The air was crisp, and Ittindi's nervousness was palpable, as he stood outside the tavern that his former master had scheduled for their meeting. He had a feeling he knew the content of the meeting. There had been rumors that Sleeping Calamity had needed more fresh blood for their guild. While Ittindi didn't plan on joining any guild if his young master asked, there were very few things he'd deny him. He already knew where he wanted the tattoo, on his very tongue. For his master, he would give nothing less, his mark would display his loyalty every time he opened his mouth. Though, if he didn't ask him to join, Ittindi would gladly remain neutral, preferring that pathway then the darkness that was Sleeping Calamity. It would make his job as a traveling butler harder, but he knew there would always be clients desperate enough for his help.

He had worn the same butler suit of the day that Knux had been kicked out of the family. This variation had a shorter jacket than usual only reaching to his waist and not draping down in the back. With a white shirt that wasn't fully tucked in both ends sticking out the front as if two long ties. Instead of his typical ascot, he wore a white bow tie signifying the happiness of the occasion. Finally, he tightened his white gloves, inspecting them to make sure they kept their white gleam. He had gone to great lengths to wear his glossiest dress shoes, shining them for just the occasion and carrying a rag to shine again before he entered the tavern.

The elevation of Joya compared to Fiore didn't make Ittindi short of breath, but he still found the air lighter. Between the air and his nervousness Ittindi had worked up a small sweat. He wiped his brow and then cleaned his shoes before walking into the tavern. He expected Knux to look similar to the last time he saw him. He had grown but still had the handsome face he remembered. He wondered if he had any children at this point. It would be a shame for such a bloodline to be lost to the world, Ittindi would have to slowly inquire about it. He knew that his master wouldn't identify as his house anymore, but that didn't mean his nobility was gone. No, far from it, it was Ittindi's job to help him create a new house eventually, and that started with a family. A daunting project to be sure. He would approach the table slowly, keeping his face stoic as always.

"Greetings Young Master, It's been quite some time. You have only grown more strong and noble."

Ittindi would do a deep bow after his introduction waiting to be spoken to before even attempting to lift his head or back. He could maintain this position for decades if it meant hearing his young master's voice again.

Joya, what a beautiful destination. It had been his first time here in his life.  The Cherry Blossoms had captured his eye more than anything else he had seen thus far. The culture here seemed to fit him as well, perhaps one day he would settle down here.  It had been a while just over two years exactly since he had left his home country and had gone to Bosko. That had been just before the foundation of Sleeping Calamity which had got a bad name for not registering with the King, and a few members being quite infamous. While Knuckles himself was infamous he was not what he would call Evil, but rather did what he needed to survive. It just happened that the higher sword life was mostly supported by people who did some bad things. It was just the way of the mercenary life he guessed. There was nothing to do about it when one needed money for repairs for armor, weapons, and most importantly food not only for himself but also for Fang and Stera.

Fang was a large wyvern with white scales. He and Knuckles had met some tears after he had left his family estate in order to follow his dream of becoming a swordsman.  No longer a man of a sword his dream remained even still but had shifted into becoming a legendary warrior who would be known in most households. Fang did more than just help Knuckles travel the world, he also added to his reputation of Knuckles for he had tamed such an impressive creature.

Stera on the other hand Knuckles had met over the last two years, he was a small imp-like creature.  Unlike Knuckles, Stera did not care for combat. Though when  Knuckles was around Stera he felt much stronger than normal. The Daemon had wondered what Ittindi would think of the two creatures that he traveled with.  Soon he would find out, he was eager to reunite with his friend and former Butler.

Emotions did not often come into his thought process, but now that he was older at the firm mid age of 32, Knuckles often wondered how life had been if he had remained home. Sure he would probably be a lot richer but would he be happy? He doubted that. Ittindi had been a huge help in his adventure to be where he was today.  After gathering information to meet with the man Knuckles had set up a meeting for the two of them somewhere his family could never know.  

At long last, the man entered the Tavern. Knuckles had fetched them a table in the corner facing the door so he would be able to watch it for the man's entrance.  Seeing his face Knuckles froze for a moment caught off by how the man remained so youthful. Knuckles rose to his feet and walked to greet the man, unexpectedly Ittindi bowed as he greeted Knuckles. With a grin Knuckles shook his head as he bowed back before standing back up to his full height.

"You honor me, old friend. Please, rise. We have much to talk about. "

Knuckles was not the small young man that Ittindi had assisted all those years ago. His body was hardened and wore armor. At the table, a helmet and shield rested near his chair. On his right hip is a mythic hammer, rumored to be crafted by gods themselves.

