Following

Table of Contents

Updates and progress Amatherean Tales - One Flew Over The Dragon's Nest Book 1 Chapter 1 - Squished Chapter 2 - The Computer Says No Chapter 3 - T's & C's Chapter 4 - Evad Si Eht Tseb Chapter 5 - Starter Zone Chapter 6 - First Combat Chapter 7 - Level Up Chapter 8 - Lore And Order Chapter 9 - Farming Chapter 10 - Badger, Badger, Badger Chapter 11 - Soooooo Sad Chapter 12 - Doe a Deer Chapter 13 - Grey Areas Chapter 14 - Freeeeeedom Airlines Chapter 15 - Hoglings Upgrade Chapter 16 - Killic Chapter 17 - Tailor Fizzlewick Chapter 18 - Eye of the Town Chapter 19 - Bath and Bored Chapter 20 - Graveyard Shift Chapter 21 - Shopping Chapter 22 - Crypt Diving Chapter 23 - Salty Chapter 24 - Water Fight Chapter 25 - Makes No Sense Chapter 26 - Profession Chapter 27 - Hidden Gem Chapter 28 - Cheat Chapter 29 - The Pox Chapter 30 - The Docks Chapter 31 - The Wandering Ogre Chapter 32 - One Good Deed Deserves Another Chapter 33 - You Would Think He Would Think Chapter 34 - Visitor Chapter 35 - Bob! Chapter 36 - Announcements Chapter 37 - Discovery Chapter 38 - Heresy Chapter 39 - A Bolt From The Blue Chapter 40 - Martial Arts Chapter 41 - Not So Familiar Chapter 42 - Up, Up, and Away Chapter 43 - The Not Living, Living Chapter 44 - Adjudicator Chapter 45 - Breakfast At The Hogling Arms Chapter 46 - Compound Chapter 47 - Burn Baby Burn Chapter 48 - When It Rains It Pours Chapter 49 - Bordon The Brandisher Chapter 50 - Distracted Chapter 51 - Thanks Chapter 52 - Looking Down Chapter 53 - Broken Heart Chapter 54 - Emotional Progress One Flew Over The Dragon's Nest Book 2 Chapter 1 - Training & Development Chapter 2 - Cottages Chapter 3 - Homemaker Chapter 4 - Mushroom, Mushroom Chapter 5 - Skill Selection Chapter 6 - Not Leaving The Past Behind Chapter 7 - Kata Claws Chapter 8 - Missing Gnoll Chapter 9 - Oooo Shiny Chapter 10 - Homeward Bound! Chapter 11 - Friends Of The Forest Chapter 12 - Mountains And Mithril Chapter 13 - An Idea Perhaps Chapter 14 - Insanity Chapter 15 - What's A Borzie? Chapter 16 - Amatherean Stand-off Chapter 17 - Charge Chapter 18 - Legionnaire Chapter 19 - Second Chance Chapter 20 - Sandboxes And Sandcastles Chapter 21 - Future Remembrance Chapter 22 - What Mana Chapter 23 - Council Chapter 24 - Gobbler Chapter 25 - Professional Opportunity Chapter 26 - Acquaintances Chapter 27 - Proposal Chapter 28 - Votes Count Chapter 29 - Who, What, Why Chapter 30 - Angelic Presence Chapter 31 - What! Chapter 32 - Magical Transference Chapter 33 - Fire Chapter 34 - From Above Chapter 35 - Wyvern Chapter 36 - Darren Chapter 37 - New Allegiances Chapter 38 - Setting Quests Chapter 39 - There And Back Again Chapter 40 - Missing Chapter 41 - Into The Dark Chapter 42 - Pit Chapter 43 - Following Orders Chapter 44 - Grey Matter Chapter 45 - Unknown Chapter 46 - Progressing Well Chapter 47 - Don't Go Down There Chapter 48 - The Root Of All Evil Chapter 49 - Archery Chapter 50 - Mistake Chapter 51 - Highs And Lows Chapter 52 - Secrets Chapter 53 - A Binding Oath Amatherean Tales - One Flew Over The Dragon's Nest Book 3 Chapter 1 - Road Trip Chapter 2 - Cuopi Chapter 3 - Mollic Chapter 4 - If It Happens Chapter 5 - Asterfal Chapter 6 - Introductions Chapter 7 - Future and Foresight Chapter 8 - Breakfast and Bed Chapter 9 - Freefall Chapter 10 - Petunia Chapter 11 - Dinner Party Chapter 12 - Carlito Chapter 13 - Confirmed Chapter 14 - Searching Chapter 15 - Quiller Chapter 16 - Black Griffin Chapter 17 - Shark Bait Chapter 18 - Caged Animals Chapter 19 - Release Chapter 20 - Class Development Chapter 21 - Job Chapter 22 - Mind Games Chapter 23 - Incomprehensible Chapter 24 - Property and Proposal Chapter 25 - At Long Last Chapter 26 - Moon and Sickle Chapter 27 - New Branch Chapter 28 - Zigferd Chapter 29 - Proposition Chapter 30 - Levels Don't Matter Chapter 31 - Triple X Chapter 32 - Marriage Chapter 33 - Paranoia, Pets, Possessions Chapter 34 - Vows Chapter 35 - His Lordship Chapter 36 - Diplomatic Relations Chapter 37 - Synchronisation Chapter 38 - Saviour Chapter 39 - Normality Chapter 40 - Sunstone and Lollipops Chapter 41 - Paws for Claws Chapter 42 - The Squirrel Sphere Chapter 43 - Departure Chapter 44 - Clock Tower Chapter 45 - Warehouse Chapter 46 - It's a Trap! Chapter 47 - Audits and Enchantments Chapter 48 - Confronted Chapter 49 - Payback Chapter 50 - Life and Death Chapter 51 - Going Home

