Fantasy &nbsp; The Four Courts RP [closed]

Xion136

Mystics Apprentice

Thugs. How typical. Eleanor had followed the Somnum Maestra and company, electing to remain Unarmoured as to not draw attention as they escorted the real Mabel ahead of their body double, Makoto, in a relatively uneventful journey up until now. The aforementioned thugs made their demands and threats without delay and as such, were met in kind by Thea Nero in particular warning them of the consequences, while Jynn made a break for it with the undercover High Priestess in tow. The thugs didn't care and made their moves, attacking Nero and the others in spite of Arkane raising undead to scare and fight them off.

Eleanor elected to act in defense of all who were being assaulted, manifesting a dark aura about her person, crossing her arms together as darkness gathered in her hands and once it had reached its peak, she thrust her hands forward, unleashing several dark energy bolts that would cause some damage to all Ruffians, as well as distracting them or even better, drawing their attention her way as she unsheathed her dual blades, maintaining a menacing, visible aura of shadows around her.

- Soren Monroe, The Fractured Bulwark, Ignis - Sanctus Heights -

Mystics Apprentice

Though the Bulwark had intended to assist the others in searching for the blue-haired man that was potentially behind the Dragon Automaton rousing to life, Soren had been distracted with initially trying to locate Everyth, in hopes of continuing their conversation. Alas, he was unsuccessful, as she was nowhere to be found. Soren conceded that she must be busy aiding in the search, the case itself or a personal matter. Perhaps fate would see fit to have them bump into one another again? Then again, perhaps fate will be so kind as to stop heaping disaster after disaster upon Sanctus Heights and its people. Wishing would not make either one so and thus, Soren would attend to the important matter at hand; to catch up with the search party and locate the blue-haired man.

As he walked though the streets of a recovering Sanctus Heights, Soren caught sight of the search party interrogating a blue-haired couple by the looks of things. When he motioned to approach, he, like several others, saw a blue-haired teen attempting to have nothing to do with this scene whatsoever but judging by the...floating eye-ball? Hmm. And the approaching Arun, the boy's escape was likely to end in failure. Whatever the case, Soren would also motion to apprehend the blue-haired teen, walking faster in his direction, as an indicator that he was not getting away from this.

- Laguna, The Maelstrom, Somnum - Skies above Aeternalis -

Mystics Apprentice

As usual, Laguna was waiting in the skies, this time above Aeternalis, watching just below the cloud layer for trouble, their keen eyesight capable of watching for any trouble and any such trouble was likely to cause a loud commotion regardless, one that they would be able to hear without trouble. However, a familiar crimson spirit shade stirred beside them, seemingly impatiently.

"Must you always wait and bide your time? On your own? Why not mingle with the masses or that pompous gorilla of a Maester? Dar-something?"

"Daruk. And with you constantly bothering me, I'm never alone. Times like this were a chance for peace and quiet for me, while also keeping an eye on the situation and an ear out for trouble. Now? I have to put up with...you."

"And what's wrong with me? Brother, Sister? Have I done anything to harm you?"

"Your very existence torments and offends me, Shade. Begone."

"That's very hurtful, "Laguna" and you should know better than to be so curt and dismissive! Especially when it's your mirror that's trying to help you."

"How can you be of any help to me?!"

"Well for starters, I can help you with some advice: You need an attitude adjustment, but more than that, you need to listen to me. The more you plug your ears and pretend I'm not there, the more you run away from not only the past and your true history, but from yourself. This legacy you're so ashamed of? You chose to be a part of it, you made your decisions and now you're in it for the long haul, Brother, Sister. You can still make things right when the time comes. Until then, I'll be here to prepare you. And to help you deal with these side-effects we're suffering. I mean, have you looked in a mirror lately?"

Laguna was silent for a few seconds, trying their best to refuse to acknowledge the Spectre, but couldn't deny their words no matter how much they wanted to, they couldn't rebuke the truth without dishonouring themselves and their legacy further. Then came the matter of the side-effects of the Spectre's presence...

"I caught a glimpse of myself in the waters of the lake before we made for Aeternalis...why is this happening?"

"Oh, now you ask me for something. Well, I'll tell you: It's what I've been telling you since I emerged...you need to face your past, you need to accept your role and most importantly: You need to stop hiding behind this moniker and that tacky mask."

"How can I? Even without these...effects, my face still bears the resemblance, the legacy of--"

"If you're able to be a hero to the masses, to make those that came before pay for what they did, to ensure that their return is met with naught but pain and resistance, it won't matter what you look like. The blood in your veins is less important than your deeds to the people. Besides, you're not the only one who bears the curse of the Blood of the Dark Ones."

"I know, I know...I just wonder where they are now...*sigh* I'm not ready to face them just yet. But...I will be. I have to try.

"Ah buh buh! No trying. Do!"

Laguna rolled their eyes, but did not deny what the Shade said, instead turning their attention back to the ground below, keeping an eye and ear out for trouble once again.

(I'm going to wait for

Scrapmaster to post before doing anything with Gabriel, Ronin can wait and I need to find a good opportunity to introduce Merrymaker, but here's something I cooked up. : D)

Mystics Apprentice · Feb 20, 2020

Part I (part II is to come later tomorrow)

–Vita City– (Caravan Party)

Nero Kunivas

The ruffian leader's eyes flashed dangerously at Nero's words. "You will be my property when this is all over," he corrected her.

A gasp of surprise escaped his lips when Nero formed the shield of ice around her and her mount, clearly not expecting her to possess magic as well. He flung his arm up to shield his face from the onslaught of ice shards sent toward his eyes, and when he glanced up he found the stalagmites on the ground blocking him from reaching the Somnum maestra.

