rokubiraijuu

Mim's approach startles Ferdiad out of his sober demeanor, and he looks over at her with some apparent discomfort. It's not that he wants to keep secrets, but... this isn't something he truly wants aired out in the open, even amongst the other members. Of anyone in the world, he surmised that the people in Virtuous would understand that some things were better kept to oneself. He doesn't respond to Mim's apology, only looking away slightly, as though ashamed. But Kane's words bring a bitter smile to his face. While he doesn't seem more relaxed, he appears to appreciate the expressed sentiment: every man or no man. It's a principle that rings in tune with those he holds near to his own heart. Mollified somewhat by this, his tone softens again as he sighs. "How to explain such a complex situation... it is not Her Majesty who would refuse my presence, but the other good people of Ceda, whose mentalities together hold more sway than any one monarch." He looks at Kane plaintively. "To know I am helping Virtuous... it would damage whatever reputation we would have in my country, and it would damage Her Majesty's as well. To be associated with me... is a curse, and I cannot bring that upon anyone again."

Kane's words only appear to deepen Ferdiad's consternation, and he lets out a sigh louder and deeper than he'd intended, trying to dispel the horrible energy building up inside him. "This is not about my comfort." He pauses, deliberating how much to say. When he eventually speaks again, his voice is clearer: still quiet, but with a hardness in it that the others have never heard from such a mild-mannered man. It becomes immediately evident that Ferdiad's previous knighthood was not simply a title, but a mark of character as well. "... I told you three months ago that I had committed a grave sin. In truth... I am not permitted inside Ceda's borders. Even being here is a risk, but the crown city is out of the question. Her Majesty knows me very well. I doubt I would be able to maintain a disguise indefinitely around her with just a simple mask. And my countrymen, too. It is not just robbery or trafficking goods I am wanted for, or even manslaughter. My crime cannot be absolved. The risk of me being discovered is too great, and my presence would jeopardize Virtuous' chances far too much. You would immediately lose any support Ceda would give, were it known I am amongst your ranks. Please understand: it is in your best interest to leave me behind this time."

Ferdiad doesn't immediately answer, but the look on his face says it all. The Queen of Ceda in their foyer, a prince of Ria as one of their members. Ferdiad hardly knows what to think, and his expression reflects the distress. He's pale, and can't seem to stop shifting and fidgeting now that he's out of public sight. "I must be honest with you before you make a final decision on Her Majesty's offer. I'm afraid I can't go with you all if you choose to accept. The castle grounds, even the crown city — I cannot step foot there." His tone is gentle but evidently tense, almost shaking with anxiety. "It is within your right to accept regardless, and this may in fact be an excellent opportunity for Virtuous, but I cannot accompany you."

Seeing the hood come off, Ferdiad averts his eyes, turning his head slightly so he's not looking at the rest of the crowd. The sense of unease grows, mixed with a cocktail of elation at seeing Queen Stella still doing well and even bittersweet amusement. The strength of the emotion makes the backs of his eyes burn, and he's thankful, for once, for the mask. All that, however, dissipates in a rapid rise of panic when Stella offers to invite them all to her castle. For only a moment, he deliberates what to do, then decides that he can't simply go along with this without coming a little bit clean about the reality of the situation. Taking just a step forward, still trying to keep attention off himself, he gently nudges Kane, leaning close to whisper for only him to hear. "Phoenix... may I... speak with you? Privately, please. It's urgent." He makes to move toward the kitchen and the back of the house where they'll be out of earshot.

Opening the door, hearing the sound of that soft snoring coming from the woman standing there, Ferdiad's throat tightens up. He never meant to hear that again; he was never meant to hear that again. And as she passes by, she's completely unaware. He watches her sit down on the couch, fighting the urge to arrange the pillows about her, to ask her what flavor of tea she would like. It's not his place anymore, he has to remind himself. He remains in the back of the group, staying silent. Arms folded behind his back — a habit he still can't fight. How does Arthur know Her Majesty? He had guessed, from his speech, his clothing, his bearing, that he was a nobleman of some kind, but of what kind to so concern the queen that she would come to see Virtuous on his behalf? Hearing a knight of Ceda condemn them as criminals pierces his chest like a dagger, but he remains still and quiet, trying not to draw any attention to himself.

