Thom - They're dead

[07:50:49] He turns up in Cinderfall again but this time appearing quite more prepared for a fight if need be, a heavy cloak barely concealing a strong but flexible suit of fitted armour beneath-- his gait is an upright one as ever, an emerald gaze crossing those gathered at the camp.

It isn't long before he finds someone he recognises, marching up to them without delay.

"They're dead." He greets Thom just like that, stonefaced and appraisive of any reaction-- he wasn't so lighthearted as he'd been at the moment of their parting, carrying himself with an overwhelmingly serious demeanor.

"You so-called 'Heroes' and your indecision and want for talk killed two children. I hope you're pleased with yourselves-- some protectors you are, too scared of that cult to take a single step against them and their cruelty."

(Ramia Hirano)
[07:54:14] "If I ever turn into a tyrant I hope you will put me down." He says in a completely serious tone as his face takes on a dark appearance. "Still I am glad that there are people in Valmasia willing to stand up to the likes of imperfects, Nostvale and New Alteros. The weak and oppressed deserve to have someone standing up for them."

Looking to the tents and the water nearby he snaps his fingers, causing a stream of water to rise and create a small puddle in the shadow of a large tree. Creating a rather serene sleeping and meditating spot for anyone who wishes to use it.

"That will do. Lady and I will like it here, there are so many trees here that it reminds me of Antegria. Hopefully one day we'll be able to have you stay over in Antegria with us. Maybe in times better than these and over a cup of tea as we celebrate."

The Siren gives Liara a smile filled with youthful innocence until he overheard Ramia, quickly looking in his direction when he heard of children being dead. His eyes opened wide with shock, it's certainly different to hear it first hand. Sharkskin takes a few deep breaths to calm himself down, doing his best not to interrupt that conversation.
(Yuri B'nk)
[07:58:30] Sharpen.

The sound of a sharpening stone scraping against a slightly rusted glaive could be heard around Cinderfall as an orange haired youth performed matenince on their weapon. The glowing hues kept focus on it, Thom mostly tuning out the world around him before hearing someone speaking directly towards him. The eyes glanced upwards from their current duty and towards the form of the one who spoke, a farmilar horned person.

A slight frown wore on Thom's features. The orange haired youth sat upwards from their sitting position and looked towards Ramia. "That is crap to hear.. Though the fact you say I'm too scared to do it is a little bit lacking." There would indeed be a bit of irritation on his face but he definately didn't go into details.

"Are you sure they're dead?.." The boy then asked, a worrisome look on their face.
(Thom)
[08:02:46] A warm smile Yuri's way. "I'd like that." She'd freely say replying to Yuri's offer to return the favor, celebrations over in Antegiria when things get better. Speaking of getting better, Ramia's words only make Liara's heart sink, Liara wasn't scared, she was rational, attempts to try to save the children would have been lethal for Cinderfall. Even as a hero, battles had to be chosen, blatant suicide missions weren't heroic, they were foolish!

Thom was being allowed to handle the matter, as she'd take a deep breath, the only thing felt in regards to the loss of life was guilt, that she couldn't have been possibly ready, and that she could have done more to be ready, however, her life as a hero? It'd only started four years ago, not when she first realized her magical potential, perhaps if she'd started younger, she might have been ready.

But, in her rationale? She couldn't have known she'd be one of the only hopes for the children in question. Her hand contined flinching from time to time, but it was greatly slowwed, and Var'Thuul could probably just even read her body language, mom was sad, deeply sad.
(Liara Myr)
[08:07:53] He hadn't precisely accused him of being afraid, but it could be interpreted that way-- Ramia had been aiming more along the lines of being simply naive or otherwise stupid and incompetent. His question prompts a grave nod.

"Certain." He replies. "One of the children, alongside that creature Sanseveria, took their lives. I heard from the lips of the little murderess herself." The horned boy's gaze is drawn a moment to the sharpened glaive; what use was keeping weapons prepared if not to fight?

"...I've spent a while in that village by now. Weiss and Lilybeth, the two that died-- they feared the creature at every moment, claiming it watched and heard them at all times. The insane girl who killed them used the same as a threat when I spoke against them."

He pauses to gather his thoughts a moment, furrowing his brow and meeting the older Occultist's eyes.

"It looks peaceful on the surface, but they're just living in fear of a monster aren't they? One that stops children wanting to leave it by force, then takes their lives. If that isn't evil, what is? What exactly will it take for you people to be the 'Heroes' you pretend to be?"

(Ramia Hirano)
[08:14:43] Thom frowned imensely. The fact that even the children of the Willows were killing, was taking lives, was.. stunning very much at least. "Children shouldn' kill.." Thom muttered, sgihing as the glaive would be replaced on his back and he looked as if his heart dropped when he heard the names.

".. I knew those two... Dang it.. I still had to apoloize to Weiss.. And I thought Lily's mom said that he would be safe there..." Thom slammed his foot to the ground, frustation driving his actions as his voice would crack. "Damn it!"

"Why even.. What reason do kids have for killing other kids? Do adults have for killing kids.. Thats not right.." A shake of his head before once again he made eye contact with Ramia.

".. And I don't know. Its not easy to always find the drive to be a hero I guess. I try, but I guess saving children from slavers is all I'm good for.."
(Thom)
[08:22:24] So he knew them personally?

That was even better.

"If you're always trying to rationalise the bad things others are doing, you'll never save anyone." He sums it up with a concise statement, essentially telling him not to think about things too hard-- Ramia wanted them to play their part properly as he saw it, rather than dawdling around in the camp waiting for their absent messiah.

"I was right when I said it before, none of you are heroes-- Maria might be, but you can't do a single thing without her, can you? If there's a next time, listen to me. Maybe then you'll earn some respect."

He gives a subtle shake of his head, turning to his side-- intent on leaving the camp as quickly as he'd come, given Thom would be sufficient to pass on the information to. There's a pause though, as a parting word is given.

"...Oh, and there's a reason I can't just do it myself-- so play the part properly."

If not stopped, he was going to walk away.
(Ramia Hirano)
[08:27:31] Thom sighed, once again glowing hues glaring towards the ground. In a way he was right.. Trying to make sense of the actions of bad people wouldn't do anything. And yet at the same time he felt the boy was also a bit wrong. Thom felt like he was a hero, if only a little bit. If you saved people, if you tried to help didn't it make sense for you to be a hero?..

It stung. Maybe even pulled a cord or two within Thom. But the boy would just remain silent, taking Ramia's words. The boy wouldn't budge, not even when Ramia shook his head and started to leave.. On his face Thom just seemed.. Tired.

"... Bye Ram."

The voice felt empty as the orange haired youth turned away.
(Thom)