Jarvan LanCaire, branch director of Gilded’s adventure society, was currently laughing, enough so that even his silver-rank reflexes and coordination was barely up to the task of keeping him in his chair.
His large office was currently occupied by him, Adelaide, Kite, mistress Dew and another leonid man who Kite had not met before today. His name was Rupert Versis, and he was the deputy director and right hand of branch director Jarvan.
Leonids were far from rare in Hua-Xi, but the population was mostly scattered families rather than unified tribes. This gave the local leonids a rather big variety of coloration and diversity. Rupert was smaller than many of the leonid males Kite had seen earlier in his life, which still left him towering above the rest of the participants of the meeting. His fur was a reddish bronze with a deeper shade of red in his mane, contrasted by his bright blue eyes which were currently giving the branch director a flat look.
“We get it, Jarvan. You found this amusing. The point has thoroughly come across.” he said in a deep voice laced with a frustration born out of familiarity. Rupert had apparently been one of Jarvan’s traveling companions during his more active adventuring days. Both of the men had an eloquent manner of speech, but Ruperts had a level of dignity to his words which the branch director seemed to lack, instead having a bit more boisterous frivolity.
Finally calming down enough to be coherent, Jarvan dabbed at his eyes as if wiping away a non-existent tear. “I did, Rupert. I found it very funny. It is not every day that one of the local iron-rankers, one of the dependable ones even, just happens to get into an altercation with students of a local sect, passes one rather legendary trial of worth then proceeds to escape by hitching a ride with said legendary trial’s even more legendary artifact before returning with what have to be a diamond rank servitor from a local, if absent, queen of legend.
He then proceeds with actually getting a say in the affairs of said servitor, effectively wiping the slate clean between him and the sect as he also gave them a punishment in the form of an actual, and probably formidable, reward that will only be available to them if they manage to straighten their act and channel some actual humility and dedication into their work.”
“It is quite fortunate that you do not have to breathe anymore, Jarvan, as I believe that you might have passed out from asphyxiation had you tried getting any more words out.” Rupert commented dryly.
Kite, mistress Dew and Adelaide mostly remained quiet during this exchange. As he had returned to Gilded along with mistress Dew, Kite had gone along with her rather insistent suggestion that they inform the branch director as soon as possible about what had transpired. In the wake of one of the most famous independent adventurers in the region, it had not been long until Kite had found himself back in the big office with the exotic memorabilia, telling his story to a very interested audience.
“Kite, this couldn’t have come at a better time. I could kiss you!” the branch director exclaimed happily as he leaned back in his chair.
“Jarvan, do not kiss the young man. Your wife would have quite an enthusiastic protest to such an act.” Rupert commented.
“And who would tell her? You?”
“Yes, most certainly.”
“Traitor! I am your boss!”
“And she is the healer.”
“... Well played. Okay, no kissing, but you are definitely in for a reward, Kite! But as it wasn’t during official business, we’ll have to find a way to arrange something discreet.” Jarvan mused, stroking his golden beard thoughtfully.
“Isn’t that called corruption?” Rupert asked dryly.
“Nonsense, Rupert. More… cultivating an asset! Yes, that is a great idea!
We shoul- Yes, Kite?” the branch director interrupted, as Kite had leaned forward as if wishing to speak.
“I’m sorry, director Jarvan, but may I ask why this makes you so pleased?” he asked, a bit confused regarding the reaction he had received. He had expected something more along the lines of disapproval as a lowly iron-ranker like him had made such ripples in the local power-structures.
“Yes, Jarvan. Might be best to tell the young man why you are acting like a crazy person.” Rupert added, receiving a glare from the director.
“Ah, yes well… You do remember a certain venture that will happen in just a few short months? If this will play out even remotely like I think it will then you, Kite, may just have secured us a much more cooperative local sect.
Just imagine it; a large organization who is accustomed to being one of the top local players in the region suddenly comes under scrutiny from something powerful enough that it operates on a whole different scope. They are given an offer; to act with honor and decorum in return for a chance at a reward down the line. A reward from a being operating on a whole different scope than even their most powerful members. Such a reward could change the sect forever, uplifting them to a new stage even.
This will give a chance to please many of the internal factions within the sect. Those who might have wanted such a change all along now have renewed wind in their sails, while those vying for power have enough potential gain dangled before them to go along with it, if only on the surface level. What is ten years in the life of the mighty, after all?
