Guild Hearth and Home

Guild Hearth and Home
By Saeraphyna, Cuabad, Endy, Izzybelle, Keeshia, and Xeing


As always the bench was cluttered with the tools of his craft. Although there appeared to be no order to the chaos Cuabad was aware of the location of all his tools. He absently reached for the smaller of the gem hammers without taking his eyes from the gem held firmly in the vice before him. Losing momentary concentration he looked to the pile of vials and bags collected to his right and selected a small glass ampoule. Removing the stopper he could not help but flinch at the sulfurous smell that almost instantaneously assaulted his nose. “Swamp fog, why must it always smell bad?” he asked no one in particular. The ampoule was laid carefully next to the vice and attention turned back to the gem held there.
Looking closer it became apparent that what at first seemed to be an almost imperceptible scratch on one of the faceted surfaces might be the start of an imperfection or worse, a flaw. The irony of this was not wasted on Cuabad, the small wry smile that his face now displayed evidence of this. Recent events in his guild and family seemed to reflect the spoiled perfection of the gems structure. Pausing to stretch his back and neck muscles he allowed himself the luxury of reflection.
The Dragons recruited him not much more than a year ago. Initial impressions of the guild were much like that he had seen in the gem, solid well structured and strong. As with all things under further scrutiny the imperfections and flaws often become apparent, and so it was with the Dragons. All was not as it seemed, at first Cuabad had not really noticed the internal friction that was apparent to some of the older guild members being far too wrapped up in his studies of the gem crafting. He was rudely tugged from this illusion of calm on the day that Keeshia was expelled from the guild without ceremony in the first event leading to the final demise of the Dragons.
At this point he removed a small but very fine coin from a leather purse. It was one of the two Platinum coins given to him by Keeshia the night before her expulsion. How could someone so generous to a relative stranger have done enough to get expelled he pondered? Still that was the past and Keeshia’s honor had been restored.
Returning to his work he decided to proceed in the assumption that the gem was just scratched. With a sharp ring from the hammer on the cutting blade he tried to re-facet the gem and remove the scratch with disastrous results making the gem fracture into five smaller and useless pieces. With a sigh Cuabad reached for the small brush and pan to clear the pieces from the bench it seemed that once again the gem was a mirror for the events of recent weeks. The final and catastrophic failure of the Dragons had come when the Guild master had left in the night leaving a messenger to hand over the much depleted treasury with a message that the guild had been dissolved. Picking up a raw gem Cuabad returned once more to his work. Studying closely the facets and hue he realized that although not perfect this was a much better stone. Such was the new guild, not a perfect way to start but much clearer and better with the recent events clearing like the sulfurous stink from the swamp fog. “Much better” he said “maybe a quality product”. Hopefully he would have this one completed before the guilds’ house warming party tonight. Once again he reached for his small hammer.


Saeraphyna couldn’t help but smile. The noise and the bustle of their guild house warming party, washed over her. Tantalizing odors from a dozen different dishes wafted
through the air. A side of beef was turning on the spit, the roasted meat smelling delicious.
It was amazing the transformation from personal home to guild house. Newly made banners hung on the outside walls rustled in the evening breeze. The recently installed torches on the walk way cast a cheery light, welcoming friends and guild mates.
After everything their small, tight knit group had gone through, they deserved this night. Spring was already showing signs of the earth’s renewal, throughout Hibernia. Even the small stone garden recently planted at the side of the guild house showed signs of the plants about to bloom.

Endy had gone home to prepare a few items for the banquet the day before. He approached right as everyone was about to start placing the food on the table. He was carrying a large bag over his shoulder and barely managing it even with the use of his staff. Endy set the bag down and it made the distinct sound of gems rustling. “Those are for after the meal,” he stated with a mischievous grin on his face.

