2017-06-01: Birds Birds Birds
- Log: Birds Birds Birds
- Cast: Riesenlied, Noeline, K.K.
- Where: Old Petra
- Date: 1st June 2017
- Summary: The Trial Knight visits Old Petra in the wake of the battle of Adlehyde, where Riesenlied and Noeline learn more of what Malevolence truly means... and what the Trial Knight's opinion on humanity is.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied has had a very busy couple of days; she's essentially worked around the clock as post-action caretaker and manager for the Old Petra base, submitting After-Action Reports and her suggestions for the future; she's spent time speaking with her troops as a counselor and therapist for those who're suffering some ill effects from their first battle; and, of course, she's tying up further loose ends abroad.
Old Petra could not have become more of an active hub in the wake of the Demons' attack.
The old town now lurks with undercover Hyadeans freshly nursing the injuries they've encountered from the attack; there plenty of those that have experienced their first taste of combat with humans. Some are enthralled and filled with a sense of glory; others are cowering at the bizarre sights that befell them. Others yet are experiencing their first brush with loss, incapable of expressing their emotions at losing a brother or sister in the attack.
In the midst of this, Riesenlied is crouched in front of two graves overlooking a cliff... in the direction of Adlehyde, in the far distance. The castle is but a speck from where they are. One is a metallic grave, formed from a sword-ARM that's draped with Hyadean burial rites -- a medal, shaped like a cross, but a special one. It is not an individual honour, but a memory to those that have passed in battle, thought to be the highest form of honour a Hyadean can receive.
The other one is... wooden, an ankh with a Baskarian tribe motif with small fluted wings extruding from one side, wreathed in flowers. It is not a Hyadean grave; the implication is perhaps more than clear, not at all subtle. It is a memory to those that have passed in the Adlehyde attack, made of Filgaia's natural resources. Wood, flowers, plants.
The winged commander has seen better days -- the Trial Knight can tell that her left arm is not in great shape... if at all, given how it limps to one side even underneath her cloak, throwing her balance off even as she quietly meditates in the memory of the dpearted.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline is there as well, her form vivid and impossible to miss, stood slightly behind and to one side of Riesenlied as she maintains a respectful silence. Such a quiet moment might be a little unusual for her on any other day - but this is a rather special case, and her eyes bore holes in the horizon as she commits the sight of the city, now half-rubble and still gently smouldering in places, to memory.
She has been the unlikely adjutant around Old Petra over the past few nights - unlikely because, up until now, she had only ever been seen as an unusual and eccentric demon, too attached to humans to ever be of worth. Now, her knowledge of humans and their emotions suddenly relevant, she's spent a lot of time assisting Riese with the workdings of the camp, breaking up some of the tensions and filling in some blanks in knowledge for those demons curious enough to approach her.
At the same time... she's been spending her days in Adlehyde, doing her best to reconnect with those Riese knew before her grand attack on the Exhibition in an attempt to ensure that not all of the Tainted commander's bridges are burnt; her arms are bandaged in places from the stress of hauling around timber and rock, fully revealing her strength under her disguise as a Crimson Noble.
<Pose Tracker> K.K. has posed.
The Trial Knight was not there for Gungnir, at least not in the front lines. But their presence was far from absent, appearing here and there throughout the city to help in the Metal Demons efforts by thinning out and spreading the attention of Adlehyde's already strained attentions. The rare Hellion could also be found, but... whether it be because of K.K. or the Lord of Calamity's presence, it's difficult to say.
Regardless, in the days following the invasion, the white knight has been left to their own devices, disappearing from either the public or secret eye, as is their wont. Old Petra has been without K.K.'s presence for these past few days as the demons lick their wounds and celebrate their victories. Without their presence... but not forgotten.
"You are scarred."
It is a voice familiar in how opaque it is, rung with a metallic tin that conceals all but the weighty, commanding neutrality of it as Riesenlied crouches next to those graves. Where once was empty air, now a shadow overcasts the Tainted Demon and her steadfast companion, held in a steady and dignified stance that is simply the hallmark of a certain, white-armored knight. Their words are simple, and obvious -- at least, superficially. The winged commander is injured in a way that someone like K.K. spots immediately.
But there is a subtle suggestion in tone that the obvious is not exactly what the Trial Knight refers to.
