Chapter 10 - Guildmaster
True to Sylph’s word a courier took us to a nice inn that we learned was in the merchant district, which was closer to the Adventurers’ Guild. It was clear Sylph was plugged into the pulse of this city and she knew a lot of people. The owner of the Sleepy Inn where we were staying was thrilled to help us once we said Sylph sent us.
We had the best room in the inn according to the owner and the barmaid that took us there. The room was a suite. One large table, seating couch, a separate mahogany desk, and a very large bedroom with a giant bed and oversized tub. The barmaid offered to fill the tub for us. It had been years since I took a bath. I wasn’t opposed to them; I was just a shower guy.
Being a spider, Pinkoria was a bit hesitant to use the bath until I mentally told her it would be fine. I told the barmaid I would handle the heating of the tub. That is why about 30 minutes after getting settled into our room I was already soaking and letting my muscles relax. Resting my eyes for a bit after heating the water just right was just what I needed. This was the first time since coming to this world I could just relax for a moment.
I was startled awake when I heard someone enter the tub and let out an audible sigh. “Ahhhhh. If I had known bathing felt this good, I would have done it much earlier.” Pinkoria said as she faced me, only her head and neck outside the water.
“Uh, Pinky, what are you doing?” I asked in shock.
“You looked so peaceful in the tub it made me want to give it a try. Did I do something wrong?” Pinkoria replied.
“No, not wrong per se, but in many cultures cross sex bathing is a more intimate act.” I explained.
“Master, is not being inside each other’s minds an even more intimate act?” Pinkoria replied.
“Well... you’ve got me there.” I said as I rubbed the back of my neck out of a bit of nervousness.
Usually, I’m calm when it comes to women, but this was different. Even in my previous life’s escapades I conducted myself with honor and respect. I just loved women and tended to fall in love easily. My buddy DW used to always quote, ‘Guard your heart my friend, for the rest of your life will follow.’ He especially loved to use that line on me after meeting one of my girlfriends. According to him, I was a saver and rescuer. DW always thought I could do better, but he was one to talk. That guy was so oblivious to when women were interested in him, they practically had to beat him over the head with a shovel to get him to realize they were interested. Used to drive us all nuts as the guy was more interested in reading or making something.
Man, how did I get so off mental track? I guess I just miss my friends. Pinky drew my attention back to her. “You are thinking about something. Is this form of mine not to your liking master? If you are concerned, my kind are not the ones that kill their mate afterwards. Mother always said that was a waste.”
“What?!... No!... I was just thinking about a friend of mine and wondering how he was doing. He sucked when it came to picking up on cues from women.” I stammered out.
“Well do not take offense master, but I do not think you are picking up on my cues here. That or you are not interested.” Pinkoria replied.
“No, no, that’s not it at all. Good to know there is interest and even more importantly good to know your kind don’t kill your mates afterwards. I do like living. My concern is regarding our contract.” I answered.
“What about our contract? I would think knowing that I cannot intentionally bring you harm would be a comfort my master.” Pinkoria commented.
“There it is! Your use of master. Even though I have been known to have fun with being called that in the bedroom, it was all in jest or harmless adult fun with someone I was serious about. In this case I am literally your master. It just feels wrong in some way.” I tried to explain my concerns.
It is not that I was opposed to a relationship with Pinky. Her new form was extremely distracting, and we survived a life and death situation, which naturally forms a closeness to each other. I’m just not for slavery, my friends and I could never get behind it in any of the games we played or our discussions about humanity. Slavery was always about conquering and controlling those weaker than you, never really about race, as it was common in practically all cultures throughout history. No, I was firmly against the subject, and it is why I was ok with contracts. Contracts had out clauses and both had to enter willingly or at least to an extent. Regardless I would never force myself on another. It was an anathema to being a man and protector.
Wait when did she get so close?! “I do not call you master because I am required to. I do so as a sign of respect. You have shared your mind with me. I have learned who you are inside. You are a passionate and driven man. You will accomplish many great things, even more so with me by your side. Do not worry Arch-E, I do not expect you to be required to make political alliances and join with others. They recognize you as a noble and I have scanned your history to learn what that could mean. No, I just want this here and now.” Pinkoria said as she pushed up against me.
“Well, who am I to disagree with that logic.” Was the last thing I said before my relaxing bath turned into a night of passionate love making. You heard me, I still can be a bit old-fashioned when I want to be. Besides I had no intention of cheapening what we did. I will remember it always.
The next morning, I woke up refreshed and feeling great! Man, it’s good to be alive!
Breakfast was brought up to us and set out on the large table when I exited the bedroom. I was starving and oh so thirsty. Luckily the inn caters to adventurers, and they tended to eat more than others, something to do with having higher stats. There was an assortment of meats, breads, juices, and what looked like some kind of egg.
