The Registering of Twilight Star

After going over everything they wanted to learn and how to ask it, as a group with Sasha in the middle, they headed to the Adventurer’s Guild. They made the twenty minute walk in thirty, happy they were all able to walk without pausing.

“Zeke, you good?” Londra asked before reaching for the simple door. It just looked like a two story building with windows at the front. She could see a nervous receptionist behind the desk watching and waiting for them.

“Yea, we are together, and we have our Blood bags with our Elven friend,” Zeke said weaker than he wanted to. He was a bit nervous, but so were the others. Londra nodded, opening the door and leading the group to the desk. There was no real way to get around the desk since it blocked the entrance. The only thing on it was a large crystal, the same style and color as the Lacrama’s they wore around their necks.

“Welcome,” the thin, woman with long greying hair started. She placed a smile on her round, dark beige face as her hazel eyes showed her nervousness. “The Archduke said you would be here around nine. My thanks for letting me keep my job. My name is Elaine. I have been the receptionist in this branch for twenty years. Oscar is our Guild Master… well what is left of the building anyways.”

“It is nice to meet you, Elaine,” Londra started, moving closer to the desk. “What do you need me to do? We have everything filled out…”

“Oh, yes, Twilight Star Captain Londra,” Elaine started, “please place your hand on the large Lacrama. It will let me view your Adventurer’s Guild status.” Londra nodded, touching the Lacrama that glowed a variety of colors before a menu appeared in the desk. She had so many questions now, but before she could ask Elaine continued. “Yes, everything is ready. I just have a few more things to go over. But first, I must ask, would you like to use the Learning Room?”

“Yes, we all would,” Londra responded while everyone nodded.

Elaine looked surprised but recovered, touching something on the desk. “All right. All the fees have been waived by the Archduke and you are all allowed to have the full time. We ask that once you come out of the Learning Room you return to your residence. Where are you all staying?”

“The east group room at Davie’s Den,” Londra answered. “I assume you will make sure everyone makes it back to our room without delay. That was in the contract.”

“Yes, Guild Master Oscar will be back in a bit. He was called to the Manor to meet with the Duke…” she sighed. “I assume it was to slow the process down, but he really doesn’t need to be here. Anyways, I also let the Archduke’s Knights know that you were here. If Master Oscar doesn’t return in time they will be here.”

“That is good to hear,” Julianna said softly. “We know most of them.”

“Good, good,” Elaine said taking a deep breath. “First, we start with the slaves… Alden is your slave, Londra. He is permitted to enter the Learning Room and be an active member of your party. His pay of course will be yours.”

“Yes,” Londra said forcefully with a fake smile. “I read about that as well. How non-humans get a lower percentage of payment. Let me make it easy for you,” she paused, touching the large Lacrama again. A payment contract was now showing on the desk for Elaine to view. “I assume this will be accepted. All pay will be divided into twenty parts. The human, and enhanced non-humans will receive one part, while the non-humans will receive a half. Four will be our party dues, while the rest will go into a join party account. Each member already has an account….and we did read the contract,” she finished sweetly.

“Yes, this is accepted,” Elaine responded a bit nervously. “Okay, Alden, touch the Lacrama then proceed to the room directly behind us. You will have ninety minutes.”

Alden said nothing as he touched the Lacrama. He waited for the glowing to stop and the receptionist motioned him forward. He just hoped the spell could hear his thoughts because there was much, he wanted to learn, even if he had to be super kind and respectful to a sentient spell.

“Well, that was easy,” Elaine said. “Next is Sasha.” She waited for the snake girl to touch the Lacrama. Sure enough, she did already have a financial account in the Adventure’s Guild. “You are a freed slave that has accepted a membership in the party Twilight Star for seven months. Do you concur that you are part of this group of your own free will?”

“Yes,” Sasha said excitedly. “I get two and a half hours, correct? I have so many questions!”

“That is correct, you may enter. Zeke is next, followed by Fenten,” Elaine announced. “The two of you also have two and a half hours.” Neither said anything but the glares said it all. Zeke touched the large Lacrama, waiting for a moment before entering the Learning Room. Fenten changed into his human size to touch the Lacrama. Elaine smiled at the grey Fairy as he walked into the room.

“Now, enhanced non-humans have three hours in the Learning Room,” Elaine offered looking at the two before her. “Robert and Icarus, after you touch the Lacrama to finalize your party contract feel free to head in. The Learning Room can safely take in thirty at one time,” she finished with a smile.

