[[Day 6 of Month -3, on the road to Santa Olivia ]]<br/><br/>Lethe looked away from the scenery at the unexpected voice.  Mei spared the speaker a glare before returning to her scrutiny of Lance’s notes.  Such.. GARBAGE!!  The Knight spared an amused glance to her fuming teacher before returning to the topic at hand.<span style="color: silver">“Thank you, I don’t consider myself more proficient in the Holy Arts than any other Knight,”</span>she demurred immediately,<span style="color: silver">“and..”</span>Propriety demanded she brush away the second compliment as well but when she remembered her first time in the air… A smile involuntarily broke out at the memory,<span style="color: silver">“Yes, I suppose it could be considered flying.”</span><br/><br/>Lance failed to hide his smirk at Lethe's humble opinion of her magic proficiency. She was a Seraph! No doubt she was in a league of her own! Still, her humble reply ignited more of Lance's already growing curiosity about her. He listened intently, only to look at her closely from head to toe after her last statement.<span style="font-style: italic">She flies in that attire?</span>He thought to himself, trying to rid himself of the possible mental image from below by any means necessary. "Ehem!" He cleared his throat. "I wonder how it feels like, being up in the air. Does it give you a sense of freedom?"<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“Yes. Being up in the sky..”</span>She trailed off, trying to find the words to describe it,<span style="color: silver">“it’s exactly like freedom.  The wind in your hair, the endless sky, knowing that nothing can keep you down..”</span>Her eyes had wandered past Lance’s, clearly caught in the memory of flying rather than stuck in the present.<br/><br/>He could see her stray into dreamland from the looks of it. Lance shared her reminiscent smile. Though his experience from being up in the sky had ended in a disgraceful mess, he somehow felt that sense of freedom just before he hit the hay stack back in Kaiser Outpost. "I can tell it's a good feeling. I look forward to learning how to fly myself." he joked, previous experience in flight his basis. "Though I doubt I would feel freedom." he continued and broke into a hearty chuckle. The moment however, was cut too short when he realized he was being too casual with a Seraph. He immediately gathered himself and stiffened in an attempt at formality. "My apologies, I think my manners just tried to fly away."<br/><br/>She was startled from her reminiscing when Lance started speaking.<span style="color: silver">“Oh no, don’t worry.”</span>Lethe hastened to reassure,<span style="color: silver">“Please don’t stand on ceremony just for me; I’m no one special.  But can you also fly?”</span>She was aware that Lance was skilled in elemental magic, perhaps he could manipulate the air to fly as well?<br/><br/>How nice of her. It was no question why this particular Seraph was the one chosen to lead the Public Relation Campaigns. Any further thoughts on the matter however, were shoved aside at the unexpected question. Lance blushed. If falling head first was actually called flying, then he was pretty damn good at it. "I... uhhh..." he trailed off. "No I can't." he finally admitted. "The last time I tried, I got hurt, and that was not too long ago." he laughed again, trying to overpower that shameful feeling he was now getting. "Perhaps you could give me pointers sometime?"<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“Are you alright?” </span>She immediately scanned Lance, trying to pick out any injuries.  She didn’t recall seeing anything earlier, but she also hadn’t been looking particularly closely.  One hand automatically gathered healing magic and she offered it to her companion, moving her horse closer so neither were leaning out awkwardly.<br/><br/>Close! Too close! Lance suddenly felt shifty. Is she always this kind? Brown eyes immediately snapped towards the hand charged with Healing magic offered to him. They looked so soft, he bet her touch was even softer. Wait, what was he thinking!? Still... her hand was awfully inviting. "Yeah well, I think I took care of most of it but I may have missed a spot." he stretched out his arm and twisted it just a little, spotting a graze that he undoubtedly missed. "Yep... looks like I did." he said, followed by a sheepish smile. What kind of knight was he? Missing out on small injuries like this? Incompetent.<br/><br/>His sheepish look prompted a laugh from her, her free hand immediately coming to cover her mouth.  It reminded her too much of Valiar and Cricket when they were caught red-handed pilfering from the cookie jar.  (Oh Lights, the one time Valiar had tried to..) The memory elicited another peal of laughter from her.<span style="color: silver">“Oh Lights, I’m sorry.  It’s just..”</span>She tried to apologize before shaking her head in futility.  Caught up in the memory of her team, she automatically reached out to push Lance’s shoulder playfully.  “Don’t worry about it.  Gil did that once as well; he walked into a Council meeting with his head wrapped up like a mummy cosplay.”<br/><br/>Lance felt his horse sway just a little from his weight getting thrown off a little. Did she just shove him playfully? He pondered for a moment before a familiar sound came from his companion. Yep, she just did. Now she was laughing too. Possibly from a memory she held dear which he coincidentally reminded her of. Lance's eyes looked at her carefully while she was absorbed in her giggles. Now he thinks he could understand why his friend had fallen for this fine lady. Underneath that mask of a Seraph was a kind and cheerful person, a wonderful person. It didn't take a genius to figure that one out. She then shared with him a memory of his friend coming into a council meeting looking like a mummy. As thorough as Gil may be, he was still a person, and he too can forget things like minor injuries. Still, to actually come to a meeting in bandages? It wasn't like him at all! It didn't take long before Lance too shared Lethe's laughter. "Hehe, Gil can be comical without even realizing it." he added.<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“He said it was to make a statement.”</span>She added fondly, still remembering Gil’s wry grin when she’d called him out on it after the meeting,<span style="color: silver">“definitely not a fashion one.”</span>She shook her head in amusement, finally getting her laughter under control.<span style="color: silver">“But anyways, you were saying you flew without much success?  I’m not sure I’ll be of much use, but I’ll definitely try.”</span><br/><br/>"That I can agree with you." he mumbled, his own laughter coming down two notches from above. Lance reared his steed aside, just enough to open a little space between them. Anyone who might have seen how close they were riding together might get fancy ideas. "I really don't think I'll be able to fly, but I'd be glad to receive pointers from you all the same." he winked at Lethe, followed by his usual bright smile and a thumb up. With how smooth their conversation was flowing, it was almost easy to forget that they were actually out on a hunt for a dangerous demon. Lance could only surmise that it was probably because of the natural air of comfort that Lethe has around her. She was one of those gifted few who can easily make someone feel like everything is alright. "Say, do you think Miss Gloom and Doom over there has figured out the runes on my notes?" he whispered towards the other.<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“I’ll have to see your flying to see if I can help.  I’m afraid mine came a bit instinctively.”</span>Lethe turned her attention towards Lady Mei at Lance’s comment, noting the woman’s scowl.  “Lady Mei is an expert in seals,” She chided,<span style="color: silver">“I’d assume she’s still working her way through them; though given her expression, I think she’s more frustrated by how hodge podge the seals are than her having troubles understanding their intent.”</span>She’d taken the notes from Mei and glanced through them one of the evenings.  It had been a mess of runes and seals.  They looked functional but definitely not elegant, and the older woman was fervent about sealing technique.<br/><br/>See his flying? Hah! Lance could already imagine her reaction when she realizes he just usually jumps off from a Wyviera in mid-flight. Then again, having her jump off with him was quite a fun thought. Perhaps he should actually invite her to do that sometime. While he was revelling in the thought, Lance felt a chill run down his spine, like someone slid a block of ice down his back. Gil... No! There was nothing to feel guilty about wanting to make friends with Lethe. Yes, that's right. That's all he was doing. Lance peeked at Lethe's blue eyes that were focused on the person she was praising for seal expertise. He sighed, it was so easy to get lost in them. With a deep breath, Lance pulled down his knight mask, mostly to stop his thoughts from wandering any further. "If you say so Master Lethe. I will leave it to Lady Mei. Though it would be nice if I could hear an update about it so I would know what to report. Those findings are actually needed by Gil since a few days ago." despite being hesitant about conversing with Lady Mei, Lance made sure that the seal expert could hear him speak.