Chapter 2: Half a league onward

Later, with the sun now fully up, I unsummoned the campfire and dressed. I knew I had to deal with the situation as best I could. If this was real, I didn’t have the luxury of breaking down again in the middle of nowhere — not the safest place to be, especially in a world full of monsters.

“Still, I’m glad I have you, stupid horse.”

I had no choice but to press onwards and find civilization. As much as I didn’t want to be alone, I prayed that my guild members, especially my cousin, did not appear in this world.

As I rode down the road, something suddenly occurred to me. In-game, the Knight class, gave me the ability to ride a horse. Just like the Eldritch sub-class gave me the ability to cast spells. However, in this day and age, not too many knew how to ride a horse, much less swing a sword.

And I had cast an ignite spell to light the campfire, how was that possible. Even stranger, I suddenly knew things — not just the skill, but the knowledge that comes from knowing it. The more I thought about it, the more real this world became.

It terrified me.

By the late afternoon, Gwefrydd had taken me almost through the forest. When several large forms burst out of the woods, it confirmed that I had not been simply transported somewhere else on earth.

Unless, of course, scorpions the size of dogs had become a thing.

A single rock scorpion was a serious encounter for low-level adventurers, just leaving the starter zones. I remembered the six of us facing one, now even the three which advanced quickly before me were nothing more than pests.

“Gwefrydd, up and at them,” I yelled, charging forward.

My favorite spear Rhew appeared in my hand as the two of us raced forward. Taking on the lead beasty, a quick swipe of my spear removed its stinger. As the creature hisses in pain, a disturbing sound, I wheeled around, plunging the point straight through its back. The next two creatures suffered the same fate.

I will admit feeling a little better, not sure if that made me a bad person or not.

Dismounting, I approached the three monsters. They didn’t look right. Too large, the claws a little sharper and the color appeared off, plus too many legs.

“So not Magic-Life, then where the hell am I?”

The fake rock scorpions also had no answers.

Usually, when you defeat a monster in-game, they would vanish, leaving you with item drops. Even coin, which I always thought was a bit strange, but these three just lay there and did not appear to be going anyplace.

“Another vote on real, fuck.” I did give the beasty a good kick for not answering my question.

The armored plates made good low-level armor, however, even with the knowledge now burned in my brain. I had no real desire to butcher the trio. Removing only the stingers from the beasties, the poison could be used in some base potions. Afterward, I dragged the carcasses off the road.

“Half a league, half a league, half a league onward.”

After exiting the forest, the road continued to an open field, and as I hoped far off in the distance, I spied the top of several tall buildings.

Riding closer for a better view, with it late in the day, the walled village appeared to be surrounded by a soft glow as the sun shone on the red and orange tiled roofs. Not sure what I had expected, but the landscape reminded me of a picturesque painting of a European village.

Another thing that excited me the setting sun reflected off a river. If I could find a boat, it might take me to a larger town or city.

“Could someone there get me home, Gwefrydd?”

Dismounting, I took off the crown of Avalon. I knew from my etiquette lessons that first impressions were important for good or for ill. Placing it back into my inventory, I took out a pair of earrings and manifested them on my ears.

“My end game gear, you're right, probably too much.”

My armor vanished replaced with a silver-steel cuirass and pauldrons along with a deep blue armored skirt made out of Nightweave linen. More silver-steel pates reinforced the skirt, arms, and legs. To top it off, Beithir hide boots.

The armor set had been a gift from Wayland, a guildmate who had maxed out the Smith skill. He had been enamored with old Japanese animation as a child and said that with my blonde hair and demeanor, I reminded him of one particular heroine.

The earrings had been a fortunate drop because, like many others, I hated wearing a helmet. However, as anyone who had spent any time-fighting monsters, lack of headgear ended many a quest.

How did the earrings protect my head, why ‘magic’ of course. Much better than a lot of high-end headgear too.

“Protective and fashionable.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at one of Kathy’s favorite saying. Armor, she commented, needed to be both if I was going to play the role of a proper princess. I knew that just gave her an excuse to spend half her time using me as a dress-up doll. No, I never objected.

“I already miss you.” With a sigh, I check myself out.

As an Eldritch Knight, my gear would never make me a tank. I flitted in and out of combat, pouring on damage to the mobs while my heavily armored Knights made sure they pulled plenty of aggro.

