Well, it looked like someone properly important was here. Amahle eyed their headmaster with curiosity as she introduced herself and was asked some very silly questions. She did need to remind herself that the company she found around her certainly wasn't as informed as she was. The question the Forester asked was particularly silly, born entirely of ignorance. That was acceptable though. He was expected to be ignorant and ignorance was only a small flaw, easily remedied. It seemed that a teacher was needed already and if The Heiress was correct, this Aether woman was not the kind to actually do much explaining. The way she answered Thessir's question was flippant. While did understand not giving stupid questions real answers it still would have been less breath to just tell the large hat clad fellow in straight terms.

"If you would not mind, Headmistress," Amahle offered, taking a calculated step forward and inclining her head slightly to the horned woman, "I can answer our Elven companion's question easily." she turned her silver gaze to Lydrim, "Sages are spiritual and magical focai in every land. In Lucerna they weild supreme dogmatic control over the spirit of the land, similar in my Empire as well. You would have social power unrivaled, and, magical power beyond comprehension if you devote yourself." She raised her brow at him, "So, you ask, what good is being a Sage, well, look at the state of your birth and that of your people. You could effect that. You could change things.As for why the people around you? Well, just look at us. Here we might be called equal but that isn't true elsewhere. You could use friends in higher places, couldn't you? Couldn't we all?" she certainly hoped he was smart enough to understand that. Ignorance was a problem that could be fixed, idiocy was a prognosis beyond panacea.

The other implication, that there was some kind of reason that they were all being called was more troubling. Throughout history the Sages had merely risen and fallen. There was never any serious threat that needed to be dealt aside from the first Sages' defeat of Old Darkness. The fact they had been ascended, or could be, was merely a quirk, a draw. This was only a benefit with little cost. At least, that was how it had been for so long. Still, the Nyxian's words troubled her slightly. What if they had been called for some greater reason. That would complicate things greatly. It would be a substantial distraction.



Aldin shook his head slightly as he felt an odd thought brush across his mind. It felt alien, not of his own mind. He normally thought in his voice but the voice he heard was a woman's, familiar as well. He dismissed the stray thought and stepped forth, listeningto to the questions and the answer given by Amahle. He stood next to the giant wolf that now was Summer and rested right hand casually on the pommel of his saber. He narrowed his eye at their host and tried to place her. Zephyr had raised a good question. What exactly was she. He had fought with and against some Bastiui auxiliary during his time and while they didn't have much in common with each other she looked decidedly different. Not only that but Summer's response to him was abnormal as well.

Standing on the right side of Summer she saw the hackles on her massive back rise and reacted instantly. He let out a soft shush and rested his gloved left hand on her neck, rubbing it slightly. He had spent enough time with the kennels of his house to know how to deal with hounds and he knew there really wasn't much difference between a wolf and hound. The only actual divergeance between them at all was wildness. He had known men who had taken in wolves and tamed them. Bred out some fine wolf hounds too. Of course, none of that mattered because Summer wasn't a dog or wolf, she was a person. He noticed what he was doing a few seconds after he had began and pulled his hand back, hoping no one else would notice that little mistake.

"I think we all have an interest in exactly why we've been called here. If this is merely another cycle, so be it, however," his eye darted to the small Nyxian who had implied that something greater was at play. He wondered if there was any truth to what he was implying, "If there is something greater then we deserve to know."

Under the male’s hand he could feel Summer’s skin shift, she was mildly uncomfortable with everything that was being shared. She didn’t want power, not in the way that the woman had just said she would have it, she wouldn’t even begin to know how to use it. Letting out a soft sigh, she shook out her fur and rose to her feet, the form of her wolf slowly sliding from her body. The pops of bone and slipping of flesh not meant for the human form filled the air for what felt like eternity bit only lasted moments before Summer was standing as she had been once before. She was bare as the day she was born, but did not seem bothered by it as she looked at the woman. ”Along with the power granted to us to stop the threat, you are saying the slave and the outcasts have the power to change what made them what they are?” she asked slowly, a small frown upon her face, ”It seems almost too good to be true, but I am willing to try. I’m not one to pass up a chance like this.”

In a sense, what she said was a small jab at the male Elf who seemed to question everything, and while it was smart to ask questions, sometimes you had to go on faith as well. Right now it seemed all they had was the word of an being she could not place, and the faith that they would simply have to have. ”I think it’s worth a try at least, what we have the capability of achieving isn’t exactly something worth brushing away as if it were nothing.”




