“What did you do?”

Those four words are some Enzo uses rather frequently when dealing with Ikaris, who despite his dismissive scoff, appeared too wistful to the Chaplain. Suspiciously happy, in other words. “I’m offended you assume my good moods are only spurred by me being troublesome.” Ikaris responded, the two boys now taking a leisurely stroll through their fellow Neophyte community. It was only mid-morning, but it’s never too early nor too late to start helping out, working, and tending to daily duties. Especially when each duty, even the smallest, are keys to survival in a place like Zlistead. “Uh-huh.” Enzo responded skeptically, eyeing his friend before moving his gaze forward.

“What is it you’re doing out here? Don’t you have, I don’t know, responsibilities with whatever it is you do?” Ikaris redirected, which Enzo noticed, however played along with the antic. “I’m enjoying the sights,” Enzo mused sarcastically, “but now I’m curious. Is it trouble that sparked your good mood, or is it someone?” Enzo smirked, but he was fairly certain he figured out why Ikaris was so peppy. He was looking for Thaola. Whether it be to flirt, to rope in for mischief, or merely just her company, Ikaris was seeking her. The only reason Enzo was able to deduce those few scenarios of the possibilities of what Ikaris intended was because those brief visions had flickered through his thoughts. “Maybe.” Ikaris replied, but his tone suggested that Enzo had narrowed down exactly what the blonde was up to. The Chaplain certainly had a difficult time picking out the exact kind of relationship between his own friend, and his girlfriend’s friend. Ikaris and Thaola… certainly an interesting dynamic. Enzo didn’t have to question where he stood with Ruina in terms of their relationship, and quite frankly if he did have to question where he stood with the Templar it would fluster him. And yet, Ikaris’ style of relationship with Thaola didn’t bother him. If anything, the essence of the relationship enthralled Ikaris.

It was only when the boys rounded a turn that a smaller figure darted towards Ikaris before he could even react, the figure delivering a swift blow to one of his knees. As the blonde grunted and leaned down, his own eyes were met with the devilish gleam of a child’s, or rather a fourteen year old. “What the hell was that for?” Ikaris sharply asked, and the girl took a step back as suddenly a deceitful sheepishness enveloped her, and Enzo spectated with amusement. “I’m sorry, but you did ruin the butterfly pin I made for my sister yesterday. I wanted to get even.” Chryseis smiled, just as Inara slowed her brisk jog to a stop behind the younger girl and flashed a smile of apology to the boys. “I’m so sorry Ikaris, she’s not happy about being babysat today, it always makes her moody,” Inara said in more of a tone of reprimand to her sister as her gaze switched to the smaller blonde, “Chrys so help me… you know where Hannah is, tell her mom I sent you. And if I have to walk you there all the way myself young lady, I will put you back on-” Inara was cut off by the mumbles of an angry teenage girl as she trudged away.

“Keep your kicking monster on a leash.” Ikaris grumbled, standing upright again after rubbing his knee from the assault. “I’ll put my sister on a leash when I see you wearing one of your own.” Inara smiled sweetly, tying her hair into a ponytail as Enzo bit back a laugh. “Where are you headed in such a rush?” Enzo inquired, noting how adamant Inara seemed to be wanting to go somewhere. “Provision counting. Last minute switch, I was supposed to be on borders, but I suppose things can change on a whim.” The Archshaman shrugged, “Anyway, if you happen to come across anyone with a free set of hands, feel free to send them my way. I’d love the help. Otherwise, good day, Chaplain. And Ikaris.” Inara smiled, with Enzo returning it before the young woman briskly took her exit towards the provision center. The boys silently continued their walk afterwards -Ikaris faintly pouting now-, with Enzo’s actual destination being the designated training area, where he assumed he would find Ruina. If Ikaris was lucky, then Thaola would be nearby as well. It was a place Enzo usually didn’t frequent until the evening, really only liking the space when it was less crowded and quiet. Of course, he wouldn’t be the best Second in Command he could be if he weren’t taking on a handful of other Neophytes to at least specifically train, with his specialty being mentoring a select few in swordplay. Although the Chaplain has found that he’s often mentoring a few younger Archseer’s as well, so they have a better grasp on their abilities. Gods know it took Enzo years to not let it be overwhelming to the point he’d get splitting headaches from hours on end.

It could have very well been several hours, days perhaps? Savero’s never been very attentive to the passage of time, so he wouldn’t know for sure, but it’s been quite some time since his banishment period began. Execution would have been kinder. This, though, was not intended to be a kind punishment by any means. Surely the monsters he calls family, superiors even, wish for him to experience a miserable demise in the barren nothingness of the outskirts. Revenge is harder to accomplish from afar, but it was the burning desire to not go down until they go down that enabled him to live through this less than desirable present. The young man could even close his eyes for a short time out here, no, his untrustworthy mare would be walking circles in this vast land for hours if Sav weren’t guiding her. It’s more than likely why Sav was sent off with this horse though; she’s on her last leg of life anyway.