I began to inhale my food when Pinky came out of the bedroom. “Good morning, Master.”
“Good... morning... Pinky.” I stammered out mid chew. Taking a drink of some type of fruit juice I could not quite place to wash down my food. “Sorry about that, I was starving. Hope you don’t mind I didn’t wait for you.”
“Not a problem at all Arch-E” Pinky said as she gave me a kiss on my check before sitting down and piling a bunch of meat on her plate.
Like me, Pinky did not hesitate to shovel food into her mouth and devour everything on her plate. “I see I’m not the only one who was hungry, Ha, ha, ha.” I chuckled.
After I finished my own food, I spoke up. “We are supposed to go meet the guildmaster later this morning to get registered. Once that is done, we can start earning some coin. After that, we should probably find a blacksmith and/or leatherworker to get us kitted out. Man, I wish my one buddy was here.”
“You do not talk much about your past life. Tell me more about him.” Pinkoria requested.
“James, his uncle dabbled as a leatherworker, and my buddy in his free time took up blacksmithing. He just wanted to learn so he went and did it. I always admired him for taking the initiative. From what his uncle taught him about leatherworking and what James made, he would be invaluable. If he was here right now, I know he would make us some awesome gear.” I said excitedly.
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“Sounds like an honorable man who knew his crafts. I can tell you the two were very close with how you speak of him. It also sounds as if you miss him very much.” Pinkoria commented.
“He was or is a good man. I do miss him and a few others that I was close with. We were all very close, spending time at each other’s houses, growing up together. It was as if we were more like family than just friends.” I said as memories came flooding back to the forefront of my mind. Sighing, I continued, “Ah, well enough of that. We will have plenty of time for me to share stories of my friends later. If you are done, we can head to the Adventurers’ guild.”
“I am ready when you are. Though I could use another bath.” Pinky said, her face coloring a little.
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Pinky and I left the inn after our very refreshing bath and were now on our way to the Adventurers’ guild. The building was just down the street from the Sleepy Inn and was hard to miss. The building was massive and took up one whole side section of the street. The guildhall was three stories high, and the walls of the building looked like they could withstand a siege.
Entering the Adventurers’ guild, the layout was rather open. To the far-right side was a bar and tables, to the left was a huge wall with various postings on them, immediately pegging it as the quest board where someone could check what quests were available at any given time. Directly ahead was a large counter with several workers behind it. Some people were clearly turning in monster corpses or other items to get their quest rewards. I figured this was the best place to start. A courier arrived yesterday with a letter from Sylph.
“Arch-E,
When you arrive at the guildhall ask for Miranda at the front desk. She should be working tomorrow and will arrange for you to meet Mireya, the guild master. May the spider goddess bless your journey. I will be in touch. --- Sylph”
Approaching the front desk, I saw an older woman working the counter along with a few older men. I decided to ask the older woman in the hopes she was the one I was looking for. “Excuse me Miss. I am looking for Miranda.”
“Oh, I am Miranda, but I do not recall meeting such a handsome noble before. What can I do for dear?” Miranda asked.
“I am Arch-E, Sylph sent us.” I said the last part a bit lower.
“Oh, of course, I have been expecting you. Lady Mireya does not see anyone but her and I both owe Sylph a few favors. She said you wanted to be an adventurer. That true?” Miranda asked.
“We both do. This is my companion Pinkoria. We are both capable fighters.” I replied.
“Lady Mireya will be the judge of that. I will help you get your paperwork started. Follow me to the back.” Miranda answered as she walked out from behind the counter and led us to a back room.
‘What is with this city to conduct so much business in back rooms?’ I thought as we walked back with Miranda.
After we got situated, Miranda asked us a few questions, like what group roles we felt most comfortable with, and what abilities and weapon techniques we felt comfortable sharing. Pinky said she preferred to be a frontline fighter and I asked for ranged support and magical damage. This got Miranda’s eyebrow to raise at that, but she said nothing until we were done.
“That should do for now. Let me go get Lady Mireya.” Miranda said before excusing herself from the room.
A few moments later she returned with a gorgeous dark elf woman decked out in armor. Miranda was the first to speak up. “Let me introduce you to Lady Mireya, guildmaster of the Aranthia Adventurers’ guild.”
Both Pinky and I rose to our feet. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Mireya.” I said as I gave a light bow.
Pinkoria just nodded her head but said nothing.
“Sylph says you two want to be Adventurers. Miranda says you can use magic Arch-E. What magics do you have an affinity for?” Lady Mireya spoke with a very melodic voice that seemed to exude grace.
I answered honestly. I saw no point in hiding my magical affinities from someone I would end up working for. “I have affinity with Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Dark, Death, and Blood. Though my Blood and Earth affinities are not very high.”
Lady Mireya’s calm poised demeanor cracked as both her and Miranda both exclaimed, “WHAT?!”
