They continued to walk through the city, passing small shops with their wares displayed in the windows, tempting passersby with colorful textiles, trinkets, and fragrant spices. Street vendors called out, trying to entice potential customers to stop and sample their offerings.
Despite the bustling activity around them, Iris’s mind remained inward, grappling with thoughts of the future. Iris needed to find somewhere to live that wasn’t an inn. The same went for the others like Sera, Tanith, and Neri.
There were so many things to figure out still, and the pressure it entailed weighed heavily on her. The need to start the guild suddenly felt more pressing. So many people were counting on her for their very livelihood.
She needed somewhere Mocha could stay comfortably, and she needed to figure out what Akane wanted.
Mocha was slowly taking to her humanoid form which was only possible due to Akane. What would happen if the kitsune left? Where would the kitsune go? She was a magical creature; would she even be considered a person here?
Iris felt responsible for her, especially since Akane seemed to consider her a sister. It was almost too much responsibility to put on one person. And I have to lead a guild? Where people I meet may go off on quests and die?
How did Kaira really feel about Mocha? That would be one deciding factor in their relationship because Iris would never leave her best friend behind. No matter her form, they were a pair. Their bond was too important, and no matter how much Iris felt herself falling hard for Kaira, Mocha held a spot in her life that required her to consider the horse’s place in any decisions.
A small part of her wanted to push all of these important decisions off, wait until the guild was formed when she knew things would be more stable.
But she couldn’t. At least not for Neri, Mocha, and Akane.
Even if the guild fell through somehow, she would have to figure out something for them.
Everyone has been proceeding like the guild is a sure thing. But is it? What will I do if it’s not?
As they approached the looming castle Iris looked around. Its towering spires reached for the sky, the walls adorned with vibrant banners fluttering in the breeze. The closer they came, the more the castle seemed to dominate the skyline.
But as they neared the entrance, Iris’s attention was drawn to a small group of people gathered in earnest conversation. Amidst them, the armor of a telv knight glinted in the dimming light. Iris's eyes widened in recognition. “Ser Meredith!” she called.
The knight turned, her face registering genuine surprise. Breaking away from the petitioners, she approached Iris and Kaira with brisk steps. “By the Family! We feared the worst when we hadn’t heard from you for so long.”
Iris smiled warmly, comforted by the familiarity of the knight's face. “Adventures often don't follow strict timelines. But we've returned. Is Lady Arden available? I've come to complete my quest.”
Ser Meredith raised an eyebrow, her curiosity evident. “You succeeded?”
Pride welled up in Iris as she nodded confidently. “We did. Can we share the details with both you and Lady Arden?”
Without another word, Ser Meredith gestured for them to follow, leading them into the heart of the castle.
The echo of their footsteps in the stone corridor became more pronounced as Ser Meredith led them to Lady Arden's office. Sunlight streamed in through the high windows, forming slanted beams that intersected with shadows, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. They arrived at the double doors to find Lady Arden engrossed in parchment just like the last time they were here, her brow furrowed in concentration.
At the sound of their entrance, she looked up and her stern face softened, “Miss Stuart!” She rose, her long dress rustling. "You've come back."
Iris inclined her head, a small smile forming on her lips. “Indeed, and I've brought news.”
“The Marauder Prince?”
Swallowing hard, Iris replied, “He's no longer a threat. He was Ser Corin Syllar, and now... he's dead.”
A sharp intake of breath signaled Lady Arden's shock. Her gaze darted to Meredith. “Ensure our privacy. Now.”
Despite her evident surprise, Meredith saluted crisply. “As you command.” As the door clicked shut behind the knight, tension built in the room, thick and palpable.
Lady Arden swore vehemently, her voice dripping with exasperation. “Fucking Alos's flaming sack. Fuck. Of course. Of course, it wouldn’t be that simple. Relena take that decrepit hag and all of her bastard children.”
Kaira's brows furrowed, confusion evident, while Iris tried to process the reaction. “What's the significance of the name? Why such a reaction? Which decrepit hag?”
“Corin Syllar. You are positive of this?”
Iris nodded. “I actually met him before by accident when I first arrived in Lehelia. That's how I knew his name.”
The woman let out another string of colorful curses that were not becoming of a noble.
“And he's dead?”
“He plummeted into a ravine with monsters all over him.”
Lady Arden exhaled heavily, the weight of her responsibility pressing on her. “Corin Syllar wasn't just any rogue. He was a bastard, a literal and royal one. The son of the queen's first son.”
