The Meeting

"On the planet Ceris lived many different species among which most notable ones are Hueloids, Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes and Dragonborns."

<unknown>: Mam, what about Goblins and Vampires and Lizardmen.

Mam: they are what we call subspecies and are non-dominant. So, Hueloids, Elves, Vampires evolved from a now extinct species 'Humans', similarly Dwarves are the ancestral species of Goblins and Gnomes, and lastly Dragonborns came from Lizardmen.

Student: how did the humans go extinct?

Mam: There are many reasons, war, natural disasters and deceases.

While she is explaining it, in a corner of the room a boy, a dragonborn was sitting quietly. Mindlessly Staring outside the window, thinking to self was Flaron. Listening to everything but not paying attention. He is looking out spotting birds and buildings etc. When suddenly smoke started to come out of a building which was the science laboratory. As the sky started to fill up with black smoke. Flaron hurriedly redirected everyone's attention to the science laboratory when suddenly (Boom) the sound of a massive explosion echoed through the air shaking the school building.

Everyone in class: "What is happening!!?"

As Everyone panicked and ran to safety the science laboratory crumbled. In the stampede Flaron falls waking up in the present. It has been 9 years.

Flaron is studying in the Beginners Adventuring School (BAS) first year. He has grown since the incident his red scales have gotten stronger and his eye are killing, his horns for ears are longer, his fire breath is not potent yet. A bird lands on the window beside him. Flaron sits away from everyone else. The classroom door busts open as the principal walks in already saying tomorrow your classes start! The bird and we fly leaving Flaron. The bird fly's northeast and perches on the clock tower at the centre of the city. Looking down at the bazaar. A suspicious elf wearing a more suspicious cloak. The elf starts walking amongst the people almost unknown to all. We spot the elf steal two loafs of bread with sleight of the hand unfortunately, the shop keeper notices it. As the elf walks away silently so does the shop keeper. And as soon as the elf runs the shop keeper yells "Thief!!" and the city guards after a bit of chase catch the elf. It is revealed that the elf is a young boy 5'11" clean shaven and not it the best condition. At the police station he is thrown in a cell. With a quick scan of his eye, he sees a small hole carved by a rat. Helpless as he sits on the ground a rat with a note in its mouth comes beside him rests the note and goes in the hole and sits patiently. Curious he reads the note.

BEGINNERS ADVENTURING SCHOOL (BAS)

We are looking to recruit/admit more adventurers.

Fill this and accept our offer, we WILL take care of your past.

As the elf boy fills the application the clock tower rings 9am. We see him write

Name: Astra Age: 17 Hight: 5'11"

Class: Rogue Species: Elf

Then he puts the card in front of the rat. The rat grabs the card, and We leave the cell and follow the rat into the tunnel to the basement of a tavern where is a fighting arena. The rat goes to a fighter as we see a young Hueloid boy about 17 years old, with strong jawline, blue eyes watching the fight.

Announcer: WELCOME LADS AND LADIES, TODAY WE ARE ABOUT TO WITNESS ONE OF THE MOST LEGENDARY FIGHT BETWEEN DLAROTHON The Dwarf AND GORGON The Orc.

Gorgon: I will crush you little human.

Dlarothon: (Angerly) I am not a human!

Audience: Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

Announcer: LET, THE FIGHT BEGIN!!

The fight begins and Gorgon charges at Dlarothon. Dlarothon stands calmly and moves out of his way just in time and he hits one of the corner posts bending it. Now filled with rage Gorgon throws a punch Dlarothon grabs his hand and says "I am not a human" before chucking him towards another post breaking both the post and Gorgon's skull. The crowd goes crazy cheering for him.

Dlarothon: I challenge anyone in this arena to fight me!

The crowd goes silent. But a slow voice "I will fight." Dlarothon looks for the voice. The Hueloid kid comes forth. The crowd laughs but, Dlarothon does not and says, "Very well." The kid enters the arena as he is asked "What's your name?" by the announcer.

The kid: I am Klobos son of Chlathos.

