“Since I’m going to have to take on quests for money, I should probably get supplies so I’m prepared. What if I take on a dangerous job and run out of food rations on the first day?” Solan thought to herself, taking a moment to look inside her bag, “Well I guess we could probably find food wherever we are, but no matter. I’d rather not be caught off guard.” Exploring the town sounded like a fun idea, and would help the Valkyrie learn the layout. Not to mention learn the fascinating lifestyles of humans.

Wanting to be friendly, she spotted Heloise and made her way to her. “Hello, me again, I was going to go to town to get supplies and probably do some exploring. Anyway, I was wondering if you would like to come, feel free to stay here, I mean, we are part of the same guild and yeah.”

Solan regretted immediately having too many words in that supposedly simple question. It was most likely the excitement of being in a whole new world, and accomplishing one of her many life goals, such as that of joining a guild.

Heloise explored the guild, and as she did, it came to her attention that the master hadn't said he accepted her specifically. Did that mean she wasn't part of the guild? With a sinking feeling, Heloise thought so. She sighed, looked up as Solan asked her if she wanted to join her.

Heloise nodded, and said, "Yes, I need to find a place to stable my horse" She said, "And company would be nice. Just a minute, I have to go yell at the master" She quickly headed back to where the master was, and approached him without fear. Why should she fear what she hoped would be family?

"Excuse me" She said, "I am Heloise. I have traveled far and wide, and never have I seen a place like this guild. You say fancy words of family, and yet, it seems you demand some sort of proof that members are worthy of the title. Family shouldn't have to be worthy-its about acceptance and having people would will be there for you, not about having to prove that you can be family. This guild...its all I've ever dreamed off and more, since my parents died in a fire that destroyed most of my home town, a place were I can be myself, and have friends I am happy to call brothers and sisters. Forgive me for my ignorance, for I haven't had family in a long time, but...that's what I believe. If someone desperately wants to be a part of this guild, this family...isn't that proof enough?"

She said all this is a strong voice, never once wavering, and she waited for an answer.

He looked to the woman who made that incredibly naive observation and broke a smile "well, i wasn't aware that the guild was looking for poets and friends rather than people who get the job done."

He got up and begun gathering his equipment up "maybe i was wrong to come here, i am too old for all of this nonsense. I will take my leave then"

Slinging his armor over his shoulder he walked toward the door whistling to himself.

Makarov listened silently before a single eye popped open. He stared at her for a moment before his other eye opened and his head tilted back. "There is certainly a difference between proving ones self worthy of being family, and proving that one truly wants it." She nodded to Alaric as he went to leave. "That man. Do you believe he wishes to be part of the family? Or do you think he came here to make money?"

Maria gave her own opinion, as she was sitting at the same table though she gave it in a different way, speaking to Alaric as he left instead. "I wasn't aware people saw fliers and ignored what they said. This is a guild not a job office kid."

Makarov looked to Maria before looking back at Heloise, standing and crossing his arms behind his back. "If somebody truly wished to be a part of the guild, truly wanting it in their heart, not just for coin or glory, then they would find a place in the guild. It's easy for one to say they wish to join the guild, but it's not so easy to tell if that person really wishes it with the most honorable of intentions. Proving ones self worthy of joining the guild is not a test of skill. It is simply a test of whether or not they have what it takes to BE a part of the family." He leaned forward and nodded to Maria. "If she has your approval then I see no reason to keep you out."

Heloise glanced at the man, thinking, "I think he wants this, but is scared to accept it" she said, "he hides behind arrogance. Why would he come here after reading your fliers if he didn't want this?" Heloise said, and then she spoke the simple truth, "I would give my life for those I consider friends, and my soul to those I consider family. I have a horse I am prepared to sacrifice comfort for, simply to give him a stall to be safe in, and an apple as a treat"

She stood as tall as she could, and said, "I stepped into this guild, and felt I could find a home. If I wanted coin, I'd sell Gallant. If I wanted glory, I would use what skills I have and take it" she picked up her bow and arrows, and held them out, "This is my pride and joy, my bow. I carved it when I was 13, and I would gladly give it, use it, in service to this guild"

Solan nodded toward Heloise’s response and awkwardly trailed behind her to where the master was seated. She listened carefully, realizing as well that Makarov hadn’t precisely told her that she was accepting into the guild, but was welcoming her inside the building, as if she were a tourist. This made her feel a bit embarrassed for just assuming he’d let in anyone willy-nilly just like that. This guild had high standards, but Solan wondered if she met these standards.

She listened to Heloise’s rather courageous words. She felt a bit of admiration in the way the girl spoke strongly of her reasons for wanting to join. Solan then pondered her own reasons for wanting to join. She never thought of it as a job and to get bread on the table. It didn’t seem Iron Tree was just a place for workers to clock in and out, as Makarov didn’t seem that of a manager. All this talk of family made her realize he may think the members as his actual family. Of course he’d be strict as to join, and all the more reason for her to worry about her acceptance inside.

