Serriah Luth is a lass who could easily slip between the crowded streets of the city and leave everyone she passed wondering if they'd just been charmed—or maybe conned.
Stands at five wand lengths and two embers and bears in four oreloads shy of one adultload. Clad in a dress of light, reddish hues, which balanced elegance with purpose, she carried herself with a poise that may partially reflected her true self. High-heeled boots added a few inches to her stature, giving off her presence an edge that her natural alone couldn’t, and there was something in the way she moved that suggested confidence, even if it was partly an act.
Behind the practiced veneer was the quiet sting of insecurities formed in childhood, when bullying had left her self-worth bruise, shattered even. Serriah had learned young to conceal that self-doubt, crafting an armor of poise and sharp wit that left no room for anyone to see through to the softer person underneath.
Her parents, skilled tailors commissioned by the Illuminaran Military, had an eye for detail, evident in the way he crafted her clothes for style and function. Her uncle, the city’s military commissioned weaponsmith, ensured her dagger and needle sword, strapped discreetly to her hips—elegant yet fatal. With their support, she had grown up observing the inner workings of city life, listening from the sidelines as nobles, travelers, soldiers and common folk shared stories as they order their clothes or weapons to her family, learning the art of navigating compromises, egos, rank, and subtle rivalries.
Despite her tailoring and weaponry-connected upbringing, Serriah's true skill was her elderglint – she is a toungesmith, which she wielded with a finesse that could leave her adversaries more disoriented than any blade. She had a knack for coaxing laughter from even the grimmest figures and for charming wary townsfolk. Her voice held a warmth that drew people in, whether they were friends, strangers, or even the occasional rogue bandit—many of whom she talked into surrendering stolen goods. On the rare occasions when she found herself surrounded by shady characters, she managed to disarm them with her words alone, convincing them to part with high-value items for nothing more than a few copper coins, leaving them stunned and uncertain. It was a kind of game to Serriah, but one that always brought a thrill; she knew the bandits were too embarrassed by their own gullibility to seek revenge.
Yet, even as she crafted this confident persona, Serriah couldn't help but feel hollow beneath it. Her family had always been encouraging, perhaps overly so, and she sometimes felt their support was rooted in their belief that she struggled to connect with others. This quiet doubt gnawed at her, even as she played the role of a poised, unflappable young woman. She would tell herself she didn’t care that she was as confident as she appeared, but on the lonelier nights, the weight of the mask she wore pressed heavy on her.
When she walked through the market or crossed paths with customers from her father's connections, Serriah noticed the glances, the smirks of admiration and envy. She carried herself with the ease of someone who belonged, and yet the sense of being an outsider, of not quite fitting into the role others saw in her, lingered. Her charm was effortless, a trait she had honed so well that sometimes she even believed it herself. But in her heart, she knew she was still that quiet girl, the one who’d learned to observe and anticipate the moves of others as a defense against the world that had once left her feeling vulnerable and shunned.
Even as she walked through the city streets now, she felt a strange anticipation stirring. For now, she was content to remain within the city walls, unaware of the adventures beyond them that would one day pull her out into a world far more challenging and exhilarating than any market exchange or game of wits she had yet encountered.
After a long day on the road, Arch finally arrived at the western city gates of Illuminara, tired but resolute. Flashing his explorer's pendant to the guards, he entered without issue and made his way directly toward the tailor and weaponsmith shops Sergeant Barkhold had recommended, eager to retrieve his new attire and weapons before checking in with the Explorer Head Office.
The tailor's shop was tucked into a quiet side street, adorned with bolts of cloth and expertly sewn uniforms displayed in the window. Stepping inside, he was met with the scent of fresh fabrics and leather. Just as he entered, a young woman with auburn hair in a refined, reddish dress—equal parts elegant and practical—turned from the counter, arms crossed with an almost skeptical air. Arch took immediate note of her poised stance, her high-heeled boots lending her an extra inch of height, but her expression showed nothing but disdain as she glanced at him over.
"Looking for something in particular?" she asked, her tone polite yet laced with an edge that implied she wasn’t easily impressed. Arch’s tiredness only heightened his frustration, and he replied with a touch more force than he intended.
"Here to pick up my order," he said briskly, noticing her scrutinizing gaze at his travel-worn attire and dirt-dusted boots. "Military issue. The sergeant at the outpost sent a word ahead."
Serriah raised an eyebrow. "Military issue?" she echoed, a hint of amusement curling the edges of her mouth. "And here I was expecting someone a bit more...polished. You don’t exactly look the part."
