Archeline was once a small game with only a few places you could travel to on the map, and after many updates, more cities were added. The game grew and more people were drawn to the game, be it because of the graphics, the gameplay, the promise of meeting players that shared the same interests, or something else. Ten years later, the game didn’t decline but could still keep the players wanting to play.

Scattered around the cities were teleports that made it easier to travel to another place and were used frequently. The one in Reiftan was placed near the border and it was far away from the bookshop.

A complicated magic circle could be seen on the cobbled path and a swirling blue light reached up to the sky. The air crackled around it and Jarreth stepped on the magic circle and chanted the desired location in his mind. He felt a pulling sensation in his stomach and his body broke into pieces and repaired itself when he arrived at the other city’s teleport.

Silverport was just like its name. It was a port town that had boats coming and going, and it was a big trading city. If there was anything you needed that couldn’t be found in dungeons, or from killing mobs, you’d more than likely find it here. The sun reflected off the shiny buildings that stretched out along the pier. And one building stood high above the rest in the centre. It was home to the ruler of this city: he was an amiable man who welcomed everyone to stay there.

It didn’t matter if you were running from someone, had a bounty on your head, or just needed somewhere to hide out. No one was turned away and surprisingly, the city was harmonious, and there were hardly any troubles. That was why everyone visited the city when they could, and it was the perfect place to hide Faye.

Jarreth had a friend in the city who had made a name for themselves through the trading stall they owned. The woman was known as Amara and had once been a part of Jarreth’s guild, but left for reasons she didn’t wish to disclose. Amara lived at the end of the pier and she was a good friend to have in times of trouble. 

Faye had awoken long before they had gone into the teleport and was still being held by Jarreth. There had been a lot of things to think about since the explosion in the shop, and everything after was like a whirlwind with no chance of slowing down.

There was the explosion, the Main Computer making an appearance and the peculiarity of her body. Despite nothing major changing, Faye’s sense of self had changed and was now dissimilar to what it once was. As an NPC, Faye was confined to the bookshop and a ringing voice echoed in her head, making it difficult for her to focus on anything else. But now, all was still: not a single sound, no worry about what would happen if she defied its orders - it was simply silent.

It was a first and although it was eerie, there was a relief that came along with it. Closing her eyes once more, Faye relaxed in his arms and a small smile played on her lips, that didn't go unnoticed by Jarreth. 

He removed his gaze from her gentle appearance and focused his mind on other things - like finding the trading stall. And it didn't take long to reach there as there weren't many traders out today, he guessed it might have something to do with the storm that was brewing: not many were brave enough to tough it out in the strong winds and heavy rain. Amara was different and traded in all kinds of weather. That was why it was easy to spot her at the centre of the pier. 

She had just finished selling to a customer, who went away with a satisfied grin and a promise to come back another day. "You're welcome any time." Amara bid them farewell and waved them off with a bright smile. Then she saw Jarreth approaching the stall and she ran out immediately to greet him. "Jarreth, it's been a long time! Why has it taken you so long to come to see me?" 

“Sorry, sorry. I’ve been busy with the guild and other things.” He laughed and said, “there’s actually something I need your help with.”

That was when Amara noticed the woman sleeping in his arms. Instantly, her face became more serious, and she seemed to understand something. She turned and packed up the stall and beckoned to Jarreth. “Follow me.”

Amara ignored the looks she was getting from passersby - they had never seen her leave the stall so early before, no matter what she would always be there selling the goods she had acquired since the start of the game - and she led the pair down an alleyway that led out to the city beyond the pier. It wasn’t as brilliant as the buildings in front of it, but it still shined more than any other place in the game.

The path they walked down was lined with fluorescent lights and as the storm was now close at hand, it was empty. Jarreth kept his gaze forward and followed Amara closely. His arms tightened around the woman, still sleeping soundly. Her brows had loosened, and she looked more relaxed than she had done for a while.

At the end of the path was a small house, it was made with the same cold material as the other buildings, and a glow bounced off the windows from the lampposts that decorated the streets. Amara opened the door and moved aside to let Jarreth enter the house and take Faye into one of the guest rooms. He laid her on the bed and covered her with a blanket, then joined Amara in the living room.

He sat facing her and Amara asked, “who was that NP-Player?” Her address of the woman changed because even she didn’t know what exactly the woman was. Her aura seemed like an NPC, but there was also one that belonged to a player. “What do you need my help with?”

Jarreth snuck a glance at the closed door of the bedroom and turned back to Amara to reply, “the woman is called Faye and she owned the bookshop in Reiftan. Something happened and now she needs somewhere to stay for a while. Only until I’ve gone back to sort some things out. Is it ok if she stays here for a while?”

Amara wanted to say something but stopped herself and instead said, “of course. We are old friends and I’ll do whatever I can to help.” She gripped his hand reassuringly and gave him a soft smile.

He returned the smile and looked down at their intertwined hands and a warmth spread in his chest. “Thank you, Amara.”