The Adventurer’s Guild – 2B

Chapter 2 – Putting the Team Together

The guild halls for the adventurer’s and mage’s guilds couldn’t have been more different. Where the mage guild had a hall that was almost a tower, certainly taller than it was wide with many stairs, and more rooms inside that it appeared it could contain from the outside, the adventurer’s guild had created a low building, only two stories high, and taking up several city blocks. It included a lot of open space behind its outer walls as well, where the adventurers could train with a variety of weapons and abilities, against practice dummies or sparring partners. Though there didn’t seem to be any practicing spellcraft, at least not in any of the areas Kaylen could see as he and Aranni entering through the front gates.

At that point, the pair of them turned to one side, toward the main building. Kaylen’s gaze was drawn to some of the adventurer’s training out in the yard. There was a possibility one or more of those present might be working with him when he formed his team. He would be given the option to choose his recruits, since he was a battle mage, and he was eager to get started.

He paused when he heard a feminine shout alongside the clash of swords as one particular adventurer, a swordswoman, pressed her sparring partner a bit harder for a few attacks. Her armor and helmet couldn’t quite obscure her feminine physique, especially next to the broad-shouldered barrel-chested man she fought against. There was grace to her movements, and it was evident she was pretty strong for a woman even if her opponent was stronger still. Kaylen couldn’t hold back a smile, knowing there was a wide range of options for him to choose from.

He didn’t linger, however, and quickly followed Arrani into the guild hall, handed his weapons to the attendant in the foyer after Arrani did the same, then was guided by her into the common room in the front. There were a handful of tables lining the walls, and small groups of people sat here and there with drinks or just speaking across the bare wood. It would be here that deals were made and adventurers were hired for all sorts of jobs.

They stopped at a counter where a guild representative worked as a bartender, receptionist, and seneschal all rolled into one. “Master Rylan of the Mage Guild here to see the guild master. We don’t have an appointment, but he is expecting us.”

“I’ll inform Master Norrison right away. Feel free to take a seat while you wait.” The man gestured to a nearby table with three chairs, and stepped away through a door behind the counter.

“I’ll be taking my leave as soon as introductions are finished. I still have work to do back at the mage guild.” Aranni informed him quietly.

“I understand. You must see to your duties, and I must see to mine.” He acknowledged.

“Yes, though I’m sure we’ll see each other now and then. I am the local guild master, afterall.”

“That’s true. I’m sure your apprentices would be happy for me to visit again.”

“They did seem to take a liking to you. Especially Adalan and Neiah. I guess you may have an undiscovered talent at handling children.”

“I rather doubt Adalan thinks of herself as a child any longer, and if she’s a young adult, surely Neiah is as well?” Kaylen protested.

“What is that supposed to mean… just how old do you think Neiah is?” Aranni frowned.

“She looked, sixteen, seventeen?” Kaylen felt confused by the question.

“Really? Maybe there’s something wrong with your…” She paused, and chewed on one lip. “How would you describe her?”

“As I said, about seventeen…”

“Not her age, her appearance.”

Kaylen thought back to when he’d first seen Neiah coming down the staircase. “She’s short, about this tall.” He held his hand about level with his collar. “Longish straw blonde hair, uh…” He blushed, “A modest bust, sharp cheeks, and a fashion sense that just skirts the boundaries of propriety.”

“That’s not what she looks like.” Aranni insisted.

“What do you mean?” Kaylen was definitely confused now.

“The little minx must have been using a targeted illusion, and I didn’t even notice.”

“So she’s younger than she was making herself appear?”

“So it would seem. She’s actually thirteen, no real bust to speak of, honey blonde hair, and a slightly chubby, round face.”

“She must be pretty **** for affection, poor kid. Maybe you could give her some guidance on that front?” Kaylen suggested.

Aranni smiled, “You’re probably right. When did you get so wise?”

Kaylen just shrugged and offered a smile in return, though he didn’t quite feel it was genuine.

They shared a comfortable moment, and it looked like Aranni might have said more, but it was then that the door behind the counter opened, and the receptionist returned with two men behind him. Kaylen guessed the older of the two was the guild master, complete with a chin-strap beard and a coat of plates covered in red cloth that looked comfortable enough to wear throughout the day. The second man was wearing a black tunic with a pair of swords belted over it, and if he had armor beneath it, Kaylen couldn’t tell.

Kaylen got to his feet just as Aranni did, “Master Aranni, so good of you to visit. It’s a shame our business doesn’t bring us together more often.” The guild master took Aranni’s hand and shook it delicately, then turned to Kaylen to shake his hand more firmly, “And you must be Adept Gallowglass.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Kaylen returned the guild master’s grip.

Aranni cleared her throat, “Adept Kaylen Gallowglass, this is the adventurer’s guild master, Master Tyrell Norrison, and his associate.”

“Marius Dantes.” Tyrell explained, nodding to the man in question in the black tunic, who himself nodded in acknowledgement of the introduction. “The pleasure is all mine.” The guild master continued, turning back to Kaylen and giving him an appraising stare. “We can always use good combat mages in our ranks. I bet you’re eager to start forming your team?”

“Yes I am.” Kaylen nodded.

“Well, I guess I’ll leave you to it. Wish I could stay longer.” Aranni apologized. “We’ll have to catch up another time. Perhaps a day will come when we are not both so busy.”

“Of course. One can always hope. May the gods watch over you.” Tyrell said to Aranni as she turned to depart. Once she was gone the guild master spoke to Kaylen again. “I’ve already received missives from Master Rylan and Master Graun regarding your credentials, so I won’t ask for a demonstration of your skills. And I’m certain you don’t wish to hang around doing busywork either. So why don’t we get straight to what, or rather who you are looking for to fill out your team?”