Romani Montclaire - Rinn War Confrontation (4/18)

[18:36] The glance settles in a clearing towards the color of blue, farmilarity setting in. In that moment, feet take off, an after image ever trailing behind him. A small frown settles upon his face as he arrives on the ground near Rinn, a deep breath taken.

No weapon is bared and that time magic he uses is barely a flicker. The blue and gold eye train on Rinn.

"I did not come here to assault you, not yet. I want to know why. Why are you attacking the bridge, coming to destroy it? It is the livelihood for some people, making a living off of fishing or searching for herbs on the other side."

"I only want to know why."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[18:39] A young Teraphim stuck close to Romani's side, a Greycloak who had yet to engage in any of this war and conflict that had spread across Esshar. He had a revolver dangling to his side in his right hand. A nod was given to Rinn, despite the fact that she might not recognize him, and another toward Alya, a woman he had last seen when she fell from grace and hid within the walls of Myllenoris.

For the moment his gun wasn't raised, as he let Romani do most of the talking, but it was relatively clear that he was there to fight alongside his friends.
(Finley)
[18:40] They roam, a trio, air light and silent, upon another group. Eyes settle. She is quiet. The Dragonlord's arms cross, and a deep frown turns into an irate scowl with eyes wide and glowing, glowering back at the one who first speaks.

"...Why? Are you willfully ignorant, or just stupid? Bandits live on this bridge, constantly. It's a place of needless blood and battle, marring the citizens of both our cities ad infinitun. Look at yourself, right now, only adding MERIT to my reason for why this entire fucking bridge should be blown to bits."

Her arms tense against each opposite. Her wings flare. Did they really not fucking get it? Did these people think this was just... an attack, for the sake of an attack?

From calm, to screaming, in mere seconds.

"YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THE FUCK YOU'RE DEFENDING, AND YOU STAND AGAINST ME! I DIDN'T MARCH ON YOUR FUCKING WALLS- RAID YOUR CARAVANS, CLAIM I'M GOING TO KILL YOUR GOD AND DESTROY YOUR CHURCH, DID I?"
(Rinn)
[18:41] The representative of the church did not present his blade, and as such, Alya returned the courtesy. The General stood tall, taller than these people. Blue eyes beaming down at the group, she scrutinized them intensely.

"Because you'll always find a reason to attack us. And by you, I mean your government. No matter what we do, something will be used against us, and a little teeter dance of politics later, this happens."

Arms crossed, she'd fixate the one asking the questions.

"The farther you all are to Theria, the better. We're just being proactive with the measures."
(Alya Kriemhild)
[18:43] "It's a really good question."

The Radiant arrives beside Romani with a hand on her blade and both eyes on those before her. Signaling for her battalion to continue on, she looks to the leader of Theria and frowns.

"You didn't march and attack us, but your allies did, Rinn. They captured and killed our people. Time and time again." She takes a step forward, clenching a fist. "If you say we don't understand, why don't you explain it? Why don't you TELL us what we're missing?"

She recalls the letter that had been sent, though she was unaware if the drakanite even got it.

"Really. We're not like our older generations. We want to understand. Help us. You all are fine- but those you've allied with are not. Even before the war."
(Ilsa lux)
[18:44] Alya Kriemhild says, "Get rid of the hasbeen ex-Queen that monger for war and maybe we can have a decent dialogue."
[18:44] Alya Kriemhild says, "Not even saying kill her, just get her OUT of that castle."
[18:44] Rinn says, "We're allied- because you declared war. Told me you would kill my god, take over my city."
[18:44] Ilsa lux says, "The former queen. Yeah. She isn't running the show anymore."
[18:44] Rinn says, "You follow a woman who declares it constantly. You'd be deaf not to hear her vehement warmongering and racism."
[18:44] She, Rinn, and Alya had managed to stick together.. just as they had planned. That weapon gripped tightly in her hand as she followed nimbly alongside the two Drakanites.

This was retaliation, a strike after a strike, the child-King declaring another reason for war.. but even if she hadn't been there? Osrona would have surely found another reason.

This was just the way it tended to work with that city, always wanting more, swearing it was the best.. the brightest.. it was like putting a blanket over a tumor and hoping no one peers beneath.

Golden gaze settling upon Romani for a moment or two, before shifting towards the Radiant that had followed behind him.

