Adrian sat at the corner table of the bustling student lounge, his two closest friends, Darian and Liora, seated across from him. The remnants of their lunch were scattered on the table, and Liora had her books in front of her as well. They had been discussing their plans for the upcoming field class, and the conversation had naturally turned to their group's strengths and weaknesses. The room buzzed with the excited chatter of students making plans for their upcoming trip, an adventure that was both a test and an opportunity.

Liora leaned forward, her voice barely audible over the din. "So, what do you guys think about our group? I mean, it's just the three of us. We could use some more firepower."

Liora stood at about five feet six inches, with a lithe and agile build that mirrored her affinity with the wind. Her light olive skin was smooth and unblemished, glowing with a healthy vitality. Long, wavy auburn hair cascaded down her back, often tied up in a loose braid that kept it out of her face during their adventures. Her green eyes were bright and lively, always sparkling with curiosity and an adventurous spirit. There was a warmth and friendliness in her gaze that drew people in, making her incredibly approachable.

Despite her predominantly elven appearance, hints of her draconic heritage were subtly woven into her features. Her ears, though pointed like an elf's, had a slight taper. When she smiled, one could just make out the tiniest hint of elongated canines, adding an exotic charm to her expression. Her skin had a faint shimmer to it, reminiscent of silvery dragon scales but so subtle that it was only noticeable under direct light.

Liora's attire was practical yet elegant, perfectly suited for her role as a mage. She wore flowing robes in earthy shades of green and brown, which seemed to ripple like the wind itself. Intricate patterns were embroidered along the hems, depicting swirling gusts and delicate leaves. Her outfit was accented with leather straps and pouches that held various arcane tools and trinkets. A staff adorned with a crystal that glowed faintly with magical energy was always close at hand, reflecting her deep connection with the elemental forces.

"Alright, let's break it down," Adrian said, leaning forward and spreading a piece of parchment on the table. "We've got a solid foundation, but there are definitely areas we need to shore up."

Adrian was of average height, with a lean but athletic build. His dark hair was slightly disheveled, giving him a perpetually windswept look that suited his energetic personality. His eyes were a deep, thoughtful brown, often lighting up with excitement when discussing strategy or magical theory. He wore practical, well-worn clothes in muted earthy tones, with a sturdy leather jacket that had seen its fair share of adventures. Various pouches and pockets adorned his outfit, each filled with an assortment of magical components, scrolls, and tools of his trade.

Darian nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, we're solid, but adding a fourth or fifth member would really round us out. Someone who can handle themselves and bring something unique to the table."

Darian was a towering figure, easily the tallest in Adrian's group at six feet four inches. His broad shoulders and muscular build made him look like he was carved from stone, an ideal tank in any combat situation. His skin was a deep bronze, a clear sign of the countless hours he'd spent training under the sun. His short, dark hair was always neatly trimmed, and his sharp, angular features radiated strength and determination. His piercing blue eyes were almost intimidating, missing nothing as they scanned their surroundings with a focused intensity. There was a certain air of authority and leadership that surrounded him, making it clear why he was the stabilizing force of their team.

Darian's armor suited him perfectly. He usually wore reinforced leather with metal plating, offering both flexibility and protection. Every piece was meticulously maintained, polished and fitted just right, reflecting his disciplined nature. The large, intricately designed shield strapped to his back and the sturdy longsword at his hip weren't just weapons—they were extensions of him, symbols of his readiness to defend his friends at all times. His presence, whether in battle or during strategy sessions, was both reassuring and commanding.

Despite his formidable appearance, Darian moved with surprising grace, almost like a dancer. His calm and composed demeanor was a constant, even when he made dry, humorous remarks that lightened the mood. There was a certain serenity about him that made others feel safe, knowing that he was always there to protect those around him. His physical presence was a testament to his inner strength and unwavering resolve to lead and protect his companions.

Darian continued, his brow furrowing slightly as he considered their situation. "We've got the muscle and you've got the strategy, but we're missing some key elements. For instance, we don't have a dedicated healer. That could be a real problem in prolonged encounters."

Liora, the group's mage, tapped her chin thoughtfully. "True. he’s got some basic healing spells, but they're not nearly enough for anything major.” She turned to Adrian. “And as much as I also like your potions, I don't think we have access to an infinite supply." She paused, her eyes scanning the crowded lounge as if searching for potential candidates. "We also lack someone who can handle stealth and reconnaissance. Without that, we're flying blind in unfamiliar territory."