The crowd boos at him. The announcer declares the match. The fight begins. This time Dlarothon is the first one to land a punch. And Klobos is painfully failing to dodge the punches. When the daughter of the owner of the tavern who was a half-elf watching this unfold starts playing a song. Which is not supposed to affect the fight, but it does. Klobos starts dancing to the song and starts dodging punches. As Dlarothon is confused at what is happening the last punch is thrown and the fight ends with Dlarothon on the ground unconscious. The announcer stuck in awe breaks out and declares Klobos the winner. The crowd shocked starts cheering. Klobos brings Dlarothon to his feet and apologises for the beating and leaves to see the girl who was singing. As Klobos was running Dlarothon stops him and says, "You hit strong kid would you like to join BAS the Beginners Adventuring School?" Klobos thinking what to do asks if his friend can also join Dlarothon replies "Yeah! Sure, anyone can join." And hands him two small application cards and says, "Just fill them and show up at the address behind the card." Klobos says "ok" and goes to the girl. The girl is a monument of confidence being around her boost's others confidence. She has pointy ears green eyes a cute nose and face anyone can look at her for hours.

Klobos: Thanks, Junia for saving me once again.

Junia: What no, I did not save you I was trying to help the Dwarf.

Klobos: Oh really! Ok then I will not talk to you anymore.

Junia: Yeah, Like you can.

Both burst out laughing

Klobos: Oh, the guy gave me these. (Shows the cards to Junia)

Junia: What are these?

Klobos: Application cards for Beginners Adventuring School. You wanna join with me?

Junia: Yes, we will give it a shot.

Klobos: Ok, then fill it out.

Junia fills both

Name: Klobos Age: 18 Hight: 6'4"

Class: Paladin Species: Hueloid

Name: Junia Age: 17 Hight: 5'9"

Class: Bard Species: Half-Elf

And gives Klobos his one while asking "So, when does it start?" Klobos unable to answer replies "I will be back" and shoots off. Junia giggling goes upstairs back to work as she is the singer of the tavern. And we go back to the clock tower and then towards Southeast we arrive at the house of the engineer Gnome at 11am. The house is not normal. It is more like a marvel of engineering, a laboratory more than a house. Inside we see a girl about 2' tall just waking up as her mother says, "breakfast is ready Jimothy." Jimothy is like a cute toddler just as energetic. She jumps out her bed ready for the day goes to take a shower and from outside we hear her sing. Afterwards, when she is having breakfast, her mother reminds her that from the next day school starts. she gets excited by that. Jimothy asks her mom "Have you filled out my card?" Her mom replies "you were supposed to do it." "Ok" she says excitedly. She writes

Name: Jimothy Age: 16 Hight: 2'5"

Class: Archer Species: Gnome

(Knock on a window) Jimothy opens the window. A message carrying pigeon comes in. Jimothy takes the message which reads "Hi Jimy, you free in the evening? If so, come by the farm. -Ivani." After reading she asks her mom "Can I go to Ivani's farm in the evening?" Her mom nods yes. Jimothy writes a message "Yeah sure." and sends the pigeon back. A few hours pass and the sun is setting when Jimothy leaves her home on her heavily modified bicycle. As Ivani's farm is quite far away it takes an hour and a half to get to her house. Jimothy arrives at two storeyed houses made of a single tree attached to multiple animal pens and a stable. Her house looked as if it was alive, an organism. She goes to the door and rings a bell. A voice from inside "Coming." The door opens and a gorgeous Lizard woman purple skin, hair like scales, eyes deep brown the pupil like a lake. Comes to the door.

Ivani: Oh, hi come in.

Jimothy: (Walking in) So, I assume you have made-up your mind.

Ivani: Yes, I have. Have a sit (pointing at the sofa.)

Jimothy: This has grown since I was last here.

Ivani: What did you expect it is made of moss. Tea?

Jimothy: Sure. So, you are going or not?

Ivani: (Pouring tea) It is too far, and I do not have an application card.

Jimothy: (Expecting that) I both have a place closer for you to stay and (Taking out an application card form her bag) this. So, fill it pack a bag and come.

