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Summer is nearing it's end, not that I'm complaining. This summer has been worst and I'm really just looking forward to seeing my friends, going into my last year in high school and in a few months it'll be my birthday... but there isn't much to celebrate. I look to my cup of coffee in bitter sadness and anger as I sit alone at my computer, I sigh as I finally take a sip of my drink and get up. It may be mid day but I'm so depressed I just want to go bed, so I do just that, the second my head hits the pillow the power goes out, to which I just roll my eyes I fall asleep.

Suddenly there's this green light that wakes me up, I look around I see there's this green ball floating in the air, I freeze in place, just in shock but then it starts shaking violently before enveloping me. I close my eyes and I feel rushing air, I quickly open my eyes to see I'm falling with trees underneath me, before I can yell I hit one of the trees and I go through branch after branch before hitting a solid one and I roll off landing flat on my back.

I groan as I do my best to get up, I look around, I have no idea where I am and it's so dark I can't see anything, the only thing I find myself saying is "Where am I?" trying to make heads or tails of where I am.

I start to roam around, I try to keep to a straight path but the trees make it difficult, I suddenly hear something move, I look around but I don't see anything, I shrug as I press on and a few minutes pass before I hear more movement.

I stop and I say "Who's there?" as I look around once more.

Two women emerge from behind the trees as they light a couple small torches but what's striking is that they aren't human, they are anthropomorphic, a fox and a wolf. The fox is wearing a red overcoat with crimson leggings, black boots, brown fur gloves, her shoulders have golden pauldrons that look to be more decorative then actual armor, she bares a purple cape and at her left hip is a sword. The wolf is wearing... well, almost nothing, her attire consists of what looks to be a special cloth formed into a bra that also goes around her neck kind of like a shash, in terms of 'pants' they look more like an ornate form of underwear and her leggings are blue like the rest of her clothes, she is also adorned with several jewels and a cape connected to an interlocking necklace.

Both sides become surprised, but I decide to openly surrender and I raise my hands to show I'm not armed. Both ladies approach me and their eyes start to scan me, their expressions becoming more amused.

The fox says "Hmm, unarmed and in dirty sleepwear. To add to that I don't recognize what you are, quite an enigma."

The wolf says "A primate by the looks of it, though you look quite bare. What's your name?"

I blink "I'm Adam and I'm a human."

The fox motions to herself "I'm Mavra."

The wolf gives a smirk "And I'm Serilda, you can lowar your arms by the way." with an amused tone.

I do as she says and the two anthros have me follow them to their camp site which is close by and they sit me down, no doubt they want to know more with Mavra giving me a curious smirk. I tell them what happened over the past few minutes, from being and my room up to now and trying to be as unflinching as possible... kinda hard to do though as I am a little bashful with how pretty both of them are. Both of them put on thinking looks with their eyes subtly shifting.

Mavra says "Sounds like a very powerful teleportation spell. But with how potent it sounds, I am not sure who would be powerful enough to cast it."

Serilda nods and she says "Indeed, a spell as powerful as that wouldn't be in the tomes we possess."

I think and I say "Wait, are the both of you wizards?" intrigued.

Mavra says "Yes, we are both magic wielders." with a smile as she motions her hand and a strong breeze follows the motion.

Serilda raises her hand and the fire for a few moments greatly increases in size. Not only am I amazed by the small displays, I am truly intrigued... real magic.

Serilda lightly smiles as she says "I think we have your full attention. I take it magic doesn't exist where your from?"

I say "No, it's pure fiction where I'm from."

Mavra says "Hmm, to be fair it is an uncommon talent here but it doesn't come as a shock. Magic is just part of daily life more or less."

Serilda says "But, you are in quite a predicament. Your stranded in a strange land with no kin and no clue what to do. Plus you don't have any actual clothes, much less any gear." with a raised eyebrow.

I sigh and I say "Yeah, I'm stuck between a rock in a hard place."

Mavra says "Well...", earning a look from Serilda, "There is another option." with a light smile.

I blink and I say "Which is?"

