"Hail" a voice echoed back from the Guild Master himself who was sitting there and looking at the newcomer. The situation he was facing in Baska was unique. The town never had a guild, so they were happy someone can finally locally take on their quests and not always solely depend on the Rune Knights. Nor did they have to travel North or South to seek out Paradise Dawn and Blue Pegasus. All they had were Dark Guilds and so having a more neutral guild was a breath of fresh air to the locals, as they hoped it was a step in the right direction.

Despite being a smaller and newer guild, they were swamped with work. From the locals help quests to the serious vampire threat they have. Recently two people were attacked by vampires, and venturing in the cave, they uncovered a mysterious scroll, which they didnt get to study just yet but knew it was something the vampires sought. Baska was also attacked in retaliation and they have defended the town. Tamas was planning his next move when the stranger had approached him.

He curiously observed the newcomer as he didnt seem like a local seeking help, more looked like a seasoned warrior
"Did you come to join our guild?" he asked cautiously and yet curiously.
Despite the work and activity the guild had, people were still hesistant to join something new even if it was beneficial to them, instead opting to go the safe route and just join Blue Pegasus and Paradise Dawn instead. Indeed the west was still a neglected region by the light guilds with only dark guilds having a foothold

Behind that helm, his expression became more serious when he heard that a member of Phantom Lord announced his presence in his guild hall. He had anticipated that they would make their move. He should've figured they would do so now, at the worst of times. A clever move. Though he wanted to try and solve this without the need to rely on his former guild Paradise Dawn. It was best to de-escalate the situation and be cautious.
"What is your intention, Noel of Phantom Lord?" he asked in his usual rather emotionless and neutral tone which still carried an odd sense of authority.

Of course he was annoyed by Noels loud slurping. Rolling his eyes as it was clear the man was doing so to annoy him and was suceeding

The man then said that he had an offer to discuss.  But wished for a quiet room. The Knight was looking at the Phantom Lord member who came here. He held his sword like a cane and tapped his index finger on the pommel of the blade as he thought over what to do. It was then that Noel would unbuckle the belt that held his weapon in its sheath. He'd put it on the ground and face the guild master with one open hand.
Tamas would snap his fingers with his other hand, and a blonde lady would appear to have arrived from his call
"Take his weapons. All of them. And keep them at the reception, so they may await their owner at the exit" and yes, that means the good Phantom Lord member was gonna get frisked to see if he had more junk concealed as weapons so all of that could be taken away. One could never know if the man was sent to secretly kill the Guild Master. It was better to be prepared

"Feel free to relax Noel of Phantom Lord. Your weapons will all be returned to you once we are done with our chat." he spoke and got up from his seat. Once the man was done and his weapons were in the care of the guilds receptionist, thats when Tamas would lead the man to his office.

Now Noel might think that Tamas was like hostile or such to him because he was a Phantom Lord member, but no. Tamas was always this 'social' and silent. Very work oriented man. Very few people see him relax and that is only his guild mates. He rarely even showed his face or when he did he never even cracked a smile. Even as a member of Paradise Dawn, so few people did see the man behind the helm

The two would arrive to his office where the Knight would offer the Phantom Lord member to sit. The office also had this wooden, castley, old timey look at feel to it. Rustic and such. It was older fiorian architecture and design. So less flashy and more historic and traditional with few modern elements sprinkled here and there.
Tamas would sit at his desk as Noel would make his housewarming comment, to which he'd reply bluntly "We dont do housewarmings" honestly if anyone would, it would probably be Lumikki or another lady. Housewarming is very... woman touch, if you ask him

"Now, what did you wish to discuss" he was always so monotone with his voice, but also cautious. Reading him emotionally was hard as he barely expressed any emotion at all.

"She will not unsheathe it" he spoke as he told the man to follow him. He was being hospitable to the Phantom Lord member, but overly cautious too as his guild was currently in a precarious position. Not to mention the mans words sounded ominous that he'd rather be safe than sorry. Besides, she had no reason to unsheathe it. It is not like they were allies and she was gonna tend to his blade for free. They do have a blacksmith for that, but once again, they had no reason to offer their services for free.

On the housewarming topic, he merely replied "I shall keep that in mind" granted he never had a housewarming so he didnt know what was that like. He could ask Scarlett about it, she looked like the type of person who would have more experience on such a topic. But now was not the time to think about foolish things

Once they arrived to the office and took their seats, Tamas asked him what did he wish to discuss. He always had his serious tone to him and looked at the man intently behind that helm as he awaited for the answer.
Noel meanwhile spoke his reply, to which Tamas spoke "I only have one question for you Noel of Phantom Lord. Are you the Guild Master of Phantom Lord?"

He listened to the Phantom Lord member who with his words inadvertedly answered that he was not a Guild Master since he didnt confirm nor deny it. Instead danced around the question.
Tamas merely spoke in a polite yet neutrally formal manner "Whether it is conversation about alliances or a non aggression pact, I prefer to speak to the Guild Master themself and not a member who may be an envoy or not." Tamas continued to explain his own reasoning for such actions "Despite coming here politely, you must seek things from my own perspective. A random guild member member comes here, wants to negotiate a treaty of neutrality on his own behalf without informing the rest of the guild. Next thing I know, I am under the pretense that we are neutral and at peace, but in reality your guild master orders an attack to assert their place in the West." he continued "I am sure you do not need to deceive us to be unprepared. As the second iteration of Phantom Lord, I am sure you already have more members and brand recognition. But see this as no offense. But it is the way I operate. I speak to Guild Masters only when it comes to affairs that affects an entire guild, whether it be mine or yours. So do not see this as a 'no'. But merely see this as an opportunity to talk to your Guild Master so we may personally talk about our guilds relations,terms and neutrality"

Both men had a take it or leave it tone. But Tamas was determine to talk to their Guild Master rather than a random member who may or may not have their own agenda that may not align with the rest of the guilds. It is always better to talk to the head. It is still how he laments missing the chance to speak to Judith... thanks to Yuurei

"It was a maybe. Why do you fear bringing your Guild Master for the conversation." was the Guild Master not as impressive? If Noel was the Guild Master, he would've said it by now. He had to wonder what was the matter with their Guild Master. Was he a recluse. Questions certainly for later.

"May we continue this another time. Until then, if your guild needs any jobs done, feel free to contact us." he spoke, reminding the man that he was not rejeceting any offer and that he was infact willing to work for them or with them at certain tasks or quests should they wish to ally on a mission together. The doors werent metaphorically closed. It was an opportunity that was open to them. He hoped this would quell any hostility that the guild might have. He was a neutral after all and he had to look over his guild and town first and foremost.

Neutrality was too trivial for him, if they were to make a deal, he would rather it be formal, tried and true. An alliance. He wanted to make it official and not half assed. Though it did make it clear that he needed to be ready for anything. This guild was not like Eternal Nightmare. They were a dark horse. And so he needed to be weary of them and the Rune Knights