The Guild Capitol: Chapter Three

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"Man that's complicated. " Matt rubbed his head, yeah, that was enough to give anyone a headache. "He's got no moral high ground now though right? Because he's totally got a kid now."

"Memorial?" Armin asked.

"Memorial of the Fall." Rusty called back, as if that explained everything.

"He means the Memorial from the war between the Family and the Guild. It is apparently visited quite often." Spring commented.

James shuddered. "Was that the war Merith was part of?" he asked quietly, remembering what his brother had told them about what Merith and Vanessa had done.

Armin shook his head. "A memorial to a war that still is not over..." He mused to himself. "What stopped it last time?"

"Merith? The name is familiar..." Spring began to think, and Akili kindly reminded him. "The name that was all the rage a few days ago, Spring. The people were ecstatic that the Arcane Hunter Merith Sol had been turned into custody."

"Oh! Yes! That. I believe so, then, James." Spring nodded, looking to Armin, "I don't know, but I bet we could ask someone."

"Ugh," James said, "Merith so deserves some justice for what he did." He looked curious, "Maybe we can get the war paused again. At least until we can destroy the Family properly."

"This is not our place to debate." Armin shook his head. "We are no soldiers nor diplomats or politicians. Such matters are better in the hands of those with experience and knowledge. " He bowed his head to James. "I believe I wish to return to my room now. I have a great deal of work to get on with." He had a dress to alter, hmm. Thalia had gained a little weight. But it wasn't his place to comment on this, many brides comfort ate due to the stress after all. "Have you sated your curiosity sufficiently or shall I leave you in the capable hands of our friends here?" he indicated spring and Akili vuagely, oxygen tank in his arms rather hampering his ability to gesticulate.

James smiled at Armin. "If you're heading back, I think I will too. I'd rather not get myself in a situation where I piss someone off and get myself in trouble." He didn't really feel like thinking about Merith or the Family too much, either. Such gross people.

Armin nodded, he wanted to pat James on the shoulder bt yeah, hands full. Instead he just bowed his head. "Very well my friend." He looked back to those escorting them. "Thank you my friends, your assistance and company has been most appreciated." He looked to spring particularly. "Good luck with your magical endeavors." He bowed his head once more.

"Luck to you!" Spring nodded and waved goodbye as he and Akili went off to find Rusty.

James blew a kiss to Akili and Spring. "Thanks again, guys!" He headed with Armin back toward Vestia.

Armin chuckled softly at James. "Thank you for the company today my friend. I do hope they answered all your questions."

James grinned back at Armin. "It's always fun to hang out with you, man. Thanks for making sure I didn't do anything regrettable."

Armin bowed his head. "You should have more faith in yourself friend, I believe you have more self control than you claim."

James laughed and shrugged. "A couple days ago I was a screaming, raging wreck about... basically everything. Best to not test my self control too much." He smiled fondly at Armin, "Should be interesting to see how your new breathing gear works. The design sure seems neat."

Armin nodded. "It is a novel design. It will be interesting to see how well it functions by comparison. A renewable supply of oxygen is one less thing to worry about. " He frowned slightly. "I would very much like to share this idea with my people, but the Guild do not wish to interfere. one has to wonder, if they do not want to interfere, why do they offer us such things? What is to stop the unscrupulous claiming these technologies as their own and reproducing them for profit once they leave?" he shook his head.

"Maybe the Archean Oath covers patent protection," James joked. "Or maybe the Guild just likes inventing things and they want them to be put to good use," he added more seriously. "They seem like they want to help people, and weirdly they don't seem to want much in return. I dunno, man."

"It is very strange, I just cannot wrap my head around a society that wants nothing in return for their generosity. As pessimistic as it may sound, everyone wishes for something in return for their work, be it profit or simply recognition. " He shook his head. "Perhaps the simple act of generosity is the payment they desire, I do not know. I will not criticize their ways, it would be rude. There is an old Terran saying that one does not look a gift horse in the mouth, you should not over analyze a gift given." He bowed his head. "I pray they can help those poor souls who need help and may continue to peacefully lend assistance to those in need. I am not foolish enough to believe there will ever be a time such help is not required. The taint of the destroyer is too strong in the hearts of too many." He sounded sad.

James nodded and reached out to pat Armin's shoulder. "The Guild is dang weird and makes no sense to us, but at least they seem to mean well. Who the hell knows what's gonna happen next, but these guys seem to be on our side, so yay?"

Armin nodded. "You are right my friend, they are good allies to have." He worried about his family back on Vavare though, and for everyone. At length they'd probably get back to Vestia

(To Vestia!)

Skye and Moone had decided to take the chicks for a walk in the city, borrowing Starr's baby bag when they saw her in the galley then leaving Vestia to wander and fly around. They took the long way around, avoiding the portals to get to the city in part because of Skye and in part because they were not sure if or how the portals would affect the chicks. They would invite anyone that wanted to come along for the outing

Mourn needed some parts for his project anyway, so agreed to come along into town.
So did Swarm.

Ellie totally came along, because hey! Why not? She could practice ignoring plants just as easily in the capitol. "Look at this city," she said, waving her arms expansively, "It's so magical, like, like Disneyland!" The anamcara might not be so crazy about that comparison. Oh well.

"Disneyland?" The Swarm asked, amused. "We have not seen any rides or robotic mascots yet."

Mourn tilted his head "Be better with rides." He cackled.

"All the magic stuff, all the clean streets, all the decorative buildings!" Ellie said. "Not that I've ever been to Disneyland, so I don't actually know if it's like they say." She peered into a shop where a griffin was repairing some eyeglasses, then stepped back out to join the others again. "Yeah, they need a rollercoaster or something to get you through this city super fast."

Mourn clapped his hands. "yes!"

"we doubt a rollercoaster is a good transportation method." "unless you had multiple stations." "yes, would need a great many stations." "though going multiple stops could be a bit too much."