So what has the present gifted Savero thus far? Boiling rage, a grieving state of mind, sleep deprivation, a horse that isn’t all there, and what was left of his wine that he had been carefully rationing. What sanity would he have left without the substance that muted his pain inside and out? He certainly wasn’t drunk, he would have been in a better mood if he were, however he wasn’t exactly sober either. Although, as his green orbs fixated on the sights ahead of him, he allowed himself to blink as his gaze adjusted… only to make him question just exactly how in his right mind he was. Savero was absolutely confident he was gazing at different structures, and not just that, but the distant moving of people. Oh no, that’s not right. Impossible, isn’t it? Unless there were barbarics still roaming the lands, and if that were the case Savero certainly wished he had more than a dying horse and alcohol in his arsenal. It may have not been his best judgment call, but he didn’t halt his mare from proceeding forward either, despite the risks. Perhaps he was looking for a numbing, dangerous thrill. Or even the desire of a death wish at the hands of merciless barbaric monsters. It would take a monster to stop a monster.

A sharp whistle from what appeared to be an actual civilized settlement upon him getting closer spooked his coward of a mare, earning it to rear as Savero struggled with the reins. When it lowered, it only took a few weak bucking efforts to successfully displace the young man from the horse’s back. Hitting the ground in a way he was certain wasn’t as graceful as he would have preferred, Sav ultimately kept his eyes tightly closed as he laid on his back, listening to the fleeting sound of his mare so rudely deserting him. A mild concussion too? Right on universe, keep the hits coming. Savero’s thoughts sarcastically taunted. Reaching a hand up to touch his left temple, a trickle of a warm film covered his finger tips. Opening his eyes just to confirm the color of red that accompanied the film, Sav released a sigh that expelled a month's worth of pent up agitation and exhaustion. Turning his head at the vibration of footsteps on the earth, Savero only skeptically watched individuals move around in the near distance. They didn’t nearly look the way he imagined barbarians would look. Perhaps a sensible individual wouldn’t still be lying in a vulnerable position as potential enemies approached, and yet Savero was just waiting to release an unhinged laugh at yet another misfortune to meet him in the face. What would be the surprise here? They’re cannibals? They’ll start savagely stoning him to death?

Upon closer inspection though, abruptly the young man propped himself up on his elbows in alarm. One thing he knew for certain was that he was seeing individuals with two different colored eyes. Savero thoroughly eyed the few who did get closer, and still, the closer they got the more evident their blasphemous appearances were to him. Not possible. Drawing his legs in closer while sitting up, a threatening glare etched onto his face as he snarled at one of these things that came too close to him. “Take another step closer and there will be a fatal attraction between my foot and your ass.” Savero growled, while slowly -and consciously trying not to appear impaired- rising to his feet as he did so. If his mare were here he’d have something to concretely lean on, and yet that stupid steed went pathetically trotting off directly towards the settlement of these… well they were people. But Savero was looking at them like they were some of the most atrocious creatures he had ever bore witness to.

They certainly didn’t appear abundantly friendly, but they were assessing him just as much as he was assessing them. So naturally Savero was looking for his own lethal means to get rid of them. He may not possess a visible weapon, but he certainly had enough energy to lash out with his own abilities. What is it you’re waiting for? That previous whistle, was that a signal of some sort, for reinforcements perhaps? Savero’s gaze flickered behind them briefly in caution before settling back on the three individuals closest to him. “I demand you tell me what you are.” Savero stated firmly, as the three all shared more of an amused look, but said nothing. “Are you all without tongues? Or are you too incompetent to understand the words coming out of my mouth?” Two of the men separated to take a wider circle around Savero, to flank him as he observed. “Follow willingly outsider.” The individual still at his front said, to which Savero merely stood still and glared. “Or are you too incompetent to follow simple instructions?” The two colored eyed freak spoke again, smiling as his comrades snickered. Glancing to the two men behind him, Savero huffed before facing forward again and hesitantly began following the lead of this freak.

"Templar!"

A young woman turns around, shaking her head,"You know you don't have to call me that. Especially you two." Strolling towards the Neophyte leader were her two closest friends, Tarron and Thaola. Thaola grins,"It's your title right?" Ruina sighs,"It's my official title. And everyone knows I prefer being called Ruina, not Templar." Thaola's grin simply widens,"Alright." Tarron couldn't help the brief laugh,"Who are you training today?" Ruina answers,"Archshaman's. We're going to work on controlling our Chi." She'd start with the basics, and work her way up to the more complicated stuff. A lot of the Archshaman's could use a lot of work in just manipulating their own Chi's, much less someone else's.

Ruina notes how Thaola's gaze kept darting off to the side, no doubt looking for someone. "Are you looking for someone?" Thaola's gaze was quick to flash back to Ruina,"No. Just keeping an eye out on the surroundings." Ruina scoffs, shaking her head, what a lie. There was not much too watch for. The Neophyte rarely, if ever, got attacked at their base. It was always out on patrol or scavenging, never within their home. There were too many people for any predator to think about attacking. Ruina teases,"Oh, just admit it, your looking for--" Thaola swings a glare on Ruina,"Don't." Ruina laughs, she loved to tease the Archjusticar about Ikaris. Though none really knew what the two were, girlfriend and boyfriend or just... friends?

