[b] [u] Grey Onyx & Lucilia Roivas, some time ago. [/u] [/b] Grey awoke, slowly. He was groggy as hell, but he noticed he was in a different room. What had happened... that's right! He had seen Lucilia to get his arm fixed, but she botched it somehow and he passed out. He took a look down at his arm, and as he removed the bandage, he found that his arm was as good as new. Wth a sigh of relief, he got up out of the cot he was stuck in, before a medic ran over and told him he needed his rest. With a yawn, Grey told the medic not to worry, he was just a little sleepy still, that's all. The medic insisted he stay in bed, and took a simple rune out to check his arm. She looked amazed when the thing found nothing wrong with him, and she insisted that he should at least take it easy. Grey simply nodded and rose, taking a minute to stretch as he did, he noticed a letter fall from his pocket. It was from Lucilia, and it was clearly written a while ago. It mostly told him that she was sorry for her absence and would be back soon, but it also gave him instructions to see her after he had recovered. Always the obedient one, Grey decided that he was certainly healthy enough, and besides, he kind of wanted to know why he was all healthy. Sure, the whole school was full of healers with crazy powers, but he'd at least like to know who to thank. Anyways, Grey had managed to find Lucilia's office from the infirmary quickly enough. Even after six months, he still had trouble with the layout at times. What he needed to work on was his sense of direction for Ren's sake. Anyway, he had arrived, and knocked on the door. [b]"Miss Roivas? You asked to see me?"[/b] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lucilia was preparing herself for the feast. She usually doesn't dress up this much (Though she tries to be classy on the day-to-day), but this feast was important. Although Khan and the college generally does it's best not to pick sides between Eania and Djarkel, it's not as though it did not have to benefit from allying with other interests. Indeed, as powerful as the Twilight College was, it still had to foster good relationship with various interests. And being on Eania and Djarke's good side was also important, even if they aren't exactly "allies". Lucilia aimed to make sure that the college is seen as a neutral party, not a third power or an ally of either Eania or Djarkel. Despite whatever contray to belief. As Lucilia was applying her makeup, there was a knock at her door. She finished her work and went to awnser the door. Upon opening it she saw Grey. [b]"Ah, Grey! I'm glad that you had gotten my letter. Come in, come in. How is your arm? Meirin's worries were well placed, it was damaged much more severly than you and I both had thought. I had to employ the service of a few other teachers to help me patch you up."[/b] Ushering Grey inside, Lucilia added various accessories onto herself to be more appealing. Various fine cut jewelery, a scarf that wrapped around both her arms, a nice hat. And of course, a few flowers and such. Though pretty, they would also serve as Lucilia's emergency weapons; these flowers were specifically grown to have stems as hard as steel, but manipulable by herbamancers only. She also made sure to have a few potions tucked into her clothing in the event that they're needed; better to be prepared than hope for the best. Once she had finally finished dressing up, she turned towards the guardsman. [b]"I'll get straight to the point. I would like you to serve as a guardsman at the feast. Only a certain few get to, our strongest and our best. Normally this is decided by the guard captains, but I want you personally to be there."[/b] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grey didn't have to wait long, as Lucilia had answered almost immediately. He was a bit surprised at first, she didn't usually wear anything so... fancy. Still, that mattered little. She ushered him in, and was explaining things. [i]Ah. It was just really bad.[/i] He thought upon hearing Lucilia's explanation. Of course, it was a lie, but he didn't know that and he had no reason not to trust her. Anyway, as he entered he took a seat while she got ready for that feast later. At he thought of that, he was reminded of all the people here and his mood soured. These... leeches. He thought of all the various organizations that came here as nothing but a bunch of mooching slimeballs, all here so that they can have the big bad wizard castle help them out. It was bullshit. Even worse, as he heard it Khan wasn't doing well either, physically or emotionally. He'd heard Mathis talk about how a day that'd be coming up soon brought horrible memories for the headmaster, and he was certain the eysire didn't need anymore stress. Worse, Lucilia seemed to be the one that actually had to deal with most of this madness personally, though to be fair she did seem good at it. Lucilia had then finished up, and Grey had to admit she looked quite good. Still, she hadn't told him why he was here yet. Though she had answered that question before he could ask it. He wasn't sure what to say about it. On the one hand, this was a great honor. But on the other hand, could he even help all that much if fighting broke out? [b]"Thank you ma'am, but I'm not sure I can handle it..."[/b] He said, rubbing the back of his neck. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]"Now now..."[/b] Lucilia went over to Grey and put her hand on his shoulder reassuringly. [b]"It's mostly just a bunch of flops in there trying to show off. Even the other guardsmen in there are merely those in high standing looking to make an impression. And while I trust that they're doing their job, I need an escort. [i]Would you like to escort me to today's feast?