Lucia watched curiously as Alexander seemed dramatically taken by her name. It was as if everything she did or say seemed to give him another reason to praise her. She shrugged as he said that her named sounded aristocratic, she had never considered the origins of her name, though she knew she was far from being any sort of aristocrat. He seemed to linger around her stall despite being summoned by the guild bells, and it was then that he made his proposition:

"Say, your works are amazing, truly breathtaking. I've never seen cloth so finely made in all of this city! I'm sure if you were to approach the Merchant's Guild they would commission your apparel and sell them in their stores! You wouldn't have to stand out in the streets anymore, how about it?"

Lucia's eyes widened, could he be telling the truth? While in her heart she still yearned for adventure and travel, it was true she was, the prospects of having a steady and secure income were beyond anything she had imagined, and her clothes sold in stores no less. It was all beyond her wildest dreams. She would no longer have to toil under the heat of the midday sun standing at her stall, neither would she have to argue with those who tried to haggle her prices too low nor deal with petty thieves.

"I could take you in to meet with the Guild Head and arrange everything!"

Taking one breath Lucia decided to make her decision then and there. This mysterious man, who she still knew so little about, was helping her out greatly and she was truly thankful.

"Yes" she replied firmly, though in her soft voice "I would love to, I can't thank you enough for giving me such an opportunity" she said sincerely.

Erratus' physical disposition had won Nero and himself into the hall rather quickly as members parted ways for the two to enter. Nero, although nervous, was pleased that he would finally get a look inside the great structure, but more importantly he would be able to do so unopposed due to his new companion and his handicap. Upon getting through the crowd, the duo was met with the incredible sight of foyer which spanned three floors and hundreds of metres in all directions. The ground floor of the foyer was covered in a grande marble which reflected the lights which hung above from the balconies which acted as the walk ways for the second and third floor. Nero couldn't help but inspect every inch of room, his eyes flashing over every column which surrounded the outer rim of the open ceiling which was position widely in the center of foyer. "Astonishing, don't you think?" he mummered as he continued to eye up the art that covered each of the anterooms and corridors with his attention finally being caught by the large arched ceiling which was covered in old symbols, art, and most importantly massive crystal white-gold edged chandeliers.


_______


"Moonshire Covenant?" the robed figure echoed as he began to ascend the stairs ever so slowly. "It's a monster hunter's guild it is-" his hand reached up for his chin as he continued on. "Well, they do more than hunt I suppose, the common man knows them more for their seals which ward of lesser beasts and some of that more superstitious garbage." he let out a subtle chuckle as he recomposed himself. "I'm surprised you don't know more of it, it was founded by gypsies you know? The current Covenant Master isn't a gypsy but a major number of the inner circle is still made up of em'" reaching the top step Talaitha and the group about her came to a stop. "They were extremely secretive about their actions not too long ago,hell they're still quite private in their dealings! But since their induction into Tarenstine's hall they've expanded their operations quickly and have become permanent court holders, much to Hector Reyn's displeasure, who before the Moonshire Covenant ol' Hector was the only leader of a prominent monster slaying group." As he finished his thoughts the group was ushered through the maple wood doors of the hall.

_____

"Great! Great!" Alexander released a tense sigh of relief as he backed away. "Gather up your goods quickly and meet me inside the foyer of the hall, their might be a bit of a wait but I promise you I will get you a meeting with the Guild Head!" Turning away to rush for the hall he immediately rotated on his heels back towards Lucia to give a gentleman-ly bow. "If you'll excuse me I must hurry in to report to my guild, but I'll try my best to meet you in the hall within 15 minutes!" raising his head and turning away once again he rushed through the doors of the hall which by now were becoming easier to pass through.

"There's certainly no shortage of things to look at." The wanderer replied. The building was both spacious and crowded at the same time. The gratuitous amount of unused space above their heads just seemed pointless, serving no other purpose but cosmetic appeal. Erratus wondered detachedly if there might be anything of value he could confiscate.
Whatever exchanges took place in this building were clearly political in nature. Otherwise, it wouldn't take so long. Erratus, knowing very little about the subject, concluded preemptively that whatever the guilds were discussing would be beyond him.
The fidgety nomad was beginning to become anxious. The prospect of staying in one place for eight consecutive hours was a frightening one, unless he was sleeping. He began feverishly tapping the cane with his fingers. The unnerved traveler restlessly nudged Nero with his elbow.
"What sort of business do you have coming in here?" He inquired. "It seems like a lot of trouble to go to."

