Curses! (Intro/Kalama/Open)

A tattered, black cloak around his shoulders, his uniform torn in a number of places, Ambassador von Weiss slowly found his way up the stone stairway that led to the great archway that formed the entrance to the guildhall. The work that had to be done for the guild seemed like it would manifest in a multitude of different ways, some of these ways admittedly more dangerous and ... physical. While Johann dreaded the universally boring and monotonous tasks connected to managing the guild's paperwork, the point could be made that that particular was admittedly safer than tracking down an organization of bandits at the border of Fiore and Seven, especially so when that organization turned out to be a cult of demonic worshippers that had managed to amass an army. He'd taken an additional day to make sure that the threat was dealt with, scouring the woods for any stragglers or possible survivors. He wondered if Gangting, his old friend, had already found his way to Amber Island. Naturally, he couldn't be quite sure either way unless inquiring with the guild. In any case, at this point, the silver-haired Rune Mage longed for a change of clothes, not to mention, if possible, a nice bath, a quiet and inherently subtle sigh escaping his lips unheard as he continued to find his way towards the large doors with paced stride.

The return of the Ambassador drew the occasional curious gaze from passing Soldiers, though a sight like this one was not unusual or uncommon in any given capacity. It was to be expected, especially in the line of work the guild performed. Bounty-hunting was, understandably, a dangerous profession, especially so if the targets were the lowest of society. Pondering over these facts, Johann reached the top of the stairway, moving forward at the same pace as before, though, unexpecting of the sight that would cause him to stop and stare for a few passing moments before releasing a soft chuckle, a grin changing the neutral, tired expression of his face to a warmer one, watching as the woman clumsily fell onto the polished white marble flooring of the Throne Hall. He would've offered to help her up, of course, though another one rushed to pick her up before he could come forward before entering the guildhall itself. Would the two have business with the guild? The Ambassador would find out soon enough.

Making his way into the Throne Hall after the two and amidst the constant shift of people making their way in and out of the guild, he watched as the two made their way further in before coming to a halt, making no further progress into the Throne Hall. Perhaps they were newcomers and needed just a little bit of direction? It wouldn't hurt to ask. Maintaining the slow and collected pace, the man approached, clearing his throat before beginning to address them in a fashion that was admittedly simple, but it would do the job. "Hello", he began, following his greeting up with his intended inquiry, "Are you two new to Amber Island? I was wondering if there was anything specific you were looking for, or perhaps have any questions I could assist in answering?". Joh realized that his presentation was arguably lackluster at best, but a warm smile lightened the Ambassador's face, his tone, while curious, was friendly, and despite his obvious weariness, contained a stint that was at best interpreted as attempted helpfulness.

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Indeed, it seemed the silver-haired man, a headful of messy argent-hued strands hidden down to the eyes under the arguably much more presentable hat that completed his now tattered ambassadorial uniform, had been right in his assumption that the two girls had seemed rather, well, lost. The first to react was one of the two, a girl with dark hair that, for the lack of better description, seemed to wear some kind of muzzle or mouthguard that was actively preventing her from communicating via speech. Instead of directly addressing the Ambassador, she seemed to shift around in an almost nervous manner, Johann cocking his head with a raised eyebrow. Not only that, thereafter she would begin gesturing, Joh wondering if the girl was perhaps mute, deaf, or both, though much to his regret had not the faintest idea what exact message she was trying to convey.

"I- I'm not quite sure what you mean, Miss, I'm sorry", he spoke slowly and with a questioning tone, though his focus would shift as the other one would speak up in greeting, this new arrival not bound by the same apparent restrictions that had befallen the girl with the mouthguard. His head turning, the arguably confused smile remained, though he gave the woman, who had introduced herself as Kalama and the other girl as Aoi, a confident nod of understanding. So the two had travelled to Amber to join the guild. That explained a little, at least. "I see", Johann affirmed the clarification of intent in a simple manner, letting the newcomer continue her explanation that, arguably, didn't serve to resolve the man's confusion. Specifically, Johann thought, the statement that apparently and according to Kalama's word, both of them were, in fact, cursed, a circumstance that would explain Aoi's predicament as well as the woman with the pale hair's, as she described it, "unsociable" inclinations. It raised more questions than it answered, but Johann was content with inquiring about this later. For the time being, he acknowledged the woman's explanation with a nod.