It wasn't an offensive move: it was a warning. For all intents and purposes, they should have fled. Each and every one of them should've booked it out of there after discovering it was mages that they faced, and yet pride and arrogance kept them rooted to the spot. The ruffian leader took his club and made a hard, fast horizontal swing at the stalactites. If successful in shattering them, he would rush Nero and attempt to whack her in the torso with the club.

Ruffian #1 tried to mask his fear, yet his arm trembled when met with Ghoul #1. He would attempt to kick the ghoul hard in the chest, before allowing one of his knives to sail past the shoulder of ghoul #1 and toward the puppeteer of the undead: Arkane.

Ruffian #2 didn't fare so well. He scurried back as ghoul #2 charged him, but wasn't able to skirt all of the damage. He would attempt to bring the butt of his pistol down on the ghoul's skull, and yet a blade ran clean along his side, blood pouring from the long open wound that it left. The ghouls meant business, that was for certain, but so did the ruffians. He would attempt to roll away from ghoul #2, to put some distance between himself and the monstrosity.

At about this time, Eleanor's dark bolts struck the ground, around and at the ruffians themselves. Ruffian #3 and the leader were affected, while the others managed not to be stricken by these bolts. The dark energy coursed through their bodies, causing them to initially go numb, before a raw tingling sensation crept throughout them. They felt indifferent, fatigued. They wouldn't be able to put up as effective of a fight after that. Ruffian #2, which had attempted to back away from the ghoul, would send a bullet toward Eleanor, while Ruffian #3 disengaged with their newest friend from the Outskirts. He charged Eleanor, his own twin blades outstretched, as he moved to bring them down on the Umbra mage.

–Sanctus Heights: Elvenwind, the Exotic Wares Shop–

Scrapmaster

Elia straightened her skirt and glanced up into Vala's face, her expression fierce and determined. "I am ready to do what it takes," she said. "Even if I can't join a court, maybe there will still be a way for me to learn how to control my magic, and with that I can save people."

She tilted her head slightly, gaze never leaving the Elvenwind shop owner. "So . . . were you ever apart of a court, or are you an unaffiliated mage, too? How did you learn how to heal?" Perhaps it wasn't the time nor place to be asking such a question, but it was something that piqued Elia's curiosity, and what better time to ask questions than the present?

And that was when her dreams of becoming a healer were crushed as Vincent began blabbing about the journal again, and how both her and Vlad's names were in the book. A look of mild surprise crossed Elia's face, her brows rising and getting lost in her dark bangs.

"Tekkanororia . . . . " Elia repeated, hands clenched tightly along her sides. "I have seen the name before. The lieutenant has many of her books. I don't have any idea what they pertain to, but I remember seeing the name on his shelf.

"But why would he write our names in the book?" The raven-haired girl would attempt to wind around behind Vincent, so that she could see the page, if he allowed it. If she saw a glimpse of the page, she'd whisper: "Vessels?!" before backing up into a wall.

"No," she whispered, more frantically this time. "No, no, no, no, no! This has to be all wrong. There's no way that I could've been a vessel!" She clutched her head with her hands, eyes wide and staring into the floor. She was breathing fast, short breaths, seeming to be hyperventilating. Probably not the reaction that most would've expected from her.

Elrandir · Feb 20, 2020

- Diane Corbeau - Court of Umbra - Sanctus Heights: Elvenwind Lingerie Shop -

Scrapmaster

RikuXIII

"You have the will, that's for certain. I like that. Break what limits you, search for that which you wish for, " Vala said, "curiosity is such a good trait to have, young lady. Never stop questioning what you don't understand. Seek the answers that avoid you."

Elia questioning if Vala was once part of a court made her remember her youth. One filled with despair, treason and unhappiness. The woman's eyes glanced at the Umbra mage in front of her, one of the shadows of Umbra, one who, at some point, taught her to defend herself from the harsh world. One who inspired her to seek knowledge to take a place on the high society, to earn the respect and love that came with being a mage.

"Someone helped me when I was a child. I was an orphan, and this person helped me, and I helped them in return. They inspired me to learn to control my abilities," Vala said as she looked at Elia, "I took my chances at Somnum, and after preparing for months, I took my examination and . . . I passed. I was able to join and study under the previous Maester. But let's focus on what is important for now. We shall talk about this goal of yours at a later date."

Diane watched all of this happen, her eyes never leaving Vala. Such a strange woman, but she had been like that ever since she left the court, something changed in her, yet she remained the same as when she had met her in the streets of the city. She also listened to Vlad's explanation about why he was on the list on the book. Vessels? Wraiths? There was something strange happening and the automaton was just a small part of that by the look of it. Elia clutching her head and breathing fast made Diane return to the present. She quickly moved towards Elia and put her hands on her shoulders.

"Calm down, Elia. Take it easy and breath slowly," Diane said to Elia, a hint of worry on her voice, "You have to calm down. We are here to help. Please, try to explain who this Tekkanororia is, and what about these "vessels?"

Stardustblade358 · Feb 21, 2020

- Arkane - Umbra Court - Vita City - I came to have a good time and am feeling so attacked right now -
Arkane watched as his ghouls attacked the ruffians, getting them their just desserts at that. Arkane saw the knife being thrown at him and he quickly looked away, barely dodging it. It cut across his cheek, drawing blood and cutting a few strands of hair along with it. Blood dripped down and Arkane would touch it, looking down with a glare. "How dare you?" He was more undignified that he had been cut on the cheek than the actual attack. Had he any idea how easily the face scars? He gritted his teeth. He brought the flute back to his lips and played it, his eyes glowing red as he sent an order; kill them. Ghoul #1 was kicked back, staggering him and slowing him down a bit before he would hurry to attack Ruffian #1 again. Ghoul #2 would charge at Ruffian #2, trying to tackle him down before he could land a hit on Eleanor.

