1.26 R

“Really, my dear. It’s written all over your face. But besides that, I am a [Lady], and most of us learn [Sense Intentions] quite early. And I am quite high-level at that. So, therefore, sit.”

“Better. I know how to make it.”

“I am seldom so straightforwards, but I would like to talk with you. And you are so flighty, Miss Ryoka Griffin! It is rare that I meet a young lady as interesting as yourself.”

“Very good, milady. I’m sure the color will detract from the quantity you intend to gobble down like a pig for slaughter.”

“Common? It is not in Drath, I assure you. Surely you—but you are telling the truth. How curious.”

“I’m sorry, but I really should go. I’m very busy.”

“They’re trying, but whenever they fire at that monster, it just raises a shield. It’s got more mana than all of our casters combined. We need to get in close if we want a chance.”

“He can try.”

“I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“Huh. Ice cream.”

“Oh, please. I know it’s a lot, but for a treat like this? Very worthwhile.”

“We must take the monster down. No Runner can get to us with it here, and no other adventuring team can bail us out. I am Beriad of the House of Minos. It would be a disgrace for me to let my team down.”

“Horns! Did you hear that? We’re going in. The Runner’s bought us our moment, and we’ll all buy her a drink. But I’ll be drinking it out of that Lich’s damned skull. Advance!”

“My dear, remember what I said about my Skills? I know you’re lying. But how can that be? I would swear that this delight hasn’t been invented but for a week! I just heard it had been created by a master [Chef] in the northern continent. But you’ve had some before, haven’t you?”

“Nonsense! Ressa, how could you—of course I insist you let her in! Dirty feet or not!”

“So worthwhile you could not eat two bowls.”

“They did indeed. Did you leave before the battle ended? I’m told they slew a Lich and a horde of undead. Found very little, but the bounty on a Lich is quite high, and I imagine if it was wearing any artifacts, they got those too. It sounded like they were returning to Wales for the day.”

“I believe it was referred to as ‘gelato’ or some such. But I rather like your name! It certainly is quite reminiscent of cream, isn’t it? But the coldness—and of course the sweetness is incomparable!”

“Besides which, I was never able to talk properly with you both times before now. I truly would love to converse with you—and ask about your peculiar choice of footwear, or should I say, its lack! Won’t you stay for a while?”

“Do you have half a potion left, Gerial? Give it to me. I’ll yank this out and charge. Everyone who can move goes.”

“I do hope you like sweet things, Miss Ryoka. Forgive my rudeness, but I simply find that sometimes it’s best to pin people down and get to know them, don’t you?”

“They’re still fighting. The Lich is still around. Not sure about the other undead. Looked like they were mostly dead. Undead.”

“That’ll take too long. You want an opening? I’ll give you one. I’ve got more deliveries to make.”

“Let her go if she wants. Runner—thanks for the assistance. Not many of your lot would do this. The Horns owe you a debt.”

“I’m so glad you agree! My, between you and Ressa, I am simply spoilt for fine conversation, aren’t I?”

“Calruz of the Beriad, Captain of the Horns of Hammerad. Son of Minos, at your service.”

“That’s Lady Magnolia, Miss Ryoka Griffin. Wipe your feet.”

“Oh, Miss Persua. I didn’t know you were still in the city.”

“It’s a Runner! She just charged down the hill at the Lich! She’s coming this way!”

“That was the most amazing sight I’ve ever—you just ran right past that Lich! Are you insane? Or crazy?”

“Are you that eager to be away? You may simply tell me if you don’t wish to converse.”

“You heard her. Horns of Hammerad—covering fire! Potions have arrived!”

“Well, I hate to bring up such issues in polite conversation, but this little treat cost seventy gold coins, not including the cost of shipping it across the sea and rushing it all the way here.”

“Potion’s working. Dead gods, that’s nasty. I bet Octavia made it. It tastes cheap and foul as hell.”

“Delicious. Oh, but pardon me. I couldn’t help myself. Well, this is one surprise that quite trumps my surprise! I must say, I’m rather put out and delighted that you know this treat. What did you call it? ‘Ice cream’?”

“And you look so tired! Did you do another delivery today? You Runners are out and about! Wales, Wales…I say, are you the one who bailed the Horns of Hammerad out of their predicament? I was wondering which brave Runner actually ran into a battle, and I will just bet it’s you!”

“Fun.”

“I fear we must eat quickly before our ‘ice cream’ melts. But I’m sure we could chat over tea as well. And then you can tell me about how you know of this ice cream and where you come from. I must say, your features are quite striking.”

“Well, you and your people have certainly done me quite a service! Thank you! My, you look exhausted. Won’t you take a shot of stamina potion? You’re not supposed to mix it with anything—terrible effects, alchemy, you know, but you can chase it with a drink. I find a lemonade works. But perhaps you’re busy? I did remember this time to have my seal ready!”