From another sack, Endy pulled out a large orb about the average size of a Celt’s head. Endy proudly held it up proudly with a smile to show what was inside of it. The guild emblem shimmered within it. The star made of precious diamond and the oak tree portion made from rare emerald. Holding his head up proudly, still smiling he handed the orb to Saeraphyna. Upon Saeraphyna’s touching the cool glass, the orb glowed and the shimmering visage of a dragon filled the room. While everyone gathered murmuring in awe of the display, Endy pulled a small stand made of golden wire and set it on the table. The shimmering visage of the dragon bowed its head to Saeraphyna then slowly vanished. Loud applause greeted this, with shouts of “Huzzah.”
"My finest work, if I do say so myself. I hope you liked that
enchantment. It will only work for guild masters," Endy said while still smiling with pride. Saeraphyna started to laugh, a deep-throated sound, rich and full.
“My dearest friend, as all know, most here are guild masters, you have made a princely gift for us all.” She beamed with pride at Endy; the young enchanter blushed deeply, the smile never leaving his face.
Izzybelle came sprinting into the guild house and without pausing, growls “where is he? Where is the twit so I can hit him?” she looks round, realizes that its actually a party and there are just Esprit de Draconis folks there, sighs and says “dang I’m always late for the action aren’t I?” pauses and searches in her backpack and pulls out some food “hail all hope this is ok…it might’ve gotten a bit squished…” puts the food on the guild table and looks round “nice place”. She suddenly realizes that Endy the Lurikeen enchanter and one of her favorite people is there and shouted, "WHOOT the cutest luri is here!" and ran over to pick him up, swinging him around giving him a hug. She eventually sets him down once she's too dizzy to stand and ruffles his hair "you wouldn’t have been avoiding me would you?" “Enough woman, enough,” Endy cried. He scowled trying desperately to regain his composure. His apparent dislike for such displays of affection well known, brought giggles and muffled laughs from those assembled. He took some time to straighten his robes, and pick up his staff, which had fallen to the floor. It was a struggle to keep from smiling; he had his dignity to maintain after all.
From the doorway a slender young woman emerged. Though she is wearing the same duel green cloak as everyone else, this ones symbol is not of the same guild. Keeshia carried in a seemingly large gift.
"Hey Endy...I thought I was your girl." She grins, knowing that their battling over his lap was long over, for reasons that she didn't know. The seemingly never shy druid becomes more of a recluse in large groups of people. Deciding to drop her gift off, where it can be opened later, she grabbed something off the food table, and started to leave for the privacy of her own house. Having slightly disconnected herself from these people she once loved, has been hard on her. Yet, as much as she would love to celebrate all the good things that have come since the leaving of Nogard, she cannot help but feel like he still has a hold on them. Everyone knows what went on between the man she despises and her. Keeshia sighed the lurking feeling that she feels in the pit of her stomach is yet to go away, leaving her feeling more than uncomfortable around her friends.

What is a celebration without the more morbid aspects of life? A twisted smile appearing on his delicate lips of his vampiric flesh, as Xeing steps from the shadows, which
appeared a fraction darker in one spot just a moment before. The seemingly frequent companion of Izzybelle is revealed, when is he not found far from her side showing off in his own right. Xeing managed to wander into this celebration.
The glint of light plays off his black and deep violet armor, as he comes up behind Keeshia "my lap is free", he whispers.
Keeshia turned to look at Xeing, the druids’ overly troubled eyes looking back into his. The dullness of her stare reveals much more than her always, happy exterior. She placed a gentle kiss upon Xeing’s cheek and whispers “maybe later sweetie.” Her voice almost a monotone, was obviously not the response he was looking for. Keeshia turned from Xeing to watch everyone celebrating. For her the party being very bittersweet, she watches her friends with a sad smile. Missing the days of old but knowing she did not wish to leave her current life. She turned back towards the door, looking back to watch everyone for a moment and then slipping away as unnoticed as possible. Parties were not for her, and the still sinking feeling she felt about Nogard and his disappearance was a sign for her to not stick around.

Saeraphyna smiled sadly at Keeshia, watching the young druid slip out the door. She could appreciate her feelings. Saeraphyna continued to wander through the room, filling tankards and goblets, with mead from Defenders of the Mead, their own special brew.
She glanced down at her hand that had once worn a wedding band. She too had memories that were all too recent. Looking up, she giggled as Endy attempted to act as if the attention from the druid and the boisterous lady hero had not interrupted his studied calm. Tonight was a night of renewal of celebration. It was time to put aside events of the past and focus on the future.

