Study Preparations

Job Details:

Job Sign-Up: Page 35, Post Number 863

-Silver Wolf Guild Hall, Leona's Room, 10:00 P.M.-

Wearing her white tank top and "chocolate chip" desert camouflage shorts, Leona sat at her desk using her Daggerbook to look up where to buy study materials for the GED test she planned on taking as soon as she got a break in her schedule of rebuilding her home village and saving the world. She was slowly learning to use the Daggerbook, but she still needed to buy a wireless mouse for it because the trackpad was a little more sensitive than she would like it to be. Leona wanted a mouse so that she could more precisely control the cursor.

Despite that minor problem she had already found one place to buy the needed materials and that was The Scholar's Resource in Capital Crocus Mall. Leona had already been to that particular bookstore, so she knew exactly where to go to find what she was looking for. Leona browsed at the prices and found that she would have to pay about 500 Jewels apiece for the necessary books; since there were at least four major subjects she would be shelling out at least 2,000 Jewels at The Scholar's Resource, if not more. However, she had spent many times that sum on books for personal research into Ancient Desierto, so 2,000 Jewels was a small investment for her future.

Leona wrote down the prices and names of the study materials on a small notepad on the center of the right side of her desk and double-checked her writing to make sure everything was accurate. Once she had confirmed that everything was accurate Leona exited the lacrimanet browser and shut down her Daggerbook, then set the pencil on top of her notepad. She left the room to go get some coffee before she reviewed the Outside Scholars memberships and decided which one she wanted. From what she had read during her last research on the subject the Silver Membership was a good balance between access privileges and affordability, but before she committed to Silver she wanted to know all of her options.

-Leona's Room, 10:25 P.M.-

After a coffee break that was a bit longer than she had intended Leona re-entered her room and sat down at her desk, pulling out her notebook with the five levels of Outside Scholars memberships and the details for each level. She flipped to the right page and began reviewing what she had written down. It had been less than a week since Leona had written down the information, but the death of Chief Elijah and the possibility of reconciling with her mother had taken her attention completely away from her notes for very good reasons. Leona turned her attention away from recent events and focused on the notes she took on the Outside Scholars program.

The five levels of membership were Tin, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

As one could deduce from the structure of the levels, each level of membership came with more privileges and a higher price tag. Tin was the basic membership and cost the least while Platinum was a special membership that was attainable by invitation only and had the most privileges.

Applicants to Outside Scholars could either apply in person at the Crocus Magicka University library during library hours or apply online any time. Online applications would be processed the next business day after application.

Leona, having learned what she was looking for, looked away from her notes and towards her Daggerbook as she considered her options. She could either go in person to apply or apply over the lacrimanet.

Leona did not have a lacrimanet e-mail and she did not feel comfortable giving out personal information over the lacrimanet. She was also old-fashioned and had not quite gotten a handle on technology yet, so applying in person was much more comfortable to the Wizard Saint. Since she was already going to Capital Crocus to visit The Scholar's Resource for GED study materials, it would make sense to kill two birds with one stone and visit Crocus Magicka University before buying the study materials from The Scholar's Resource.

Having made up her mind on what to do, Leona put her notebooks inside her desk and planned to get an early start tomorrow. She would go to Capital Crocus early and visit The Scholar's Resource first, then she would go to Crocus Magicka University and apply for the Outside Scholars program in person. At least that was the plan. Leona knew that plans often tended to be derailed because someone needed saving or a surprise errand needed doing, but that was nothing that she was not unaccustomed to.

-The next morning, 5:45 A.M.-

Leona woke up and rolled off of the bed, landing on her left side. She quickly got up and made up her bed, then walked over to her closet and picked out her green, white, and gold outfit and black bike shorts and set both of them on the bed. She then got a clean pair of socks from her sock drawer and tossed them onto her bed while fighting the urge to postpone her plans and go back to sleep. Leona probably should not have had coffee before bed because she did not get to sleep until midnight, but here she was getting ready to make a day of it in Capital Crocus.

Leona got dressed in her outfit, then put on the bike shorts underneath her skirt. She then sat on the bed and put on her socks, then finally her boots. She removed Ses Revanche from the right boot and set it on her bed because neither the university nor the mall would tolerate weapons on the premises. She did not like going anywhere without at least one weapon available, but she would grin and bear it. At this point in her career she was a weapon. She had powerful magic and over two years of experience in using it, so she was more than able to defend herself or protect others if trouble came up during the day's events.

Leona also left her backpack behind because she did not want someone to think that she intended to shoplift. Again she was mildly upset about not having supplies on hand, but she would be in a big city with everything she needed... for a price. Leona put on a side pouch attached to a canvas belt to have something to carry Jewels in since she did not have a purse, tightened the belt, then left her room under the watchful eye of PG-13. She then left the guild hall to set out for Capital Crocus Mall, which would be her first stop of the day.

-Capital Crocus, 7:45 A.M. outside Capital Crocus Mall-

It was early morning in Capital Crocus and it was busy, much busier than the Wizard Saint had expected it to be. After weaving through early morning crowds and navigating the city Leona stood just outside Capital Crocus Mall reading the times on the door. Leona sighed when she read that the mall did not open until 9:00 A.M. today. She had gotten here way too early to go to the bookstore.

Leona was briefly disappointed by what she had learned, but ultimately she was not deterred. She would simply have to postpone her trip to the mall and instead visit Crocus Magicka University's library earlier than she had anticipated. However, she would need to find Crocus Magicka University before she could visit its library.

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-Capital Crocus, 8:15 A.M.-

Leona was wandering through Capital Crocus in an attempt to find Crocus Magicka University, but right now she was having no luck. She was currently in the process of trying to locate a kiosk so that she could get a brochure that might have a city map on it. She had located a kiosk on a sidewalk a short distance away from the mall and was trying to find either a brochure advertising Crocus Magicka University or at least a map of the city so that she could find her way there.

Leona was browsing through the offerings with her back turned to the street when she felt a tap on her left shoulder. She turned around and found herself facing a familiar face. It was Dr. Crouch!

