With the day having progressed to what was commonly the starting working hours for many citizens, the streets of Solara were filled with the hustle and bustle of townsfolk scrambling to get to their destinations. Sounds of chatter filled the air, kart vendors yelled to attracts tardy patrons rushing to grab some food, while horse hooves clattered against the stone roads transporting their endless supply of commercial goods.
Weaving our way through the crowds, Drogan and I slowly made our way towards the main central hub of the city. The adventurer’s guild was located near the heart of Solara, in the western district.
I had to admit, I was rather fond of the architectural and civil planning that went into the city’s layout. Looking at the city of Solara from a bird’s eye, it was roughly divided into 5 sections like a pentagon. The northern section housed all the noble families in the kingdom, with the royal palace sitting on top as the apex piece. Behind the palace was a vast mountain range serving as further protection. Proof of the genius minds that founded the kingdom for using such as natural formation in their grand design.
The segment to the east was home to most of the commercial activity and services provided by the kingdom, which was generally used by the nobles and merchants running their stores, while the west side was home to the adventurer’s guild and associated services. Most travelers to the kingdom visited here as stores were specifically targeted towards the amenities they required, such as monster part processing, lodging for non-citizens, supply restocking, and quest delivery.
Conversely, the south-eastern and western sections were specifically designed for the common folk, and contained a wide assortment of residential buildings such as lodgings, taverns, and equipment stores. Generally speaking, as you acquired more wealth and climbed the social ladder, you found yourself closer to the northern parts of the city.
It didn’t take long, but we eventually found ourselves outside the entranceway to a tall, wooden building, lavished with beautiful masonry and marble columns adorning the smooth brick pathway. Standing tall and imposing in the roadway, were stone statue monuments depicting heroes of legend; each of which wielding their chosen weapon. From left to right was the Spear, Bow, Sword, and Magic Staff heroes who helped save Solara from an ancient threat. A bronze plaque with gold lettering read:
“Solara’s Adventurer Guild Branch”
“Lux tua luceat superbia”
The phrase of the kingdom, “Let your light shine with pride”
A language long lost to time, but the phrase was said to originate from the first heroes who came to the world of Terra and freed the humans from the oppressive gods and demon lords. As a result, humanity was able to flourish and develop into what it is now. Although no one knows what happened to these heroes, it was said they moved on to eventually become gods themselves!
“We made it” I said with relief. I was finally one step closer to starting my dreams as an adventurer!
While I was standing in awe of the statues, I noticed Drogan had already left my side and was almost to the building’s doors. Not wanting to be left behind, I sprinted to catch up with him.
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“You ready Jake?”
“Of course man, I’ve been ready since I woke this morning!”
Touching the short-sword holstered to my waist, I felt unstoppable. All of my work and effort these past 5 years has led to this moment. The day I form an official adventuring party and begin making the name “Jake Valkin” known throughout the kingdom.
Excited, with an air of nervousness, I pushed the heavy doors open to a chorus of screams, laughter, and all-around chaos. Inside the entrance hallway was a gathering of other would-be adventurers mingling and deciding on which quest to take. To my right was a notice board with posted requests, and on the left-hand side of the building was essentially a tavern, already filled with adventurer parties drinking and eating food while discussing or sharing details from their respective quests.
The main counter had several people standing in line waiting to be served or register with the guild. I could make out staff running back and forth in what I could only hope was organized chaos. A few demi-humans were also behind the counter, busily filling out paperwork and completing registration forms. Bringing my gaze back toward the tavern section, I noticed a pair of silver haired individuals sitting at a table. A thin, lanky male with glasses, and petite female wearing a mage’s hat, complete with an accented red streak of hair through her bangs.
“Yo! Kael and Lyra!”
I called out to my friends sitting around the table and gave them an excited wave. Although I doubted they could hear me over the noise, Kael’s eyes locked with mine and he replied with a wave of his own. Accordingly, Drogan and I hurried over to join them at the table. They had kindly kept two spots available for us. As I approached, Kael annoyingly readjusted the glasses on his face and greeted us.
“About time Jake and Drogan, couldn’t have been any slower getting here I presume? To think I thought you would actually manage to be on-time for once, especially considering this is the first day adventuring. Such a disappointment.”
Ya, that snobbish attitude was typical for Kael. Behind him I could see his handcrafted eldermyst wooden short-bow and quiver filled to the brim with arrows. He was the ranger of our future group and already had one year of adventuring under his belt. Him and Lyra were childhood friends who eventually married and started adventuring together for the income it provided. Not that they needed it or anything, considering their families were already well off. It was probably more for developing their own reputation if anything.
Either oblivious or uncaring towards Kael’s rude comment, Lyra continued to ignore us and instead kept her focus on the fancy silver mirror she held, fixing stray bits of hair, and adjusting how her hat rested on her head. While I wasn’t a huge fan of her arrogant attitude either, she was a skilled mage at using fire spells and was to be the second offensive powerhouse of our team.
“Shut it Kael, we’re here now, so let’s get registered and start earning some money.”
I had found during my interactions with these two, that being straight to the point and ignoring their attitude seemed to work best. Normally I wouldn’t have been friends with these individuals, but we just happened to live near each other when we were kids. Somehow, Kael’s parents climbed the social ladder through cleaver political dealings and managed to earn a place in the fancier residential district. Since then, Kael had moved to the better parts of the city and turned into the snob he is now. That’s where he eventually met Lyra, and that’s that.
As for why I kept in contact with him? Well, let’s just say he still holds a grudge against me for always beating him in combat. Not once has Kael been able to best me in a duel. His frustration eventually led to him suggesting we form a party together since even he couldn’t deny I had skill when it came to combat. Even though he was arrogant, he still recognized talent and respected it, although begrudgingly.
“Pfft, whatever.”
Filled with an eye roll and facial expression overflowing with inconvenience, Kael stood up and started walking with Drogan and I towards the reception counter to wait in line. Eventually, Lyra noticed she was the only one left sitting at the table and joined us as well. All four of us stood there, silently waiting for our turn.