Ivani: (Giggling) I knew you would say that, but I will have to reject the offer as the BAS bus goes by my house. (Hands her tea and takes the card, writes)

Name: Ivani Age: 16 Hight: 6'5"

Class: Druid Species: Lizardmen

As they are talking a horse sticks its head through the window next to Ivani. As the horse and her seems to have a conversation Jimothy asks Ivani "What is it saying?" Ivani replies "The heater in the stable is broken again. Another 100 silver." Jimothy with a smirk look says "Well, I am here. I can fix it." As both go to the stable a few hours go by and only after fixing the heater Jimothy says "Well, it won't be a problem till a few months." Ivani thanks Jimothy and then Jimothy leaves. The next day arrives. With chirping birds and a yelling rooster Ivani's sleep is broken at 6:30am. It takes her about 2 hours to attain to her farm animals. The animals are wild animals, they spend time there if they are injured. The animals refer to Ivani as the animal doctor. Around 9:30am. The BAS bus shows up at her doorsteps. She gets on and asks the driver "Can you tell me the route we will be taking?" She replies by giving her a map with the route. Ivani thanks her and scrutinizes the map calculating the time as we see the bus will pick up Jimothy, Junia and Klobos, Astra in that order. After 30 mins the bus reaches Jimothy's house as she gets up, she perceives Ivani's presence in the back of the bus and moves toward her. While both are chatting Junia and Klobos giggling and fooling around get up on the bus and sit in the first row. Soon the bus stops again but, this time the driver gets out of the bus with a warrant of sorts and goes into the police station. A few mins later she comes out with Astra. Astra being self-conscious and scared sits on the single sit beside the driver. Ivani senses a traumatized kid in Astra. Jimothy being her old friend she knows that Ivani sensed something off putting. Another 15 mins later they reach the school, students get off the bus Astra is the last one to do so. Klobos is the one who asks the principal about their classroom and leads the students after getting the directions. Astra goes in the principal's office and after what felt like a conversation follows the others. They all get in the class, neat and clean lined with benches. The front left one is taken by Junia Klobos and a few different students and the right most one is occupied by Ivani and Jimothy. The room had 5 rows two columns and the last bench of the left side was pre-occupied by a Dragonborn. Alas Astra walks through two benches are free the top right one with Jimothy and Ivani and the bottom left one with the Dragonborn Flaron. He chooses the latter.

Flaron: (Calmly) Hi, I am Flaron, and you?

Astra: I… am As...tra.

Flaron: are you scared?

Astra: Ye…s.

Flaron: (In a commanding voice) Look into my eyes.

Astra looks in his eyes he puts his claws on his cheeks everyone stairs curiously at them. Astra's soul about to leave his body and chills running down his spine when Flaron says "The world becomes fairer; you are cured of terror." Astra is suddenly floating in air with Flaron when Astra asks, "Am I dead?"

Flaron: No, this is your brain. Time is stopped here your memories are haunting you. Astra you must sort out your memories. Or you will never be free of your trauma.

Flaron leaves and Astra deals with his memories. And gets rid of his PTSD. Ivani is intrigued by what just happened says "Surely, you aren't new here." Flaron does not reply.

Astra: Thank you so very much. I owe you a favour.

Flaron: No, problem.

Flaron was about to say something to Ivani when the rooms door bursts open and a familiar dwarf enters the room saying "I am the wise principal of the Beginners Adventuring School. And my name is." before he could finish Klobos loudly says "Dlarothon who I be." Him nodding and interrupting him "Yes, now sit. So, this is what is going to happen. After this period, you all are going to go to your respective classes. And a week of preparation later you are going to have your first adventure. Understood?" everyone "Yes, sir!" Dlarothon goes on explaining the rules everyone listens except Ivani and Astra. Ivani is thinking about the only Dragonborn she has ever seen perform magic which is interesting for sure as dragonborns are usually paladins' mindless muscles. And Astra is admiring Flaron as he was the one who got rid of his painful memories. He helped Astra to process all those PTSD giving memories. All this was going on in their minds when the bell rang, and the class was dismissed. Everyone starts to leave. Klobos starts to leave when Junia stops him and says "Wait." Ivani and Jimothy stay too. Astra on the other hand waves bye to Flaron and leaves. After the room is empty Junia walks up to Flaron and with a tap on the shoulder says, "What you just did was amazing, hit me up if you want something." Flaron does not know how to react as nothing like this have ever happened to him. Klobos thinking they might be late goes towards the hall taking Junia with him. Flaron still processing his emotions is asked "You are not new here. Are you?" by Ivani.