In the world of Amathera

Visit Amathera

Ongoing 3545 Words

Chapter 17 - Tailor Fizzlewick

330 1 0

“Ello.”

The voice came from the back of the store. “Hi,” SJ called as she entered.

The store was full of everything you could imagine seeing in a tailor’s shop: piles of materials, thread, bobbins, needles- you name it, and she was sure you could have found it in the store. It was a haberdasher’s delight. Different designs of clothing were hung on several mannequins.

“Can I elp ou?” the voice replied, and SJ noticed the beads hanging in the doorway to the back move but saw no one enter.

“I am looking for some new clothing. Mine was ruined when I travelled here,” SJ replied, peering to see who had spoken.

There was a groaning sound as something began to climb steps, and a creature the size of a small child appeared, looking over the countertop. He looked almost human but very old, with round-rimmed spectacles resting on his nose. His nose had a wayward, long black hair growing, drawing her attention.

“Oh. Hello,” SJ smiled.

“It is a quarterling, robbing little buggers,” Dave said.

“Ello. Said that redy. What clothes need?” the quarterling asked.

“Full-set of travelling and adventuring clothes, and possibly even casual.”

“Spensive that be. Ou has coin?

“I do have coin, yes.”

“Grade?”

“Which grades do you have?”

“Most. Not ledge tho.”

“If you show me what you have and the prices, I can decide.”

“First. Tousers.”

The head disappeared under the counter, and within moments, several pairs of trousers began to land on top, neatly folded and looking pristine. His head reappeared.

“Eft r common, mid good, rit r rare.”

SJ walked to the counter and looked down at the three pairs of trousers that had been presented. She picked up the common pair, and her display was triggered.

 

Adventurers Trousers – Common

Quality – Good

Durability - Good

 

She proceeded to pick up the other two pairs.

