Valor With A Chance of Rain

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588 words

The Throne Hall doors opened at a nearly constant rate as Dies Irae grew and grew. The young woman curled in the throne itself didn't seem to pay any mind to the hustle and bustle. Ambassador Sivvy didn't sit in the ornate chair at the center of the room to make her position known or to command any special authority. She actually wasn't even attending to any business at all. Her body was curled slightly with her legs tucked up, a stack of books sharing the seat as her right arm rested on one of the glittering golden armrests. Her left hand held a book she was directly in the middle of, rapidly flipping pages though she seemed quite relaxed.

It was unusual for the clone to be out of her office she shared with Dies Irae's founder and first Ambassador, Johann von Weiss. The paperwork was endless to run a guild as smoothly as this one did, and it was no secret that she prided herself on just how much of said mindnumbing paperwork she could blow through before even someone like her burned out. However, these days she was working on broadening her daily habits and attempting to mingle with the general populace, trying to learn to take breaks and do things she enjoyed. The growing town nearby had yet to get new merchandise for her to peruse, so shopping was out of the question. Reading was the next option, but her room was far to quiet to read in, though. The pink-haired mage was more used to concentrating in an area where there was much movement and background noise for her to drown out. Formerly it'd been in the lobby of a laboratory, and now she'd adopted the grand throne as her favorite reading chair.

She was in the midst of learning an ancient language when her brain filtered keywords that drew her attention. 'Join your guild' was uttered, and instantly her focus was off her book and her carmine eyes were staring a hole into the snowy-headed stranger. The girl already had good luck, assuming her concept of luck was accurate. Most new recruits beyond the initial ceremony had to be directed by various personnel into the business wing, where her office was. Occasionally one of the guild masters happened to be passing through when a new person arrived, and now was just such a case. Snapping her book shut with a dull echo, 7 laid it on top of her stack of reference books and stood, black heels making a determined beeline for the girl. Today she was in her less official uniform consisting of a black powersuit, though perhaps she looked extra austere in this choice than her more ornate and colorful uniforms. Upon approach, her expression was neither warm nor unwelcoming. It was simply her usual stoic look tinted with curiosity. "Welcome to Dies Irae. I'm designated 7, but you may call me either that or Sivvy if you'd prefer. I'm one of the guild masters here," 7 greeted, extending a hand to offer a polite shake. "I'll be happy to discuss recruitment with you. Are you familiar with our general practices and sensibilities?" The clone was never one to beat around the bush. It seemed they'd be getting straight to it. "We carry honor and strength in high regard and expect discipline and virtue from our members. We must keep the order. Can you do such things?" the girl continued on in stiff professionalism, though it seemed she realized she was coming off a bit harsh or cold. Tilting her head slightly to the left, her expression softened into a small smile, hopefully putting the regal young lady at ease.


[618/500 D Rank 1 complete || 118/500 D Rank 2]

Alicia was greeted by a very beautiful young woman. A lukewarm greeting was presented in front of Alicia, as she stood there observing the woman that spoke to her. Alicia quickly took a mental note and memorized the young woman's name, Sivvy. The power suit that Sivvy wore suited her. Alicia admired Sivvy's unique fashion sense, she simply found the pink haired Guild master. As Sivvy spoke Alicia maintained her composure as she listened carefully to Sivvy's words. She graciously returned the handshake that was offered to her. Sivvy was taller than Alicia, however, it wasn't too apparent since Alicia wore heels that added an extra two inches to her height, effectively allowing Alicia to see Sivvy eye to eye. Alica stood her ground as Sivvy asked her if she had the qualities needed to be part of Dies Irae. There was a moment of silence, Alicia's crystalline blue eyes flickered with determination. The silence was not a silence birthed by doubt, but the silence of a wise girl who searched for the right words to say. Alicia noticed that she was able to at the very least pique Sivvy's attention, and she was not about to let this opportunity go to waste.

