Episode 9: With great honor

The cosmos is but a vast and endless void filled with a great deal of planets to share in its bounty. Each planet is separate from each other's grasp, connected by space and gravity. Within those planets that sustain rich nutrients and breathable air, species of many kinds roam. However, there are those among the species that stand above the rest. They go through harsh lengths, endured great journeys, and obtained experience far beyond the comprehension of the common mortals. Through this, they gather others to join in their efforts to better instill the passion of taking on the adventure of their lifetime. They are the guild masters which stand before the motley gathering of races in the grand halls, which holds the history, efforts and bonds that Kasipeia worked so hard for.

There was a variety of them now that Allen can see them clearly in the light.

The first three who came forth were the Minkarian with golden orange fur, an old woman who had an arched back with defining wrinkles on her face, and an Incectoid whose cricket wings wrapped around him like a hooded robe.

"My I haven't seen so much excitement among the new bloods in decades," the Minkarian said.

There was another silent figure who stood there watching the group diligently. He had a metallic body with soft fumes emanating from his head, coming off like the auroras borealis. Draped in a mage's robe, there was an opening in the seam that had an orb which was radiating energy.

"A bit of fun isn't bad every once in a decade," the metallic being said.

Another was a dragonborn with azure blue scales and striping ivory horns. She was slim in stature as she was wearing a loose robe that hid the leather armor beneath. She had gold ornaments that complimented her glossy scales.

"These events usually end up being a drag-on fest," the dragonborn joked.

"For the love of the forge, can you stop with the puns," the dwarf spoke up.

"What? It's funny," she replied.

"Not by the length of my fore brow it ain't!"

He stood at the end was ruffed and battle-hardened. He had seemed like he had seen many wars unfold before him even when his hands were calloused from labor. He had dust and grime on his face like he had just got out of an asteroid shaft. They say the length of a dwarf's beard was an indicator of their valor and his was to his knees, with lines of silver intertwining with the brown.

"We should not waste any time," one squeaky voice spoke in between.

"Time is money," another with a much lower tone said.

The two voices were surprisingly coming from herd animals, guinea pigs. They had no prominent feature other than their regular size as they were placed on stools. One defining feature was their logo that Allen had seen before when he passed by a patch of sellable land back at Lydia.

A large figure with a defined tusk stood beside the guinea pigs. He grunted in agreement. He did not seem like Krazong. He carried an aura of sophistication that Allen did not understand. Allen did understand that he was a different species, an orc. With a slimmer and well-toned body, the orc did not seem like he needed to wear a shirt to keep himself warm.

"I think it's alright to let loose every once in a while," one of the humanoid figures spoke in, "I myself have been on too many missions to release some... tension." Her eyes caught one of the attendance's.

She was a Tiefling, a race known to be expert hunters and powerful casters. With her light armor and assortment of weapons, she seemed like she just got back from a quest. Allen could tell from the crossbow and sword holstered, that she was on a different class of her own. She even wore runed leather to ward off spells.

"Mi amora," another spoke, "I think that we could cooperate quite well in that sense."

The man was dawned in lavish robes and various ornaments representing his status, that blended with the white cloak he draped over his side.

"Ooh my dear friend, how I wish we did," she gently caressed the man on the cheek.

They heard a scoff on their side.

"Alde, my friend," he hung his arm over the person next to him. "What troubles you so? These occasions are meant to be celebrated." He winces as he pulled his arm away from the flames.

The person he hung to was a Starfolk, a race of smaller stars that became sentient after the rising of the Celestial Star. He had a suit that held his form in one point, which was already darkened by the heat of his fire. It was made specifically to lower radiations that emitted from his body, a reddish orange fire that was warm with age.

"Do not forget that the occasion is meant for these lot," he said.

"Son, he did it again," he complained to the Minkarian.

"I'd say you deserve it," the Minkarian laughed. "What you think Maple?"

"Starfolk flames don't burn unless intended, I would say." The tree spoke.

Treants were known to be one of the oldest species of the cosmos. They had seen the planets form before them as life grew more complex with time. It was said that they had even existed in the time the first light came to be, but they hold that information among themselves, especially since there were few who had actually seen it.

"The Vox Abor has spoken," the gnome at the other end spoke.

"You folk do not understand the sensitivity of us humans, right Bhagya," he spoke towards the woman in a shawl.

She was fair and held herself still as the earth below. She had an aura of calm and serenity like that of the Buddhist Allen knew from the mountains of fealty. Her multicolored shawl was transparent, revealing the smooth skin and dark hair. She had a bead on her forehead that had an embroidery which wrapped her head like a tiara.