Oh, fuck.
The gravity of the situation pressed down on Iris. She glanced at Kaira, who seemed paralyzed, her mind racing to calculate the implications.
“What does this mean for our quest?” Iris murmured, a tremor of uncertainty in her voice.
The noblewoman rubbed her temples, seemingly trying to ward off a headache. “Your reward is unaffected, but only if his name and identity remain a secret.”
Thoughts raced in Iris's head. Tanith and Sera knew. They would have to swear their silence. And soon.
She met Lady Arden's gaze, determination in her eyes. “I promise to remain silent.”
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Kaira added, her voice carrying an edge of steel, “As do I, milady.”
Lady Arden let out a sigh of relief, visibly relaxing. “Then your reward awaits. Despite the complications, I believe congratulations are in order.” She tried to smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.
With a hesitant nod, Iris acknowledged the sentiment, her stomach in knots.
The noblewoman smiled as she stood up. She reached into a box and pulled out two rolled up bundles of parchment.
“Please, have a seat,” she said, gesturing to the small seating area to the right. Iris and Kaira glanced at each other before moving over and sitting together on a small couch. Her girlfriend’s shoulder brushed comfortingly against hers as Lady Arden handed Iris the papers.
“What are these?” Iris asked, looking down at them.
“First, would you be willing to tell me the story of your quest?” Lady Arden requested, leaning forward with her hands folded.
Iris nodded. “Absolutely,” she responded, taking a deep breath.
She began to weave the story, recounting how they left Brightburn, the difficulties they faced, the people they met, and the multiple fights with the Marauder Prince’s faction.
As Iris recounted, Kaira chimed in at several junctures to add detail or clarify something that may have been misconstrued. Her low voice complemented Iris's tale, filling in gaps and lending a layer of authenticity. Their voices harmonized, creating a rhythm that carried them through the story.
Time passed unnoticed, with Lady Arden immersed in their tale. When the story reached its climax—the joining with the harpies to fight the Marauder Prince’s camp–Iris noticed Lady Arden's eyes narrowing, focused intently on every word.
As the story concluded, Lady Arden leaned back in her chair, contemplating what she had heard. She asked questions, first about Akane and the abilities she had demonstrated. The woman seemed quite intrigued.
“Thank you for the thorough account,” she finally said, breaking a silence that had settled over the room. “You have accomplished more than I could have hoped for. The harpy situation requires an immediate solution, and you have provided that. Though,” she added, her voice somber, “I worry about the fate of those who were transformed into such creatures. Rest assured, I will investigate this matter further.”
Relief washed over Iris. At last, the harpy queen would get her wish. It had been a long journey, full of twists and turns, but it had been worth it.
“I will look into granting the Cursed Forest to House Ferane, specifically to Lady Nysera,” Lady Arden continued, her voice determined. “At the very least, I will ensure that travelers are forbidden from entering. That should help protect the harpies and their home, as well as prevent any issues due to their plight.”
Iris's heart swelled with gratitude. The thought of returning to the harpy queen with this news filled her with excitement. She looked at Lady Arden, her eyes shining. “Thank you, Lady Arden. This means everything to the harpies and Lady Nysera.”
Lady Arden nodded, her gaze drifting to the bundle of papers in Iris's hands. “Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, Miss Stuart.” She took a moment before continuing, “In that bundle, you'll find a citizenship certificate for one Iris Stuart, terran, and now resident of Brightburn.”
Iris's eyebrows shot up in surprise. In the whirlwind of events, she'd nearly forgotten about that.
The noblewoman continued, “The second document contains my formal request and authorization for the establishment of the Adventurer's Guild headquarters within Brightburn. It also includes a letter to assist with the purchase of the chosen location. I understand Miss Timrel has her eye on a certain property in the city center, which I fully endorse as a fitting representation of our city and the Guild's mission.”
Hearing Lady Arden refer to Brightburn as 'our city' stirred a rush of emotion within Iris. This was right. This was her home now, and she had a part in shaping it. Her eyes met Kaira's, seeking confirmation, and the softness there reaffirmed her sense of belonging.
Iris swallowed, her voice thick with gratitude. “Thank you, Lady Arden. I can't express how much I appreciate your support.”
A smile spread across Lady Arden's face that was sincere and warm. “I'm glad you've found a home in my city. I can only imagine what it must be like to wake up in a completely foreign world, alone. You and I will be working closely together once you've settled into your new role.”
