Chapter 8
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There was a farmer-- who had a dog -- and Bingo was his name-o. B..I..N..G..O.. B..I..N..G--
"All finished Q," a soft voice filled with amusement spoke from behind him. "I like that song, are you sure you aren't a Bard?"
"Just a children's song about a farmer and a dog." Q grinned at her, noticing that she was already completely dry. NPCs must play by different rules then players.
"And Bingo was his name-o?" She wrinkled her lightly freckled nose at him.
"Exactly right!" He slid his hands in his pockets and turned back toward the the direction of the Apple Festival. "Time to go then?"
"Afraid so," she sighed reluctantly and slid her arm through his.
"TAP Kit Interface, designate prior configuration as swimwear and current configuration as standard."
The two walked slowly through the orchard, the smell of apple blossoms being carried on the night breeze. Neither made any real effort to hurry.
"So.. 600 tokens might be a bit much," she teased squeezing his arm.
"Hmm? You think so." He smiled in return, "I worked really hard for those."
"Pfft... sure you did, " she bit her lip as she glanced up at him. "Sometimes people combine their bounty, but it never goes over 30."
"Thirty? That's nothing!!" He puffed up his chest making her roll her eyes.
"I'll tell Nimda to at least make it close." She frowned when she noticed they had arrived, "we should part here."
"That went by so fast," he bowed low. "We should hang out again when we get the chance."
"Hmmm, hang out?" She pursed her red lips as if thinking, "does that mean spend more time together?"
"Yep, thats what it means," he wiggled his eyebrows at her making her giggle.
"I would really like that," she curtsied and handed him something. "Here I made this for you."
System Message: You have received a token of affection.
Token of Affection
Braided Grass Bracelet
Unique Item
Description: Item cannot be sold or dropped.
All stats permanently increased by 2.
A bracelet hand woven with great delicacy.
System Message: You have gained a follower.
Leah Fintree
Level 4
NPC Class: Unknown
Strength 15
Endurance 16
Intelligence 19
Agility 15
Luck 10
Charisma 28
Skills
Jeweler 88
Diplomacy 91
Cooking 94
Swimming 99
*Ding* Level 14
System Message TAP Skill has leveled Up
TAP: NPC Assassin
Skill Name: Hiding in Plain Site Level 2
An additional NPC, the Diplomat, has been added
to your list. While Diplomat is active, Charisma is
increased by +30.
System Message TAP Skill has leveled UP
TAP: NPC Assassin
Skill Name: The Quest Giver Level 2
You now have the ability to create Mass Quests.
System Message TAP Skill Discovered
TAP: NPC Assassin
Skill Name:Practice makes Perfect
Description: You may learn up to three NPC Combat Skills.
You may specialize in three NPC weapons.
"Thank you Miss Fintree," he fastened the bracelet around his wrist and held it up for her to see. Plus two to all my stats, nice.
"It suits you!" She smiled and stepped closer. She waited for a moment to see if he would pull away again, when he didn't she raised up on her tiptoes and softly kissed his cheek before stepping away.
It didn't take Q long to find his table, most of his classmates were lounging around.
Rhapsody gave him a look. "Did you do your turn in? How many did you get?" She smiled mischievously at him. "Bet I beat ya!" She threw an arm around his shoulder and gave him a conspiratory smile.
"Think so? Lets bet then." With baited hook he cast his line.
"Hey.. I wanna bet too, what is the prize?" Jinn returned from the stage having completed her turn-in, she rubbed her hands together. "What do you even have to bet with Q?"
"Hmm.. this should be interesting? " Rhapsody opened her inventory trying to find a suitable item, one arm still placed casually on Q's shoulders, sharp fingernails brushed the back of his neck making him shiver.
"Why is your hair wet again Q? Been bobbing for apples?" Jinn's brown eyes seemed to look through him. "You are up to something aren't you? She leaned forward sniffing, "why do you smell like apple blossom's?"
"er... Trick question right? We are in a orchard after all," he rolled his eyes at her. "Hey.. personal space please! I better turn in my tokens, back in a bit." He beat a hasty retreat.
The Apple Princess was once again sitting primly on the stage, Nimda was next to her accepting turn-ins. The both smiled nonchalantly as he queued in line.
Q nodded at them when he finally did his turn in. "My friends want to wager on who wins," he shrugged helplessly. "Any ideas?"