And this whole thing is dropped on them not long before an expedition where we would really like them to be on their best behavior. Fertility’s teats, it might even be enough to make the Descending Star sect try to up their game as well as not to be outplayed and give away face!”
The branch director’s tirade had an excited intensity which almost had Kite lean back in his chair as the man’s aura was almost jumping about in excitement.
Rupert, on the other hand, coughed at the semi-blasphemous expletive.
“Jarvan, I will once again remind you of what your wife would say about such language.”
“Purr, you have seen her manifestations in the temple square. They are quite the defining feature.”
“First of all, your wife being a priestess of fertility will probably make her a better authority than you on the matter. Second, you know I absolutely detest being called that.”
“But you do purr, right? Ru-purrt. It’s perfect!”
“As I’ve said before; whether I purr or not is for you to wonder and for a woman of class and decorum to find out.”
“Spoilsport.” Jarvan grumbled before turning back to Kite. “Did that answer your question, Kite?”
“Yes, thank you branch director. But I must admit that it raised many more.” Kite answered as he was trying to find his bearings in this conversation. The branch director had seemed to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere during the previous meeting, but the presence of his deputy director took it to an entirely different level. Kite couldn’t help being swept up in the casualness, although it was still a bit too new to entirely dare to relax to their level.
Director Jarvan chuckle. “That is quite alright, Kite. Most will probably be answered in time.
But as for your reward, I have an idea of which I will get back to you in the future. Had it been up to me, I’d just slap on a third star onto your badge right away. Lust’s luscious lips, I’d even give you a fourth just for the amount of work and tedious meetings you might just have saved me.”
“But… I thought there were only three stars?” Kite asked, confused.
“There are only three stars. The branch director is just being his usual self. How he got the position is often beyond me.” Rupert muttered sufferingly.
“Besides, you might get in trouble if promoted again too soon, or too young. I believe the branch director is wise to hold off with that kind of reward for now.” Adelaide added. She had mostly listened along so far after escorting them to the meeting.
“Unfortunate, but true. But make a good showing during the upcoming expedition, and your future with the society might continue to look very bright!” director Jarvan said with a pleased smile before turning to mistress Dew. “Regarding your reward, you may collect the agreed upon payment for the contract from Adelaide after this meeting, with a bonus due to the unforeseen altercations.”
“That sounds satisfactory. Besides, I got to test a grand elder in direct combat. It’s not everyday a mere ‘outcast’ like me gets that kind of chance.” mistress Dew said, blue lips curving slightly in a satisfied smile. “But I have to admit, he was good. If he would drop the politicking and participate properly in the expedition, he will be an asset.”
“Before today I thought that I would see Lust take a vow of chastity before I’d see a sect elder tone down the politics, but life truly is a process of learning.” chuckled the branch director. “And thank you Kite, for shedding some light on the trial of the jade-sky gate. Very few rumors have been around, even fewer which sounded credible. Since the variety of trials seem almost endless, there isn’t much point of spreading it too far, but it can be of some value to any of our own people who are planning to make the attempt.
For now, you should go home and rest. There will probably be a day or two before word starts getting around of what happened, probably being grander with every telling. It is not often I get to debrief the ‘guardians of the queen’s exalted will’ here in these lands. But I suggest that you most of all, Kite, prepare for a bit more attention to you. I wouldn’t expect dignitaries from the capitol, but there will probably be at least some local players who want to form a connection. Do with that what you wish, but I would advise caution in making any commitments to anything.”
“Thank you, branch director. I will consider your advice.” Kite said, giving the man a tired smile before rising along with mistress Dew and Adelaide. “Rest will be much needed, I believe.”
“And I will return to my previous assignment. There is still work to be done. We can’t all go traipsing about ancient trials for three weeks.” mistress Dew said with a sardonic smile as she left before the others, her pace quicker than the iron-rankers could easily follow.
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“Well, little Kite, that sure proved to be quite the adventure in more ways than one.” uncle Walker said as he sat back in his chair, Kite just having finished his telling of the story for the second time since his return to the city. Kite took the moment to really enjoy the warmth of the small feast his uncle had procured after he had returned. Even Glint had her very own little pile of pastry crumbs which she was digging into with fervor.
“To think that they would stoop so low though…” he continued thoughtfully. “You said that even the construct said that they should take a deeper look at the young man? I have faced some rather unpleasant students of the sects in my days, but none of them had yet to reach that level.”