"A curse, you say? Well ...", he paused for a few passing moments, thinking, though maintaining a lightly cheerful tone, "... in that case, do you believe it would be best to head for more quiet surroundings? The Mess Hall shouldn't be too busy at this time of day, and we can discuss recruitment over a cup of tea".

The man only now realized that, while the girls' names were now known to him, he himself had failed to introduce himself as of yet, causing the silver-haired mage to chuckle sheepishly. "Where are my manners, though. If you allow me, my name is Johann von Weiss. I am one of the Ambassadors of Dies Irae, the guild master if you will. I'm sure I can help you out if you are looking to join the guild. So, what do you think?", he inquired, addressing both girls before himself, pointing to a large hallway on the other side of the Throne Hall that would lead to the West Wing, where the Mess Hall was located.

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Johann stood and watched, admittedly somewhat unsure what to make of this display, when the girl took out the mouthguard piece that had kept her from communicating in a matter coherent to the Ambassador before. The other woman, Kalama, took the word, answering the question for both of them with an affirmative notion, the other, Aoi, asking the silver-haired man in torn clothing for food as well. Johann responded with a confirming nod. "Of course, the Mess Hall will be at your disposal". The manner that the pale-haired newcomer spoke, Johann quietly noted, was a tone that was rather polite, although it seemed that the two women, when speaking to each other, seemed much more, for the lack of a better term, casual, Aoi especially. Johann didn't mind, either way, a lightly amused smirk lifting up a corner of his mouth. "The pleasure is all mine", he spoke in a friendly manner before moving on to the subject of the curse, a mild curiosity plaguing the silver-haired man that, to the perceptive individual, would easily be picked up. "I would like to discuss what exactly this subject entails in greater detail if you don't mind".

Johann straightened and took a deep breath, folding his hand behind his back as he turned around, shooting a look over his shoulder with a definitive "Follow me", gesturing to the hallway that led through the West Wing and directly into the Mess Hall. Every step on the smooth marble floor of the guildhall echoed back from the grey walls of solid granite, determined stride, after not much of a walk, taking the small group to the entrance of the now somewhat empty area where most of the guild members had their meals. The large room was lined with rows of uniform tables and chairs, one side of the Mess Hall cleared to allow for an arrangement in form of a long bar, an open kitchen stretching out into the space behind it. The bar itself was lined with trays and plates that held a wide assortment of foods, from all kinds of vegetables, prepared in different ways to suit different tastes, meats, soups, and every other basic culinary need that might arise, eventually even culminating in what was, although admittedly way smaller than the regular buffet, a small selection of desserts. The Ambassador, as usual, was hit with the scents of these foods well in advance, although that circumstance was not unwelcome, gesturing over to the buffet as he looked at the two newcomers. "Please, help yourself to whatever might interest you. I'll be waiting over there", pointing to a free table before moving on, the only item he would get for himself, for now, a steaming hot cup of water, a single tea bag of Earl Grey floating leisurely within, slowly coloring giving the liquid a distinctly amber hue.

As soon as both had gathered for themselves the food and drink of their desire from the available buffet, Johann, taking the occasional sip from his tea, would speak up once more. "So, I think the most pressing matter at hand would be that curse you two have been referring to. I would like to ask you, if you would allow me, what exactly are the parameters and consequences of this curse? You'll have to forgive me my curiosity, but as you undoubtedly know, there is a certain ... stigma carried by an affliction such as this". The Ambassador did by no means intend to be rude, or even presumptuous, but the man was the guild master of Dies Irae, and as such, naturally, had to be sure that he worried about the safety of his Soldiers first and foremost, hopefully understandably so. There was, however, one more question on his mind as well, tying into his first question, he picked back up where he had left off with the first question a mere moment after. "Another question I would like to ask is, and you are by no means required to answer me, ...", he paused for a brief, passing second, "... would be what specifically brings the two of you to Amber Island, and Dies Irae in particular?". If the two were seeking to be admitted into the guild, the man, having gone through this process not seldom before, the Ambassador wanted to make sure that the correct capabilities and motivations were a given. Of course, there was no such thing as a wrong answer to this question, but as the guild master, Johann simply liked to know his Soldiers on a more personal level, prompting him to inquire. Regardless, he would listen intently for a reply, all the while taking another sip from the teacup in his hand.