Arch’s eyes narrowed. "Forgive me if my attire offends your delicate sensibilities. A day in the saddle doesn’t exactly lend itself to pristine appearance," he replied, barely masking his irritation. He wasn’t used to being judged so openly, especially by someone who seemed so...well, unbothered by his position. Her smirk didn’t help.
Serriah didn’t miss a beat. "Oh, I know. A rough day on the road and all that," she replied with a feigned sympathetic sigh. "But maybe try not to track dirt across the tailor's shop next time."
Arch clenched his jaw. "Are you always this charming, or did I just get lucky?"
She let out a small, mocking laugh. "Depends on the day."
At that moment, the tailor, who had been listening to the exchange with mild bemusement, emerged from the back with Arch’s new uniform. However, he wore a perplexed expression. "Good day to you, I’m Bod. This is Serriah, my daugter… Apologies for her.. erm.. passion… I’m afraid there’s a problem," the tailor said. "The instructions for your design were unclear. It may take a bit longer to finalize."
Arch sighed, feeling his impatience rising. "So, it’s not ready?"
"Not yet," the tailor confirmed apologetically.
Serriah couldn’t help but add, "Guess you’ll have to find something else to occupy your time then."
"Great," Arch muttered, running a hand through his hair. "Any recommendations?"
The tailor smiled awkwardly, trying to wave off the tense air between the two. "There’s a good pub not far from here. They serve fantastic stew. You might find it worth your time."
Arch nodded, grateful for the suggestion. As he turned to leave, he caught a glimpse of Serriah smirking again. "What? Not coming with me?" he asked, unable to resist the challenge in her gaze.
"Not my scene," she replied lightly, waving him off. "But I’ll be here when you get back, just in case you need more… advice."
With a roll of his eyes, Arch stepped outside, breathing in the fresh city air. Just as he crossed the threshold, he spotted Serriah walking out behind him, her expression shifting from teasing to contemplative.
After finishing a hearty meal at the Mana Hot Stew, Arch stepped out into the bustling streets of the city. The aroma of spiced broth lingered in the air as he made his way toward Magus Plaza, a vibrant hub filled with merchants, performers, and townsfolk going about their day.
As he navigated through the crowd, Arch’s keen eyes caught sight of Serriah standing a short distance away, engaged in conversation with a group of men. They were clad in simple but rugged attire, their demeanor suggestive of savvy and perhaps a hint of trouble. Arch's instincts kicked in; he sensed an underlying tension in the interaction that made him uneasy.
Serriah, with her charming demeanor and toungesmithing, seemed unfazed, but Arch couldn’t shake the feeling that the conversation was leaning into dangerous territory. He debated whether to intervene. On one hand, he wanted to help her; on the other, revealing himself as an explorer could blow his cover and jeopardize his mission.
As he watched from the fringes, the group’s body language shifted. The men leaned closer, their voices lowering, and Serriah’s smile faltered slightly. Arch’s heart raced, torn between his desire to help and the imperative to remain discreet.
In that moment, he decided. Instead of stepping in directly, he would head to the city outpost and report his observations. They would know how to handle it better than he could, and perhaps they could keep a closer watch on Serriah without alarming her.
Turning away from the plaza, Arch quickened his pace toward the city outpost, determination settling in his gut. He couldn’t let anything happen.
After turning two corners of the bustling streets of the city, Arch suddenly found himself face-to-face with Serriah, who was sprinting away from a group of rough-looking men. Panic flashed across her face, and the desperation in her eyes caught Arch's attention.
"Get her!" one of the men yelled, his voice dripping with menace.
One of the bandits suddenly halted, his eyes narrowing in recognition. "Wait! That’s the traveler we mugged at Heroad!" he shouted, pointing at Arch.
Upon hearing, Arch’s heart suddenly pumped faster, he can feel his blood rush through neck and his temples are like to explode.
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"Step aside, wimp!" another bandit yelled, glaring at him. "This doesn’t concern you."
He stood firm, flexing his knees a little bit and slightly leaning forward, his body tense and ready. "It does now," he replied, blocking their path.
The bandits exchanged glances before charging at him. The first one lunged with a wild swing. Arch swiftly ducked, the punch whistled above his head, the tapers of his hair grazed by the bandits balled fist.
Arch followed the fist with a glance and thought “ A leftie!” He caught the bandit's left forearm by left hand before it can finish the swing, and held tight. The bandit is now stretch over Arch with his core exposed. Immediately Arch countered with a quick right jab to the man's stomach, causing him to coil over in pain.
Another bandit came at him from the side, attempting a kick aimed at Arch's knees. Arch sidestepped, using the momentum to grab the man's leg and pull him off balance, sending him crashing into a nearby cart. Arch’s focus narrowed as he dealt with the remaining attackers. One bandit swung a heavy fist, aiming for his jaw. Arch ducked under the strike and delivered a powerful uppercut that caught the bandit squarely on the chin, knocking him back.