“Really? You are a fan or familiar with the recipe? I’m afraid I wasn’t able to learn anything about what creature produces such a delightful treat. Or how it was made! Do you know where it comes from? I have a small culinary bounty for my [Chefs] to replicate it because I love it so. Any hints I will be sure to reward!”

“Coming from our bug-eating, tree-kissing half-Elf? It must be bad.”

“Drathian? Well, we can ask questions later. Potions are distributed. What’s our plan, boss? Charge in and eat another ice spike? My vote’s not to do that—the Lich can throw better spells than I can, and I’m the [Elementalist].”

“Is that a new Runner? She must be. I haven’t ever seen her before, and I think I would have remembered hearing about one as crazy as that. Dead gods, she saved us. Gerial, you alright? Marian is going to make it. So is Terr. He’s on his feet.”

“No. Other runners brought it most of the way.”

“Horns! Move up and support Marian! Ceria, take out that spellcaster! Shields up!”

“Celum. It’s another request from Lady Magnolia. Another Runner just brought it from Remendia, but he’s too tired to keep going. It’s been passed from six Runners so far, and we need to get it to Magnolia within the hour if possible.”

“Oh? I know it’s terribly rude to point out what you’re thinking, but that was quite the inspiration you just had.”

“We can ask later. She looks different. Drathian, you said? She’s definitely new; no one around here has the guts to do an Emergency Run like that.”

“Well, continue sitting there for a moment. I simply must try this delight, although I fear it’s rather ruining the carpet. Ah, well, it was due for a change.”

“I think Terr got hit by a [Fireball]. Coblat and Grimsore dragged him away, but he’s down for the count as well.”

“Oh, I do keep up with the local adventurers and their exploits. It pays to be informed, you know, and I was quite concerned when I heard they were in danger. And you were there! You must tell me about it. I insist. Ressa, the potion and some lemonade for Miss Ryoka!”

“Uh, it’s common in my home country.”

“I must make this batch last. I shall have some cherries, raspberries, and strawberries in my bowl. Delightfully sweet. Will you have any, Ryoka?”

“No clue. Shut up—give that Runner covering fire! Everyone up!”

“I’m a Runner. I’ve got a delivery for the leader of the Horns of Hammerad. That you?”

“Stop bickering. We’re at full strength again, thanks to that Human. Speaking of. Did anyone catch the Runner’s name?”

“We take a page out of the Runner’s book. Did you see how she escaped it? We moved in too slow. This time, we spread out. No shields, just run from cover to cover. Gerial, you’ll take one group left. I’ll head right. Put Marian and the other archers up and tie it up. Force it to shield itself, and give me an opening. Ceria, can you tag it at least once?”

“I’ve got to go. More deliveries.”

“You could go to Invrisil, if you cared to risk your life like that. The City of Adventurers always headhunts brave Runners. But a Lich? Well, well, this is all in order. Would you like the payment now or…?”

“There aren’t any other City Runners around?”

“Don’t be afraid. This is in fact a very rare delicacy I had imported. It’s quite, quite expensive, but once you try it, I think you’ll agree it’s worth the cost. And I was sure a fast Runner would take it to me! I would have been so…disappointed if it was late.”

“I think Terr got rid of the last of them, but we still can't get close. It's too flaming quick.”

“Drathian? What’s one of them doing across the world?”

“Beriad my ass.”

“Oh, go on. What kind of host would I be if I did not allow you the first bite? I must warn you, though—it’s quite cold! Eat too fast and you will suffer, as I’ve learned.”

“Ressa? Please be so kind as to open up the delivery? And I believe we will need two bowls and silverware. I would like the blue porcelain today.”

“Fat chance of that happening with all those skeletons and zombies guarding it.”

“We’re not doing a suicide charge. Just give Ceria a chance. If she can damage it, we’ll fall back and try to escape. The horses are—”

“They’re all out on deliveries, and I don’t want to wait longer than I have to. I was about to ask one of the Street Runners to do the delivery, but that would have been a problem too.”

“She’s already done a request for Magnolia this week. By rights, that means I should have a turn. Claudeil will do my run, right?”

“At least let us reassemble and give you a diversion. Once we get these potions to all our members, we can finally bring this guy down.”

“This way, please. You can put it in the drawing room. No, not the secondary one, Ressa. The main one!”

“My. You know what this is?”

“No. But I do know a lot about it. Ice cream, that is.”

“What about Ceria and Sostrom? Why the hell aren’t they taking this thing out? We are a disgrace of a team.”

“It’s Ryoko, isn’t it? It’s rare that I see the same Runner in so many days.”

“I just meant that Ryoka is the fastest City Runner. Even Fals can’t beat her time.”

“Oh, I won’t hear of it! Come in!”

“Well, if you don’t prefer to say, I quite understand. But I would like to chat.”

“Aah. I mean…I could talk about one thing.”

