Enzo was always so adamant to shift the weight of demand mostly because he knew Ruina was relentless in helping their fellow Neophyte. A quality he both loved, and worried over. Sometimes Enzo feared Ruina could inadvertently work herself to the bone trying to balance both her Templar duties, usual Neophyte duties, all the while helping each and everyone she could, on top of her making sure those closest to her were taken care of. Again, a quality he couldn’t help but to love just as much as he worried. So whenever the opportunity presented itself, he did what he could to lift some of the weight from her. To be surrounded by someone so dedicated, diligent, and all the while being kind and loving were all qualities Enzo fell in love with, and qualities he was sure the entirety of the Neophyte loved as well. There’s a reason she’s such a young Templar, and that Enzo believed was because she was everything the Neophyte needed, and more.

Enzo would probably never fully understand the precise working of Chi, but then again, he was sure other Neophyte’s would say the same about Clairvoyance. They weren’t exactly things easy to express through words if one didn’t fully understand the feeling, so everyone at least knew enough of each other’s abilities to have a grasp on what they’re capable of. The possibilities with Clairvoyance were great, and so far they all pertained to the future. However, Enzo did see the possibility of a younger Archseer getting a second sight that would differentiate them from the rest of the Seer’s; and that was one that may be able to see the past. Not change or tamper it just see it. Which of course intrigued Enzo enough to keep an eye on the children with a galaxy patterned eye, just in case that possibility would be one he would get to witness in his lifetime.

Savero had grown very used to being observed, watched, and stared at for most of his life. He had been quite the active and outspoken prince, even at a young age, which gathered many different types of attention. Support, criticism -from those he didn’t openly agree with-, and even adoration. Perhaps his prominent public preachings of change needing to be a necessary implementation into Ioana made it much easier to believe he conspired to commit regicide. Which of course he did, but not for the reason his family and the Government said he did. Jealousy they said, Savero was selfish, wanted a play at more power. Anyone who knew Savero would know he wasn’t interested in power though, or ruling in any way. He just didn’t like who currently was in charge; family or not. Pure intentions had disastrous consequences though, obviously.

Of course, Sav did desire to be feared now to a point, to avoid being moved against. It’s worked for his parents for how long? Why is it such a bad thing for him to want to be respected enough to not be trifled with? And yet, a year and a half ago, he would have approached this situation much differently than he was now. “We're not stupid, stranger. We know where you come from, and what you are.” Savero moved his gaze from the female to the older male, reciprocating that smile. “I’m flattered you think I’m worth addressing now.” Savero remarked snarkily, disregarding what the man actually said, but rather pointing out he was pleased to have been worth being spoken to. Savero only found it obvious he came from Ioana because he was not knowledgeable of any other places beyond it, let alone this one. Were there other misfit colonies? How did this one go unnoticed by his father, someone so careful about knowing everything? Unless the higher ups were solely focused on what was happening in Ioana that they failed to look beyond its borders. Still… Sav thought it odd.

As far as Savero knew his parents, even the Government, feared nothing. And that they had nothing to fear. They struck fear-based loyalty into the denizens of Ioana however. Wasn’t that made clear enough by Violetta’s public execution? The Monarchy made a point to show what was done to traitors, or anyone who wanted differently than what the Monarchy and Government were providing. They made it clear even their own blood was not exempt from punishment, Sav was living that now. Especially after the formal disowning ceremony, which was just humiliating, so technically he wasn’t even recognized as a son of the Monarchy anymore. The Monarchy truly were the monsters they were painted out to be, and yet Savero had aspired to be the apple that fell far from the family tree. Now, he realized he had to just be the most poisonous apple in the entire bunch to win. So Savero was fighting fire with fire at its finest.

Inara only stayed as a mild barrier between the company of her Templar, and the spectating Neophyte’s. She was sure her fellow Council members were near, as it was important for them all to witness this as well. After all, they couldn’t counsel well if they weren’t seeing for themselves such an important moment. The woman always had her knives on her, and yet it was her abilities that would be most effective in the event things soured. However, she had little doubt that between the Templar, Chaplain, and every other Neophyte wouldn’t jump to stop one person. Although, she did look outward from time to time just to ensure there were no other visible movements at the horizon.

One thing Savero had noticed was that at least one of everyone’s eyes were the colors he was familiar with, such as the ones of workers and more average citizens. So what did the varying second colors mean? Were their usual abilities strengthened? The only reason Savero knew he had such a better grasp on his own was because he was from a line more powerful than the average Ioanians, and even then he didn’t have the power of the Government or his parents. While Sav’s eyes did briefly move to everyone that had visibly reacted to his step forward, the young man’s attention was still on the Templar. He was primarily stripped of the fear of being outnumbered, it was only the odd eyes that made him hesitant to do anything more. "We are the Neophyte. The Seventh Class of Ioana. Wrongly banished to these barren lands to slowly die and fade away." The faint furrow of his brows said enough that not only was this ‘Seventh Class’ a term that didn’t register to him, but that he’s never heard of such a thing. Wrongly banished though… they might have that in common. “I am Ruina, the Templar of the Neophyte.”

Now, Savero’s height allowed him an easy vantage of sweeping his gaze over the faces here… coming to the conclusion that she was a leader of fewer individuals than he had anticipated. Judging from their primary living spaces as well, this was a seemingly small class. Did they expect Sav to introduce himself now? Enzo certainly didn’t expect it, and it wasn’t even his Archseer ability that led him to jump to the conclusion that the stranger would. “And such a pleasure this is Ruina, Templar of the Neophyte.” Savero spoke with mild sarcasm. “I am Savero, the Ioanian unfortunate enough to be here.” He said, although the ring of ‘The former prince Savero MacRae, convicted attempter of regicide’ just didn’t sound all too pleasant. So his sarcastic answer was the most viable option of an introduction to him. Enzo however was internally surprised the stranger said anything at all, but a name was better than nothing. Even if it was accompanied by tasteless sarcasm.

"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.” Savero was quick to drop his smile and faintly sneer. “This place is not my intended destination, several moments ago I didn’t even know you outskirt dwellers existed.” If Savero had known he’d be stumbling across a people he knew nothing about, he would have steered clear. Barbaric people with one eye color he could have tolerated. This? He didn’t like it. “I am not so far from home by my own wishes, but banishment left me with little choice.” Savero said, relenting himself from speaking further with a clench of his jaw. Flicking his gaze to the ground, Savero only looked up towards the direction of the next individual to speak. “And what is it, Savero, that was the pretense of your banishment?” Inara questioned from where she stood with a firm gaze on the young man. She would assume her superiors would find it helpful to know why Ioana didn’t want him though, if banishment was truly why he was so far from home.

Enzo would have asked the same question, so he glanced to Ruina before looking back to Savero. Who by no means looked like he wanted to answer that question. Ikaris naturally assumed it was because Savero was a jerk, and if Ioana is just going to throw their garbage into the outskirts, the Archbishop was half tempted to suggest they throw their outcast garbage back to them. Enzo was only trying to see if he could glimpse what Savero would say, or potentially do next. However, most of what he saw was Savero lengthily drawing out silence. Which is exactly what he was doing now. “I was banished because I was willing to commit a necessary evil for the greater good of Ioana.” Savero finally uttered, much quieter than he had been previously speaking, but loud enough to be clearly heard.

A sudden overly defensive ripple of anger crossed Sav’s face though as his gaze scanned the Neophyte people before coldly settling on Ruina. “If it’s an interrogation you’re all after to ensure the safety of yourself and people, then I’ll save us all some time. I was the only one willing to even attempt the dirty deed of killing off the Monarchy of Ioana, I would have gone for the entire Government next. In the name of justice to overthrow tyrannical monsters, I was willing to kill the Monarchy and their loyalist Government. Obviously I failed, and it cost me everything.” Savero spoke in a strained but pained rage, briefly glaring at Inara, and once more his flaming green eyes were back on Ruina. “So do with that information as you will, Templar.” Savero added, basically saying if she was going to pass a judgment of him, he wanted it now. And that information from what he could see drew up a variety of subtly different expressions than before from the Neophyte. And Savero would still not make clear yet that he was related to the tyrants in any way... not until he deemed it necessary.

Admittedly Enzo was carefully thinking over the information given, as well as the possibilities he was now seeing. Savero was more likely to gradually simmer, but he was also capable of flying into an erratic rage. The man from Ioana before Enzo just reminded him of an angry wounded animal though, but judging from Savero’s behavior, the wound bothering him wasn’t the one his head had. It was something deeper, but Enzo did not see a possibility of which he would be learning what that wound was. However, he did see that most likely Maibel would be getting to have her own moment treating Savero’s visible wound. The Chaplain glanced to his fellow Archseer, wondering if she saw that as the most likely scenario as well, although he had already noticed Maibel having had her eyes trained on the wound. With the future possibilities all in mind, Enzo leaned closer to Ruina to whisper. “Your call, but ultimately I see a probationary stay as the most likely outcome.” Enzo said before moving back to stand in his former place. Watching Savero closely but allowing him to stay until he did something worth having his stay revoked was what Enzo foresaw, but in all, it was Ruina who determined Savero’s current fate with the Neophytes in Zilstead.

Ruina would do anything and everything for the Neophyte. They were her friends, her family, and she loved them all dearly. Of course her love for Enzo was different, but her love for him was probably stronger. He was her perfect other half. They completed each other, which is why when he took duties and demands off her plates, she was never worried. In fact, Ruina was very grateful that he did such a thing. And she thanked him in her own ways, leaving him little gifts everywhere. Spending as much time as she could with him. Helping him as much as she could. She did her best to balance out her personal life and her Templar life, but she did try to not mix it. She felt as if the two should stay separate, even if they were a small community where anything could happen at any moment.

Each and every ability that the Neophyte's wielded. Atmokenesis, empathy/apathy, zoolingualism, Chi manipulation, and Clairvoyance. They were all different and complicated in their own ways. Ruina respected each one, knowing that each one was hard to learn and control. And if one lost control of any of those abilities, it could cause havoc. However, Ruina would admit that Atmokenesis, Chi manipulation, and Clairvoyance were probably the hardest ones to master. Chi manipulation required absolute confidence and the ability to remain calm in any situation. Atmokenesis also relied on emotions, while Clairvoyance... Well, there were so many types. One type could even physically change the future, though none like that had been born in generations. The likelihood of a future changing Archseer being born was rare to impossible.

