[Solo] (lvl 1 Fetch Quest) His Problem, Her Stress

[Fallout]

Fall strolled down the passage between the buildings, the sound of the loud market area echoed through the alleyway. It was a sunny morning in Londinium, without a cloud in the sky. Perfect conditions for the market stalls to thrive, as he approached the entrance the smell of street food overwhelmed him. His stomach rumbled, it had been a while since he had eaten. Peering both ways it became apparent how lively the area truly was, colorful makeshift stalls filled every inch of the street. Owners yelling at the bustling landers, howling about how amazing their produce is. Each booth seemed to have its own variety of exotic fruits, perfect ingredients to practice his cooking with. However, that wasn't why he was here.

“FRESH TOMATOES STRAIGHT FROM THE VINE! CORIANDER CHEAP! CAN’T COOK A GOOD MEAL WITHOUT HERBS!” The street vendors high pitch voice was enough to cause anyone’s ear to bleed.

Towards the center of the road, street food carts served a variety of cuisine. Lines of landers waited patiently to get their meal, whilst the cooks struggled to keep up with the orders. Fall watched as the chef accidentally knocked a bowl of ingredients onto the floor, beans rolled across the ground. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the chefs misfortune. The cart next to theirs seemed to be having no problems, a large cloud of steam emerged from the wok. The crowds grew large as the smell of slow roasting meat filled the air. They began handing out skewers lined with various meats and vegetables, turning over a very nice profit.

‘Such nice smells, but such loud noises. Now where the hell is this shop, the inn keeper told me it’s on this road. But it so difficult to see anything beyond this chaotic crowd, just gonna have to fight my way through’

Fall was already struggling to navigate, the packed streets were not going to make it any easier. He was making his way to the local tailor, a woman by the name Sakura Edano ran the business. According to the locals, Edano is a well-respected tailor. She was even trusted by the city guards to fix their armour, and armour was exactly what the druid wanted.

With a heavy sigh he pushed on, plunging into the large crowd. His journey was…bumpy to say the least, primarily consisting of knocking shoulder with the natives. Quickly giving him a dead shoulder. Many carrying large boxes of good,
causing him to receive multiple blows to the head.  

‘ow, ow, ow, ow, OW!’ Falls stopped as his shoulder was whacked by a blunt metallic object, turning round to be met with a harsh glare. A group of guard’s boasting heavy sets of metal armour, obviously not happy.

“Watch where you walk hobo, you’re lucky I’m in a good mood or else I would have you removed from the area.” The large guard threatened, this both confused and angered Fall since it was just a simple mistake. 

"Careful, guard. Your pride is showing. And it ain’t pretty." The druid replied, not thinking his situation through. Staring directly into his eye's.

His comment was met with a snarl and a raise of swords, a moment of silence passed before what appeared to be the groups captain lowered his weapon. “God damn adventurers stinking up the place, lets keep moving before we catch something from this filth” Not so much as bothering to even hide his discriminatory statement. Turning, the guards continued their patrol leaving a large crowd of shoppers staring in confusion.

‘What an ass, no point of starting something here I guess. Better get going before I attract even more attention, AND WHY DOES EVERYONE KEEP CALLING ME A HOBO!?!’

Fall dived back into the crowd, keeping his head down as plenty of eyes were fixed on him. As he got further from the crowd he lifted his head, making sure their attention had been averted.

‘Okay, everyone is going back to doing their thing. Good, now where is that…’

His thoughts where interrupted by the sight of his desired location, in the distance was the Blossom Needle. Its sign just about visible past the headline of natives. After his shoulder and head had received a further beating from oncoming people, he found the tailors. It was a very pleasant looking store, rather simple and classy. The owner had clearly done well for themselves. Opening the door and stepping in, he was met with met with something unexpected.

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[Fallout]

“Baxton, Baxton that better be you” A young voice questioned him from the next room, Fall could make the person was slightly worried rather than angry.

As she entered the room the druid was instantly met with a frown, the girl was human. Average height, pink hair and was wearing a kimono. She gave him a questionable look before talking.