“That’s right. I don’t think I need to be Princess Eleanor. I’m just a simple adventurer looking for her companions.”

Most beta-testers would know of this armor, so as much as I prayed that no one else ended up here, at least if it did happen, we might be able to find one another.

“Kathy is going to give me so much shit about turning into Eleanor for real. But still, I can now officially be made her maid of honor.”

I laughed at the situation I suddenly found myself in, much better than crying.

With a quick wash of my face and hands, I remounted and headed down the road. Drawing close, I began passing fields at least a couple of miles out.

“Oats or Rye, I imagine.”

Prominently, off to the sides of the fields were stone structures.

“I don’t see any farms strange. “

Well, maybe not if there was a chance of being attacked by a monster while stepping out to the outhouse. So made sense, in a world of monsters, the stone buildings allowed workers to run off to the safety in case of an attack.

“Probably store weapons in there as well, Gwefrydd.”

Passing through what looked like a fruit orchard, I finally came across other human beings. Dressed in brightly colored cloth, they were busily pruning trees.

Several of them stared at me before quickly getting back to work, while two of their number watched me closely. Lightly armored, the spear-wielding guards did not approach.

I gave the pair a small nod before continuing. One thought made me more than a little nervous. Women in Medieval times had little to no rights of their own and definitely didn’t travel by themselves much less armed.

I remembered the fate of another female knight. I really had no desire to be burned at the stake.

Thankfully, that little panic attack vanished as I approached the village gate. At least two of the gate guards were women, although I think one of them had what appeared to be dog ears.

Dismounting, I could almost see the tension bleed off the half a dozen guards. “Well, that’s different.”

Leading Gwefrydd, I slowly approached. I took a quick look at the defense of the town. Large watchtowers were spread out, giving a good view of the land. Its high walls and arrow slits would offer excellent protection for the citizens. I wondered which threatened such a village more man or monster.

“AxKitsle Juntai Kilisar Ij Kar,” a guard on the wall called out, which gave me pause. I understood what he said, and it wasn’t in English.

“She appears to be traveling alone.”

Standing straighter, I gave a small smile. “Greetings, can you tell me the name of this village.”

After giving me a quick glance, one of the guards, a little older and more armored, then the rest approached.

The guard gave me a short bow before answering, “Wyndemere, ma’am.”

“I see. Thank you, Sargent.” Well, that wasn’t helpful. The village's name was unknown to me.

The man chuckled. “Corporal of the Gate, ma’am, are you perhaps passing through?”

“Not sure, does this village have an inn?” Now, if they had a bath.

He smiled before pointing to inside the walls. “Yes ma’am, the Wayfarer's Rest. We are quite proud of it. The east and west caravan masters use it quite often.”

“Excellent, I look forward to sleeping on a real bed then. Oh, Corporal, as I was exiting the forest, I encountered three creatures.”

I then give a description of the beasties.

“Forest Skitters, that’s troublesome. We’ll have to get a patrol together before they encroach on the farmlands.” The Corporal sounded concerned, looking behind me as if he expected more of the besties to appear.

“Won't be necessary. I took care of them already. I left the carcasses at the forest edge. They should be easy to find, but I thought you might like to know.”

The guards looked shocked. Not sure why they were only rock scorpions, forest skitters whatever.

“Oh, I do have another question if you don’t mind.”

Reaching into my saddlebag, I pull out a silver badge. A red dragon circled around the edge, trying to eat its own tail, in the center of the badge, a single golden star. I believe my companions based it off the Welch red dragon. Overall it turned out rather nice for a guild logo.

“Has anyone bearing this symbol passed this way?”

Leaning forward, he shook his head, “No, ma’am, I don’t recognize the device. You should ask the Captain he is more learned in such things.”

Thank goodness, so no one else is here. “Thank you, Corporal, and a good day to you all.”

Passing under the stone archway, I entered the village finding the inn not far from the gate. From the little I could see where the walls made room for expansion impossible, they had to build up. Even family homes had second stories. No two buildings were painted the same, quite garish but pretty in its own way.

Unfortunately, most of the structures appeared to also be made of wood, fire hazard to be sure. I wondered if magic fixed that as well.

“But it’s all so clean,” I whisper to myself, there was a definite lack of garbage covering the streets. Popular interpretations of the middle ages had everyone living in fifth.

