[Very nice reply, Kio!]

Al-kin watched the broken man's face turn away from the chief. There was little recognizable emotion to read in those lines covering cheeks and brow. In truth, the elderly mage looked a great deal like an archaic species himself, alien behind the leathern mask of time.

Though Al-kin felt shock at the certainty in the elder's voice and claims, there was none shown. Rather, as cool as water, the shifter regarded the older man and considered nothing, offered nothing.

Nothing was required, for as the elderly mage had taken opportunity of speech from Arlix, the high chief stole space for Al-kin to provide answers. It was a blessing in disguise, that additional time given through Arlix's intercession. What may have been said would have possibly only inflamed the young southerner all the more.

And how will you respond? Mamoru sighed.

For an imaginary companion, the voice had a point. Al-kin gazed at the older man and then, with Arlix's expectant wave, passed through the villagers to the center of the circle, there to stand aside of the high chief and his warrior.

It came as no surprise that Arlix had the presence to pull off such terms. Nor was it a surprise that he should have chosen to make them thus. It was in the best interests of his people that magic users did not create discord within the village or even the lands. Al-kin had seen before the destruction and pain such great magics were capable of causing.

With a low bow, middle finger and thumb pressed just above the heart, Al-kin flourished a distant obeisance to the high chief and his word. "I abide by your decision, High Chief. However," and at this, the slender creature stood, turned and regarded the elder and his companion, "if these find it too difficult to accept such direction, then I will go with them to the river, cross it and there, outside of the High Chief's lands, will do such battle as might suffice to appease their anger, one way or another, though it would pain me to do so. It is not in the best interests of these people nor the three of us outsiders to cause carnage when understanding or recompense could be made in ways far more beneficial. It is my belief that such madness of the outside world taints our lands and spirits. I would not have this upon myself or any others if I were capable to avoid it."

While in such formal speech, the delicate body of the stranger moved with sinuous grace and in the voice rang chords of accent which did not reflect greater known tongues. "Will you not both put aside the pettiness of the Now and meet with myself under the wisdom and direction of this human?" One delicate hand sloped out to encompass Arlix. "I promise to answer what questions I may. Perhaps we can discover what has caused such devotion to my downfall that you both would follow my footsteps for the days' passing."

For once, the Voice was silent. But then, it took a great deal of focus for Al-kin to place the subtle weaving of ley lines which might be drawn upon should the Southerner and his guide refuse to be swayed to either way. It would be the village which would pay dearly and Al-kin had wishes to contain as much of the suffering as was possible given the meager scope of the powers of the People.

__________________

‘What will my death be like?’ he thought- and knew at once
with abrupt certainty, that it would be just like his life:
... the same balance of bearables.
~Amis