The Ruby Magician

"I can't believe he approved the request!" John said, nearly yelling in excitement. He jumped up out of his chair, brimming with energy.

Wyn was hugging Arabelle, who was also excited about the guild's approval. The rest of their team, along with Daniel and Wendy, were present to share the news, though no one was quite as excited as John.

"I can't believe he changed his mind so suddenly," Cedric said. "From what you said before, it seemed like it wouldn't happen anytime soon!"

"I know," Wyn said, still hugging Arabelle. "But he said he loved the idea of us mentoring other Climbers and helping out the city, and that the other guild is leaving before the month's out, so he went ahead and approved us!"

"Incredible news!" Daniel said, clapping his hands. Wendy stood beside him holding onto his arm, and she kissed him on the cheek in her own excitement.

Marcy nudged Cedric, who was reserved but obviously happy. He rolled his eyes but playfully nudged her back.

"Just in time for us to officially move into the new house!" Tasha said, standing and celebrating beside John.

"Yes, Wendy, thank you for that," Marcy said. "I still don't know how you found it available in time!"

"Oh, sweetie, you know every woman her secrets," Wendy said, holding Daniel closer. "But I'll make sure it's nice and clean by mid-day tomorrow so you all can move in! The new season is only three days away, after all!"

"That doesn't leave us much time," John said, his face growing serious. "We still have our items and equipment to pack and move! We need to select rooms, rules, a guild charter! Prepare ourselves for the coming season, too!"

"Slow down, there," Wyn said. "I'm not planning for us to climb again this season, so we have plenty of time. Cedric already drafted up a guild charter with rules, too. You know that."

"I've already been helping select some support staff and a Mapper and Packer who wants to be on retainer for us, too," Cal said. "They won't be used right away, but it would be good for us to use them eventually."

"Climbing more in the second and third tiers means we need to use them," Cedric said. "We could get away without a Packer, but we need a Mapper. Those floors are just too large and challenging for us to try and keep up with that on our own."

"We'll get it figured out before long," Wyn said. "Let's just celebrate the fact that we will be having our own guild in just a few days!"

The others cheered again, and Wyn couldn't help but join them. It wasn't just exciting news – it was exactly what they needed.

"I'll get my team prepared to move in tomorrow after lunch," Arabelle said. "Benedict has some supplies for the guild, too, that we'll need to organize. Basic items, potions, and some more mundane items like equipment and food."

"I want him to see the house, too," Wyn said. "He's going to be our exclusive shop, so I want him to feel at home." It went unsaid that they were planning to establish a guild vault just like how the Twilight Blades had, and Benedict had already had some items he offered to place in the vault for the various groups to access. It was a small price to pay for the guild offering a monthly fee to the Silver Step for those supplies Arabelle mentioned, as well as first pick of other items that came through his shop.

Their monthly fee wasn't small, but Wyn didn't want to short change Benedict after he had helped him ever since coming to the city. The man was honest and a great merchant.

"We need to go find Nigel and Faye and let them know, too," Marcy said. "Nigel will be ready to join but Faye should be told that the offer still stands for her and their team."

Wyn nodded in agreement. Even if Gregory and Caryn were still at odds, they were both still great Climbers and leaders, and Wyn valued their experience. Hopefully they'd be open to an invitation. If they weren't interested, then that was entirely different matter.

"We can go let Nigel know," Tasha said, grabbing John's arm. "It'll be a welcome surprise for them tonight and we could use the walk."

"I'll get to Faye, then, if we're sharing the news," Marcy said.

Cedric said he would join her, and soon they were all planning to leave. Everyone else was going to go to the new house to look it over, and Wyn couldn't be more excited. If Tasha and Marcy gave their approval, he knew it had to be good.

Thinking about starting the new season with a house full of guild members – members of his guild – was a sobering thought.

He never expected to lead a guild when he chose to become a Climber. Hells, he never expected much outside of earning coins. But he truly felt as though things were falling into place.

*****

The overflowing ale sloshed in the mug in Wyn's hands, but he didn't care. He was already one drink in and planned to stop after his second – he was happy celebrating with his friends, family, and future guild, and enjoyed how he felt after two drinks though knew he didn't want to drink further.

Marcy, standing beside him, didn't feel the same way. She was laughing and spilling her drink far more than others, but Faye held onto her well enough that Wyn wasn't worried. He was actually surprised the two women were still hanging around and hadn't excused themselves to spend their own personal time together.

Since sharing the news of the guild approval, everyone was in good spirits. That included Nigel's group and Faye and Brett, too, who were looking forward to joining Wyn's guild with great enthusiasm. They had told him eagerly that very morning, and Wyn invited them to celebrate together during the season's festival, where they currently were.

