At that time, Gale City used to be full of life and excitement. The citizens were eager to enjoy their free time for spring had finally arrived. The most popular spots were clustered around the Rosegal Plaza. Kostos' Tavern, a common meeting place for neophytes of all kinds, was also located there. It was the habitual meeting place for those who longed for adventure. Lured by the smells of grilled meat and sweet liquor, many would come to partake in the spirited conversations held on the spacious terrace. A few would enter to check out the available quests or request something from Kostos, the 'Red Bear of Gale'.
That afternoon, a young man and a young woman were in the cellar of Kostos' Tavern. They were standing side by side, staring intently at a notice board. He was tall and dressed in dark blue clothes which accentuated his lean build. His brown skin seemed to have a subtle golden hue. His wavey hair was white and had a silver shine that complemented his light grey eyes. He had a lance made of bone on his back and a golden mask hanging on his left shoulder.
She was only slightly shorter than him. Her long black hair hid part of her beautiful face and her pale skin made her blue eyes stand out. She wore an ample white priestess' robe which completely concealed her feminine figure. A white mask and a light brown wooden staff hung on her waist.
She looked at the board for a long time without blinking. "This one," She took the quest-note off the board and handed it to him. "I feel this is the one, Darry."
Darriel's eyes narrowed. "Those who would help... please answer?" He turned to her. "Very cryptic."
She nodded. "It should suit you, then." She smiled and was about to explain but the sudden sound of an explosion cut her off.
They both turned around and grabbed their respective weapons. The cellar's door was destroyed. A mysterious looking man came through it. He was wearing an ornate violet robe. A white hood completely hid his face.
They both remained immobile as he advanced. He seemed to levitate as he went down the stairs.
The stranger groaned. "A priestess' intuition," He said before coming to a stop. "Such a bothersome thing." He held a book with his right hand and kept his left hand behind his back. Although his eyes were hidden, both Darriel and Rayna felt the resentment in his gaze.
After a very tense minute, he started walking towards them with measured steps. "Darriel, Darriel, Darriel." He looked in the young man's general direction. "Darriel," He snorted and shook his head. "A hopeless cause you've chosen," He opened his book with a strange gesture and directed his gaze towards Rayna. "Siding with this woman!"
He swiftly pointed his free hand towards her and started intoning some unintelligible incantation.
However, when he saw that Darriel had disappeared from Rayna's side, he stammered.
Rayna flicked her wrists. "Gravias," Taking advantage of a moment's distraction, she cast a gravitation spell.
"Ugh," The stranger was forced to his knees by an invisible power. "There is nothing you can do to me! You know that when..." He stopped mid-sentence when he felt a presence behind him.
Darriel abruptly appeared behind the intruder and pressed his index finger in the center of the intruder's back. The latter passed out and fell forwards before he could formulate his threat.
"You're not letting him finish his sentence? How rude, Darry." Rayna smirked.
Darriel chuckled as he approached the stranger. "Pardon my manners, sir..." He rolled him over and removed his hood, revealing the face of a handsome young man with smooth blond hair. "Sir Gawlas?" Darriel's expression was that of mild surprise.
"This is not a good sign," Rayna said as she approached the unconscious man.
"What is," Darriel put Gawlas' hood back on. "The Purpur order sending a high ranking official?"
Rayna shook her head. "He's the type to let others get their hands dirty for him," She started motioning her left hand. Green orbs of light flowed from her towards the unmoving body. "I think he acted on his own. Perhaps out of fear that his inability to catch me may hurt his reputation within the order."
"Probably," Darriel said. "That too isn't good."
"Yes," Rayna knelt down and whispered something in Gawlas' ear. She patted his shoulder. "He may be prideful but he always acts in the interests of his order."
Darriel softly sighed and rubbed his own neck.
She lightly shook her head. "It's unfortunate but we should avoid Gale City for a while."
She slowly stood up and silently gazed in the distance, as if nothing could obstruct her sight.
Darriel grew serious when he saw her look.
"In fact," She said. "We have to leave now!"