Fantasy &nbsp; The Four Courts RP [closed]

Xion136 ,

HeartOfFerria

The maestra watched somberly as Quinn left, unaccompanied by any. It would have brought her some comfort if the druid had at the very least brought along one or two other mages that could watch her back, and yet given the circumstances she could only nod. The young woman was right, and she knew it, even if it pained her.

She focused her attention back on Zion, whose loyalty was unwavering to her, even now when the woman expressed being conflicted concerning the fate of the high priestess. "Rest well," she soothed. "And take all of the time that you need. I am sure that we have time on our hands before their arrival, plenty of which to prepare in."

The temple was now bustling. Mages scurried to obey commands, ranging from preparing ballistas on the rooftop, readying bows, and scurrying the young and elderly to Aeternalis, as directed by their maestra. Aislinn's brown eyes lingered momentarily upon Richter as he spoke, and for a moment she seemed indecisive. A sigh escaped her as she drew a few paces back, sitting on a bench that appeared to be a fallen tree trunk.

"Ah, Richter, if only it were that simple," she said, voice soft. "While a peaceful greeting is my utmost wish, such is not meant to be if they are approaching our court with hostilities. They wish to denounce me from my court, and then apprehend me and those who follow in my stead. If what Zion says is true, they are even willing to take the lives of those who resist.

"I will surrender, but not yet." A tone of finality rang true, seeming perhaps more fixated on her goals than Richter had ever seen her. "I have one last thing that I must do. And then, after that, I will step down from the Vivifica court and come to them, as they wish. But not before I have eliminated this threat. If I do not do this, I am not sure that anyone else will."

Her gaze fell to the ground then, a silent lone tear rolling down her cheek. "I'm sorry, Richter. I do not mean to disappoint you, truly. Please understand that I must do this, and not just for our court. But for all of them–for all of Regalia. Lady Mabel is the only one who can help me, and I do not think she would do so willingly if it goes against her teachings, of everything that she has been groomed to represent."

The maestra glanced up as Valery approached, her familiar with her. She seemed to be mulling over something briefly before finally saying, "Please help to escort everyone from the court. I do not wish for anyone to be caught in the crossfire unless they are truly ready to defend their court and our cause."

–Vita River–

Endless Thundaza ,

Xion136

Mabel glanced up curiously into Arkane's face, the recognition which lit his eyes. "You know him?" Mabel inquired, though her words were spoken over by Vaan's response.

"Ah, thank you," he said. "But alas: I just arrived and didn't even see a campsite or carriages. I was directed by a friend"–he jerked his hand in a random direction–"a raven which seems fond of the maester's boy, but once I arrived to the forest I was left on my own. Might you point me in the right direction, or better yet take me to him?"

There was something that Mabel didn't like about the man. Perhaps it was his gruff exterior or harsh demeanor, but she wished that he would simply leave. Her gaze then flickered over toward Jynn, who moved not far from where they are. She bit her lip, watching him. She must be more discreet, especially after everything that she'd discussed with Arkane and Gerik. While she was going to simply stand back and watch him leave, all of that was erased when the Vivifica mage tripped and fell. Something was not right.

"Jynn?" Mabel asked, tone as neutral as she could muster. She trod over to where he landed, her composure strained while wearing her typical mask. It didn't take her long to notice the blood streaming down his face, which caused her to gasp and reach a hand to touch his cheek. "My gosh, what happened to you? Who did this?" She ripped the hem of her robe and tenderly began to stroke the blood from Jynn's face, her mouth agape when she saw the wound seemed to slash across his eyes.

Over by the campgrounds, Mia rose when the other mages arrived. "Ah, there you are, took you long enough," she murmured. She gestured toward an impressive tray of roasted fish, some nuts, and a few handful of berries. "Grab what you would like, and then we should depart. We've dilly-dallied here long enough. It seems that the general consensus is to stop through Vita City along the way. I propose that we rest there for the night, and make it on into the court by mid afternoon tomorrow."

Fyenne licked the fish grease from her fingers before wiping the remains on her dress, not realizing how improper this was. "Vita City," she repeated, mulling over this before continuing. "We have a hideout there, or the Ebon Flame does, at any rate. I know the city well enough and can help us find a good place to stay, if you wish it."

–Vita City–

HeartOfFerria ,

Xion136

Remy led Eden, Isabelle, and Ronin further into his grandmother's house. He caught wind of Isabelle's words and waved a hand. "Relax; Gram's cool. I'm sure that you'll like–OW!"

A backhanded slap met Remy's nose, causing him to leap back and rub his face ruefully. He glared up. "What was that for?"

"That was for leaving without so much as a note, young man!" Remy's grandmother was tall, taller than her grandson, her back straight. Her graying hair was pulled back into a knot at the nape of her neck, her clothing revealing surprisingly muscular arms. While older, it seemed that she still visited the gym. "You had me worried sick, especially when I heard of the train wreck! And you were detained?! WHAT WERE YOU DOING?!"

She tried to smack him again, but this time Remy was quicker. He ducked, moving to the side and resting an arm around his grandmother's shoulders.

"Not now, Gram; we've got company," he murmured softly, as though observers might detract from her berating him. She narrowed her eyes at her grandson.

"This isn't the end of this conversation, Remy," she hissed. "You are just like your father, for better or worse. Now then, who are these wonderful people that you have brought into our home? They don't look as rough around the edges as your old friends, except for maybe that one." Her eyes fell on Ronin as she spoke this, turning a glance up and down the mysterious man before offering a warm smile to Isabelle and Eden. "Any friend of Remy's is welcome here. I do hope that he hasn't given any of you a hard time–he can be a handful, but oh does he have such a large heart! Just like his father." A somber look washed over her face at the mention of Remy's father, to which Remy responded by keeping his arm around her shoulders and guiding her deeper into the house, toward the kitchen.

"I've tried to be good, but failed a time or two." Remy laughed, before shooting a glance behind him at the others and shaking his head lightly, as though begging not to reiterate his entire behavior to his grandmother.

They arrived in a rather spacious kitchen, each wall lined with cabinets and a stove decorating one side. A table meant for four sat in the heart of the kitchen, decorated with a lucky kaeru napkin holder. It had chipped paint, despite its important position. Perhaps it was an heirloom.

"Gram, it is a long story, but I've promised these folks some horses," Remy said. "Their cause is noble, I assure you. We need to get to the Vivifica court."

The woman's face fell at the mention of the court. "You're getting yourself mixed up in court business?"

"I'm just helping these guys," he said quickly. "I'm apart of no court. You know that I'm no mage. Once we're done I'll be back home, but I just have a debt to repay."

She nodded, her lips tightening in a straight line. Likely she was wondering how on earth Remy had acquired such a debt, but she figured that now was not the time to ask such questions. "Very well. You know how to get into the stables. You may borrow the horses for however long you need them. Just please take proper care of them."

Remy nodded, before ducking out of the kitchen and moving on toward the backyard. His grandmother stared after him, appearing as though she were considering something before turning toward the others with a smile. "Anything I can whip up for you lot? I just made some cookies, and if you are hungry I have leftover roast and potatoes. Nothing fancy, but I figure that you might like something warm before your trip."

"Now, may I ask how on earth my grandson managed to get indebted to a set of Vivifica mages?"

–Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral Breakfast room–

Xion136 ,

HeartOfFerria

Kolm gave Aquilla a swift nod, closing the curtain behind him as he moved on past the hall. For the majority of his life he'd been running, from who he was and what he could do to help others. The day before, however, gave him the nudge he needed to muster up his courage and finally face the mage that he was and potentially seek training through one of the courts.

On his way down the hall he spotted Vincent and Diane, carrying a kicking and screaming Elia. It caused him to arch a brow in surprise, though he said nothing to the trio as he made his way to the breakfast hall. Vincent's notes still remained when Kolm arrived, though he didn't think much of them, not having known that he missed a meeting. He sat alongside Kagura, after having gathered a minimal breakfast of some fruit and a piece of toast. Initially he didn't think much of Jari and Kagura together, assuming that they were a couple and just displaying affection publicly–as many couples tend to–but then he realized something was not right. Kagura was not right.

"Excuse me," he started, voice hesitant, "but didn't I see you yesterday when the cathedral was under siege? I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself. My name is Kolm Diarisso, an unaffiliated mage but I hope to join either the Somnum or Ignis courts, if they will have me. May I ask your name, miss?"

He also wished to ask what had Kagura so rattled, but it was best to take the conversation slowly. One thing at a time, and if it was meant to be discussed, he figured that it would come up.

Meanwhile, outside the hall, Elia began kicking at Vincent and shouting at the top of her lungs. "See? You're not really giving me a choice! You are always so bossy, Vincent! Maybe I'd make the right choices if you'd give me a chance!"

By then she was crying, her body laying against Vincent's tight grip as she allowed herself to be carted off toward Lt. Mastiff's office. The front desk was occupied by the receptionist from the day prior, who watched with curious eyes as the trio would approach.

"Hello again, Mister Watson, Miss Corbeau, and Miss Cabret." She hesitated, as if uncertain as to whether she should address the girl slung over Vincent's shoulder. "What can I do for you today?"

–Sanctus Heights: Train Station–

HeartOfFerria

Vaike leaned toward Arno as they strode along the street, speaking lowly with his gaze never leaving their surroundings. "That sounds like a sound plan, my fellow. I agree that Vita City would be a good stop, unless of course they choose to take another route to the court."

The train station and its bustling traffic loomed into view, the aura of the environment cheerful despite the tragedy and destruction of much of their city. It seemed as though people didn't care about the automaton attack unless they were personally affected, a sad state to be in considering how many lives were lost. Vaike's gaze lingered on an officer apprehending a youth for accusations on smuggling Itika, before he moved forward to one of the nearby booths and presented their train tickets. The woman at the window requested passports, ripped their tickets in half, and sent them on their way.

"I feel that finding the priestess will be the easy part," Vaike said finally, selecting a car around the center of the train that would be, hopefully, quieter than those closer to the dining cars. "It is getting her to come with us that will be bothersome."

Vaike's gaze locked with Saffron as she claimed her readiness to take down mages, his smile soft and genuine. "If all goes well, we hopefully won't have to do too much damage," he said at last, "but I am glad that you are not intimidated, especially since she will likely be heavily guarded. It seems unlike a High Priestess of Regalia to travel so far from home without the best security."

At the mention of Vaike's abilities he jerked a startled glance toward Arno. "Ah, well, sometimes I am reborn as a mage, while other times I am not. Luckily for you, there is just enough Somnum in my bloodline to grant me some access to status ailments. I can pull one very cruel hypnosis, though I have been told that I am naturally persuasive." He offered Arno a wink, before rummaging through his bag in search of something. "What of the rest of you? I have heard that you can work wonders, but what those wonders are haven't met my ears."

