Chapter 13 - Act VII

An Adventurous Year, Act 7

Spring of Eyes and Elation, part 1

I.

Sunlight invaded her eyes with its faint orange fingers.

Oddly enough, she knew she was awake but she had no fear of anyone of finding her and her princess. They were tucked in a secret place, a moss drenched expanse of tree roots away from the beaten path. A sojourn of green and dark brown bark sheltered them from a blinding blanket of white. She moved her stiff arm and sat it on her belly. She was not in a hurry to find out what horrors awaited her today so she did not bother waking up Audrey.

Audrey?

She cracked an eye open and caught a tuft of messy blonde hair over her lap like a rabbit's bushy tail. Madoka moved to tug it just to see how she would react but this moment was too gentle for her to shatter it without compunction. So she rested her hand on her friend's head.

"I can't believe that bassist died. She was really young," Audrey muttered as she stirred. "Wow, really? How depressing..."

"Really," Madoka answered softly. These daily moments were somewhat of a peaceful ritual. She recalled Audrey had several episodes of night terrors in the Estate but she has not since they escaped the palace. She prayed every day to the kind gods under rain and sunshine for their protection over Audrey. A subtle movement of her head brushed against Madoka's hand. "You are warm."

"I am warm?" Audrey asked. Her voice was groggy and deep, a rich texture of duality and attractiveness the maid only got to see in the morning. "That's so...! Not Fair...! Why am I warm when she is not? Who else could touch my heart with songs like that?"

"Audrey," Madoka decided she was having a sad dream. Audrey rolled over and looked up at her. A tear slid down her cheek. "Why are you crying?"

There were a million reasons why she would cry. It was like trying to pick a speck of dust illuminated by the sun rays through a window. Madoka would try in the very least.

"Huh?" Audrey felt her cheek. She wiped it off and tried to sit up but stopped. Madoka pat her head. "Sorry, I guess I was having a bad dream again."

"We slept in," Madoka sighed. "It's okay."

"Yeah, that's my bad," Audrey said as she got up. "We're not too far from a town. Here's to hoping they won't think much about us, right?"

"H-Hai," Madoka said, getting up herself and refusing help from Audrey. "Then let's get to it."

Madoka's eyes and ears were alert this time around as they walked. No signs of enemy movement, no changes in animal behavior and kind gods willing, no reason to wield her swords. She even took an extra one from Audrey's portal to keep from biting her nails from her nervousness. Her princess, on the other hand said nothing. Something was following them but Madoka did not feel like it was a threat.

I strike!

Attack!

Food!

A sudden thought came from her left. A stray beast of some kind, huh?

"Foolish," Madoka growled and with a lightning quick grip intercepted its pounce. The shape seemed as big as Audrey, but Madoka was bigger. Her hand grasped matted and moppy fur. She felt its throat gulp against her palm as it flailed and tried to get away. She lifted it and four feline eyes stared back at her. Audrey yelped in surprise.

"Jesus," Audrey shrieked. "What are you, a heat seeking missile? You some kind of personnel UAV?"

"Why do I get the feeling you're upset with me?" Madoka asked. The creature she held was common in forests, apparently, a feline with six legs. It was a fine and stealthy predator. All of them had scheming thoughts, but this one was the most desperate one. Now, it was reduced to a flailing pet, whimpering as its instincts told it was not going to make it out alive. She remembered what Audrey told her when she hissed. "Bad kitty!"

She scolded it, wagging a finger at the creature's face. It tried to swipe at her hand but she caught the paw effortlessly and put it to its side.

"Ugh, it's disgusting!" Audrey commented. "Not the cutest thing to slither out the goddamn litter box, aren't you?"

The creature hissed but ultimately remained helpless in Madoka's powerful grip. Its neck muscles writhed and its four eyes darted between the two girls. She wanted it to pay attention to her words so she raised her hand and gave it a slap on the head before placing it on the ground. The force of her smack would shatter a man's helmet, but the feline merely hissed and got low to the ground.

The top pair of its eyes pleaded with her to let it go. Madoka did not intend to kill such a weak creature but smacked it on the head again and spat.

"I don't want to have to eat you for dinner, but if you come around here again I will change my mind, you hear?" Madoka rebuked it. If the feline could nod within her grasp it would. "So git!"

"Yeah, git!" Audrey cheered. It growled a gutteral chatter at her but squealed when Madoka glared at it. She rose her hand up to strike it again but it tucked its tails between its legs and took off. Madoka let out a sigh of relief as its thoughts were full of apologies and fear. Has her ability improved without her noticing too?

"Why'd you let it go?" Audrey asked. Her voice was chipper and carefree - a welcome reprieve from the unholy days before.

"It asked me to," Madoka shrugged. Audrey laughed and even those staccato breaths mixed within joyous notes seemed childlike to her. Perhaps she sensed that there was no one around her and became carefree. "Maybe it can go eat the fat noble."

"Probably," Audrey looked around the forest. "The trees are oddly shaped compared to my old planet. Can't get over the fact that I'm still just an alien on an alien earth, after all."

Madoka guessed she was right but they looked like regular trees. Their boughs were twisted and gnarled. The branches intertwined amongst themselves as they reached skyward. The leaves lanced outward and were as large as shields, punctuating in pulsing blue tipped fans.

"Am I even breathing oxygen?" Audrey wondered as she inspected a low leaf, while Madoka wondered what oxygen was. Audrey mentioned the concept but she did not know enough to challenge her knowledge. It shriveled and furled away from her touch. "The fauna had oddities as well, multiple limbs, eyes adapted for night and day vision. Jeez."

A flock of cute birds hung from the branches upside down swooped down just above the girls' heads. Audrey was in awe of the spectacle but upon closer inspection they appeared to have pincers instead of beaks. After that discovery, she dove behind Madoka. Perhaps they were some kind of fuzzy insect, she looked up at one. Their thoughts were primitive and their bodies were driven on by sheer instinct alone.

Oh, to be that simple, Madoka thought as she trudged onward. Audrey stopped again and sniffed.

"Ah, the foul stench of humanity lies ahead," she said in a spooky tone, but then smirked as if she was pleased with her own joke. "We should probably come up with, like, a background story."

"A... story?" Madoka stumbled over the words.

"Yeah, you know, a cover up lie," Audrey said. "We don't know the relationship between Fiara and this country. Though if word reached that fat guy, it might not be advantageous to announce to the world that we're Fiara refugees."

"And that you're a princess," Madoka guessed it would be a bad thing to announce to their enemies that they're still alive. Wait, why is that a bad thing?

"Put it this way," Audrey could tell what Madoka was thinking by the look on her face. "We're going to go pose as noble and slave who lost their homes, okay? That sounds convincing, right?"

Madoka shrugged. She preferred her weapon to do the talking if things asked too many questions. Not that there were many times that happened.

"You okay with being a slave still?" Audrey asked. Madoka stared at her blankly and she blushed. "Okay, I get it. Let's just hope that those guys won't ask us questions about where we're from."

Madoka followed where she was looking and saw a wooden gate standing between them and the town behind it. Others stood in a line, awaiting to enter in a neat and organized fashion. They looked at each other and Audrey made a motion that she will do the talking. The pair of girls filed in amongst them. Madoka was nervous. What if they tried to do anything to them?

Would they have to kill them and run again? Are there laws like King Fiara's to protect people from being harmed by others? Before Madoka could worry further they were next in line to get in. Two guards glared at them. They wore light armor made out of a thin metal that seemed comfortable enough. Comfort was their weakness if they tried anything. Madoka noted she could trip them in the snow easily. They each had a sword, likely the kingdom's own soldiers sent here to guard against the wildlife in this snow covered and swampy forest.

However, one grunted and both girls froze. Audrey gripped Madoka's hand. They were last in line so they could easily retreat.

"'Ail, friends," one of them said in commoner. Wait, commoner? Audrey did not seem offended at the informal address. "What business do you have 'ere?"

"We're travelers," Audrey started, taking off her hood. The guard's eyes widened and he instantly switched to reverent Noble.

"F-Forgive me tone, lass, Lady, Your—" He stuttered.

"You bumbling idiot!" The other guard smacked him on the back. His accent and reverent Noble were also thick, but Madoka knew he meant well. He bowed to Audrey. Madoka watched on silently and kept her hood on. They seemed to be decent people. "I apologize on behalf of this fool's behavior. Please state your business here."

"We are travelers," Audrey told him. To be fair, Madoka mused. That was not a complete lie. "Our home got swallowed by the mountains and we were looking for a temporary stay."

"O-Oh, how terrible!" the first Guard, Guard 1 as Madoka designated him, blubbered. "You poor things must 'ave gone through a ton of trials! Poor travelers! Poor Maidens!"

You can say that again, Madoka wanted to say but remained quiet. She realized she did not know how to talk on her own.

"Ho? A traveler, lightly armed and packed like you two?" the other guard, Guard 2, laughed. Well, he wasn't wrong. They had no armor on. They could not see her weapons nor detect Audrey's magic. No suspicion in either voice. "All the way from the mountains? Don't make me laugh."

"Don't mind 'im," Guard 1 smacked Guard 2 and backed to his post. "Whatever business you have 'ere, it ain't no concern of ours unless you make it ours, you know what I mean?"

Audrey nodded. Madoka shrugged. Guard 2 recovered from what was evidently a tougher blow from Guard 1 and shook off snow from his armor.

"What I mean is, George," Guard 2 told the other and waved a hand at the two. "Look at 'em! These two ain't got the means for a proper travel. I tell you what!"

"Shut it!" Guard 1 tried to maintain his composure. "Go on ahead, misses. We won't bother you!"

"What do you mean, proper travel?" Madoka asked. She kept her voice low and unintentionally startled Guard 2. The man recovered and went on.

"Oh! What do you mean, 'what do you mean?'" Guard 2 raised his hands in some sort of exaggeration. "Look, kids. You ain't got weapons, no armor, not even food. Stay awhile here in Livertorjan. You can pick up supplies at the inn down there with identification, of course."

"Identification?" Audrey asked, then apologized. "We've spent our lives in our parent's home, sorry."

"Naive, eh?" Guard 1 looked down at the girls. They were too relaxed in this town. A good sign, Madoka concluded. "Get to the Guild for identification. They'll sort you out. The other offices will wring you dry of copper. Wouldn't you say, Boris?"