Speaking of boyfriend's, Ruina couldn't help but muse where her own was. No doubt with Ikaris, but still, where among Zilstead was Enzo? Unlike Ikaris and Thaola's relationship, Ruina had no issues knowing where her and Enzo's relationship stood. They were a powerful couple. She was Templar, and he was Chaplain. They were a good match for each other, and Ruina loved Enzo. No doubt he'd be heading this way soon, last Ruina checked, she believed he had some training of his own to teach. But, then again, there was no telling how that day would go. Plans were always made, but plans were not always carried out. That was just how it was for the Neophyte. Unpredictable days.

Ruina's eyes flicker sideways as a group of five enter the training arena. The Archshaman's of the Neophyte. All were coming along nicely with their abilities, but all could use help on the basics. There was Evgenia Pearson, Cole Atsma, Orah Treacy, Renato Dempsey, and Gabriel Daalmans. They were the adult Archshaman's, because there were plenty of young children. Ruina greets them all with a nod, beckoning them closer. "Come, let us began." The five exchange grins, they were all excited to learn whatever Ruina was about to teach them. Tarron and Thaola, having nothing else to do at that moment, settle down at the side. Content to watch, and maybe chime in.

Riden and Maebel was strolling through the streets of Zilstead, deep in conversation with each other. They were discussing a new variety of plants that had come in about a hundred yards from the edge of Zilstead. Neither had ever seen them before, and they needed to know if the plants were dangerous or safe. Especially so close to the community. Stray children could wander into it, and if it was dangerous, then the Neophyte needed to get rid of it. They found the best way to destroy the plants were to burn them, and then solidify the ground below it. Riden was actually suppose to be on guard, patrolling the edge. But, Maebel had stopped him, wanting to stop and discuss the plants.

Hell, Riden had already found someone to cover for him. He'd sent Zaiden Iwasaki in that direction. He didn't know how long it would take to discover a way to test the safety of the plants. The most common way was to just eat it or put it in contact with the skin. But would they dare risk the life of one of their own to do so? This was troubling... They had the antidote for pretty much every kind of poison and sickness that could be contradicted in Zilstead. However new plants meant new poisons and sicknesses. If they tested these new plants and they didn't have the antidote, someone could die. And that was not something either Riden or Maebel wanted on their plate. Regardless of if someone willingly volunteered themselves to test the plant.

"We must inform Ruina and Enzo." Riden agrees,"Indeed. Perhaps they will have a solution for us as well." Maebel comes to a halt, her lips pursed together,"Indeed. We'll have to inform everyone to stay far away from those plants." Riden nods,"And make sure every parent keeps their children close." That was true, a curious child was both good and bad. Curiosity was never a bad thing, but it was when it came to things that could be dangerous. Like the new plants. It would be oh so tragic if a child happened to wander in that direction and got tangled up in the plants. If they were harmless, then great. But Riden and Maebel did not want to test it, not yet at least, and especially not on a child. They would just have to hope that their Templar and Chaplain had a solution for them.

The two were about to turn and start looking for Ruina and Enzo when a whistle was sounded. Riden and Maebel exchange a glance, was something approaching? They hurry over to where they could just barely see Zaiden standing on the edge, staring across the barren land. "...Is that... A... Horse?" Maebel wonders in amazement. Riden frowns,"It seems to be... With someone on it's back." That caused alarm in the three, no one ever came to Zilstead. It was a place of punishment and banishment. That is where the Neophyte had been banished to all those years ago. It was hard to believe anyone would come to Zilstead. Even the Neophyte's spies never came all the way to Zilstead. Instead they met half way, or on the border of Ioana and Zilstead. So who was riding a horse directly toward their settlement? Well, who had been riding a horse. It seemed the horse had spooked and tossed it's rider, who was now lying on the barren ground.

Riden orders,"Zaiden, alert Enzo and Ruina. Inform the mothers to gather their children and go inside. And have everyone else be ready. We don't want to appear threatening, but we must not be caught off guard." Zaiden nods,"Of course." The archjusticar starts off back into the settlement, aiming to find Ruina and Enzo. "Iachin! Danielius! Audrea!" The three were quick to approach, and Riden gestures,"Go find out who approaches Zilstead. Bring them here. We'll take them to Ruina and Enzo, allow them to decide what will be done." Iachin nods, leading the way across the barren land towards the fallen man. While Riden and Maebel watch with worrisome looks. The appearance of a stranger would unsettle all of the Neophyte.

Riden and Maebel exchange another glance as the horse, a mare, approaches. It wasn't like they'd never seen horses before, they had a stable full of them. But this horse was different. It was bigger and more filled out. Zilstead horse's were lean and smaller, they didn't have as much meat on them because of how difficult it was to scavenge for food in the barren lands. So the sight of this horse was.... different for them. Neither made any move towards or away from the horse, simply returning their eyes on the fallen figure and their fellow Neophyte's. If they were going to be ambushed, at least the land was flat enough that they would see them coming. Which made Riden and Maebel believe that this was no ambush. But still... It was odd.

