There was a crunch of gravel underfoot as we crossed the courtyard. We passed by several groups, much like Gersal’s, on the way to the yellow keep, their equipment and composition as varied as the flowers in the field. Some seemed to be veterans of campaigns and adventurers long forgotten, grizzled men holding old weapons and donning utilitarian and well-maintained armor. Others were younger, their gear freshly forged and newly bought. The weapons at their waists they wore awkwardly, the tools of their trade looking more the part of a costume. The assortment did not end there, for several parties featured eclectic mixes of species. Dwarves and Beastkin, even a dark-skinned elf, were peppered about here and there. It was quite the tapestry of diversity. I was tempted to use Identify on the more interesting individuals, but with my magical reserves at about half, I decided against it.
Stepping through the open doors into the main hall designated for lower-ranked adventurers brought a welcome surprise. The hall's interior offered a refreshing coolness, a stark contrast to the outside's balmy heat, and was alive with the sound of bustling activity. Along the hall's length, long tables and benches provided spaces for various adventurers to exchange tales, enjoy refreshments, or simply unwind. The serving staff, dressed in white shirts with billowing sleeves and necklines, complemented by black waistcoats, moved through the throng, attentive and efficient.
At the hall's far end, pink marble counters staffed by the Guild’s personnel dealt with a neatly formed queue of people waiting patiently for their turn. Each person handed a miscellany of items to the Guild staff, including plants - root, stem, and flower, rocks, an ancient clay pot, and body parts wrapped in rough cloth. In exchange, they received money and a polite smile.
To the right, a considerable gathering clustered around a large notice board that dominated its corner. This must be, of course, the job board. I contemplated checking out the latest postings, but the crowd's size, which seemed to swell by the moment, dissuaded me from this course. Moreover, after a brief reflection, I concluded that it wouldn't be appropriate to select jobs without consulting my companions first for their input.
Even though the group was not run by a majority vote, I knew well enough that people appreciated being consulted. It made them feel important.
Instead, opting for a moment’s pause, I decided to take a seat. I sat with Zariyah next to me. An awkward silence grew between us, creating a wall. Seeking to keep my hands busy, I took a slate tablet that I assumed to be today’s menu. Strange symbols, curved and boxy were inscribed upon it, their meaning unclear to me.
Without looking at me directly, Zariyah broke the silence without disturbing it. Her fingers moved in a pattern I could decipher now without the age of magic, Can you read it?
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
I never had the chance to learn, my own fingers waggled clumsily in reply.
She looked at me in puzzlement, and I went through the motions again.
You are terrible, she smiled, biting down on her lower lip to stop the expression from spreading. Of course, you never had the chance to learn. I’ll read it for you.
This world’s sign-language was mainly phonetic, with only a few words baked into specific gestures, making it easier to learn. I had observed her in our time together, drinking deep of her detail. I never truly could forget the details that Identify revealed to me. It was a growing catalog of memories, magically seared into my mind, ranging from the most trivial items to the mightiest foes I had faced. The information remained as clear in the present as it was the first time I cast the spell.
However, I would have to agree with her that my execution must have been rather bad.
No need, just order something for you and me. Something light, was my halting response. Or rather you tell me what I should order, I added a little clumsily.
In the end, it had taken me three tries to actually convey my meaning. I could have just spoken to her, she was mute, not deaf, but a part of me did not want to break the silence. It was a shared moment, an island for two in the noise of the busy establishment.
I’ll have the day’s set and you should do the same. Watered wine if it pleases you, was her reply.
A server came, a young girl with curly orange hair and a wide beaming smile. “What will you two be having then,” was her cheerful inquiry that broke our private moment.
Her infectious expression caused me to smile back in reflex. “Two of the day’s set, and watered wine for the both of us, if you would be so kind,” I ordered.
Acknowledging and repeating my order she gave us another sunny smile and started to move away.
“A moment please…” I stopped, grabbing her lower arm.
This time the smile she sent my way was forced. “Can I get you anything else,” she asked primly, looking at my hand as if it were a venomous snake.
“Apologies,” I said as placatingly as possible, slowly releasing her arm. “But where might I find a certain Vincenzio the Alchemist?”
“You’ll find Vince in the basement, over there, down the stairs,” the serving girl answered in almost a huff. “Now, if you will excuse me,” she finished, turning up her nose in annoyance as she made her exit.
I looked at Zariyah, seeing the hint of a barely repressed mocking smile at the corner of her lips. “Not a word,” I warned irritably.