"Luck is not by your side this night, Commodore," she replied.

"Bah," he exclaimed, "to the lot of you."

The room lightened up a little with laughter.

"You lot better not be like these banth fodder," the starfolk said towards the newbies in attendance.

"I am at least a celestial dung," the commodore replied.

"Celestials do not defecate," a djinn spoke in, "They birth worlds."

The djinn was large in stature, with vegetation and earth wrapping his body. His eyes were enveloped in a green glow with emerald flames at the top of his head. His grey skin gave a lowlight to his purple gem on top his head.

"Says you," the Minkarian named Son chimed in, "I do that on a daily basis!"

"Giving away your status for a mere fruit should not speak," the djinn replied.

"Berries!" Son exclaimed his standing, "Bananas are BERRIES! I'm not having this conversation again."

The orc came in between them holding them back with a low grunt. They both went back in their place in line.

"You have to show a better example to the younglings," a gnome from behind tinkering with a watch added in consideration.

He had an assortment of trinkets and tools around his body, almost as if he was ready to repair or take apart things on a dime.

"Yes, we are running out of ti-" The commodore looked around his waist for something he had felt missing. "You gremlin! That's my watch!"

"Found it on the floor," he replied handing it back with a mischievous grin. Despite the act, he explained the various modifications he added to the commodore who was easily pleased.

"He's right," another spoke from the shadows in a strained growl.

A Rasksasha came out of the corner revealing his features. He was almost dressed like the Tiefling but with lighter equipment on hand. A hood draped over his face and the equipment that revealed as it opened were an assortment of daggers and vials. He had black and orange spotted fur with a multitude of scars all over the revealing parts, especially one cross scar that spanned from his right cheek. What caught Allen's attention was the eyes, the ruby red eyes he had seen peering at him from above when he entered the room.

"Don't waste time bantering and get to the point," he snarled.

"Party pooper," Son said in disappointment.

Another being walked up, short in stature but walked in a powerful stride. Her translucent wings draped down like a cloak. She had a warm glow around her that illuminated softly. Her orange eyes were gentle to look. Her presence was calming and still like the warmth of the sun on a winter's day.

"My fellow adventurers of the vast cosmos," she said in a soft but commanding tone like a mother's. "Young are the eyes of the inexperience and hardy are those who have seen too much. Look towards your masters who have witnessed the continuous rotation of this universe and see that camaraderie will never die no matter where you may be. Remember the faces of those around you for the world you'll see will remind you of this moment of solitude. With great honor, we, the guild masters, welcome you to the Intergalactic Guild in which our mission is to venture forth among the celestial bodies of space to explore, but most of all to write ourselves among those stars. Thank you for being strong to this point and hope that you continue to act in this way."

Each of them revealed their names hidden in their robes.

"Do not falter," Son spoke in.

"Do not waver," Sky, the lady in blue, said.

"Do not stray," 2 Vibrations of the Infinite, the incectoid, chimed.

"Do not fear," Glenn, the djinn, grunted.

"Do not anguish," Brail, the Tiefling, calmy stated.

"Do not alter," Tinker, the Gnome, exclaimed.

"Do not forfeit," Lapis, the Dragonkin, pronounced strongly.

"Do not forget," Radiant, the fairy softly uttered.

"These are the 'nots' of your journey," Zhamnur, the Djinn declared.

"Survive," Sabal, the Raksasha with scars, uttered strongly.

"Examine," Daerdarin, the Dwarf grumbled.

"Strive," Vox, the Treant, bellowed.

"Prosper," Baghya, the lady in near translucent cloth, radiated.

"Explore," Rio, the commodore, rallied.

"Learn," ArchMage, the metallic figure, said.

"Live," Lokrokk, the Orc, grunted.

"Laugh," Leilani, the guinea pig with her name shimmering from her collar, squeaked.

"Love," Kailee, the other guinea pig beside Leilani, hollered.

"Experience," Mengu, a man draped in what looks like bear fur, declared.

"Grow," a voice rumbled the halls like thunder had struck.

"These are the 'dos' for your journey," Sky spoke towards the crowd. "But remember to always..."

In unison, they rumbled the very foundation of the structure flaring the hearts of the crowd, "Hope and Adventure!"

With that, the festivities had concluded. People were allowed to leave the building or stay for an afterparty. Most of the guild masters did.

John had a different agenda for Allen and Elaine however, telling them to wait outside.

The night was cold and continuously active. The vehicles zoomed by the complex going on their busy way. The lights of the city were not so many that it blocked out the sky for some had decided to call it a night.

