Fantasy The Guild of El'yssi - [Waitlist is open]

[Azukai]

| Wiki | Sign Ups | OOC |

Journal 1 | The Dawn of Spring
​

The sun was nearly set when Vin stepped foot onto the dusty stones of Market Street. It was a late spring evening, and the afternoon warmth that lingered in the air was fading quick to the coming of night. Even with the winter cloak that covered his figure, a light shiver ran down his spine when a chill breeze swept across the alley. A cloud of dust whipped into the air and forced him to stifle an urge to sneeze. For the most part, the marketplace was desolate at this hour of the day. The prime wares were long sold to the morning customers who had flooded the mile long stretch of shops and tents. All that remained was the end of day produce offered at a fraction of the price in hopes of selling, lest it become fodder for waste.

“And they call this city the glory of El’yssi.” Vin spoke to no one in particular. He voiced his conscious as a means to expel the draining thoughts that plagued his mind. Pokos was the renowned Synthi capital known for its innovations of technology far beyond the other nations. Feats of architecture towered high above the city’s populace. Masses of inventors daily showcased their quirky products. And steam powered machines littered the streets and shops of the city. All, lustrous illusions that concealed the truths which hid under the veil of the evening sky. Vin watched as wearied individuals aimlessly wandered from shop to shop. Most wore only tattered cloth and carried a small pouch of measly coin in hopes of affording a bite to eat. Some might have failed as an inventor from the city. Others a foreign trader who had lost their luck. But most, a once-confident explorer, shamed from the Guild with nothing but the scars on their body to show.

A small sigh escaped his lips and formed a cloud of a fog that faded into the evening air. There was nothing more he could do for these people but offer a prayer for their future success. Suddenly, he was thankful for the cold front that lingered beyond the norm of the season. It kept his mind clear as he refocused on his reason for venturing to the city. With a quick stretch of his arms and legs, Vin dropped into a runner’s stance and shot across the ground at speeds beyond the imaginable norm. From his sprint, gusts of wind spiraled throughout the open alley and slammed against the bodies of unfortunate passers-by. Those that were less fortunate were engulfed in a cloud of dust. Yet by the time they reacted towards what had happened, Vin was far out of sight.

Market Street started from the main gate at the city outskirts and curved up the hill that rested at the city’s center. Stores and workshops lined the edges of the street while trade guilds and their warehouses were situated along the wider alleyways that branched from the main. On a good day, citizens and traders might have occupied every inch of the Market District--a sight that was magnificent to behold for anyone unfamiliar with the city. Of course, it was long past business hours, and Vin was the last person to be considered a stranger. Hence, there was a blatant lack of interest as he cleared the distance to his final destination, the Guild Headquarters.

The Guild was just as he remembered it from his last visit many years past. Upon reaching the end of Market Street, he came to a quick stop at the foot of a towering wooden gate that was carved with the design of ancient runes. Equally high was the adjacent wall that stretched nearly a dozen mile circumference around the center of the city. Like the city's entirety, the main gate was a magnificent landmark, but for Vin, it was another familiar sight he might have even called home. On the right-most side of the gate, Vin passed under a reasonable sized doorway that remained open at all times of the day, and immediately, he was hit with a comforting emotion as he gazed upon the lush forest which spread before him.

Have escaped the confines of Pokos, there was little incentive for Vin to rush. Despite the evening hour, the grounds were littered with novice and seasoned explorers–all concerned with a single goal of improving their skills. The Guild was more than a simple forest. It was a man made region crafted for the sole purpose of educating its students in a structured environment. As such, various locations simulated a breadth of natural habitats that a fresh explorer could experience across the continents of El’yssi. It was a nostalgic escapade that lasted for the majority of his walk–at least until he reached the outside steps of the Main Hall and felt the prick of a rapier against his spine.

Given the situation, Vin remained surprisingly calm as he came to a stop and slowly rose his arms into the air. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your sword, Elder?” he asked with a lazy yawn.

“Cut the bullshit, Vin. We both know that duress is the only way to pin you down, despite being retired. You ain’t running away from your duties for another year, and I don’t give a shit whether or not your busy.” Despite his title, the elder was quite vulgar in his choice of words that were laced with a sense of malice and decade old frustrations. “There are four or five new seekers this time 'round. You will oversee their training, and you bet your ass that I’ll stab you in the back if you even think of running. ”

“Yes, yes, Elder. Now let’s be on our ways. Even I dare not cross the Matriarch’s summon.” There was a moment’s pause followed by a small whistle in the air; after which, the rapier and its holder were as if they never had been. Under his hood, Vin cracked his neck with a heavy a sigh that exhaled his frustrations towards the recent encounter. Nonetheless, he continued up the steps and into the ornate structure that defined the Guild’s Main Hall.

