An Unsavory Council

An Imprumptu Meeting
Maria couldn't believe how scared she was.

It wasn't that long after the colossal scaled battle between the Black Vox convicts and Faer Pleigh that her family received an urgent warrant for questioning. There wasn't any crime to be convicted of, but the Council personally requested that they see those involved in the Black Vox incident that could contain crucial information. They were cagey exactly what info that was, but Victor had a good idea what it entailed. While he hadn't been present, he insisted to act as official guardian and relieved Diana of the burden, but kept her present for the current predicament. Instead of flying on a Skyhawk, they took a motorized-carriage that brought them to the new Council HQ in the Alliance of Seven's capital.

The trip was tense and one containing little dialogue. She couldn't bring herself to speak, less she let something slip of crucial importance that shouldn't be said until they met the Council; or not at all, given the potential quandry that put her sister in. Regardless, she felt a bit safer with her father's comforting presence there, sitting beside them with her frame resting her head against Morgan's shoulder. After a great distance, they arrived and they could see what was a great cathedral designed structure akin to a Gothic architecture with spyres spiraling to the heavens from great obelisk shaped towers surrounding the marble and glass enamored structure. Surrounding the perimeter was a host of bipedal amphibians, Seven's elves and a few other human cohorts.

The one who greeted them was none other than Captain Bartholomew Farrow, an important member of the Holy Protectors. He was ruggedly handsome, broad jaw and strong nose with a head of combed hair that allowed it to fall to the back of his neck. With a set of elegant robes interwoven with plated armor, he was the largest of his cohorts that could be seen partrolling the outer perimeter and two helmeted colleagues standing side by side with him. As Victor exited with both of his daughters and Diana present, he leaned forward to perform a respectful bow while speaking in a deep, measured tone of professional etiquette and a hint of charisma Maria could detect.

"Greetings, Master and heiresses of the Alexander Family. I'm sorry we couldn't meet under better circumstances; I have great respect for you in particular, Victor, as a pioneer of our era and being the forefront of progress for all magicians in Ishgar," He apologetically flattered with a thin smile.

"Not at all. I see this as all part of a procedure to ensure nothing is left out. Even if I'm a bit sore that my children are being brought in for questioning, I trust the Councilors will use the utmost wisdom and maturity to sort the matter out. You have no need to apologize for being dutiful to the Council and fulfilling order in the best way you can," Victor reassured him with a polite gesture of his hand and a calm smile, passive and everpresent as always.

"Of course. But I should let you know that the Council has put in place an enchantment that disbables the outside use of magic. This means that none of you are able to use it save for the Council and those who guard them. Still, I trust you will all be on your best behavior," He informed them with eyes scanning for hints of discomfort or ignition to quarrel.

"As long as I have my body, I will defend Master Victor and his children with my life. Magic or not, it doesn't matter to me," Diana stonily replied, looking not the least unfettered.

Maria grasped Morgan's hand, smiling towards her and looking up at the Captain with a nod.

"Very well," He nodded back to them with an approving smile, turning on his heel and gesturing for his two colleagues to allow the three to follow behind him while they followed as their vanguard. "Perhaps when this is over with, I can give you an authorized tour. Not many people get to see the new Council's Cathedral of Casting very often. From its Hall of Spell Arts to the Dining Pillars and the Chosen Arena, I'd happily accompany you to any of them if you wish to see them."

"Until later, perhaps."

"Of course," The Captain acknowledged, walking ahead without showing any sign of disappointment. "We should meet the other witnesses soon."

"Others?"

"I'm glad to see your usual long stretch of influence hasn't told you what this is about. I am not permitted to speak of it, but you'll see soon enough," He explained readily, passing down a hall of visually stunning paintings and a arched ceiling of colorful mural designs. Windows sprayed majestic colored lights throughout and armed guards throughout kept watch and were at the ready. By the time they swung past the fourth hall, they pushed through an immense doorway and a film of blue light passed through them all, the sudden sense of keeping spell activation sealed now present upon all three of them.

"Ah, they arrived!" A voice announced, most of the Councilors stood in rapt attention at the approaching trio flanked by the three Holy Protectors. There, in a hall of marble flooring, was a crystal chandelier lit room who had elaborately carved seats, each with a design befitting the origin or liking of the Councilor in question on a level plane to the witnesses. Four in particular were of note to Maria.

The first was one already faimiliar to them all. He was the least appealing to the majority, dressing just as he did before. A casual kosode and hakama of dark emerald with a coat slung lazily over his person's sleeves. Cane in hand and hat covering his face, he was elbowed by the one who greeted them to make an undignified sputtering sound as his hat fell off his face, forcing him to retrieve it.

The next was the source of the voice being a relatively young woman (who surely shouldn't be much older than she) with long blonde hair affixed into a long ponytail with a red bow keeping it back. The rest of her robes were enamored with the Council's insignia, with deep blue for the outlines and symbol with a bright white being the backdrop.

Another was their mother, who wore garments akin to their father's; a burgundy cloak wrapped around black silk dress whose skirt billowed to cover her narrow waist down past her boot covered ankles.

The last was a man with pale skin, smoldering red eyes and deep black hair whose curls gave it an enchanting appeal along with the strong nose and narrow jawline. With a chiseled beard and a warming smile, something seemed eerie about him that Maria couldn't place.

"My name is Lucy Heartfilia, Councilor of Fiore," She greeted them with a polite bow, smiling at them and gesturing to the other witnesses, now made known. Much to Maria's surprise it was those of Drake Squad, Roland included, along with their stoic Captain, Rubie and their more demure squadmate. While she was tempted to wave, all eyes were now on them from the Council, flanked by the ever watching eyes of nearly a dozen Holy Protectors kept at the walls of the room to give them space. "We welcome you here, despite the hasty summons, with great charity and benevolence. I hope you don't think ill of us, for the questioning will be both intrusive and most likely personal, but essential nonetheless."