Arvium [I.L.S. Beta Game #1]

52: Account

Month 1, Day 4, 12:00:00; Arvium, Home

Aella slid off of the bed, and ran a hand over her face. The knocks continued, and a hurried voice called to her, muffled through the wooden door.

She walked over to the door and opened it, seeing Gemina with her hand raised to knock.

"Finally," she said, shaking her head. "You had me worried there for a bit. Did you just login? The others have already logged in and are waiting for us downstairs--the High Council is paying Betas to help with the clean up, and if we find any crystals, we are authorized to keep them."

Aella blinked. "What?"

Gemina frowned, then reached forward and put her hands on Aella's shoulders. Her bright teal eyes searched Aella's. "What's the matter?"

"I'm confused," Aella said, turning her gaze away from the other woman's.

"I see that. What are you confused about?"

Aella sighed. "What do you mean everyone has already logged in? Why did they log out?"

Gemina nodded. "Now I understand the problem. We were told you had passed out after the explosion. We, and you, were teleported back to our login points along with the other Betas during the battle--the High Council decided it was the best way to keep us safe while they dealt with the raiders. They've managed to catch the guilty parties and put out most of the fires."

"So the battle is over?"

Gemina laughed. "Yes, Aella. Do you want to join us in the clean up? It's good money, and there's a chance to get crystals."

Aella nodded. "I'll be down in a minute."

Gemina smiled and nodded. "Don't be too late--Gemini wants to get a head start on the other Betas."

Aella watched the woman scurry down the stairs, her footsteps making a rolling cadence that echoed in the enclosed staircase. She gripped the door frame with her right hand, taking a deep breath. "I don't want to have to lie to them" she whispered.

She unrolled her left fist, looking at the ring Garron had given her. She held it up, then slid it onto her finger. She stared at it for a moment, then took a deep breath and headed down the stairs after Seashell.

The others were waiting for her at the bottom staircase near the front door. Gemini and Sigmund stood in the dining room doorway, Gemina stood against the front door, and Maeva sat on the steps.

Aella smiled and her body relaxed as she saw Sigmund leaning against the doorway to the dining room. "You're okay," she said as she stepped onto the ground floor.

He raised an eyebrow. "Of course, Aella. I'm surprised you would doubt my abilities."

"It's nice to see you safe, Aella" Gemini said, moving toward the front door. "We were worried when you didn't log in the same time as Sigmund and he told us you were in the same explosion."

The group turned as a loud series of knocks thundered from the front door. Gemini opened it, and Aella followed the others as they gathered around.

A man in silver and gold armor stood on the front porch, four others in similar apparel gathered on the steps and walkway behind him. "I am Kennick from the High Council. I bring with me a summons for Aella Rynnex. She is requested to stand before the Council in twenty minutes time."

Everyone turned to look at her, but she ignored them, staring into the guard's eyes.

"Why have I been summoned?"