FE: A Reason to Fear the Dark

[Moonlight]

Kendra glanced over the arrival quietly from her position near Damien, her amber eyes calm, but not hardened. Watching. Listening. She noticed Damien considering the woman's offer, although clearly mulling over it thoroughly. There had been an attempt on his life but two days back. What was to say that this woman was not a hired sword? It was easy enough to read his stoic demeanor, after having lived near it for so long.

Finally, her milk brother leveled his dark blue gaze with the woman's pale hazel one. "You may join us, but know this - You are lying your life down with the offer. Expect many a battle. We are not mercenaries, but many wish us death ... Do you understand the possible consequences?" the young man queried softly, his tone carrying weight beyond his years. Need say naught about whom they were - The crest of Baldur displayed across the breastplate resting next to his lance.

The very man that had escaped Laurus's attack. The only one to survive when taken by surprise. Also the only one of that noble line remaining.

[Zorayda]

The archer woman nearly bounced up and down with joy when they accepted her in. But she restrained herself, wanting to look mature as she stood in front of them. However, she couldn't restrain her gratitude.

"Oh, I cannot thank you enough! You won't regret letting me join, I prom--" Her eyes had flicked down to where the man's feet were, just for a second, and her voice faltered and died.

"That cannot be possible," she murmured, staring. Her eyes went back to the man who had spoken. "You are of nobility? I thought... I thought they were all gone now," she said in wonder, looking awestruck. She closed her expression suddenly, realizing that she probably sounded and looked rude.

"I apologize. I will join you, and, yes, I am well aware of the danger. I will be the last to step down in the face of fear," she said, doing a sort of half-curtsy. "Thank you once again."

[Moonlight]

Kendra noted the woman's obvious change in demeanor what with noticing the crest that marked Damien's heritage, mildly arching a brow. Her words did come off as startled, but not biting. Damien nodded once at her question of nobility, his facade level. Betraying no slip of emotion, ever calm. "... Yes. Hence the mention of risk. Laurus has shattered the noble lines of this area due to the resistance against his sudden changes. We ride north towards Yggdra, to strike the warfare down at its source," the young man returned softly, sapphire-like eyes observing the young woman. Reaffirming the thought that would've crossed her mind.

The young woman nodded, shifting her weight. "Welcome along. The days may be long, but you will find among the strife that it is more than it seems," Kendra added quietly, gesturing around them. Related by blood in few. But family nonetheless. Surviving such had created a fair bond among them. It was not always visible. But it was there.

Phobos offered a small smile, the blue eyed mage guiding the young woman inside the room fully. Shyly, but courteously.

[Zorayda]

The archer's lips curved into a small smile.

"Again, you have my gratitude. You and your family were...are...well-respected. I feel honored to have found you," Elssa replied to Damien. In truth, the chestnut-haired woman felt very lucky to have found good people with good intentions--and they were all out on an exciting and noble venture. She was suddenly very glad that she'd followed the mage and the woman here, even though she still felt a bit guilty about it.

"Thank you very much...what is you name, may I ask?" She directed at the blue-eyed mage. She had introduced herself, but she'd had yet to hear their names. Her light brown eyes fell upon each face in the room--a subtle hint that she wanted introductions from everyone.

[Moonlight]

The cobalt tressed noble offered a vague smile in acknowledgment, appreciative of her words. Grateful that his parents were not so quickly forgotten in the wake of war. A small gesture of kindness that made a larger impact than one would think. "... We appreciate your allegiance as well, Elssandra," the young man returned with a nod, motioning for her to make herself comfortable. The room had been divided into sleeping spaces by gender as to make them more comfortable as whole, to keep awkwardness to the minimum.

Phobos blushing slightly at the focus on himself, sheepish. "Err ... My name is Phobos," the lilac tressed man said, clearly reclusive. Wanting to immerse himself, but not having the confidence to do so.

The cobalt tressed myrmidon that he glanced at stepped forward after a moment, catching Elssandra's glance. "We number few at the moment, but perhaps that shall make your joining easier for now. I am Kendra, as well," the young woman added, offering a smile to the brunette. Gesturing to Liam and Ezra after a moment, the former moving forward. Both ruby red sets of eyes fastening on the young woman, although the forest green haired monk's were noticeably softer. Almost like scarlet velvet. "This is Liam, although do not let his eyes deceive you. He is among the kindest you would meet," Kendra said by way of introduction, the mentioned everto offering a brief but courtly bow of greeting.

