vekel's betrayal

The tired azure gaze of the 'High Keeper' would remain unbroken upon the Queen, nodding as he did so.

At the words of Vekel, the man's gaze would shift ever so slightly towards the Karkian.

"I am afraid you have missed much, Champion of Kark.

But yes, I have."

Despite being the very man whom had dragged him beaten and bloodied into the Cainite citadel years ago, there was little ill will held towards him by Elias.

 In a sense, he should almost be thankful.

With that, Elias would slowly bend down one knee before beginning to speak.

"As of now, I, Elias Soleis, renounce all of my former oaths to the Shimmering City.

I forever swear myself to you, my Queen, and the Crown of Asphodel."

A man of little pride, the oaths meant extremely little to him these days.
(Elias lux Soleis)

"Hrm."

There is a certain apprehension to this, for there are doubts within his mind as to how exactly Elias would get to arriving here. Perhaps it would be worthwhile to ask not only Araceli, but Elias as well.

Given that they may tell the different tales.

But for now..

"--Welcome to Asphodel, then."

"It appears you already made yourself useful."

By bringing that piece of technology, of course. And given the fact that there are only so many artificers in Asphodel..

It will likely be him deciphering it.
(Ambrose Roche)

Well, this was certainly a twist of epic proportions. A member of the order announcing their loyalty to the Queen? If only Aerica knew how high up the chain Elias was. It would only add to the humour of this debacle. The Pinkette was grinning, with only a mild confusion in their gaze.

"Well, I didn't expect this today. Those tools are going to be so pissed." They did snort at that moment, barely holding back the urge to bellow out in laughter. The Queen really was something else when it came to manipulation.
(Aerica Ivanovich)

"Oathbreaker."

Reaching for Kirukan, Vekel took a step forward, dilated pupils voraciously leering at Elias. Regardless of whether or not one was Karkian, the man couldn't find it in him to forgive a wishy washy soldier going back on their duties to their people.

Not particularly familiar with Osronan Oaths, he could only guess that the Soleis was going back on many promises by bending over the matriarch of the Crimson Court.

He speaks again, not looking at the Queen, however.

"Clause three of the Scarlet Agreement- the people of Aesirheim will be free to practice their traditions and customs, as they inherently do not oppose the Crown Law."

"I trust you're not going to stop me from practicing my faith, right?"

Veins began to protrude from his skin, eyes shifting to a pitch black abyss in those sockets.
(Vekel)

Viktor extends his arm out for Alexander.
(Viktor Delisle)

Annete shifts from one foot to another, observing the scene still. That faint smile grows ever so slightly upon her features, arms crossed.

So much has changed since she last has seen the man in Osrona. Those words he spoke unto her back then - they seem more empty than ever.

That alone makes her want to laugh - but... she is better than this.
(Annete Alricht)

While Adrian was initially confused by the sudden arrival of a Radiant of Osrona, the turn of events was something he soon came to enjoy. Once Elias kneels before Araceli and casts aside his oaths to the shimmering city, a faint grin slowly grows across his visage.

"Oh my." Adrian mutters, as not only is the mans loyalty is given, but two treasures from Osrona proper. While he knew little of what the silk was, he knew the transceiver was something that would prove far beyond useful.

And while he has his suspicions about Elias suddenly switching sides, it's unlikely the man could do much against Asphodel at this point.

But as Vekel approaches with the blade in hand, a quick glance is shot towards Araceli. How would this messy situation unfold..?
(Adrian Ivanovich)

Viktor side-glances to Eurydice.
(Viktor Delisle)

Alexander takes a step back, letting Viktor do as he pleases.
(Alexander Vol Hellstrom)

Eurydice does not seem...all that bothered.
(Eurydice Vanreth)

The Cadet returned, Cocoa spilling out of one of her pockets. Stooping to pick it up, she vaguely heard Viktor's question from her crouched position.
(Triss Fontaine)

"I am also an 'Oathbreaker,' mister Vekel. Are you going to turn your blade on me as well?"

