( @nebula1984 Doing Lance since he’s like the only person she knows out of your OC arsenal. :’D Also a small look into Svan’s mind and anxiety.)
Lancefer offered to be her escort again…what a curious man he was. He followed a rather rare form of chivalry, one that she considered too idealistic even in this century. The “chivalrous” knights she had seen were mostly putting up the act in order to gain favors, be it power or popularity. Terrible as it was, when one has lived in Ishgard long enough they would be aware that this city was built on a hierarchical society. It was guaranteed that any side you belonged to is bound to have people with hidden agendas. Nobility wanted power and appeal, and strived to gain more once they acquired it, they were greedy and looked down upon anyone they considered below them. Commoners would sooner stab your back for a single gil piece if the opportunity presented itself, all they cared about was their survival and would betray any if it meant filling their bellies. Both sides were as equally awful as they were good, and focusing on the good would only leave you vulnerable. No one could be trusted.
At least that was what Svan believed, until she met Lance.
The crows had called to her, warning her that the skies were darkening from the north and the winds were picking up. A snowstorm was to be on its way, and she was well-versed in that type of harsh weather beyond the city. She would decide not to cross the bridge and linger close to Falcon’s Nest..and Lance remained firm on ensuring her safety.
‘He’s doing it again…what a silly man. I really don’t need it.’
And the snowstorm did hit…earlier than expected, and it was quite a powerful one. With the use of her magic and his strength they were able to persist against it and reach the fortress in time before it became too dangerous. Returning to Ishgard would be unavailable during the time, so she would have to remain indoors with various knights and people who were also seeking shelter from the storm. She was among strangers, people who knew her as the strange woman strange enough to venture out into the snowy highlands on her own. The weird one with blackbirds tailing behind her. Strange and weird can turn into suspicious so she had always made her entry and leave swift to avoid conversation. But now she was stuck.
‘I really don’t want to be here…’
Yet she felt a presence next to her, it would appear that Lance had yet to leave her side and seemed rather determined to keep her safe. She expected them to part as they did once they reached Falcon’s Nest, but here he remained. Though at a point he did have to assist the other knights in helping other refugees inside, but he spoke to her that he would return. All she could do was blink as she watched his retreating figure, a simple look over his shoulder that brimmed with confidence and kindness.
Spirit of the Warlock 