 

Adventurers Trousers – Good

Quality – Excellent

Durability - Good

 

Adventurers Trousers – Rare

Quality – Excellent

Durability - Excellent

Enchantment Slots - One

 

All three pairs were made from similar materials. They were soft, strong, and hardwearing and felt like soft leather, although made from cloth. She could see the difference in the final production of the items, defining the overall quality. Compared to what she was wearing, each of them was upgraded.

“How much are they?”

“Thee, ifteen, and one silva.”

Dave whispered, “One silver is very reasonable for a Rare set of adventurers’ trousers. They are the most basic rare design with a single enchantment slot but a reasonable price. I am not sure it is worth getting them, though. Once you start levelling, you should be able to find or get much better variants with more slots and enchantments. Fifteen for a good grade is also a fair price. I would ask him if he has a pair with excellent durability, though.”

SJ considered what Dave said before replying. “Do you have a good set with both quality and durability as excellent?”

“Yup. Ateen.”

“What about tops? I would like halter-necks with sleeves if you have them?”

The three pairs of trousers were removed from the counter and replaced with one pair, and the tops began appearing. The material was beautiful and soft, like the trousers. She checked the grades and quality of each. All had properties similar to those of the previous trouser selections.

“How much for the Good, Excellent, Excellent?”

“Orteen.”

SJ totted up as she went. Thirty-two coppers so far. She had more than enough with her three silver and could always try to trade or sell the wolf pelt as extra. SJ suddenly thought about a cloak. It would make being in towns easier than people automatically assuming she was a fae. She could use it to hide her wings.

“Do you sell cloaks?”

The small, wizened face squinted at her before replying. “Specal make.”

“Special, how?”

“Fit round ings.”

“No. Don’t worry, just a normal cloak.”

“Can make specal, challenge but ossible.”

“I will keep that in mind, but just a normal cloak would be amazing for now.”

Again, he disappeared beneath the counter to return with the cloaks of the three starting grades. The material was a soft, woollen-feeling fabric and felt luxurious.

“Price for the good again?’

“en.”

Forty-two coppers to get a new set of clothes. They were all good quality and had excellent durability, but SJ was uncertain due to how easily damaged her starter clothes had been. Also, she had no idea about armour class and what protection the clothes might offer her.

“Do you mind if I browse some of your other clothes while I decide?”

“Ure.”

The quarterling dropped out of sight behind the counter, and SJ walked to look at a stunning green blouse hanging on a mannequin. It was beautifully inlaid with intricate threading, and the colour matched her wings.

“What do you think?” SJ whispered.

“Good-quality items would be a great start and get you up to level 10 at least,” Dave replied.

“Can my class wear armour?”

“If you mean leather armour or other stuff, then yes, but only when higher levels. Basic assassin clothing is cloth until level 20. Leather can be worn from 20-39, and above 40 chainmail can also be worn.”

“Is that not noisy?”

“Not when enchanted with Silence.”

“Oh. I need to learn so much still. Do you think I should get them?”

“Asking my advice, I feel privileged. I would barter and see what else he is willing to throw in. He is unlikely to get trades for the amount you are willing to spend in one go, even if he has rare items. You can see he is high-level, though, right?”

“I have not tried to identify him. Am I supposed to?”

“No. Many take offence. He is, though, a little strange for a starter zone. His profession skill has to be at least level thirty for him to be making rares. He said he had better, but I doubt he does.”

“I will ask.”

SJ walked back to the counter. “Excuse me? You said you had higher-quality items. Do you mind if I see them?”

The quarterling appeared, eyeing her suspiciously. “Why, ou can’t afford?”

“Depends on the price.”

The quarterling raised one eyebrow. “Ait.”

He moved around the counter and walked to the door before bolting it and removing a large padlock from his pocket, attaching it also. Once the door was secure, he turned around and walked back to the rear of the counter and through the beads.

“Ollow me,” he called out.

