As I left the castle shortly after Theo, a sense of urgency propelled me forward, quickening my pace as I headed towards The Guild Hall. Nestled within the same ring as Theo’s office, the Guild Hall was a sprawling complex that housed ten different guilds, each specializing in a unique area of expertise. Some focused on trade, others on combat, and a few even dabbled in the arcane arts. Each guild operated as a legal entity, bound by the rules that Theo and my father had painstakingly implemented years ago to maintain order and integrity in our beloved kingdom.
The walk from the castle gate to the Guild Hall would take about ten minutes—a journey I welcomed. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow that felt like a gentle embrace against my skin. A light breeze played with my hair, lifting the strands and sending them dancing around my face. It was a refreshing change, especially since I often felt a chill when I was near Theo, whose presence could sometimes overshadow the warmth of the day.
As I stepped onto the cobbled stone street, the town came alive around me. Townsfolk bustled about, their voices mingling in a symphony of chatter, laughter, and the occasional shout. Children raced past, their joyous shrieks ringing through the air, while vendors called out their wares—fresh fruits, handwoven textiles, and the occasional trinket. The lively atmosphere infused the kingdom with a sense of vibrancy, a reminder of the life that thrived in our bustling community. I paused briefly as I took in my kingdom once more as it never seemed to fail to amaze me at just how beautiful my kingdom truly was.
The rhythmic clink of my wedge boots against the stone path echoed in my ears as I began to march once more towards The Guild Hall. The sound of my boots almost seemingly matched the thud of my heart as I navigated through the crowd. My senses were alive with the rich aromas wafting from nearby stalls—freshly baked breads, sweet pastries, and the earthy scents of flowers and herbs from the market mingled in the air. Each step invigorated me, fueling my determination as I approached my destination.
When I finally arrived at the Guild Hall, I stood before a grand wooden door, its surface adorned with intricate carvings depicting the various guilds that resided within. The hall itself was a marvel, built from dark stone, with sturdy wooden beams arching overhead like the bones of a great beast. It stretched at least fifteen feet tall, designed to accommodate even the tallest of creatures who sought business within the halls.
As I pushed the door open, the sound of lively chatter and bustling activity enveloped me. The Guild Hall was alive with energy; patrons flitted from stall to stall, each booth showcasing the unique talents of its guild. My destination was at the far end of the hall, a booth marked with a simple sign that read "The Seekers." This guild specialized in gathering information and undertaking journeys for those who could afford their services, and today, I needed their expertise.
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Navigating through the throng of people, I caught glimpses of the various guilds lining the hall: the Helping Hands, who provided aid and comfort; the Diggers, skilled in excavation and treasure hunting; the Raiders, known for their daring exploits and questionable morals. Many of them seemed a bit shifty, their eyes darting about as if always on the lookout for their next opportunity. Yet, under Theo’s diligent oversight, they adhered to the rules instilled by both him and my father, keeping a semblance of order within these bustling walls.
When I finally reached The Seekers booth, my heart raced, thumping against my ribcage like a caged bird. I cleared my throat, drawing the attention of the man stationed there. He stood tall, nearly seven feet, his muscular frame accentuated by a mane of dark hair that cascaded down his back. His voice rumbled like thunder, edged with a gravelly snarl. “Well, I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” he said, extending a large hand, waiting patiently for me to take it.
Without hesitation, I grasped his hand, the warmth of his grip contrasting sharply with the weight of my unease. “I need your assistance,” I replied, forcing a smile despite the tension coiling in my stomach. It was mostly due to the task at hand but also Tracker. His demeanor, even though he seemed to try to be polite, rubbed off the wrong way. I knew it wasn't on purpose but it felt that way to me.
His brow raised slightly, curiosity flickering in his sharp gaze. “What kind of trouble are you in, Princess?” He almost wore a look of amusement on his face however, he hid it quite well.
I leaned closer, lowering my voice to ensure only he could hear. “It’s about Sybil. I believe she’s in danger, and I need your help to find out what’s really happening.” Yeah, that spark of amusement was quick to appear as I told him why I was there. I knew he was going to have trouble believing in me, I just hoped that he would. Even if it took a bit of time in doing.
He studied me for a moment, his expression shifting from amusement to casual interest to serious contemplation. “Alright. Let’s talk details.” He gestured for me to step closer so no one else around would hear what we had to say.
"Well.. you see.." I started but was distracted by the immense sensations I was getting through the bond. I flickered my attention rapidly between Théoden and the Tracker getting lost in what I was trying to say for a brief moment as I felt the intense amount of pain and loss that ran through Théoden's body.
To my surprise I was able to maintain my composure despite the quivering pain I felt within my mind. In a brief moment I was able to fully focus my attention back to Tracker, "Well, you see..."