[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/231116/b356da26fceccb813bae2fee371a5a98.png[/img][/center]
addressing: Bianca and Assorted NPCs,[@Hero] Theobald[@Xiro Zean], Ionna[@Mcmolly][hr]


[hider="Incepta said so" moment]
As Bianca recited her knowledge of the area, Justinian nodded along as he kept his gaze on the rest of the room. Observing how everyone was preparing for their excursions. While his mind was still swirling with thoughts on how to prepare for the hunt to come, however, both his eyes and mind would still as he saw Lucas and Belle make to leave the room. Momentarily, he wondered if he'd have been able to knock down the Prince's barrier as he noted the ripple that came from Lucas undoing the barrier, but put the thought aside. Now was the time for more subtle action rather than trying to one up their guiding asshole for no reason.

That said, he definitely could have.

[color=darkorange]"Bianca,"[/color] The Scion started, his gaze now finally turned to face his Templar with clear eyes. [color=darkorange]"If you could continue your quiet vigil for what I'm about to do. . . and while I have given you no reason to believe me in this, trust that I have a good reason for it. Driven by impulse as the choice is." [/color]

He didn't wait for a nod of acknowledgement, though whether out of fatigued impatience or a fear that his templar's lack of faith may shake his current well of resolve, he made way for the newly christened Scion of Lightning. With a flick of his wrist, a smooth light blue gem would appear in his palm. As he moved his fingers across the azure surface, the colors within shifted and coiled into fractalling patterns of crimson and red as amber mana flowed across it. He let this display hang somewhat openly as he approached Renault, slate gray eyes taking in the entirety of the infamous figure that stood over him. 

His first words to this criminal mastermind and political genius needed to be impactful and succinct and. . . 

[color=darkorange]"Why are you so tall. . ."[/color] The Scion muttered, the sudden wave of exhaustion from using his magic causing him to blurt out his next thought a bit more publicly than he had intended. To his credit, he didn't blush or fluster, only making a quick cough and pinching his cheek with his free hand before pushing it out in front of him for the noble to shake. [color=darkorange]" Sorry, I've not slept well these past few months and it was the first thing I’ve noticed now that I’m closer. You'd think I'd be used to it with Theo stomping around as he does." [/color]

[color=darkorange]"Anyway I wanted to formally introduce myself to you, as is the tradition I've fostered for every Scion that has arisen during my tenure and. . ."[/color] Justinian paused, the fingers fidgeting with the blue gem in hand stopping as his attempt to put up a pleasant front fell away. [color=darkorange]"I also wish to offer my condolences about Nadine. I'm unaware if you were at all close but it still feels right, given the circumstances."[/color] 

A glint of surprise flashed across the other Scion’s eyes, though whether pleasant or sour was impossible to discern. The smile that widened across his face didn’t make it any clearer.

“[color=9e005d]Ah, mister Gardner. No introduction necessary, I’ve been hearing about the fabled Lorenzian monster hunter for years![/color]” He shook Justinian’s hand, quick and sure. “[color=9e005d]I remember watching that first broadcast—the village with the wolf-beast. Quite a heroic first impression for a Scion these days.[/color]”

At the mention of Nadine, he nodded appreciatively, and his voice took a melancholic tone that didn’t quite match his grin. “[color=9e005d]My aunt was a kind woman. I did my best for her by staying far away.[/color]” Then, quickly, the enthusiasm returned. “[color=9e005d]But enough reminiscing. I suppose we’ll all be keeping our eyes forward now, won’t we?[/color]”

[color=darkorange]“I only did what I felt needed to be done. Nothing more or less.”[/color] Justinian returned the enthusiasm with a smile of his own, even if the mention of his first deed as a Scion brought to mind the absolute tongue-lashing that his templars had given him afterwards once they were out of sight from the public. Dragging that creature’s carcass into town was the only thing he would’ve changed about that venture, it caused such a fuss within the church. 

[color=darkorange]“In anycase, I didn’t come over to talk solely about what’s happened in the past. I want to plan for the future we’re going to have to deal with. The people we face aren’t simply going to wait for us to prepare ourselves and the skills I’ve cultivated over the years are. . . they’re not built for these kinds of situations. The attack on Giles Manor proved that to me, in more ways than one,”[/color] The scion spoke the words as if his mouth was full of sand and mud, thinking of his shameful actions that night. If he’d been better, resorted to other options, had other skills maybe things would be different. Maybe Nadine would be here. But he wasn’t and she wasn’t and he needed to make sure that no one else in this room would face that same fate. Not, at least, while he still drew breath. [color=darkorange]“I want to fix that and, if you would have me as a student, I would ask for your help in my learning of the study of magic.” [/color]

Renault’s brows rose, and he let out an amused chuckle. “[color=9e005d]I must admit, I didn’t expect that. Learn magic? Why, it’s quite a shame mister Gaumond claimed you for the hunt, you might have enjoyed a trip to the academy.[/color]”

He turned, pacing, [i]hmm[/i]-ing to himself, until those lupine eyes found Justinian again. “[color=9e005d]I’m honored, of course, but I’m far from a proper teacher, or even a proper student for that matter. The way I learned magic was rather…unorthodox. Someone in your position, under such scrutiny,[/color]” he glanced briefly towards Bianca. “[color=9e005d]Well, I worry you might find it unbecoming. The Church would surely disapprove, and you more than most know how unpleasant that disapproval can be. Are you quite certain that’s what you want?[/color]”

As expected, Renault wasn’t going to agree in a simple manner. Justinian had expected this kind of question. As if he wasn’t fully aware of the kind of thing he was asking for. It happened often, especially as of late, that people didn’t quite see him as capable of thinking things through. That he was just living for the devil may-care thrill of the moment. That he wasn’t [i]serious[/i] in anything he did.

