[center][h1][b]Iraleth Kyrios[/b][/h1][/center]

How [i]dare[/i] he. Iraleth gnashed her teeth as Valen delivered insult after insult, her ire rising all the while. The urge to thrust her sword into his gut grew with each word, even as she briefly noticed the boy from the bridge joining them while in an obvious state of rebound. Iraleth wasn't so far off from such herself, an outline of her Ethos briefly flaring around her and a gash opening across her cheek in response before she forced her power back down. 

[b]"The only member of your family I venerate is Nero."[/b] Iraleth spat in response, only lowering her blade as the redhead relented on his fireball spell. [b]"You mock him and the Star Sorcerer for abandoning your family, and yet they are the only Leuvalts known to the rest of the world for accomplishing anything with their lives. Does it irk you, that the only worthwhile members of your misbegotten family to have contributed anything to the world were the ones that wished little to do with it?"[/b]

She deliberately turned her back on him, her sword returning to where it had been planted before.

[b]"And yes. You [i]are[/i] wrong. Twice today, I cross paths with someone who believes their power gives them the right to simply toy with those below them. It does not. Might alone does not make a hero. A wicked man could slay all the monsters he wants. It means nothing if it does not benefit society. Principles and devotion are what drive people to perform great acts in service to all. You clearly lack such. Even the shadow witch, if she is an Umbralist, at least did not threaten to commit mass murder on a whim. Must I explain basic morality to you as well?"[/b] 

She deliberately turned her back on him, returning to her former position and planting her sword back where it had been. 

[b]"If you take umbrage with my words, by all means: Cast a spell. Try to kill me for no reason other than wounded pride. Prove me right about your unworthiness. The thought of you having to desperately explain causeless murder to the faculty will fill my last moments with joy."[/b]

Her piece said, Iraleth returned to silently observing the Strigdae's machinations. His words betrayed no ill intent, to be certain. She actually agreed with him, in fact. Their failing now was not the end. There was always another chance, and judging by what she'd seen, some of these teens certainly needed more time to prepare. To train. They weren't worthy now. But in the future? Perhaps. 

Still, the ease of which he'd taken complete control of the situation sat ill with her. Liars with good intentions were still just that: liars. What would be his line in the sand? To which he'd put his foot down and not take the easy path? Whatever his name was, he would bear watching. 

And speaking of watching...

Iraleth's gaze shifted towards the shadow witch again. Her thoughts crept across the mental link. While the rest could hear her, the question was directed only towards Ciara.

[b][i]"That wretch bore a singular good point. What are you? Considering your actions thus far, I doubt you to be an Umbralist in truth. But shadow magic carries a stigma for a reason. You may explain later in private, once this pageantry is done with. But I am inclined to give you a chance. For now."[/i][/b]

[@ERode] [@Estylwen]