Not to mention, it seemed that the person had normal eyes. From where Maebel and Riden were standing, the eyes seemed green. Both of them. For the two, who had been born and raised in Zilstead where two different eye colors were the only thing, seeing someone with only one color, was disturbing. Sure they had heard the stories of those who lived within Ioana. But only the Council, Chaplain, and Templar had ever gotten close to Ioana. Only those seven were ever allowed to go meet the spies. Of course others were brought, but they were told to wait a few hundred yards back. Which none really minded, even if the beautiful land of Ioana was tempting. They never wanted to return to live under the rule of the Monarchy. The stories and legends painted the Monarchy and Government as horror stories. People to avoid, monsters and tyrants.

Ruina had just finished her lesson when Zaiden came running up. Her eyes sharpen,"Zaiden, what's wrong?" Tarron and Thaola were quick to move to their feet, noting the look in Zaiden's eyes. The archjusticar answers,"A stranger has approached our borders. He came upon a horse. And it is clear that he is from Ioana." Ruina's eyes flash with worry, a stranger from Ioana? What did that mean? Was it someone who had been banished? Someone who was running away from Ioana and it's cruelty? Someone who came on behalf of the Monarchy? Perhaps the Monarchy had decided to finish what they started years ago, and completely wipe out the Neophyte. Or perhaps they had come to offer the Neophyte a place in Ioana again. Ha, the last option was very unlikely. The Monarchy feared the Neophyte, and they would never bring them back within the borders of Ioana.

Ruina feared that the Neophyte would have to live in Zilstead forever. Zilstead had, of course, grown on Ruina. She loved it despite the harsh and dangerous conditions, but then again, she'd known nothing else. She'd been in Zilstead her entire life, and she expected to remain in Zilstead for the remainder of her life. After all, what could one class do against five? The Neophyte could not possibly defeat the Monarchy and the four other classes. Especially with how small and thin their numbers had become. No longer were there hundreds of Neophyte's, but rather less than fifty. They had little to no hope of defeating the Monarchy and those who lived beneath their rules.

Enzo's always been better at maintaining the flexible, and often changing, schedules among the Neophyte. The Chaplain has always been a bit more lax in terms of schedules, just as long as things that need to be done are completed, he wasn't abundantly worried. Besides, Ikaris was the most difficult to get to commit to duties. And even when he did, Ikaris has the beautiful skill of sassily accomplishing tasks. At least Enzo could count on Ikaris to spectate most of his training sessions, although Ikaris' inputs aren't always appreciated. Of course when Enzo is specifically working with other Archseer's, a quieter environment is necessary in focusing. The future is abrupt, not to mention a difficult thing to purposely peer into. Not even Enzo gets the luxury of choosing when or what he sees in terms of possibility, unless the few times he's touched someone and has seen varying future possibilities for them. Of course, even someone knowing their possibilities can change the future though.

The two boys approached the training area, with Enzo already smiling at seeing Ruina with her group of Archshaman's. The Chaplain restrains himself from teasing or flirting with Ruina too much in more public settings, more so to maintain a professional front. "Looking good over there." Enzo simply remarked as he passed by, sending a smile to Ruina as he did. Ikaris was quick to practically bound towards Thaola and Tarron's direction, the encounter of being previously assaulted completely forgotten. "Hey beautiful," Ikaris winked to Thaola with a smirk, then turning his gaze to Tarron to greet him, "hello not-so-beautiful." The Archbishop smiled. Enzo smiled in greeting to the two as well, though his eyes had switched to his own three Neophytes he was supposed to be working with that entered the area. "I'd love to hang around and chat, but duty calls. Babysit this one for me, will you?" Enzo smiled between Thaola and Tarron while giving a light pat to Ikaris' shoulder. Ikaris rolled his eyes, hardly amused, but any reason to be around Thaola is a good reason in his book. Although he wouldn't call this "babysitting".

Enzo did have to make a faster exit to meet his trio; Beniamin Spence, Jaynie McNamara, and it appeared he was graced with Council member Coburn Cloetin today. It wasn't uncommon for Enzo to train with the Council members, since each member also braved much closer to Ioana beside him and Ruina when necessary. His primary group of Archseer’s would train with their abilities in the evening, but Enzo was leading a defense lesson with swords currently, the Chaplain having already unsheathed the blade at his hip to begin. Of course, whenever Enzo and Ruina were spaced out and working with individuals separately, the Chaplain always made it a point to send a few winks and smirks Ruina’s way when he managed to catch her gaze. It was almost a game for Enzo, to time his subtle, flirty gestures perfectly.

A silence fell over Savero and the... others, accompanying him for his walk. Sav was only silent because he was feeling these people and the immediate area around him with his abilities. Neither of these three were sick, although Sav could sense there were a few smaller wounds on them. It would take too long to jump start an infection that would disrupt them, although if Savero's intent was to watch them suffer, it wouldn't be such a bad choice. Plant life wasn't as abundant here, although the ones that were in this area Savero was already tapping into, as well as the remains deep below ground of older plant life that had fallen victim to the outskirts long ago. Of course if he strained his focus he could revive or conjure plants to his side, and in hand at will, but that would require more energy than he wanted to channel. However, the individual leading him was wearing a small silver necklace. Metals are a thing of the natural world, and nature is Sav's domain after all.