Stardustblade358 · Nov 24, 2019

- Arkane - Umbra Court - Vita River -

It would take a while, but word did eventually reach Umbra court. Of a village cursed with necromancy. A mage was sent to investigate, and the signs he found were pretty obvious in themselves. Dead animals lingered upon the cemetery, acting as guardians to the graves. Glazed over eyes followed his every movement, as the household hidden among the woods further down the territory had signs of life. That is where he found him. That is where he found them. Arkane would be playing with dolls, his mother brushing his hair while his father offered toys to play with. A level of necromancy that offered promise, even in its rawest state. By the time Arkane noticed, the mage had already assessed the situation. The young child quickly stood up, standing in front of his parents protectively. "There is no need to fear, child. For I come not to bring harm. I come to see of the rumors that I have heard, of a place where the dead come back to life." The mage spoke. Arkane did not seemed convinced. The mage approached, offering Arkane a loaf of bread. Arkane's eyes seemed to gleam, and with a very hungry stomach, he snatched it and quickly ate it up. "You revived all of these yourself? It is quite impressive." Arkane chewed and pointed at the bookshelf. "I read mama's books." Arkane mused. Upon further inspection it would come to light the source of all of this power. Arkane was a third generation Necromancer. His great grandfather was once of court of Umbra. But his grandfather was not magically gifted, and neither was his mother. But he was. It had skipped two generations before finally resurfacing, the knowledge of necromancy kept within the family records for future generations. It made sense how his parents had handled his powers...until their passing.

"I am here to bring you an offer." The mage insisted. "Come with us to Umbra Court." Arkane tilted his head. "Umbwa?" "Umbra. You will never feel cold, nor hunger. You will be educated, and you will serve the people and maesters that will bring out your potential." Arkane quickly pulled on his parent's hands. "Can mama and papa come?!" "No. They cannot. Their souls have long passed. All that remains is a shell. They must remain here and rest. You may come back to visit them when you are older." Arkane frowned. It took some convincing, but eventually the child would agree. The mage took him back to the crypt to place his parents back to rest. "Good night mama. Good night papa. I will come visit soon!" He said, looking up at the corpses that never responded. The mage felt enough pity to pull a trick up his sleeve. He waved his hand behind his back, taking control of the mother for the last few moments. The corpse would remove a bright red ribbon from her hair and kneel down to Arkane, carefully placing it on his hair. Arkane would smile, hugging his mother goodbye. Soon they returned to their tombs, and Arkane was taken away. The books and scrolls that covered the walls of his home were moved to carriages to bring back to Umbra, and the villagers watched warily as the young Arkane was taken away in a carriage led by undead horses. Once inside, Arkane sat down across from the mage, watching the village become smaller as they rode away. "Your parents will not return. This alone should cost you your life in the court of law." The mage reminded him. "But I will give you a chance. Come and serve under the house of Umbra. We may be able to make something out of that raw talent of yours after all, Arkane."

Arkane watched the man and eyed at him. He did not like the man. He wished that the maester would have just turned him into an undead rather than to let him leave...but everyone to their own, regardless. He would watch as Mabel separated from him and walked off to find Jynn, seeing him return with the rest of the calvarly. "I can take you to him. Come." He said, waving for the man to follow him. He watched the group return from whatever the hell they were up to, and Arkane walked down to find Gerik. He still did not want to talk to the master. Especially after the scolding he had gotten. Much like a child being angry at a parent despite knowing that they did what they did because they had the best intentions at hand in the end. He sighed and approached Gerik. "Maester. Your stray has arrived for you." He mused, referring to the man as he walked up to him. "He owes me flowers. He crushed the field." He scoffed. Albeit he did not seem that upset about the flowers and was probably just an excuse to have someone get him flowers. The scent of blood did not slip him, and neither did the signs of battle. "Maester, what happened?"

Mystics Apprentice

- Vincent - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: Police Station -
Vincent just casually walked into the station, ignoring the stares as he had Elia over his shoulder. "Good morning." He chimed, waving. "We would like to have permission to enter Lt. Mastiff's office. After the incident in regards to what we found in his apartment, we would like to look into his office for some clues. He waved casually at the secretary and walked over to where the office was, remembering from last time. "We will be quick. Elia is actually helping us, right Elia?" He asked, casually strolling to where the office was. If it was locked he could always use his skills to just lockpick the place...or blow the door off. But the second option did not seem to be favorable. He finally let go of Elia, placing her back down. "The quicker we find what we are looking for, the quicker we can get back to your father. We are already here. We can do it quick." He insisted. He understood the emotional worry. But priorities existed.

Elrandir

Elrandir · Nov 24, 2019

- Incarose Vassar - Court of Ignis - Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral - Dinning Hall -

RikuXIII

Incarose nodded at Anya as she tried to remember what she felt when she spoke with the mysterious masked man. She could feel her emotions raising, especially anger, while he spoke of causing more harm to the city.

"Have you ever had a strange tingling sensation on the back of your head. An itch that you are unable to stop?" Incarose asked as she looked at her hands, "as if your emotions have a will on their own? That's what I felt at the time."

The redhead remained quiet for a few seconds, wondering what amount of destruction she and the mysterious man would have caused if she had let her emotions take over.

"But then I realized that having a fight with that man would cause more harm than good and . . . and I don't want to be the cause of more destruction," she said quietly as she put her hands together, "I don't want to be the cause of more suffering, not when they have lost so much at this point. That is why I want to help in any way I can, and if this cursed power of mine can be controlled and used for such purpose then that is the path I want to follow."

- Diane Corbeau - Court of Umbra - Sanctus Heights: Police Station -

Stardustblade358

Diane remained silent for the rest of the trip towards the Police Station. Her attention was fully directed towards watching Elia as she kicked Vincent for quite some time. She also noticed when the young girl began to cry, and for some reason, this made her hand move towards her chest. Elia was crying, and, for some reason, she didnt wanted that. Why? she didn't really knew.

"I suggest that you put Elia down, Vincent. People might get the wrong impression if they see both of you like this." was the only thing she said on the way to the station.

They were greeted by the receptionist in the front desk, then asked how she could help them. Vincent just told her that they had to investigate for some clues on the Lieutenant's office and moved on, Diane following behind. She used her hand to wipe Elia's tears away and then lift her face so she was looking at her once Vincent put her down.

"I understand that you want to see your father, but we could save hundred or even thousands of lives with what he has inside that safe, Elia. I promise that once our job here is done I will take you to see you father, and even help you search for your sister, yes?" Diane said calmly, her eyes never leaving hers, "but you have to help us with the safe first so we can understand what was that that your father was trying to tell us. This could be the key to prove that you are indeed innocent and that you had nothing to do with the automaton coming back to life. So, please, Elia, help us find the truth so the culprit can be brought to justice and those who lost someone they held dear can find some amount of peace."

Endless Thundaza · Nov 24, 2019

Jynn Venas, Vivifica - Vita River

Mabel, Nero, Henry, and Yael immediately rush to Jynn’s side to assist. Mabel and Yeal try to remove the blood on his cheeks, and Nero guides the blind mage back to camp, before beginning to heal his wounds. It was incredibly unlikely that his sight would be restored, but preventing further blood loss was more important. Mabel desperately asks what happened, making Jynn sigh.

“A rouge mage made an attempt at my life, but took my sight instead. She is an Umbra mage, who goes by the name “Morpha”. She possesses Itika, making her a dangerous threat.” As Nero heals his eyes, he answers to Henry. “I did feel the pain. It was agonizing, and horrible. But I don’t know what came over me. All I know is that I felt tremendous anger....... and hate. For that moment, I cast aside Lady Lillian’s training, and allowed the darkness enter my heart.”

He falls silent for a few moments while being healed. His sight was not returning. Fortunately, the gash on his face heals up, but his eyes turn cloudy. He hangs his eyelids, as his eyes no longer have any function. “As of today, we should now be on high alert for Morpha. We should all stick together, and keep each other and the priestess safe. I’m sure she now holds a grudge towards anyone who fought her.”

He faces Mabel. “I’m sorry Mabel. I hope my injury will not compromise the mission......”

Thanny · Nov 24, 2019

- Jari Coriander, Somnum Court, with Incarose, Anya, and Kagura ~~(chiefly Kagura )~~ -

The young fox boy felt the tremors of his companion, the tightening of the grip on his hand before shudders travelled through their shared palm as well. Something unnerved the poor girl, that is for sure, at least in Jari's eyes. Glancing a mite over in Kagura's direction, he found that he could not discern what exactly that was. Kagura was pensive over something, it seemed. Later he would have to ask what exactly happened to cause such tremors, though he himself feared what the possibility was.

Aunty Anya, he overheard, shared with Incarose a part of her knowledge and wisdom, to which he smiled. They seemed to share something, potentially the same power, and if so that was amazing. It was rare to find someone who could link their experiences with yours, or even their powers with yours. He felt the same thing when he first met Ychera, who had taught him many things even with few words spoken between them.

Glancing over to Kagura, he found a different scenario, and yet he felt reinforced and slightly renewed by the others' conversation. Summoning forth his courage that would otherwise have taken him a while to accrue, he spoke.

"Kagura? Um, I'd like to speak with you . . . outside, if I may."

His voice came out surprisingly smooth. He feared it would sound like a peeping chick upon opening his dry mouth, but his mouth felt normal. Was the dryness just an initial sensation and never existed? Gah, if only he could find out how to talk to girls better, or just speak better in general. For now, he would just wait for an answer, no matter how it goes.

- Pali Noirtier, Umbra Court, still with everyone in the breakfast hall before reconstructing -

Pali did not seem to be answered, and as a result he did not wait for very long before he slipped off to do his own reconstruction work, but unlike most people he felt drawn toward a certain section: the burned buildings where he had collapsed trying to quell fires with their own smoke. He overlooked the scene from the same perch as where he was before, witnessing the charred leftovers of what once contained human life and now contained ash, carbon, stripped wire, and bodily remains.

Leaping to the ground with a harmless fall, he considered the possibilities and entered the precarious entryway. The building was in no shape to house anyone, and as such he had to restructure it, not purely anew as that would be too taxing even for an Ignis earth mage, but to have it regrow. Hands outstretched to the left wall, he knit together his two main powers of real illusion and wishful thinking into his own version of reality: the wooden timbers regrew as trunks and branches of trees. Burgeoning with life, the charcoal became food for the set of plants, allowing it to grow and expand and become stronger than it was beforehand. The plasterboard and windows were still toast, however, as were the belongings inside, but all things in due time. Collapsed debris from branches snaking out from beyond the beams crashed throughout the building before all was silent once more.

