Frendra knocked on the door, and soon it creaked open, revealing a young man around Varyn's age. He had striking white hair, which framed his face like frost on a winter morning, and cold blue eyes that felt as sharp as ice. His gaze landed on Frendra briefly, then slid over to Varyn, focusing with an intensity that made him uncomfortable.
Frendra, undeterred by the chill of his gaze, broke the silence with a cheerful smile. "Adrian! You've grown since I last saw you," she said, attempting to lighten the tension in the air. But Adrian merely gave a curt nod, his expression unchanging.
'Who does this guy think he is?' Varyn thought, feeling his irritation rise. It had only been a few seconds, but he was already annoyed by Adrian's aloofness.
"So, is Master Orrin in?" Frendra asked, glancing past Adrian into the house's interior. Adrian nodded again, gesturing for them to follow him inside without a word.
As they stepped into the house, Varyn took in his surroundings, noting the contrast between the unassuming exterior and the refined interior. Tall, arched windows welcomed beams of sunlight that cascaded over polished wooden floors, casting a warm, golden glow across the rooms. The walls were painted in soft, earthy tones, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Occasional accents in deep greens and blues hinted at nature's presence, despite the house's understated elegance.
The furniture was crafted from dark wood with graceful, subtle curves. Everything from the velvet settee in the sitting room to the sturdy dining table was chosen with care, the simplicity of each piece emphasizing the room's quiet sophistication. Brass sconces and chandeliers offered gentle, golden light in the evenings, each one featuring intricate details that hinted at the hand of a skilled artisan. Varyn's eyes roamed over every detail, taking in the understated beauty of the home.
Each corner of the house seemed carefully arranged, creating an atmosphere of refined comfort. A handwoven rug lay across the sitting room floor, adding a touch of softness, while a simple vase of wildflowers brought life to an otherwise modest table. The house felt lived-in yet dignified, with the charm of a space that held memories while maintaining its elegance.
As they reached the end of a hallway, Adrian stopped in front of a door and gave it a firm knock. Varyn felt his heartbeat quicken, and he wondered if it was just nerves or something more. After a moment, they were ushered into the room.
Inside, Varyn found himself in a spacious but modest chamber, dimly lit by a few lanterns hanging from the stone walls. The room had a rugged charm, with simple furnishings and a small table covered in scattered maps and scrolls. Frendra nudged him forward, giving him a gentle smile before she addressed the man seated at the far end of the room.
"Varyn, meet your new mentor and guide," she said, her voice smooth but firm. "He'll be overseeing your training and…well, let's just say he'll be keeping a close eye on you."
Varyn's eyes fell upon a man lounging casually in a wooden chair, one leg propped up on the table and a half-empty bottle of some amber liquid at his side. The man looked up lazily, his grin lopsided as if he hadn't seen anything particularly exciting in years. He had tousled black hair and sharp eyes that held a playful glint, his cloak well-worn and faded. This man didn't look like the type to own a house as refined as this.
"Well now," the man drawled, his gaze sliding over to Varyn. "Seems they've brought in a new one, eh?"
Beside Orrin stood a girl with a lively smile and warm eyes. She looked at Varyn with a friendly nod, her face a pleasant contrast to Adrian's cold gaze and Orrin's amused expression.
Orrin leaned back, his smirk widening. "I'm your mentor, or so they say," he said with a shrug. "You can call me…let's see, 'Master' might work," he added with a chuckle, clearly enjoying the game. He took another swig from his bottle, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
Frendra cleared her throat, her gaze steady with a hint of disapproval. "Orrin, this is serious," she chided, her tone implying that she had dealt with his antics before.
"Oh, it's plenty serious," Orrin sighed, setting his bottle down as he looked over the three young people standing before him. "Now I've got three fresh faces to guide, three young souls to corrupt—or, you know, 'train.' That's a pretty hefty responsibility for a guy like me, wouldn't you say?" Despite his nonchalant attitude, there was a glint of sharpness in his eyes.
Finally, his gaze settled on Varyn, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he were appraising something hidden beneath the surface. "Let me guess…" He tapped his chin thoughtfully, a teasing glint in his eye. "You're an outsider. Probably have had life really rough, lost a few friends maybe, Am I right?"
Varyn's fists clenched as he tried to keep his face calm, but the man's words cut close to the truth. He had been through hell, fighting for a place in a world that had only thrown hardship at him.
Orrin chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. "Bingo! Don't worry, kid. You're not the first. We're all a little rough around the edges here as well. We've all experienced something similar, and that's what makes this group perfect for you."
Varyn felt his irritation fading, replaced by a reluctant sense of understanding. Orrin's strange, laid-back attitude felt oddly reassuring, like a well-worn cloak that was both comforting and a little absurd.
"Welcome to the team. We may look like a ragtag bunch, but hang around long enough, and you might find you belong here more than you think."
Turning to Frendra, Orrin sighed, "Alright, I get it. You're leaving him with me, and I'll do my best to make sure he doesn't get killed—no promises, though," he added with a wink.
Frendra raised an eyebrow, but there was a hint of amusement in her gaze. "As long as he's trained well, I think."
"Consider it done," Orrin said, raising his bottle in a mock toast. "Adrian, Lynn," he added, gesturing to the two beside him, "show Varyn around. Help him settle in."
They both nodded, and with a brief, silent farewell to Frendra, they exited the room, leaving Orrin and Frendra alone to discuss further matters.