<br/><br/>“The seals are an atrocious mess of inefficient designs that overcompensate and are unnecessarily redundant.  A five year old scribbling would have made a better seal.“ Mei deadpanned scornfully.  At the chiding look Lethe gave her, the older woman sighed but collected herself as if reporting to Captain QianHua.  “The seal appears to be a bastardized combination based on the Sikem, Laud, Nol, and Vlatko seals.  It appears to be pulling from the Fuerga and Lokian sealing styles, with emphasis on containment, prohibition, and servitude.  The anchors, there appear to be four, are surrounded by three variations of augment, equivalence, and exchange.”  Mei paused as if a thought had just struck her.  She absent mindedly stopped her horse as she turned over one of her papers and started sketching.<br/><br/>With a worried glance at Lance, Lethe moved her horse closer.  Sikem was actually a seal that had been developed from Pure Sinner notes and had been forbidden ever since among the Immaculate.  Nol was an old seal that had been used to steal the victim’s resistance.   Vlatko didn’t have such a dreadful history but the potential for abuse was there.<br/><br/>Mei’s hand flew over the paper, pausing only as the woman glanced at Lance’s notes splayed in front of her.  A four anchor seal formed on the paper before Mei stopped.  “No..” she muttered unconsciously before immediately starting sketching on another paper.  This time the seal was based around six anchors: an elongated hexagon.  Lethe could see the influences Mei had mentioned--Sikem, Laud, Nol, Vlatko, Fuerga, and Lokian--but only because the other woman had specially mentioned them.  There were two blank circles at the furthest points of the heaxagon though Mei was clearly including them in the final seal.  Suddenly, Mei froze once more.  To Lethe’s eyes, the seal looked incomplete and she reached a finger out to trace one of the missing lines when Mei slapped her hand away.  “Don’t.”  The former PMS member continued to stare at the seal before she looked straight up at Lethe, “When did you join Abel’s squad?”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“Uhm..” </span>Lethe floundered for a moment, caught off guard by the unexpected question.<span style="color: silver">“I believe..”</span>Her answer had Mei’s eyes narrowing in suspicion, “And Eve was sealed a few months before that, right?”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“Yes.. Gil and I were added to Captain Abel’s squad as replacements after two of his squad members died.”</span>The Seraph answered hesitantly, surprised at Mei’s hostility.  She’d known the other woman was unhappy with how sloppy the seal was crafted, but nothing that would warrant such distrust.  “Died..” Mei parroted softly before lifting the paper to face Lethe and Lance.  Her finger tapped the two blank circles, “Or sacrificed?  If we assume there should be two additional anchors that weren’t included in the notes..”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“La gamme.”</span>Lethe realized softly, face ashen with disbelief.  La gamme had been a seal that transformed the soul into a weapon.  Whoever stood at its center and powered the seal would die.  However, it had fallen out of favor when casters realized the ‘battery’ of the seal had to be willing.  Unsurprisingly, few were willing to die so the seal had soon become a relic of history. But given the prohibition and servitude script modifying the anchors.. She didn’t dare think it but the possibility was staring at her in the face and she knew Captain Abel was smart enough… She turned horrified eyes in Lance’s direction.  How to explain..?<br/><br/>"La gamme?" there was a strong hint of confusion in his tone. "I don't understand..." He trailed off. Lance commanded his steed closer to the two who were sharing different looks of their own on what would seem like... a grim finding. "Who died? Or more accurately, did I hear sacrifice correctly?" By now, all traces of playfulness have left his person. He wanted an update but he was not prepared for this.  He looked at the two women, their faces clearly conveying apprehension, and wondered how he was going to mail these findings to Gil.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~</div><br/>[[Day 7 of Month -3, Bastille (Late Morning)]]<br/><br/>The thirteenth moon of the third month.  Pale lips pulled back to reveal bared teeth at the thought.  Her island, her<span style="font-style: italic">city</span>would be thrown into chaos on that night.  Far below her, her city hummed with activity, both normal and abnormal.  