The magic was taxing, but he fought through the pressure. Sweat beaded on his brow, and he stopped to catch his breath for a few seconds before he decided to plod onward. He was stopped short, however, when a fleeing urchin girl turned around a corner and into him.

Pali stood in shock upon watching the girl bounce backward, almost bowled over himself. The urchin was eleven or twelve, if judging by appearance, with sandy blond hair smothered in oil and coal and a face and hands equally darkened by soot. The fear projected within her green eyes reminded him that he did not bother to call out if anyone was inside, because nobody should have been inside. And yet, here she was, a girl in tattered raiment so desperate that she decided to live here out of all places. He raised a hand to help her, but she withdrew and got ready to run.

"Hold yourself. I'm not going to harm you. I'm trying to make your home better," he said, trying his best to placate the ragamuffin and still offering his hand.

She did not seem to believe him. Heck, he doubted he would believe him too if someone ripped the ceiling and walls apart by magic accidentally or no.

"Mage," she spat, full of repugnance as she fetched herself upright. "It's because of magic that the city burned. It's because of magic my family died."

Pali pursed his lips and stared down at the little girl that did not seem so little anymore.

"The fire could have been caused by a lit flame of a cigar as readily and as effectively as the actual artificial dragon," he countered, waving his hand dismissively.

"Tell that to my family."

Sighing, he asked, "Then where does the rest of your family reside?"

"Come and I'll show you."

The answer surprised him. Was she alone, or did she come here with her family to reside?

She lured him further into the building, up a staircase by a floor, and into an old apartment. Further and further still, he felt an unsettling feeling, and in the end he found out why. When the girl pointed inside a room so greyed with settled ash and faint sunlight coming through the blown-out window, he made out a trio of bodies, two older and one little one on the floor. From appearance, they were very dead, and the ash could not hide their bloat and their blue faces. They died from suffocation, from the same smoke that he channeled into the building to quell the fire. As old and nonsusceptive as he was, he felt bile rise to his throat.

He, Pali, killed them.

"I was outside with my friends when it happened. I saw the smoke turn into the building when it should have left it. I say it again, magic killed them. Give that piece of info to your rotten mage friends."

She left, and Pali was alone with his thoughts until he left the building. The windows were made whole, the ash was swept into corners, the plasterboard was mended as best as he was able, and the corpses were buried in the basement as fodder for the trees that now sprouted roots in and around the foundation. When he left, his eyes and face were even more hollow than it was beforehand, and his hands were in his pockets as he fumed over this event.

- Daruk Mordem, Ignis Court, after a battle with an Itika shadowmancer -

The red-headed Ignis Maester returned to the main party with his sword over his shoulder and a frown upon his face. He was angry that Morpha was able to counter him, but more so that she escaped without serious injury, yet leaving a serious injury in her wake. The foolish girl. All that potential, and she deigned to be a rogue mage with a death mark on her brow over a stupid thing. He watched Nero's healing of Jynn from afar, his eyes checking the shadows to see if she was around still. Near or far, he was willing to use his ultimate technique "Spicule" to crush her with a single blow.

There was also that newcomer, who apparently was a "stray" of the Maester Gerik. After such two events (that he knew of), what was this man going to do, and did he have any correlation with the witch that escaped the wrath of three chief magisters and their best mages? If he did, he would probably face the same ire that the Lagiacrus suffered starting with the base of his spine.

For Daruk, it took him but a moment to be angry, and a while to cool off. Several psychoanalysts considered this a trademark trend for those who wielded fire, and psychologists fought that it was because his mother did not hug him very much as a child, something Daruk quickly stated that this was not so and that his mother and he loved each other very much. That brought other, worse questions that resulted in a couch being chucked out a window in three different offices. For now, it was best for him to simmer down and watch.

Elrandir · Nov 28, 2019

- Thea Nero - Court of Somnum - Vita River Camp -

Thanny

Xion136

"As Mister Heid said, there is only so much healing magic can do. Anything beyond the healer's capabilities would have some serious consequences on them."

Things had gone wrong and the day was just starting. What else was in store for the caravan in the future, Nero wondered.

"Anger and hate are not something a maester of a court should show. Which makes me think that you might not be ready to take the place of Maestra Nosferi, Mister Venas. At this point, I think, it would be unwise to have you as maester, not taking into consideration this new injury," Nero said flatly, "anger and hate can make people to reckless things. Our job as maesters is to teach the new generations of mages the correct use of their abilities, but also protect them from harm. But if someone will be overtaken by such emotions then that could prove to be part of the problem, don't you think? I saw something similar yesterday while we were fighting against the lagiacrus, but i digress."

So, now they would need to be on the lookout for any possible sign of a new attack from the rogue Umbra mage. This was proving to be quite a difficult task, more difficult than the normal escort mission than the one that was supposed to happen. Nero's fingertips stopped glowing after a few minutes, Jynn's vision being completely gone, if his eyes were any indication. The Maestra stood up and dusted herself off.

"This is all I can do for you, but as espected, your sight is truly gone. We will need to stay on guard and be prepared for anything as we travel while also taking into consideration your new situation." Nero rubbed the bridge of her nose and turned around, "If you excuse me, I need to make sure to pack everything before we continue our journey."

Nero had lost any amount of appetite she might have had at the moment and instead retreated into her tent. Once inside she began to put her full ensemble on while also thinking about where on earth the rogue mage could have obtained a fragment of itika. Deep inside, where no one would notice, she was contemplating how this new revelation would affect the outcome of the journey. The High Priestess was obviously biased with the Vivifica Heir, and while she didn't mind the young girl's display towards the boy, in fact, she was happy for her, she was more interested in the reaction that the Lady Mia could have in the future. While Nero understood the Lady Mia's position, she also worried about the kind of relationship she had with the young Mabel, and how that affected the way the Priestess made choices based on the belief that she should perform her duty above anything else, and if not then she would be reprimanded.

Was this the danger that kept being mentioned in her mind's eye? Was this it? Or perhaps it was only a small piece of a bigger threat? Only time would tell.

Mystics Apprentice · Dec 1, 2019

–Vita River–

Endless Thundaza ,

Xion136

Vaan trudged alongside Arkane as the Umbra mage led him to his maester. Upon sighting Gerik the man fell to one knee, gaze locked on the ground.

"Mister Lockford," he started. "You have hired me for information, and information I have come to provide. The Master is on the move. He has left our abode and seeks the High Priestess. He knows that she intends to make a pilgrimage to the Vivifica Temple, and intends to intervene and kill her."

He pauses, allowing a moment of silence before daring a glance up into Gerik's face. "When he left for Sanctus Heights, I traveled south, and came upon a friend"–he jerked his head toward Micah, whose eyes were wide, and the raven perched on the boy's shoulder–"the bird, it led me to you. I do not know what you plan to do with this information, but he will eventually discover that the High Priestess has already left, and seek her. He has quite the resources."

He shot Arkane a scowl upon his words of the flower bed, though made no further comment. He rose from his kneeling before Gerik, brushing his pants off casually. "This information was difficult to attain, and to maintain the Master's trust will be even more difficult," he said at last. "I hope that you plan to make good on your payment for this risky business."

Thankfully, Mabel was not in earshot as Vaan, Arkane, and Gerik discussed the man wishing to murder her. Instead her eyes grew wide in horror as Jynn declared his injuries. She gripped his shoulders firmly, shaking from head to toe.

"No . . . Jynn . . . no." She closed her eyes, a tear rolling down her cheek. She leaned forward, her breath warm on Jynn's face. He would feel the slight softness of her own lips graze his before a sharp voice cut through the clearing.

"Let us hope that this doesn't compromise the mission."

Mabel gasped, jerking from Jynn and glancing up. Mia approached from near Nero's tent. Whether the elder had seen the brief kiss was uncertain.

"Mister Venas, will you still be up for the journey?" Mia inquired. "I will see that we have a cozy place for you to sit and relax."

"Is that all that you can think about?" Mabel snapped irritably, jerking around to shoot a glance filled with daggers at the elder. "This mission? My journey? The Vivifica heir has been blinded! He will never see anything ever again! Does his personal well-being mean nothing to you?"

For a moment Mia merely stared at Mabel, perhaps too stunned that the girl spoke so disrespectfully to her, and in favor of the man, no less. Her nostrils flared. "It is important to remember that we are instruments, tools for the well-being of Regalia and our purpose is to serve. I have not forgotten my duty, High Priestess, and it would be wise if you do the same."

With that curt response, Mia spun on heel. "Let's get the carriages ready to roll! We must hurry if we wish to get to Vita City at a decent hour."

Mellark finally climbed out of his tent, stifling a yawn. He'd heard the shouts and bustling of the other mages, and at last he saw them as they prepared to leave again. "So soon?" he asked whomever was nearby, though he didn't put up any more protests as he unfurled his tent and began to pack it away.

–Sanctus Heights: Lt. Mastiff's Office–

Elrandir

The secretary seemed a bit baffled by the scenario of the trio, as well as the fact that it seemed Elia was doing anything but "helping" as Vincent had claimed. In response Elia merely let out a huff, before being redirected into Mastiff's office where she was at last brought to her feet. Sulking, she slid herself into the chair behind Mastiff's desk, spinning from side to side while her eyes searched the wall blankly. "I understand," was her lone response to Diane.

The room was rather casual, with a wooden desk containing three drawers. If these drawers were opened one would find the everyday office supply, while the bottom drawer was locked and seemed to be a filing cabinet. Underneath his desk, however, at Elia's feet was a safe. It was about the size of a microwave, with a combination lock sealing it shut. There were sliding cabinets along one wall of the office, but in here there were predominately plastic bins containing all kinds of random odds and ends, sealed with duct tape and dates written upon them. One box was titled "Shirrone Cabret," but beyond that, none of the names would mean anything to neither Diane nor Vincent.

One of the walls seemed insecure behind the plastic bins, if either Diane or Vincent were searching carefully. If they pushed on it, they would find it unstable. Behind it was another safe, this one about the size of a mini fridge, embed into the wall. It too was locked with a combination key.

–Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral Breakfast room–

Elrandir

It seemed that Kagura and Jari were scooting off to a location more private to talk. Perhaps Kolm's presence was unwelcome. He sat there in silence for a moment, taking a seldom sip of coffee. Its temperature was dropping rapidly, and he didn't think it had anything to do with it sitting out for too long.

It was then that Kolm heard Incarose from a short distance away, discussing how her emotions felt that they had a will of their own. Intrigued, Kolm leaned back in his seat, listening to them talk before he dared to shoot a glance back in their direction. He recognized them from the day before: the two Ignis mages who, too, were present during Invidia's attack. Grabbing up his food tray, Kolm slid out from his seat and timidly made his way over.

