Our story begins in a large, ornate office. Vaulted stained glass ceilings depict elemental battles told in song, and the rainbow light fills the room in a prism of colors. Tall shelves lined with dusty tomes reach towards the light, and our party sits beside a heavy desk in the center of the room.
Well, most of the party, anyway.
Govad occupies himself by toying with the bird cage beside the desk, or- more specifically, the miniature peacock within. The chromatic bird nips at his fingers as Cellianis shifts uncomfortably.
Soon, the door opens to reveal the third party member, Sharah, being all but dragged into the tower office by an old man. His soft, pristine beard trails to the floor, and his long, colorful silk robes drags behind him as he walks. He sits behind the desk. Sharah huffs and throws herself into an empty seat beside Cellianis, rolling her eyes as the wizard tells them of all they must do in order to gain full access to the Guild.
They must receive recommendation letters from all six Guild Halls;
The Hall of Fire, in Ashfort.
Snowflake Hall, in the Winterlands.
The Ocean Hall, in the Tidelands.
The Hall of Light, in the Sandstone Desert.
and the Floral Hall, in The Reach.
The wizard advises them to gather supplies before heading out, and they oblige, except for Govad.
Govad’s Creature Kindness urges him to release the caged bird beside the Archon’s desk. And so he haggles.
After some back-and-forth, the Archon decides to make this part of his test. If the bird is returned to him, unharmed, Govad will not only be allowed to keep the creature, but he will push Govad’s name throughout the Guild.
However, if the bird is harmed or killed on the adventure, Govad will be barred entry.
With a heavy heart, Govad accepts these terms. The future of his career now rests on the fate of his new pet.