Feet dangling off the roof, the flip of pages resounded in Ardere's ears as he read his book. Atop the roof, he found himself in a good book. While his location was a bit off, he could get a great view of the mountain range from his current position. Occasionally staring off into the distance, his pale fingers flipped the next page. Being overwhelmed with missions and guild master matters of the like, he rarely found the time to finish his books. Today was a free day, even though the hall was still being repaired after the battle with the Narukami Clan. Kicking his feet back and forth on the edge of the roof, he spotted his phoenix soaring around the grounds. She had plenty of room to roam throughout the area, and be uninterrupted. But oddly enough, a familiar scent crossed his nose. This scent was that of LeeAnn, someone he had not seen in a while. He wondered how she was doing, and if her illness had gotten any better. It had been some time since the two had last conversed, but not long enough for him to forget the young mage. 

Closing the book shut, he slid down to the window seal. Sliding into the window with a quick movement, he closed it. Turning back to face the door, his guest would enter. Hello LeeAnn, long time no see. Leaning against his desk, the guild master folded his arms. Dressed in his red jacket and pants, the streams of his head band flowing down towards the desk. He looked at her and nodded ever so slightly. Alright, what can I do for you then? The fire mage would never deny a friends in need, but he was curious as to what exactly she was in need of. She wanted help, but with what? These questions would all be answered soon, he was sure.

Placing a pale, leather covered hand atop of her shoulder. He patted it for a moment before leaning back and nodding. Of course. You've always been welcome here. There's no sense in letting you be afraid. But I am sorry to hear that, Fairy Tail is a nice place. Folding his arms, she did seem to be in a state of distress. He did not know much of her brother, and he did not have much to go on. He did trust her, so he would help her out. The people of his guild were plenty capable of protecting their own, and that much would be evident soon enough. Shifting his stance to stand before her, the guild master gave her a reassuring look. Try not to worry about it, but if you truly want to stay safe it would be in your best interest to make some friends while you're here. I'm not the only capable mage in this guild. 

Holding up the guild stamp, it was a symbol of Infinity Hydra. The Ouroboros with hydra heads, a symbol he personally had picked out. Twirling it between his fingers for a moment, Ardere looked towards her. Try to have fun, we have a library and a bath house. You can take your time of course, but I think you'll enjoy it here. Holding out the stamp, he kept his calm demeanor. Now where would you like this? It was a guild custom, one he was not sure of it's origins other than several stories, but one he definitely respected. Things were sure to get interesting. 

Tapping the stamp against her upper arm, he gave her the guild symbol. The magic embedded within the stamp transferred a smooth looking Ouroboros onto her skin, much more effective than normal ink. There ya go, welcome to the guild. Tossing the stamp back onto his desk, Ardere stretched a bit. So, if you need a place to stay I can put you up for free here for a bit. Or permanently if you so choose. Opening the door, he leaned against the seal awaiting her answer. She seemed quite eager to join the guild, and he appreciated the enthusiasm. It was not often that he got transfers from other guilds, but he was friends with Heero. The other guild master was well aware of his abilities and drive to take care of those he cared for, so there should be no hard feelings. In the world of legal mages, it was good to have allies. Being allies with all of the legal guilds and even some independents was his goal. Evil was his enemy, but those who strayed from the path of good would be as well, and having them closer would make it easier to keep an eye on them. As for the girl standing before him, her path was clear. 

Is there anything you need to do? I can show you around or get you something in your stomach, you're probably hungry and we've got a killer chef. His orange glowing eyes filled with reassurance and confidence, it was uncanny how calm he could be at times. The fire mage seemed to surprise himself, but there was a storm of emotions and darkness inside of him. Fortunately, he could keep the storm within quelled. If he were to collapse, the guild would go with him. If LeeAnn were to gain faith in the guild, she had to gain it in him, and thus far it appeared she had. 