"The main thrust of the invasion was a success, I take it." Behind Riesenlied, the knight's horned helm tilts towards the right, a curious angle that directs its attention towards the graves. One towards that metal blade... and the other, towards the wooden ankh. Their faceless gaze shifts towards Noeline, more felt in rather than seen, before they head tilts in a respectful nod of acknowledgment.
"... But I have heard tell there were unexpected complications with your operation, Riesenlied."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied is quiet for a little longer, even after the Trial Knight's voice is made heard.
There is a long pause... and then she lifts her head up slowly. "The scars are as much my own doing as it is the Drifters'," she admits. "I cannot summon the power to fight as I desire without sacrifice, as I am right now."
She considers the word of the invasion, and then speaks, "Yes, it was. The Teardrop is in our hands now..." she looks to Noeline for a moment, "And one of the three Golems that Operation: Gungnir seeks to reclaim is within the underground hangar. Lolithia, the Ice Queen." She pauses, her lips furling a bit. Just the mere mention of it fills her with complicated feelings. She does not enjoy the idea of a weapon of destruction on such a level.
"There were complications. Gebler -- have you heard of them, Trial Knight? They are invisible predators, from the skies. They possess technology and sorcery that arguably outstrips even ours." A pause. "You'd best watch for their presence, if you were not aware..."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
As the first word cuts through the air, Noeline visibly tenses; her hand grasps at empty air for a moment as if to summon her weapon to her, the spy's posture firming up significantly as she steals a quick and concerned glance in Riesenlied's direction. Only when the blonde speaks does she relax, quietly letting out a breath as she accepts Riese's 'endorsement' of the Trial Knight's presence.
"They are aligned with Aveh at present - though the technology of their Gears and equipment, not to mention their apparent autonomy, does lends some credence to the rumours that they are Solaris troops at heart," she supplies from behind the winged woman, studying the armored figure with a piercing gaze.
"--they have taken Barbados, after showing up in a more significant force than anyone could ever have guessed. Really, what a distance to travel to punch so far into Adlehyde's territory, even in the midst of a battle such as that. What a very pragmatic group," she grumbles to herself, flicking out her hair a little.
"Speaking of which, Diablo has faced a quite different fate. As far as I am aware, it is now significantly damaged - all thanks to one man managing to muster enough power to disable it rather than let either ourselves or Gebler have control of it. ... I have yet to properly follow that up," she adds with a soft huff of air. "Still. We did at least recover the Teardrop, yes."
<Pose Tracker> K.K. has posed.
"So shall all your scars be. This is not a war to be waged without sacrifice." The Trial Knight's featureless gaze shifts to stare in the direction of the ruined Adlehyde, so very far away so as to barely be a blip. "In the end, it is simply a matter of how much you are willing to sacrifice. And towards which end."
Because in this situation, there is assuredly more than one.
Afterwards, the knight falls into silence, the polish of their white armor shining against the reflection of the light. Their hands clasped behind them, their stance rigid and uncompromising and full of that ever-present readiness that does not even tangibly shift at Noeline's sudden and defensive motions, ready to strike. Unarmed in every obvious way, the Trial Knight just turns their attention once more upon Noeline, head tilting towards the left as if to turn a critical stare upon that brief but swift shift of posture, and how quickly it relaxes.
"Well met," is all they say, their voice ringing with a subtle hint of approval as if for that reaction.
It is only then that they turn their attention once more towards the graves, taking a single step forward as if to inspect them more closely; the heavy metal footfall of their approach rings out, dirt kicking up under their feet as they listen. "I have heard of them," they confirm, simply, "though of yet I have not engaged them directly." 'Yet,' or 'directly' -- both likely key words in the armored figures tinny speech. "I shall ensure I approach them appropriately, when the need arises. This 'Solaris' -- are they a nation of renown in your realm?"
The question fades, after a moment, as the Trial Knight turns their attention from the grave to Riesenlied, in quiet thought. "One man...?" they muse at Noeline's words. "Interesting. And the last, Lolithia, falls to you. I have heard your words, Riesenlied. Your intentions.
"But what will your get make of a mechanical behemoth with such immense power? Will they see it as something to be hid... or something to be wielded?"
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
"Solaris is a... known unknown," Riesenlied explains. "All we know is that they roam in the airspace of Filgaia somewhere, invisible to the naked eye. It is what makes them such deadly adversaries -- no doubt, the ability to deploy from the upper stratum of this world gives them an ace in their sleeve. The full extent of their technology is unknown to us, but it is known that they wield far more magic power than we can muster."
