared at me and snorted. Then, it stuck its black tongue out and clapped its lips on it, making a weird noise.

Blin! I took a step back and shook my head.

I mounted up and drove Sonya out of the farm.

"Hahahaha! Natasha!" Lapia laughed and called me.

"Yes?" I turned around.

"Your skirt flipped up!" she pointed at my butt.

I fixed the thing and felt my cheeks heat up. "Thank you for telling me."

We advanced slowly, the pleasant morning breeze dragging the smell of animals and their waste. I looked around, a lot of animals were weird and had unnecessary parts. Too far to appraise and get a name for the weird Elephant with a crown of horns in the distance.

We crossed the inner wall and I followed the two as we moved towards a ’market’ to buy stuff.

The buildings became wider until a plaza similar to the one I saw when I first entered the city greeted us.

Hundreds of people buying, selling, shouting, promoting, inviting, and marketing occupied the space.

I looked around and saw a lot of fruit and vegetable stalls. Humans, Lupum, Elves, Tigea, a few Luzo and Dwarfs.

I stared at a short man, his ashen silvery hair done in a ponytail and a very well kept beard of the same color adorned with jewelry. He was wearing overalls and eating a big papaya while leaning back on a wall. His eyes were similarly ashen silver. I almost thought he was a Halve, if not for his brownish skin.

[Argo Dwarf, Lvl 86 Squire]

"The best fruit in Riverfield! Come and get your Oloyas! Fresh and juicy!" he shouted while eating.

Huh... I grinned. I guess class and occupation can be different.

I also saw a very chunky Luzo, bare chest covered in blue scales, pale pink skin, two short horns and a thick tail coming out of loose pants. He was walking with a Lupum female, talking about something.

[Azuuli Luzo, Lvl 92 Mocker]

A performer, maybe? Weird class...

I continued looking around, Dwarf races made no sense to me; Argo and Ferk. The Argo race had ashen silvery hair and eyes, while the Ferk’s were pitch black with lighter skin.

We continued advancing for a while until Lapia and Alyssa stopped, Sonya halting as well.

They dismounted and waved at me to join them.

I did and we entered a small shop, moving a curtain aside. The interior was dimly lit, flasks and small trinkets filling shelves and tables. Nobody in sight.

Now before I forget.

"Potion seller!" I called with a deep voice. "I am going into battle, and I want your strongest potions!"

"This is not an apothecary!" a loud voice came from the back. "Leave if you’re seeking those!"

"Natasha!" Lapia nudged my arm. "What are you doing? You’ll get us kicked out." she hissed.

"Sorry." I chuckled. "Had to do it."

I am the strongest of beings, after all. I fought back laughter. And I’m not a knight.

I bit my knuckles to avoid laughing.

"Excuse me? We’re looking for travel equipment!" Lapia called, shaking her head.

Alyssa was looking at me with a confused face. I shook my head and bit my lips.

A dandy old man appeared from behind a door, walking behind the counter. He looked at me and sighed, then gave me the stink eye.

[Celez Human, Lvl 108 Enchanter]

Finally! I am not worshiped! I wanted to give the man a kiss for not bowing or calling me cringe names.

He was wearing a three piece suit, his hair meticulously kept, and a white beard equally as cared after.

"What can I do for you?" he raised an eyebrow. His tone was slightly annoyed.

"As I said, we’re looking for travel equipment." the Elf said.

"I heard you the first time." he looked at her with clear gray eyes.

Alyssa covered her mouth with a hand, and I bit my lips harder.

Lapia nodded and smiled. A polite ’business’ smile.

"A tent. For three." she said flatly.

"Ten silver coins." he talked slowly, then tilted his head as he focused on me for a second. "Warranty not included, naturally."

"Give me the best you have." she said and put three towers of silver on the counter.

The man lowered his eyes on the money for a few seconds, then looked back at Lapia.

"Very well." he squinted his eyes and took the money. "Any specific enchantment you’re looking for?"

He stretched every vowel and stressed every consonant, forcing me to increase my efforts to not laugh.

"Sound-proof, pest-repellent, and self-repair if you have." she stared back at him.

"Hmm. I’m sure I have one somewhere." he replied.

The enchanter turned around and picked up a ring from a side table. A big box materialized on his hands.

"Ra’me leather, enchanted with pest-repellent and self-repair." he said as he turned around, presenting the leather box. "I don’t have sound-proof enchanted tents left, unfortunately." he placed one tower of silver back on the counter.

Lapia eyed the box and nodded. "Have a nice day." she took the silver coins and inspected each one.

The man simply nodded and turned around, walking to the back.

We left the shop after the wizard stored the items. I laughed, Alyssa joining me.

"What’s so funny?" Lapia chuckled.

I shook my head. "Nothing. He sounded funny, is all."

The Luzo sighed and we mounted up. The plaza was noisy and busy, so we left without talking. I followed their lead.

We rode to the west, streets became narrower as houses and tall buildings became more common.

Crossing the gate, we left the city. I turned around and looked at the tall walls as we moved towards the forest in the distance, following the road.

Four days... felt longer. I sighed and looked forward. I guess I’m a nomad now.

"Haaa..." Alyssa sighed loudly. "The road. We meet once more."

Her dress puffed up a little, then the one I gave her replaced it along with the helmet.

Lapia did the same, wearing her combat garments. I copied them and sighed in relief at the feeling of the armor around me.

"Life moves so fast." I commented.

The Elf was on my right, and the Luzo next to her.

"Does it bother you?" Lapia asked, looking around.

"A little. Would be much harder without you two, if I’m honest." I gave her a thumbs up.

"I bet." she chuckled. "Can’t see myself in your shoes."

"Same." Alyssa giggled.

"It’s enjoyable, if anything." I laughed.

We advanced at a fast pace. Talking about little things and laughing at lame jokes. Once we crossed the edge of the forest and the sparse canopy covered the sky, the loud sounds of insects, critters, and the occasional cat accompanied the clip-clop of horses and Sonya’s claws scratching the dirt road.

Hours passed with us conversing. Alyssa taught me more of the Dragon Tongue, Lapia listening as well and writing things down.

We ate a light lunch: fruits and dried meat. When night fell, we searched for a clearing and made camp. Alyssa taught me how to set a tent, something I had never done before. The sticks worked interestingly: they stiffened when injected with E’er. The stakes were easier to handle, I just pushed them into the ground with a finger.

Sonya and the two Bhin were laying on the ground as we sat around a fire Lapia lit.

The flames revealed the clearing, casting dancing shadows into the trees and illuminating our faces.

Alyssa took out a big piece of paper and stared at it.

"What’s that?" I asked, stretching to see if it was a map or something.

"A map of the area around Riverfield." she answered, looking at me for a second.

"Let me see!" I stood up and walked behind her. "Cool!"

The Luzo giggled at my reaction.

"Shit! I forgot to show you any maps." Lapia facepalmed.

"Oh, don’t worry." I gave her a wink. "I have you two. I don’t mind not knowing a few things right away."