- Vincent - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: Lt. Mastiff's Office to Exotic Shop that is much too Exotic -
Vincent listened, and every explanation that came out of his mouth was crazier than the rest. Wraiths, possession, selling the soul? Oh he was not paid enough for this. Maybe he was off better not belonging to the court of Ignis if it meant not to deal with this shit. "That ballad...is yours?" He asked. He remembered the ballad. Who hadn't heard it? Every bard, even the shitty ones knew it. "You have been an immortal this whole time?...does the Somnum Court know of this, at all?" He asked, rather concerned. Maybe not. Vessels. Right. He got in a defensive stance, glaring at Vlad. "Take a few steps back." He demanded back. Everyone was hiding secrets in this god damn investigation. But it was his job to break them. He turned his attention back to the notebook. Pali Noirtier, Iseult Mylis, Elia Cabret, Aislinn Nosferi, Tibarn Llang, Absalom Sagus...Oh by the gods Aislinn." He gently pinched the bridge of his nose. The one who started it all. He opened his mouth to speak before he witnessed Elia come down with an absolute break down. He turned to Elia, raising a brow and looking at her. So there were more books? But most importantly she was freaking out about the word. Vessels. "Elia! Elia hey." He hurried over, closing the book and watching her. "Elia, calm down. You are alright. Nothing will happen. Vessels. What are vessels...?" He looked back at Vlad. "Do you know what they are?"

HeartOfFerria · Feb 21, 2020

Saffron
Scrapmaster Mystics Apprentice
Saff folded her arms at Tibarns explination. “If you trust he wont get jumped then fine. But im a different story. I had many enemies in those back alleys, thanks to Kiev... I can bet I have more now that I put him behind bars.” She looked at a tall building. “Im going to head up there and look around, using it as a prime lookout. Mages have a habit of flaunting magic after all. Its an intoxicating past time.” She holds up her own hand and lets the wind twist around her.

Aquilla
Thanny
The thermal magician shifted a bit as she gathered some courage before speaking up. “Pali was it... um.. this feels like a witch hunt. It could cause..um unrest amongst the citizens. I mean we are a group of mages who are wandering the city targeting random people and chasing them through the streets. People are on edge here after the destruction cause by the.. uh.. the dragon afterall.” She seemed scared to talk. Unsure if her opinion should even be heard by mages on a higher scale then her. Around her the air chilled to a bit of an uncomfortable level as she twiddled her thumbs around themselves. “T-Thats not to say your methods wont work! They’re just a bit.... archaic?” She shifts her footing again

RikuXIII · Feb 21, 2020

{Gerik Lockford - Umbra Court: Aeternalis}
Gerik gave the elder a polite, yet brief, smile before moseying on. Let’s see, who was stationed here? Ah, yes. Mildred and Hubert. An unassuming couple who had been given this assignment as a sort of retirement. He spotted Mildred in the on lookers and shared a little nod. He looked forward to reading their report on the area later tonight. While the Umbral Maester did freshen up, he took the time before the feast to set up a few security spells, weaving dark matter into imperceptible patterns, easily disturbed by intruders on the decoy team’s rooms and belongings.
As the festival began, Gerik assembled a salad and decided to treat himself to a little wine. Food in hand, he beelined for Daruk, taking up a seat by the fellow maester, though he maintained a safe “splash zone” distance.
“So, Daruk, I don’t believe we’ve really had a chance to chat with all this hubbub.” Gerik said smoothly, taking a sip of wine. “How are things with Ignis. The boy, Henry, working out for you?”

{Anya Alighieri – Ignis Court: Sanctus Heights; Streets}
“Just checking in, Shiroo.” Anya replied, keeping her tone light and casual. “With all the excitement going on, I wanted to make sure the rebuilding efforts weren’t being too neglected. I’m having to shuffle in some other duties, but I did send off for some more mages to help make up for the distractions.”
The Phoenix Bearer paused, looking around at the street, eyes lingering on the automation.
“So, how are things progressing?” She asked. “Any word on when we can get the automaton out of here?”

Mystics Apprentice · Feb 21, 2020

–Vita City– (Caravan Party)

Nero Kunivas

Ghoul #1 had succeeded in tackling ruffian #2 as the bullet went flying from his pistol. Instead of the bullet being aimed at Eleanor's chest, however, it had now flown in the direction of her shoulder thanks to the ghoul knocking the ruffian off-target. He squirmed, trying to break free of the ghoul's grip.

Ruffian #1 was quickly assaulted by the same ghoul as before, causing him to do a side-roll to skirt damage. He'd sweep his leg out in a circle, hoping to trip up the ghoul. If this succeeded he'd attempt to stab his short sword into the center of its back.

((Ruffian #3 is engaging Eleanor, so an update will not come for this guy until next time.

Ruffian leader is assaulting Nero, so no response will come for him until next update as well))

---------
HeartOfFerria

As Saffron entered the tower, she would come upon an old beggar, fully cloaked and sitting near the staircase. "I can tell ye's future for the right price!" she cried out. There was, surprisingly, no one else there.

This tower would give Saff a great view of Vita City. So great, in fact, that she would see the flickering of light dancing off of ice and a number of individuals locked in combat. It would take her about fifteen minutes to reach on foot, but she could attempt to head over to the source of the conflict now that she had a direction to follow.

–Sanctus Heights: Elvenwind, the Exotic Wares Shop–

Scrapmaster

It seemed that Elia was having a full-on anxiety attack. The young mage fell to her knees, still holding onto her head as she rasped, "That voice. That horrible, evil man . . . . I thought it was just a dream, but it must have been real!"