The Neophyte were only so interested and curious about the stranger because they had never seen anyone with one eye color. Sure stories and myths had been passed around, but they were called myths for a reason. Myths weren't suppose to be real. It had been so long since the Neophyte had been banished that no one remembered what any of the other classes looked like, in terms of eye color. They had just gotten so use to two eye colors, it was natural. Something about this stranger was different though, Ruina's gut told her to watch out for this stranger, and yet... She didn't understand why. She was no Archsage, and yet, the aura she was getting off of this stranger made her uncomfortable. Though she was telling herself that it was because she'd never seen anyone like him before.

Did the Neophyte fear the stranger? Most likely not. They were just curious and probably worried about the situation. No doubt the mothers were flipping out, and the children were staying quiet and hidden. "I'm flattered you think I'm worth addressing now." Riden was usually calm, but he had something to say back this time. However, Maebel lays a hand down on Riden's arm, muttering,"Riden." The male sighs, Maebel was right. It wasn't worth it. Riden was one that didn't talk unless it was needed, hence the reason he hadn't said anything to the stranger up until that point. But, of course, the stranger didn't need to know that. Riden wasn't going to tell him that.

Without a doubt the entirety of the Neophyte were gathered. Except for the mothers and children, who were ordered to go inside and stay hidden until otherwise ordered. That had been a good call on Riden's part, and Ruina was glad that the Archbishop had thought of that. Because even if the stranger was harmless, the children would be curious and ignorantly obnoxious. Which was usually tolerable and sometimes cute, however, in such a situation. It was unneeded, and without a doubt would have become quickly annoying. Would it have prompted an action from the stranger? Ruina had no idea, but she was not willing to find out. Not in any way. Just like Inara, Tarron and Thaola's eyes were moving from Ruina and the stranger too the surroundings. Better safe then sorry.

Would the Neophyte's elemental powers be more powerful then this stranger's? Did he have better power over his element because both eyes were green? Did their mismatched eyes make them weaker in the elemental control? That was something none of the Neophyte could answer, after all, it had been years since they'd been within Ioana. They knew their other eye color made them powerful in their new, different abilities. Which of course, like anything, had to be mastered and controlled. But they were definitely more powerful in their different abilities. Not the elemental ones. Those were the ones that were not practiced or worked on as much. Which was both bad and good. The brief eyebrow furrow told Ruina that her thoughts were true. The Seventh Class had long been forgotten by Ioana. No one knew about the Neophyte, they were forgotten. Nothing.

Ruina watches closely as the stranger's eyes sweep the crowd. What was he doing? Simply observing? Or was he planning something? Would it be something that would alert her Archseers? Or would it fly under the radar? There were some things that even her best Archseers couldn't catch, but that was just how it was for every ability. Surely nothing would happen, right? "And such a pleasure this is Ruina, Templar of the Neophyte." Ruina responded with a thin smile. "I am Savero, the Ioanian unfortunate enough to be here." Ruina couldn't disagree, Zilstead was a hell hole. No one would willing come here. But now the green-eyed stranger had a name. They wouldn't have to keep calling him stranger. Well, they hadn't actually called him stranger to his face. But it was better they had the name.

"This place is not my intended destination, several moments ago I didn't even know you outskirt dwellers existed." Fair point. No Ioanian knew about the Neophyte. To find the Seventh Class was to stumble upon them, quite like Savero had done. "I am not so far from home by my own wishes, but banishment left me with little choice." Ruina simply inclines her head, that explained a lot. Why an Ionaian would be so far from Ioana. Though from the looks of it, the reason for banishment was not a very nice topic for Savero. "And what is it, Savero, that was the pretense of your banishment." Ruina nods, that was a good question. Was a murderer standing before them? Ruina was open to welcoming Savero into the Neophyte, briefly, but not if he was a murderer.

However, Savero did not look like he wanted to answer the question. Which put Ruina on edge slightly, what had he done? She needed to know, it would help her make her decision on what the Neophyte would do with Savero. Either allow him to stay, preferably only briefly, or send him on his way with his horse and some supplies. Ruina was about to open her mouth and press for an answer when Savero finally spoke. "I was banished because I was willing to commit a necessary evil for the greater good of Ioana." Necessary evil? That sent a murmur through the crowd, and a frown flickers across Ruina's face. What did Savero consider necessary evil? Was it murder? She would not accept a murderer within her home. And if it was for the greater good of Ioana, well, what did he consider greater good?

"If it's an interrogation you're all after to ensure the safety of yourself and people, then I'll save us all some time. I was the only one willing to even attempt the dirty deed of killing off the Monarchy of Ioana, I would have gone for the entire Government next. In the name of justice to overthrow tyrannical monsters, I was willing to kill the Monarchy and their loyalist Government. Obviously I failed, and it costed me everything." A whole load of emotions flicker through Ruina, however none ever crossed her face. He tried to kill the Monarchy and Government? "So do with that information as you will, Templar." Oh, she would. She would now pass judgment on Savero. Holding a personal grudge against the Monarchy for throwing out the Neophyte, Ruina saw no issue with what Savero tried to do. Except for he tried to do it alone, apparently.

Ruina glances sideways at the two closest Archseer's, Enzo and Maebel. Both looked deep in thought and Maebel finally meets the Templar's eyes. "Pass your judgment, Templar. But I do insist that the wound be treated before the judgment is carried out." Ruina nods, Maebel was a healer, the Templar would not deny her healer the opportunity to heal. Maebel, however, did not look overly worried about the futures she had seen of Savero. "Your call, but ultimately I see a probationary stay as the most likely outcome." Ruina nods. None of the other Archseer's looked worried either. So probationary stay would be offered. Savero could stay for a while, and then after a few weeks, another judgment would be passed about permanent residence in Zilstead.

"If you'd like, Savero, you are welcome to stay here for a few weeks. If you decide you like it, and we decide that you are of no threat to us, then you may stay permanently." Maebel clears her throat, and Ruina continues a brief smile flickering across her face. "Regardless of your decision to stay or go, my healer will tend to you. And even if you say no, she will tend to you. She's quite stubborn." A ghost of a smile dances across Maebel's face, that was no lie. She was incredibly stubborn.

Between all of the Neophytes, Enzo was certain the love of community they all had for each other was what bound them so tightly. They were all in the same rough situation; outcasted and forgotten. And yet have survived through love, comradery, and community. Ruina often reminded Enzo how much love was capable of conquering. She never had to directly say anything, but just watching everything she did as Templar as well as what she did as his other half… she made Enzo a stronger, better person. He supposed that’s one of the ways you know you’ve found real love. When the one you’re with makes you want to be the very best possible version of yourself.

Above all of the Neophyte’s abilities, Enzo was probably most envious of zoolingualism. Ikaris says some animals have accents, and who wouldn’t want to hear that for themselves? Then again, Ikaris also says there is no horror like the one when he accidentally steps on a bug or swats at one… the final, tiny scream is not something Ikaris enjoys hearing when he manages to tune into that sound. So maybe Enzo was lucky, but still, it must be quite the experience to communicate with creatures of the land. Enzo loved his own ability, although as he assumed all abilities came with, it just had its down sides. It’s quite easy to overthink and grow paranoid of some future possibilities, especially because he knew he would have little to no influence over most outcomes no matter what he did. Or worse, try to intervene with a bad possibility and his intervention is what led it to actually happen.

Savero had his green gaze trained on the older male, anticipating him to speak. Probably something Sav wouldn’t have wanted to hear, especially not in his more or less debatable delicate state. “Riden." Instead, the odd blue eyed one intervened. It was mildly disappointing to Savero, but more than likely for the best. Sav didn’t quite have anything particularly nice to say to anyone, his mare could have attested to that. And that pitiful horse didn’t have enough life left in it to carry him again should he be sent off by these people, Savero knew this, he could sense it. He had no control over death, or when something would die. Not unless it involved disease of some kind, which he couldn’t quite heal, but Sav can mute disease long enough to give a body's immune system the time to heal itself. Or, Savero can progress disease and infections to a fast paced lethal severity.

It had already been noticed by Savero that there was a lack of children, but it wasn’t unwelcome. Children are annoying entities to Savero. They cry, make high pitched noises, ask too many questions, are riddled with filth, and have no shame in being burdensome pests. Savero keeps a distance from children simply because he doesn’t have the patience or an abundance of empathy in order to tolerate them. Not even when he was a much warmer individual did he find the appeal of children, but he's never felt inclined to be abundantly caring or otherwise thoughtful of them. So more than likely, he would have not reacted well to a curious child. Let alone several children who struggle with volume control.

Savero would shamelessly gloat on how far he’s come to strictly labor himself into having the great grasp over his element he did now. It was required as a child for he and his siblings to dedicate most of their time to strengthening their abilities to at least greatly outshine the mages. As per the Monarchy’s obsession with a face of possessing great power, naturally they wanted their children to reflect greater power as well. And so, each Sentinel was the strongest of Archmages in Ioana. Of course, each had their specialties within their elements. Such as Savero’s with plants, and oh the things he can do in that realm is quite amazing. There are many things Sav is capable of though, especially if he is focused on wielding multiple aspects of what he can do at once. However, even then if he pushes his limits, there are always consequences for himself, and potentially anyone in closer proximity.

Enzo truly wished he could see every possibility of the future simultaneously, but that’s not always how it worked. The Chaplain could influence some of the things he wanted to view outcomes for, but more often than not, he just had to ride out whatever visions he was presented with. As what he did teach other Archseers, sometimes the best thing they can do is embrace what they can’t control, because the future was certainly one of those things that was always guaranteed to change, no matter what they see and how hard they try to view it. For now though, most of the possibilities Enzo was seeing were fairly docile. Mostly.