"Hello, Miss Jarnefeldt. I'm surprised to see you here this early!" The doctor said to her. He was dressed in a gray three-piece suit and carrying a black briefcase in his left hand.

"I was here to look into the Outside Scholars program at Crocus Magicka University and buy GED study materials from The Scholar's Resource. I thought about what you had told me at the dig site and decided to seriously look into it." Leona told him her reason for being in Capital Crocus this early in the morning. The doctor seemed pleased to hear that the Wizard Saint was acting on his advice.

"I can't help but to notice that you seem lost, Miss Jarnefeldt." He said to her. Leona nodded.

"I can't find Crocus Magicka University. It's been almost two years since I last went there." Leona admitted that she was lost. The doctor smiled.

"As luck would have it, I'm on my way to the university now. If you'd follow me, I'd be glad to show you the way and walk you to the library." He offered. Leona did not have to take very long to decide what she was going to do.

"I'd be glad to follow you, Doctor." Leona replied.

"Very well then. Follow me, Miss Jarnefeldt." He said to her. Leona wordlessly fell in on his right side and together the unlikely pair began to head towards Capital Crocus' institute of higher education. The blonde found it strange that she was walking side-by-side with a man who was a harsh critic of hers almost two weeks ago, but maybe he had taken a liking to her... or maybe he had at least softened his view of her.

-Capital Crocus University campus, 8:30 A.M.-

Leona kept pace with Dr. Crouch, who could walk a lot faster than his age suggested. The pair walked on a path paved with cobblestones past immaculately maintained hedges and large stretches of grass. Students sat on benches lining the path or sat on the grass itself; they were chatting, reading books, playing frisbee, throwing a football, or any other number of recreational activities. Students were also walking by the pair on their way to or from class.

"So you're here to ask about the Outside Scholars program?" Dr. Crouch asked her business on campus. Leona nodded.

"Yes, Doctor. I want to access the university library's research materials, but I'm not ready to become a student. Not yet." Leona answered candidly. He beamed with approval.

"That's a good idea, Miss Jarnefeldt. The university library is filled with a lot of research materials and a lot of students and professors use them. Depending on your budget and your free time, I suggest that you at least get a Silver membership so that you can access the library without too many restrictions. if your budget can handle it and you have the time, I would seriously look into getting Gold membership." Dr. Crouch suggested as the pair continued to walk. Leona smiled. She had actually studied that subject and was equipped to discuss it with him.

"I did some research on the school website and I took notes on the five levels of membership. I was looking at getting at least Silver since it's a good balance between cost and access privileges. I'm a Wizard Saint and sometimes I have to drop what I'm doing in order to handle something urgent, so I don't want to spend too much on something I'm not gonna use often enough to justify the expense. While I'm tempted to get Gold for the privilege of entering the library an hour before students and possibly earning an invitation to Platinum membership, Silver seems to be the best level for my needs." Leona informed him. He seemed pleased by her reasoning and gave a small smile.

"That's fair enough, Miss Jarnefeldt. Silver is a good starting place for a busy person like you who can't spend all day in a library like others can. It'll get you in the door and give you enough access to Extended Hours, allowing you to make the most of the visits you do make." Dr. Crouch replied. The pair stopped in front of a glass and metal building with four floors and sliding glass doors. It was a simple and businesslike structure that

"Well, here's the library, Miss Jarnefeldt. Go to the circulation desk on the first floor and ask the librarian on duty about the Outside Scholars program and they'll be happy to help you sign up." Dr. Crouch informed her. Leona nodded.

"Thanks, Doctor." Leona thanked the older man for his help.

"It's no problem, Miss Jarnefeldt. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a lecture at 9:00 A.M. to prepare for. If you get the chance, I'd like you to come by my office around 12:45 P.M. or so." He said to her before excusing himself.

"OK. If I get the chance I'll drop by your office later today." Leona assured him. He gave her a small wave and went on his way, leaving the Wizard Saint to ask about the Outside Scholars program and enroll in it. She had brought plenty of money to pay the membership fee and buy the GED study materials, so money was not the issue. The real issue was working up the courage to enter the library and ask about the program.

Leona did not feel like she truly belonged in a place of higher education, but she needed to ask about the program not only for the sake of research, but for her own sake. She needed to find the courage to interact with people outside her circle of acquaintances. She also needed to get an education so that she could have a decent future if one day she got too badly hurt to continue being a Wizard Saint and Guild Mistress.

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-Inside Crocus Magicka University Library, the first floor-

Having worked up the courage to finally enter the library after minutes of hesitation, Leona slowly approached the front desk as she looked at her surroundings. The Wizard Saint walked on olive green carpet and saw metal bookshelves to her left and right as she walked towards a semicircular wooden circulation desk manned by a young woman with copper hair wearing a pink t-shirt with closed blue vest featuring a golden CMU pin on the left side and a laminated ID that bore the name "Thelma." Completing the outfit was a black knee-length skirt. Once Leona got to the desk she waited patiently while the young woman scanned books to check them back in and then put them on a cart to be carried back to the shelves from whence they came.

"Hi, welcome to Crocus Magicka University Library." She said before her eyes made contact with the Wizard Saint's eyes. Once they made contact the young woman grew visibly excited and began to struggle for words.

"I'm here to look into joining the Outside Scholars program." Leona calmly informed the librarian. The young woman smiled widely.

"The Outside Scholars program? Oh, right! Hold on a minute and I'll get you the paperwork!" Thelma said, barely containing her excitement as she turned around and left the desk, walking towards the back of the library and walking towards a single wooden door that had a black rectangular "EMPLOYEES ONLY" sign on the door.

"I can't believe I'm helping Leona Jarnefeldt sign up for the Outside Scholars program!" Thelma said to herself while walking towards the back of the library. Leona heard faint whispers coming from other sections of the library and heard the sound of chair legs  gliding on carpet. As time went on Leona saw the heads of curious young people peeking from around bookshelves and even saw a curious staff member or two peek at her with glasses gleaming in the florescent light like the eyes of a predatory animal. Leona blushed in embarrassment and did her best to ignore the eyes of the curious students and staff burning holes into her.