Flicking his green orbs up and to the one in front, Savero reached out with his own energy to slightly tighten the necklace around this man's throat, to which he clearly noticed as a hand went up to adjust the jewelry. Savero dropped his hold on it though as they neared the two other individuals, maintaining a glare as he observed those who he was apparently being delivered to. "Do you have a name?" The man in front of him asked neutrally before they reached the other two individuals. "Bite me." Savero hissed, earning a head shake from the one leading him. You don't even know I can crush your windpipe with that dainty ware of silver around your neck. The young man briefly smiled to himself at that thought, which gave him a sense of control in a situation he did not otherwise have much control over.

"He's not exactly cooperative, although not threateningly hostile. For now." Iachin spoke lowly to Riden upon making it back to the Archbishop, before resuming a dutiful stance to the side. Savero stopped several feet from the two newest individuals, and his own gaze hardened as he observed their eyes. The older man, well Savero certainly didn't like the contrasting colors of his. Sav also didn't know what it meant, or why they possessed two different colored eyes to begin with. The female almost passed as normal, and yet she had one blue eye that just struck Sav as too odd to be normal. Abnormalities, there should exist no such thing. "Is this some kind of absurd coalition of abnormal freaks?" Savero asked snidely, shifting his weight more onto his right leg so he could properly stand without leaning too much one way or the other. "If so, I'm afraid this isn't my kind of club." A half smirk pulled at his lips, although not even he was sure what exactly his angle here was. To offend them enough they send him off? Sav wasn't sure he wanted these odd looking people's company anyway, so that wouldn't be the worst event to unfold.

Savero was certain he only looked mildly disheveled in appearance at least, give or take after being bucked by a horse. Judging from the general dressage of these people though, perhaps it was quite clear Savero hailed from a vastly different place. A red collared quarter sleeve button down snuggly fit him, paired with a red vest, although it looked more black considering the multitude of darker colored embroideries along the vest. Black, perfectly tailored pants garbed him as well, and lastly evidently fancier leather quality made black strap up boots came to a stop at his mid-shin. If I was to go out, I might as well have done so in style. So dressage wise, he was fine -void the faint scent of wine lingering on him-. However, the current slight head injury, and the exhaustion that had set into not only his eyes, but the discolored but mild bags beneath them, is what attributed to his less than perfect appearance.

Enzo had already sheathed the blade now on his hip as he circled the current sparring pair of Jaynie and Beniamin. His eyes did cast up though as he noticed a quick moving Neophyte approaching Ruina, and naturally the look on Zaiden's face compelled the Chaplain to dismiss himself as he approached the two. Ikaris stood as well at Zadien’s sudden approach, mildly intrigued, although concern failed to be expressed by the Archbishop. "A stranger has approached our borders. He came upon a horse. And it is clear that he is from Ioana." A thoughtful but concerned face washed over Enzo. The Chaplain had little optimistic ideas as to why a stranger from Ioana would be here. Banishment is always a possibility, but so was the Monarchy enacting some kind of scheme. Enzo has seen various possibilities of the Monarchy, one day, taking action against the Neophyte, but Enzo has also seen the possibility being reversed. And the Neophyte acting first. Of course Enzo can never see every detail, sometimes he's just given brief glimpses. And other times, just symbolic images.

Moving his gaze to Ruina, Enzo suppressed a blatant frown. "I doubt this stranger is of an abundance of concern to us," Enzo said, more to ease Ruina's worries he could see on her face, "but we'll still treat it delicately, as if there is to be a justifiable cause of worry." He added, to ensure he was making clear this wasn't something he was taking lightly. To have an individual from Ioana was odd to think about, and surely a nervous thought for other Neophytes. "So what are we thinking? A messenger from Ioana? Someone banished or seeking escape? It’d just be stupid for one guy to ride up and think he could start a fight." Ikaris said, making it known he wasn't really too worried about this. Then again, Ikaris doesn't worry himself with much anyway.

"A messenger... no, I can rule that out." Enzo said after going silent for a moment, but he was trying to open himself up mentally so Ikaris' input could feed the use of his ability. The Chaplain wasn’t getting much though in terms of outlooks currently, but for certain he knew it didn't look like an immediate threat, but some of Enzo's branches of visions suggested a threatening intent couldn’t be ruled out in the distant future either. "Racking our brains won’t do us well anyway Ikaris, it's a matter of seeing who we're dealing with in person." Enzo said, moving his eyes to Ruina to silently communicate how important it was for them to carefully assess this stranger. Which he assumed him and Ruina would already do, but this is probably one of the more important things they've had to do in some time. Someone coming directly into Zilstead was definitely different, but still, Enzo wouldn't jump to starkly negative conclusions about the individual until he had the opportunity to see them for himself.

Having attention pulled in several directions is something Enzo can easily understand, seems as how his is often as well. However, whether it be because he’s a great Second in Command, or an even better boyfriend, Enzo will often try to redirect certain matters that he knows he can address so Ruina isn’t always having layer upon layer of needs being thrown at her. Of course, Enzo is a very communicative Chaplain when it comes to certain matters, and more often than not he tells Ruina at a later time what he accomplished on his own so she’s in the loop. It wasn’t much help for either of them to not be on the same page, so communication in this way was something Enzo was always very good at keeping up with.