Kite nodded as he finished chewing. “Maybe she saw something that the rest of us did not?”
“Well, best leave that to the sect. Might be good to take some time for a bit of inward focus for them.” uncle Walker said after taking another sip of tea. “I’m more interested to see what you got for all this trouble. From the trial I mean. Would you mind showing this old man?”
Kite produced the metal staff from his void sheath, the lone ring at its top chiming with a faint resonance as he held it out toward his uncle. Walker took it reverently, feeling at its weight as Kite described his sense of what the properties of the staff were.
“Kite, that is one quality piece of equipment you have there, even though it looks more like a staff made for some spiritual purpose. It will probably be with you to the end of your days. With such a companion, you will probably want to start looking for a proper teacher. Unfortunately, your old uncle here will probably not be able to give you more than base advice as you have already learned what I have to teach.
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
But we should leave thoughts of improvement and further adventures until tomorrow. Tonight we eat, rest and toast to the fact that I will not have to flee these lands to hide from your vengeful aunties.
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“Is it done?” asked Luster of Imminent Dusk, sect leader of the Victorious Sunset sect. She stood looking out over the sect through the windows of her solar, a severe human woman with straw-blonde hair held in an elaborate hairstyle of braids, pins and jewels. While she held the same silver rank as the two grand elders who had entered her private quarters, there was a distinct feeling of power from her as she stood at the very peak of the rank. Her aura felt like the blazing sun, even as evening had long since fallen over the lands below.
“It is done, sect leader.” answered grand elder Sight, bowing with cupped hands to show deference. “The priest of the Healer we brought in confirmed that there is indeed something tainting the initiate, but very subtle. He is currently bringing in more of his clergy for a deeper investigation.”
“Good. Whatever else came of this debacle, it alerted us to a danger we should have been aware of already. Prepare to lock down the sect after Healer’s clergy has arrived. Prepare the inner disciples and the elders to keep watch as we begin screening everyone, beginning with me.”
“Surely, sect leader, you of all people must be beyond reproach?” asked grand elder Lark, taken aback by the statement.
“Assuming a position beyond any reproach is what got all of us into this situation, grand elder.” sect leader Dusk said, an edge to her voice as she turned to them. “If we are going to grab the double-edged opportunity your actions have thrust upon us, then it has to be done thoroughly. We begin with me.” she finished, brooking no argument as grand elder Lark shrank back slightly from the pressure her aura-backed gaze exuded.
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The morning after his return, Kite awoke as his door rattled at the sound of loud knocking. A quick glance outside through the window told him that he had apparently slept later than usual. While he felt drowsy, a part of his mind noted that waking up was a much smoother process than before as his mind cleared rather quickly. This meant that he was surprisingly coordinated as he threw on pants and a loose shirt before going to the rescue of the poor door which almost rattled in its hinges.
He already knew who was outside, smiling amusedly as he opened the door.
“What did this poor door ever do to yo-” was all the attempt at suave comment he got out before being tackled to the ground as Dragonfly pounced on him, covering his face in her pink curls as her almost weapons-grade hug enveloped him.
As she sat up where she still straddled him, she gave him a fierce, accusatory look.
“What is this I’m hearing about you? Facing off against sect elders? Calling down the fury of the heavens? Being named the guardian of… something which sounded very important?!” she asked, accusation in her tone as her eyes thinned.
Dragonfly was a blessed sight, looking like her usual self; with eyes full of passion and dressed in practical, loose pants and tunic in the local style tied shut with a number of small ribbons. And after being alone in a hostile environment for weeks, Kite was keenly aware of how much he’d missed her.
That was why he, instead of an explanation, instead just sat up and hugged her again. This threw her off track, and the questions were discarded as she instead held him tightly for a while.
“I truly missed you these last weeks, Dragonfly.” he said honestly as he pulled back to affix her gaze with his. “If I learned anything from the trial, it was to cherish those of you that matter the most.”
Put on the back foot by Kite’s emotional counterattack of earnest appreciation, she stumbled over her words a bit as she blushed. He did think that he felt a twang of something in her aura, but it was not the repressed physical attraction from last time. Deciding to ask about it later, he continued.
“We should probably close the door as well. It’s a rather long story, after all.” he said with a contented smile. It truly was good to be back.