A quirk of her brow, as her gaze shifted from one to the other, before lingering upon the form of the Kark follower.

"I made an oath to serve the Falkenrath family, to follow their traditions, their customs, yet I broke it all when I fled Apropriya."

"I came here to create my own kingdom, my own Empire. I am naught but a traitor to the Archduke."

Her arms folding over one another now.

"There is a difference between breaking an inherently wrong oath to follow the true path, and whatever it is you're claiming is wrong."

A sigh.

"I gave my decree, he is a citizen and falls under the Crown Law's protection. You are free to practice your customs with your own people."

"I assure you this is a battle you do not want to have. I am the one whodecides whether or not you become a vampire, and if you'd rather throw it all away over some murderous rage the decisions is yours."

This certainly wasn't a good look, in regards to transformation later.

"But you better be prepared to fight not just Elias, but all of those gathered here. I am willing to overlook this... momentary issue, however, but you will not bring unneeded harm to my citizenry in the future."
(Araceli Falkenrath)

The Cadet sighed, her expression flat as if it were chiseled onto a stone slab. She didn't really understand what the Sergeant was asking for, but if it was an order could she really refuse it?
(Triss Fontaine)

It seems Vekel misunderstands one thing..

It is rather disappointing that he does - but perhaps the Vanirhallan wasn't thinking clearly. As much as the Crown Law dictates they were free to practice their religion, there's one detail that he missed.

One very, very important detail.

"Vekel."

"Just because you practice your religion - it does not mean that others do."

"What you're trying to do here is impose your religion on others." Does he not see that?

"A mistake that would cost you dearly."

It is not a threat... nor it is as ominous as it sounds- instead, it is a simple statement, one that he clearly didn't think of before actually speaking out.

"Unless Elias wants to entertain you, he has no obligation to."

"Last I checked, he does not follow your religion."
(Ambrose Roche)

Lips are pursed, and half-lidded emerald greens fall upon Vekel. To add onto what the Queen has said, Annete calls out from a distance, too.

"I did mention that I ran from Osrona, did I not, Vekel?" For all the sympathy shared with the man, there is disagreement in this regard.

"I swore to serve the family that took me in. And yet, here I am."

A single step forward is made as Annete clings to the hope that this would not break out into a fight... for the sake of both Vekel himself and Elias.
(Annete Alricht)

Viktor pulls the younger cadet into a quick hug.
(Viktor Delisle)

Triss had already sworn herself to serve the Empire. This was just yet another way of doing it; at least that was what she would try to convince herself of.

Huffing in Viktor's grasp, she idly wondered what exactly was going to happen now.
(Triss Fontaine)

Eurydice hands her friend some lax.
(Eurydice Vanreth)

Viktor Delisle says, "Come with me, Eurydice - Triss."

Viktor Delisle says, "*scratches the side of his face.."

Viktor scratches the side of his face..
(Viktor Delisle)

"Don't make promises you can't keep, regardless of the circumstance."

A jab at both Araceli and Elias. Though, he wasn't aware of the Queen's past until now. It disappointed him, in a sense.

Slowly turning his head in her direction, lips curl into an eerie smile, hand still firmly around Kirukan's hilt.

"If you choose to give this Oathbreaker asylum in Asphodel and threaten the freedom of my Karkian faith, I've no qualms with tearing our Scarlet Agreement in half- since you'll be breaking its clause first."

"I'll single-handedly bring all of my forces back to our outpost. While not a major blow to your growing empire, in the grand scheme, it'll satisfy me knowing that I didn't let my people entertain lies and deceit."

Snapping his head back at Ambrose, he furrows his brow.

"The Karkians kill Oathbreakers- regardless of whether they follow the Blood God, or not. If I go out and killing everyone who breaks a promise, I'd likely have to try and slaughter half the continent."

