Yvlena had no trouble getting to the Artisan District Smithy after her interaction with Dylan. She slowed her walking speed as the throng of people she had encountered close to the main down slimmed into the occasional passerby.
Yvlena could admit she was proud of the little rascal for following in his father’s footsteps. While she had only met Captain Brackett as a Miasma afflicted ghost, the other NPCs seemed incredibly fond of him.
She felt a soft spot for Dylan because she hadn’t been able to know her dad fully. But now, hopefully, her uncle would be able to tell her about him and her mother. Possibly filling in the blanks her grandmother could not.
The clanging of metal striking metal reached her ears the closer she got to the blacksmith’s workshop, where Soren was waiting for her with a huge grin.
“Soren!” Yvlena chirped. She looked around to find a few blacksmiths at work, unlike the usual crowd. “Huh? Where is everyone?” It was almost as empty as Laurent’s library. Could this be because of the Bloom Festival as well?
“Ever since you cleared out the old Warehouse, we’ve been working double time to get it up and running before the festival fully begins. I stayed back because I needed to work on the sickle.” Soren said.
“Right!” Yvlena said, recalling her fight with the Miasmic entity that had stalled progress for so long. It was amazing what she had been able to accomplish as the Harvest Guardian. Maybe if she restored the Rose Manor, too, she would be able to help the town some more as well.
“I’m so glad I could help, the Miasma stalled progress for so long, it's amazing merchants are making it through from the other road.”
Soren nodded.
“As soon as the Verdant Woods are cleared up, it’ll be even better, I know the Verdant Vale has been completely isolated since the spread of the Miasma, I really wonder how they’ve gotten on these few years without any assistance.” he said.
“Hopefully, they’re as resourceful as Bloom Haven.” Yvlena said, noticing the worry in Soren’s voice. It seemed the sister town might have been worse for wear than she had expected.
[Yvlena Acquired
***
This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
Moon Sickle (Upgraded) x1]
“I think you’ll find yourself impressed with my work, Yv, I outdid myself.” Soren said, puffing out his chest in pride.
Yvlena took a look at the weapon in her hand and gasped in awe of its beauty. The Rose ore had turned the blade’s color a rosy pink hue that shimmered mysteriously in the sunlight. Along the end of the blade were thorn-like protrusions that would be sure to do extra damage to the enemy.
Yvlena held up her weapon and marveled at the Moon Sickle’s hilt, lovingly decorated with engravings of roses and their thorns.
“It’s so beautiful.” She said in awe, she was almost reluctant to use it against the enemies she would encounter, especially ones that could potentially damage it.
“I can’t wait to see you use it, and Yv, be careful! Rose ore is incredibly hard to find.”
“I promise to be careful, but Soren, you’ve outdone yourself. This is incredible!”
“You’re too kind Yvlena.” though he brushed her off, Yvlena could see she had touched his heart with her compliments. The NPCs of Bloom Haven were so dear to her heart, it was a wonder how other players could bully them so harshly.
Sure, they weren’t real, but to her, they were as real as the experience of playing the game. It made her wonder what kind of world was waiting for her outside Bloom Haven, dotted with other players.
“I’ll let you get back to work, I have to help Risel out with some things in the Verdant Woods.” Yvlena said cheerfully.
“Sure thing, remember to eat up before you head out, and stop by the warehouse if you need anything.” Soren said. He had already begun walking towards the building Yvlena saw in the distance.
“Right.” Yvlena said to herself, she walked back to the entrance of the Smithing Quarters and steeled her mind to carry out her tasks. But first, she needed to see if she could get a pair of scissors.
----------
The store was bereft of customers when Yvlena walked through the entrance of Madame Pratt’s store. The woman bustled about behind the counters, arranging piles of fabric into what she could only assume were orders made by the other NPCs.
Reminding Yvlena that even when she wasn’t in the game, things were running all on their own. Risel fulfilled her job as the town alchemist, Soren worked in his shop, and Iris ran her tea house.
“Oh! Yvlena, my dear, you almost gave this old seamstress a fright! Come, come, what do you need?” She asked, approaching the counter.
“Do you have a pair of scissors? I managed to repair the curtains, but I just don’t know what to do about the large pile of rags I’ve come into.” Yvlena said.
“Of course! A seamstress worth her salt should always have a pair of scissors on her.” Madame Pratt said.
[Purchase Embroidery Scissors?
Moon Points x500]
[Yes/No]
Yvlena wasted no time hitting yes and took the stylish pair of scissors into her inventory, it was shaped like a bird, a common design she had also seen outside of the game.
“Thank you!” Yvlena called as she ran out of the store. She probably should have asked if she would be able to sell the linen rags to Madame Pratt, but that could be for another time.
“Let’s not forget I need that Spider Silk too, but for now, I have to head to the Verdant Lake, the time has finally come to try the Purifying Elixir on its cursed waters.” Yvlena ran until she hit the town’s gate and found herself in the Bloom Meadow.
“I have to eat something. What are my options? Well, can’t go wrong with my Rabbit Meat Soup.”
It didn’t take her long to get her cauldron bubbling, and the aroma of delicious food filled her nostrils. With the aid of the new Revista, her movements while cooking were definitely more precise. Yvlena hoped that would lead to a better outcome.
A bowl manifested in her hand, filled with the delicious Soup.
[Yvlena Acquired
***
Rabbit Meat Soup x1]
“Here goes.” She said lifting the spoon to her mouth to take a sip. For once the balance of salt was just right, and while it wasn’t as tasty as it smells the stew was much better than all her previous attempts combined.
“This is actually good.” Yvlena said shoveling the soup into her mouth as fast as she could. Within moments the food was gone.
“Sprite, Rabbit Knight, Kuti, we have some work to do!”
READ AHEAD HERE!!!
