Azukai
Zuki
“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.
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.
“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.
“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.