3rd of Cylus, 719.
She had been ordered to report to the offices of one of her superiors in the Inquisitors, and when she did, she was greeted by a calm woman in dress uniform and a scarred, but albeit still handsome man, in casual clothes, even moreso than her own outfit. "Ah, Shiryu. Please, sit down." she said, gesturing to a seat. Vivian nodded and took a seat before the woman continued. "This is Constable Stefan Harper. I'm sure you've heard of him." she said, gesturing to the man, who smiled at her. Vivian nodded, everyone had heard of Stefan Harper. He spent all his time undercover, catching the criminals of Rharne. Why it was apparently important he talk to her, though, she had no idea.
The woman smiled at Vivian's nod. "Stefan, this is Vivian Shiryu, a lightning lass in the Inquisitors." she said, and Vivian blushed slightly at the praise, though she couldn't help but feel pleased at the praise. "Now then, Shiryu, I'm sure you know that some of our members have various magics. The Inquisitors thought you would be one of our knights who could make good use of a magic and not fall prey to the...temptations magic can offer. The magic we're offering to initiate you in is Hone, a magic that revolves around physical enhancement." she said, pausing for Vivian's reaction. Vivian was rather surprised by the offer, she had thought she wasn't wholly trusted due to her past as a member of House Warrick and the current tensions between Rharne and Rynmere. However, she was also rather pleased to be offered the chance, she had to admit.
The woman smiled at Vivian's surprise, then her expression turned serious. "However, there is something you should know. Initiation is a risky thing. We've had knights die or even become monsters because they failed a magic initiation. There's no guarantee, if you accept, that you'll survive. I know you have children as well, and we'll take care of them as best we can if something happens, but there would be no shame in refusing." she said, her tone intent. Vivian paused and thought about that for a moment, then took a deep breath.
"Ma'am, I understand the risks, and I thank you for telling me. But my children know that I take risks for my job, and if I make it through the Initiation, I'm more protected, more likely to make it back home to them." Vivian said, her tone somber. "So yes, I understand the risks, and I accept regardless." she said, not saying that if she wasn't willing to risk her life to get stronger and become a better soldier, then she'd have only herself to blame if she came up short in her own abilities at a critical moment.
The woman nodded and looked at Stefan, who smiled and stepped forward. "Well said, Vivian." he said, his voice holding a charming, easy going tone. If Vivian didn't know Stefan by reputation, she'd have assumed he wasn't dangerous at all. "Since you've accepted, we'll be going to a secluded room for the Initiation itself. You'll be given some simpler clothes for the process, as we've had Initiates tear their clothes and such during the process itself. And of course, no weapons during the Initiation." he said. Vivian nodded at this and he smiled. "Well, shall we go ahead and get started then?" he asked, and she nodded again, before following Stefan out of the room at a nod from the woman.