An unholy screech brought the room to silence, as Bagins and Humanmullet exploded in mutual fits of laughter. Imjustsinging glared at the two pranksters, her hands on her hips, foot tapping.
“Just what did you think you were doing?” Imjustsinging demands. The young banshee looks decidedly out of sorts. She wanted to smile but was determined to not let either of them know that they had achieved their goal. The angrier she looks the more Bagins and Humanmullet laugh. Everyone turns back to the various interrupted conversations. It’s well known that where there’s mischief those two are not far behind.
Endy looked angrily at Bagins and Humanmullet, because his ears had been tormented by the screech. Grabbing a small shield while muttering a few words over it, he throws it like a discus. Swiftly the shield flew to hit them both in the back of the head before whirling back to Endy’s outstretched hand. Bagins and Humanmullet both jumped grabbing their heads and looking around, as Endy quietly turned away as though nothing had happened. Curiosity getting the better of Rythe he wanders over to see what is so funny. The little lurikeen vampiir can’t resist finding out what would get a reaction out of the normally reserved banshee. Putting on his most neutral face, Rythe started to ask Imjustsinging what is the matter. Instead he was in time to hear her rounding on Bagins and Humanmullet, who by now are gasping for air after having laughed so hard.
“How did you find out I was ticklish,” she whispered loudly, definitely out of sorts.
”Actually, we didn’t have a clue,” Humanmullet gasped, holding his stomach. His breathing coming a little easier now.
“We kind of well, winged it,” Bagins finished, trying to regain his composure. Rythe himself started to laugh but quickly refrained, turning to smile to himself. Figures he thought both of those two have had a crush on the lovely lass since she first joined the guild. He had to admit he wasn’t as smitten with her as Bagins and Humanmullet, but he did find her attractive. Her pale skin was like the finest white porcelain, and her luxuriant hair a dark chestnut color falling in waves, framing a heart shaped face. Serious blue eyes, framed by long dark lashes gave her an almost ethereal look. Right now her skin was tinged pink with her contained, seeming anger.
”You mean to tell me that you, after had a few cups of ale,” she started.
“Mead actually,” Humanmullet piped in, starting to giggle again.
“Oh you two are impossible!” she stormed, unable to finish her rant. Suddenly a thought occurred to her. This time she flushed bright pink. No, it couldn’t be, that these two practical jokers were fond of her. Almost as if he could read her thoughts, Rythe leaned towards her and whispered, “they like you, silly lass, why else would they pester you so?” Chuckling to himself, Rythe went to refill his tankard, seeing that it is now empty.

A towering form walked through the door into the guild house it is Bigendy. He may as well be a small giant as big as he is. Despite his massive size, the bard is known to be quite gentle and far friendlier than Endy. His travel worn appearance lets her know that he has just come from a distance. Saeraphyna moved towards her tall friend, smiling to see the bard. His cheerful countenance always a welcome sight. She didn’t know it but Bigendy could tell that despite her smile, her eyes held a slightly haunted look. He could tell that she’d lost weight as well.
“ Saer, I am so sorry to hear about what Nogard did but in my opinion the best medicine for your aching heart is song,” Bigendy said while pulling out his lute. Taking a seat on a nearby bench, he quickly tunes his lute and begins to play it while singing. His soft voice sending pleasant notes into the air while everyone is eating and talking. He looked up catching Saeraphyna’s eyes and winked roguishly at her, as if to let her know it was going to be alright. She nodded almost imperceptibly acknowledging the silent sentiment.
Merriel wolfed the rest of her dinner down quickly, upon seeing Bigendy arrive. She wanted to speak with him about the song she had composed earlier. Thinking quickly she stopped to fill a tankard with ale, knowing he found mead too sweet. Smiling politely she made her way through the room to where he was sitting. Bigendy looked up at the younger bard and smiled a greeting while he continued the song. Finishing the piece, he put down his lute.
“Thank you Merri,” he said as he paused to take a drink from the tankard, she had set down for him. “Defender’s makes a fine mead, but ale is more to my liking, glad you remembered lass.” “Have you seen Faolchu?” Bigendy asked. Merriel paused to look around the room, “No actually I haven’t seen her in ages.” “Let me check with Stephros, he might know where she is.” Merriel walked to where the tall slender ranger was talking with the druid Libhita. They paused as Merriel approached.
”Have either of you seen Faolchuamhran?” she asked them. Libhita thought for a moment before answering, “I think she is hiding in the garden away from the crowd, you know how shy she is, especially for a bard,” she finished.
“She arrived about the same time we did, “ Stephros answered. The dark haired ranger was looking over the crowd, his attention now focused on a particular elf that was there. “Excuse me ladies, “ he said as he moved gracefully away. Merriel and Libhita both watched him move towards Wynntr Sylverbolt. They shared a knowing smile before Merriel headed for the door. Shortly she returned with a slender grey haired girl in tow, a lute case slung across her shoulder. Bigendy smiled seeing the two young bards approach he quickly moved another bench into place to make room for the three of them.
Bringing out his flute, a lovely golden instrument, with silver chasing work, he softly blew a few practice notes. Satisfied he looked to Merriel and Faolchuamhran as they each were also in the process of checking the tune on their instruments. Nodding once Bigendy began a light reel, closely followed by the younger bards on lute.