Leah leaned over and whispered something in Nimda's ear, the old bandits face lit up as he in turn lowered his voice and spoke.
The green haired dryad sat with her friend at the table, both of them were watching Q finish his quest. "He's up to something right?"
Jinn nodded her head. "Yeah but what? And how did he raise his favor rating so high in Talon? Hidden quests maybe?"
Rhapsody shrugged, "I have to do a bit of research on Talon anyways, should be able to figure out that also."
"Oh ? Is he here then?" Jinn lowered her voice. "I'll help you when the time comes."
"Yes he is here," she acknowledged with an evil smile. "I'll have to do some planning and research, but tentatively we'll do it in a few days. Time to lose my virginity!"
Jinn interrupted her with a quick motion as she noticed Q returning. "Q!! We are going to bet right?"
"Yeah don't chicken out.. it's okay if you bet something lame, you're a noob after all." Rhapsody held out a small polished stone.
Gambler's Ace
Rare Item
Description: + 20 Luck
"You cheat!!" Jinn pinched her friends side, " no wonder you always win our wagers."
Rhapsody shot her friend an innocent look before placing it on the table. "Ante up."
Jinn smiled and placed an item on the table.
Simple Restraint
Rare Item
Description: Handcuffs designed to completely nullify
all abilities of the wearer for 30 minutes.
Additional effect: Wearer is mute for 30 minutes.
"..." Q.
"..." Rhapsody.
"Okay, you are really scaring me." Q slowly took a small step back.
"Hmm.. we are going to talk about this later bad girl," Rhapsody licked her lips. "You've been holding out."
"Okay, well I've got nothing either of you would want," he shrugged helplessly. "I do have a bit of information though."He noticed that both of them were interested so he continued. "There's a secret hot springs in Talon, and I know where it is located.
The two friends glanced at each other in surprise. "Agreed," they spoke at the same time.
"Friends! Thank you for helping us Save the Apple Harvest." Nemdi had moved to the front of the stage and was reading from a scroll. He cleared his throat and continued, "I have the results of the contest."
He glanced at the Leah and stepped to one side as she joined him at the front of the stage. "Our Apple Princess will announce the top three winners."
"Third Place and winner of a one week stay at the Shady Horizon, Sinful Jinn." There was a scattering of applause, mostly from Q's table.
Shady Horizon Certificate
Common Item
Description: Bearer of this certificate will receive a one week
stay at the Shady Horizon.
Item may be exchanged for 500 credits
Jinn shot her friend a look, "using a luck enhancement to hunt Dervish is the lowest."
Rhapsody smiled and stuck her tongue out.
"Second Place and winner of this beautiful puppy, Tormented Rhapsody." Leah held up a small red puppy with a large head and floppy ears.
BINGO
Pet: Canine class
Description: This Red Hound is from the first liter of a prized
hunting dog. Bingo is a spirit animal and can be stored in Inventory.
Bingo may be exchanged for 10 thousand credits
"What? I won a puppy?" She bounded off toward the stage her eyes filled with excitement.
Q gave Jinn a look, "think she realizes she didn't win?"
Jinn rolled her eyes, "nope."
"In First Place, and winner of a new mount from out very own Talon stables, Q!!"
Q's classmates cheered loudly as he starting walking toward stage. The rest of the audience seemed less than enthused.
"Q? Is that a name?"
"How come that table won all the prizes?"
"Hey, It's that lame guy from before!"
"No way! This smells funny!"
Q stepped up on stage and accepted the red bridle that Leah handed him.
Scorch
Pet: Mount
Description: A red stallion, as fast as
the wind.
May be exchanged for 100 hundred thousand credits
System Message: You have been awarded 3000 experience points for winning the Apple Festival Contest.
*Ding* Level 15
The class gathered back at the table as the rest of the crowd began to disperse.
Rhapsody was playing with her puppy and completely ignoring the jealous looks from the other girls at the table. "I'm so glad I didn't win!!
Jinn gave her a look and clicked the back of her ear. "Alright everyone, we will check into our rooms at the Shady Horizon and then take an hour break before meeting in the lobby."
Q gathered his winnings off of the table and quickly left while Jinn was trying to snatch the puppy from her friend. He checked in at the Shady Horizon and found his room on the second floor. It was just a simple one bed room with a small bathroom. He laid down on the bed.
