#clamor

The strands of blue hair fell to his eyes as carefully poured the boiling water to his brand new, gold edged cup. Not quite the same expensive ceramics he was used to, but it was good enough for a town’s flea market. A few minutes later he covered his legs with a blanket, steam rising above the cup that stood on top of the carefully carved tea table. One of the few furniture pieces he managed to get from the Ebalon mansion before it was confiscated. His new place, albeit not big, was cozy enough for one person. Near a fireplace cracked, sending warmth around the house, while beyond the window one could see the bare Magnolia tree. Its branches steadily holding up the falling snow. Sometimes, he’d remember his brother teasing him about being a little old man and let out a bitter laugh. He missed his brother dearly, but life must go on. And this time, he was ready to welcome the New Year with a house of his own!

And it was then, in the midst of giving himself a pat on the back for his efforts, knocking came to his front door. Noah didn’t expect any guests. Was it Clamor taking pity on him and visiting him? He thought so, as he made his way towards the door. But the person whom he greeted upon opening was not his teacher. There, with hair as white as the snowy landscape around, and crimson eyes, stood an expressionless man. He had a sword on his back flickering in the moonlight, mere glance hinting at its sharpness.

“Umm, do you need anything?” Noah couldn’t stop the shakiness in his voice. Confidence can give you a lot when dealing with strangers and Noah knew his first impression was detrimental. But he rarely spoke, and his throat wasn’t used to much effort.

“Meeting place.” The man said, his face the perfect image of neutrality. He seemed to think his words were enough to explain everything.

“Huh?” But Noah didn’t get to question him more, as the young man brushed past him and entered the house, leaving a trail of wet footsteps. “No wait, what meeting place? This is my house.”

Noah hurriedly followed him in. But the man merely glanced at the humble living room, one that Noah was proud of just minutes ago, and leaned on the wall in a corner. Silent, unassuming. One could mistake him for part of decor, if not that he was breathing.

Noah felt unreal. Why was there a stranger in his house, spewing something cryptic, only to stand in his living room. Just what was he, as the owner supposed to do about this man, with a very dangerous weapon. Noah didn’t have anything he could defend himself, all of his tools were borrowed and already given away. Although he did think of getting himself a weapon, he didn’t have enough money yet, not after scraping all his ED for a place he could call home.

He had no choice but to reason with this man. “Sir, I live here. I think you might have come to the wrong place. Although it’s a bit desolate, it’s still the outskirts of the nearby village. If you continue heading south, you should see the homesteads. And there’s also an inn.”

But the man didn’t answer. His eyes, hidden behind the unkept hair didn’t even spare Noah a glance.

“I didn’t make any New Year plans, you must have come to the wrong place.” He continued, becoming increasingly annoyed, yet trying to keep his expression from showing it.

Finally, the man responded. “Noah?”

“Yes?”

The man nodded. “The right place.”

Noah was baffled. He didn’t even realise he forgot to introduce himself, yet the men knew his name anyway. So, was this man really here for him? As if on cue, knocking came on his door. Again. Suppressing the unwillingness to believe it, Noah excused himself and went to the door. But the outside wind didn’t refresh his turbulent mind, instead it felt like a cold slap to the face. In front of him stood another stranger, this time a woman.

She asked him with a polite smile. “Hello, are you Noah, perhaps?”

“Yes…”

“Great! My name’s Aisha. Nice to meet you.” She waved her hand, while her ponytail swayed. Noah couldn’t help but notice the blackish and unnatural colour of her hands. “Oh, that? Don’t worry, it's not a disease, it’s not going to transmit.”

“Oh… And you’re here for the meeting.” It was more of a statement than a question.

“Yes, but can we talk about this inside? It’s snowing really badly and I don’t want my clothes to get wet.”

“Ah, sure.” He stepped aside to let her in, while holding in a sigh. At least this person was willing to have a conversation. Maybe now he’ll finally understand what exact misunderstanding led to strangers flocking to his humble abode. “You know my name already, however I don’t remember my name being that well known.”

“Hmm, no. I was told to come here by a fellow wizard. A topic like that, it’s indeed unwise to talk about around seven towers, or some backwater bar. You never know who is listening.” She made herself cozy at the sofa in front of the fireplace, bringing her hands closer to the flickering embers as she turned her head towards the silent man. “Elsword! You’re done already with Feita’s golems? Here I thought you wouldn’t make it on time.”

“...”

“What shortcut did you take exactly? Don’t tell me you swam down the river to cut on time?”

“...”

“Elsword, are you doing this specifically to anger me? How many times did I tell you to stick to proper paths?”

“Uhh…” Noah furrowed his brows. The man named Elsword wasn’t responding, not even moving a muscle. How was she conversing with him exactly? “He’s… talking right now?” Maybe telepathy?

“Oh, sorry for this, It’s rude of us to just ignore you. Elsword and I have known each other for a long time. When you know someone for as long as we do, you’re bound to understand their quirks.” She smiled warmly at him before gradually turning and giving Elsword a smile lacking warmth.“We will talk about this later.”