After a three-minute wait Leona saw Thelma return with a clipboard full of papers and an ink pen.

"Here you go, Miss Jarnefeldt! Or is do you go by Leona? Or do you use your Wizard Saint title?" Thelma asked her as she handed over the clipboard. Leona took it into her right hand and made eye contact with Thelma.

"You can call me Leona." Leona gave the excited librarian permission to call her Leona instead of by a title.

"Sure thing, Leona! Just take an empty table and fill out everything. Return to me when you've filled it out and I'll sign you up for the Outside Scholars program!" Thelma instructed her esteemed guest. Leona nodded and walked over to an empty square table and pulled out a chair, then sat down and moved the chair in. She began to carefully read over the paperwork and fill it out.

-Thirty minutes later-

Thirty minutes after receiving the paperwork Leona stood up from her table and checked over it again. It had taken her this long to finish not because it was complicated, but because she wanted to make sure everything was filled in and was perfectly accurate. Once she was satisfied that it was, Leona took the clipboard and pen back to Thelma, who was checking more books back in. Leona waited until Thelma was finished before politely getting her attention.

"Oh, hi Leona! I see that you filled out the paperwork!" Thelma said. Leona handed the clipboard and pen to her and Thelma began to browse Leona's application.

"I see that you went for a Silver Membership. That's a good starting point for a busy mage like you. You can always upgrade later if you want!" Thelma commented on Leona choosing the Silver Membership and then informed the Wizard Saint that she could always upgrade later if she wanted. Leona was glad to hear that she was not permanently locked into her choice and that she could upgrade later if she wanted more access to library materials. The young librarian then walked out from behind the counter with the clipboard.

"I'm going to get your card ready for you. It'll take a few minutes, so please be patient!" She told Leona. Leona nodded and began to wait for Thelma to return with her Outside Scholars card.

-Ten minutes later-

"I'm sorry, Leona. It took a bit longer than I expected, but here you are!" Thelma told Leona.

"The fee to start a Silver membership is 25,000 Jewels." Thelma quoted the total. Having prepared for this Leona pulled out a bag of Jewels with the necessary amount from her side pouch and handed it to Thelma. Thelma opened it and counted them out, then closed the bag back up, put them in a cash register and printed out a receipt, which she handed Leona along with the card. Thelma then opened another drawer and pulled out a brochure that she handed to the Wizard Saint.

"OK Leona, you're now an official member of the Outside Scholars program! Here's your card, your receipt, and a brochure telling you about rules, restrictions, and other membership options!" Thelma said to Leona. Leona took them all into her hands.

"Thank you." Leona thanked Thelma for her help. Thelma waved goodbye at the Wizard Saint and pulled out an iLac.

"Um, Leona... may I take your picture?" Thelma asked. Leona nodded.

"Certainly." Leona replied in the affirmative. She set her items down and stood still until Thelma had taken her picture.

"Thanks!" Thelma said and gave a thumbs-up. Leona took her items and left the library. She had a busy day ahead of her and not a lot of time to get everything done.

-Outside the library, Crocus Magicka University Campus, 9:10 A.M.-

With her new Outside Scholars membership card in hand, Leona stopped outside the library and looked for a clock. She saw a large clock mounted on a pole sitting about twenty meters from her position. The time was 9:10 A.M., which meant that she still had over three hours before she was due to meet with Dr. Crouch in his office. Leona was not sure whether to just stay on campus or go to the mall and try to buy GED test materials before coming back to meet with Dr. Crouch.

Leona walked over to an empty wooden bench and sat down so that she did not block the entrance to the library. She was not sure what she should do. Should she stay on campus and try to fit in or should she go to the mall and get what she needed before coming back to meet with Dr. Crouch?

Leona was leaning towards going to the mall, but she did not want to risk losing track of time and missing the appointment, so she opted to stay on campus. She had solved that problem, but another one came up. What was she going to do for the next three hours?

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-Three hours later, 12:30 P.M., outside Dr. Crouch's office-

Standing just outside Dr. Crouch's office and catching her breath after a whirlwind of activity, Leona had had a busy three hours after signing up for the Outside Scholars program.

In that time she had gotten a visitor's pass so that she was officially permitted to walk about campus, had visited the campus store and had bought an officially licensed navy blue Crocus Magicka University t-shirt in her size for a souvenir, had spoken briefly with quite a few starstruck students who could not believe that a Wizard Saint was on campus, had had her picture taken by said starstruck students, and had even found Dr. Crouch's office in the Archaeology department thanks to a starstruck faculty member who had thought that the Wizard Saint was applying to be a student. Now she was standing outside the doctor's door and waiting for the chance to speak with him on whatever it was that he had wanted to talk to her about.

Even though he had told her that they would meet around 12:45 P.M., Leona had gotten there early so that she would not have to worry about being late. She held her t-shirt in her arms and waited for Dr. Crouch, but he would not be here until 15 minutes from now. Leona was in no hurry and the mall was open for most of the day, so she waited patiently for the doctor to get back from class so that they could have a conversation in his office.

-15 minutes later, 12:45 P.M.-

Leona was walking slowly back and forth outside the office door and was starting to worry whether something had happened to Dr. Crouch when she heard rapid footsteps approaching from down the hall. Almost a minute later Dr. Crouch himself appeared with briefcase in hand, but he was not in a good mood. He looked to be agitated about something and acted like he was in a hurry to leave here. He spotted her and his face softened a little.

"Ah, Miss Jarnefeldt! I know that we were supposed to meet in my office right about now, but something's come up and I don't have time to talk, not today!" He told her in an apologetic tone. Leona blinked.

"My younger sister Edwina has fallen down the stairs in her home and she's at Crocus General Hospital. As far as the doctors know her injuries aren't life-threatening, but she's badly hurt and I need to go see about her quickly!" He explained. Leona instantly understood why the doctor was in such a hurry to leave.