Adrian nodded, his fingers drumming on the table as he processed Liora's words. "You're right. We've got a fair bit of area magic, but we lack someone who can deal or deal with area denial. Do you know any Area Specialists?"

Darian sighed, running a hand through his short hair. "Exactly. There are certain encounters we just can't handle with our current setup. Remember that practice run we did in the forest? We got overwhelmed by those verdant stalkers because we couldn't keep them contained."

Liora winced at the memory. "And don't remind me about the cave exploration last month. We couldn't get past those traps without a rogue or someone with trap disarming skills. It's clear we need to expand our team to cover these gaps."

Adrian frowned, his mind racing through potential solutions. "Well, the wolves are more of an issue of crowd control. I agree we've got offensive power, but we need someone who can manage multiple enemies at once, keep them off our backs while we deal with the heavy hitters." A mischievous grin spread across his face. "But traps? I mean we've got Darian. As long as he sets them all off, we'll be fine!"

Darian rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I mean that's not a bad idea Adrian. But while I'm busy doing the job of rogue, I assume you're going to step between Liora and the attacks, right? And don't worry. I'll be right behind you with the bandages."

Liora snorted, trying to stifle her laughter. "As amusing as it would be to watch you two bumble your way through a dungeon, I think we need a more practical solution." She tapped her chin, ignoring the playful jab the two boys were giving each other. "I agree that we need someone versatile... someone who can adapt to different situations. But who? Most of the good ones are already taken."

Adrian leaned back in his chair, his expression turning thoughtful. "What about some of the newer students? There might be some hidden talent we haven't noticed yet."

Liora shook her head, her braid swaying with the motion. "I've already looked into it. I tried Nadia, Jarek, and Lyra. Nadia wants to join the Silver Blades, Jarek already hooked up with the Iron Wolves, and Lyra is being courted heavily by the Phoenix Vanguard."

Adrian's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wow, you've really been doing your research. I'm impressed, Liora."

She shrugged, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Well, someone has to think ahead. We can't just rely on luck and Adrian's 'strategic genius' to get us through everything."

Darian chuckled. "Hey, don't sell us short. Adrian's plans have gotten us out of some tight spots before."

Adrian grinned, puffing out his chest in mock pride. "Why, thank you, Darian. It's nice to know someone appreciates my brilliance."

Liora rolled her eyes, but there was fondness in her expression. "Alright, alright. Don't let it go to your head. We still need to figure out a solution to our team composition problem."

Adrian leaned forward, his eyes alight with a new idea. "You know, I've been thinking. There are a few other three-person teams that might be looking to expand as well. What if we joined forces with one of them?"

Liora's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of intrigue and concern crossing her face. "That's an interesting idea, Adrian. But we need to be careful. I don't want to make things redundant." She paused, considering the possibilities. "Like Eldrin of the Silver Sentinels. His powers are so similar to mine it's like he's my clone."

Darian nodded, considering the point. "Isn't he older than you? Doesn't that make him the original?"

Liora flipped him off, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Watch it, big guy. I may not have your muscles, but I can still turn you into a toad."

Darian laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. No need for drastic measures." His expression turned serious as he continued. "Either way, that's a valid concern. We'd need to make sure our skills complement each other rather than clash. And what about leadership? We have a good dynamic here, but adding another strong personality could create tension. Someone else wanting to be the leader might end up butting heads with me."

Adrian nodded, acknowledging their concerns. "Okay, so no Silver Sentinels. But think about the potential benefits. We could cover our gaps more effectively and tackle bigger challenges." His eyes lit up as an idea struck him. "Take, for instance, The Crimson Blades. They've got Roland the Ironfist as the frontline tank, and Carlos as their ice mage." He then quickly called the final teammate of their group under his breath. "And Sylvia.” He resumed a normal volume as if that was something to completely ignore. “If we join forces, we could create a more balanced and formidable team and we'd get the rogue!"

Liora frowned, still worried. "Adrian, that's a terrible idea. So what's the plan? Darian and Roland both tank, Carlos and I use wind and ice? I mean we'd do well with a rogue on our team, but Sylvia?" She shook her head, her braid swinging with the motion. "She's brilliant at what she does, but she works best alone or in small groups. In fact, the only thing I could see her doing well for us is building up the morale of you two." A mischievous glint appeared in her eye. "Are you sure you just don't want them so you can ogle her?"