Boris grunted.

"Oh," Audrey said but Madoka knew she definitely did not know. Guard 1 looked around and leaned into the girls to say something important.

"Word is," He said. "The Great Fiara fell to the east of this place. I'd cover your back, misses. This world is gone mad, I tells ya. The gods even made the desert winds angry with us for some time. I'm glad I'm stationed over 'ere, even if it is with this moron!"

"Hey, George!" Boris yelled. But he joined in. "I heard there's quite the carriage headed here soon. I'd steer clear of it, misses. We are but rank and file, but we don't want no trouble on our fellow free men or esteemed Nobles!"

"Oh, really?" Audrey said nervously. They were talking about carriage that Madoka destroyed. The two started to chuckle nervously. The guards mistook it as them laughing with them so they joined in, not knowing that carriage will never arrive.

"They ain't up to no good," Boris ranted. "Rich big shots from Esmeralda are never up to no good. I shouldn't bring it up. Sorry, misses."

"Yeah, for once Boris said something I agree on!"

"Cut it out!"

The two must have been stationed here for quite some time because of the way they spoke with each other. This will be an interesting time, Madoka thought.

"Ay, misses! We're working really hard here! Get a move on!" Boris yelled, lifting his boot and stomping the dirt with it.

"Sorry," Audrey said, but George stopped them again.

"Inn's down the street to the left. Guild Hall's down the main street. Can't miss the bloo'y thing," He said. "Good luck."

"Thanks, Guard 1," Madoka said by accident. Luckily, George did not hear her and was distracted by the other visitors.

"Well, that wasn't what I was expecting," Audrey said, pleasantly surprised. "A comic relief circus and some side quests right off the bat!"

"Side quests?" Madoka wondered. They were ignored by the commoner people around them and stuck to the right side of the main road. This town seemed like a bustling place, Madoka thought. Wagons pushed through the snow, their trails leaving dirt lines in the ice like claw marks.

"Yeah!" Audrey said guiding Madoka through various market stalls. It was lively so they stopped in an empty alleyway to catch their breath. Audrey pulled out a smaller bag of copper coins and handed over to Madoka and pointed to a stall. Sizzling meat enticed Madoka so she ignored what was handed to her. She wanted meat! "Well, today we're going to learn about retail economics!"

"Fresh Cel Row meat here!" The merchant called out. Audrey and Madoka approached his stall tentatively. Once again, the people around them ignored them. For all they cared, the two girls were simply invisible. The Cel Row meat were as large as Madoka's head. It gripped around the bone and smelled heavenly as it sizzled over a fiery pit.

"H-How much?" Madoka asked blankly. Audrey observed the man's behavior. He looked at Madoka in the eye and down to Audrey and smiled.

"Ah, you two are hungry, huh? I got some mouths to feed back home too!" He said, raising his eyebrows. It seemed that he thought he could scam them.

"Answer," Madoka stated. She spoke in Commoner, but her tone was anything but that. The merchant shrunk and instantly switched to a happy reverant Noble.

"Four copper a piece, miss. Four days to prepare this wondrous product," He blubbered. Audrey was a bit shocked by Madoka's behavior, but the maid was in no mood to play games. She placed eight copper coins on his table. "D-Do you need assistance to carry the Cel Row?"

"No," Madoka hefted two of the Cel Row meat bones and handed one to Audrey. The merchant was astonished by both of their strength. "Thanks."

"P-Pleasure doing business, My Lady!" He called out, but the two already retreated to the alleyway to eat the meat.

"So good!" Madoka said in a elated tone. Audrey was in thought while the maid ate. "Eat, Audrey."

"Yeah," Audrey dug into the Cel Row. "What the heck is a Cel Row?"

Her questions stopped after she took a bite and soon were resting for a moment. Audrey tossed the bones in the portal. Whatever Cel Row was tasted good.

"This all seems so..." Audrey licked her fingers. "Nevermind. The copper coin seems to equate to a day's worth of work, that guy said. That must mean that the silver is probably a month, and maybe gold is worth a year...? How interesting... And shiny!"

Madoka shrugged. She would let Audrey work out whatever meaning the coins had for them. For now, the two found themselves before a large building. The sign did not have letters, but instead the emblem of two swordss crossed resting over some beast's head.

"So this is the Adventurer Guild, huh?" Audrey said. "It seems so cliché! Nevermind that, Madoka. Are you ready to become an adventurer?"

Madoka looked back to Audrey and nodded. They were invading enemy territory, she supposed. What else could they do? What could she do alone if she refused?

"As long as I am with you," Madoka said firmly. Audrey squeezed her hand, tracing the scar on her palm and the two stepped forth through the swinging doors of the Adventurer Guild.

II.

The two stood before a busy mess hall with many people of different shapes and sizes going about their business. Some rested at knotted wooden tables or gathered around scrappy message boards with tarnished sheets of parchment nailed hastily upon them. Audrey's eyes looked overwhelmed at the sheer volume of bodies but began to twinkle in excitement. Don't these people have work to do? Madoka wondered. This voluminous forest of people seemed inert. There were some with tails and some with heavy weapons strapped to their backs.

Each had a story to tell and Madoka wondered how the two of them would start theirs. Audrey looked amazed at it all. The maid scanned the room. This must have been after hours or something. A man who looked like a merchant stood on a platform next to one of the message board.

"Requesting assistance in slaying a Forest Lagrine! Four menacing eyes, the horror stalker of the Rustaze forest!" He called out. Madoka realized that cat was the same creature she rebuked awhile ago and felt guilty for some reason.

She eventually turned her gaze to a desk at the end of the busy Hall with several uniformed women standing quietly behind it. They seemed like they had information that Audrey could use, the maid thought. There were peculiar bars of metal hanging above each desk like ornaments. Are those necklaces? Before they could make another step a hand pushed her aside.

Or, rather, it tried to.

"Move it!" Shrieked a shrill voice. Other adventurers stared Madoka's direction. Audrey restrained her arm from going to her swords. "Get out of the way, weaklings!"

Madoka turned around to see a cloaked woman with orange hair standing beneath her. A mage? The woman's hand gripped ornate staff and her face wore an arrogant look like a dirty stain on a window. Madoka had experience in cleaning those stains. A mess on a person's face would be no different.

"A-Apologies," Audrey's voice blubbered from beside her, in reverent Noble. Madoka was forcefully guided out of the way of the mage's victorious path.

"Reverent Noble?" the mage looked at Audrey incredulously. "As if I am one of those! Disgusting. Get the hell out of my way!"

Audrey was putting on a show but Madoka was still angry over how the haughty mage was treating her princess. Her hand moved to her sword's grip but again Audrey swatted it. The mage glared at them one more time for good measure before she strode to the desks. Madoka could hear the murmers of other adventurers.

"It's Rin!" one whispered to his friend. "So powerful!"

"She's the one next in line for Gold rank! Wow!"

Enough with her backstory, Madoka reached for Audrey and tugged her shoulder. She seemed unbothered by that commoner's rudeness. The maid was incensed but calmed down as she looked to the princess's smiling face.

"How was my acting voice?" She giggled. "I am totally blending in like a commoner, right?"

"You are without a doubt NOT blending in," Madoka told her with a sigh. Audrey scoffed. "Those women over there... They seem like they might have the identification we're looking for."

"I spent weeks practicing that commoner accent in the Estate," Audrey muttered. Madoka recalled no such thing but ignored her silly statements. There was much more trouble afoot: Talking with others. "Back to the drawing boards."

They drew towards the first empty desk where a

Guild Lady stood tall. The lady was slender, her black hair was symmetrical and tied into a bun. Nothing was out of place and she was clean and orderly, except for that disdained look through her own lenses that glared down upon the red haired girl and then to her princess. Madoka noticed the both of them had their hoods on but that did not stop the Guild Lady's rude behavior to her princess. She scoffed at their shabby appearance.

"Here to post a commission, honey?" The Guild Lady asked Audrey with a mocking tone laced within her voice. "We don't do berry picking commissions, I'm afraid."

Madoka heard a hushed wave of laughter from nearby adventurers but Audrey interrupted the tension by speaking, lowering her hood as she did. The Guild Lady nearly straightened up when she noticed Audrey's hacked hair.

"We're here to join the guild," she said in Noble. The laughter ceased and the room grew quiet.

"You... disgusting Noble!" A horrible, shrill voice came from nearby. It was the mage girl, Rin. "Treading upon this Hall? Know your place!"

Audrey simply ignored her and looked to the Guild Lady.

"How do we join?"

"T-The requirements are strict, you know," the Guild Lady started, but Madoka had enough. She placed her hand on the table with enough force to cause tiny cracks.

Audrey looked at her for a second but then glared at the Guild Lady. She jumped but simply sighed and pulled out a hexagonal board with rune etchings on it. It had an intricate array of mud plates, with small golden gears that ticked as they shuffled. Each corner of the board had slots reaching towards the center. A grey jewel rested in the center of it. She was reminded of that strange tablet Ella used in her visit to the afterlife. It was a beautiful magical trinket, Madoka guessed.

"This is for your identification," the Guild Lady glared at Audrey, who appeared to be puzzled over the strange board. "Place your hand on the jewel and we can begin from there. I am assuming the both of you are joining?"

"A trigram...? No, that can't be right," Audrey muttered and placed her hand on the gemstone. Madoka was curious to see what strange things would happen to the board. The Guild Lady kept her arrogant look on Madoka but said nothing. The maid simply shrugged, knowing it would bother the woman even more. The board swirled with color from each corner of its hexagon. The gears shifted and the mud plates rotated with mesmerizing clicking, then red and green slots narrowed in at the jewel from the corner. The jewel glowed brightly.

The board itself was unremarkable, Madoka decided on with sudden boredom. The glow is what caught her eye. Red and green mana strands gathered at Audrey's finger tips. It emanated with power, barely fading when Audrey removed her hand. The other onlookers gasped in awe. This isn't a show, fools, Madoka wanted to yell at them. Move along!

"Is that a good thing?" Audrey asked staring at the odd red mana strands. Madoka has never seen red mana strands before although she was sure it would not be the last time those arcane strands would be seen.

"Two...!" Rin's voice shook with fury. "Disgusting noble. You don't even know how gifted you are!"

