[i]That is who he chose.[/i] The Guild, its levels far from towering but by no means small, was the most visible structure of the town. To none more so than Kiera Shannon, whose lofty gaze stared far over most of Allure's residents and even some of its buildings. The Aurorus had wisdom enough to know that the building would become even more distinct in her vision now that her youngest son had chosen to make it his home. For a few seconds she simply stood in the sun, the wagon and masonry forgotten, attempting to divine the future. [i]Yes, perhaps he may have chosen a teacher less worthy. Or a goal less noble. That's not why I am discontent.[/i] The wagon lurched, and Kiera was on her way again. 

Some measure of her discomfort was that of any parent watching her child moving away. She had seen the process happen four times already in her other sons, but Carrol was not the same. Carrol had started earlier, taking his time, using others as steps, from Kiera and Aiden to Aloais to Arnold. His father passed on not long after Carrol began catching the interest of Alaois, and Kiera had been too passive to take him further on her own. Alaois let himself die after Etna's tragedy. Now Arnold would become the new master/obsession, but Kiera did not know Arnold beyond hearsay. Knowing that she had no real power over Carrol's destiny anymore was deeply unsettling.

Then there was the question of whether Carrol would [i]ever[/i] find his final stepping stone. The Shannon's assumption had been that Carrol would start behaving like a leader once he matured and Alaois passed on, but now, evil seeds of doubt had sprouted in Kiera. The elder's death had interrupted his development, of course, but he had made no sign of moving on by himself... Or wanting to. Perhaps they had been wrong about his abilities, and Carrol would refuse to ever move out of the shadow of others. Kiera had no response to that idea.

[i]He'll find his way.[/i] The mother tried to feel the warmth of the day, the joy of community, but thoughts are not always comforting. [i]Oh, Carrol. Find the right way. Please.[/i] Singing a quiet hymn to Articuno, Kiera continued to the build site praying for guidance.

* * *

Carrol Shannon had never winced from, nor had he ever reveled in sunlight. The sun was where Pokémon worked, played, argued, where the rituals of interaction were strongest. In a settlement like this, sunlight was a way of life. Shannon's experience did not tell him he had a love for it. 

Carrol didn't tire on the road from the Shannon's home on the outskirts. Allure was not large enough for that yet, and Shannon was grateful. To approach with much poise and energy was the idea. Shannon did not pause and collect himself before he tapped on the guild's entrance with his forehead; There had been time enough for that earlier. "You said to come a later time." He held his head high, his voice even. "The sun is up and others left already. I shan't delay much longer." The door swung, and Shannon nodded, moving inside. The guild's interior, on this floor at least, was bustling. Bands of Explorers, some rather curiously composed, milled about what looked like glorified notice boards. Badges glinted and conversation was engaged. An active environment, yes, though likely not the final destination for a newcomer. 

"Wait right here, uh... Shannon. With luck you'll get a chance to check the place out soon enough." Shannon nodded, looking around keenly nevertheless. The guild's levels were divided by a stairway, to his relief. To hear that Wally's guild relied on a ladder had not been pleasing to the Amaura. His awareness remained keen until Shannon's mind finally projected an image of Arnold, be the Audino intimidating, welcoming, or authoritative, onto the steps, coming to inspect the newbie. The reality of the impending meeting intensified his anticipation. [i]Soon. Yes.[/i] Shannon was silent, expecting to be impressed.