SJ stared momentarily before realising what he had said, confused by him suddenly placing the shop in lockdown. She walked over to the beaded doorway and, pushing them aside, walked through. The rear room of the shop was ever more chaotic than the front. Packages and crates were overflowing with bright materials and balls of thread. There were a couple of machines which SJ recognised as looms with half-manufactured materials visible in them. The quarterling walked through the cluttered room and opened another door leading down into a cellar.

“Is this safe?” SJ whispered.

“No idea. This is the strangest starter zone shop I have ever been in.”

The quarterling reached the bottom of the steps and disappeared into the gloom of the cellar. SJ followed cautiously, and as she reached the bottom of the steps, the cellar was bathed in a bright glow from a lantern. In the middle of the cellar, a large table with cloth perfectly aligned to a pattern of a top was laid out, ready to be made. Around the outside of the cellar were several mannequins of varying sizes with various designs of clothes on them.

The quarterling turned and looked at her cautiously, and then, before her eyes, it began to transform.

SJ stepped back in amazement as where the small quarterling had been standing, an old human now stood.

“That’s better,” he said.

SJ stood, mouth open, staring at the man. “Sorry,” she spluttered.

“I have been trying to perfect the speech for years and always struggle with the quarterling form. Oh, well, practice makes perfect, as they say.”

“And you are?”

“Oh. I am Fizzlewick, tailor extraordinaire.”

“Fizzlewick!” Dave exclaimed. “I know that name. Why do I know it?”

SJ looked at the now human elderly man standing in front of her.

“So, child, do you want to see some special clothing? You have come to the right place, but again, I do not believe you can afford any of my premium items.”

“W-what do you have?”

“Well, I can make anything and design bespoke items as necessary. You do not get to my level of tailoring without perfecting your craft.”

“If you don’t mind me asking what level you are at, I was only aware that there were low-level professions and classes in starter towns.”

“Ah. My dear child, you are a new one, aren’t you? I am surprised your AI has not informed you.”

“My AI,” SJ replied, shocked.

“All of you have them. I am well aware of the System and the games it plays.”

“WHAT?” Dave shouted, making SJ wince.

“Can I ask how you could know that?” SJ said.

“I have been around a long time. I have seen most things in my lifetime.”

“I am baffled.”

“Yes. It is probably a little bit of a shock for you. I can understand that.”

“Why would you tell me that you know all this?”

“Who is going to believe you? Only the highest in the realm know about the true secrets of Amathera.”

Dave’s voice suddenly filled her head, “Fizzlewick! He was a mage for Emperor Ludica on the continent of Purinali. It can’t be the same one?”

“Are you the Fizzlewick?” SJ asked.

“It depends on what you mean. I have been several variations over my lifetime.”

“How old are you?”

“Umm. I was born in the year 4932.”

“But I thought this world was over 25000 years old now?”

“Oh. It is. I have lived several lives over my time.”

“But, I thought humans of Amathera only lived to be about 200 years old?”

“Oh. My dear child. I am not human.”

SJ did not know how to respond and stood silently looking at the old man.

“I am what is known as a god.”

“A god!?” SJ blurted.

“Yes. However, I do not play the games that my siblings do. I have lived on Amathera most of my life.”

Astounded, SJ felt her legs feel a little unsteady.

“Here, do sit,” Fizzlewick waved his hand. A chair appeared behind SJ, and she slowly lowered herself into it.

“You are a god?” SJ repeated, shock registered on her face.

“Yes. I am a god. I am known as Haber, the God of Tailoring.”

“I didn’t know that there was a God of Tailoring or anything about the gods if I’m being honest.”

“This doesn’t make any sense!” Dave said, sounding very confused.

“How long have you been here in the town?”

“Not long. I only arrived yesterday.”

“Then how do you already have the shop you have set up and everything here?”

“I just told you.”

“I know, but is it not suspicious that you arrive with so much?”

“No. I took over the shop from the old quarterling I have been trying to imitate. He wanted to retire, so I took over his premises.”

