srwu | Foundations

Recent developments with the Lady and the Discovery prompted some to mention a particular Kijin organization as a potential source of artifacts.

Because of this, those who are interested may participate in a hastily organized visit to the once grand estate that was the headquarters of the Gloster Foundation. There are things to be discussed.

After the events almost a year ago, the place is definitely not what it once was: buildings are still damaged, and while some are being rebuilt, others have been abandoned. The giant, lavish manor that was the administrative building, where Seta's coming of age ceremony was held, is one of the latter.

A gloomy atmosphere looms over the area, complete with a sky laden with overcast.

Among those who decided to come, one person is a special case: a certain horned girl, who received a personal invitation from the new leaders of the Foundation...

-

1.

"...So this is where she lived."

After accepting the invite reluctantly, Lenore is naturally anxious about what she'll find. She has no idea what to expect or what she was invited for.

Her caution may be warranted though: as she continues to look around, the sound of many footsteps approaches her out of nowhere!

"-Eh?"

And that's all that she manages to say before she's abruptly tackled to the ground by a familiar group of young Kijin, who proceed to pull her horns and tail.

"...Look! We found the new girl!"

"Wait a minute... she's supposed to be smaller than us! This ain't fair!"

"Hey, tell us! How'd you grow up so fast?"

...Unfortunately, Lenore can't answer that due to being unable to breathe under all that weight.

"H-help..."

-

2.

Some time later, you may stumble upon Lenore again. This time she is not alone, and appears to be speaking to someone in a lounge area of one of the rebuilt buildings.

"...What do you mean?! I have it with me even now, and it's been fine!"

The person in the seat across from hers looks like a younger Kijin, but her demeanor suggests otherwise.

"I mean exactly what I've said, Lenore. We've let it go before, but under the current circumstances, and with this 'Lady' awakening and adding to the world's troubles, we can't let you keep an artifact like Kazan any longer. Astara insisted that we wait until you realized this yourself, or prove us wrong by showing your capability. However, we've put the subject to a vote a few days ago, and decided that this is the best course of action...

"Please understand: Carina is also our responsibility. As long as you continue to carry Kazan into battle, you're a complete component for her plans, waiting for her to get a hold of you. Even with others around you, you can't continue depend on-"

Lenore suddenly gets up from her seat. Her clenched fist shows her struggle to keep her anger in check.

"I've heard enough. I'm leaving!"

-

3. (Note: Please keep responses here to one thread, thanks.)

After Lenore's meeting with the Foundation administrator, a small crowd has gathered at an open clearing outside: they are witnesses to a battle that is now happening.

On one side is Lenore, carrying both Kazan and her own large blade.

Her opponent: the administrator Circe, has no such weapon drawn, and has only been defending herself.

Yet, Lenore is losing the exchanges - getting thrown and smacked around like a pinball. Her most recent attempt sees her being knocked away and eating dirt from an elbow to her gut. It isn't even much of a fight.

"Grrh!"

"I'll admit that you're better than the reports stated. But this has gone far enough, don't you think?"

"...I'm not even done yet. You'd better start taking me seriously."

"Very well. Let's see what happens when I'm the one attacking then."

Circe seems to blink in and out of existence, instantly appearing within striking range. Lenore immediately moves to slash...

"That's fast. But don't think it'll be so-"

And hits nothing but air.

"...Easy...?"

Feeling a presence behind her, she turns around as quickly as possible. But by that time, there's a fist headed right for her face: a fist that stops only an inch away from contact.

"...?!"

Even after it stops, a tremendous blast of air spreads out into the surroundings. Lenore is not hurt by it, but she takes a step back, looking stunned, and drops her weapons.

"...You're strong, Lenore. But that strength isn't honed. The knowledge you have doesn't translate to experience, either. Compared to that, Astara fought for at least a decade, and even the younglings you've met have been training for years now."

"......"

"You know what you have to do."
...Even if you had won this, having Kazan wouldn't bring your brothers and sisters back - the one who wielded it last would've used it to bring back the people she cared about if it were possible."

The observers are quiet. And Lenore, who is standing, but hunched over from her injuries, does nothing either...

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