Vincent and Diane's pleads for her to calm down seemed to have no effect on Elia. She instead crumbled in on herself, chest against her thighs, while still holding her head and shrinking into a ball. Her body shook as sobs escaped her, her breathing still fast and sounding more panic-stricken by the minute.

"I wouldn't have ever, I couldn't have ever . . . ." she whispered. "Was I possessed?"

–Sanctus Heights: Streets–

Nero Kunivas

The sight of Pali's "eye" was enough to startle the teenager, but when it glowed red and lunged the teen let out a high-pitched girlish scream. It wrapped around the teen tightly, fully binding the startled youth as Pali approached.

"Don't eat me!" the teen screamed in nearly as high of a note as previously, and if Pali carefully observed the youth it would become apparent that it was in fact a female rather than a male that the appearance would have suggested. "Please don't eat me, I will do anything!"

Anxiety coursed through the teenager, her eyes darting toward Aquilla as she approached. This young woman seemed much less intimidating, until the teen caught the words "witch hunt" and "destruction." The teen's eyes went wide.

"I'm no witch!" the teen cried out. "Please, don't kill me or burn me at the stake! I don't have that accursed magic or whatever that you're looking for!"

Soren's arrival induced only further panic in the teenager, the mask, the height, the strong physique . . . . The teen thought that she was done for.

---------------

Elrandir (?)

Meanwhile, the blue-haired couple that Arun was investigating seemed bewildered by the fuss occurring down the street with Pali, Aquilla, and their new friend. But they didn't have time nor gumption to question it. They would soon be scott-free, and that was what mattered to them.

"Right, well, about following our itinerary," Rion started. "We were intending to stay for the week, but given the state of disrepair that this city is in, my fiancé and I were planning to vacation along Walla Beach instead, so we were leaving today." It was a statement, not a request. Rion was willing to comply to the mage's questions, but not change his plans. "If you insist, I will stay with you outside of our hotel while my fiancé gathers our travel papers. Right this way."

If Arun or others followed, they would be led a few streets away to a rather high-end resort. True to Rion's word, he would remain alongside Arun, Kolm, and whomever else went with Arun, while his fiancé went inside. They stood there for perhaps five minutes before she returned with a fat envelope, which she handed tentatively to Arun.

"This should be what you need," she said, voice soft. The papers were exactly as described, with their own signatures present on the sheet in addition to the attendant working on the dock. Signed and dated for the day of the automaton incident, but their ship had been a cruise line, which had been out at sea for two days before arriving. Their story lined up with what the evidence suggested.

However, Arun would spot someone with blue hair slip into a bar across the street . . . .

--------

RikuXIII

The redhead rolled his eyes irritably, shifting in his seat to glare at Anya. "Making sure I'm not sitting on my butt slacking, huh?" he snapped, though his shoulders sagged thereafter as he turned his head away from the aunt figure of Ignis. "Well, it's a good thing you came by, because I am slacking. Kagura's dance . . . . I saw how happy it made the people. It gave them joy, and hope, something I haven't seen on their faces in such a long time. Even if we do find this killer and restore this city, I am afraid that the damage has already been done. These people, these families . . . they have lost so much, whether it be a friend, a family member, a home–we can't bring these things back, Anya, no matter how hard we try."

It seemed that the emotional stress of their task was finally starting to get to the young Ignis Mage. He wiped his nose with the forearm of his sleeve before standing up. "But enough feeling sorry for the situation, I'll get back to work. I don't know how the progress goes; it'd be Arun that has all that info. You know how he has that leader streak about him."

He strolled over to Anya and gave her a firm nod. "But I'll go find him with you, if you want. I think he was heading uptown, from what I saw, with that new ice mage guy and some blue-haired people."

–Vita City– (Honeybadger B&B)–

Endless Thundaza

"Blaise," Mabel murmured in response to Jynn, before her hands rested on his shoulders. She got up on tiptoe and leaned in, her cheek rubbing against his as she whispered softly in his ear. "My codename here in this city. Mabel's too uncommon, I think. Is Blaise okay?" With a gentle kiss on his cheek, Mabel brought her heels back on the ground, hands gripping the sides of her skirt awkwardly as she spoke in a normal tone again.

"And you're not a blind fool. You have the most noble heart among all of us here. Even if you cannot see, you're still vital to the success of our mission. Don't let anyone else make you think otherwise."

She gripped his hands, offering him a smile as she gently coaxed him along. "But thank you, thank you for understanding and for believing in me. I promise that I'll make myself useful, or at least I will do my best to try."

The inn was modest. The lobby was large with bay windows and benches underneath them. A wall was filled with bookshelves on one side, with several tables and chairs littering the room. Behind the desk was an aging man, spectacles halfway down his nose as he read from a ledger. He glanced up at Jynn and Mabel's footfalls.

"Ah, hello there," he greeted, closing his book and becoming more attentive to the two. "A room for two, I would presume? We have one honeymoon suite left on the third floor, which is real nice because it has a balcony overlooking the city. Though if that is above your budget or not quite what you were looking for, there are other more modest options."

Jynn and Mabel were still holding hands from when she had guided Jynn in to the inn, and apparently the innkeeper was drawing assumptions based on that, or perhaps their overall demeanor.

–Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral–

Thanny

Invidia only smiled, prompting Jari to continue talking as he listened intently to what the Somnum fox boy had to say. "Then we have a common goal, Jari," he said at last, affirming Jari's question. "The world is worsening with every breath we take, every action that we make, every second that we waste. There is a threat brewing that will tarnish Regalia as we know it, and I am willing to put everything on the line to halt its progression."