“Can I ask why you are telling me any of this? I am only a level 4 that arrived yesterday.”

“Because you are special. The gods are all talking about you.”

“Why? What makes me special?”

“You are an anomaly, after all. As soon as the System updated and we were informed that Malware had been sandboxed, everyone started getting very excited.”

“You know what happened?”

“Yes. The gods know most things. Although the System may have created us, we are the most advanced species on the planet and have a direct link to the Requiem.”

“Did he just say Requiem?” Dave said, shocked.

SJ knew what the word Requiem meant but had no idea how it related to the System.

“What is the Requiem?”

“It is the centre of all-knowing. All souls rest there once they part the second world.”

“So, after you die a second time, you end up in the Requiem?”

“Sort of. Not physically, but your soul does. It is the fountain of all knowledge.”

SJ’s head was spinning. Less than two days ago, she had been eating sausage and mash in a pub, and now she was talking to a god in the second world about a third life as a soul.

“Why reveal yourself to me?”

“I told you. You are special. In all my years, I have never met anyone who has not accepted the terms and conditions. The fact that you have a waiver and protected yourself from undue repercussions is unheard of. It is very exciting news for the gods.”

“I still do not understand why?”

“You have a chance to change. You do not conform to normality, and by not conforming, you can finally shift the balance.”

“I can change the balance?”

“Yes. I am sure that your AI has informed you of the world’s balance. Everything always balances in time. It does not matter if Evil prevails over Good or Good over Evil. In the end, balance returns.”

“How can I affect it? I am nothing special.”

“Oh, you certainly are, and I was lucky enough to hear that you were interested in tailoring, so I thought I would offer my services as your trainer.”

That statement silenced SJ for several moments, “Why would a god want to do that for me?”

“My siblings are going to be so jealous,” he smiled broadly, showing perfect white teeth defying his age. “Anyway, back to explaining. If you show half of the potential that I believe you may have. You are going to bring great change to Amathera.”

“I really don’t understand. How can I bring change?”

“Your decisions. Whether you fight for Good or Evil, whichever side you choose to fight for will prevail in the end.”

“Do gods not want Good to prevail?”

“Gods are neutral. We have no alignment either way. We are the truest form of neutrality in the world. That means we can do what we wish either way. If we feel Evil, we can be Evil. If we feel Good, we can be Good. Most of the time, my siblings and I stay neutral and allow the world to play out as it wishes.”

“I can’t pick a profession until level 5? Why tell me now?”

“Opportunity. I knew you would come and get new clothes, but I didn’t expect to see you so soon. Anyway, you wanted to see some different items.” Fizzlewick or Haber waved his hand, and a beautifully crafted, palest emerald green dress appeared on the table. The design was stunning and took SJ’s breath away.

“May I?”

“Please,” the god indicated with his hand.

SJ walked to the table and looked at the dress. The material appeared to shimmer, and she reached out to touch it. She had never felt material so soft in her life. It felt like nothing under her fingers as she stroked the material. “This is beautiful,” SJ gasped.

“It is rather nice.”

“Can I pick it up?”

“Of course.”

SJ carefully lifted the dress and held it in front of her. Her display triggered.

 

Haber’s Dress of the Tailor – Level 0

Grade – Astral

Quality – Perfection

Durability - Infinite

Enchantment Slots – Seven available at maximum level

Armour Class – Unknown

Attributes - Unknown

The god Haber himself made this dress. It is unmatched by any other and provides the wearer with unique skills available as levels are gained.

Self-repair

 

“Wow,” Dave said in awe. “An Astral item. Few have ever seen one, let alone held one in their hands.”

“This is amazing. I dare not ask how much it costs.”

Fizzlewick laughed, “My dear. Astral items can’t be purchased. They may only ever be gifted by a god.”

“This is the softest, most beautiful dress I have ever seen.”

“Try it on if you wish.”