"Wow," the Guild Lady gasped. She looked at Audrey's hacked blonde hair pensively. Madoka felt her friend's hand smack her butt to stop her. The maid squeaked. She did not even realize she had her hands on her weapon to keep the Guild Lady from prying. "Your house must have fallen on hard times, milady?"

"Eh, something like that," Audrey laughed it off.

"The war's taken a lot from all of us, hasn't it? I take it this is your slave, yes?"

"Yes," Both Audrey and Madoka said at the same time. A raised look came from the Guild Lady but she gestured for Madoka to place her hand reluctantly.

"It cannot be helped," the lady continued. "Get it over with."

Madoka was hesitant. She was plagued by thoughts and worry. This board would tell her what she already knew, but now the whole guild would find her weak. Did she like that idea? What was that term Audrey explained to her awhile ago? A show of force, huh? She determined that she was more powerful than everyone in the Hall the moment her foot stepped in the door. How did she know that? Perhaps the rune burning on her shoulder gave her a strange ability to tell, but more importantly perhaps she wanted to wipe those smug grins off their faces.

"Go on," Audrey whispered. Madoka snapped out of her thoughts and now wanted to complain about the girl smacking her butt. Focus, Madoka, the maid thought to herself for a moment. Then she placed her hand on the odd board's gem. It sprang to life, rotating slower than when Audrey did it.

At first, nothing happened. Madoka expected that but everyone looked on to what would come next so she let her hand linger on the the board's wooden surface. It began to glow and her eyes widened at what she saw. No, no, no! Madoka felt the familiar strands of mana link to her fingertips. This was her magic all along? Instead of all the slots glowing like Audrey's, only three yellow slots glowed out of all of them from the faint golden mana charged jewel.

Her hand tingled so she released it from the board. Its mud plates and runes ceased their gyrations. The Guild Lady looked astonished.

"A slave with magic?"

Madoka glared back with a hint of triumph on her lips. She knew her lack of response must have sent the Guild Lady into a fit of rage and disbelief though she could not show it. Audrey beamed at Madoka.

"See? I told you!" Audrey said. "You have magic!"

Madoka simply said nothing. Audrey must have shown her magic on purpose, she thought as she glanced at the board. The Guild Lady cleared her throat while writing things on a separate scroll.

"We shall now be taking on the physical test," she said with a threatening hint. "Please sign here, as mock battles will be taking place."

"Mock battles, huh?" Audrey said, scratching the scroll with pen and ink. The handwriting she did was beautiful to the maid. Madoka tried to do the same although since she did not know how to write her handwriting was just a simple line.

"This form is simply signing that you're responsible for your injuries in the upcoming tests, see, I pray you are successful or else it will cost a lot of gold to heal you." The Guild Lady scoffed but the girls were undeterred. Madoka scooted the scroll across the table to her with confidence, no doubt infuriating the Lady.

"Rin," she called. Rin stepped forward and glared at the maid with disbelief and anger. She simply returned the glare with a smile. "Take it easy on them. They are children. Just teach the slave a lesson and be done with it, okay?"

"Just how depraved of a noble do you have to be to use a slave in battle? And with that paltry amount of mana strands? She barely counts as fodder!"

Madoka shrugged after she noticed Audrey did the same. The two were getting impatient, she guessed, since the crowds began to jeer at them and whisper amongst themselves. Even the other Guild Ladies eyed the girls. Madoka saw the same looks of concern and disdain on their faces.

"How useless!" The mage yelled. Her fellow members laughed along with her. "Surely you won't allow her in, right?"

"She still has the practical exam to go. Which is why we need you," the Guild Lady said half-heartedly. Madoka nearly groaned. Enough of the chatter, she wanted to say. The Lady flashed concern. "How are you to fight with barely a trace of magic? Even commoners have some magical connection. Yours is the lowest the Guild has seen."

Madoka chuckled, making the Guild Lady stop her questions. It was news to her that she even had magic in the first place.

"Enough talk," Audrey finally had enough. Her voice was cold and commanding. It reminded the maid of her time in the palace whenever Audrey got angry. "Take us to the exams at once."

"Yes, milady," she stammered. She pushed her glasses up and straightened her hair out. Had she not treated her princess so rudely, the maid would have found the Lady to be attractive. Now, she wanted nothing more than to destroy that look off her pretty face.

Sweat beaded down the Guild Lady's cheeks anyways. Madoka did not notice whatever the Lady saw Audrey do but it appeared to do the trick. They might be children, but she swore she would place even more fear in their hearts soon enough. A smile formed viciously at the thought. Rin strode by them to an exit but stopped.

"I'll show you this Guild has no time for children and greedy nobles," she said with a dark tone in her voice before entering the practice field. Madoka kept a polite yet menacing smile on her face but the mage did not see her.

Later, the two found themselves following the Lady into what seemed like a barracks.

"Please," the Lady said, stopping before she opened the door for them. The other adventurers were busy and getting riled up to watch the exams. "What you're doing, it's all wrong. Milady, I implore you to reconsider. You're going to get hurt."

"So, uh," Audrey ignored the statement. "Is this where the weapons are?"

"If you don't take this seriously you could end up injured for life," she snapped at her. Madoka put a hand on the door and opened it for Audrey silently as she always had opened doors for her in the past. "Take what you need but please heed my—"

"Sheesh," Audrey said as they entered. Madoka realized that the Lady followed them in with complaints and cautions but Audrey spoke in English. "I'm surprised we even got this far."

Confusion settled on the Guild Lady's face as she heard words she could not understand. Madoka sent a dark look to her, which shut her up. Before her, racks stood before them with shoddy excuses for weapons on display like historical relics.

"Mm," Madoka grunted, lifting up the biggest weapon she could find with ease. It was a massive sheet of metal. The Guild Lady looked like she was going to faint but Madoka switched to English. The maid never took her eyes off the poor woman while she spoke. "What do you think about this one?"

"That notch in the sword," Audrey smirked but then she inspected it. "It would definitely affect impact toughness. It would probably cause issues cutting things and would definitely snap if it was used on a less frequent basis. If used as a club, you would totally break it easily too."

"Hmm," Madoka nodded. Audrey's sudden knowledge in weapons was slightly unnerving but she made several compelling points. She picked up a two-headed battle axe that was twice her size, with one hand of course. "What about this one?"

"I think you'll need something faster to go against that spell caster. An axe will do well, but we don't need to use our best weapons," Audrey said, taking the axe and putting it back. The Guild Lady gasped in shock from her strength. Audrey glared at her. "This woman was rude to you, Madoka. How dare she—"

"It's not about me," Madoka sighed. By now, both girls glared at her. The poor woman whimpered. She must have realized she was mere prey surrounded by dangerous predators. "They were rude to you!"

Madoka tightened a fist on the sword grip so hard it started to crack the blade.

"It's okay! Calm down," Audrey gave her another sword. "When they doubt, knock 'em down! It's what I always say."

"You never say that," Madoka muttered. She drew her own swords and handed them to Audrey. "Here. Maybe you can use these."

"Psh," Audrey complained. The blades were from those Esmeralda soldiers. Bad memories exceeded their usefulness to Madoka so she took up the Guild's short sword and a regular length sword. Both had their edges dulled for safety reasons but Madoka could break people with them all the same. "I'm a support mage. What am I going to do with two swords?"

"Look cool, I guess," Madoka shrugged. Audrey placed them in the portal and took a small wand off the rack.

"Cool? Who taught you that word—"

"E-Excuse me," the Guild Lady spoke up. Audrey turned to her. "Are you two finished?"

"What are you doing? Why are you interrupting us?" Audrey glared daggers into the woman. The woman was too stunned to speak so she waited by the doorway. "You good?"

Madoka nodded. The two marched up to the Lady. Madoka stood up at her full height and looked down at her with a polite smile.

"Please take us to the exams, miss," Madoka said. Audrey looked at Madoka and then back at the Guild Lady expectantly.

"H-Hai," she said as she pushed her glasses up. She was dwarfed by Madoka.

"How do you do that?" Audrey asked Madoka. "You, like, appear small but suddenly you're hella tall."

"Beats me," Madoka smirked. She did not feel taller but if Audrey said she was than she would give it some thought. It must have been the rune Pelé gave her and talismans Audrey used on her. The Lady led them to where the physical exam would take place.

A shoddy arena awaited them under the pale glow of grey sunlight but Madoka's heart beat with excitement. She will finally get to show these fools an important lesson: Never insult her princess.

III.

The view of an arena greeted them and many gathered around it. Madoka recalled her months spent training in the Estate's yard fondly. This place reeked of desperation and certainly did not have any good memories in store for her. The sky hazed with a familiar grey, its clouds were stirred until it was about to burst with rain. She sighed. A crowd was gathered around the rickety fencing, watching the two girls approach with the rude Guild Lady.

In the center of the arena stood the mage girl and what Madoka presumed were her own team members. There was a nimble looking man who wielded multiple daggers and a pathetic grin behind her. Madoka saw that same smirk on the fat noble before she wiped it off. He made no attempt to hide his cockiness but he was not her opponent.

"A rogue class, huh," Audrey mused. "Cute."

Another taller man towered over both the mage and the rogue. He was dressed from head to toe in armor fashioned from bones of a slain creature. The man observed the girls but made no gestures or jeering. Madoka grew absentminded again. She had already forgotten the girl's name. Perhaps she was simply too weak for Madoka to remember.

The maid paused. Where did this arrogance come from? Was it because they were not dragons or bears to defeat? She heard the click-clacking of wood next to her. With a glance she noticed Audrey's hand in her talisman bag. She fiddled with the statuettes within it but stopped after Madoka bumped her shoulder. Boredom encased them both it seemed. The mage glared at them but Madoka remained stoic. She will let these rusty blades do the talking. The flapping mouths of other adventurers doubting them interrupted her thoughts.

"These scrawny kids are trying to be new trainees? Ha! Send them home!"

"Little children? What is this guild thinking?"

The bone-armored man cleared his throat and raised a hand, silencing the murmers and useless words until tunics and brown cloaks were the only things that fluttered in the wind like a wilderness in a storm. Madoka could not blame them for thinking those things for they were only fourteen. The Guild Lady bowed and walked away without a word.

"I am Juujee, Gold Rank adventurer," the bone-armored man introduced himself, pulling his necklace out and revealing a gold plate. His voice was rugged and a low growl prowled beneath it. The golden tag was similar to the plates hung above the Guild Lady's desks, only more garish. "I care not that you are mere children but I will not allow your foolishness to continue within this place!"