[/i]"[/b] Lucilia whispered those last words flirtatiously near his ear. In truth, most of the guardsmen staffed at the feast would be Tyrael's demons and a few soldiers of the two nations. The actual guardsmen were posted outside, which meant that should something happen, Lucilia wouldn't have anyone to order around. She wanted someone who'd take action when she tells them too, and she believes that Grey would be that person. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unfortunately for Grey, most people had an easy time manipulating him, especially women. Of course, Lucilia would have an easier time than normal with him as he had a crush of sorts on the woman. As she spoke to him, he felt himself lock up. He had a bit of trouble breathing even. Or was it remembering to breath? He couldn't tell. Her voice was... soft, like silk. [b]"Uh, yes! I-I mean, I'd be honored to Ma'am."[/b] He started off a bit flustered, but he had managed to regain his composure. Well, it couldn't be too hard, right? Actual fighting was very unlikely. Regardless of his less then favorable opinions on the two nations, he didn't believe they'd be dumb enough to turn this place into a war zone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [b]"Excellent! Now than, we should try to get you into some appealing armor. Wouldn't want anyone to think that you were a mere guardsman. Follow me, see what you like."[/b] Lucilia opened her door and went down a few rooms. About the third door down she opened the metal entrance way and inside appeared to be some sort of broom closet. But after touching various stones in a set patter, the wall shifted, and revealed a small armory. [b]"I ensure that I keep a well stock of equipment for many situations. Pick something that catches your eyes, or perhaps would you rather have me dress you?"[/b] Inside the armory was a vast array of suits and weapons. Most were fairly practical, kept shiny and clean for presentation. Others were more ornate and on the heavy side. The same went with weapons; she made sure to seperate the ones meant for battle and the ones meant for show, though just about any of them can kill with the right hands. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Before Grey followed Lucilia, he looked across the room to where his own armor was kept. However, before he could ask about it, he remembered that while it had been filed off it still obviously bore the Djarkel emblem, so it was probably a bad idea to wear it. He did ever, pick up his axe and shield. As he followed, he felt himself dumbfounded at the veritable [i]vault[/i] of gear she had shown him. Hell, Zaad had tricked Grey into locking himself in that very closet at least twice. And while her offer was, er, tempting, he knew it was probably for the best that he do it himself. He had a gift for fitting armor in just the right way for maximum protection. He didn't say a word, instead gazing in awe at the sheer variety of it all. However, one suit caught his eye. It was just simple steel in construction, but on closer inspection it was amazing to someone like him. The way the parts fit together, the shape, the purity of the alloy, this armor could have only bin forged by a master. He couldn't imagine how long it would take someone to put something like this together. [b]"I'd like to borrow this set..."[/b] he said. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ After Lucilia and Grey fiddled around with his new suit of armor, she clapsed her hands together at the sight. [b]"My own shining knight. I never thought I'd see the day."[/b] Grey was donned in a solid but light steel armor, tested to be able to handle most all mortal weapons. It had more emphasis against the sword and daggers, as even the joints were guarded with thick chain mesh. The last finishing touch she added was a tabard that she wanted Grey to wear over his armor, to show that he was with her; on it was her emblem, for all to see. [b]"Perfect. Now then, is there any last questions before we head off to the feast?"[/b] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grey very nearly blushed a bit at Lucilia's comment. A knight, as if he had earned that honor. Surprisingly, the armor was quite light. Well, not light per se but certainly light in comparison to an average suit. Afterwards, she handed him a tabard with her emblem on it. Of all the things he thought he might ever wear on his armor, a rose was definitely not very high. Not that he had a problem with it, mind. In any event he donned it, and pulled at a few of the leather fasteners that kept this armor together. He took a moment to pound his fist on his chest as he carefully listened. He seemed satisfied with the sound of it. [b]"No question, M'lady."[/b] He said. Not surprising, questions were rarely asked whenever he was concerned. though maybe it was just because he was built that way. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]"Then let's not waste a moment!"[/b] Lucilia and Grey left the armory and sealed the wall behind them. Grey stood next to the teacher as the two headed towards the feast. Many eyes were laid on Lucilia as she walked on by, but a few looked at Grey as well. Many wondered who the mysterious knight was and what his relation to the teacher is, whispers and rumors became to spread. But Lucilia cared little about the idle chatter. When they arrived at the feast Lucilia told Grey to find a spot and get comfortable. [b]"Relax but stay vigilant. Try not to drink too much, but remember to be social as well. Now then, I have to get to my seat, keep an eye out for trouble please."[/b]