1.02
Nate sat quietly on the coach across from Lady Dandridge in her Study, he had been provided a dinner suit by the man who had provided his new clothes and shoes. Lady Dandridge had been called away moments before but Nate was unable to determine what the cause had been. Rosnan had returned and settled into her vacated armchair with little break in their conversation.
"I would advise that once Bodrick and my men take you to the border in the morning, that you make your way to the City of Theronica." Lady Dandridge said resuming her advice. "It will only be about an hour North of where you cross over, it's the largest City in the North and one of the best places to start finding work and a place to stay."
Nate listened intently, wondering how on earth he was supposed to know the differences in direction. He was glad that Lady Dandridge was here to give him aid, but Nate did wish that she would at least provide significant details such as direction.
"What sort of work may I be able to find?" He asked with a frown, already not looking forward to whatever hardships lay ahead.
"That depends on what you prefer and where you look." Lady Rosnan said with a wave of her hand. "There are several tradesmen there who will gladly take you on as an apprentice, there are also several other options as well."
He nodded wondering what types of trades there could be. "So, what happens if I fall in love in here, am I able to have a family?" Nate asked surprised at the sudden question. "Sorry, I am just trying to understand what all I am able to do since I am stuck in here."
Rosnan smiled softly though he could tell that there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"As far as that goes, you are able to have intimate relationships with both the players and NPCs within the game." Rosnan said taking up the teacup she had poured for herself before stepping out. "However, any children that you have within the game will only exist in the game and for as long as you are trapped. If you do not manage to return to your world before they are grown, you would have the option of watching them grow and raising them and watching them live their life."
Nate blinked, it was possible to have children in the game, that seemed a topic a little too forward for the moment. "I see." He said pointedly. "How long has Arthur Franklin been trapped in the game?"
She tapped her chin in thought and counted quietly. "Three years this June." Lady Dandridge said eyes focusing onto him again as she left her thoughts. "He did not quite believe it either, though it took nearly six months for them to track him down and bring him to me. Arthur had quite the interesting tale to tell."
"So, will I remember this if I ever get out of the game?" Nate asked with a frown. "No one will ever believe me."
Rosnan smiled softly, "I think you might find that easier than you think." She said with a heavy breath. "We will be joined by a guest in just a few moments, she is just getting dressed."
Nate raised an eyebrow. "A guest?" He asked, wondering why she was suddenly bringing in a new person for him to meet this late.
She nodded and frowned again. "Yes, another person such as yourself. She arrived just a few minutes ago." Rosnan said, taking another sip of her tea.
"Is that why you had to step out?" He asked before he could stop himself. "Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude."
She shook her head softly. "Not intruding, but yes I had to go and greet her."
Nate nodded and sighed as he looked up at the clock above the fireplace. The fact that it was already seven should probably have meant something to him, but time seemed an entirely irrelevant matter at this point. He was just turning back to her thinking of another question to ask when the door to the Study opened and a young blond woman entered.
"Ah good, I was wondering when you would be joining us." Lady Dandridge said as she turned to the sound of the door. "This is Nathaniel Jones, he arrived earlier today like yourself."
The blond frowned as she looked between him and Lady Dandridge. "I see, I hope that I am not interrupting anything important."
"Not at all, we were just discussing things that are relative to yourself as well." Rosnan said as she took another sip of her tea and indicated the last free chair before the fire.
The younger woman crossed over and sat down in the chair, accepting the tea cup that Lady Dandridge handed her.
"I am sure you have many questions."
The blond looked to be thinking for a moment. "Yes, though some of it I think I can place, this is the Village of Bubbleton."
Lady Dandridge smiled softly. "I see that you made it to my humble location." she said nodding. "I am Lady Rosnan Dandridge, I am not sure if you were able to meet me before."
The blonde shook her head. "No, however, I did recognize your voice though as I had paused just before seeing you."
Lady Dandridge seemed moderately surprised. "Well, then I am sure you can guess what has happened to you."