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And thus, Kite told his story again for the third time. However, it was not only Dragonfly who was his audience this time. As she had gathered her composure, Dragonfly had announced that such a story deserved its snacks and that they should probably see if Serene was available as well.
An hour later, the three of them sat at the small table in Kite’s apartment, Kite basking in the warmth of food and the company of his companions.
“-and then Gleam left, probably returning to the castle of her mistress.” he finished. During his telling, he had been bombarded with questions as his audience had shifted between excitement, outrage and some incredulousness. As he got to the rather crazy end, Dragonfly had even stopped to ask Serene if he was really telling the truth. Kite did not blame her. He would have thought it quite the tall tale had he heard it himself.
“You sure showed a knack for attracting trouble.” Dragonfly stated as she leaned back in her chair, almost dazed by the complex events. Serene seemed less phased, but more thoughtful.
“I do wonder what this will mean for the future, both the… endeavor but also for you, Kite. While you won’t be known by everyone, you might receive more attention from certain circles from now on.” she mused with her windy voice.
“Branch director Jarvan hinted something along those lines as well.” Kite agreed. “I don’t know exactly what it will be though. Any ideas?”
Dragonfly shrugged, indicating that she had no clue, while Serene spoke up again.
“While I am not entirely sure, I would believe that certain people, often those with means or power, might reach out to try and make a connection. You are only an iron-ranker at the moment, so it will probably be more with the future in consideration. Be wary, Kite. Some might want to bring you into their games and politics. I think practicing your polite refusals might be appropriate.”
Kite sighed heavily at the prospect, but if it was to be as Serene suspected, he would probably do well to heed her advice. He started thinking about who he could consult in the matter when Dragonfly brought a wholly different topic.
“That aside, there is one thing you haven’t told us yet. Did you find any treasure?” she asked, eyes gleaming.
A while later, both Dragonfly and Serene sat gaping at the piles of treasure they had helped him to sort through. While his staff was the most precious gain from the trial, he had still left with ten varied essences and sixteen awakening stones, on top of all the varied small piles of quintessence.
Most were from different elemental themes, such as the expected water and fire essences, but there were some more abstract concepts in there as well such as the solid essence he had found early in the trial.
“I brought this as well, as it was something I thought you might appreciate.” Kite said with a wink to Dragonfly as he produced the axe once wielded by the fire warlord. It was a large, single bladed axe of a brass-colored metal. The head had inscriptions which looked more like small, natural veins of lava and brimstone, and even with his increased strength he had to struggle a bit as he held the weapon out to her.
As she hefted it, eyes gleaming, he continued. “It’s for bronze rank, but it feels pretty powerful. It would be my pleasure to gift it to you. I do owe you one for the awakening stone, after all.”
He felt a nice warmth inside as he saw her excitement at the gift, even if she had to put it away after a while due to the increasing pain of handling a higher-rank item. Once more, he found himself enveloped in a big hug.
“You foolish, wonderful man. You know there isn’t any bad karma between us.” she said, words muffled by his shoulder.
“I know. But I want you to have it anyway. Who else would I think of when faced with an implement of fiery brutality.”
“That might be one of the nicest things someone has said about me. Right up there with you calling me beautiful.” she beamed at him.
“Do you know what you will do with all this, Kite? It should earn you quite a lot.” Serene asked as she held a piece of shimmering dimension quintessence, looking into its depths.
“Sell it, at least most of it. I will need a lot of funds to raise my new staff to bronze rank after all. And all the rest of the gear we will need once we progress far enough. It should still be a couple of months away but we should be looking toward the future.
As auntie Crow likes to say; We can’t wait until we’re thirsty before starting to dig the well.” He explained sagely.
Both of his friends looked at him in silence for a short while before Dragonfly spoke. “Doesn’t your auntie know a magic ritual to dig wells? Like, really fast?”
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After spending the day together, Serene was the first to leave, but not before giving Dragonfly some not so subtle hints that she should stay and talk with Kite.
As he had felt that something was a bit off when she arrived, the door had barely closed before Kite turned to Dragonfly who still sat at his bed sorting the last of the quintessence. He didn’t need an aura-sense to see that she was avoiding his gaze.
“Would you like to talk about it?” he asked gently as he sat down beside her after pushing some of the piles down into a dimensional bag.
“No… But that’s not because I don’t want to talk, but rather that I don’t want the reason for talking to be.”