“Yeah, and you always deliver to Magnolia together. This isn’t about—getting to hobnob with her. She needs it fast? I’m ready.”

“Well, I was doing that delivery to Remendia, but once one of my friends let me know Magnolia’s request was sitting in the Runner’s guild, of course I came back to fulfill it.”

“I hope you’ve got our delivery, Miss Runner.”

“There’s no need to give Magnolia’s request to her. I’ve just arrived, and I can take care of it myself.”

“I will? I mean—of course, Persua. That frees it up. Toriska and I will go.”

“Delivery.”

“Here’s the delivery. It’s packed in ice, so try not to get it too warm if possible. You know where Magnolia’s house is. They’ll be expecting you.”

“Good run.”

“Fifteen healing potions, five mana potions. All unbroken. Delivery to Horns of Hammerad. Your seal?”

“If we can’t get it to Magnolia within the hour, the delivery won’t be any good. Can you make the run in time? It will melt, that is what I am told, and the Runner’s Guild will bear the costs of reimbursing Lady Reinhart if it is ruined. I would like it there in forty minutes. Or less. Miss Persua, you have no sprinting Skills while Miss Ryoka is the fastest. Can you do it?”

“Oh, but won’t you stay? I’d love to share this delightful treat with you—and you’ve run so far and so quickly too! When I heard a Runner was setting out from Wales*, I was sure it would take at least an hour for you to get here!”

“There’s no rule that explicitly gives precedence to other Runners. Besides which, I need this delivery done as quickly as possible. It is literally getting…warmer? As we speak.”

“You idiot. She’s Drathian.”

“Thank the Runner. Ceria, how’s your mana?”

“That’s incredible. Are the Horns already finished fighting? The magic communication we got said they were fighting a Lich and a horde of the undead.”

“He’ll blast you the instant you leave cover!”

“It’s real. So you’re telling me you delivered the supplies in the middle of the battle?”

“Oh my, that was quick! I was told this would be travelling the entire way from the port city of Hazenbrad! Did you bring it here yourself?”

“Good for you.”

“Please, allow me to apologize for my servant’s rudeness. Come in, please!”

“Well, I think you’ve earned your break. Unless—do you think you could do another delivery? I wouldn’t ask, but you’re the only City Runner here right now.”

“Please sit here. I would like to share this delivery you’ve worked so hard to bring me.”

“Well, now you simply must tell me how you know of this treat.”

“I can easily do Magnolia’s request. Ryoka can just switch with me.”

“You’re joking. She’ll never make it.”

“She did it. She actually did it.”

“It doesn’t work like that. Unless Ryoka agrees, I can’t just give this to you. Besides, as I’ve said, this is a speedy delivery. I can’t give it to—”

“That’s not fair. You’ve already done a request. I deserve it! Claudeil and Toriska are both with me—they both deserve chances too!”

“The Horns? They made it?”

“Would you like another scoop? We could all have a third bowl.”

“I’m going with Persua. You can go—or Miss Ryoka can go, Claudeil. We can trade up!”

“You can’t! I mean, that’s even crazier!”

“Yes, but I’m sure she’ll switch with me, won’t you, Ryoka?”

“You completed the supply request for the Horns of Hammerad?”

“Here’s the Seal from the Horns of Hammerad.”

“You—haven’t finished the other delivery? Well, I was going to give the request to Ryoka. She’s free, and she’s—”

“I can just deliver the package if you have the seal—”

“Toriska’s not even a City Runner yet.”

“Healing potion! Get me a healing—”

“She’s foreign. Chandrarian? Balerosian?”

“She’s doing it.”

“Seal? Oh, of course!”

“Ressa, you’re right. Of course.”

“Yeah. I was just thinking about the ice cream.”

“You’ll get roasted. No way.”

“Now, this is quite a treat.”

“Is it called something else around here?”

“I…that’s great. How did you know?”

“She told you.”

“Delivery for Magnolia.”

“I’ll do it.”

“Uh, how much did this cost?”

“And here we are!”

“So? I can make it.”

“Yup. Emergency Run, right?”

“You’ll regret this.”

“…No?”

“Thank the Five Families.”

“We have to.”

“Give me the request.”

“Who is that?”

“Can you?”

“Yeah.”

“Who? What’s happening?”

“Persua, please.”

“Dead gods!”

“Damn.”

“That’s me.”

“Later.”

“It’s urgent.”

“I can.”

“I’m off.”

“Mm.”

“Mhm.”

“Incredible.”

“Can do.”

“I am?”

“So can I.”

“Status?”

“Where to?”

“Hold on!”

“To what?”

“Seal?”

“Wait—are you going?”

“So? Claudeil is!”

“[Fireball]! Cover—”

“Thank y—”

“Yep.”

“No problem.”

“Thanks.”

“Oh, really?”

“Wait.”

“Yes!”

“So?”