Her troops were preparing for war, again, and soon she’d have to be back down there, leading them, directing them, preparing them for death.  Against a foe that even Seraph Guilford had fallen against?  They were all just cannon fodder, even her.  And even if she didn’t have their respect..<br/><br/>Kavita closed her eyes against the fury that welled up within her, hands clenching into fists.  It was, she remembered her C.O. telling her long ago, the onus of all commanders to feel responsibility for their subordinates, even ingrates likes hers, she added mentally.  She knew she had never commanded her soldiers’ respect, perhaps never would, all because she was stuck in the body of a woman.  For the longest time, that had enraged her.  She was just as good as any male—better, even, for she had been chosen as Bastille’s Commander and not Bendan.  But now, faced with a situation even more hopeless than the fight Seraph Guilford had shown up for.. But now, she couldn’t muster her anger.  All she could feel was the soul-crushing taste of helplessness.<br/><br/>Her men would die.  And she would choose which men those were.<br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~</div><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>To: All Knight Commanders<br/>CC: All Knight Captains, Squad Leaders<br/>Postmark Location: Caletta, Gless<br/>Priority: HIGH<br/>[Seal of The Council]<br/><div style="margin:20px; margin-top:5px"><div class="quotetitle"><input class="button2 btnlite" onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = '';      this.innerText = ''; this.value = 'Hide'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerText = ''; this.value = 'Show'; }" style="text-align:center;width:100px;margin:0px;padding:0px;" type="button" value="Show"/></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">To: All Knight Commanders<br/>CC: All Knight Captains, Squad Leaders<br/>From: High Councilor Cornelius, Leader of the Immaculate<br/>Date: Day 5 of Month -3<br/>Missive: We have intelligence that strongly suggests that Eve will make a move on the thirteenth of the third month in a two-pronged attack on Palaugrim and Lindela.  This attack will be made in concert with Tethel’s troops.  The Seraphs will lead the defenses: Master Lethe on Palaugrim and Master Guilford on Lindela.  All Pristine Knights who may be spared will be deployed with the Seraphs.  Please submit your troop list immediately so we may begin coordinating efforts.</div></div></div></div></blockquote><br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~</div><br/>With a sigh, the black-haired woman slowly opened her eyes to stare over the view of her city at midday.  It was a surprisingly pretty view and it filled her with serenity.  This was her city; below, her people.  Those who died in its—and this island’s—defense?  She’d carry that burden.<br/><br/>Mind resolved, and heart settled, Kavita turned and strode off the balcony.  It was time to get back to work.  Her peace of mind only lasted until she walked down the stairs of the watch tower to find her frantic secretary.<br/><br/>“Commander Kavita!  There you are!”  The palpable relief had her eyes narrowing in suspicion.  She’d only been gone for thirty minutes, an hour at most.  There was no reason for such frenzy, even with the upcoming battle.  “Master Lethe, her guest the Lady Mei, and Sir Fitzherberg are all in the Aliez conference room!”<br/><br/>“Why wasn’t I informed immediately?”  Kavita accused even as she changed her destination to the Aliez conference room.<br/><br/>Her secretary, Makar, winced at the reprimand.  “So-Sorry Commander Kavita.  Vice Captain Bendan said not to disturb you and that he would handle it.”  The dark-haired woman just scowled harder, pace picking up to reach the conference room faster.  Lights damn it all, even in a time like this, Bendan was playing his stupid games.  She slammed the door open, black eyes sweeping the room critically.<br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~</div><br/><span style="color: silver">“Thank you, Vice Commander Bendan.  I think that—”</span>whatever Lethe thought was cut off by the sudden slam of door on wall.  The white-haired Knight turned to look at the commotion, spotting an enraged woman glowering from her spot at the entrance.  The furious gaze swept the room, pausing at the sight of her, and then continuing on to stop on the blond man.<br/><br/>“Bendan!” The woman snarled.<br/><br/>“Commander Kavita.”  In contrast, Bendan was cool as ice, “I was just informing Master Lethe, Sir Fitzherberg, and the Lady Mei of our preparations here in Bastille.  They’re currently reviewing the list of troops we planned to commit to the cause.”  He motioned to the papers Lethe had scattered in front of her.