"Excuse me, ladies," he said, nodding toward an empty seat at their table. "But is this spot taken? Also, I couldn't help but overhear–and forgive me for my nosiness–but did you say that your magic, too, is influenced by your emotions?" He couldn't possibly begin to discuss what he'd encountered from an instance where his emotions went unchecked, and thus his ice magic, though it would be a consolation to know that he wasn't the only one whose magic was influenced by their feelings, good or bad.

Thanny · Dec 2, 2019

- Daruk Mordem, Ignis Court, with the others near Vita River, speaking with Henry -

The Ignis Maester looked between the two scenarios playing out. The mysterious man he saw beforehand, one of Gerik's entourage, was under the scrutiny of his employer, and was as a result likely not going to be much trouble, considering Gerik's piercing gaze. That left the situation with Jynn, Mabel, and Mia, which he found that he paid special attention to. The girl was definitely sweet toward Jynn, that much was clear. However, she seemed to be becoming more rebellious than his last visitation of the capital. Was there something going on between Mia and Mabel?

There was also the topic of heirdom that triggered something within him. Vivifica had a proclaimed heir designate, but he did not yet quite proclaim Henry as his heir. He wondered when a good time to discuss this would come about, or if he had to make a scene of it to ensure that Henry's will was that of the next Maester of Ignis. Regardless of the matter, he had to confirm it with Henry, and as a result he migrated over to Jynn and Henry, those two seemingly the only two remaining mages of the conversation.

"Henry, I'd like to pull you aside for a bit regarding our previous conversation," he said, luring him to the side with a curling finger. Once outside of everyone else's earshot (as far as he knew, anyway), he continued to Henry alone, "My boy, it weighs heavy on my mind that I have not mentioned to the others yet about you being next in line. Have you told anyone yet? Also, would you like me to, er . . . break it to the rest of Ignis, or should I?"

Stardustblade358 · Dec 2, 2019

- Arkane - Umbra Court - Vita River -

Arkane was a teenager on the way of becoming a young adult when he met him. How could he forget?

Nearby the court of Umbra, villages and settlements lived. It was a stable economy. They all provided each other with all that they needed in order to survive and thrive, and the Umbra Court certainly did well to have them nearby even if they had their own monopoly. Arkane would be walking down the market that day in search of ingredients that he first noticed it. It was hard to miss, really. The brightly colored paper bird flew high into the sky, only held back by a string. Along with it were other creations, some sea creatures, a large butterfly, even a dragon. Such beautiful kites; he had never seen such beauty before. Of course, that alone intrigued him enough to follow the kites to their source. He came across a home which seemed to have a stand on the front. The curren kites were tied against the wooden fence. Unused kites hung from the cieling of the stand, and lay across the wooden counters, with the bigger ones resting behind. One or two children and adults were around, looking at the ones that flew above, and kids trying to decide which ones they wanted. "Any catch your eye?" The voice did bring Arkane's attention away from the kites, and was turned to the young man by the stand. They seemed around the same age. "Um. No. I mean." Arkane looked back at the kites. "I had never seen them before, is all. This is the first time I have seen such kites." "Really? I sell them every windy day." The young man approached Arkane, watching him as Arkane was once again distracted by the kites. "Now that I mention it, I have never seen you around here before." He admitted. Arkane finally pulled his gaze away, turning to the young man to answer his question. "I am from Umbra Court. Windy days are usually laundry days." He mused, and the young man would chuckle. "Oh! That explains it! You are one of those mages, right?" He asked. The young man got closer to Arkane, taking a closer look at him. Arkane watched him, looking away. "What?" "Just looking. You mages always hide away within those towers. The rare times we see you guys there is too much of a crowd around you guys to get a close look." "You speak of us as if we were some glorified attraction." "Well, you are the first one I have seen this close." Arkane puffed his cheeks and huffed, looking away. "How rude." "Wait! Want one? I bet you get the best wind on the top of those towers." Arkane looked up, furrowing his brows. "I...have never flown one." "Wait. Are you for real?" The young man got his hands on his hips. "I never had the time." He said, throwing his hands up. "I just came by to say that they were beautiful." "Why thank you." He looked up at the kites, and Arkane's gaze followed. "Well, now I cannot let you leave until you fly one." The young man offeredhis hand. "My name is Qion." Arkane stared, watching his hand before taking it. "My name is Arkane." He still remembered how warm his hands were in his.

Arkane would listen, furrowing his brows. Who was master? There was a threat on the priestess' life already? Arkane glared at the man, turning to look back at Maester Gerik. "We should keep mages with the priestess at all time. Lady Mia has decided that it would be wisest to go through Vita City. It is bigger, more populated, and busier. It will give us the advantage to blend among the populace without standing out." Arkane offered, looking at Gerik before his attention returned to Vaan. He glared and pointed at him. "Consider your life payment enough at the moment. Albeit I am curious now...why would someone wish the priestess dead?" He asked. There were many possibilities. Political outrage, personal matters, a way to fight against the institution...but usually the priestess barely did anything of interest at all to encourage any movement towards her. "Is this part of Vivifica or something else all together? Regardless...we should not stall. We should get moving. The more we stall the more time we give this master of yours to catch up with us." He suggested, biting down on his thumb.

- Yael - Unaffiliated - Vita River -
Yael leaned against Jynn, serving as support. "Priestess Mabel, fighting will not bring his eyesight back. We should get going before we attract anymore attention." Yael hissed, serving like a guide dog of sorts for Jynn. He walked back, heading to the carriage. "Come, Mabel. You can ask all of your questions once we are already on the move." He explained, looking at Jynn and licking his cheek, before doing the same for Mabel.

- Arun - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral -
Arun went to a small chapel when everything was done. He was kneeling down with hands clasped together, whispering under his breath as he prayed to...well, whatever it was that they worshiped in the first place. He remembered the lines by memory, said every morning and every night in the orphanage. The ones he whispered under his breath while his skin broke and blood hissed against his boiling skin. He did not even know why he was praying, only that he felt that he would need some sort of blessings for today. He finished and stood up, staring at the statue ahead before turning around. He had decided that he wished to investigate into the incident further. Where it all started.

- Vincent - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: Lt.Mastiff's office -
Vincent sighed and got his hands on his hips. "Let us get to work!" He walked around, searching everything. He knew that he had to be careful of personal spaces, but they were looking for clues. He was quick to glance over any papers of significance, albeit he wanted to focus on what the detective had asked of them; the safe. He could see the safe beneath the desk and point at it. "Elia, can you open that safe? That could be it." He asked, looking back. Other than that there were just more and more boxes and cabinets. Why so many cabinets?! He picked up one, moving it out of the way to get to the one to the bottom when he could hear the shakiness of the panel behind the cabinets. He paused, reaching over and pressing against it. It moved. Vincent quickly pushed the cabinets away and held onto the wall. He traced his hand across the surface as he pressed on it. He pressed until the panel went back and clicked. He pushed it out of the way...and revealed another safe. "...uh...Elia...what about this one?" He looked up at Diane. "Diane. You would not happen to be capable of just reaching into things and pulling them out, would you?"

Endless Thundaza · Dec 3, 2019

Jynn Venas, Vivifica - Vita River

Jynn could tell from Mabel’s voice that she was distraught in response to his answer. He tries to comfort her, but before he could say anything, the High Priestess places her hands on his shoulders, and lays her lips upon his, giving him a kiss. Jynn’s eyes widen, his body tenses up, and his cheeks turn crimson.

It didn’t take long until Lady Mia ruins the moment, rudely asking if Jynn’s blindness would delay the mission. The mage growls quietly, but, to his surprise, Mabel snaps at the elder, pointing out the flaws in the hag’s concerns. Did something happen to her? Regardless, it was a welcome change in attitude towards her role.

Lady Mia continues by claiming that everyone is a tool, to serve Regalia and it’s people. This offended Jynn, a lot. He desperately wanted to snap back at her, but he was in no condition to do such a thing. Instead, Jynn turns his attention to Mabel in response to Yael’s response. “Don’t let the elder get to you. But we must head out. Would you be able to help me to the carriages?”

Elrandir · Dec 3, 2019

- Thea Nero - Court of Somnum - Vita River -

Nero remained still for a moment, thinking about possibilities for the future. There were a couple of things to consider, but their task had priority. At that point Nero heard Mia and Manel's argument. Things were moving faster than expected, and that was proof of that. She left her tent and watched as Lady Mia walked away.

"May I have a word with you, High Priestess?" Nero said calmly, yet there was something hiding behind that request, "In private, if you don't mind. I am sure Mister Venas is in good hands right now. He might need some time to cool off before we leave. Please, if you don't mind, follow me."

The Maestra walked a little distance away from the camp. Hopefully the High Priestess would follow her.

Elrandir · Dec 5, 2019

- Incarose Vassar - Court of Ignis - Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral - Dinning Hall -

Mystics Apprentice

A new voice made Incarose turn around to take a look at the source. She knew the newcomer, not personally, but she had seen her at some point the night before. Apparently he wanted to sit with her and Anya.

"No, it isn't. Please, take a seat," Incarose said, "I'm sorry, I think we haven't been introduced. My name is Incrose Vassar. This is Anya Anya Alighieri, my teacher. It is a pleasure, Mister . . . ?"

Incarose waited until Kolm gave them his name, while also thinking about what he had asked. Did her magic wa affected by emotions?

"Oh, um. I don't really know how to explain it. I'm not a trained mage, you see. I just joined the Court of Ignis just a couple of days ago. I've been avoiding using magic for, well, for personal reasons," Incarose said as she glanced away, a small hint of shame in her face, "but both Miss Anya and Maestra Nero made me realize that it would be best if I learned how to control it. As for emotions influencing my magic. . . it has happened to me before. Usually when I was scared or angry. Magic was suddenly released without any notice and, well, let's just said I was the cause of more than one accident."

That was true, but she didn't wanted to say that she was the reason whole buildings got burned to the ground. Or that she was the reason her parents . . .

"But I think everyone is different and maybe different emotions affect people in different ways."

- Diane Corbeau - Court of Umbra - Sanctus Heights: Sanctus Heights: Lt. Mastiff's Office -

Stardustblade358

Diane ruffled Elia's hair gently, she didn't knew why, she just did it without giving it too much of a thought. Both her and Vincent began to inspect every possible space around the office, she looking for any sign of someone being there in the last few hours, perhaps a sign that the blue-haired man made an attempt to come to the Lieutenant's office, but nothing really stood out of place. There were some files, but not anyone Diane knew personally. One box had the name "Shirrone Cabret" but that didn't really meant anything, nor it was important at the moment.

