Thread: Where Allegiances Lie [Kyre & The Intrepid Wanderer]

She regretted asking the question almost as soon as she had uttered it, watching his expression grow solemn made Alisia suddenly feel guilty. Lifting a hand to rub at her arm, she spared another glance about the Library, noting that most had returned to their hushed conversations or their browsing of the many many bookcases. As for the answer, well she feared there would be little good news to share, though she never gave up hope that something might have changed. His invitation drew her attention sharply back toward him, eyes a little wide as she stared up at him for a few moments before nodding gently. Turning back toward the front desk, she uttered a hushed farewell to the old man seated behind it before following Darryn back out into the hallway, guiding the door shut behind her so that it wouldn't bang. Pale jade eyes flickered down the length of the corridor, at least as far as the curve of the tower allowed, recalling how closely she had been watched when last she passed down this way. The Templar at her side did much to calm any unease she might have been feeling though. Falling into step at Darryn's side, she did her best to keep pace with him, having to take a couple quick steps to match his lengthier stride. Her gaze fell to the thinly carpeted floor as she listened to him speak. Truthfully, she had not expected an answer to her question, but as he spoke she found herself disheartened by the information he shared. The war was a troublesome issue for the young woman, who found herself torn in many directions when it came to taking sides. She could understand the desperation which drove her fellow mages to action, the anger at being constantly - and often unfairly - judged and treated with suspicion, the isolation of their cloistered existence brought. Not that this meant she agreed with those that gave in to the whims of the demons of the fade. Magic is a curse. The matter of fact manner in which Darryn uttered that statement struck her like a blow to the face. All her life she had been told this that she was cursed, not to be trusted, a risk and a liability. While she strived to excel in her studies, within she loathed her magic, hated that it made her different, that it caused others to fear her before they even knew her. What had she done to cause the Maker to punish her so? Or could it be that everyone else was wrong? Could magic be a gift just like any other favourable attribute, a gift that could be misused just as easily as any other form of power? Alisia's chin dipped a little further, weighed down by the sea of thoughts that washed against an already weary mind. She remained quiet for a time, even after he had directed a number of questions toward her. Such questions had to be answered with care, her words could easily condemn herself or others. For the most part people are afraid, especially the younger ones. They fear for their families, they fear for their own lives. Some simply stay in the dorms, terrified that if they are seen even speaking to someone of suspicion they condemn themselves. There had been whispers of revolt, some speaking of more than just their fear that left Alisia sleepless and jumpy. No one has approached me, I think I've made it clear to most that I won't stand for any talk of trouble and I do my best to keep the younger ones from being drawn in to such conversations. People are afraid, Darryn. The Templars are quick to turn to execution or Tranquillity at even the slightest hint of unease, most of us are afraid that at any moment the doors will burst open and we will all be put to your swords. Alisia shuddered, recalling many nightmares she had had of just such an occurrence.