When it came to Ruina and teaching Chi, well Enzo knew what it was like to not want obnoxious interruptions when mentoring others with abilities. Quiet, and spacious, fun was okay though. Such as his smirks and winks. Plus, messing with Ruina while she was focusing on Chi at any time was a gamble for the Chaplain. Sometimes she ignored him, other times she messed with his own Chi just a little. It amused him though, and it would just result in him trying different flirting tactics. Behind closed doors he and Ruina really were a bit different relationship wise, but Enzo was happy with it, and he assumed Ruina was as well.

“Hey handsome.” Ikaris always took every little flirty comment to heart, which was evident in the way that it visibly fueled his ego. "Hi Ikaris." Yep, such a Tarron way to greet Ikaris. Eye rolls were a thing Ikaris probably got from every Neophyte, but he didn’t mind. Enzo only smiled and refrained from shaking his head at the smile Thaola had given him, but the Chaplain already knew where both hers and Ikaris’ focuses were; each other. "I'll do my best. With both of them." Enzo flashed an amused, but appreciative smile before he left. But out of all people, Enzo assumed an Archsage babysitting Ikaris is best for everyone. Just in case curbing his sudden temper tantrums is needed.

Savero had a very little regard for most individuals right now. Especially ones he didn’t know, or have a reason to think twice about in terms of harming. Everyone’s expendable. Him, them… look at us all, tip toeing at the approach of our differences. He mattered no more to them than they did him, he’s just not willing to pretend otherwise. The young man will smile to their face, but oh are his smiles a deadly strain. It was too tempting, more than he’d care to admit, to just lash out with everything in him at everyone around him. It’s been that way for months now though, several months. But these people? What reason was there for them to spare him, especially with the way him standing out could be taken as a threat. Sav wouldn’t act first however, not yet. He wouldn’t act rashly, not without knowing what they’re capable of, and how many of these things lived out here. Or unless he was pushed to act.

"Good. He should know better than to attack. There are too many of us for him to even think he could take down. Unless there are more?” Savero did strain his sight into reading this man’s lips, and yet only a few words he could intelligibly make out. Attack, many, take down. Are they worried about me, or should I be worried about them? Nothing about Sav said he was afraid, or teeming with pathetic uncertainty. Because he felt none of those. The older male didn’t respond to Sav, simply giving non-verbal shake of his head. Savero has a thing against people that stay quiet when he’s addressing them, people that quietly stand by, and observe. He had one of those people on his hit list. I wonder if any of you will make it onto that list. That’s all Sav was geared towards; striking people down out of a blinding, self-righteous karmic revenge. It’s all he wanted now, just to set his world right. And it did not seem to be getting accomplished here.

The only one that didn’t seem remotely threatening to Savero in any sense was the female that had held his gaze. And he noticed the mutual study between them, and yet he couldn’t help but to give a dangerous ghostly smile. I wonder, just how deep do those odd blue eyes of yours see into people? If anyone could see the kind of energy, the kind of darkness Savero harbored, he hoped it would make them afraid. And they should be. "Welcome to Zilstead." A welcoming? This certainly felt like no warm welcome, then again, Sav didn’t want one. "We may have different eye colors, but we're not so different from you. I assume you came from Ioana?" A low chuckle that reflected everything short of humor came from Savero in response. “I assure you it’s not even the matter of our eyes that make us so different,” Sav said, purposely ominously, “if you came up with that blatant assumption all by yourself though, I’d say you’ve earned a pat on the back from your strong and silent type friend right there.” Savero smiled, gesturing with his head to the older freak. Although he was being snarky about the obviousness from where he hails.

"Indeed. People from Ioana never travel here. To have such a stranger, it is odd." Enzo couldn’t disagree with that, no one could. This is certainly no tourist destination, which he had seen a possibility of Ikaris asking that, so Enzo already had a mild scowl ready to respond if that possibility did come to light. "Then the stranger is not here for a fight. Unless he has backup, and if he did, we would have spotted it. The land is too flat to plan an ambush. Besides, surely one of our Archseer's would have seen it." Ikaris looked at Enzo for confirmation, to which Enzo nodded in agreement with Thaola. Not he, or any Archseer would conceal the vision of an attack. Even if it was unlikely; if someone saw it, it was still a possibility. Of course, Enzo’s domain is the multitude of ever changing possibilities, but any other Archseer would have come forward if they envisioned harm to come. That, Enzo knew for sure.

"For Ioana to send a messenger? No doubt they would send more than one. Especially if Ioana feared their messenger getting attacked by savages, as they no doubt call us.” Even if this stranger was a messenger, there was the possibility the Monarchy would hope the Neophyte would attack out of spite. And yet if they didn’t, the Monarchy still controlled the narrative in Ioana. Their people would be told to believe savages killed a harmless messenger, while the Monarchy did themselves, and that would be enough to secure a firmer fear-filled trust into the inhabitants. And that… was a brief possibility Enzo saw. But now wasn’t the time to fear monger on the ‘what-ifs’. "Yes. We must go see this stranger." Enzo gives a firm nod, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword before he followed Ruina.