"I acknowledge that many pursue different avenues during their lifetime and grow as people."

"But this? This is egregious. This is cowardice. Senseless. There's no justifying this."

Offering the Soleis a disgusted look, he shakes his head.

"I don't care for immortality if I achieve it through spitting on the legacy of my ancestors."

An inquisitive hand was brought forth.

"Choose. If you still won't allow me to attack him, then I'll cease my hostility and simply depart."
(Vekel)

Eurydice pulls back her sleeve.
(Eurydice Vanreth)

Avelin takes a fair amount of blood over here in the back before moving onto the next person. Seems she's busy.
(Avelin Alricht)

A twitch, a twitch for a solid moment as her skin turns paler, a twitch for a solid moment as her breathing grows slower. Her mismatched eyes relax, half-lidding, a flicker of something beneath...of enjoyment...her skintone.

Anemic, her features clearly a hint delirious and then, the twitch, the faint.

Snap

And...her skin-tone flushes to normal...she quietly shakes her head.
(Eurydice Vanreth)

As Elias renounced his oath, the armor which he wore seemed to grow exponentially heavier in its weight...

 Yet a different burden had been lifted.

A deep sigh is let out, of relief.

Hearing Vekel's desire to slay him for being an oathbreaker, and the calls of the other inhabitants of Asphodel defend him... It was a strange feeling. The feeling of being an equal.

 One he had so dearly missed.

How long had he been forced to play the part of the ideal? To be a role model for others?

 To live a lie?

Yet that weight had disappeared... So at the Karkian's words he would simply rise from his feet, affording the man only his gaze.

His words were cold, the culmination of many years of exhaustion.

"When I was brought to Asphodel years ago and turned over by yourself, you asked the Queen that I never raise my blade for Osrona again. And as such, I have stayed true to that, not once have I made the Queen break her word to you."

"You desire for her to break her work to satisfy your own beliefs?"

A pause as he shakes his head.

"You know little of my own plight, so do not call it mere cowardice."

"Regardless, I will not entertain such beliefs."
(Elias lux Soleis)

The Cadet seemed uncertain of what was required, until a stranger slowly approached her and gave her hushed directions. Shrugging out of her cloak, she'd offer up her arm.

Pain was hardly something she was unfamiliar with, so she'd simply nod and wait for things to be over and done with.
(Triss Fontaine)

The vampiress takes a solid bite into her arm - one, two, three - in order to drain another fair share of blood. A flush comes over her face, and there's a relieved sigh before she turns serious once more-

And a move is made to slice her wrist open, shoving it against Viktor's mouth.
(Avelin Alricht)

Avelin Alricht slits their skin, feeding blood to Viktor Delisle...

Viktor Delisle is embraced by a ripple of power that thins out the air! Their magical casting becomes more aggressive!

The fangs sank deeply into her skin, and the Cadet sitting motionless throughout the process. She could feel fatigue setting in as she was drained of precious life blood, but it didn't matter.

Pain was nothing, only a fleeting annoyance.

Silently wrapping some gauze around the area to keep the wound concealed, she'd clothe herself again and move uneasily towards a nearby table.
(Triss Fontaine)

"Then go."

A smile, as she gestured to the jungles to the west.

"I do not have patience for insolence. I gave my decree, and if you will continue to reject what I say then you are not deserving of any of our gifts."

"I am an oathbreaker, miss Annete is an oatbreaker, yet you pick and choose who you wish to attack. It is stupidity, rather than following your religion."

"A reason to be bloodthirsty and nothing more, I will not have it here."

A nod.

"So leave and become an oathbreaker yourself, an amusing thought... given this demonstration. The law was not created to let you attack my citizens. I would suggest you reread through it, since that would contradict the rest of it inherently."

"Though mm.."

Gaze shifting to those around her.

"Make your decision now. If you intend to leave I will have you captured, as you will be breaking the oath you made to me. If you can see reason then perhaps we can come to an agreement."
(Araceli Falkenrath)

Killing oathbreakers?