Shadows curled from her flesh, and she bore a curved smile.. All of Rinn's points were exceptionally valid.. but she had been told to cut loose.

So she would.

Pointing her staff to Ilsa, someone she had spoken to a time or three in the past.. almost in another life. "Osrona will always want more than it can have, always seek to kill and slay innocents... It's what the 'shining city' has always done."

"Yet you're brave enough to hold yourselves in such high regard." Occultic and cosmic energies flare intensely around her as those energies began to gather. "If we're not trading blows just yet, tell me.. Why do you not do something about it if you don't want war? If you want to understand?"
(Duana Kurokaiyo)
[18:45] Rinn says, "It was about Ilburb, and then it was about Garljing, and now it's about Occultism."
[18:45] Rinn asks, "Do you not smell the bullshit every time the reason for this war changes?"
[18:45] Alya Kriemhild says, "Political veils. Relatively standard."
[18:46] Rinn asks, "Do you not see that any of the measures you find displeasurable, I may have been forced into by the war your elders declared?"
[18:46] At the first sign of occultism, Finley's eyes narrowed. The back and forth political talk was something he paid half attention to, one of his pointed ears picking up the debate, but all too quickly he recognized the blonde hair and muttered to Romani,

"Is that the one? The one they keep talking about?"
(Finley)
[18:46] Rinn says, "Your king complains about occultism within my city. I see occultists willing to fight to protect my city's freedom."
[18:47] Rinn asks, "So why the fuck should I care what Osrona thinks, over those who will stand by me in a time of need?"
[18:47] Rinn asks, "Do that that makes sense to you?"
[18:47] Finley says, "Occultists once ruled and fought for old Moonfall. Look what it became."
[18:47] Finley says, "A crater."
[18:47] Alya Kriemhild asks, "Wasn't it a crater before?"
[18:47] Finley says, "That's why you should care. It's not politics."
[18:47] Finley shook his head.
(Finley)
[18:48] Finley says, "That woman beside you will ruin your kingdom. Rot it from the inside out."
[18:48] Rinn says, "It is politics. It is about control. A reason. Any reason."
[18:48] Rinn says, "You're parroting what you're told, and I'm acting on what I see."
[18:48] Duana Kurokaiyo says, "I've done nothing but help Theria, and it can't be proven otherwise.. because there is nothing else to prove."
[18:48] Finley says, "That's what the druids used to say. Same arguments. Same reasons. Osrona was their enemy back then too."
[18:48] Rinn says, "My city was a frail echo of it's former self, Bastiel's rule ruining it into emptiness and helplessness."
[18:49] Rinn asks, "Did Osrona try to help me, when I took it from him...?"
[18:49] Ilsa lux says, "None of this makes sense to me. Not defending occultists who slaughtered a woman and pinned her to a tree. Not defending the bandits that killed and mailed my sister's head back for trying to stop a robbery. And the religious zealotry is equally awful."
[18:49] Rinn says, "No, no. They wanted to take all the land around my city, make me subject to them, a puppet state because they saw weakness."
[18:50] Romani shakes his head.

"So you are saying that if Serea were not in charge-" There is a feeling in the air, one that causes his eyes to narrow. It only grows more in the attention paid as Finley pointed it out. A frown crosses his face.

"I do not want to hurt those who I believe are innocent. Far from it. I prefer to talk and communicate with others, instead of randomly attack people. However,"

His eyes hovered towards Duana. "You are the one declared to be a Witch, correct? And I can sense your occultism. What have you done to be called such titles? Have you hurt people for your aspirations?"

A small inhale was deeply taken.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[18:50] Ilsa lux says, "We're just going to go around in circles. Killing each other over misunderstandings while a portal to Helheim cracks open under Illburg."
[18:50] Duana Kurokaiyo says, "I only kill liars."
[18:50] Finley says, "Then speak the truth."
[18:50] Finley asks, "Are you a witch?"
[18:50] Rinn says, "It was about slaying Garljing, when Serea headed your first charge. She screamed it to the heavens."
[18:50] Rinn says, "But you only want to stick to the convenient, the new reasons and excuses."
[18:50] Duana Kurokaiyo asks, "Why, so you can find another reason to war..?"
[18:50] Finley says, "Answer."
[18:51] Rinn says, "I pop the bridge. And our link is severed. Any occult taint you fear is no longer your concern. You stop being mugged, raided, and murdered here. Armies can no longer march against each other."
[18:51] Looking from Rinn to Duana, the Radiant offers a shrug.

