@asketheirys | Alphinaud Leveilleur
The attack on Baelsar's Wall, the strange cocoon of light, the death of his comrade, Carisle Geaupondt....
The uncertainty left the Miqo'te Adder apprehensive of what was to come. He left the Twelveswood with reports of updates on Shinryu, as well as several that were buried after the Crystal Braves' takeover.
He had been deep in thought as he mechanically walked through the door to the Seventh Heaven, through the door to the Rising Stones, and stepped forward toward the solar, bumping into the young Scion on her way out, dropping the reports. She began to apologize, bending to gather the reports, but suddenly grew silent and straightened up, backing away when she saw his face.
"My apologies, I-" The Twin Adder started, only to recognize the dark hair and the terrified eyes of the young adventurer he watched his comrade push off that cliffside in the North Shroud, growling, "Artemis."
He knew that she must also recognize him, her face pale and her silver eyes wide from fear. The memories of her supposed death, the sensation of falling, rushing to her head. In her trembling hand, the strange, key-like blade unveiled itself into her grip, held defensively. She took a step backward and instinctively glanced back, as if expecting to step onto a ledge where the stone is.
I wonder if Carlisle had ever felt this afraid in the moments before he died.
Ears pricking back, Miqo'te Adder gritted his teeth as he pulled his hand back to grab his lance, only to feel something poking his glove. His head turned to notice another blade, similar in shape to the one she held but made of shadow, floating with its teeth pointed directly at him to prevent him from drawing his lance. The surrounding air around them grew colder.
"Since when can you conjure...? What is this dark magic?!" He demanded, failing to notice how the girl's shadow stretched into his and further behind. The sound of the loud shout jolted them both from this stalemate, and this moment gave her the chance to swiftly turn, dismiss the strange weapon, and escape.
He took a step to follow her through the doors, only to notice the fallen reports, gathered into a small pile, now knocked over by his boot. His ears prick back, and he turned to see the strange blade clatter to the floor, disappearing into a flurry of shadows. The Miqo'te Adder's hand tightened into fists.
"Seven hells..." He growled, growing louder, turning on whoever dared to approach, " Are you aware that the Scions here have a Voidsent under their employ?!"
"That girl who just ran out -- she's no Hyuran. She's a clever monstress who fooled us all into believing she's just a novice adventurer. An Ala Mhigan brat, as Carlisle would've called her." The Miqo'te Adder explained rapidly, "There's still time to track her down. Quick-footed as she is, but even she can't have gotten far."