She nodded, "Well if my guess is correct I have been somehow taken into the game." the younger woman said with a frown. "I'm Emily Carter by the way."
The older woman smiled and Nate could tell that Rosnan was internalizing everything, probably sending the information back to the developers. He sighed as they continued to discuss everything that she had confirmed for him and listened intently in case he had forgotten anything.
When a loud gong resounded through the manor a few minutes later Nate and Emily jumped as Lady Dandridge stood. They followed along behind her as she strode from the room.
"Dinner is right on time." Rosnan said as they made their way through the house.
"I know that we are unable to change our race." Nate said, remembering her confirmation on this earlier. "Are we able to learn magic?"
Lady Rosnan nodded but did not slow her pace or stop. "Yes, you will still exist within the laws of the world of the game Mr. Jones"
They walked into the dining room a few moments later, the table laden with food. Again he could identify most of the dishes though there were still a few unknown to him.
Settling down the three of them began to serve themselves as the servants exited from the room. Once more the wine was of very exquisite vintage as Nate took a sip from the goblet beside his plate.
"As I was telling Mr. Jones, I will give you both rooms for the night and in the morning Sir Bodrick will take you to the border of this realm." Lady Dandridge said as she continued to pull food onto her plate. "Once you cross over the City of Theronica is about an hour north of where you will emerge."
He watched as Emily nodded. "Yes, I remember traveling south to your Village from there." She said setting her own goblet down.
"Perhaps the two of you should look for work and lodging together, it will give you time to plan and work out how you wish to spend your time."
Nate had not thought of this, it did seem like a good idea. He wondered how Emily would feel about this as he took another bite of his food.
"I believe that would be advisable, unless he wishes to go alone." Emily said as she turned to him.
"I have no problem traveling together." Nate said after he had swallowed. "It will also help to keep in contact if we need to assist each other."
Lady Rosnan nodded as the traveling arrangements were settled. He let his mind wander again over everything as the table fell into silence.
"I believe a good night's rest will do wonders for clearing your minds for tomorrow." Lady Dandridge said after several moments. "Though I am not certain what you both will wish to do once you get there."
Emily shook her head. "From what I remember of the City when I passed through there was a multitude of different opportunities."
Lady Rosnan nodded. "Yes, though that also depends on what you find yourself drawn to." She said with a sigh. "Many opportunities does not always mean that you will find the one that is right for you."
Nate shrugged. "I try to be fairly easy to get along with, though most of my strengths are not in the way of hard labor."
She smiled, "Well Mr. Jones I am not certain how many other opportunities may present themselves but there is always construction needing to be done."
Nate frowned, true it was a good way to earn money but at the same time it was not his strong suit. "What different guilds are there to join in the city?"
He watched as Rosnan's eyes brightened at his question. He felt her enthusiasm at his thoughts as she took a moment to ponder.
"Well, there is the merchants guild though that usually requires that you have a shop." Lady Dandridge said as she started ticking them off. "The thieves guild is good for quick money. Fighters and adventurers both are fairly straight forward. As to other guilds there is always the Scribe or Doctors but to be a Doctor requires a lot of schooling even in here."
He frowned, owning a shop would be dreadfully expensive no doubt. "Are guilds the only options?"
She shook her head. "No, but they do offer many benefits to their members."
They continued to eat in silence as the food slowly dwindled. It was not long after that Lady Dandridge called for the servants to show them to their rooms.
"I shall send Sir Bodrick to collect you for an early start, I suggest you both get straight to sleep."
The man who had made his outfit earlier appeared, bowing to Lady Dandridge before leading him from the room. Nate followed along unsurprised that the man did not attempt conversation as he was lead to a lavish bedroom.
"If you need anything simply pull the bell rope." The man said before departing.
Looking about the room Nate was surprised by the amount of extravagant detail on all of the furnishings. Looking longingly at the massive bed, he began to strip out of his dinner clothes before slipping into the warm covers. It did not take him long to fall into a deep and peaceful sleep.