Chanter: Guys? Did you find Abernathy?

  Sebastian: Katarina is fighting three guys at once. She is… winning, but with some difficulty. You should hurry over if you can. Did you get Encore?

  Encore: Yes, I am safe.

  Chanter: We are on the way.

  I glanced around the room, ran over to the desk and swept my arm over the surface, throwing everything into my inventory. I hurried over to the worktable and sent the entire table, with its various tools and nick-nacks, into my inventory as well. I didn't want to waste any more time, but I thought Abernathy could make good use of those things.

  I shifted back to my wood elf form, swapping my clothing as I hurried out of the room, Encore perched on my shoulder. I ran over to the golem and kicked it, sending it to my inventory before I turned and ran for the hole in the wall.

  A young polecat beastkin stared through the hole in the wall from outside, squinting into the darkness of the interior. He screamed when I emerged from the shadows.

  “Move!” I shouted as I approached the hole. Encore leapt from my shoulder and soared out ahead of me. I sent my lute into my inventory as I dove through the hole. It was a tight fit, but I managed to keep my momentum and tumbled outside. I rolled forward, shot to my feet, and sprinted away as the confused beastkin shouted questions behind me.

  I ignored the shouts, running out of the alley and weaving through the occasional pedestrian as I hurried through Arid Spur.

  Chanter: We are on the way. A few minutes at most. How’s it going?

  Katarina: Dandy! We can meet up with you. Everything is settled on our end.

  I slowed, glancing over at a small group of guards that ran past me and towards Arjay’s shop. A notification appeared as they rushed by.

  Quest Complete! Rescue your companions. Teamwork makes the dream work! You managed to save both companions, and with no detrimental side effects! No visible ones, at least. Sure, the local militia may want to have a conversation with you in regards to the hole you blew in the wall, and the pile of corpses your friends left in their wake, but that’s a problem for tomorrow. Or tonight. But not right now. Right now, you can bask in the warm glow of a job well done! Rewards: Silver Friendship Chest x1, Silver Coins x10.

  Chanter: Is Abernathy okay? I just got the notification that the quest was complete. A pile of bodies, Katarina?

  Abernathy: I’m alright. Really don’t want to talk about it if you don’t mind, mate.

  Chanter: I’m glad. Should we meet at the inn? It seems like we may face some questions.

  Katarina: Headed that way, see you in a few. No one saw us. How about you. Any witnesses?

  I thought about that frightened young polecat, turning to see the group of guards turning a corner towards the shop.

  Chanter: Yeah, but I don’t know if they will say anything. Wait, should we go to the Adventurer’s Guild? Report that receptionist?

  Katarina: No need. She wasn’t some criminal. It’s actually quite funny.

  Chanter: A pile of bodies is funny?!

  Katarina: Well no, not when you put it like that. I’ll tell you about it later. Let’s meet at the inn for now.

  “Whew,” I breathed, turning and heading to the Oasis Inn.

  “What happened to Abernathy?” Encore asked as we made our way back to the inn.

  “No clue. He had that date with the receptionist from the Adventure Guild and then, after you sent that partial message, we got a quest and it informed us of his danger, as well as yours.”

  “Powerful magic in those quests. Likely an affect of you being an off-worlder.”

  I stopped, looking around at Encore. It was difficult to do with him perched on my shoulder, so I continued walking towards the inn.

  “What do you mean, off-worlder?”

  “Well you are not from this world, correct?”

  I thought about that. Was this how the AI filtered our status as players to the NPC’s? “I guess you could say that.”

  “It is not as rare a thing as you may expect. This world is rife with people from other worlds. Like the story of how humans came here. It is true for more races. And usually, though not always, that crossing leaves powerful magical imprints on the travelers. It sounds like this ‘quest’ system is one such imprint. Similar to your dimensional storage.”

  I nodded as he spoke, thinking. It was an interesting backstory, explaining the special skills and access that players didn't share with NPC’s.

  “I’m glad we have it. I don’t know if I would have been able to find you without the guidance from the quest.”

  Encore leaned his small head against mine, purring softly.

  I pulled out the chest I had received from completing the quest as I made my way back to the inn. It was built from a dark blue wood, trimmed in silver. A plaque depicting two hugging figures was built into the front of the chest. It vanished in a soft pulse, replaced with two rings. Both rings were of the same design, simple silver bands. I inspected them.

  Silver Band of Spacial Awareness. Rare item. While worn, provides specific location information to all grouped members also wearing this ring. Fades from view once equipped. Can be equipped by companions.

  “Oh, do you want one of these?” I slid one of the rings on my finger. It vanished from sight once I slid it in place, but more than that. It seemed like it absorbed into my finger. I rubbed the spot and couldn’t feel it.

  Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Hmm, interesting. I already know your location from the bond, but this may help with the others. And will help you find me. Yes, please.” He held out a paw. The ring easily slid over his paw and tightened on his leg, vanishing.

  I felt his presence immediately. It was similar to the nestled bundle of emotions in the back of my mind, the mental link provided by our bond, but also subtly different. I just knew where he was. A few seconds later, I felt that same sensation, of knowing, for Katarina, Abernathy, and Sebastian.

  Chanter: You guys open your chests and get the Bands of Spacial Awareness as well?

  Katarina: Yup! No escaping me now, luteboy!

  I laughed, rereading her message several times as I walked.

  We arrived at the inn a few minutes before everyone else. I heard the crowd of people within before it came into sight, an excited murmur and the bustle of a full crowd. I pushed the door open and gaped.

  Every table was full, except for the table we had been sitting at near the stage. A series of overturned cups blocked it from use. Every single other table was full of people, with others standing around the empty spaces. Everyone was drinking, talking, and laughing.