Promises are often made - but life is ever changing. One cannot ensure that all promises are kept, even if they genuinely try. The fact that Vekel didn't realize it was rather...

Puzzling.

But the gaze of the Prince darkens- this little outburst, while entertaining at first, was quickly growing dull and annoying. What comes next is perhaps a rather harsh remark.

Yet it is true nonetheless.

"Stop being a manchild, Vekel."

"You're embarrassing yourself."

Even according to his own words, he would have to slaughter about half the continent. That was stupid, to say the least.

"The fact you fail to realize how life can turn out to be makes me think you're viewing this through perception of a child."

"One of little experience." He pauses- a remark at his own words.

"How many people do you think made promises they could not keep, even if they genuinely try?" He'll allow that thought to settle for a moment.

"Go on, then. Slaughter half a continent- no, even whole continent while you're at it."

The ridiculousness of such belief was staggering, yet a single statement follows- likely a final one.

"Come to your senses."

"Before someone drags you to them."
(Ambrose Roche)

Aerica stared at the whole display with an air of disinterest.
(Aerica Ivanovich)

The Viscountess in the back seems to have disengaged from the situation, whispering with one of her retainers-

And staring intently at the other while she discusses, that thin-lipped smile remaining on her face the entire time. It appears she's confident in the handling of this between Araceli, Ambrose and...

Whoever else.
(Avelin Alricht)

Aerica Ivanovich asks, "He really wants to kill the Osronan and go to war with Asphodel because some Order fuckboy realized his oath was kind of shitty to a shitty kingdom and he wants out?"

Elias lux Soleis says, "Fuckboy... That's a new one."

Elias chuckles.
(Elias lux Soleis)

Aerica stares at the back of Vekels head with an expression that reads 'really'...
(Aerica Ivanovich)

Eurydice gives a snort.
(Eurydice Vanreth)

Vilyra says, "It's rather accurate, it seems."

Yammi Revargo says, "Is seems like this.."

Pressing Avelin's wrist against his own lips, the Delisle proceeds to draw in her blood into his own system. His entire body seems to shift colors in the span of seconds, with more blood taken - the more enticing the process was to the Delisle.

The Chaos within him revels, his eyes shifting into a pitch black shade before turning back to normal - a grin presented on his features, the chanting was back - in his honor.

In his own power.

His gaze trailed over to the scene before him, a smirk on his features - snapping his fingers once as his gaze falls on Vekel.

"Vekel. You're a man I respect, and, I'm not one to prefer letting Osronans do as they please - however.. He's sworn fealty, to the Queen - for the purposes of his own ascension. Just like you did." The Delisle approaches, a strange tint of bloodlust clashes with Vekel's own.

"He's simply unshackled himself from the hypocrisy that is the Shimmering city." His gaze went to Araceli, Ambrose and then Adrian, before ultimately settling back on Vekel.

He approached the situation, a hand resting on his shoulder.

"Come to your senses, Vekel. Auxis is still at large. He nearly killed us both, we must bring him down - in any means necessary." An attempt to bring the Vanirhallan on his side, he and Vekel shared way too much with one another.

Perhaps this will induce reasoning into the talks?
(Viktor Delisle)

Yammi Revargo asks, "I guess that man turned into ghoul?"

Avelin Alricht offers Eurydice Vanreth a Orange.

Eurydice Vanreth receives a Orange from Avelin Alricht.

Eurydice ...quite litterally just makes the peel fall off through a small flickering of lighting in her palm...and consumes the rest of the orange.
(Eurydice Vanreth)

"Capture me then."

Drawing forth his blade, the eerie chants of Kark reverberated into the immediate vicinity, bottle shaking ever-so-slightly under the pressure of his fury.

"For a people so keen on literature, diplomacy and dabbling in the culture of others, I expected more from you. You shouldn't have signed the Scarlet Agreement knowing that Aesirheim harboured Garjling, Kark and Vaalmoora worshippers completely devout to their faith."

