The door is closed rather forcefully, the two guards sharing an inquisitive look as one of the party members enclosed in the palace seemed to be rather ill-mannered.
"I'm sorry." Sol says not even looking at the two guards as he rubs his fingers against the palm of his hands, a slight dark aura following him.
He was aware since he heard about this academy called "Drearoth" that mana was regulated and that there seemed to be some connection between the mages. Until now, it had not bothered him, the others did not ask, and he preferred to keep quiet.
'However, if even someone as the grand duke is asking question.' He thinks to himself now rubbing his temple. Realizing that he has to watch out for more eyes than before. The emerald eyes look at the dark aura surrounding him, a sinister aura that proves his demonic heritage.
His shield in the previous realm had become a sword in this one. A sword pointed both ways and every day becoming sharper and sharper. The shifting aura becoming harder to predict. Sol thinks about a familiar spirit with whom he parted on unpleasant terms, unable to not wish for his advice.
His thoughts were interrupted by the now familiar sounds of bird wings flapping around in near proximity. The emerald eyes look at the source and find Brandubh standing there with a crow on his shoulder in the center of this palace hall.
"Are you having a pleasant day?" Brandubh asks politely, grabbing the crow on the shoulder by his beak. "Be quiet and leave." He says, still looking at Sol as he lets go of the crow's beak. The crow does not cackle as it simply flies away, leaving a feather behind on Brandubh's shoulder.
"That depends, the day is still young." Sol replies, not walking any closer. His left hand touches his own shadow on the wall.
"I'm more of an early riser myself. I'm guessing you prefer longer nights?"
"I have no preference."
"Really? The citizens of Enver will probably testify differently."
Sol's hand near his shadow twitches slightly, the emerald eyes give a hostile glare. Its usual glitter has a hollow coldness beneath it, that coldness that only those who've taken life can experience. The shadow next to Sol emits a dark and bloody aura and to an extent tamed yet still remaining bloodlust.
Brandubh walks closer to Sol ignoring the clear glare as he focuses on how the shadow reacts.
"How intriguing, this is the manipulation or subjugation of nature itself. I've never seen it before with anything of this magnitude. Is it druidic?" The mage asks out loud as he simply watches the shadow. "Can elemental power even evolve to such an extent and perhaps that is combined with a magical essence of some sort?" The mage continues to ramble clearly not expecting a response from the still-glaring Sol.
The situation that he was desperate to avoid had now appeared before the shade demon. A seemingly half-competent mage questioning his every word and action. The intent to delve deeper is clear in Brandubh's spoken words. Using the hand on his own shadow, a blood-bound spear starts to form in the inquisitive mage's shadow. As slow as the fierceness of the discussion in his mind, the dark mixed with blood magic spear forms.
"I've not told Hedara or anyone else. In case you're wondering." Brandubh adds as he still looks at the shadow. "People's judgment is too clouded when tension is at a high. She's only aware of the fact that a Bael had taken up residence there and caused chaos."
"Such matters are not for nothing are they?"
"They never are. Still, I don't intend to sour our acquaintanceship because of some unreasonable demands."
The blood-bound spear is dispelled whilst the bloodlust-filled aura slowly dissipates. Brandubh turns around and beckons for Sol to follow. Distant crows start to cackle loudly, the sound of the birds not only outside but also inside. Sol walks next to Brandubh, intending to see where this journey ends.
"Hedara is crucial to the grand duchy, and she would do anything for justice and this place." Brandubh begins the conversation leading them through the empty corridors.
"A sentiment everyone in the council should share."
""Should." being the crucial term in your sentence."
"You yourself also do not seem too excited?"
Sol's question makes the spymaster sigh out loud.
"When you dance Sol, do make sure to watch your partner's pace. No one likes an overly forceful lead." Brandubh responds, slightly shaking his head. "Luckily I'm not a strict dancer myself. No, I do not."
"Anything else you would like to share during this riveting walk? I'll try to reciprocate as much as I can."
"In that case, I'm here purely for personal gain. Being a spymaster has given me privileges and is generally more beneficial than being completely individual. It also helps keep the elite off my back. A common issue these days it seems."
"It's hard to say. Some are more unaware than others on the matter. Any subject is hard to judge when you lack the broad view."
"Isn't that truly the fault of the individual itself? Especially for things, most would consider common knowledge."
"Indeed, that's if the discussed individual could be considered "common." Personally I believe that there are more "uncommon" men than one might think."
The tone shifted conversation comes to a temporary hold as two guards approach, give a simple nod and continue on.
"Take mages for example, do they still count as "common?" Can a veteran truly be considered "common?" What about thieves and deserters?"
"I'll always be intrigued by the story of such "uncommon" cases. Especially those with such latent arcane abilities that could gather the interest of many. "
"I find them to be the most boring... Personally I find the common man who became uncommon by pure will and determination far more interesting."
"What a narrow view."
"Well, do forgive me. I tend to get nervous when many eyes are watching." Sol says as he controls some of the shadows. Forming darkness made spikes in an instant. Splattering blood and falling black feathers come out of most the corners. The out of sight hiding places painted with the many bird remains. "Especially when I'm trying to properly reciprocate my feelings on some matters. I'm quite shy."