[center][h1][color=lightblue]Another Arrival[/color][/h1][/center]
A ball to celebrate the heroes of the 'Cultist Incident'. Or so it had come to be known to the citizens of Rhea. What it was was an act of Terror. The first amongst many, if the Cult remained unchallenged. However, having the population live in fear of the cultists would no doubt be playing into their hands regardless.

Perhaps this really was the best outcome.

Alto cleared his throat.

[b]"I appreciate you accompanying me... Mother."[/b] Alto said in a calm, measured tone of voice. [b]"But... is this really necessary?"[/b]

The figure opposite him sat shrouded in the shadow of their vehicle, flanked by two silent watchers. When they passed by the streetlights they illuminated a woman wearing a black veil and mourning clothes, and two operatives. The mourning clothes weren't what concerned him. A public funeral for the victims of the Cultist attack had been staged a few weeks ago.

She'd taken the time to remind them one of the Ganze family's old adages, tracing its time to when Rhea had been a kingdom.

[i]The Ganze family is always the last to grieve.[/i]

It held the dual meaning of reinforcing the Ganze family's value of always walking forwards, always taking strides towards the future when others might falter instead. At the same time the statement didn't have to mean that they never grieved. By being the last to grieve, they would make sure to remember the fallen.

Or so he had been taught.

[color=gray]"Of course, I am well aware there will be officers on the site for security."[/color] She said. [color=gray]"...But you and I both know they would not be enough if something of a similar caliber were to occur again."[/color]

She peered out the window at the scenery passing by.

[color=gray]"[/color][b]THRONEs[/b] [color=gray]agents won't be seen unless they wish to be seen. And considering that our enemy's intemtions and full capabilities are as of now, unknown, sendinf two agents is a worthy precaution."[/color] She said. [color=gray]
And besides, can't a mother worry for the safety of her son?"[/color]

Alto conceded the point.

[color=gray]"I recognize I am imposing on you. I do believe it may be a while before we would be able to talk face to face again, so I decided now would be a good time."[/color]

The aftermath of the Cultist incident had of course left a lot of work behind. He had been away from the household for much longer periods of time than usual. And when he returned, usually the other members of his family were also away. Indeed, he hadn't seen his mother in a while. However, sitting in front of her now, frankly he didn't see the point. Because invariably, all of their meetings ended up like this.

[color=gray]"I've seen your efforts in regards to expanding the student leadership roles in the Academy,"[/color] She said. [color=gray]"I approve. Lasting influence is lasting power. Your time as a student will end, but the effects of your leadership could echo for years to come. Very good."[/color]

Praise or criticism first. Either one was delivered with the same voice. As well as hands folded over the knee, and an overall neutral pose.

[color=gray]"I've also heard you've been seeking outside assistance to help further your training. I don't disapprove of it. However I'm not certain that "King" is truly trustworthy or not. I trust in your judgement, but you must be careful regardless. 'A shown hand can be changed, but it cannot be un-shown."[/color]

An adage meant the session was over. Now he had to show the proper respect.

[b]"Thank you mother, I will keep your words in my heart, as always."[/b] He said.

[color=gray]"Excellent,"[/color] His mother nodded.

Did he mean what he said? Of course. Was he tired of the routine? Not... yet.

All it was was that he wasn't... certain of how to receive it, perhaps. What emotions was it supposed to elicit when he was praised or criticized? He understood it on a vague surface level, the appearance of the emotion that he should feel. But he had never felt as if he properly experienced the emotion. It had never felt 'right', and he didn't even know where the sense of why it didn't feel 'right' came from.

[color=gray]"It seems that we are here. Give my regards to[/color] [b]Lady Valois Saint-Remy[/b][color=gray] for me."[/color]

[b]"Thank you, mother, I will."[/b] Alto said.

When he turned back to look inside of the vehicle, the THRONEs agents had already disappeared. He let out a sigh into the misty night. THRONEs had been caught off-guard by the cultist incident, otherwise it was likely they would have had their agents make an appearance one way or another. 

Would they have helped reduce the death toll? Maybe. 

But if they re-appeared now, if they showed their face this night, it would be to intervene in a matter that the security present at the site couldn't deal with. That would be a true indication that he and those under his charge were once again, to be plunged into the depths of hell.

He prayed to the gods that it wouldn't happen again. For that was all that he could do.