"A pleasure to meet you," he murmured, although staying back. Trying to make sure that their new ally was comfortable, but also a bit wary of common racism. Staying out of attacking range. Although a human had vouched for him, with quite a bit of loyalty, there was no telling the results.

The redhead that had been fletching a new arrow nodded idly to the arrival, noting the quality of her weapon with practiced eyes. "Likewise. The name is Alister. If I can say so, you have a fine weapon," the archer observed casually, dark green eyes trailing over the curve of her bow and taking it in.

Smiling, the sun-bronzed blonde next to the paler but older woman stood, offering hand to her. "Serafina. My sister's name is Cassandra, by the way. Also our healer," the fire mage added, seeing as her older sibling looked too frail to fight. It was clear that the ladylike and paler blonde was not in the best of health, although she was trying. Said healer offering a nod and smile, murmuring a greeting.

Kendra glanced back at Ezra after a moment, noticing the dark haired thief had remained silent. "... Ezra?" she queried quietly, causing him to glance up from whetting his dagger.

"I'm hardly part of your little troop for the fun of it. It is made clear enough I am not wanted unless there is a need."

[Zorayda]

The young woman smirked at Phobos's mannerisms. A shy one, eh? She'd have fun teasing him....

She smiled and nodded at each person as they were introduced, but when a green-haired, red-eyed man came to her, she flinched involuntarily, a flash of fear evident on her face. An everto? Kendra's words washed over her and she considered them--"among the kindest you would meet." Hm. Hadn't she heard, for years, that evertos were to be avoided? Hadn't she always been told that they were terrible, dangerous people?

Elssa quickly composed her feature once again, realizing that this man had to be at least somewhat trustworthy to be in such company. She would have to watch him carefully, however. Elssa made a small noise of greeting before acknowledging the others. She grinned unrestrainedly at Alister's compliment.

"Thank you," she said modestly, her eyes averted. Nobody had ever taken notice of her bow...besides herself, of course. She had a feeling that she'd like Alister. Anyone who appreciated weaponry was an ally in her book.

Kendra made a comment to another man, and Elssa was again shocked by the man's eyes. Another everto? Elssa was suddenly very anxious. Now she would have to watch both men... Ezra's standoffish behavior was also an alarm to her, although she tried to still her fears as soon as she felt them.

They're in for a good cause with a trusted noble, she reminded herself.

She greeted the others courteously before joining the women by the fire. Elssa still wasn't very comfortable around the group yet, but she let down her chestnut locks, which tumbled about her shoulders, and warmed her half-gloved hands by the fire. Her hazel eyes shot over to Damien.

"May I ask about the details of your venture?" She inquired, honestly curious. Maybe he could enlighten her on what had been happening while she'd been stuck in this town...

[Moonlight]

Kendra breathed a small sigh as she noticed Elssandra flinching, knowing what it was about. Their two everto companions. Assumptions and dislike never ceased, did they? Getting people to realize that their race meant naught of the person inside was a never ending battle - That much was certain. Shaking her head after a moment, she stepped over the bedrolls they'd laid out on the floor to reach Ezra. The everto thief paused briefly, before returning to his work on the dagger in his grip.

The blade gleamed in the firelight, tempered steel dangerously sharp at the edges. His whetstone ground against it, taking off nicks and rises on the tips. "What is it?" he queried dryly, not looking up from his blade as he spoke.

A small smile curved her lips, squatting beside him, arms resting across her knees. "You are not unwanted, you know ... After several moons of traveling with us, it should be apparent," the cobalt tressed myrmidon said, earning an unamused stare from the ruby eyed man. It boring into her pale amber one, before he chuckled.

"It hardly seems such."

"... May I ask why you stay, then?"

His tone was indifferent when he spoke. "A question I sometimes wonder myself." Sheathing his blade with a solid clink after wiping it off, the force itself signifying the conversation was through. His ruby gaze moving to the dancing firelight, the vivid orange flames reflecting in his rich crimson eyes.

Sighing, she gently rested her hand on his shoulder. "Remember that even if you feel no one does, I care of what happens to you. Your race should not get in the way of friendship ..." Kendra murmured, before standing. Returning to join the others, her long time friend settling on her other side. Feeling guilty about leaving Ezra off by himself by the window, although she knew she could not persuade him to join them.