Flaron: No, I studied here in past grades.

Ivani: That's cool. I have never seen any (Doing a top to bottom hand gesture.) Dragonborns do magic before.

Flaron: (Arrogantly) That sounds like your problem.

And walks to his class. As they part ways to reach their respective classes, they are handed a sheet and asked to write down what they can do. Flaron writes "Exchange souls between realms, cast lightning, firenado, firewall, sleep, dimension hop." His teacher is a new faculty, so she says, "Oh! You already know a lot you won't need much learning." Flaron under his breath says, "Like every other year." Transition over to Astra writing "Basic disguise, 50% stealth, slight persuasion and expert user of dual daggers." His teacher says, "That's a rookie number. A bit more work than I like but, ok." Moving on to Ivani. She writes "Call wild animals, morph to any beasts, talk to any animal, heal multiple people at once, cast poison cloud and burning sun." her teacher looking impressed says, "You have some experience in healing. Nice." On to Jimothy writing "Calculations, meld metal, precise with crossbows." her teacher says, "Don't you have any experience with Bows? That's our first priority." Fading to Klobos writing "Tend to garden, run errands, fight to music." His teacher is Dlarothon who seeing Klobos's sheet says, "Wow, are you a fighter or a maid. We got a lot of work to do." Lastly, Junia writes "Excellent with guitar, can cast shield, rage, clumsiness and bardic inspiration, can conjure musical weapons and fighters." Her teacher is quite impressed and says, "You only need to practice your skill set you already got."

All of them get to learn new skills and Flaron and Junia get to sharpen their skills. A few hours later in the lunch break Flaron sits by himself again. Ivani with Jimothy sits near him just to keep an eye on him. Astra sits beside Flaron empty-handed as he was in police custody. Junia drags Klobos to Flaron's table.

Flaron: (Eating his roasted meat.) Astra, you want some?

Astra: (Hesitant) Sure.

Flaron slides his Tupperware to Astra as Junia and Klobos arrive at the table.

Junia: looks like you guys are sharing lunch. Can we join?

Flaron: Sure. So, where are you going to spend tonight, Astra?

Astra: At... my home...

Flaron: I saw your memories too. The recent ones. So, I know.

Junia: I don't mean to interrupt but, what?

Klobos just eats his lunch.

Flaron: When I 'cured' his PTSD we went to Astra's mind, and he revisited his memories. If Astra wants to share his memories...

Astra: It's fine. So, I am an orphan. I didn't have anywhere to live or anything to eat so I tried to steal some bread. But I failed which led me spending a night at jail and demolishing any chance of me getting a job. And now I don't have anywhere to spend tonight.

Klobos: That sucks, I am an orphan too. But I live with her.

Junia: Yeah. I can ask my parents for a place for you.

Flaron: You won't have to if Astra wants to, he can stay with me. Here at the BAS residency, they have a few rooms free.

Astra: Sure, I don't have any problem with it.

During the conversation Ivani and Jimothy were listening to them.

Flaron: Okay, I will talk to Miggufin the principal.

Ivani: (whispering) I can't hear him, can you?

Flaron: If you want to listen just come here.

Jimothy: (Whispering) Is he talking to us?

Flaron: Yes Jimothy.

Ivani: (Whispering) But how?

Flaron: I am part dragon I can hear whispers from a mile away.

Klobos: I can too. We have something in common.

Flaron hearing that gives him a sceptic look.

Junia: Yeah, from a very young age too.

As the sentence finishes Ivani and Jimothy join the table.

Ivani: So, why you call us here?

Flaron: Because of the group limit.

Ivani: What?

Klobos: Were you not paying attention in class?

Junia: The group limit is how many adventures bound together which is 6.

Flaron: And I need a group. So, are you guys in?

Junia, Astra: I am in.

Klobos: I have nowhere else to join so, I too am in.

Ivani: We are in.

Flaron: Ok. But does she (Pointing at Jimothy) not speak much.

Jimothy: I have calculated that no matter what I say you guys will think that I am a nerd.

Klobos: That made me feel like you are a nerd.

Junia elbows Klobos. Jimothy: See, that's why I don't speak too much.

Flaron: Ok. So, we meet at the school gates at the end.