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When the smaller of the two women spoke up in the hallway, making a comment that was rather ... direct, to say the last, the Ambassador's confident stride stopped abruptly, his face, covered in an expression of genuine bewilderment and, frankly, speechlessness, was turned back over his shoulder to direct a rather confused glance at Aoi, both eyebrows raised and mouth slightly ajar as if to say something. A second would pass where the silver-haired man remained like this before the Ambassador turned his head back to the hallway before him, noticeably clearing his throat, for all intents and purposes somewhat embarrassed by the comment the brown-haired girl had made. He decided that the best course of action would be to ignore that particular incident and act like it'd never happened. He couldn't be sure if that specific choice of words stemmed from the curse the two had described, but regardless, Aoi had succeeded at least in getting the old man flustered.

Later, when the man had asked his questions, he was set on listening intently, his gaze directed at the slight swirl of amber liquid within his cup as he brought it to his lips and set it down, looking up to Aoi, who took the initiative and answered his question first. Luckily for Johann, she described the effects and circumstances of her personal curse to him, the mouthguard, and the "feral-like", to use her words, nature of the affliction. Johann nodded with an "I see", not yet responding further as she continued to answer his second question, all the while continuously partaking in the meal she had assembled for herself. More or less, the dark-haired woman's answer could be condensed to the comradery and sanctuary Dies Irae provided, something the Ambassador couldn't exactly blame her for, even though the fact that Aoi seemed to care little for the guild's ideals did leave a somewhat bitter metaphorical aftertaste in the Ambassador's mouth. Still, he had long accepted the fact that not everyone was in this particular line of work for ideological reason, or motivated by the same conviction he held.

Before he could think about it in any greater detail, though, Kalama took the word, answering the same questions her friend had answered just before. The white-haired woman explained that her curse seemed like the opposite of the affliction that plagued her friend, and that anxiety was an ever-present companion for her. Not just that, she also added that, while reluctantly, she had, in fact, given Dies Irae consideration for their goals and aspirations. The man would nod once again. "Very well, I think I understand. So this ... curse, it affects the two of you? Do you know who cursed you, or perhaps, more importantly, know why you have been cursed?", the man asked the two, intent on finalizing that particular part of their conversation, driven by curiosity, but held back by the realization that intense inquiry would probably serve to make the two uncomfortable, more than anything. Still, if the two were to join the guild and they had information that could help, the guild would certainly able to assist them in their endeavor, if not to strive to cure them of their current condition, then at least to prevent others from suffering the same fate.

Independent of their response, though, the Ambassador was quite sure that, between the answers the two had given him, the women, or more specifically their curses, were of no particular threat to their surroundings, though perhaps to their own selves, however. They seemed, at least to Johann, like they weren't lying either. In honesty, the man had no reason to refuse them entry into the guild if they needed it, and so, in preparation, placed one hand in the pocket of his coat in order to pull out the vial of red ink when needed.

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The dark-haired girl, once more, would take the word first when Johann had asked his follow up question, Johann watching her expression change as soon as he had done so. Aoi had seemed quite lively up until this point, leaving the silver-haired Ambassador to wonder if the inquiry had perhaps been insensitive and struck a nerve. A circumstance that was, by no means, his intention. Still, the girl would oblige, beginning to tell a story, her story, and probably by extension, their story, the Ambassador listening intently, his eyes, however, lowered, locked on the teacup placed on the table before the man in contemplation. Johann could emphasize with Aoi, the story she was telling, after all, resembled a fateful day in his own life that had taken place on this very island. Comparatively, it had been a long time, decades, but the memory was still fresh, and would most likely remain so for as long as he lived. Regardless, this event was the sole reason for the existence of this guild, of Dies Irae, the sole reason the Ambassador had decided to share his ambition with the world. If that was the way the two friends felt, in a fashion that was not just understandable, but relatable for the Rune Mage, then perhaps they fit with Dies Irae more than he had initially expected earlier. Instinctively, he felt like, having gone through this, the two would understand the values that this organization represented, and the overall end goal, as well: To prevent something like this from happening ever again. Whatever it took.

