“You are right Aera, to say the Nameless are strong, but our numbers are few. And, yes, Ivan, it is true that we are driven by necessity. But even in such times, I must know those brought into our fold are worthy to be in this guild,” the last word came out with a soft edge, as if he spoke of something much more personal than a league of soldiers.
A door opened and a small figure entered. He moved slowly, treating his limbs with care. It was the shuffling gate one might associate with the stiffness of old age, but this was a boy. He had dark brown skin, smooth and unwrinkled, black hair frizzy and long. Around his eyes were crows feet and deep black rings that spoke of a wearying amount of years. His eyes were a sharp black, bright and alert.
Behind him, holding his shoulder to guide him, was an old woman with skin the same dark brown. Her hair was long and white, and just as frizzy as the boy’s. Also like the boy, she had dark, watchful eyes.
She led him to a chair and helped him take a seat. His eyes were fixed on those still trapped inside their minds.
“Aizen,” the woman spoke, “he wished to be closer to them. One resets the magic, he wants to see how.”
The boy stared, intent on Keres, a frown pulling at the edges of his mouth.
“Very well.” Aizen cast his eyes across those still trapped inside the test, then he turned back to the three who had passed, “We are a poor guild. Our wealthy is long spent, our artifacts of power long lost to others.
“It was not always this way. We were strong once, maybe the strongest. I wish to see those days again,” his eyes lit bright white, then faded back to normal, “But I will not lie to you, it will be an uneasy battle. I would like to offer each of you a place in this guild, a chance to reclaim our glory. Here you would have a place, you would belong. Our resources would be open to you, those we have now, and those we will one day claim.
“Each of you were chosen because inside you is a spark of promise, a chance that you could become true champions in the Games. You have proven yourselves of superior character, and if you wish, you can call this your home.”