Celebrations

The guild hall was decorated elaborately: tapestries hung from the walls, gold goblets and silverware lined the tables in the center of the hall. The crystal chandelier twinkled in the light of the glowing lamps. A string band stood on one corner of the room, playing a lively party tune as guild members milled about, glasses full. They socialized and reminisced, some were covered in some scrapes and bruises from the earlier battle, but most had used healing crystals or respawned back in town.

People had shed their battle gear for elaborate formal wear. Gowns shimmered in the lamplight, formal tunics and robes clung to the men. The booze was flowing freely, laughter filled the chamber. We had a great success tonight, and we didn't lose anyone. Everyone respawned safely in town, although they missed out on a portion of the experience from the boss.

Axel bellowed in laughter, holding the attention of a crowd around his throne. He had shed his axe tonight in favor of a crown, and royal robes. I scoffed and shook my head in distaste. He hadn't made an appearance for the battle, an absence yet to be justified. His face looked pale, his eyes gaunt. The smile plastered to his face didn't reach his eyes. His eyes darted about the room nervously.

I took a goblet off of the tray of a passing worker, pages hoping to work their way up in the guild. I took a sip of the sweet liquid; it burned my throat. I felt my cheeks heat. I instinctively reached back to feel the hilt of my sword, to realize it wasn't there. I clenched my fist, I felt naked without it. The drinks would calm my nerves.

My eyes travelled across the room; I saw Vane walk in through the large double doors at the south entrance to the room. His doublet was black, stitched with gold embroidery. He wore leather breeches, and his swords were missing from his waist. It seems all of us had been ordered to leave our weapons behind tonight. His muscles strained the fabric of his doublet. His silver hair fell around his face. His eyes focused in on me, and I caught my breath. He began walking in a straight line for me, I took another deep swig of my drink. He raised a brow and snatched a glass off of a passing tray himself.

"Pace yourself, now." He chided softly, a smirk playing at his lips. I giggled, cringed inwardly at my awkward giggle, and winked at him.

"But I have my hero here to defend my honor!" I smiled. He snorted and took a sip. He leaned in close and spoke into my ear.

"I can see the outline of your dagger on your thigh." His breath tickled my cheek. I leaned away from him and looked into his grey eyes. I gave a saucy wink.

"A girl never truly goes naked in public." I mused innocently. He nodded and grasped my hand, placing it against the inner wrist of his sleeve, I felt the tip of a blade through the rough fabric. Alas, great minds think alike.

"For your honor, my lady." He winked. A throat cleared behind us. I jumped back and blushed as Lan was standing behind us. He let out a throaty chuckle and clapped Vane and I on the shoulder with each hand.

"Settle in lovebirds, Axel is about to make an announcement." We turned our attention to the front of the room, where Axel had stood and was holding a full stein in his right hand. He held it aloft in a toast.

"To Fayre, who landed the final blow! To the sacrifice of all of our warriors, and to victory!" The crowd cheered. "We have finally paved the way to the next city, my comrades, this day is momentous to all in Aether!" He cried. The crowd clapped. He was silent for a moment.

"With this great news, I must also share some sad news. I have decided to retire as guild leader of the Scythes. Darius will be stepping in as my successor." A gasp ran through the crowd. Followed by low murmurs. Suddenly it all made sense, the look on Axel's face, the absence from the battle. Something happened between him and Darius, what did he have on him? I clenched my fists. Vane placed his hand on my arm, he shook his head imperceptibly. I bit my lower lip.

Before I knew it, I was pulling my arm away from Vane, I was marching toward the raised dais of the platform. I shoved my way through the crowd gathered before it and stepped up to face Axel and Darius. Darius stood tall, a strong man in his mid 30's, his dirty blonde hair was buzzed close to his head, his brown eyes crinkled with a sinister grin on his face. I pointed my finger at him.

"No! This is insanity. This man has been killing fellow players! He works for Hyperion studios and has been a mole for Kaillean Alexander!" I shouted. Murmurs started throughout the crowd. Darius' face fell into a thin line, a muscle twitched in his cheek. He plastered a smile on his face and turned to the crowd with open arms.

"I'm sure she is mistaking me for someone else. I have been with this guild since its founding. You all know me, have battled with me. You know I will step into this role with our best interests at heart. I have been in communication with Hyperion, but only to better the status of our guild. The company are our friends." He spoke fluidly, with a deep honeyed voice. I struggled not to stamp my foot in frustration, like a child. I reached into the cleavage of my dress and extracted a piece of paper. I unfolded the paper and held it in the air before the crowd.

"A list of names. Members he's tracking, targeting, been told to remove from the competition in Aether. Just look at your leader! Clearly, Darius got to him." I gestured wildly.  From the crowd a deep voice called out:

"I've suspected something for a while, I think we should listen to what she has to say." Black shaggy hair covered golden brown eyes, as James stepped forward and addressed the crowd. I smiled at him thankfully. The people in the front of the crowd looked at one another. A voice spoke up.

"He has been missing on and off for the last months! No one is privy to what he does or where he goes. If he is so private, why would we want him to lead us?" Murmurs of assent littered the crowd.

Darius' eyes flickered for only a moment before he launched at me and grabbed my wrist, spinning me he pinned me against his chest, a blade was at my throat. He faced the crowd.