He waved his hand and clicked the exit option.
A message popped up on his hud, "Do you wish to exit?"
"Yes Please."
Q looked at the time. "Still too early for bed, I need to figure some things out." He activated his hud, and called Tal. She answered almost immediately her.
"Hi Quinn." She was in the kitchen, must be close to dinner time.
"Hey Tal, could use some advice from the smarter crowd."
"Oh? Pops is on the roof with his pigeons, but he's coming down for dinner. Join us. Twenty minutes." Tal closed the hud quickly, not giving Quinn a chance to refuse.
Twenty minutes later Q ran into an old man on the staircase. "Hey Pops."
"Quinn! Looking good son, you eating with us?" The old man had thick curly hair that went in all directions. His old face was wrinkled and brown from a long life. He was tall, a bit too thin, and he limped slightly. He had clear blue eyes that seemed full of life.
Quinn walked beside him down the hall to 414. "Yep, railroaded into it."
The old man laughed and opened the door for him. "I'm sure she had to twist your arm."
Tal looked up when they walked in. "Right on time guys." She bypassed her dad and gave Quinn a hug.
"Smells great Tal." Quinn rummaged through the silverware drawer. After helping set the table, he sat down.
They all held hands. "Thank you for the meal."
Tal noticed immediately that Quinn wasn't his normal self. "Quinn... go ahead and say whatever you need to."
"Mom use to play TAP." Quinn looked down at his plate, suddenly he felt nine again.
"Quinn.." Her pretty blue eyes watched him, he had always avoided mentioning her. Tal reached out and held his hand.
"She left me a Legacy account. It has a few items attached to it, valuable items." Quinn continued, he squeezed Tals hand, but didn't dare look at her.
"Tell me everything Quinn, from the very beginning." Pops got up and grabbed a notebook before sitting down. He was one of those smart people who wrote everything down.
Quinn explained about the Legacy Account, the hidden TAP Class and the key. He also briefed them on the countdown to Exodus as well as the Pioneer Bounty.
"If TAP is joining Exodus, then it must have already converted its economic system to something compatible with the other Exodus games." Ben was reading his own notes carefully, he had brought up his own hud and was doing some searches.
"Lots of things happen when a game joins Exodus." Quinn had been a Fodder when Guns & Gore first joined. "There will be an increase in TAP players, the Exodus Arena will see a lot of business as the TAP elites test themselves against the rest of Exodus."
"Let me investigate this fully Quinn." He started scribbling more notes, then looked up at Quinn. You are going want to claim that bounty sooner rather than later"
"I agree Quinn, claim it right away. That much money will change your life." Tal squeezes his hand.
"Correction genius, it will change our life's. Afraid the three of you are stuck with me,no matter what."
Pops nodded happily, "suits me"
Tal's blue eyes stared at him, "I'm okay with that."
"I'll start prepping things for Ren. Pops I'm gonna need you to start studying their economic system."
Pops nodded, "shouldn't take long."
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
There was a farmer-- who had a dog -- and Bingo was his name-o. B..I..N..G..O.. B..I..N..G--
"All finished Q," a soft voice filled with amusement spoke from behind him. "I like that song, are you sure you aren't a Bard?"
"Just a children's song about a farmer and a dog." Q grinned at her, noticing that she was already completely dry. NPCs must play by different rules then players.
"And Bingo was his name-o?" She wrinkled her lightly freckled nose at him.
"Exactly right!" He slid his hands in his pockets and turned back toward the the direction of the Apple Festival. "Time to go then?"
"Afraid so," she sighed reluctantly and slid her arm through his.
"TAP Kit Interface, designate prior configuration as swimwear and current configuration as standard."
The two walked slowly through the orchard, the smell of apple blossoms being carried on the night breeze. Neither made any real effort to hurry.
"So.. 600 tokens might be a bit much," she teased squeezing his arm.
"Hmm? You think so." He smiled in return, "I worked really hard for those."
"Pfft... sure you did, " she bit her lip as she glanced up at him. "Sometimes people combine their bounty, but it never goes over 30."
"Thirty? That's nothing!!" He puffed up his chest making her roll her eyes.
"I'll tell Nimda to at least make it close." She frowned when she noticed they had arrived, "we should part here."
