DD - Book 2 - Chapter 7 - The Plaza

So: Two notes about this chapter. First, I'm going to remove the one sentence in the first book about Sylvia being a vampire. After discussing my plans with a couple of my friends I have a much better idea for her.

Second, this chapter was based on an idea I had for book one, which I swear that I wrote at some point, but can't actually find. Maybe I trashed it, maybe I used the wrong search terms, or looked in the wrong chapters. It's driving me nuts. If the introductory dungeon is in the first book, but I've completely overlooked it, please let me know. Maybe I threw out the idea later, but it's not in my discarded chapters so... yeah. Still love it, that's why it's back. Hope you enjoy.

It took nearly an hour for us to navigate through the streets and to the outskirts of the city. At first I couldn’t understand why they would be set up so far away from the manor, especially if the manor was supplying them with the magic required to run. 

Frustratingly, Kass was no help. She just sat there, a mysterious smile on her face, saying ‘You’ll understand once we arrive,’ letting me stew in my anticipation. Sure enough, as soon as we passed through the old city wall, and arrived in the outer district, I understood.

The adventure plaza absolutely dominated the north side of the city. Although they weren’t as large as the manor, the other dungeons were absolutely colossal structures in their own right. They sat end to end, surrounding an entire district of the city on the north, east and west side.

“Incredible,” I murmured. “Which part is the plaza?”

“The entire thing. It started as just the dungeons, along with a couple support complexes like complementary housing for both employees and competitors, and viewing areas for the fans,” Kass explained. “Over time more people moved in, adding pubs, souvenir shops, and various other entertainment venues. Now it’s the heart of the city’s entertainment district. You see that big park in the middle? That’s where the city holds most of the major events, and celebrates major holidays.”

“I can’t believe you haven’t brought me here before,” I said, turning towards her. “This place is great!”

“I had plans to…” she mumbled. “I just never found the right time to invite you.”

Normally I was the one that blushed, and turned away during a conversation. Seeing Kass do it was oddly endearing. I turned towards the window and smiled. “So, where are we going exactly?” 

“There’s a little bistro across from the introductory dungeon called Shelly’s Eatery,” Kass replied, after recovering slightly. “It’s Sylvia’s favorite restaurant, so I told her we’d meet her there.”

“The introductory dungeon?” I asked. “What’s an introductory dungeon? I thought the dungeon ranking system started at the ‘Training’ level.”

“Oh, you’ll see in a few minutes,” Kass smiled. “I’m sure you’ll love it.”

The carriage pulled up to a massive fancy arch made of dark wood and metal at the edge of the district with the words ‘Dungeon Plaza’ engraved in it.

“This is the main thoughtfair. There are a couple roads around the interior of the plaza, but not many. The best way to explore is on foot,” Kass explained as she pushed open the door and stepped out. As soon as her feet touched the ground she spun about and extended a hand. “Shall we?”

“Of course!” I laughed, taking her hand and following her out. George leapt from the top of the carriage, and immediately started scurrying back and forth across the street, shoving his face up against the glass of the nearby eateries. “Hey, stay close now!” 

Before I could go after him Kass grabbed me and latched onto my arm. “Don’t worry about him. George may be a little bit excitable, but he knows how to behave when he’s out in public.”

“Usually,” I muttered. “Aren’t you going to change back to your true form now that we’ve arrived?”

“I’d love to, but if I did we’d probably draw a lot of attention,” Kass frowned. “It’s best to keep a low profile until after our meeting. Don’t worry, I can handle it for an hour or two.” 

She pulled on my arm excitedly, pulling me deeper into the district. “Come on, we still have a little time before our meeting, we can grab a snack on the way to the Introductory dungeon.”

I let her pull me along, making sure to glance back occasionally to ensure that George was following, as we wandered through the quaint little shopping district. Most of the buildings were tiny, containing only two or three rooms, and they were made of either a sparkling white, or light grey stone. Most places had a large plate glass window to display their wares, or a small kitchen window to allow the smells to flow out of their kitchens. It reminded me of some sort of quaint vacation town, it was lovely.

After a few minutes of what was less walking, and more directed browsing while eating ice cream, we came to a small park. On one side of the park was a large, colorful brick building. The sign over the door read: Adrence Introductory Dungeon.