Kite cocked his head as his mind started going through what she might be referring to, his increased mental processing allowing him to go through even more potential scenarios which gradually became more outrageous in the seconds before she worked up her nerve.
“Kite… Master Force will reach silver rank soon.”
He nodded for her to continue, most potential scenarios for her distress dissolving while more questions arose.
“She’ll stay and join the venture with the adventure society. But afterwards…”
“She’ll want to leave. For better opportunities.” Kite finished as his mind finally comprehended, as well as what would probably come next. “And you will need to go with her.” He finished, voice lowering to almost a murmur.
Visions of Brook leaving in the back of her family’s wagon flashed before his eyes, as an echo of the old ache in his heart made his chest tighten just a bit. While his and Dragonfly’s relationship was not the same as that between him and Brook, she was still a person he cherished being around and who was very important to him. She had been a more or less constant companion during the last year, both out in the field and in the times between.
As he found no words, he instead just leaned into her where she sat at his side, her head resting against his shoulder. After a few minutes of a companionable but heavy silence, she spoke up.
“It won’t be forever. We’ll probably be back before the monster surge, if not before. But as it is probably another year or two, it will still be a while until we can see each other again.
I already know, though. That I want to return. To you, and Serene. And other adventures that can await us. If you want me to return, that is.”
“Don’t be silly.” he said as he turned his head to take in the flowery scent of her hair. “While part of me wants to accuse the heavens of being unfair, we knew that the adventuring life would take our paths on many twists and turns.
I would lie if I said that saying this is easy, but I will nonetheless. I understand, Dragonfly. That you must go with her for a time. I know how important she is to you. And while it hurts inside to think of you leaving, I will try my best to instead look forward to your return.”
“Thank you, Kite. I… was worried that I would hurt you. Telling you that I was leaving, I mean. You’ve told us about your first love, and even while it’s not the same with us, it’s still…”
“Not entirely different.” Kite finished. “And you are right. Memories of that time were the first which flashed through my mind. And yes, it does hurt inside. But after Brook left, I talked a lot with auntie Crow about it. Auntie Dove is wonderful, but she tends to get all flustered in matters of the heart.
But Crow said something which I’ve tried to take to heart. That if it hurts, it means that it is important. Something real.
So in a way I am glad, since our bond is important to me. And this is just a confirmation of that.”
As he spoke, she held onto him a bit closer. “Have I said that your aunties are awesome?”
“That they are.” he said with a smile. “Fortune truly blessed me when they took me in.”
“Have I also said that your earnestness makes it hard to think straight at times?”
This time, he laughed and she joined him. It didn’t erase all the hurt, but it was like a fresh breeze had dispelled at least some of the heaviness in their heart.
After settling down again, Kite spoke. “Are you alright then? Staying with us as planned until you leave?”
“Oh you will know I’m there, alright. I have a very hot axe ready to cleave some deviant scum.” she answered with a fierce smile, before adding. “And two companions who mean the world to me. I want to spend what time I have with you two, even if I’m going away later. If that is acceptable to you, that is?”
“You know it is. You’ll never need to ask that.” Kite finished as they lapsed into silence once more, this time only companionable. He still felt the ache inside, but it was manageable as he tried to cherish what it meant, not just what it was.
“Kite?” Dragonfly asked after a little while.
“Yes?”
“Can I… have you tonight?”
“Yes and please.”
“That was quite an eager response. I like it.” she said, giggling.
“Dragonfly, I spent the last three weeks fighting for my life with only a semi-homicidal planner of death traps and a fish, albeit the best fish, as company. I assure you that I am most eager.”
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As he fell asleep that night, tangled in pink curls and soft sheets, Kite was content and finally relaxed as the last vestiges of the almost constant state of readiness left him.
While they had both been distracted by the prospect of spending time as lovers, Kite did have the presence of mind to suggest relocating to Dragonfly’s residence. Her private residence. He was fond of uncle Walker, and did not plan on having him walk in on them.
Even as part of his mind wanted to paint her presence as fleeting and finite, he was fighting against it having him subconsciously pushing her away. He wanted to live his life for what he had, even if not all of it was eternal. Thinking back to his birth-parents letter, he once again vowed to fight for his own bonds and for those he forged them with.
Before long, he was asleep. And there, nightmares of happiness wrested from him turned into dreams of adventure, as a burning silhouette was his ever-present companion.