The bell rings once again as the lunch break is over. Flaron and Astra go to the principal's office others go to their classes. They reach the principal's office and knock on the door. A voice from inside "Come in." They go in and we see the office is just as you expect but the principal is a goblin who is suited, has a gold monocle and a pocket watch.

Miggufin: Ah! I assume you are here for a place for him to live. Is that correct?

Flaron: Yes, sir that is correct.

Miggufin: So, take this form fill it and within tomorrow morning your allowance will reach you. (Give them a from.)

Astra takes the form and fills while,

Miggufin: I'm glad that you came by so today you book got delivered and you allowance increased. (Hand Flaron 100gold, a book named the mysteries of the past.)

Flaron: Thank you so very much sir.

After filling the form Astra gives it back to the principal and then they leave and join their classes. The clock moves rather fast and the last bell rings as the school ends. As said our group meets at the gate.

Jimothy: So, what are you guys up to now?

Junia: Klobos and I will go back to home and work for a bit.

Flaron: Astra and I are going to the market and you?

Jimothy: I will go home and make myself a better bow than this (Shows them a wooden old bow.)

Ivani: I will go home and tend to my animals.

They all say bye and go their own way. Flaron and Astra go to the market and buy some new clothes. They have a chat during the walk to the market.

Astra: So, how long have you been here?

Flaron: From as long as I can remember.

Astra: So, you too are an orphan?

Flaron: Yes, I never knew my parents. As a Dragonborn we become self-aware from 1 week old. So, I can just imagine that my parents left me with in a week of me hatching.

Astra: I am sorry.

Flaron: No, it's fine. At least I didn't suffer a loss. I never knew them to begin with.

They reach the market and start shopping as we jump over to Junia and Klobos. They just reached "The Aquamarine" the tavern owned by Junia's father. They both enter and we see the interior a magnificent tavern an eye-catching chandelier a bar like you have never seen before a staircase to the top and one to the basement. Klobos walking in goes to a small door beside the stairs as Junia goes upstairs. Junia going in her room overhears her parents talking.

Mom: We should let him know about his parents. He is old enough to understand.

Dad: Honey, he is just 17 just wait till he is 18. Now if you allow me.

As her dad walks out, she goes into her room pretending to not hear anything. Her father greets her and says, "You don't need to sing any more at the tavern."

Junia: And what about Klobos?

Her father: He is our only bouncer so, yes.

Junia: Okay then see you at the tavern.

Her father has a sigh of annoyance and says "Fine." As she goes to her room. Though she didn't want to her subconscious recalls the talk she overheard. Leaving her pondering we visit Jimothy going in her house. As she enters, she is greeted by her father. Her father works at a science laboratory. Jimothy's mother was preparing the lunch when she enters. Her father: So, how was the first day?

Jimothy: Good, it was good. Papa, can you help me make a bow?

Her papa: Of course, Hun I will help you. When do you want to make it?

Her mum: Not now after lunch. Hun go get fresh.

As Jimothy says "ok" and goes to her room, we go to the living house of Ivani. As she arrives, she is immediately greeted with a flower shower. With her day brightened she goes in makes dinner for herself. We see a picture of her presumable family consisting of her parents, two older brothers and a younger sister. On her calendar is marked 5 days as "B-day." While she is cooking an eagle land on her head.

Ivani: Ielius get down. I am cooking can't you see?

Ielius: No, I won't you must give me permission to hunt a rat.

Ivani: Ok, go hunt a dead rat.

As this was going on a howl of a wolf pack is heard in the distance. She immediately takes off running to the field. A wolf pack known to her stands against her.

A wolf: Well, well, well we meet again animal doctor.

Ivani: We sure do Heln.

Heln charges at her and leaps in the air in an aggressive way. They fall to the ground and roll around. But she is not yelling or anything instead she is laughing as they both cuddle. Turn out they have known each other ever since Heln was a pup.

Ivani: So, where is your pack?

Heln: I have news. (Howls)

From the grasslands her pack comes out. And there are new cubs.

Ivani: Aww. You had babies.

Heln: aren't they cute?

Ivani: They are. Go meet the other animals. But remember your promise.

Heln and her pack goes and meets the other animals. And two of the wolves bring her a little present a dead rabbit who they claim had a fulfilling life. Ivani cooks the Rabbit but for the pups who love its taste.