Lucia smiled slightly as Alexander told her to pack up her things and that they would meet later. She raised her hand slightly as he waved goodbye and she watched as he ran into the guild hall. She still wasn't sure what to make of him. He was fairly charismatic, and very expensively dressed. Perhaps it had to do with the guild he was in? She paused momentarily to briefly consider what guild Alexander belonged to. She resigned her thoughts as she began to put away her various cloths into a leather handbag that she slung over her shoulder where the bag rested on her hip. Taking a deep breath to muster her confidence she headed for the guild hall.

"I'm surprised myself that I never knew about it. Even though my community chose me as the protégé to the enchantment knowledge, it seems like they kept me in the dark about certain things," she replied, shaking her head.
"Though, I'm interested in seeing the Moonshire Covenant myself, if not just to see what they kept hidden from me. Anyway, I'm surprised you're treating me so courteously, seeing that I'm a gypsy and we're not the most welcome group in this country at least."

Nero remained silent for a moment as his eyes finally fixed upon an archway at the opposite end of the hall, taking a small step forward he began with a simple-"Well, my business here is a little, odd... You see I've heard tell of a museum of sorts in this building that hosts numerous artifacts collected by a multitude of guilds old and new. Art, weapons, texts, even bones of creatures long since dead." Taking another step toward the archway Nero felt compelled to continue on, and so, one step at a time he began to cross the hall. But to his surprise an individual wearing a gray great coat, a large brimmed felt hat decorated with blue feathers and a pair of odd ankle high boots exited from the archway. Immediately Nero stepped aside to avoid contact with the figure who quickly passed by him without even a seconds notice. Breathing of sigh of relief he looked back towards Erratus. "So, I believe the museum is this way. Want to look?"

______


Shaking his hand the robed figure gave another chuckle as he entered the hall, the crowd behind him still coming at a somewhat steady pace. "We're all brothers and sisters, I don't believe your kind are hated here, it's just all the recent events getting to everyone. Don't take anything anyone does personally unless they intend it to be personal, aye?" his words seemed nonsensical but for some reason there seemed to be a hint of wisdom behind them. "You'll have to excuse me though dear, my Order needs me as soon as possible, but if you'd like-" reaching his hand out he pointed to a golden archway on the far side of the hall. "There's a museum area over yonder that shows off a lot of works all the groups here have found and put together. The Moonshire Covenant isn't in session right now it'll be another hour before they reopen their court but many of their followers are in that wing during their free time."

_______

Lucia, who had little trouble entering the hall as most of the parties waiting about had already entered the building and gone to their respective halls, was greeted with the same sight that Nero and Erratus had come to see just a few minutes before. It wasn't long before a middle aged gentlemen entered the foyer from an archway just opposite of the Guild entrance. Making quick time he approached Lucia and out stretched his hand to shake hers. "Edward Wess, Master of the Merhcant's Guild and second treasurer of the current Tarenstine cabinet, pleased to meet you." he made his introduction quick before continuing on. "I've heard from an individual that you make masterful clothing fabric that few in this city may have ever seen, I'd appreciate if you'd be willing to show me your works in my chambers just this way," out stretching his hand he pointed towards the area he had just entered from. "So, shall we go?" he added as he turned and began walking.

Erratus shuffled uneasily on his feet as his companion began to explain. Apparently there was some sort of display for an collection of dusty relics. Nero was interrupted briefly as an elaborately decorated man walked past him. Curiously enough, he went out of his way not to come into contact with the man. The nomad certainly would not have done the same, and quite frankly the gesture seemed silly to him. It wasn't as if the man was any kind of threat.
Before the traveler could inquire as to what might provoke such odd behavior, Nero continued, suggesting that they visit the museum.
"Yes. Yes, let's do that." Erratus mumbled quickly. He had no idea what a museum was, but from the context, it sounded like he would be free to actively move around in it. That fact alone made the notion preferable to sitting in a crowded hall for hours on end. From the way Nero described it, it sounded likely that there might be something worth swiping there as well. If he was lucky, they may even have complimentary items. Those were always easy to steal. Without waiting for a confirmation, Erratus began walking in the direction his new acquaintance was pointing.
"So tell me, why did you bother with getting out of that man's way? You seemed almost intimidated."