As the music from the trio began, Stephros gently coughed to get Wynntrs’ attention. He had been patiently waiting by her side. She was just putting the finishing touch on a fruit display on the main table. She looked up into the rangers’ dark red eyes and smiled.
“May I have the pleasure of this dance milady,” Stephros quietly asked. He offered her his arm, hoping that she would not say nay.
“That would please me greatly, “ she answered wiping her hands on a cloth before laying her hand on his arm. With a studied grace they both moved into line with the other dancers. The reel being a simple country piece, moved swiftly and soon they were once again facing each other as the dance ended. Bowing gracefully to Wynntr, Stephros again offered his arm.
“Would you care for a cool drink?” Wynntr asked him. He nodded gratefully as for once he was unable to find his tongue. He had been hoping for the chance to be with her. Smiling knowingly Wynntr leaned over and kissed him swiftly on the cheek before turning to go and get the promised drink. Stephros could only stare, stunned.

Takesaim, Endy’s reclusive cousin, appeared as if out of nowhere at the dining table with his hood up and his long bow slung over his shoulder. His skills at pure stealth, serving him well to appear so suddenly.
“Sorry Saera. I heard about the news and went looking for him. Sadly I didn’t even find a broken twig, which I find remarkably odd,” he frowned, obviously not pleased.
“Even those skilled at stealth leave something to say they were there. I did manage to bring something though,” he finished. Takesaim pulled out a gemstone necklace from his jerkin, it bears the guild colors. He put the necklace in Saeraphyna’s hand, saying, “I hope you enjoy this.” Quickly he flushed, at Saeraphyna’s gasp of delight. Before she can react further he drew away towards the hearth to where he saw Stephros Battleranger standing. Saeraphyna carefully slid the chain over her head, the stone rested just below her collarbone. Thinking to herself how fortunate she is at such good friends, she went to check on the food.
“How are we for food and drink?” Saeraphyna asked Wynntr, her eyes looking over the still well laden table.
Wynntr turned from filling her goblet with mead from a pitcher, to look at her sister.
“Shoo, go on with you now, have some fun and stop worrying about everything, everyone is having a lovely time, and so should you.”
“But”, Saeraphyna started, stopping after seeing Wynntrs’ face. Sighing she turned to see if she could find Gryffth. She was sure that he and his mate Shylark had arrived. Seeing the top of Brolith’s head, Saeraphyna moved towards him. The green hair of the tall firbolg visible through the crowd. Where he was, Gryffth was surely not far, as the two were close friends. Sure enough both Gryffth and Shylark were sitting side by side on a padded bench. The handsome young champion was holding hands with his vale walker mate, as they talked with Brolith. Coming to join the group, Rickiya and Lugdonius each pull up a chair. The vampiirs having both recently joined the guild had become fast friends. Saeraphyna looked over her friends and guild mates all of such diverse backgrounds and races. She smiled as she joined in the conversation at hand. Cuabad wandered over from the food tables having finally satisfied his appetite. Seeing his brother Lugdonius he smiled, clapping him firmly on the back in greeting. Lugdonius turned his pale face to look at his brother, Cuabad smiling in return. Saeraphyna was grateful for the easy companionship she felt with these people.