<br/><br/>“Get. Out.”  The words were venomous even as Kavita stepped to the side, one hand on the doorknob.<br/><br/>Bendan drew back in apparent surprise, his voice entirely innocent as he parroted, “Commander Kavita?”<br/><br/>“Now!”<br/><br/>There was a moment of pregnant silence before the Vice Commander turned to her, Lance, and Mei.  He bowed jerkily, clearly upset, “Please excuse me, Master Lethe, Sir Fitzherberg, Lady Mei.”  The man walked out of the room, wounded dignity wrapped around him like a shield, under Kavita’ watchful eye.  His departure was punctuated by another slam of the door as the woman shoved it closed.<br/><br/>Stifling silence descended on the conference room.  The scrape of wooden legs against the floor broke the tension and startled the other three inhabitants out of their thoughts.  Kavita turned to face the table to find Master Lethe on her feet with a pleasant smile, one hand extended.<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“Knight Commander Kavita?  My name is Lethe Urilla, Captain of Gless’s Squad Ten.”</span><br/><br/>“Kavita, Commander of Bastille.  It’s a pleasure to meet you, Master Lethe.”  She stopped herself from rushing forward, but she definitely walked faster than normal to accept the handshake.  Later on, she’d berate herself for behaving so unprofessionally in front of the female Seraph, but right now, she’d try to salvage what little of her dignity remained.  “I apologize for not greeting you sooner.”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“It’s no trouble at all.  I understand you were busy with other matters and we showed up rather unexpectedly.”</span>Lethe released the handshake and looked down at the papers Vice Commander Bendan had provided to them, tidying them into one stack.<span style="color: silver">“I understand that this was just the preliminary list of Knights you were considering sending.  There are a few changes I’d like to suggest to create a more balanced platoon, though of course you know your Knights best and I’ll defer the final decision to you.”</span><br/><br/>Kavita accepted the papers with light-headed relief.  She hadn’t figured out a polite way to request the list back.<span style="color: silver">“Would you give me a moment to discuss with Lady Mei and Sir Lance?”</span>The two women exchanged smiles before the Seraph sat back down, turning to begin speaking with her two companions.<br/><br/>It was about fifteen minutes later that Kavita had finished looking at the list (utter trash), reviewing Master Lethe’s comments (some good ideas), and regained her composure (thank the Light).  “I’ll provide a revised list to you as soon as I can, Master Lethe.  May I ask what brings you to Bastille?”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“Bastille was the closest outpost to us when we received the missive from the Council.  I apologize for imposing, but I will need access to your carrier pigeons.  I have information for the Council that I believe would be best shared with them immediately.”</span><br/><br/>“Of course.  It’s no trouble at all. Is there anything else I can do for you?”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“If you have any Scouts to spare..?”</span>At the brunette’s nod, she continued,<span style="color: silver">“There is some unusual activity at Santa Olivia.  The place has become a hotbed for Sinners, Pure Sinners, and Reapers.  It appears to be the base for some sort of operations, though I’m currently unsure what.  I’d appreciate it if you would send some of your men to keep an eye on the place.  Lady Mei, may I trust you to direct and oversee the surveillance there? Thank you.”</span>The Seraph turned her attention back to the Knight Commander.<br/><br/>“I’ll see to it immediately, Master Lethe.”  Kavita stood up, correctly reading that the meeting was over.  “You can use this room as your own while you’re here.  I’ll have someone send for pen, paper, and our fastest carrier.  I’ll also leave a scribe outside the door.  If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to ask.”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“Thank you, Knight Commander.”</span><br/><br/>Kavita nodded and left the room.<br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~</div><br/>[[Day 7 of Month -3, Caletta (Late Night)]]<br/><br/>Lance glanced over at the silent woman leaning on the wall across from him.  Her eyes were closed and her arms crossed over her chest, seemingly preparing for the upcoming meeting.  He had offered a spot on the bench but she’d refused, claiming she wanted to stretch her legs after the Wyervia trip.  Personally, he reckoned she was afraid she’d pass out if she let herself become too comfortable.  