"Many thanks, friend," Talaitha uttered as she bowed to the man in respect. Turning in the direction he pointed, she set off toward the museum wing. On the way she admired the flying buttresses of the building and its ornate stonework. Life in these cities outside the gypsy community was definitely something else and even after spending four years in a small city she still felt sheltered and naive in the majestic architecture. She noticed the museum if not only thanks to the familiar sight of tan skinned of her people within, but also noticed two other men on their way to wing as well. They could have been members, but Talaitha decided that it would be better off meeting with one of her own concerning this matter.

Lucia eyes widened and she nearly gasped at the splendour that was the main foyer of the guild hall. Sure, the outside was normally kept in good condition, and served as a proud symbol for the town, but it truly paled in comparison to what lay within. The marble floors gleamed as if they were newly polished, and she was sure they probably were. She unknowingly clutched her bag to her chest while she walked into the foyer looking around at the ornate architecture of the building.

She was startled by the approaching of another man she had failed to notice in her state of awe. He introduced himself as Edward Wess, Master of the Merhcant's Guild and second treasurer of the current Tarenstine cabinet. A very important man it seemed. She shyly shook his hand cordially while he stated that she'd like to see his works.

"It'd be a pleasure," she said while following the man "I'm Lucia Seolferwefen by the way"

Master Wess made little time as he once again passed the gentlemen standing in the midst of the hall and entering the archway he hastily guided Lucia down a number of curling stairs until he exited into a large room filled with show cases which held within them numerous items such as weapons, pieces of art that seemed to be painted and drawn long ago and skeletal structures of odd beasts. The hall was fairly void of life though, save six guards, most likely official Aestarian military guard and a small group of three or four gypsies who were gathered about a table stacked with books. "Well then Miss Lucia, the pleasure of this meeting belongs to me." Wess' boots clacked heavily against the floor as he continued to move about the room. "I'd like to ask you to wait here for a moment though, I'll need to prepare my office for you so feel free to browse the exhibits or to simply take a seat." motioning to a bench next to a door, Wess eventually turned away from Lucia and in a great hurry rushed into said door to 'prepare'


________

"Intimidated... That's not quite the word I would use. Prone to avoid confrontation is perhaps a better term." Being passed once again by the gentlemen from earlier, only this time with a young girl following him Nero waited a moment until the two had vanished into the archway before following. Entering the archway and making his way down the stairs he continued his earlier train of thought. "I'm not one to start things is all, and he seemed like he was in a hurry." continuing down the curling stairway he eventually exited into a long hall filled with cases and exhibits with numerous tables on both ends. Taken back by the sheer size of the collection Nero hardly took notice of any of the guards in the room, but eventually did take notice of a the man from earlier departing from the girl's company. "So-" pausing for a moment he took a brief wink or two to inspect the girl before taking a step into the museum. "What made you come with me thus far?"

________


Talaitha exited the stairway just after Nero and Erratus had done so and passing them swiftly she made clear sight of her people gathered in a corner, tucked away from the rest of the current observers. One member of the scholarly gypsies spotted Talaitha as well and quickly notified his comrades to her entrance, another member of the group turned and for a moment made eye contact with Talaitha before returning to her piles of books.

They walked down a flight of stairs and entered a room filled with various displays. Master Wess then notified her that he needed a few moments to prepare his office before she entered. Lucia nodded silently as he walked away, sitting down on the bench with her fingers crossed. However, once the man had disappeared, her curiosity took hold of her and she got up to further examine the displays.

Lucia walked as quietly as she could, not wanting to disturb the gypsies who seemed deeply engrossed with the books they were studying. She wondered about the relics, what their stories were, where they had come from. She assumed they were probably fairly ancient and perhaps priceless artifacts. The beasts looked frighteningly fierce, even though all that remained were their bones. She had heard that some of the creatures of old still lurked in certain places.

