An Extra Hand

After Zycor left the guild building to go train, Aislin realized she had been left alone with Adria. "So," Adria began, "What do you plan on doing from here on out?"

Still wary in the presence of Adria after her earlier display, Aislin responded, "Well, I'm not too sure. If I go out as I am now, I will surely be hunted by the guards or adventurers looking to bring in an Oni. So I will probably leave and try to find some place that will hire me, regardless of what I am, and go from there."

Adria thought a moment, then spoke, "Well, what if you work here for me? I am in need of some extra help, especially with a side project of mine. I pay well, and will give you a place to stay along with all of the essentials."

Aislin, taken aback, but not about to pass this opportunity up, replied, "I would love to if you'll have me!"

"Then it's settled, I will have you go through a trial period for the first three months. After that, I will have you help me out with my side project. I of course will pay you more to compensate for your extra help," Adria said, as she drew up the contract.

After it was made and signed, Aislin was officially a part of the guild. "So, what will you have me do?" Aislin asked, excited, but a bit on edge.

Adria replied, "Something simple enough. I want you to get along with Zycor and teach him how to fight. On top of that I would like you to help out at the front desk. The desk help has priority, but if you find yourself with some free time while still working, do the former."

Aislin, a bit turned off about how dull it was. But knowing an offer for a job like this won't come around again for a long time, if ever, she agreed. Adria smiled, and brought her into the back room and gave her the uniform she would be wearing.

The first three months flew by. The snow began to melt and life returned to the land. Adria called Aislin into the back room and, after Aislin agreed to help with the side project, had her make a pact using a magic item. This pact would prevent Aislin from revealing anything about what she was about to see and hear unless given permission by Adria. With the pact sealed, Adria opened the locked door to reveal a flight of stairs. As they descended into the basement, Aislin was met with a large room, with many interconnecting tunnels. Looking at the main body of the room, there were multiple tables, cabinets and bookshelves, all full of Black Market goods and records.

"That side job I asked you for help with," Adria Began, "I need your help with taking care of some of the… 'job' requests. I can't be everywhere at once you know, and I am getting backed up because I am taking care of Zycor. How has that been going by the way?"

Aislin, in shock, but doing her best to keep her composure, responded, "Well, first of all, he is a handful. But the kid has a lot of potential. He is way stronger than an eight year old should be, thanks to that pretty much daily training. He picks up things quickly, so I don't think I will have too much trouble with him."

Adria nodded, happy with Aislin's answer, responded, "I am really happy to hear that. I was worried he would end up not having any potential. Hearing that might have broken him again, and I don't think I could bear that."

Aislin, confused and curious, asks, "What do you mean 'broken again?'"

Adria froze in place as her expression became filled with sadness and replied, "Well, I suppose considering everything and how you will be around for what I hope is a long while, I will tell you. I will tell you about how I met Zycor, and why he is unable to show emotion."

A few hours went by, and dusk gave way to night. Zycor entered the guild hall and was greeted by Adria, who hugged him with immense force. After Zycor finished the dance with death he had grown accustomed to ended, he went over to the bar area, and sat down waiting for dinner to be ready. Adria left to finish making dinner in the kitchen, and Aislin came out and sat down next to Zycor. Exchanging greetings, the two sat in silence for a time. Aislin, breaking the silence, softly said, "Hey kid… thanks. Ya know, for dragging me here and helping patch me up."

She sat there embarrassed at what she just said. After a brief moment of silence, Zycor responded, "Your welcome. I… I'm glad that I saved you too, Ms. Aislin."

Adria returned with the food soon after, and the three of them ate while they talked.