by Orin Fenix on January 25th, 2015, 3:07 am
27th, Winter 514 A.V.
Orin tried not to gawk, but the majestic sight of the main gates of Syliras towered above him, sparkling in the snow. They were much taller than the walls surrounding Mithryn Outpost, his previous home. They were also much more imposing. The fortress itself rose from the snow like a mountain, almost daring invaders and interlopers to attack, confident in its ability to protect its inhabitants. Orin gulped, and hugged his cloak closer to his body as a chill passed through him. He wished he was sure if his goosebumps came from the cold or from his sudden anxiety. It felt like his insides were twisting themselves in a knot, and if it hadn't been winter he may very well have bolted back to Mithryn, danger notwithstanding.
While he was glad that he had finally arrived, especially since his original trip was delayed greatly by a monster snowstorm that left him and his traveling companions holed up for days, he was no longer certain that he belonged in such a magnificent place. After all, what could a simpleton like him really bring to the splendor already here. Suddenly, his naive dreams of making a name for himself seemed very small indeed. How could he distinguish himself when it was clear from his clothing and his demeanor that he would never fit into this glittering world.
Squinting his eyes against the reflected snow glare, Orin hunched his shoulders, resigned to his situation. Please oh please let me just find a place to stay he thought to himself. He no longer cared if he work he loved. He would be happy with just a menial job scrubbing pots or running errands now. It would be better than being passed from family to family who had no idea what to do with him and who all had differing ideas on 'what was best for a young man.' Just having a private room would be a blessing! Usually he was forced to share with other children, who always got the preferential spots by the fire or under the covers because, after all, he was an orphan and shouldn't expect much. He remembered bitterly all the times that he was told to be thankful for the kindness of strangers, as if he asked them for their help. No, life in the castle could only be an improvement.
Realizing he was probably looking like a fool standing there in the snow, he shuffled forward. Spotting what looked like two knights, looking miserable in the cold and the snow, he made his way towards them. He would be pretty miserable if he were them too, forced to stand and watch. He wondered why they weren’t allowed a brazier or something similar to keep warm with. Or maybe they did and he just couldn’t see it. Pulling up to them, he waited uncertainly. Finally, one of the guards took pity on him and asked him for his name and reason for coming to Syliras.
“M’name’s Orin sir. Orin Fenix. And I’m here to live and find work sir. Formally from Mithryn Outpost.” Orin kept his eyes down the entire time, his cheeks warming as he thought about how silly he sounded. Orin was clearly not posing much of a threat and he thought the guard might be feeling a bit of sympathy for the awkward youth, because he pointed out a structure nearby and said gruffly “That’s the Welcome Center. I encourage you to stop there. They can help you get your bearings.” Knowing a dismissal when he heard one, Orin mumbled “Thanks sir,” and turned resolutely towards the Welcome Center. Perhaps this would work out after all.