[@Sifr]

[b][h3]CAMPUS GROUNDS, FOREST[/h3][/b]

Chloe at first froze, but began to move when she saw Hildegunde's concern for her. She was lagging behind, clearly not as physically fit as perhaps anyone else in their class, and struggled to sprint in the torn dress that was quickly becoming closer to dirty rags. Even so, she ran, continuing to shout for the pursuer to stop. Eventually, it began to fire these arrows towards the frill-elf as well, which were only just barely dodged or would only graze her Personal Barrier as she fled. It was unclear how, but the creature appeared to be able to loose the arrows at each of the two girls simultaneously, growing in speed as the chase continued. It snapped and snarled hungrily from under the cover of bushes and trees as it gained speed, its breath quickening with adrenaline. "Succumb," it would growl, as a new volley of arrows launched forth.

This particular volley broke through Chloe's already diminished defenses, cutting through her barrier and slashing at her ankles. "Aghhh," she would screech as she tumbled to the cobblestone ground, focusing her Personal Barrier almost fully into her hands as she defended against yet another volley of arrows that seemed to now focus on her far more than Hildegunde. "I'm sorry, Rio... and..."

Her eyes would begin to close as her barrier weakened, breaking piece by piece to the arrows as cuts and burns began to appear upon Chloe's skin - the signs of rebound becoming all too apparent with her last burst in an attempt to survive. The next volley would be on its way shortly, this time fully focused on the half conscious half-elf.

[hr]

[@AThousandCurses][@Estylwen][@Psyker Landshark][@ERode]

[b][h3]CAMPUS GROUNDS, LEYLINE ATTUNEMENT ZONE[/h3][/b]

The awkward shuffling of feet and avoidance of gaze from those gathered near Valen spoke more than any response ever could. A few muttered weak defenses here or there, before from the gathering, a projectile of spit splattered on the concrete near Iraleth's feet. Stepping out in front of Valen to stare at Iraleth and Ciara was a [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/a1/da/46/a1da46e373909a76df798303fbd575c8.jpg]pale boy in raggedy clothing[/url], with dull eyes that rarely seemed to blink. Valen's expression remained neutral as he took in the words of those who approached him, only briefly looking over at the gi-clad boy who stepped in.

"Leuvalt casted pearls before swine - to most, and to you. While you saw cruelty or murderous intent, we few who dared accept our fate would bear witness to true genius. It was all but a test in the end, and Leuvalt of course never intended to end anyone's life. I suppose only some could see that, though," the unblinking boy would finally speak in monotone, the others behind him seeming to devolve into a mixture of uncertain head nods and reluctant compliance. "All with the perception to see such things differently than they appear will find the spark of ambition, you see. It can sometimes require the flames of certain death to see what one lives for."

With neither acknowledgement or agreeance of his defender's words, Valen would turn his head back between Ciara and Iraleth slowly, then place a hand upon the grey one's shoulder. "That is enough, Ozhiah. Not all can understand, nor should they be expected to. While true glory can only be obtained by those who lead, those like them - those that follow and cling to the conventional - may still find a lesser shine to give their existences meaning. It is no more pitiable, in the end, than watching a domesticated animal live and die in their enclosure."

Ozhiah would step to the side with a nod, pacing backwards with his hands clasped behind his back while facing the pair he had preached to.

"It matters not what I enjoy, all I meet eventually grow dim in my shadow or lose themselves in the dark world it creates for them. While unfortunate to admit, all exist under my thumb from birth," Valen would continue as he shifted from one foot to another, crossing his arms as he stared into Ciara. "It would be best that you both take heed in such truths for the future, as there will be no hesitation should we find ourselves opposed. The humiliation will be far less, would you accept your place in the hierarchy."

Nearby, Chunji would hear the sound of slower footsteps and clashing of wood against stone from behind. Emelie would limp over to him with the same brittle oak cane, looking sickly as ever with a smile much to the contrary. "Checking out the leylines early, huh? I getcha, I'm the same. It's nice to get acquainted with yer surroundings sooner 'n later," she would muse, following a joyful sigh as she stared over at nearby ongoings. "But still, sometimes ye gotta see what's goin' on right in front of ye, right? Take a gander o'er there, look at those wee kittens puffin' their fur like issa war of the worlds."

With her cane, she would direct Chunji towards the scene of Valen engaged with Iraleth and Ciara, chuckling as she took it in. "Can't say I know where they get their energy from. Youth, I s'pose. How 'bout you? Any grand rivalries like they're all wafflin' about? How's your first day in Compact 3 treatin' ye?"

From Otis' Adapa, he would hear an odd notification sound - as if his Adapa were defending against a foreign essence that then proceeded to rip through the baseline defenses, allowing a message through from someone who was not properly added as a contact. It simply read, "The two are in danger along the forest path. Best find them quick, dear Seeker."

As soon as the message was received and acknowledged, it would erase itself just as quickly, with the sound of crackling static overtaking as it did so.