"That went by so fast," he bowed low. "We should hang out again when we get the chance."
"Hmmm, hang out?" She pursed her red lips as if thinking, "does that mean spend more time together?"
"Yep, thats what it means," he wiggled his eyebrows at her making her giggle.
"I would really like that," she curtsied and handed him something. "Here I made this for you."
System Message: You have received a token of affection.
Token of Affection
Braided Grass Bracelet
Unique Item
Description: Item cannot be sold or dropped.
All stats permanently increased by 2.
A bracelet hand woven with great delicacy.
System Message: You have gained a follower.
Leah Fintree
Level 4
NPC Class: Unknown
Strength 15
Endurance 16
Intelligence 19
Agility 15
Luck 10
Charisma 28
Skills
Jeweler 88
Diplomacy 91
Cooking 94
Swimming 99
*Ding* Level 14
System Message TAP Skill has leveled Up
TAP: NPC Assassin
Skill Name: Hiding in Plain Site Level 2
An additional NPC, the Diplomat, has been added
to your list. While Diplomat is active, Charisma is
increased by +30.
System Message TAP Skill has leveled UP
TAP: NPC Assassin
Skill Name: The Quest Giver Level 2
You now have the ability to create Mass Quests.
System Message TAP Skill Discovered
TAP: NPC Assassin
Skill Name:Practice makes Perfect
Description: You may learn up to three NPC Combat Skills.
You may specialize in three NPC weapons.
"Thank you Miss Fintree," he fastened the bracelet around his wrist and held it up for her to see. Plus two to all my stats, nice.
"It suits you!" She smiled and stepped closer. She waited for a moment to see if he would pull away again, when he didn't she raised up on her tiptoes and softly kissed his cheek before stepping away.
It didn't take Q long to find his table, most of his classmates were lounging around.
Rhapsody gave him a look. "Did you do your turn in? How many did you get?" She smiled mischievously at him. "Bet I beat ya!" She threw an arm around his shoulder and gave him a conspiratory smile.
"Think so? Lets bet then." With baited hook he cast his line.
"Hey.. I wanna bet too, what is the prize?" Jinn returned from the stage having completed her turn-in, she rubbed her hands together. "What do you even have to bet with Q?"
"Hmm.. this should be interesting? " Rhapsody opened her inventory trying to find a suitable item, one arm still placed casually on Q's shoulders, sharp fingernails brushed the back of his neck making him shiver.
"Why is your hair wet again Q? Been bobbing for apples?" Jinn's brown eyes seemed to look through him. "You are up to something aren't you? She leaned forward sniffing, "why do you smell like apple blossom's?"
"er... Trick question right? We are in a orchard after all," he rolled his eyes at her. "Hey.. personal space please! I better turn in my tokens, back in a bit." He beat a hasty retreat.
The Apple Princess was once again sitting primly on the stage, Nimda was next to her accepting turn-ins. The both smiled nonchalantly as he queued in line.
Q nodded at them when he finally did his turn in. "My friends want to wager on who wins," he shrugged helplessly. "Any ideas?"
Leah leaned over and whispered something in Nimda's ear, the old bandits face lit up as he in turn lowered his voice and spoke.
The green haired dryad sat with her friend at the table, both of them were watching Q finish his quest. "He's up to something right?"
Jinn nodded her head. "Yeah but what? And how did he raise his favor rating so high in Talon? Hidden quests maybe?"
Rhapsody shrugged, "I have to do a bit of research on Talon anyways, should be able to figure out that also."
"Oh ? Is he here then?" Jinn lowered her voice. "I'll help you when the time comes."
"Yes he is here," she acknowledged with an evil smile. "I'll have to do some planning and research, but tentatively we'll do it in a few days. Time to lose my virginity!"
Jinn interrupted her with a quick motion as she noticed Q returning. "Q!! We are going to bet right?"
"Yeah don't chicken out.. it's okay if you bet something lame, you're a noob after all." Rhapsody held out a small polished stone.
Gambler's Ace
Rare Item
Description: + 20 Luck
"You cheat!!" Jinn pinched her friends side, " no wonder you always win our wagers."
Rhapsody shot her friend an innocent look before placing it on the table. "Ante up."
Jinn smiled and placed an item on the table.