Mavra says "We can give you safe passage to Triskellian, you should be able to blend in there the best and figure out what you want to do once your there. Plus we can get you some clothes and maybe a weapon."

Serilda says "Mavra!" as she rolls her eyes.

Mavra goes to say something but I catch on and I say "How much?"

The two look to me, Serilda glances to Mavra for a moment and she says "Given that you have no money we need to look at that but the trail to Triskellian will take us through bandit territory. It shouldn't take us more then a few days though if we set off tomorrow."

Mavra says "How does seven aureal sound?"

I think 'Aureal? Sounds similar to the Roman aureus... a gold coin, regardless I'm going to paying through the teeth it seems.'

Serilda says "But it'll have all expenses covered." fairly quickly.

I have no options, it's either take my chances alone and likely die or go with them, I say "You have a deal, do I have to sign a contract? I don't have a pen on me... or paper."

Serilda says "No worries, we'll take your word for it." with a light smile.

The ladies decide to have me sleep in the same tent with them as there is only one which is great but I decide to try to keep my distance... though it is impossible, mostly because both have me in-between them. I do eventually fall asleep and eventually morning comes and we set off, with only my pj's and underwear my feet are taking a beating and I just don't feel comfortable. Mavra glances to me, she takes my hand and she helps me keep pace.

Mavra says "You don't talk much."

I say "I usually keep to myself."

Serilda says "Not to mention he's with two hot ladies." with a teasing smile.

I can feel my face instantly burn as Mavra snickers.

Serilda says "But in all seriousness, it's always the shy and quiet ones who'll have the most interesting stories to tell."

What looks like a shop and a hotel comes into view, and they both look medieval in design with the inside of the shop giving the same vibe. With some help from Mavra and Serilda I was able to find some decent clothes. A blue cloak, black pants with matching boots, a dark blue shirt and black gloves. Mavra also grabs an explorers bag and some items here and there to give me some stuff some to start with, some books, some paper, just some stuff like that. It was then the currency came to my attention, the aureal is indeed a thick coin with the standard currency being these silver coins being denarii with 24 of them equaling 1 aureal, there is also a copper coin called a orichalk with 12 of those equaling 1 denar. The shop owner and employees look at me with pure curousity, blending in is going to be difficult no matter how I do it, but I'm more concernd with gear and clothes to give their gazes true notice. The shop doesn't carry any weapons so that'll have to wait but we pay and leave after the ladies grab some rations and restock on water.

I feel a lot better now that I have clothes and now that I know the currency, that should help too. I thank Mavra and Serilda for their help, I know part of the reason is because they are getting paid but I still apprechiate it. We spend a few hours walking and we stop to take a break and have something to eat and I decide to crack open one of my new books and surprisingly I can understand it, the book is a random one I found, it's a spell book called "Casting Flame and Ash". I'm not sure how much time passed, but Mavra gets my attention that we have to move on.

Not much more happens as the day goes on and it is soon my second day here in this land, truth be told part of me was hoping that this was all some dream, but it's far from it.

Serilda says "Adam, tell us a little about where your from?" with a curious smile.

Mavra says "I'm curious too, what's your world like?"

I blink and I say "Well, currently where I'm from the year is 2011 and I'm from the country known as the United States."

Mavra says "2011? I wonder if we'll make it that far."

I then explain to them that from what I've seen so far, their level of tech in on par with our medieval era, specifically when it comes to Europe and I go into the kind of tech we have, from cars to planes and even space craft, computers and so on.

Serilda says "Sounds really far fetched."

I say "Says the magic user." with an amused smile.

Serilda says "But it is incredible." returning an amused look of her own.

I say "I wish I got transported with some of my stuff, I could actually show it to you."

Mavra says "Yeah, like one of those cars you were telling us about." which earns a couple of snickers from Serilda and I.

A few more minutes pass and suddenly a loud bang takes the air, causing Mavra and Serilda to bring me between them and start scanning the area. A few bandits come out, some have hammers, some have axes, one has a crossbow and a few have swords.

Mavra says "Stay behind us." which earns a nod from me.

A bear of great size comes out of the woods, his armor is rusted plate armor and his weapon is a massive double-headed axe.

