Violet evening settles over the training yard as Brunna returns the last blunted weapon to its rack. Saira remains near the marked circle, while Al watches from the fence.
Brunna Coppervein
Tomorrow, a senior guild evaluator will observe a short demonstration, lad. It is routine, but your silver rank makes your judgment part of the assessment.
Saira Venn
I will remain tonight if you want another measured opinion. The demonstration should show control, not every secret you possess.
Brunna clears the markers into a narrower pattern, leaving the center open for footwork, guarded strikes, and one controlled spell. She keeps the practice shield within reach but does not offer it yet.
Brunna Coppervein
Help me prepare the exercise, lad. We will set the order, check the ground, and rehearse the transitions only once. No pushing through fatigue.
Al
The yard is quiet, small one. Prepare what tomorrow requires, and leave the rest sleeping until your body asks for it.
Brunna gestures toward the weapons, markers, and empty demonstration circle, giving Artania room to decide where to begin. The evaluator’s visit now hangs over the peaceful yard.
✓ Quest Accepted
Complete the senior guild evaluation
“I have a few question first. Why an evaluation? Is it because I am so young? Was it the speed that I rose from new adventurer to silver rank? Or is it because I haven’t really contributed to the guild as a silver rank since earning the title?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Artania Nero Thornson
Why is the evaluation being held? Is it because I am young, because I rose so quickly from new adventurer to silver rank, or because I have not contributed much since earning it?
Brunna rests both hands on the spear rack and answers without softening the truth. Saira remains attentive near the circle, while Al’s ears tilt toward her voice.
Brunna Coppervein
All three are considered, lad, but none is a punishment. Your age invites care, your rapid advancement invites verification, and your limited silver-ranked service leaves the guild with less recent evidence.
Brunna Coppervein
The evaluation confirms that your judgment matches your rank. The Crown’s recognition proved your service under crisis, but silver rank also requires steady choices during ordinary work.
Saira Venn
They are not asking whether you deserve the title. They are asking what kind of silver adventurer you are when no conspiracy, witness, or crisis forces you to reveal yourself.
Brunna Coppervein
You have contributed, lad. You repaired market awnings, trained responsibly, cared for the guild, and accepted instruction. Tomorrow simply lets an evaluator record that foundation before assigning greater trust.
Al
A measured look at the path, small one, not a gate meant to deny you passage. Show them the judgment you already practice.
“I was a little worried I admit. I have power in spades. Now I have a rank to help shape my future, I was unsure if that hurt me, because I know the feelings of some people are not always kind. I was worried people would be jealous of how quickly I to silver rank. Or that they might hate me for being able to wield any magic, I demonstrate with a small spark. That I can do easily, what some train while lifetimes to do, and every single kind of magic to boot.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Magic, rolled -1)
Artania Nero Thornson
I admit I was worried. My rapid rise to silver rank might make people jealous, and I feared some would resent me for wielding magic so easily.
Artania Nero Thornson
I can use every kind of magic, even those others train lifetimes to master. I do not want my power or rank to turn people against me.
Artania lifts one hand and lets a small blue-white spark dance between his fingers. It crackles softly, controlled and harmless, then fades into the violet evening.
Brunna Coppervein
Some may envy what they do not understand, lad. But rank is not stolen by talent, and power is not a crime. Your conduct decides what people remember.
Saira Venn
Many can resent a gifted fighter. Fewer resent one who remains humble, accepts correction, and uses strength without making others feel small. Your choices will answer them.
Al
A bright spark draws eyes, small one, but a steady light earns trust. The guild knows your kindness more clearly than your magic.
Brunna Coppervein
Tomorrow, show the evaluator neither apology nor arrogance. Show judgment, restraint, and the person who earned silver rank when no one was watching.
“Alright Brunna, I step up to the training area. Should the routine be, footwork first, then sword and shield, spear and shield, then a controlled attack spell?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +0)
Artania Nero Thornson
All right, Brunna. I step up to the training area. Should the routine be footwork first, then sword and shield, spear and shield, and finally a controlled attack spell?
Artania enters the narrowed circle and checks the packed earth beneath his boots. Brunna studies the sequence, while Saira remains beside the markers and Al watches from the fence.
Brunna Coppervein
Yes, lad. That order tests foundation before weapons, transition before magic, and restraint at the end. We will keep every stage brief and deliberate.
Brunna Coppervein
Begin with footwork, then take the sword and shield. After that, change to spear and shield without rushing. The final spell must be controlled, directed, and easily stopped.
