Authors note - Another short story for you all. the last one got quite a bit attention, I really appreciate the support! Please feel free to leave thoughts and opinions in the comments!
While adventuring in this vast and dangerous world, good loot is the difference between life and death. But sometimes you never know what you're gonna get!
Hi! My name is Ava. I am a human girl in this world of mystical beings, and I fair quite low on the food chain. To make up for this, humans (and other humanoid creatures) craft equipment imbued with magic. As a rogue I venture on my own, sneaking around in places I probably should avoid. Having to gather scraps of gear and treasure to survive may seem like a precarious lifestyle... and it is.
I've spent the last 4 years honing my craft and body. Being able to parkour my way through castles and dungeons is my top priority. My legs and arms are tone however the rest of my weight has seemed to go to my round ass and ample tits. I keep my hair cut about shoulder length and tie it in a ponytail so it's not constantly fluttering around my face. I'm pretty short which is good for my role, I sit at 5'2".
What matters most is my equipment. A rogue needs a good blade, a bag of tricks and a solid instinct! I carry a small dagger my father gave me when I was little, it still keeps a good edge and I can be very sentimental. My satchel has all my favorite tools like my lock picks and grapple-hook. Lastly instinct... this is something I'm still working on but luckily I have a scroll of identification to make up for it.
I bought the scroll from a trinket shop in the last town I was in. It was pricey! Even after haggling it set me back 2 gold and 38 silvers. Unless I hit a jackpot, it might take me a few scavenger runs to the nearest dungeon to make back what I spent. Good thing I'm headed there now.
Just before the dungeon entrance is these fallen ruins most parties or guilds group up at before an expedition into the depths. Being a solo adventurer I prefer to avoid these ruins as some groups can be quite predatory.
Nearing the entrance to the dungeon, I double check my gear and build the courage to dive deep. "Here I go!" Taking my first step inside cave face housing this dungeon, I draw my dagger and press forth.
The halls in the place are all lit with torches that never extinguish, it must be some spell or magical energy, all I know is that I'm grateful. This place is expansive with nearly endless doors, secret passageways and dangerous traps. Getting lost or triggering a trap and you may never see the sun again. I have been here twice before, both runs I left with some pretty valuable loot. Any item with enchantments can fetch a hefty price. The scroll I bought should help me identify the most valuable stuff in here. My pack is only so big so I have to prioritize.
Making my way through the many corridors I do my absolute best to remember every turn I make. Finding a door that seems undisturbed is my best bet for loot. With my eyes on the lookout I think I found one. My approach to the door is cautious, I'd rather not spring any traps on the first door I open. A gentle push on the big wooden door and it slowly opens. Whew, nothing scary in here. Relaxing a bit I walk in.
The room is very grand. Tall ceiling, torches on every wall, heavy armored statues in several corners of the room. Nice! Perusing around a few chests catch my eye. Don't mind if I do!
First chest had a bag of coins. I'll have to count those later!
Second chest revealed absolutely nothing but cobwebs and sadness.
Third chest was more promising with some actual gear. A beautiful iron helmet with intricate engravings and a big red feather sticking out the top. It's too heavy for me personally but It could be worth a pretty penny. It was accompanied by a diary of the knight whose helmet this must've been. Boring!
The last chest in this room had to be good right? Opening it up I jumped for joy! Jewelry! My favorite! This was an absolute win. Easy to pawn and usually very valuable. I immediately start sifting through all the shiny pieces of gold and jewels. One is different however, not metal at all. It's leather with small silver rivets and it is giving off lots of magical energy!
Time for the scroll! I lay the parchment down on the ground and place the leather band on top. Symbols on the scroll begin to glow and arrange in the air above the leather jewelry. "Well shit, I cant read that!" The shopkeeper that sold me that scroll of identification did not disclose that the language would be anything other than the kings tongue. Fortunately there are some symbols that resemble everyday hieroglyphics. Like this one, it's a symbol of bread with a line through it. Not super helpful without context.
Maybe I'll just try it on and see what happens? Picking up the leather band It looks like a bracelet of some kind but the diameter seems too big for my wrist. Ankle too, the only other spot is my neck. Grabbing either end I press the leather against my neck and fish one end through the other. It's snug.
With the leather necklace on I start to wonder what magical abilities will come with it. Nothing is happening. I make some hand motions to see if all of a sudden I can cast a fireball or something. Nope. Ah well, let's just put it in my bag for now. Uhm... what?!
The clasp at the back has fused together. Shit! What is this thing?!? Frantically scratching at the back of the leather necklace hoping for its removal I begin to panic. The necklace keeps getting tighter and now breathing is becoming a labored event. Is this thing alive or just cursed?!
I reach for my knife but it may be if no use, this necklace is too tight to slide a point under without hurting myself. I need to go find help!