"An Oath is sacred. It's a word given to respect both ends of the agreement. Warriors die to stay true to their convictions, and you spit on its entire meaning by allowing this circus act to dwell here."

It wasn't a mere promise, after all.

The broadsword tapped the dirt at his feet. The Karkian refused to entertain the mention of picking and choosing who to attack. Some things were better left unsaid, in certain moments.

"I won't be an Oathbreaker- since the agreement is void when you refused to honour its third clause. A life without honour is not one worth living."

It seems she'd made her choice.

Taking a step back, he remained vigilant- watching who would try and stop him.
(Vekel)

Vekel assumes the Garuda: Way of The Soaring Bird stance!

Sebastian started to have trouble understanding how Vekel could possibly go against the crown of law while being addicted to blood, did it not kick in? he wondered as he stared at the situation.

It seemed to be that they were having a argument, but they do not all need to fight - this can be handled with words.... He was sure it wouldn't go down to that due to the obvious addiction that needed to be sated, that needed the help of others to be sated.


But his eyes would move to the knight... Pupils thinning into slits as he focuses his gaze on the keeper.

"Ohhh..." he mutters..

He wondered what would happen at this moment, if Vekel would try to harm the queen he would most certainly be fighting against him right now the queen/prince.. and anyone who would call themselves a citizen of Asphodel.
(Sebastian Falkenrath)

Unamused.

To think that he would be forcing his religion and his ways onto others - if simply because Elias decided to change his lifestyle. That, however, wasn't exactly something that was entertained. There were mixed feelings regarding Soleis being here, but..

That does not remove the fact that Vekel tried to strong-arm everyone else to follow his religion.

"Childish."

What comes next is the manifestation of dark matter; the shape of Occult that has devoured over thirty magi at this point. It hungers for more, as usual..

And Vekel?
He might just join the Collective tonight.

"I suppose some just think they can strong-arm their beliefs onto others."

There, the Collective nocks an arrow - and it is already pointed at the Vanirhallan. The buzzing whispers and thoughts become prevalent, a signature of what's about to come.

He should know it all too well.

"I'll have to drag you back to your senses, in that case."

The Vanirhallan would not be leaving- not until a lesson is taught, at the very least.
(Ambrose Roche)

Ambrose Roche assumes the Caster stance!

Yammi begins to write at his book about what he is seeing
(Yammi Revargo)

Alexander, meanwhile, had remained silent. A sergeant that tries to keep a stoic expression to everything currently going on, his arms crossed over his chest.

As it stands, he suspects it might be beyond his ability to calm the situation with words alone- A man who hates oathbrekers, surrounded by them.

There is nothing he can do to try and get Vekel out of this.

Especially- if he remembers the scarlet agreement right-, the queen is the one that is correct here, law wise.

"The third clause is for enacting ones believes while they do not oppose the Crown's Law. Wishing to attack one of Ashpodel's citizens is one of them."

Alexander takes a deep breath through closed teeth, at discontent due to how the night has been proceeding.
(Alexander Vol Hellstrom)

"Yet you choose one rather than all of us? Silly. Stupid. Foolish. You do realize if your religion tells you to kill Oathbreakers you would then kill me next, yes?"

"Thus you are a threat, and I will see you obliterated."

Gaze shifting to her people, before beckoning to Vekel.

"Not all of your people are as stupid, and if you were to know how to read you'd have understood what the law actually meant."

"I did write it, after all, and at the very bottom it says it is subject to my discretion, as agreed upon."

A pause, as her arms folded over one another.

"So yes, you will be an Oathbreaker, and you will pay for it in blood."

Araceli's patience had run incredibly thin. She'd not entertain this any longer.

"Capture him."


(Araceli Falkenrath)

A tut. Very disappointing, but choices have been made. Another step towards the Vanirhallan is made, not too eager, but very obviously ready to fight, much like many others present.