Darian smirked, but Adrian crossed his arms when he retorted. "Oh please! I'm totally over that. Besides, you said it yourself we need a rogue. I mean, sure she's attractive, but I barely notice anymore!"

Liora just raised an eyebrow and then looked as if she just got a whiff of something terrible. "Oh gods, do you boys smell that? I think someone let a wild Rockram take a dump over there," she pointed to Adrian.

Adrian's face flushed red, a mix of embarrassment and indignation. "Hey! That's not fair. I'm being serious here!"

Darian, however, stood up for his buddy. "I don't think he's lying about it, Li. Ever since that other girl started paying him attention, he's kind of lost interest in Sylvia."

Liora's eyebrows shot up, her interest piqued. "Oh? And who might this mysterious girl be?" She turned and gave Adrian a sly smile. "Oh yes, the infamous Elena. I still find it a bit odd that as close of a pair of friends you two are getting, that she's not wanting to join us for a simple lunch." Her expression softened, concern replacing the teasing glint in her eyes. "Just being honest as your friend, you may want to steer clear of her. Anyone that doesn't want to meet the friends of a friend might not have the best intentions. Your family might look down on it some. And by some I mean entirely."

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

Adrian's cheeks reddened further, but there was a determined set to his jaw. "It's not like that. Elena's just... she's different. She's had a tough time, and she's not always comfortable in crowds. But she's amazing, really." His eyes took on a faraway look, a small smile playing on his lips. "You should see her in action. The way she handles herself in a fight, it's like nothing I've ever seen before."

Liora and Darian exchanged a knowing look, their expressions a mix of amusement and concern.

Adrian, realizing he'd been rambling, cleared his throat and leaned forward, his eyes alight with determination as he tried to change the subject. "Anyway, I think we're getting off track. Let's focus on the team composition. Roland's leadership skills combined with my strategic thinking could make us unstoppable. Sylvia's stealth abilities would give us an edge in reconnaissance and surprise attacks. And Carlos's magic paired with yours, Liora, could create some incredible synergies. We'd be able to handle almost any situation thrown our way."

Liora tilted her head, letting Adrian change the topic and considered his words. "I mean I can kind of see what you mean, Adrian. Carlos and I could probably make some considerably strong shields. And having Sylvia handle the stealthy parts of the mission would take a lot of pressure off the rest of us." She paused, her brow furrowing. "Of course that means we still don't have an area specialist. And we’ll fight more monsters than traps."

Darian nodded slowly, a smile spreading across his face. "It'd be a real treat seeing how Sylvie handles herself in a fight. And I guess having Roland there wouldn't be the worst thing. Two tanks keeping the line safe means we'd be able to defend against two fronts."

Liora rubbed her chin, her eyes scanning the room as if looking for inspiration. She decided to tease her teammates. "I mean if we're looking for a rogue, there's always Nurmir. He's good at what he does."

The effect of Nurmir's name was immediate. Both Adrian and Darian paled slightly, their expressions a mix of discomfort and alarm. They exchanged a quick, meaningful glance before Darian cleared his throat and spoke up, his words carefully measured.

"I mean... Uh well, you see Li... it's not that Nurmir isn't skilled," Darian began, his eyes darting around as if looking for an escape. "But, uh, there's this thing about... team dynamics, you know?"

Adrian nodded vigorously, jumping in to support his friend. "Yeah, exactly! I think what Darian is trying to say is that we need someone who... uh... complements our existing group chemistry." He paused, searching for the right words. "Nurmir is great, but he might not be the best fit for our particular team setup."

Liora raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying their vague explanations. "Oh? And why's that? He's got the skills we need, doesn't he?"

Darian shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Well, remember that time he insisted on that, uh, group strategy session in the communal baths? We'd need to have team meetings in more... appropriate settings."

Adrian winced at the memory. "And let's not forget his unique approach to 'agility training,'" he added, making air quotes. "Those surprise towel snaps were... intense. He kept saying if you can dodge a towel, you can dodge a knife, but I'm not sure that's a valid training method."

Darian nodded emphatically. "Right, and there's also the matter of... personal space," he said delicately. "Nurmir has a very... hands-on approach to teamwork. Which can be great! But maybe not for everyone."