Ruina’s reaction to what Savero had first responded with, as well as the murmur of the crowd, were things Savero somewhat expected. Based on what he shared, they had every right to assume he had blood on his hands. He did, in his own eyes. Full heartedly Savero believed he was no less guilty in Violetta’s murder than his family. He trusted his eldest sister, that was his first mistake. Then he got Violetta to trust in his and Allyn’s plan, the second mistake. The worst part is that Violetta took the blame, willingly, to save him. And that made Sav feel a guilt like no other. Violetta is the only reason he’s alive, and yet he was so less deserving of life than she was. The last thing she ever saw of him was Savero on his knees, crying and pleading to be in her place. And she smiled at him, just before her end; she smiled. One that meant, ‘it’ll be okay’. In her absolute worst moment she found the will to smile to reassure him. Clearly, she didn’t know the path he would be so devoted to take, the one that would drench him in blood. Either he would kill everyone he intended to, or he would die trying. And there was no path of his future that would not lead to bloodshed, it was just a matter of when and whose.

"Pass your judgment, Templar. But I do insist that the wound be treated before the judgment is carried out." Savero moved his gaze from Ruina to Maebel, but instead of a frigid stare, he looked at her with evident mistrust and skepticism. Why should he believe a stranger had it in their best intentions to help him? And even if Maebel did, well Sav did not know how advanced her capabilities as a healer were. She could make his wound worse, albeit he could control his own infections should it come to that, so it wouldn’t even affect him. However, he just didn’t like the idea of letting a potential enemy get that close. And that's how Savero still saw them all; enemies waiting for the chance to catch him off guard to hurt him.

"If you'd like, Savero, you are welcome to stay here for a few weeks. If you decide you like it, and we decide that you are of no threat to us, then you may stay permanently." Now that Savero couldn’t help but to give a mild expression of disgust at. Savero would never like a place like this, so it would be a matter of whether he could tolerate it for long or not. “My stay will be temporary, that I can promise.” Savero didn't know how or when he’d get himself back into Ioana, but he would finish what he started there. “Regardless of your decision to stay or go, my healer will tend to you. And even if you say no, she will tend to you. She's quite stubborn." From the Templar, Savero looked back to Maebel, no relent from the mistrust reflecting in his eyes. Everything about him physically said he wasn’t open to accepting someone getting so close to him, and yet even he knew he’s burning through a lot of his own stubborn energy to defy his exhaustion and hyperfixate on his vengeance. So he had little stubbornness of his own to spare.

“Fine.” Came the displeased growl of acceptance. Before he did move, he cast a glower to Ruina. “Am I free to move, or will weapons be drawn?” Specifically glaring at the individual's closest to Ruina, Sav kept a distance as he took slow paced steps forward, gesturing with a few snobbish flicks of his wrist in Maebel’s direction. “Come on healer girl, you have a duty to carry out.” Savero did pause in his steps, looking away from the other Neophyte’s and to Maebel… as he came to the brief realization he had no idea where he should be going. Nonetheless, Maebel was more or less a servant in Savero’s eyes at the moment. And one that would most likely receive an earful of many varying complaints.

Enzo had to reel in a patient sigh as he watched Savero, but already he was imagining this outsider would be in his own right a handful. Maybe two handfuls. Which is impressive considering he would be rivaling Ikaris’ ability to be a nuisance. The battle of the nuisances, this should be awful. “I already feel tired tomorrow.” Enzo mumbled, but how was he supposed to sleep or function with ease knowing someone who didn’t seem very trustworthy would be living among his people? Ikaris certainly had been watching Savero with a glare, and once he deemed the tension had lowered a little, he walked closer to be near Thaola. “The bigger they are, the harder they fall, right? I say if he’s a problem we solve it the short-people way; take the giant out at the knees.” Ikaris smiled, but as a smaller opponent height wise to most other men he’s trained with, he’s always found the knees to be a weakness. Like how Chryseis kicked his knee… he shouldn’t have taught her that. “Yes, if push comes to shove, the first thing we’ll go for are his knees.” Enzo retorted quietly, but sarcastically as he shook his head. The Chaplain wasn’t sure he was comfortable with removing his watchful eye from Savero though, just in case, so primarily he was focused on watching. Although he had moved closer to Ruina as a subtle form of protection.

Ruina loved Enzo with her whole heart and was incredibly thankful for him. She knew that she would not be the same person if they had never ended up together. She highly doubted that she would be a cruel and not so kind person, after all she was raised by Riden, but she definitely wouldn't be the same kind of person she was. And though her Templar duties could get incredibly stressful, she always turned towards Enzo for help or to just to go do something that would help her relax. Ruina would admit it to anyone and everyone, that Enzo was her everything.

One of the Neophyte's abilities that confused Ruina was Atmokenesis. Which according to Thaola was based almost completely on emotions. Emotions played the biggest part of controlling Atmokenesis. However once the emotions were controlled, summoning and controlling Atmokenesis became very easy. In fact, Thaola claimed she could make it pour on Zilstead if she wanted. However, didn't see how that would really help. The few rains that had been brought upon Zilstead hadn't done much help. As for Ruina's own abilities, that relied on emotions as well. Allowing emotions to get the better of an Archshaman meant pain for themselves, others, or both. Which is why Ruina made it very clear that no Archshaman was to use their abilities outside of training unless it was absolutely necessary or if Ruina knew that the Archshaman had complete control.

Children were the heart of Zilstead, they were loved and adored by all. Avoided by some, yes, but still loved. There wasn't much any Neophyte wouldn't do for the children. They were the Neophyte's future, and most all of them were incredibly well behaved. Of course, there were some who were brats, but their parents kept them pretty well in line. Meaning the only time that the children were really brats was when they were out of sight and hearing of their parents. Ruina herself did not exactly go out of her way to hang out with children, but did not completely avoid them. Tarron and Thaola were more on the avoiding side, only communicating and dealing with children if they had to. Riden and Maebel, however, adored children and loved to be around them. Often finding themselves babysitting.

The only reason Ruina wasn't turning away Savero was because none of her Archseer's had stepped forward. They could see the future, and different types as well. And yet, none stepped forward. Did that mean Savero was to be trusted? Would he betray the Neophyte in any way? Would he endanger them? Would he become one of them? Well, obviously minus the different eye colors. Ruina knew that she would be on edge while Savero was there, until he proved himself to be trustworthy. If Savero even cared about doing that, he didn't seem to like the Neophyte in anyway. Which, Ruina didn't completely blame him. They were different, and forgotten. To stumble upon a forgotten Seventh Class with eye colors never seen in Ioana since the banishment? That would no doubt put someone on edge.

Ruina would give Savero the benefit of the doubt. She did not blame him for wanting to kill the Monarchy. The Templar held her own grudge against them. Her people were struggling and shrinking because of the Monarchy's cruelty that forced them to the outskirts. To the land they now called home. But why had Savero wanted to kill the Monarchy? The other classes were treated fairly well under their rule, from what they knew from their spies. So, what had spurred Savero into rebelling against the Monarchy? Ruina was well aware of the rebellion against the Monarchy, but the actual overthrowing of the Monarchy was still in planning. Ruina's contacts within Ioana informed her they weren't ready to retaliate. And in return, Ruina had returned home and discussed with Enzo and the Council, before returning word that the Neophyte would be ready. To get their revenge and hopefully get to return back to Ioana.

Maebel holds Savero's gaze, even as it goes to mistrust and skepticism. Did he doubt her healing abilities? That was amusing, but she kept her face passive. She would heal Savero and he would have to deal with it. She had no ill intentions for him, and she would make that clear to him. She was a healer, not a fighter. Though that did not mean that she should be underestimated. Just because she didn't fight, didn't mean she didn't know how to. She just preferred not to. She enjoyed healing, it gave her a different and new purpose. Different then everyone else, who spent most of their time protecting their home and scavenging for food. There were a few other healers, but none quite as gifted as Maebel. Did that technically make her head healer? She supposed so.

Disgust. He was disgusted by her offer? That honestly kind of offended Ruina. She just offered him a place to stay and rest. Knowing that her people would be on edge now, with such a stranger within their home. "My stay will be temporary, that I can promise." A thin smile crosses her lips,"Then until then, welcome to Zilstead." Ruina was about to turn around and leave, when Savero's eyes moved to Maebel. So the Templar holds still, she wanted to see where this went. Maebel was a stubborn women, and Ruina had witnessed the Archseer drag someone to the infirmary to heal them. The Templar had no doubt that Maebel would do that for Savero if he denied her. Maebel was a healer and she would heal. And she'd tell that to Savero's face. That is what Ruina liked about Maebel. Is that she is quiet and sweet, yet she was fierce and stubborn.

"Fine." Maebel nods, a look of satisfaction flashing across her face, good. "Am I free to move, or will weapons be drawn?" Ruina answers,"Weapons will not be drawn. As stated earlier, no harm without justifiable pretense will come to you." This time she projected her voice so all the Neophyte could hear. That was an order. Savero was not to be harmed unless there was a fair and just reason. And no weapons would be drawn on him without fair and just reason. They were not savages. Besides, so far, Savero seemed to be no threat. Just an angry and exhausted banished Ioanian. Which was something that Ruina could agree to help. For now, Maebel would become his caretaker. She would watch him and tend to him, making sure he did go places he shouldn't or do anything he should't. "Maebel, your in charge of him now."

Maebel nods at her Templar, she could handle that. "Come on healer girl, you have a duty to carry out." Maebel was close to sassing Savero, however, she simply turns,"Well then, come along." Maebel starts off, stopping only once to look over her shoulder to make sure Savero was following. It wasn't a long trip to the infirmary, because of how small the community was. Once there, Maebel opens the door, ushering Savero in. Before following him inside. It was a small place. Two rows of beds against the walls, about five feet apart. There were about ten beds in total, and a little desk for Maebel to record things. There was a back room as well for Maebel to store things. It was a small place, but very clean and nice. "Pick a bed and sit." She orders as she moves towards the back room.

Ruina glances sideways at Enzo as he speaks. "I already feel tired tomorrow." Ruina nods, agreeing, her lips thinning slightly. She would not sleep well until she knew that Savero could be trusted. No doubt the Templar would find herself checking on Savero constantly, and probably roaming Zilstead at night to make sure Savero was roaming around doing things he shouldn't. "The bigger they are, the harder they fall, right? I say if he's a problem we solve it the short-people way; take the giant out at the knees." Ruina rolls her eyes at that statement which Thaola nods, half agreeing, though a lot of her focus was on the stranger. "Yes, if push comes to shove, the first thing we'll go for are his knees." Ruina manages a brief smile, her thoughts wondering how Savero would act around the Neophyte.