Let us not forget, not counting the odd chamber pot tossed out the window, at twenty pounds a day per horse. You would think that the manure would fill the streets. It had become quite a real problem in our world. I’m guessing like the road and wooden house once again, magic came to the rescue.

Of course, I was an object of interest standing there, which I ignored before a teenage boy approached me from the front of the inn.

“You wish to stable your horse, ma’am?” He gave a rather fine bow from the waist.

“I do, thank you, please lead on.”

I thought about unsummoning Gwefrydd but figured the glutton would enjoy the stables. Plus, I can’t imagine that the unsummoning would go unnoticed.

“Oh, this is quite nice.” I looked around the inn quite pleased.

Not sure what I expected but the interior of the inn reminded me of some of the old fashion bed and breakfasts I have stayed at. Well lit from what I could tell magical lighting, much like our guild hall. Hardwood floors swept clean with a central room with several tables.

I could also smell something cooking, so I am guessing a kitchen stood right behind one of the doors. With it late in the day, the front room was also quite full. Unfortunately, or rather, fortunately, I recognized none of the patrons.

“Greetings traveler, I’m Master Thomasyn, do you need a room for the night or a meal?” The innkeeper, a tall man, cleaned shaven, probably the same age as my uncle greeted me kindly and like the stable boy gave bow at the waist.

“A room for a couple of nights and, if possible, a bath.” Oh, please let them have baths.

“We do have a room with a private bath for three bannerettes per night. We also have smaller rooms, and there is space above the stables.”

Bannerettes, I have heard of gross, and denarii wonder if they’re similar.

“May I also have your name?”

I had been waiting for that question, what do I say, Princess Eleanor. Although what everyone called me in-game. Even players not of my guild got in on the act. It was quite maddening.

If there are other players in this world, I want to be easily found. If not, then it didn’t matter.

“Eleanor Reine of Avalon.”

“I see, are there others in your retinue?” He looked over my shoulder a little concerned.

Wonder what that was about, I replied. “Retinue? Oh my companions, currently, no, although.”

I knew the term, needed to make sure that I wasn’t trying to pass myself off as some noble. The whole thing would blow up in my face.

Still, Liondale, Gwynne, and Murgab called themselves my knights. Contessa told everyone she was my lady in waiting. They had fun with it but still. When others joined in the madness, I gave up, really, easier for me and less of a headache. So, perhaps retinue was closer then guildmates but whatever.

Reaching for my pouch, which I just pulled from inventory, I showed him the guild logo.

“I am looking for those who wear this icon. We have become separated.”

Looking down at the badge, he shook his head.

“No, my lady, I haven’t seen anyone bearing this device. If you wish we can send word to the Captain, perhaps he would know.” He seemed disappointed he could help. That was nice.

Oh no, my lady? Well, maybe the customs were different? I looked the rich girl, so perhaps the innkeeper was just courteous. No, this was going to blow up in my face. I just knew it.

“That’s what the guards at the gate recommended. I am also a simple adventurer, so honorifics are not necessary, Eleanor is fine.”

The innkeeper game me a knowing smirk then bowed. “Yes, ma’am.”

Sigh. “Well, for now, I will take that room and a bath. Do you take foreign currency?”

“Of course, no inn worth it's salt would lack the means of handling foreign coin, especially one sitting on the Albanese Way. Please follow me.”

Behind the counter, he pulled out a dark metal sheet the size of a dinner plate. Some sort of measuring device?

Fishing for a Magika silver coin from my inventory, I passed it to him. Since the pancakes I had this morning tasted real enough, I assume the hoard of coins I possessed was real too. At least I hoped so. I really wanted that bath.

“Your coin.” He looked over the silver coin rubbing his thumb across the surface before setting it on the plate.

“A silver solidus.” I gave it the name of a common coin from the middle ages.

Nodding, he pressed his hands on the side of the plate, and suddenly it lite up. “Your solidus appears to be worth slightly more than our bannerette.”

Impressive, so from what I could tell, the little numbers glowing above the black plate told you the weight and makeup of the metal of a coin. It then compared it to the local currency, a handy magical tool for any shopkeeper.

Reaching for five more silver coins, I then added a couple more for Gwefrydd lodging.

“This is too much, ma’am.” He tried to give me a couple of coins back.

I refused, of course. “Close enough, plus my mount is currently in your stables.”

And with my share from the dragon's hoard, I’m pretty sure I can afford the room.

