Raymond exited the Mage Association building, looked back to make sure he wasn't followed, then let out a deep sigh.
That girl was going to be a problem, but it was a problem for another day.
Just when he decided to go find the ladies, he looked up and saw them. Four fierce beauties, side-by-side, sauntering toward him.
Behind them, completely unknown to them, was pure chaos. Every head turned as they walked by.
Men and women were tripping over things in the street, walking into each other, slipping on wet spots, and banging their heads into street signs.
all because their eyes were on a group of warrior princesses, instead of whatever they were doing. Ray couldn't blame them.
Samatha, Alicia, Nikki, and Una came to a stop in front of Raymond. They had obviously been shopping.
Samatha wore a leather corseted dress that had a skirt that flared out behind her like the tails of a coat. It accented her curves perfectly, and she had it colored grey to match Ray's gear.
Alecia's anatomy didn't allow for much, but she managed chaps and a light red leather chest piece that was attached at the neck and around the waist, giving her wings and tail freedom.
Nikki opted for a black leather vest covered in throwing knives and a thigh length, segmented leather skirt. It reminded Ray of the armour from ancient Rome.
Una, the one they were supposed to be shopping for, came away with a form fitting, brown leather body suit that left her arms bare. It was the first time Ray noticed their former enemy actually had a great figure.
Raymond smiled and bowed low with a flourish. "My ladies, I am truly blessed by the universe to be in the presence of such beauty!"
They all giggled, except for Una who just looked away blushing.
They found a quiet spot for lunch and picked a booth in the corner where they could all fit.
As they waited for their food Raymond addressed the group.
"Ok, I was hoping to get started earlier, but this gives us a chance to fuel up before hitting the road. Does everyone have enough potions and such to last them a while?"
Everyone nodded thoughtfully, mentally mathing out what they have and how long it would last.
Una spoke up. "If we start running low, I can make a few low level pots. I'll just grab the ingredients we come across as we navigate the desert."
Ramond nodded, "excellent, that'll be a big help down the stretch. By the way, what kind of magic do you have?"
She shook her head. "I never got the chance to study magic. From the time I was old enough, I was running the desert with my brothers."
Ray nodded again and pulled three books and a scroll from his magic bag, placing them in front of him.
He used Appraising Eye on the two earth books
"Congratulations! You have found the complete Earth Magic manual. You have been granted Basic Earth Manipulation. As you use this skill will evolve with Earth Magic mastery."
"Congratulations! By gaining access to all four basic elements, you have unlocked Advanced Magics. Combine elements to discover new ones. All of your skills have increased.
"Your Power grows."
Raymond slid the books across the table to Una. "Study these when you get the chance, I think it will augment your fighting style beautifully."
Una took the books and ran her hand over the dark leather cover. The book itself seemed to buzz with magic. She stared at them in awe.
"Incredible." She whispered. "Thank you. I - don't know what else to say, but thank you."
Raymond waved her off. "I'm just trying to make sure we are all as well equipped as we can be for this journey."
With that he slid the remaining book to Samantha. "That's Lilith's grimoire, you were drooling over it when I first got it. I figured you'd want to take a look now that I'm done with it."
Samantha's eyes grew as big as saucers. "What do you mean you're done with it?" as she slowly picked up the book and tucked it away.
"I've gotten all I can from it, I figured you could make better use of it." Raymond said with a shrug.
"Gotten all you can?" shock and disbelief was all over her face and voice. "This is years worth of study and practice. What do you mean you've gotten all you can?"
"I ment for now." Raymond corrected himself, not quite ready to reveal all his secrets yet. "Hold on to it for me until I can gain a deeper understanding."
Samantha nodded, satisfied with that answer.
Finally Raymond picked up the old scroll ready to open it. Una recognised a symbol on the outside and stretched out her hand to stop him.
"Don't open that here, if that is what i think it is, you'll want to do that away from prying eyes. Trust me."
Raymond eyed the Tauren for a second then used Appraising Eye on the scroll.
"You have found the Mythical Scroll of Untold Tales. Opening this scroll will create moving hard light constructs of the tale within, along audio narration. This is the story of the Dragons and the Forgotten Desert."
"Value: Priceless"
Raymond nodded. "We'll look at this one after we've made camp for the night."
The group nodded as the server brought their food. They ate in silence, each one lost in their own thoughts. The warmth and flavor of stewed meats and fresh bread eased their tension.
Once outside the city Raymond decided to try out his Fly skill. He was wobbly at first but quickly got the hang of it.
Everyone was excited at the sight except Nikki, who watched with a pout. When Ray hoisted Samantha on his back to start their journey, Nikki and Alecia both pouted.
In the end Raymond carried Samantha, Alecia flew recon ahead of the group, and Nikki allowed Una to ride her back.