The Main Hall was an architectural wonder that went far beyond the feasible limits of engineering. From its towering height to its large utilization of marble and glass, there was never any question of its status as one of the ten world wonders. Its interior was even more impressive given the vast open space that stretched the first four floors of the tower. Circular stairwells led to the shelves of text that stretched across each of the upper three floors while the immediate ground was decorated with a colorful garden of exotic flora. A meandering set of walkways weaved throughout the garden whilst a fountain statue of the Guild emblem sat in the center the garden pond. Although it was ordinary to see guild members at all hours, it was a particular individual who stirred a crowd larger than the after hour norm.

“Vin…I’m…surprised you actually came.” A lofty, feminine tone drifted from the receptionist desk where a woman stood with a surprised expression on her face. After sending away a group of explorers, she gracefully flowed forward–a gentle smile encompassed on her face.

“Anything for the Matriarch.” Vin replied in a neutral tone once the woman was close enough that he could smell her sweet, hyacinth perfume. She had a shapely figure with subtle curves that were perfectly complemented by her gown-like dress fit for a queen. Long, snow-white hair flowed from her head while a pair of gentle blue eyes brought color amidst her pale complexion. If not for the spry energy she demonstrated in movement, the Matriarch could have easily passed for a ghost of the Main Hall.

“Several of our new seekers have arrived here early. They and the rest shall be given quarter at lodge 13 in median ring of the forest. I trust you have come prepared, and I need not brief you on your duties, so I shall leave you and your tutelage to your time. Your lodge has been prepared alongside theirs. May we have a fruitful harvest.”

“May we have a fruitful harvest.” Vin repeated the Matriarch’s closing words and watched as she returned to her former clients. It was hard to believe that the most influential woman in the world was such a frail, young creature. But even he knew better than to question her qualifications for the job. With nothing left to do, he reversed his journey back into the forest and walked along a meandering side-path through the trees. It took a quarter of an hour to reach the lodge that only forced a heavy sigh from his lips. Compared to the headquarters, the cabin was a pitiful structure whose haphazard construction was destined to collapse under its own weight. Nonetheless, it was still somewhat homey given the gentle billow of smoke that rose from the chimney and the scent of oak timber and logs that wafted in the air.

“If there's anyone inside, get out here now. Nap time's over.” Needless to say, Vin wasn't much for subtly...nor was he a patient man when it came to getting started.

 

[Ridge]

Jadis Menna​

Sun sets are always pleasant, but sun rises are the most spectacular in an elder woman’s eyes. While waking up to see them can be harder for others, it was a rare time Jadis was to miss it. A pot of herbal tea is the best kick in the morning to wake an aching body. A small huff like sound echoed from behind her as she sat on top of a small pile of leaves and grass she had gathered for herself for more comfortable seating. As her hand raised and leans backwards it was met by an awfully rough snout that was a little damp at the same time.

“A sunrise I don’t believe I will forget, Jode. Even after all my years this has been the brightest. Do you agree?”

A question for an animal. But an animal she had raised from a calf. It gave off a deep cow like sound before judging her gently. A sigh soon followed as Jadis herself pushed herself from her seated position to her feet. A few steps forward and her staff was present into her hands again before a deep breath was inhaled through her nose. Silence fell again. She didn’t speak, she didn’t hum and she certainly did not whistle.

Careful and slow steps, the elderly woman gracefully made her way towards the deeper and louder voice she had over heard. Met by a man with posture that was tall and present, she was slightly unamused to find someone younger than herself. It would be hard for the teacher to become the student but pleasant she could rest from having that worry on her shoulders. By the time she was in his sights, her trustful companion had made its way along side her. They both stopped once reaching a good few meters away from the gentleman before they both stood and stared at him, without a word.

 

[Kloudy]

Kypher Hawthorne

As virtuous as patience was, Kypher was definitely not one for waiting about. Leaning against the side of the cabin, specifically just around the corner, he had remained still with a brooding expression for the longer part of the morning. He preferred the night for its coolness and had closed his eyes in slight annoyance when the sun crested over the horizon. Kypher usually slept very little during the night, often leading to him taking naps during the day. He'd managed a good few hours this time, however, so he was fairly alert for any surprises.

His eyes opened as he felt the presence of a newcomer, taking a sidelong glance out of the corner of his eyes from around the cabin's corner. The man didn't look particularly notable. Still, he ordered them with some kind of authority that Kypher did not believe was deserved. The man seemed far too laid back, too reserved or perhaps simply just too unmotivated to be here. Regardless, Kypher went along with it and stepped out from the cool shadow the cabin had cast upon his spot, a small frown of displeasure creasing his brow as he revealed himself. With his appearance, came a powerfully cold aura that dropped the temperature in the immediate area around his body by several degrees. The cold breeze it created was soothing, although it could possibly prove quite uncomfortable for those unused to such an environment.