With the lack of sleep and stressful day, I crashed hard. I remembered the bath, dinner then that’s about it. Morning, however, did not change my situation. I was still in this strange new world, and I was still a woman much to my happiness, confusion, well whatever.

At least the bed and pillows were awfully nice goose feathers or some fowl like creature. I couldn’t help but giggle at the thought of monster geese. I wasn’t sure about the blanket, though, but didn’t need it.

With the wood paneling, a couple of lovely paintings, and fresh flowers, the room itself felt quite extravagant. It should be for the amount of money I paid.

My Lady's Maid, yes, she came with the room, Rosalyn, explained to me the different types of currency. The bannerette, a silver coin everyone used along with the more common copper coin called a lance.

The most expensive coin, the gold emperor, was used for such things as buying armor, weapons, or luxury items. For larger purchases, letters of credit were extended through the merchants’ guild.

So lunch at the local market, you would spend around two to four lances, while a good knife would cost you around two bannerettes. I wondered what the innkeeper would think of the Mithril coins in my possession.

“Good morning, my lady.” I nearly jumped at Rosalyn’s cheerful greeting as she opened the curtains letting in the sun.

So did I find ever out about the ‘my lady’ thing? Only nobility had surnames. I even remembered reading about that before.

Made sense where most people lived in small villages. If you knew Karl the butcher and William the smith, last names weren’t needed.

Another thing, people of this world could tell someone’s station by how they were dressed. Rosalyn’s outfit, although quite lovely, did not have the same quality as the Nightweave skirt I wore. Nor could the barmaid in the rough linen work outfit compare to Rosalyn’s fine linen dress.

Hairstyles told a little about someone as well. The unmarried women kept their hair long and uncovered. Married men and women covered their heads, caps for the men, and kerchief for the women.

So, even without my crown, my dress told everyone I was a Lady of apparent wealth currently single. Brilliant, I outed myself a noble without even trying. Kathy would be thrilled.

My attempts to convince my new Lady’s Maid I was nothing more than a simple adventurer failed as well. Like the innkeeper, she smiled then continued to treat me like nobility. They would both be a perfect fit as a member of my guild.

“Good morning to you as well, Rosalyn.” I tried not to grumbled, getting up.

Well, at least I could enjoy the perks, an actual private bathroom, or as the locals called it a privy. No chamber pot for me, thank you. Although toilet paper wasn’t a thing, they used linen scraps. Better than a sponge on a stick, I suppose.

After my morning ablutions, I returned to find Rosalyn laying down a small platter of meat and cheese, another platter with slices of bread and what appeared to be a cold pitcher of Murrey or blackberry wine.

“Your clothes were cleaned last night. I must say, I am also impressed with your undergarments.” Rosalyn commented as she laid out my clothes for the day.

Women in this kingdom wore silk or linen breeches or nothing under their skirts or dresses, depending on their station. Breasts were bound, the corset doing a great job, but some women wore something called breast bags.

Thankfully I didn’t have to find out what in the world was a breast bag even if I now had to deal with them. The numerous outfits in my inventory all came with proper modern undergarments in the right color. Not that the color should matter, but for some reason, it did.

In Magic-Life, if you stripped down into your skivvies, men wore grey colored boxes while women grey colored panties and what could only be called a sports bra. Since you couldn’t take them off, it kept the game from having an adult rating.

Unfortunately, as much as I would have liked to have auto-equip my clothes, it would have been hard to explain. Not being able to take off my undergarments was worse.

“If you want to look at how they are made, I have no objections.”
As I nibbled on a piece of rye bread, we looked over the red dress I picked out. I had a number of them in my inventory.

“This beautiful Lady Eleanor.” My Lady’s Maid said while separating the items into what would need to go on first.

I did not need full armor. Not that I wouldn’t be protected; all my clothing sets were made from high-tier fabrics.

I smiled. I really did, one of my many outfits made by guildmate Valindra. “I like it too.”

She, like Kathy, enjoyed using me as a dress-up doll. Others in the guild also benefited from her high clothier skill, so I tried not to complain too much.

Turning to me, apparently happy with her work, Rosalyn said, “Come, let us get you dressed.”

I wanted to object that I could dress by myself, but I really couldn’t. I only had a small clue how it all goes together, not forgetting all the laces.

