Testing

The revelry surrounded me, joyful faces on all sides greeted me and welcomed me into the fold. Some sat on the armchairs and sipped their steins, staring at me suspiciously. Their beady eyes narrowed. I swallowed and kept my gaze level. I am one of them now. Someone placed a mug in my hand, and I sipped slowly, coughing at the bitter taste of the hops in the mead. I held my glass and wandered over to the side of the room, observing the Scythes and their dynamic.

Axel held court in the center of the room, and all the Scythes oriented themselves around him, facing his direction. It was clear he commanded the respect and reverence of these individuals. Those in seats closer to him I noticed were in the higher levels and must be high ranking officials in the guild. There were several of them, one a woman with dark red hair, braided down her back, holding a longbow and quiver of arrows on her back. There were five men in the higher-ranking circle. They all looked gruff and battle-hardened; scars marred their faces. There were two sword wielders, a lancer, and two men carrying staffs.

"Getting a lay of the land, eh?" A gruff voice spoke beside me. I turned to see an older man who towered over my mere 5'4 height. He had dark brown hair and a dark beard. His blue eyes shimmered with amusement. I nodded.

"So obvious?" I smiled. He laughed. I took a chug of my drink nonchalantly.

"You stick out like a sore thumb, lass. We all saw your battle; we know who you are." He mentioned with keen interest. I smiled nodded.

"I'm looking to beat the boss. You guys seem like the best bet." I clarified. He nodded and smirked.

"And I'm sure the other guilds won't let you in with that orange cursor." He pointed to the cursor above my head. I blushed, embarrassed of the orange cursor above my head. He shook his head and clicked his tongue.

"Hey, it's okay. Look around, everyone here has some background." He gestured to the room, I looked around at the groups of people chatting and conversing. Many had orange cursors of someone who committed a criminal act, and a few were even red of permanent criminal status. Most of the inner circle surrounding Axel were of red status.

"We all have a history." I agreed and nodded. Some of the people here's history included tormenting and murdering young girls and new players. I can't forget that. My fists gripped the mug in my hand with white knuckles.

"I'm Lan." The man said, sticking out his hand. I smiled and shook it politely.

"Fayre" I responded. He chuckled.

"I know. They've been watching you." He whispered conspiratorially. I raised a brow. I had known I was one of their targets. Only I assume they didn't think I'd be joining them.

"Fayre, come." Axel beckoned me with a wave of his hand. I clenched my fists. I am not a dog to be summoned. I swallowed my pride and stepped forward, weaving my way through the crowd of people to the raised dais. I stepped up.

"Yes?" I asked him, a brow raised. I did not like being called. His beady green eyes narrowed and raked over my body. I shivered and crossed my arms over my chest. He leaned forward in his seat, propped his elbow on his leg, and rested his chin on his hand.

"How does it feel to be one of us?" He mused. I struggled not to roll my eyes.

"It has been a warm welcome. I am eager to get to the fighting." I answered. I hoped it would explain why I am not too social.

"I'm sure if you continue to spend time with me, you'll get used to us." He said with a sly smile. My gag reflex was triggered, but I swallowed it down.

"I'm sure I will, sir." I nodded.

A loud knocking sounded from the massive wooden doors at the front of the chamber that I had come through. The noise in the room paused once again. The doors creaked open slowly, revealing a very nonchalant looking Vane standing in the doorway. I froze. They weren't supposed to know that we are together. What was he doing? He said he'd wait for me outside!

Vane wandered in with a confident gait, he approached the centre of the room, he never looked at me. His shoulders were back, his twin swords strapped to his waist swayed as he walked. He paused once he reached the center of the room. Axel leaned forward in his throne, hands on his legs. He arched a quaffed brow.

"Well, what do we have here, Mr. Alexander." A throaty chuckle came from Axel. Vane stood proud; his chest puffed out. His face bore his telltale smirk.

"Hello, Axel. You've had your eyes on me, I assume you know why I'm here." He stated clearly. He looked at his fingernails nonchalantly. Axel let out a bellowed laugh. His head tilting back. His finger swung across the room and settled on me.

"A man in love. You're here for the girl." He smirked. Vane nodded once and smiled.

"What can I say? Where she goes, I go." He winked at me. I sputtered, my face going bright red. What is he saying? I stood there, shocked. He sauntered forward toward the raised dais, getting closer to Axel. Axel motioned for him to stop. Vane paused.

"Well, we'll have to test your merit. Same rules apply." He mused, I gasped. Surely Axel wasn't going to fight Vane with his injuries right after our fight, before healing himself. Axel raised his hand and motioned in a come-hither gesture. A man from the inner circle lurched to his feet. His large sword on his back glinted in the light of the glowing lamps. He wore heavy plate armour; his long brown hair was secured with a tie behind his head. His blue eyes narrowed in malice. He stood up to the dais and unsheathed his sword.

"My lieutenant will be testing your skills today." Axel announced. The man next to Axel lovingly gazed at his sword, testing the blade with his fingertips. Vane smiled and nodded, he reached to his waist and pulled his swords from their straps, he held them ready at his sides.

"Then let's get to it." Vane's eyes danced with amusement.