"So, boss, what's the situation now?"
"The moment the Valkyrie's sighting had been reported, rumors started to fly around. The Mages within the human community have been singled out, and the humans have branded our powers as 'curses' or 'hexes'. The most common one to phrase is 'Witchcraft'," replied Old Man Pond, looking at the few elites that gathered.
"So what's today's mission?" asked Peanut, looking at Old Man Pond.
The leader sighed as he pointed to the Campania's domain.
"A Dark Element Mage had accidentally shown her powers to whom she thought were friends. This then led to her mistimed death of being burnt alive at the stake. Not only it caused a din within the human society, but it also wreaked havoc in the Congregation," explained Old Man Pond, casually setting a wood peg on fire.
"So much for trying to merge the human community with us Mages," scoffed Baldwin, looking away.
"So the task at hand?" asked Gillian, unwilling to hear more of Baldwin's negative messages.
"The one who caused the mess was a young child, so she did not understand what was wrong with having a Dark Element. She paid the price with her life. The task is to head over there to clarify," said the leader, taking a purple peg and stabbing it into the Campania's area.
"Shall I use the Valkyrie instead? I've heard some good progress on her. Of course, I'll allow you two to accompany her on her first time," offered the Old Man.
Ysabeau's face twisted in disgust at the mere thought of allowing Mavislin to enter such a dangerous mission.
"In a week, I would say Mavislin's powers had matured well. Ysabeau is about to give lessons on the theory of the different Elements. The young girl is competent enough to dish out a well-rounded attack using Core Elements, but it did not mean she was versatile in all Elements," explained Gillian, looking around.
"Will she be useful within this particular mission?" asked the Old Man.
"I highly doubt so. She may be good in combat, but her feelings are still able to get the best of her."
"Sound like a certain someone," whispered Peanut.
"Hush," said Ysabeau.
"Besides, having a Valkyrie get spotted or even worse could spell trouble for us," said Baldwin.
"So Baldwin will be heading towards the Campania Domain then. The meeting is dismissed," commanded Old Man Pond.
Baldwin shot a reluctant look but stood up nonetheless. He nodded as he jumped out of the window, streaks of Dark Elemental Energy followed him out.
"You two better watch him. His head ain't clear these days," said Peanut, looking at the couple.
"Why is that so?"
"Abigail has been missing for a few days. His heart is still isn't at ease."
As the couple returned to their quarters at the main building, Mavislin was having a mini tea party with a few stuffed toys that she had brought along. Ysabeau smiled at the young girl as Mavislin immediately hopped into her arms.
"I heard about the news. Am I in trouble?" asked Mavislin, with such innocence.
"Why would you be?" asked Gillian.
"I know the victim. She was my playmate about a year ago. I miss her..." pouted Mavislin, looking at her stuffed toy rabbit.
"So why would you be in trouble? You told someone else about your powers?" asked Ysabeau.
"Would she rat me out as well?"
Her eyes were filled with sadness as she pretended to feed the bear plushie some air tea. Ysabeau smiled with a heavy heart as she bent down towards the Valkyrie.
"I promise, we would never let anything harm you."
"Pinky promise?"
Ysabeau nodded as she wrapped her pinky with the Child of Valokia's. Gillian then snapped out of his midday's daze.
"Hang on, you knew her? What was her name then?" asked Gillian, seemingly interested.
"If I'm not wrong, her name was Abigail Noble," replied Mavislin looking at the couple.
The couple looked at each other with shock. Ysabeau sprinted out of the room, flying around the area to find Old Man Pond.
"Stay here!" yelled Gillian.
Gillian followed suit, leaving Mavislin confused. The child could only sigh as she continued playing without a care in the world.
"Sir, may I get the victim's record?" asked Ysabeau, when she finally caught the leader.
"Sure, here you go. Don't misuse it," replied Old Man Pond, giving a few papers to her.
Ysabeau froze the moment she'd seen the victim's name. Mavislin was right.
"Of all people to take up the task... He was the worst choice!" yelled Ysabeau.
"So it's true then," said Gillian, finally catching up to his wife.
Ysabeau looked at Gillian with horror in her eyes. The two of them quickly made plans to head to the Campania, to Baldwin, quickly.