Riesenlied narrows her eyes. "... I have advised them of the disadvantages of wielding Lolithia at present. It is damaged, and the means of its usage is not well known to us."
There is a pause. "And... I sincerely believe that the first ones to use the Golem will lose public favour. Gebler took one, and I believe the sand pirates went off with the damaged frame of Diablo. The Golems are already an object of fear amidst the populace. In an already unstable geopolitical climate, I have no doubt Gebler and the pirates both know the importance of swaying the opinion of the populace in their favour. ... Gebler and the Pirates both maintain a much more public profile than we do, and in turn, have more to maintain on that front."
But... do her brethren?
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline's first reaction to the question of Solaris is one of a distinct snort of disapproval - though it certainly doesn't seem like it's directed towards the Trial Knight itself, especially when she folds her arms and furrows her brow. "Frankly, no-one knows. Solaris simply hangs in the air, moving about as it wishes, remaining completely aloof from the rest of Filgaia." She seems almost to disapprove, if her reaction is any indication. "I have tried to gain access for years - but none of the rumours leading towards it produced any degree of success."
She pauses, as Riesenlied speaks of strategy and active deterrence; her huff is softer this time, obviously siding with the other woman as far as the deployment of Metal Golem goes. "... besides that, even if we wished to use the Golem, we are not presently in a state to actively deploy it. Many of the troops here have wounds they need to nurse for at least a little longer." She doesn't mention that many of those wounds are mental, rather than physical - uncertain of what side the Trial Knight falls upon, it doesn't seem best to openly take a concilatory approach in front of them just yet.
She does at least tilt her head a little towards Riese, the next sentence intended for her. "I've made some preparations, however. I thought it might be best to suggest Kalve be allowed a look, to see what he might determine. He's better at weaponry than either of us, at least," she adds with a light sigh. AND ISN'T ALHAZRED, THAT TOO
<Pose Tracker> K.K. has posed.
"A lost world in the sky..." K.K.'s musings come with the tinny murmur of someone thinking deeply, as if they were trying to conceptualize such a thing. "They have an advantage, then. And too many unknowns to engage directly. Did these flying, invisible humans exist when you first made your mark upon this land?"
It's hard to say just what they're envisioning Solaris as, exactly.
But, they talk of public favor, and the Trial Knight falls into contemplative silence once more. Their arms crossing over their plated chest, horned helm tilting up towards the sky, they think. "You think this mutually assured destruction in a political context," they surmise, voice clear and concise even through the warping of that helm. "But I have spoken to one of your leaders -- the Quarter Knight Siegfried. A powerful creature who will not yield his pride to convention, let alone the convention of things he so spites. His words echo with the sentiment of the cleansing flame of vengeance long left unsated." They look from Riesenlied, to Noeline.
"Tell me -- do the rest of your kin care for such measures as you do?"
It is silence, then, that reigns for a time, as Noeline speaks of assessing the Lolithia. A soft sound of consideration exhales from behind the mask. "Your technology is considerable," the knight murmurs, cycling around to that earlier topic. "What magic power have you to muster? Your might seems something beyond mortal ken, yet there is not the spiritually resonant presence of magic to you when you wield your art in battle." The Trial Knight's gaze tilts towards Noeline, lingering on her as they say this.
"Save you. There is something... else, about you."
At least they're direct.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
"I cannot say, of Solaris," Riesenlied says. "Our own records are scant. We do not even know what truly happened in the past, when our ancestors landed on Filgaia. ... we bear the mark of their hatred to this day, but the truth is lost on us. ... only by discovering artifacts in the Ruins may we know what truly transpired..."
There's a heavy sigh for a moment. "Siegfried is wise. He is my mentor in many regards, for centuries. But I must admit that he is trapped by this cycle of hatred. We all are, in our own way. When our Holy Mother was struck down a thousand years ago, a perpetuated sentiment of vengeance has spread throughout our culture. The results are as you see today."
She stares down towards the cliff. "All of these young Hyadeans, who are born long after the event that incited it... yet, they are entrapped in the doctrine of vengeance, conquest, and glory. They have been taught all their lives to fight. And now they discover that battle is not the march to victory that so many of our texts and literature state. They do not know loss, they do not know uncertainty..."
