Ryn, The Thief

The forest was alive with its usual chorus — birds chirping in the canopy, branches swaying in the breeze, and distant howls that signaled predators on the prowl. 

Beneath the dense foliage, a young man clad in black moved silently, his sharp eyes fixed on a clearing ahead.

Ryn crouched low, his patched cloak blending with the underbrush. His hands gripped a pair of shortswords, their worn hilts comforting in his calloused palms. 

Despite his thin frame and hollow cheeks, there was a spark of determination in his gaze.

In the clearing, a man no older than twenty stood amidst a battlefield of wolf corpses. His broad shoulders and composed stance gave him an aura of quiet confidence. 

With a longsword in his hand, he made short work of the remaining wolves, each swing of his blade precise and devastating.

Ryn's heart raced. The man was strong — stronger than anyone Ryn had encountered. But the pouch at his belt drew Ryn's focus. That pouch could mean medicine, food, and safety for his ailing sister.

The risks didn't matter.

Tobi stepped over a fallen wolf, its fur matted with blood. 

The fight had been brief, but his muscles ached from the repetitive motion. He sheathed his longsword, glancing at the pouch at his side.

"This wolf hide should fetch a decent price," he muttered.

He began to move toward the treeline, unaware of the eyes watching him.

From the shadows, Ryn tensed.

Every muscle in his body screamed for him to act. He took a deep breath and lunged from his hiding place, his shortswords flashing in the sunlight.

"Come on Ryn, just do it," He muttered.

"Hand over all of your money!" Ryn shouted, his voice steady despite his pounding heart.

Tobi turned just in time, drawing his sword in one fluid motion. 

The blades clashed, ringing out through the clearing. Tobi's gaze locked onto Ryn, calm and focused.

"A thief?" Tobi asked, his voice even. "This should be interesting."

Ryn pressed the attack, his strikes fast and relentless. But no matter how quickly he moved, Tobi was faster. He deflected each blow with minimal effort, his movements precise and economical.

"You're quick," Tobi said, sidestepping a thrust. "But you're wasting energy."

Ryn gritted his teeth, feinting left before slashing right. Tobi parried effortlessly, the force of the clash sending a jolt through Ryn's arms.

"Not bad," Tobi said, his tone almost amused. "But you're outmatched."

Ryn didn't falter. His strikes became wilder, driven by desperation. He lunged at Tobi's side, only for his blade to meet empty air as Tobi pivoted smoothly.

With a swift motion, Tobi disarmed Ryn, sending one shortsword flying into the dirt. Ryn stepped back, gripping his remaining blade tightly.

"You're stubborn," Tobi said, his tone carrying a hint of respect. "But this isn't a fight you can win."

Ryn didn't respond. His breathing was heavy, but his stance remained firm.

Tobi lowered his sword slightly, studying the young man before him. The determination in Ryn's eyes was unmistakable. 

This wasn't a thief acting on impulse — this was someone with a purpose.

"You're not like the other thieves I've seen," Tobi said. "What's your story?"

Ryn hesitated, his grip on the shortsword tightening. "I don't owe you an explanation."

"No," Tobi agreed. "But you owe it to yourself. Why are you here, risking your life for a few coins?"

Ryn's jaw tightened. "My sister. She's sick. Without medicine…" He trailed off, his voice faltering for the first time.

Tobi sheathed his sword, stepping closer. "You've got skill," he said. "But you're wasting it on petty theft. How long do you think you'll last like this?"

Ryn didn't answer.

Tobi's gaze softened slightly. "I've been in this world long enough to know when someone has potential. You're strong, but you're directionless. Join me."

Ryn frowned, his expression guarded. "Join you?"

"I'm starting something — something big. A GUILD," Tobi said, his voice steady. "The Ironhold GUILD. It's for people like you — people who've been overlooked, underestimated. You could be part of something greater."

Ryn stared at Tobi, his expression unreadable.

"You don't have to decide now," Tobi continued. "But think about it. This life you're living — it's not sustainable. You have potential, Ryn. Don't waste it."

Ryn's eyes widened slightly at the mention of his name. "How do you know — "

"You muttered it when you lunged at me," Tobi said with a faint smirk. 

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The forest was silent, save for the distant rustle of leaves.

Ryn finally lowered his shortsword, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I'll think about it," he said, his tone cautious.

Tobi nodded. "That's all I ask. When you're ready, you can always meet me in the forest,"