She took a deep breath looking at the remaining three, who were all human. “They are still watching,” she whispered. “I have to make sure Londra enters thirty minutes after you do. The Archduke realizes and is trying to find the thugs that were hired to hurt our families. At this point we are supposed to seal her in one of the meeting rooms for the evening. I am sorry…”

Londra shrugged, “figured something like this would happen. So, what are we talking about?”

Julius shook his head. “I am heading in. Take care, captain,” he finished with a smile.

Julianna placed her hand on the Lacrama waiting. “Look, mine is just as bright as yours.”

Londra hugged her, “yep, just a bit shorter though. I will be fine. Tell the others not to worry. Besides, we will be able to communicate, did you hear him?”

Julianna smiled, “I did! Okay, I am heading in. Glad he was able to converse with the spell.”

“So am I, have fun!” Londra yelled. “How about a tour?”

Elaine laughed, “sure! They took two thirds of the building, but we need to do something,” she finished coming around the desk. With a theatrical jester of her arm, she motioned to the door right behind the desk. “This is our Learning Room. Beside it, our bathrooms. They didn’t take those at least,” she motioned to the two doors to the right. “The next door is a staircase taking you up to the Guild Master’s office and our two meeting rooms.”

“So, you aren’t here all day?” Londra asked before pointing to the two doors to the left, “and they are?”

“We are only here from nine in the morning to five in the evening. But, if the Duke says leave we must since he owns the building,” she added with a frown. “The door closest to the entrance is our other meeting room. Let’s go through the other, it is easier to show.”

“Okay, lead the way,” Londra shrugged.

“I doubt anyone else will be coming today,” Elaine said heading for the door. “Plus, Master Oscar should be back soon.”

“I understand,” Londra said trying to stay calm. They were in a large empty room.

“Imagine,” Elaine started softly, “protective gear and practice weapons lining the walls. This is our training room and out that door is an open area for more practice. Also there is a flower bed with a large gazebo for lazy meals… they didn’t take that when they took our eatery…”

Londra put a hand on her shoulders, gently turning her back towards the desk. “So, have you met the new Continental Guild Master?”

“No… Master Oscar has a meeting with him through the Lacrama on Wednesday,” Elaine answered, heading back to the desk. “Speaking of, here he comes.”

Londra turned towards the door watching the man come in. He was muscular and stood close to seven feet tall, not what she what expecting. His square, copper face not only showed his experience but annoyance with the day. His vivid green eyes seen Londra and he plastered a smile on his face, shoving his thick, short, silver hair back. “You must be Londra. Henry told me about you a bit. Sorry about this… fiasco. I don’t know how many times I have wanted to punch them both in the face, but they always know how to turn your emotion against you. Damn cowards!”

“Agreed,” Londra mumbled wondering what to do. This man could break her in half easily, but they wouldn’t do that... yet. “You will make sure my party gets to our room safely?”

“You have my word that all but you will return to the room safely and quickly. It is all I have to give and never do so freely. I believe the room will… lock so the twins get a bit more time, but it shouldn’t be too much. More than likely when you come out, we will be ordered to put you upstairs in one of the meeting rooms. They all have at least one couch. Believe me, if I thought we could sneak you out of here without my daughter paying for it, I would do it in a heartbeat. Wanted to give up the title when this all started but… they threatened my little grandson. Oh…” he stopped since Elaine was nodding. “You can go in now, happy learning?”

Londra smiled heading for the door. Behind it was nothing she expected. A quiet little meow full of colors, smells, and sounds with a glowing ambiguous figure before her. “Welcome, Londa,” it said in an even tone.

“Hello, can I call you… Castaspella? It just popped into my head,” Londra started with a goofy smile.

“That is unexpected,” it replied. “You are supposed to ask me questions. Your party is very kind and respectful with a thirst to learn. May I ask you why that name?”

“Well, I went with female because mothers are the best teachers, and you are helping us to learn how to cast spells. Nothing too grand but I thought it was cute. How about Spella for short?”

The figure took on more of a female appearance with a smile, “I like that. Shall we begin? What would you like to learn?”

“If I am able, would you help me learn how to use telepathy? May I also learn all the spells needed to aid in the smooth communication between minds?” Londra asked smiling. “Then we all will be able to call you Spella!”

“You are too much,” Spella commented with a hint of a smile. “Well, this might be the most entertaining day I have had in centuries. Let us start.”