There is a pause. "I seek to unravel that tide of hatred. Our people are more than mere footsoldiers, ensconced by this thousand-year old hatred. They can learn, out here, unbiddened by the walls that have confined them all this time... but to what end? To a world that hates them...? This world, sustained by the Guardians... ..."
She pauses, as she looks towards Noeline.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Ultimately, Noeline had been expecting something like this to happen - so when she tenses up and flicks her gaze towards that featureless helm, it isn't with as much in the way of a spike of panic as one might expect. Somewhere in her mind she equates Agatha and the Trial Knight closely together, after all - even if the latter does not exude the same sort of oppressive pressure that the Pyre Witch does in a seemingly constant tide.
"... not by any choice of my own," Noeline huffs after a moment, her grin rather rueful and certainly lacking in humour. "Really, now. You blow up one Medium, spend a couple of weeks recovering from the shrapnel, and everyone suddenly thinks you're some kind of Grand Sorceror. I would have had the pieces removed if they weren't too numerous, and my metal rather sensitive to being heavily worked." Her words do have the ring of truth to them - not the complete truth, but then Noeline has found the best way to lie is by omission.
A significant huff leads into her changing the topic, visibly more comfortable dancing away from this one. "... I am with Riesenlied in her goals. I've spent enough time around humans to know where they draw their strength from, and what being too rigid can do to someone."
<Pose Tracker> K.K. has posed.
here's no obvious response from the Trial Knight for Noeline's explanation -- not at first. Inscrutable as ever, not even their body language provides any hints to what they may be thinking -- just the presence of that stare upon her. "A medium for this planet's spiritual wards? ... I see," is their only answer, at least at first. Their attention strays back towards those graves.
"Very well. A simple answer it shall be. But such burdens are rarely so straightforward."
It's their only vague piece of what may very well be construed as advice before they seem content to drop the subject entirely, attention turning instead towards the talk of the Quarter Knights and the culture of their people. "Culture is the nature of one's people engraved upon their soul. A scar not so easily smoothed over. You speak of ideals valorous, and such is a commendable thing to dream... but I see but one destination for it as things are. As you are."
They turn, moving away; their shadows cast over the graves as they walk from them, casting a darker pall over those two tributes. "Not all birds wish to be free of their cages. And one's freedom is another's captivity. You take a bold path, but the bold path leads towards but one road." They do not explain, though; they simply let the weight behind their words, full of an uneasy gravity, imply that road for them.
"How far are you willing to take this ideal, Riesenlied? Will you both still walk it, when those scars begin to deepen?"
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied pulls herself up very gently, above the graves, looking at each of them. "There are those that refuse to listen. They have refused me for many years, and they will continue to. There are those who have embraced the iron doctrine for what it is. ... that is the power that the tide of hatred holds over us. If so they desire the cage constructed around them... then what else can I do except defy them...? Many already call me deceiver, traitor, betrayer. ... I must take these scars for what they are. There is no other way."
"... speaking of birds, trapped in their cages ... I came to that Hollow," Riesenlied pipes up, an unusual sharp tangent for the question that was just asked. "I descended into its depths. I gazed into that flame..."
Noeline might find it a bit odd, but Riesenlied certainly is very forthcoming with this helmeted, masked figure that has descended amongst them. Perhaps she feels trust... or is it a kind of relief at being able to speak of things that she cannot with others? Perhaps it isn't the healthiest thing, but... deception has never been Riesenlied's strong suit.
She lowers her head. "... and still, I... I cannot feel a thing. The Drifters I travelled with were on their knees, so sickened by the Malevolence around them, and yet I...."
She places her one functioning hand to her heart, lowering her head. "... you would laugh at me, Trial Knight, if I told you that that hurts me deeply. ... what kind of person would willingly desire to feel Malevolence, after all? But being unable to understand their pain, their grief... being so selectively cut off from such an experience... being unable to empathise... I am but a bird who cannot even see the cage, forever flying in a confined space too large for it to understand."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
"If you know Riesenlied at all, then you would know that this is a course she won't deviate from. She feels stronger than that - and will face more than that - before she lets anything stop her." Noeline's words are laced with conviction, or at the very least trust, as she joins back at the other woman's side. Her own gaze is full of defiance; not the angry certainty of pride that most demons hold, so much as something a little more rounded. "I will simply do what I can to ensure that she can walk that path even a step further."