Cilli had to go back to prepare for an important interview for the next day so Allen and him had to part ways again.

"Good luck on the interview," Allen said towards Cilli.

"Thanks mate," Cillie replied. "I wish you luck on your journeys as well."

"May we meet again."

"Aye, may the stars guide your path." They both lock arms.

"Through the infinite void."

Allen watched as Cilli take his taxi with a stumble from drinking, laughing as he waved him away. When the aerotrans leaves from sight, Allen looked back at the infostructure again.

Allen continued to marvel at the craftsmanship. The stone walls etched with history like a story book. Images of great events carved into the rock preserving the achievements of Kasipeia and the heroes it made. There was so much detail covering the stone canvas. Races with their defining features were laid in with great effort. Carl Krempt, the current High Chief, even had his scar with accuracy.

However, as the history goes back, Allen noticed that the figures were vaguer, almost like they are blended with one another using the same font. The most prominent images were the ones with warriors dawned in strange armor, making him wonder who these were standing with images of the celestials at their backs.

To answer his curiosity, Elaine spoke up from beside him, "The Archs."

He was startled for a bit, forgetting she was there for a second of lost thought. "Like yourself?"

"Yes," she replied.

"How did you become an Arch?"

"A voice, one night, called to me. It told me that there will come a time of need for my abilities...." She paused for a second like she was hesitant to continue. Allen remembered how Archs sacrifice a great deal for their strength. "The day after, it took me a while to adjust to the new sensations."

"I see," Allen didn't know what to say. He was in no position to understand either.

"However," she continued, "it brought me back to you."

Allen was a little shocked by the statement. He did not understand the context of it but he was happy that she said that, almost overjoyed.

He wanted to say something but he felt something was watching them from the darkness. When he turned to look, he was met with the same ruby eyes that peered deeply into his being.

"I'm surprise you were able to notice me," the voice in the shadows said. It was a low growl almost snarling as if ready to pounce at any given moment of opportunity. "It makes me wonder why you had been chosen."

"I don't know what you are talking about," Allen replied to the Raksasha.

"It was a simple bet really," the growl toned down a bit as Sabal stepped into the light. "Unfortunately, one that I would be losing a chance with having Ms. Embers."

Sabal was about to take a step towards Elaine but Allen instinctively stepped in between them.

The Raksasha looked down on the young boy with a scorned expression. "I understand why she would pick her but what I don't understand is your presence in this scheme Sera put up."

"Who?" Allen was visibly confused which irritated Sabal a bit.

"What are you really?" Sabal leaned in close, his teeth barring. It almost as if he could rip Allen's face off in one bite.

He was built bigger than the average Raksasha, towering over Allen. He had broad shoulders hidden under his black cloak. His fur was orange with black stripes and a white underside. The scar that was on his face was deep, but not deep enough to erode his dark red eyes though the other seemed lifeless.

Allen felt in his very bones that an apex predator was on a hunt. All he could do was to wait for its time to feed.

He wasn't given the opportunity to do anything as a voice interrupted them. "I've got no qualms with you Sabal."

John was at the doorstep with a bag in hand. "I don't question what you do in the shadows, but where the light meets..." He walked up to Sabal meeting him evenly face to face, "Is MY domain."

Sabal snarled at John for a brief moment before giving up entirely, walking back into the shadows. He did not go without leaving a message. "The Mistgiver approaches," he said to John before looking back at Allen. "Be wary Hero of Eons."

With that, as silently as he arrived, he left.

"Are you okay," John asked Allen.

"I'm fine," Allen finally let out a breath of relief. "El?"

She just nodded back at the two, unfazed.

"Alright," John hung the bag over his shoulder. "Let's get going, shall we? I've got a surprise waiting."

"What do you mean?" Allen didn't like that mischievous grin on John's face.

"Wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, right?"

They went towards the parking pad, awaiting the next aerotrans to pick them up.

When it arrived, John placed the bag he brought to the back and sat in the passenger seat. Allen and Elaine took the back seat.

"The drive is going to take a while," John said to the two.

"How far are we going," Allen probed.

"Just outside the city center."

When the lights of the city were far enough behind them, the moon lit up the vast landscape just outside the suburban area. Meadows and acres of forestry stretched by the mountain range over the horizon. The land and the cosmos meet at this point as the clouds remained as its boundary.

Above the sky was clear, allowing the moon light to shine through the land for little friends to roam about. They remain undisturbed as the vehicle remained on a high enough altitude to quietly pass by.

On a pond, Allen was able to see a pond with its own little stars twinkling, fireflies. Around them were little critters that were taking a sip from their journeys through the vast horizon. It was peaceful as life remained coexisting with one another, under the skyglow.

