Snippet #1737636

Tamlin shrugged, "You could have failed your test if you did not think you were fit for this, or if you did not want the responsibility. As it stands, you either accept this burden we give to you, or perish. The choice is yours to make." He said with a shrug. He didn't mean to sound heartless, but to say that they had no right was somewhat of an arrogant thing to say, "You are saying that your petty tasks are more important than the safety and well-being of the entire world? Who are you to assume such things. Your life seems all the important, doesn't it? You've done so much with it, haven't you? What great accomplishments have you achieved? This is not a matter of fame or glory, it is of survival. Let me be frank with you, if you do not take this quest, all of you in this room, as well as everyone in Elenia, and eventually beyond, will perish. Do you understand, Miss Martel? This is bigger than each of you, bigger than anything you could possibly hope to achieve in your lifetimes otherwise. Would you condemn everyone in the world to a fate worse than death? If you can bear that burden, then by all means...The only way out of here is by our allowance, so if you would like us to send you back to your cave, then we can do so. Just say the word."

Corton looked at Nadanna, "Hey! You wanna-be doctor. Pay attention to what we're saying. We aren't here flapping our dead gums for nothing, and if you've got the audacity to ignore us while we're talking, I'm gonna come down there and shove my ghostly boot up your ass."

Serenity's eyes flashed, "Corton. Enough."

Corton shook his head, "This is what we're resting the fate of Elenia and beyond on? Really? You gotta be shitting me. They barely understand the severity of the situation they're all in, let alone what happens if they fail." He turned to face Ava, "We have more power than you could hope to possess, girl, and your mocking tone is not appreciated. Know your place, lest the consequences befall you. We have been quite accommodating for you to take such a tone with us. We are not here to argue, and we would much rather allow you to walk freely from this place, but should you choose to continue to act as you are, we will show you your place. You remember what that is like, do you not? We are not your enemies. We are your allies in this endeavor. Treat us as such and you shall receive in kind. The illusion of choice in this matter is broken now by my words. You will not be able to leave, any of you, until you chosen have taken your gems and those chosen have taken their oaths to protect. You speak of right. There is no right; we are shattering your predefined illusion of choice. You are destined to take these gems, just as we were before you."

Serenity closed her eyes and breathed for a moment, a calming energy circulating through the room for a moment before it faded, "We will show you what will happen should you fail, or should you choose not to take this task now. For now, suffice to say that the consequences of either will result in your deaths, if not now, then very soon. Are there any others among you who have questions."

Arienna took a step forward, "You expect us to fight an army, but what chance do we stand, fairy-tale gems or no. Will they protect us from arrows or blades? We will still bleed as any mortal does, and we will still die should a bit of steel find the right place. I have seen first hand the horrors you put us up against, I have marched in their ranks. I fled from them the first chance I had, and you expect me to simply march back with an even larger target on my back? I barely survived my first encounter with Rune's army, I shall not chance my luck by doing it again."

Balaan laughed, "This is the embodiment of tenacity, is it not? Would you back down from this challenge? The chance to defeat him?" He asked, and Ari's eyes widened as she cringed back a little. She knew who he was talking about alright, and her eyes immediately dropped to the cave's floor.

Ven was watching the others with curiosity. A doctor, an inventor, an assassin, and a thief. These were the people picked to protect the legendary gem hosts? Ven had his head in the clouds sometimes, but did these people really expect them to protect them, "Uh, excuse me, spooky ghost things? Uh...how are we four supposed to protect all six of them? I mean...I dunno about you all, but I'm not exactly a fighter."

Ari scoffed, "I do not need your protection, Sorian, and you had best believe it."

Ven nodded slightly, "As I'm sure, Miss, uh...Intuneric? You appear to be wounded as it is, I might add. My point remains, there are those among us who are not trained to fight. How can we possibly be expected to triumph in this battle?"

Tamlin crossed his arms, "Some of you are here to fight. Others, to care for and nurture. As you journey, there are those that will join you. Allies that will come from the most unexpected places. You simply need to find them. Unfortunately, we do not have the strength outside these walls we once had, and we had to choose the most imperative of those. Well...there was one that we were to bring before you before all others, but she is close enough for you to find on your own. Nadanna Ember, your dedication to the arts of medicine and the well being of your allies shall be your greatest asset. Zetisuke Krovi, your blade shall keep the gem hosts safe when they are at their weakest, and you shall tutor them in the way of close-quarters fighting. Drindill Shontoll, despite your cocky nature, your stealth and agility shall benefit these hosts, and you will help them embrace the way of the bow should they choose it. And lastly, Ventaro Sartagus, your knowledge of chemistry and mechanics will keep your allies well armed and supplied. You guardians are just as important to the success of this quest as the hosts themselves, for they will not always be able to carry themselves on their own feet. They need allies to support them."