He’d seen a similar look on Gil’s face during the Liberation Campaign.  It had been a long two days and it was nowhere close to being done.  The conversation earlier probably hadn’t helped.<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div> “Are you okay?”  The moment the words came out of his mouth, Lance wanted to hit himself.  The answer was obvious.  Lethe was sitting on the ground, arms loosely circling her drawn up legs as she stared into the fire.  He was certain she didn’t see the flames though, no doubt she was re-playing the scenes she’d seen in Santa Olivia.<br/> <br/>Ghosts, indeed.  Sinners, Pure Sinners, Reapers: they all roamed through the ruined city with no reverence to the dead.  The place seemed half upturned as Sinners and Pure Sinners mined, searched, did something.  They moved with purpose, an objective clearly in mind but one he couldn’t surmise.  Lethe and Mei had been similarly ignorant and it clearly bothered the former.  The white-haired Knight had already appeared troubled on the ride to Santa Olivia, but now she seemed.. worse, perhaps.  It reminded him of the aimless look in her eyes when they’d first met outside of that ungrateful town.<br/> <br/><span style="color: silver"> “I.”</span>  His head snapped up at the unusual croak.  The pause was unnaturally long as Lethe opened her mouth to respond.  However, nothing came out.  She closed her mouth, lips pressing tight against the sob that wanted to break out.  <span style="font-style: italic">Graceful</span>.  She had to act— She opened her mouth once more to try to force the words out, to smooth the tremor that threatened to contaminate her response.<br/> <br/>“Shit. Sorry. That was.. stupid question. Sorry.”  Lance raked a hand through his hair, irritated at his own tactlessness.<br/> <br/><span style="color: silver">“It’s.”</span>  Lethe winced at the warble in the word, turning her head away in shame.  She had to be.. <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">graceful</span></span>. She had to be graceful, because she was… <span style="color: silver">“It’s fine.”</span> She reassured, except her voice broke and the sob she’d been suppressing emerged with the words.  She immediately pressed a hand against her mouth, trying to stifle the rest of the cry.  Her breath hitched , a noisy inhale of breath echoing against her palm.  She was lucky Lance was a few feet away and she’d already looked away, maybe he wouldn’t have noticed the quiver in her voice.  A hand fell on her shoulder and she flinched away in surprise, immediately hating herself for the response.<br/> <br/>Lance paused at the response before gently patting Lethe’s shoulder.  “Hey..” he began before realizing he had no idea what to say.  ‘It’s okay’? ‘It’ll be alright’?  There hadn’t been much reason to cry in the Valley so he wasn’t used to dealing with crying women.  But he didn’t like seeing anyone in distress, much less one of his friends.  Should he comfort her? What would Gil think? He was already skipping out on returning to Caletta to spend time with Lethe and then hugging her?  But.. he stared frustratedly at the woman trying so hard not to cry.  Oh, screw it.  His eyes turned heavenward as he muttered, more to Gil than to Lethe, “Forgive me.”  Lance tugged Lethe around and enveloped her in his arms.  He ignored the way she froze and patted her head comfortingly, “You don’t have to hide. It’s okay to cry.  No one’s looking.  I’m here, you’re not alone.”  He repeated the words he’d overheard Silver once say to Bryn, when she’d realized Gil didn’t feel for her the way she felt for him.  And, like then, there was a shocked silence before he heard a soft sob.  “I’m here, you’re not alone. It’s okay to cry.”  He didn’t say anything about the trembling in his arms or the way his shirt was becoming damp; they weren’t important.<br/> <br/>Eventually, her sniffling subsided and she shifted uncomfortably.  He released her and moved away, turning to face the now dearly dead campfire.  Although not generally tactful, he was diplomatic enough to not make mention of the way she swept her tears away or sniffed discreetly.  “Do you want some candy?”  He asked offhandedly, one hand already pulling over his travel packs to dig out his bag of Lindellan sweets.<br/> <br/><span style="color: silver">“Pardon?”</span><br/> <br/>“Cora always says a spoonful of sugar helps makes things better.”  There was a hum of agreement as Lethe offered, <span style="color: silver">“Marielle swears chocolate is the answer to everything.”</span>From the corner of his eye, he could see a fond smile cross her face.  It wavered, but at least it was there.  “Yep. Sugar clearly has some magical properties that solves the world’s problems.”  Lance agreed with an exaggerated nod, gratified that the smile deepened for just a moment.<br/> <br/><span style="color: silver">“If only it did…”</span><br/> <br/>The wistfulness was enough to break any attempt at comedy he may have considered.  “Hey.. We’ll make it better.”  He pledged before his brain caught up with the words coming out of his mouth.  Shit, empty platitudes.  He hadn’t meant—but, again, somehow his words had caught his companion’s attention.  Wide blue eyes stared at him in surprise and, could it be?, hope.  Galvanized by that spark, he repeated with a surety he didn’t understand, “We’ll make the world better, solve its problems.”<br/> <br/>And as a tremulous smile broke out on Lethe’s face, Lance felt his heart soar in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time.<br/> <br/>After a moment, he realized he was grinning like a loon and he immediately coughed in embarrassment.  It unfortunately broke whatever spell had fallen on the two of them, and when Lethe turned back to look at the campfire, the two now sitting parallel, all traces of pleasure was absent.<br/> <br/><span style="color: silver">“There’s a lot to do if we want to accomplish that.”</span>  The Knight commented softly, images of ravaged towns flattened in nonsensical shapes; crazed turquoise eyes staring at her while a voice screamed in the background; bodies toppling backwards with holes in their heads; and ruby red lips curling upwards (<span style="font-style: italic">trying to escape..?</span>) flashing through her mind.<br/> <br/>“Yes.”  <span style="font-style: italic">A lone wall, shaped like a heart, stood over the carnage of a ruined town while a young boy bawled his eyes out at the sight of the candy in his hand. A weary voice from a bent head that spoke of a life spent in servitude to an unattainable ideal and a column of light blasted away both Sin and night, the heavy oppression of unworldly <span style="text-decoration: underline">other</span> thick in the air.  Idyllic days spent lazing by the river, surrounded by laughter contrasted with two Knights, shoulders weighed down by expectations yet with eyes full of determination.  Strands of brown hair framing a kind smile and the pinched expression on a vaguely familiar face: To create a better world for the people we love.</span> “It is.” </div></blockquote><br/><br/>The memory pulled a weary sigh from him before he stood up.  It<span style="font-style: italic">had</span>been a long day and it<span style="font-style: italic">was</span>a hard task in front of him--them--but it was a worthy one, one worth facing the Council again.  His stretching had roused Lethe from her meditation; she was gazing at him but otherwise quiet.  Lance flashed a smile at her but then turned at the sound of footsteps.<br/><br/>“Gil!” He exclaimed cheerfully, bounding the step or two that separated them, “How’ve you been?”<br/><br/>An emergency meeting of all times. Right when the thirteenth moon is nearing, and he still hasn't come up with a solid plan of action. Still, if Lethe was the one who demanded 'all' of them to be present, it must have been of dire import. Gil walked the halls of the Grand Cathedral, now devoid of its usual bustle. He stifled a yawn before turning the last corner only to be surprised by a friend he has not seen in quite some time. "Lance? When did you return? Why didn't you report to me directly?" he asked back, rather than answer the greeting.<br/><br/>Lance immediately went for his usual 'I'm sorry, I got caught up in something' mannerism. "Long story. I'll tell you all about it when we have time." he said and nodded towards the other Seraph. "Very well." Gil said looked at Lethe but refused to speak. He only bowed in acknowledgment and headed straight for the heavy doors of the Council Chambers.<br/><br/>Lethe straightened so that she was standing upright.<span style="color: silver">“Master Guilford,”</span>she greeted politely with a nod of her head.  Reading his silence as reluctance to speak, she didn’t bother him any further, simply following him into the Chambers.  She glanced back to see Lance hesitating at the threshold.  She tilted her head to beckon him in and then closed the door behind him.  She turned to face the six men and one woman.  This was the audience she needed to convince.  This was the audience she needed to persuade to attack Santa Olivia, even with Eve’s attack looming in six days.  There was no time to spare.  She lifted her head, donned the resolve she’d been gathering, and strode towards the assembly,<span style="color: silver">“Councilors, Master Guilford..”</span>