Crimson & Light

The journey had felt endless, but as they finally rounded the last bend in the forest path, Eclipsevane came into view. The guild loomed before them, carved into the side of a jagged cliff. The massive structure looked like it had grown out of the rock itself, its weathered stone walls blending seamlessly with the cliffside. Magical wards shimmered faintly in the air, pulsing with a quiet hum, like protective fireflies in the twilight.

Changra stopped in his tracks, his breath catching. The sheer size and presence of the guild were overwhelming. It's even more intimidating up close, he thought. And is it just me, or does the air feel heavier here? Like the place knows who we are—or what we aren't.

Jane, standing beside him, hesitated at the entrance. Her hands clutched the strap of her satchel tightly, and her voice wavered as she said, "This place feels… alive."

Changra nodded in agreement, though he wasn't sure if that made him feel awed or unnerved.

Berethia, on the other hand, showed no sign of hesitation. With her confident stride and composed expression, she seemed as if she had been here a hundred times before. "Come on," she said over her shoulder, her voice calm and reassuring. "We don't want to keep them waiting."

Changra glanced at Jane, who gave him a small, nervous smile before following Berethia toward the gates. Changra lingered for a moment longer, staring at the glowing wards. I really hope this was the right choice.

As they approached the imposing entrance, a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped out from the shadows. His presence was commanding, his steps deliberate and measured. The man's sharp eyes scanned the trio like a hawk surveying its prey, his expression unreadable.

"Welcome to Eclipsevane," he said, his voice deep and steady. "Name's Merrick. If you're here, you must be tougher than you look."

Changra felt a nervous laugh bubble up but managed to stifle it. "Tough might be a stretch," he said, scratching the back of his neck. "But… I'm here."

Jane chuckled softly, her earlier nervousness easing just a bit, while Berethia offered Merrick one of her warm smiles. "We've come a long way," she said. "Elara's expecting us, isn't she?"

Merrick nodded, his gaze lingering on Changra for a moment longer than was comfortable. There was something in his eyes—curiosity, maybe? Or suspicion? Changra couldn't quite tell, but it made his stomach churn.

"She's expecting you," Merrick confirmed. He gestured for them to follow him inside. "Don't keep her waiting. She doesn't take kindly to delays."

Berethia led the way, her stride confident as ever, while Jane stuck close to Changra. As they stepped through the gates, the air grew heavier still, and the faint hum of magic seemed to grow louder.

Welcome to Eclipsevane, Changra thought. Let's hope I don't screw this up.

The massive doors creaked open, revealing the bustling heart of Eclipsevane. The main hall stretched out before them, a hive of activity. Hunters of all ages moved with purpose—some sparring in a corner ring, others pouring over maps and scrolls at long wooden tables. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting epic battles, their threads shimmering faintly with enchantments that seemed to bring the scenes to life.

Merrick strode confidently through the hall, his presence cutting a path through the activity. The trio trailed behind, their heads swiveling to take in the sights.

Jane's eyes widened as they passed by the sprawling library tucked into a nook along the left wall. Shelves rose to the high ceilings, crammed with glowing tomes, scrolls, and artifacts radiating faint magical energy. "This is incredible," she whispered, her voice tinged with awe. She leaned closer to Changra and nudged him. "Do you think we'll get to use any of this?"

Changra raised an eyebrow. "I'm just hoping I don't trip over one of those scrolls and set something on fire."

Jane stifled a giggle. "You? Magic? That's a scary thought."

Berethia, walking a few paces ahead, offered a distracted nod as her eyes lingered on the armory. A set of ornate weapons gleamed under enchanted lights, their designs intricate and otherworldly. She tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable, before quickly composing herself and rejoining the group.

Meanwhile, Changra's attention was drawn to the sparring Hunters in the corner. Their movements were precise and fluid, each swing of a blade or burst of magic perfectly calculated. One fighter, a towering man wielding a glowing halberd, blocked a fiery spell with ease before countering with a strike that sent his opponent sprawling.

Changra swallowed hard. These people are on a whole different level. What am I even doing here? He glanced down at his still-healing hands, flexing his fingers nervously. The hum of the Crimson Dagger felt distant now, as if even it doubted him.

Merrick must have noticed the hesitation because he clapped Changra on the shoulder, jolting him from his thoughts. "You'll find your place, kid," Merrick said, his voice gruff but kind. "Everyone starts somewhere. Even them." He gestured toward the sparring Hunters, who were now laughing and exchanging pointers. "A few years ago, they couldn't tell a sword's hilt from its blade."

Changra forced a small smile. "Yeah, well, let's just hope I don't get someone killed in the process."