“I don’t get it,” I muttered. “It’s obviously not a real dungeon, it’s far too small, what is it?”

“Come see, they have a couple windows so the parents can watch what’s going on, it’s the cutest!” Kass exclaimed excitedly.

“Parents?” I muttered, confused, as she pulled me over to a massive glazed window. Underneath it was a plaque that read: Floor One - Bo Peep’s Farm

Just beyond the glass was a small meadow where a large group of children who appeared to be between five and ten chased giant flemish rabbits around. Whenever they caught one they carried it over to a sheep girl in a fancy milk maid costume. 

“What is this?” I asked quietly.

“They call it an introductory dungeon,” Kass quietly explained. “Since dungeon delves are super popular, but you’re not allowed to attempt a training dungeon until you’re twelve, someone came up with this cute idea! It’s a child play center with a dungeon theme. The kids learn the basics of cooperation, in a dungeon like setting. There are a dozen or so playrooms, and if the kids manage to complete all the activities they win a prize.”

“And the kids like that?” 

“Are you kidding? They love it! And they’re not the only ones.” Kass replied, gesturing to the girl in the milk maid outfit. “That’s Cassy, she used to work at the manor a couple years ago. She quit just so she could come here to work with the kids. Most of the staff here worked in a dungeon at one time or another, and they have plenty of people that have either protective or healing magic, so parents feel safe leaving their kids here.”

“I never imagined that a place like this could exist,” I murmured. 

“It just goes to show you how popular dungeons are in this day and age. Even the kids want to get involved,” Kass giggled. “And I think it’s exceptionally cute.”

“It is,” I agreed, mesmerized by the sight of all the happy children running around. 

We stayed there a few minutes until Kass shook me out of my daze. “I know you’re enjoying yourself, but it’s about time to meet Sylvia. We can come back afterwards if you want.” 

“Maybe,” I replied, taking one last look at the kids before turning towards her and smiling. “If we have time. Where are we going?”

“Just across the square, come on.” She took my arm and gently guided me towards a fairly large place that resembled a fairy tale cottage. It had a bunch of asymmetrical round windows, lit from within by cheery firelight, and several crooked copper chimneys. 

When I pulled the door open I was immediately surprised at how cozy it was. The walls were made of thick, irregular stone, and finished with hardwood. There were several sizes of tables, decorated with rustic tablecloths, and sitting right in the middle of the room was a massive round fireplace.

A few seconds after we walked in, a large lizard woman in a chefs’ apron wandered out of the kitchen. “Kassandra! Good to see you, is this the new friend you were talking about?” 

“It is!” Kass laughed. “Cassy, this is Talia. Talia, Cassy.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said, reaching out to shake the woman’s hand.

“Is Sylvia here yet?” Kass asked.

Cassy nodded. “She’s up in the private room, snacking on appetizers. You know how she can be when she’s hungry. You two go on up, I’ll send someone up in a couple minutes to take your orders.”

“Thanks Cassy,” Kass replied. 

When the lizard woman turned back to the kitchen Kass led me around the fireplace to a small staircase in the back. The narrow wooden stairs led up to a cozy little landing that was just big enough for a single round table. Behind it was a tall woman with pale skin, sunken eyes and long black hair. There was a pile of plates by her side, and she was gnawing on the remains of a steak bone like a wild animal, although she stopped as soon as she saw us.

She wiped her face and hands daintily, before standing up and throwing her arms out, a wide smile on her face. “Kassy, it’s been too long! How have you been?”

“I’m good! How have you been?” Kass replied, stepping forward to hug the much taller woman. 

“Busy, you know how it is,” the woman stepped back, hunching slightly to prevent her head from smacking the ceiling as she looked down at me. Studied me. “Is this the friend you told me about?” 

“Yes. Sylvia, this is Talia, the new head of the ballroom. Talia, meet Sylvia.”

“Nice to meet you,” I declared, sticking out a hand.

Sylvia continued looking down at me, her gaze reminded me of a hungry predator. After a few seconds she relaxed, grinning widely as she reached out and took my hand. 

“Nice to meet you,” she replied. Her tone was warm, but her hand was ice cold. “Have a seat.”

I took a seat across from her, and took a nervous sip of the water that was already set out in front of each of us. As soon as Kass sat down Sylvia leaned over and nudged her with an elbow. “You were right, she is cute.”