"It seems so calm out here," Allen expressed.

"Civilization did not juts grow to develop themselves," John added. "They learned that the world itself needs to grow as well. They allowed this to show that they are not selfish enough to take everything within reach."

"I'm impressed by the extent people are willing to go to conserve," Elaine chimed in the conversation.

"Sometimes you don't have to take to own," John said under a soft and calming tone. "Sometimes you just have to accept what is offered and sometimes you let it go."

Allen witnessed a pack of wolves moving about in the shadows of the trees. They were a ferocious looking group that had looked like they have seen better days. Trailing them was their cubs who stumbled about, having their bits of fun.

"Did you just make that up?" Allen joked.

"No," John said solemnly, "a friend once told me that."

Allen heard John's tone and wondered what kind of life did he live. He knew John was no more that 6 years older than he is but he didn't know to what extent had he experienced in his journeys. He must have been through a lot in the 12 years he had been gone.

"Mind telling me about your friend," Allen wondered.

"Maybe another time," he said. "We're here."

The aerotrans slowed to a stop at a settlement. An average gathering of houses make up the place. The community was still active as the lights were lit and chatter can be heard from outside.

"This way," John led the two.

Allen looked at the solid exteriors of the buildings around them. He noticed from the air that there were a few shops that remained open. One of them was a bar with folk still inside at this time of night. Their laughter can be heard even at a distance as they drank and converse the night away.

Some people noticed John raising a glass to him as they pass.

"You seem to know this place well," Allen pointed out.

"I helped build this settlement," John answered surprising Allen.

"You helped build this whole place?"

"More like I made a foundation for them to start." John continued to greet the people who continued to linger like shop keeps and wandering folk. He even helped one of the men who was too drunk to stand back to his house. "This was on one of my first quests out. It brings back so many memories."

"It seems so peaceful here."

"Yep," John said gleefully. "With the help of these folk, I was able to take the wyvern's head back safely and peace came after."

"Hold up," Allen paused. "You took down a wyvern?"

"That was my quest."

"And build the settlement."

"Yeah."

Allen wasn't able to fathom what John was saying. It was one of his first quests and he took out a wyvern with the help of the villagers here. It was almost impossible to grasp with how chill the folk here seemed.

"Here we are," John took Allen out of the loop to point at the inn ahead.

It was a wooden lodge with a large skeleton lining the roof. The tiles of the roof were scaley and almost gleamed under the moonlight. The structure was held up by carved wooden pillars elevated over the grassy hill. There was a sign that with only a wrathian head as its image.

"Welcome to the Wyvern inn."

"You took us far out into the wilderness to go to an inn?" Allen liked the scenery here but if they needed rest, they could have stayed at one of the hotels back on Prima.

"It's what's inside," John nodded towards the inn. "C'mon."

Allen scratched his head in confusion but gave in as Elaine followed obediently. "No use fighting it at this point." Allen had learned from being with his brother this long.

They entered the inn which had no doors at the entrance. It was a curtain that opened into a cozy lobby. It had comfortable recliners and even a message chair or two which John conveniently propped himself in.

The wooden interior was structured with no ceiling, only a thick red leather cloak was hung above. It seemed like wyvern which was a good inductor for heat for cold nights. Fur laid on the ground from various creatures they had hunted, preserving them as decoration. This gave the floor an assortment of colors.

The empty counter ahead was made from wood, with an assortment of gems that traced its edges.

"Is this a guild inn?" Allen touched the colorful gems which hummed with traces of power within them.

"I had the guild help me build this place as a sort of hub for the wilderness. It's not theirs per se but you could say they sponsored this place," John's voice vibrated as the message chair worked its magic.

"Where's the inn keep?"

"She's on her way. I messaged her as we were arriving."

"Know her well?" Allen's attention went to the walls which were adorned with a multitude of articles about John's travels. There were even medals that he earned from his achievements placed accordingly on a table top.

"You could say we know her well."

Allen was confused about that statement, but his questions were answered as she walked into the room chiming, "Welcome to the Wyvern Inn. How may I he-" She stopped.

Her demeanor was soft and timid as pure as the white of her dress. She had a look in her eyes that was hardened by the experiences of life, still clinging to what was left. She looked about mid 40 but no visible wrinkle on her face, skin smooth like a river stone.

Her eyes began to water as she brought her patched hands to her lips as the words, "Al," left them.

Allen's words were caught at the back of his throat. He didn't want to say it but the person in front of them was his mother.

As she was about to walk closer, he ran.