As he was permitted to rise Ittindi would straighten his back taking in the tavern, the first thing he noticed was the red imp that was floating near Knux. If not for his training, he would have gasped at the creature. Instead, he'd flush out his surprise with a dry joke. His humor was one of the few things that encouraged them in their youth. If only the young master was more like the typical noble, he could flood him with compliments. Not the kind that he did for his typical employees, he genuinely meant them. He'd find time to squeeze them in here and again.

"So this must be your conscious-made material?"

He'd look at the Imp for a second while he spoke, then sat down at the table indicated by Knux. They did have a great deal to talk about, the rumors he had heard seemed to be true. Knux did seem quite powerful his very presence was enough to verify that for Ittindi. He knew that it would be an arduous journey trying to keep up...No, catch his master. It would have to be a shame he bore by himself for a while. What kind of servant couldn't protect his master. The answer echoed in his head, Ittindi didn't particularly enjoy combat. Still, some sacrifices would have to be made. To become the best butler, it was only then that he would permanently take his job back with his Young Master.

He'd take in the rest of the tavern, observing the different employees and patrons. Nothing seemed to be off, so he would return his attention to Knux, waiting to see what subject he would broach first. It had been more than a couple of years since the last time they saw each other. He knew that Knux had been busy training from his new stature, what had Ittindi done. Depression was a hard pit to escape from, but he had found a way. When exactly did he start chasing his dreams again, Ittindi couldn't quite remember.
It didn't feel him with pride to think about those kinds of things, a sad shame instead. Knowing, that someone who had lost everything capable of rising to new heights while he sunk. The words of all the former staff, reminding him of his uselessness, would bounce around his skull. He found being around Knux made it hard to forget certain memories.  Ittindi planned to rectify it now, that was the real reason he had agreed to meet.

As Knux talked, a staff member would come to them with drinks. By pure habit, Ittindi would take out a metal straw from his jacket swirl Knux's drink, and take a small sip to check for poisons. Then realizing what he was doing, he'd laugh and apologize. Though he'd make a mental note about losing composure, he'd have to clean at least 3 different homeless filth for that.

The man had kept his butler appearance, Knuckles noticed and thought to mention it but his thoughts were thrown off from Ittindi's comment about Stera. "Hm? Oh sorry, this is Stera a Wishling. Not sure what that truly is just yet, but he travels with me. Stera greets the nice man before you. Make sure to treat him with respect." Knuckles joined them at the table. Stera looked over Ittindi. "At least this one does not have red hair like your other friend. Hehehe, I thought you were part of a red-haired cult. This guy is wound up tight though Knux, you see that shine in those shoes?" Stera had the natural personality of not taking anything serious often making horrid jokes. The red-haired joke probably would not land well since he too was a red-colored creature.

"Ignore him please."

A server came and set some drinks, before Knuckles could even grip his glass his former butler swooped the drink from the table and tasted it. An odd thing to do to most who might have seen it. Knuckles was taken back by the action showing general confusion haven forgotten about such practices. When Ittindi laughed it off Knuckles grinned and reached across the table gripping the class. "I would not worry about such things. No one know who I was, only who I now am. Speaking of Ittindi, who are you now hm?"

Knuckles swallowed a bit of the drink as he placed a general order of food for the three to share before they placed an actual order. While they waited Knuckles looked curious at Ittindi wondering what his answer would be. He had known who Ittindi was, but no longer knew the man as he was today. The likewise was true about Knuckles as he clearly had changed as much. The intent of the question was not to see if he could trust the man or not, he knew he could or rather felt he could.

Ittindi almost laughed at Stera's joke. He was about to respond when Knux told him to ignore him. With that, he'd pretend that Stera's existence was imaginary. He knew that his shoes must look great if even an imp would notice. Knux was generous as always with his comment about Ittindi's accidental sip. He started by asking more about Ittindi, a question that had many different answers. There was only one honest answer, and that was the only trait that Ittindi was rusty on. When was the last time he had been honest with a master? It surely couldn't have been Knux, there were others in between right? He looked pensive for a second, trying to think, then realizing he would take all day delving into his memories. Deciding to answer Knux instead, Ittindi would take out a white handkerchief and wipe his mouth before speaking.

"Well if you had asked me just a couple of years ago I would have told you a failure. Until I heard of your adventures, I didn't know for sure it was you; then I heard the description. That awoke me from my tepid slumber, now I am a man with a goal. I will become the greatest butler in the world, and then I will force you to hire me again Young Master."

