Head to the Guild

She wasn't willing to give up just yet. The road to redemption lay with going back to her roots and remembering who she was as an adventurer. She may have to suffer a bit of debt to get started, but she had a good feeling that this was the best choice. She walked through the city gate with a renewed sense of hope. It took almost an hour to actually find the guild, and most of the people she asked for directions just brushed her off, but the building was like any other guild. It was large and multi-storied. She could hear the sounds of laughter and shouting coming from inside and felt a warmth in her heart. It was like going home after a long time of being away.

With a sigh of relief, she opened the door and entered into the rowdy atmosphere of the Guild. All around were tables filled with men and women, drinking and sharing stories of their victories. On the back wall near the stairs was a large board with jobs posted on it. To one side the the Guild was a bar where food and drinks were sold and at the opposite end was a counter where a few women were dealing with people accepting quests or collecting their rewards. It was at the counter that her needs would be met the easiest. The ladies there would be the ones that could help her with room and board and set up an tab for her.

Eliona noticed that some of the adventurers were staring as she made her way to the counter. The lady she chose to walk up to looked to be in her mid to late twenties, with curly brown hair that reached to her shoulders and a modest chest hidden by an even more modest blouse. She gave a friendly smile when Eliona approached, but her eyes looked tired.

"Good evening miss. Are you here to post a job? Or are you perhaps one of the refugees coming in from the front line?"

"Something like that I guess. I'm Eliona of Virage, a trained adventurer, but I've sort of lost all my gear and money. I was hoping for the Guild to open a tab and let me rent a room and have some food until I could get back on my feet and repay everything."

"Eliona? Of... Virage? By the Divine, you're the Lioness!" The woman's voice was practically a high pitched squeal before she finished her sentence and several people had stopped their boasting and feasting to watch the exchange.

"Um... Yeah... That's me."

"I-I see. Word arrived from both refugees of Mantille and merchants from the capital. You're title was stripped.... But, here we know what happened. My brother and his wife were among the people you saved in Mantille, so it may not be much, but dinner tonight is one me. I'll gladly open that tab for you, but I'm afraid we don't have a lot of rooms."

"She can stay with me," said a gruff voice near the wall. The man hadn't spoken loudly but when he did, the entire room went quiet. Eliona heard whispers of "He moved," and "The Reaper." The attendant looked shocked and Eliona followed her line of sight to a man sitting with his back to the wall. He wore a hooded cloak that was tattered near the bottom from years of use and fighting the elements. The hood was pulled back to reveal a mass of dark hair that had been worked into dreadlocks. He was broad shouldered and muscular, standing over six feet tall. At his hip was a long sword, but what really drew her eye was the the massive scythe leaning against the wall. He stood easily hefted the weapon with one hand and leaned it back over his shoulder as he made his way to the counter.

"I got the last room a few days ago. It has two beds though, so you are welcome to stay with me. I'm already covering the cost, so you would just have to pay for your food."

"That's a very generous offer, but I don't even know you."

"Heh, of course you don't. I'm Roddick Radovir the Second. People around here call me Grim."

"I'm sorry, I'm not from around here."

"Yeah, well... Neither was I. Room 207. You get the bed near the door." With that, he turned and headed for the stairs.

"Wait up! I haven't exactly agreed to that yet!"

"That's up to you. Take the offer or not, it doesn't change anything that I have going on."

With that he was gone, and the attendant finally seemed to find her voice again after a few stutters.

"That man came here a few months ago. He's really a bit of a mystery, but he clears A rank quests solo without any trouble. The only thing anyone really knows about him is his name and that his title is Mercenary. I've never heard of that title before. I'm not even sure he actually has learned any Skills either but he has insane power and ability. Oh! Sorry for going on like that. I haven't even introduced myself. I'm Natalie and I'll be your attendant while you are here. Its and honor!"

"Oh well thank you Natalie! Do you think he is trustworthy? I'm worried about sharing a room with him."

"I... Think so? I don't think you have much choice. But here, let me order you some stew and get some paperwork done for you. In the morning I suggest you go to the church as well. You'll probably find some more allies there as well."