“Okay then, can you tell me which wizard told you to come here? I don’t remember being told anything about this, if I’m being honest.” A curious thing, a wizard that creates appointments in someone’s house, without informing them about it!

“I reckon he said you’re his pupil? So, you should know him.”

“My mentor? My- so it’s him!” If there weren’t guests present he would be ripping his hair off right now. Teacher did worry about him being alone during holidays, but did he seriously think inviting a bunch of strangers was a good idea?! “Just what is he thinking?”

“Once he arrives you can ask him yourself. Until then, I can give you my stress reducing potion.” She took a vial from her coat and presented it to him. “Nothing works better than this when under pressure. I use it when- hey don’t look at me like this, I’m not a shady person.”

Noah returned to a neutral expression, chastising himself for letting his thoughts show on his face. One comfort was that, at least, his voice was no longer acting up.

The door was knocked on again, saving him from the awkwardness. “I’ll get it.”

The snow outside grew even more intense, and the newly arrived guest outside was fully covered by a fluffy coat. Only a set of large ears and a head full of green locks were visible. He may have found others to be complete strangers, but this person, Noah knew them. ”Are you Miss Rena? The singer?”

“Ah yes, I- Achoo!” She barely uncovered her mouth to talk before she covered it again. A snort came out of her nose. Her voice muffled from behind the coat. “Sorry, I took some medicine for my throat earlier, but ended up with an itchy nose instead. Can we come in?”

“Of course!” He said, a little too excited. It’s not everyday that a celebrity visits your house.”But, what do you mean ‘we’?”

“Me and Raven, he’s sulking under that tree.” She pointed with her thumb behind her, before sneezing.

And there, under the magnolia tree, the same one that could be glimpsed from his window, was a shadow thick enough to hide a man. It was baffling, because how did a tree with no leaves, or thick branches even create such an irregularity? But the chill that enveloped Noah, one much colder than this windless, snowy night, proved that it could. The shadow took shape and from within it came a man. His steps crunched, and the closer he got the clearer he could be seen. Raven, as he was called, did not even have a head. Only dark was underneath his hood. “Hello.” The headless man muttered in a voice which no human could possess. One that sounded like an echo from far away rather than from a man right in front. The floating cape gave him a nod and entered the house, leaving him and Rena still standing at the door.

“He prefers not to talk much. It scares people.”

“I see. Please enter.” He was afraid, but he didn't want to acknowledge it. After waiting for Rena to step in completely, Noah shut the door and wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers. Noah had never actually travelled or seen the world outside of his mansion, at least not until he became the last Ebalon remaining. He had no idea that Elrios was home to such monsters. Of course, the bestiary did not include them.

Noah took a big breath of air and entered the living room. Aisha was talking to Rena, who sat at his armchair and sipped on the tea. The tea he made himself minutes ago and became forgotten. His tea.

Teacher did say it’s better to not meet your idols.

“Ah, really?! Those backyard alchemists shouldn’t be trusted.” Aisha exclaimed. “I left my tools at the inn, but I could make something in the kitchen that could help. It wouldn’t completely remove the itching in your nose, but you wouldn’t feel it as much.”

“No need, it’s been steadily getting better for a while now. And, achoo! I feel like the smoke from the kitchen fire would just make it worse.”

Noah chipped in. “I use the magical stove, there shouldn’t be any smoke from that.”

Rena smiled his way, before explaining. “I meant a different fire.”

“...”

Aisha scoffed. “It happened one time Rena. I’m not a complete kitchen disaster like Elesis. I was just trying to speed up the cooking process a little and I learned my lesson already.”

“Still, you’re at someone’s house. It’s better not to take any chances with that.” She said as she sipped. Noah really wanted to say something about that tea and how that’s also rude to do in someone’s house, but decided against it. She was an elf, they might have different customs.

“Excuse me everyone, can you tell me how many people my teacher invited exactly? I fear I might not have enough space in my house.” He asked, then glanced at the grandfather clock. It was getting really late, yet his teacher still wasn’t nowhere to be seen.

“Achoo, uh I think Rose was supposed to come, but had to stay and work on the portal?”

“Priest.” Raven added, with that inhumane voice of his.

Noah nearly jumped from startle, but held it in. “I see. In that case I’ll bring more chairs.” Those in his magazine were only a few, so if his teacher invited even more people, he’ll have to pray for them to hug the wall like that silent guy who's been pretending to be part of the furniture this whole time. Now that Noah thought about it, Elsword seemed to be the least worrisome of them all.

After arranging the chairs and fetching some refreshments from the kitchen, his door was knocked on. But this time, when he opened it, he saw no one. The only thing outside was the snow, which covered the road in a lovely layer of white.

He looked around some more, then attempted to close the door when a voice called out to him.“Be patient.” It was a voice that spoke directly to his mind, and Noah knew his next guest wasn’t going to be normal either.