Ruina's eyes sweep the crowd,"Enough staring. Let us return to our duties. Maebel will tend to Savero, and she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself." There were murmurs and then the crowd starts to disperse. Moving back towards what they had been doing, while a few seconds later, children came pouring out of the houses. Ruina turns back towards Enzo, Thaola, Tarron, and Ikaris. Shaking her head,"The Neophyte have never had an outsider since they settled in Zilstead. This will be interesting." Though, the Templar was hoping that maybe Savero had some insight on the Monarchy that the rebellion didn't. A weaknesses. Something that would allow the retaliation to began.

Even when Enzo had been a bit more… flirtatiously frisky with a couple of other Neophytes, he had never actually fallen for someone until Ruina. Perhaps he still would have been a good Chaplain, but without Ruina as his other half, well he’d be more of a permanent bachelor. Everything he did was either for duty or love, and that was especially true when it comes to Ruina. It makes Enzo a partially simple creature, knowing his two primary motivations, and perhaps it makes him even a bit predictable. But those values aren’t something he’ll compromise either.

Atmokinesis was interesting, Enzo could admit that. Then again, all of the Neophyte’s abilities were. They were capable of so much good with their abilities, especially with each Neophyte being a user of two abilities each, but apparently that was threatening. Enzo doubted the first of the Neophyte’s had ever even wanted power over all of Ioana, as long as the rulers were properly supporting their people. And yet, they were banished all the same. So was the Monarchy afraid a class they deemed too powerful would try and take away their seats at the top? When the Monarchy did turn tyrannical, were they just the ones to have said something first and were punished for speaking out? Surely the Neophyte’s had just wanted a peaceful and equity based place to call home. Compared to the tyrannical rule over Ioana though, maybe Zilstead wasn’t the absolute worst place to be. It’s not ideal, but it’s livable, and they have practically the best leader imaginable.

Children aren’t overly doted on, nor too disliked by the Chaplain. Most often, Enzo would prefer to watch their silly antics from afar. Sometimes he could be a bit playful with them, and other times he strayed from their company. Ikaris though might as well just be a child in a man’s body, so he got along with the Neophyte kids the way one would expect siblings to get along. Sometimes they played and got into a little trouble, and other times there was tattling and childish insults thrown between actual children and Ikaris. Needless to say it’s rather entertaining, but Ikaris isn’t a trusted babysitter. For many reasons.

Savero knew quite well he wasn’t much of a trustworthy figure to anyone or anything he had no reason to devote himself to. Especially not with a class he just came across. These people and their odd second eye colors he didn’t understand, and what he doesn’t understand, Sav has a bad habit of disliking. It certainly didn’t help that his ability to place trust into people was burned out. It’s not like he expected these Neophyte’s to trust him either, he would have hated them even more if they were foolishly trusting. Fools don’t survive, Savero knew this now, so these people were at least smart enough to live for who knows how long out here. Of course, it had been moronically foolish of him to blindly jump into a plan he had no context behind. What would Allyn have gotten out of their parents' death? Even more foolish to have involved someone else. But he trusted Allyn, he had loved his eldest sister the most and trusted her because of that, and look where love and trust had gotten him thus far? It burned him.

Sav had no regard for the kindness of Ruina’s offer to stay, he didn’t care. Merely just the thought of staying somewhere like Zilstead for too long was disgusting to him. It didn’t support the lifestyle he knew, and had become comfortable with. Neither did his temporary stay in a cell, but even that was actually quite comfortable compared to what any other prisoner would have got. "Then until then, welcome to Zilstead." It was tempting to parrot those words with sass, but he restrained himself to not. But Maebel held the height of his attention, more than sassing the Templar did.

"Weapons will not be drawn. As stated earlier, no harm without justifiable pretense will come to you." Savero expressed that not even those words being repeated eased him any. What do you consider justifiable? Just because they seemed kinder by allowing him to stay, and they haven’t done anything yet to harm him, doesn’t mean he didn’t think they would hurt him somehow if given the chance. It’s tiring being so cautious, but he’d rather be cautious than prematurely dead. Or being injured enough by them to be at the complete pitiful mercy of these two colored eyed people. "Maebel, your in charge of him now." Now those words didn’t resonate well with Savero at all, albeit he expected to be at least monitored.

"Well then, come along.” Savero mildly bit the inside of his cheek in agitation as he had started off in the wrong direction, and with a small huff, he turned to follow Maebel accordingly. The young man still kept a distance behind her, observed where he was going, and walked at a slower pace until they reached the infirmary. He made it clear that he did not like having Maebel behind him through his hesitancy, but he did enter the infirmary after she ushered him inside. Once he was in though, he moved to the side to disallow Maebel to get behind him again, but from Maebel he moved his green gaze to the rest of the interior. From the beds to the back room, the more solitary space allowed Sav to relax just a little compared to when he had been the object of so many eyes moments ago. "Pick a bed and sit." Savero silently watched Maebel first before he moved, and he already knew which bed he would claim; one furthest from the front door.

Upon mildly inspecting the bed, Savero sat down. While it wasn’t the most comfortable bed from the feel of it, it was certainly better than a horse. Or the solid ground. It was tempting to allow himself to relax enough to sleep, and yet, he further refused to give into that feeling and chose to remain on edge. “No brothels, no lavish taverns, and from the looks of it no competent tailors or seamstresses in tune with actual fashion in Zilstead. It’s not even worth mentioning your people’s blatant lack of using luscious skin care routines.” How did these people happily and comfortably live here? Maybe they didn’t. “And then each of you have two different colored eyes. Why, what purpose do they have?” He further questioned, but not necessarily to Maebel directly, he was just vocalizing everything he was thinking. And he definitely wasn’t fathoming the possibility of someone having two abilities. “For the love of all things holy, if you’re a healer, please tell me I’m going to be receiving a glass of medicinal wine to remedy my migraine.” Sav finished with a grumble and a sigh. The injury didn’t help his headache, but neither did his entire situation.

"Enough staring. Let us return to our duties. Maebel will tend to Savero, and she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself." Inara’s eyes moved to the others in the crowd, observing and listening to their murmurs before they began to return to their duties. It would already be the talk of Zilstead for a bit, more so if Savero ends up doing anything unseemly. Inara personally would have been more inclined to give the stranger a day, maybe give him enough supplies to survive on his own for a few days, and that would be the end of her problem. However, she just had a lower tolerance for certain kinds of people, but her patient nature wouldn’t allow her to express her irritations. Watching to ensure everyone was dispersing, she hesitated in proceeding as she cast a glance in the Templar and her group's direction before she walked towards them and silently listened to the conversation.

“The Neophyte have never had an outsider since they settled in Zilstead. This will be interesting." Enzo managed a half smile. “Interesting is one way to describe it.” He responded, but he was thinking similar things in terms of how to properly use the tool the Neophyte may have just been gifted with. “Do you think he had the resources and ability to single handedly go for the Monarchy, and Government? Or was he a wishful, arrogant thinker that got caught?” Ikaris asked, mostly between Ruina and Enzo. Not even the Archbishop could imagine one person having the means to cut down so many powerful people alone. After a moment, Enzo gave a simple shrug. “I don’t know.” The Chaplain answered, looking to Ruina to express that his ability wasn’t giving him much intel currently as to what they could expect to hear from Savero in the future.

Ruina had never been one to flirt with people, that had always been Thaola's thing. Her and Tarron both. Although Tarron and Thaola had both sort of settled down from that. Ruina knew why, Thaola had her eye on Ikaris, while Tarron had his eye on Inara. It was as simple as that. However, those two had always been more of a flirt than Ruina had ever been. Heck, if she could ever flirt... She wasn't really a flirter, until she and Enzo had gotten together. Then the flirting had gotten a bit easier for her, but she definitely still struggled. And the fact that Enzo flirted with her, simply made her blush. She still wasn't use to being flirted with. She was use to being part of the background, just there.

The reason the Neophyte had been banished was something no one could remember anymore. Was it because of their two abilities? Did that make the Monarchy think the Neophyte were more powerful? Surely not, because the Monarchy had the power of light and dark between them. Death and life. They were literal gods. According to the records, the only class more powerful than the Monarchy were the Deity. So why had the Neophyte been banished? Had the Neophye fought back? Spoke out? Turned against the Monarchy? Challenged them? Or had the presence of the Neophyte alone freak the Monarchy out? Had they believed the Neophyte would one day turn against them?

There was a part of Ruina that was slightly glad the Neophyte had been kicked out, because that meant they didn't have to live under the tyrannical rule of the Monarchy. Even if Zilstead was a horrible place to live, especially compared to Ioana. The greenery was rare, rain was rare, the weather was back and forth. Food was hard to find. There were dangerous and crazy predators around. And yet, at least the Neophyte were under their own rule. Each Templar, Chaplain, and General were appointed by the Neophyte. There was a vote and that was how they were chosen. Ruina had been voted to be Templar, she hadn't chosen it, or volunteered. It had just happened because like Enzo and the Generals, she had been voted for. And while she was grateful for the position, some days she wondered what it would be like to be just a normal Neophyte. Would she be as stressed as she was?

Without a doubt, the reason behind Savero's attempt would be revealed. Ruina would find out why he'd dared to go against the Monarchy, especially by himself. There was no room for fools within the Neophyte. Out in Zilstead fools got killed. And she wasn't going to allow a fool within Neophyte, especially if some of them started liking Savero and following him. She would not lose anyone to death because they had followed a fool. However, if Savero had information, any kind, they'd get it. Ruina was desperate to move against the Monarchy, everyday she saw how living in Zilstead was starting to get worse. If the natural resources didn't replenish themselves, then they were screwed. Especially if they ran out of food. Water was hard to find as well, that came from the Archjusticar. Because storms didn't often come naturally, the Archjusticar's brought in storms to bring water to the Neophyte and water crops.

However, Ruina had a bad feeling the Neophyte wouldn't last much longer in Zilstead. Before long there would be no more Seventh Class. It was lucky that they had survived so long anyways. Especially since the Rebellion couldn't really sneak out that much supplies to the Neophyte. Some days and nights, Ruina found herself giving away her food to someone else. It made Thaola, Tarron, Maebel, and Riden mad. They would tell her that everyone was hungry, and Ruina needed food as well. Else she would wither and die quicker then the others. Ruina would wave them off, insisting that she was fine. That she would be okay. But especially in winter, Ruina often didn't eat. Giving her food away and refusing to take any.