He roared.

Madoka sensed a semblance of intent but it was nothing like Audrey's killing intent. Speaking of that girl, she quickly glanced over to the princess. She was yawning!

"Okay," Audrey said blankly, undeterred by the offended look on the gold ranked adventurer. "Are you going to do the exam or whatever?"

Madoka said nothing but remained on guard in case her friend's stupid mouth got the both of them in trouble. She sensed no killing intent but her hand remained steady on her blade beneath her garb.

"Listen. Some here are fighting to explore the world. Some here are here to find treasure. Others for fame and glory. I do not know what has led you inside this Hall but what I do know is that this life is full of danger," Juujee said. His voice was desperate as he tried to get the maid and her princess to give up. "In this exam, you all will apply all that you know about combat in a mock duel with each of us. That way you can understand what kind of danger you are getting into."

"Okay," Audrey repeated herself in the same bored tone. The crowd became restless and began to jeer. Juujee looked as if the girl slapped him in the face and then maintained his composure by cracking his neck.

"What are your names?" Juujee asked. Audrey refused to answer.

"Madoka," the maid said. She stopped herself from bowing instinctively.

"It seems that one is too spoiled, don't you think, Juu?" the rogue chipped in. Juujee looked back at him and grunted in agreement. Audrey simply kicked the dirt beneath her tattered boot. Madoka noted that they should get new equipment if they make it out of here. "The way her slave acts rubs me the wrong way too, boss."

"Very well, then," Juujee warned. "You leave us with no choice. I was trying to save you both. We will try to keep from badly wounding you but you must see the error of your ways! My companions here are on their Gold promotions. They will teach you how low you stand in this world! Rin!"

The haughty mage's name was Rin, Madoka mused. No family name must mean... She discarded the thoughts when she suddenly found herself alone with the mage as the others moved to the edge of the arena. The crowd jeered and cheered for Rin. Madoka could pick out Audrey's voice from the chaotic taunts.

"Don't kill her," Audrey warned her. Weren't they only here for identification rights? How did she end up in a situation like this? Madoka wondered. Rhythmic stomps and cheers pounded the ground. "Please don't kill her, dear!"

Right, Madoka snapped out of her thoughts and gripped her sword. She was aware of how fragile people can be compared to a dragon. Red hair versus orange hair, a clash of a nobody like Madoka against a rising star. She would chuckle but the mage offered her hollow threats.

"You poor slave," Rin's voice shook with anger. No, it was something familiar to Madoka, except she could not tell what. "Being forced to do your master's bidding. I know that pain... I shall set you free!"

The mage pulled her staff out. It had an apparatus holding up a glowing red gem. The maid recalled some of the mages in the Palace would wield staffs although she did not know how they worked. She determined she would have to be extremely cautious. What if her spells were as fast as Audrey's water beams? Perhaps she could think of the mage's spells as those practice exercises, the maid thought. Her muscles readied themselves as those horribly annoying memories brought themselves to the forefront of her mind.

"Begin!" Juujee yelled and the crowd roared their approval of the duel.

"You barely even have magic!" Rin taunted. "How will you hope to defeat me! Rise! Flames!"

Red mana strands spread from the end of her staff, creating a circular rune beneath the mage's feet. After a second, the strands emitted light and a wall of fire errupted from the ground. A pillar of flame towered over her! Panic welled within the maid as the flashbacks of her burning home destroyed her ability to concentrate.

It was fire that took everything from her blissful year, Madoka almost choked remembering the ashes and smoke. It was the reason she was here in the first place! Flames and roots left charred scars and brutal wounds all over her body. No! Her eyes widened at the tower of the fire. She died in those flames! Fell into the abyssal afterlife... That was when she...

"Go, Madoka! I choose you!"

Right, Madoka remembered. That was when she got a second chance. The voice that pulled her out of that nightmare world was there for her all along! This was why she served her princess!

"Use quick attack!" Audrey yelled.

Eh? She thought. Madoka sensed an attack coming from the fiery wall. A fireball charged towards her like a furious predator. The projectile pushed the rising flames aside and revealed a spectacular rune shaped by the crystal's red mana strands. Rin's mana strands.

"I won't let fires take me away from you a second time!" Madoka growled and leapt out of the way.

Time seemed to slow as she watched the puny flames crawl lazily underneath her body. Pathetic, Madoka thought to herself. The butterflies in her heart were released by that familiar voice. Audrey was cheering for her and therefore Madoka will repay her! Madoka twisted her body into a flip and felt her feet find solid ground.

"Lucky!" Rin's voice declared from behind the wall of flames. "Y-You merely got lucky I missed! You talentless slave! Not even fit to be copper rank!"

It was true. Madoka is a slave. She rolled her eyes. A commoner with no magic to speak of — that is what she told herself all the time. Rin laughed as she unleashed a fire ball at her. Madoka jumped out the way again.

"You might be free from your master," Madoka spoke softly. She recognized why the mage hated her princess so much. Nobles have taken so much from the both of them. "But you are not free from yourself."

Just how much has Rin gone through? How hard did she work to get to where she stood today? Madoka was interrupted again as she heard the whispers among the other adventurer trainees. The crowd's eyes were focused on Madoka. She was not one to talk for she still had her fear of flames so she focused on her movements.

"How can she move like that?"

"So quick!"

"Rin is the most powerful mage here, how is she dodging those spells?"

Madoka kept her off hand on her sword beneath her cloak at all times, waiting for Rin to be done casting. Oddly, the mage was chanting before she unleashed her spells from behind the wall of flames. Incantations? Madoka dodged several more. Audrey never used incantations before she cast her spells.

The shrill voice was filled with panic and the wall of fire began to lose its height. More importantly, the mana strands seemed to shorten from both the staff. They traveled from the mage's wrists and wrapped violently around the staff before they formed the rune. The strands seemed to be a double edged sword, cutting the wielder the more they used them. Perhaps that is why her own magic electrified her when she used it, Madoka would have to meditate on it later.

The fireballs were nothing compared to Audrey's water and wind spells she dodged in the past, the maid realized. The princess could sling those spells all afternoon and bother her with them. Madoka now smiled at the memory as another weak firebolt whirled by. She could throw the sword under her cloak and disable Rin's casting but she was worried. Killing's no good, she figured. It would probably lower her chances of entering the guild. How would she be able to end the fight without destroying the mage?

"Why can't I hit you?" Rin cried. "Fine! I'm done playing!"

She began to chant. The red mana strands grew jagged and her sleeves began to catch on fire as her spell charged. The adventurers panicked and scattered out of the way.

"Stop, Rin!" Juujee commanded. "You'll destroy the arena!"

"Madoka use quick attack! Tackle! Uh, body slam?"

"Not helping, Audrey!" Madoka sighed.

The spell apparently grew more chaotic as the strands intensified their light yet the foolish mage did not cease her chant. Madoka felt the pull of anxiety but she knew she had to stop the attack somehow. Just what should she do? She had to act. Those strands of mana were forming a much more brilliant and complex spell circle than the weak fireballs Rin cast before.

She growled and leapt over the wall of fire directly in front of Rin and grabbed her by the neck. The strands ceased their work. She hoped the mage would forgive her afterwards but a familiar surge of strength overtook Madoka. It dowsed any flame that would dare come her way. Fear etched itself in the mage's eyes as she screamed in pain. She could feel the power begin to fill her and the satisfying throbbing of the mage's neck in her grip.

"You're right," Madoka laughed as she brought the sword sky high. "Playtime's over."

The mage shrunk as she brought the sword down. Madoka was lying, of course. She merely wanted her identification paper. The crowd gasped as the blade stopped just inches above the mage's neck, who went limp under the sheer force exerted by her false swing. The wind sliced the staff in half and left the crystal shattered at her feet. Rin's eyes rolled back and she released her grip. Madoka simply let her drop to the ground and froze as the crowd gawked at her.

Madoka noticed the voices grow louder and saw the terrified look on the Guild Lady's face. She winked at her and stuck out her tongue, satisfied that the woman refused to look towards Audrey or her.

"Such control!"

"Who is that woman? She took Rin out!"

The adventurers murmered and praised her. The reaction from the crowd was not what she expected but she was grateful that no soldiers showed up. Juujee clapped and raised his voice.

"Winner, Madoka. Get her off the field."

Me? Madoka was worried that they were going to arrest her.

Several adventurers entered the arena and transported the unconscious mage out. Madoka was surprised and relieved that they ignored her. The rune burned her shoulder but she had maintained control over it. She did not have enough time before it was Audrey's exam. Kind gods, the maid prayed that her friend could contain her magic.

She watched Audrey as she stood at the center of the arena. The girl scratched her head and inspected the tiny wand in her hand. Her opponent was the rogue. He seemed like a powerful adventurer who relied on speed to overwhelm and defeat his enemies.

"Your turn, Audrey," Madoka chuckled as she leaned against the fence. She glared at the other adventurers and they scurried off to the other end of the fences. Audrey still had a look of boredom on her face. "Try not to blow this place up."

"Hey, have some faith," Audrey started but the light steps of the rogue interrupted her.

"So, this little girl thinks she's adventurer material, huh? Using a slave as a bodyguard, don't make me laugh," the cocky adventurer said, drawing two short daggers. "I won't kill you - the team leader told me to not do that. Consider yourself lucky."

"Uh huh," Audrey nodded without any enthusiasm. Juujee rolled his eyes. Madoka noticed a cold focus in the girl's unenthusiastic voice. She was going to learn how Audrey fought in battle although she was nervous. The girl had a storm under her bored guise and her free hand did not leave the bag's pockets.

What was she preparing?

"Real blades away, Skulk," Juujee warned him. Skulk looked angry for a moment but he sheathed them and drew the practice ones instead. The match would begin and end quickly unfortunately for the cocky rogue. "Alright. Three, two, one. Begin!"

Audrey kicked the dirt as she waited for Skulk to do something.

"Uhhh, Skulk-san?"

Madoka knew what Audrey did. Skulk was not breathing. He stumbled and clutched his throat as he fell to the ground. She silently walked up to the man and kicked him in the gut with a surprising amount of strength. He stumbled back against a fence, where confused onlookers gasped. The adventurer did not get up and instead fell to the ground in an unconscious state. Madoka noticed the glint of a cleaner metal than those iron tags wrapped around other adventurers' necks. Silver?