His head is spinning. He only hears half of Kane's instructions. Masks...? Mask. Codenames... He's bad at remembering those, so he'll just stay quiet during the negotiation. It's probably for the best, in case his voice gives him away. He feels a sickening tightness in the pit of his stomach that he recognizes; it's like when he's extremely concerned for someone's well-being, but worse. As though it's hard for him to breathe, and dizziness is closing in on his skull. As Kane calls through the door, he hears her voice muffled through the wood. Weary, gentle... it's her. There's no one else that sounds like her. He feels like it's the middle of a battlefield, but there's no enemies to fight and there's nowhere for him to run. Shin's arrival and report goes unnoticed. Behind the metallic visage of his mask, Ferdiad feels his own breath, shallow and hot with dread.

Ferdiad had had the serendipitous misfortune to have been in the very back room of the kitchen when the knock on the door came. He had heard it, and alarm had flashed through him for a moment, but seeing that Kane had gotten up to answer it, he had returned, worried, to his task of washing the pots and dishes used for breakfast, hoping that Kane would manage whoever had arrived well enough and would sound an alarm if he could not. There was no alarm, so Ferdiad assumed that all would be well, though a knot in his stomach remained. He missed the voices at the door, separated from them by more space and walls than the others. In fact, as all the commotion is going on up front — the tension, the wariness, the infighting — he is wiping down the modest counters before hanging the washcloth up to dry. Only then does he emerge and make his way to join everyone else; seeing as the dining space is almost wholly empty now, it must be quite something. Amused, he wonders if a traveling circus had c— The earlier knot in his stomach returns, this time at full force, and the smile he'd been wearing vanishes as he approaches the others, looking from one to another as his expression turns to distress, his face pale. "The... Queen of Ceda?" His voice sounds small even to his own ears. Is that who's at the door? A sudden wave of nausea hits him, a brew of potent emotions he can't begin to try and decipher. "Is... is that...?"

Barring other people's choices, Ferdiad will go for Kane, Lysander, and Shin.

Ferdiad is quiet for a moment, taking in what Lysander says. "... You needn't have proved anything to us. We would have taken you as you are, without regard for a famous title. That you are willing to lend us your aid is more than enough, be you the Marvel Thief or an ordinary man." He doesn't say anything more at this moment with everyone so close by, though the thought of 'stealing to help people' sits like a knot in his gut. It sticks on his mind like a burr, but he tries to change the ambiance with a smile. "Well, since you are part of the team, now, shall I show you around the premises? Do you have any belongings? I am happy to help you get settled."

A mission? Ferdiad almost opens his mouth to ask what that is before stopping himself. Perhaps it was personal. He could understand that. The man is looking for allies, and so long as his goals are noble ones, then who is Ferdiad to question what they might be? "Myself?" His expressions turns to one of surprise, then, very briefly, almost to embarrassment. But before he can say anything, the sound of angry footsteps approaching makes him glance back. As Baldur storms up close, looking like he has murder on his mind, Ferdiad manages to turn fully around and place himself bodily between the former butler and their newest member, standing up to full height, one arm out in case Baldur tries to lunge for him. Painting...? Stolen? Perplexed, he glances to the pile of objects where Baldur points, then his brow furrows — first at Baldur's accusation, then at Lysander's even more surprising response. He barely even notices Kane coming up behind Baldur to calm him down. "You stole these?" Seeing Baldur now under control, he drops the protective stance, then turns sideways to look back at Lysander with mild surprise. With a name like the Marvel Thief, it shouldn't be unexpected, but what was this about a resume? "Why?"

"You've come at a good time. We only yesterday nearly doubled our numbers, and it's no trouble to accommodate one more." Being told that he would be the first Lysander would come to should he need help fills him with a swell of pride. Eager to know more about him, he continues: "I am curious: what are your reasons for joining Virtuous? I do not doubt you, but... we are a wanted band of outlaws, despite our aims. What brings you here?"