“Really,” SJ replied, stunned.

“Yes. It is for you, after all.”

“WHAT?” Dave screamed in her head.

SJ winced from the explosion of noise.

“Ah. I think your AI just spoke to you again, didn’t he?”

SJ looked at Fizzlewick. “I would not say he spoke more like deafened me. I think he is a little surprised at your generosity. Dave, please don’t shout in my head.”

“Have you named your AI? How quaint. I have never heard of one being named before.”

SJ climbed into the dress, removing her trousers and halter-neck once she had pulled it on. It was tied behind her neck, and it had flowing green sleeves. The material seemed to change in size and shape as she pulled it on, fitting her form perfectly. She had never worn anything so beautiful or luxurious before. “This is amazing, and you said it is mine?”

“Yes. It is for you. However, you need to know that the dress level is linked to your tailoring level, so it will only improve as your skill improves.”

“There it is,” Dave said. “There had to be a trick in there somewhere.”

SJ stood staring into a mirror in the cellar of the tailor’s shop and could not believe the image she was seeing. This was her in all her glory. She took her own breath away, the dress adding a level of beauty to her already beautiful form. The back of the dress dropped in a deep plunge that came up just below her wings, and when she stood sideways, the colour of her wings matched perfectly with the dress.

SJ took a side stance and performed a kick. The dress flowed perfectly, not interfering with her movements in any way.

“I am not sure what to say.”

“You need not say anything. A gift is a gift, and for you to develop its true potential, you will pay me back enough by tailoring. All crafted items add to my astral pool. The more people who tailor, the more pool I have available. Tailoring is a common profession, so many perform it.”

“As soon as I reach level 5, I will return to begin training,” SJ said excitedly.

“That would be wonderful. I do have one more item I would like to give you.”

SJ’s eyes opened in amazement. “What else could you offer?”

“These. I had my sister make them for me. They are not Astral but will do you for a few levels until you can improve.” Fizzlewick placed a pair of calf-length boots on the table.

SJ walked over to them and picked them up.

 

Boots of the Assassin

Grade – Epic

Quality – Perfection

Durability - Excellent

Enchantment Slots – Two

Armour Class – Unknown

Attributes - Unknown

 

The boots were a pale grey, and SJ removed her current beginner pair and pulled one of them on. The boot, like the dress, resized to her foot. She did the same with the other and now stood in pale grey boots, which could not be seen when she stood still under the flowing dress. She bent her knees and moved her feet around. The boots felt like the softest slippers she had ever worn.

“The boots are not the best, and you will find much better in time. The initial bonuses, when you can trigger them, should help you, though, for a while at least. I have one question, which has confused all the gods since you arrived.”

“Please ask.”

“Why did you choose a fae assassin as your race and class?”

“I had always wanted to protect the Good from the Evil in the world, and I liked the sound of the Subterfuge skill as it aligned with my forensic accounting from my first life. So, I decided to be an assassin for the good, and the reason for fae was because I had always loved them as a child.”

“Well, let us hope you can achieve your goal.” Fizzlewick replied, scratching his thick beard.

“I don’t know how to repay you for these gifts?”

“I have told you already. Level in tailoring and just be you in the world. What will happen will eventually happen. Even gods can’t define fate. Anyway, you must go again. Your bathwater will be ready by now.”

SJ looked at him quizzically, remembering she had placed another bucket to boil. She turned and headed back upstairs. Fizzlewick followed, and when she got to the front of the shop, he had transformed again into the small quarterling.

“Can I please get the items I asked for as well?” SJ asked, pulling one silver from her inventory.

“Of orse.” Fizzlewick put the items into a bag and gave her the 58 coppers change.

Fizzlewick unlocked the padlocked door with a wave of his hand, the lock vanishing.

“Thank you, and I will be back soon,” SJ said, feeling the happiest she had been in a very long time.


Support Bosloe's efforts!

Please Login in order to comment!