I raced on choco-back to San d'Oria.
Chateau d'Oraguille was my destination this day.
As I was winding my way along the path, an Orc leaped out of nowhere, spooking the bird.
My mount jumped and beat its wings in a frightened flurry of feathers.
It was all I could do to keep from sliding out of the saddle.
I managed to calm the bird, but no matter which way I tried to go, the Orc insisted on blocking my path.
What do you want?! I finally shouted, frustrated.
It spread it's froggy fingers and grabbed hold of the chocobo reigns, ensuring I would not escape easily.
Then it growled something at me...
Me Stubbbuk Cherrygodd. You took what me want. Fight. This you.
The Orc handed me a muddy, poorly treated piece of animal hide.
I inspected the rudimentary drawing.
Two stick figures. The larger was sticking a sword into the smaller one, which had some resemblance of a tail.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the attempt to intimidate me. I wasn't a quivvering new Red Mage anymore.
Just then Sha-chan rode up along side me.
Kiamo, what do you have there?
An invitation to brawl, I believe.
I handed the hide over to Shagrath. He looked it over and shook his head.
You aren't going to, are you.
Well why not? It's just some Orc from Ghelsba Outpost. I can take it.
That's not the point, Kia. There is simply no need for you to fight it.
But--
Orc, release her chocobo this instant.
Me Stubbbuk Cherrygodd. Girl be taking. Fight NOW!
You challenge her for sheer malice. She will not participate in such an act, for she has done nothing to you. Zoriace will be along shortly. Should he find you harassing adventurer's he will report that to the guards. Do you want a swarm of San d'Oria's knights to descend upon you?
With a defiant grunt, Stubbuk Cherrygodd released my chocobo's reigns and lumbered away.
Shagrath... Why can't I--
He pressed a finger to his lips and shook his head.
I pointed to the hide with the drawing he held in his hands.
Shagath grinned slyly at me and pressed his heels into the chocobo's flanks. His mount squaked and took off at a blazing pace toward Sand d'Oria.
Don't you need to speak to Curilla!!
I gave chase, but was not able to catch up to Shagrath.
He did wait for me inside. Where I found he had "misplaced" the hide I had surrendered to him.
We walked to the Chateau d'Oraguille in silence.
I went in and spoke with Curilla while Shagrath waited in the antichamber.
She gave me an old pocket watch and sent me to pray at the Cathedral.
What I did not know is that the priest there expected me to donate a piece of Velvet Cloth before I was allowed to pray!
Shagrath fetched me one and while I was praying for lost souls all over the realm a spirit appeared unto me.
It actually handed me a pair of old boots!!!
I tried to explain the incident to the Priest, but he kicked me out! How absurd.
The more I talk to these men, the more I wonder on my religious convictions.
I went and told Curilla about what I had seen and showed her the boots. She told me to take them to the Crawler's Nest and find a chest that contained Crawler Blood, then bury the boots and the blood in a sacred spot to purify them.
I thought it was an odd request, but Shagrath and I headed out to the nest anyway.
We left for the night after I had buried the items together.
The next day, I ventured out alone to see what had become of the shoes.
I found a pair of brand new Warlock's Boots!
When I took them to show Curilla she insisted that I keep them!
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