Hymn of Elys

Chapter Ten

Alice raised a delicate eyebrow, her mouth twitching. This cocky paladin honestly acted as though he could have handled everything by himself! She tried to smile, staying as calm as she could as she replied, "You weren't terrible yourself, but your attitude could use a little work." Her heart was beating out of her chest, but she kept her expression as serene as she could.

The silence was deafening as Manuel and Alice stared at each other. At her sides, she knew her companions were watching her as if she had grown another head. While they had been playing throughout the day, she had never shown an ounce of temper. Even when she had been confused about something, she hadn't let it get to her. However, just a few words from an overconfident jerk were enough to bring out her sarcastic side. The staring contest lasted a little over thirty seconds, but Alice was the one that cast her gaze away first. Inwardly, she castised herself for her cowardice.

"Alice...," Lysbeth's tone was reprimanding, but her thin shoulders were shaking as she tried to hold in her giggles. "Shouldn't you be a little more thankful? After all, he did protect you."

Alice bit her lip, successfully cowed. Lysbeth was right. Even though Manuel's comment may have been abrasive, his actions had been of great help.

It didn't mean that Alice had to agree with his behavior afterwards, though.

Manuel threw her a look of triumph, as if to say, 'That's right. Be grateful.' He didn't realize that Lysbeth would be turning on him next.

"And you! Thank you for your help, but you do need to watch what you say. One day, you might need help." Lysbeth wagged her finger in front of his face; she looked like a mother scolding a rude child. Her brown eyes shone with amusement, but her body language conveyed how serious she was. "So, there's no need to be so awful about it. We're all just having fun here." Though her tone was playful, she made it known she would take none of his shit.

Max just sat on the sidelines, watching the show. He didn't offer any extra commentary, satisfied that Lysbeth could handle herself. It was no wonder why she was the leader of the guild.

To lead a group of players, especially a raiding guild like the 'Pioneers', you would have to be in ownership of a strong and caring personality. No one could say that Lysbeth was not that. Alice found herself wishing she was more like her leader, even though she knew in her heart that the thought was fruitless.

She would forever be herself, no matter what.

Manuel held up his hands in a non-threatening manner, his palms facing outwards as he bowed away from the intimidating, petite, woman. "I got it, I got it. I'll be more careful." Full lips pulled back into a smirk, but Lysbeth was satisfied with that answer.

With both Alice and Manuel apologetic, it was time to get down to business. "So, do you have a guild, Paladin?"

Max threw up his hands, letting out a huff as he stalked towards the trees. It was the question that would no doubt lead to an invitation. There she goes again, recruiting randoms! Lysbeth might have a top tier raiding guild, but no one could say she didn't try to make everyone feel welcome.

Perhaps, that was what had lead to her success?

Alice started laughing, the musical sound filling the clearing around them. She held her stomach, her hands criss-crossing as her body trembled with the force of it. It reminded her so much of just a few hours before. She had been feeling alone and lost, but Lysbeth had come out of nowhere to offer her solace and a group to call her own. Evidentially, this was normal for Lysbeth! Who would have thought.