"I know Osrona is far from perfect. We all know that. That's why I joined the Order - to change it from the inside. But if you see us all as the same, just as Serea sees all Rhoynish and Occultists as the same...?"

She sighs.

"Then how can we help each other? How is any of this ever supposed to stop, Rinn?"
(Ilsa lux)
[18:51] Rinn asks, "... Can you. Answer me something: what does Osrona gain through this bridge, that's so very important?"
[18:52] Romani cos Montclaire says, "My focus is not on Garljing. My focus is only on the protection of others livelihoods. As such, I do not have any intent to engage you currently Rinn. But I do worry if you are housing occultism."
[18:52] Ilsa lux says, "Trade routes. Everyday living. Destroying the bridge is bad for business all around."
[18:52] Romani cos Montclaire says, "If the bridge is destroyed, some people will be unable to harvest reagents or ores to keep their lives afloat."
[18:52] Finley says, "It won't be only your problem. The last time their kind rose to power, demons flooded the forests. They slaughtered innocents en masse and caused a calamity. That is what you will grow. That is what you will foster. It is not Osrona or Theria at that point. It is Esshar."
[18:52] Alya Kriemhild says, "This war is bad business."
[18:52] Rinn says, "... So this is a business decision."
[18:52] Ilsa lux says, "It's bigger than that, and you know it."
[18:53] Finley says, "Pretending it is less is ignoring history, the history we all share."
[18:53] Finley says, "Now I ask again-"
[18:53] Finley glares at Duana. "Are you a witch?"
(Finley)
[18:53] Rinn says, "It's only bigger because you want it to be. Because you think Osrona is the only one that can control, through the means they insist are law."
[18:53] Duana Kurokaiyo says, "Do I follow the traditions of my family, of those who dared defy what Osrona wanted..? Yes. Do I want a Demon anywhere within a mile of me..? No. I despise them as my Grandmother had."
[18:53] Duana Kurokaiyo says, "She fought them."
[18:53] Duana Kurokaiyo says, "For /Theria/."
[18:54] Duana Kurokaiyo says, "As I fight now."
[18:54] Finley says, "Answer without a dozen words."
[18:54] Finley says, "Yes or no."
[18:54] Ilsa lux says, "It is bigger because if we end this war, we use that bridge to help both nations. All of the nations. Destroying it solves nothing."
[18:54] Rinn says, "...I've allowed a simple mindset to answer these... worries. The ones that I have naturally had."
[18:55] Alya Kriemhild says, "Bridges can be rebuilt."
[18:55] Alya Kriemhild asks, "But, for now, do you think we should really trust your nation?"
[18:55] Ilsa lux asks, "Then why burn them in the first place?"
[18:55] Alya Kriemhild says, "Logically."
[18:55] Finley says, "She still hasn't answered."
[18:55] Rinn says, "... We're never going to help each other. You fucking know that."
[18:56] Rinn says, "Your elders won't allow it."
[18:56] Rinn says, "It will never be amicable. So I want to severe as much of our bond as I can, and create as much distance and seperation..."
[18:56] Finley says, "On the contrary. Myllenoris primary enemy will always be witches."
[18:56] Rinn winces, grabbing the side of her head.
(Rinn)
[18:56] Alya pauses for a moment, peering over at Duana, blinking. She then nods.
(Alya Kriemhild)
[18:56] Rinn says, "As I possibly can."
[18:56] Romani cos Montclaire says, "I disagree. I believe it is a generation yet coming that determines the future, not the past with Elders."
[18:56] Ilsa lux says, "The elders are on their way out. Alexander is different. We fight for him, now. A vision where nations can simply co-exist."
[18:56] Duana Kurokaiyo says, "Yes, I am a Witch, but I don't intend the calamities you speak of. That is why the others were wiped out, don't you think I understand that..? /I/ don't want that again. "
[18:56] Rinn says, "Myllenoris is a tetriary concern, only a problem because of the alliance that forced us in bed with Ilburg."
[18:56] Rinn says, "We don't have direct conflict."
[18:56] Rinn says, "Not as far as I'm concerned..."
[18:57] Minoru says, "...Obviously not fighting for us, then."
[18:57] Ilsa lux says, "Even now - Alexander has plans to HELP Illburg and Myllenoris solve their Helheim problem. They have plans to sit down and work things out."
[18:57] Ilsa lux asks, "And if Penelope can do that, why can't you?"
[18:58] Finley raised his revolver and pulled the hammer back with his gun. His barrel was directed toward Duana and he spoke clear and firm. "It does not matter what you intend or do not intend to do. You've sword yourself to the damned and to the dark. You have likely already spread your cancer through the north, and it is because of your kind that we all live forever in fear."