It was really starting to piss the earth Scion off.

[color=darkorange]“What I [i]want[/i] is to not have come to this meeting where I’m open to get ridiculed for trying to keep things on track. What I [i]want[/i] is to not have to worry about assassins with the powers to shut me off from Incepta’s gift to not be after me, causing me to feel just the faintest hint of paranoia everywhere I go.”[/color] The anger and frustration that had built up in the Scion for the past few hours(really the past two months) came boiling to the surface as any fatigue he had left his gaze. With each word he stepped closer into Renault’s space, looking up to the giant man with a gaze as hard as bedrock and clear as crystal [color=darkorange]“And as a show of open minds between potential student and teach, I will fully admit that what I [i]want[/i] is to never have to talk to you, Prince Lucas, or Theobald for the rest of my life because you all are people I find difficult to be near for a variety of reasons.” [/color]

[color=darkorange]“But what I [i]want[/i] has little bearing on what needs doing.”[/color] With effort, the Lorenzian took a step back, taking a breath to regain some measure of his composure. [color=darkorange]“I am more than aware of your crimes and blasphemies, Renault. You stand for a lot of the things I hate about the way our system is run, with a heretical garnish on top. . . but the Incepta has chosen you. Nothing I or the church says or thinks can change that fact, and since you are one of Incepta’s chosen then I will put my faith that it was not one made in vain.”[/color] 

[color=darkorange]“As for your methods or how the Church will bunch its skirts at the prospect of me working with you, I will remain reasonably open minded to the former as orthodox methods of teaching have left me in a lurch. As for the latter, respectfully, Her Grace Margaret can come down from her ivory tower and give me a stern lecture about it whenever she likes. Then, I will, respectfully of course, tell her exactly how much the hidden bastards hunting us are going to care about her “concerns” when they kill or kidnap another Scion for whatever plans they have for us. Them and this ‘ Termina’ figure.”[/color] Justinian had to restrain himself from spitting out the High Cardinal’s name with anything more than just the faintest amount of frustrated venom. While he didn’t truly hold her any ill will, he found her policies to be a great over reach of what the original doctrine entails and, more to the point, that she had always been an extremely unpleasant person to talk to. Granted, everytime they talked it was due to him acting in pretty flagrant disregard of her policies, but still. [color=darkorange]“ And clearly, since you’re walking free, I’d have to do a lot worse than talk to people she doesn’t like to earn that particular punishment.”[/color] 

[color=darkorange]“Does that serve as reason enough or should I go on? Got two, actually make that six whole months worth of irritation in the tank so I can do this all day.”[/color] 

Renault did not move as Justinian approached, and though his smile did not falter there was clear attentiveness in his eyes. He seemed to listen closely, and when it was his turn to speak…he didn’t. Not for some moments. Save for the contemplative clicking of his tongue, he was silent and studied the Scion of Earth like he were some complex, intricate puzzle.

Then he said: “[color=9e005d]No,[/color]” and, like a bastard, he let that hang for a moment more before he continued. “[color=9e005d]You needn’t go on—though I should let you. It usually takes a fair amount of time and hard liquor to pry that much out of someone. I do thank you for the generosity.[/color]”

He stepped past Justinian, closer to the wall—away from the table and company. “[color=9e005d]And no, I won’t teach you. Not yet. As a show of…[i]open mindedness[/i],[/color]” he said, gesturing between them. “[color=9e005d]I’ll be frank: it’s a bad deal for me. You may be able to poke and prod so brazenly at the High Cardinal’s rules, but I wonder yet how short my own leash is. Teaching you would put me in her crosshairs if I wasn’t already there. And if you slip again, harm another handful of civilians? Why, who better to blame than the delinquent teacher who led you astray? You’re a risk, and risks aren’t good business without rewards.[/color]”

His smile began to creep again, spreading wide, growing teeth. “[color=9e005d]So lets make a deal. You assuage my concerns, and I’ll agree to teach you what I know about magic. I think I have just the task and, don’t worry, I’ll start off small.[/color]” He gestured again, this time to the other Scions and their Templars. “[color=9e005d]You may resent these people, what they think, what they do, but they are right in certain regards. Perhaps you aren’t an idiot, but boldness and stupidity are often buried together. You are not a subtle man, mister Gardener, and subtlety is integral to my teachings.[/color]

“[color=9e005d]Here’s what I want: on your trip to Riva del Garda, I want you to learn something small about someone. Something secret, or personal, just something they wouldn’t normally share with the public. It can be your fellow Scion, or one of the Templars, or someone of import already stationed there. They must not know that you know, or, they must tell you in confidence. Either way, if I can verify it, you pass. Then I will agree to be your teacher.[/color]”

