His journey was long, taking him from one side of the world to the other, showing him sights and sceneries he could never have hoped to imagine. Both ruthlessness and kindness in unequal measure have tempered him to the world, forming him by experience into the man he is today.
Looking rather stoic, he stood for a moment watching the long line of travelers stretching out the city gates while reflecting on his own travels and his future plans.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" He thought to himself, "Better get in quickly and find somewhere to stay. "
This was going to be a long wait...
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Finally, after what felt like hours, he paid the fee and entered through the gates, stepping into the city and onto one of its main roads.
It was bustling with life, from vendors showing off their wares and haggling, to the laughter of children running down the street, the city truly lived up to its name as "the city of wonders".
Ahead in the city center, a towering monument reached for the sky, an awe-inspiring monolith of architecture and engineering loudly proclaiming the might of God's and their blessed.
Yes, this was the tower of babel of the "City of Heroes" - Orario
The man paused to take a look
"Still standing tall, huh? How reassuring" the man mocked sardonically
He continued wondering the city, re-immersing himself in the semi-familiar sights.
It wasn't until evening, the sun's rays already beginning to dim that the man actually sought a roof above his head, stumbling into a random pub that seemed lively enough and doubled as an inn.
It seemed relatively new, at least he hadn't recognized it and had good food, it helped that the bartender was talkative but not nosy, leaving the man to his business without troubling him, focusing on other patrons.
Ultimately, the man, weary from his long journey and full after a hearty meal, retired to his room for the night.
It was small, sparse, some would even say spartan, containing little more than a comfortable bed and a nightstand.
"Not like it needs more. This is plenty enough."
The man yawned, "And now, sleepy time," he muttered to no one in particular, before unceremoniously crashing onto the bed.
Sleep took hold of him not long after.
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The morning light slowly crept into the room, illuminating it with a warm glow.
Yawning deeply, the man slowly rose from his bed and, after quickly getting ready for the day ahead, lumbered over to the bar to break his fast.
"So, you're new 'round these parts? Haven't seen your face before.." said the innkeeper, amicably making polite conversation
"Yeah, just got to the city. I've been traveling for a while," replied the man
"Oh, where are ya in from?"
"Just came up from Melendez actually, nice town,"
"So I've 'eard, got a good breeze too, bein' by the ocean and all that. Well, whatever you're in for, you'll probably find, unless yer goin' in the dungeon, that's a whole other bucket o' bait. "
Thanking the innkeeper, he headed out for the day. Hood up to keep the sun out of his eyes, he made his way to the guild building "Pantheon."
It was simple yet elegant, not dissimilar from the reception hall of a good hotel.
After waiting in line for a while, he finally made it to one of the desks and, after a short greeting, passed a sealed letter to the clerk behind it.
The clerk eyed the seal and immediately tensed. "I'll bring you to the section leader, follow me," he spoke, eyeing the stranger wearily.
Following after the surprised clerk, they reached a simple door, the nameplate reading: "Rehmer"
*knock knock*
"Come in!" A voice said from inside
"Wait here for a moment, sir," the clerk said before hurrying inside
"WHAT?! Send him to Royman quickly!" The man in the office yelled
The clerk rushed out once more, quickly leading the man to the guild heads office
*knock knock*
"Come in!" A gruff voice came from inside.
The clerk handed the letter back to the man
"Give it to Mr. Royman, sir, have a good day. "
He spoke before rushing down the hall, wanting no part in whatever would ensue.
Heading inside, the office was extravagantly modest, with fine wood furniture and comfortable couches. The room exuded an air of wealth but not to an overbearing degree.
Working at a large desk at the opposite end of the room was a portly elf with glassy eyes and a sharp nose.
His choice of clothing was just as sharp, in a black suit trimmed with red and a bow tie to finish of the look, this was Royman Mardeel head of the guild.
"Well? Spit it out! I don't have time to waste on you standing around David. " Royman bit out, not even bothering to look up from his work. Naturally, he was surprised when a different voice graced his ears
"If by David you mean the clerk who just run away, then I'm sorry to disappoint but, well, he run away," the man said, amused.
Royman looked up from his task, his face morphing into one of shock. His mouth hung open, and brows shot up as if to touch the ceiling.
"Y-You!" He shouted
"Hello Royman, it's been a while, hasn't it?"
"WHAT are you doing here? I thought you went off gallivanting across the known world, " Royman said with a sigh
The amused smirk that was on the man's face seemingly vanished. "It's time, old friend."
He said simply
*Sigh* "So it is," Royman replied just the same
"Follow me," he said, leading them both out of the room and down a corridor furthur away from the main hall.
Turning a final corner, Royman pressed his hand into the wall, pushing in a brick that gave way to a secret passage dimly lit by torches.
"Well... in you go," said Royman. The man took a step into the corridor. "It was nice seeing you again, Mardeel, even if for a short while. We should meet for tea at some point."
"You know how it is, I'm always bogged down by work, but we'll see,"
"Whatever you say, old friend," replied the man, stepping fully into the hallway as the wall closed behind him
Royman stared at the wall for a moment before turning away. "Good luck," he whispered under his breath
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A large chamber opened up ahead, candles strewn about lit up the grand hall. In its center, a large man-No, god, sat on a stone throne, his eyes shut in concentration.
"Hello, Ouranos," said the man. "I've come to fulfill our agreement as discussed."
Ouranos God of the sky opened his eyes, looking down at the mortal below him
"Welcome back, Thallan"