"The safe was in a non-secure space, that makes me think that this safe is not the one we are looking for," Diane said flatly, "imagine if someone found out the contents of whatever the Lieutenant was hiding inside. That could be a potential problem, one that it can be easily solved by having another safe. A hidden safe."

At this point Vincent began to move the cabinets out of the way, finding a fake panel along with another safe inside. This one was a slightly bigger safe than the one underneath the desk.

"This must be it. This should be the safe that the Lieutenant was talking about," she said as she looked at Vincent, "I could give it a try, Vincent, but I don't want to risk any potential trap from being triggered. Besides, the Lieutenant gave me Elia's name, maybe she knows how to open it. If not, well, we can try other methods."

Scrapmaster · Dec 6, 2019

- Vlad - The Not impaler -

The meeting was as boring as Vlad imagined it would be, albeit it interested him somewhat, when it came to tactics and what to do regarding the man Vlad just kind of doozed off a bit, sinking into his own shadow and finding a nice little corner in the room to make some artifical ones and take a nice little shadow nap, his body more or less sinking fully into the shadows. In which case after the meeting had all but ended and people proceeded to start eating, Vlad just emerged from the above below average iluminated corner, stretched his arms, yawned and walked off to find Vincent and Diane, he had slept a bit too much. He didn't really mind if he looked like a total dingus to anyone in the vicinity watching him. (possibly Kolm and company).

He managed to catch up to Vincent and company albeit slightly, only at a distance as he saw the hillariously reputation crushing scene of Vincent carrying a young girl in his shoulder and Diane in tow. The ammount of weird stares and whispers were accumulating at an alarming rate, and Vlad lost quite a bit of time trying to pass it off as something harmless to the passerbys that had seen the stunt Vincent and Diane pulled. Seriously they were not in the norsemen times where you could do that to women.

It took quite a bit of charming and persuasion to have people turn their attention away from the attempted kidnapping in the name of the law for Vlad to catch up in time. As such he would arrive somewhat late to the party. "I need a darn raise" Vlad muttered under his breath as he did it all, the worst were the angry old ladies who were not too keen on the kidnapping.

Then he ventured into the police station, with even more bewilderment from the cops, and even more sighs from Vlad, it was at these times that he figured that Somnum was one of the less weird courts.

A few minutes after finding the safes Vincent would feel a small tug in the back of his left leg, a cold soul chilling feeling would follow said tug, the type that seeps into your skin, brings your hair up and turns your legs into jelly, if he looked down he'd see a pitch black hand grasping it as Vlad would begin to rise from his shadow once again, this time in full splendor, whether horrifying or not did not matter, as Vlad's body wasn't even halfway done forming from the shadow he began speaking.

"We ain't in the norsemen times Vincy, you can't go around kidnapping women around'ere, we're in the free age!, at least two news reporters saw that and I had to stop a group of angry old ladies who were just about to start screaming bloody kidnappin...they already had their frying pans and rolling pins ready." Vlad snarked at Vincent's actions with a grin on his face as he fully formed, his eyes followed by a red demonic streak as his face took a second or two form, and for the shadow energy to dissipate.

"You going on the news, chief, newspapers work fast..." Vlad continued, before clapping his hands. "So anyway, why'd you kidnap the lass for? surely you aren't going to file a report'ere." Vlad spoke before looking around, seeing Elia and throwing her a small handwave and Diane, whom he looked at curiously. "Lemme guess, Umbra?" Vlad asked Diane.

Stardustblade358

Elrandir

- Henry - The Heir of Ignis - Vita River, speaking with Daruk -

The situation had escalated quite a bit, Mabel talked back to Mia about her aloof tone towards Jynn's condition and her view of mages being tools in general, which brought a small, unnoticed scoff from Henry, who personaly hated that line of thinking. Such old ways of thinking only served to waste precious lives and leading to unnecessary fights amongst the very courts themselves. You should never dehumanize your allies as mere tools or gears in a machine...just the thought was enough to bring Henry's blood to a boil.

Henry's internal rage was cut short as Daruk pulled him aside for conversation. "Anything you need, Maester?" Henry politely directed himself to Daruk as he would always do. As Daruk began to speak Henry listened in intently, thinking of the best course of action, pausing for a bit as he contemplated Daruk's point and question.

"I have not told anyone yet..." Henry began to speak, a polite and somber tone in his voice as he would look at Daruk straight in the eyes. "I do not like hiding things from people, especially not something such as this, the weight of it is clear that it's affecting both of us." Henry paused again, taking a deep breath. Bringing his hands together.

"Thinking ahead, however. I do not think right now is the best time to disclose it to everyone, Jynn has just been blinded and i was not quick enough to stop it, nor could I help much against the Lagiacrus, and we are tasked with guiding the High priestess and Elder Mia to Vivifica." Henry spoke, closing his eyes. "I feel like I haven't done enough to warrant the title, at least not right now...I am conflicted." Henry spoke the truth to Daruk with a thoughtful tone.

"I say we wait until this whole Vivifica situation is over before disclosing of my status." Henry spoke, managing to smile towards Daruk. "What do you say? Maester?"

Thanny

- Arno Cross - Train to Vita city -

The walk to the train was rather uneventful, no pickpockets as of yet thank god, Vaike concurred with Arno's suggestion of going to Vita city through train. In which they got there rather quickly, maneuvering around crowds of civilians and security officers as they cashed in Vaike's spare tickets as they entered. In there they all sat down next to each other.

Vaike spoke about his magic capabilities and what he could do, asking the same about them. Also he explained about his reincarnation. "Kind of a crap deal you got handed." Arno commented about the reincarnations Vaike has had, before getting to the point. "Hypnosis. Annoying....and lethal." He commented before leaning back into the train.

"Im good with a gun, and I can somewhat influence gravity...fire and wind are two other things I can do." Arno explained his abilities in the fewest words possible, he was indeed very good with a gun, both up close and at range with precision, bartenders aside, It wasn't often he missed his shots. One little thing to note is that he did not tell Vaike of his sword prowess, which was very adept at as well.

Nero Kunivas

HeartOfFerria

- Richter Vanis - Viviica Temple -

Richter did his best to hold back his emotions as Aislinn was prepared to basicaly wage war on the courts at this point, a thought that spelled the doom for the vivifican court in its entirety. But he had to understand the gravity of such a situation as well, "I...understand" Richter slowly nodded, clearly saddened by Aislinns decision as he allowed to speak with the others..

Richter struggled internaly with both his emotions, his views of the court and Aislinn as well as his conviction to both. His conflict clearly visible by onlookers. "I will go prepare...you know where to find me if you wish to talk Aislinn." Richter spoke to his Maestra with an uncharacteristicaly blank tone to show the importance of such words. As Richter walked off with a rather fast pace, clearly moved by Aislinn's decision.

Should Aislinn wish to visit him later he would be found in the garden of the court, in one of the benches there, which he usualy came to for the peace and quiet the garden offered. There he would think, long and hard about all of this and what this all meant...and he would most importantly, plan.

Thanny · Dec 8, 2019

- Daruk Mordem, Ignis Court, with Henry next to the Vita River -

The tall red-headed individual smiled without mirth, nodding his head in agreement with what Henry was saying. This was not the right time at the moment, but when would it be appropriate? After everything was said and done in Vivifica, he wondered if it would be a poor decision to pawn off the responsibilities of an heir after a historical decision would be decided, but then again that would save Henry some face. If he were appointed during the time of transition, however, Henry and the rest of Ignis Court would suffer negative attention.

"You have a point," he said in the end. No crazy laughter. No other inanities. This time he was quite sober and level-headed. "Let's wait on the reveal, but not because of any error on your part, especially not your speed to react because the rest of us were not able to halt it either. If you do, however, crave to feel deserving of the title, by all means prove it. It would make my decision carry more weight." He set a firm hand on Henry's shoulder and patted it twice roughly, a grin on his face. "Do us all proud, son, and pull out all the stops to be someone greater than you already are. That is the sign of great promise, and not just in terms of the Courts.

"Now, let's pack up with the others. Mia and the others seem eager to move, and I don't blame them. The quicker we go, the faster we can respond to other things."

Pulling away from Henry, he trotted over to his tent, getting started on packing his spartan belongings before moving on to the deer. Not all of it could be salvaged within time, so the rest of it he would leave with Umbra or for the wild animals.

Mystics Apprentice · Dec 8, 2019

–Vita River–

Endless Thundaza ,

Xion136

Mabel, seeming oblivious to the reactions of the other mages, looked sheepish as the maestra called upon her. "Certainly, Professor Nero," she responded meekly, seeming once more like the young obedient priestess as opposed to . . . whatever defiance and determination she displayed only moments ago to Lady Mia. She stepped away from the others and into the private confides of wherever Nero led them, carefully clasping her hands in front of her.

"What is it that you wish to discuss, Maestra?" she inquired, tone holding a sense of professionalism, one that she would often don in council meetings. "I hope that you are well?"

–Sanctus Heights: Lt. Mastiff's Office–

Elrandir

Elia yawned, stretching and placing her feet on Lt. Mastiff's desk, ankles crossed. "How should I know how to get into any of these safes?" she challenged, shooting Vincent a defiant glare as he gestured toward the hidden safe in the closet. "It's not like Dad would confide in me with any of his personal stuff." She did, however, offer a few combinations to try, because the numbers were of significance, such as the date she was born (030912), the date of her mother's death (110420), and the date in which he first dated Elia's mother (122518). If trying these combinations, they would find that the small one underneath Elia's feet would open (upon the anniversary date), though the larger safe did not.

Inside this safe was a random assortment of objects, one being a small box with an engagement ring, many love letters exchanged between Mastiff and Elia's mother, in addition to her mother's will. There were also many portraits, as well as large envelopes titled "Elia," another "Ariana," and yet another titled "Liam" written in neat handwriting. There were also a few baby boy items, including a blank "It's a Boy!" announcement card that had never been filled out. This clearly is a very personal safe, with belongings pertaining to the family. If shuffling through everything, they wouldn't find anything relevant to the case, or at least none of it would seem that way. It was more mementos than anything else.

Elia gave a start when Vincent appeared, sitting upright in Lt. Mastiff's large swiveling chair. She blinked, turning from the three of them before letting out a sigh. "You really shouldn't scare people like that," she said. She didn't know Vlad, but she was very distrustful toward all mages these days.

There may be other ways to open the safe without knowing the combination, should any three of them decide to give anything a try, or other combinations may also work (the combos are six digits. If you guys want to play around and throw numbers out there, it might work! Good luck!)

–Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral Breakfast room–

Elrandir

Kolm glanced between the two Ignis mages. It seemed that all the friendly mages came from Ignis, and yet when he'd tried to approach two of Somnum's mages–the court in which he'd hoped to enter–they all but ignored him to have their own private conversation. Perhaps he should consult with Daruk and see if he had any skillset within taming ice magic such as his, after all.