Meanwhile, Serriah took advantage of the chaos. With a determined look, she slipped past the fray, clutching the stolen goods that the bandits had taken. In a quick, nimble move, she darted into an alleyway, successfully escaping their clutches while Arch distracted the men.
Just as Arch was about to check on her, another bandit rushed him, fists flying. Arch deftly blocked a punch with his right and retaliated with a knee strike to the man's exposed right oblique. The bandit staggered as it gasped for air. Arch seized the opportunity to push him away, creating a bit of distance.
With the remaining bandit now desperate, he lunged at Arch, but Arch sidestepped the attack, with a created momentum, he executed a swift kick to the bandit’s midsection, sending him sprawling to the ground.
“Leave him! We need to go!” one of the Cane Bandits shouted, presumed to be the leader, fear creeping into his voice as he glanced back at Arch. With that, the remaining bandits began to retreat, fear evident in their eyes as they saw Arch’s fighting prowess.
“Darn it!” grunted by the other, I should have brought the Soumna dart…
Breathing heavily, Arch scanned the area for Serriah. She was nowhere to be seen, having made her getaway with the stolen goods. Standing midst the aftermath of the scuffle, catching his breath as the Cane Bandits retreated, their bravado diminished by the swift defeat he had dealt them.
Just then, a squad from the City Patrol Unit rounded the corner, alerted by the commotion. The patrol leader, a sturdy woman with a no-nonsense demeanor, surveyed the scene with keen eyes. "What’s going on here?" she demanded, her voice commanding respect.
“Cane Bandits…” Arch replied, gesturing towards the retreating figures. “They were chasing this woman.” He pointed in the direction Serriah had disappeared.
The patrol leader quickly assessed the situation, her team moving into position to intercept the fleeing bandits. “You lot! Halt!” she shouted, and her voice echoed off the brickstones.
The bandits, realizing they were cornered, skidded to a halt, their earlier confidence crumbling. “This isn’t over!” the leader spat, but the patrol was already closing in, surrounding them.
Within moments, the bandits were subdued and handcuffed. The patrol leader turned back to Arch, her expression softening slightly. “You handled yourself well, soldier. It’s not every day we see someone take down known bandits like that.”
Arch nodded, still catching his breath. “They attacked me and were chasing that girl. I couldn’t just stand by.”
“I understand,” she replied, eyeing the detained bandits.
“Do you think they’ll give us any trouble?” Arch asked, glancing at the captured men, their faces twisted with rage and frustration.
“They’ll be locked up for a while, and I’ll make sure to send extra patrols out for the next few days. But be cautious, nonetheless.” She turned her gaze back to him. “What’s your name, soldier?”
“Arch Thedo,” he said, extending his hand.
“The Arch Thedo? Her tone immediately shifted. Benna Liten… Captain of the City Patrol Command, sire!,” she replied, shaking his hand firmly. “If you need assistance while you’re in the city, feel free to contact me or my unit. We’ll be keeping an eye on the streets.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Arch replied, a sense of relief washing over him. “I appreciate it.”
Arch returned to the tailor shop, pushing the door open with a sense of urgency. The bell above chimed softly, but his mind was preoccupied. Inside, he spotted Serriah and her mother in a corner, their voices lowered as they engaged in an intense conversation. As he approached, he could hear snippets of their discussion.
“I can’t believe you…” Serriah’s mother said, her brow furrowed with madness. “You need to be stop your… Whatever is this, Serriah! Those men are dangerous…”
Serriah nodded, her expression a mix of guilt and relief. “I know, Mother. But I managed to trick them—”
“Trick them?” Arch interjected, stepping closer. “Is that what you call it? You put yourself in danger, and I had to fight off those bandits because of your recklessness!”
Serriah’s eyes widened in surprise, and her mother turned to Arch with a look of apprehension. “And who are you?” she asked, her voice tense.
“Arch Thedo, ma'am, I'm to give instructions for my ordered tailor” he replied, trying to keep his tone steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through him. “And I just took down the Cane Bandits who were chasing her.”
“Arch?” Serriah murmured, recognition dawning in her eyes. “Elysian province youngest tactician?”
“You should be more careful,” Arch continued, trying to keep his frustration in check. “You could have been hurt. It wouldn’t have hurt you to stay put. I was handling the situation.”
Serriah looked down, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I’m… I’m sorry. I thought I could handle it,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t mean to put you in danger. I just saw an opportunity and took it.”