Giving a casual salute, Ardere ran his fingers through the long brown locks atop his head. It's no problem. Don't mention it. Allowing her to exit the room, he would keep his pace in tune with hers as they entered the hall. It was littered with paintings and armor, some of which had to be rebuilt after the battle a few weeks before. Otherwise, he was fairly satisfied with the condition of his hall. The young requip mage seemed to enjoy it as well, perhaps he had truly been correct in his design choices. Smiling slightly at her comment, he slid his pale hands into the deep pockets of his pants. Thanks, I appreciate you feeling that way. But I'm alright, I'm just doing my job. I walk my own path, but I don't do it alone fortunately. I have many who can and often do help me. He had taught many mages the ins and outs of their magic or magic in general, but only the young lady beside him appeared to want to stick around afterwards. He had not thought of taking on a true mentee before, as his daughter was more of the solo trainer, like her father used to be. 

Descending the sets of stairs down into the tavern, there were some members lounging around at the tables while others gazed upon the mission board. Find a seat, I'll get us some food. She had free choice of the bar, tables, or several booths attached to the guild hall. It was well enough designed as both a tavern and a hall, serving multiple purposes within Infinity Hydra. Sauntering over to the bartender and chef, Ardere tapped his fingers across the slick wooden surface. Get whatever the special is for my friend and I. Thanks. After ordering their food, he would check to see wherever she chose to sit, and follow suit. 

Sliding down into the seat across from the young crimson haired mage, Ardere propped up his head with his elbow hard against the wooden surface. His orange eyes fixed upon her, the two had formed a friendship fairly quickly. But the two still had dark secrets about their pasts, and they were sure to only get closer as time passed. She did pose an interesting question, or a proposition rather. Listening to her words, he could hear the steaks being cooked in the back, and smell the meat being scorched until it was ready. Fixing his focus back to her, the guild master tapped his fingers across the table. I see. Perhaps that is something I can help you with, but I may have to get some help from someone a bit more knowledgeable in toxins and poisons. The warrior sitting across from him may not be aware, but his love was the foremost expert on venom almost like he was with fire. The two combined could create the ultimate poisonous flame, and perhaps they already have. It was within the genes of his daughter. He may be able to help them both, to control their power. But all in good time, for now we relax. Later, we train.

Within mere moments, plates of steaks and a selection of side dishes would arrive alongside cold beverages for the two to enjoy. It was quite obvious their chef was skilled, and the fire mage had confidence in his skill. Quite the feast, thanks. Taking a deep breath, Ardere slid his pale fingers across the silverware. Looking back to her, he made it his personal mission to ensure she was taken care of. Making sure she was fed and well rested was his priority. He did not do this for just his daughter, even though she was his favorite, all of his members received fatherly treatment from him. It was an inescapable part of his nature, one he had come to embrace.

Chuckling a little bit, Ardere found her question quite intriguing. Cutting through the steak quickly and taking a bite, he thought about it for a moment. How did one truly relax? He tended to read or train when he wanted to relax, but that was just relieving stress. How do you relax eh? Well you have to breathe. Take a deep breath. Calm your nerves and forget the emotions that you're feeling. Finishing the bite of steak, he crossed his arms. It's not an easy thing to do. You have to truly calm yourself down, which requires focus. Sometimes it's easier to do when you're doing something you find soothing or fun. Going back to his steak, the fire mage was quite relaxed ironically. It was a calm day at the guild, at least for now. Perhaps it was a good thing she had chosen this as her home today. Looking towards the little ruby, he couldn't help but smile slightly. Oh that's pretty sweet. Thanks a bunch. I don't have something for you, but perhaps another time. Twirling the ruby between his fingers, it glistened slightly against the light. Sliding it into the bracer on his left arm, it would be safe there. A gift from a friend was something he could not afford to lose. Sitting up a bit, he finished the meal after a few moments. Looking back to her, he tapped his fingers against the table. So, what would you like to do next? It's a big guild, with many things to do. It was very true, the guild was quite large. He could not spend his entire day with her, but if she was to be his new member and friend then it was imperative he got to know her for a bit longer. She had given a nice gift to him, and the least he could do was adhere to her needs. It was likely the young crimson haired girl wanted to train, and that was something he could certainly help with. 