"We haven't formally met, no," Kolm said, tone apologetic. "My name is Kolm Diarisso. I'm a resident here of Sanctus Heights, or at least I was. I lived here with my mother."

The cold mage listened as Incarose described her magic, and her own personal dread of it. His expression remained stoic as she spoke, yet his heart raced in his chest. "Magic is deadly, fierce, and dangerous if not tamed," he said in agreement. "I am quite certain that, whatever the reason may be, it is a justifiable one. I too have been avoiding my magic, even accepting its presence, due to a complicated . . . history with it." He didn't also explain that he'd attempted to lock away most of his emotions and personal attachments because of it, but he felt it was fine to omit this information, at least upon an early introduction.

"So, Incarose, if I may ask: how did you get involved with the court of Ignis? I am seeking acceptance into a court myself, most likely Somnum since it seems my magic aligns with Maestra Nero's specialty, and am uncertain on how this whole thing goes. Do I just walk up to the head of the court, or is there a set of trials?" He was genuinely curious. He'd had no court mage friends, nor knew anything about the courts except for their titles and the regions which they resided.

–Sanctus Heights: Train Station–

HeartOfFerria

At the discussion of abilities Tibarn shot a glance toward Arno, cocking a brow. He'd noticed that his friend failed to inform Vaike of everything in which he was capable, something he'd figured that Arno was doing out of humility, or, more likely, self-defense. Perhaps he didn't fully trust this reincarnated man enough with all of his secrets. Tibarn then shifted his bronze gaze over to Vaike.

"Hypnosis, as in the power of suggestion?" Tibarn inquired, and when Vaike nodded in agreement he went on to further add: "So how do we know that you didn't manipulate us to work with you with this miraculous power of yours? Maybe we are doing this unwillingly?"

A chuckle escaped Vaike at Tibarn's words, before he gestured toward the door of their cart. "Then by all means, you're free to go if you don't want to help me. I wouldn't use these powers on you. I do not think manipulating anyone is the answer we're looking for. If it was, then I'd be just as bad as the Tenebris Court."

These words seemed to calm the rogue slightly, allowing him to grunt in the direction of the door and yet get cozier in his seat. Tibarn glanced toward Arno and nudged him in the shoulder. "Bet you didn't think we'd be heading back to Vita City so soon after the tavern incident, did you?" He offered him a playful wink, thinking of their earlier escapade just days ago when they'd accidentally killed a bartender, burnt down a tavern, and handed over Saffron's ex to the authorities. He wondered if Kiev was still there, and, more forbiddingly, wondered if the man would be useful in a mission such as this.

Elrandir · Dec 8, 2019

- Thea Nero - Court of Somnum - Vita River -

Mystics Apprentice

This was going to be one interesting conversation, that was for sure. The question was: how was she going to handle it now that the event had been set into motion. Nero stopped when they were away from earshot from those in the camp.

"I don't know what happened in these past couple of days, but it is quite obvious that you have changed in some way, Miss Mabel," Nero said without turning around to look at the young woman, "and it has become more obvious with each passing moment ever since the Heir of Vivifica came into the scene."

The Maestra stared at the river in the distance, listening to the rushing sound of water and the sounds around them.

"It is said that the High Priestess must never show any favoritism towards any of the four courts, or their mages, which I am sure you have been doing with Mister Venas, if the look of your face has been any indication. At least from the times I've been present. Don't worry, I don't think it's wrong," she said, "your outburst towards one of the Elders is just further proof of that. And I'm afraid that this will only continue the more we travel. Maybe even after we all go our separate ways."

Nero turned towards Mabel, her face calm as ever.

"As Maestra of the Court of Somnum, I need to see for the well being of my mages, the rest of the courts, and Regalia. And as the High Priestess, you should also follow your role as the link between the courts and those without magic. Just like Elder Mia said, we are all part of what protects and keeps the land of Regalia moving forwards," Nero said flatly, before her face softened, "But as a woman without any affiliation to the courts or the system, I would say that you should do what it feels right to you. I see a lot of myself in you, Miss Mabel. We both crave freedom from our duties, to have a normal life without the burden of our position, to do what our heart desires."

The blue-haired woman began to walk towards the High Priestess.

"The burden of the title of High Priestess was put on your shoulders without anyone asking if you wished for it or not. And it has robbed you of your chance to have a normal life. It makes you follow all this rules and regulations, prevents you from ever forming a lasting bond with anyone as to avoid showing favoritism. You are a bird in a gilded cage," Nero said with a hint of sadness, "And we both know you desire something more than that. Just remember, Miss Mabel, that if you keep this up, there will be consequences. The Elders will not approve of such display. But whatever you do, know that you have my support. If you ever need help, I will be glad to provide it."

Nero stopped in front of the High Priestess, slowly reaching towards Mabel's face, tuking a strand of hair behind the Priestess's ear.

"But this is not all I wanted to talk to you about, Miss Mabel. There is something more important. I've had one unusual ability ever since I was a child. I knew things, even before they were told to me. They come at random times, when I least expect it, but something has been coming to me in the last couple of days," Nero said, "there is danger coming, Miss Mabel. At first I thought it was the sudden attack we had in out trip towards Sanctum Heights, but then the fires happened, next the attack of the Lagiacrus, and now the attack on Mister Venas. But I'm afraid there is something worse coming. Something that will affect all of Regalia, and we must be prepared because I have no idea when it's going to happen. Maestra Norferi's actions, our trip to Vivifica . . . I think all of this is linked in some way. I only ask that you keep your eyes open at all times. If you want to defy the Elders, so be it, but be careful. Just be aware that you will need to face the consequences sooner or later."

- Incarose Vassar - Court of Ignis - Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral - Dinning Hall -

Mystics Apprentice

It was interesting, apparently this young man, Kolm, also had a similar situation as her. He had tried his best to avoid his magical talents. Perhaps their situations were different, but their way of dealing with the arcane had been the same. Kolm was interested in joining one of the courts, Somnum to be exact.

"Well, at first I didn't really wanted to join a court. I just wished there was a way for me to get rid of my magic, but after speaking with Maestra Nero from Somnum, and Miss Anya here, I was convinced that, if I learned to control the magic inside me then, then perhaps I could help others to not suffer the same things as me," Incarose answered, "I'm not really sure about if there is a trial, Miss Anya just told Maester Daruk that I was going to be her apprentice and, apparently, he would take care of the paperwork."

That had been one interesting question. What was needed for one to join a court? She knew most mages began to study early, but what about people like them? those who did not join a court in the early years of their lives,

"I am sure that, if you talk with Maesta Nero once she returns, she will allow you to join the court. She was willing to let me join," Incarose said, "but after realizing that Ignis was better suited for my element of magic, I choose to go to Ignis instead."

- Diane Corbeau - Court of Umbra - Sanctus Heights: Sanctus Heights: Lt. Mastiff's Office -

Stardustblade358

Scrapmaster

Diane took some interest in the items that were inside the small safe below the Lieutenant's desk. Most, if not all of them, were of no interest for the investigation. But was that the case? She took a certain interest in the envelopes, especially in the one with Elia's name written in it.

"Your father said your name, Elia. Do you think it's possible that there might be a clue inside of this envelope that could help us open that safe?" Diane asked the young girl, "I'm sure I can bypass the safe's door with some shadow manipulation, but it may trigger something and ruin whatever is inside the safe. I don't want to risk loosing the only clue we have."

The moment Diane saw something rising from Vincent's shadow, she was already moving towards said something, her magitek arm gaining a faint orange glow, ready to punch anything into oblivion. She stopped mere inches away just as the "something" spoke. It was a familiar voice, one she had heard just yesterday. It was the voice of Vlad from the Court of Somnum. She stared for a couple of seconds then walked back to where she was.

"Your guess is correct. I am from Umbra." Diane answered, "And as Elia said, It would do you a lot of good if you didn't do that again. Not while there is a chance that the person who attacked the lieutenant last night wanted to come into the office."

Stardustblade358 · Dec 10, 2019

- Arkane - Umbra Court - Vita River -

"Qion. You do realize that scaring me would be foolish of you." "I do not aim to scare. Just bear with me a bit longer." Arkane decided to muse him still, keeping the cloth around his eyes as Qion guided him with two hands. Soon enough their arrived to the location, and Qion removed the blindfold to reveal that they were standing on top of a cliff looking over the horizon. The night was ending, and morning was soon to arive. Arkane quirk a brow, looking back at Qion. "Qion. How did you know I wanted my own cliff for my birthday?.=" Qion rolled his eyes, taking a seat down by the cliff and pulled Arkane to sit down with him. "Just wait." Arkane groaned and leaned his head against Qion's shoulder. "Qion I have a lesson after this. I could have slept a bit longer." "Trust me. You will like it." Qion reassured. They remained quiet in the dark, watching the stars slowly disappear as morning came. "Look!" Qion pointed at the horizon. Arkane lifted his head, watching as the sun began to rise. But that was not the main target. It was the surge ofo butterflies that suddenly began to take off from the caves. Arkane's eyes widened, watching in absolute awe as thousands of butterflies emerged to the warmth of sunlight, taking off to the sky. "Every year they migrate. There are caves that serve as a warm place for them in the night time. The moment the sun arrives, they take off and we do not see them for a whole other year." He looked back at Arkane, who watched in awe. "How did you know it would be tonight?" Qion shrugged. "I have my contacts." "Qion...did you went to explore the caves?" "No no! I asked one of the merchants! I swear." He watched the butterflies, seeing the sky change of hue and off they disappeared, one by one. Qion leaned closer, watching his expression. "Maybe we can watch it every year?" Arkane looked back. Could they? "...that would be wonderful." Both would look up, smiling as they watched the butterflies fly away to their next destination. Arkane's hand wandered for a moment, only to freeze once he realized what he was doing. Could he hold his hand? Would that be ok? He slowly pulled away, Qion barely noticing as Arkane's hands turned to fists. No. Not today. Maybe tomorrow. Another day.

"Happy birthday, Arkane."

The Umbra mage crossed his arms stubbornly, feeling slightly uncomfortable at the incoming news. "I will be in the carriage with the priestess, if you would allow me, Maester. I can summon something to protect her should anything surprise us along the way. But until then, we must be discreet..." He looked down at his clothes, coming up with an idea. "...we might have to disguise the priestess."