"I hold no ill will toward the Therians. The Ilburgians. They're war isn't mine."

He held the gun still out steady.

"I will take you now while they have their debate. Between you and I, there is no words we can exchange."

"This only ends one way."
(Finley)
[18:58] Rinn says, "I'd love to- once I'm confident you won't be banging on my FUCKING WALLS AGAIN IN A YEAR."
[18:59] Evergreen Solstice says, "Sure."
[18:59] Ilsa lux says, "Then just- hear him out. Attend the summit with the other leaders - after this mess. If you don't like what you hear from Alexander, do what you must."
[18:59] Romani cos Montclaire says, "I would ask the same Ilsa speaks of."
[18:59] Rinn says, "... You know exactly what he'll say."
[19:00] Alya Kriemhild asks, "What will change from our last summit with him?"
[19:00] Rinn says, "He won't- none of you, will trust me, to control my city and what happens with in it."
[19:00] Ilsa lux says, "I do. But -you- don't. That's the issue."
[19:00] Alya Kriemhild asks, "Will his mother once again write a script?"
[19:00] Aerilon Tsuchai says, "You did well"
[19:00] Romani trails his gaze on Finley, taking a breath to follow after the Teraphim if things go badly, but otherwise not engaging.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[19:00] * You have been awarded 1 Roleplay Points! *
[19:00] Ilsa lux says, "Alexander is not Serea. He is not Inanis."
[19:00] Ilsa lux says, "We have faith in him. And if you gave it a chance, I'm certain you would too."
[19:01] Romani cos Montclaire says, "Alexander is differnt, as we say. And I have seen him pull away from some of his mother's choices before."
[19:01] Alya Kriemhild says, "Considering all these fucking whispers they were dropping on him during the meeting . . . "
[19:01] Ilsa lux says, "Your city is your own. He only wanted to deter tyrants like Bastiel."
[19:01] Biru blinks!
(Biru)
[19:01] Alya peers over at Biru, and notices the collar.
(Alya Kriemhild)
[19:01] Alya Kriemhild asks, ". . . Biru. They're using you?"
[19:01] Biru waves!
(Biru)
[19:01] Rinn says, "I was told to submit myself to a purge of occultism, surrender our mines and caves to be rightfully Osronan forever, break my alliance formed purely in defense at the time."
[19:01] Biru says, "Uh-uh."
[19:01] Biru exclaims, "Romani does torture me everyday but, beside that, it is fine!"
[19:01] Ilsa lux says, "Serea's words. Alexander would never make such a demand."
[19:01] She shakes her head softly, as if a mistake had been made. "Then that is where you're mistaken, my sword is my own to direct, and I am a Therian." She had been one of the greatest contributions to the place since she arrived.

There was little other option now, glancing towards Rinn and Alya with a shrug. "The fact that it wasn't the Witch who assaulted first says something, does it not..? May you witness now, all of you, that I was the one willing to speak."

