Snippet #2454754

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Oliviert listened to the words of the Cremiere, and the loud Taru. Their questions were not unreasonable. It was clear that the Queen had been too vague, even to him. It was only fair for them to know what they were hunting, and why, before they set off on their adventure. But he wasn't stupid. The Queen had been vague for a very good reason. If people knew of her plans, there could easily be some who would attempt to stop her from obtaining the stone. But what would the group do if they found out only after they had receive the stone? The elf remained silent for a moment considering, then nodded his head and turned to the Cremiere. The former white wizard seemed more experienced, but her outburst and general way of gathering information put Oliviert off. He much preferred speaking with the Dragoon, a strange thought considering his general attitude to most other conversations.

"You are right, of course, that this is no ordinary stone. Ordinarily, I would agree with my frie-" Oliviert hesitated, then tried to restart as if nothing had happened, but stressed the word Queen slightly as he continued, "Queen, but I believe it is only fair that you all know of what you seek." Noticing he was speaking a little faster than he would normally, but not much, he took a deep breath and continued at a better pace.
"We are leaving in search of the Ifrit Stone."

Jaspon stopped in his tracks and turned his eyes on the Elf. The information he had of this was hilariously little, but he had heard people talking of Ifrit once before. Curious to hear more he followed, listening close.

"Created from Ifrit's flames," he paused, reluctant to say what they needed it for in fear of how they would receive the news, "it allows one to use the Flames of Ifrit if they are able to wield it." He tried to look up to Alsa's eyes for a moment, but he couldn't maintain the contact and looked away. "So I have heard, and read. Something that powerful... it was my duty to inform my Queen." Oliviert looked away worried. In an attempt to avoid whatever they would say to this, particularly the loud one, he walked slightly quicker to the guest quarters entrance now only a few meters away and opened the doors to a large room. The group of people who trusted his Queen grew fewer daily, and this would help little to disperse the rumours floating around about her.

He gestured to a door on one side with his hand. "This is the men's area. You will sleep there Jaspon." He gestured to the opposite side. "Women will sleep through the opposite door. I'm aware there is likely to still be many questions, but I have my duties to attend to so I must leave you here. I will answer any of your questions in the morning when we set out." He smiled sheepishly and hurried away from the group, not wanting to reveal any more.He had already said too much. If the Queen found out he had told them she would not be happy.

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Jaspon started to work it over in his mind, thinking on Oliviert's description of the stone. He knew very little about any of it. However, he still worried. He knew exactly what power could do to someone. He was still dealing with the effects of it. And now apparently everyone else in the world had to suffer too. Pushing his old friend, turned enemy, from his mind, Jaspon replaced it with a different face. The girl that had first met them, the Miqo'te. He wasn't entirely sure why had had trusted her, but he knew she spoke the truth. Something else that remained a small mystery was her role in all of this. Jaspon assumed from the greatsword on her back that she was some form of warrior - a fact which surprised him greatly considering her general appearance - so it made some sense to send her, the girl now being one of the two true physical fighters. Another surprise was her clothes which were different form the typical colourful look of other Miqo'te people. Wanting to avoid swarming his mind with questions, Jaspon instead turned to his companions, ready to wish them good night. unless they had anything to say.
'If they're going to be discussing this, then I better stay to hear them out.'