Curiosity got the better of her as the evening went on and Saeraphyna decided to unveil Keeshia’s package. Getting Brolith to help her, as the package was quite large, they laid it on the now cleared main table. The size drew comments from many, speculating as to what it might be. Carefully the wrappings were laid back to reveal, a magnificent trophy of Cuuldurach. Gasps arose from the assembled crowd. The guilds’ dragon trophy had been returned! Tears in her eyes, Saeraphyna hugged everyone in sight. Xeing volunteered to go and bring Keeshia from her house. Very shortly Xeing returned with Keeshia following uncertainly behind him. Cheers for the lady druid filled the air. Saeraphyna rushed forward hugging her friend tightly. Standing back she asked “ How?”
Keeshia startled by all the commotion could only stammer. “No matter my friend, you’ve returned a piece of our history,” Saeraphyna finished for her. By this time folks were cheering wildly at Keeshia. “Gryffth, would you please do the honors,” Saeraphyna indicated the wall where in the old guild house, Cuuldurach had hung. With great dignity, Gryffth with Brolith’s help maneuvered the trophy into place.
“I can think of no better time than now, for Endy’s part in tonight’s festivities,” Saeraphyna announced. “Please good friends, let us all meet in front of the guild house.”
As the evening had grown late, the stars appeared as diamonds in the night sky. The crescent moon shown as a silver sliver against the nights’ indigo color. People were ushered outside into the spring night, to form a semi-circle around Endy. His mysterious bag lay at his feet. Merriel stood on the steps of the guild house as the last person joined the crowd around Endy. Her lute now cradled in her hands.
The feasting ended and everyone assembled on the lawn in front of the guild house, Endy reached into the bag of gems throwing one into the sky. It quickly turned into sparkling light and launched itself higher into the air. Suddenly the night sky became alive with burst of sparkling lights of different colors. Almost like fireworks in their splendor. Swiftly now, Endy launched the gems one by one into the air, sometimes holding a group in his hand to throw. The grouped gems created a shower of lightening colored rain. Single gems created pinwheels, sprites, and miniature castles made of light and smoke. With each explosion of color, sounds like crystal chimes tinkling in the breeze were heard. Gasps of awe accompanied each vision. The gem light illuminating the faces of the crowd gathered below. Smiles of wonderment could be seen on faces everywhere. Endy smiling in satisfaction at the reactions continued to throw ever more gems into the air. The bag at Endy’s feet never seemed empty. Finally he grasped two handfuls of diamond like gems, simultaneously tossing them up. These gems flew into the air, moving as one piece, they rose above the crowd. They seemed to grow in size and color, until with a brilliant flash, that was blinding, a huge vision formed. Unlike the smaller colorful displays, obviously of light and smoke, this appeared almost real. A tree emerged complete with a diamond star at its center; emerald green fire and silver white highlighted the tree. An immense dragon appeared circling the tree, belching realistic flames, as if protecting the tree. An awed silence filled the crowd. Endy was almost shaking with fatigue from the cost of maintaining such an enchantment. Sensing the drain of energy on her friend, Wynntr quickly wove her mana spell, following it with a regeneration spell. He stood straighter at the refreshing feeling of power being returned to him. Before anyone else reacted, Merrial’s sweet soprano voice arose above the crowd, her lute playing an accompaniment.

Though near or far
No matter where we are
Together we shall
Be of one spirit here.
Through fire and ice
Battling side by side
For Hibernia
For freedom for us all.
Our hearts will be
United in friendship.
Long may we be
Esprit de Draconis.

As the final chords were played and her voice faded softly, Merriel bowed her head. Everyone could feel it in his or her hearts. The trials they had been through, and the ones yet to come, they would weather them all.