He flickered his wrist in a dramatic gesture toward Jari. "Now it is my turn to ask: what about you? Are you willing to risk everything to save people? Perhaps even making alliances with the drudges of society, the scum of the earth, if it means that you will have people who believe in you, and will fight for you?

"As you put it, the men that I affiliated with are assuredly criminals. I asked them to infiltrate the cathedral quietly to assassinate the high priestess, which then translated to 'kill every last one of them so that no one speaks of the incident.' Clearly, my intent was taken grossly out of context, something that I wholly apologize for but know that I can't set right."

Invidia strode toward Jari, studying the youth with a gaze unseen to Jari, before reaching for the boy's chin and tilting it slightly upward. "But let me guess, you are questioning: 'how could someone with so noble of cause want the high priestess of Regalia dead, the woman who represents the people to the gods and serves as an intermediary among the courts? For that, there is a simple answer: The High Priestess is a farce, a fallacy that you are meant to believe in, while in reality she is the symbol of the very evil you are fighting against today. The very reason that your maestra has left you here in Sanctus Heights."

He released Jari's chin and smiled, before retreating once more toward the door. "Just some food for thought. If we are finished here, I have somewhere to be. But, I hope that this isn't the end of our discussions, Jari. Think about what I have said, and if you want to know more seek me out. For those looking with good intentions, I am not hard to find."

–Somewhere between Vivifica Forest and Sanctus Heights–

HeartOfFerria

Quinn would be making excellent time with her stone skipping. At her current rate, she would likely be there at some point the following day, depending on how long she rested that night.

Along the way, between stones, the druid would hear the scuffling of leaves. A broken twig, and then, finally, a male voice calling out through the darkness.

"How in blazes do you do that?" It was Vaan, a member of the Ebon Flame, a survivor from the assault on the Big Bridge and a man who was in both Gerik and Invidia's favor. But of course, Quinn likely didn't know that. All that she knew was the man had the appearance of a bandit, seeming a little rough around the edges, and was well-equipped for combat.

"Say, depending on where you're traveling to," he started, taking a step closer to her, "is there anyway that I can hitch a ride? For coin, of course."

–Aeternalis, the City of Everlasting Dreams–

Nero Kunivas ,

Thanny

Yael's response to Timi evoked tears to pour down the youth's face. He sniffed, before rubbing his eyes with the back of his sleeve.

"I am so sorry, Yael, I didn't know," he murmured. "That must be so awful to endure, to go through so many lifetimes and each one causing heartache. Is there any way for this to end?"

He snatched a pendant around his neck, lifting it over his head and handing it to Yael. "This is from me, to remember this life by," he told him. "Maybe in a hundred years, you can look back and remember a boy that you met in passing, during a feast in Aeternalis one fine night."

During the feast, Mia would spot Makoto, the false priestess, and sit alongside her. "Enjoying the charade?" she murmured softly under her breath.

HeartOfFerria · Feb 21, 2020

Saffron

From atop the tower, Saff watched the flashes of magic before she looked around. Taking note of the beggar she placed a large bill into his hand and pressed a finger to her lips as a sign to stay quiet before she opened her bag and pulled out her rifle. She assembled to weapon at an impressive speed, swapping the barrel for one of an extended length. She then swapped the sights for a long telescopic scope. Lastly she pulled out a fairly well sized chunk of metal and pushed a bit of magic through it. Shaping it into a slender pipe which she screwed onto the end of the barrel. Saff then looked through the scope towards the fight. Her case was now open next to her with plently of bounty posters stapled to the inside. She was looking for those faces while she examined the fight. Her eyes held confidence in her skill but a wavering desire to use more magic.

—————
“if your are so intrested in these mechanical knick-nacks then why not use your magic to control them dear?” A man with short dark hair asks a young Saffron.

“that just seems wrong...”saff replies as she tinkers with a machine in progress at a work desk. Using her metalurgey to make the parts she needs.

“what about it seems wrong?” He crooks his head

“its like you’re mixing the old with the new”

“There is nothing wrong with mixing the old and the new. Its how we progress” the man smiles as he holds a chunk of iron in his hand. It then changes tothe shape of Saff itself. “Old magic, new people” He explains.

Then the door swung wide open and furious looking woman enters. “WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT THIS ‘HOBBY! YOU SHOULDNT BE CONDONING THIS REECE!”

“its just a hobby dear. Whats so wrong about it?” The man named Reece asked as Saffron simply looked on knowing exactly who this is being directed at.
——————

Saff shook her head and stared through the scope again. The sun glinting off the glass as she the sight settled on their faces.

Scrapmaster · Feb 21, 2020

- Vlad Von Redir - The Not so Immortal - Exotic Shop -

Elrandir

Mystics Apprentice

"Im not Immortal...I am just hard to kill" Vlad answered VIncent's questions. "Not that I am aware, not even Thea Nero does". He finished.
Vincent's reaction was as he would expect, confusion at first, then as the boy pieced things together the face of confusion turned to horror at the realization that one of his peers was over two centuries old. Par for the course really, Vlad never really bothered telling anyone about his age or his past, like anyone would believe him if he did anyway. Not complying with Vincent's request of taking a few steps back, Vlad took a few steps forward instead!

As he heard the names Vlad would remember something about one of those names. Oh dear god, An elder was a vessel! Elia soon began having a mental breakdown at the thought. "Maybe you could've omitted that bit about her name..." Vlad spoke with a soft tone, empathizing with Elia.