Iris had to ask. “Lady Arden? What do we do if the council doesn’t agree?”
The woman pursed her lips for a moment then shrugged in a very unladylike manner. “We’ll do it anyway.”
Iris was taken aback. “I’m sorry? But how?”
“I will use my authority to authorize it, and we will go around the Guilds. You already have the support of Valentina, correct?”
Iris nodded.
“Then we have the biggest hurdle complete. I will shove this down their throats if I have to, and they will either get in line or I will use every ounce of influence I have to squeeze them.”
“But… isn’t that dangerous?”
“It would be if we didn’t have Valentina’s support. I will get the crown involved if I have to. The queen would be more than willing to weigh in on the matter if it meant gaining Lehelia’s first native guild. I don’t think you realize how important this venture is. Not just for Brightburn, but for Lehelia as a whole. We’re a small nation, and only our relationship with the Sovereign Cities ensures our… sovereignty against the Kingdom of Avira. This will improve our stature, and Relena take me if I let this fall through.”
Iris nodded. “That… that makes a lot of sense. Thank you for explaining it.”
“Of course.” Lady Arden motioned to the bundle again. “Back to that, there's also a document for the Banking Guild. Present it, and they will release five hundred gold as the reward for the death of the Marauder Prince.”
She abruptly stood up, prompting Iris and Kaira to follow suit. The elegant high elf noblewoman extended her hand, and Iris clasped it gently. “I look forward to our collaboration, Miss Stuart,” Lady Arden said. Her gaze shifted to Kaira. “And you, Lady Harken, will no doubt be quite busy in your new role.”
Kaira's breath caught. Standing rigid, she bowed. “With your permission, milady, I wish to tender my resignation from the City Guard, effective immediately.” Her eyes met Iris's, crinkling at the edges as she smiled. “I'm eager to explore a different path that serves our home.”
Lady Arden sighed contentedly. “You two are simply adorable.”
Iris blinked in confusion, turning to the noblewoman who was covering her mouth, holding back a laugh. “I'm sorry?”
“Oh, the anticipation of watching this relationship flourish. And the magical dances that await,” Lady Arden mused. “I can hardly wait for the next ball.”
Kaira's eyes widened. “Milady?”
Lady Arden's chuckle was the epitome of grace. “Brightburn's Guildmaster and her noble partner? I assure you, you'll receive an invitation to every future ball in the city. And Lady Imogen's reaction will be priceless. Do me a favor, Lady Harken. Add a little salt to that wound when you see her next. I can hardly stand the woman. Alas, my status prevents me from indulging in the…what did you call it, Miss Stuart? Shenanigans? Badassery? That I shall leave to you two.”
All Iris could do was blink.
Lady Arden's smile returned. “Forgive my enthusiasm, Miss Stuart. There are some things I must experience vicariously through others. I eagerly await the accomplishments you both will achieve. While I believe we can make a difference in the city working together, I hope in time, our relationship can be more personal.”
“Lady Arden, please call me 'Iris'. My first year and a half in Lehelia were lonely. But since arriving in Brightburn,” Iris glanced at Kaira, reaching over and intertwining their fingers. “I've found more than friends. I've found family. I'd be honored to consider you a friend.”
The noblewoman stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Iris's arm. “Iris. I look forward to that. And I must insist you call me Thalia. But for now, I've taken up enough of your time. You have much to do. We have a city to improve. You've secured the remainder of the funding? One thousand gold, was it?”
Iris nodded as Thalia stepped back. “I need proof of the amount, and it will go directly into the guild. Most will be for the headquarters. With the five hundred from the reward, Fenren Trading House's investment, and my share of the spoils from the Marauder Prince's locations, we should be close. I’ll go over it with Sera after this.”
Kaira chimed in, “The party has discussed it. We're all contributing our shares as well.”
Thalia’s eyes softened with appreciation as she listened to Kaira and the others' willingness to invest in the guild. “I would be happy to assist with any refurbishments you require for the location you select,” she offered. “Your guild should not only represent Brightburn but also serve as the standard for any future branches.”
Iris, feeling a surge of gratitude, offered her thanks. After exchanging well wishes and farewells, she and Kaira made their exit. Ser Meredith left them in the company of a servant who escorted them out of the castle while the telv knight returned to confer with Thalia.
Once outside the castle, Iris and Kaira wasted no time in heading to the Banking Guild. The reward for the Marauder Prince was quickly processed, and Iris soon found herself with an additional five hundred gold in her account.
Quest complete, she thought with a smile.