"Riden? Maebel?" Inara had just slipped into the crowd after she caught word of mother’s being told to bring their children in, and after she secured her sister’s safety, Inara found it best for a Council member to make their presence known. “Templar." Inara moved from the space she was standing to come around closer to where the Templar and Chaplain were, with her eyes briefly moving to Tarron. But as with all the Neophyte eyes, hers had moved again to the stranger with two green eyes, and an energy that made her uneasy. Enzo wouldn’t allow any kind of shock to reach his face, even if he felt it. He was in protective mode, for his people, and for the leader he loved approaching the man Enzo couldn’t yet get a solid vision on. Ikaris was more to the sidelines, of course in closer proximity to Thaola, but even the Archbishop had his eyes trained on the stranger.

Savero wasn’t very appreciative of a crowd, and yet his stance didn’t falter. Riden… Maebel. It’s better than freak one and two, and he noticed they addressed this new female as ‘Templar’. A name all of the entities around him seemed to respect, so did he gain the audience of the leader of the abominations? “Your a long way from home, Ioanian." Tilting his head in mild observation of the Templar, Savero already knew why she kept a distance enough to keep her gaze even. In his experience, not many people enjoy looking up to him, they think it gives him a sense of power over them, and in truth it does. However, watching someone consciously choose to not give him that kind of control… it humored him. In response, another smile graced his lips as he took a smaller step -the only kind of stable step he could- forward to test the waters with her and this group. Just as he thought, it was met with a threatening gesture; the sound of a sword being half drawn from its sheath. Ignoring it, Savero stilled and angled his head forward. “It would appear so.” Savero responded simply.

“You know of Ioana, and yet, I haven’t the faintest clue of what you are, who you are.” Savero stated, making clear he didn’t like the lack of information he had. And if he was speaking to a primary leader, Sav expected answers. Just as much as he expected to be retaliated against, which was evident enough from his gaze frequently switching to everyone in his line of vision occasionally. Which one would jump his back first? The ones closest to the Templar seemed more focused on protecting her, but which one of these people would take the opportunity to eliminate a potential threat first? Savero already knew what he would do if anyone tried to lay a harming hand on him; he’d try to kill their leader even if it meant his own demise. Even at that thought of going down so prematurely, Sav felt no fear, just anger… and fuck was he tired. However, he’s also too paranoid to let his guard down, especially now.

Enzo did finally get a glimpse of future possibilities with the stranger, some of which frightened Enzo, because he saw one that hurt Ruina more than he could bear to actually see. It was a fainter possibility, but one nonetheless. Every poorer possibility was all sparked by engaging in a confrontational manner with the stranger, and Enzo glanced to the faces closest to him and Ruina as he fully resheathed his sword. His message was that even a simple threat would spur more violence than intended. “Understand that no harm without justifiable pretense will come to you.” Enzo stated, directly to the stranger, who locked eyes with the Chaplain. Savero contemplated whether the brunette with a sword read his mind, or if Sav just happened to look that on edge. “Likewise.” Came the deadpan, chilling reply from Savero’s lips. That response was enough for Ikaris to narrow his eyes slightly, but he didn’t make it a point to open his mouth and test this weirdo. Even though he looks like shit. Which Ikaris restrained himself from poking at by biting his tongue.

Ruina appreciated that Enzo did as much as he could to take things off her plate, though she reassured him time and time again she could handle it. But, she truly did appreciate that he helped take things off her plate and help her not be so busy. She also did her best to include Enzo into every decision that needed to be made, but of course, sometimes she couldn't. She had plenty of decisions that she had to decide on alone, and some that she could share with Enzo and get his help. Being Templar was stressful, but she managed as best as she could. And of course, Enzo was a great help and a wonderful Chaplain. As well as a wonderful boyfriend and person. And Ruina wasn't just saying that cause she was dating him.

Since Ruina had mastered all the elements of Chi, she loved to mess with Enzo. Since he loved to tease her and flirt with her, she'd mess with his Chi. It was just a fun game that the two played. Of course, Ruina was incredibly careful when it came to messing with other people's Chi. She didn't want to accidentally mess it up. What could be done, could be undone, but it was better to just not mess up in general. Manipulating Chi was probably one of the most dangerous abilities a Neophyte could have. Along with future seeing. Between the two, they had to be taught with great care and precise instructions.

Maebel kept her gaze on the stranger, as a healer, she was worried about the wound on his forehead. Sure it wasn't too bad, but she still wanted to tend to it. If it was not tended too properly, it would get infected. And infected wounds were never great. They hurt like hell and they'd come back around to bite a second time. If it was a large infected wound, it could cause some major issues. Like if it was a large wound on the leg, and it became infected, the possibility of losing the leg became great. Of course, some healers could remove the infection, but even Maebel wasn't that good. Not with the supplies out in Zilstead. There wasn't enough for Maebel that she could use to properly treat an infected wound. So she did her best to catch them before they were infected.

