"I'm confused," Aria whined as they entered the city. "We're eighteen, the training is complete, and we can go off as we please now. Why does Sir Tydus want to see us? He's a pretty powerful man."
"The crier told us it was good news," Reesa replied. "I think we should be happy… though I have idea as to why."
"The whole situation makes my head spin," Aria sighed.
Reesa looked around at all the people. There were so many. The city was booming. She looked southwest and saw the portal to Lakeside Country. She'd been there only once or twice.
"Hey, there he is," Aria said, pointing to a man on a perch similar to the crier's.
"Ah!" Sir Tydus cried. "If it isn't Reesa Thymothe and Aria of the Forest! Do come here, do come here!"
The two girls staggered towards Sir Tydus. Both bowed.
"May I inquire as why you wish to see us?" Reesa asked.
"Yes, m'lady," he replied. "The king has ordered a new offensive against the Charr. We hear from your superiors that you two are the best in your classes." He paused for another smile. "This is your chance for an adventure of a lifetime, but you'll have to learn more about your professions first. Ciglo and Artemis, experienced trainers, are waiting in Lakeside Country. Myst is going to come with you, also."
Just then did Reesa notice the figure next to Sir Tydus. She was tall, extremely thin, and deathly pale. Her hair was a silver-ish purple and was pulled into two extraordinarily tight coils on the sides of her head that were flat against her skull. On the top of her head were two metal objects that looked like the metal part of an axe. She wore black and purple leather amour with belts hanging off her shoulder and in other various places. They also encircled her neck, making her seem even taller. A red tattoo that looked like a slash mark was over her right eye.
The scariest thing about her was her eyes.
They were a bright purple and seemed to glow with insanity, hatred, and malice. The pupils in the middle of the irises were like black holes amidst reality. Reesa felt like they were boring into her skull and sucking her soul. She physically shivered.
The girl's eggplant lips upturned into a smile, though it was not a friendly one. It was probably the friendliest she could muster, though, being that scary and all.
"So young," the girl cooed. Her voice was as chilly as frostbite. "Yet again, I am not much older. The monk has such an aura of innocence about her, though." She looked up at Sir Tydus. "Her body flaunts womanhood, but her eyes scream child."
Reesa was bewildered. It was not what the girl had said, it was that voice. It was like ice.
The girl stepped forward. "My name is Myst Payne," she said, putting her hands on her hips, staring at Reesa and Aria with those eyes. "If you haven't noticed already, I'm a necromancer."