"What did she do to him?"

Wind magic, Madoka thought. She could hear the birds above her going around the zone that Audrey silently placed around Skulk. She removed all air from that zone and made it impossible for him to breathe. Madoka shuddered when she imagined herself being an opponent against that kind of magic.

"Juujee, sir," Audrey inspected the adventurer, who was passed out. "He appears to be unconscious."

"What did she do?"

"Did she cheat?"

"Yes, we'll uh, have to do another test," Juujee scowled at the near dead man and then at Audrey. Even a seasoned warrior like him could not figure out what Audrey did? "Don't pull anything weird this time."

"I didn't do anything," Audrey shrugged. "Your guy just fell over after a single kick."

"Right," Juujee said. He wasn't going to believe her no matter what. "I will test you instead."

The crowd gasped. "Is that even fair?"

"That noble is going to die!"

"Get her, Juujee!"

"You there!" Juujee pointed at Madoka. "You will call out the start of the match."

"Yes, sir," Madoka said with an odd enthusiasm. Audrey let out an amused snort. Juujee glared at her and simply took up his practice sword. This was not going to end well for this fool, Madoka thought.

"No funny business!"

"Okay," Audrey said. By her tone, Madoka automatically assumed some funny business was about to occur. Juujee did not seem to notice her odd movements. Each movement seemed to be calculated, Madoka observed. The brilliant princess was sizing the foolish Gold adventurer up and planning her next move. "Count us in!"

"Ready," Madoka said and counted down. "Three, two, one! Begin!"

Without a moment of hesitation, Juujee dashed towards Audrey. He was hoping to not give Audrey an opening to cast anything. She leapt out the way of Juujee's slash, giving him a Cherish-style kick to the side. His fighting style was unrefined, Madoka noted. He probably has never fought people before. How good is Gold rank if someone as weak as him is in its division?

When he made the foolish mistake of swinging again, Audrey jabbed her the wand in his side. Madoka could hear the surprising force gush as his side bled. Juujee stumbled after pulling the wand out. He let out a warcry as he swung at Audrey again. She leapt out of the way and was simply faster than anything he did. Attrition, or something, Madoka recalled this fighting strategy was called by the princess as she let the wound tire him down.

"You shouldn't roar when you attack if you move that slowly," Audrey said as she effortlessly dodged his sloppy swings. The crowd watched in amazement. Audrey was using techniques that Madoka taught her. The Cherish sword style was not only for swords. It was designed for mobility and dodging in mind with weapons coming second in importance. Madoka had trouble catching up with the girl half the time which meant that man could not stand a chance. "It might work into scaring useless opponents like animals or monsters. But..."

Juujee roared advancing with furious attacks against Audrey but she was too quick. As he swung down his last attack, the wound on his side finally slowed him down enough for Audrey. She performed a quick side step and placed herself perfectly spaced next to his arm. The fight's over! In a blink of an eye, Madoka heard sound of a completely decimated bone. Audrey smashed his arm with her fist and flung him over her to the ground.

Her fist was glowing with green arcane magic. More wind magic? Madoka observed. She was using her talismans and wind magic to outclass the fool who opposed her. The girl kept her offhand in her bag the entire duel.

The crowd gasped but erupted in cheers for her. Audrey looked at down at the fallen bone-clad man and wore a terrifying smile.

"It won't work against smart opponents like me," she said laughing. Juujee had a defiant look in his eye, Madoka could sense his fighting spirit still remained unbroken. "You are so pathetically weak that I didn't need magic to beat you. But if you insist..."

Madoka watched on as she finally withdrew her offhand from the bag. To her surprise, it was glowing with powerful magic. Fire soon flared to life and floated just above her palm. The flames were a blazing red - ready to be brought down upon the man like a hammer.

"She can use the fire element?!"

"No incantations?"

"I've never seen anyone who could do that!"

Audrey had a sick enjoyment in her eyes as she watched the shock light up in Juujee's eyes. She stomped the man's chest and kicked his broken arm. Madoka felt a twinge of guilt over her friend's savagery. More importantly, she was proud that the princess had not forgotten her Cherish style attacks that she taught her. She was a vicious and efficient fighter.

"What do you say, senpai?" Audrey leaned closer with her flames menacingly. Juujee wailed in agony but that only made her smile twist more. "Have we passed? I don't have to break your other arm to get an answer out of you, do I?"

Juujee nodded quickly and gave her a gesture of approval with his free hand. Audrey snapped, extinguishing the flames she held. Then she leapt up and celebrated, in front of a shocked crowd like she didn't just beat a Gold rank adventurer.

"Madoka!" She cheered as she out to her. "We passed! We can get our identification papers now!"

"T-That's nice," Madoka said with a sigh. "We're definitely not normal people."

"Whatever," Audrey said. "We knocked 'em all down. Not a single one got away!"

Healers marched by the girls and picked the gold rank adventurer off the ground. She winced as she saw his arm dangle in an unnatural manner. The arena was in complete disarray mostly from that mage's fire spells and blood from the broken bone-armored warrior. The carnage was enough to cause the other adventurers to scatter.

"Why would they want to see us defeated, anyways?" Madoka wondered.

"Probably because I am a noble," Audrey said. "Perhaps you and I are not the only ones who don't like those guys. Maybe I should free you!"

"F-Free me?" Madoka stammered. She hoped Audrey did not notice her insecurities over flames.

"Not like that!" Audrey waved her hands in protest. Traces of magic shimmered around her hands. "I mean, like, so we can officially be equals."

"Equals..." Madoka mused. That reality seemed a lot closer than she wanted it to be. That black haired Guild Lady was missing so the two strode by the into the hall for their registration but they were stopped by a member. It was a new Guild Lady, this time. Her uniform was like the others: It was green and white with a neat Guild Emblem pin over her heart.

"Congratulations, you two," the guild lady cheerfully said to the pair, flipping her brown hair over her shoulder. Madoka held her friend back, elbowing her before she could say anything. "We have a few things to discuss in order to enroll you two in the guild. Come this way."

Madoka looked to Audrey but she shrugged silently. The new Guild Lady marched off and the pair followed her, tossing their useless guild weapons away. An uneasy feeling settled on Madoka and she noticed that the twin moons were already out before the sunset.

As they entered, the Guild Hall was mostly empty. Only several Guild Ladies were stationed but the looks on their faces were ones Madoka was familiar with. Their rotations were about to be finished and they could leave to get rest. Standing at one of the desks stood a tall man. Power emanated from him even if his back was turned to the girls.

Where did she sense this feeling before?

The mysterious man wore a Guild Official green uniform and a matching green cap, except it was far more decorated than the Lady uniforms. He was reaching up to two tags above the desk. The Guild Lady who guided them cleared her throat and bowed to the man. Audrey grabbed Madoka's hand for attention. The maid followed her eyes and both girls were drawn to the man's ears.

They were pointed like Queen Pelé's and the defeated dragon's ears!

"Guild Master, I have brought these two as you requested," the Lady said. A grunt of acknowledgment rumbled from the old man and she quickly made herself scarce.

"I flew here after hearing some of my adventurers were beaten by mere children," he said, plucking two copper tags off the wall. He turned and had a warm grin on his face. "I just had to investigate the culprits."

His fangs showed through a white beard and wisdom through combat etched itself in the canyons of his smiling dimples. Madoka realized that this man before them was possibly a dragon but the two stayed silent. His eyes scanned them.

"Greetings," the man said with approval in his voice from whatever he saw in the girls. "I am Luxgor, Guild Master of the Rustaze Adventurer Guild. Let us have a chat upstairs, shall

IV.

It was not long before the two found themselves headed up stairs near the backend of the Guild Hall. The place itself was oval shaped with stairs leading to a balcony and more tables on both wings. Madoka presumed those tables were for more meetings between adventurers. The man, or dragon, guided them silently to an office and gestured them to go in.

"A job follow-up interview, huh?" Audrey muttered. Madoka bumped shoulders with hers to get her to stop. A chuckle came from the Guild Master, Luxgor, he took a stand at his window. The girls looked at each other and sat on nearby cushioned benches. Madoka could see the smoke rising from the grounds singed by magic.

"Now, it's been some time since I've asked this, but," he turned. His stoic features melted away and he looked like he was about to beg. "What do you two want from this town? Why come to this guild?"

Madoka stared at the dragon using Reverent Noble in disbelief. A powerful being reduced to such a— She felt an elbow jab her side.

"W-We were told to get identification rights from this place, sir," Madoka said as honestly as she could. "No need for formalities."

"Yeah! T-The guards even told us to get them from here!" Audrey added earnestly. Luxgor looked at them with an expression of relief and then he started laughing. The copper tags in his hands jingled as he did. Madoka sensed he was attempting to shake off his nervousness.

"Identification rights?" Luxgor exclaimed. He calmed down after seeing Madoka nod. "Really? We are truly lucky. So truly lucky."

"W-We're not around from here," Audrey tried to explain. "Our parents sent us away because of the war."

"I see. You don't say," Luxgor did not buy her story at all. "I am sure you have your reasons. It's just that those guards... Nevermind."

"How do we get our identification rights?" Madoka asked with a twinge of irritation. The dragon nearly jumped out of his skin when her tone changed but he finally skipped his dialogue.

"These will serve you just fine," Luxgor held up the copper tags. To Madoka, they seemed no different than the coins except their shape. She was not sure about owning her own identification tag but she snatched them from him anyways and gave one to Audrey. "However, based off your unique appearance the Guild could a-accommodate anything should you ask for it. Within reason, of course!"

"Appearance?" Madoka raised an eyebrow.

"Y-Yes," the dragon stammered. "You two are not really children, are you? Perhaps you are god-touched? You stand like true warriors who have gone through insurmountable mountains and bloody battlefields. F-Forgive my ignorance!"

Madoka felt odd at his statement. Perhaps he knew what they have gone through. God-touched? Perhaps the man could sense the rune on her shoulder or detect Audrey's true power. Madoka cleared her throat when no one said anything.

"We've just got here, sir," Madoka said. "We are the ignorant ones here."

"So, uh, how does the Guild work?" Audrey asked.

