MAIN QUESTLINE PROGRESSION

Iris and the others followed the telv woman into a library just down from the grand hall. The room was spacious and adorned with ornate bookcases that reached the ceiling, filled with leather-bound tomes and ancient scrolls. The shelves were illuminated by flickering oil lamps that cast a warm, golden light across the room. Plush chairs and sofas were arranged around a large, mahogany table in the center of the room, and a fireplace crackled merrily in the corner, filling the air with a cozy warmth.

Lady Arden stood there talking with a group of noblewomen. As the group came closer, Iris noticed Lady Imogen present with a scowl on her face. Lady Arden dismissed the group of women and they made their way past Iris and the group.

Lady Imogen, however, walked awfully close to the group, her eyes focused on Iris. She quietly sneered, “It seems House Arden has lowered their standards.”

As the woman turned her head away, Iris summoned a bit of electricity to lightly zap her, causing the woman to exclaim in surprise and anger.

The woman rounded on Iris, but the adventurer just put a hand over her mouth innocently.

“Oops,” Iris said, concealing her smirk. “I guess you shouldn’t get too close.”

Lady Imogen scoffed and stomped away, leaving Iris feeling satisfied and victorious, at least until Kaira and Sera both gave her a look.

Lady Arden stepped next to the table, her piercing blue eyes surveyed the group with a mix of curiosity and approval. Her long auburn hair was arranged in an intricate updo. Her long emerald green dress boasted a fitted bodice adorned with intricate gold embellishments that trailed downwards, emphasizing the tightly gathered waistline that blossomed into a full, poofy skirt.

“I don’t think you’ve made any friends of House Sinclair, tonight,” the woman said with an amused tone.

Iris shrugged. “It is what it is.”

The woman chuckled politely. “I am glad you were all able to accept my invitation, and Captain Harken, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Kaira gave a hesitant smile. “Iris brought the initial report of the bandit attack and I have been showing her our lovely city. She was kind enough to extend an invitation to me to be her escort.”

Lady Arden smirked. “And what an escort it’s been. And how are you enjoying the ball?” she asked, turning her attention to the group.

Sera stepped forward, satchel in hand. “It’s been quite lovely, Lady Arden. The music is delightful, and the food is divine,” she said with a smile.

We didn’t try the finger foods yet… Oh, Sera.

Lady Arden nodded. “I'm glad to hear it. And Miss Iris, I must say, that dance you and Captain Harken just had was quite charged,” she commented, a glint of amusement in her eyes.

Iris blushed at the mention of the dance, but couldn't help the grin that formed on her face. “It was certainly an experience,” she replied with a chuckle.

“When I said I would be interested in seeing your magic, I would never have guessed what it would entail,” she said and gestured the group toward the table. “I expect the show will be the talk of tea parties for weeks.”

As the group approached the table, Lady Arden then turned to the reason why they were there. “Now, let’s discuss the founding of the Adventurer’s Guild. I have received word about your little quest this morning, Iris. I must say, after our first discussion, you had my curiosity… but now you have my attention.”

“All good, I hope?” Iris asked.

The noblewoman nodded, her expression serious. “It was. Such a situation was exactly how you described it. Someone had a need, and the adventurer solved it. Quick, clean… to an extent,” she said and turned her attention to Kaira. “I expect your job will be quite busy tomorrow.”

Kaira nodded. “I also expected as much. I have some plans already, but I’ll speak with the other captains and come up with something.”

The woman nodded. “Please, sit. Miss Timrel, I suspect you are the one with all of the documents.”

Sera nodded as she set the satchel down on the table while she sat. She opened the bag, revealing a stack of papers. “Yes, Lady Arden. I have everything we need to get started.”

“Excellent,” Lady Arden said, taking a seat at the head of the table. “Let us begin.”

Sera waited for everyone to sit before she looked down at the first page. “We met with Guildmistress Valentina and gathered some information about the process. After discussion, we are confident in being able to accomplish what is required.”

Sera flipped through her notes, her finger tracing down the page as she recounted the meeting with the Merchant Guildmistress. She described the necessary paperwork and funds required, the minimum number of members required, and the process for approval from the Guild Council. As she spoke, Lady Arden listened intently, her eyes fixed on Sera's face, absorbing every detail.

Lady Arden nodded. “Good. Let me say right away, that I am amenable to the idea. Having such a guild in Brightburn would be a large boon, to the city and my House. However, this is the first new guild in ages, it must be done right. Here are my concerns.”