"This is exactly what I'm talking about." The reasons she had explained to Rinn and Alya both, proven entirely true in these moments.
(Duana Kurokaiyo)
[19:01] Rinn says, "I was told without saying it to become a vassal state-"
[19:01] Romani cos Montclaire says, "Trigonometry is not torture."
[19:01] Biru exclaims, "He tortures me with maths!"
[19:01] Rinn says, "... Biru."
[19:01] Biru exclaims, "Rinn!"
[19:01] Rinn asks, "You haven't. Had any trouble with the person you told me about before, right...?"
[19:02] Rinn says, "About the thing."
[19:02] Biru asks, "Huh?"
[19:02] Rinn says, "And I'm. Sorry."
[19:02] Biru asks, "Who?"
[19:02] Biru exclaims, "Bah, it's fine!"
[19:02] Finley says, "You may try to manipulate them all you'd like. Your words and lies will not affect me."
[19:03] Biru says, "I'm not sure who Rinn."
[19:03] Biru asks, "Remember?"
[19:03] Biru says, "I have the memory of a fishy-fish.."
[19:03] Biru exclaims, "Also, Rinn!"
[19:03] Rinn says, "... "
[19:03] Biru asks, "When I come back.. please don't kill me?"
[19:04] Biru says, "I've only beaten your soldiers with.."
[19:04] Biru exclaims, "Rock, paper, scissors!"
[19:04] Biru exclaims, "It was fair and I didn't cheat!"
[19:04] Rinn says, "... Uh. Huh."
[19:04] Rinn says, "We're... getting off track."
[19:04] Biru says, "Mhm-- Yes, we are."
[19:05] Biru exclaims, "I'm here for moral support, please don't.. pay much attention to me!"
[19:05] Rinn says, "... I don't want you to mistake me for a warmonger. But I also do not want you to mistake me for somebody who needs, or wants, help from Osrona."
[19:05] Biru says, "*nods. µ"
[19:06] Rinn says, "I know the dangers of what I'm allowing in my city. And I'm doing so because you, all, are an inarguable and immiedate threat to us."
[19:06] Romani cos Montclaire asks, "Reguardless of how this battle goes, in the end, all I want from you is to promise you might be willing to listen to Alexander. Can you please do that for me?"
[19:06] Ilsa lux says, "You're a strong leader and warrior. We noticed when you repelled our forces."
[19:06] Romani cos Montclaire says, "Just a meeting, not more."
[19:06] Ilsa lux says, "As Romani said, all that we ask is that you give the meeting a chance."
[19:06] Alya Kriemhild says, "I can agree to this."
[19:07] Biru exclaims, "Ah, I remember now!"
[19:07] Biru says, "Yes, Rinn."
[19:07] Rinn says, "I'm not going to walk into Osrona again as long as Serea is still breathing."
[19:07] Biru says, "You can trust Alexander, he's a very reasonable person."
[19:07] Rinn says, "But other than that, yes."
[19:07] Ilsa lux says, "It won't be in Osrona."
[19:07] Ilsa lux says, "It will be in Illburg."
[19:07] Rinn says, "Then, yes."
[19:07] Romani cos Montclaire says, "I do not want you to walk into Orsona. I would rather the submit be elsewhere."
[19:07] Alya Kriemhild says, "Smart."
[19:07] Alya Kriemhild says, "Not demanding things."
[19:07] Alya Kriemhild says, "Not keen on making us feel unwelcome."
[19:07] Ilsa lux says, "We know better."
[19:07] Ilsa lux says, "Biru has taught us a few things, too."
[19:07] Alya Kriemhild says, "Maybe they are a slight hope for Osrona."
[19:07] Biru raises her hand!
(Biru)
[19:07] Biru says, "Message from Archdruid, he speaks inside my head."
[19:08] Rinn says, "... My people are dying all around me, while we fight. I still intend to destroy the bridge."
[19:08] Romani cos Montclaire says, "We are a future, not the past. And I want to be able to help make things better, not worse."
[19:08] Rinn says, "It's a symbol- a place of constant bloodshed. Inarguably, more bad than good."
[19:08] Biru repeats word for word. " -Could you tell them Myllenoris will be willing to attend as well? There is no... useful way for me to say that aloud, at the moment. I will personally go."
(Biru)
[19:08] Biru exclaims, "Also? He's sorry for invadin' my head!"
[19:09] Biru says, "Wait.. that's for me.."
[19:10] Romani cos Montclaire says, "I think then, if it is destroyed as a result of this battle, that problem is solved. And if it is not, the submit can be held and can see see about reinforcing it and not making it a place of bloodshed but a symbol of what could be if handled correctly."
[19:10] Alya Kriemhild says, "You mean, the summit."
[19:10] Rinn says, "No, you don't- fucking."
[19:10] Biru exclaims, "Psst!"
[19:10] Alya Kriemhild says, "Your Osronan is showing."
[19:10] Alya Kriemhild says, "Submit."
[19:10] Rinn says, "No matter how much WE want it, people will FIGHT, and DIE, on this bridge."
[19:10] Romani cos Montclaire says, "You are willing to listen. And as such, I do not wish to take any more of your time."
[19:11] Rinn says, "It's at the bottom of our mountain, and at the end of a road just beyond your walls."
[19:11] Biru exclaims, "It's fun when you speak inside my head!"
[19:11] Romani cos Montclaire says, "Summit even."
[19:11] Rinn says, "It's a chokehold."
[19:11] Biru says, "I told them what you said but."
[19:11] Alya Kriemhild says, "Hah."
[19:11] Biru says, "They're a little heated now."
[19:11] Biru asks, "You know.. people die around? Stuff and stuff?"
[19:11] Biru says, "Not the best place to talk.."
[19:11] Rinn says, "You're not- hearing me, at all."
[19:11] Biru crouches to dodge an arrow.
(Biru)
[19:12] Biru exclaims, "I know!"
[19:12] Biru asks, "It happens.. a lot?"
[19:12] Biru says, "Stupid arrows.."
[19:12] The Radiant stops for a few moments to look back at the bridge long and hard.