“Hello there druid, I am Sakura. Are you looking for something?” She asked, despite her calm approach Fall could sense a little distrust from her. Something that was frequent around these parts, most landers seemed to dislike adventurers. A topic that he didn’t understand, regardless he made his way to the counter.

“I was looking to get a quote on how much a leather cloak would cost me, I need it for a journey I’m planning.” Replying, trying to match the calmness of the shop keeper.

“A leather cloak would cost you around 250 gold pieces, depending on extras of course” Her response was quick and took him off guard. Fall knew it would be costly, but that was way out of his price range. Fall had just enough gold to feed him for the rest of the week, he knew buying something like this would be a stupid choice.

“Thank you, Sakura. But I unfortunately cannot afford this item, I will return once I have enough.” He went to leave the shop, but as he turned his back she spoke up.

“If its gold you need I do have a job available. The Captain of the city guards normally brings me his tattered clothes to repair, however I haven’t seen him around and he is overdue for his armor repairs. If you manage to find him and bring back his armor I will give you some gold.” Her monotone voice didn’t exactly make this job sound exiting, but the offer of gold was enough to persuade Fall.

‘A little clingy are we, he might of just found another tailors. But I guess I will humour her, for now at least. Rather not come into contact with another guard, but I would like to buy this cloak.’

“Okay, I’m on it. I will try and get it back by the end of the day, but I haven’t exactly been on good terms with the guards. They seem to heavily dislike me, despite doing nothing wrong” Trying to explain to the tailor.

“Yes, you adventurers did cause quite the issue. However, just tell him I sent you and he should be compliant. Captain Braxton really is a good man, he is even kind enough to bring me flowers.” She tried to explain how this man can be good, however Fall did not care for this Baxton. He just needed some gold.

Without replying, Fall made his way out the shop. He was hoping to get this done before the day ends, it was already mid-day and Londinium was a big place. If he could locate one of the guards he could get a rough idea of Captain Baxtons location. The crowds had died down, most people had obviously got their shopping done early. A pleasant surprise for him, he started heading up the street.

‘There has already been one patrol group walking down these roads, so another should pass by. Worst case I can go to one of the barracks or ask a shop keeper, it can’t be that hard.’

A large carriage made its way through the street carrying farm animals, mostly chickens from first glance. Pulling a whistle from his pocket he summoned his wolf mount. His large grey companion clearly wasn’t happy, but that is how he always looks. A grumpy oversized wolf, who he was proud to have by his side.

“One of these days I will make you smile, I promise.” He jumped on his ride and followed the carriage which created a safe path through the hordes of landers, after five minutes the cart turned away into a much larger open street. With no villagers to get in the way and cause a hazard, he managed to pick up some speed. He scanned the roads for some guards to hassle for info.

“You see any guard’s grumpy face?” The wolf did not reply, instead just kept running. In the distance stood two tall figures on the street corner wearing metal gear, he halted his mount beside them.

“Do you really think that is safe to ride around the city? How do we know that won’t hurt anybody?” The first guard questioned.

“I’m looking for Captain Baxton, do you two know where I could find him?” Fall completely ignored the question, not in the mood to deal with anymore crap from the guards.

“What business do you have with the Captain?” The same replied with the same spiteful tone.

“The tailor Sakura has send me to pick up an item, I need to know his location.” Despite being a short conversation, Fall was already sick of these guards.

“He can be found patrolling londinium or at barracks 42, but he is a very busy man. Now about your wol…” The druid didn’t let him finish his sentence, taking off on his mount he made his way to barracks 42. The area he spawned in.

'Out of all the places, it had to be Barracks 42'

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[Fallout]

Riding down the centre of the street on his wolf, Fall made his way to Barracks 42. The building was just visible past the small structures that surrounded it. Despite his bad past around these barracks he had to admit it was an impressive structure, one that displayed power and pride. Each brick seemed to be placed with care and precision, its age nothing more than a symbol of its power about how its defied time. He was dreading his return, but knew one day it would happen. His lower level did not help the situation, one wrong move and it might be his last.