Kypher did not nod, bow or say anything to the man or the old lady present. Instead, he chose to merely stand there, his serious expression boring a hole into the new face that had presented itself. Had all this waiting finally amounted to something interesting? Would Kypher get to actually do some exploring since he had signed up for such an apparently time-wasting, currently uneventful job?

 

[Pyosimros]

.

AIRI LUCASTA

.

Airi would not wish the same rest as she had just experienced onto her worst enemy. She, alongside a few others, were temporarily placed in a lodge within the middle of the woods. It was old, damp, and a constant creaking noise could be heard every ten seconds due to the breeze. Each waking second Airi spent within the building she feared if the lodge would crumble under the mere force of their footsteps, or even a loud shout.

The girl...therefore slept very little, to put it lightly. Perhaps an hour, or maybe only half an hour of rest. Airi had no knowledge, she was busy reminiscing of her old apartment. Though she knew this would be worth it in the long term. A presumably stable job - and if she were to discover something groundbreaking - a job with fame alongside it. And so began her day, her waking up in a neglected lodge, hearing a stranger's voice from outside.

The voice had called, “If there's anyone inside, get out here now. Nap time's over." Airi's eyes slowly moved open upon hearing the voice, lightly shaking her head and rubbing her eyes in a feeble attempt to erase the grog that is overcoming her. Eventually however, she stopped and stood; stretched and walked outside. There Airi saw a stranger, alongside some of the people she was waiting with.

While Airi would assume the stranger was a thug coming for her coin pouch under any other circumstance, there was something else about this man in this particular moment. He had a specific sense of authority in him - maybe due to the fact that he had just commanded everyone to come out.

"H...Hello..." Airi greeted, transitioning into a deep yawn afterwards.

 

[ThisUsernameIsALie]

Nicholas Kerlohf ​

Nicholas awoke from what was possibly the best night of sleep in his entire life. After weeks of grabbing rest in whatever nook or cranny he could, a plain, simple bed was of immeasurable value. Sure, the cabin creaked, his feet hung off the end of the bed if he stretched out, and he didn't know any of the people he was with, but the simple security and warmth of the room was enough to make up for any qualms he may have had.

He stood up and gave a wide, content yawn. After a moment spent getting his bearings, he glanced back down towards his pillow, contemplating the pistol hidden beneath it. What would with this training entail? Should he bring his pistol? No, likely not. Weapons don't always make the best first impressions, and he could walk back if he needed it for training. Having decided, he quickly made up his bed and began walking towards the door when anxiety touched upon him. He looked back towards his humble bed, eyeing the pillow at its head. You don't need it, he told himself. You'll be fine. You don't need it. He looked around the room. There was no one but him still there. Silently condemning himself, he walked back, stuck the revolver into the holster at his hip, and walked out the door to meet the summons that had woken him.

It was a beautiful morning. He had seen many dawns in his days of travel, but this one was among the best. The top of the sun could just be barely peaked above the tops of the trees, and the eastern sky was ablaze in the sort of color no artist could hope to capture, banishing the vast grayness of the receding night. On another day, he would have stopped and admired this stunning view, but now was not the time.

He trekked over to the group that had assembled nearby, taking note of those gathered. He nodded a greeting to the group and cheerfully said, "Good morning."

Upon his arrival the night before, he had almost immediately fallen asleep, and had yet to meet any of his new associates. Quickly looking over the group, one thing was for sure: They were quite the diverse lot. The girl to his right had an air of intelligence about her and seemed pleasant, but looked ill-suited to the rigors of the wilderness. City-raised, if he had to guess. Nicholas wondered what it was that had drawn her from that life. Beyond her stood a fellow with an impatient frown, who's scars and evidently unpleasant disposition made Nicholas once again wonder what his story was. Last on the line of apparent "trainees" was an elderly woman who reminded him of a stern school-marm, though she didn't seem cruel or judging, just distant. More notable was the ram-like creature who stood by her in companionable silence, seemingly indifferent to the presence of anyone else. Finally, he looked towards who he assumed was to be their trainer. He had an aura of authority about him, despite his youth. The thick winter cloak across his shoulders and the discreet but fine clothes beneath it signified him as a distinguished member of the Guild, and something about the way he carried himself displayed the years of experience it must have taken to reach that point. Nicholas wasn't quite sure what to think of him.