The horned woman looked around for a moment, taking into consideration the questions that had been presented to her, a near thoughtful look on her face with each one. ”For your answer Zephyr, I cannot give you one as yet, just know I am well beyond the years of even your races capabilities,” she said to the young demon, a gentle smile on her face, “Of course, I mean you, any of you, no harm. For all intents and purpose however, I am a demon… of sorts. Just a race of them that has not been seen for quite some time.”

With the demon answered, she looked at the Elf, her gentle smile turning to a frown, “Amahle has answered your question well enough,” Aether stated, “The Light become the Head of their Religion, The Dark become the Shaman of the tribes, The Water becomes Religious head, or in Amahle’s case, both the Religious and the Queen, The Fire becomes the new Empress, the Wind becomes the Head of Education and gains a Seat within the Zephyr Council and the Earth? The Earth becomes the head of the Nobility. It gives you my dear Lydrim, the chance to make a change to a system that is broken and worst, faulty at best. But Broken all the same.” Her words held no malice, but it was clear that she was disappointed in the male before her.

Her head tilted to the side for a moment as she regarded them all, her eyes lingering on the Nyxian for a moment before her smile came back. ”Ah yes, he is back, those of you who came over sea did you not see the landmass?” she asked with a raised brow, ”A land that has not seen the true light of day for over 3 million years? If you have not I do not blame you, how do you know what to look for when it’s been gone for so long? It’s still shrouded in a mild mist, but it is clearly there.” She stretched out her arms, the cloak revealing a ghostly hand. ”I think you should listen to your Shifter there. Now, how about we get this party rolling, each of you go stand in front of the pillar that signifies your element, I think it’s time you all have a chat with someone. Aldin, think you could spare Summer there some clothes? Or at least a cloak.”

Hearing every word, but only halfway listening. Hands shoved inside his jacket pockets. Lydrim silently stood, reflecting in their reactions. He looked down each time after those addressing him finished, like the floor was covered in a thin sheet of ice that was one sudden movement away from him drowning. Was he really the only one holding his breath? Noticing everyone’s else was self-assured, standing on solid ground. Blindly hurling a knife into the dark, hoping to make their mark. Summer’s, Amahle’s and Aether’s assertions assuming that Lydrim’s knife was simply the dullest, which caused him to not take his own stab at it.

Six eyes stared past six strangers. His past, a thousand knives piercing straight through his back. It shouldn’t have been surprising that everyone reached out to grab such far-fetched promises, that they're willing to follow directions made by the ghostly figure without deliberation. Like a shepherd herding their sheep. Their opinions were like open books, even he could read between the lines. These individuals must have experienced vastly different lives. Never having a life or death conversation. Where believing some stranger’s words was the most foolish thing they could do. Already feeling the ire drawn from the rest, verbally thrown at him. Lydrim responded with the slightest smile spreading across his face, followed by a soft chuckle. Lyros and Vashti glanced at him and then each other.

“Words hold little value to me. I hold no idealistic aspirations like having a power to change the lives of others. You’d have to be quite naive to think that most people would change themselves for the better, even if all it took, was bending over and picking up the silver platter tossed at their feet. Becoming the head of nobility, the people I hate most. I can’t imagine doing anything more self destructive. I’d sooner burn their ill-gotten riches and stature down to the ground. However, there couldn’t be a more perfect opportunity for an adventure...” He thought. Pulling out his hands out once he could keep them still, straightening out his jacket’s collar. Feeling an adrenaline rush turning him in the direction of the tree.

“Yes, let’s go you two. I’m always enthralled by the chance of having another conversation.” Lydrim said in a pleasant and genuine sounding tone, like hearing someone else speaking would make his day. He walked off first, without looking back. Vashti flew down and rested on Lyros’ head. Lyros glanced up with a frown, carefully scratching the itch behind his ears with his hind paw. Letting out a huff.

“That’s what I expected you to say...I’m going to miss having any good food.” The wolf sighed. Standing and stretching out, before reluctantly following with his tail low. Lydrim laughed again, knowing Lyros was biting his tongue. “Or having the luxury of not being surrounded by fools. I have unfinished business that girl anyway…”

Lydrim placed his right hand upon the tree, left hand gently reaching down and stroking Vashti’s back. Waiting for something to happen...