Merrick's expression softened. "You won't. Not if you're willing to learn."

The words were meant to be encouraging, but Changra still couldn't shake the weight pressing on his chest. Learn? From what? I can't even keep myself together. He sighed quietly, following Merrick as they continued deeper into the guild.

Berethia glanced back at Changra briefly, her warm smile flickering for the barest moment before she turned her attention back to Merrick. "How much farther to Elara?" she asked.

"Not far," Merrick replied. "She's waiting in her office. Better not keep her waiting."

The heavy wooden door creaked open, and the group stepped into the grand office. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of parchment and aged wood, mingled with the subtle hum of magical wards. The room was lined with bookshelves stacked with ancient tomes, maps pinned to the walls, and a large desk in the center, cluttered with reports and magical artifacts.

Behind the desk sat Elara Windwhisper, the guild leader. Her sharp emerald-green eyes flicked up from a report as they entered, and her presence immediately commanded the room. She was poised, her silver-streaked hair pulled into an elegant braid that draped over one shoulder. The faint glow of the magical wards reflected off her intricate armor, giving her an almost ethereal aura.

As the group approached, Elara rose gracefully, her movements smooth and deliberate. "Welcome to Eclipsevane," she said, her voice calm but with an edge of authority. "I trust Merrick didn't scare you too much?"

Merrick smirked from behind the group. "Only the ones who need it," he said, crossing his arms.

Elara's lips curved into a faint smile before she turned her attention to the trio standing before her. Jane was the first to step forward, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. "I… I'm Jane," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Elara nodded kindly, her gaze softening. "You'll do well here," she said, her tone reassuring. "Your magic has potential. We'll help you refine it."

Jane's shoulders relaxed slightly, and she smiled shyly. "Thank you."

Elara's attention shifted to Berethia next, her emerald eyes scanning the woman. "And you must be Berethia. A recent addition, I hear."

Berethia nodded, her usual warm smile in place. "Yes, ma'am. I'm looking forward to contributing to the guild."

Elara regarded her for a moment, her expression unreadable. "Good. Eclipsevane values determination and loyalty. Let's hope you embody both."

Finally, Elara's gaze settled on Changra. The air seemed to grow heavier as her sharp eyes locked onto his. "And you…" she began, her voice quieter but no less commanding. "You're the one with the dagger."

Changra stiffened, suddenly aware of how small he felt in her presence. "Uh… yeah," he said awkwardly. "That's me."

Elara's expression didn't waver, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—curiosity? Concern? She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "We'll need to talk about that later," she said, her voice carrying a weight that made it clear this wasn't a suggestion.

Changra swallowed hard, unsure how to respond. Why does everyone care so much about this dagger? he wondered. And why do I keep getting the feeling that no one is telling me the whole story?

Elara turned back to the desk and gestured for Merrick. "Show them to their quarters. Training begins tomorrow. I expect you all to be ready." Her tone was final, signaling the end of the meeting.

"Yes, ma'am," Merrick said, giving a small bow before motioning for the trio to follow him. Changra cast one last glance at Elara before stepping out of the office, his mind racing. We'll need to talk about that later. What does she know that I don't?

Merrick led them through the winding stone corridors of Eclipsevane, the air growing cooler and quieter the deeper they went. The occasional flicker of magical wards danced along the walls, casting faint glimmers of light that highlighted the ancient carvings etched into the stone.

"This'll be your quarters," Merrick announced as he stopped in front of three adjacent doors. "Not much, but they're comfortable. Better than sleepin' in the woods, eh?"

Changra stepped inside his assigned room, glancing around. The room was small but functional—a modest bed with a soft blanket, a wooden desk, and a shelf lined with basic supplies. A single enchanted lantern glowed faintly on the wall, filling the room with a calming, warm light. He sank onto the bed, running a hand through his hair. The weight of the day's events pressed down on him like a stone.

I don't belong here, he thought, staring at the wall. Everyone's looking at me like I'm supposed to be something… but what? I couldn't even cross a bridge without nearly dying.

The soft knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Jane peeked her head in, her sketchbook tucked under her arm. "Hey," she said gently. "Want to check out the library tomorrow? Maybe we can find something useful. You know, about magic or… anything."

Changra managed a small smile. "Yeah, sure. Maybe I can figure out how to not be the weakest person in this entire place."

Jane smiled back but didn't press further. "Goodnight, Changra."

"Goodnight," he replied, watching her disappear down the hall.

As he closed the door, he heard footsteps outside. Berethia passed by, pausing briefly in the doorway. "Rest up, Changra," she said, her voice soft but carrying an edge he couldn't quite place. "You'll need it."

