A faint chill greets Alexis as she stirs from her rest. Faint light peaking from cloudy windows as she shakes Mary’s shoulder. Rousing from her own sleep as she gets up. “Mmm, I see. Thank you, Alexis. We’ll set off in ten minutes in case we forget anything.” She says as she gets up to roll her sleeping bag.
Gathering their things the pair exit the cabin as a layer of fog has swept across the valley. Misty dew hangs from the needles of trees as Mary leads, nose buried to the compass on her wrist and a hand-drawn map wrapped to her left arm. “So... how do you know where we’re going, Mary?”
“It’s a bit of guesswork but I’ve passed by here a couple of times. We follow along the foothills until we can see the city of Flambard. North of that is the Alabaster Tundra which as you can expect, is white with snow.”
“I see... It also feels easier to breathe as well despite still being so high up.”
“The fog is what you’re probably talking about. It adds moisture to the air keeping your sinuses and throat from drying. It’s not that there’s more air, just that your throat isn’t getting as dry. Learning mana never hurt anyone either. Well... for the most part,” Mary comments as a break in the clouds dispels the fog away from the mountainside.
The mist rolling back from the foothills gives way to a view of a vast swath of flat deforested land. Gazing northeast Alexis marvels as the scattered clouds above mirror off the surface of a vast lake that swims across miles of land. Small black jagged tops billow whisps of steam as the comforting sight of civilization extend out southwards like mycelium. Buildings sprawl out from the center outwards, scattering at the endless white snow north and crawling outwards southward while tributaries snake through cuts that part of sections of the city. The low drone of a train whistle echoes out in all directions as Mary gazes at the sight. “Have you ever seen the city of Flambard, Alexis?” Mary asks as her eyes turn towards Alexis’; her eyes glued to the city.
“No, I haven’t even been to the city center in Altania so this will be... All very new and exciting. Flambard was supposed to be the stop for my caravan but well... It’s alright though. A bit further and we can decide where to go next.”
“It’s a very pretty city I’ll say. Coupled by the fact that it’s the only city with large populations of Elven, Altan, and Namelians, it functions autonomously from the other three cities.”
“What’s your experience with Namelians, Mary? Are they as strange and mysterious as people say they are?” Alexis asks as the pair descend from the foothills.
“I suppose you rarely if ever see them as far south as Altania is from where we are right now. Namelians aren’t as mysterious or exotic as the rumors say they are nor do people spend enough time with them to see that they’re as normal and civilized as any of the other two nations,” Mary explains, picking dirt away from beneath her fingernails.
“And you’ve spent a sizable amount of time with them to know that?” Alexis returns a skeptical glare.
“I have, and where we’re going we’ll meet plenty more Namelians in Talonmaw. But Flambard has a healthy population as well. I’d recommend reserving your opinion of them when you get to meet a couple. They aren’t that bad of a people.”
“That’s relieving. Speaking of Talonmaw, what sort of business do you have that far north? There’s nothing but endless ice and snow up there. The city is just a collection of shacks and tents.”
“Another one of those rumors huh? Maybe you’re right but for the time being it’s our best bet.”
“Well, what kind of business do you have there?” Alexis furls her brow at Mary’s dismissive reply.
“I have some associates to pull favors from up north along with some deals that need to be made. Once that’s organized, we can head to Altania and get you back home, yeah? It’ll be some time but there’s some money to be made along the way and from the looks of it, you could use some gear.” Mary explains as she pokes Alexis’ abdomen. The coarse fabric gave way easily to Mary’s finger.
“Ugh... alright alright. I’m ready to get to town. Let’s go,” Alexis says as she covers where Mary had poked her.
Slowly the edges of town neared as the two girls approached. Down from the foothills and onto the front range the two pass the waterskin between each other as the midday sun ebbs and flows with the passing of overhead clouds. Chimneys belch out tufts of smoke from their smokestacks as wagons and people crisscross the cobbled roads. Mary lifts her hood over her head as Alexis walks with her companion. People going about their business, some glance over to catch sight of the two peculiar travelers as Alexis marvels at the growing buildings around them. From the wood cabins that dotted the exterior towns, their buildings standing side by side woven tightly beside one another built of red brick, stone, and lumber from the forests that they had just come from. Different leveled streets sit above, walls and stairs lined with stone bricks and wrought iron fencing along the second street above. Rivers run through, dividing two sides of the city with arched stone bridges connecting either side, steps following up to the higher levels. Gas lamps line the street edges housed in black painted posts and shrouded in glass fixtures that let air in and the rain out.
Vendors sit outside their stands peddling any number of wares. Strings of shining jewelry hang from small stands that shimmer silver and gold with jewels interlaid within the intricate metalwork. Streets down the scent of baking bread wafts on the spring breeze as merchants sing praises of their goods and wares. Boutiques hang their finest clothing within their windows, bright colors of dyes and finely fastened buttons show off the smallest details of care on display along with the elegant and fashionable bonnets and hats above. The hundreds of footsteps on the cobblestone footpaths all rhythmically clicking to the tune of the city entrances Alexis as her eyes take in all the sights of Flambard.