Saira Venn
A sound routine. It shows whether your feet lead the weapons, whether each guard survives the change, and whether your magic obeys judgment rather than eagerness.
Brunna places the practice sword, shield, and blunted spear at the circle’s edge, then marks the spell’s safe direction toward an empty earthen bank.
Brunna Coppervein
Take your starting position, lad. I will call each transition, and the evaluator can see exactly what you have practiced: balance, control, and a clean stop.
“I take up my position, steady myself and wait for Brunna’s call outs to begin.”
Artania takes his position within the narrowed circle, setting his feet beneath him and letting his breathing settle into the rhythm Brunna taught him.
The practice sword, shield, and blunted spear wait within easy reach. Beyond the marked spell line, the empty earthen bank stands ready to receive the final controlled cast.
Brunna Coppervein
Good, lad. Hold that balance and let the ground carry your weight. We begin when your stance is quiet, not when your eagerness demands it.
Saira watches from beside the markers, attentive but silent. Al remains at the fence, his ears forward as the yard settles around the waiting demonstration.
Brunna Coppervein
Footwork first. Follow the pattern once, cleanly and without haste. Let each step prepare the next.
Brunna raises one hand, ready to call the opening movement. Artania remains steady in the circle, prepared to begin under her direction.
“The second Brunna signals I move my feet and show her my learned footwork.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +1)
Brunna’s hand cuts forward. Artania moves at once, stepping through the narrowed pattern with quiet precision, each foot placed beneath his center before the next begins.
He advances, pivots, retreats, and recovers without crossing his balance. The packed earth receives every step cleanly, while his shoulders remain relaxed and his breathing steady.
Brunna Coppervein
Good, lad. You remembered the sequence without chasing it. Your feet are preparing the movement now instead of repairing mistakes after them.
Artania completes the final turn and settles into guard exactly where the pattern ends. His healed ankle holds firm, and his hand remains loose at his side.
Saira Venn
Clean work, Artania. Your weight changes before your body announces them, which gives your weapons a path instead of forcing them to find one.
Al
The ground stayed quiet beneath you, small one. Brunna taught you well, and you carried the lesson without disturbing your balance.
Brunna Coppervein
That is the foundation, lad. Take up the sword and shield when ready. Keep the same feet, and let the weapons join what you already know.
“I pick up the practice sword and shield, awaiting Brunna’s signal. When she signals I will go through the routine.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Weapons, rolled +0)
Artania reaches for the practice shield Brunna placed at the circle’s edge, buckles its straps over his forearm, and lifts the practice sword in his other hand.
He settles into the established guard, shield protecting his center and sword held ready. His feet remain beneath him, breathing calm as he awaits Brunna’s signal.
Brunna Coppervein
Sword and shield, lad. Follow the markers, guard your center, and let every strike return you to balance.
At Brunna’s signal, Artania advances through the pattern. The shield turns with each step, catching the imagined line of attack while the practice sword delivers short, controlled cuts.
He pivots, retreats, and recovers without crossing his feet. The shield remains aligned through every change, and each wooden strike stops cleanly before the empty target.
Saira Venn
Your weapons follow your feet now. The guard stays present through the retreat, and your strikes return without leaving your center exposed.
Brunna Coppervein
Well done, lad. Sword and shield are integrated, and you stopped exactly where judgment required. Keep that control when we change to the spear.
+ New Item Acquired
Practice Shield
+ New Item Acquired
Practice Sword
“I place the practice sword on the ground, and pick up a practice spear, as soon as Brunna says I will do my spear routine.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -1)
Brunna Coppervein
Spear and shield, lad. Set the sword down carefully, take the blunted spear, and keep your center guarded through the change.
Artania lowers the practice sword to the packed earth beside the markers. He reaches for the blunted spear, closes his hand around its shaft, and lifts it into guard.
The shield remains buckled to his forearm as the spear settles across his body. Its longer reach alters his stance, but his feet stay planted beneath his center.
Saira Venn
A clean transition, Artania. The spear asks for distance and patience, not the tighter pressure your sword invited.
Brunna Coppervein
Good, lad. Do not let the length pull your shoulders forward. Let the point guard the space, and let your feet decide where that space ends.
Artania settles behind the first marker, spearpoint angled toward the empty target. Al watches from the fence as Brunna raises her hand to begin the routine.
