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.
Word Count: 1,057
Total Word Count: 3,580
Total Thread Word Count: 9,511