"Just don't get on that Shifter's bad side. I was worried you'd end up getting maimed again due to your stubborn behavior. Always picking fights with people bigger than you. You know she would’ve likely beaten you to a pulp if Lydrim didn’t stop-” Vashti chattered.

“Vashti! Shut it!” Lyros growled. Vashti affectionately prodded his head with her beak. Reducing Lyros to frustrated grumbling, wanting to die from the embarrassment...

Thessir

Words went spoken. Silly, sordid words.

When the lady of fish spoke of friends in high places he chuckled to himself. He might of known people that perhaps were nice enough to call friends but none of them were like that of those who she spoke of. Then again, nobility only ever wanted to make friends with two kinds of people: Generals and poisoners. He was no general.

Of course the real news came from the hostess herself. "Of course, I mean you, any of you, no harm."

Meaning no harm meant little. She wouldn't have to so much as raise a finger in order to deliver them into a fate most unpleasant. Thessir stood with his hat canted forward so the tall white woman could see less of his expression as a `Just in case` measure. With his right foot leaning up on the heel he left his hands to rest in his pockets as he listened on.

_
Just like the woman of the water she spoke of the positions each sage would hold in their respective societies. His grin tightened when she mentioned the Sage of Darkness's position as the shaman of the tribes. The last thing he desired was to return to the underground and stand before his kind. Ruler or not he could live the rest of his life never seeing another Nyxian face and he'd only be happier for it. He tried to make sure his smile didn't look forced but it was hard.

What she said next was of the most interest. An actual answer for once! Not that it was of comfort but hearing something that could be tangibly verified was preferred to the cryptic insinuations she was dishing out. An island three million years old, an ancient evil from the era of the original sages. All that and he was sure there was more to the story than what little was told. She was sparing with details and he had a feeling there was a reason behind that. If life were so convenient as to make him a sage with a dry cut `Defeat the Bad Guy` challenge as the only barrier between him and a life of unsurpassed magical prowess then he wouldn't of suffered injustices so great in the first place. No, he learned well that good circumstances were made, not found.

But there was no turning back at this point. He looked over to the woman in question when Aether mentioned the shifter. Of course she'd make an appeal to an instance of blind trust. What sort of con artist wouldn't?

_
As if to hammer home the point that showing up was all the consent these people needed she revealed that each of these little idols to the elements held people who would talk to them as well. What that really meant was that the whole time they were surrounded. He was quite thoroughly the opposite of overjoyed but he looked no less glad, a veritable beam of sunshine was he.

"Heheheh. A chat? Zoundz illuminating."

He gave another loopy chuckle after his little joke considering his area was the one with the big dark building with darkness inside. He turned on his heels to the place where she claimed there was a party ready to initiate.

"After meeting zo many new friendzs I feel glowing! I can't wait to chat with new paaaalllzzzz!" He threw his arms up, cheering on the last word. With his sleeves whipping in the wind he dropped his arms down and then strode proudly towards the black rose sector. He briefly considered strolling over to the big tree to try and throw expectations askew but then decided against it. But imagine if the only Nyxian here was actually an earth sage? How interesting would that be? He considered as he proudly walked up to the onyx building with a comically exaggerated march.

Coming to a stop before the structure he looked up until the small building was in full view. He waited at the entrance, looking up expectingly.

"Er... Knock knock?"

---

Zephyr stood in silence at the talk, a single point of interest in her mind.

It was waking. The thing that had once laid low her people. And this Aether...
"You're one of those of my people obliterated ages past." It was not a question, nor an accusation, but a simple statement.

Flexing her wings sightly, Zephyr turned sharply as her companion squawked in protest, before stepping in front of the great.... Mhmm. Well, she right didn't know what to call it. A monument? A prison?

She held her hand forth in greeting, all the same.

If they wanted to speak, she would not complain.

The sooner this was over the sooner she could enact the righteous furry upon the ancient, hated enemy.

---

Zephyr stood in silence at the talk, a single point of interest in her mind.

It was waking. The thing that had once laid low her people. And this Aether...
"You're one of those of my people obliterated ages past." It was not a question, nor an accusation, but a simple statement.

Flexing her wings sightly, Zephyr turned sharply as her companion squawked in protest, before stepping in front of the great.... Mhmm. Well, she right didn't know what to call it. A monument? A prison?

She held her hand forth in greeting, all the same.

If they wanted to speak, she would not complain.

The sooner this was over the sooner she could enact the righteous furry upon the ancient, hated enemy.