She is automatically on the defensive; even if Riese trusts this odd armored figure, the way she so easily denigrates herself is enough to cause Noeline's hackles to rise. Rather than voice that, though, she keeps it down - after all, it is not as if it is anyone's fault in particular - and elects to instead rest a hand on her partner's arm in something like support. "You know much more than most," she simply grumbles instead, shaking her head as if uncertain what else to add.
<Pose Tracker> K.K. has posed.
... I came to that Hollow.
"And you gave of yourself. A piece of what you were."
The knight's gaze turns, over their shoulder, as they pause in their walk. They stare upon Riesenlied -- no -- past her. There is the distinct feeling of that intense but unseen gaze letting its attention fall upon her wings behind her before the Trial Knight turns to face them anew with the sharp pivot of their heel. ... And still, I...
"..."
As Riesenlied lowers her head and admits that truth to the inscrutable knight, as Noeline comes to her defense with that defiant stare that speaks of a fundamental distrust, K.K. stares upon them both; their reflections the knight's face, painted upon the polished white metal of their helm as it offers both that pain and that conviction within its pristine surface.
What kind of person would willingly desire to feel Malevolence, after all?
"One willing to sacrifice anything for what they know to be right."
The answer comes immediately and without hesitation. No doubt, no mediation. Simple, and unflinching. Pure. "There is a certain kind of blindness in this world that is unforgivable, Riesenlied. It is more universal than you might think, whether it spring forth from humans or of your own get. It is the bird that sees its cage but refuses to acknowledge it for fear of what might lie beyond is no bird at all. That is not your affliction."
Their gaze turns briefly towards Noeline, quietly thoughtful. "You have the support of others to see you through, but that is not all. You see where you need to go. You pursue it despite knowing the pain you will inflict on yourself and others. You seek to learn, that you may grow -- even if those things cause you misery when you have not the capacity to fly under their winds. No. You are not that kind of blind."
And with this, K.K. quiets for a moment. They look aside, considerate, before continuing. "You asked me once what Malevolence is. I will tell you this: humans are weak creatures. Contradictory. They are more frail than your kind. Less cohesive. They are selfish and prone to denial of what is right in front of them. They exploit the land and life around them. And yet they have survived even your people's machinations. They flourish on a world that dries and cracks in the throes of an end not far from nigh. Do you know why that is?"
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied's wings pull up softly -- there is a new shroud there, pinions ready to fly like they did on the day of the theft of the Golems. But even if they are not a material cast, there is a metaphorical cast-off that is quite real, quite knowable. It is the shedding of one's deception, as they walk into the flame of scorn that the world holds before them.
"... I can only relate my own experiences. I have... seen humans for many years. Decades, centuries, even," Riesenlied murmurs. "Indeed, many of them are as you say. Conceitful, deceiving, harbouring a seed of sin inside of them that seem to only need a bit of nurturing to flourish. I have seen many a kind soul receive bad nurture and become violent criminals... but..."
She sighs, shivering. "...but even still... there is a shimmering light, a splendour in their souls, reflected through their eyes, that I am envious of. I do not need a spiritual sense to feel it. It is a light that I have attempted to embody in my own being. They are often proud of their individuality, their differences, welcoming contrast and diversity... ...they are not lone birds flying in the shire, but a migratory flock of shifting colours, shapes, sizes... flying from one end of the world to the next, ever spreading their wings..."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
With a soft snicker almost to herself, Noeline flicks out one of her tails of dark hair; in the space of an instant all her confidence has come back to her, on much more solid ground in this topic than any talk about Riese's motivations or her connection to the Guardians. "Are you suggesting that our kind are not prone to denial, perhaps? That we are not capable of being selfish, and prideful, in equal measure?" she wonders aloud with a rather rueful but very amused grin, her eyes flashing with - not anger, so much as a little in the way of exhilaration. Someone /really/ likes the odd chance to talk back to the top brass, as much as she might play otherwise.
Her expression fades when Riesenlied starts to speak, however; at first, her expression is tinged with an obvious shine of pride, almost tangible as she rests her hand on Riese's arm once more - though her eyebrows to raise a moment later as the metaphor stretches onwards and onwards. She seems to have nothing to add by the end of it - though there is a soft little huff of uncertainty that might indicate just a little in the way of jealousy tucked away.
