THE ADVENTURER’S GUILD

The pangs of a slowly healing wound shot through Iris as she carefully pushed herself upright. The guild hall was alive with low murmurs and cautious relief. Her eyes flitted from face to face, a vast mosaic of relief, grief, and grim determination.

Audrielle and Divaro from Stilstead were on their knees beside Findal's motionless form. Audrielle's head was buried in Divaro's chest, her sobs silent but heart-wrenching.

Before she could process it all, two forms, but one quite large and furry pounced on her. Akane's velvety muzzle nudged her, and Mocha's worried eyes bore into hers. Iris winced, her wounds protesting at the sudden pressure.

‘Iris!’ Akane’s yips trembled with emotion. ‘I’m sorry. He caught me off guard.’

Mocha whispered, her eyes holding an unfamiliar depth, “Iris? You… you alright?”

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Iris managed a nod. “I... wasn't prepared for this.”

Akane’s form shifted and soon her kitsune sister was next to her, latched onto her side with tails curling around her.

“But... how did he survive?” Mocha's brows furrowed, puzzlement evident in her voice. “We watched him fall. It seemed certain. The murder hares… The odds…”

Iris frowned. “I don't know. But we fucked up Mocha. We should have—”

“No, none of that. It was a reasonable assumption,” Kaira interrupted. “People simply do not survive falling into ravines with monsters mawing at their faces. However he did it, it had to have been magic.”

Iris shook her head though. “Every movie, show, and anime always warned that if there wasn't proof, the villain likely isn't dead. I should have known.”

A firm but gentle hand on her face made Iris look up. Kaira's eyes, fiery and determined, locked onto hers. “This isn't some fairy tale or one of those 'shows' you mentioned. This is our reality. You need to remember that. And remember, you don’t have to face it all alone.”

As Kaira's words settled in, something inside Iris shattered. All the pent-up emotions, the raw vulnerability, came pouring out. Pulling Kaira closer, she clung to her as sobs wracked her frame, letting herself truly feel the weight of the events and the comfort of being surrounded by those who cared.

Time seemed to stand still as Iris and Kaira held onto one another, the world around them a blurred tableau of pain and hope. But the gentle touch on Iris's shoulder brought her back to reality.

Bree's eyes, filled with a mixture of relief and sorrow, locked onto hers. “Are you alright?” she asked softly.

Pushing herself up, Iris pulled Bree into a tight embrace. “Thank you,” she murmured, “for me, for all of us.”

Bree pulled away slightly, her smile bittersweet. “You saved us all first, Iris and almost paid for it. I couldn't let that be it.” Her gaze darkened. “But there were those I couldn't reach in time.”

Iris drew a steadying breath, acutely aware of the watching eyes of the survivors. “We'll mourn them together,” she replied solemnly. “Tell me what happened.”

As Bree recounted the tragic events, Iris almost fell into despair. I should have been here. If I was… She shook her head. She couldn’t think like that. Instead, she focused on the story of Findal’s courageous stand, Laken's desperate defense, and Owlie's selfless sacrifice—each story painted a picture of heroes rising against a force of overwhelming evil.

At some point during the recount, guards came in along with what looked like medics who were looking over people.

Kaira's voice, soft yet firm, broke into Iris's thoughts. “You need to address them. As Grandmaster. They need guidance. Hope.”

Nodding, Iris gently cupped Kaira's face. “You're right.”

Clearing her throat, she clapped her hands sharply, cutting through the murmur of the crowd. Every eye turned to her, their faces reflecting the myriad emotions of the moment: grief, confusion, anger, and hope. Guards politely backed away and gave her the floor. She nodded to them respectfully.

As she began, her voice trembled, but it grew steadier with every word. “Today, we faced a trial by fire. And though we bear the scars of this battle, both seen and unseen, we must not falter. Findal and Owlie made the ultimate sacrifice so that others might live. Their courage, their spirit, will forever be a beacon for the Adventurer's Guild. I swear that we will honor them. Findal was a courageous man who sought a better life for himself, his friends, and his village. What happened today is proof that your world… no, our world has changed. Now more than ever we are needed. Each and every one of you is needed. I will not blame anyone who wants to leave because of this, but I implore you to stay. To help us build this guild into what Lehelia and the rest of Ikios needs.”

She paused, hopefully allowing her words to sink in and make sense. “I cannot promise you safety. We are adventurers. Our very profession is wrought with danger. The road to forming this guild was filled with blood. We quest not just for glory or riches, but to make the world a safer, better place. There is danger around every corner of this world, and we must step up and make a stand. We are the shield that protects the innocent, the sword that cuts down the darkness. And while the path we tread may be dangerous, we do it together. For now, we mourn our friends, but we will rise and face the world once more, united in our purpose.”

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I really wasn’t cut out for this public speaking thing…

As the dust of realization began to settle, she didn’t know if it actually had anything to do with her poor speech, but determination was the emotion that took hold with an iron grip. It helped. A little bit.

Sera's voice was resolute as she stepped forward. The image of her standing next to the formidable Tanith was powerful. “I’m with you, Grandmaster. But after this?” she started, her eyes fixed on Tanith's, “Teach me to fight.” Her demand was clear, the tone of someone who'd decided never to feel vulnerable again.