Where her siblings had been beaten within an inch of their lives and captured. Where her cadets and knights had been broken. Where the villagers had been robbed blind a dozen times over.

With a sigh, she turns back to Romani and gives a curious gaze.

"My thoughts exactly, Romani. Whatever happens to that stupid bridge, happens. The Lightbringer won't be happy, but Alexander will understand that it is better for the long run."
(Ilsa lux)
[19:12] Rinn raises her hands up, dragging nails down her face lightly. Holy shit.
(Rinn)
[19:12] Biru exclaims, "O-oh, yes Lady Asta! Sorry!"
[19:13] Romani cos Montclaire says, "I disagree. I think if things are differnt, if the bridge is secure, it might not. It is a chokehold, but if it is a guarded chokehold. Nevermind, it would be something we are arguing about instead of what can be talked about at the Submit. Who knows, if it is still standing, people might be willing to see it removed yet, if all the pros and cons are talked about."
[19:13] Biru exclaims, "Mhm, we are!"
[19:13] Alya shrugs.
(Alya Kriemhild)
[19:13] Alya Kriemhild asks, "So, what do we do, then?"
[19:13] Ilsa lux says, "That is the question."
[19:13] Rinn says, "... I'm going to fight whoever's between me and the bridge."
[19:13] Alya Kriemhild says, "Fair decision, Rinn."
[19:13] Rinn says, "It's still my goal, until I'm beaten back."
[19:13] Romani cos Montclaire says, "For now? I stick to my word. I have asked my questions. Now I walk away and try to find those that bandit on the bridge or hurt others."
[19:14] Alya peers over at Ilsa.
(Alya Kriemhild)
[19:14] Alya Kriemhild asks, "You?"
[19:14] Romani cos Montclaire says, "I think I might see how Finley is doing, in all honest. I worry for him against a Witch."
[19:14] Ilsa lux says, "I'm here to reduce casualties. We'll do that."
[19:14] Alya Kriemhild says, "She won't kill him."
[19:14] Ilsa lux says, "See you on the other side, Dragonlord."
[19:14] Alya Kriemhild says, "You've been decent enough."
[19:14] Rinn says, "Unless I die."
[19:14] Rinn says, "Yeah."
[19:14] Ilsa lux says, "You're not going to DIE."
[19:14] Ilsa lux says, "Probably."
[19:14] Ilsa lux asks, "Hopefully?"
[19:15] Romani cos Montclaire says, "Rinn, please refrain from dying."
[19:16] That gun fired, blasts of water deflected off of her shield, mitigating the damage as she blasted through the beam by projecting herself through it with meteoric force.

It was clear in the span of moments who was the stronger of the two, and it was a rather large gap. "..I truly mean the words I say. It is only liars I kill, and all I have ever killed." Her staff swats the barrel of the gun away, a kick to their chest to send them stumbling backwards. "I only want to protect the place that has given me a chance to prove my words, to show that I mean what I say."