It was a raucous time with a large group of people all celebrating something great. Daniel and Wendy were there with several of her friends from the city and Daniel's students all congratulating the couple. Wyn and his group, along with Arabelle and her group, were rejoicing about their guild approval and their ability to spend more time together in a more official climbing capacity. Marcy was with Faye, John was with Tasha, and everyone was merry.

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Then Wyn spotted Gregory and Caryn.

He was surprised to see the pair arrive together, though he had to admit he hadn't been in contact with them for weeks. Since they went their separate ways he mostly let the others in his team contact the previous Twilight Blade members. Seeing them walk up to their section of the festival threatened to put a damper on the mood.

But Wyn didn't want that to happen. He was determined the evening was going to be a joyous one. So, he stepped away from everyone to meet the pair in the middle before they could wreck the positivity.

"Good evening," Wyn said, setting down his mug on a nearby wooden table.

"Wyn," Gregory said, nodding his head in a greeting.

Caryn didn't say anything but only nodded while glancing to the group behind Wyn.

Wyn inwardly hoped that was a good sign.

"I hope you two are doing well," Wyn said.

Gregory smiled what appeared to be a genuine smile. "We are, thank you."

"It seems like all of you are, too," Caryn said.

Wyn shrugged. "We've been climbing well and secured our guild approval. Can't be upset about that news."

Gregory's smile wavered and Caryn shifted uncomfortably on his feet. Their response wasn't great, but Wyn assumed it was because they were just being nice and they weren't actually doing well, while now seeing his group and friends celebrating was hard for them to see.

He felt a little bad for them. But only a little. They were the ones who couldn't get their act together, after all.

"No, I suppose you can't," Gregory said. He opened his mouth to say something but then stopped.

"Oh, for fuck's sake," Caryn said. He took a deep breath. "We got word today that one of the groups in the Order of the Scaled Dragons made it to the nineteenth floor a few days ago. Took some time mapping it out and was set to finish it, but then fell short at the end. It was the closest anyone's been to the top in months."

Wyn furrowed his eyebrows. "That's tough. To be so close and not make it before the season ended."

"That's not the worst part," Gregory said. "The group... well, they were wiped out. Only half made it back and are still getting treatment in the ward."

Wyn felt shock run through his body. He didn't know what to say or how to respond. He just… stared at them in disbelief.

"One of the ones killed was Edgar, the Arch Summoner that Tasha looked up to," Caryn said. "Aureus plans to make an announcement soon but we figured hearing it from us could soften the blow."

"And hopefully not put a damper on your festivities," Gregory added.

Wyn shook his head. "Gods. I know what it's like to lose people, but that's still awful."

"You're going to be running a guild with tier three Climbers," Caryn said. "You'll be hearing more bad news in the future. Best learn how to deal with it now."

"I've had my share of bad news both experienced first-hand and told after the fact," Wyn said. "I can handle it."

"Yes, you can," Gregory said, his smile returning. "Which is why you'll be a great guild leader."

Caryn cleared his throat and pulled out an item from behind his back. "Before we get too sappy and I've had at least four drinks in me, here's something from us. As an apology for being so shitty recently."

"And for good luck to your future guild," Gregory added.

Wyn took the small wrapped item from Caryn. It was wrapped in paper and bound with twine, and wasn't heavy at all. It was obvious care went into packaging it and Wyn was curious what it was.

"I'll open it with the team when everyone's more sober," Wyn said. "Thank you both."

"We have another gift for Daniel and Wendy," Gregory said, pulling out another package.

"And a request," Caryn said.

Wyn was surprised. "Oh?"

Caryn looked at Gregory, who just nodded. Caryn scratched the back of his head, silently cursing. "Well, we want to… join your guild. As consults only, not Climbers. Not now, at least."

"We hope we can bring some valuable insight to running a guild," Gregory said. "We wouldn't ask to stay at the guild house, either. But maybe if you were looking for advice on a decision or when dealing with other guilds we could provide some words of wisdom."

"If we haven't pissed away our wisdom yet," Caryn muttered.

Wyn ignored him and offered his approval. It really was a kind gesture, and Wyn was thankful. He had some reservations about them joining as full-fledged Climbers under his leadership, as he imagined their feud and squabbles would continue. That would be atrocious for guild cohesion, and their guild would likely be finished before it even started.

But seeing them apologize and try to make amends while offering a sort of consultant or mentorship role in the context of leading a guild was fantastic. No one else in Wyn's group or known contacts in the city had experience running a guild, and their advice and insight would be valuable.

Caryn and Gregory quickly settled in with the others, especially Faye, Brett, and Nigel's team. The pair didn't seem to talk to each other too much, but Wyn was glad they were at least friendly.

Watching everyone was a bright spot on the otherwise sour news that Caryn and Gregory brought. Hearing about the Order of the Scaled Dragons made Wyn momentarily question his decision to be their guild leader.

