| WhiteShadow had to gaze around in wonder as they entered the Hunter's Guild; the repairs after the undead attack had been quick. Of course, the walk from Gert-Kaar's citadel hadn't been a short one, but considering the amount of damage a full-scale battle can cause, the effort was miraculous. Then again, if the young Motavian had had any ideas of the politics and money behind the Guild, maybe he wouldn't have been so stunned. The week since their departure from the desolate castle had been an uneventful one, occasionally running across biomonsters in their travels, while Radlin tried to teach them all techniques. Yasmine had shown particular talent, with WhiteShadow's experience only keeping him ahead of the NeiChild, while Zedd proved unteachable due to his attitude and lack of effort. He really didn't care, but always seemed to be around to make a wisecrack or two whenever his sister or WhiteShadow made the slightest mistake. But apart from WhiteShadow nearly taking Zedd's head off in frustration, the journey passed peacefully, and now they stood at the counter of the Hunter's Guild, ready to step into a new world, as recognised members of its protective forces. Now, Laya Magill had seen a few things in her time behind the counter at the Hunter's Guild. The raven-haired receptionist had received many a request from many a hapless creature in strife, only to turn to a burly Dezolian to hand over the quest. However, in all her days, she'd never seen such a motley crew come to her counter. Three had bounties on their heads of some form, while the fourth was a respected school teacher who had "retired" from hunting many a year ago. Casting a dubious eye over WhiteShadow, Laya didn't even flinch as she heard many a chair scraping in the common room. Considering that tens of thousands of meseta in bounties had just walked in the door, she wasn't surprised. Not to mention the fame in bringing in the legendary albino Motavian or the strange humanoids of the mountains. Sounds of muttering and booted footsteps got closer as at least ten hunters approached reception. According to what Laya could hear, some had stopped, most likely at the sight of Radlin. The rest waited expectantly at the door as Radlin stepped up to the counter. "I'd like to recommend three new Hunters, if I can;" He said with a smile. While not a totally unprecedented event, there was still a slight ripple of surprise as the respected Hunter asked to have at least three huge bounties allowed into the Guild. "No problem, Radlin; will you be recommending all of them personally?" Laya asked in response. "I will." Radlin's eyes never wavered from Laya's, despite the fact that muttering had begun amongst the Hunters. "You are aware that for the probation period of one month you will be accountable for all their actions, and will be stripped of your Hunter's Licence if they infringe on Guild Rules in any way, shape, or form, right?" "Well aware." Replied Radlin. "Alright then, Radlin. It's done. " Laya punched at the controls on her console for a moment, before looking up and smiling. "Welcome to the Hunter's Guild, where we enrich the lives of Hunters! The current jobs available are..." Radlin smirked. "No, that's alright. I think I'll get these three settled in before we head out again. Okay?" Radlin stepped away from the counter, turning to his trio of pupils. "Let's go, guys," He said, leading the way into the common room. The Hunters gathered at the door parted to allow them entry, but as WhiteShadow walked amongst his new "comrades" he could see the meseta signs in their eyes as the stared at him. He laid a hand on each of his scimitars and stayed close to Radlin. WhiteShadow remembered this main room. The last time he was there, however, the room was swarming with battling zombies and hunters. Unbeknownst to those hunters that were currently seeking his head, he had helped saved their lives that day, before putting an end to the source of the zombies as well. However, he doubted that these money-hungry mercenaries would believe a word he had to say at the moment. Yasmine and Zedd were squirming as well. Yasmine had never been looked upon by Palmans before and the lecherous looks the largely male group of hunters were gave her chilled the NeiChild. Zedd, on the other hand, was burning with rage. Before he had occassionally struck out against these Palmans, sacrificing them to Mother, but now they were looking down on him and looking at his sister like they were pieces of meat. If it weren't for Yasmine's calming hand on his arm, Zedd might have lost it at any time. Radlin, however, was completely at ease. This was like a second home to the multi-talented warrior. He gave nods to certain old friends, and glares to old enemies, having earned mutual respect. But his face only broke into a spirited grin when he saw the bartender, same as he always was. "Sam!" Radlin cried in glee, as the bartender returned the broad smile. Samona had to be the skinniest man the trio had ever seen. Tall as well, he had pale, smoke stained skin, and a mop of orange curls on his head. Despite the pallor, he looked more like he should be working in a bank, rather than in a bar full of mercenaries. But then, they saw the scars. The bartender's arms were covered with a crisscross of scars, He'd either spent some time hunting himself, or had to deal with many a drunken patron. "Radlin, you damnable scholar! How's that hoity-toity school of yours going!" Despite the mocking words, Sam's tone was also friendly as the two men shook hands vigourously. Sam passed Radlin a tall glass filled with an amber fluid as the magic teacher pulled up a bar stool, motioning for his companions to do the same. "The students are on holidays, Sam, so I've come out to swing my sword and settle some... Other matters." The bartender tapped his nose and smiled. "Say no more. Will I be needing to get a glass for your motavian friend?" "Go right ahead," said Radlin, as he sipped his drink. As Sam shuffled off, WhiteShadow turned to Radlin. "What's that?" "It's beer." "What's beer?" Yasmine and Zedd leaned closer out of curiousity. "Uh, muscle relaxant. And it's also what you're about to drink." He winked as Sam returned with three more full glasses, one with an especially peaked rim. WhiteShadow hesitantly took a sip as Sam wandered down to Yasmine. "Would the lovely lady like anything els..guh!" Zedd suddenly grabbed the bartender by the collar, using his free right hand to put a dagger to his throat. "Unless you're willing to give over your entrails, I'd say no." Zedd hissed. Sam glanced around nervously for a moment, seeming to catch Radlin's eye. At an almost imperceptible nod from his friend, Sam grimaced and in a flash had Zedd's knife hand pinned to the bar. WhiteShadow had barely detected the movement. In the meantime, Zedd squirmed as the pressure Sam applied kept him in a lot of pain, but not enough to break the bone. "Gods, lad, I was just being friendly. You should be too - otherwise you're paying for that beer." He winked at Radlin and wandered off to serve other customers. Radlin fought hard to supress a smile as Zedd rubbed his arm and shot a glare at Sam's back. It seemed his pride had been hurt more than his arm. "Give it a try, Zedd... It's good stuff. Although..." Radlin said, as Zedd lifted his mug, taking a full swig of the amber fluid; and then suddenly began spitting and spluttering all over the bar. "...It's a bit of an acquired taste." Yasmine giggled and WhiteShadow just tried to wipe the beer off of his robes as Zedd began to fume even more. Red-faced, Zedd stalked out of the bar and out of the guild altogether. "That temper's gonna get him in trouble one day." Radlin commented, as he put out a restraining arm to stop Yasmine going after her fellow NeiChild. "And hopefully that day will occur when we're all there to bail him out if the lesson gets a little harsh. Keep an ear out for him, Yasmine, but I think we should let him fume on his own." Yasmine nodded and went outside, keeping an eye on her raging kin. WhiteShadow turned to Radlin after watching her go, and asked quite simply, "How come?" "How come we should leave him be, you ask? Quite simply, Zedd's a survivor. He's used to doing things on his own, and any help from us would be seen as just pity or belittling, even if it is only to try to calm him down." Sam came back over, constantly polishing a glass. "Amazing how you think you can size someone up within five minutes of knowing them, eh Rad?" He said with a grin. "It's a skill." Radlin replied, returning the smile. |