"I was hoping that we would get to continue our lessons, Vekel." A quiet sigh leaves her as a hand rests on her hip which houses her weapon of choice...

"But I suppose that is no longer possible after this day. I will miss you."

"Somewhat."

There is little sympathy for blind zealotry in her eyes - something she ran away from, in the first place. And yet here the Vanirhallan demonstrates that very same thing.


(Annete Alricht)

Yammi Revargo says, "Well,i would be back after this is done.Need to put some things from my research inside the house"

Things had quickly gone sour.

The moment Vekel declares his choice, Adrian's eyes narrow at the Vanir. He couldn't understand Vekel's train of thought. There was no reasoning behind his actions, at least in Adrian's eyes. And so, as Araceli's order to capture him rings out throughout the city, his blade is drawn.

"A terrible decision." Adrian mutters, as Charybdis is held at the ready. The man was so close to ascending into something so much more, only for him to cast it away for something so minor?

"But no matter. Traitors will all be treated the same."

And so, much like Ambrose and many others surrounding Vekel, Adrian stands at the ready to capture the man.

Or at least try.
(Adrian Ivanovich)

In combination with whatever Vilyra's doing behind that power button, a bow is drawn - a crimson gaze flickers towards the Vanirhallan, that smile remaining upon her face.

Her head tilts, but there is only silence as she waits for her time to strike against Vekel. There are others that may do so first; should things go well, there will be no rush to attack him so.

Although there is a whisper to Viktor.
(Avelin Alricht)

Elias lux Soleis assumes the Fomorian: Way of The Earth Giant stance!

Eurydice ....is just going to gently pull out her double-barrel and load it, with a CLICK, A CLACK and A SMACK!
(Eurydice Vanreth)

Avelin Alricht assumes the Marksman stance!

Elias lux Soleis drops Trauma Kit.

Elias lux Soleis picks up Trauma Kit.

The Delisle simply watched on as Vekel was about to get slaughtered, which hopefully wouldn't happen. He liked the man, an image much like himself, of what victory is supposed to be.

"Hmm.." Viktor merely stated, arms crossed - watching the display of power between Asphodel and the Vanirhallans.

Was Vekel really willing to throw this away?

"Think about what Revna would say about this Vekel. Stop right now." His predatory gaze keeps pinned on the Vanirhallan however.

The whisper seems to ignite something in him - however he does not move yet.

He wanted to see how well Ambrose fared, solely for his own amusement.
(Viktor Delisle)

"Welcome home, Elias!"

He was a bit late, right? There was also a lot going on... Vekel was upset, Araceli was upset and calling for his capture. Oh what a fantastic way to welcome someone to Asphodel.

But! He'd heed Araceli's call and stand about. Waiting to see what would happen. More than likely his intervention won't be needed. At all.
(Epialos Mimés)

"Revna wouldn't tolerate it either."

A blunt statement.

Black eyes flickered between each threat he could observe around the square. While this isn't how he wanted things to turn out, Vekel was left no choice but to defend his convictions forcefully.

It wasn't impossible to forgive an Oathbreaker, it had been done before. He could disregard Annete's defection, or even the Queen's betrayal.

Yet, Elias' deceit meant something deeper to him. The man recognized a ring on his hand, last time he'd captured him. There was a woman he was betraying, likely completely oblivious in Osrona.

Much of the Osronan youth looked up to the man- recalling Angelo and Lucian speaking highly of him. Regardless of what had brought the Soleis here, he'd break the hearts of many by breaking this Oath.

They wouldn't understand it, though. Their perspective seemed linear- ironically, more than the man dubbed a blind zealot. He wondered if Kassarus would agree with him, here.

Lest he loses Vekel's respect too.

"Get out of my way, Ambrose."

He didn't make any attempts at attacking him, but he reckoned that the Prince wouldn't let him walk away freely.
(Vekel)

{RP BATTLE} You have LOST round 1!

