Assignment

Albion would be lying to themself if they said they weren't feeling rather wary sitting in front of Nuada. The silence served only to make the tension thicker, oppressive in it's weight pressing down on them. Nuada's gaze seemed to pierce right through their being, growing more intense with each moment almost as if she could read their unsure thoughts. Given her status, it may be a very real possibility. This is good, Albion assured themself mentally, almost as though they were trying to persuade either themself or whoever may be otherwise listening of what they felt. This is a good thing that I'm here. It's good.

Nuada broke the silence, startling Albion out of their internal lecture. "Show me your capabilities, Albion."

They nodded, settling their attention from her to their familiar standing ready at their side. Focusing, the creature slowly shifted from a small creature standing on four legs into another form entirely. Front legs turned to wings, back legs grew thinner and longer, entire form turning almost sharper before finally stopping, stabilizing into the completely new appearance.

Nuada silently nodded, considering what she witnessed. "I see. And how did you discover your... aptitude for such an ability?"

Albion struggled to find words for a moment. How should they put it? "It was an accident." No, that was a bad answer. "I had an encounter with dangerous creatures, my familiar just changed suddenly." Sensing the disapproval across from them, Albion quickly continued, trying to salvage this as best as they could, "I wanted them to be faster, or stronger. Something different to what they were that would help to either eliminate the threat or help to flee from it, and I suppose through that I just willed for them to change. It took me a while to replicate it. I wanted to ensure it wasn't merely a fluke."

"I see."

Although her expression had shifted little from the perpetual frown she wore, it seemed to soften the slightest bit. Albion felt perhaps this had been a more satisfactory answer for her. They allowed their form to relax slightly. Good, I didn't ruin this chance.

She gestured in the direction of the familiar, which silently stared at her in return. "To what extent can you change this being's form? I see it was not instant, and you seemed to require a lot of focus. Is it difficult?"

"I can change limbs, and size to a lesser extent. The more drastic the change, the more time and energy it requires," was their prompt reply. "It isn't terribly difficult, it gets easier the more often I do it."

For the first time, she smiled. It was very slight, but it was there nonetheless.

"Excellent. I hope you continue to try and improve your abilities," Nuada stated. "We shall see if it proves to be as useful as we assume in your new assignment." Albion stood up straighter, attentive, hanging onto every word. "You will be relocating to the Egg. The lab you're to be assigned to is under my control, and you will be reporting to me by and for the honor of the Court." She paused, allowing Albion a moment to consider this information. "Is this understood?"

"Yes." Albion gave a bow, resolute as they stood upright once again. "I understand, Nuada. I will not take this position lightly."

"I should hope so." Nuada waved them off, indicating to take their leave. The meeting was over. They had done it. I'm going to the Egg, they thought in reverence. That's one of the more important endeavors the Court is pursuing as of late I'm fairly certain. And I'm wanted for this? This had ended up being much more crucial than Albion had even anticipated. The Court sent very few to the labs in the Egg. Any that had been sent had yet to return, so to be sent to assist was monumental to them.

As they turned to leave, they stopped in a hesitance that gripped them suddenly and with force. I might not return for a long time. The thought of that would otherwise be fine, if not for one major problem; there was something, or rather, someone that they were not keen on leaving behind.

Their new superior was quick to take notice of their continued presence, "Is there something wrong, Albion?"

The words failed to come, worsened when Nuada showed growing impatience with their lack of response. "Yes," they finally forced out, even more unsure of themselves once the single word hung in the air. No, they needed to be confident, but she made that so difficult! They almost wished she would just kill them right then and there, especially since they felt they were displeasing her. They were being offered one of the greatest tasks they could hope for, and they were risking it for this one thing. "I... would like to bring someone along."

By the Court just leave him, Albion! But you can't, can you?

Her frown deepened, eyes narrowing slightly. "What?" It was more a statement than a question.

"He's very capable, I ensure." Suddenly the words they had previously been desperate to come were flooding out all at once. Inside they wanted to scream, but that reflected little on their outward demeanor, which they were careful to keep as calm as possible. "He's currently working as a guard, and is someone I trust to also take this task as seriously as I. I feel that having someone who is a capable fighter such as him would be beneficial. Not that you aren't capable as well, I'm sure," they added, voice growing quieter as she leaned forward heavily on the crystalline table separating them. It took everything in them to not shrink back, to stand firm and accept whatever answer may come their way. In all honestly they wanted to be anywhere but here at this very moment.

Keep your mouth shut next time.

"So," she began, slowly, voice low and dangerous, "I should just allow this... friend of yours to trail along as well, hm?"

Hesitation gripped them, but they managed a small, "Yes." Louder, trying to sound confident, narrowing their eyes in return, "I do believe he would be a valuable addition to bring along as well."

Silence again filled the room, and every second felt like a decade to Albion. Nuada eventually leaned back, eyes closed, nodding almost imperceptivity. "Fine. Very well then. Send him my way and I'll see to it to at least speak with him."

Another deep bow was offered. "Thank you, Nuada."

She waved them off, groaning. "Fine, it's fine. Just go prepare to leave, Albion. I can't say when you'll be returning here so make certain you're completely ready when you're expected."

"Of course."

Again they turned to leave, familiar tagging along at their heels, and Nuada couldn't help but sigh with relief when they were finally gone. "That one is going to be an interesting one." She leaned as far back as she could, staring at the ceiling with a blank expression. She had been told their aspect, which coupled with their abilities would have a lot of potential for their project. Personality was another matter entirely, and that was something she still wasn't certain on. She had been told they were almost arrogant, but they seemed off around her. That would be a problem if they couldn't even speak to her properly.

"Yes, very interesting indeed."