Resistance (Talia x Auriana)

The Valiant Four

Talia had situated herself in a chair, placing her arms neatly onto her lap.

A candle's glow illuminated the space around her, as shadows danced on the fabric of the tent.

The Xerian held herself with faux pride as she glanced at the other members gathered around the long crystalline table. Confidence was escaping her now that every authority in the resistance was in one area. They were all at the very least four years older than her, and she just felt like a kid again. Stuck in a room where the adults spoke, and she would just sit and listen.

She clenched her hands that were folded neatly on her lap.

Things would be different now. That, she was sure of. She was chosen for this job and she wasn't about to disappoint everyone who believed in her to get to this stage.

Night had long since faded in, and she was sure they were most likely the only resistance members still awake. The rest of the soldiers had been situated soundly in their tents, wistfully wishing the night to pass. Plenty of new ones were forged during the day for the newcomers as well, ensuring a good rest for everyone.

"Let me begin this meeting by formally introducing our newest member of the 'Valiant Four', Talia." Atlos started, resting his elbows on the table. He was seated at the end, Reinfield to his closest right and Merlin sitting opposite of her. That left Talia sitting next to Merlin and Eyre in front of her.

"I know you all have met her before, but seeing as most different squad members do not cross paths that often, I thought it to be a good idea to hold a meeting to get everyone reacquainted." The chief continued, allowing a gentle smile to grace his visage.

Talia shifted in her seat as she noticed everyone's stare on her, but tried her best to not look uncomfortable.

Atlos glanced at everyone, lacing his fingers together as he leaned forwards slightly.

"She'll be taking over the specialty division, and filling in the role that Rufius left behind."

"Can she handle it?" Merlin asked, and even though Talia knew he meant no harm with the statement it still stung a little. He glanced over towards the girl in question, and gave her a worried look.

One that didn't go unnoticed by everyone else in the tent.

"What do you mean, Merlin?" Atlos inquired. He shot Talia a short stare, a small frown becoming apparent, before returning to a neutral expression.

Talia had to wonder if he knew that she was becoming uneasy. If that were the case, she'd have to mask her emotions a lot more. The last thing she wanted was to be known as the 'sensitive captain'.

"What I mean is that there's so many new people. The specialty division takes care of most of that, which means she's going to start off on a job with so much on her plate already. Did you even train her to prepare for this?"

Reinfield let out a sigh, as she shot an apologetic look towards Talia. "I know her being appointed as a captain was short notice, and it's unfair for her to assume all the duties of the previous one immediately." The woman noted, "It was decided that I would help instruct her till she's ready to do things her own way."

Atlos nodded towards this, and Eyre just shrugged, as if he didn't really care.

Merlin, satisfied, let out a small hum towards her words. "If that's so, then fine by me." He gave the room a moment of silence, before asking, "How is Rufius doing, actually?"

Reinfield shook her head, "Only the medics are allowed to see him right now. I forget which one said, but they say he's contagious. Whatever he's got is bad." She laced her fingers together, resting her hands on the table. Her expression came off  sorrowful, as if there wasn't really anything that could be done at the moment.