Sword Art Online: A New Beginning

[Mega90]

Yamen nodded.

“Don’t worry about that. She’s out with Re-Re right now training, and she has also apparently made some powerful friends already. Several times now I have found her in the company of Hiroku, the Reaper.”  

[Zarkon90]

The young woman's eyes widened.

"Hiroku? Your sure? Why on earth would he help her?"  

[Mega90]

Yamen shrugged.

“Your guess is as good as mine. However, regardless of the reason, it seems that he has taken a bit of a liking to her. I don’t think we have to worry about RIn’s safety. Between Hiroku, Re-Re, and myself, I think she will be quite safe.” He pushed off the wall and took a few steps forward. “Which brings me to my next point. Rin is going to need to get stronger. She can’t remain in the guild if she doesn’t start to pull her own weight; and she’ll probably need a little guidance if she’s to advance quickly. Can I count on you to help her out a little? I don’t expect you to babysit her, just give her a few pointers –if you wouldn’t mind.”  

[Zarkon90]

Amara nodded.

"Of course. But Yamen, when she isn't with me I want her with your or one of the others. I don't know this Hiroku personally but what I have heard about him makes me cautious."

Amara turned to the door, pausing in the doorway.

"We also need to officially announce this to all the guild. Better to get everyone here ready and familiar with this to prevent any problems. There is supposed to be a guild wide meeting tonight anyway. We may as well announce it then. Agreed?" She asked, glancing back at him.    

[Mega90]

Yamen shook his head.

“I’ll be sure to keep an eye on her from time to time, but she doesn’t need someone with her every moment of every day. She’s not a prisoner here, she’s a member now. As for announcing it to the guild, I already held an assembly this morning. There is also a message posted on the official forum, so there should be no reason that people don’t know if they are checking the proper areas.” Grabbing his coat off of the back of the chair, he walked to the door, holding it open for Amara. “In any case, I think I’m going to go get some air…if you don’t have any more questions, that is.”  

[Zarkon90]

Amara shook her head.

"I'm not sure that a forum is the best idea to inform the guild of something like this. She will be heckled to no end that way and this could go on for months or longer. That alone could drive her out."  

[Mega90]

Yamen turned to look over his shoulder at Amara.

“I’m pretty confident that most of the members will come to me with their questions, and as far as the forum goes, I also informed each member personally. Matter of fact, there should be a mail waiting for you informing you of her joining right now.” Looking forward again, he continued. “Besides, if they force her out of the guild, you’ll get what you think is best, right?” His comment was not snide, but bluntly honest.  

[Zarkon90]

"If you think there is something special about her then I will trust your judgement. But I won't stand for the guild harassing her or bullying her."
Amara watched Yamen carefully as she spoke, being sure to keep her tone respectful.  

[Mega90]

Yamen nodded gratefully.

“I’d hope not. However, you need to give them a little leeway as well. They are going through a pretty big change, and it’s going to take some time to adjust. If Rin is Crestfallen material, she’ll be able to stick it out until they get to know her. I’m not sayin’ let them pick on her – just consider what they are going through before you react to harshly.”  

[Zarkon90]

Amara sighed and shook her head.

"You certainly have done it this time Yamen. I hope this girl is worth it."  

[Mega90]

Yamen smiled and walked out, leaving Amara alone in the small office.

§

Amara had not been long in the guild hall before she crossed paths with Rimaru. He gave a half smile when he saw her and waved absently.

“Hey, Amara. When did you get in?”  

[Zarkon90]

Amara offered a small smile and bowed her head slightly.

"Good morning Rimaru. I only just returned this morning." She said softly, still lost in thought. "It appears a lot has happened in my absence."  

[Mega90]

The corners of Rimaru’s mouth immediately curved downwards into a deep scowl.

“So you’ve heard the news, then?”  

[Zarkon90]

Amara cautiously nodded.

"Indeed I have. Yamen just informed me as a matter of fact. You don't seem thrilled." She said softly.