Changra nodded, though her words lingered in his mind long after she left. Her tone was warm, but there was something else beneath it—something he couldn't decipher.

He lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. The hum of magic in the air was both soothing and unsettling, filling the room with an energy that made it hard to relax. Closing his eyes, Changra tried to will himself to sleep, but the weight of uncertainty gnawed at him.

What does Elara want to talk to me about? he wondered. And why does everyone seem to care so much about this dagger?

Changra sat on the edge of his bed, staring blankly at the wall when the sharp knock at his door jolted him from his thoughts.

"Changra," Merrick's voice called firmly. "Elara wants to see you. Now."

Changra frowned, his stomach twisting. Great. What now? He opened the door to find Merrick standing there, his imposing frame filling the doorway.

"The dagger," Merrick said without preamble, his tone clipped. "She has questions."

"Of course, she does," Changra muttered under his breath, but Merrick's sharp glare silenced any further complaints. He sighed and followed Merrick down the dimly lit halls, the hum of magic in the air feeling more oppressive than usual.

"Anything I should know before I go in?" Changra asked nervously.

Merrick paused, his expression unreadable. "Just… don't lie. Elara doesn't tolerate dishonesty. She'll know."

Changra gulped but nodded. Great. Lying isn't exactly my strong suit, but what am I supposed to say?

The door to Elara's office creaked open, and the sight of her standing by the window, bathed in the faint glow of magical wards, made Changra's nerves spike. She turned slowly, her sharp emerald eyes locking onto him as if she could see through his very soul.

"Leave us, Merrick," she said, her voice calm but with an edge that brooked no argument.

Merrick hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking to Changra with a hint of warning before he stepped out, closing the heavy door behind him.

Elara gestured to the chair in front of her desk, her expression cold and unreadable. "Sit."

Changra obeyed, his palms already sweating. "Look, if this is about the dagger—"

"It is," she interrupted, her voice sharp. She stepped closer, her piercing gaze never leaving his face. "Where did you find it?"

"I… I told Merrick already," Changra stammered. "I found it in the woods. Just lying there."

Elara's eyes narrowed, and in a swift motion, she placed her hand firmly on his shoulder, pinning him against the chair with surprising strength. The air around her crackled with restrained magic.

"Don't lie to me," she said, her voice low and dangerous. "That dagger isn't something you just find. It's a relic of immense power, tied to forces far beyond your understanding. So I'll ask again: where did you get it?"

Changra's heart pounded as he struggled to keep his composure. "I'm telling you the truth! I just… I was walking, and it was there. I don't know why or how."

Elara's grip tightened, her emerald eyes glowing faintly as if she was tapping into some latent magic. "You're hiding something," she hissed. "This dagger didn't fall into your hands by chance."

"I'm not hiding anything!" Changra insisted, his voice cracking. "I swear, I just found it! I don't even understand what it is, let alone how I got it!"

For a long moment, Elara studied him, her gaze cold and calculating. Finally, she released him, her expression softening only slightly. "You're either a very good liar, or there's more to this than even you realize."

Changra rubbed his shoulder, still tense under her scrutiny. "I'm not lying," he muttered. "I don't know why it's me, okay? I just… I found it, and now it won't leave me alone."

Elara crossed her arms, her sharp eyes still locked on him. "That dagger isn't just a weapon, Changra. It's alive. It has a will of its own, and if you're not careful, it will consume you."

Changra frowned, the memory of the dagger's burning hum flashing in his mind. "You think I don't know that? It's already tried."

Elara's gaze softened for a brief moment, but her tone remained firm. "Then you need to understand the responsibility you carry. This isn't a toy, and you can't afford to let it control you. Until I know more about why that dagger chose you—if it did—you'll be under my watch."

"Your watch?" Changra asked, his voice laced with both confusion and defiance.

"Consider this your warning," she said, leaning closer. "I don't trust coincidences, Changra. And I don't trust you. Not yet."

Changra swallowed hard, his mind racing. She doesn't trust me? What does she think I've done?

"You'll continue training with Merrick," Elara continued. "And I'll be keeping a close eye on you. If I even suspect that you're hiding something, we'll have this conversation again. And next time, I won't be so patient."

Changra nodded stiffly, feeling the weight of her words settle heavily on his shoulders. "Understood."

Elara stepped back, her gaze lingering on him for a moment longer before she turned away. "You're dismissed."

Changra didn't need to be told twice. He practically bolted from the room, his mind spinning with questions and unease. As he closed the door behind him, he leaned against it, exhaling shakily.

What have I gotten myself into?