Ruina could tell that many of the Neophyte wanted Savero to stay. He was a new person, someone they'd never seen before, from Ioana! Oh the stories he'd have. And they would no doubt want to hear new stories, not the old ones that had been passed down. They were tired of those. Stories had almost ceased to exist for the Neophyte because no one wanted to hear them. Though Ruina did insist that the stories of the Neophyte, the history, continued to be told. Ruina made sure that the history was learned, history was an important thing. History was taught so history wouldn't repeat itself.

If questions came up, Ruina would make the answers clear. If Savero brought any kind of danger to the Neophyte, that was justifiable. If he tried to hurt anyone, that was justifiable. If he insulted someone verbally, that was not justifiable. Just Savero being a jackass. If Savero was just sitting there, that was not justifiable. Though Ruina would make it clear that she shouldn't have to explain what was justifiable and what wasn't. They weren't the Monarchy. They were monsters or savages, they had morals, and that included not killing. Kill only if needed. So basically for food and to ward off predator. That was it, Ruina would not accept an unjustifiable death.

Maebel heard Savero behind her, and from his silence, he was not happy. Though she said nothing about it, even at the infirmary, when he hesitated at the door. Though Savero was starting to get on her nerves just a little. Quit dragging your feet! She wanted to snap at him, but she didn't. She completely ignored the fact that Savero stopped long enough to put Maebel back in front of him. She didn't care he wanted to be behind her, she wasn't scared. The future told her, she wasn't going to be attacked. Besides, she wasn't helpless. Maebel stops at the entrance to the backrooms, blue eyes trained on Savero to make sure that he sat down. Only when Savero had sat, did she finally move into the back rooms, rummaging through her supplies to find some things to tend to Savero's injury.

The beds in Zilstead were not all soft and comfortable, but they were able to be slept in. They worked for the Neophyte without giving them many issues. The blankets and sheets that were covering every bed in Zilstead were made of the same material. The sheets were thin, but the blankets often made up for it. "No brothels, no lavish taverns, and from the looks of it no competend tailors or seamstresses in tune with actual fashion in Zilstead. It's not even worth mentioning your people's blatant lack of using luscious skin care routines." Maebel bites her tongue, it wasn't worth mentioning that they were in Zilstead. A barren place with very few resources. They barely found enough resources to make the bare minimum things needed to survive, much less things for luxury and relaxation. But clearly there was no explaining that to Savero, at least not yet. Spoiled Ioanian.

"And then each of you have two different colored eyes. Why, what purpose do they have?" Maebel sighs again, that she'd have to answer to. "The normal eye color, like yours. Green, blue, amber, etc. They allow us control over the elements, just like the Working Class in Ioana." Maebel reenters the room, her voice dropping back to normal now she was in the same room with Savero, supplies in her hands. The other one give us a new, different ability. Our Templar, Ruina? Her other eye is magenta. Magenta means she has control over Chi. Anyone with a magenta eye has control over Chi, and we call them Archshaman's." Maebel sets down her supplies on the small table beside the bed Savero had chosen, about to continue when he interrupted.

"For the all things holy, if you're a healer, please tell me I'm going to be receiving a glass of medicinal wine to remedy my migraine." Maebel's voice was calm as she answers,"You'll deal with your migraine just like the rest of us do. Without wine." Mainly because Zilstead did not have any kind of alchol, not that it was unmakeable, but because the resources were more needed for other things. The best Maebel could do was tend to the wound, she didn't have anything for migraines. She continues explaining the Neophyte. "The one's with pink/purple eyes can control the weather, Atmokenesis, we call them Archjusticar's. Then we have Archbishop's, they have light pink eyes, and they can talk to and control animals."

Maebel pulls out some supplies, starting on Savero's injury. Using a cloth and some liquid that would help get out any possible infection and bacteria. "Dark pink eyes are Archsages, they control and understand emotions. While people like me, with the galaxy eye pattern, we have the ability of Clairvoyance. Which is the future. The different kinds of variations of galaxy colors mean different kinds of future abilities. Like me? Because of my blue-green galaxy eye, I can physically see a possibility of the future in an out of body experience. While our Chaplain, who has a blue-purple galaxy eye can see a possibility of the future, almost like a dream or thoughts." She finishes cleaning the wound and examines it, she wouldn't have to stitch it.

"That is what makes us different. That is why the Neophyte make a Seventh Class, instead of being part of the Working Class." If they had just normal eye colors, they would just be a part of the Working Class, alas they weren't. Maebel places gauze over the injury before using some tape to hold it down. The tape would hold it down, but it wouldn't hurt when the tape was pulled back off. Which would be once every day, so Maebel could check it and make sure it was healing properly. As well as reapply some poultice to it. For now, it was clean, and that was what Maebel wanted. That night before bed, Maebel would apply some poultice. Let the injury go without anything on it for now. The gauze would protect it from the air and any particles that could float into it.

"Interesting is one way to describe it." Ruina nods, sighing. "Do you think he had the resources and ability to single handedly go for the Monarchy, and Government? Or was he a wishful, arrogant thinker that got caught?" That question had Thaola, Ruina, and Tarron deep in thought. It was a good one. "I don't know." That was honestly a little worrisome. "I don't either." Ruina states, shaking her head. "Perhaps a little of both. We know nothing about Savero except he comes from Ioana and he controls the element of Earth." And he was banished, but what information did that give them? That was helpful?

Once Ruina caught Enzo’s eye, it’s as if the raging bachelor in him had suddenly matured into what he is now. It was quite startling how quickly Enzo had closed off and redirected those flirtations and playful bantering to Ruina. But he didn’t regret it, because at every opportunity he had, he got the satisfaction of getting smiles and blushes from the only woman he cared to see them come from. And then there’s Ikaris. A cocky flirt for certain, that would never change. These days that behavior had gradually shifted more onto Thaola, however. And lastly, Inara, who was rather not into blatantly flirting. No, this woman enjoyed playful teasing, as well as witty and subtly flirty remarks. It can be harder to read Inara though, sometimes she does this purposely, but it adds to the mystique of her nature if she does say so herself.

While Enzo may not ever be able to see what had happened so long ago to spur the banishment of the Neophyte, he did know just through his own eyes that Zilstead was… home. Not the greatest, but it was all he knew. And this place he cherished, even despite its relentless challenge to live within it. Of course though, perhaps if the day came the Neophyte truly did fade away, and their class went extinct, then the outskirts would reclaim this place as its own again. Over time, maybe the land would erase everything that was left of the entities that had called the outskirts their home. There was a solemn beauty to that, for the Earth in its rightful perspective, not so much for the Neophyte. Enzo just couldn’t but to see everything from thousands of perspectives though, it made him who he was. He never did go out of his way to strive to be voted on for Chaplain, Enzo stayed true to himself. And it just so happened to be that who he was made for a good Chaplain in his people’s eyes. Not a time has he considered being without it since he gained the title, and it was a title he carried with pride, as he was more than determined to be just as good -perhaps better- than every Chaplain before him.

Savero would dodge -or simply refuse to speak- at every possible inquiry about the ‘why’s’ behind his doings. Simply because he didn’t want to talk about it. To anyone. Not to any Neophyte, not to any Ioanian, and certainly not even to himself. Life would be much easier if he could either forget what was troubling him, or to simply be relieved of living at all. There’s peace in death, Savero believed that, but he had a promise to fulfill to avenge Violetta first. When his mission is done, then he could make peace with just… letting go. Nothing really awaited him beyond fulfilling his final purpose, because the life he had known is gone, and the life he had dreamed of starting was over before it even began. He was just existing now. Surviving. Something he might have had in common with the Neophytes.

Enzo also contemplated the worries of the Neophyte’s resources thinning so greatly, and becoming so scarce that it could mean the end of his class. If Ruina didn’t think her giving away her own food didn’t piss him off, she was crazy. So Enzo established his own code of conduct. If Ruina gave her food away, or waved off eating, he would do the same. Not to guilt her into taking care of herself, and he never did argue with her to guilt her into anything, simply he just endured what she did. What they did, they did together. Ruina was Enzo’s world, and to the best of his abilities, everything she endures he will as well. Ikaris certainly doesn’t mind reaping the benefits from Enzo when it comes to food, but he has his own ‘survival of the prettiest’ motto. Apparently he’s never heard of ‘survival of the fittest’, but Enzo just let it be.

Oh for sure, the stories Savero had were something. But, Savero was also very religious. Not something many might expect, but he does often silently pray, and he’s always found so much righteous beauty in the stories of the gods. Which are the ones he tells the most. Some tales spoke of the love each of the gods had for the individuals of a specific group of people, and blessed by those divine entities themselves, the magic bestowed into the people of the world flourished. That is how their magic through their eyes came to be, from stories, and Sav believed it. Savero also believed they each had their patron gods and goddesses, or at least some classes had the favor of some deity’s more than others. Savero prayed to them all just the same though. But as a child and even young adolescent he had been obsessed with other folktales. The stories of heroes of the past. The creatures and older peoples that had roamed the land, the fire breathing chariots of the gods that had once been bonded to a select few mortal souls, and so much more. Then there were his more personal, first hand accounts with stories. The one’s about a beautiful kingdom, the existence of soul partners -his version of true love-, loss, and betrayal.

Savero had no interest in harming Maebel, his trust issues just ran deep enough to not trust anyone behind him. But his thoughts of trust had quickly shifted to thoughts of complaint. He knew this place was shit, it looked it. No offense, well, maybe a little. Nothing Savero enjoyed was here, and perhaps some indulges and pass times he should stray from, and yet there were few things he’s ever looked forward to. Sav could make do in his own way. If they didn’t have the botanical necessities he required, he would just have to grow them himself. He may be spoiled, but he can do things for himself too, he just preferred to have others do it for him. Like growing fruit, and other varying plants he’s encountered. And please, he’s not doing a damn thing until he’s grown the things needed to secure the pastes and liquids he needs for his own lotions, dental pastes, and fragrances. Maybe the Neophytes would appreciate his abundance of expertise in self-care.

