[i]"But we MUST leave!"

The elderly scholar sighed at this outburst, and though his body stood erect as the carved statues that adorned the city, his mind weighed heavily upon the sturdy orkin-wood in his left. "Jalani, it is understandable that you would think to run, but I tell you now, the foe that besieges us knows the forests better than Yvindel's finest scouts; should you leave, they can and will hunt you down -- provided the Rrreshkohfmehmtahv --in addition to the various other beasts of prey-- do not find you first." Iraasnej looked on wearily at the girl from beneath his heavy brow, seeing her fear but being unable to empathize with it. He strode towards the where the princess now sat, a pallor tone having taken hold of her horrified expression of doubt as she pressed her palms together in angst knowledge as to what lay in store for the city.

If they stayed, they'd burn.

If they left, they'd be slaughtered.

Indeed, the cruel irony behind their situation lay in the harsh reality of their own attackers -- the oppressed Deepmire was the only 'civilized' residence for almost a hundred kilometers, as it had always been. Even if they were to flee, where fore could they find shelter?

She felt the weight of her tutor sink the finely crafted bed as he set himself down beside her. She felt his hand nestle itself upon her shoulder, trying to provide some semblance of comfort.

But she could feel no fear in him -- and turning her gaze from the floor towards his weathered face, it almost seemed as if there wasn't a siege at all. No monstrous walls of flame coming to devour generations of people -- not all good, admittedly...but not all bad either; No panic-stricken crowds thronging through each of the district gates; Not even the known monsters lurking in the forests' gloom felt anywhere near reality when she looked at the old man.

"Listen, Jalani, you know well of the promise I made upon your mother's passing.", he began, his Rookwood eyes doing as they might to try and persuade their audience into a relaxed focus. Her own eyes --black as those of many of the women in her ancestral line-- blinked in understanding, and bade he continue. "This pact I swore oath to -- that within my power, so long as I lived in consciousness, I would do all that can be done to protect you; My advice may appear suicidal, but it is what I have found to be in your best interests -- in this way shall I ever serve, as I have all of these past fourteen years and to this very day."

"...And your own interests? What forces may protect you from all the ill-fortune that seeks me?"

He smiled in response to this, his gaze turning towards the noon-light that streamed in from their window opposite. "By the grace of the gods and the skill of my wit, I will live for those close to me -- even if they reside in peril all their days."

With this, the Headmaster rose, supporting himself a bit by the strength of his walking-staff. "Your time does not end today Lady Jalani, but there will be harsh times ahead of you."

"Ahead of us."

"Indeed, my lady."[/i]