Arthur leaves and then Kane also heads towards the bedrooms shortly after to call Baldur, leaving Ferdiad standing and feeling strangely discomfited. It's only then that he notices the pile of miscellaneous belongings in the center of the room. Why did everyone pile things here...? But before that— He turns to the new arrival again, giving him a warm smile, even as he returns to wondering where he had heard the moniker Marvel Thief before. "Apologies for all the commotion. Welcome to Virtuous. Lysander, was it? I am Ferdiad Domniann, one of Virtuous' founding members. If there is absolutely anything you require, please do not hesitate to ask it of me."

"I will hold you to that. If you are gone too long, I will set out myself to find you. I and the others all pray for your safe return." It's a genuine statement, but those who have known Ferdiad for longer would find it curious that he didn't push more adamantly when usually he is quite stubborn about letting any of Virtuous go about on their own. "He's a docile beast and won't fight you, but if you'd like to win his trust faster, there are sugar cubes in the pouch fastened to his saddle." Even as he speaks, however, there seems to be something distracted about his body language, and his eyes drift unconsciously back to their newest member. Lysander, was it?

Part of him had been somewhat concerned that their hideout had been found out, so he's relieved to hear that this is someone interested in joining their cause. But the Marvel Thief...? Why does that sound somewhat familiar? Before he can dig for it, however, or even greet the newcomer properly, Arthur addresses him, and he turns to listen. "Certainly. I would be happy to lend him to you. Would you like me to accompany you? It is not that I don't trust you with Bradwr, but... I loathe the thought of any of my allies venturing out alone, especially when we so recently freed you from prison. Surely word has already gotten out."

Sailing over Dulcibella's fallen form, the javelin strikes the myrmidon in the arm, wounding him gravely. Rhian's arrow pierces the scholar, but not before he calls up a spell in return that bites straight through the layers of her armor, corroding beneath the plate. "I'm just your ordinary guy!" he replies with a laid-back smile, though the response goes mostly unheard as Fallon heads onward to back up his allies, leaving the young man to sigh to himself. "That's always how it is with old men, huh... never have any time for 'the youth nowadays'." With a last blast of magic from Fallon, the swordsman hits the stone floor hard. Cheat Sheet:

As though summoned by Arthur's utterance of his name, Ferdiad appears in the hallway, looking refreshed and well-rested even if a touch late to the meeting and oblivious to all that had already happened with the new arrival. "Good morning, ev—" He stops, staring eye-level at the stranger that's been the source of all the commotion. "—eryone..." There's an extended pause... And then he looks around for Kane, looking more than a little bit flustered. There's a tinge of rouge just under his eyes. "Er, Kane, beg pardon...? Who is... this man?"

BASE LEVEL 5 NPCs:

[ ENEMY PHASE ] "Well, they got the best of us, Hati." Working out the kinks in his hand from holding the tome for so long, the scholar steps out of the underbrush as the blue-haired laguz approaches. "It was all numbers, though," he says with a cheery grin. "In terms of skill, I coulda taken them with one hand tied behind my back." Hati looks amused, and scoffs slightly. "Okay, then why don't you babysit them and see if they actually go through with this." "Ah—?" "Ahaha!! That's what you get." Emerging from the brush as well, the spearman laughs at the scholar's expense, stretching her shoulder with one arm. "I think it's a great idea. Get him out of our fur for a while." The scholar looks at the two with exaggerated despair. "Girls... is this some kind of love triangle spat? You're breaking my heart..." Ignoring the scene, Hati looks at the group. "Hmph. Looks like you're at least passable." She jerks her head at the young man playfully bantering with the other two. "He'll go with you. Just to make sure you follow your end of the deal. Rip Oppenheimer's flesh from his bones, and we'll all be better off for it. And don't forget the second part of our deal. Greyson." "Greyson...?" Johanna furrows her brow, glancing at Naomi as though to say 'what kind of deal did you agree to?', but doesn't say anything, just shaking her head. "We can't be responsible for his safety. This is a mission. If something happens to him—" "Pft. He can handle himself. If he dies, it's his fault—" "—Hati!—" "—And anyway." Smirking, she casts an eye over at Argos and Kerr, who are picking themselves off the ground, "it looks like you've already gotten a taste of how good he is." Johanna exhales. This mission isn't some game to be taken lightly, and certainly not to have a roguish laguz tagging along on; one that'll be non-combative for them, no less. But they don't have time to waste standing around chatting. "He can do as he likes. We make no promises." No sooner does she say that then do the voices from around the corner grow louder. "Intruders!" "What the hell were the mutts in the courtyard doing? How did these people get this far? Attack!" Scholar 3 to S25, attack Dulcibella. A blast of dark magic comes flying down the hallway, staggering Dulcibella, who manages to get off a shot in return. Myrmidon 5 to T25 and attack Dulcibella. After watching his ally, the swordsman launches his own attack, bringing her down in one strike. [ NPC PHASE ] The young man stretches his arms up above his head, flicking one white fox-like ear. "I'll hang around in the back and stay out of the way~ Take care of me!" Turn 12 MAJOR VICTORY (OPTIONAL): Protect ??? ( formerly Scholar 2 ) Argos recovers 5 HP. Cheat Sheet:

Naomi's attack flashes through the trees and hits its mark, though it's answered by a retaliating blast. At last, a whack from Ceridwen's lance startles the scholar enough that he drops his tome. At that, he just laughs, holding up both hands with a grin as a gesture of surrender. Cheat Sheet:

At that, Ferdiad's smile only grows warmer. "Truly an admirable attitude to have. No matter how fruitless the effort may seem, it is better than those who put forth no effort at all." He thinks for a moment, then seems to come up with an idea. "Now that you've gotten your horse back, would you like to go for a ride with me sometime? Not far... but perhaps a day when we have a bit of leisure time. I would like to know a little more about you, if you wouldn't think it intrusive."

As bad as it was, the thought was kind of tempting. Whoever that girl was had been seriously unpleasant. Unreasonably so. If everyone in the town was going to be like this, then maybe it's a lost cause, trying to search for Lancelot here. She looks back at Ari, tuning back into the last part of what he says. "Hm..." It'd been a bit of an odd response, and she can only give a shrug in answer, at a loss of what to say. Maybe he just doesn't care about appearance much. Who's she to guess? "I don't know about this." Rubbing her forehead with one hand, she lets out a heavy sigh. "Do you want to try asking someone? Feels like we're not going to get very far."

Ferdiad looks empathetically at Shin, then glances down at the floor and lets out a small sigh. "I understand feeling like everything is on you..." "..." "But what happened today rests as much on their shoulders as it may have anything to do with you. Problems are so rarely a one-way path..." His smile returns somewhat, then, and he shakes his head. "You needn't waste your time worrying about me. I will always do everything in my power to make sure Virtuous thrives."

Shin's uncomfortable reaction does little to put him off, and his smile is gentle as he looks at the other man; even the chaotic state his room is in doesn't seem to faze him. "Think little of it, Shin. It's simply how I have always cared for others." "I will keep that in mind. Today has been quite a day... how are you feeling about it all?"

Rhian and the remaining scholar trade blows, each landing their respective attack. Johanna tries to take advantage of his distraction to finish him off, but the Scholar once more proves more slippery than she'd expected, and promptly sticks his tongue out at her with a merry laugh as he dances out of the way. Cheat Sheet:

"..." Stunned, she just stands there watching as the girl struts off after what could have been the rudest first meeting she's ever had. It takes a few seconds, and then she shakes her head as if trying to clear her thoughts, a disbelieving look on her face. "What... just happened? Wow, who peed in her breakfast this morning?" That had been so outlandish that she almost can't even tell if she's hurt by the assumption or not. And then something strikes her. "Wait, so she thought I have nice hair and a cute face?" She can't help but laugh, partially because the backhanded compliment had been actually funny and partially to dispel her own discomfort, reaching up to run a hand through her hair. That's kind of nice, in a way. It is her best physical feature. "Well, that was definitely a start."