After making her choice Morgan joined Ian and Desmond. Ian turned to the approaching dwarf with a smile.
"Hey Morgan! What did you end up choosing?"
The armored dwarf looked up at Ian and spoke in a light tone.
"I got a new set of armor. You know, I was kind of worried the lord wouldn't let me take the whole set but she was more lenient than I thought she'd be."
Desmond looked at her with a surprised expression.
"A whole set?! I should've been a bit braver, I only took a mantle."
The armored dwarf shook her head, listening to him complain.
"Too late to complain now. You should've taken the chance."
From the side Ian chimed in.
"Hey at least be glad you got something. That's better than nothing."
Jasmine was still walking around, shopping for her magical artifact. She looked through staves, charms, and gowns. Her face had a focused expression as she read through the various effects and descriptions.
So far only three things had stuck out to her. A ring, a staff, and a flower crown. The ring, [Alaric's Ring], was made of a brass metal. Runes lined the inside with enhantments that shone with a blue hue. The ring could boost mana recovery and damage dealt with spells.
The staff was made of a dark wood, a green crystal sat on its end. A green glow spread from the crystal, runes glimmered up and down the staff. It was called [The Spellslinger], the staffs main ability was speeding up casting time.
The flower crown was made of beautiful white flowers. Green vines bonded the flowers together in the shape of a crown. Natural energy flooded out of the flower crown, it was especially apparent to Jasmine, as a druid.
It was called the [Wreath of the Unseen Forest]. Its main ability was to boost one's affinity and closeness with nature. The description hinted at connections with the spirit world.
In the end after contemplating for a long moment Jasmine made her choice. She reached for the flower crown and quickly put it on. Natural energy flowed through her body and refreshed her body.
She strode toward the lord, her steps lighter than before. With her choice made there was no point in hesitating anymore. The lord greeted her with a smile before speaking up.
"The final one. Have you made your choice?"
"Yes I have. My pick is the [Wreath of the Unseen Forest]."
"A wise one indeed. Especially for a druid like yourself."
Jasmine quickly bowed before excusing herself. Ian turned to her as she came close.
"Took you long enough Jasmine. The flower crown looks good."
She laughed melodiously before replying.
"Hahaha... Thanks Ian, I appreciate it. It's a pretty cool artifact"
The players left the lord's estate with their new artifacts in tow. Ian turned to Desmond before leaving with Jasmine.
"Hey man. I know you have your own stuff, but if you're interested we could use your help. A second dps could really round out our party."
Desmond turned to him with a wide eyed expression. He seemed surprised that Ian was even asking him this.
"Where did that come from? I mean sure yeah! I'm down for whatever. A party doesn't sound bad."
He had a toothy grin on his face, revealing his famgs as he put an arm around Ian. With that the players set out to 'The Knight's Rest', they still had to split the gold they earned.
The sun was high in the sky by the time they reached the inn. Inside Ty and the other players were waiting for them with bags of money.
"Hey guys! How were the rewards?"
Ty stood up and walked up to Ian and Jasmine.
"Pretty good, just check it out."
Ian presented his bow, holding it tight like a prized possession.
"A bow, nice! What can it do? Any crazy abilities?"
Ty turned down toward his hands, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"It's nothing crazy. It just makes it so arrows fly longer and faster by creating a vacuum in its path."
Ty put on a wise expression and spoke sarcastically.
"Of course, of course, the vacuum and the path and all of that.... Anyway Jasmine! What did you get?"
Jasmine turned to him mid laugh, quickly composing herself.
"A flower crown. Didn't you notice the new look?"
Ty did a double take before finally noticing the crown.
"Oh my bad, looking good! Does it have any cool abilities? Maybe a beam or something."
"No beams I'm afraid. It just buffs my nature affinity and magic."
Jasmine sat at the table where the other players gathered. She turned to Ember who had her head burried in the [Tome of Summoning].
"You figure anything out yet?"
Ember's eyes shot up and met Jasmine's in a second. Her gaze looked more alive than Jasmine had ever seen it.
"I found it! The spirit summoning section is right here. I've been reading it nonstop since you left."
Ember handed the book over to Jasmine, flipped to a random page. Jasmine's eyes brightened the more and more she read. The pages gave them everything. It detailed which magic circles to use when summoning spells and the typical process of contracting one.
As the two got absorbed in their studies the other players divied the spoils once more. After selling everything they looted in the mage's lair the players earned 250 gold. Most of it caming from the monster parts.
Adding to that the 500 gold the lord had given them earlier and they had 750 gold. A small fortune in a commoner's eyes lay on the table as the players split it evenly between them.
With that everyone began heading out. Only Ian, Ty, Jasmine, Desmond and Ember remained. They all sat around the table, the two girls focused on their grimoire. Ian looked at Ty and spoke with a smile.
"What do you think about letting Desmond here join our party? A second close range attacker is exactly what we need to round us out. I vouch that he's strong enough to actually help."
The orc turned to Desmond and studied him closely. A frown grew deeper and deeper as he looked the fox up and down. The heavy silence lingereed for a second before Ty burst out laughing.
"HAHAHA! You should've seen your face foxy! I'm kidding obviously! Welcome aboard."
He reached out a hand to Desmond, who quickly took it. They shook hands for a moment before Desmond's face began to strain. Ty put more and more strength into his hand while smiling.
"Stop bro! Damn that shit hurt!"
Desmond blew on his hand while swatting the air after Ty finally let go while laughing.
"Oh we are going to have a lot of fun foxy. You're reactions are just too funny for me to leave you alone."
Ian turned to his long time friend with a smile.
"Go easy on him alright. Can't have our new party mate running away already."
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Chapter 28! Let me know you thoughts. I know its a bit slow paced right now but from next chapter on things should pick up. Let me wrap up this little arc and we'll move on tk better stuff.