Ittindi spoke honestly with fierce aggression, a firm stare into Knux's eyes indicating that he wouldn't compromise on his goal. After, he would relax his face returning to his typical neutral demeanor. Knux would order appetizers while he was explaining himself. His answer was one of the few things that even Knux wouldn't be able to change; he had accepted that when he left the manor. Ittindi would let his answer mull in the air, like a fine wine giving Knux time to respond before he continued.

"So are your goals still the same? "

Knux had grown much stronger, but he didn't see a sword on his side. Whether he had decided to grow stronger through other means meant little to Ittindi. He knew that someone with ambition could change the path, but the goal was always of the same essence. Ittindi would call back over the staff and order a glass of dark red wine. He didn't plan to get drunk tonight, but one or two drinks were permissible. Ittindi was undecided what he wanted to eat for the night, this was his first time in Joya. He was excited to learn why Knux had wanted to meet here of all places. There would be time for that question later.

Hearing those words from Ittindi radiated fully with Knuckles. That was how he had felt two years ago. It had been years since he had set off on an adventure and had made little progress. However, after coming to terms with what he was and who he was he drove himself into a journey that granted him power like never before, but never gave up his core dream to be something and so far he had not accomplished that dream but was actively following it. "I understand your passion. I can tell you meant that with your very soul. In honor of your wishes to become in my services once more, I will extend to you an offer. Join Sleeping Calamity. Forget what you might have heard and allow me to explain to you what we are. We are a collective of individuals who have banded together while chasing our individual goals. We are not tyrants and actually are working on getting the view of us changed. That being said, if you wish to prove your skills to me put them to the test at our guildhall in Orchidia. We are in need of someone with your talents. I am sure after some time the skills you learn with us will help you achieve your goals. "

Ittindi then asked if his own goals remained the same. With a partial smile, Knuckle shook his head. "No in short. I realized that I did not have to become a master swordsman to become a Legend. Instead, I took up arms with different weapons until I found something that literally called to me. A Hammer weapon called Mjolnir." Knuckles reached to his hip and pulled the hammer up and sat it on the table allowing the weapon to be seen.

Mjolnir:

After waiting a moment to allow the hammer to be seen Knuckles went back to his goal. "So now I just have the dream of becoming a man of legend, despite the cost."

When he was done with his word Knuckles reached into his pocket and pulled out the Guild stamp tattooed. It functioned like a Stamped but part the mark of the guild onto a person. If Ittindi was ready to join he would press the stamp onto their desired location.

Ittindi was surprised by Knux's explanation of Sleeping Calamity. It didn't exactly match the public perception. To be fair, he did say that was something they were actively changing. Ittindi had been wrongly judged often in his life; even at some points thought noble due to his decorum. Ultimately he'd always trust Knux more than any singular person's opinion. The fact that he thought this was even a question showed his kindness towards his allies. Plus he could help change their perception, society seemed to think his internal punishment of cleaning the homeless was saintly. In actuality, he just found them to be the most disgusting creatures on the planet; it was a twofold exercise. To practice his stoicism while also working on his cleaning abilities. If he could clean the dirtiest individuals how could others pose a challenge? Even now, he could see the spots that Knux had missed in his washing. He probably did it all by himself now. One day he'd be strong enough, then even if Knux denied him, Ittindi could challenge him to a duel. Some nobles were too persistent in their way and reluctant to accept help. It had to be something forced on them for the greater good. For cleanliness was akin to godliness.

"I will accept your offer Young Master, though I expect you will need to protect me from some of the members as I clean what I expect to be a filthy guildhall."

Ittindi listened to Knux explain his new goals and how he had changed a little. Displaying a most exquisite hammer, the colors of mana swirling, unable to determine when and where they even changed. It was truly a sight to behold a weapon fitting for his Young Master. He would place the hammer back on his side, then retrieve a guild stamp. Ittindi didn't hesitate to tell him where he wanted the tattoo. He had already decided.

"There's only one place fitting for such an honor. I want the stamp on my tongue Young Master."

After speaking he would take out breath spray, giving himself two quick squirts. He knew that his breath was fresh, still even the chance of being unclean to Knux was something that Ittindi couldn't handle. After that he'd open his jaw as much as he physically could while extending his tongue. The head butler of the mansion had often made Ittindi wash his tongue out with soap. So displeasure to it would be a trifle to him, there would be nothing but elegance for Knux.

