First Member

Tobi strolled down the cobblestone road, his pace unhurried despite the ache that settled deep in his muscles. 

He wore casual clothes — a loose black shirt and worn trousers — and had left his longsword back in his room at the inn. 

His dark hair was disheveled, evidence of a restless night, and his jaw cracked slightly as he yawned.

The streets of Fallowmare were already bustling, the sounds of merchants shouting their wares mixing with the clatter of carts and the chatter of townsfolk. 

The smell of fresh bread and roasted meat wafted from nearby stalls, enticing even Tobi's tempered appetite.

He shoved his hands into his pockets, adjusting the bag slung over his shoulder. His goal was simple: stock up on supplies and prepare for the days ahead. 

Yet, as he moved through the throng of people, something caught his eye.

Ryn.

The boy was standing just off the main street, partially hidden in the shadow of a building. He wore the same dark clothes as before, his slight frame dwarfed by the larger figures bustling past him.

Tobi slowed his steps, turning fully to face the younger boy. 

Ryn seemed to sense the gaze on him, his head snapping up. Their eyes met, and for a moment, Ryn froze.

The boy stiffened, his body tense as if preparing to flee. But Tobi raised a hand, his expression calm.

"Morning," Tobi said, his voice steady.

Ryn hesitated, then nodded. "Morning." His tone was clipped, guarded.

"You following me?" Tobi asked, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Ryn's cheeks flushed faintly. "No. Just… standing here."

Tobi chuckled, the sound low and easy. "Relax, kid. You're about as threatening as a puppy right now."

Ryn frowned but didn't reply.

Tobi tilted his head toward the bustling market ahead. "I'm heading to the marketplace. Come along if you want. I wouldn't mind the company."

Ryn hesitated, his gaze darting between Tobi and the road behind him. After a long pause, he nodded.

"Alright," he said softly.

The marketplace was alive with color and noise. Merchants shouted over one another, extolling the virtues of their wares. 

Stalls overflowed with goods: fresh fruits, slabs of meat, shimmering fabrics, and gleaming weapons.

Tobi walked confidently, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. Behind him, Ryn followed, his steps hesitant. The boy's sharp eyes darted around, taking in everything as if he were cataloging it all.

"Ever been here before?" Tobi asked over his shoulder.

"A few times," Ryn replied.

Tobi nodded, stopping at a fruit stall. The vendor, a portly man with a booming voice, greeted him warmly. "Morning! Fresh apples straight from the orchard. Three bronze coins each!"

"Three coins?" Tobi raised an eyebrow. "That's steep."

"They're worth it," the merchant said with a grin.

Tobi considered for a moment, then placed one coin on the counter. "How about one bronze for this bruised one?"

The merchant chuckled but nodded, sliding the apple across the counter. Tobi pocketed it, turning back to Ryn.

"You've got to learn to negotiate," he said.

Ryn shrugged, but there was a faint smile on his lips.

They moved from stall to stall, Tobi haggling for bread, dried meat, and a few small luxuries like spices and salted fish. 

Ryn stayed quiet, observing the older man's ease with the merchants.

"Why are you so careful with your money?" Ryn asked as they left a particularly noisy stall.

Tobi glanced at him. "Can't afford not to be. Every coin saved is a coin I can use later — for something bigger."

"Something bigger?"

Tobi smiled faintly. "You'll see."

As they left the market, the crowd thinned, and the streets grew quieter. Tobi shifted the weight of his bag on his shoulder, his steps slowing.

"You ever think about doing more with your life, Ryn?" he asked suddenly.

Ryn frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Joining a GUILD, learning a trade, building something for yourself," Tobi said. "You've got potential, but you're wasting it."

Ryn scowled, his fists clenching at his sides. "You don't know anything about me."

Tobi stopped and turned to face him, his expression serious. "You're right. I don't. But I do know this: staying where you are won't get you anywhere. You want a better life? You've got to take the first step."

Ryn looked away, his jaw tightening. "Guilds don't want people like me."

"I do," Tobi said simply.

Ryn blinked, his eyes snapping back to Tobi's. "What?"

"I'm building something," Tobi continued, his tone even. "A GUILD. One that doesn't care where you come from or what you've done. All I care about is what you're willing to do now."

Ryn stared at him, his expression unreadable. "Why me?"

"Because you've got skill," Tobi said. "And because I think you've got more fight in you than you realize."

Ryn's throat worked as he swallowed, his gaze dropping to the ground. For a long moment, he was silent. Then, he lifted his head, meeting Tobi's eyes with a new determination.

"What would I have to do?"

"Work hard," Tobi said. "Learn. Fight. And trust me enough to show you the ropes."

Ryn hesitated for only a moment longer before nodding. "Alright. I'm in."

Tobi grinned, clapping a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Good choice. Welcome to the Ironhold GUILD."