Renault stuck out his sigiled hand, cocking a brow. “[color=9e005d]Or you could always ask the High Cardinal for a tutor. Personally, I think you’ll enjoy my way much more.[/color]”

[color=darkorange][i]Of course he’d spin this into more gain for himself. His type always does.[/i][/color] Justinian did not hide his contempt for the man’s bargain as it was explained to him, clicking his tongue at his insistence of enjoyment. Nothing about this engagement was proving enjoyable to begin with. The Scion of Earth wanted to tell the noble man to shove his offer up his crimson-coated ass and wash his hands of this attempt entirely. Even with the prophecy looming in the back of his mind, he might’ve still done so. . . were it not for that one little phrase.

[color=9e005d][i]Boldness and stupidity are often buried together[/i][/color]

Justinian ruminated on those words, on the whole of his career as a Scion, and his clashes with the Church. Convinced that the most direct and straightforward path was the most expedient to serving the Incepta. . . and yet, here he was with barely anything to his name having to crawl up to this silver-tongued bastard for help. He still believed that his way was the right way, but maybe. . . the right way wasn’t what got things done. He’d stuck to his guns, followed his gut, and that had led to innocents getting hurt in the attack on the manor. What if he’d been more prudent, less willful. Less paranoid.

The Earth Scion looked towards the offered hand for a few agonizing seconds before finally taking it with a click of his tongue.

[color=darkorange]“I’ll play along in your game, Renault. . . but only if I can find something I don’t think will hurt them. There may be a lot I’m willing to do for what I think is right, but willingly putting the uninvolved in harm’s way is not one of them.”[/color] As he spoke, his grip squeezed down on the taller man’s hand with surprising force as his slate gray eyes bore into the Lightning Scion’s crimson red. [color=darkorange]“Even if I fail, however, I will still be looking to you for assistance. You know the underbelly of our nation’s politics better than most, perhaps even better than the two royals. And if we’re going to find the culprits behind these attacks, that is where I think we need to be looking.” [/color]

[color=darkorange]“If you’re half as clever as they say you are, I bet you already have a few ideas as to who.”[/color] 

Renault’s smile stretched, his head tilted down at Justinian and he met that steely look with burgeoning enthusiasm. If he did indeed harbor such suspicions, he seemed content to keep them to himself for the time being. With a solid shake—and the barest tingle of static in Justinian’s palm—Renault let go and clapped his hands together.
“[color=9e005d]Don’t give up on yourself so easily, mister Gardner. I, for one, look forward to a fruitful, [i]mutually[/i] beneficial partnership. Enjoy your time on the river,[/color]” he chuckled, and walked away, fluttering his fingers over his shoulder. “[color=9e005d][i]Au revoir![/i][/color]”

Justinian watched that man saunter off, feeling both irritated and at least somewhat relieved. The deed was done and, no matter what anhyone else thought of his actions, he didn't feel like it was a complete failure. The man was at least willing to talk, even if it was only in circles. And it wasn't like his logic wasn't sound, much as the earth Scion hated to admit it. Chosen or not, Renault had a target on him bigger than anyone, and likely not just from the Church given his career. Unlike the Lightning Scion, Justinian had no confidence his hunting mission would lead him to any particularly salient secrets but he'd at least keep an ear out.

[color=darkorange]"Welp, I'm going to spend the whole trip knocked out."[/color] Justinian turned towards the door as he motioned for Bianca to follow. [color=darkorange]"If you have anything you wish to say about that conversation, feel free to do so now or forever hold your peace."[/color] 
[/hider]

The arrival to Riva del Garda was uneventful, though the Earth Scion couldn't decide if that was a blessing or just the calm before a coming storm. As they were welcomed by Asher, Justinian didn't immedieately respond, eyes fixated on the flock circling over head. He'd need some binoculars to be sure, but there didn't seem to be anything off about them physically. No Alpha either, and yet. . .

[color=darkorange]"Monsters working together is not unheard off, but Harpies are territorial by nature even amongst their own. That they're coordinating attacks upon a fortified settlement is also extremely unusual behavior for them."[/color] Closing his eyes for a moment, the earth Scion taps his foot as he feels a familiar unease creep into him. He remembered a similarly innocuous oddity all too well. [color=darkorange]"Sir Asher, was it? How long has this been going on for? And along with what Theobald has asked of you, I'd like to know if there has been nay non-monster related activity in the area, even if it precedes the attacks. Anything at all that you may be aware of, like potential fluctations in the mana of the surrounding areas, strange noises people here at night, odd lights. No matter how innocuous it seems, it is important that we have as many clues about what we're dealing with as we can." [/color]

While the earth Scion spoke, he reached up to fix his hair by the tightening the band that kept up his ponytail as well as moving any stray locks from his face. He wore the suit from yesterday as it was ll he had, though the blazer had been tied around his waist and the shoes were discarded, leaving him barefoot as he began to pace back and forth. Thoughts racing, eyes never leaving the circling forms overhead.