[center][img]https://i.postimg.cc/prk3HXKL/Amaris-Mallory.png [/img][/CENTER] [hr] [color=gray] Amaris watched in silence as Carmen's lantern started to shine brightly with a strangely soft purple light. As soon as it began, shadows began forming around it, retelling what had happened on that very spot, when the execution happened. While there were certain similarities between some of the shadowy silhouettes and the soldiers they met early, those were too little to be a definite match. As the shadows started moving, they revealed a truly horrifying and cruel scene. The ones responsible gave absolutely no value to the lives of the victims, going as far as being [i]eager[/i] to see the results of the experiments with the strange products they were developing and shipping to somewhere. To say the cruel way the victims were treated was nauseating was an understatement. Whatever it was the stone that they were producing, it could only be described as something born of the mind of someone deeply twisted. Enough to even make Amaris' expression contort in a grimace of disgust. As the shadows were finally dispersed, Amaris simply stood in silence, glancing towards Mirielle and Carmen. Both of them seemed to be suffering greatly with the recent events, each in their own way. Despite the scene that was just shown to them, Carnatia was able to stay composed as she tried calming down Mirielle, who was already unsheathing her weapon and going towards her horse, trying to discuss with the group before they decided their next course of action. While Carnatia's words as she replied to Amaris made complete sense, they still didn't change the fact that the redstripes had already tried to kill them and would likely already be hunting for them at the moment. Regardless, Carnatia was correct when she mentioned that their mission wasn't a punitive one, not should they focus on revenge. [color=silver]"Regardless of the cruelty that was shown to us in the shadows, it is as you said, Carnatia. Our mission isn't to take revenge or to punish. Still, it is undeniable, now more than before, that whoever is behind this execution, behind these... 'experiments' has a considerable amount of influence, power and funds. Besides, even if the Redstripes show themselves as being innocents of this particular execution, it is still clear that they have already tried to kill us once and are probably on the hunt for us on this exact moment. We should not hesitate in retaliate upon being attacked."[/color] Amaris said, reflecting a bit on the situation they encountered themselves in. [color=silver]"Indeed, it would be naive to assume there aren't multiple factions vying for power in this lawless, war-torn country. But in the end, our mission is also not related to the power struggles and politics on this land. As long as these factions do not hinder us, we shouldn't intrude on matters unrelated to our jurisdiction."[/color] Amaris said [color=silver]"While I do share the opinion we must be as wary of the traitors and the 'witch' as we are of the Redstripes... And everyone in this country, to be fair, I do think it's a bit too early to throw the entire blame for these experiments on the witch, simply due to the moniker given to her, is it not?"[/color] Amaris asked, raising an eyebrow, clearly using herself as an example. [color=silver]"All it takes is for one person to start calling you a 'witch' for you to be instantly deemed guilty of every crime and sin known to man. Of course... Should her and her forces employ lethal force against us, we should simply reply in kind. Just like everyone else on this land. Failing to do so would be dangerous not only for our mission, but for our safety as well..."[/color] Amaris said with a grim expression as she looked to Carnatia and Carmen. [color=silver]"Such question should be simple to answer. It is true we are a neutral party regarding to the politics and power struggles in this land. We should not take sides nor even care about each faction's goal and their fight for power, but should any of them force our hand and use force against us despite our clear intention to not intrude on their matters, we should use appropriate force to subdue or eliminate the threat."[/color] Amaris said with a firm tone, stating her opinion to Carmen as he asked about which course of action they should take. [color=silver]"And on this very note, it is safe to assume that whoever is the faction responsible for these experiments, we should deal with them with extreme prejudice, as they already seem to consider us as enemies."[/color] Amaris finished, looking to them. [/color]