"I am grateful Master Sivvy...  I am aware of some of Dies Irae's practices... However, I am not completely confident enough to say that I am aware of everything that is required of me. If there is something in me that you find that I am lacking, I am willing to take the steps forward to do what t is necessary to acquire said skills, or improve on anything that may not meet up to Dies Irae's standards..." Alicia's word was clear and spoken with carefully chosen words. Though her tone was formal, her voice and general aura carried an air of excitement and eagerness

Alicia's eyes broke away from Sivvy's stare, she looked down to her the handle of the blade that was strapped on to her tiny waist. A soft reflection of the light in the room gleamed over the beautiful silver handle. Alica deeply internalized the meaning of honor and strength. Did she possess the virtue or discipline? Alicia reflected upon herself and when she found her answer, her eye's met Sivvy's again. A confident smile curled upon Alicia's lips to return the smile that was given to her by Sivvy. "Master Sivvy... I may lack experience in battle... I may lack strength... but I deeply Value honor... I am confident in my discipline... and my virtue will never waver... if I am honored with the grace of joining your ranks... I swear to you and to this guild, I will grow stronger... I will prove that I am a worthy asset... I will uphold the Dies Irae name in battle, in peace, and in spirit." Alicia's heart pounded in excitement. After all, she was there for a reason. She knew her journey and search for strength would begin in the hallowed halls of the Dies Irae. She wanted to prove that she too can reach such heights, that she too can obtain the honor she desperately yearned for ... All she needed was a chance. A chance to prove her self.

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537 Words

Being called 'Master Sivvy' jarred the woman for a moment. Her brows furrowing before slightly arching upward. That was a first, and one she wasn't prepared for. In the most innocent meaning of the terms, 7 was used to serving under a master, not being the master herself. This role reversal was shocking and confusing, but she didn't comment on it. Frankly, she didn't know how to comment on it. It felt wrong to be called master, but was that not what she was now that she was an Ambassador? This moment had been what concerned her when she initially tried to turn Johann's offer down. As much as she was working hard to be the other half of the leadership duo, she was sorely out of her element to be in such a place of authority when she preferred to be given orders herself. Her weight shifted from one foot to the other in discomfort, but she let the moment quickly pass and focused instead on the rest of her words. Even if she didn't receive orders often anymore, she still had been given the task of carefully considering potential recruits to see if they were up to Dies Irae's standards.

Sivvy listened to the well-spoken girl now with a mild, neutral expression. Sanguine eyes appraised her gently, simply absorbing Alicia's mannerisms and thoughtfulness, as well as the eagerness and emphatic promises to improve and do her best. The clone's head tilted slightly, as it often did when she was in thought. She seemed genuine, but the rose-haired woman wasn't the best judge of character. She took words and projected emotions at their face value. Her perceptiveness only worked when trying to figure out what someone wanted so she could assist them, and it was clear this girl wanted to be a part of this guild very badly. The natural response would be to allow her in. Any hidden agendas beyond that would remain in the dark, should there be any.

"Fortunately for you, we value making ourselves stronger, regardless of the starting point," Sivvy answered with a tiny smile of approval. "We'll help you gain the experiences that bring strength. As long as you are dedicated and able to be judge, jury, and executioner of dark mages for the greater good, I can see you will do well here," with that, Sivvy turned and headed back to the throne, plucking up a vial of inky red. She gave it a slosh as if the action might excite the girl even more. The girl with snow white locks was getting what she wanted, after all. "What color and where would you like your mark, Alicia Jadelynn Sinclaire?" the Ambassador inquired in an official tone, doing her best to perform her duties perfectly.