"The normal eye color, like yours. Green, blue, amber, etc. They allow us control over the elements, just like the Working Class in Ioana." Savero stayed silent, mostly because he naturally tried shifting back to avoid Maebel and the supplies she carried in hand. “The other one give us a new, different ability. Our Templar, Ruina? Her other eye is magenta. Magenta means she has control over Chi. Anyone with a magenta eye has control over Chi, and we call them Archshaman's." That wasn’t supposed to be, there should be no other classes than those in Ioana. No new eye colors, no new abilities… no Chi, or whatever the hell ‘magenta’ eyes had control over. Sav has never been great with change, but this information, this reality. It changed a lot for him. His perspective, what he’s been told, and it changes a lot of what he knows. Or thought he knew.

“You'll deal with your migraine just like the rest of us do. Without wine." The look Sav returned in response was one of deep agitation, disbelief, and protest. He was not willing to fathom that these people had no access to alcohol, and therefore he wanted it. Besides, how was he supposed to do without something he’s grown so used to drinking on the daily? Even in a cell, it was boring and humiliating, but he had alcohol. It numbed him just as much as it made him feel, and to suddenly be without? No, no he can’t have that. But was that him or the threat of mild withdrawal talking? Sav couldn’t be sure. "The one's with pink/purple eyes can control the weather, Atmokenesis, we call them Archjusticar's. Then we have Archbishop's, they have light pink eyes, and they can talk to and control animals." Savero had remained silent; absorbing information, and watching Maebel.

His eyes had watched her every move that neared him, and upon contact, he only moved his head an inch back in protest. Besides that though, his jaw only lightly clenched as Maebel attended to the wound. “Dark pink eyes are Archsages, they control and understand emotions. While people like me, with the galaxy eye pattern, we have the ability of Clairvoyance. Which is the future. The different kinds of variations of galaxy colors mean different kinds of future abilities. Like me? Because of my blue-green galaxy eye, I can physically see a possibility of the future in an out of body experience. While our Chaplain, who has a blue-purple galaxy eye can see a possibility of the future, almost like a dream or thoughts." First of all, he didn’t like the sound of anyone controlling emotions. So Archsages he already configured a negative view of. But the future abilities? That intrigued him. More than it should, but did that mean his every move was dictated by these possibilities? Suddenly it uneased him.

"That is what makes us different. That is why the Neophyte make a Seventh Class, instead of being part of the Working Class." Well obviously their differences make an entirely new class. They were banished… by the Monarchy, and for certain the Government, they always had influence in laws and executing them. Was their banishment because of the emergence of two different eye colors, and two abilities was blasphemous? Was it because their existence was not meant to be? But perhaps these people are even more so favored by the gods themselves than the other classes. Were they cherished enough to be blessed with two abilities? But why? What had they done to be so deserving, and why had Sav never heard this story?

“Your people are either a threat to all things I know to be holy and righteous, or somehow, your people are more beloved by the gods for a reason I’m beyond capable of fathoming.” Savero spoke, in a rather serious tone as Maebel worked with the gauze. His eyes moved up, as if he would see a sign -or an answer- from above. But all he saw was a ceiling, no divine intervention. What is the meaning of their existence? Did you see something in them? Why have they been condemned to this hell? Sav so badly wanted the beings of his faith to answer him, to give him a sign. It’s not his place to demand answers from the gods, they operated in ways not meant for mortal minds to comprehend, and yet Savero just wanted to be given something to aid in his understanding.

Moving his gaze back down to Maebel, that brief relent in his colder stare had returned as he focused on her. “Are you done invading my space now?” He asked snarkily, moving on the bed to distance himself from Maebel. A part of Sav was curious to explore this small place, but there were a few things stunting his curiosity; being followed like a toddler, and his current desire to sleep. There could be a fire outside of the infirmary right now, but because Savero has already grown comfortable sitting on the bed, it was unlikely he would get up. He just wanted time to process, solitude, and to sleep. And yet he can’t relax, not at will. Not with a stranger near him, not in a strange place… it’s overwhelming. “Can you see the future whenever you want? Can you see anything right now?” Savero redirected himself by asking those questions. But what could Maebel see?

“I don't either. Perhaps a little of both. We know nothing about Savero except he comes from Ioana and he controls the element of Earth." Enzo nods in agreement, Ikaris and Inara as well. Was that really the best they had right now? Enzo went quiet again though, certainly in thought as he strained any pull he had over his visions to grace him. “It's going to be like getting a moody mule to cooperate when it comes to information and Savero.” Enzo said with a small sigh, but that was the best information the Chaplain had to offer. “Maybe he’s just one of those guys that wants something before talking, you know? Like a bribe, or a reward.” Ikaris shrugged, but Inara is the one that scoffed. “What better thing can he have than an invitation to reside in our homeland? That’s more than a simple act of kindness, and one that should be respected. He needs no bribes or rewards. It’s simple; he can cooperate with a thing or two when asked, or his stay should be revoked. We don’t need freeloaders with nothing to offer Zilstead and the rest of the Neophytes anyway.” Inara finished.

Inara was definitely more on the fence considering there was a strange, jerk of a man, in Zilstead now. Inara is more than protective, and knowing that kind of person resides in the same place her little sister does evoked that strong sense of protection. Besides, it’s just rude to want more than what was already given. If Savero isn’t thankful for a place to stay, then he’s free to wander the outskirts alone. There will be no fulfilling a stranger’s every bratty request if Inara has any say in it, because that just wasn’t fair. He’s a guest, Savero should act like it. Inara took in a deep breath to cool the mild heat that had risen to her cheeks. She’s not quick to anger, but she was afraid. Afraid this Ioanian would mean more harm than good.

Ruina would admit she wasn't sure what exactly drew her to Enzo, considering she'd always been sort of quiet and withdrawn. Which had changed since she'd become Templar, but before she'd always been quiet and to herself. Only really talking to Riden, Thaola, and Tarron. But, once Ruina had gotten to know Enzo, she became instantly grateful for getting to know him. He was the love of her life, and even though they were still young, Ruina believed with her whole heart that they were just meant to be. Tarron and Thaola? They didn't exactly know where they stood for love. While Thaola's flirtings had become limited to mostly Ikaris, she didn't exactly have a definition of love like Ruina. Nor did Tarron, but he wouldn't admit to anyone that he had his eye on Inara.

It made Ruina sad to know that if the Neophyte never got to return to their rightful home, they would fade out. How could they possibly survive? Perhaps a few more generations would, but Zilstead was not a flourishing place. It was barren, and becoming more barren everyday. The Neophyte had to harvest the bare minimum from Zilstead to be able to continue to get things. It was depressing, and many days Ruina found herself sad to the point, even Enzo couldn't cheer her up. Nor could Tarron's abilities. It wasn't as if Ruina was giving up on the Neophyte, she was doing everything in her power to get her people back to Ioana. That was why she had spies in Ioana, the Rebellion. She was pushing for the soonest attack, the quicker the Neophyte could return to Ioana, the better.

Ruina would find out what happened with Savero. Not because she was nosy, but because she needed all the information she could get that could help the Neophyte return to Ioana. If Savero had attacked the Monarchy and Government, he had to be close to them in some way. Perhaps Ruina would ask Maebel to gain his trust, which of course was wrong. But Ruina was desperate to save her people, but surely Savero would understand. Right? Even if he had called them freaks and seemed to despise them because of their strange eye combinations.... Ruina hated prying, but if it was needed, she would. Perhaps she would try to appeal to Savero, try to get him to see that revealing any and all information he had would be helpful for all of them. Perhaps she could tell him that if he gave them information, they'd help move against the Monarchy. Which wasn't completely wrong, that was their goal after all.

The fact that Enzo had also started doing the same thing worried Ruina, which often prompted her into eating, because she didn't want him to starve and knew that was the only way she could get him to eat. Though she tried to eat as little as possible, trying to make sure the youngest and sickest got the most. Ruina was partly grateful that Enzo was willing to starve himself as well, and that just made her love him more. But, Ruina truly wished he wouldn't do it. And yet, Ruina understood that he no doubt felt the same about her, hence the reason she hadn't complained about it yet. Enzo was Ruina's everything, and that was one of her biggest reasons she was fighting so hard to get her people back to Ioana. She wanted Enzo to have the best life, and of course the rest of the Neophyte. And yet, Ruina feared she would fail in her mission.

The Neophyte were probably not considered super religious. No doubt some of the Neophyte were super religious, but as a group, they were not. Legends say that Myrdin, the All-Mother was the Neophyte's patron goddess. That she had blessed them with their extra ability and protected them. However after she disappeared, things started becoming bad for the Neophyte, and because their patron goddess was gone. Nothing protected them from anything, including banished from Ioana. Personally, every night and day, Ruina prayed to the All-Mother. Begging the All-Mother to help her guide her people back home, to overthrow the tyrannical Monarchy and allow peace and unity to return to the land the All-Mother loved. And yet, no answers had been returned. Ruina, like many, couldn't help but wonder where Myrdin had gone and what had happened to her. There were rumors, stories, legends. And yet, nothing had ever been confirmed.

Maebel simply tried again when Savero shifted back, she'd tend that wound, no matter what. Though she could tell that all the information she was giving him was.. a lot, per say. Which she didn't blame him. Finding out about another class with new abilities? Strange ones that hadn't been heard of in years? Quite a culture shock. Though when Savero shot her a look of deep agitation, disbelief, and protest, Maebel simply rolls her eyes. "We have more important things to use those resources for. Don't forget, we're in Zilstead. The barren land of hell." That's what she called it, because that's what it was. The Neophyte was dying out in this land. Ioana was where resources were rich and plentiful, and not to mention, renewable. Alcohol was not an important thing for the Neophyte. They had other things to worry about.

Maebel was glad that Savero didn't completely pull away, she didn't really want to have to restrain him to treat him. She wasn't trying to piss him off, she was trying to heal him. The future was a sketchy thing for the Archseer's. Maebel, herself, could attest that the future was confusing. It was constantly changing and there was countless possibilities. The Butterfly Effect was a very real thing and Maebel had watched many certain futures change in an instant to thousands of futures by a small thing. To sort out futures was almost impossible, and to change the future on purpose was impossible. Well at least changing it to the future you wanted. You could try to change it and make it worse, or completely different then what was wanted. That was something Maebel stressed to Archseer's, anytime she was training new ones.

