Considering the words that were spoken by Piero and the others, Damen turned his attention off to the side, closing his eyes and thinking to himself. He just wondered what the next day would bring; he didn't know... but one thing was certain, he just needed more time to make himself a better fighter, and an eventual knight of some kind when the time comes down to it. Though Damen wished he was born a noble, a part of him was perfectly content with the fact he was of a middle class citizen instead. Sure, he didn't have as grand an education like Piero and Lydalia likely had, nor did he have the hands-on experience that Imos has went through with his life, but Damen was where he was because of where he was, and what he had done to get there. His sisters were continuing their studies in Orbonne, aiming to become followers to St. Ajora's teachings, and, while Damen himself done some studies of his own, he chose the field of battle. The older of his two younger sisters actually wanted to join him on the battlefield, but alas, there was a minor complication at her birth, and her hands were incapable of holding a sword effectively. It was saddening, but she still wished to learn her best nonetheless, desiring to become a summoner eventually, though she had a lot more learning to do to reach that point. The younger of the two desired to head down the path of a simple cleric, like that of their mother.<br/><br/>After being pulled from the academy, he never even got to make it back home to say hello to his family, just head to Fort Besseltat with Wiegraf and a small corps of the Dead Men to be assigned to a squad for missions to make them true knights. For the rest of the night, Damen watched the stars in the sky, watching the constellations as they loomed within the sky, and he knew that it was going into the month of Aries... The older of his sister's birthday was three days after the start of the month, and he was unable to make it; it would take him five days from the fort to return to Gariland... and this was assuming he could request time off, but that seemed very unlikely as he done only two missions with the squad. He closed his eyes for a moment; he didn't even know what to think, though when morning arrived, he was packing what was necessary, and was sure to give Armos a couple of Gysahl Greens from his bag, just to be sure his chocobo companion had the energy to make it back to the fort...<br/><br/>------------------------------------------------<br/><br/>Meanwhile, back at the fort, on a Chocobo mount of her own, she observed her surroundings; she had traveled most of the night; though it was dangerous, she had an escort of two exceptionally talented knights, and loyal bodyguards to Julia Trinado, the Mistress of Summoning arts, said to have met the mythical Bahamut in her dreams... but no mortal has yet to achieve a pact with the king of dragons, and lord of espers, at least for Ivalicians. Ruby Cortrova, older of the two Cortrova sisters, and the very sibling of Damen's, had just been asked to leave the monastery because her talents were witnessed by Julia, and seen so much potential in her. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#87ceeb">Something on your mind, Ruby? Nervous to see your brother again so soon?</span>" Julia asked, tilting her head curiously while looking towards her apprentice, who looked up at her rather startled; it would most definitely be strange, Ruby was on a Chocobo, while in comparison, her mentor was on a larger beast... an incredibly rare Behemoth; how she achieved in taming one was to anyone's guess, but Julia does have a way with words, from what Ruby knew.<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff6347">Well, somewhat... He's expecting me to be doing my studies back at the monastery, so what he's going to say about me joining his group really worries me.</span>" Her brother had courage, but Ruby was rather nervous; when she seen the Behemoth, she almost fainted, but she had come to grow used to it now, though it still spooks her frequently. Julia lightly giggled, turning to face the apprentice clad in the clothing that resembled the fabled Red Mage.<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#87ceeb">I'm sure he will be quite thrilled to see you; don't you worry that head of yours, Ruby dear! I mean... he cared for you considerably, and you comforted him when your Lord Father passed away... He was a great man; I fought alongside him once, brilliant... always thought of ways to trap and force Ordallians to surrender to imprisonment, rather that brutally slaughter them. Though, maybe he cared enough he didn't want my clothes stained in blood, hehe~</span>" For a talented summoner, she certainly was rather cheerful and... rather outgoing at that. Ruby was honestly envious for her, but nonetheless, she made a valid point; the three of them; Damen, herself and Maria, all were looking after each other and their mother when their father was fighting, and they continued to do so after their father died, until they went their separate ways for learning. Maria remained back at the monastery, however, for her studies were only just starting. Ruby could see the fort in the horizon; she took a deep breath, hoping that her brother wouldn't be overly surprised on seeing her there...