The bear says "A group of travelers, we'll be taking your jewels and your gold.", he looks at me and he says "And what are you?" as his tilts his head.

Before I can answer Mavra says "We're his escort, you will address us!"

The bear laughs and he says "You two are his escort? Fine, we'll deal with you first!"

I glance and I yell "SERILDA!"

Serilda turns around and fires a pules of energy, sending a bandit flying. Mavra conjures a mighty gust and smashes a few bandits away. A long sword lands near me, I quickly pick it up as a bandit armed with an axe comes at me, I block but he sends me back, he raises his axe, I go to dodge but I'm too slow and he hits my shoulder, I thrust my sword which hits him and pierces through his heart. I pull my sword away but now my left arm is out as the axe falls off of me.

Mavra and Serilda form a tighter circle around me, but another bandit with a sword is closing the distance, I feel dizzy so I call to Mavra who sends out a shower of flame and engulfs him. I'm doing my best to fight the blood loss as I stand, but I'm close to blacking out. The bandit leader comes charging at us, I quickly scan him and I see a few gaps in his armor that may be able to exploit, I dash around the ladies and do my best to charge, I quickly thrust my blade into the rusted armor, my sword goes through the rusted plate, crimson leaks from it, I leave my sword as I try to roll away, thankfully he's too slow. But I instantly collapse, I guess that's all my body had left, I see the bear pull the sword out as he laughs, Mavra and Serilda begin unleashing their powers and I slowly black out.

I slowly regain consciousness, I quickly notice I'm in a room, my shoulder is bandaged but I'm still a little out of it. The room is very ornate but it looks almost like a doctors room. The door opens and I see a doctor come in, an anthropomorphic doe in some kind of doctors uniform.

The doctor notices me instantly and she says "Ah, our patient is awake." with a cheerful smile, she continues "I am apothecary Mayflower, how are we feeling today Adam?"

I blink as she said my name, but then I remember that Mavra and Serilda must've brought me here while I was out and I say "I just got up and I'm still sorting my mind out. What happened while I was out?"

Mayflower says "Your friends brought you in, thankfully your blood loss wasn't too bad and I heard you put on quite a show." as she starts checking my bandage and keeping her tone.

I give a light nervous laugh and I say "Yeah, I bit off more then I can chew."

Mayflower says "Your wound is doing well, you'll have to take it easy for a few weeks but it shouldn't be a problem, maybe one of the healers could help you if you want to jump back into it."

I think 'Healers? Hmm, something to check into I guess.' and I say "How long was I out?"

Mayflower says "About two days, the shock you had left it's impression that's for sure. Oh and welcome to Triskellian." ending with a warm smile as she finishes checking my wound.

I say "Thank you apothecary." with a light smile.

Mayflower says "There is one thing though, you are in the Rinaldi House, they are the rulers here and they are eager to ask you some questions. No doubt you have some questions of your own for them, but don't speak unless spoken to, it'll help you greatly."

I nod at understanding her words and she escorts me to this hall, foxes, wolves and bears are adorned in heavy armor and baring mighty weapons. These knights are clearly stationed to keep an eye on me, one false move and I'll be dead... classic. We enter a throne room, two grey foxes are sitting on two very eleabrate chairs, they have very fine clothes of regal purple and gold, the guy baring a golden crown and the woman adorned in a tiara, her long skirt is pearl white and a matching blouse with gold stitching. Off to the left is Mavra and Serilda with a heavily armed knight on either side of them, I just feel overwhelmed. The male grey fox opens by having the apothecary give her full medical report, to which everyone listins closely.

The fox looks to me and he says "What's your name?"

I lightly gulp as I subtly recompose myself and I say "My name is Adam, my lord." with a stright of a face as possible.

The fox puts on an amused smile, he says "It seems you know some ways of address, I am Fabrizio di Rinaldi, the Don of the Rinaldi.", he motions to the other grey fox and he says "And this is my wife Alcalee. You friends have filled us in on the battle and how they discovered you, along with the knowledge you've told them. You are an interesting case young man."

