Texas Hold'em

With a gnawing sense of desperation, Lucas fixated his gaze upon the far end of the tavern, where a card game unfolded before him.

Navigating the dimly lit nooks of The Misty Chalice, Lucas traversed through its obscure corners. Drawing nearer to the ongoing card game, the rhythmic clattering of plastic chips filled the air, growing louder with each step.

Burdened by the weight of unpaid rent and mounting bills, Lucas's mind was heavy with worry. However, amidst the turmoil, he spotted a glimmer of hope in the form of this potential solution. With resolute determination, he approached the table, his unwavering gaze fixed upon the game unfolding before him.

Taking their seats at the table were three individuals adorned in glistening armour, each bearing an emblem of two wings gracefully overlapping one another.

One of them, a very handsome and well-built younger man with a broad smile, observed Lucas as he approached and directed his gaze towards him. "I'm sorry friend but you don't look like you have what it takes to play with us," he stated, prompting giggles from the other two. "You see, each chip here is valued at a staggering 1,000,000 septims, and this table is exclusively reserved for members of the esteemed Silver Wings."

Just as Lucas began to withdraw, his movement caught the attention of the trio, and their eyes locked onto the distinctive fly tattoo etched on his forearm. In that fleeting moment, they shared knowing glances, silently acknowledging something between them. Breaking the silence, the female member of the group spoke up, her voice laced with a hint of generosity. "We're feeling rather magnanimous today. Why not join us?" she suggested. "I'll even lend you a chip to get started."

Lucas found himself momentarily taken aback by the unexpected shift in their demeanour, his mind grappling to comprehend their sudden change of heart. However, his dire need for money overshadowed his confusion, and he recognized this as a potential opportunity to reverse his fortunes. With a determined nod, he accepted the offered chip, expressing gratitude to the woman with spiky hair. Pulling up a chair, Lucas's heart raced with anticipation as he readied himself to participate in this high-stakes game.

As the cards were distributed, Lucas's concentration sharpened, his attention fixated on the unfolding game. With practised precision, the older man skillfully shuffled the deck before dealing two cards face down to each of the four individuals seated around the table.

The adventurers regarded Lucas with a blend of curiosity and strategic contemplation, yet his sole focus remained fixed on the game at hand. Amidst the tense atmosphere, the eldest member of the group spoke up, emanating an aura of authority that suggested his superiority. "I've been in this business for quite some time, but I must admit, I've never encountered anyone with a fly tattoo," he remarked. "What sort of ability does it signify?"

Lucas nonchalantly shrugged, his uncertainty evident. "I just got the tattoo today, and honestly, I don't have much information about its significance," he confessed, pushing his sole chip into the centre of the table. "All in."

A collective gasp of astonishment escaped their lips, swiftly followed by a composed recovery. "So you're a rookie?!" the woman inquired, her voice tinged with intrigue. "I haven't come across any newly awakened adventurers lately. Does that imply you haven't pledged allegiance to any guild yet?"

Unbeknownst to them, Lucas skillfully multiplied his winnings, his actions going almost unnoticed. "Currently, I'm employed in the treasure collection division of the Crimson Blades," he revealed, calmly gathering his newfound earnings.

The older man proceeded to place three additional cards face up at the centre of the table. "Fascinating, it's been years since we've seen a newly awakened adventurer," he remarked, a smile gracing his face. "And here we have one appearing right before our eyes."

As Lucas basked in the attention, one of the adventurers visibly clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing with a hint of resentment. Regret washed over him as he realized his earlier attempts to intimidate Lucas pale in comparison to the significance of this moment. "I assume you've already committed to a contract with the Crimson," he muttered, a tinge of resignation in his voice. "There's no point in trying to recruit you."

Lucas, attempting to maintain an innocent facade, responded with a feigned innocence. "Actually, I haven't made any firm decisions yet," he confessed. "Aside from my employment arrangement with the treasure collection unit at the Crimson, I haven't signed any binding agreements."

The younger man's annoyance was evident, while the older man made a feeble attempt at concealing his enthusiasm. The woman with spiky hair appeared ready to launch herself from her seat. Unbeknownst to them, Lucas skillfully manipulated their interactions, pitting them against each other, and effortlessly claimed all of their money.

With each passing hand, Lucas's confidence grew, fueled by a mixture of skill, luck, and the determination to secure the funds he desperately needed.

As the night progressed, Lucas engaged in persuasive conversations, charming his way to a remarkable achievement of accumulating four million septims.

"I think it's time for me to call it a night," the older man remarked, signalling his departure.

"Count me out as well," the spiky-haired woman chimed in, her hands enveloping Lucas's in a show of camaraderie. "You should seriously consider joining the Silver Wings. We'll provide you with excellent support and care."

The younger man let out a derisive snort. "All he did was clean us out," he retorted, slamming his fist down on the table in frustration.

Recognizing the lingering tension and not wanting to worsen the situation, Lucas sought to diffuse any potential animosity. "Forgive me, but I don't believe I caught your names," he said calmly, seeking to establish a more cordial tone. "I'm Lucas."

A knowing smile graced the older man's face. "Allow me to introduce myself first. I am Braun, a Lieutenant of the Silver Knights Guild," he said, extending a hand in greeting. "The rather irritable individual is Arrox, our formidable tank, and the enthusiastic yet endearing one is Anivia, our skilled mage."

Lucas shook Braun's hand, acknowledging each of them in turn. "Pleasure to meet all of you," he replied sincerely. "Thank you for the warm welcome, Braun, Arrox, and Anivia. I'll definitely keep your offer in mind. Until then, take care and stay safe."

With a nod and a parting smile, Lucas left the table, his thoughts swirling with the unexpected encounters and the enticing prospect of joining the Silver Knights Guild. As he made his way through the bustling tavern, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the future and the possibilities that lay ahead.

Exchanging his amassed fortune of four million septims for chips, Lucas bid farewell to Jack, the friendly bartender, and made his way home, expecting the night to come to a satisfying close. Little did he know that there was one final surprise waiting to unfold, adding another twist to an already eventful day.