Adrian leaned in, his voice lowered conspiratorially. "Plus, I heard he's been spending a lot of time with the Shadowstep Guild lately. He might not even be available."

Darian quickly latched onto that as if it was what they were trying to tell her all along. “Oh yeah, I’m certain he hooked up with them. And we wouldn’t want to poach members.”

Liora looked between the two of them, a mix of amusement and suspicion in her eyes. "Uh-huh. And I suppose his tendency to walk around shirtless and sweaty during practice sessions has nothing to do with your reluctance?"

Both boys sputtered, their faces reddening.

"What? No, of course not!" Adrian protested weakly.

“So you don’t have a problem with the shirtless hugs?” Liora asked, innocently.

Darian coughed, avoiding eye contact. "We just think... maybe someone else might be a better fit. Someone who could bring a different perspective to the team. Maybe someone more... uh... academically inclined?"

Liora's eyes narrowed, a smirk playing on her lips. "Someone more 'academically inclined.' I see. And I suppose if this hypothetical 'someone' happened to be female, that would just be a coincidence, right?"

Adrian and Darian exchanged another glance, realizing they'd been caught out.

"Look," Adrian said, trying to salvage the situation. "Nurmir is a great guy, and he's definitely skilled. We just think for the long-term harmony of the team, we might want to consider other options. That's all."

Darian nodded, adding, "We need someone who can work closely with all of us, and sometimes Nurmir can be a bit... overwhelming. We want everyone to feel comfortable, you know?"

Liora stifled a laugh, clearly amused by their discomfort. She raised an eyebrow and gave them a playful tone. "Oh, I understand completely. We couldn't have the team feeling 'overwhelmed' during training sessions, could we?" After a moment of fighting back a snicker, Liora raised a hand. "Alright, alright. We'll keep Nurmir as a backup plan. But don't think I didn't notice what you two were really getting at."

Both Adrian and Darian let out sighs of relief, grateful that Liora was willing to drop the subject, even if she had seen through their fumbling explanations.

The trio fell into a contemplative silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The bustling sounds of the student lounge faded into the background as they considered their options. Adrian's fingers drummed on the table, a habit he'd developed when deep in thought. Darian leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed over his broad chest, his blue eyes scanning the room as if the answer might suddenly appear. Liora absently twirled a strand of her auburn hair around her finger, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Suddenly, Liora's eyes lit up with a sudden idea. "What about Elena?"

The mention of Elena's name seemed to electrify the air around their table. Especially from Adrian’s side. His head snapped up, his eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and interest. Darian raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. The bustling noise of the student lounge seemed to fade into the background as they focused on this new possibility.

Darian leaned forward, his voice low and thoughtful. "His friend Elena? As in, the one who took down Reginald in the arena?" He turned to Adrian, his blue eyes searching. "Adrian, you said she's a blood mage, right?"

Adrian nodded, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. "Yeah, she is. And she's... she's amazing." His eyes took on a faraway look, as if he was replaying a memory. "I've seen her fight, and she's got skills like you wouldn't believe. The way she moves, the way she uses her magic... it's unlike anything I've ever seen before."

Liora watched Adrian carefully, noting the way his eyes lit up as he spoke about Elena. She exchanged a quick glance with Darian, a silent communication passing between them.

"Tell us more," Liora prompted gently, her curiosity piqued. "What makes her so special?"

Adrian leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as he gathered his thoughts. "Well, for starters, she's incredibly resourceful. I've seen her turn seemingly hopeless situations around with quick thinking and creative use of her abilities." He paused, a small smile playing on his lips. "And she's tough, you know? I get the feeling she's been through a lot even though she doesn’t talk about it. But she doesn't let it hold her back. If anything, it's made her stronger."

Liora tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "Having a butcher would be quite a nice accolade," she mused. "And while I really don’t think we care much about it, It would get us quite a bit of brand recognition. Do you think we’d get along well enough?"

Darian leaned back, crossing his arms with a satisfied grin. "Don't get me wrong, I think her talents would do well here. But from what I've heard, her fighting style was more like a schoolchild's brawl in that arena match. Effective, sure, but not exactly refined."

Adrian bristled slightly at Darian's assessment. "That's not fair, Darian. You haven't seen her in action like I have. Sure, she might not have the formal training some of us do, but that unpredictability makes her dangerous. She adapts quickly, thinks on her feet. In a real fight, that's invaluable."