- Yael - Unaffiliated - Vita River -
Yael huffed, leading Jynn back to the carriages. "Come." He pulled him to the carriage, transforming back into his human form halfway. He placed his hand on his shoulder. "Mabel will come soon. She is speaking with Maestra Nero." He spoke. He opened the door and helped Jynn on, watching over him as he dug his claws into the wood. "I did not forsee this outcome." He muttered. How could he let Jynn go blind? He was an absolute fool. "My apologies, Jynn. I wished to leave this for you to handle between you and the mage, but I did not expect for them to go as far as to blind you."

- Arun - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral -
Arun finished his prayers, and was about to disappear out the door when he could not help but to overhear the conversation between Kolm and Incrarose. He practically sneaked up to the conversation, slowly standing behind Kolm as he watched. "You are either born into it, or you are found to have enough potential to join." He spoke, staring down at Kolm. "There are many mages and many people with magical capabilities. But the courts only have so much space to spare and contain. If you ask someone to promote you to the Maesters and the heads of the courts, they can test you and determine if you have the potential to have impressed them into joining." Arun spoke, his tone soft as he watched in between the mages. "My apologies. I overheard. I do not know how it works for the court of Somnum." He whispered, looking around the group. "Have you guys decided what you will do for the day?" He asked, looking down at the group, the large man slightly shrinking. "...sorry...I could...go."

- Vincent - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: Lt.Mastiff's office -
Vincent thanked Elia as she opened the smaller safe. He knelt down and shuffled through them, fingers tracing across the letters and papers. He did not delve too deep into it; they were much too personal. There was nothing of value to their investigations. He closed the door a bit, pressing it softly. "Right. Nothing here...I did not know that you had a brother, Elia." He muttered, standing up and walking back to the sight of the hidden safe. He leaned closer, looking at it. Apparently, it seemed that this could be the one that they expected. "Possibly, yes." He said, looking at Diane before looking back at Elia. "Elia, any ideas on a possible password for this one?" He asked. He did did expect for the chills that ran up his spine, and Vincent slowly looked back to see Vlad. He almost screamed, but instead yelped and turned around, swinging an arm at Vlad. "Do not do that!" He insisted, stomping his foot before pointing at the mage. "I could care less of gossiping old ladies. We need to advance this investigation." He insisted, relaxing back down. He fixed his cap and cleared his throat. "If you wish to help, think about how to open this without triggering any mechanisms...but luckily, you have the best Magitech Engineer in all of Ignis." He smirked. He almost forgot that was his job- Vincent approached the safe and looked around it. He reached into his satchels and pulled out what would be some small tools. He always carried a kit in case anyone needed some fixing! He took a peek at the safe and picked out what seemed to be a knife. However, it contained a rune carved into it. It was long, and pointy. He placed some flat lockpicks on the numbers, locking them in place before moving his goggles over his eyes. "Keep watch over the door. I am going to cut through the deadbolt." He asked. He held a gloved hand over the knife, grasping over the rune. The rune would glow, the blade slowly glowing red as it began to heat up. Vincent peeked, slowly sliding the knife in between the safe door walls, aiming to cut the deadbolt into two.

RikuXIII · Dec 11, 2019

{Valery - Vivifica Court: Vivifica Temple}
Valery nodded curtly to the Maestra's order. Not the posting she had particularly wanted, but it was still important. She hurried away from the Maestra, using her familiar to call out to those evacuating to not dawdle. After they were safely away, the warden wondered if she should return.

{Gerik Lockford - Umbra Court: Vita River}
"An error coming back to haunt us." Gerik answered Arkane dryly.
He turned and smiled at the younger mage, though there was no humor in it.
"The long story short is that Morpha is now on your list of test subjects. I do so look forward to hearing a report on her obviously deformed brain."
The Umbral Maester took an extra moment looking out in the direction Morpha had made her escape. Perhaps he would rethink his rehabilitation policy for failed agents. His predecessors had just disposed of anyone who fell below expectations. Would certainly make his life easier. Gerik was still privately musing when Vaan came up. Gerik turned his attention to the bandit, his face switching to a blank, neutral look as he listened to the report.
"i will deal with this." He said, raising a hand to signal Arkane off pressing Vaan for more answers.
"Absolutely!" Gerik replied to Vaan, his expression and demeanor back to his usual charm. "Good work deserves good rewards. Consult with my assistant, Micah. On hand resources are limited, but he will be able to get you in touch with a treasurer who can provide payment. Micah! Please help Vaan here with his payment. His performance has been satisfactory to good."
With Micah informed what payment bracket Vaan belonged in, Gerik turned his attention back to Arkane.
"Good thinking." He said in an encouraging tone. "We will all need to be on our guard. As for the Master, let's just say he is something of a new face to this little soap opera we call Court life. One I am very interested in."
As Gerik spoke, a flaming bird dived out of the sky and swooped around the maester. Looking a little puzzled, he held out a hand to it, which it took as a perch. It offered a small parcel before the fire bird burned it's lasted and faded.
"Why would she risk this?" Gerik thought.
He considered saving it for later, but if Anya had sent this so brazenly, it had to be important. He tore it open and began reading. She had, at least, put it in code. He waved a hand vaguely to consent to Arkane's plan to remain close with the High Priestess.

{Anya Alighieri - Ignis Court: Sanctus Heights; Cathedral dining hall}
Anya nodded to Incarose's description.
"I know that one." She said, sounding a little distant. "And sometimes scratching the itch feels good."
She shook herself, then smiled at the young lady she was hoping to mentor through this.
"But, like I said, you did a good job not giving in. Keeping in mind what you don't want burned is good. Like any relationship, boundaries are a thing you want."
The arrival of Kolm was actually a bid of a blessing. It distracted Incarose with a human interaction, which was good for her, and gave Anya time to think. The main next step she figured was to see if they could make a totem for Incarose. Most wielders of Phoenix Flame Anya had researched used something to channel the flames through, making it easier to use without the "call". She was vaguely aware of the conversation Kolm and Incarose were having, and decided to jump in when the question of application to the courts was brought up.
"It all depends on the usual factors of Who, What, Where, Why, and When." She said, giving Kolm a brief smile. "The official route is signed applications, testing, and interviews. And that mostly just get you in the door as an acolyte. Getting full rights and benefits of being a court mage can take time. This is where the 5 W's will work in your favor. I know most of the Maesters and can put in a good word. If you want to tag along with me and the Little Phoenix here, we can see about some on the job training and evaluation. Just because you're an ice man doesn't mean Ignis can't be your home. So, what do you say?"

{Mako Koyl - Somnum Court: Sanctus Heights; Lt. Masstiff's office}
Mako followed Vincent sulkily as she tried to stop thinking and acting like a teenager. It wasn't working well and the mature part of her brain was about to call it quits with trying to deal with the rest of her. Life before she wasn't really paying too much attention to what people were talking. She gave Vlad a nod, but kept to her thoughts.
"Aw, little baby Mako, whining in her head." A voice in her head said.
"Shut up." She muttered to herself.
"Make me by, I don't know, PAYING ATTENTION!"
Mako jolted out of her thoughts, alert and hyper focused on VIncent trying to open the box.
"Um, I might be able to get into that with out setting off the rune." she offered, hopefully not too late.

Thanny · Dec 11, 2019

((This is a scene that Saber Xion and I played out together for Jari and Kagura, one which I think went very nicely and I am rather proud of. Nice work on your end, bud. Orange for Jari, and green for Kagura.))

- Kagura Sumeragi and Jari Coriander, Somnum Court, outside of the Cathedral -

Once Kagura spoke in confirmation, and once they were outside and in the beams of morning light, the two were, excepting a few non-notable others, quite alone. Jari felt a pressure on his chest even if he should have felt the heavy air leave him from inside. For what reason? he wondered, but he could not find an answer. Perhaps it had something to do with his crush next to him, having dropped Kagura's hand in order for Jari to open the door. Finding a nice bench half-shaded by a tree very full of greenery, he sat down.

"So, Kagura . . . it's obvious to me that something is bothering you," he spoke, trying to temper his now-quivering tongue. "If it's all right, I want to know. Maybe then I can help a little more."

Kagura followed....his hand still in Jari's. Sitting down beside the boy, Kagura didn't look....then tears began to flow down his face, shaking. He let himself break down. "I killed. I....they were going to hurt people b-but. But I've never killed someone. M-Monsters yeah, b....but....never people. A....I....I don't....I don't know. What do I do? H-How do I feel?!" he whimpered.

Jari felt a whirl of emotions all at once. At first it was horror upon the topic of killing, but afterwards it cooled to sorrow and sympathy. He kept his hand firmly locked in Kagura's, and added his other hand above his wrist.

"I don't know, honestly," he answered, voice laden with regret about how he could not yet relate. "I've never been put in the position to kill another person, but it is something I worry about constantly. However, sometimes you have to take action to save others you know. That sometimes involves killing." He swallowed hard, thinking back to the balaena. "I haven't touched on it in days, but I'm an artist. I know how to get my hands dirty doing things, but when I had to kill a monster to save Mako . . . and another for myself . . . it was difficult. My hands were meant to create, but they were also meant to save. Part of being a mage, I suppose."

"...I wanted to dance...to calm spirits...bring joy...to help people feel good...to protect...but...but it's still killing. Still taking life Jari." His free hand went to cover his eyes, trying to hold back more years. "They wanted to go home too. How...how do I know...I did the right thing...attacking them without....without thinking? I...I worked on instinct... to save the Elder. I....the elder who....was okay condemning Vivifica...wh....did I do the right thing? Did....did killing anyone...really ...help?"

"I don't know," Jari answered, looking out toward the sunlit patio nearby, "but you did what you had to. You saved someone you saw in need of saving . . . and that was heroic, Kagura. Someday your action will be rewarded, or perhaps it was rewarded because you saved yourself in the process unknowingly. Instinct or no instinct, you protected, and maybe next time you can protect without taking a life. Knowing you, you'll find a way to perfect it." He licked his lips tentatively and found his saliva felt as unhelpful as chalk dust. "I believe in you a hundred and ten percent."

Nerves were sparking inside Jari at the moment, causing unconscious shivers. It was a kind of butterflies-in-the-stomach sensation, but why now? He was not suffering stage fright, was he?

For all the words of encouragement and care, Kagura was still out of it. This was a time where the boy was far gone into the traumatic reality that he had taken life. He turned and grasp Jari's arm, burying his face in his friend's shoulder, trying to stay calm and not break down....but Jari would see that wavering spirit in his eyes. Even the encouragement and belief hadn't broken him out of it....he still was gone....his eyes, wide, shiny....scared.

Jari, feeling himself get pulled into an embrace, did the only thing he could and patted Kagura's back with his free hand. The poor soul was completely tormented, lost to the wilderness of her own mind. He wondered something: if he have been in the same situation if he took a human life, crying into the shoulder of someone else, maybe even Kagura? Would anything have worked to snap him out of it, much less his own reasoning of things? Like anything else, it depended on the person, chiefly how close their bond was.