Tanith, reading the urgency in the plea, gave a firm nod, his gaze sweeping over the assembly. “Absolutely. You and anyone else who desires it.”

Gryff gently patted Laken's shoulder before standing up. His voice carried a steely undertone. “Our Guild was attacked. And while the enemy lies defeated, we can't be caught unprepared again.” His gaze met Laken's, then Bree's and Kaira's. “Those of us that were within the City Guard will help ensure our Guild Halls are havens from the dangers we are sent to root out. Those who run the halls are vital, and it is our duty as adventurers to ensure you are safe. Because you will be the ones to maintain these sanctuaries when we are gone, to ensure they are prepared when we return from our quests. Today, I failed you all, but no more. I will train and become stronger. This I swear.”

His passionate proclamation was met with silent nods and murmurs of agreement. The sentiment was echoed by many. It was a moment of unity, an implicit vow to fortify, learn, and protect.

Audrielle and Divaro, a pair deeply impacted by the day's tragic events, then stepped into the circle of attention. Their bond was evident as they exchanged a brief, weighted glance. Audrielle, taking a steadying breath, began to speak, her voice reflecting her newfound resolve. “Divaro and I will ensure Findal's safe return home, but we're not leaving this Guild. Had this tragedy befallen Stilstead, without Iris's intervention, we'd all have perished. We will harness the strength and knowledge we acquire here to shield our village in the future.”

I don’t know what I’d do if I lost any of my closest friends. These two have true strength.

Iris's heart swelled with pride and gratitude. The Guild, though rocked to its core, was showing its resilience, its members rising to pledge allegiance and strength in the face of adversity. This was their legacy. This was their way forward.

They would honor the fallen, and after, they would emerge stronger.

The soft echo of footsteps on the floor was punctuated by a voice that pierced the silence that had fallen over the room. “Grandmaster?”

Iris was pulled from her thoughts, drawing her attention back to the immediate world around her. Pivoting on her heel, she saw Ser Meredith standing there, looking every bit the knight she was. Beside Iris, her two magical sisters and her girlfriend shifted subtly, positioning themselves protectively near her.

“Ser Meredith,” Iris greeted. “What can I do for you?”

The knight hesitated for a brief moment, her gaze sweeping the room. Most notably or rather, most telling, was how her eyes lingered on the guards with a hint of unease. “Might we converse somewhere… private?”

Iris gave a reassuring nod to her closest family before nodding in understanding to the knight. She motioned for Meredith to follow as she stepped forward. She glanced back at Sera and the woman nodded before moving to handle the people in the room.

The two women made their way through the main hall, where guards were looking over the damage, and two House Arden guards were covering the Marauder Prince’s body. Iris led Meredith to the stairs behind the main counter and up to the administration hallway, where her office resided. The inside was spartan and with just some furniture like a desk, some chairs, and empty bookcases. She was actually looking forward to decorating it.

Leaning against her desk, Iris crossed her arms as she studied Meredith closely. “What did you want to speak about?”

Meredith took a deep breath. “The man who attacked you... That was the marauder prince, correct?”

Iris nodded and waited for Meredith to continue.

The knight’s expression tightened. “That is… concerning,” the woman said slowly. “Although, I saw the… remains, he was… difficult to identify.”

“You’re telling me. We’re not sure how he survived, but he had magic that was somehow sealing the wounds on his face. He should have died.”

“That is even more concerning if magic can accomplish that,” she said with a sigh. “I will speak with Lady Arden about this. As for the body, I will take it into House Arden’s custody. It might be easier to suggest that he was merely one of the Marauder Prince’s lieutenants seeking vengeance.”

Iris considered this. “Are you sure? That seems… dangerous.”

Meredith’s gaze was unwavering. “Absolutely. Having the bastard in the bottom of some ravine would have made it easier to feign ignorance of his royal lineage. Having him… here, and headless… will complicate matters if word gets out.”

Iris rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of the situation. The guild just moved in and we’re already part of a government coverup. “Alright, yeah. I’ll play along, and let people know. Was there anything else?”

Meredith extended her hand, her gesture taking Iris by surprise. She clasped it, receiving a warm, reassuring squeeze in return. “You did commendably. The losses your Guild faced were tragic, but you contained a potent threat. I will advocate for more frequent patrols around here by the Guards. Today's events highlighted their lackluster response time. Though, to be fair, they just lost one of their more capable captains.”

Iris couldn't suppress a smirk at that thought. Yeah, they did. Kaira’s a badass.

However, Meredith's proposition gave Iris pause. More guards patrolling could be both a blessing and a curse, given the unpredictable nature of the adventurers. “Thank you, Meredith,” she said, choosing her words carefully.

The knight nodded, her features softening slightly. “Take care, Iris. Our paths are bound to cross often. And, just so you're aware, Lady Arden eagerly awaits your next tea session.”

Caught off guard, Iris blinked, her response tentative. “That's... good to know?”

A chuckle escaped Meredith's lips. “Until our next encounter, adventurer.”

Watching the knight depart, Iris took a moment, letting everything sink in. They faced many challenges ahead, but with her resilient team by her side, they'd weather the storms.

Together.