‘Breath Axton, nice and slow. The guards won’t hurt you as long as you don’t attack them, they swore and oath. Try to stay calm, though I won’t hold back on defending myself in an argument‘

With each of hid wolfs strides the barracks got closer and closer, from a distance Fall could make out guards practising in the court yard. Shooting at test dummies and fighting each other with wooden swords. From first glance they seemed to be mere recruits, being watched over by someone of a much higher rank stood upon a platform, giving him a full view of the training yard. Two men stood at the entrance, they raised two large spears. He signalled for his wolf to stop, coming to a grinding halt Axton parked his wolf 10 metres away from the guards and climbed down.

“Thank you, wait here for me” He said to his unreactive ride.

Standing tall, Fall approached the spear wielding guards. He watched as what appeared to be the man in charge jumped off his platform and approached, Fall instantly recognized him from earlier. He was part of the patrol group that caused the scene earlier. They were already on bad terms, this encounter would clearly not help. The large man placed his right hand just above his sheathed sword and pointed his finger towards the druid.

“YOU! BOY! WHERE DID YOU GET THIS WOLF! I highly doubt a person such as yourself could afford a mount like this.” His attitude did not help with Falls already strong dislike of this place. Ignoring his ridiculing statement, he tried to proceed with his quest.

“Im looking for Captain Braxton, do you happen to know of his location? It would very much appreciated if you did.” Trying to be as friendly as possible toward the rather aggressive guard. Fall didn’t want any problems as he knows this is a fight he cannot win, though sometimes his tongue can slip.

“You must be either an idiot or new here, but from the looks you are both. I am Captain Braxton, in charge of the city guards. Now tell me what you want.” Fall didn’t need to know much about this man to see he has a very forceful impatient nature. The exact type he disliked.

‘Just give me your armor so I can get going, I don’t need an entire backstory in to who you are.’

“Sakura has asked me to pick up your armor for repairs sir, apparently you haven’t visited for a while and are overdue” He said, trying to be polite and calm as possible. Despite Falls calm nature, he was beginning to become impatient with the bombardment of insults he had received throughout the day. The week had already been long crappy one, this situation was not helping the matter.

“Of course I haven’t had time, I’ve dealing with you pesky adventurers.” He raised his sword a pointed towards Axton, this started getting the surrounded guards riled up. “Between those riots and the rise in complaints I haven’t had time. I guess it’s nice to see one working, a very rare site. Even if you do look like you’ve just crawled out the gutters.”

“Thank you for being compliant Captain Braxton” Fall bowed his head. “It sounded rather urgent so I got here quick as possible, apparently the skid marks are so bad that not even you and the barracks combined could remove the stains.”

The reaction across the yard was a mixture, some soldiers stood there shocked whilst other were at a state of disbelief. Some of the younger recruits snickered in the corner, Fall however stood there. Both Fall and Captain Braxton starred at each other. Falls arms by his side whilst Braxton still held his sword in his hand. Time seemed to be void of this area, the sounds of a carriage could be heard from behind. He could feel the Landers had their eyes fixed on the situation. Surprisingly, Braxton make the first move.

“Recruit, go fetch my armor.” His voice was low, just loud enough to hear from Axtons distance. He sheathed his sword, his glare resting on Fall.

“Yes Sir” The guard ran into the barracks, returning two minutes later with a beaten up version of Braxton’s current set of armor. Snatching it from the recruit’s hands he hurled it on the ground just before Fall, neither flinched nor looked away from one another. The druids heart was pounding, he felt as though his legs were going to give way any second.

“Thank Sakura when you return, if this job wasn’t for her I would have you placed in prison with the rest of the scum. Understand this Ritual, we are not on good terms. I’d better not see you round these barracks again.” He walked back into the training yard. “WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING!? GET BACK TO TRAINING YOU DISCUSTING MAGGOTS!”

