The Taste Of Iron, Of Blood

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!"

Devyn's voice resounded even in the crowded streets. While it appeared that he was just yelling at a circular crystal, it was actually an expensive magic item, which allowed people to communicate at long distances. The face of an older man with dirty gold hair, and piercing steel eyes, was contained inside of the crystal, a look of tired annoyance etched across his wrinkled face.

"Devyn, you're a child. One who has very little use, besides screaming your name and crying for what you want. You should be grateful I allowed you to take part in your silly adventure fantasy."

An adenoidal voice rose from the crystal.

"All I want you to do, is get close to that girl. Can't you just do that much? Your sister would have-"

"Don't you fucking talk about her. You don't deserve to bring her into this."

Devyn snapped curtly, interrupting him. With all he had done to her, did he really think he had the right to say anything about her now? He shook with rage at the thought.

The man shown in the crystal ball sighed.

"You have such a disgusting use of dictation. It is a shame neither of you seem to know how to speak normally. Now, as I was saying, you need to-"

Devyn smashed the crystal ball on the floor, the splintering shards glittering rainbow in the sunlight. He hated that man. But he couldn't escape the strings he had tied to him since birth. So, despite his act of defiance, his father knew just as well as him that he would still tuck his tail and yield.

Passerby whispered as they walked past, giving bewildered looks at him. However, the masked girl simply stood, quietly. For some reason, he had the feeling she was smiling.

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"I suppose I should say sorry for acting like that. It ain't really your fault you got brought into this."

He sighed. They were currently sat at one of the tables inside the guild, a lounge where those in groups would discuss their plans and missions.

If he knew his father, even if she did refuse the payment, he had other ways of getting someone to listen besides money. So he did understand that she had just as little of a choice as he did; it only depended on how easily she had accepted.

He didn't know anything about her, of course, besides her name and the fact she had impressed his father.

"It's quite alright, I thought it was... interesting."

She spoke softly. The way she said this implied that it was really a compliment. What a strange girl, to compliment someone for acting so irrationally.

"As you heard, you may call me Izivel."

For a moment, Devyn was curious as to if her mask was a magic item, since her voice was so clear and attention-grabbing. The mask was quite strange in design; it was completely smooth on one half, with only the left of it having a slit to see through. It had a pattern of deep purple vines, and an etching of a yellow moon where her right eye would be. It was well made, but oddly unsettling.

When he realized he was staring, he eased the awkward air with a cough.

"Ahem. Er. My name is Devyn. I suppose it is nice to meet you."

Putting on his ass-kissing voice to match her elegant speaking, he darted his eyes to avoid her. She had a strange accent, which was different from the sea-mixed ones from Genkai. It was smooth and soft like a flower, but had a slight sharpness that caught a listener's ear. It was safe to assume she was a noble as well, possibly from another kingdom, or even another continent.

"I see. Well, Devyn, if you feel uncomfortable about the fact I was hired by your father, do keep in mind I have no intention of restricting or treating you as a child. I simply wish to work with you as a member of the guild."

She spoke up after a few minutes of silence. Devyn breathed a sigh of relief; that was one of the larger concerns he had about her. Even if she was lying to get close to him, he wanted to cling to the belief that he could pretend to have freedom now.

But it was an issue that he didn't know anything at all about this person. In his personal experience, the best way to learn about the true nature of someone, was beating them into the ground. After all, who could act nice during that? Of course, he didn't enjoy the prospect of beating up a girl, but he doubted she was defenseless. Underestimating someone was never a good idea. Going easy on anyone always ended badly.

"Hmm. Well, before we start working together, I suppose we should scope out each other's abilities."

He stood up, flashing a confident grin.

"There's a nice empty spot just south of town, there are a few dire wolves hanging about, but it should be nothing."

"That is an interesting suggestion. I was curious as to your strength. I don't believe you'll be weak, considering you're part of a well-known name, but I haven't had the chance to learn what sorts of elements the Ciadil family are attuned to."

She stood up as well. For a moment, Devyn caught glimpse of a blade hidden under her cloak. A sword fighter? Would she be a knight, or a mercenary? Or perhaps, an enchanter? It would make the most sense if she was the last; he doubted an ordinary swordswoman could wow his father. If she had the training to back up her magical abilities, he could see why his father insisted on his getting close to her.

"I don't think you're weak either, Iz. In fact, I have my hopes up. If you're what I think you are, I think we can get along swell."