destruction is all that i can give this world

[enblightened]

Abyss is full of misfits and those who do not belong. Frankly, Bigby is no exception to this, and he's well aware that no where else really suits him. After all, he doesn't imagine he fits much anywhere in Fodlan anymore. It has been too long since he's seen the land proper.

Then again, what's one cage to the next? At least Abyss gives him the illusion of freedom.

All affairs regarding Aelfric have, sadly, been laid to rest, bittersweet as it all had been for most. Bigby takes no joy in seeing their old caretaker having lost himself to self-proclaimed devotion. Love does a great deal of many things: salvation, or utter selfishness. Regrettably, Aelfric found himself in the latter. Watching the blood magic at play also did extremely little to help his stress levels.

But so it goes; the Ashen Wolves remain in Abyss, part of Byleth's class. It's strange to find himself the student again after so long, but so it is.

After class, he does wait until Byleth is free, his fingers fiddling anxiously with one of the chains on his person.

"Professor, a moment of your time?"

Comments

[perfectteatime]

It's not unusual for students to approach after class, so Byleth isn't surprised to see someone approaching. He is surprised to see it's Bigby, though. The man isn't exactly outgoing, and seems to take a great deal of coaxing to really have a decent social interaction with. Which is fine, it's not as though Byleth can't relate to that on some level.

He greets him with the same blank, but somehow warm expression he does with everyone. It's odd to be described as unreadable but comforting at the same time. He wonders if it's a nobility thing or maybe just the fact that he doesn't share a lot of the misgivings that common folk have. Either way...

"Yes, of course, what can I do for you, Bigby?"

[enblightened]

"I fear that it is a favor I must ask of you."

There's a pause as he considers his next choice of words, then glances away, as if habitual to keeping his eyes averted from most people during conversation. Byleth is odd; he's just warm enough, just receptive enough, but also lacking in meaningful expressions. A difficult man to get a read off of. It isn't that Bigby feels particularly more threatened by him or not, but his past experiences make it hard for him to really look at anyone in the eye.

Finally, he speaks again, "Before I was enlisted to the Ashen Wolves, there was a hamlet in the Empire that was kind enough to allow me to stay and recover. They had their own woes, but did not turn me away even though they were well within their right to be. I feel that I owe them more than just gratitude. Which is why their heir wrote me a letter.

"He asked that I come to his aid due to a recent bandit problem. He fears it will only become worse before they're prepared to protect themselves. If possible, would you aid me in coming to his help?"

[perfectteatime]

The tone brings Byleth to fully focus. This is clearly something important. Bigby is really quite averse to asking for anything. Byleth has tried to encourage him, but it's a process. The fact that he is asking this at all means it's likely vital. From the sounds of the situation, it truly is.

"Of course." He says without hesitation. "We will bring the rest of the Wolves."

It's as easy as that. A simple mission, bandits are never really a problem that has proven overly difficult to deal with.

"Gather your peers and we'll depart in the morning."

[enblightened]

"Thank you, Professor. Truly."

Fortunately, the rest of the Wolves are amicable. The rest of them are colorful, loud, and unapologetically themselves, for better or for worse, but Bigby is easily the most withdrawn of them all -- which, oddly, fits him perfectly into the rest of the outcasts, all things considered. They are vocal in their agreement to go with him and Byleth, which is hard to not shrink from. It isn't that their friendliness bothers him, but it's still something he's trying to adjust to.

The entire estate still suffers. It might always, as if locked under a perpetual curse, but the hamlet itself is usually safe. Quaint and small, with the ruined castle in the distance, seen just over the horizon. It is overcast, making it easy enough for Constance to function under without falling to her more despondent self.

Before they approach the hamlet, they are indeed stopped by what appears to be a knight.

"Halt," the man calls out, stern and easy to hear even behind his helmet. "What business have you?"

Hesitantly, Bigby straightens himself up a bit more from his usual slouching. "At ease, Reynauld. I was asked to come assist." He holds up the letter he'd received, the raven coat of arms distinct on the wax seal.

"Has he become so desperate?" Reynauld scoffs. "Wait here, abomination."

As he goes to the hamlet's entrance, Hapi mutters under her breath, "And just when I thought we'd have some breathing room free from the Knights of Seiros..."

"I was not certain if he was still posted here. For better or for worse, Reynauld is inclined to protect this place. I cannot fault him for that," Bigby says.

[perfectteatime]

Byleth remains silent most of the trip, as usual. Most of the time he communicates only when necessary. When they finally arrive though, he takes point with Bigby. The reception brings a faint scowl to his face though. Of course, people are ignorant and foolish no matter where you go.

"His name is Bigby." He speaks up very clearly before Reynauld retreats. It's going to be one of those missions. Well, it's fine. He admires that Bigby is willing to go out of his way for these people, even if not all of them are so welcoming to him. That said... Byleth isn't about to tolerate any nonsense like that.

He's got a duty to his students after all, and all of them ought to be afforded respect.