"OK. You go see about your sister. She's much more important right now, so we'll meet another time." Leona told him. He nodded and ducked inside his office for something while Leona remained outside. A minute later he came out with a small business card in his free hand that was the color of old parchment. He turned off his office lights and shut the door behind him, then locked his office door.

"Here's my daughter's business card. I was going to talk to you about her, but now that this has come up we'll have to talk another time. Take the business card and drop by her office whenever you get some time." The doctor handed her the business card, which Leona accepted with her right hand.

"I must go now, Miss Jarnefeldt. I'll get in contact with you when this matter's been resolved! Until then, farewell!" Dr. Crouch told her before hurriedly walking off, leaving the Wizard Saint standing there with her t-shirt and Eleanor Crouch's business card. Leona took a moment to think about her next plan of action.

Now that the meeting with Dr. Crouch had been cancelled, the Wizard Saint was going to go to the mall to pick up the GED study materials and possibly some new clothing to wear to the GED exam. But first she needed to return her visitor's pass, then drop off her t-shirt, Outside Scholars membership card, and a few other things at the guild hall so that she did not have to worry about her belongings being stolen at the mall.

With that in mind Leona left Dr. Crouch's office door behind and left the building to begin the next phase of her plans for the day.

-Inside Capital Crocus Mall, the First Floor, 3:30 P.M.-

It had taken an hour to fly back to Silver Wolf Guild Hall, secure her purchases from Crocus Magica University inside her room, and add another 100,000 Jewels to the funds she carried with her in case the GED study materials were more expensive than she thought they would be. It had taken another hour to fly back to the outskirts of Capital Crocus, then a fair bit of time to get inside the mall due to the heavy foot traffic around the shopping center. Now Leona was on the first floor and walking past the food court to get to The Scholar's Resource in order to find and buy the GED study materials she had come to the mall to get.

The food court was crammed with people waiting in lines that snaked on for what seemed like forever, so Leona would skip that and focus on getting the study materials before The Scholar's Resource closed. Within five minutes of entering the mall Leona was inside the bookstore and browsing for what she needed.

-Inside The Scholar's Resource-

Leona entered the bookstore and her presence was announced by an electronic DING-DING that sounded. She walked slowly down the center aisle of the lightly populated bookstore and carefully read the white signs sitting above each bookshelf for STUDY MATERIALS or a similar label. She did not see them on the central shelves, so she began searching the wall-to-wall bookshelves for what she needed. Leona scanned the left shelves and did not find what she needed, so her eyes turned to the bookshelves lining the right wall and did not find them there either.

Leona took a breath and calmly walked towards the wooden counter at the back of the store. She saw Melanie manning the counter and raised her hand in greeting. Melanie smiled and waved at the Wizard Saint.

"Hi Leona! What brings you here today?" Melanie asked the Wizard Saint.

"I'm looking for GED study materials but I can't find them." Leona replied. Melanie smiled.

"I'll find them for you. They're kinda tricky to find, but I know exactly where they are. Wait here and I'll have just what you need in a few minutes!" Melanie offered her aid to the Wizard Saint. Leona nodded.

"OK, I'll be right here." Leona replied. Melanie walked out from behind the counter and made a beeline for the far left bookshelf right next to the door. Once she reached it she took a knee and began plucking thick books from the bottom of the shelf until she had four books, then formed them into a neat stack and picked them up to bring them to the counter.

About four minutes later Melanie was back at the counter and checking out Leona's books.

"I got you the Comprehensive GED Test Guide. It's written by current Crocus Magicka University faculty, so you're getting good study tips and study material. I take it you're going to take a GED test?" Melanie asked. Leona nodded.

"Yeah. One day I might want to apply to Crocus Magicka University and I don't have an official high school diploma, so Dr. Crouch suggested that I take the GED test and then apply to the CMU entrance exam. He told me that getting a GED and taking the entrance exam was the best bet for me to get into the university without a traditional high school diploma." Leona told Melanie her plans for the future as the latter scanned the books. Melanie was smiling until she heard the name "Dr. Crouch" and frowned.

"Dr. Edward Crouch? From the Archaeology department?" The other blonde asked with barely concealed disgust. Leona nodded hesitantly.

"I don't like the man. I'll just leave it at that." Melanie said in a thoroughly unhappy tone while scanning the last of the four books. Leona nodded and listened out for her total while reaching for the side pouch containing her Jewels.

"Your total will be 10,000 Jewels." Melanie told Leona. The Wizard Saint fished out the appropriate sum of Jewels and handed them to Melanie, who smiled as she took the money and printed out a receipt for the Wizard Saint before placing them on the counter. Melanie then set a white cloth bag on the counter.

"Would you like to purchase a reusable cloth shopping bag?" Melanie asked.

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-Outside The Scholar's Resource-

Leona stood outside The Scholar's Resource holding her new white cloth shopping bag with The Scholar's Resource printed in gold letters. It helped cushion the weight of the four thick study books, which was good because she did not want to lug the heavy books by hand. The bag had cost her an additional 1,000 Jewels, making her total purchase 11,000 Jewels. However, it was a small price to pay for a reusable shopping bag.

Now that she had secured the study materials Leona could either return to Silver Wolf Guild Hall and begin studying or she could go look for an outfit or two to wear to the GED test.

Leona's current wardrobe just would not cut it for test time. She wanted something modest to wear, something like a long-sleeved t-shirt and knee-length skirt with comfortable dress shoes. She also thought about getting a few tank tops to wear around the guild hall or in Desierto. The shirts and skirts were more important than the shoes... if she could not find any good dress shoes she would go to The Athlete's Edge and buy a nice pair of white tennis shoes and call it good. The proctors of the GED test would not care too much just as long as Leona was not provocatively dressed or otherwise ill-dressed for the occasion.

Leona had no idea where to find decent dress clothing, but she knew that The Modern Woman on the second floor had a lot of casual clothing like tank tops. However, their tank tops were a bit on the thin side. With no real options left to her, Leona opted to pay a second visit to The Modern Woman to see if they had tank tops that were thicker and her size.