Were the Neophyte favored by the gods? That was something no one could truly confirm. If someone asked Ruina, she would answer that the All-Mother favored the Neophyte before she disappeared. But clearly since her disappearance, they were not favored. If Thaola was asked, she would answer with no. As would Tarron. Their explanations? They would ask how the Neophyte could possibly be favored by the gods if they were in the middle of a barren land, becoming an extinct Class. That would be their explanation. Both Thaola and Tarron would insist that there was no way in hell that the Neophyte were favored. Perhaps they once believed that the All-Mother favored them, but nowadays? They never said a word about religion. Not that they didn't believe in Qokmar, just not enough to express and talk about it everyday. They liked to live in reality.

"Your people are either a threat to all things I know to be holy and righteous, or somehow, your people are more beloved by the gods for a reason I'm beyond capable of fathoming." Maebel remains quiet for a few minutes as she finishes up. Before she leans back, her voice quiet as she answers. "We are not a threat, nor beloved." She spreads her arms out,"If we were so beloved by the gods would we be out here in this barren land? Starving ourselves to a slow and painful death?" Maebel lowers her arms,"And we wish no harm to anyone but the tyrannical Monarchy and Government that still refuses to allow us back in Ioana. We are dying and they care nothing about us. Trust me, we are not the threat." Maebel wished with all her heart that they were so beloved, perhaps that would have kept them in Ioana. Maebel prayed and believed that one day the All-Mother would return and the Neophyte would be restored.

"Are you done invading my space now?" Maebel rolls her eyes as she steps away, throwing away some things, and starting to clean and pack up. "Yes, I'm done. Don't mess with the gauze, and don't even attempt to take it off." She finishes packing everything up, but before she could move, Savero asks another question. "Can you see the future whenever you want? Can you see anything right now?" Maebel turns around, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, as an experienced and trained Archseer, I can see the future when I wish. It is disorientating, and very hard to control. But yes, with a lot of control and practice, an Archseer can see the future when they wish. So, no, I don't see anything now." Although there were some moments even the most in control Archseer couldn't control. Some futures had to be seen.

"It's going to be like getting a moody mule to cooperate when it comes to information and Savero." Ruina agrees, bobbing her head, she was still thinking hard about that. "Maybe he's just one of those guys that wants something before talking, you know? Like a bribe, or a reward." Thaola and Tarron exchange a glance, that could work... If they knew what Savero wanted. "What better thing can he have than an invitation to reside in our homeland? That's more than a simple act of kindness, and one that should be respected. He needs no bribes or rewards. It's simple; he can cooperate with a thing or two when asked, or his stay should be revoked. We don't need freeloaders with nothing to offer Zilstead and the rest of the Neophytes anyway."

Ruina cuts in, her voice quiet and authority, what Thaola and Tarron called her Templar Voice. "Our homeland is Ioana. Just because all of us were born on Zilstead soil, does not make Zilstead our homeland." Her eyes flicker towards the horizon, in the direction of Ioana. "Our home is Ioana, and we will return there one day." After a few seconds of silence, she swings her gaze back to the group. "Savero will be allowed to stay as long as he wishes, as long as he is no threat. He will help around here and he will give us information about the Monarchy and Government." Thaola and Tarron look at each other again, Ruina hardly used the Templar Voice, she really must be bothered by this Ioanaian. Which, they didn't blame her.

Ruina orders,"Return to your chores. Enzo, will you walk with me please?" She wanted to talk to Enzo. About the Ioanian, and business of course. But she was not against having some alone time with Enzo. Being around him made her calm and happy, and right now, she was the opposite of calm and happy. This Ioanian was bugging her more then she would ever admit. What was Savero hiding? And why would he not tell them anything? What was he hiding? Ruina had a feeling she would end up appointing more than one Neophyte to keep an eye on Savero. Perhaps Maebel and Riden, they both were pretty level-headed and hard to piss off. And without a doubt they would be a good influence on Savero. As for Maebel, she would find someway to get Savero working.

Thaola and Tarron nod at the group, bidding their farewells before heading for the garden patches. The crops needed to be checked, to make sure nothing had gotten to them, and nothing had happened to them. Though the gardens had been built to be well protected and get as much nutrition as possible, the crop production was not always the best. The cooks often cooked the same meals, and they were not always so flavored or different. They were often bland and flavorless. Which was fine, food was food. Even if there was not much, there was still some. And that was enough.

Enzo has always been a more social Neophyte, but even with how much he loved his people, forging closer bonds was something he had only really had with Ikaris. Until Ruina, that is. The attraction wasn’t overwhelmingly immediate, but it was the process of learning who they each really were as people that led Enzo to fall for Ruina. And he’s loved her everyday since he first fell for her. Ikaris is still a relatively free spirited creature; still straying from confinement or anything that feels like constriction to him. But that’s what a part of him thought love was; a constricting concept. However, not even he could simply ignore how his sights have shifted onto Thaola. And Inara only wanted someone that wanted her because they cared about her. She watched her mother pour her heart into a relationship that was going nowhere, and Inara never wanted to pursue anyone that wasn’t willing to love her to the extent she may love them. She was afraid to love, she was afraid of repeating her mother’s mistakes, but even her fears haven’t stopped her from subtly drifting towards Tarron.

The reality of the Neophyte in Zilstead was a hard one to swallow, even for Enzo. But he’s never let the times his spirit have waned in hope show. It’s not helpful for anyone when a person in leadership sways in their optimism, and even while Enzo isn’t an abundantly optimistic person, he fronts with what he has to. Even with the dwindling of resources and supplies, the Chaplain still wouldn’t let what positivity he did have bleed out of him. While he couldn’t be certain whether the things in place for the Rebellion would be successful, or if the Neophyte would even be ready to move on Ioana any time soon, he had to believe that everything he did now would make a difference for the better later. In the hopes that when the opportunity did come, the Neophyte would finally get everything that they had been robbed of.

Savero would push back at every attempt from anyone who tries to coax information out of him. He did not care about the Neophyte enough to just simply lay out everything he knew. Besides, why should he give him more than they already know? Savero knew just as much about them as they did him. He knew only three people’s names, and was recently given a run down of new abilities, and he knew they had two primary figures of power. Other than Zilstead being a horrible place, that’s all he knew. But what he knew about the Monarchy, Government, and other internal workings in Ioana would stay with him solely for now. Mostly because he’s not going to be used and then tossed aside once these people have what they want from him. Savero didn’t even want anything from the Neophyte, other than to be primarily left alone. And for certain, he wasn’t going to be trusting a single soul for quite some time.

Enzo loved Ruina enough to not allow herself to wither without him doing it alongside her. It was as simple as that when it came to eating. While he figured he had a bigger appetite than Ruina did, when he did cut back or give food to others in need, he made sure to at least ingest the bare minimum he needed to keep going. He was a useless Chaplain if he was too starved and frail to defend his people, and Ruina. He truly wished Ruina wouldn’t do what she did with food, but he understood her intentions, which is why he never shunned her for it. Ruina was acting out of love and care for her people, and that Enzo found admirable.

Enzo was definitely not the most religious Neophyte in Zilstead, but he did entertain the ideas and believed to some degree. Whether there was truth to the stories and whatnot was beyond his understanding, but he liked to believe there were greater things and entities at work around him. Ikaris was a closeted non-believer. He’s not an impious prick that would go around denouncing people’s beliefs just because he thinks they’re a little ridiculous, so he keeps his opinion about it to himself. And Inara, well, she struggles. She’s often back and forth with believing and not believing, but even if her religious stability is lacking, she tries to keep herself equipped with personal beliefs to get her through. LIke smiling, Inara believes in smiling, primarily for her sister. To show her that even when things get tough, there’s always something worth smiling and being thankful for.

"We have more important things to use those resources for. Don't forget, we're in Zilstead. The barren land of hell.” A nearly entertained smirk barely upturned at Savero’s lips after Maebel responded to his sharper look. “Hell is what we make it darling, and if Zilstead’s barren land makes up yours, it’s far more tolerable than the one I've been acquainted with.” There was a humorous bitterness to his tone, and Sav hardly put much thought into his pet name of ‘darling’. Usually he used that or ‘love’ when speaking with others, but really only when he wasn’t in too much of a foul mood. What he said he believed to be true though. Zilstead is terrible from the looks of it, but it’s something he would have chosen a thousand times over if it meant somehow saving Violetta. Even in a place like Zilstead he would have found content in her arms, but rather he’s left with a guilt and rage like no other. So to Savero, there is no greater hell than the one he’s internally caged himself in.

"We are not a threat, nor beloved." Savero locked his gaze onto Maebel as she spread her arms out. “If we were so beloved by the gods would we be out here in this barren land? Starving ourselves to a slow and painful death?" This time, as she lowers her arms, Savero makes a point to lean forward as his gaze subtly narrows. "And we wish no harm to anyone but the tyrannical Monarchy and Government that still refuses to allow us back in Ioana. We are dying and they care nothing about us. Trust me, we are not the threat." His green gaze didn’t relent in its intensity in the few seconds he was silent, but that was broken by his lowly spoken, cooler tone. “It is not for us to decide what does and does not dictate the expression of love by the gods for us. It is not for us to question it either. The fact you pitiful people are still alive out here tells me one thing; the gods have something in mind for you. Otherwise the Neophyte would have already been wiped out. Our fates and ultimate purposes are never for us to know, just for us to play along with until the gods' divine justice is righteously fulfilled as they see fit.” Savero stated firmly.

“You’re not the only people who wish harm to the Monarchy and Government, and you’re not the only people they don’t give two shits about. No one’s even heard of the Neophyte in Ioana, so maybe the Monarchy thinks you’re dead too by now. If it’s back into Ioana you want so badly, play on your strengths. And being a lost race might just be one of them.” Leaning back with a sigh, Savero’s gaze wavered to the floor. Nobody sees a dead man coming, which may be his own greatest strength to play out here. That’s why he was sent out here, they hoped he would succumb to the harshness of the land. Savero doubted his parents, siblings, or even the Government had given him a second thought since he was banished. So maybe it’s another thing Savero and the Neophyte’s have in common. No one would see them coming.