Vincent soon turned to him for questions about what they were. To which Vlad shrugged. "I had no clue at the time I was posessed, and absolutely no idea what they are now. But if they need vessels...it's probably for survival or to further their own goals. But I figure you should be more concerned about this" Vlad commented. "After all, Abasalom Magus was in the list...and you know he is one of the Cathedral's elders, right?" Vlad added, much to Vincent's dismay.

- Henry Heid - Son of Brigid - Ignis court at Aeternalis -

"You know...my mother?" Henry's words were of surprise, delight and confusion, as he never expected the elder to know of her, and of all people his father as well!

As he thought of what to speak they were approached by Daruk, who praised Henry, embarrassing the latter as all he could do was have a small smile on his face, and Gerik who tapped his shoudlers from behind telling them not to dawdle. "I will be there as soon as I can Maester Gerik" Henry replied with a respectful tone as he turned back to the Elder.

"Your daughter and my mother were friends? she used to tell me stories of her time in the court, she was very popular from what she tells me!" Henry began speaking, his normal polite tone changed to a more excited and happier one. But his tone soon changed when asked how his parents were and what happened to them. "Oh..." He muttered.
"My mother's well, she's retired in our family manor in Vicus Elbii, hers and mine's hometown." Henry explained, kind of shy to explain where he was born but he figured this Elder should know as well.
"As for my father..." He spoke, bringing a hand to his chin. "I have some memories of him, fond ones, but he was never at home much when I was younger and one day he disappeared, and a week later me and mother received news that he had suffered an accident." Henry stopped there with a voice crack, no longer wishing to dwell on the subject.

"Might I ask your name, sir? and how is your daughter? Im sure my mother would love to hear from her!" Henry asked the man.

- Later during the feast -

Henry had sat down in one of the chairs in the feast table, he wasted no time getting his food ready and watching everyone doing their business, Yael conversing and interacting with a kid was a sight to behold, and Makoto dressing up as the priestess was pretty funny as he knew Makoto would be opposed to wearing such fancy clothing. Henry stood mostly silent, with a smile on his face as he attended the feast as well.

Thanny

RikuXIII

- Arno Cross - Bounty Hunter - Vita City -

Nero Kunivas

HeartOfFerria

"You do what you want. I will go to the slums" Arno proposed to the others as Tibarn and Saffron had some objections with going to the slums, Saffron had bad experiences and Tibarn was a trouble magnet for lack of a better word. He wasn't going to force them to come with him.

Arno grumbled at Tibarn playfuly elbowed him and made a comment about his smoking habits. "Hm" Arno muttered, deciding to to comment on that as he saw Saffron walking off. "Gabriel, go after her, make sure she doesn't get into trouble." Arno proposed to his now silent friend before glancing at Tibarn. "Come with me or go with her, your choice." Arno proposed as well as he began walking forward, towards the slums. "Vaike, come along, Im sure The Rat can help you" Arno spoke as it didn't take very long for him to arrive at the slums..

"The Rat is an information broker, has his eyes all over this city and lackeys spying on other cities as well, privacy is non-existent as far as he's concerned...you'l see why." Arno explaied to Vaike what the deal with The Rat was, though he did not speak of his connection to him or why he even knew him in the first place. In truth Arno knew him from his gang days, many times the gang needed information about possible robbery targets and who to keep watch of, and if any bounty hunters were on their tracks. The Rats always provied good information so long as you paid, in favors of course. Many of which Arno had the displeasure of carrying out, One of them included robbing a wealthy Manor in Aeternalis...but those are details for another time.

The slums were a miserable place, if there was any place where you could prove to a pompous and thick headed mage, like Soren, that lower classes suffered, the slums would be the place you'd take them to. Daily lynchings in the deeper parts of the slums, most of the time unnafilliated mages being the ones lynched to near death, their bodies thrown to the side and later collected by collectors, and god knows what happened to the corpses. Either

In the slums there would be a small hair stylist, a small shop with two doors, one beside the other serving as an entrance, in there you'd see a jolly senior with a smile and a fancy but big mustache, he prided himself in his mustache, but behind that jolly old face hid someone with a very dark secret.

Arno entered the store, Vaike and Tibarn (if he came along) in tow. The man taking one look at Arno before grinning from ear to ear. "Ahhhh! me boy Arno! how are ye?" He excitedly greeted Arno, who just scoffed. "Well enough, Bavin." He replied, with a blank tone as the man laughed. "Ahh I see ye brought friends too! what can I do ye for today?"

"The Rat Crew goes arm in arm" Arno spoke to him, this was clearly a code. The man's smile diminished, now only a half smile.
"To do no harm, so have your fun"
"So have your fun and go outside"

The man laughed as he quite literaly...pranced over to the bookshelf, usualy littered with maganizes and old books for guests to read, he gave two light taps on the left side, three light taps on the right side, and snapped his fingers four times. And after a few seconds a mechanism seemed to pop, or activate as the shelf began to move to the right, sliding, surprisingly leaving no mark on the floor.

Vaike and Tibarn were free to speak their mind about this, if they looked behind them they'd notice the doors they came in were locked, apparently. Arno stood un-phased as he usually stood in these situations.

"The Rat is in today, im sure he'l be happy to se ya...Arno!" The jolly man spoke excitedly, Arno simply tipping his hat as he moved along and into the passage opened by the book shelf, motioning for Vaike and/or Tibarn to follow.

They would go down a set of stairs, seemingly one or two floors down, and they would arrive at a metal door, knocking on it would prompt someone to slide open one of the metal plates and look at you.
"Oh, it's you." The thug on the other side instantly recognized Arno. quickly opening the door

"The Rat is inside"

Inside through the metal door, they would walk into a...bazaar of sorts, some rich men sitting in the corners, surrounded by scantily dressed women, obviously after their money, this was a small leisure area for the rich and the ones in The Rat's good graces. One of the women who worked there was walking around with a tray of drinks and alcohol, she spotted Arno and company, and giving a sensual wink at them and especially Tibarn if he was with them. But Arno simply moved along to the end of the room, usualy where the rat stood, behind a curtain.

