[Status(P)quo(d)]

"I saw so much of me in you...

I thought it only fair if you could see a bit of you in me."

News spreads quickly, and threats even moreso. Perhaps because the Duke-Consort had been expecting the gauntlet to be thrown? Only once that tangible threat had been shared through local channels did Izmael Aubreen step forward to address the promisechallenge.

It was rare to see the sanguinous and... uninhibited Duke-Consort so melancholy following these disjointed, bloodstained missives.

.

.

---

"There is no point in answering her summons. She's trying to goad him."

"Why anyone would trust an Akatsuki's word at this point is beyond me. It's a trap."

"Empty threats. And empty allegations. Her Grace wouldn't marry a monster."

---

...

.

.

"... And yet, it's all true."

"I haven't tried to hide my nature. Who and what I am, what I can do... What I've given up, and what I've taken in that pursuit."

"I did it all for me. I've never cared for the well-being of people if it did not benefit me."

"I protect and heal peoples' lives because it is what my Love asked me to do."

"I treat their injuries to further my understanding of the human body and all of its limitations."

"How could you expect me to care about inconsequentials?" 

"Every good I have done, I ascribe to her."

"And yet..."

.

.

. 

"... I cannot deny that I have grown fond of my role here. The resident freak. The local monster. One of their healers."

"If Arcadia is full of sheep..."

"Even though this is not my wool, I'll wear it all the same."

...

.

.

...

"... So go on. I know you're waiting for this response, Ayse."

"If you believe me better off a beast unfettered, I welcome you to try."

"You, Ayse Akatsuki, are one who would disregard all others to get what you want."

"Wild, reckless, and always convinced you were right. Greedy. Proud. A flair for dramatics..."

"In every way, you were my perfect student."

"... And a wonderful ward."

"If you truly believe you know how to make me whole..."

"Then let me see if you have the sources to support your thesis."

...

You need not explain yourself. 

Our apologies will mean nothing if we don't follow through on them.

---

Izmael Aubreen plans to meet them in the Ruins of Viritas.
Whether he arrives alone is not up to him...
Date: Aug 27, 6pm EST
Confirmed.