Maebel's face remains calm despite the stranger's dangerous ghostly smile. Was he looking to scare or intimate them? It wasn't working. This stranger was surely no threat too them, not by himself. Futures were flashing through her mind though, about this stranger. Many made her uneasy, and yet, just as many made her relax. She couldn't help but wonder which future would become true. "I assure you, it's not even the matter of our eyes that make us so different, if you came up with that blatant assumption all by yourself though, I'd say you've earned a pat on the back from your strong and silent type friend right there." Was he calling her stupid? Was he implying that because they had two eye colors that they were not smart?

A ghost of a cold smile flickers across Riden's face,"We're not stupid, stranger. We know where you come from, and what you are." We just don't know why your here. Maebel sends a side glance at Riden, clearly they were thinking the same thing. And yet, this stranger was not being very... polite? He was very rude, and Maebel did not like rude people. If her healer side wasn't so desperate to care for the wound, she probably would have turned and left by now. Screw outsiders, the Neophyte were doing just fine on their own. Hell, they didn't visit the spies as much. Unless there was information to be gained. The Neophyte had done well to survive in Zilstead, and it was a fact most Neophyte were very proud of.

The Neophyte had named the outskirts Zilstead when they had been kicked out. They had gotten tired of calling it the outskirts, or barren lands. And so the land was named Zilstead. But it was not a place where many people would want to travel. It was barren and empty, and living conditions were harsh. Living in such a place had cut their numbers from over a hundred to less than forty. They were doing well for now, but, Zilstead was still no place people would want to come to, willingly. That is why it bugged Ruina so much that there was a stranger. No outside had came to Zilstead since the Neophyte had settled down in the barren lands and made it their home.

Why did the Monarchy fear the Neophyte so much? They were just another class. The Monarchy surely had more power than the Neophyte, with their ability to control dark and light, so why did the Monarchy fear the Neophyte? Did the two abilities that the Neophyte could wield truly make the Monarchy fear them so? So much to banish them to the worst conditions. If anything, the Monarchy were more monsters and savages than the Neophyte. From the stories, Neophyte's were just a class of people just wanting to live. The Monarchy had always been corrupt hadn't it? Power was a corrupt thing, and anyone who had it, well...

Tarron just barely caught sight of Inara, but he stayed where he was, close behind Ruina. If the stranger dared tried to do anything, he would be there to cut the stranger off. Besides, like pretty much every Neophyte there, he had his blade at his side. Ruina refused to show any kind of emotion as she approached the stranger. They had the upper hand, and even if this stranger had the ability to wield Earth, he surely stood no chance against them. Many also had the ability to control the Earth. The only emotion that was evoked looking at this stranger was worry, what did he want? And yet, those disorienting eyes stayed calm and authority. Even when the stranger tilted his head to study her, she remained calm. Though when the stranger took a step forward, well that caused a reaction.

Behind Ruina she heard Enzo move forward, the sound of his sword coming halfway out of the hilt. Ruina's hand almost flashed to her own sword, but she managed to keep it still. "It would appear so." Ruina shoots a glance at Enzo, a small smile flickering across her face before she looks back at the stranger, her gaze hardening slightly. Tarron and Thaola too had moved forward, their eyes narrowing. Riden and Maebel made no move, but their own eyes had hardened. The Neophyte were very protective of each other, and the idea of harm coming upon any of them was not a liked idea by any. In fact, it was probably a very stupid idea for the stranger to even move forward. Ruina, throughout it all, refused to move at all. Let him step closer, then he'd feel the power of her Chi manipulation.

"You know of Ioana, and yet, I haven't the faintest clue of what you are, who you are." A faint smile flickers across her face, and Ruina answers. "We are the Neophyte. The Seventh Class of Ioana. Wrongly banished to these barren lands to slowly die and fade away." It was clear that the Neophyte were long forgotten by the inhabitants of Ioana, exactly what the Government wanted. "I am Ruina, the Templar of the Neophyte." It was her job to protect and guide the Neophyte, that was what she had been appointed to do. And while she'd done her best, she never did feel like she was a good Templar. Would the stranger introduce himself? He seemed rude, and Ruina was not a big fan of rude people.

Meanwhile, Maebel was staring at the stranger. Specifically the drying blood, she wanted to heal him, that was what she did. No matter who it was, she was a healer. Yet, not one to be disrespectful, she kept quiet. Not interrupting her Templar. She would get her chance to tend to him later, as long as he didn't get anything in the open wound, it would be fine. In fact, Maebel had just made up some fresh poultices that would clean up and heal that wound nicely. Too bad none of the Neophyte's abilities included healing. That would be helpful, especially living in Zilstead where danger was around every corner.

Ruina hears the sound of Enzo's sword sliding back into his sheath, and yet, she keeps her eyes fixed on the stranger. Up until Enzo started speaking, of which, Ruina turns her head slightly to glance at Enzo. "Understand that no harm without justifiable pretense will come to you." Ruina inclines her head, agreeing with her Chaplain. Unless provoked, none of the Neophyte would attack the stranger. Or unless Ruina ordered it, and she would not order it unless it was needed. "Likewise." Ruina continues,"What are you doing so far from home? It is not like Ioanaian's to be so far from Ioana. Especially if the destination is Zilstead." There was a reason that no one ever lived in Zilstead before the Neophyte.