"Right, right," Luxgor's eyes narrowed. "There's a few things that we should go through. In this organization, an average adventurer start as copper trainee. The tags you two hold belonged to fallen adventurers. You wear them as a promise to carry on their legacy."

Madoka fiddled with the copper tag in her fingers. There were notches and dings in the edges but the piece seemed like it had history. The Guild Master continued.

"As for the average adventurer, most will do commissions set up by the people. These commissions are divided by their danger rank, copper being the lowest and having no slaying or subjugations. Upon completion, a notch is made in the tag. After they get their feet wet with five copper rated commissions, they can shadow Iron rank adventurers on Iron rated commissions to see if this life is for them."

"It's all so..." Audrey was about to say something but she switched her words. "Straightforward enough."

"We're a group putting ourselves in dangerous situations," Luxgor explained. "Straightforward is a commodity we don't get often."

"I see," Audrey said. "What's after Iron rank?"

"Iron rank is where most stay and where most explore many options that open up. Commissions aren't always about fighting and exploring. Some join the Artisan Guild and learn to craft the strongest equipment. Others find combat too much and join the Truth Guild, working with us to have information on this world we all live in. Some even gain access to the three Magic Colleges. Silvers have to work hard to become Gold rank, learning to craft their own weapons and work in other countries. There's higher ranks than Gold, but for now we will leave it at that."

"Other countries," Madoka mused. That orange haired mage has truly gone through a lot. Audrey's beautiful eyes twinkled with luminescent excitement. It was the moons' twin light being captured in them, Madoka noticed that night has fallen. Luxgor had nervously lit a lamp up and faced them.

"We can offer you Silver rank right away, you only need to ask," He told them quietly. "Anyone who can crush Juujee easily can make a living in this world. I can even recommend you to the King himself—"

"T-That won't be necessary," Audrey protested. Her refusal surprised Madoka, as she had never been one to do menial work that she imagined copper rank adventurers would do. "We're just inexperienced, see. Right, Madoka?"

Madoka merely grunted. If that is what the princess desired then that is what she will get. The maid stopped caring for conversation and figured this was the quickest route to avoid people.

"I see, that's brilliant of you, as expected," Luxgor praised her.

"Who, me?" Audrey looked around.

"It would be suspicious if you were Silver rank," Luxgor mused. "You foresaw that, of course. We shall speak in the future very soon. There are things regarding you two that need some preparations, they will benefit and protect you greatly. Especially from fools like that Guild Lady Mara and adventurer party. I shall root them out immediately..."

He rummaged around at his desk for scrolls and seals, muttering to himself.

"Uh, Mr. Luxgor," Audrey asked him after noticing Madoka's bored look. Rain started to pour quietly upon the Hall. "Do you know of any places to stay?"

Later, the girls moved through the night like ghosts, hurdling in their hooded cloaks past strangers and wagons tied down for the night. They were heavily armed but Madoka kept their weapons concealed in case something came up. Rain threatened to drown the streets, so the two moved swiftly towards the inn.

Upon reaching the entrance, Madoka went to open the door for Audrey, but Audrey slapped her hand away and let herself in. There was no hierarchy anymore, the former princess would not have her dear friend and guardian stoop that low for anyone like her anymore. Madoka smirked, but the smirk vanished as quickly as a flash of lightning. Despite the conversation in the Guild Hall, they still were in enemy territory. Madoka sized up the many strange men and women who eyed them as soon as they walked in.

They were the danger in this territory, Madoka determined.

The conversations and laughing died down as Audrey and Madoka approached the innkeeper, with Audrey about to say something but Madoka cut her off.

"We're looking for a room," she said, matter-of-factly. The innkeeper, an older lady, peered down at the 14 year old Madoka with a scoff. Wrinkles and crow feet dragged themselves in the old woman's face like clay clawed by fingers. She had barrels of drinks behind her and rows of mugs in front of her. A unique, badly dented tin mug rested at her side by a torn up rag.

"This ain't a place for children like you two, where are your parents?"

Madoka was about to do something bad but Audrey spoke up next, revealing the copper necklaces. "How much for a night? We just started today."

The innkeeper realized from the looks of their faces that they were serious and the starter adventurer tags strung around their necks. She eventually closed her eyes briefly and spoke again after seeing Audrey's regal and commanding appearance. It was a skill she learned back when she was a princess. A skill Madoka taught her, but she was sure the ladylike side of her was left long dead at the castle.

"The world's too cruel for young people like you to be out late at night I suppose. Two copper a night. Five for you."

She glared at Madoka, who slammed five copper on the bar anyways. She still had the bag from Audrey awhile ago. The force of her palm reverberated the wood with enough force to crack it. Audrey quietly placed her coins next to them. The innkeeper swooped the coins up and wiped the rain splatter off the table, pausing at the new damage on its surface.

"Georgia!" she called, slamming the odd tin mug on the table. It was the signal for the servant, Madoka figured. She recalled bells were used by nobles back in the palace to summon a servant immediately. A timid maid crept down the stairs and stood by the table. Had it not for Madoka's inner radar, as Audrey coined it, she would not have noticed her at all. "Show these brats their room!"

The maid herself had looked as stricken by the world as much as the two girls have been beaten down by it. Stains covered the woman's apron and chunks of her brown hair were missing beneath her head wrapping. She bowed to the girls quietly, but her face jerked to the side as if it was pulled by an invisible wraith. Was she possessed? Georgia said nothing about it but turned to guide them anyway. Possessed people were cast aside in Fiara, Madoka noted. This place must be as cruel as the old innkeeper.

The two were about to follow her when a boot suddenly stuck out in her path and tripped the twitching maid on the ground. The view of a broom and torn apron fluttering to the ground made Madoka instinctively reach for her sword. Harsh laughter came from the boot's owner. The maid slowly got up, her face and neck spasmed more rapidly as she tried to recover.

"You bitch," a gruff voice spat at Georgia. It was Skulk. "Can't you tell my boot means I need you for something?"

"It dived below and brought up treasure!" Georgia suddenly yelled. The maid shook her neck and her eyes shifted rapidly. The maid recovered and hung her head in shame. "D-Dived..."

"Useless," He spat out his drink at the maid. The bile splattered on the ground before the three girls. "You two girls owe me for the trouble you've caused us today. I think I'll take it out on this bitch!"

The innkeeper ignored the altercation about to brew up. The hag tried her best to avoid eye contact with both the girls and the bullies. Madoka glanced at Audrey, who had her hand in her talisman pouch. Ready for anything, she supposed. A small darkness stirred within Madoka's heart. The helpless maid, possessed or not, did not deserve such treatment. A grin painted itself on Skulk as he moved towards Georgia with his three cohorts. Fear scarred her twisting face and she uttered nonsense beneath her breath while crying.

"I wouldn't if I were you," Madoka moved in between the maid and the foolish rogue. She did not face the rogue in the battles yesterday but was looking forward to it now. The people hushed in disbelief. Their murmers were held in suspense for the girls, not knowing what could happen next.

"Huh? You're just a simple slave girl who got lucky!" Skulk stopped and stared down at the red haired girl. His gait was slow and unsteady likely from the drinks he had. "If you want nothing bad to happen to that useless maid... I know! You two delicious girls can spend the night with me! Or else!"

"Shall we take it outside then?" Madoka grinned. The rune began to burn her shoulder.

The statement sent Skulk in a fit of rage. He finally had enough and attacked. She caught his arm mid swing and clenched her grip. His wrist shattered in her grasp. She had used a similar technique on the noble awhile ago but his arm had less flesh in the way to cushion her wrath. The other thugs sprang into action but it was too late. Madoka's rune was alight under her sleeve. She caught the flash of an Iron rank tag and delivered an axe kick to his head before unleashing her killing intent upon the other two. They froze like deer at the sight of Skulk's howling agony and the iron rank adventurer flat on the ground.

There was blood on her boot so she wiped it off on the unconscious man's chest and laughed. Everyone else was silent so Madoka called out to Audrey.

"You talk a lot of shit for being so weak," Madoka laughed at the rogue. She peered back at Audrey. The girl simply pulled her hand back out of the bag and folded her arms. Skulk gasped and gurgled out nonsense as he dangled in her grip. The rune was making her stronger yet again, as each twist of her grip caused more bones to break. "It breaks and bends so easily. What shall I do with it, Audrey?"

The crowds of people gasped but none dared to approach the red haired girl and her friend. Audrey closed her eyes as if the decision was a mere inconvenience.

"Kill him," Audrey finally said in Noble, taking off her hood. Horror spread across the crowd of commoners when they saw her hair. Audrey's eyes told Madoka what that truly meant. They were displaying a show of force but she was ready to fight her way out the town if she needed to.

At the sound of the command, Skulk's eyes widened and he gushed out pleas for forgiveness. Madoka drew the Esmerald sword under her cloak and raised it high above his head when a mug clattered on the table. Georgia uttered something odd, but Madoka knew the innkeeper was about to finally speak up.

"Alright, alright!" the hag yielded in hurried reverent Noble. "You proved your point, girl! Don't kill anyone in here."

"Why give up now?" Madoka stared with an evil grin at the rogue. "We're only getting started."

"Enough," Audrey scoffed. "I changed my mind."

That was what they wanted to hear, Madoka guessed. She flung the broken rogue over her shoulder into a table, letting the splintering wood and clattering of plates and drink ring out. After relinquishing him, Madoka lifted her killing intense lifted and his men scooped the wounded and scurried into the rain outside.

"If any of you cause this maid trouble," Madoka glared at the crowd. "You know what will happen to you."

At the cue, the maid's face twitched but she guided them upstairs to where their room was. The innkeeper was terrified but business continued on as usual when the two girls left the crowd's sight. Georgia stopped before the room. There was fear and gratefulness in her expression but her face still seemed to jerk away on its own.

"Thanks," Madoka simply said and pushed the door opened.

"B-Bones! To the ceiling!" Georgia blurted, but bowed and began to move towards the destroyed table downstairs. "Bones..."

"Did I take it too far?" Madoka turned to Audrey, but she was not listening to her. "Audrey?"

"B-Beds, Madoka!" Audrey pointed at them. The room was clean and dimly lit by moonlight and a small lamp. "Honest-to-goddamn beds!"

