.Shadow

“It would only make sense for a man who fears to act in any possible manner to mitigate such anxiety, would it not?” Of course, a man who percieves a threat to his well being may act in any manner, no matter how irrational in order to protect himself, and those he deems his kin, or any he feels attached to.

“This curse has eaten away at man for a long bout. In tandem, it has also stripped at the land we tread. ‘Tis dreadful that we must meet such fate, but one shouldn’t lose resolve in face of such terrifying odds.”

░ ► ❝ It might’ve been irrational fear, however, I do not hold myself in position that cannot be replaced. I’ve witnessed people higher my rank to be executed for minor acts. ❞ Behind the mask, she let out a small laugh. Sometimes, she thought about ‘what if...’ But for the most, she found her decision right. 

  Motionless corpses littering the ground were a common sight. A somewhat solemnly leaning woman in a rather fancy armor, however, wasn’t something Inara saw every day. She followed the trail of dead bodies out of curiosity, so naturally she had no intentions of attacking the other woman. In a dying world where nothing new happens - every such event can be quite alluring.    When the other woman spoke, however, Inara almost winced. The knight sounded sane, which was a good news, but Inara could almost sense the anxiety radiating from her. A fellow woman on a quest of preserving her sanity? Inara of Jugo could always find at least some common ground with such person. “The same could be said about you, swordswoman, if such slaughter can be considered sane in our insane times.” - the desert sorceress replied almost in same volume of voice - “I did not want to pass by you. I was driven here by the sounds of the ruckus you’ve made… I don’t think I have ever seen you on this damnable island before.”

░ ► Lucatiel chuckled heartwarming, tipping her hat.  ❝ Yes, quite an ambush, it was. ❞ All fears she ever experienced on the battle field were left in battles ages ago. Dealing with the hollow daily was a new norm. Now looking at the amount of dead - she slowly realized scale of danger she had been in. Cursed souls. At least the fatal wounds were delivered for quick and respectful deaths.

      ❝ I like to think I made them service... at least, this would be my wish if I was ever to become one of them. Perhaps as long as you accept what is to come it might slow it down. Fighting it seems to fasten it up. ❞

       ❝ No. I keep on move whenever I can. I cannot say I have a clear destination. Might as well help those in need. ❞ And it was true. Whenever the knight found a track to follow, she eventually met a dead end. Meet couple of travelers and continue. This was one of those cases.  

Well I don’t really know. Depends how people headcanon Anri and what the upbringing is. 

░ ► Trail of dead hollows lead to the knight, one leaning against a mossy wall with crossed arms. Her chin pointed down towards her chest as if vulnerably asleep. Perhaps, those unfortunate around the floor assumed the same - if they even had any comprehension left.