Before the group stood a man with a built physique. Standing little over 2 meters tall, draped in a dark cloak trimmed with gold, the man boasted a powerful and commanding presence. Though from a simple glance, the cloak seemed special, it wasn't what drew one's attention. Instead, what drew one's attention were the man's eyes. A vibrant gold that slowly pulsed to a reddish-gold glow. And if to further complement them, small ornate gold bands adorned a river of dreads bound in a ponytail. Adding a well-trimmed full beard, one couldn't help but think that he looked like an older version of Cisse.
Noting the group's frozen state at his welcome, the man stroked his full beard as he tilted his head puzzlement. "Umm…."
…
Dried, cracked, and lifeless, Arthur looked on as small arcs of electricity occasionally blossomed across what could best be described as a grave injury. Decorating his left thoracic and abdominal area, Dinga's injury was closer to barren land than to flesh.
"It's been exponentially getting worse…mustering my true strength had been….difficult. "Sighed Dinga as he latched his armor together again.
As for how this scene came to be about, after arriving at the base, Dinga allowed the party to recover for a bit before inviting Ayfia, Cisse, and Arthur to the command tent. At the same time, Karami and Amina went to handle other business.
Upon arriving at the command tent, much to the amusement of Cisse, Dinga began to circle Arthur while occasionally nodding his head. "Yep, yep, yep, I really should pat myself on the back. All of my kids are masterpieces."
Sadly Dinga barely got to finish his words a forehead flick flashed his way.
This got a giggle out of both Cisse and Arthur.
Easily transitioning to a conversation as they got themselves situated, the quartet touched on the seven-day trip amongst a few other things. After a while, Ayfia finally asked. "Why the Ntoqua?"
This, in turn, prompted Dinga to show his injury. Though it should be clarified that Dinga has had this injury for a while, and like he said, it's been getting exponentially worse. As for how he received this injury, all in due time.
"Within the last month, it started coming with sudden spells of weakness with increasing frequency."
"Hence the Ntoqua, as a way for this conflict to end quickly?"
"Yep," replied Dinga. 'It probably wouldn't have come to this if it was not for Kante's new friend, Marcus Antonius."
"Who?" asked Cisse, prompting for Dinga to expand.
"Our reports on Kante receiving support from an external power are true. There seems to be a rising power in the western region of the continent, and they seem to have cast their gaze to the south. With aligned goals, the rising power sent Marcus to assist Kante."
"Marcus is a pain to deal with, to say the least. He is a celeste with a domain type ability. Leave him alone, and he will wreak havoc, face him, and be prepared for a game of attrition, which he seems to love after noticing the gradual decline in my strength this last month. And even more annoying than his real forte is strategizing."
"Are you worried?" asked Ayfia.
Glancing at Cisse and Arthur, Dinga smiled. "Not in the slightest."
Hearing this everyone nodded in understanding as they continued to discuss other things.
After a while another while, exchanging glances with one another, Arthur and Cisse nodded as they excused themselves.
As the duo left the command tent, just as the flap was about to close, Arthur picked up the faint voice of ayfia.
"You are about to leave me, aren't yo-"
…
In a tent of their own, seated across each other, Arthur locked eyes with Cisse and asked, "how are you feeling?"
"Why fight the inevitable? It would have happened sooner or later?"
"Hmm?"
"it's a decision he made Art, what else can we do but go along with it?"
"That may be true, but again, how are you feeling?"
"Haish," breathed Cisse as he turned his head from Arthur. "Your guess is as good as mine."