The door squeaked shut after their excited steps rushed to the glorious beds. Madoka smoothed her side out. She chose the closest one to the door in case anyone tried to barge in. Audrey, on the other hand, tore her clothes off and leapt onto the bed. She rolled around on it like a child. At the silly sight, Madoka relaxed a little.

"Oh, how I have missed you, my bed, my love of my life!"

Was she kissing the pillow? Madoka gawked. The girl was crying over such a mundane thing!

"I-I'll never leave you again for that long, I swear!"

Madoka rolled her eyes and began to strip down herself. Audrey pulled nightgowns out of her portal and tossed one over to Madoka. How long has she had them? Those garments come from the palace! Could it be she saved them for this very moment? Hers fit a bit too tight but the two were soon comfortable in their beds, with nothing but the moonlight filtering through curtains.

She pulled the Esmerald Captain's claymore out and placed it nearby just in case.

"Do you think I caused too much trouble downstairs?" Madoka repeated her question before. She knew Audrey was awake. That girl was oddly quiet, which meant she was thinking about everything they've gone through today. "That maid..."

"She suffers from some kind of hemifacial spasm. It's a, uh, neurological disorder or maybe," she said. Madoka looked at her friend blankly. "The twitching of her left eye, the mouth curling involuntarily, you know. She probably suffered enough damage to her face from god knows who. I can probably heal it."

"Really," Madoka sighed. She had no idea what Audrey was saying as usual. "I hope we don't get in trouble."

Blankets shifted around as Audrey rolled over to face her maid. She propped herself up with her elbows and simply looked at her. Madoka kept herself from gasping at her beauty under the twin moons.

"I don't care about trouble. But I... I realized when I fight I feel desperate, like if I don't fight seriously I would... I would lose you. I didn't mean to hurt that bone armored guy so badly but the thought took over and—"

"I feel the same way," Madoka guessed. The small fear was flammable, indeed. It was always a tiny spark in the back of her mind waiting to explode into a wildfire. There are many things that she could not explain in the world and she needed Audrey for them all.

"Then that's that, I suppose," Audrey slumped back onto the bed. Her hair spread out across the pillow like dried out grass and a satisfied smile wrapped in comfort illuminated her face. "We'll make it through..."

Madoka realized she dozed off mid sentence but her mind kept her awake for hours afterwards. Her feet dangled off the bed at her ankles while Audrey's shape fit perfectly in the middle of hers. Later, she finally succumbed into sweet dreams about her friend.

V.

"Madokaaaa," Audrey's voice pierced Madoka's ears. She was stirred slowly, fettered by crumbs of sleep. Or so she thought. That annoying voice crossed through the veil of whatever dream she had. Her eyes were closed in blackness — a darkness she wished to be enveloped in for awhile. "Wake up!"

"N-No fireballs!" Madoka sat up. Her body collided with another and the sound of a light thud landed on the floorboards.

"Ow," came the annoying voice from beneath her bed. Then a short giggle sung to mostly itself but Madoka was awake now. Her hand missed her sword's grip and hit a blanket instead. The sword's jeweled sheath reflected small beams of moonlight off of them. It was still night but she was not surrounded by snow and trees for once. Madoka felt herself all over and was relieved that her clothes were clean and legs were dry. Audrey's eyes peered from between the maid's feet.

"Is it morning already?" Madoka asked. Audrey shook her head and raised her hand which glowed like the stars above. "N-No fireballs!"

"Relax, Madoka. Not all of my magic is used to blow stuff up," Audrey teased. Her hand let out a small wisp of green light within a water bubble. Madoka was mesmerized by the strange magic. The green mana sphere swayed like a pendulum until it stopped at a certain spot in the bubble. Audrey sighed, her eyes illuminated by the magic and stars of the night. "Mornin's in five hours."

"A... clock?" Madoka looked at the bubble.

"Eh, not really. Took me years to get it right, but if I let my mana loosen up like this within a system like a bubble, it moves in relation to the orbit of this... nevermind, nevermind! You okay, Madoka?"

"Me? I think so?" Madoka looked at her hands and skin. No wounds. Just the scars from her long journey here looked back up at her. A tear dropped on her palm.

"You were crying in your sleep," Audrey went on. "I woke you up in case you had a bad dream."

"I guess so," Madoka started to lay back down. She could not remember the dream anyways, but assumed the worst. She felt warmth crawling by her side. "A-Audrey?"

Audrey's frame was shorter than Madoka's. She was surprised to find that they were no longer around the same height. She has gotten tall but Madoka was taller. Audrey did not try to grab her but instead spoke into her shoulder.

"Winter's over, Madoka," Audrey's soft voice mumbled. Madoka missed this feeling a lot. More than the bed's comfort itself — she missed the nights they shared together in the Estate.

"Mm," the red haired maid stared upward at the twin moons. Their hellish winter was truly over.

The princess fit comfortably under Madoka's arm and her soft body was warmer than even the blankets. A snore escaped her mouth as the beautiful mana orb disappeared. The maid soon fell back to sleep with no more bad dreams to cry over.

Madoka woke up first, as she always had. The sky was turning to a grey hue with no sign of the sun. Her sleeping princess was curled up into a ball beside her so she simply stretched and yawned, not caring if her hands bumped into Audrey.

"Wha," Audrey squeaked as Madoka yawned an even bigger yawn.

"It's time to get up, princess," Madoka said although her own voice was groggy. She wanted to sink back into the blanket's rough textured waves into another dream world. One with her. She shook the idle thoughts quickly, slipping on the trousers and garb she's worn for awhile now. They had work to do.

"Naee," the princess sat up and squinted at Madoka. The maid gave her a stern look but then she collapsed back into a ball again.

"We have work to do," Madoka said, scooping the blankets off of her. "I think."

"S-Sick day," Audrey mumbled. "We can call it off."

"It's our first day," Madoka grabbed a copper tag and flung it at Audrey. Surprisingly, the girl caught it midair.

"Can't help but think we're being set up," Audrey unknotted herself and sat back up. "Like, you saw the GM, right?"

"G..." Madoka trailed off. "The guild master."

"He's a dragon man, right? Dragonfolk? Drag—" Audrey yawned. Madoka would have scolded her for speaking and yawning at the same time but she let the princess's behavior slide. The girl was being compliant and got herself dressed after all. Their clothes were tattered and falling apart. "None of the books told me of them... Perhaps he himself does not know what he is."

"That he can transform into a dragon," Madoka thought aloud. "He seemed to fear us."

"Unless, he's a lesser species. Perhaps he can't transform," Audrey shrugged but shook her head. "He fears us because we're not normal people. Wait, why do I think that's something you would say?"

"That's because I have said it, Audrey," Madoka sighed. "We must get going."

"Yeah, yeah," Audrey sighed. "I hope there's not any cops downstairs, we did kind of break somebody's arm and assaulted another. And by we, I mean you."

"Cops?"

"Guards, you know, whatever. I think we're quite rich to pay off jail time but yeah," Audrey slipped on her torn up robe. "Be prepared for a fight."

"Not helping," Madoka said, strapping the captain's claymore to her back and hooking her two swords to her belt. She departed the room, leading Audrey by the hand. The girl muttered something about open carry laws but as usual she paid her no mind. It was nonsense, she thought before covering the swords with her cloak. Stairs creaked beneath her boots as she beheld the destroyed table from last night.

Strangely, Georgia was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the old woman was sweeping around it. No signs of hostiles around. Everyone from the night before seemed to have gone home or wherever commoners went to. Madoka kept an eye on the inn's door and heard wagons roll on in the fine morning mist outside. The innkeeper straightened up at the sound of their presence.

"G-Good morning," the old woman blubbered in Reverent Noble. Madoka said nothing. "Forgive an old cowardly woman, but we've not much for breakfast."

"It's fine," Audrey shrugged. "We're skipping it."

"Where's the maid?" Madoka asked. She meant no harm in her inquiry but the innkeeper bowed in apologies to the red haired maid. She produced three copper coins and put them before Madoka's feet.

"Please, forgive old Ichna," she begged. The sight of the old woman bowing before Madoka horrified her. "I-I promise to sell rooms at regular price."

"Fine by me," Madoka replied as she scooped the useless copper coins up. "Is the maid unharmed?"

"T-That creature?" Ichna immediately buried her face into the wooden floor after seeing Madoka's annoyed look. "She is merely eating in the back or doing whatever the possessed do. She lives a good life here, I swear. Better than where I found her."

The answer satisfied the red haired girl, so she strode on by without another word. She noticed there was an damaged door cracked open in the back of the inn, but she decided not to pry any further. They were headed out to the Guild Hall.

Audrey was quiet as Madoka lead her. The girl was presumably taking in the sights of how different this town was. The streets were wide and yet bustling with people and carts driven wherever they were headed. There was an apparent system already established in with the traffic of wagons. The girls blended in with ease, the maid hoped. People got out of her way, however, possibly due to the towering greatsword on her back. The rain began to fall so she hurried along and decided to worry about the commoners later.

"T-They're looking at us," Audrey whispered. A family shyed away from the pair with a child pointing at them briefly before her mother swatted her hand down. "Wait, a sign?"

"Sign?"

"On the board here," Audrey stopped Madoka and the two stood before a shop. A small flier was tacked onto its walls.

"What's it say?" Madoka asked.

"It's a notice from the Guild," Audrey's voice nearly became lost in the flurry of wind and wagons. "It's informing the people that the two newest trainees' and therefore the Guild's business are not to be messed with. Heh, word gets around quick. What is that Luxgor guy thinking?"

"Whatever," Madoka shrugged. Audrey took the flier off the wall and stuffed it in her bag. "Let's hurry to the Guild."

"Right," Audrey agreed. The two redoubled their speed. "If I see that Skulk fellow again I'm burning his shoes off."

Madoka stifled a snicker after they rounded the corner and she was right to do so.

"It seems like we won't have to worry about them," Madoka said with a low voice. In front of the Guild Hall, out in the snow, was the view of three familiar faces.

A broken Juujee, dejected Rin and the black haired Guild Lady sat tied to a magic stone pillar with golden chains. The chains looked similar to the ones Madoka has seen so far but she was not going to break them this time. Audrey gave them a sharp look and scoffed, making them instantly tense up. The black haired Lady was no longer clean and orderly. Her face wore the terror born through what must have been a sleepless night for her.