Makarov sat back down, closing his eyes again. "It's not me that you need to convince. As I said..." He tilted his head to Maria quickly. Why he would have them get her approval instead of his own, being the guild master, was anyone's guess. "She's got a far keener eye for those who are right for the guild than I do. She's smart that one!"

Maria sitting behind him looked over her shoulder, as if wanting to blatantly point out that was a lie, and that he was just wanting the second opinion of the nearest guild member. He would have likely said the same thing for anyone else who had been sitting so close.

"I was speaking to you both" Heloise replied, then sighed, "I can assume from her silence that I am not good at convincing, despite everything being from the heart" She let her head fall, and her hair cover her eyes, hiding the tears that threatened to fall. And then she snapped her head up, staring at the both of them, and fiery determination could be heard in her voice as she said, "I vow I will become a member of this guild, even if it takes me years" her voice loud and strong. She didn't care if people stared at her. Let them stare.

She picked up her pack, and said, "I will come back every day" And yet, she didn't leave, because she refused to, not until she could call herself a member of Iron Tree. She would stand in this very spot for hours if she had to.

Maria sipped down the last of her drink before setting it down. "Nah, just trying to figure out why he's asking for my opinion." She yawned and stretched before turning her head to look at Heloise. "I say let her join. She's cute."

Makarov opened one of his eyes again, peeking over at Maria. "If you say so. Ah well, I didn't have my doubts either. It's just you need to have the acceptance of your guild mates as well. It's important here. And as long as you are the right, and good kind of person, then you'll have no trouble earning their trust and acceptance." He smiled and nodded. "Welcome to Iron Tree, this time as a member."

"Yes!" Heloise whooped dropping her things, she hugged the master, and then Maria, grinning, before realising what she had done and stepping back, feeling her cheeks reddening. "uh. I mean, thank you very much" She said, embarrassed at her behavior. She was still smiling though. "And cute? I don't think anyone, particularly a girl has said that about me, so thank you again" And now she was babbling. She cleared her throat.

She quickly picked up her gear and said, "I should see to my horse now and find a stable for him" She slung her pack on, turning to Solan, "I will be outside"

Alaric kept walking, they read too much into things he thought. He didn't need his every move becoming a point of debate. He wasn't looking for a family, just a guild with some prestige worthy of his skill and devotion to his work. This was not it he decided.

He hissed again walking into the parching sun and walked down the cobble road toward the Inn near the city gates.

A shame he thought, he had heard good things about Iron Tree from other guilders and sell swords. How they ever got anything done like that was a mystery to him however.

Solan couldn’t help but cheer alongside when Heloise was accepted. She made it seem easier than it looks. When she left, Solan figured it was her turn to ask.

The Valkyrie shuffled rather slowly toward the woman who had accepted Heloise. She felt nervous and wasn’t sure how to correctly ask, or if there was even a correct way of asking. It was rather out of character for her to even feel anything relating to fear. She stood there awkwardly, taking a deep breath before she bowed fairly low to Maria.

“Hello, I am Solan, and well I haven’t really traveled far to come here, my home isn’t actually that far and-“ she stopped herself, getting off track, “And please accept me into this guild too! To be honest I don’t have much to offer, I’m not skilled at magic or even combat for that matter. Heck, I can’t even fly yet, I mean my griffin can fly and he hatched not too long ago-“ She stopped again, annoyed at her own nervous rambling. Solan stood up, straightening her back.

“Anyway, although I worked hard to get where I am today, I’ll work even harder for this guild. I hope that joining this guild will help me become stronger and earn my wings.”

Len just nodded at the Leonin, not really taking in what he was saying. He sat at a nearby bench, then a sudden irritation compelled him to scratch his head where he could feel a bump on the scald. It hurt when he pressed on it.

Len sprinted over to Maria. "Maria! Maria! Look! There is something on my head! Am I gonna die?" He sat on her lap, letting her examine his head. He did notice that Maria and Makarov seemed to be in some kind of serious business here but he couldn't care less. It was a matter of his live or die here.

Maria looked at the bump on Len's head before answering Solan. "Yes Len, you're going to die. I doubt you'll even make it through the night with such a terrible wound. You should see it, I bet the only reason you aren't bleeding is because all the blood has already left your body and you just didn't notice." Her voice practically dripped sarcasm. "Go wash it off with water and a clean towel." She pushed him off her lap to go do as she said.

"She's cute too, I say let's have her."

Makarov looked over his shoulder questioningly. "Cute in what way, cute in her appearance or her behavior?"

Maria shrugged, lifting her cup which had been freshly filled by another guild member that ran the bar. "I don't know. You decide."