‘Thank the gods it’s over’

Fall heart slowly calmed itself, a small sigh of relieve as the weight of a thousand moons had been lifted from his shoulders. The sense of shock slowly left the air as everyone got back on with their day, the two men guarding the entrance stared at Fall. Not with hate, but rather with concern. Reaching down, he grabbed the bulky set of metal armor and made his way back to his ride. As he got on he began to question his actions, trying to decide if it was the correct move or he had slipped up once again.

“You don’t look impressed grumpy face, you think I should have kept quiet?”

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[Fallout]

Fall went over the situation repeatedly in his head, he was trying to think and steer his mount at the same time. Repeatable making wrong turns, overall causing his journey to double in time. He had reached the street at which the shop is located, quest completion was in sight. Regardless, he was not ready. Removing himself from the mount, he led his wolf over to a bench and sat down. He placed the armor next to him and stayed there for a couple of minutes, his mind running over his actions.

“Thank you, you can leave now” His wolf left him. The sound of his footsteps slowly fading away, being replaced by the wind. Despite being nothing more than a mount, Fall felt very close to him.

‘Ahhh, why didn’t I keep my mouth shut. I had the chance to get on his good side, but no. I’ve slipped up once again, I can’t really think of a way to repair this. If I go back he’ll probably have my head on a pike, maybe after my journey into the woods he will forget my face.’

As he sat there, street lanterns lit up one by one. A cool breeze rushed through the streets, blowing out a candle sat on the windowsill of the house opposite him. He watched as each business started bringing in there signs and produce, drawing their curtains and turning the lights off.

‘I really should get this to her before she shuts her buisness, no point of worrying about the past. Probably never going to see him again, but I guess fate can be cruel’

He got up from his seat, grabbing the armor Fall trudged his way to the shop. Thankfully still open, he placed his hand on the door and pushed. As he walked inside Sakura was organizing material, she gave the Druid a quick glance before returning to her work. Her face just visible thanks to the candle located on a shelf, the rest of the shop was coated in shadows.

“Did you find him and get the armor?” Sakura’s words were quick as moved and placed different items across the desk.

“I did” He walked over and placed the armor on the counter, causing a large thud which thankfully didn’t knock anything over.

“Encounter any problems on your little journey?” Her question was one with a never ending answer, but Fall decided to keep in short and sweet.

“Nothing I couldn’t hand, thank you. Things okay in the shop?” Fall tried to move the conversation along, Sakura saw straight through him.

“I see, Julius gave you a hard time?” She said, looking up to meet the druid’s eye.

‘Damn straight he gave me a hard time, just trying do my job and ended up having a freaking battalion come harass
'
“Sigh, it’s something I could have avoided admittedly. He was being insulting, however I made it worst by letting him get to me.” Despite admitting to a bad time, Fall felt better by talking about it. Even if the shop keeper showed little care.

“At least you got the job done, you’ve eared your reward. I can probably get his armor done by the end of the week, thank you adventurer.” She reached under the counter and handed a leather drawstring pouch, Fall chucked it up and down in his hand like a baseball.

“Thank you Sakura, may I ask for a favour?” He asked grateful tone, this was the first good thing to happen to him to him for a long time.

“Depends, what would you need?” She did not look at him, instead kept organizing random fabrics into different areas and small wooden box’s.

“Do you know the location of a good weapons trader? I need a better melee weapon, and I’m sure you are aware of my current gold issue.” He tried not to sound like a beggar or pathetic, but little could help Falls current situation.

“The Fancy Vixen is a good choice, it is owned by a fox tail named Reyla Okari. But I should warn you, she is a rather pushy trader when it comes to her wares. But if you can deal with Julius then you can deal with her.” Her voice slowly became weary and tired, he took that as his que to leave.

“Thank you, I will take my leave now.” With that Fall left the shop, opening the door he walked out onto the dimly lit streets. Night had just fallen, the moon just over the rise. It was cold, just how he liked it. The day had treated him darkly, but the night seemed bright. Bringing his hand up to his mouth, his large yawn echoed through the streets.
The door locked behind him, marking the end of his quest.
‘I think I’m going to go for a walk’ He pulled out his staff and slowly made his way to the next inn, to prepare himself for another day of scraping coins together.

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