psalm 41:9 [Shirohime/Uriel]

When the letter arrived at his desk, it arrived quietly. In a plain folder with no markings, nothing to distinguish it among the many other missives he received. But when he opened it, and read the words, he knew this letter was the most important thing he had ever received. It was a summons to the administration building, to meet with someone he had not yet. This brought with it some worry.

He cleared his schedule, adjusting the workload among his coordinators. Although he might become indisposed, the organization must run smoothly. It must survive without him. Institutions above all else, the man dies but the organization thrives. As he closed the door to his office, he didn’t look back.

His trip to the building was uneventful, where he was to go was provided into the letter. Once he arrived, he placed a hand on the door knob. He took a moment to steel his nerves, this might be the only chance he gets to truly make his mark. Who was this person? What did they need of him?

Was this a test? More than likely not, Ninsianna was straight forward. Whatever they needed of him, it would be interesting. As he opened the door to go deeper into the building, he noticed a person whom he had never seen.

With unusual white hair.

When a predator walked into another’s domain, they knew immediately. Like a shifting in the wind, the hair on the back of his neck stood up. He was perhaps one of the most able-bodied fighters within the ranks of the Vandenreich. One of those most knowledgeable men on the inner workings of this organization, by merit of his job. Very little wasn’t unknown to him.

Yet, he didn’t know her. The small woman with white hair who looked upon him. His blue irises stared down at her with guarded intentions. “Uriel Sancroix. Administrator within the Todgestalten.” His voice was powerful, proud even. It was the voice of a man whom was indeed useful in his own right. One who’s aura exuded confidence and warmth that only someone deeply connected to the sun might have.

It was ironic a man of sunshine, worked within the darkness of the Vandenreich.

“Who are you?”

Yes, who was she indeed.

Shirohime.

He had heard about her, or rather, of her. A woman who held the ear of the Grandmaster for whatever reason. This was a unique, and dangerous chance to experience first hand the rumors which surrounded her. He had long since learned that rumors, while not true, often held some fabric of it. And with enough time and effort, one might be able to discern the truth.

“I see. I received a summons here. I suppose something must have arisen.” He’d comment thoughtfully, his blue irises turning upwards to look at the structure and hall. He was somewhat open to the idea of speaking with her further. How should he handle this? His eyes fell upon her.

“It’s my job to know the internal affairs of this organization. I hear a lot about you, but I know little. It’s concerning.” It would not be wholly wrong to say that his blue irises seemed to hold the intensity of the sun within them. A blinding aura of warmth seemed to emit from him, as if next to the sun it’s self.

“How can I be of service to you?”

To cut past the bullshit was what he wanted. He could see it. It was a gamble, but he was a man with ambitions. People always needed something from him.

Her words on the outside appeared true, but like any illusion was hollow at it’s core. He supposed that was what he should have expected, but he was not a man easily dissuaded. Nor did he involve himself in the politics that might become more commonplace as the Vandenreich grew and expanded. Instead, the hybrid would tilt his head back slightly as he spoke.

“A man does not need the rigid structure of hierarchy to aid those in need. He need only the intention and power required to offer his life, blood, and honor to worthy causes.”

She may claim herself of no power or prestige, and in truth that was fine. He didn’t need to acknowledge those to extend his services or help. As he gazed down at the white hair’d woman he could see it within her, regardless if she admitted it. What she wanted, whatever her designs, required pawns. Pawns like him. Men like him.

He was a man who understood well his purpose in life.

“It is not the soldier’s place to speak in how he is used. Only that he is. Perhaps it is archaic. But mine is simply to do, and to die. Nothing more, and nothing less, Shirohime.” He pauses for a brief moment, a hand coming up to be placed over his steady beating heart.

“I do not believe fate would have placed me here, at this moment, at this time, if you did not require me.”

Fate, what a strange concept. Yet, all powerful.

A thin smile came onto his features as he witnessed the brief crack of her facade, he didn’t say it but he definitely noticed. There was a pleasant surprise that came with such things, enough to elicit a chuckle at her awful joke.

“Sadly there’s no tournaments I may win for the princess, but I suppose this shall do fine.” He’d comment cooly, as he turned his gaze away from her but down the hall. As if looking beyond the moment at something, or someone. As she spoke her request unto him, he offered a wordless nod.

“I fear you ask a great thing from me. I know darkness resides within the corners of the Vandenreich that not even my sunshine might burn. But I will endeavor to do this, for you and the Grandmaster.” He’d pledge as he turned his gaze back to the woman, almost meek in her fragile nature. It was the least he could do for them, and in turn, the Vandenreich.

“Now to find that meeting place…”