Chapter 9 - The Eviction
Laera gave Lukas a worried look as they approached the porch. Lukas glanced back and tried to reassure her with a gentle smile. "Whatever happens," he whispered, "we've got your back."
Laera nodded before facing the parental jury. "Mom, Dad, I wasn't expecting your visit. If you had sent word, I'm sure we would have been much better prepared to receive you."
"Your actions forced us to visit Eberlorn," Larea's father declared. "We were traveling to the capital with Dreyfus when we heard some very troubling news from the Commissioner. We worked so hard to place you on Frelich's team, and yet you've chosen to abandon them, and join a team of ragtag nobodies instead. They're not even Anoran!"
"I'd rather be a nobody than an Anoran," Fiona quipped without hesitation.
The Guildmaster stepped in, trying to de-escalate the tension. "The Council Guard has spoken very highly of Laera's current team. I don't wish to get involved in your family's affairs, but perhaps you would like to speak with your daughter privately?"
"Nonsense," the Anoran patriarch said. "This will take but a short moment. Laera, luckily for you, your sister has been considerate enough to hold your spot, but she needs to return to the Wyvern Guild. You must return to Frelich's team immediately, or we will be forced to remove your privileges."
"I'm staying with my team," Laera said. "Do what you must."
"Laera, we are sorry we had to come here with such a heavy hand. One day you will see that this is best for your fut-- What did you say!?"
"I'm staying with my team," Laera repeated simply.
Her mother joined in. "Laera, this team is no good for you! You've had your little rebellious streak, now it's time to return to the real world. You are an Anoran, and you will shame neither your city nor your race any longer!"
"I've made my decision," Laera responded, crossing her arms across her chest. Surrounded by her friends, she had just enough confidence to avoid shaking in her boots.
Her father huffed angrily. "I do not recognize this insolence in my child. We will evict you out of this house! You will be forced to return home."
Both Lukas and Gemma stepped forward, standing defensively in front of Laera. Gwyn and Fiona held back with their distressed elf friend, wrapping their arms around her in comfort. Her parents were appalled at the demonstration of defiance. "So be it!" her father declared. With a wave of his hand, he motioned to his servants.
Before the servants could move, however, the Guildmaster stepped in. "As the rightful owners of the house, you have every right to evict them. Seeing as it is so late, I am obliged to give them until sundown tomorrow to vacate the premises."
"They are not paying to stay here! They are criminal trespassers."
"I, of course, support your efforts to reclaim your house," he replied evenly. "However, your daughter was a full-time resident here, and I'm confident that these are her invited guests. The Chimera Guild has a reputation to uphold, Julian. We respect and uphold the law, but we also respect the dignity of those who abide by it. Surely your noble house can compromise with our respected establishment so that neither is shamed. You understand the position I hold. You understand that my house, and this city, have always been exceptionally courteous to all Anoran visitors. I must request that you allow the Guilds officials to handle this with the appropriate documentation -- tomorrow."
The angry elf father glared at the Guildmaster. "Fine, but if there is just one thing missing from my house tomorrow, I can assure you that your tenure here as Guildmaster will not last beyond the end of the week." He turned toward his servants. "You will come back and fetch Laera in the morning, whether she's willing or not."
"Another potential misunderstanding," the Guildmaster interjected. "Your daughter is of legal age. I would greatly like to assist you in resolving your issues, but Chimera Guild both respects and upholds the law. Your daughter cannot be taken from Eberlorn against her wishes. I hope I can continue to accommodate your needs, but on that matter, my hands are tied." He held out his hands with his wrists pushed together, as if they were bound by imaginary rope. "I thank you for your understanding."
Laera's mother began sobbing hysterically as her father ground his teeth loudly. He grabbed his wife's hand and stomped off the porch. The rest of the Anoran entourage trailed behind them. The Guildmaster stayed behind with his two companions, waiting in stoic silence until the elves were well away.
"My name is Gideon," he finally said, addressing the five companions. "I am the Guildmaster of the Chimera Guild."
Lukas opened his mouth to introduce his girls. Gideon held up his hand to stop him.
"I know who you are. I know what you did. You are heroes of Eberlorn." He smiled at them. "I only have a brief moment; I'm sure you have noticed that I have some Anoran guests to entertain. I do my best to not make enemies, so, regretfully, I must insist that you move out of this house by tomorrow evening. Lodgings will be available in the Grand Hall, after the elves leave tomorrow. I think we are offering a special discount this week, available to Adventuring teams who have been recently evicted."
Lukas bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, sir,"
"You are quite welcome," Gideon replied, nodding his head. "You should consider officially joining the Guild. We would be honored to have such bright, young Adventurers amongst our ranks. We are having a Town Hall event in a couple nights, come check it out." With that, the Guildmaster bid them farewell and followed after the Anorans. Just as Lukas and his companions were about to enter the Cottage, they heard his voice ring out again from some distance away. They quickly realized he wasn't speaking to them, but rather attempting to get the Anorans' attention once more.
"I am most excited to show you our recently completed monument. Perhaps we shall get some sleep, and then head there first thing in the morning before you rejoin your delegation in the capital?"
The five friends watched them walk away for another moment, awash in a mix of emotions.
"I fucking hate your parents," Fiona said, breaking the silence.
"I'm so sorry," Laera said, close to tears. "They were ready to kick us out onto the street without blinking an eye."
"I don't even care that much about the house," Fiona said. "They treated you like shit. I had to fight to keep my hands off my dagger. No one treats my friends like that."
"Yeah," Gwyn agreed through clenched teeth. "I haven't been that furious in a long time. I should go make us some food. It'll calm me down, and it might be our last meal here."
"Should we have an accidental grease fire?" Gemma suggested, not a single hint of jest in her voice.
"Nah," Lukas said, chuckling nervously. "That will just blow back onto the Guildmaster. He did us a favor by giving us an extra day. He seems like an honest man who tries to do the right thing, and right now he seems to respect us. We should try to keep it that way if at all possible."
