"Yes, thank you, I`ll take him," said the pretty looking girl framed in the doorway of the Stormhawk House. Vesper putting his cold nose into my ungloved hand and giving me a farewell look before heading inside. The door closing. The girl had been wearing a flattering outfit, a tastefully short skirt and a frilly blouse. Her makeup subtle and delicately applied. Much too much effort for merely answering the door and pet sitting. Maybe she was still planning on heading out for the evening? Perhaps. But from her peeved expression, from her barely constrained scowl at my field stained gear, perhaps not. What a glorious feeling. Things seem to be going pretty well. Aside from the seemingly neverending string of fires springing up all over the place.

　　Dismissing those smoldering ashes, those brilliant pyres and that raging inferno with a flick of my wrist and receiving a farewell gesture from the guard on duty in front of the Stormhawk house in return. Walking away from the house feeling mostly confident and in control. One of the potential fires, Nico`s status with me, going pretty well, indeed. And being the object of someone else`s jealousy, a fantastically intoxicating feeling.

　　Vesper, not the most talkative companion - a net plus - seems to be on good terms. He has to at least suspect he`s still around thanks to me the other day. A good lookout and good at interference. Certainly better at interference than me trying to run interference for him. So that other fire, aside from getting cursed out by that girl Ranger in Haven, the trip out with their group fairly informative.

　　Omen looking good - doing good, he`s doing good - significantly better, at least, than at our last unfortunate meeting inside Haven. A trusted member of House Haven in good standing. Trusted enough to join the more heavily armed members of the group to go hunting for the day while the rest of the group split up to manage Haven`s farms just outside of town.

　　And they hadn`t touched the Spider Temple or clashed with any of its patrols since the guilds fell, almost a full year now. They hadn`t even heard about anyone doing it, either. Nico had said the same thing about Stormhawk. At least he hadn`t heard about any. No news should be good news, but with the Wolfcult getting itself back together, with the warning of creatures gathering underground, maybe the Spidercult is also preparing as well. One of these days going to take a stroll over and do some scouting. Maybe in a few cycles.

　　Getting back to my apartment and stripping off my visibly fraying armor. One too many applications of Mending had left it feeling very flimsy. Two fresh sets already commissioned and stashed here, should to order another fresh set or two to replace this one. Taking a hot shower and then stretching out in bed.

　　***

　　Getting in just after midnight, nice and comfy in my king size bed. All the lights left on in the room. Don`t recall doing that. A pile of linens stacked on the dresser and the couch that was in the living room now in here against the wall. Holding my breath while listening for intruders but everything quiet. Remembering the note and payment given to Stacy next door. That was quick, only about a cycle. But first things first, level 17.

　　Name: Lucilia Macarthy

　　Profession: Runemage Level: 17

　　Sex: Female

　　Experience: 161,161 (16,455)

　　Age: 20

　　Until Next: 37,589

　　Health

　　86

　　Mana

　　90

　　Stamina

　　40

　　Spirit

　　8

　　Strength (STR)

　　58 (4)

　　Constitution (CON)

　　65 (7)

　　Dexterity (DEX)

　　70 (15)

　　Agility (AGI)

　　88 (19)

　　Discipline (DIS)

　　78 (14)

　　Aura (AUR)

　　84 (17)

　　Logic (LOG)

　　75 (17)

　　Intuition (INT)

　　78 (19)

　　Wisdom (WIS)

　　48 (-1)

　　Influence (INF)

　　78 (14)

　　Name

　　Trainings

　　Bonus

　　Armor Use

　　6

　　29

　　Physical Fitness

　　18

　　66

　　Simple Weapons

　　18

　　66

　　Arcane Symbols

　　23

　　72

　　Magic Item Use

　　18

　　66

　　Harness Power

　　18

　　66

　　Mana Control

　　18

　　66

　　Runemancy

　　18

　　66

　　Arance Lore, Decomposition

　　5

　　25

　　Arcane Lore, Shaping

　　18

　　64

　　Arcane Lore, Transference

　　6

　　29

　　Survival

　　15

　　60

　　Perception

　　18

　　66

　　Climbing

　　15

　　60

　　Swimming

　　13

　　54

　　First Aid

　　15

　　60

　　Trading

　　18

　　66

　　Stalking and Hiding

　　18

　　66

　　This narrative has been purloined without the author`s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

　　Erase unlocked. Trying to visualize the rune and finding nothing. Maybe try and- no, too dangerous. Reshape had been like Copy, the object itself being changed was the focal point. No choice but to visit my master now. Had been deliberately putting off that task. Fewer Runemages running around willing to collect stones allows for enforced scarcity and makes my services more indispensable to Sam. Sighing. It`s been coming, and still way ahead of any of the others, hopefully not too much of a concern. Temporarily using my available points to peek at the next two available spells.