“And I appreciate your resourcefulness,” Arch said, softening slightly. “But next time, maybe you could think twice before running into a group of bandits. A simple thank you would also go a long way.”
Serriah’s eyes met his, and the earnestness in his gaze made her heart sink. “Thank you, sir. I really appreciate what you did for me. I didn’t mean to run away like that. I just… I thought I could outsmart them.”
Arch nodded, the tension in his chest easing. “This city can be unpredictable, and so can people. You of all should know this.” His gaze was drawn to the table where Serriah and her mother had been seated. His heart sank as he recognized his stolen garments, weapons, and the purse of gold coins laid out in plain sight. He stepped forward, disbelief etched on his face. “Wait… Those are mine,” he stated, his tone firm.
Serriah looked at the items, her expression shifting from surprise to understanding. “Oh, sir, I…”
With a quick wit and a charming smile, she interrupted him, “I can make this right! How about this.. I’ll personally craft your clothes to your specifications. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll make it happen...”
Arch crossed his arms, skeptical but intrigued. “You think that’s enough to make up for what just happened?”
“Absolutely,” Serriah replied, her confidence momentarily shining through despite the earlier tension. “I have a way with fabrics. I promise you’ll be pleased with the results. Plus, it will give you a chance to have something unique, tailored just for you.”
Arch considered her offer, the frustration of the day mingling with a reluctant appreciation for her determination. “You’d really do that, huh?”
“Of course!” Serriah insisted, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. “Anything for the good sir who just saved me… It’s the least I can do after you saved me.”
He let out a resigned sigh, the edge of his irritation softening. “Alright, but I expect quality work. I don’t want to see any more bandits in my future because of poorly made garments.”
“Deal!” she replied, grinning. “Now, let’s discuss your specifications. I promise to make something that you’ll not only wear with pride but will also keep you safe from those types of situations in the future.”
As Arch and Serriah continued their discussion about the specifications for his uniform, Serriah’s mother, who had been quietly listening, suddenly noticed the glinting pendant around Arch's neck. Her eyes widened in recognition. “You’re a recruit of the Military Explorer Unit, aren’t you?” she exclaimed.
“Huh”, Arch feigns ignorance. “You’ve got the pendant…,” Serriah’s mother immediately answered.
Arch nodded, slightly surprised at her perceptiveness. “Well…”
“Don’t worry. Eyes sharp...” She removed a part of her belt buckle and showed Arch the explorer icon at the backside.
“Shadows deep..." He understood. "I’m on my way to the Head Office when I got unlucky passing on Heroad.” Arch responded.
With a thoughtful look, Serriah’s mother chimed in, “You know, there are specific standards for the units' garments and weapons. If you’d permit us, I’d be more than happy to assist Serriah in crafting your uniform. I have experience with the designs required by the military.”
Arch raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the offer. “That would be helpful, actually. It may reduce my time in the city. The head office might give me future instructions for a change of clothes.”
Kellan the smith, was also brought into the conversation. “If you’ll permit, we can have Kellan melt down your swords and forge new ones that meet the standards of the Military Explorer Unit,” Serriah’s mother added.
Arch considered the suggestion. It would mean parting with his swords for a time, but the idea of having custom weapons made to meet military standards was tempting. “That sounds like a good plan. I appreciate the help.”
As Arch leaned against the table, he couldn't help but feel curious about the specifics of the Military Explorer Unit's gear. “What are the specifications for the garments and weapons?” he asked, genuinely interested.
She continued, “I’m Elara by the way. I’m sure you already have spoken with my husband, Bod. Well, the garments must be crafted from special fabric that allows them to easily blend in with the crowd, avoiding detection from possible enemies. The goal is for the wearer to remain inconspicuous, as drawing attention would be detrimental to the actual tasks of the explorer. The weapons, on the other hand, are imbued with special properties to ensure they are durable yet lightweight, allowing you to travel without worry. They stay sharp without the need for regular whetstones, which is essential for explorers who might not have time to sharpen their weapons.”
Arch nodded, impressed by the thought that went into these standards. “That makes a lot of sense.”
Elara continued, her tone warm yet informative. “In Illuminara, we are the only commissioned tailor and smith shop by the Military to produce such specialized garments and weapons. Eventually, our shop doubles as a secret network for the Explorer Unit, where information and resources can be shared discreetly among operatives.”
Arch’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “I had no idea.”
“Most don’t,” Elara said with a slight smile. “But now you do. You’re welcome to stay here at the shop until your garments and weapons are finished. We’ll ensure everything is tailored perfectly to your specifications.”
Serriah chimed in, her enthusiasm evident. “We’ll make sure you’re equipped for any adventure that comes your way, sir!”