091 niya.agrippa

///C
Agrippa:
I'm surprised the duke even let you out of Vanheim, Niya.
Niya:
It's all thanks to Lord Volund.
Agrippa:
I suppose if anyone could convince the duke of anything, it would be him.
Niya:
Speaking of the duke... I heard you've been given a... special assignment by him.
Agrippa:
Yes, the Dark Sect has intrigued the society for ages. We finally have a chance to examine them and their magic. I feel blessed being chosen for this mission. Though I imagine I was also sent since I am your caretaker.
Niya:
Oh, I'd be fine by myself... I'm more worried about you. I think it's insane they'd send a man of your age to the battlefield.
Agrippa:
That's quite a statement coming from you. Did you forget that you're merely 8 years younger-
Niya:
Shh!! Don't you say that!
Agrippa:
Haha...Given how you do not age, I wouldn't worry about how old you are...
Niya:
You know how it bothers me, regardless. ... It's also supposed to be a secret!
Agrippa:
No one can hear us, relax. ... By the way. Have you noticed the Dragon Priestess?
Niya:
Mmm, she's quite the beauty. A bit of a stiff though.
Agrippa:
None of the scholars in Vanheim have seen her before... But isn't she just like you? She is supposed to be ancient... Yet she looks so young.
Niya:
... I still am within the realm of human ages, you know.
Agrippa:
Yes, but will that last?
Niya:
Don't talk like that...
Agrippa:
I believe a test is in order. We may have solved the mystery to your longevity.
Niya:
Agrippa... What are you up to?
Agrippa:
...
Niya:
Agrippa! No! Don't you dare do anything stupid!

///B
Niya:
Oh, you fool... What were you thinking? What if you were caught?
Agrippa:
The priestess was injured and I merely took advantage of the situation. The small amount of blood I obtained was enough for my needs.
Niya:
Sigh... Well, did you find anything interesting?
Agrippa:
Well, the blood of a half-human and half-dragon is very interesting... However, it has nothing in common with your blood.
Niya:
So... I'm not part-dragon. I thought it wouldn't make much sense. My parents were normal humans... If one was a dragon, I'd say they did a good job pretending... And the priestess doesn't have the same powers I have, nor does she have those dreams, or hear strange voices.
Agrippa:
Ah... Speaking of which. Anything different regarding that?
Niya:
It's the same muttering nonsense. ... I think I did hear a real word though.
Agrippa:
Is that so?
Niya:
As mundane as it is, I thought I heard "war" the last time.
Agrippa:
Hmm. Perhaps whatever is speaking is acknowledging we're at war.
Niya:
I guess.
Agrippa:
The duke would be most interested that you heard an audible word...
Niya:
I don't know about that. Ever since he found a way to listen to the voices too, he barely has need for me anymore.
Agrippa:
Ah, but he has never understood anything they say. If only I could find a way to hear them as he has...
Niya:
I wouldn't want you to. You should consider yourself lucky. I'm afraid the duke might go crazy if he keeps listening to them...
Agrippa:
Hmph... And yet the prize he obtained...
Niya:
Agrippa... You can't be serious.
Agrippa:
I will stop talking about it if it bothers you.
Niya:
...

///A
Agrippa:
Niya, I'm afraid I am running out of time.
Niya:
Running out of time?
Agrippa:
Time stands still for you. If only I could say the same for myself...
Niya:
Agrippa, please. I... I don't want you to become like the duke. He stopped aging when he found a way to listen to the voices... But you know the state he is in now... He's half-mad. He'll lose his grip on reality altogether. Whatever these voices are... They're meant for me alone.
Agrippa:
Yes, I understand that. ... The Murmur Society is no longer what it used to be. Not since the duke... changed. But... I cannot help but be
concerned about myself, Niya. Even with all my wisdom... I fear death, fiercely.
Niya:
...
Agrippa:
Your powers... can provide me with a way to extend my life. But at what cost? My sanity? I cannot accept such a path... That is what I tell myself, anyway. But the temptation still exists.
Niya:
...
Agrippa:
Niya... When we met, fifty years ago, I remember like it was yesterday. I still had a youthful appearance...
Niya:
It hasn't been easy watching you grow old as I stayed the same...
Agrippa:
Niya. I've always loved you. If there is anything I fear more than death... It is leaving you alone in this world.
Niya:
...!
Agrippa:
Thus, I will resist the temptation of those voices. I will obtain immortality and retain my mind. The Dark Sect has the key... Yes... I know it.
Niya:
Agrippa...
Agrippa:
I don't have much time left. But I will succeed. Until then... wait for me. You won't have to fear being alone anymore. Eternity... shall be ours.
Niya:
...