Once Aoi had finished detailing her point of view, her fair-haired friend was next, speaking with not much in the way of emotion, the way she presented her side especially harsh to the God of Ishgar. Her words, her tone, the man assumed as part of his own background, pointed to a deeply traumatic experience. The Ambassador raised his eyes from the teacup, meeting Kalama's gaze, a hint of tragedy, genuine, empathetical sadness passing through his normally so practiced, neutral expression. The woman concluded that the two were lucky to even be alive, Johann averting his gaze, closing his eyes for just a few passing moments, taking a subtle, but deep breath as he collected himself silently, though not unnoticeably so. "I- ...", he began, thinking about his choice of words for a fleeting second, "I'm sorry this has happened to both of you. I did not mean to bring up painful memories. Please, forgive me". He paused briefly once again, his tone, however, shifting to follow the direction of the conversation. "Regardless, -", he began, "-I want to thank you for sharing your impressions with me despite any discomfort my question caused. Admittedly, though, I think I understand it a little better now".

The Ambassador stopped in thought one last time, though was now fairly convinced that this would be the best course of action, reaching into one of his pockets before producing two small vials, contained within a blood-red, viscous liquid that seemed to be locked in a constant, mesmerizing swirl of its own. "I am convinced that both you, Aoi-", he turned to look at the dark-haired woman before shifting his head towards the fair-haired one, "-and you, Kalama, are more than suited to be soldiers of Dies Irae". With those words, the man solemnly rose from his seat, the two vials held within his right hand between his fingers, uncorking both containers at the same time. "Effective immediately, I would like to welcome both of you into the guild at the rank of Neophytes, should that be your wish. For the duration of your membership, as long as you desire to remain, please consider these halls your home, and your fellow soldiers as your comrades". With a practiced, fluid motion, the Ambassador seemed to almost beckon the magical liquid to leave its container, the ink, perhaps more surprisingly, following the motion, floating through the air and hanging suspended above his palm in two floating spheres of fluid. "The one thing I would like to ask of you, however, is that, while you are a mage of Dies Irae, handle yourself and others with respect, with dignity, and with grace. Be strong when you have to be, be kind when the situation allows it", the Ambassador followed up with a serious tone that radiated with determined conviction. "Now, where do you wish for your guild marks to be placed?".

As both women would present the location for their mark, the ink would react as if it possessed intelligence on its own, floating through the space between them in a way that almost resembled small, curious entities, whizzing about for a moment before reacting to the individual's desire, planting itself on their skin and sinking into it. Within naught more than just a second, perhaps less, the ink would adjust its shape into a cross, the official insignia of the guild, and while still red, would, after another second, adjust it's color to its holder's desire, too, making both Kalama and Aoi official members. A warm smile would find its way onto the man's expression again. It was official, subtle, but not fake. "By the rights bestowed onto me by the Magic Council of Fiore, I welcome you to Dies Irae, soldiers. To make it official-", Johann would reach into another pocket once more, pulling out two spare keys, both attached to a numbered plaque, "-each of these belong to a room in the East Wing of the guild hall, where the living quarters are located. Feel free to make use of them, if you wish". He placed both keys on the table for them to take. "If there is nothing else, for now, I will retreat to my office. Should you have any questions, feel free to seek me out. In the meantime, explore the guild hall to your heart's content, or indulge in the mess hall a little longer, if you want". Unless the two had any more issues that they wished to address, the Ambassador would offer them a short, symbolic bow, before turning and heading for the exit to the Mess Hall, his mind still lingering on the two individuals and their story, though, not without the hope that one day, the guild might help them accomplish their goals.

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