[IC] A Hero Tale: Alvios

[tex]

The remaining elders, Joseph and Manfred, were somewhat confused by Alvios' comment. "You've stood as the only bastion this city has against... Whatever those people were. We should be apologizing, that Arcadia could not defend herself. You've done enough," Joseph urged, inching closer towards Alvios with one hand outstretched. The entire village square was in shambles, and bodies were strewn about. The fact that the elders remained relatively stalwart was surprising. People broke down around Alvios and the elders, falling over their loved ones that lay scattered atop the cobbled circular plaza. Few were heeding Helios' fall, noting just how little faith the people had in their legendary hero. Or perhaps, all the believers had been promptly wiped out? Poetic injustice, if anything. A few of the civilians crept out from between the houses and stores that lined the edges of the plaza, still in shock that the little city was victim to such a relentless attack, unprovoked.

"Your wound," Manfred wheezed, pulling Joseph back and noting Alvios' side, "What happened to your wound? Where.."

[Hatman1801]

Alvios pulled his torn jacket and shirt up, looking down at his wound. The skin was red, but it looked like little more than a hard slap now. It likely wouldn't even leave a scar. How it had healed so quickly, he couldn't explain or understand, but it meant something, just as being able to ignore the minor technique that masked man had used on him meant something. It meant he could fight.

"Joseph, Manfred, I can't explain, or even begin to understand what happened here today. I don't think I'm what either of you need to focus on right now. Go to the civilians who are left, console them, and help them rebuild before worrying about me." Alvios looked down to the ground, kneeling to pick up the metal sheath that used to hold his now-disintegrated blade. "The chaos that happened here today might not stop at this town, and after what I did to that girl, that man who brought it upon us may come back for me. It's best that I go."

Alvios stood up, and tucked the sheath at his side. "First though, I'm going to need a new sword."

[tex]

"Alvios.." Manfred paused and nodded to Joseph, who walked off, moving to direct the citizens one after another, and leaving Alvios with Manfred. "Perhaps there is help to be found in Arcadia's library. Before you go off making any rash moves, perhaps it would do you some good to speak with Jessica. She was not attending the festival, so she.. She would not have.." Manfred paused and shook his head. "Tell her that I sent you, and ask about Hellion. Spend some time with here. I would explain further, but Joseph's arms are only so fast. You are right to point us to our people, but you should not be alone right now."

Jessica, the librarian who kept Arcadia's legendary, albeit relatively small, library afloat, speaking with the caravans and gathering books whenever she could, whilst writing a few of her own. The library was located to the north of Helios' statue square, only a few minutes away. Jessica would like be happy to help Alvios, but far less happy to learn of... Recent events.