"Yes, I'm done. Don't mess with the gauze, and don't even attempt to take it off." “No promises.” Savero muttered back, but if it bothered him later, well he would definitely take it off. “Yes, as an experienced and trained Archseer, I can see the future when I wish. It is disorientating, and very hard to control. But yes, with a lot of control and practice, an Archseer can see the future when they wish. So, no, I don't see anything now." That answered his questions, and those were really the only ones he felt like formulating. Hesitantly, he flicked his gaze between Maebel and the front door before he leaned back onto the bed to lay on his back. His eyes stayed trained on the door though, and he didn’t bother with sheets or blankets, because if any other body came through that door he would be shooting into an upright position. Sleep tends to hinder his ability to watch out for himself though, but even he knew he could only deny himself that necessity for so much longer before his body chose slumber for him.

"Our homeland is Ioana. Just because all of us were born on Zilstead soil, does not make Zilstead our homeland." Inara wasn’t so sure Ioana was her homeland. For the Neophytes as a whole, yes. But for her? Zilstead was what she knew and loved. It’s what even her father -despite her barely having a relationship with him- worked tirelessly for. He did that for Zilstead, not for Ioana. Perhaps he wanted to help get the Neophytes back into Ioana, but this place is what he worked to protect. So Zilstead was very special to her. It’s where her parents were born, where they fell in love before it faded, where she and her sister were born, and it's ultimately the place they died. Other than Chryseis, Zilstead is all she has to connect in her in some way to what she used to have. “Savero will be allowed to stay as long as he wishes, as long as he is no threat. He will help around here and he will give us information about the Monarchy and Government." Enzo and Ikaris exchanged a glance, neither quite used to hearing this tone from Ruina, but they understood.

"Return to your chores. Enzo, will you walk with me please?" Turning his gaze onto Ruina, Enzo dipped his head in a single nod. “Of course.” He responded, glancing at Ikaris to urge him to busy himself elsewhere. Enzo returned the farewells to Thaola and Tarron, although he shook his head as Ikaris smirked before following after them, specifically Thaola. Inara bid her own farewell before returning the chore she was on previously, which left Enzo to now offer Ruina a smaller grin. The Ioanian bothered him too, and he certainly wanted answers, but they would get them soon enough. Right? “I haven’t heard you use that tone in a while. The Ioanian is a cause of some concern, and frustration to me as well if I’m being completely honest. I can’t see as much as I would like, and what I do see is Savero being a mild pain in our sides.” Enzo said. Nothing in his visions, for now, allowed him to see anything but resistance in most things involving Savero though.

Ikaris was not allowed to ever help out with cooking, not after the incident a few years ago. He had the best intentions, but something led to another and he managed to set a decent portion of prepared food on fire. What was scary was that he doesn’t even have control over the element of fire, and no one that did even understood how he managed to set it all on fire. Not even Ikaris knew how he did it. It was a Zilstead mystery, and not one anyone wanted to be repeated. So even getting close to the source of the crops was something he was sure most Neophytes would prefer he stay away from. However, what are the odds of him accidentally setting the crops on fire with Thaola and Tarron around? Yeah, pretty slim.

Ruina knew how to communicate and have fun with the other Neophyte, and yet, she'd always stuck with Thaola and Tarron. Becoming sort of the background. Until Enzo, and of course being appointed Templar. Both of those things had really pulled her out of her shell. Being with Enzo had pulled out that nurturing, loving, and kind side. The part of her that Ruina loved to show, the part that showed everyone how much she loved Enzo. While being Templar had taught her how to lead, to know when to take charge and when to step back and allow someone else control. Together those things had made her a better person. Someone that Ruina was comfortable being, and she would forever be grateful to be the person she was and to get to be with the person she knew she'd spend the rest of her life with.

Though there were moments when Ruina had lost all hope, she had never let it show. And when that happened, watching the Neophyte interact and continue to fight, well that would often help bring back Ruina's hope. Even when she was at her lowest, she never let it show. There were emotions that she had to bottle up, to show her people to not give up, even when she did. Because if they all gave up, there truly would be no more hope. And without hope, the Neophyte would be doomed. Having Enzo around helped a lot, and Ruina didn't lose hope as much, but there were still moments. Mainly in the harsh conditions of winter, when food was scarcer then usual, and water was hard to come by. She just hoped that one day the Neophyte would return home, even if she wasn't alive to see it herself.

Ruina knew it would be hard to get information from Savero. Hell, to not know would just be idiocy or pure ignorance. The way that Savero had acted had made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with the Neophyte. So why would he ever share anything with them? But, Ruina held on to a tiny strand of hope that Savero would eventually warm up to the Neophyte, or at least some of them. Enough to get some information. Ruina wasn't trying to get Savero to warm up just to get information, she would be glad if he started making friends with the Neophyte. But the sooner they got information, the sooner the Rebellion could move against Ioana. And every time they made a step froward, Ruina wanted more progress. But she understood that slow and steady won the race.

Starving was something that Ruina never thought she'd ever have to resort to. Over the last few years the resources had begun to diminish more and more. And to watch Enzo do the same thing burnt Ruina inside. Especially because she knew he needed more than her to survive. He was bigger and taller then her, and needed more nutrition then her. It wasn't her being rude or trying to call Enzo fat, it was science. Men were typically larger then women and therefore needed more nutrition to support their bodies. Though she did admire Enzo for sticking to it, even when she knew that he didn't have to.

"Hell is what we make it darling, and if Zilstead's barren land makes up yours, it's far more tolerable than the one I've been acquainted with." A bitter smile flickers across Maebel's face,"I'm only talking about a physical hell." Every Neophyte had their own mental hell's, and each one was terrible and horrible in their own ways. Ruina's hell was watching the people she loved start to slowly wither. Maebel's? Well, she rarely thought about hers, she'd taught herself to shove it out of the way and never let it bother her. Hence the reason she was typically so calm and collected. Hell came in many forms and that was something Maebel would say until the day she died. Hell was different for everyone, and it came in many forms. Zilstead was probably only a small portion of the hell that the Neophyte's had to face. But who was Mabel to judge? She knew not of what Savero had gone through.

"It is not for us to decide what does and does not dictate the expression of love by the gods for us. It is not for us to question it either. The fact you pitiful people are still alive out here tells me one thing; the gods have something in mind for you. Otherwise the Neophyte would have already been wiped out. Our fates and ultimate purposes are never for us to know, just for us to play along with until the gods' divine justice is righteously fulfilled as they see fit." Maebel's strange blue eyes remain practically emotionless as she responds,"Beliefs fade, Savero. I highly doubt many of the Neophyte will see it the way you do." No doubt many would see it as the gods wanted to make them suffer.

"You're not the only people who wish harm to the Monarchy and Government, and you're not the only people they don't give two shits about. No one's even heard of the Neophyte in Ioana, so maybe the Monarchy thinks you're dead too by now. If it's back into Ioana you want so badly, play on your strengths. And being a lost race might just be one of them." Maebel did not answer that, even if Savero was not a spy for the Monarchy, it was not her plan to share. The Neophyte had spies, they knew. They didn't know enough, but they knew. And they were playing on their strengths. Their abilities would give them an edge when they attacked, but they would be overwhelmed with numbers. They had to have a weakness, not a guess. They had to have an actual weakness.

"No promises." Maebel rolls her eyes as she gathers the supplies, shooting Savero one last glance before moving to the back room. Returning everything back to where it went. Though once she re-entered the main part, she spotted Savero's eyes moving, before landing on the door. He was jumpy. Maebel states,"Your fine. No one will come in. They always knock." That was true, because no one wanted to interrupt anything Maebel was doing just in case she messed up because they distracted her. Besides, Maebel didn't expect any guests anytime soon. She moves to the front, taking a seat at the desk. She had some work to do, and keeping an eye on Savero would be easy from the desk. She could do both with ease, especially if Savero went to sleep. Though she'd have to send for some food and water for Savero soon.

Zilstead was all Ruina knew, yes, but yet she never had any connection to the land. Riden had never fought to protect Zilstead, he had always fought to protect the Neophyte. And Riden had made that clear to Ruina as she grew up. Home is not the place, it is the people. Wherever our people go, I will protect them. Zilstead is not our home, little one. Ioana is not either, yet it is where our blood runs the deepest. Those words had stuck with Ruina through her whole life. If someone had asked Ruina for a specific place to call home, it would be Ioana, where their blood ran the deepest. Yet, like Riden had said. Home is not the place, it is the people. Where the Neophyte were is where Ruina would call home. They could go somewhere completely new and as long as her people were there, she would call it home. It was just the way she had been raised and she would stick by it until she died.

"Of course." Ruina's eyes track Thaola and Tarron, a small smile curving at the edge of her lips as she watches Ikaris move after specifically Thaola. Though Thaola didn't say a whole lot about how she felt about Ikaris to Ruina, she could tell that Thaola was attracted to Ikaris. Ruina's eyes then flicker to watch Inara leave, before they finally land on Enzo. At his grin, she manages to return a small one. "I haven't heard you use that tone in a while. The Ioanian is a cause of some concern, and frustration to me as well if I'm being completely honest. I can't see as much as I would like, and what I do see is Savero being a mild pain in our sides." Those words briefly reassured Ruina, at least there were no great threats from Savero. Not yet.

"If Savero comes from Ioana, he must have some information. We need it, especially if it will help us move against the Monarchy. Yet, the only way we are sure to get it, is if he bonds with someone." Ruina shakes her head,"I don't want to manipulate Savero. I don't want to have someone try and get close to him solely for the information." Ruina sighs,"I don't want to push either, because no doubt it will simply push him away." The Templar finally turns to start walking, pausing only to wait for Enzo. "And yet, I do not know if we can wait much longer." Ruina looks up at the sky. Had the gods abandoned them? Forgotten about them? Were they all alone now? Now that the All-Mother was gone?

Thaola and Tarron come to a stop at the edge of the garden, their sharp eyes scanning the crops. So far everything looked good, which made the two hopefully. If every crop survived, then they would harvest at least double then what they had been harvesting. Which meant more food, which meant that hopefully Ruina and Enzo would not have to give their portions away. Which Thaola, Tarron, Riden, and Maebel had noticed. And it had simply pissed off all four of them. Maebel, the healer she was, tried to appeal to the scientific side of it. While Tarron and Thaola just scolded them occasionally, not enough or harsh enough for it to be considered shunning, but enough to let the two know they were concerned. While Riden simply shook his head, his concern clear every time the Neophyte gathered for meals.