The best entertainment around here is the members. We dont have a theater or anything of the sort, but plenty of people like to train or play games. There's also the library and the bath house. I was considering putting in a pool though. Twirling the silverware between his fingers, Ardere was quite intrigued with the young lady. What had made her this way? It was a strange though. He had been alone for so long, but even he knew how to relax and make friends. Perhaps he had lucked out a bit more than her. Fortunately, the two had met and this problem could be solved. No guild member of his was going to end up lonely and confused. Whatever you like to do in your free time, that usually helps one relax. It had been a long time since he had thought about his first friend, perhaps it was painful or there was just no need. There was no art to making friends. Sure, some people had techniques but that was all just for show. The only real way to make friends is to talk to people. Some find that easier said than done, but it's true. Setting the silverware down, the fire mage crossed his arms. Anyone who peaks your interest, you just need to talk to them. Tell them about yourself and find out about them. If you hit it off, then start spending time together occasionally. Talking to people is the hard part, but after that it's not so bad. There wasn't much else to say about the matter, it was exactly as how the guild master stated it. Standing up from the table, his cloak shifted ever so slightly. The orange orbs looking down at her, his hands shifted to his waist. Follow me, I want to show you something in the guild. Making his way upstairs, hopefully the young girl would follow suit. 

Patting his new friend on the shoulder, he gave her another reassuring smile. Ardere was leading her up to one of the higher floors, all the while still listening to her words. For someone who disliked talking, she had a lot to say. Perhaps she felt comfortable around him, more than he thought. It was a good thing to have friends, he had things to fight for. Allowing her to finish up, they were getting closer to the balcony now. Of course. You're welcome to come to the Christmas Ball as well. Should be a good time to meet people, or at least form an opinion of them. Sliding his pale hands into his pockets once more, the guild master could not help but stare off into the scenery now that they had arrived at the balcony. Letting a heavy sigh escape his lips, he just took in the mountains and the fog that surrounded the guild. It was a gorgeous range of mountains, and he could hear the wildlife flourish within. They tend to call me Kirei, which means Commander. I don't prefer to think of myself as everyone's master, but more of their leader. Taking in a deep breath of the mountain air, his brown hair fluttered in the wind slightly. This is what I wanted to show you. The mountains and the beautiful sky, it's part of why I chose this location. Not many towns are close to here, other than the village behind us of course. Leaning against the railing, the fire mage had his orange eyes fixed upon the world below. This is your new home now, so take it in. It's quite the sight isn't it? They fought to keep the world this beautiful, to stop the forests and towns from being destroyed. As dark as things could be, there was beauty in this world. The life below proved this fact. I'm sure you'll be fine here. You'll find it's easier to make friends than you think. Sometimes he felt like he was a thousand years old. Perhaps he was, in a sense.

Running his pale, leather covered fingers through his thick brown locks, Ardere gazed off into the distance. LeeAnn had come for several reasons, but that did not matter to him. What mattered, was that she came. He would give her a home just like he had the other members, and hopefully God willing he could keep it up until the day he died. The world was indeed cruel, but the beauty within he would continue to fight for. Infinity Hydra had a very specific M.O, and the young red haired mage seemed to fit in just fine. Then again, that was not something he had ever been concerned with. I think you came to the right place friend. You'll fit in just fine here. But if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call for me. Unlike many other guild masters, the Fire King was very involved in the matters of his members and their missions. He was perhaps the only guild master who even dared to go off on his own. This was due to the fact that he could rely on people like Tyriel and Haretsa to watch after the guild during his absences. Fortunately he was not gone too long, for he feared the whole guild would get burned down in that case. It was a comedic thought, but perhaps very true.

Placing his hand on her shoulder, Ardere let out a heavy breath. She had seen a lot during her few years, but so had he. This was one way the two mages were quite similar, and likely would lead to an interesting friendship. Don't worry about it, I've got you. You'll learn how to do the talking soon enough, but the key is patience. I can teach you many things, but you have to be willing to learn, and be patient. Placing his hands back on the railing, he watched as the sun shone bright in the sky across the mountain tops. I believe in you, but you're right you will have to try hard. But who said it would be easy anyways? Everything is always hard, but that's what makes it interesting eh? Turning to her, he had never decided a last name before. His had been his birthright, and that had been passed on to his lovely daughter. Whatever he first thing that comes to your mind is, you should use. Always trust your instincts, they could save you one day.