Makarov laughed and nodded. "If you have Maria's approval then you have mine as well! Welcome to the guild. It's not often we see Valkyrie here. I mean, specifically we never do. What made you come out so far from your home my dear?"

“Cute, what?” Solan repeated dumbly, a bit embarrassed at the compliment, “Um thanks! And thank you for accepting me! I’ll do my best!” As if on cue upon hearing the good news of her acceptance, Arden plopped on her head from the rafters, letting out what was supposed to be a victory cry; both Valkyrie and griffin letting their wings flap briefly as a sign of happiness.

She turned toward the master so she could answer him. “Well, Master, sir, I wanted to see the world. Like I said to that angry guy, we don’t often leave the comfort of home, but I was an exception since I have magic.” She shrugged it off, as her magic wasn’t nearly as strong as anyone in the guild. It could have been the elders of her home felt sympathy, or even to get her out of their hair.

Heloise went to where she had left Gallant, and smiled at her horse. She petted his neck, "I got in" She said softly, leaning her head against his head, and hugging him. He was black, but surprisingly, his mane and tail were white. At the moment, both were a mess of knots from their travels. She would spend time with him, give him a good rub down, and grooming, and an apple. He deserved it greatly.

She smiled, running her fingers through his mane, and waiting for Solan. She had made it in. She felt like laughing.

Ruri would walk into the guild opening the doors rather roughly with her shoulder. She would seem to walk her way quickly across the room, as if she was a ghost silent and translucent. Ruri began to wonder why she always had this seemingly invisible quality to her. Either way she wasn't complaining dark elves often weren't viewed in the best manor especially one boasting a halberd. It would be very clear from someone else why she can seemingly vanish. Between her silent footsteps, curved paths, and sudden actions she could very easily disappear on someone.

When she would finally reach Makarov she would take a light bow with her hands on the weapon on her back still so it didn't fall. After she got on her knee her left hand held against her chest as the halberd top was placed against the floor by her right hand pointed outward. Her eyes would be lowered to the ground as she asked, “May I join you're guild.” After this display it would be quite obvious she favored chivalry over being a lady.

Swift pulled the flyer he had been given from his shawl. "This made its way to my Pridelands. Leonin don't travel beyond Ishhae very often, so when I found a reason to, I was curious." They walked between the rooms, Swift found everything to be very curious, even things that Rose completely ignored. He found the beds that were kept in the rooms upstairs to be particularly interesting. Why, he wondered, did humans feel the need to sleep at right angles to their walls? And always parallel to each other? Truly bizarre behavior.

"If you want to do a quest," he spoke up as they left the bedroom to explore elsewhere, "Why don't you? As I understand it, members can take these tasks as they please. Unless there is some etiquette I don't know. Humans are fond of arbitrary rules."

"Hm." Rose simply replied. To travel so far from home merely out of curiosity seemed like a brave thing to do. If she was a child she would most likely be too afraid to leave home. As they walked, Rose slowly realized that this place was her home now. It dawned on her that she has nowhere else to go, she hadn't had a place to call home in 10 years. She walked on, feeling determined to earn her right to stay here.

"Oh, I would love to!" Rose exclaimed "But there appears to be none on the quest board, which is unfair! All the current members must have taken them already." She huffed, wanting to ask the Guildmaster for something to do, which would also give her the opportunity to properly introduce herself, but it seemed a flux of newcomers were coming in and doing the same. She didn't want to interrupt, but was dying for action.

She eventually took a seat, right next to the quest board, crossing her arms and placing her right leg over the left before closing her eyes with an upset attitude. "I shall not move from this seat, until a quest is placed on that board!" she announced, pointing to the board. "Swift, i'm afraid you will have to carry on without me, my heart burns for action, I can't focus on exploring any longer."

Several more people who Solan assumed had wanted to join the guild had appeared, and she decided it was time she took her leave. She said her thanks to both Maria and Makarov before stepping aside to let others speak to the master. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she had a nagging feeling, like she was forgetting something. Arden rolled his eyes, giving her a quick peck on the head, as if to jog her memory.

“Hey! Why did you- Oh gosh, I forgot about Heloise. She’s waiting for me and I’m taking my time.” Solan quickly made her way outside, looking over her shoulder to take another look at what she would call home for hopefully a long time. However, Solan never got the hang of walking and not looking where she was going, and stumbled forward rather ungracefully. Arden let out a squawk of what the Valkyrie assumed to be laughter as he managed to stay in the air.

“Arden, how rude,” She chastised him lightly, knowing it was her fault. She got up, and brushed herself off, looking around for Heloise. She was close to the hall, so Solan hurried towards her, this time watching where she was going. “Hey! I’m sorry for the wait! I asked the master if I could join as well, and I made it. I guess we’re officially guild mates now!”