Regaining her composure, Lady Mireya turned to Miranda, “Bring the assessment orb.”
“As you command my lady.” Miranda said before bowing and rushing out of the room.
Lady Mireya said nothing the entire time Miranda was gone, just staring at me. It took only about a minute or so for Miranda to return with what looked like a large crystal ball. She placed the orb in an indent in the table, clearly made to hold the orb in place.
Miranda explained what to do next. “This is an assessment orb. It was created long ago by magic long forgotten. It will measure both someone’s magical affinities and the power they possess. All you have to do is touch the orb without any gloves and if you possess any magic it will start to glow.”
“Seems simple enough.” I replied as I realized that Miranda was wearing gloves.
I placed my hands on the assessment orb. A glow began to emanate from it. First brown, then the color of the glow changed to crimson like blood and grew slightly in intensity. From there it grew brighter as it changed color to a yellowish white that seemed to flash like lightning, to change to red flames, then to blue water. The assessment orb then glowed like a black light that seemed to somehow swallow all the light in the room before radiating a feeling of death before completely going out and returning the room back to normal.
Almost as soft as a whisper but clearly said for us all to hear lady Mireya said, “Who are you?”
“He is Arch-E, we told you that earlier.” Pinkoria replied as if the woman was daft.
The comment seemed to bring Lady Mireya more out of her revelry. “I knew you had to be somewhat special if Sylph took an interest in you. That old woman does not make moves if she does not see it has something to do with her patron. I figured it had to do with the fact you have a spider queen working for you.
In shock I replied, “Does everyone know she is a spider queen?!”
Lady Mireya waved off my concern. “No, both Sylph, Miranda, and I have blessings that grant such insights. Miranda used to be an adventurer and an avid believer in Arianrhod, though that is a very unpopular faith currently.”
“So, I have heard.” I commented.
“The blessings we have are rare and it is part of the reason we stay in company and work together. Faith is a dangerous thing now a days. It is clear you have either an agreement or boon from one of the spider goddesses, we cannot tell which one, but it does not matter. Even if you worked for the dark one Shilova, I cannot ignore your magical power. So many affinities are unheard of. Are you familiar with the guild ranking system for adventurers?”
“Not really.” I answered honestly. I knew some from stories and games but that does not mean they apply here.
“The lowest rank is F, then E, D, C, B, A, and finally S. With your magical power and number of affinities I can easily make you an A ranked adventurer. It might be possible for you to complete S ranked missions but let us get you some quests under your belt first. Making you an A ranked adventurer is already going to cause waves and draw attention to you.”
“Sounds like a good plan to me. Our goal is to make as much coin as possible. The more lucrative the better.” I answered.
“I am guessing you have a quest from one of the spider goddesses and you are looking to grow your influence. Money will of course help in that endeavor, but you will need status too. Sylph and I can both help in that regard.” Lady Mireya replied.
“Help how?” I asked.
“A high noble can nominate another person of good birth to join the ranks of nobility. Nomination from more than one high noble can grant you the chance to become a lord or lady. My lady title is not for show Arch-E or just used as a sign of respect. I am a High Lady as is Sylph, though you would not know it as she rarely attends functions or city events, she prefers to remain in the shadows. I, however, do not. You do look the part of a noble. Get some quests under your belt and gain the recognition and I will see to it you end up a lord.”
To say of was a bit shocked was an understatement. “Uh, thank you lady Mireya.”
“Please call me Mireya.” She turned to Miranda. “Finish getting them registered and get them started with some of the quests we keep in reserve that pay rather well. If they survive those, we can let them try an S ranked one.”
“As you command my lady.” Miranda said before leaving the room.
Once Miranda left Lady Mireya gave us a warning. “Once you become a noble you must be careful. Even if you work for Shilova, the Dark does not care. Backstabbing and subterfuge are commonplace in this city, especially among the nobles. Be careful and trust no one. May the spider goddess protect you.”
After she gave us her warning, she left the room. We only had to wait a few minutes before Miranda returned with our guild cards. “Here these are for you. I have you marked as visiting nobles. Knowing my lady, it is only a matter of time so no harm in putting that on your cards now. You can use these guild cards to get through checkpoints in the city and surrounding outposts. “
“Thank you, Miranda.” I said as she handed me my guild card that held a giant A on it.
“Thank you.” Pinkoria said as she received her guild card.
“Now I took the liberty to assign you to this quest. It will take you outside the city to one of our marshes. It requires you to kill several grogs.” Miranda explained.
“What is a grog?” I asked.
“They are giant creatures double the width of a large cow. A mix between a giant frog and an ogre. They like to attack caravans if they can pick off a few for a meal. One of the trading companies is asking for help from the guild. These are B to A ranked monsters so be careful.”
“Will do and thank you for everything.” I replied.