Something rather odd occurred when I took out the dress. In-game, clothing, or armor takes up one inventory slot. Meaning, you didn’t need to put on and take off separate pieces. They came on and off as one set. Since yesterday, when I removed items from my inventory, they reverted to the many different parts.

So, for example, the Redtower outfit I pulled out of my inventory to wear today included panties, chemise, corset, and hose made of yellow silk. Add the underskirt over that and then the dress over that. Oh, well, the corset isn't modern, but at least the panties fit.

Now, could you imagine having to deal with that in-game, worse, how about a full set of armor? No wonder knights had squires. Oh, I guess that's why women had Lady's Maids.

Unless I auto-equip, so hurray for auto-equip.

While working on my hair, Rosalyn reminded me that the Captain would meet with me in the afternoon.

I had mixed feelings about this. Not the meeting itself, but how long I should stay in Wyndemere. If the Captain recognized the guild icon, then maybe he could point me in the right direction of my guildmates. If not, then was there any reason to stay here? Or should I move on to a larger town or city?

“Do you think the good Captain would have some maps for me to look at?” Not sure whether a map would help or make me more depressed. Still, it would be good to know where I am.

“I’m not sure, if not then perhaps Master Oscar, he is our Apocrathy. From what I know of him, he is a well-traveled and a learned man. My mother said he owns many books.”

I decided to meet the man anyway. Master Oscar, besides being one of the village healers, also made potions. I had a decent skill in potion-making myself, so I wanted to see if there was a difference in this world.

Rosalyn handed me a mirror of polished brass. As I admired her work, I did ask about glass but once again outed myself, as there were mirrors made of glass but were very expensive.

“How about the market? Master Thomasyn mentioned your village has them throughout the week.”

One couldn’t just go to the shopping mall or a supermarket. If you wanted fresh meat, fruit, fish, or even bread, you made your way to the market. Other than that, most people made everything at home, even their clothes. If there are maps, the market would be the place to look.

“Are you sure? Do you go to markets often, Lady Eleanor?”

I almost laughed, but poor Rosalyn looked concerned. What kind of market was it for her to be worried about me?

“Well, no, although, when I was younger, my cousin used to drag me out shopping.” Mad shopper, I tell you. Me, pack mule.

“Sneaking off to the market, I thought that was only in stories,” Rosalyn said wistfully.

OK, well, Aunt Sophia normally dropped us off, but we did often sneak off to the local corner store for snacks after school. So, I guess that’s true.

“Under duress, I assure you." I smiled. "Unless you have other duties, would you mind accompanying me?”?”

“Of course, my lady, I will be happy to attend you.” She sounded pleased.

“Wonderful; afterward, I guess we can make our way over to the guardhouse.”

If I couldn't find maps in the market, I'm sure he might have some in the guardhouse. At least I could confirm whether I had been transported to Magic-Life.

“Why would we do that?” Rosalyn asked for some reason. She seemed confused.

“To meet the Captain.” Why else? Didn't we already have this discussion?

Rosalyn gave me a stern look. “Oh no, that wouldn’t be proper. “

Unfortunately, I could see where this was going.

“He will be arriving at six bells. You should meet him in the sitting room.”

So that’s around three in the afternoon. Oh, my extravagant room also has a sitting room.

“I will provide some Perry for yourself and some Cider for the Captain. I think a spiced cake as well.” Rosalyn continued to count out things that would need to be done before the meeting.

Wait, it's not like I was holding court or something. I just needed some questions answered about the guild icon. That should take no more than a minute. Then again, the Captain might be able to answer my questions about the surrounding kingdoms, and he will mostly have questions for me about the rock scorpions.

“Well, I do like spice cake.” At least something will good come out of it.

Although for some reason, I felt as if my life was becoming more complicated.

Glossary:

Aggro - As a verb, it refers to a hostile mob that has noticed a player and is actively trying to attack that player. As a noun, it refers to the amount of "hostility" the player has generated on the mob.

Guilds - Semi-permanent player groups. In typical games, players must use a substantial amount of capital to start the guild.

MMORPG - Massively-Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game

Mob - An AI-controlled monster.

Tank - A tank or also known as a meat shield, redirect enemy attacks or attention toward themselves to protect others. Typically the fighter tries to take as much aggro as possible away from weaker players such as healers and mages. Since they can often take a lot of damage, they are usually heavily armored and have lots of health.