"People always have a choice. All they have to do is look through the webs entangled by time."
At her question, Lenni took a moment and studied the needle delicately displayed upon her palm. Though, there was no immediate answer from her friend. Instead, Calliope found Lenore looking for such manifestations on the others. And it seemed, all of those who attacked them had such needles. From that, she was able to piece a conclusion that the odd behavior of the people was due to this fragile looking object. Her hazel eyes gazed at the seemingly harmless object. As for the explanation, it had not been provided by her friend. Of course, she did not take offense as Lenni's decorum was something known to her. When her friend was intent on something, she seemed to forget everything else around her.
Really, that was adorable at times. A trait, Lenni seemed to share with Lord Emrys as heard.
Anyway, her query had been addressed by Cyril who reached out his hand. It was for the purpose of handing the needle to him. He stated that it was dangerous even in such a manner. Looking at the Black Knight, Calliope blinked her eyes a couple of times before relenting. She gave the needle to him and slowly rose from her crouched position. "Do you know what is it Cyril?" This time, she directed the inquiry to him. He seemed familiar with it and seeing that Lenni is busy extracting such needles from the others. This was the option she opted as not to disturb her friend.
An explanation had been given and Calliope did not like what it revealed. To manipulate people without care, it was an unacceptable thing to her. Furthermore, it is a forbidden magic and had been used to deliver a sinister deed. It seemed that this was not done by mages of the Academy or that of Dorthonion. Though, she really did not have any suspicions. That is why she had opted to ask their assailants directly. She had never been the kind to judge a person by ear or by appearance. Her perception of that person is developed once she had met and shared a conversation with. Even then, she would not think anything ill. It was never in her nature to doubt people. Though, she does condemn actions.
In the field of magic, Calliope would bravely admit that she is inept of it. The knowledge about it had been implanted to her as required for someone who would rule among the Elysian Mages. As such, she knew the basic history and a few details needed to be known by someone of her status. Other than that, she has no familiarity of its lore. To be able to weave tiny miracles, it is something she cannot do. If one would implicate her tarot-reading, it was more of a chance game. Though, she does get lucky that most of the time, her readings seemed relatable in the general timeline. Other than that, she has nothing going much for her, except for being the defined Heir of the Golden Peacock Throne.
Still...
"If they are intent to achieve whatever their goals are, they should not involve innocent people who wanted to be left in peace." That is her stand even towards people who have been identified as her enemy or threat. Calliope would not have anyone else interfere. Her attention and focus would only be on that one person. That is also why she has no hate over the Dorthoni soldiers or anyone from that Empire. She believes that her person of interest is the King Anselm. Even her declaration had been directed to him. Taking a deep breath, she looked at Cyril. "Would it mean that there is someone out there as strong as Lord Emrys and Lenni?" It is what she had concluded from the usage of the dark spell. The requirement of great magic and concentration, it would be a powerful mage.
This time around, Lenni answered that question. According to her friend, there were multiple casters. So, it would be a group of people. The plot thickens as it seems. This reminded her of the Black Asura's mention of a game. Could this be what he meant? Or, she was thinking too much of it. Setting that aside, she listened to what Lenni suggested. "That is good to hear. Cyril could you help in taking these people to safety?" She queried and afterwards went towards Lenni. Without ceremony, she embraced the white-haired girl. "Do not do anything so dangerous again. I would not know what I would do if something happened to you Lenni." Despite knowing that Lenni did what she had to do for their protection, Calliope was still concerned. Pulling away, she looked at her best friend's face. "You are not just a friend to me. You are like a sister to me. No... You are my sister. So, please be more wary."
After saying that, Calliope released Lenni and had a bright smile on her face. "Make sure Lord Emrys helps you. I will be leaving in your hands to find the casters."
"None of you are worthy of my presence, ever."
Everyone was bowing their heads in respect towards the elegant silhouette passing through the palace hallways. This was none other than the Matriarch of House Pallas or most known as the Lady Royale. She was dressed in a purple skin-tight dress with a plunging neckline and black feathers around the collar. Her headpiece adorned with jewels and a metallic half-circle frame on her back with two long strips of sheer material hanging down on each side while her face hidden behind her red beak mask. Despite such a provocative and peculiar appearance, it was no issue that she still appears as a beauty. Something which could be proudly seen on her son and daughter.
Though, her attendance to the palace warrants interest. The Lady Royale rarely visits the place she had once seen as her residence ever since she had been married off to House Pallas. At times, she had only done so for very important events relating to the participation of the Khthonios Family or there are matters to be discussed about the crown. Other than that, she would not waste time. As such, many had concluded that this visit would be about the incoming death anniversary or the throne. Most have decided that it might be plausibly both.
The Lady Royale soon came towards a door. She had not been welcomed with any sort of resistance from the guards present. For, she had come with an official business and on appointment. Furthermore, there was little others could do against her. She is protected by her status, blood, and reputation. In any case, the doors were opened for her entrance. And with that, the announcement of her arrival. She walked with such grace inherent of her and certain demeanor found in beings that possessed such an ephemeral existence.
Whatever the reason may be, it had effectively hid her intentions and generated enough mystery about her.