What was even more eye-catching were the myriads of people Alexis saw before her. The prominent pointed ears and lithe figures instantly signaled to her the presence of Elves to Alexis. Their posture was one of confidence or maybe pride as they stood straight and skin manicured to the point that they nearly glowed in the sunlight. Their hair was myriad of blondish hues with some being as gold as wheat, some straw-colored that reflected the pale yellow of their eyes. Although the more peculiar shades stuck out to Alexis the most. Strawberry blonde hair that silked down into slight curls near the edges reminded her of the whipped cream of cakes while another’s hair was white like classroom chalk. Another elf’s hair shone the lightest green like how sunlight diffused through a forest canopy.
And then there were the Namelians. Their forms varied in multitude but their appearance instantly signaled that they were uniquely different from Altans and Elves altogether. Skin covered in fur, feathers, or scale; they were more similar to animals in appearance but displayed an intelligence that disturbed Alexis at first then fascinated her as she stared. The way their legs bent, many walked with digitigrade feet but those that appeared like deer or horses walked like their ungulate counterparts. All standing as if on their tiptoes showed a certain elegance of balance in how they stood.
Snouts and beaks replaced the faces that Alexis had come to expect, arms and hands replaced with prehensile paw-like hands while avian Namelians preferred grasped with claws and talons. It dawned on Alexis that Namelians were not just a singular people but a collective of different races under one name. Gazing at different races trading, conversating, and living with one another in such quantities brought a humming sense of joy within Alexis. “Eyes up, Alexis,” Mary’s familiar voice cut through the multitude of other voices from the streets.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
A sudden thump against her head snaps Alexis back from her thoughts as she catches an apple that Mary had thrown at her. “Ack- hand it to me next time would you?”
“Oops, sorry. I wasn’t trying to aim for your head. But you should eat something while we walk. We can get something later when we get closer to the inner quarter.”
Alexis nods, getting her pace to match Mary’s assertive gait as she bites into the firm flesh of the apple. A crisp crunch sounds as Alexis’ teeth slice through the thin skin. Her mouth wrestling with bits of apple as she tries to get her tongue to form syllables, “And what’s in the inner quarter?”
“Well, it deals with some of Flambard’s more industrial and business-oriented operations. Mainly just offices for the textile and metalworking factories and trading companies to conduct business in. But the inner quarter is where the Adventurer’s Guild’s main building resides. As their name suggests their job is to manage and pay out jobs that people or parties want done. Sometimes the guild will submit their own jobs they need done. They have buildings in the other cities but Flambard is their central hub for all their operations,” Mary explains as they round the block.
Alexis nods as she processes what Mary has just said. She had heard of the Adventurer’s Guild before and understood they were probably some kind of brokerage and job forum for those looking for work but that was the extent of her knowledge. That was before the two turned past a block of shops.
Alexis was expecting to see more shops and buildings along the main streets. What she wasn’t expecting was the openness of the space as the streets bent and parted forming a causeway. Water flowing beneath the lower streets as four stone bridges spanning an acre across in the four cardinal directions connect to a cylindrical platform of stone. Atop the cylindrical platform, four square sections of grass make up a courtyard. Alexis’ eyes trail up as her eyes peer at the spires towering above all other buildings within the inner quarter.
When Alexis thought of a guild hall, she had been expecting maybe something the size of a tavern or an inn, maybe even a warehouse if their operations were large enough. But not something akin to a cathedral. Specks of grey and off-white ashlar make its walls and climb up the support towers and spires, topped by slate grey rooftops that slant down aggressively like arrowheads. Narrow blue stained glass reflects the afternoon sunlight contrasting the neutral-toned colors of the exterior while burgundy banners hang from the rafters displaying a serpent with a sword running through it diagonally with two oak leaves in the shape of a laurel all embroidered in outlines of gold. The main entrance has its doors open, two dark wood doors large enough to be their own columns open wide as adventurers enter and exit from the main entrance.
“T-this is the Adventurer’s Guild?” Alexis stammers.
“That it is. Was it not what you were expecting?” Mary smirks, looking over her shoulder as the pair cross the stone bridge.
“I wasn’t expecting a castle! W-was this a castle?”
“It used to be one, coupled with a basilica attached to it at one point. I take it you haven’t registered with them before?”
“No, I hadn’t imagined myself as an adventurer up until now,” Alexis said as she disposed of her apple core, the pair entering through the double doors as the light softened inside.
“We’ll get you set up then. You can’t get paid or logged about your deeds if you’re not set up. Even if you’re not taking jobs you can still get paid for information and dispatching creatures or Bloodsworn. Ah, there’s one,” Mary says as Alexis looks to where she is looking.