[WC: 463 || 581/500 D Rank 2 complete]

A guild mark? If I do recall this was a tradition of some sorts in guilds. Alicia pondered for a moment. She never really like the idea of marking one's skin with a tattoo. However, this was different, the idea of a mark, a symbol, of comradery, tugged on Alicia's heartstrings. She could not help but feel as if she was about to be part of something grand. Alicia smiled and then decided that she wanted her Guild mark to be on her lower back. She was about to tell Sivvy but then she realized Johann was still there. It would be indecent for her to throw her coat off and reveal her lower back. Alicia knew it would be improper for a lady to show that much skin... that... and she wasn't too comfortable in a showing off her dainty and skinny physique. Unlike her sister Seri, Alicia was well aware she was lacking the department of the ideal womanly figure.

"uhm...M-master Sivvy... I'd like to have my guild mark on my lower back... but I'm afraid I'm too shy to uh.... you know to show that much skin to Master Johann..." Alicia whispered to Sivvy trying to be as discreet as possible. However, it would be to no avail since the blushing of her rosy cheek would be so apparent due to her naturally snow-white complex. "Perhaps I can get my guild mark when it's just us girls." Alicia did her best to smile but it was clear that she was a bit flustered. She hoped that Sivvy wouldn't mind. She also desperately hoped that Johann would not notice how flustered she was.

Maybe I should have asked to get my guild mark on my arm or hand or something...gosh darn it why must I be so foolish... they must think that I'm childish.... get it together Alicia! This is unbecoming of the Sinclair name... ugh... I'm such a fool Alicia thought to herself as she fought the urge to nervously bite her thumbnail.

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(355 words)

"How about our own private room then?" Sivvy asked in response, her eyes darting to her mentor. His lurking had disrupted the smoothness of this transaction. She nearly spoke out to urge him to avert his manly eyes but thought better of it. That might embarrass the already blushing girl more. Instead of all that, she waved a hand and produced a replica of a dressing room big enough for two, except it was made of various metals instead of woods and plastics. Suddenly there was a shiny new closet right in the middle of the throne hall, containing just the two girls. This girl was getting stamped right now and nothing would stop Sivvy from completing this very important ambassador's task.

Popping the cork on the vial and letting some of the liquid float out and swirl around her hand, she waited for Alicia to reveal the patch of skin and give her a color choice. "Modesty is a virtuous thing, but please don't allow it to derail your tasks. We must be determined in mind and body. Johann could have very been the one you encountered first instead of me, you know. Would you have just altered the location?" Sivvy inquired, though there was no malice in her straight forward words. It was a combination of curiosity and her first act of teaching. She'd hate to see Alicia get in trouble while hunting a dark mage simply because her clothes were blown off. "Hmm, also, please feel free to call me Sivvy. Master is a bit...more formal than I'm used to," the clone added, firmly deciding that the word master being used back on her when normally that was her term for others in the past was too odd for her to handle.

[wc: 295 || Total: 376/500]

"Ah.... y-you're right.... Uhm... I'd like to have my guild mark on my lower back... some place discreet haha" Alicia chuckled softly clearly flustered, feeling like a child. "I... I promise to be distracted by such things." Alicia said softly as a bit of red bloomed upon her ears as she gave a faint blush, feeling as if she had made herself look childish. "I honestly.... would have probably picked something like my shoulder instead..... but... I'm glad I met you too ma- erm.... Lady Sivvy." Alicia couldn't help but marvel at the neat magical summoning Sivvy had just done. After all she did not posses any innate magical abilities.... but her sister on the other hand was very powerful mage, perhaps Alicia would be able to discover her own abilities while spending her time here in the halls of the great Dies Irae.

Once Alicia received her stamp, she adjusted her clothes back to their proper place and turned around to the beautiful guild master. "Thank you... again.... Lady Sivvy... I.... uhm.... if it's not to much to ask.... I'd love to get to know you better.... you and master Johann..... and everyone else here..... I hope we all could become good friends." Alicia bowed down formally, she lifted her head meeting Sivvy's gorgeous gaze. Alicia gave Sivvy a genuine smile. Alicia was incredibly excited to explore the island and meet the rest of her guild mates.

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246 words