Matteo was used to being tested (he wasn’t sure why he was, but he was) and two tests now stood before him. Or perhaps “complications” were a better way of putting them. As tobacco smoke filled his lungs with each breath and his strained eyes were drawn to the “guild directory” on the counter, temptation reared its head. For a price- a hefty one, half of what they’d been given- here was a book with everything they needed to know to get them started in guild life. Here was a solution.

Here was a [i]shortcut.[/i]

As Matteo was handing over the silver pieces without another word, his only hesitation was that now, with directory in hand, his efforts the night before to get information from Etono had been for nothing. A wasted gesture, and one he’d been physically punished for (as opposed to simply waiting at the office for the others to return.) 

Someone else who’d just spent exactly half of their savings might have been distressed, but Matteo was already thinking. Five silver pieces wouldn’t win him admission into even the cheapest guild— the Thieves’ guild, he noticed, which made sense— but perhaps a verbal recommendation would. A recommendation that Etono, casual acquaintance though the other male might have been, had promised. [i]You know, it doesn’t have to be a waste after all...[/i]

He had no proof that he’d be suited to a studious (or expensive) discipline, and it was clear from his fight with Old Bear that he was not suited for a warrior’s lifestyle. Surely any guild would be profitable, and what could earn more money than a literal Thief? 

Collecting the directory with a succinct [b]”Ah, yes, thank you,”[/b] Matteo retreated and cleared his throat. [b]”Apologies for disturbing you, we’ll be going now.”[/b] With the coin from Ash he’d receive later on or another pity donation from another group member, perhaps he could talk his way into a deal with the guild of sky-blue robes.