Alcalee says "You are the first new species we've encountered in centuries.", ice blue eyes scan me and she says "You look quite bare though, are you cold? The only fur you have is on on your head." with a curious look.

I say "I feel okay, mi lady, thank you though." with a light smile.

Fabrizio says "Tell us, what were you back home? A soldier? A miner? A farmer? What position were you in?"

I say "I was in high school, 11th grade going into 12th."

Fabrizio says "A student? What classes did you exceed in?" as he puts his hands together.

I say "Science and Literature."

Alcalee says "Hmm, a scholar? From what we heard you did your best to hold your own though." with an inquisitive smile.

I say "When it comes to the fight, I was just doing by what I had read in comic books and what I've seen on television. I have no training of any kind." and I think 'You idiot! Why did you say that!?'

This sparks everyone's curiosity and with a series of questions, they do have comic books to a degree, but I had to explain to them what a television is and how it works to the best of my knowledge.

Fabrizio says "Hmm, I doubt we'd be able to produce anything from your world. But I am curious, now that you are here, do you have any idea what you want to do?"

I say "In all honesty, I don't have a clue my lord, after getting here I was going to go from there."

Fabrizio and Alcalee look at each other and they start whispering, I just feel tense now, I doubt they'll execute me but I don't know what to expect.

Both foxes stop chatting, they look to me and Fabrizio says "Given your unique situation and that you are new to our world, we want you to remain here with us in the house of Rinaldi until you figure out what you want to do. We have also spoken to Mavra and Serilda, they are both amazing in their fields and they are the closest you have to friends and so if they wish to stay with you they can."

Alcalee says "Your needs will be met and if you want more information on something for a field that catches your interest we'll help you as best we can." with a light smile.

While I do think there is some motive here, my options are limited and it does seem like they are more then willing to help. Long story short I accept and am escorted to my quarters with Serilda and Mavra having rooms on either side of mine, they decided to stick with me afterall. The three of us find ourselves in my room and they've been catching me up on what happened while I was out. Between the royalty covering my medical bill and covering my payment to both Serilda and Mavra, they have my full attention never mind my current arrangment.

Mavra says "I wonder why the greys are doing this? They are always a suspicious bunch." with a light scowl.

I say "How so?" with a raised eyebrow.

Serilda says "Grey foxes are bluebloods and they tend to look down one those who aren't part of their flock."

I say "Part.. of their flock? Are you saying that they are all..."

Mavra says "Yes, they are all virtually inbred."

I blink and I say "And given they are bluebloods... I'm guessing they like to play 'chess games'?" as I chuckle.

Mavra scoffs as Serilda says "That's putting it lightly,"

I start to just laugh which catches both ladies off guard and I say "It really is the middle ages." as I continue to laugh.

Both ladies look at eachother for a few moments and Mavra says "But their charity won't last forever, though you have a great house backing you up. Many would kill to have even a hope of such a chance."

Serilda says "You are a blank slate to us, since they don't know what to expect from you they fear you, a grey fearing another is quite a deal." as she lightly scratches her chin.

I say "There is no reason for them to be afraid of me, but you are both correct, this is quite an opportunity." with a light smile.

Mavra says "Do you have any idea of where you want to start?"

I think for a few seconds and I say "Well, I want to get better at fighting and I want to stick with a long sword as I have experience with it, however little it is. But I also want see if I can learn how to use magic."

Mavra smirks and she says "A warlock? Very versatile and possible."

Serilda says "There is a magic school here, if you wish to attend that it would certainly be in your favor."

I say "Hmm, but what if they have the same reaction as the royals?"

Serilda says "That is also a possibility." with a sigh and a light nod.

Mavra says "Well, we are trained in the arcane arts and I'm sure we can find someone to train you how to use a sword, I'm confident in my abilities, but I recommend you learn from someone who has spent their life practicing it."

Serilda says "I agree, besides the schools are kind of stuffy for my tastes." with a smirk.

Mavra says "Keep in mind we are tarined in the use of elemental magic, so what element do you wish to learn?"

I start to think, but my gaze goes over to a lit candle, it's delicate flame dancing around and I say "I wish to learn fire." as I look to the ladies.

To be continued...