Circular wooden tables line the hall as the walls are bordered with exquisitely made wooden booths. Lamps with green shades provide light to a number of individuals in green uniforms. Women are dressed in green garb with brown corsets while men are dressed in green suits with white puffy undershirts and dark brown pants. What stood out to Alexis the most was that a proportionally large amount wore circular glasses. Perhaps it was just the most popular kind of corrective lenses that Flambard was known for and so many wore them. Mary leads the duo as she walks up to one of the booths as a Teller faces the two, setting aside her large leather-bound book and quill to the side. “Welcome back adventurers. Miss Mary, I hope you’ve been well out in Solaris.”
“Yes, it’s been some time and unfortunately, I won’t be able to stay for long. Can I get this one registered under my party? She’s never been registered here before,” Mary explains as Alexis steps up, hands together as she gives a slight bow.
“Of course,” the Teller says as they bring their book and quill back to themselves, “the process is simple enough. What is your name, miss?”
“Ah, Alexis, Alexis Clarke.”
“What a pretty name, very well Miss Alexis Clarke. With your knowing admission do you dedicate your life to helping the inhabitants of Solaris in bettering the continent for every age, race, and well-meaning individual despite their nation’s allegiance?” the Teller asks as they write within the book with ink and quill.
“Y-yes. I want to help others... and to make something of myself since Mary here was so kind to help me,” Alexis nods as she clutches her linen shirt.
“That’s certainly admirable, Alexis. Then with that, I’ll just need you to sign here and you’ll officially be a member of the Solarian adventurer’s guild,” the Teller says as she flips the book towards Alexis and scoots the quill and inkwell towards her.
Taking the quill into her hand Alexis carves her name into the book with ink. Every letter flows into one another till she lifts the quill off from the page. A brief light blue glow flashes from the lettering before quickly fading as words scribble into the pages. “Congratulations Miss Clarke, you are now officially registered with the Adventurer’s Guild. All services we can provide are made available to you across all our locations if need be. This includes temporary lodging, basic survival supplies, and access to jobs and parties within the system among other services we have. With that is there anything more I can help you two with?”
Mary steps up, lifting her head to the teller as the yellow glow of the lamp illuminates her face. “A job, something to get Alexis some gear before we can head any further north. It needs to be enough to get her all the equipment needed to survive the snow,” Mary explains as Alexis stands straight.
“I may have something that fits your bill. One second,” the teller says as she steps away and analyzes a mail sorter with several papers with tassels on them. Taking a scroll with a red tassel she undoes the wax seal on the paper and unfurls its contents. Mary’s eyes scan the words written on the thick parchment, her expression twisting in suspicion until her look returns to the Teller.
“You believe some kind of creature from the Subterranean Complex has come onto the surface?”
“The area North of the Emerald Forest and right where the hills meet suggests something did come up from the Complex.” The teller explains as she glides her finger over the parchment signifying the area. “Hunters have reported a decrease in game within the forests, some finding remains of animals with evidence consistent with snares.”
“Well Alexis, think you can handle something like this?” Mary asks as she turns and looks at her companion.
“It’ll be no problem. Is there a place to get some equipment?”
“There's an area where people donate used gear. Depending on its condition you can keep it for yourself if you so choose, just follow me. I take it you’ll take the job, Mary?” The teller asks as she flips the wooden door up and sets it back down as she steps in front of the two girls.
“It’ll do nicely. I’ll gather some supplies while you get yourself geared, Alexis,” Mary says as she steps away.
The Teller guides Alexis to another side of the guild. Through hallways adorned with statues of human figures and a mural. Coming up to what appears to be an armory the Teller gestures with an open palm. “Whatever that’s on these racks you can keep for yourself to use. Take your time and pick what is most useful to you.”
Alexis nods, stepping up and examining the clothing on the racks. Some are about as she expected. Boots missing their insoles, some with holes in the nose from being worn down through countless journeys. Settling for a pair of stout boots that while worn, can still get her between miles while still remaining on her two feet. A dark brown leather coat with a wool collar and a hood to keep the wind out of her face. Free of mites and crawly things, well-loved but still good enough to be worn.
Upon the weapon rack a number of knives, staffs, and a number of swords of differing height. Taking one up that rose to where her diaphragm would be she tests its balance, standing in a clear part of the room she takes a number of stances with the weapon. Memorizing how the people at the trading company had her trained to use a handful of weapons before their journey. Feeling how the blade wobbles her wrists uncomfortably as her feet try to fight the momentum of her blade. Digging into the ground and steadying the blade to her side. “It’ll suffice.”
The two return, Alexis receiving a knapsack from the guild with some gear inside. Coming back to the main area of the guild Mary returns, her pack a bit more filled out as she holds the straps of her bag. “Look at you not looking so homeless. You ready to head out? I got us some food for the walk,” Mary asks as she rolls on her heels.
“Yep, ready to head out. Thank you for your help miss Teller,” Alexis says as she gives a small nod to the Teller.
“Of course, Miss Clarke. Safe journeys on your mission,” The Teller gives a gentle wave.
The pair walk together as Mary takes two sandwiches from her pack. Handing one to Alexis as the pair walk from the double doors. The sun hanging high into the afternoon air. Flakey bread breaking apart at Alexis’ bite as pickled vegetables and cold cut head cheese fills Alexis’ stomach while the two begin their first mission.