+ New Item Acquired
Blunted Practice Spear
“I do my spear routine.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Weapons, rolled -1)
At Brunna’s signal, Artania advances through the markers with the blunted spear held level. The practice shield guards his center as each step preserves distance and balance.
He extends the spear in a controlled thrust toward the empty target, withdraws it along the same line, then pivots behind the shield without crossing his feet.
Brunna Coppervein
Good, lad. Let the point claim the space, then recover before the next step. Your shoulders stay back, and your feet remain honest.
Artania circles the marker, shield turning with the imagined attack. The spear sweeps in a measured arc, stops short of the target, and returns smoothly to guard.
Saira Venn
Excellent distance, Artania. You are using the spear’s reach without becoming dependent on it. The guard survives every change.
He retreats three steps, plants the spear, and performs the final guarded thrust. The blunted point halts exactly at the marked boundary before he lowers it safely.
Brunna Coppervein
That completes the spear routine, lad. Clean transition, controlled reach, and a disciplined stop. Now rest your arms before the spell demonstration.
“I ask Brunna if we can add one more routine to the demonstration? A bow routine, before the spell work.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Artania Nero Thornson
Brunna, can we add one more routine to the demonstration? A bow routine, before the spell work.
Brunna Coppervein glances toward the weapon rack, then toward the empty earthen bank beyond the spell line. Saira’s expression brightens with thoughtful approval.
Brunna Coppervein
Yes, lad. A short bow routine will show reach, breath, and restraint. We place it after the spear and before magic, with no hurried transition.
Saira Venn
A wise addition. The bow reveals whether your control survives distance, where strength cannot hide behind a guard.
Brunna Coppervein retrieves Artania’s road recurve and checks its limbs, string, and grip before setting it beside the spear. She marks three safe targets on the earthen bank.
Brunna Coppervein
Three shots only, lad: one measured, one after a controlled step, and one from a changed angle. Lower the bow before taking up the spell.
The demonstration order is revised: footwork, sword and shield, spear and shield, bow, then the controlled attack spell. Brunna Coppervein gives the bow a final approving nod.
“I take up the bow and do the bow routine exactly as explained.”
SUCCESS (Fair Ranged Weapons, rolled -1)
Artania takes up the road recurve and settles the quiver against his hip. He checks the string, plants his feet, and draws a slow, measured breath.
He nocks the first arrow, raises the bow toward the leftmost marked target, and releases. The shaft strikes the center with a clean, controlled thud.
Brunna Coppervein
Good, lad. Measured breath, steady release, and no wasted strength. Lower the bow, reset your footing, and take the second shot after the step.
Artania lowers the bow, steps cleanly across the marker, and draws again without haste. His second arrow flies from the changed position and lands firmly in the central ring.
Saira Venn
Your control survives the transition. You moved before drawing, so the bow followed your balance instead of disturbing it.
For the final shot, Artania shifts to the marked angle, turns his shoulders without crossing his feet, and releases. The arrow strikes the third target cleanly beside the others.
Brunna Coppervein
Three accurate shots, three disciplined recoveries. Lower the bow and rest your arms, lad. The routine is complete, and it belongs in tomorrow’s demonstration.
“Alright, I lower my arms to rest them. Then I slowly walk over and retrieve my arrows. Replacing my arrow and bow into my sub space.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Magic, rolled -1)
Artania lowers his arms and lets the bowstring settle. He stands quietly for a moment, allowing the strain of the demonstration to leave his shoulders.
He walks slowly to the targets, retrieves each arrow from the packed earth, and checks the shafts and fletching before returning across the marked circle.
Brunna Coppervein
Good, lad. Rest first, then recover what the road may need. Careful hands preserve more than arrows.
At the weapon rack, Artania gathers the road recurve and recovered arrows. He draws upon the Magic Pouch, opening a quiet fold of subspace beside his hand.
The bow and arrows pass safely into the hidden space, leaving no loose equipment behind. The fold closes, and the pouch settles against him once more.
Saira Venn
Efficient storage, Artania. You finish the routine without rushing the recovery, which is another form of discipline.
Brunna Coppervein
Your arms have rested, your arrows are secured, and tomorrow’s demonstration is ready. Sit down now, lad, and let the work end properly.
“What about the magic routine part of the demonstration? Shouldn’t I show an attack spell? Or a body enhancement? Or a telekinetic assault? Or the silent mind speech? Or anything? I rattle off skills, and start blabbering on about what to show off. Then I realize I did do a magic demonstration, when I used my space storage. I blush and sit back down.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +1)
Artania Nero Thornson
What about the magic routine? Should I show an attack spell, body enhancement, telekinetic assault, silent mind speech, or something else?