No longer than that crossed his mind when a flash of light blinded his eyes. “Aghh!” He couldn’t help but scream out.

“Be not afraid.” The source of light said. But Noah was too busy covering his stinging eyes.

“Ain, tone it down a bit!” Rena, like a divine saviour, arrived to help with a hand shielding her eyes. The tea no longer mattered to him.

“I see, miss elf.” The light diminished, and Noah could see a tall man's shape through his half-closed eyes. He had long, vibrant blue hair and a matching stare. Noah believed this was the priest based on his attire. Even though he didn't want to, what could he do except allow him in?

Ain wasn’t shy when inviting himself in. He casually strolled towards the sounds of conversations, as if it weren’t someone’s house he was entering, but a CoBo agency. Rena was the one to sigh and try to give some excuses for his rude behaviour. “You see, Ain isn’t really, all that humane. Not in a bad way, but he certainly doesn’t under- well, care for etiquette or social norms much. You’ll have to ignore it.”

“I’ll remember that.” From her words it seemed like he didn’t have much choice but to accept it.

As he blinked his eyes they reached the living room, now with one more occupant in it, standing in the middle. Not moving.

Noah offered him a chair. “Erm, there is still place to sit if you-”

“I will stand.” He stated. And that was the end of the conversation.

He wanted to stand, Noah didn’t mind. But did he have to do that in the middle of the room? The house wasn’t big and the sofa already took up a considerable amount of space. Rena had to dodge him when walking!

Noah really wanted to say anything, but before he could, knocking came again. ‘I- actually, whatever.”

Behind the doors he saw the cause of this problem; his teacher, and an angel. No, really. The young man had a head full of fluffy blonde hair, paw-printed eyes radiating good will, and a pair of translucent wings. Noah’s mind simply took off. In fact, he was convinced this was all a dream. While waiting for the new year, he dozed off on his chair and made this all up. He really wanted to believe it, yet the cold wind licking his face was undeniable.

The angel like youth spoke first. “You’re very pale. Do you need help?”

Noah quibbled. “No, no, really. It’s just that usually by this time I’m asleep. I have a very strict routine.”

“In that case I am so sorry for visiting so late.” Anyone would feel like a heartless mutt for making this angel sad.

“No, it’s fine. If someone’s at fault it would be my teacher.” Noah opposed, his bitter glare directed at Clamour, who simply looked away.

“Still, I’m really sorry.”

“No I’m really sorry for my teacher just planning this so poorly.”

“But that’s still-”

“I’m sure he’ll get better once we’re all inside.” Clamor interrupted, fearing that otherwise the conversation might not end.

“Ah! Of course. Look at me, forgetting myself like that.” The blonde chuckled.

Clamor stepped closer and cleared his throat. “This is Chung. With his skills, you’ll be seeking him out often for recovery.”

“Hello, I’m Noah.” He shook Chung’s hand, the most normal introduction of the day.

“Hello Noah, I heard about you before coming. It’s good to finally meet you.” He smiled.

“Chung, could I talk to Noah for a moment?” Clamor asked.

“Of course. I’m sure the others are waiting inside.”

Now there were just the two of them. The falling snow, and the endless night that made this charming part of woods seem desolate now. “What exactly is happening, teacher? Why did you invite those… people to my house?”

Clamor didn’t answer immediately. He took off his cape, letting his unkept brown hair spill with a mixed expression, then sighed. “Are you still unwilling to find your brother’s murderer?”

That question took a breath out of Noah’s lungs. His teacher knew how hard the topic was. How much it scraped his conscience. “Didn’t we already talk about this? I can’t, I… don’t have the means to.”

“Not alone. With the help of a team however?”

“The people you invited? But everyone who is tied to it disappeared to the demon world. Having a team is meaningless.” Noah scrunched his nose. Who doesn't want vengeance in this world? But how much does it cost? He knew that what awaited someone as weak as him was a meaningless death, which was not something his brother would wish for him.

“The expedition led by Lady Sieghart lost contact. The upper echelons of Elrianode decided a new team should be formed.” Clamor revealed with a lowered tone.

If a new expedition was being made, then it means he had a chance to find the one who did that to his family, to get revenge, to tie all the loose ends. Even his lack of power could be covered by competent teammates.

Noah realised then, “Teacher, you tied yourself to this mess for me?” Clamor was part of the Seven Towers. As messy as it is, to take a step forward in their game of power just to secure this chance for his pupil was the same as sticking a target to his back. “I’m sorry teacher, I was really mean to you before.”

A warm hand rested on Noah's head, removing snowflakes and dishevelling his hair. “Don’t thank me yet. The journey will be a dangerous one. I’m sure it’s a matter of time before you’ll be back to cursing me out for not letting you stay in that burrow of yours.”

Noah's lips curved into a faint smile. Before he could contradict Clamor's comments, the window overlooking the tree broke. A candle holder lay amidst the shards of broken glass. There was no sound coming from the living room. "My house!" Noah cried, as his teacher grimaced.