Simple Restraint
Rare Item
Description: Handcuffs designed to completely nullify
all abilities of the wearer for 30 minutes.
Additional effect: Wearer is mute for 30 minutes.
"..." Q.
"..." Rhapsody.
"Okay, you are really scaring me." Q slowly took a small step back.
"Hmm.. we are going to talk about this later bad girl," Rhapsody licked her lips. "You've been holding out."
"Okay, well I've got nothing either of you would want," he shrugged helplessly. "I do have a bit of information though."He noticed that both of them were interested so he continued. "There's a secret hot springs in Talon, and I know where it is located.
The two friends glanced at each other in surprise. "Agreed," they spoke at the same time.
"Friends! Thank you for helping us Save the Apple Harvest." Nemdi had moved to the front of the stage and was reading from a scroll. He cleared his throat and continued, "I have the results of the contest."
He glanced at the Leah and stepped to one side as she joined him at the front of the stage. "Our Apple Princess will announce the top three winners."
"Third Place and winner of a one week stay at the Shady Horizon, Sinful Jinn." There was a scattering of applause, mostly from Q's table.
Shady Horizon Certificate
Common Item
Description: Bearer of this certificate will receive a one week
stay at the Shady Horizon.
Item may be exchanged for 500 credits
Jinn shot her friend a look, "using a luck enhancement to hunt Dervish is the lowest."
Rhapsody smiled and stuck her tongue out.
"Second Place and winner of this beautiful puppy, Tormented Rhapsody." Leah held up a small red puppy with a large head and floppy ears.
BINGO
Pet: Canine class
Description: This Red Hound is from the first liter of a prized
hunting dog. Bingo is a spirit animal and can be stored in Inventory.
Bingo may be exchanged for 10 thousand credits
"What? I won a puppy?" She bounded off toward the stage her eyes filled with excitement.
Q gave Jinn a look, "think she realizes she didn't win?"
Jinn rolled her eyes, "nope."
"In First Place, and winner of a new mount from out very own Talon stables, Q!!"
Q's classmates cheered loudly as he starting walking toward stage. The rest of the audience seemed less than enthused.
"Q? Is that a name?"
"How come that table won all the prizes?"
"Hey, It's that lame guy from before!"
"No way! This smells funny!"
Q stepped up on stage and accepted the red bridle that Leah handed him.
Scorch
Pet: Mount
Description: A red stallion, as fast as
the wind.
May be exchanged for 100 hundred thousand credits
System Message: You have been awarded 3000 experience points for winning the Apple Festival Contest.
*Ding* Level 15
The class gathered back at the table as the rest of the crowd began to disperse.
Rhapsody was playing with her puppy and completely ignoring the jealous looks from the other girls at the table. "I'm so glad I didn't win!!
Jinn gave her a look and clicked the back of her ear. "Alright everyone, we will check into our rooms at the Shady Horizon and then take an hour break before meeting in the lobby."
Q gathered his winnings off of the table and quickly left while Jinn was trying to snatch the puppy from her friend. He checked in at the Shady Horizon and found his room on the second floor. It was just a simple one bed room with a small bathroom. He laid down on the bed.
He waved his hand and clicked the exit option.
A message popped up on his hud, "Do you wish to exit?"
"Yes Please."
Q looked at the time. "Still too early for bed, I need to figure some things out." He activated his hud, and called Tal. She answered almost immediately her.
"Hi Quinn." She was in the kitchen, must be close to dinner time.
"Hey Tal, could use some advice from the smarter crowd."
"Oh? Pops is on the roof with his pigeons, but he's coming down for dinner. Join us. Twenty minutes." Tal closed the hud quickly, not giving Quinn a chance to refuse.
Twenty minutes later Q ran into an old man on the staircase. "Hey Pops."
"Quinn! Looking good son, you eating with us?" The old man had thick curly hair that went in all directions. His old face was wrinkled and brown from a long life. He was tall, a bit too thin, and he limped slightly. He had clear blue eyes that seemed full of life.
Quinn walked beside him down the hall to 414. "Yep, railroaded into it."
The old man laughed and opened the door for him. "I'm sure she had to twist your arm."
Tal looked up when they walked in. "Right on time guys." She bypassed her dad and gave Quinn a hug.
"Smells great Tal." Quinn rummaged through the silverware drawer. After helping set the table, he sat down.