Artania rattles through the possibilities, gesturing faster as each magical skill joins the list. Then his gaze drops toward the closed Magic Pouch.
Artania Nero Thornson
I already demonstrated magic when I stored the bow and arrows.
Artania Nero Thornson
Wait. I did demonstrate magic. The space storage was part of the routine.
Realizing this, Artania blushes deeply, lowers himself onto the bench, and folds his hands while the last of his eager explanation fades.
Brunna Coppervein
Exactly, lad. Useful magic, safely controlled, and shown without turning the yard into a spectacle. The evaluator needs judgment, not your entire spellbook.
Saira Venn
Your storage demonstration revealed precision and restraint. Let that speak for your power tonight, Artania. A quiet strength is still strength.
“Damnit, I blush hard again. Then I ask Brunna if I can at least show off to her friend, Saira? I ask Saira if there is any magic she would like to see or feel, and if I have heard of it or if she explains it to me I will show her.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Artania blushes hard again, the color rising across his face as he folds his hands on the bench. Brunna’s stern look meets his hopeful request.
Artania Nero Thornson
Brunna, may I at least show off for your friend? Saira, is there any magic you would like to see or feel? If I have heard of it, or you explain it, I will show you.
Brunna Coppervein
You may demonstrate one small working, lad, provided Saira chooses it and you keep the same restraint you showed with the pouch. Showing judgment is worth more than showing off.
Saira Venn
Then show me something that reveals control rather than force. I would like to feel a harmless ward form between us, enough to sense its boundary without striking it.
Saira steps into the cleared circle and extends one open hand, palm forward. Brunna checks the ground and gives a confirming nod, while Al watches attentively from the fence.
Saira Venn
I know the theory of warding, but your method may differ from Euronasian practice. Shape it slowly, let me feel its edge, and dismiss it the instant you choose.
Brunna Coppervein
There is your demonstration, lad. No spectacle, no danger, and a clear beginning and ending. Show her the magic, then let the lesson rest.
“Thanks Brunna, I raise and gather the ambient magic, using it to power spell work, and because I want to prove myself controlled I hold my pouch focus. Then I create the ward. Nothing powerful. You could walk through it if you push on it, but you can feel it with a hand.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Magic, rolled +0)
Artania Nero Thornson
Thank you, Brunna. I will keep the working small and controlled.
Artania holds the Magic Pouch as his focus and draws ambient magic through it. Blue-white currents gather quietly around his hand, steady without draining his own reserves.
He shapes the gathered power into a thin, translucent ward between himself and Saira. It forms as a gentle boundary, firm enough to feel but weak enough to yield to a determined step.
Saira Venn
I can feel it. The edge is clear, evenly formed, and carries no hidden pressure. Your control is excellent.
Saira places her open palm against the ward. Its surface gives slightly beneath her touch, confirming its harmless strength, while Artania maintains the spell through the pouch focus.
Brunna Coppervein
Well done, lad. You gathered power, shaped it, and held it without excess. Now dismiss it cleanly.
Artania releases the ward at once. The translucent boundary dissolves into faint motes that return to the ambient air, leaving the circle clear and Saira’s hand untouched.
“Well, I could have guessed you would go for less exciting stuff. I was kind of hoping you would say lighting bolt, or fireball. But that is probably a little much for a demonstration.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Artania Nero Thornson
Well, I could have guessed you would choose something less exciting. I was hoping you would ask for lightning bolt or fireball, though that might be a little much for a demonstration.
Saira’s stern composure breaks into a brief laugh. The dissolved ward leaves only a cool shimmer across her palm before the last motes vanish.
Saira Venn
A little much? That is a generous description, Artania. I chose a ward because it lets me feel your control without needing Brunna to rebuild the yard.
Brunna Coppervein
And because fireballs and lightning bolts are poor manners in a practice circle, lad. Excitement is not the same as judgment.
Saira Venn
Besides, anyone can make a spectacle with enough power. A ward that forms evenly, yields safely, and disappears on command tells me far more.
Saira lowers her hand and steps back beyond the marked boundary. Her smile remains, but her attention stays fixed on Artania with open professional respect.
Al
The quiet spell taught more than a loud one, small one. The yard remains standing, and Saira remains impressed.