To Jari, Kagura was a crush, but one who he began to slowly adore over the course of events that led to this moment. However, would it be rushing things if he asked something to her that he had never asked a girl ever? Would it help Kagura? Would it help him? Did he dare try to make the boyfriend move? Thoughts swam quickly and became muddled, and he swallowed hard when he decided.

"Kagura, I wanted to say this for a bit," he started slowly, "but I care about you, and I was wondering . . . do you care about me? Like . . . like like?"

Kagura pressed into Jari at the patting. He was still gasping and panting, somewhat managing to calm down enough to breath without gasping and sobbing. He wasn't really thinking...then Jari made the move. Kagura frowned a bit, something....feeling off. He slowly drew back, looking at Jari. "...you're my friend...of course I like you...." then....then his mind, through the haze click. His eyes went wide, wide as they could, shimmering in the light. "....oh..." Kagura flinched, pulling back, but not jerking out of Jari's grip. The boy was....just so silent. "...Jari I'm str....aight...." OH. His mind clicked. He looked at Jari, then their hands....then did not look up. "....please don't hate me...." he said fearfully. No. Nonononono. Nero was here, he had no one else he could go to right now. "J-Jari....

"I'm a boy."

Jari felt the cold seep in as things really did not seem to go the way he anticipated, then more and more and more. By the end, the cold was replaced by a burning heat on his cheeks. He looked away, shocked and with mouth open. If Kagura just answered that he was a boy, he would have looked at Kagura quizzically as if she . . . he had made a joke, but the explanation process assured him that this was not the case. She was a he . . . and he cared about a . . . guy? Not a girl but a guy?

His face flushed, turning beet-red. This was entirely unprecedented, and he felt horrible. All this time he thought Kagura was a girl. Every occurrence of seeing him made him think such, and he assumed it so purely, so finally, that he did not even contemplate the possibility.

His ensnared hand wavered and shivered for a time, but in the end he tightened his grip and laughed weakly. His free fingers went to his hair and brushed it back.

"I'm such a fool -- such a blind fool. I always thought of you as a girl, Kagura. Nobody corrected me. I wonder how many others knew while I was in the dark. However, I don't hate you. I can never do that. I . . . this will take time to get used to, but Kagura? If it's not too much trouble, or bad memory, or something else . . . may I still be your friend?"

He dared a glance over to the boy, hopeful and anticipating even if his heart felt torn to pieces. He tried to keep a smile on his face, but who exactly was he trying to fool -- Kagura . . . or himself?

Kagura looked up very slowly. "...I don't tell people....because I'm scared. Scared...people might hate me or....or shun me...so I let them think...I...I'm at fault too." he said softly. Shifting a bit, the boy breathed in....breathed out....calming.... "...Jari..."

The dancer looked up at him fully, hands tightening as fresh tears welled. "You've always been my friend. Th...that won't change. I don't want it to change." He whispered. "....please.....don't....let it change...." he begged.

"It won't," Jari answered, smile burgeoning to one that he typically wore. "It can be as awkward as it'll ever get, and it won't change. And . . . I think we already hit that milestone." He laughed in the same spirit as the conversation and continued. "For better or worse, this was . . . eye-opening, and as a friend who will stick to you like gum I will help you, thick or thin. So no giving up hope or anything without talking to me, okay?"

Kagura teared up again...but he managed a small smile. He threw his arms around Jari tightly, starting to cry once more. "Thank you Jari." He sobbed, clinging to him. To hear that Jari would still be here for him...it was as if the weight of pain had...lessened. it...it was good It was good.

"I...I won't give up hope." He whispered in promise. "Not....not without talking to you."

Stardustblade358 · Dec 12, 2019

- Arkane & Yael - Umbra Court - Vita River -
Arkane would turn away from Gerik once he was given the go. Umbra mages were not known to be emotional...with the exception of a few here and there. But most had long found themselves desensitized from the constant death around them that they had to deal with. The shock value of a dead body fades away after a while. It is then that you find amusement in the oddest of circumstances. How one man died of his failing heart before he was struck by the brick that fell from the building. Or the man that fell unconscious in his bath, and thus drowned in mere few feet of water. Alas, such lessons were for another time. Arkane glanced back to see that Mabel was being spoken to by Nero, before looking back up and approaching the carriage where Yael and Jynn were already sitting. Yael would take a glance up at the Umbra mage, his tail swishing back and forth for a moment. "You have a glint in your eyes that speak of dangerous thoughts." Yael spoke. Arkane moved some hair away from his eyes and glanced back at Mabel. "We will be heading to Vita City. There have been news that someone is attempting to take a hold of the priestess. I will suggest a solution, should she accept it." He said, waiting for Mabel to get in the carriage before he did. "What would this brilliant plan of yours be then?" He asked. Arkane turned to the shapeshifter with a huff. "We will lend her clothing. She will be disguised as a mage for her safety." He decided. Good idea, in a way. If they could not locate her by her distinguishing robes as it was, they could hide her among the mages. Arkane excused himself and would approach Nero and Mabel once more. "Maester Nero." He spoke, hand on his hip. "My apologies for interrupting. But we have received a warning. There is suspicion that someone is after the priestess, and is currently trying to track this caravan down. We must be careful. Which is why I must ask you the following favor." He reached over and placed a hand on Mabel's head. "Maestra, would you happen to have extra clothing that Mabel can wear? If there is someone chasing after her, they will be looking for a priestess, not a mage." He said, narrowing his gaze. "Her priestess regalia brings too much attention. It is to distinct. I believe we should have her wear clothing other than her uniform in an effort to keep eyes off our caravan, and keep possible enemy eyes from glazing over such sights instead of halting at the white robes and silver circlet." He looked at Mabel. "If you cannot provide some clothing, my uniforms are usually not meant to be form fitting. I am sure I can find something that can fit her."

Elrandir

- Vincent - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: Lt.Mastiff's office -
Vincent was already ready to cut into the safe when he heard Mako suggest that she could possibly open it up without tripping any alarms. There was a bit of steam already hissing off the blade as Vincent wore his goggles. He paused and backed away, lifting the goggles from his face. "You can?" He asked, smiling. "If you could, it would be most beneficial!" He admitted, lowering the simmering tool that slowly stopped its glow, leaving behind just the steam and whisps of its heat. He backed away and gently gestured at the safe. "All yours." He smiled at Mako, blowing at the dagger as he watched it cool down.

Elrandir · Dec 13, 2019

- Thea Nero - Court of Somnum - Vita River -

Stardustblade358

And there it was another sign of the coming danger in their path, brought by Arkane of Umbra. Somehow they had been informed that someone was chasing after the High Priestess. Why? She did not knew, and. probably, Arkane wouldn't know either.

"As you can see, Miss Mabel, this small bit of important news just seems to confirm what I just told you. There is something happening behind the scenes, something dangerous," Nero said, her eyes focused on Mabel's, "As for having the High Priestess change her highly recognizable ensemble? I have packed a few changes of clothes in my suitcase, though they might not fit her, or perhaps they could, we shall have to see. But as you said, Mister Gravemore, if someone is attempting to take the High Priestss, then making her look different is a great idea."

Nero looked towards the camp for a moment, wondering what would be the best course of action.

"If this person, or group, knows that the High Priestess is travelling in a caravan, then, perhaps, it would be better if we split the group. One carriage can go to Vita City while the other can head to Aeternalis, that way, whoever is following us will not know where the Priestess is, she said to Arun and Mabel, "that also would mean that our numbers would be cut in half, and the probability of success to protect Miss Mabel would be less than if we were all together. Decisions . . . decisions . . . Anyways, if you agree to change your attire, Miss Mabel, then follow me, let's see if there is something in my suitcase that can prove useful."

The Maestra waved her hand to Mabel and Arun to follow her back to her tent, once in front of it she opened the flap of the tent to allow the Priestess inside. Once inside she opened her suitcase and, perhaps to Mabel's surprise, she put her hand inside, going deeper than it would be normally possible, taking out different dresses, pants, shirts, skirts, then putting them back inside. Some looked quite nice or cute, others were more professional looking, more looked as if they were from far away lands, even those that sailors would use.

"You can pick whatever you wish, Miss Mabel, there might be one of your size. If you see something you like then try it," Nero said with a smile, "if you agree to this plan, of course."

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All outfits belong to their original creators!

- Diane Corbeau - Court of Umbra - Sanctus Heights: Sanctus Heights: Lt. Mastiff's Office -

Stardustblade358

Scrapmaster

RikuXIII

Diane stared at Vincent as he began working on opening the safe, and she wa;led over to the door in order to prevent it from being opened by anyone. She looked around the room, wondering what was so important that the Lieutenant had to have a secret safe. What were his dealings with the mysterious blue-haired man. It was interesting that he was so close to Elia, now that she thought about it for a moment. Why was he in the library? and sitting so close to the young untrained mage? Was he making sure to have Elia on his sight at all times, just in case the Lieutenant didn't fulfilledhis part of whatever deal he had made? Mako, another mage from Somnum, apparently, had a way to get into the safe without triggering any potential trap.

"I think that would be the best choice if that is the case. The less of a disturbance we make, the better. It would be bad if anyone who is outside right now found out that we are opening the Lieutenant's secret safe without any proof of his authorization," Diane said flatly, "So, please, Miss Koyl, if you are capable of getting whatever is inside that safe out, we would be very grateful."

- Incarose Vassar - Court of Ignis - Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral - Dinning Hall -

Stardustblade358

"I think the Maestra told me about an Ignis mage that was meant to be part of her court, but she also had the ability to use fire," Incarose said, "I don't think controlling one type of elemental magic can set in stone which court you can join."

Incarose was surprised by the voice of Arun, and felt a little intimidated by him. It made her feel small. Well, she was sitting, but she still felt small compared to the Ignis mage.

"Oh, um, I-I don't know, to be honest. I was thinking that, perhaps, since I was helping with delivering supplies yesterday, that today I would try something different," she said to Arun, "Some have already left to investigate the leads of the automaton investigation. And I can't help with trying to reach the caravan to warn them about what happened last night. Maybe I will try to find some leads about the mysterious blue haired man, or investigate the attack to the cathedral."

The redhead scratched her cheek for a moment, this was way beyond her paygrade, but she also wanted to help the people of the city. And so investigating the whereabouts of the blue-haired man or why the cathedral was attacked was very important to everyone involved.

"What about you, um, Mister Roshan, right?" Incarose asked, "what are you planning to do? perhaps we can all work together."

Nero Kunivas · Dec 13, 2019

- Gabriel Woods, The Soaring Raven, Bounty Hunter - Sanctus Heights, Train Station -