<Pose Tracker> K.K. has posed.
"No," is K.K.'s first answer, directed at Noeline, simple and plain. Their head tilts in her direction, faceless attentions upon her. "I have seen rage from your kind. I have seen compassion from Riesenlied. I have seen capricious whimsy and prideful scorn. I have seen stubborn denial, and a burning sense of superiority that would tear down all in its path. I have seen much of your people that is similar to these humans they so disdain." A second passes, a momentary lapse in which K.K.'s fingers spasm subtly against their palms.
"... So ask yourself what amongst them is different that allowed these weak humans to prevail, while your own kind was left to languish."
But then Riesenlied speaks, and K.K.'s attentions shift with the slow pivot of their heel across gravel. They are quiet, for the longest time, before they speak again.
"You are not wrong in your assessment." But...
"... But, your envy is misplaced."
There seems to be no real explanation for this in sight, as K.K. takes a single step backwards, once more slowly beginning to turn upon their heel. As their back faces the two Demons, they begin to speak again, their warped voice full of a simple purity of conviction. As if they could harbor not a single ounce of doubt in their soul. "You seek to emulate that which you cannot be, and in the end, all that you will make of it is a hollow shell. You cannot strain against the bars that hold them, for they are not your bars. You cannot fly the air currents they fly, because you have not the wings for them. Their paths, many and diverse as they are, are not yours."
Their head dips a moment, staring towards the earth. Fingers twitch, faintly, before they speak again. "The things that you so admire in them, Riesenlied, are the very things that give birth to Malevolence. Know this as truth, as you experience more of it. And consider its implications." Their head shakes. And they start to walk -- away from the two. Away from Old Petra.
"I shall take my leave of you. Should you continue to walk this path, I shall assist you as far as it will go. You need but ask. You are worthy of such. You have tempered yourself accordingly. But know this: I am the Adversary of humanity. It is as true today as it was the day I told the Quarter Knight Siegfried, as true as the day I took myself upon this road. There will be a day our paths diverge as well. I ask only that you not stay your blade when that day comes."
And their head turns, for but a moment, to focus on Noeline -- upon that uncertain expression. White light envelopes them in a slow shell of energy. "And you, girl -- I see strength in you. A difference. Should you wish to support Riesenlied in these endeavors, truly support her... you must learn to embrace that which you truly are."
And then... they simple disappear, in that radiant flash of light.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
There's a long, faint silence from Riesenlied in the wake of those words. She lowers her head gently, shivering still.
"... is that... is that what you have truly become, Trial Knight...?" Riesenlied murmurs into herself, shaking her head. "Your conviction is far greater than mine ever could... what is it that you yourself have seen to have hardened yourself so? Sheathed in that armour of yours, with a voice that never betrays you... ..."
"The things that I admire about humanity..." ... are also the things that have birthed Malevolence.
She raises her hand to the air, where the Trial Knight once stood. "... when the day comes when our paths do diverge... I shall show you my answer... I promise you that much."
She shakes her head. "Noeline... thank you." She leans against her very gently, sighing quietly. "There is so much we do not know about the situation yet. We can't let our guard down for even a second, and as they say, we must continue to learn, to grow, no matter the pain it brings us. It is selfish, but... please, be there with me... as we continue to learn about the truth of this world."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline does not immediately answer - not to the Trial Knight's first assessment of her answer, nor to the summation of his beliefs and feelings on the matter of humanity, not even to his final words to her - though the latter does at least cut through the tension that's bled back into her body throughout their speech, leaving her with little to do but offer a soft and uncertain sigh. "... a cheerful fellow," she says to herself in the silence afterwards, more to clear the air than anything else.
"... I do not think you are wrong in your path," she adds unnecessarily as she looks towards Riese, her voice low, then slowly turns back towards the spot at which the knight disappeared. "While there may certainly /be/ a lesson to take from those words - that demons are demons, and humans are humans, and each have their own path and their own way to travel it - that does not mean that we cannot at least brush shoulders on the way, hm?"
Not a bird metaphor, Noeline, you are fired.
"Besides!" she adds with a brighter air, "They did strike me as a rather pessimistic type, on the whole. That is their interpretation - who can say what yours and mine will be?" she adds, letting an arm slip around Riesenlied's waist to support her as she throws a smile across at the other woman. "Either way-- really now, have I not already promised you that much many times over?"