Iris glanced around at her companions. Sera had leaned forward, attentive, while Kaira had a thoughtful look on her face. Tanith sat at the other end of the table, calm and collected, his expression neutral.

Lady Arden continued, her gaze fixed on Iris. “First, Miss Stuart, you are a terran and have no ties to Lehelia. You are, to put it bluntly, a nobody in this city. A Guildmaster must be able to interact with nobility, showing that they too have influence and power. Being an outsider makes this all the more difficult.”

Iris squared her shoulders, meeting Lady Arden's gaze. She knew her status as a terran and an outsider in Lehelia would be a hurdle, but she refused to let it discourage her.

Kaira spoke up, her voice measured but firm. “Lady Arden, if I may, Miss Stuart may not have noble ties, but she has already proven herself to be a capable leader and adventurer. And isn't that what matters most in a Guildmaster in such a venture?”

Sera nodded in agreement, while Tanith remained quiet, observing the exchange. Lady Arden considered Kaira's words before giving a small nod. “Valid points, Captain Harken. However, it is not just about leadership and adventuring skills. A Guildmaster must navigate the delicate political landscape of Lehelia, and being an outsider can hinder that. We will need to find a way to mitigate this.”

“So, what can we do?” Iris asked, gesticulating with her hands. “I know the prospect of having a seat on the Guild Council is enticing to you.”

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Sera winced, but Lady Arden did not appear surprised at Iris’s accusation.

Instead, the woman smiled as she focused on Sera. “I suspect you were the one to find that knowledge. Allow me to confirm your suspicion: you are absolutely correct, but you may have the reasoning wrong.”

Sera tilted her head. “In what way, milady?”

“I want a seat on the guild council because I am tired of the Guilds strong-arming their way around my city. They have no check, and it's because the Merchant's Guild only sees in terms of profit. I can point to several ventures and multiple instances where the people of the city suffered because the Guilds prioritized short-term profit rather than what was good for Brightburn,” she said.

Sera perked up. “As part of the Merchant Guild, I and my company would be interested in these examples, Lady Arden. I am sure the House that my company belongs to would appreciate it.”

Lady Arden tilted her head a moment but then held up a hand before retrieving a set of documents. As she spread them out, she started pointing out key situations where the city had suffered but one guild or another had profited, a grain shortage here, a well gone bad there.

The noblewoman explained different cases where the guilds used their influence to ensure they were given preferential treatment and forced predatory terms on citizens or the city.

Iris nodded along. It made sense to want to change that, at least from the noble responsible for the city’s standpoint. When Iris asked why the nation hadn’t done anything, both Sera and Lady Arden just sighed. Apparently, the guilds could strong-arm nations, which led to the noblewoman explaining the war currently happening in the West which had ignited because the guilds had tried interfering with one of the larger empires.

Her gaze lifted as the noblewoman set aside the papers and documents, returning her attention to the task at hand.

“Now, Guildmistress Valentina is retiring soon,” Lady Arden explained. “She has been increasingly amenable to changes, but her replacement is not. A benefit of having a guild headquartered here in Brightburn is that it will automatically become the chair of the council. A benefit the Merchant and Banking Guilds pushed through.

“So, yes, I want you to have a seat to my benefit, mainly so the guilds can stay out of my affairs. I don't want to impose on the Adventurer's Guild. You spoke highly of the neutrality of the organization. I'm counting on it. The prestige and influence you gain me is also a boon,” she said, punctuating her explanation with a deep drink of her wine.

When she finished, she glanced between Sera and Iris and continued, “The two of you surely understand how I must remain cautious of new ventures that could potentially threaten my House’s power or status,” the lady explained. “There is an established order to things. This may upset that, and I want that, but I have to be sure. So, I have a proposal. A quest if you will.”

Iris sat up straight, ready for the new challenge. “I’m listening,” she said.

Lady Arden leaned forward, clasping her hands on the table. “Members of the Guard returned, having found nothing about the bandits you mentioned nor in the lands surrounding the city. It’s clear that they have gone into hiding. Ser Meredith and a squad of my House Guard have gone to Stilstead to provide safety to the village.”

Iris listened intently as Lady Arden spoke, her eyes bright with interest. I’m glad she’s actually doing something.

Lady Arden's gaze flickered to Kaira before returning to Iris. “The Marauder Prince has been a thorn in Lehelia's side for far too long. Unfortunately, I do not have anyone available to find him, let alone kill him. The man has been causing chaos throughout the Queendom. He’s raided several villages, and I will not have him doing the same within my demesne.”