Liam nodded to her as she sat on one of the bedrolls, more or less completing most of the circle. Listening to Elssandra's words, though keeping to the far side of her. Doing his utmost to maintain her comfort of ease around them, although admittedly disheartened. He'd grown to expect such treatment, yes. But it never failed to be yet another wave on shrinking rocks. His own ruby gaze straying to his liege as the young woman spoke, the rest of their small troop listening quietly.

The cobalt haired noble nodding, before sitting down himself. "It started due to Laurus' forces making a surprise attack upon my parents' hold ... Quiet assassins, followed by setting it ablaze. We, Kendra and I, escaped on horses from the stables that had been packed for the dawn light; when we'd intended to ride out to seek assistance for our lands. Liam was among the first we encountered, though Alister followed not long afterwords," Damien began, nodding to the two mentioned. Taking a breath, before continuing.

"The first extreme strike after the siege on our hold was on another town. It was not due to Laurus, but bandits seeking easy plunder. It was there that we met Serafina and Cassandra, as well as Phobos. If it weren't for Serafina and Alister, it is more than likely we wouldn't have found Phobos. As it was, he was injured. However, since - although there have been numerous battles - we've learned quite a bit of recent happenings. Much nobility of other countries have also fallen, although others have allied themselves with Laurus," the noble added softly, venom slipping into his tone.

[Zorayda]

Elssandra listened to Damien's words intently, the fire creating a glow in her hazel eyes. She recognized the slight pain in his voice, feeling empathy for him. Years ago, she found herself in the same position--albeit her family wasn't royalty, but it was still disheartening to know that she was the last of the Avelles, the quiet, ignorant, and unknown farmers of her hometown.

"I am sorry," she said quietly, and she meant it. "I, too, have had a history of violence and sorrow..." She glanced over at Phobos, Serafina, Alister, Liam, and Cassandra as each of their names were mentioned.

She smiled. "I am glad to have come across you...it seems fate is on your side, giving you allies all along the way." Her eyes lingered upon Liam for a moment, and her thoughts went to the accusations she'd heard about people...people like him. She did notice, however, that he'd placed himself far away from her. At least she wouldn't have to deal with the discomfort of knowing he sat close.

She dropped her gaze and went to unlace her boots. She suddenly realized how achy her joints were, and how tired she felt. She half-hid a yawn that caught her by surprise. The fire was warm and making her sleepy...

But she had one last question. "What can each of you do?" She asked, curious. They all seemed to have various weapons and armor, most of which she hadn't seen before. These adventurers must have some talents that she'd never heard of...

[Moonlight]

Though one of them chuckled in a friendly but amused manner, they went about explaining their weaponry and showing it to the arrival, as it had already been placed near their bedrolls. Kendra bearing a slender longsword, gleaming steel with intricately inscribed runes at the hilt. A gift from Damien's parents, as she was as much their child as her own mother's. The leather cords wrapped around the hilt for a grip were well worn, showing she had had it for at least several years.

Further adding a dose of irony, Liam explained his magic was of Light variety. A type of magic considered to be holy, even. He himself was a paradox to many, it seemed. The green haired monk seemed unabashed as he showed a sphere of dancing hazel light, mimicking the color of the female archer's eyes perfectly when it reached her eye level. Returning to a silvery-white upon passing back to normal, before vanishing.

Serafina seemed wholly amused as she displayed her own powers, haphazardly bouncing a ball of flame between her hands. Although Cassandra was quick to warn her about catching the inn on fire, it was clear that the younger fire mage was a bit of a fanatic about her element. Playful, but still well meaning.

Phobos simply mentioned Lightening magic, a branch of the trio of Anima much like Serafina's Fire, before Damien gestured to his lance. They were a rather versatile group, although lacking with physical combatants aside from Ezra.

[Zorayda]

If Elssa was impressed with Kendra's sword, it was nothing compared to the magic the others were displaying.

Her eyes were wide with wonder as each of them performed some small amount of magic, playing with it as if it were some living being or pet that they had control of. She was shocked that Liam could control Light magic--he shouldn't have been able to, should he? He was...well, he was...everto. Elssandra remained confused, but didn't think of it much as she watched the others demonstrate their talents.

"Simply amazing," she murmured. "I cannot do anything of the sort, although I have been told that I am a good tactician," she said, averting her eyes to the fire. She kept stealing glances at Liam, however. That man... he fascinated and appalled her at the same time. He was like a walking contradiction. "I can shoot a sparrow from the sky while looking in the sun," she stated, smirking confidently. "I used to do so when hunting for my..." her voice quited and her eyebrows came together. "...my family."