If the top guild in the city lost at the final floor, what hope did they have to succeed? They weren't as strong as them. They hadn't climbed as long or been in a guild as long. They were just overall inferior.

But seeing everyone happily talk and laugh and celebrate made Wyn hopeful. There was no point in letting negative thoughts bring down his confidence. He knew his worth as a leader, as a Climber, and as a person.

They didn't need to try and complete the tower. Wyn only wanted them to secure what they needed for their future.

Tasha wanted to prove herself and show her father she was a capable woman and person before returning home. John wanted to do something while leaving a mark as a Climber in the city. Cal wanted to help them while increasing his funds to start more restaurants and start a legacy. Cedric and Marcy wanted to amass funds before returning home to start a new chapter in their lives, similar to what Wyn and Arabelle wanted.

All of that was possible – without the need to finish the tower.

Climbing higher was rewarding, and the challenge was enticing, but Wyn was satisfied with their progress. If they could see what the third tier was like and be better, while being safe at the same time, then that would likely be their final tier to climb.

Though he knew he had another responsibility. The Faceless Four was relentlessly trying to upend Wyn and the other's comfort every chance they had, and Wyn had a suspicion it was going to be resolved forcefully rather than peacefully.

If that was the case, then he'd do what was needed to make sure his family and friends came out unscathed.

Wyn took a deep breath to let his thoughts rest. Tonight wasn't all about him. It was a celebration of many things.

Standing on the nearest wooden table, Wyn raised his mug and tried to settle down the group. It took a few tries, but eventually he caught all of their attention. There were a few things he wanted to share with everyone.

"Thank you all for coming this evening," Wyn started. "I just wanted to say something before you all got too drunk to listen to reason."

Laughs rippled through the small crowd while Wyn continued.

"We're here to celebrate each other in various ways. Daniel and Wendy, on your marriage and life together! Joining together to start a new guild so we can push ourselves to climb higher and better! And a new season and month behind us and coming out healthy!"

The group cheered and toasted their mugs, and Wyn felt a strange bit of sadness course through him seeing Gregory, Caryn, Faye and Brett grow serious. The two men must have told them about the Order of the Scaled Dragons, and they seemed understandably upset.

It was upsetting news. But Wyn also wanted to express being thankful for his own team and friends being safe. That was still true. Despite the melancholy reaction of the others it was still prudent to appreciate what they had.

"But on to other matters," Wyn continued, settling down the small crowd. "One ending means another beginning. And we're lucky to have two of those as Climbers. The month is ending and a new one is just around the corner, ready to be explored."

"And overcome!" John shouted, as others around him agreed with hearty applause or clinks of their mugs.

Wyn nodded. "And overcome! The second of one ending is, unfortunately, the Twilight Blades being gone. But while the guild may not be around the spirit of it will live on through us! By forming a new guild named in remembrance of the guild but looking to the future - Dawn's Light!"

The crowd cheered loudly at Wyn's news, and it was the loudest he had heard them. Other people in their vicinity were eyeing them but Wyn didn't care. He was enjoying his group's reverence.

It took a solid minute for everyone to calm down enough for Wyn to continue. "Since officially moving into our new guild home, we will start the new season ready! Likely tomorrow afternoon, though, based on how you all have already been drinking."

Laughs erupted as Wyn raised his mug one final time. "So let's continue our time here this evening by remembering those who have helped guide our path through hard work and sacrifice. May we not dishonor them but make them proud. Look around you and make those here proud, too. But most importantly, make yourselves proud by being better tomorrow than you were today, no matter what happens.

"It's been an honor to call each of you a friend, and I hope we continue to be our best selves here in Alestead. Make one final toast to friends, family, and Dawn's Light!"

"And to Wyn, our leader and friend!" Marcy yelled, raising her mug.

Everyone followed her and clinked their drinks.

Wyn stepped down from the table and joined everyone for the remainder of the evening. While he enjoyed his time, a small reminder in the back of his mind continued to resurface. One of grief and sorrow.

There were Climbers that couldn't celebrate during the season's festival as they paid the ultimate sacrifice. Wyn knew the challenges Alistair presented, and he was thankful his friends and future guild mates were able to survive another season.

Thinking back on the discussion with Gregory and Caryn, he made a final decision that there was no reason to push to the final floor of the tower. He could secure a profound future just by continued success with floor rewards and the business opportunities that were well underway.

Eventually he wouldn't need to be a Climber, and he wasn't sure what that future would hold. For now, though, he would take his own advice and try to be better each day.

His friends and family counted on him as he relied on them in turn. And he refused to let them down as he knew they wouldn't let him down either.

As the evening turned into night, the small part in Wyn's mind slowly turned from sorrow to hope as he readied himself to start on his new future.