Through all this the dinner time comes. Ivani after a joyful and tiring day eats what she had prepared while listening to the sheep mother's bedtime stories. Jimothy is a grown child after her 'papa' helped her make the bow her mum feeds her by hand. Flaron and Astra eat out by a cliff in an open field in silence and silently. Afterwards at 10:30pm they enter the school premises and go to their rooms. Around then the tavern closes, and we find Junia's parents at a 3 people dining table with an empty sit. Junia is at Klobos's room as they feed each other and have some conversations. Junia kind of wants to tell him about what she heard but doesn't. Klobos feels her absence of mind and says "I feel you want to tell me something? but if it's about my parents don't. I know what happened, but I don't want you or your parents to know." Though Junia feels like Klobos is saying it to comfort her and doesn't know anything she forgets about it for time being. As the Setrose rises in the sky the day begins. They all meet at the school. For the next three days nothing really happens they all attend their classes. But on the fourth day of school Flaron feeling extreme boredom. He just leaves his class and due to him already being ahead his teacher doesn't stop him. As he walks down the hallway, he remembers Junia saying if he needed, he could hit her up. So, he goes to the music class and sees Junia just as bored. He walks in unannounced and talks to Junia.

Music teacher: Ah! Flaron what are you doing here? You should be at the Magic class.

Flaron: (To Junia) You are bored, wanna go out?

Junia: Su...re.

Flaron: We are going bye.

Music teacher: Ok, not like she needs to attend this class...

They leave the class. As they walk in the hallway,

Flaron: So, you wanna go to the garden, jungle or the cliffside?

Junia: Wherever.

Flaron: Anyone you want to bring with us?

Junia: I would have said Klobos but he needs his classes.

Flaron: So, ready to go to a ruin?

As Junia nods in a confused manner Flaron in the hallway opens a portal. Junia surprised and excited walks in after Flaron. The other side is just indescribably astonishing. The place is on top of a mountain where a ruined temple lies at a place so high cloud pass, under them. The Setrose shines bright as the air fill their lungs Junia feels she is in heaven. Junia stands still with her jaw dropped.

Flaron: Looks like you like this place.

Junia: I... I... Where is this place? I love this.

Flaron: It's a secret place, my hide out if you will.

Junia: Have you bought anyone else here?

Flaron: Unfortunately, this place is only accessible to halflings.

Junia: That's so sad.

Flaron: Can you play me a beat?

Junia starts playing her guitar and Flaron starts to sing. He is not a great singer, but he tries his best.

Flaron: I sing I try my best; I was hatched in the far far west; I am traveller Traveling the world; My Home is my destination; I never sing for anyone; but you are just someone very special; You are the one to tell me; 'I will be there for you'; Hearing that my heart said "Woo Ho."; Sing with me if you're my friend; Or at least just play pretend; Play pretend;

Junia: Play pretend I don't have to as I am your friend; And I will be there for you till the very end; I am a singer I sing a lot; I come up with songs at the spot; Singing with you is very new; As it isn't something I always do; This is lovely, I tell you; Singing here is such an honour; I feel grace around the corner;

Happiness fills their heart, laughs spread through the air. Feeling courageous,

Flaron: Can I open up to you?

Junia: Hey, I said I will be there for you. Of course, you can.

Flaron: I don't know what it is I feel. But it seems that I lacked it. The feeling is weird, my heart beats faster, my mind gets out of focus. Do you know what it is?

Junia: It's love I believe. You never felt it before?

Flaron: No, I first felt it when you told me that I could hit you up if I need anything. And I know I lack it cause of Astra's memories as he felt the same at a young age towards his parents. I never had parents so the lack of it is justified. But why do I feel it now? And why towards you?

Junia: (feeling uncomfortable) I don't know cause; I don't feel the same way towards you. We should go back.

Flaron: You're right we should. One thing, keep it between us.

As Junia nods and says "Of course." the portal opens Flaron walks through with a frown face. On the other side Flaron loses any type of expression of sadness. Junia goes to meet Klobos and Flaron goes to the lunchroom. A few more days pass They get to know each other better. They become good friends.

But Is It Going To Be Enough To Form An Adventuring Group? Find Out In The Next Chapter.