-The Second Floor, inside The Modern Woman-

Leona walked into The Modern Woman and immediately began looking at their long-sleeved t-shirts. She noticed that they came in a variety of colors like blue, red, green, pink, orange, and shades and hues of said colors. Leona was pleased with the color choices, but now she had three important criteria that the shirts had to pass in order for her to buy them.

First, they had to be in her size.

Second, they had to be somewhat thick and not thin.

Third, they had to have a lengthy shirttail.

With those three critical points in mind Leona walked over to the long-sleeved shirts and began to examine them. Leona walked towards a blue long-sleeved shirt and felt the fabric. It was fairly thick and not easy to see through, so it met one of the three criteria. Leona took it off of the rack and looked at the size tag on the hangar.

It was a Large, a size which she was unsure if it could accommodate her large chest. Leona set the shirt back on the rack and looked for a section of clothing set aside for young women like her. Unfortunately she did not find one, so she opted to look at the tank tops and see if there were a few she could buy to get something out of this visit. Leona walked over to the tank tops and began to peruse them, applying the same criteria that she had applied to the long-sleeved shirts.

Leona found a blue tank top that looked like it might be what she needed and ran her fingers across the fabric. It was fairly thick, so she moved onto the next step of the selection process, which was to check the size. Leona had just pulled the rack off of the shelf when she was approached by a green-haired young woman with pointy ears wearing a company uniform of white polo shirt with The Modern Woman in pink letters and black dress pants with black dress shoes.

"Hi there! I'm Katelyn! How can I help you today?" The young woman with green hair asked Leona. Leona held up the tank top and tried to find a way to discuss her particular problem, which was finding shirts that fit her.

"I'm having difficulties finding shirts that... shirts that... well, shirts that fit." Leona tried to find a way to describe her problem before settling on the direct approach. She did not want to come out and say that her chest was big, but the employee should be able to read between the lines with the word choice Leona had used. The young woman took a look at Leona's figure and nodded.

"Ah, I see what you're saying. Don't feel bad... we get this kind of situation more than you'd think. We have a section set aside for young women like yourself. Follow me!" Katelyn said. Leona put the blue tank top back and followed the employee a short distance away to a section against the far wall of the store that had five racks of clothing. On the left rack Katelyn found a blue tank top and pulled it off of the rack, showing it to Leona.

The Wizard Saint ran her fingers over the fabric and found it to be of sufficient thickness to meet with her approval.

"Would you like to try it on?" Katelyn asked. Leona nodded.

"OK then. Are there any other colors you'd like?" She asked.

"Yes, please. I'd like green, white, and navy blue, if you have those in my size." Leona replied with her requested colors. Katelyn nodded. She quickly began to sift through the shirts on the rack and quickly picked out a green tank top, a white one, and a navy blue. Leona was impressed by the employee's speed.

"If you'd follow me, I'll show you to the dressing rooms." Katelyn requested. Leona followed Katelyn to the dressing rooms, which were a short distance to the left.

-The Dressing Rooms, The Modern Woman-

Leona was in Dressing Room Number 6 and was inside with her outfit top off and the blue tank top on. Leona looked at herself in the mirror and saw that the white tank top was a comfortable size and it was thick enough to keep her somewhat warm and modest. Leona tried the shirttail and found that it was also of a generous length; it could be tucked into shorts or a skirt without any trouble.

Satisfied with the blue tank top, Leona took it off and set it aside, then picked up the green tank top and put it on. Leona looked at herself and found it to her liking. She looked at the shirttail and found that it was long enough to tuck into clothing. Leona took off the green tank top and set it aside, picking up the white tank top and trying it on.

Again it met all three criteria, so Leona set it aside and tried on the last of the four, a navy blue tank top. Leona put it on and looked at herself. It met all three criteria, meaning that Leona was four-for-four when it came to shopping for tank tops. Leona put on her outfit top and put the tank tops back on their hangers, then left the dressing room to go purchase them.

-Outside the dressing room-

"So, will they work for you?" Katelyn asked Leona. The Wizard Saint nodded.

"They're perfect." Leona voiced her approval.

"Excellent! Is there anything else I can help you find today?" The green-haired employee asked Leona. Leona nodded.

"I'd like a few long-sleeved shirts as well. I'd like them in blue, white, green, and navy blue." Leona requested. Katelyn nodded and went over to the rack of long-sleeved shirts that were second from the right and began searching through those. About three minutes later she had four shirts in the requested colors in her hands. She walked over to the waiting Wizard Saint and handed them to her, taking the tank tops off of Leona's hands.

"I'll take these and save them for you at the counter. Is that OK?" Katelyn asked.

"I'd like that, thank you." Leona thanked the green-haired young woman for taking the initiative to do that. Leona then went back into the dressing room with her four long-sleeved shirts to try those on as well. Maybe Leona could go four-for-four on long-sleeved shirts as well.

[Post Word Count: 1,382]
[Total Word Count: 6,398/10,000]

-Outside The Modern Woman, twenty-five minutes later-

Leona left The Modern Woman with not only The Scholar's Resource bag she had carried in but also two white plastic shopping bags from The Modern Woman. One of them contained her tank tops and the other contained her long-sleeved t-shirts. They had cost her roughly 2,000 Jewels altogether since they were 250 Jewels for each shirt. Leona had gotten all the shirts she needed... now she needed to find a black knee-length skirt to wear and some good dress shoes, but she had no idea where to go for those items.

The Modern Woman had black skirts, but they tended to be the short kind. The Modern Woman also did not sell shoes. Leona was not too upset because she had gotten the shirts, which were what she needed the most. The skirt was optional but something she would like to have and the dress shoes were optional as well.

Leona tried to think where she could find a good knee-length skirt and approached the mall directory to see if there were any other clothing stores on this floor. The Wizard Saint sidled up to the directory and looked at the stores on the second floor.

