CLOAK AND DAGGER.
ordelion:
This meet-up was becoming more populated than she anticipated. She shifted her weight between her feet slowly, her cloak tightly bound around her body to keep her warm as a chill breeze sailed past. Even with the knightly brooch and Rheaâs supposed seal of approval, she couldnât help but feel as if this man was suspicious. His soured, pale looks, which so reminded her of the demons who taunted her in days long past, did little to improve her opinion. As the red-haired student interrogated Aeschylus, he spoke to them in a few threadbare scares that only confused Lysithea rather than phase her - that there was to be âdangers unknown to your kindâ and âmuch he must not speak ofâ - along with something more concrete. He showed them the path they were to take on a strange map, which seemed to go almost directly opposite the direction of her home in Ordelia. She was disquieted, and her accusations, loosely draped as questions, began as soon as Aeschylus stopped speaking. ââOur kindâ? Should we take that to mean that you are not, in fact, human, or that you hail from outside Fodlan? If so, I must tell you that your map is either outdated or incorrect. And why must we be so secretive about this mission, if we must prepare for so great a threat as you say? Are you asking us to do something against policy? Or are you merely so paranoid that you can hardly stand to tell us little pawns your own name?â No matter Aeschylusâ answer, it felt a little cathartic to be able to formulate all of her frustrations into barbs. Interrupting her little rant came a head of a house, Dimitri himself, whom Lysithea was pleased to be able to recognize. Aeschylus would be a fool to harm them with such a renowned individual around, even with the chaos of the Academyâs various tasks as it is now. As well followed a man she was sure was faculty, who Lysithea initially thought could shed some light on this manâs credibility. He was as confused as the rest of them, however, which did not inspire her with confidence nor trust. Their presence was enough to keep Lysithea from going too far off the rails, thankfully, and she tempered herself and her questions. âEven if you are not so inclined to answer me, Aeschylus, at the very least tell us what sort of threat we are to expect. If only because we must prepare differently for a foe of a certain kind- if it be monsters, we will prepare with arms and armor, and if it be a long trek, we will prepare with provisions and proper clothing.â -> @aeschyluus
One by one, the group grew larger, and Aeschylus nodded to each in turn until he was struck by an unspoken sensation that left his gaze fixed on the face of the student from the Kingdom through which they would be traveling. The silent appraisal went on until another spoke up to question the dangers he had chosen not to name, and he turned away to roll the old map up and return it to his breast pocket. Once more the little one threw daggers with her tongue, and this time Aeschylus responded with a questioning tilt of his head.
"The choice to decline my request is in your hands. Pawns, in my experience, have no such luxury," he answered in his even monotony.
He looked thoughtfully to the rest of the gathering, admiring the range of expressions across each face. They still stood before him, curious despite their trepidation, and willing to hear him out. It was enough to leave him speechless for a moment longer. They wanted answers though.
"The weather poses one danger, though you--" A glance toward Dimitri. "--are more familiar with it than I. Navigation is another, as I know the route only by the ink of a map." Another toward Lysithea. "You are creatures of the light whose feet are molded for the surface of the world. These dangers are not so dangerous to you. But the earth conceals much, and there are eyes where the light does not reach." And last he turned to Fernand. "Confirm for me, Knight: the Church of Seiros has confiscated a number of unusual technologies in recent moons. It is my understanding that you have seen so yourself." Then, to the rest of the group: "Fearsome though they are, these have been but prototypes. Where we go, you will see that these are mere toys by comparison."
@eideslanze @elegiac-boar @vermiliqueâ @ordelionâ