　　Eighteenth rank.

　　Engrave: Allows the caster to permanently enhance weapons with a Rune of Accuracy, armor with a Rune of Deflection or a worn item with a Rune of Focus or a Rune of Warding. Chance of success is increased with additional ranks of Arcane Lore, Shaping. When attempting to enchant magical materials a significantly greater degree of preparation for the item is required, and the chance of success lower.

　　There it is, permanent item enhancement. `A greater degree of preparation.` `Chance of success.` Likely an involved, difficult process requiring more than a little luck. Absolutely no choice but to talk to my master now. At least it`ll be good to catch up.

　　Nineteenth rank.

　　Symbol: Energizes the caster and nearby group members. Duration is 10 seconds per Runemancy rank. Duration is further increased by 10 seconds per rank of Arcane Lore, Shaping. Range of effect is increased with more ranks in Arcane Lore, Transference. At one rank of Arcane Lore, Decomposition, all non-allies in range are subjected to periodic stamina and mana drains. This effect will occur more often with more ranks of Arcane Lore, Decomposition. Upon expiration the caster suffers 2 points of spirit damage.

　　It sounds amazing. But spirit damage. It seems like such a powerful effect, but it causes spirit damage. For doing that it had better be amazing.

　　Rolling out of bed and looking at my much more livable apartment. New matching sofa, loveseat and a chair in the living room. Black leather. The rug is a bit plain but but it doesn`t look bad. New freestanding lamp, lets bring it over to this side. Bookcase, empty. Most important test of all. Getting a running start and landing on the couch. Passes with flying colors, definitely plenty of cushion. Oh wait, the chair. A recliner. Very nice. Moving the lamp a bit this way.

　　Dining room table, extendable. Six chairs in, two more chairs off to the side and two leaves. This rug is much nicer. Now the real test, kitchen. There we go, frying pans, larger pots, smaller ones. Knife set. Cutting board. New trashcan. The copy of the key left on the counter. Looking like a real home. Wait, where are the shoe soles? Drawer, drawer, drawer. There they are. One almost finished. Going to dedicate some time next cycle and knock these other two out. Any food in here? Of course not.

　　Getting the incognito set on. Probably need to get some more of these types of clothes, less formal than even this. A loafing set for late night meals. Runes drawn, activated and opening the door, a gust of cool wind blowing back my hair. Definitely getting closer to fall. Grabbing my cloak and locking up.

　　Down the steps and then over to that same restaurant. What`s the special tonight? The same as last cycle. Heading a few streets over. No, no, well this place looks good, not as busy as that other one but by no means empty. What`s it say here, tonight`s special is chicken cordon bleu. Good change of pace. Hi, a table for one. The special and a pint. Oh, what do you have? I`ll do the lager. Thank you.

　　Taking a taste of the lager. Nice flavor. That settles it, tonight`s a two pint night. Pure loafing. Copy. Downing the one right now and nursing the other. So, for tomorrow, graveyard and then out again at four. But where? Nowhere near Koln. Should probably take advantage while the weather`s still somewhat nice. After all that excitement last cycle maybe come up with something a little more laid back.

　　***

　　"Did Ink seem in any way upset to you?" pressed Riley.

　　"No, not exactly."

　　"No, she didn`t."

　　"Mac, don`t be a baby," added Magpie, unhelpfully.

　　"I was just thinking maybe we could come back to them in a couple cycles."

　　"Lucy, I," Riley hesitating, "I know you`re coming out to the graveyard to help me. And to get your little stones."

　　"That`s for all of us."

　　"That is," she conceded. "You`re right. And I appreciate it. Very much. We all do." The three of them nodding at that and Wolfe putting a comforting hand on my shoulder. "But the reason I want to keep doing those things for the time being is because I need to. You can`t hear them, none of you can, but they`re in so much pain. Every one that we set free is a huge weight off my shoulders." Her tone and expression brooking no dissention. "If that`s what I can do to make the world better right now I need to keep doing it."