There was Intimate Secrets if she needed lingerie. There was also The Athlete's Edge, which was her backup option for shoes. However, aside from those two there were not any other clothing stores on the second floor. There was one on the first floor called Earthland Eagle and another called The Fashionable Lady. On the third floor was one called Sartorial Elegance.

Leona looked at the directory and weighed her options. She could either go to the third floor or she could go to the first. After spending a minute or two thinking it over she decided to go to the third floor while she was in the area. Leona left the directory behind and located the nearest stairwell that would take her to the third floor.

-On the Third Floor-

Leona exited the stairwell to find a moderately populated third floor with several shops. The first store to he right was Sartorial Elegance and the front had a definite upscale look that made the Wizard Saint's current outfit feel rather shabby. Leona took a deep breath and approached the store.

-Inside Sartorial Elegance-

Leona entered a medium-sized clothing store that had bright lights hanging from the ceiling and a floor that vaguely resembled a runway used at fashion shows with walls that were covered in black cloth like at some photo shoots. To the left and right of the main aisle were racks of clothing that had prices in the five-figure range. It was a good thing that Leona had brought plenty of Jewels with her since there was a good chance she would leave the store a bit lighter in the wallet.

Leona remembered her mission to find a knee-length black skirt and began perusing the right side of the store when a middle-aged woman with brown hair in a tight bun wearing a purple blouse with black knee-length skirt and black stiletto heels approached Leona at the speed of a swooping hawk. Her heels clicked against the floor as she walked down the main aisle with her bright green eyes focused on Leona. Moments later she reached Leona and looked at her with a critical eye. Leona felt a magic signature from the older woman that equaled that of an S-rank mage, meaning that the woman was not a world-ending threat but was still someone not to be taken lightly.

"Oh my. You're so far behind the times it's absolutely painful. That look went out of style about fifty-five years ago!" The middle-aged woman opined in a voice that did not hide her contempt for the blonde's outfit. The comment about being "so far behind the times" applied to a lot in Leona's life, not just her fashion sense. Leona kept that to herself and let the woman continue her appraisal of the Wizard Saint's outfit.

"That style... it's from Desierto. The short jacket. The skirt. The boots. It's all so Desierto that I can hear the wind blowing across the sand." The woman continued critiquing Leona's outfit while correctly identifying its origin. Leona made eye contact with the woman and spoke.

"I'm looking for a black knee-length skirt to wear for a test I'm taking at Crocus Magicka University. I'm gonna be sitting awhile and-" Leona started to explain her reason for shopping here before the woman pressed a finger to Leona's lips to silence her.

"Shhhhh. It's OK, darling. There's no need to talk anymore. Madame Natalie will find you something better to wear than those old rags." The woman referred to herself in the third person and promised to "save" Leona from her woefully outdated outfit. Leona was not sure what she had gotten herself into when Madame Natalia approached and began taking a closer look at Leona.

"Hmmm... your derriere is rather big." The woman passed judgment on Leona's backside as she looked at it. She used magic to produce a measuring tape from nowhere and wrapped it around Leona's backside without warning, taking a measurement as the Wizard Saint blushed. The measuring tape went around Leona's waist as the blushing blonde was too embarrassed to protest. The measuring tape was taken away and the woman then looked at Leona's chest.

"Your chest... it's big as well." Madame Natalie commented to Leona. The Wizard Saint was not sure what the woman was getting at. The blonde was well aware of her proportions and the problems they gave her when looking for clothes. Leona was always looking for modest clothing that could comfortably fit her, which was why she had entered Sartorial Elegance to begin with

"However, your proportions are no problem. Madame Natalie will help you. You will ask "Madame Natalie, how can you help me?" and I will answer "I am Madame Natalie, a fashionista from Minstrel who once walked the catwalks of exclusive Minstrel fashion shows attended by nobility!" I always have the answer!" The woman assured Leona that the blonde was not beyond saving because Madame Natalie had the solution to all her fashion woes. The woman certainly liked to refer to herself in the third person a lot.

"Come, my dear. Madame Natalie will help you tout de suite!" She said before seizing Leona's left wrist and dragging her down the aisle that looked like a fashion show runway. Leona was too confused and too embarrassed to protest, so she meekly kept up with Madame Natalie the best she could while the woman moved with purpose. The fashionista was on a mission and nothing would stop her from completing it, not even Leona's body proportions.

[Post Word Count: 1,130]
[Total Word Count: 7,528/10,000]

-In the dressing room of Sartorial Elegance-

Leona stood in front of a mirror in a large dressing room with Madame Natalie watching her like a green-eyed hawk. The woman was so disdainful of the Wizard Saint's attire that it was a wonder that the fashionista had not forcibly removed it from Leona's body the moment they were in the dressing room.

"Now that I see those rags in the mirror they look even more dreadful than before! We must remove them tout de suite!" Madame Natalie exclaimed, then moved towards the Wizard Saint and pulled out the tape measure, moving it towards Leona's chest. Leona turned to her and spoke.

"What are you doing?" Leona asked her warily.

"I must take a measurement of your chest. I want the outfit I am picking for you to fit perfectly!" Madame Natalie defended her actions. Leona took a breath.

"OK." Leona relented. Madame Natalie wrapped the tape around Leona's chest and took a measurement, oblivious to Leona's growing discomfort as she moved her hands about.

"Tell me. Do you have a boyfriend?" Madame Natalie asked, making small talk that was not-so-small talk. That was the kind of question Leona disliked.

"No." Leona answered calmly while looking at herself in the mirror. Leona did not take offense to the question because the woman was just trying to talk to her and Leona needed to learn to engage in small talk with people outside of her family, Chief Joshua, and Samira Nassar. That was the point of going to Singles Night and interacting with her guildmates.

"Well then... do you have a girlfriend?" Madame Natalie asked. Leona blushed again. Leona did not have a girlfriend, but she had been attracted to Masha Dymonrel at Singes Night. She was also friends with Samira Nassar, but that friendship was just a platonic one.

"No." Leona answered with a red face. Madame Natalie chuckled.