"Ahhhh, how long as it been...Mack? or is Arno your current name now?" The raggidy old man known as The Rat spoke. He was a small, bearded and very very old man, seemingly in his 60s, but the man was much older than that as far as Arno had been told.

"Nice to see you again, Rat" Arno greeted him, as the old man moved his hand to the side...and a rat jumped onto his hand, and moving along his arm up to his ear, and squeaking at it. "aaah! I see...I knew the moment you entered the city you would be looking for me, after all why would you come back after the trouble with Kiev...and the death of that bartender?" The Rat knew everything they had done the day prior, you see. The Rat keeps a close eye on his associates, not to spy on them, but to keep them in line and help them if needed. The rat continued to squeak on his ear as he intently listened.

Arno his head closer to Vaike and TIbarn's (if he was there). "He can speak with and control rats...figured you should know." Arno muttered as the Rat stopped listening to the rat.
"You are making a name for yerself alright! well what brings you here...to the humble rat's abode?" The Rat asked.

"You are anything but humble, but sure." Arno retorted.

"My friend here would like to ask you a few questions, if he may" Arno proposed.

"So long as it is on your tab". The Rat smiled, his wrinkly old smile looking over at Vaike. "So what do you wish from me?" He asked Vaike.

Endless Thundaza · Feb 21, 2020

Jynn Venas, Vivifica - Vita City, Honeybadger B&B

Jynn chuckles. “Alright Blaise. Lead the way.” As Mabel walks Jynn inside the inn, the receptionist speaks up, and immediately goes on the assumption that Mabel and Jynn were married, and offers the last honeymoon suite. Jynn immediately turns red, unsure what to say to the man. “I don’t think we need something that nice....” But he takes a moment to think. Wait.... everyone knows the high priestess is forbidden to develop relationships with anyone, so in that aspect, nobody would even suspect her to be in this room!

Not only that, I’ll be there to keep her safe should the suspect turn nocturnal, if I can. The only problem is providing an explanation to the group...... Hm. Nero would probably understand, and nobody else seems to really dislike me being with Mabel. Jynn ponders for a few seconds before reaching into his pocket, and laying down three gold on the counter. He then pulls something out else. A bar of platinum. He looks to the receptionist. “We’ll take the suite...” His cheeks turn red, and it was obvious that he had some hesitation. This is both a good and terrible idea... But I’d rather have everyone head out tomorrow, alive.

Stardustblade358 · Feb 22, 2020

- Arun - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: High End Result then to the Pub-
Arun would look over, raising a brow at the commotion. He turned his attention back to the couple. He nodded at them. "Once I see the papers, I will leave you be. I thank you for your understanding." He turned to the group and stepped away, following them. They headed back to the high end resort. He waited with the young man before she returned with the envelope. He opened it up, eyes scanning the document with attentive eyes. Every signature, the names, the dates, he left no detail behind. Papr after paper, he was careful of it being neat. He sighed softly. So much for narrowing it down, but he would carefully close the envelope and hand it back to the young lady. "Thank you. This is all I needed to see. Again, my apologies for the abrupt interruption to your day." He lifted his head. "In all honesty...Walla beach sounds safer than this place at the moment. This walls were meant to protect, and all they have done is trapped something in." He lifted his gaze, seeing someone with blue hair slip into a bar across the street. He narrowed his eyes and quickly excused himself. "I will leave you two be. Excuse me. Enjoy your vacation, I am glad your mother is well, be careful." He said, one after another, each phrase being said by every step he took away before finally stepping away and hurrying across the street. He probably left the poor couple confused, relieved, or everything in between. He did not blame them. He jogged to the bar across the street, stepping inside and looking around for the trace of blue hair among the patrons.

- Vincent - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: The Exotic Shop -
Vincent stepped back from Vlad, and listened, and somewhat pieces began to fall into place. They were opening a hidden gate and everything was unraveling, and he either caught up or he would be run over and left behind. "Vessels...possession..." He looked down at the book once more. He grasped tightly as he reread them over, and over, and over again. "You are telling me that all of this. The search for the reason for this disaster has all been through a case of possession?" He asked, whispering. Magic was picky. But possession was not an easy task. At least, not for the living. To leave your body to possess another was dangerous and straining physically and mentally. But to have no body to be concerned over was a whole different story, and a whole new set of solutions to the problem. He looked down at the book once more. "The automaton. The attack on the chapel. The attack on Mastiff." All of it was connected. They knew everything, and yet they knew absolutely nothing at the same time. Vincent gritted his teeth, slamming a fist at the table. They were so close and yet so far. They had absolutely nothing! Nothing at all! "Elia. You said that you heard a voice. What did he say?" he asked. He knelt down on the floor, looking at her. Now it made sense. Mastiff was not having a round of bad luck. He was actively trying to protect his daughter. It wasn't a case of mistaken identity. The clues were right all along, yet the real perpetrator? A wolf hiding within the skin of sheep. "Elia, listen to us." He spoke. "The series of events are falling into piece. If...if this information is to be believed...then your father knew more than he let on and has been actively protecting you this entire time. But. That also means that whoever was behind this whole thing knew it." He looked at her. "I can never ask for your forgiveness of my suspicion. But I need to ask you this question. The voice you heard. How long have you heard it, and what did it say? Anything you can tell us." He turned to Vlad. "We need those books. The ones by Tekkanororia." They could end up having all of the answers, for all they knew. They had the whole puzzle. But were missing the most vital piece.