　　"Lucy," said Wolfe, "I know you`re still trying to get your whole chain thing down - and you`re doing really great, I want you to know that - and I know that out of all of us you`re in the most danger out there-"

　　"Because I suck at it."

　　"You`re doing..." Wolfe trying to come up with a nice way of saying it, "better. But next time I promise I`ll do my best to help you."

　　"You patched me up plenty."

　　"You take hits very well," said Riley, cutting her snicker short at an angry glare from Wolfe. "I mean, you`re tougher than you look."

　　"Mac, have you always been good at everything?"

　　"Of course not."

　　"But you play to your strengths, right?"

　　"Of c-" Oh no you don`t. Stopping myself quick enough to prevent her upcoming phrase.

　　"And you also minimize your weaknesses." Magpie concluding the phrase anyway, echoing almost word for word our guild training. Staring at her, through her, trying to calm myself back down. "You know I`m right," she needled. Wolfe taking an almost imperceptible step between us. "What`s going on, Mac? You`ve been distracted all day."

　　"I`ve got a lot on my mind. Anyway, I want to thank you guys for today. I`ll see you next cycle."

　　"Lucy," said Riley, "I know you`re extremely busy, but you really should take some time off, and come out with us to de-stress."

　　"You really should," said Wolfe, then turning to Magpie, "Grace, its at eight, right?"

　　"That`s when it starts, maybe get there a little early," said Magpie, "and seriously, Mac, you`re always welcome. I want you to know that."

　　"I definitely want to. How about a couple cycles from now? What are you guys doing tonight, anyway?"

　　"Some of the people from the house are part of a theatre production, Bee is playing in the pit." said Magpie. "Its been going all cycle and I managed to get some extra tickets for tonight."

　　"I`m really looking forward to it," said Wolfe, "I heard very good things about it yesterday from some people at the temple."

　　"I do wish I could come. But in a couple cycles we`ll do something."

　　Saying goodbye and then a voice calling out "Lucy." Wilde coming over. Their heads turning.

　　"Is that your guy?" said Magpie, smirking. "Looks rugged."

　　"Oh, he`s the one that you-" said Wolfe, before cutting herself off at his approach.

　　Getting all the way up on my tippy toes in order to give him a kiss. Riley bringing up her hand to her mouth to hide her smirk, Wolfe not bothering, Magpie`s getting bigger.

　　"Nico, these are my friends. Kate," Wolfe giving a little wave, "Magpie," Magpie giving him a wink, "and Evie."

　　"We`ve met," said Evie, not hiding her smirk anymore.

　　"Hi, hello and hello again," said Wilde, slightly confused.

　　"I`ll see you guys next cycle."

　　"If you need help," said Riley to Wilde, "blink twice."

　　"What?" Only one surprised blink

　　"You`re doing something right," said Riley.

　　"Have a good time, Mac," said Magpie

　　"I will, thank you." Matching their smirks.

　　The three saying goodbye and heading off, leaving me with Wilde.

　　"What were they talking about?" he said.

　　"Oh, uh, inside joke, don`t worry about it. Soooooo," trying to move on before he could ask what the joke was, "for this trip I was thinking we take it easier than last cycle."

　　"I don`t think that`ll be hard."

　　"Probably not. And I was also hoping we could spend tonight sleeping in a warm bed."

　　"I`m more fine with that," he said, his eyes twinkling.

　　"I didn`t think that`d be an issue. So, anyway, I was thinking we should head over to Swan Lake. There`s a village on the northern shore right by the road where we can get some dinner and a room for the night. But right now, before we head out, I was also thinking we should get some fishing rods over at the general store."

　　"Fishing?" Looking at me with a mixture of disbelief and astonishment. "You actually want to go fishing?"

　　"Yeah. We get some booze and relax by the lake tonight. And I figure we take a break tomorrow around midday and cook up whatever we catch if its decent. But we don`t have to if you don`t want to."

　　"No, that isn`t a the problem," he said, squaring his shoulders. "I definitely want to, but if that`s what we`re going to be doing the general store isn`t where we need to go. Over by the guild - that is, over by Haven - there`s a much better store if we`re going to be fishing."

　　"Yeah? In that case, lead the way. I`ll cheerfully defer to your expertise."

　　***

　　Back in town the next day, getting in even later than the previous cycle, but feeling significantly better overall. Going to the same inn, sharing the same bath, and then asleep before even hitting the pillow.