He ran further from the Inn, from the settlement, where he couldn't hear his mother's calls from behind him.

~

Elaine wasn't surprised. She knew this was bound to happen if they ever meet again.

"That's the second time," John said aloud.

Elaine darted her still eyes at him as he raised his hands in defeat, remaining silent.

Zilla, the mother of the two, fell to her knees, still and speechless. This was the second time her son ran away from her and she couldn't do anything about it but watch as he goes further and further into the distance.

John walked over to comfort her, leading her to one of the chairs in the lobby.

Elaine sauntered her way to the entrance.

"Where are you going," John called out.

"To Allen," she said simply.

"I'll-"

"Stay with your mother," she interrupted. "She can't be alone right now."

John looked to her with a conflicted expression but gave up and sat by his mother.

Elaine continued her trek towards where Allen left, asking the settlers on the way for directions.

"Deeper into the greenery he went, down south," one of the drunken passersby said.

"I think the direction he was going leads to the ivory meadows,' his friend added.

"No, you dingus. That's where the dark pastures be."

"Dark pastures ar' east from here, ya numb rod."

"The sun rises from the east as the moon does, therefor, the ivory meadows are east to where the moon rises!"

"The sun rises from the North!"

"Since when?!"

"Since the beginning of time, I don't know."

"You giving me facts without proof?"

"You telling me you know when and how the sun rises and sets since the first light then?"'

"No but-"

"But not! Ya uneducated fu-"

"Know what!"

Elaine didn't bother to stop their argument and ventured on. It seemed like their argument escalated as she heard the sounds of a fight ensuing behind her.

The forestry beyond the settlement south was dense. The trees were barely covering the moonlight from passing through. She didn't know where to start so she stood in place, closing her eyes.

From her training, before the trial, she was placed in a cave. The torches were dead. The stony insides were cold with only her body heat to keep her warm. There was silence as her breath filled in the noise.

In and out, she relaxed her body.

"Focus on the world around you," she remembered the Matre's words.

In and out, she opened the senses beyond sight.

"Focus on the air that surrounds you."

In and out, she felt the winds brushing against her skin through the thin layers of her dress.

"Focus on the slightest trickle of vibrating softly in the distance."

In and out, she can hear the ruffling sounds in the distance just beyond her.

"Hone in on it."

In and out, her senses broke from the five and her awareness was heightened to new lengths, beyond the reach of mortal kind. As she opened her eyes, the redness of the iris glowed in the shadows. Her hair lights up like that of falling fire.

"Now go," the Matre spoke into her.

She took off the heels that impeded her movement and ripped the dress that limited her stretch. For one last time, in and out, she sprinted into the darkness.

She wove into the trees, avoided the fallen debris and leaping over large rubble. The darkness did not cripple her sight, it heightened it. She saw through the shadows that over casted her.

Not a single leave nor gusts of wind stopped her. She felt the wilderness around her, every blade of grass, every leaf on the tree, ever brush of the wind.

Her steps were silent, noiseless. Like a ghost, she was invisible. She heard the cracking of branches from a distance away, the gathering of herd creatures that are feeding on the blades of grass, the dew dripping from that grass, the heartbeat of a cocoon hung in bush.

Every scent flowed through the orifices of her body, the blooming of moon flowers, the stench of dung rolled by a beetle, the nuts high above her on treetops.

She sees everything around her, hears it, smells it, and feels it flowing through her.

"Be one with the cosmos," the Matre's voice echoed in her head as she ran further into the thick of it, eventually reaching her destination.

She hears a heartbeat, relaxed accompanied by a smell she recognizes beyond the strong cologne. It wasn't until she got into a clearing, she saw him sitting in the middle of a vast field. A meadow with brightly lit flowers that reflect the light emanating from the moon spans the visible horizon over hills, with colors from all spectrums.

She slows to a walk, relaxed and calm. Unlike the brutal training she had endured, this wasn't much of a run but more of a short sprint from the settlement to her.

She looked around to see if there was anything around to harm them. There was nothing lurking within the shadows. There was only a faint darkness that she could feel lurking about before but can't pinpoint its exact location. At least, it was nowhere near where they are now.

It's just her and Allen there in the wilderness alone.

As she walked up to Allen, he didn't look directly at her as if she knew she was there. He scooched to the side of the log giving her a space to sit. That's where they remained for now in silence.

He wasn't ready to open up yet, but he will come around to it. When he does, Elaine will remain by his side always listening. For now, they sat and gazed into the night field.

Allen wasn't ready to open up yet but when he does, Elaine will be there to listen. She will always remain at his side whether from a distance or a shoulder's length.

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