<strong>Name:</strong>Malluri, Piers, Pietr, Rishiae<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Hawks HQ<br/><strong>Mentioned:</strong>All Adventurers<br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">Current Mood Music:  Hawks Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXyA3FU5T4s)</span><br/><hr/><br/>What Lynn could not have realized from her romantic retellings of classic hero tales, was that they were indeed devoid of the parts that were not for the weak hearted. Those stories failed to mention the moments of doubt that each hero faced. They failed to recognize that the greatest heroes are children of fear, because bravery can only be born in one who makes the choice to stare into the dark and challenge it despite their fear.<br/><br/>For all Lynn's lack of confidence in her choice, she was the first to speak and try to learn more of what she'd gotten herself into.<br/><br/>Malluri responded to the Viera's question with a nod. "Viera saw the soldiers under control of the dark rune, yes? Such is also the manner that Queen is enslaved. Hawks strive to save queen... No success yet." She sighed sadly, a distant look in her eyes. "Ceridwen Lía Gilaudan is trapped by more powerful magics than Hawks can yet fight. Hawks are certain strong magic indeed that forced Queen to poison Princess. Hawks know much of this in three month since princess was..." Her voice broke a bit here "...dumped into Lake."<br/><br/>The revelation would certainly bring a dark tone over the room. Not only had the princess poisoned, but by her own mother. "Dark times... Malik's doing."<br/><br/>Malluri paused and allowed Dean to speak - to share what he knew with the others. Once the Paladin had finished reading and sharing his interpretation of the text, the Moogle began to address his questions. "Subtle Malik... Slow to act, careful with plan. Malik worked under Gilaudian noses. Think you Malik has not agents everywhere? Yes, Paladin's temple too is infiltrate. Has Paladin not wondered why Temple elders do not act before now?" She sighed. Malluri actually hated telling bad news and it showed on her face. Just moments of speaking with them left her feeling sad and weary. "Malluri knows more than Malluri wishes to know. Malluri knows that plan of Malik centers on fake funeral of tomorrow. Princess death was not occur just today. Malik plan have much time to be set in place."<br/><br/>She went quiet, seemingly lost in thought. A knock at the door seemed to startle her but then she went to it and allowed Pietr to enter, followed by Piers. Malluri eagerly asked them about their leader's condition. She conversed with the twins in hushed tones, but those present in the room could hear if they tried. "Cid?"<br/><br/>Pietr nodded calmly. "Resting. The sickness had spread quite a bit this time, but the latest tincture was nearly instant. Cid should be in good shape after just a few hours. It's promising. Poor Viticella's been working so hard."<br/><br/>Malluri's face showed her frustration but she merely nodded. "And Rishiae?"<br/><br/>"Right behind us. Babbled to herself all the way here." Piers quipped, but immediately received Pietr's elbow to his sternum.<br/><br/>"Show some respect." Pietr scolded as a seemingly ancient NuMou hobbled into the room and took a seat. She was muttering to herself and drawing invisible lines with her staff in the air.<br/><br/>The twins stepped back into the hallway for a moment to pick up a basket and some cups, as well as two pitchers, one of water and one of wine. The smell of fresh bread poured out from the basket and those with more sensitive noses would also notice the pungent aroma of cheese. They placed everything on the table before the adventurers.<br/><br/>Pietr smiled softly at them. "I'm sure you must be hungry."<br/>His brother added "It isn't much but it's what we've got today. Might be gravy pies tomorrow."<br/>Pietr shot back. "You say that everyday and it's never true."<br/>Piers shrugged. "Maybe today's the day it IS true."<br/><br/>They turned to leave, conversing back and forth, but Malluri stopped them. "Please will twins stay? Malluri is weary of talkings. Twins know as much as Malluri. Please? Malluri is not skill at words."<br/><br/>They looked at each other and their smiles faded. They didn't like this topic of conversation either. Pietr nodded. "Yes, we'll stay." His brother parroted the sentiment. "Yeah, sure, I guess."<br/><br/>Now there were nine seated in this room, and silence fell once more. "What else would Friends ask of Hawks?"<br/><br/>For now, the NuMou known as Rishiae sat silently staring as if seeing into a realm beyond this one.<br/>