"Who you love is your business. I was simply curious as to who you were looking to dress up for." She said to Leona.

"I'm dressing for a GED test and I'm going to be sitting awhile, so I wanted something more modest than what I'm wearing now. I'm after a knee-length skirt." Leona explained to Madame Natalie in a calm voice. The woman looked at her for a moment with an expression of incredulity.

"Oh, is that all?" She asked dryly. Leona nodded. The woman looked a bit disappointed in Leona's motive and put her hands on her hips while she looked the Wizard Saint over. The woman was clearly expecting Leona to want a new outfit so that the latter could dress up for a boyfriend or girlfriend.

"Yes. I'm from Desierto and my village's school didn't exactly hand out diplomas. I'm going to take a GED test so that I can get the equivalent of a high school diploma that's from an accredited program. Then once that's done I'll have to take the Crocus Magicka University entrance exam that's for people who don't come from traditional educational backgrounds." Leona explained her motive for seeking an outfit. Madame Natalie's expression turned from disappointment to surprise.

"Oh? You're from Desierto?" The fashionista asked. Leona nodded.

"That explains why you're wearing that outfit even though it's behind the times." The older woman remarked. Leona let the comment pass without a reply.

"Still, it does have a certain flair, if only to make its wearer more identifiable, like a trademark. Tell me, what is your name?" Madame Natalie praised the green, white, and gold outfit just a little before stopping to ask who the Wizard Saint was.

"I'm Leona Jarnefeldt, the Wizard Saint of Courage." Leona identified herself. Madame Natalie's face went white.

"Oh my!" She said simply. Leona saw that the woman was genuinely surprised to be dealing with a Wizard Saint.

"While I stand by my belief that your outfit's behind the times, I see why you wear it now. It's only natural to wear the style of the country one came from." Madame Natalie said in a deferential tone, swiftly changing from the critical one she had been using up to this point. The older woman then smiled.

"Now, I promised you a solution to your problem and you will have a solution. Stay right where you are and I shall return with what you need!" Madame Natalie promised. She departed the dressing room, leaving Leona alone to look at herself in the mirror. The Wizard Saint looked at her outfit, which had been torn and mended so many times that it was a wonder there was any fabric left to repair. Leona was glad for the existence of Cloth Make Magic... that magic was the only reason her outfit was still able to be worn without looking like she had run it over with a lawnmower before putting it on. She really needed to find a regenerating version of this outfit like Ruvel had created a blue, white, and gold outfit that repaired itself.

Leona stood quietly in front of the mirror and waited for her self-proclaimed rescuer to return with an outfit she needed.

-Fifty minutes later-

Leona had waited fifty minutes and Madame Natalie had not returned from the trip yet, making her wonder if the woman had went somewhere to actually make the outfit her Wizard Saint customer needed. Leona remembered that the fashionista had taken measurements of her chest, waist, and backside. Perhaps Madame Natalie really was making Leona an entirely new outfit.

The door to the dressing room opened and in strode Madame Natalie with a blue turtleneck long-sleeved shirt and knee-length black skirt.

"Ah, you think I have forgotten about you! Fear not, for Madame Natalie has not forgotten! It took awhile to make these for you, but make them I did!" Madame Natalie triumphantly exclaimed. Leona was surprised that the older woman would go that far for Leona, but that might be due to her status as a Wizard Saint rather than any devotion to fashion. The blonde had not asked for special treatment.

"Please, do try them on!" Natalie requested. Leona reluctantly took off her outfit top and put on the blue turtleneck. Once it was on she looked into the mirror and smiled. The shirt fit perfectly, it was thick enough to keep anything from being seen, and it had a shirttail that was just the right length. Madame Natalie smiled.

"I see that you like the shirt. It is just the right size for you, so you do not need to worry about it emphasizing your chest by being too tight." Madame Natalie commented. Leona was smiling as well.

"Now, I would like to see how the skirt looks on you." The older woman requested.

"Would you mind leaving the room for a moment?" Leona nervously asked. The fashionista nodded.

"Certainly. I will be just outside the door. Call me if you need me." Madame Natalie replied, leaving the dressing room. Now that the older woman was gone Leona began to take off her current skirt and bike shorts so that she could try on the knee-length skirt that had been made for her. Leona removed her skirt and then began to remove the bike shorts, thankful that the older woman had left because today the bike shorts were giving her a bit of trouble. For some odd reason they seemed like they did not want to let go of her legs and thighs. This was an awkward situation for Leona, but since it was just her and the mirror, she would get through it with enough time, patience, and effort.

[Post Word Count: 1,272]
[Total Word Count: 8,800/10,000]

-Inside the dressing room, five minutes later-

After a bit of a struggle with her bike shorts Leona had finally taken them off and had put on the black knee-length skirt. Once it was on Leona looked at herself in the mirror and was pleased with the skirt. It was long enough and it did not put emphasis on her backside.

"I'm ready, Madame Natalie." Leona called out to the fashionista. The older woman re-entered the dressing room and saw Leona wearing the blue turtleneck and the black knee-length skirt. She could not contain her joy.

"Oh, you look positively magnifique!" Madame Natalie declared and clasped her hands together. She looked at Leona with a facial expression beaming with pride.

"I like this outfit a lot." Leona stated her satisfaction with the garments Madame Natalie had made for her. The shirt and skirt fit her comfortably and did not emphasize her chest or backside, which meant that she would not be a major distraction to her fellow test-takers when the time to take the GED exam came. Her celebrity status as a Wizard Saint was distraction enough without her wearing something that did not quite fit or cover her properly. Now Leona felt like she had an outfit that was both appropriate and comfortable for an academic setting.

"I am pleased to hear that, Miss Jarnefeldt. I am glad to see that you like my work." Madame Natalie replied to Leona's praise. The Wizard Saint was happy with the outfit and had no problem with paying five or six figures for it.

"Is there anything else Madame Natalie may help you with?" The older woman asked Leona.

