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	"[color=929292]Good [i]night[/i]! What did you do in there[/color]," Finlay blurted out, looking to Kiri and Colin's group.  His face was painted with disgust as he covered his nose and mouth with a hand.  The smell escaping the room was dreadful.  Before an answer came, he quickly did a head count, his eyes bouncing from one initiate to the next.  "[color=929292]We're short one,[/color]" Finlay declared with a softer tone and an heir of disappointment.  "[color=929292]The new one.[/color]"

	"[color=00aeef]Looks like you took some casualties, too,[/color]" Trent made sure to point out with a slight sneer, the delectability he took in Finlay's shortcomings was lost to no one.  Finlay looked at the others as they emerged as well, his head bobbing in a small nod as he met his charge's eyes.  Of those who walked out, there was an undeniable sense of pride and esteem coming from Finlay.  Of course, he would never admit to it.

	"[color=929292]Took ya all long enough,[/color]" he said finally, his grin subtle and crooked.  "[color=929292]But good on ya.  You went is as mere dobbers.  Amateurs.  Ignorant.  Stupid.  Blind.  But now you've emerged as something new.  Dobbers with a piss sash.  Congratulations.  You're yellow hoods.[/color]"  Zeke, the seemingly silent sentinel, slowly moved to each survivor, a pile of folded yellow garments gathered atop his presented arms.  A hood for each initiate.  A symbol of their status within the organization.  "[color=929292]What's mine is now yours,[/color]" Finlay continued.  [color=929292]"Our resources are your resources.  But there is a cost.  You will train with us on your off time and when you're not training, you will be sent on missions.  You will be placed in dangers far less controlled than what you've just faced, against foes who we [i]couldn't[/i] catch and contain.  It only gets more challenging from here, kiddos.[/color]"  Finlay's crooked smile turned into a full grin as he glanced at them all.  "[color=929292]Look around and get familiar with these people because you're gonna be spending a lot more time with 'em.  It's all of you and me from here on out.[/color]"

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	"[color=f7976a]And me,[/color]" Ryder called, his voice devoid of interest or excitement as he stomped heavy-footed down the hallway, his red cloak waving behind him with each stride.  His dark, shoulder-length hair flowed back as he moved.  His face gave away the fact that he hadn't shaved in quite a while.  What wasn't a part of his beard was covered in stubble.  He moved with intention and resentment.

	"[color=929292]What's that,[/color]" asked Finlay, bewildered and slightly annoyed for his moment being interrupted.

	"[color=f7976a]Commander says I'm also tasked to this group.[/color]"  Once Ryder was finally standing at Finlay's side, he looked the teams over, soaking them in.  The people gathered were certainly eclectic.

	"[color=929292]You're not taking this group from me.  I've already seen 'em through to the Tria-[/color]"

	"[color=f7976a]Not interested,[/color]" Ryder interrupted.  "[color=f7976a]You're running this.  I'm just here until I'm not.[/color]"  His lack of motivation was obvious.  He had no intention of being a counselor or a trainer, no desire to water the next crop.  It's what he was tasked to do.  What he [i]had[/i] to do.  "[color=f7976a]I'll admit it's impressive to see this many people walking out through those doors,[/color]" he said, addressing the teams.  "[color=f7976a]On my day, it was just me.  Welcome to the Hoods.[/color]"

	"[color=929292]Right[/color]," Finlay said, his voice trailing off slightly as he tried to comprehend this new development.  He broke his stare away from Ryder and looked to his pupils once more.  "[color=929292]Anyway, the keep is open to you now.  The armory, the library, the kitchen, the laboratory, the dining hall, the sparring chambers, the archery yard... hell, I'll even let ya go to the keep's tavern if ya earn your drink during work hours.  In the meantime, you're free to get accustomed to this place.  I plan on feasting in an hour in the dining hall.  You've earned your spots and are welcome to join me, should you have the urge.  Otherwise tomorrow morning is Day One.  I'm gonna throw ya in the deep water.  Ya better learn to swim real quick.[/color]"