"You want me to do WHAT?"
Daunthir let her voice get a little too loud for the studious sanctuary of Mealvaan's Gate, bringing some irritated stares from initiates trying to study or do research. Someone shushed her.
Thubyrgeim replied (and repeated herself) in a patient, infuriatingly even voice.
"Go out the Tempest gate and hunt down 3 wharf rats, 3 little ladybugs, and 3 aureliae. Bring back trophies from your hunt."
"But.. they're vermin.. pests isn't that a bit trivial for the skills I've developed over the past weeks? I mean, it shows in the record, I faced down Gargoyles and a Demon and the Masked Mage I fought against the Serpent Reavers. Admiral Bloefhiswyn spoke for me to the Commodores and all the City Officials." Daunthir worked hard to keep her voice even.
"And when you're finished with this task, I'll want you to go hunt wild dodos and tiny mandragoras. When you're done with that, I'll have you track and hunt and study as many creatures as the Guild Initiation states. It's not supposed to be exciting, nor thrilling. Its Initiation and EVERY GUILDSPERSON has gone through this; from Guildmaster K'rhid Tia, myself, all the way down to the most green initiate wishing to join us. You, 'Hero of Limsa Lominsa', will be treated no differently." Thubyrgeim's smile carried no mirth behind it.
"Now, do we have an understanding?"
Daunthir bit back the fire of a sharp retort, such a display may be expected among the tribes of the Xaela, but she was a world away from the lands of her birth. In the Arcanists' Guild, restraint and no small amount of humility presented the respect expected of Guildmasters and even acting Guildmasters. She lowered her eyes and bowed her head slightly.
"Yes, Guildmaster Thubyrgeim we have an understanding, I will do as you ask".
"Well done Guild Aspirant Rayne. Now go and attend to your assignment. I expect you to return with textbook perfect results. It's the least I'd ask of such a great Hero of the city and the Personal Envoy of Admiral Bloefhiswyn."
Thubyrgeim turned back to the shelf of books, delivering the unmistakable message that this conversation was finished.
Daunthir walked out of Mealvaan's Gate with as much dignity as she could salvage from her wrecked hubris.
"I even wore the fancy shoes to the banquet. FANCY SHOES! Fine! Pest Exterminator Daunthir Rayne reporting for duty!"
The wharf rats did not acknowledge her salute.
