Finding the Academy (Triton/ open) [Outskirts of Cabal]

[Drake]

"I came to Cabal running a small favor. I am currently returning home to Lightning Country. The time of day is inconsequential. I'm quite difficult to kill."

Drake chuckled.

"Hell, even my missing arm was cut off by me. None have been successful in cutting me down, despite most trying."

He was going to just ignore the part on how this one seemed ok with the accords. She was a fool, but even a fool deserves to live in blissful ignorance for a time.

[Gene Sarda]

“What kind of favor? Sounds serious if they have to send someone who’s hard to kill,” Gene half chuckled. She wasn’t sure about this man. He seemed nice enough, but he did just say he cut off his own arm. He also seems like the type to look down on people with less knowledge.

Either way, Gene decided peace would be the best option. Not that she’d have a chance of winning should a fight break our, but bickering certainly wouldn’t help the situation.

“And what of you, fish man? What business have you close to Cabal?” Inquired Gene. She was trying her best to include him in a conversation, though he seemed to be fascinated by gathering wood for a fire. Perhaps she should just let him be.

[Triton Augustus]

"Ah, yes!" the islander sounded, enthroning himself upon her seat of magical plants.

"I come to chase a vision, a vision I had of the mainland, and of those that live upon it. Not only so, but to seek knowledge on the mainlanders and their ways, and find increase in my might, that I may protect every being that takes breath 'neath the sky."

[Drake]

"I can't talk about it."

Drake would state simply. Then he two would turn to hear the blue man speak.

"Well... that's not something you hear every day."

[Gene Sarda]

"Well" Gene huffed

"You two are both... interesting characters. One who cares about people and another who probably goes around killing people. So lovely."

Shifting in her seat, Gene grew uncomfortable again. Interactions with people she was comfortable with, that's one thing. But initiating a conversation with deadly strangers? Not her area of expertise.

Maybe I'll just... wait for them to talk! Maybe they'll feel pressured to initiate the conversation and I wont have to.  Was Gene's thinking. 

Hopping off of her chair of vines, Gene moved to squat near the pile of branches and sticks to start organizing them, moving the larger pieces off to the side and arranging the smaller twigs in a tent shape. She left few under the tent of sticks, pulled out a box of matches and held it under the small covering. Slowly the fire caught on, coming to life and devouring the tent of sticks. Gene carefully added some thicker branches around the side to fuel the fire once it grew, and took a seat back at her chair. 

[Triton Augustus]

A huff flew from Triton! How could the lady have thought he would bring harm to any creature? "May it not be said of me that I would ever take an innocent life! I shall ne'er do such a thing!"

[Drake]

"She talking about me, Mr. Blue."

Drake would say as he leaned forward. A serious look on his face.

"I understand you don't know me. And inget we live in hostile times. But going around accusing someone of being a murderer even as a passing joke isn't something you should say. I have killed yes. But never I'm the interest of personal wants or desires, I've done what I've had to in order to survive. Nothing more. Nothing less."

With that Drake would lean back in his chair.

[Gene Sarda]

"Oh no I'm sorry fishman sir and Drake sir, I meant no offense. I was simply...Jumping to conclusions I suppose. I didn't mean to say you just go around killing people for fun, I only meant that.... You.. Seem like the type who HAS... killed someone before.... I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to... I just.. I'm not great with people and knowing what sounds bad. I was raised on a farm, I don't have any siblings and I didn't attend a public or private academy. Please, pardon me," Gene asked. By the end of her speech, she did not wish to look these men in their eyes.

The first nice travelers I've met, the first possible friends, and I do this! Why. Am. I. Like. This. Internally, Gene was hitting her head on one of the nearby trees. Outwardly, she was considering doing the same thing. 

[Triton Augustus]

Triton gave laugh, now seeing his mistake. "Ah, yes!" he said to the man's correction. 

Though the woman became distraught, the islander assured her, "There is no need for distress, madam. Verily I tell you I know you meant no harm in the speech!"

[Drake]

Drake raised an eyebrow to the blue one.

"You knew she meant no harm, but you were also offended when you thought she was talking about you? Mmmhmm..."

Then back to Gene.

"In any case, you are right, I have..."

He trailed off as he thought about Melody and all the people of her world, not dead because of him.

"I've killed more than I would like to admit, and I am not proud of it. Even still, I appreciate the apology. I see now you meant no harm. Though, I guess to be fair I can see that you don't have the soul for that... but, there is something about you that is different..."

He said as he studied her soul.

[Gene Sarda]

Gene chuckled, and gave her thanks to Triton for his understanding. Turning to Drake, she thought her reply out carefully. 

"Though... I personally only believe killing should be a last resort, I cannot judge your actions because I do not know your situation or what situations you have been in previously. I also don't believe your past decisions define your character. Sure they influence it, but I can't judge you for it now. I do apologize again though," Gene said, grinning. It was an attempt to make peace, to show that there were no bad intentions.

"As for my soul, I don't exactly know what you mean by that, I also haven't ever had any experience with those things. Have you ever met anyone from Aedria? Maybe that's why my soul is different. Or maybe it's something else, I'm not.. exactly sure what to tell you." 

Only that wasn't exactly true. There was one thing... but... No, that couldn't be it. Besides, he doesn't know. He doesn't NEED to know. Neither of them do.  

[Triton Augustus]

"Uhm, well," the islander spoke with hesitance, knowing not what to say to the man who challenged him.

However, to Triton's gladness, the discourse found no relent.

[Drake]

Drake tapped the side of his head indicating his black eyes with golden irises.

"These eyes of mine are a powerful gift bestowed to those born in our family. My eyes specifically can see the souls of others, and I can tell you one thing for sure. The location one is born in doesn't dictate the looks of ones soul. No, what I see looks like only a part of your soul, it looks... incomplete."

He rubbed his chin and shook his.

"No matter, it is none of my business regardless. It was just... interesting."

[Gene Sarda]

Narrowing her eyes slightly, Gene studied this man in front of her. He can't have known, yet... He seems intelligent. He could probably figure it out if he asked the right questions.

"Well, you're right in that it isn't any of your business. That is a very fascinating gift, though I assure you my soul is just fine. Maybe you're just inexperienced with the souls in my family, I doubt you've ever met anyone like me before," Gene said with a grin and a purposely obvious, goofy wink.

She hoped it wouldn't be taken the wrong way, her intentions were completely pure and lighthearted. A poor attempt to get to know their character, sure, but maybe they would enjoy it. Triton seemed lighthearted enough for joking, but Drake.. She didn't know about him. He seemed like a guy who has been through a bunch of things Gene couldn't imagine, and sometimes that takes a toll. I suppose she'd find out.

[Triton Augustus]

How can one's soul be fragmentary? He knew not of what they spoke, but did not release the smile that rested upon his face.