"Yeah, I did."

Mitch says "Do you still have its complete skeleton?"

"No, I've used a fair amount of it myself."

Mitch says "So you already know scrimshaw? What's your level?"

"Expert level twelve."

Mitch says "Not bad, yeah I can teach him a few things."

Walter says "Okay, you will need to use his tools to make yourself some tools and then make me some tools."

Mitch says "Yeah, I know. And I know what to make for the armor hard points too."

Walter says "Well, if you know then get moving! I can't start working until you make me tools!"

Mitch says "Alright, alright! We are going! Sheesh!"

Mitch is laughing as he leaves the store and I follow him out, he leads me to the store across the street. Well, that explains how he was summoned with just a shout, he is Walter's neighbor. His workshop is much cleaner and more organized than Walter's.

Mitch says "Don't mind Walter, he isn't as bad as he sounds."

"It's alright, I know his type. He doesn't offend me."

Mitch says "That's good. Now shall we get to work?"

"Sure."

First I take out and pile up the drake's bones and scales, then I take out the tools I made and hand them to Mitch. He takes the tools and a bone and starts working, he tells me what he is doing and why. Watching his technique as he explains actually helps me learn a lot.

I quickly realize that my own technique is crude by comparison, but that's not surprising since I learned by experimenting. I pay close attention to every move Mitch makes and everything he says. Even though his skill is only a few levels higher than mine his skills are far more developed.

*DING*

Congratulations! Skill Expert Scrimshaw has progressed to level 13!

Expert Scrimshaw

Level 13

Agi +16 Int +8

You can craft expert level bone items.

'Woah, I got a level just from watching?!'

This is impressive, just in watching Mitch craft a couple of tools I have learned so much! Unfortunately, Mitch is using the only set of tools, otherwise I would already be practicing what I have learned. So I continue watching and listening until Mitch finishes the set of tools.

Mitch says "Woohoo! I leveled up!"

"Congratulations!"

Mitch says "Hold on, I can now evolve my skill to master rank. Good thing I got the beast core I need a while ago."

"That's good, it must have cost you quite a bit."

Mitch says "Yeah, about six months worth of work, but totally worth it now."

"What kind of core is needed to go from expert to master?"

Mitch says "A greater beast core."

"Next time I get my hands on one I will have to make sure and save it."

Mitch says "Do you plan to raise your crafts to master level?"

"I enjoy crafting, so if I have enough time to do so I would like to."

Mitch says "That sword looks impressive, and the armor Walter and I will craft will be top notch. With those do you really need to craft anything?"

"No, not really, but I have companions I can craft things for."

Mitch says "Fair enough, then I will continue your education. However, it is getting late, do you have a place to stay?"

"Not yet, I had planned to find an inn."

Mitch says "Then you should come with me, there is an inn run by one of us at the end of the street. Most of us eat there since we are too busy to cook most of the time."

"Alright, sure."

Mitch says "Don't worry the food is the best you will find in Illium, and Sarah keeps the place perfectly clean."

"Oh, I'm not worried. Let's go."

When we exit the store I am surprised to see the sun has gone down. I am also surprised to see that the streets aren't dark, there are street lights every few feet. Looking at them they are definitely magical, probably enchanted with fire magic so they don't need any fuel.

Mitch leads me down the street towards a very well lit building, that must be the inn he mentioned. We don't see anyone else on the street but when we arrive at the inn and Mitch opens the door we find plenty of people. It looks like everyone who lives on the street is here in the common room.

Sarah says "Hey Mitch! Oh, a newcomer? Welcome to the Happy Traveler!"

Drog 'Hey, she's cute!'

'Drog, you better behave or else!'

Mitch says "Hi Sarah, this is Ash."

Sarah says "Welcome Ash, have a seat! What will it be?"

After sitting at a table I take a quick look at the menu as Mitch orders, then I place my order. After Sarah leaves I look around the common room, there are only fifteen people here and they are ignoring us for the most part. All the conversations I can hear are either about crafting or local gossip.

"Are all these people summons too?"

Mitch says "Yes, only rarely does an outsider come here."

"Will Walter be showing up at some point?"

Mitch says "No, to preserve everyone's good mood Walter gets his food delivered."

"Ah, I guess that makes sense. He seems like the type that only eats when he has to."

Mitch says "Yeah, if he is working on something he can go days without remembering to eat."

Our conversation is interrupted by Sarah returning with our food and drinks. The food is amazing and the mead is delicious, I can't imagine even the king eating much better than this. I notice that my portion is at least three times the size of Mitch's, I guess Sarah thinks I eat a lot. She even puts a bowl of food on the floor for Drog.

When I clear my plate before Mitch I realize Sarah is a good judge of her customers. Even before I realize I am still hungry Sarah is back and is replacing my empty plate with a full one. She also replaces my tankard of mead anytime it is empty, the service is as amazing as the food.

'That settles it, for however long I am in Illium I am staying here!'