They all held hands. "Thank you for the meal."
Tal noticed immediately that Quinn wasn't his normal self. "Quinn... go ahead and say whatever you need to."
"Mom use to play TAP." Quinn looked down at his plate, suddenly he felt nine again.
"Quinn.." Her pretty blue eyes watched him, he had always avoided mentioning her. Tal reached out and held his hand.
"She left me a Legacy account. It has a few items attached to it, valuable items." Quinn continued, he squeezed Tals hand, but didn't dare look at her.
"Tell me everything Quinn, from the very beginning." Pops got up and grabbed a notebook before sitting down. He was one of those smart people who wrote everything down.
Quinn explained about the Legacy Account, the hidden TAP Class and the key. He also briefed them on the countdown to Exodus as well as the Pioneer Bounty.
"If TAP is joining Exodus, then it must have already converted its economic system to something compatible with the other Exodus games." Ben was reading his own notes carefully, he had brought up his own hud and was doing some searches.
"Lots of things happen when a game joins Exodus." Quinn had been a Fodder when Guns & Gore first joined. "There will be an increase in TAP players, the Exodus Arena will see a lot of business as the TAP elites test themselves against the rest of Exodus."
"Let me investigate this fully Quinn." He started scribbling more notes, then looked up at Quinn. You are going want to claim that bounty sooner rather than later"
"I agree Quinn, claim it right away. That much money will change your life." Tal squeezes his hand.
"Correction genius, it will change our life's. Afraid the three of you are stuck with me,no matter what."
Pops nodded happily, "suits me"
Tal's blue eyes stared at him, "I'm okay with that."
"I'll start prepping things for Ren. Pops I'm gonna need you to start studying their economic system."
Pops nodded, "shouldn't take long."
There was a farmer-- who had a dog -- and Bingo was his name-o. B..I..N..G..O.. B..I..N..G--"All finished Q," a soft voice filled with amusement spoke from behind him. "I like that song, are you sure you aren't a Bard?""Just a children's song about a farmer and a dog." Q grinned at her, noticing that she was already completely dry. NPCs must play by different rules then players."And Bingo was his name-o?" She wrinkled her lightly freckled nose at him."Exactly right!" He slid his hands in his pockets and turned back toward the the direction of the Apple Festival. "Time to go then?""Afraid so," she sighed reluctantly and slid her arm through his."TAP Kit Interface, designate prior configuration as swimwear and current configuration as standard."The two walked slowly through the orchard, the smell of apple blossoms being carried on the night breeze. Neither made any real effort to hurry."So.. 600 tokens might be a bit much," she teased squeezing his arm."Hmm? You think so." He smiled in return, "I worked really hard for those.""Pfft... sure you did, " she bit her lip as she glanced up at him. "Sometimes people combine their bounty, but it never goes over 30.""Thirty? That's nothing!!" He puffed up his chest making her roll her eyes."I'll tell Nimda to at least make it close." She frowned when she noticed they had arrived, "we should part here.""That went by so fast," he bowed low. "We should hang out again when we get the chance.""Hmmm, hang out?" She pursed her red lips as if thinking, "does that mean spend more time together?""Yep, thats what it means," he wiggled his eyebrows at her making her giggle."I would really like that," she curtsied and handed him something. "Here I made this for you."System Message: You have received a token of affection.Token of AffectionBraided Grass BraceletUnique ItemDescription: Item cannot be sold or dropped.All stats permanently increased by 2.A bracelet hand woven with great delicacy.System Message: You have gained a follower.Leah FintreeLevel 4NPC Class: UnknownStrength 15Endurance 16Intelligence 19Agility 15Luck 10Charisma 28SkillsJeweler 88Diplomacy 91Cooking 94Swimming 99*Ding* Level 14System Message TAP Skill has leveled UpTAP: NPC AssassinSkill Name: Hiding in Plain Site Level 2An additional NPC, the Diplomat, has been addedto your list. While Diplomat is active, Charisma isincreased by +30.System Message TAP Skill has leveled UPTAP: NPC AssassinSkill Name: The Quest Giver Level 2You now have the ability to create Mass Quests.System Message TAP Skill DiscoveredTAP: NPC AssassinSkill Name:Practice makes PerfectDescription: You may learn up to three NPC Combat Skills.You may specialize in three NPC weapons."Thank you Miss Fintree," he fastened the bracelet around his