The guildhall doors admit Aiden beneath a burst of cold air. He carries the stamped Bracken Ford proof, the sealed Eye of the First Gate, and the recovered vellum bundle.
The Guild Receptionist
Back already, Aiden? Set the proof and contract here. I will record the completed escort before we discuss anything else.
The receptionist compares the ford warden's signet with the guild notice, then opens the report ledger. Beside it, she places the sealed reliquary without breaking its bronze shell.
As the recovered vellum is sorted, an unfamiliar young adult woman, lean with an ink-darkened thumbnail, enters from a side archive. Meret Voss has olive skin, cropped black hair, a narrow face, and a charcoal archivist's coat clasped with brass.
Meret Voss
I am Meret Voss. Do not flatten that strip. The route marks conceal a fold, and someone meant it to be found only when opened correctly.
Meret lifts one corner without touching the bloodstained section. The hidden fold opens into a map: a route from Bracken Ford toward a buried shrine, ending where a fresh stain spreads across a vanished settlement.
The Guild Receptionist
Our ledgers say that destination was destroyed generations ago. Aiden, keep the reliquary sealed and tell me where you recovered this map.
Meret Voss
That blood is fresh. Someone has reached the shrine before us.
The guild's formal report remains open beneath the map, awaiting Aiden's account. Around the counter, ordinary conversation thins as the bloodstain darkens across the old destination.
✓ Quest Accepted
Collect the Courier payment and sell the loot
“I ask the receptionist to record my escort and pay the courier reward.”
SUCCESS (Superb Reasoning, rolled +0)
Aiden Cross
Please record the completed escort and pay the courier reward.
Aiden places the Bracken Ford Notice and stamped proof before the receptionist. Guildwise Bearing makes the guild's completion clauses immediately clear, while the notice confirms the destination, handover, and valid signature.
The Guild Receptionist
The escort is properly completed. The notice, Bracken Ford's receipt, and the warden's signet satisfy every return requirement.
The guild receptionist copies the proof into the report ledger, marks the contract fulfilled, and presses the guild seal beside Aiden's entry. The record accepts the escort without dispute.
The Guild Receptionist
Your courier reward is due in full. Here is the listed payment, recorded against your first completed contract.
She counts the contracted coins onto the counter and slides them across with the stamped notice. The reward is now Aiden's, and his guild record shows a successful first assignment.
The Guild Receptionist
You have earned your first standing mark, Aiden. Keep the proof with your records, and the guild will recognize this work when you choose your next contract.
“Off to sell the loot”
SUCCESS (Superb Reasoning, rolled +2)
Aiden retrieves the separate loot bundle from his travel pack and carries it to the guild's trade counter. The silver coins already in his purse cover the appraisal fee without touching his new reward.
A young adult man with a broad build, tawny skin, and a shaved head steps from the side office. His russet vest bristles with brass tags, and a missing tooth shows when he smiles.
The Guild Broker
Orren Pell. Lay it out. I pay fairly for useful steel, honest curiosities, and anything that will not bring the guard to my door.
Aiden displays the bone-handled knife, shrine ring, silver clasp, and amber chips. The broker tests the knife's balance, examines the ring's worn mark, weighs the clasp, and rejects the amber as ordinary but saleable.
The route vellum earns closer attention. Orren studies its fold, then appraises the short sword, runs the whetstone along its edge, checks the throwing knives, and knots the fine cord for strength.
The Guild Broker
The map is valuable to collectors, the weapons are serviceable, and the cord, whetstone, flask of spirits, and clasp make a tidy travel lot. I will take everything except the shrine ring.
The guild receptionist records the sale while Orren counts out a profitable stack of silver coins. Aiden keeps the shrine ring, and the remaining loot is exchanged cleanly for payment, leaving his purse heavier and the bundle empty.
Quest Complete
Collect the Courier payment and sell the loot
Attribute Upgrade: Reasoning Superb→Legendary