[h2]Erubescian Citadel[/h2] 

[color=#FF4500]“Oh- excuse me- pardon me- I’m so sorry-”[/color]

The rapid drumming of heels against marble echoed through the Erubescian halls as Madison weaved through the throng, eyes wide with blatant dismay. Normally, a fresh face stumbling through a crowd wouldn’t be too much to bat an eye at- new recruits were often found running around in a similar manner when late- but anyone who looked closely enough would find the glint of a polished Knight Commander badge hastily pinned to his lapel. The few who did politely stepped out of the researcher’s way as he sprinted forward, but for the most part, he was forced to duck and stumble and blurt out breathless apologies.

It was entirely his own fault, really. He had found himself distracted in his wandering, and by the time the call had come, Madison had gotten himself completely and utterly lost. The directions had left him more bewildered than anything, and he was sure that, by now, his fellow Commanders’ first impression of him would be far less than favorable. He skidded around a corner, then another, then knocked straight into one before shaking himself off and keeping on his way. 

By the time he reached the meeting room, he had nearly dashed right past it before he caught himself. Swallowing thickly, Madison took a moment to compose himself before he entered. Brushed out the front of his blouse. Rearranged the folders held tightly to his chest. Straightened up his hair a bit. As he did so, he noted a young man dozing against the wall, but Madison chose to let him be. Poor fellow looked exhausted.

Taking a deep breath, the researcher pushed the doors open with his shoulder, sliding in with an incredibly apologetic look on his face. [color=#FF4500]“I’m very sorry for how long I took,”[/color] he said. [color=#FF4500]“Your base is much larger than mine- quite lovely, too, if I might add- and, ah…”[/color] Madison gave a sheepish grin. [color=#FF4500]“I’m afraid I had a hard time finding my way.”[/color]

His face was visibly flushed with exertion, appearance dishevelled by his flight. His voice was somewhat raspy and noticeably short of breath, but it still held the usual soft, airy tones that made his gender even more difficult to recognize. Clutching his paperwork a little closer to his chest, Madison sidled his way over to the slice of table marked with his name and took a seat, smiling and murmuring polite greetings to his neighbors under his breath.