wrist and held it up for her to see. Plus two to all my stats, nice."It suits you!" She smiled and stepped closer. She waited for a moment to see if he would pull away again, when he didn't she raised up on her tiptoes and softly kissed his cheek before stepping away.It didn't take Q long to find his table, most of his classmates were lounging around.Rhapsody gave him a look. "Did you do your turn in? How many did you get?" She smiled mischievously at him. "Bet I beat ya!" She threw an arm around his shoulder and gave him a conspiratory smile."Think so? Lets bet then." With baited hook he cast his line."Hey.. I wanna bet too, what is the prize?" Jinn returned from the stage having completed her turn-in, she rubbed her hands together. "What do you even have to bet with Q?""Hmm.. this should be interesting? " Rhapsody opened her inventory trying to find a suitable item, one arm still placed casually on Q's shoulders, sharp fingernails brushed the back of his neck making him shiver."Why is your hair wet again Q? Been bobbing for apples?" Jinn's brown eyes seemed to look through him. "You are up to something aren't you? She leaned forward sniffing, "why do you smell like apple blossom's?""er... Trick question right? We are in a orchard after all," he rolled his eyes at her. "Hey.. personal space please! I better turn in my tokens, back in a bit." He beat a hasty retreat.The Apple Princess was once again sitting primly on the stage, Nimda was next to her accepting turn-ins. The both smiled nonchalantly as he queued in line.Q nodded at them when he finally did his turn in. "My friends want to wager on who wins," he shrugged helplessly. "Any ideas?"Leah leaned over and whispered something in Nimda's ear, the old bandits face lit up as he in turn lowered his voice and spoke.The green haired dryad sat with her friend at the table, both of them were watching Q finish his quest. "He's up to something right?"Jinn nodded her head. "Yeah but what? And how did he raise his favor rating so high in Talon? Hidden quests maybe?"Rhapsody shrugged, "I have to do a bit of research on Talon anyways, should be able to figure out that also.""Oh ? Is he here then?" Jinn lowered her voice. "I'll help you when the time comes.""Yes he is here," she acknowledged with an evil smile. "I'll have to do some planning and research, but tentatively we'll do it in a few days. Time to lose my virginity!"Jinn interrupted her with a quick motion as she noticed Q returning. "Q!! We are going to bet right?""Yeah don't chicken out.. it's okay if you bet something lame, you're a noob after all." Rhapsody held out a small polished stone.Gambler's AceRare ItemDescription: + 20 Luck"You cheat!!" Jinn pinched her friends side, " no wonder you always win our wagers."Rhapsody shot her friend an innocent look before placing it on the table. "Ante up."Jinn smiled and placed an item on the table.Simple RestraintRare ItemDescription: Handcuffs designed to completely nullifyall abilities of the wearer for 30 minutes.Additional effect: Wearer is mute for 30 minutes."..." Q."..." Rhapsody."Okay, you are really scaring me." Q slowly took a small step back."Hmm.. we are going to talk about this later bad girl," Rhapsody licked her lips. "You've been holding out.""Okay, well I've got nothing either of you would want," he shrugged helplessly. "I do have a bit of information though."He noticed that both of them were interested so he continued. "There's a secret hot springs in Talon, and I know where it is located.The two friends glanced at each other in surprise. "Agreed," they spoke at the same time."Friends! Thank you for helping us Save the Apple Harvest." Nemdi had moved to the front of the stage and was reading from a scroll. He cleared his throat and continued, "I have the results of the contest."He glanced at the Leah and stepped to one side as she joined him at the front of the stage. "Our Apple Princess will announce the top three winners.""Third Place and winner of a one week stay at the Shady Horizon, Sinful Jinn." There was a scattering of applause, mostly from Q's table.Shady Horizon CertificateCommon ItemDescription: Bearer of this certificate will receive a one weekstay at the Shady Horizon.Item may be exchanged for 500 creditsJinn shot her friend a look, "using a luck enhancement to hunt Dervish is the lowest."Rhapsody smiled and stuck her tongue out."Second Place and winner of this beautiful puppy, Tormented Rhapsody." Leah held up a small red puppy with a large head and floppy ears.BINGOPet: Canine classDescription: This Red Hound is from the first liter of a prizedhunting dog. Bingo is a spirit animal and can be stored in Inventory.Bingo