Happy day! Ittindi had accepted his offer, this day had reached its height. Each member of Sleeping Calamity was able to recruit those they deemed worthy to join. While Ittindi may not wish to become the greatest warrior, sorcerer, or anything of the sort if he had notions of being strong enough to challenge Knuckles to a duel to indeed force his services back to Knuckles then he would have no other choice but to become strong. Knuckles smiled warmly, he did not even flinch when Ittindi wished to place his seal upon his tongue. Knuckles simply reached over and dabbed the stamp into the tattoo ink, fed mana into the small handle, and pressed it onto his tongue. After about, a second or so Knuckles retracted his arm and put away his stamp.

"But of course my dear old friend. I will ensure you are respected and they will soon learn true cleanliness. To be honest, I had avoided the guild hall for two years. I can not even fathom the condition it may be in."

Stera looked at the pair and busted out in a rifling laugh. a Snort had even escaped from the creature. "You two are a couple or lovers or something? Beelzebub's bones, that was a bore. Let us get some more food and drinks! There is a festival going on out there I heard. We should go and check it out.

Knuckles nodded. "Which brings me as to why I picked here. This is a great chance to show the public we are not what the King and his minions made us out to be. A Guild should not have to bend the knee to be formed. We can do good work out here showing who Sleeping Calamity really is."

The sting of the tattoo wasn't horrible for Ittindi, similar to a more precise burning from a portion of hot food. It subsided rather quickly once Knuckles withdrew the stamp. He wasn't vain enough to care about how it looked at the moment. Ittindi knew that it would eventually heal if it had left any bruising. Knuckles would continue talking confirming that the guildhall would probably be a mess. The sound of raspy air came from Knuckles companion. Ittindi didn't even so much as acknowledge his voice or presence. Whether that bothered him or not Ittindi didn't care.

Ittindi wasn't too surprised to hear that Knuckles' plan involved helping the people of this city. His rampant disdain for authority had earned Knuckles more than one punishment in his earlier years. It made sense that he had joined a guild of strong-willed individuals. How Ittindi would fit in mattered little. He would either get strong enough or die; there was no need to worry about things he couldn't control. Besides, he had found that empathizing with the strong was the easy part. The difficulty came in getting them to compromise or work together when their interests didn't directly align.

"What is the plan then Young Master?"

Ittindi would think if he had packed his nail polish with him in his traveling case. He had made room for multiple outfits as he expected to ruin a couple. Usually, his adventures with Knuckles ended up with his gloves shredded as well, he had remembered to pack extras of those. That would be another bonus of becoming stronger. One day his magic would be powerful enough that he wouldn't even break a sweat or a nail. As the food was brought to the table Ittindi made sure to not break etiquette.

While it had been a long time since they had seen each other, Ittindi still saw himself as a butler. It didn't matter if he had an active employer or not, how that would work out in a guild...well he hadn't given that part much thought yet. He wondered how many transients he'd have to clean to make up for whatever members had created the reputation around the guild. Luckily he knew that was one stock that never ran out. He'd be washing others for the rest of his life, that was a constant he hated but enjoyed. Like that short period after cleaning the bathroom, before inspection has declared it satisfactory or otherwise.

Knuckles' face becomes a serious look upon hearing the question. "Rumors are they have some haunted area with Demons and such. I've met Demons before, in fact, I have powers granted by one. So it interests me to see what is actually there. If there is a Demon there who better deal with it if not a Daemon? "

Knuckles would let that sit out in the open, Stera crossed his arms as he was annoyed at being ignored. Ittindi had done well to block the Wishling's voice from his head. It was impressive as it had taken Knuckles a long time to do that. After waiting a few breaths giving Ittindi time to reply if he had wished Knuckles reached into his bag and pulled out some jewels, setting the on the table to cover the bill and a fairly nice tip. Dawning on the rest of his gear after standing, Knuckles would lead the way. He was happy Ittindi would be here with him. He felt light within him now.

Granted powers by a demon, that would explain the thing hovering around his shoulder. Ittindi didn't plan on worrying too much about it, he trusted his Young Master's power. So they would be hunting demons in this city, he wondered how powerful they'd be. His magic was once considered a talent; he had left it to the wayside over the last couple of years. Not much power was needed to handle the average thug. He would begin practicing it immediately, that would be his pathway to overcoming his Young Master.

His Young Master would place jewels on the table to pay for the meal. This was expected but Ittindi would thank him for his patronage nonetheless.

"Gracious as always Young Master. Thank you for the meal."

He would follow behind Knuckles after he had donned his gear making sure to always be 1-3 paces behind him on his left side. As they left the tavern Ittindi felt hopeful for his future. He would defeat Knuckles in the next couple of years there was no room for doubt.

~Exit