I'll turn your tears to roses.
"So… this is it, huh?" Albafica muttered to himself as he gazed upon the gigantic building rising before him. To think that not too long ago he was still on the other side of the spectrum, willing to destroy the very faction he was planning on joining today. He was hesitant, despite having made up his mind on which path to walk. After all, how would they react if they recognised him? Would that man forgive him his deeds, that looked more than just evil within the eyes of the unknowing? The sound of his footsteps faded as he stopped a fair few hundreds of meters away from the main gate, his gaze pinned on the building. Even now, the damage Crimson Fang had done to the Rune Knights was still awfully visible, a cheer amount of available manpower tirelessly working to fix the traces of the raid. It showed that the events had not shaken their resolve one bit. Admirable. Maybe he should strive to do as such, too. The golden key around his neck vibrated against his skin; the metal warm. He wore it underneath his shirt, to keep it out of others' line if sight. You never knew when the gold would attract unwanted attention, and every consequence possibly connected to its discovery. And if anything, the azure-haired youth would defend Aerowynn with his life. But it brought Albafica solace, that even if he were to be rejected, he wouldn't be truly alone anymore. His fingers wrapped around the key, squeezing it softly. There was no time to dwindle much further; if he couldn't do it now he'd never do it. So reluctantly his small silhouette made its way towards the gates, and was stopped by the sentries guarding it. Albafica could see it in the elder one's eyes that he wasn't amused upon seeing his ragged self; which wasn't all that surprising to the youth. A simple, off-blue tunic, dirt-colored pants, and somewhat decent brown boots. His forearms were bandaged up to his wrists, leaving ample room for moving them properly, but contrasted strangely to his innocent-looking eyes. However, his clothing looked a stage beyond worn, and that, despite his girly, childish face, was enough for the guards to regard him as rabble trying to attempt at mischief around the building. Or even worse, within. He recognised the hidden emotions behind said look, and instinctively Albafica braced himself mentally; for this man wouldn't be an easy one. "You have no business here, kid. Get lost!" The man growled, taking a step towards him. Albafica remained standing, not budging an inch. "I can't. I have bus-... I'm looking for a rugged man, going by the name of Ragnos." He said, staring up at the man. God he wished he could use his magic here and size this soldier up. Literally. The guard looked surprised, turned to exchange a look with his colleague, and then focused his attention back to the azure-haired kid in front of him, shaking his head. The pole of his spear shoved the youth back rather roughly. Of course you do. But General Ragnos has no business with a kid like you, I'm quite sure. Now move along!" Keeping himself upright, Albafica stumbled back, and quickly regained his footing, getting closer once again. "No. I won't leave until I get to speak with him!" he exclaimed, glaring at the older soldier. This time however, his comrade stepped in. "Now listen here, kid. Either you turn around and go back home, or we'll be taking you into custody for obstructing an officer on duty, got that? So scram before I really lose my patience." The tone in his voice had grown increasingly dark, the impatience rather audible within it. Although he didn't want to, causing a fuss here wouldn't help plead his case. Reluctantly, Albafica disengaged from the discussion ensuing with the two guards, and turned back on his steps, walking back down the road. If he couldn't get in asking nicely, he'd find another way... no matter what, he had to get in. As another Rune Knight passed him by, Albafica stopped to gaze at the private soldier, and his eyes flashed curiously. Yes. That would do perfectly. --- He once again found himself in front of the two guards, looking both straight in the eyes as he moved on in closer. Both looked him over, saw the emblem on his chest, and nodded in greeting, as if they'd known him for years, allowing him to pass without any issue. As soon as he'd passed the two guards and proceeded far enough into the courtyard, Albafica couldn't help but grin. A simple illusion was all it took to gain easy access. Although "simple" might've been an exaggeration. It was something he'd learnt to do after having revived in the blood pools of Nightmare; he could change his appearance; his blood type, his voice, even how his magic felt to others. And that came in handy today. All it took was to talk to the Rune Knight going back to headquarters, mentioning someone nearby was in trouble, and then disguise himself with an illusion to look like the man himself. Easy as that. He wondered how much time he'd have before the actual soldier returned to HQ, so hid in the shadows to undo the illusion. It seemed that there weren't many people inside the courtyard, which meant that he had free game until then. Now, where should he go to next...? Albafica's turquoise eyes scanned the area carefully, searching and taking in the environment. If he had to hide, he knew where to go to now. As long as he could steer clear of anyone else. |
Serilda Sinclair