Erratus followed silently as Nero led him through the bustling halls of the building. The inclinations he described were entirely foreign to the traveler. The notion of making decisions based on the consideration of others was not one he could claim to understand. Such whimsies would easily have gotten the nomad killed a thousand times over had he chosen to live by them. His companion, on the other hand, treated the idea as if it were no inconvenience to him. Admirable, but equally perplexing. Before long, the pair had made their way to the exhibits. On display were countless items, nearly all of which seemed pretty much worthless.
"So-". After a brief pause, Nero turned to the traveler with an inquiry of his own. "What made you come with me thus far?"
"Mostly curiosity." Erratus mumbled between bites of hors d'oeuvres he had swiped from a sample tray on their way to the museum. "Partly because I have nothing better to do." His eyes shifted around as he suddenly became self-conscious.
"Don't tell anyone I took these." He commanded with a stern glare.

Talaitha silently approached the gypsies in the corner, careful not to disturb those who were enthralled in their studies. It had been some time since she had seen some of her own people, seeing how gypsies did not usually stick to one place or community and often live away from one another. She stood by them without uttering a peep, not wishing to break the silence. Though she normally would have initiated a conversation, the deep respect for her own people led her to wait for them to beckon her.

"Your crime most heinous is safe." Nero joked in a very vanilla tone before moving forwards to inspect a case of bones. The museum had been everything Nero hoped it to be, it was a very vacant place for the most part which meant he was capable of avoiding human interaction, but it was also loaded with historical value even texts. Nero could already envision himself digging through piles of books for important information that pertained heavily to his understanding of bestiary and illness. Before long though Nero was awakened from his self-induced 'wanderlust' trance by the sound of shouting- "Gaston! Gaston seal away the door!" Nero faced quickly to a wood and iron door that at once flung open, a small man with brown hair, a mouse-ish face and a white gown splattered in red colouring exited quickly from the door gasping for breath.

"Everyone here! I'd like to ask you to leave at once!" He challenged his voice to sound delightful but he was obviously shaken and was having trouble just standing. Leaning against the door way the man made a gesture with his hands as if he was sweeping the air. "Come now, get get" he added in a joking mood.

Taken back Nero stood silent for a moment before looking back towards Erratus for some kind, any kind of response.

________

The Gypsy group remained silent for some time before acknowledging Talaitha again. This time the whole group released their tomes from their grips and looked up towards the girl. "And what might you want?" a male voice asked from the group as the owner of said voice rose from the table. "Are you here to talk, or perhaps join?" he added as he waited seemingly anxious for a response. His answer would have to wait though for as soon as Talaitha had began her response a door on the far side of the room flung open and in a voice the echoed across the whole room a man began to shout out.
"Everyone here! I'd like to ask you to leave at once! Come now, get get!"

"What is the meaning of this?" one of the Gypsies bellowed back as he began to approach the individual. "Well Gaston?"


________

Lucia, who had been inspecting cases at this point was the first to hear the shouting match that seemingly was happening right under her feet. She, being the closest one to the door that was soon to erupt open was able to hear much, much more than the other groups could even possibly hope to apprehend. "-And get those people out of here!" a deep voice shouted as the sound of shattering glass rung out. A much smaller voice responded "Y-yes!" once again the deeper voice began to yell again, this time in a more infuriated voice. "Gaston! Stop delaying! Keep going! It's ascending!" the ruckus continued on and on for a few moments before audible foot steps could be heard just behind Lucia. "Gaston!" this time the yelling seemed more frantic than enraged. "Gaston, Seal away the door!"

Lucia paused as she heard what she believed to be shouting from somewhere beneath her, most likely from another floor. Whatever was happening seemed to be quite dire and it worried her greatly. She stepped away right as the door was opened and she saw the man whose garments were splattered with what looked like blood.

"Everyone here! I'd like to ask you to leave at once!" he spoke in a manner that betrayed his true feelings of what Lucia perceived to be fear "Come now, get get" he added jokingly in a feeble attempt to get the occupants of the room to leave. It seemed like no one had budged and the gypsies who had been earlier working at a table in a far corner demanded to know what was going on. She herself was feeling frightened, and she did not want to be left in the dark, especially if something was ascending.

"Why must the door be sealed?" Lucia asked, she asked it a tiny bit more panicked than she had originally intended "What is coming? Why must we leave?" Normally she'd be complacent and obey, but Gaston's demeanour only served to rile her up further with a feeling of dread and panic.