Snippet #1960099

Daylight came slowly to the city of Stonetree, breathing life through the morning wind. The first citizens crept out onto the streets, to sweep their doorsteps and open their shops for the morning rush. Bathed in the rosy glow Stonetree seemed like any other Icefield city – calm and content, unaware of the disaster which approached them. Looks could be deceiving.

Perched lightly upon the peak of a church, Ruin watched the streets as they came to life. He watched them through narrowed eyes, analysing. There were gestures of nervousness among the people today. Furtive glances, anxious whispers, the tendency to travel in packs from one place to the next. Those who were alone practically ran to their destinations. All eyes were out for the familiar dark hair and glistening blade of the treacherous temptress. That was how it should be. Fear was a marvellous tool. It was the only way for the civilians to survive what was coming to them.

Straightening up, he turned on one heel and ran back over the roof, to the back of the church. The druid’s step never once faltered. Running on rooftops was ten times as simple as leaping freely from one tree branch to another. He flung himself off of the church without hesitation, seeming to glide across the space between church and Guildhome. He touched down upon the stone shingles and took off again, deep green cloak fluttering as he ran. There was a meeting of the Guild today. He was already late.
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William stood in the great front hall of Guildhome, hands on his armoured hips. He waited in stern silence for the few remaining members of the Guild to gather. Their ranks had decreased drastically in recent months, but the few who remained were unfalteringly loyal. Usually. This morning, apparently, they had decided not to appear on time.

He huffed angrily and crossed his arms, casting his eyes towards the dorm-space. Absently he wondered if any of them had stayed here tonight, or if they had taken to the streets and the taverns. He found it disgraceful, how much time they all spent drinking, whoring, gambling. The bard, at least, made a respectable living through those venues. He still partied far too much for the liking of the Silver Knight.

Soft footsteps at his back announced the arrival of the druid. William spun, glaring at the only other remaining member of the Founding Four.
“You’re late!” he growled. “How can we expect our members to arrive on time if their leaders do not?”

Ruin scoffed quietly and shook his cowl off his head, baring his soft brown curls.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he murmured in disdain. “We both know that I have never been a leader here.”

“You started the Guild,” William retorted. “The whole damned thing was your idea.”

“And that was all it was. An idea. Daedra and Krista gave it life.” Ruin sighed and followed William’s furtive glance towards the door. “Has Thauvin been in today?”

“I haven’t seen him, no,” William muttered. “Probably sleeping off the night.”

“Be nice, sir Knight,” Ruin chastised quietly.