  “Ah, thank the gods!” Patty hurried over to me. I saw several other polecats of varying age and size running around the crowd, delivering drinks and bowls of steaming porridge. Patty spoke with a hurried burst of words. “Gave us a real fright, running off like that after calling the whole city here! Dagut’s been beside himself. I’ll let him know you’re back. We saved your table. I’ll be back by with some food. Saw you didn’t touch the food before leaving. I can whip up something special if you don’t like porridge.”

  My stomach rumbled at the mention of food. “Porridge is fine, thank you.”

  She bowed slightly and turned, hurrying behind the counter. I made my way through the crowd, flipping over a cup and taking a seat. I glanced at my mini-map and saw my friends approaching, a few minutes away at most.

  “I would like to accompany you during your performance this evening.” Encore said, hopping down onto the table and sitting.

  “Really? That would be great! But there are so many people here. Are you sure it is alright? I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

  “I am growing accustomed to crowds.”

  I looked him over and had to agree, remembering how nervous he had acted the first time we had gone to an inn together, back in Verdantbrook. He had spent much of the time hiding under the table or in someone’s lap. He sat up on the table, his tails splayed around him, his head held high.

  “You’ll be a big help.”

  He looked around. Several heads had turned our way. People, curious about our reserved table and his unique appearance. I hadn’t pulled my lute back out of my inventory after jumping through the hole, so there was no real indication that I would be the night’s entertainment. I was okay with that.

  “I’m going to open with Radiant Winds, I need to refill the Songcache. We can play it by ear after that.”

  “Ending with Requiem Vitae?”

  I smiled, scratching behind one of his ears. “That’s right.”

  Patty arrived a few minutes later with a cup of ale and bowl of porridge. I ordered three more of both for my friends and dug into the food. It was decent, but the memory of that porridge I had eaten in the cave, amidst the doppelgangers disguised as sheep beastkin, lingered on the edge of my memory and set impossible expectations. I knew that I had been charmed and the food hadn’t really tasted that good, but the memory remained.

  My stomach twisted at the memory, but hunger won out and I finished the bowl as Patty returned with three more, placing them around the table.

  “Want another?” She asked. I shook my head.

  “Gonna start performing soon, but thank you.”

  “Oooh!” She clapped her hands, bouncing with excitement. “Do you know the Layman’s Cartwheel? It’s my favorite.”

  “Afraid not.”

  “It’s okay! I’m just happy to hear music again. It’s been so long, any music will be wonderful! I’ll be right back with your friend’s drinks!”

  “Great!” I glanced at the mini-map. They would be here in moments. “It’s a full house. Will their rooms and tabs be covered as well?”

  “Of course!” She winked. “You kept your end of the bargain. We will even reimburse Sebastian for a portion of his payment. I can’t remember the last time we were this busy! Had to get family members to come help. But don’t you worry. I am your party’s personal aide this evening. You need drinks, snacks, anything at all, I’m your girl. I’ll keep an eye out.”

  I smiled. “Good to know, that is very generous. Thank you!”

  She turned and hurried away, expertly weaving a path through the crowd. I glanced around and made eye contact with Katarina as they walked in, waving. Her face split with a wide grin and she hurried through the crowd, followed by Sebastian and Abernathy.

  Abernathy looked exhausted. More exhausted than I had ever seen him, with the exception of our last night in Verdantbrook. His ears drooped, his cheeks seems almost hollow, and his eyes were half-lidded and red-rimmed. Patty returned with the drinks as they approached the table. I stood hurried over to Abe.

  “You okay?”

  He sighed, gently slapping my shoulder with one hand. “I’m alright mate. Just tired. Might go right to bed, but Katarina’s been hypin’ up your performance the whole way back. Wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Abe.” Katarina whined, sitting and taking a deep drink from the stein.

  “You sure you’re alright?” I looked into his eyes. He stared back at me. I saw a mixture of emotions swirling in his gaze. Sadness. Regret. Shame. Exhaustion. Most importantly, propping them all up, I saw resolve. He nodded.

  “Aye, thanks. Nothing a good nights rest won’t fix. Really though, thanks mate. Did you eat yet?”

  “Yeah I did. Think I might start performing soon. Before that though, what happened?” I leaned closer, dropping my voice to a whisper. “A pile of bodies? What happened?”

  “I really don’t want to talk about it, mate.” Abernathy mumbled.

  “The receptionist has a bit of a reputation. And a jealous lover. Husband? Boyfriend? I didn’t ask. Let’s just say he brought some friends over when he heard about her interactions with Abe at the guildhall and had some plans for our boy.” Katarina glanced over at Abernathy. “It’s not your fault Abe. Don’t blame yourself. We won’t talk about it anymore, but Chanter deserves to know just a little. They weren’t too keen on letting him go. I changed their minds. Permanently.” She spoke softly, whispering the last word.

  “Shit. I’m sorry Abe. I won’t bring it up again.”

  “Thanks mate. And thank you, Katarina. Don’t know what I would do without you lot. Best mates I could ask for. I love you guys.” His eyes glistened with unshed tears.

  “Aww,” Katarina cooed. It was odd, hearing such an affectionate tone from her. “Love you too, Abe.”

  “Yeah, I love you too, buddy. Just glad you’re safe.” I patted him on the shoulder again.

  Sebastian watched the exchange, slowly eating with a small smile.

  I looked down at Encore, who stood and cocked his head to the side. “Still feel up to joining me? No pressure, you don’t have to.”

  “Let’s do this.” He leapt atop my shoulder.

  “Fuck yes.” Katarina said through a mouthful of porridge as I turned and made my way to the stage.