Leaving for Research

[Xenus]

Xenus picked up the last of his bags of belongings. There was not much anyway, all of the orphans in the orphanage did not have much money or belongings. Today was the day that Xenus was going to set off to complete his research. There was a tradition that any orphan at the orphanage who turned 17 would have to leave the orphanage and make a life for themselves. Today happened to be that day, 17 years after the day that Xenus was found.

Xenus had made a very specific request though, he had requested someone from the church to accompany him. It was an idea that he and his friend had come up with. Yes, Xenus and his friend, Soul, had planned to leave together for Xenus's research. Xenus's reason for needing someone from the church was that he needed an escort in Etruria that could help him out with his research too and that that escort could also spread Eliminism while on the journey. Of course, Xenus had strongly recommended Soul for the job, to which the church had concurred.

Xenus picked up the bag that he had packed, left his room, closed the door shut behind him, climbed down the few flights of stairs to the ground floor and left through the main gates of the orphanage, leaving his past life in the orphanage behind him.

[Soul Essence]

Soul double-checked her stuff she'd have to bring on this journey one last time- her lightning tome, a must as she was an acolyte, a vulnerary in case she'd be in danger, she'd probably die before she could use it anyways. She also had her clothes, her comfy blanket- no, that was not a blanket as you'd expect, but a few things were inscripted on it. Not clearly as anyone could understand, and only Soul could understand her writing on this cloth.

She also brought a black robe with her, so that she could change into it if she ever wanted to go out of Etruria- she did not want anything to do with the country anymore. If the black robe could disguise her, the Prophet might not send his goons after her. Or maybe she wasn't that important to run after, but she didn't want to take a risk. Who knows what would happen to someone like her in such a state?

She had forced the church to send her with the mage Xenus. The two met about a year ago, back when she was struggling to come to terms with reality. Everything seemed so... unreal. The two became friends pretty fast. She had no idea why she wanted to travel with him other than running away, but it was better than nothing.

She was just at the entrance of the church. Just a few steps and she'd be gone. Was this really it? She was going to leave one of the most important aspects of her life behind her... her hands were trembling, and she was about to cry. But then she remembered the insensitive priests, her family feud, the misguided teachings of the Prophet. She had to do this, and this strengthened her resolve.

Out of the church she went.

[Xenus]

Xenus stood waiting beside a fountain. He was at the town square, where he and Soul had agreed to meet before they would leave on their journey. Xenus was, as usual, early. Xenus was usually either early or very on-the-dot at each of his appointments. He did not believe in wasting too much of others' or his own time by being late.

Xenus took a good lookover around the town square that he was in. The fountain, the many stalls selling an assortment of wares, some even selling food. There was also a playground just beside the fountain that Xenus was standing next to. All of these were places that Xenus was used to. Despite a great longing to leave on his journey, Xenus had to admit that he was slightly afraid of a change to the regular life that he had had.

Soul would probably feel the same way too. Xenus knew Soul well enough to know that she would exemplify a sort of reluctance to leave. Unlike Xenus who was an orphan, Soul had had a mother and a father, even if they had passed away. There would be her parents' graves, the church she had been left with as well as all of her close friends from the church that she would be leaving behind if they were to leave. Xenus could understand any reluctance that Soul would feel, for Xenus, even without much ties to the town, had a reluctance to leave as well.

[Soul Essence]

Soul walked as slowly as she could- it would allow her to think of her life- her past, her present, and her future. She needed to plan her life next- she always had this habit of thinking about her next step even before walking the present one. She was confused, and needed some guidance. True guidance, unlike the one she received at the church. She winced as she thought of the church- it was a horrid place. The Prophet taking over the church made it absolutely nonsense now. At least she had some attachment to it before, but now it was absolutely zilch. Her emotions were toying with her- at one moment she felt sadness, the next she felt hatred. How was she supposed to control herself?

She suddenly stopped as she checked her surroundings. She had gone the wrong way, thinking about everything. She retraced her steps, forcing herself not to think anymore. She tried to make sure she did not go back into deep thoughts, she might actually get lost again.

She walked till she found Xenus. All that came out of her lips was a soft, gentle smile and as she said politely, "Hello, Xenus. Ready?"

[Xenus]

"You think? I was ready to leave 10 minutes ago!", Xenus spoke bluntly, annoyance obvious in Xenus's voice.

It was not that Xenus was annoyed that Soul was late yet again. Xenus was used to that. Xenus was annoyed at Soul being late yet making light of her lateness with a lighthearted question. She had also shown no regret or guilt at being late, without even an apology. Such was basic courtesy and etiquette.

Xenus did not openly speak of his thoughts though, as he could see that Soul seemed occupied with some things. Speaking up now would certainly only annoy and anger Soul and making the situation worse. Well then, Xenus made is a point that he would speak to Soul about her lack of etiquette some time in the future.

"So, where to first, dear guide?", Xenus asked Soul, as he picked up his bag and got ready to set off.

[Soul Essence]

Soul was slightly taken aback by Xenus' abrupt, rude reply. She did not mean to be so late. Why was he so...insensitive?? Why were the people at the church so insensitive? Why were...everyone so insenstivie to her? She just felt like she didn't want anymore of this... tears started to form in her eyes.

Eyes watery, heart sore, but she still needed to maintain her composure. She could not be like this in front of Xenus. No, no one must know of her inner feelings. People could take advantage of this. She tried hard not to let her tears flow, as she said,"I'm sorry, Xenus. I was just preoccupied with stuff."

" I was thinking we should maybe head south to Lycia. I hear it is not how it used to be... I've heard Ositia exploded lately." she said, trying to cheer up a little.

[Xenus]

OoC: Soul should know how abrupt Xenus is, she's been Xenus's friend. She should know not to get offended or affected by the abrubtness like that.

BiC: "Exploded? Must be the work of some sort of magical force.", Xenus spoke up.

Xenus had heard of the explosion that had occurred at Ostia recently. One that had caused the downfall of Ostia. Ostia was now in shambles, wild beasts roaming the country, all of the towns in ruins. There was definitely something to research about in Ostia, about what kind of magic would cause such a devastating effect on the entire town of Ostia.

"That is where we could start our research from", Xenus said, determination forming in his voice. "Come on, let's go!"

[Soul Essence]

Soul followed Xenus along as she became preoccupied in her thoughts once again. She was overcome with anxiety- she could not control it. What was she to do? Where would she go? What would happen to her? As these thoughts clogged her mind, she realized that... she had lost Xenus. She wanted to go look for the boy but then remembered that he was a pretty clever chap and would probably find his way himself. Considering his bluntness he would probably not care about what happened to Soul. She sighed in despair as she continued walking- she had no idea where to go. Considering she was heading south to Lycia and she needed to escape Etruria quickly, she continued walking outside the main gates of the town.