The Angel Fell Twice

Chapter 3. The Order of Karma

They moved swiftly through the guild's hidden corridors, his footsteps barely echoing on the stone floors. She followed him down a descending spiral staircase, leading to a dimly lit hallway adorned with unlit sconces. With a whispered incantation, blue flames erupted from his palms, casting an ethereal glow that illuminated the hallway's sconces and black cobble pathway. Beyond two large steel doors lay his private arsenal, a vast chamber filled with gleaming suits of armor and arcane weaponry.

"This is my personal arsenal," he explained quietly. "And for you, a special gift." He reached for a cloak hanging on the wall, its raven-colored fabric cascading in graceful folds. Upon closer inspection, delicate azure patterns shimmered subtly, woven with threads of celestial magict. It was more than mere fabric; it held ancient magecraft, an enchantment that would conceal her angel wings from mortal eyes. As he took her old brown cloak off and draped the new over her back, its magic hummed to life, blending her essence seamlessly with the shadows around her. "This is the Raven's Veil. It is a cloak that will conceal your folded wings. Do not remove it," he spoke solemnly.

"And now, your armor," he continued, handing her the black armor emblazoned with the crest of three interconnected swirls. "Thank you," she murmured gratefully, swiftly donning the suit of armor as he turned to descend further into the arsenal. Retrieving a large black steel sword from his back, he approached her with purpose. "Kneel," he commanded, gently nodding toward a golden stool. Without hesitation, she obeyed, sinking to her right knee upon the stool. With a solemn reverence, he swept the blade over each of her shoulders in a ceremonial gesture. "You are henceforth a knight of the Order of Karma. You will serve us loyally, as your interests align with ours. We shall bring justice to Stormfell." he declared. She smiled softly. "Yes, sir."
"Let us enter. I'll take you to Eleanor; she'll give you a tour," Arthur suggested, gently guiding her indoors.

Inside the guild were wooden walls and a cobblestone floor, with sofas and tables all around the lobby room. Knights and mages sat all around the room, drinking, eating or playing cards. A black haired woman waved from across the room, smile gleaming.

"Greetings, I'm Eleanor. New recruit, captain?" she asked as they approached her plant pot decorated desk. "Lovely to meet you," Marina spoke, before her face suddenly darted to attention. "Captain? You?" Marina turned to Arthur. "Indeed," he smirked, "Attention, everyone!" Arthur bellowed, standing upon Eleanor's desk. The loud laughing and talking fell to a mute as they turned. "This new arrival, Marina, is now one of our nurses, sworn to aid our cause. Let us extend her a warm welcome!" Arthur proclaimed with enthusiasm.

The room erupted in loud cheers and shouts, as Marina edged away. He peeked at her expression. "Let us persist, everyone!" Arthur saluted with a smile. The room regained its lively hum as Arthur nonchalantly hopped down the table, placing his hand on the desk before turning to look back at her. "Well, I hope you find your stay enjoyable. I sense you'll be a trailblazer, nurse," he remarked, pausing with a reassuring smile. She nodded nervously. "Eleanor, you know what to do. I will be heading out now," he nodded, offering a smile. Eleanor acknowledged with a nod, and as he waved Marina off, Arthur made his exit.

Eleanor led Marina through the guild hallways. They were dimly lit in orange, Marina strolled along the halls, guided by her experienced guide, Eleanor. "These are the communal spaces for guild members to mingle after a long mission," she explained. Marina marveled at the intricate geometric designs carved into the wooden floors and cobblestone tables scattered around with drinks and food. The atmosphere was lively, and the hall resonated with the laughter and chatter of spirited individuals. In one corner, a cozy minibar stood, adorned with a myriad of potions and drinks, each concoction promising its unique powers.

Fellow guild members laughed heartily and conversed, as Eleanor led her towards the stairs. As they walked down the hallway, Eleanor stopped infront of a door mid-stairway.
"The trophy room." Eleanor explained. She opened it, leading Marina into a regal-painted room. Marina saw framed pictures and diamond medals hanging under them. She also saw a large glass case holding diamond, gold, silver and bronze medals.

Eleanor's eyes twinkled with pride as she gestured towards the array of photographs adorning the guild's walls. "These faces," she began, "Each is a soul who gave everything for our mission."

Eleanor ushered her away from the trophy room, and into a grand hallway. "Let's continue the tour." Eleanor said, walking out of the large trophy room and back to the stairwell. The two descended, lower and lower, as Marina spotted a large mossy arena. It had a ring of waterfalls that concealed the center of the arena, and vast stone pillars that held a prism-shaped roof above the arena.

Eleanor smiled as she watched Marina marvel. "That's the Colloseum of Souls, it's the largest arena we have. Warriors train there every day, and the stone is crafted from the most durable materials known to mankind." Eleanor explained as she walked further down the stairs and across the arena. Marina watched a row of partners exchanging punches, their arms and legs bandaged. "We've had a shortage of healers, quite frankly, so we all thank you deeply for joining us." Eleanor continued, as Marina nodded.

Eleanor guided Marina past the arena cages and down the stairwell to the hall of rooms, stopping at the left door at the end. As they entered, the scent of oak filled the air, and the firm wooden floor welcomed her. Eleanor lit a lantern, casting an orange glow over a large tapestry depicting the Order of Karma's crest: two flaming swords and a phoenix.

The room featured an elegantly carved oak bed with embroidered cushions that lined the headboard. A finely crafted wooden chest with a golden lock awaited her, while a wall-mounted rack stood ready for her future weapons.

"So, what do you think?" Eleanor turned to, and smiled at Marina, as she lit the torches in her room. "I..." Marina began, "It's perfect."