Clip-Clop. Pitter-Patter. Clip-Clop. Pitter-Patter. Clip-clop. Pitter-patter.
The hypnotic, soothing melody of nature created a lullaby capable of putting any sentient creature to rest. Yet it was unable to quench nor soothe the hearts of one individual. It frowned and showed its displeasure, directing a chilling, bitter wind howling, buffeting against carriage doors. The wood refused to budge, unwilling to let its occupants be at the tender mercies of the icy element. Unfortunately, where will resides, a way often arrives along with it. It doesn't come early or late, but when it needs to be. Despite the formidable barrier holding against all attempts of breaching its defences, the servant of nature subverted it instead, seeping through the crevices and gaps with a few of its most loyal troops. Draft was born.
Nicholas didn't feel any of it, nor did he care. His eyes and senses forever cradled the sleeping form of the young girl leaning against his shoulder, snoring and murmuring. His hands and arms wrapped around her body, sheltering it and giving whatever heat he possessed to help ward away the cold.
Finally lifting his gaze from his daughter's sleeping form, his eyes returned to two envelopes sitting in his lap, both adorned with the emblem of the crown. One had additional decorations, bearing a circumference of linked chains with two axes crossed diagonally and a sword through the middle. "It'll be over soon," he whispered quietly, raising a hand to brush away the strands of hair drooping over her daughter's face.
The guild master gazed out the window, seeing the trees go by in a blur while rain pelted the crystal surface in diagonal slashes. The green, vibrant woods were familiar to him. They were nearly there. With that thought soothing his worries, Nicholas gave nature permission to enchant him with her lullaby. His eyelids drooped and slid over his eyes. The man's mind dimmed. His head gently eased onto its side, pressing against the girl's hair. Another snore joined its fellow in song. Nature, seeing the man succumb to her wishes, slowly but surely withdrew her cold servant from its task.
The old man awoke to a gentle tapping on his shoulder, "We're here dad." Nicholas's eyes snapped open, and his body lurched as his hands reached for the sword on his belt. As his memory synced with his consciousness, the man relaxed. He kissed the top of her daughter's head, "How did you sleep?"
A small, weak smile appeared on her face, "You know better than to ask me that," emphasising her point with a light punch to his shoulder. It didn't hurt, he couldn't even feel it. Nicholas's smile faded, and his eyes scanned her daughter. Worry brimmed within them. "We need to get you to a healer."
"You and me both, Dad."
The guild master couldn't disagree, nodding in agreement with her statement. After listening to the tapping of horseshoes on the pavement, Nicholas looked out the window, seeing a church pass by. He leaned forward and muttered through a rectangular box, "Stop here please."
"Yes sir. At once sir."
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Movement accompanied the driver's words. The horse stopped, neighing in annoyance.
Nicholas quickly opened the carriage door and stepped out. He raised a hand to her daughter, who promptly ignored it and hopped out of her own accord. "Some things never change," the guild master muttered. He looked back, only to find her daughter a third of the way up the steps. Nicholas called out, "Ava! Wait for me!" She returned with a thumbs up and leaned against the handrail.
The guild master heard shouting from the back, seeing a driver wave his fist angrily in the air while pointing at the coach with his other hand. Nicholas got the overall meaning. He glanced around, finding himself in the middle of a bustling street. A crowd had gathered. Whispers and mutters echoed as people pointed and stared.
Nicholas glared at the spectators, sending them scattering back into resuming their daily duties. But stares and hushed words still continued. "Huh..." he muttered, "That is new." Nicholas re-opened his stat sheet.
Titles Saint
"No wonder," the old man shook his head and dismissed the status page. He quickly reached the back of the carriage, finding the two coachmen in a heated argument. Curses were exchanged continuously. Upon his arrival, the two shut their mouth with a click. The argument disintegrated. His coach had a smug grin on his face. A smile that was quickly wiped out as Nicholas arched an eyebrow. A flurry of apologies and bowing quickly broke out. The guild master efficiently dealt with the other carriage, distributing half-hearted apologies to its occupants. Of course, the response was extremely positive, filled with stutters and gulping as the aristocrats realised who they were addressing.
With that situation handled, Nicholas hashed out the payment details with the driver. The father snatched a crumpled piece of paper out of his pocket and crossed out the few pre-existing words written on it. Scribbling down a quick note and planting a signature on the bottom, he handed it to the driver. "Hand this slip in at the adventurer's guild. They'll take care of it from there." The man giddily stuffed the paper into his pocket and patted it for reassurance. Doing a mock salute, the man pranced over to the front. The carriage creaked and trembled as it took the coachman's weight. With a click and the snapping of the reins, the carriage rolled on, two people less.
"I am surprised you didn't report straight to the king or the guild for that matter."
Nicholas's cheery grin twisted into a thin line. "They are no longer the priority." The rest was left unsaid.
Without another word, the two quickly hurried over to the white temple. Two statues sat on either side of the staircase leading to the door. The left held a snake coiling on a staff. The other had a dove frozen with wings outstretched.
The pair quickly shoved their way through the small crowd and entered the hallway amidst the concerned and curious glances that constantly scanned the two. A few whispers broke out but were soon eliminated by either a compatriot or a person dressed in a white robe.
After scanning the surroundings and booths and eyeing the long lines, they settled upon one of the smaller ones.
Nicholas eyed the Adventurer's Guild crest and sighed, "The one time I would've loved to use my authority. Alas..."
He felt a comforting pat on his shoulder, "It's fine Dad, we can wait. Plus..." Neither of them continued the topic. Eyeing the lines once more, the guild master and her daughter sat on the vacant waiting benches. The old man rubbed his face with his hands, "Today is going to be a long day."
She nodded, "Yes."