"Do you sell dress shoes?" Leona inquired, hoping to complete the look with articles bought from one place. Madame Natalie shook her head. She turned away from the mirror and looked at the wall for a few moments before turning back to Leona and speaking.

"I do not sell shoes, but I have a friend from Minstrel who does. I can give you her business card, but I must warn you... you will have to travel to Minstrel itself to visit her shop. She seldom leaves Minstrel." Madame Natalie informed Leona that while the former did not sell shoes, she knew someone who did. Leona was not terribly surprised to hear that to complete her outfit she would have to travel elsewhere to get the shoes. Still, the prospect of traveling to Minstrel was somehow appealing to the Wizard Saint. It had been years since she had last been to that country.

"OK. I'd like that." Leona replied.

"Bon! Now I will leave you to change clothing in peace. I will be at the counter when you are ready to purchase your new outfit." Madame Natalie said before walking out of the dressing room to give Leona privacy. Leona carefully removed her new shirt and set it on the back of a chair, then carefully removed the skirt and set it on top of the shirt. She then put on her bike shorts and outfit skirt before putting on her outfit top.

-At the counter, ten minutes later-

Those bike shorts were almost as hard to put on as they were to take off, but maybe that was just Leona. After dressing in her outdated outfit from Desierto she had taken the new outfit to the counter and had paid for it. The shirt and skirt both cost 30,000 Jewels apiece, bringing her total to 60,000 Jewels, a price Leona had happily paid so that she finally had a decent modern outfit that looked good and fit her. Madame Natalie gently folded the clothes and put them in a burgundy plastic shopping bag with the store's name in gold print.

"Thank you for your patronage, Miss Jarnefeldt. It was a pleasure to make these clothes for you." Madame Natalie thanked Leona for patronizing her shop. She also dropped two business cards into the bag. One of them had to be hers and the other was presumably her friend in Minstrel.

"And thank you for helping me today, Madame Natalie." Leona thanked Madame Natalie for taking such an interest in the Wizard Saint, even if said interest was occasionally intrusive.

"It is no problem. I told you that Madame Natalie always has a solution!" Madame Natalie boasted. The older woman handed the bag to Leona, who put it in her left hand along with the tank tops and long-sleeved shirts from The Modern Woman. Leona turned to leave when Madame Natalie spoke one last time.

"Be sure to say hello to Madame Caroline for me when you meet her!" Madame Natalie requested.

"Certainly." Leona said before she walked out of Sartorial Elegance 60,000 Jewels lighter but with a modern look that she would be proud to wear.

-Outside of Sartorial Elegance-

Leona had taken nine steps away from the entrance when was starting to feel overloaded with shopping bags. In her left hand were three bags of clothing and in her right hand was the cloth bag of GED study materials. Leona took a moment to think about her plans from here.

Her plan was to call it a day and return to Silver Wolf Guild Hall in order to handle the large amount of paperwork that undoubtedly awaited her back at the guild hall. She would begin studying for the GED exam some time soon when she was not tired from travel and shopping. She would also do so if her schedule permitted it... her duties as a Wizard Saint and Guild Mistress always came before her personal projects, even one that could open the door to getting a higher education.

Leona walked over to a mall directory and looked over the shops again. She had no pressing need to visit Intimate Secrets, Earthland Eagle, or The Fashionable Lady today. With Madame Natalie's gift of a business card for a friend who sold shoes in Minstrel Leona would hold off on visiting The Athlete's Edge for now. She wanted to see what Madame Caroline had to offer before settling for common athletic shoes.

After determining that she did not need anything else from the mall on this trip Leona decided to call it a day and return to Silver Wolf Guild Hall so that she could wash her new clothing and do some paperwork before going to sleep at some point after midnight.

[Post Word Count: 1,070]
[Total Word Count: 9,870/10,000]

-Silver Wolf Guild Hall, Leona's Room, 9:30 P.M.-

Leona had returned to the guild hall around 5:45 P.M. or so and had washed her new clothing after setting the cloth bag of GED study materials on her bed to free up her right hand. After washing the clothes she had also hung each piece on a hanger in her wardrobe so that it would be ready for wear when they were needed. Having hung up the last of her new shirts, Leona looked towards her desk.

On top of it sat three business cards, a plastic silver card, a brochure, and several paper receipts. The first business card was for Dr. Crouch's freelance archaeologist daughter Eleanor. The second was for Madame Natalie. The last was for Madame Caroline the shoemaker who lived in Minstrel. A fourth card sat below all of them and stood out for being colored silver and being made of plastic instead of card stock. It was Leona's personal Outside Scholars membership card.

The brochure was for the Outside Scholars program. It laid out the five levels of membership, the perks that came with each level, and how to upgrade her membership if she ever wanted to go Gold or to downgrade her membership if she could not afford to maintain Silver-level membership.

The receipts pertained to her various purchases. They came from Crocus Magicka University Library, The Scholar's Resource, The Modern Woman, and Sartorial Elegance. Leona had spent quite a bit of money today, but every Jewel had gone towards something she needed. She had bought a membership in the Outside Scholars program, allowing her access to Crocus Magicka University's library almost on demand. She had bought some modern clothing so that she did not always have to go around Earthland in the same two outfits.

Now that Leona's clothes had been hung up she closed the wardrobe door and went over to her bed to fish out the four study books Melanie had picked out for her. Leona carefully lifted them out one by one until all four were sitting on her bed. She thumbed through the book on mathematics and saw that it was at least 400 pages. The book was thick enough to be used as a blunt weapon, a feature which would be handy if she were ever attacked in her personal room and could not get to either of her knives or the other weapons in her personal arsenal.

Leona carried the four books to her desk and set the stack down on the bottom center of the desk. Now that she had done that last bit of organizing it was time to get to her office and do some real work. Her administrative duties as Guild Mistress called. Leona armed herself with Ses Revanche and put it in her right boot, then walked out of her room, leaving it under the watchful gaze of PG-13. Hopefully the stack of paperwork had not gotten too high in her absence.

[Post Word Count: 498]
[Total Word Count: 10,368/10,000]