[hr][hr][indent] Michail half-listened to the lecture, though in his defense, he had already been made aware of what would be said. He had gone over the night countlessly in his head, and about a dozen times out loud for Tomai to listen to, but no one had any concrete answers for him. To Tomai's credit, the man had a handful of theories that could explain things, but the least important aspect of the event had left everyone befuddled. According to the mage, teleportation magic could ideally work to kidnap someone, so there was no question that had likely been the source. However, it didn't explain why the spear Michail had thrown had disappeared. Either it should have landed on the mysterious kidnapper and interrupted the spell, or the spear should have rebounded on contact with the spell. The fact that it had been swallowed was what was stumping Tomai, since such magic shouldn't exist. The buzz did little to snap Michail out of his mood, albeit he wasn't exactly trying to hide his displeasure. He looked over at the much calmer Kalliope, watching the woman casually stride over to Sirius. He wanted to chalk up her calmness to her position, but he was a little annoyed. She was as casual here as she had been when he had made his report. Never mind the fact that was apparently the [i]fourth[/i] person to disappear without a trace, but he expected [i]something[/i] out of her. A reprimand, a word of advice...but no. Not a word other than acknowledgment and to inform the Archbishop. Letting out a sigh, Michail decided to straighten up a touch as Euphemia approached him. [color=yellow]"You're going to make people worry if you keep scowling like that,"[/color] She couldn't help but tell him. [color=00aeef]"Anyone that thinks on it for more than five seconds will understand how serious everything is,"[/color] He replied. [color=00aeef]"I don't disagree with the curfew, but the kid might as well have told everyone that the Knights failed."[/color] Euphemia's expression softened. [color=yellow]"It wasn't your fault,"[/color] She told him quietly. [color=00aeef]"It was. But that's not what's bothering me right now,"[/color] He looked around, making sure there wasn't anyone lingering around. [color=00aeef]"Damage control is fine, but it makes me feel like this is advertising how incompetent we are."[/color] [color=yellow]"I think that honesty is the best way to handle the situation,"[/color] She replied. [color=yellow]"Do you think it would've been better to keep everyone in the dark and see them get caught off guard?"[/color] Michail didn't have an adequate response to that. Instead, he looked over to his Lions, watching Lienna. He supposed that maybe he should address that wanton anxiety that was basically radiating off her. At least Auberon and Derec seemed alright, just concerned, and Kellen...well, not much he could do over there. [/indent][hr][hr][indent] The Archbishop watched the room at large, quietly taking in a deep breath. He could tell Lysander wasn't too happy about the situation, but he'd be surprised if anyone was actually happy. Sirius stood at his side, as unreadable as ever, but he was certain that the man was in agreement about this direction. Truthfully, there was no shaking off the uncertainty now. The only thing they could do was remain as prepared as possible and hope for the best. At the very least, they wouldn't get caught off guard again as he was certain that keeping people alert was much better than keeping anyone in the dark. As the thought crossed his mind, for just a second, Ioannis watched as everything became blurry. Blinking rapidly, he shook his head quickly, though his hands shot up to prevent his headpiece from falling. Lysander frowned, gently adjusting the tassels. [color=plum]"Are you alright?"[/color] He asked. [color=springgreen]"Yes,"[/color] His response came automatically. [color=springgreen]"I must not have rested enough."[/color] [color=plum]"Then you should retire to your room for the day,"[/color] He suggested. [color=olivedrab]"Having the Archbishop around will ease everyone's worries,"[/color] Sirius pointed out. [color=olivedrab]"Even you have to admit that you can tell there is concern all around."[/color] [color=plum]"It wouldn't do for him to push himself too much."[/color] Ioannis shook his head again. [color=springgreen]"You're both right. For today, I will leave my duties to you, Sirius. But I will remain down here to comfort everyone that needs it,"[/color] He offered a compromise. [color=plum]"You still look pale,"[/color] Lysander frowned. [color=plum]"Maybe a break beforehand would help?"[/color] [color=springgreen]"Excellent suggestion. I will take a break for tea,"[/color] Ioannis perked up at the idea. [color=springgreen]"Please inform Clarissa von Edmund and Auberon Galatea so that they may join me at their leisure."[/color] Sirius looked ready to protest, though he said nothing. Lysander seemed much more approving, giving the pair a bow before deciding to approach the students mentioned. Once he was out of earshot, Sirius placed his hand on Ioannis' shoulder. [color=olivedrab]"Try not to push yourself."