may be exchanged for 10 thousand credits"What? I won a puppy?" She bounded off toward the stage her eyes filled with excitement.Q gave Jinn a look, "think she realizes she didn't win?"Jinn rolled her eyes, "nope.""In First Place, and winner of a new mount from out very own Talon stables, Q!!"Q's classmates cheered loudly as he starting walking toward stage. The rest of the audience seemed less than enthused."Q? Is that a name?""How come that table won all the prizes?""Hey, It's that lame guy from before!""No way! This smells funny!"Q stepped up on stage and accepted the red bridle that Leah handed him.ScorchPet: MountDescription: A red stallion, as fast asthe wind.May be exchanged for 100 hundred thousand creditsSystem Message: You have been awarded 3000 experience points for winning the Apple Festival Contest.*Ding* Level 15The class gathered back at the table as the rest of the crowd began to disperse.Rhapsody was playing with her puppy and completely ignoring the jealous looks from the other girls at the table. "I'm so glad I didn't win!!Jinn gave her a look and clicked the back of her ear. "Alright everyone, we will check into our rooms at the Shady Horizon and then take an hour break before meeting in the lobby."Q gathered his winnings off of the table and quickly left while Jinn was trying to snatch the puppy from her friend. He checked in at the Shady Horizon and found his room on the second floor. It was just a simple one bed room with a small bathroom. He laid down on the bed.He waved his hand and clicked the exit option.A message popped up on his hud, "Do you wish to exit?""Yes Please."Q looked at the time. "Still too early for bed, I need to figure some things out." He activated his hud, and called Tal. She answered almost immediately her."Hi Quinn." She was in the kitchen, must be close to dinner time."Hey Tal, could use some advice from the smarter crowd.""Oh? Pops is on the roof with his pigeons, but he's coming down for dinner. Join us. Twenty minutes." Tal closed the hud quickly, not giving Quinn a chance to refuse.Twenty minutes later Q ran into an old man on the staircase. "Hey Pops.""Quinn! Looking good son, you eating with us?" The old man had thick curly hair that went in all directions. His old face was wrinkled and brown from a long life. He was tall, a bit too thin, and he limped slightly. He had clear blue eyes that seemed full of life.Quinn walked beside him down the hall to 414. "Yep, railroaded into it."The old man laughed and opened the door for him. "I'm sure she had to twist your arm."Tal looked up when they walked in. "Right on time guys." She bypassed her dad and gave Quinn a hug."Smells great Tal." Quinn rummaged through the silverware drawer. After helping set the table, he sat down.They all held hands. "Thank you for the meal."Tal noticed immediately that Quinn wasn't his normal self. "Quinn... go ahead and say whatever you need to.""Mom use to play TAP." Quinn looked down at his plate, suddenly he felt nine again."Quinn.." Her pretty blue eyes watched him, he had always avoided mentioning her. Tal reached out and held his hand."She left me a Legacy account. It has a few items attached to it, valuable items." Quinn continued, he squeezed Tals hand, but didn't dare look at her."Tell me everything Quinn, from the very beginning." Pops got up and grabbed a notebook before sitting down. He was one of those smart people who wrote everything down.Quinn explained about the Legacy Account, the hidden TAP Class and the key. He also briefed them on the countdown to Exodus as well as the Pioneer Bounty."If TAP is joining Exodus, then it must have already converted its economic system to something compatible with the other Exodus games." Ben was reading his own notes carefully, he had brought up his own hud and was doing some searches."Lots of things happen when a game joins Exodus." Quinn had been a Fodder when Guns & Gore first joined. "There will be an increase in TAP players, the Exodus Arena will see a lot of business as the TAP elites test themselves against the rest of Exodus.""Let me investigate this fully Quinn." He started scribbling more notes, then looked up at Quinn. You are going want to claim that bounty sooner rather than later""I agree Quinn, claim it right away. That much money will change your life." Tal squeezes his hand."Correction genius, it will change our life's. Afraid the three of you are stuck with me,no matter what."Pops nodded happily, "suits me"Tal's blue eyes stared at him, "I'm okay with that.""I'll start prepping things for Ren. Pops I'm gonna need you to start studying their economic system."Pops nodded, "shouldn't take long."