"...If you aren't willing to hear me, then you're no better than what my ancestors were.. what the Coven was. I only want to bring truth to the world, and the truth is that the light cannot exist without the dark. That a balance can be forged." Even if her perception of balance was perhaps different than most, her body dissolving into shadows just in time to dissolve a spear of crystal that would have torn into her.

"I want my home left alone.. and of course the truth." Her hand erupts with cosmic energies, blasting Finley clean in the chest to drive them to the ground... Instead of worrying about perhaps capturing them, or even torturing them with the Occult as she could have, she left them alone.

To walk away freely.
(Duana Kurokaiyo)
[19:24] Finley left the talks between his friends and the Therian officials behind, allowing Duana something of a forward duel rather than an ambush. Though it was his first true fight, he did not waver, did not fear. The Teraphim rolled the chamber of his revolver again, the glittering bullets within giving off a shine as he flicked it back into place.

He had said all he had to say prior to starting, so he readied for the mark and-

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Just as he had done against the spirits he had been tested against, Finley brought his hand back to fan the hammer of his weapon and let loose a volley of icy shards that split and melted through the air into freezing torrents of bubbles and watery spray.

But it was not enough.

His gun was bat aside as Duana neared in a flash, and a boot to his chest sent him onto the grass. He rolled over quick, trying to get to his feet while also letting off a thin, lengthened bullet to keep his foe at bay.

Duana continued to speak of truth, speak of what she wanted, of balance. He had half a mind to actually listen, to discuss it all, only for doubt to cloud his thoughts. This was what her kind was made to do; worm their way into the heads of those who would listen.

"I- have made a vow before the spirits. I will never tell a lie." Fin got out as he stood again. "But what your kind brings is not balance. What you open the door for will only ever hunger for more."

Glittering green and red shards scattered among Finley's cloak, sprouting from the earth where he could clutch their frosty surfaces to amplify the kick of his gun, but just as he had prepared to try again, only to find cosmic rays blasting him back into a tree.

The young Teraphim's armor smoked where the singed ray had landed, much of the armor melted aside. He brought his hand close and noted the blood along with the blurring of his own vision. Finley knew that this duel was lost, ended. But before he could expect to be killed, Duana was gone.

Finley let out a long exhale, realizing he was still not fit for battle. He would need more time, more power. In another unspoken prayer, he promised to himself he would find it before he met this witch again.
(Finley)
[19:30] It was honestly a worrying prospect, leaving Finley too long on his own with the one she admitted was a Witch. Following after them, Romani would run through the trees, after images left in his wake as he came to the part of the forest that had been touched by the battle of crystal and darkness. His fists ball at his side, staring towards the reaction.

If she went to torture them, he planned to step in. If she tried to kill him, he planned to step in. But she did not. The blast of cosmic energy sent Finley tumbling to the ground, and Romani let out a sigh of relief, hearing the words.

Still, the sun and moon eyes would stare towards the Witch ever wary as she spoke.

"Finley is not one who tells lies either. And I will speak honestly as well. I intend to find a way to stop Witches, to stop that call on the dark Lord's power. I want to do it in a way with minimal loss of life, and I believe that one day we will have to fight."

Still, with thathe stepped forward, going after Finley, not Duana.

"All the same, I only thought of intervening if Finley was in danger. He is not. I will not stop you here. But do not take innocent lives, do not hurt people. If I hear you have, I will come and try to stop you."

But not now. Not yet. Instead he moves to Finley to go and help him move to a place where he might be able to heal better and faster, towards the field medics of the war.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[19:31] They were able to, at the very least, listen. Something most were not capable of. She had promised Alexander and Dorothea to be a pillar - and so she would. Even if everything around her was crumbling - she had to try.

But with that being said, it was hard to care about the occult when the various bandits maiming and slaughtering her people had never even studied the magic. Surely it was an issue, but in the here and now? The pursuit of the otherwise idle wishes was a distraction for what really needed to be done.

She arrives just moments after the battle's conclusion with Romani and bolts over to help him up.

"I commend you for staying true to your beliefs, Finley." It was all she could really think to say without offending him as the sounds of a battalion crossing the mountain behind them echoes out. She reaches out with a hand for his shoulder, aiming to turn him back towards her and away from the exit he likely wanted.

A final glance is given to Rin, Alya, and Duana before she heads off with the others, trying to find a way to minimize the carnage that would occur.
(Ilsa lux)