Liora raised an eyebrow at Adrian's passionate defense. "You seem to have given this a lot of thought, Adrian. Have you talked to her about joining us?"

Adrian's cheeks flushed slightly as he shook his head. "No, not yet. I... I wasn't sure how you guys would feel about having a big name on the team. And I didn't want to put any pressure on her if it wasn't going to work out."

Liora leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Why not, Adrian? It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that you like her, would it?" She teased, smirking.

Adrian's blush deepened, but he held his ground. "It's not like that," he protested, though he knew his friends wouldn't let it go that easily. "I just think she'd be a... great asset to our team."

Liora grinned, clearly enjoying herself. "Oh, come on, Adrian. Every time you talk about her, your eyes are wide, your mouth is smiling. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were smitten."

Darian chuckled, joining in. "So just to clarify, when you say assets…” He pointed to his chest. ”Like these?” Adrian blushed slightly and Darian chuckled louder. “It's okay, man, having a crush isn't a crime."

Adrian shook his head, trying to keep a straight face despite his growing embarrassment. "It's not like that," he repeated, a bit more forcefully. "I just respect her abilities. She's strong and smart. We need someone like that."

Liora laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that. But hey, if it means getting her on our team, I'm all for it. Just make sure you don't get too distracted by those lovely blue eyes of hers."

Adrian sighed, knowing he wouldn't win this round. "Alright, alright. You've had your fun. Can we focus on the task at hand? We need to make sure we present this to her the right way."

Liora closed her book and tapped her chin. “You know, I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But if she went to the recruitment fair today, she might already have a team. I guess it’s possible she didn’t or she’s not gotten more than two others.”

Darian's expression turned serious as he nodded. "You’re right. If we're going to do this, we need to approach it carefully. Let’s see if she’s got anyone else first, and if she hasn’t we should offer her a spot. We might not be the best team, but we’ll have her back.”

Liora also chimed back in. “We also don't want to make her feel pressured or uncomfortable." she tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Maybe we could invite her to join us for a practice session? That way, she can see how we work together, and we can get a better sense of her abilities."

Adrian nodded enthusiastically. "That's a great idea, Liora. It would give her a chance to see if she feels comfortable with us, without any pressure to commit."

Darian grinned. "Yeah, we'll back you up. But seriously, Adrian, good luck. And if she says yes, maybe you'll get more than just a great teammate."

Adrian rolled his eyes at Darian's comment, but couldn't completely hide the small smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth.

As the conversation shifted to planning their approach to Elena, the bustling sounds of the student lounge seemed to fade back in. The excitement of potentially adding a new member to their team was palpable, mingling with the nervous energy that came with any significant change.

Liora pulled out a fresh piece of parchment and began jotting down notes. "Okay, let's think this through. What's the best way to approach Elena? We want to make her feel welcome, but not overwhelmed."

Adrian leaned forward, his elbows on the table. "Well, she's not really one for big crowds or formal situations. Maybe we could start with something low-key? Like inviting her to join us for lunch or a study session?"

Darian nodded approvingly. "That's not a bad idea. It gives her a chance to get to know us in a relaxed setting. Plus, it doesn't put any pressure on her to show off her skills right away."

Liora tapped her quill against her chin, leaving a small ink spot that she didn't notice. "What about her background? Is there anything we should be sensitive about? I've heard rumors. Plus being a blood mage and demon can’t be easy..."

Adrian's expression turned serious. "Yeah, that's definitely something we need to be mindful of. Elena's faced a lot of prejudice because of her abilities. We need to make it clear that we value her for who she is, not just what she can do."

Darian leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed in thought. "Maybe we could get dinner and just chat with each other? Don’t even bring up the teammate thing until desert? It might help her feel more comfortable opening up to us. In the meantime we can find out about her and figure out if she’d be a good fit."

Liora's eyes lit up. "That's brilliant, Darian! And while I’m not exactly having to deal with similar issues as she is, maybe girl to girl we can trade some horror stories.”

Adrian nodded enthusiastically. "I love that idea. It's personal without being invasive. And it shows that we're willing to be open with her, too."

Darian shrugged. “Honestly it seems like the best idea. If we don’t get a teammate then it’d be a nice dinner date for you two. And if we do, maybe you’ll get more than just a great teammate.”