Juujee looked at Madoka's massive sword on her back while Rin looked back at the princess with an equally sharp look of defiance. The maid recognized that fire in her eyes instantly and did not blame her for feeling that way. Madoka also decided to not question them and followed Audrey into the Guild Hall. Worrying about their fate was useless, she figured. Whether they were good as dead or simply kicked out the Guild was not her problem.

The wooden doors swung aside and the atmosphere instantly changed to silence the moment Madoka's boots set foot upon wooden floorboard. Everyone this time seemed to know of the two terrors that had entered, so they shuffled out of the way so they could move through. Madoka felt uneasy with this attention on them but Audrey simply paid them no mind and took the warning decree out as they carried by adventurers more seasoned than them.

The commission counters were empty. Madoka was perplexed by the lack of workers. Did the Guild Ladies all get kicked out? Have they arrived too early? Suddenly she heard a bump underneath the table and the view of the familiar green Guild cap emerged from behind it. Madoka's eyes followed the cap expecting a young woman but a hearty laugh shook her out of her preconceived notion.

"Gwahaha!" The person under the cap laughed. His Commoner had an odd accent to it but at least he seemed friendlier than the Guild Lady. "Bet I scared you, miss."

A mountain of a elderly man stood above them with a beard and a grin written all over his face. He sported a Guild Official suit similar to Luxgor's that barely fit him. The maid could see the threads tearing at their seams around his massive biceps. He had an eyepatch over his left eye but his right made up for both of them filled with joy. Madoka shrugged.

It was a nice change of pace from the tension that increased slowly the moment they had entered the Hall. She preferred this laughing, one-eyed tower instead of the judgmental gaze of Ladies who do not work. Audrey remained quiet. It looked she had a speech ready but now it was like the rug was pulled out from under her.

"We were told to report here today by Guild Master Luxgor," Madoka said flatly. She noticed one of his legs was replaced by a long peg. The Guild Gentleman stroked his beard in thought and then his eye lit up.

"Oh, you two must be the new trainees!" He said excitedly. "Luxgor will be down here in a few moments. I've heard a lot about you two. Well, everyone has but you know!"

He laughed but examined the scroll in Audrey's hand.

"Something tells me you'll thrive here," He kept his voice low. Something about him reminded Madoka of Lord Zeron. "The others, they're too green to know. You both got the look of war imbued in your faces. In your walk. Like somebody who's lost a thing or two, eh?"

He looked down at his peg leg.

"You can say that, Mister, ah," Audrey fumbled with her words. To Madoka, she knew that the girl was looking for information. "That must be difficult for you, Mister.""

"Oh, don't mind me peg leg, I've gotten her fixed up by the Artisan Guild! It's Koj," the Guild Gentleman said with a broad smile on his face. "Ain't I a pretty face at this here Committee Register? I'm here tying some loose ends of last night's... Blunders. Don't miss me too much while I'm gone!"

"Artisan Guild?" Madoka asked.

"Blunders?" Audrey asked. "What's with this sign?"

"Ahh, those," Koj said, proud of his work. "Don't the drawings look good? I may got only one eye but I think they suit you perfectly!"

Audrey squinted at the scroll's "drawing" and back at the laughing mountain as if he had gone insane.

"I-It's rather embarrassing, sir," Madoka spoke before Audrey could shriek out anything.

"Well, between you and me?" Koj's eye looked at the maid's massive sword. "That Esmeralda blade is terrifying to the others. And you're a noble's warrior. That ain't common."

"Oh," Madoka realized that the captain's sword must symbolize something much more meaningful to commoners here. "It's not their business."

"Oh god," Audrey said, her eyes widening at the meaning behind the blade. "Feel like we've been walkin' around with our flies down."

"What?" Koj asked but then he mused. "You Esmerald nobles are funny."

"Eheh, we are not accustomed to things here," Audrey's improvisational skills impressed Madoka but also her ability to lie so easily terrified her. Madoka took the sword off her back and handed it to her. The onlookers and Guild Gentleman seemed shocked when Audrey held the blade up effortlessly. "We'll put this away later, Madoka."

Madoka nodded and took the sword back. That display of strength never ceased to amuse her. Koj was amazed at both of their power but held onto a jovial smile.

"Ah, you two have met Koj," a voice came from the staircase.

"Sir," Madoka blurted out a greeting. Luxgor chuckled at the maid's attention.

"I am glad to see you two," Luxgor returned a greeting to them. He seemed less nervous around them. Madoka hoped that was a good signal. "Now, follow me upstairs. We have business to discuss before you embark on your career."

"Déjà vu," Audrey muttered as they carried up the stairs. Koj was following them as well. "A follow up interview to a follow up interview? A follow-follow up interview? No, that can't—"

She stopped after Madoka slapped her butt. She finally got back at the girl for hitting hers the the day before. Take things seriously for once! Madoka mouthed to her. Audrey's face was red and quiet as they strode by a party of adventurers at a meeting table. They silently saluted the Guild Master, who nodded in approval. Madoka saw a hulking man in a full suit of armor sitting at the table's head. They would have locked eyes if she could see the man behind his large helmet.

"I apologize to you both for laying eyes on the sorry state of those cowards," Luxgor sighed, looking out the window. "It's not Guild protocol for a mock battle to take place."

"Really," Madoka mused.

"That ring of hacks have been stirring up trouble across the Hall," Koj said. "Fighting young people like yourselves and thinking they're better... But you crushed them! Ha!"

"The witnesses and some guards told me enough," Luxgor said. "They sent you to the Guild because they would handle your identification rights."

"Guard 1 and Guard 2," Madoka muttered. She recalled those men at the gates. Audrey looked amused at the maid's simple designation but remained quiet as she took the information in. Madoka could not do that so easily, her mind connecting new facets of details chipped easily. "Glad they were looking out for us but someone said the wrong thing!"

She glanced at Audrey after the mention of "someone." The girl shifted awkwardly. Luxgor and Koj held confused expressions at the. She flicked her blonde hair back and raised her hands defensively.

"Whoa, what are you all lookin' at me for?" Audrey whined. "I said I wanted to join because I want to. And YOU didn't stop me so I win! Hmph!"

"I am your servant, Audrey," Madoka shot back. "I can't tell you no."

"So? I win!" Audrey crossed her arms. The two glared at each other when Koj burst out in another round of hearty laughter while Luxgor stared in disbelief.

"I see it now! There's a lot of trust that has bonded you two together! For a Noble and her warrior, that is," Koj placed a boot on an empty chair and leaned on it. The chair's sturdiness surprised Madoka. "Don't you agree, Lux?"

Luxgor cleared his throat.

"Anyways, I've gathered those fools outside the Hall are the compensation for our Hall's staff daring to defy a Noble. They shall serve as a reminder to the rest of the members of our Guild's standards should you take that route."

"What would we want those guys for...?" Audrey realized the implications of what a Noble could do with such a payment. Madoka was impressed that Luxgor worked so efficiently overnight. She remembered her night rotations as a servant were the most treacherous.

"I've investigated it all last night," Luxgor said, holding up documents in his red claws. "All the crimes they committed even from the foolish Skulk fellow last night recorded here. The reason you do not see him is well, healers are having a difficult time fixing his wounded arm."

A pang of guilt shot itself through Madoka for a brief moment. She would do it again in a heartbeat in defense of a helpless maid. Even if it could not make up for her fellow servants she lost in the Palace. Madoka had to look away for a moment. So that's what the dream was about, she held back her tears. A hand rested on her own. It was Audrey's. No. It was a much bigger hand.

"I'm fine," Madoka said, swallowing in the sadness that threaten to overflow her emotions.

"You can't go about worrying what you've lost, lass," Koj kneeled before Madoka. "I don't know what you've been through. Can't even begin to compare myself to ya nobles and warriors but I can assure you one thing: As an adventurer, one must carry their torch with them as far as they can into the darkness. It's what our comrades would want."

"Well, assuming you reach that point," Luxgor cleared his throat. "So what do you say, Milady? Their lives are in your hand. Consider it a, ah, temporary recompense for their misdeeds."

"I don't need their lives," Audrey said firmly. "Set them free."

Hope glimmered and relief flooded the dragon's eyes.

"Kind gods," Luxgor praised the gods. "I was willing to do anything to not lose them."

"I know, personnel is hard to come by, blah blah blah, yada yada," Audrey rambled. "I must ask of you one thing, Mister Luxgor."

"A-Anything, and please, just call me Luxgor," he pleaded. Madoka knew that feeling and the amusement from his confusion alleviated her sorrow.

"I must ask of you to keep this a secret," Audrey said. He swore his allegiance completely. "Madoka, your sword please. It's come to my attention that this is making the people afraid. I am not sure what to tell you but we are now nearing adulthood."

Madoka handed her the greatsword but kept her two other swords hidden. Audrey put the sword in the portal. The sword disappearing into nothingness made both men gawk.

"Bureau m-magic," Koj said in amazement. Bureau magic? Madoka wondered as she noticed a confused look flash upon Audrey's face for a split second. "A-And you're not even the eldest in your family?"

"No, I am not," Audrey went on. "I've been given free reign over what I want to do. That's my secret."

"Very well then, thank you, Milady," Luxgor bowed. Audrey dismissed him. Madoka guessed she was used to people groveling at her feet back in the palace. "For sparing my members."

"Come see me at the forge. You got Knotting in your veins, lass. I think you'll like the heat," Koj grinned. He stepped out of the office before stopping again. "That is, we'll work with you when you finally get some actual metal around your neck besides copper. Hah!"

Madoka grunted in response as the green uniformed mountain moved out of view. Those terms he used must referred to magic of some kind. Hers was apparently called Knotting magic. Her mind would pop if she dwelled on the matter any longer but luckily the Guild Master shuffled to his desk.

"The Guild will back you up," Luxgor's pointed ears stood out to the maid, but she did not say anything. His sleeves covered his scaly arms but his hands had webbed fingers and claws as he proceeded to sit down. "We won't interfere with your work. I promise."

"Thank you, sir," Madoka said. Audrey said nothing. He gave them a nod and a gesture before he returned to his paperwork.

"Now then, Madoka," Audrey grinned. They walked by the table where the adventurer party was but they were gone. Below from the balcony, Guild Ladies began their rotations. "Shall we get started."

"Right," Madoka grunted. Something told her that Audrey was looking forward to these menial tasks for awhile. "Let's get those commissions done."