Eldin let out a loud yawn. He sat up and found himself staring. In front of him, Lumina was sitting on her bed still in her nightgown brushing her tail. Now that he thought about, he had never really shared a room before, it was a different experience to wake up and see someone else first thing.

  “Finally awake? I’m almost done here, but I was thinking we should visit the Adventurer’s Guild and see if they have any work.” Lumina said as she stood up and started brushing her hair, moving towards her pack at the foot of the bed. Every morning the Fereece went through the same hair care routine. Brushing, followed by a conditioner and finished with a few spritz from a special no frizz tonic. Both compliments of Uncle Elrin and his apothecary skills.

  Lumina grabbed her dress from the locked chest. It truly was a wondrous piece of fabric. Everything she had done, there had not been a single stain on its pristine white color. In fact, everything seemed to slide right off it, it didn’t even have any lingering scents either. “If only all clothes could be made out of whatever creature you were made from.” She commented to herself before taking the dress into the bathroom to change.

  Using the brief chance, he was alone, Eldin quickly slipped into his clothes for the day. He couldn't help but feel awkward changing even though Lumina was out of sight. leaving his chest plate and other pieces of armor in his trunk. He wanted to see what Lumina was planning to do for the day before taking the time to equip it.

  Soon after he had put on his clothes, Lumina left the bathroom. She moved to her chest closing and locking it.

  “Not wearing your armor today?” Eldin commented as he too shut his chest but did not lock it.

  “What do you mean? I am wearing armor.” Lumina replied smiling as she strapped on her sword and shield to her belt.

  “Right. I forgot the dress is armor.”

  “Jealous?” Lumina taunted as she left the room leaving Eldin to catch up on his own.

  “You have a message.” Inyoka called out to Lumina once he saw her come downstairs.

  “A message for me?” She asked with great curiosity.

  “For the both of you.” Inyoka said as he handed her a small envelope with her and Eldin’s name on it.

  “What is it?” Eldin asked, finally catching up with his friend.

  Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

  Lumina opened the mail and read it, “It seems Raymi wants to see us at the Adventurer’s Guild. Apparently, there is news we need to hear in regards to the recent rumors of the jackal.”

  “We were planning on visiting there today anyway.” Eldin stated as he walked out of the inn.

  Lumina tossed the message into a nearby bin and followed after. Adjusting somewhat to the noise, Lumina was no longer overwhelmed by the numerous sounds of Gildale’s populace. Additionally, less people had been heckling her too. Not that she didn’t appreciate the lack of public derision, she couldn’t help but think that Stephen had something to do with it as well.

  The man was well liked among the citizens. He was always mingling with them, asking them about their days and problems. Helping when needed. He was a genuine good guy that cared about his city. Being seen with him probably had a positive impact on her image with the public.

  Entering the Adventurer’s Guild and walking up to the front desk, she was greeted by Raymi. “Finally made it in? Did you get my message? Doesn’t matter, anywho.” The animated woman said rather quickly before recollecting herself into a calmer demeanor. “We have decided that due to the fact that there is an actual threat on the outskirts of Gildale. We will be also assessing every member’s combat ability and assigning appropriate ranks to them to help people avoid taking on potentially dangerous jobs outside of town.”

  “We?” Lumina inquired as she looked around looking for the other person Raymi was referring to. “My father. He is currently out back in the yard doing combat tests. All members are required to take it if they want to keep working in the guild.”

  Lumina was incredibly interested in a combat test. She didn’t know where she stood in martial capabilities. The only example of fighting she had was from Milli which was obviously far above the typical talent. She was curious to know where her training had left her in terms of skill.

  She couldn’t help but giggle when she saw Eldin get swarmed by the other patrons. He had managed to take a seat, but it seemed like everyone wanted to talk to the young elementalist to get his help.

  Thanking Raymi for the information, Lumina slipped into the backyard and watched as Zanif skillfully parried and then brutally disarmed a man from his spear leaving the poor fellow on the ground.

  Zanif wrote something down on a pad of paper before helping the man up. “You’re combat rank is iron.” He told the guy before sending him off. He smiled when he saw Lumina, “Finally. We have a contender.”

  Walking over to a wooden rack filled with all sorts of practice weapons, Zanif tossed Lumina a wooden sword and shield. “Don’t disappoint me now.” He chuckled as he also equipped a similar wooden sword and shield set and stood at one end of the crude arena that was a large patch of dirt.

  Taking off her real sword and shield, Lumina set them to the side and stood across from Zanif, practice equipment at the ready. Not counting her ears, Lumina had a small height advantage on the man. A situation she found unique as she had always fought things that were taller than her.

  “I forgot to mention, this a purely martial test. No magic.” Zanif added.

  No signal was needed as both fighters charged towards each other clashing shield to shield. The resounding clunk of wood on wood quickly became a constant beat. Almost as if someone was playing a drum.