[/color] Ioannis kept his expression relatively neutral, raising a hand to his head. [color=springgreen]"I shall try,"[/color] He replied quietly, gently pushing away Sirius' hand before approaching a nun and instructing her to get the gardens ready. [/indent][hr][hr][center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/a511a59d-5d73-4dd9-b7d7-5c1c0ecb4a54.png[/img][/center][indent] The redhead wasn't sure what to think of the Archbishop's words if he was being honest. Auberon had an opinion and words of wisdom as usual, though Derec only offered a nod in response. He wasn't going to be making the same mistake twice, especially one that almost cost him his head. If it wasn't for Isolde, he was pretty sure he would've been headless. Speaking of which, he never did get to thank her, did he? He turned in his seat to look over at the Deer, though he was surprised to see them considerably more jovial. He wanted to think that maybe he was just overthinking things, but shouldn't they be a little worried about this? What if one of them disappeared? He looked over to the Eagles, who at least seemed...no, they seemed normal, if Veronica's disinterest was any indication. These people had nerves of steel! For now, he decided to focus on his own group, figuring that maybe it was better to protect themselves. [color=turquoise]"Lienna looked frightened,"[/color] He frowned. [color=turquoise]"I think she's been on edge for a few weeks now."[/color] He paused as he noticed Lysander approaching the group. [color=plum]"Sorry for the interruption, but the Archbishop wanted to extend an invitation to you, Auberon, and another classmate as well,"[/color] He said. [color=plum]"If you'll join him, Sister Margaret will be happy to lead you to the gardens for tea."[/color] Choosing not to linger, he gave the trio a smile before leaving. [/indent][hr][@Scribe of Thoth][@ThatCharacter][hr][indent] [color=olive]"If you keep scowling, your face is going to get stuck like that."[/color] [color=red]"This is my natural face, if you'll believe it,"[/color] Tomai replied wearily. Why the Captain of the Knights of Seiros decided to bother him was a mystery, but he figured it might be interesting. He did at least stand from his seat, placing a hand on his hip as he gave her his attention. Actually, now that he thought about it, this was probably the second time they've spoken directly. First time, if you didn't count an introduction. Kalliope seemed amused by his response. [color=olive]"You don't seem happy,"[/color] She noted. [color=red]"You don't seem concerned,"[/color] Tomai replied dryly. [color=red]"Are we going to keep pointing out the obvious or did you need something?"[/color] [color=olive]"Fair enough. I had brought up a plan of action to the Archbishop regarding your abilities,"[/color] She decided to get right to it. [color=olive]"From my understanding, you dorm with the other professors. I'd like to move your sleeping quarters to the cathedral in order to better protect him."[/color] [color=red]"The professors sleep closer to the students' dorms. If you're telling me that the Archbishop would prioritize himself over the students, then I think you're either ignorant or he already turned down the suggestion and you thought it better to come to me to see if my agreement would have him agree to your plan,"[/color] He guessed. [color=olivedrab]"The attack happened outside the Reception Hall, much closer to the church than the dormitories,"[/color] Kalliope reminded him. [color=red]"And a student was spirited away without any entrance to the church,"[/color] Tomai crossed his arms. [color=red]"What, are you demoting Michail because he failed?"[/color] [color=olivedrab]"To be prepared is half the victory, Mr. Malathice,"[/color] Kalliope sighed. [color=olivedrab]"No one is getting demoted, I would prefer to just cover my bases."[/color] [/indent][hr][right][sub][@POOHEAD189][/sub][/right][hr][center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/389a152d-6e82-4b71-b324-39252a43c01f.png[/img][/center][indent] Hearing that people were disappearing was rather unsettling. Isolde frowned to herself, though she didn't know what to say. Imogen's random laugh was...in character, though she didn't really have much to say in response to Clarissa's offer. She didn't really have any reasons to be out late and normally dedicated her evenings to studying and prayer. Absently brushing her fingers through her hair, she supposed so long as she followed the curfew, things would be okay. She did look up as Professor Roland approached them. [color=plum]"Your spirit is admirable, Miss von Edmund,"[/color] He complimented her first. [color=plum]"I'm sorry to interrupt, but Archbishop Ioannis has extended an invitation for you to join him for tea. If you have the time to spare, Sister Margaret can show you to the gardens."[/color] [/indent][hr][right][sub][@Achronum][/sub][/right][hr]