"I've always liked you, Ambrose. I don't understand why you'd quietly sit by and accept this. I held respect for you, at some point."

Time had changed people significantly, it seemed.. but only Vekel remained true to his beliefs. It was disappointing, in a sense. The Karkian had actively chosen Kassarus as his sire because he wanted to see his plans fulfilled just as much as his. The Viscount had always treated him equally- like a brother.

But if this is the kind of life they wished to lead?

He'd merely need to pursue Vampirism on his own- a first generation, the second coming of Cain himself.

It all depended on how badly he wanted it, though.
(Vekel)

The battle carries on.

Yet as much as the exchange of powerful blows lingers, the Prince is briefly forced onto backfoot- his positioning was off, but another strategy is already devised inside his mind.

Whether that'd work or not?
Time will tell.

"..?" Why he would accept this?

"I'm not fond of Elias, just as you are."

"But there are things that matter more." Even then, the Collective aids in helping its master up- quickly, and without hesitation. It arms itself with the bow once more, preparing itself.

"This isn't about your personal feelings."

"Or mine..."

A roll of his shoulders. For whatever comes next, he would be ready.

"To me, this is about the grand plan I am destined to enact."

At some point, Vekel even heard of it, at least partially. But.. more than that? It's not spoken.

There would be fight instead.
(Ambrose Roche)

Ambrose Roche has been defeated by Vekel! They're unable to continue fighting.

{RP BATTLE} You have LOST round 2!

Vekel has lost 14 vitality from this battle for three hours.

{RP BATTLE} You have LOST the battle!

{RP BATTLE} {INJURY} You roll a d6... You get 5!

"I have plans too-.."

Ambrose was always a formidable warrior, befitting for the title of Prince. His mastery over the toxic arts proved to overpower even Vekel's own immunities, irritating his pores and inflaming his body. Much of the attacks debilitated his movements as well, a painful hinderance to his otherwise graceful maneuverability.

But thanks to Kassarus' essence, minor bruises and injuries healed over almost immediately- ironic, considering his newfound epiphany.

"-.. but I won't throw away my beliefs to achieve them."

Using his broadsword and indomitable will, Vekel charged forward through the incoming onslaught of abilities, launching skeletal projectiles to daze and knock down Ambrose.

Finally, the battle reached its conclusion as Vekel evaded poisonous projectiles launched at his head, using his opponent's lack of composure to bring his blade down on his ankle, forcing him to silence his powers and concede.

"I don't have any ill will toward you, only toward these easy, cheap principles you've decided after promising my people a better life."

Slashing the air, he tried to hastily clean his blade of residual blood, wounded from the fight but not shying away from further hostilities.

"I'll be leaving."

Who'd try and stop him?
(Vekel)

Exposed weakness.

Each battle is an experience - each injury is an acquired knowledge. For as much as Vekel is weakened by the poisonous miasma and the dark arrows riddling his body, at the end of the day, it's not enough to truly stop him. Such a thing is something that he would never shy away from.

If only because of the fact that it is the means of his improvement.

"Your beliefs, your honor..."

"Do you truly think that will take you far?"

Contrary to what Vekel might expect, he was not asked to throw away his beliefs - but to wise up instead. For as much as the Vanirhallan stood proud, the lingering cuts becoming all too prevalent upon the body of the Prince, so much so that he's even forced back..

There's always one thought lingering on the back of his mind.
Amusing.

"--Stand in the ashes of million souls, and ask if honor matters."

"Silence will be your answer."

Ambrose was always driven. To be cunning is not the same as to give up one's beliefs- but even then, despite leaving palpable wounds on Vekel's body, his are far too much.

For now, he retreats.

"As much as this endeavour of yours will drown you.."

"You opened my eyes on the weakness I have, still." With that weakness exposed, Ambrose knew what to do next.

To eradicate it.

"Try not to die too soon."
(Ambrose Roche)