Taking down a notorious criminal would certainly help her gain recognition in Lehelia. “What's the reward?” she asked, already calculating how much she could ask for her services.

“Five hundred gold from the Queendom,” Lady Arden replied. “I will pay it from my coffers, which will count toward a lesser tax burden later, so it is no issue. But that's not all. If you, Miss Stuart, were to complete this quest, I would not only ensure your citizenship, but I would also use the notoriety you gain to support the creation of the guild.”

Iris considered Lady Arden’s words, her eyes darting to the others before focusing on the noblewoman. “From what I’ve seen, I am not sure I can do such a quest alone. He doubtlessly has dozens, if not hundreds following him. I need more adventurers, a party if you will,” she said with a determined expression.

Kaira, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. “Lady Arden, I would like to offer my support to join this quest. With my experience, I believe I could be a valuable asset.”

Lady Arden considered Kaira’s offer before nodding her approval. “Very well, Captain Harken. I authorize you to accompany Adventurer Stuart on this quest,” she stated before turning back to Iris. “I suddenly find myself with another way to assist. You need more adventurers, and I want to ensure you and I start off on a positive note as you join the Guild Council.”

Iris looked at Lady Arden curiously, waiting for her to continue. Lady Arden leaned forward, her eyes glinting with excitement. “Captain Harken, I authorize you to recruit three additional members of the Guard to Miss Stuart’s cause,” she said. “Miss Iris, with their aid I expect that you will have a better chance of success and can complete your quest,” she explained with a small smile.

Iris nodded, grateful for the additional support, but also feeling the weight of the task ahead. She knew that capturing or killing the Marauder Prince would not be an easy feat, but with the aid of Kaira, the three additional Guard members, and her own skills, she was determined to see it through. “Thank you, Lady Arden. We will not disappoint you,” she said with a small smile of her own.

After all, this is what I was brought here for.

Iris felt a sense of relief as the meeting drew to a close. She had not been sure what to expect from Lady Arden, but she was grateful for the support and resources that the noblewoman had offered. She turned to Kaira and Sera, nodding to them in appreciation.

She leaned close to Kaira. “Thanks,” she said. “Mocha and I will be glad to have you with us.”

Kaira nodded, smiling warmly. “Of course,” she said. “I couldn’t let you run off into danger alone again. Who knows what may explode next.”

Sera smirked at that, then turned to Lady Arden. “Thank you for your assistance, Lady Arden,” she said. “We’ll keep you informed of our progress, and I look forward to working with you to select an appropriate location for the headquarters.”

Lady Arden chuckled, then rose to her feet. “Excellent,” she said. “Brightburn’s own guild must have a proper location, after all. I look forward to hearing from you.”

With that, the meeting was concluded, and the group began to file out of the room. Iris felt a sense of purpose and excitement as she prepared to set out on her grand quest, surrounded by a group of capable friends.

Shit. I need new armor.

She’d… have to take a bit more time before leaving.

After exchanging goodbyes with Lady Delphina and Lord Reginald, Iris made a mental note to plan something with them after her quest. It would be nice to spend some time with them outside of the ballroom setting. With a wave, Iris turned and joined Kaira, Sera, and Tanith, who were already making their way toward the exit.

As they stepped out into the cool night air, Iris breathed in deeply, enjoying the fresh breeze. She was grateful for the break from the stifling atmosphere of the ballroom but also felt a little sad that the night was over.

I wish we could have danced more.

She turned to Kaira and Sera, smiling. “That was quite the experience, wasn’t it?”

Kaira nodded in agreement. “Definitely a night to remember,” she said. “But now, it’s time to get to work.”

Sera laughed. “At least finish the night out,” she said. “Speaking of which, I’m in the mood for a drink. Who’s with me?”

Tanith smiled. “You know I’m always ready for a drink.”

Kaira raised an eyebrow. “After the night we’ve had, you want to go drinking? Didn’t you have a few glasses in there?” she asked, amused.

Sera shrugged. “Why not? Haven’t you heard Iris explain what adventurers do? Drinking is practically in the job description.”

Iris chuckled, shaking her head. “I object to that characterization,” she said, though the corners of her mouth twitched in amusement. “Plus, I quit drinking ages ago. Just ask Mocha.”

Tanith snorted and Sera rolled her eyes. “Suit yourself,” she said. “But after all the research I had to do this week, I need to unwind.”