- Arkane - Umbra Court - Vita City - I came to this city to have a good time and I'm feeling so attacked right now -
Arkane watched as Ghoul #1 tackled down the man. The mage approached the man, watching the Ghoul struggle and fight back. "You will not be going anywhere. I really do not like to make a mess but after what your friend did to my face I feel you would do good to add to my collection." He raised his flute to his lips, blowing into it and playing an order.

'Kill him'

Ghoul#1 would raise a blade up in the air and bring it down onto Ruffian#2, trying to stab him through the skull. Ghoul#2 screeched as it was stabbed in the back. The Ghoul did not last from this attack. The Ghoul knelt down and slowly faded away, not being able to withstand the attacks. Arkane turned, glaring as his second ghoul had been defeated. "You-!" That was the one that cut his face! He reached into his satchel, pulling out his tarot card deck. He pulled one out, staring down at it. Overkill? He did not like overkill. But he was really not in the mood. He raised the card, the symbol glowing on the card as he aimed it at the Ruffian#1. "Try and dodge this one." He hissed, the clap of thunder following as dark lightning shot out of the card and went straight to Ruffian#1.

- Yael - Unaffiliated - Aeternalis - The Grand Feast -

Yael shrugged, taking another swig of the wine. "Do not worry about it. I have gotten used to it by now. Every time it happens, it hurts, of course. But it is momentarily before the numbness arrives." It was easier the more lives passed by. The more he experienced and the more he remembered remembering those memories from so many generations before. It was a vicious cycle that he has been cursed to live through over, and over again. Live. Die. Repeat. Live. Die. Repeat. He was about to take another bite of the bread when he saw him cry and asked if there was a way to end it. Yael frowned. "There is. But it will not be worth the stakes at hand. The lives of many are worth more than the life of a single, useless shapeshifter." He turned, hearing the noise as he picked up a pendant and handed it to him. he stared, blinking a few times. A pendant? He slowly reached over, opening his palm to accept the pendant. He looked down at it, the glassy surface reflecting against the lanterns. A clawed thumb gently rubbed the surface, and Yael felt the world around him disappear momentarily. To remember this life by. He had survived many things. Trials. Tribulations. Experiences. Grief. Happiness. Memories blurred together to the point he sought extremes to feel anything anymore. To pretend to be surprised at another birthday present. To pretend to be surprised at 'new' knowledge. To pretend to be happy. But this? There was no pretending. Tears streamed down his cheeks, his ears lowering themselves down against his head. He let out a soft chuckle, a smile revealing the sharp canines. What was he feeling? Pain? Oh how long had it been since he felt that. Pride? Oh that was there too! Happiness?...yeah. Happiness was there too. He wiped away his own tears, looking down at the child. "What a kind child you are." He whispered. "To worry for a little old me." He mused, holding the necklace close. Have they never taught the child to never trust a trickster. He reached over, pressing his head against his in a caring matter. "I would never forget someone like you. Not in any lifetime." He admitted. He meant it. He ended up rubbing his head against his, much like a cat would as his tail would flicker. He finally pulled away, placing the necklace around his neck proudly before deciding that he would do something other than eat. "You have made me so happy." He admitted. "The thought that someone will remember me...no one has ever offered that before." He then stood up and pulled the kid with him. "I am so happy I could dance! Lets dance!"

Thanny · Feb 22, 2020

- Daruk Mordem, Ignis Court, within the fields near Aeternum with Maester Gerik -

The Ignis maester glanced up from what little was left of his hills of food he piled before him, eyes lit in surprise. Waving a leg of lamb in salute, Daruk set the leftovers down and swallowed his mouth's contents.

"As I live and breathe! My friend socialising with me in public! I'm blessed." He cracked a grin towards his fellow leader. "Henry's working out very well. The boy is becoming a fine young man, a proper leader for when I step down or . . . well, how about you? Still debonair and dapper, I see. Your students are still marvels, almost as good as my own, eh?"

A mischievous glint occurred as Daruk looked at the man, mirroring Gerik in taking a swig of whatever the young man who once was sitting beside him had left. It was . . . not the best amaretto he ever drank, far too bitter and smelling faintly of repugnant gym socks alongside the universal almond taste and smell, but after a fight and his making a face the foul drink went down.

- Jari Coriander, Somnum Court, in the Grand Cathedral, talking with Invidia of all people -

If he had to be honest, Jari initially winced at the thought of having a common goal with a recently known danger to society, but the more he listened to this silver-tongued knave the more he admitted to himself to believing the man. Invidia had a way of sounding like he spoke the truth, and maybe he did. A nagging feeling and that familiar inner voice beckoned Jari to not trust his secret visitor, but he still questioned the infamous train of thought that more often caused trouble than solved it: "What if?"

Jari nibbled on his lip, unsure of how to answer Invidia's question and response, but thankfully the shadowy, pale man did not seem to wait for his input. Invidia approached, causing Jari to panic and close his eyes. He was embarrassed by himself. He acted like a child in the face of an almost certain danger, and would have paid for his mistake had the other not been kind. He peered up into the cloaked eyes that looked back at him.

The High Priestess, a farce? Not a spokesperson between man and god, but rather an abomination? This cannot be real, and yet his eyes seemed like they were speaking the truth. If only he could sense the truth about someone. Confirmation would have comforted him and thwarted confusion.

In the end, his chin was released, and Jari stepped back to balance himself. His tongue felt heavy, his brain heavier. One thought pierced through the sludge within his mind, and he stepped forward.

"W-what should I call you, in that case . . . should I ask around?" he asked with words which seemed blurted.

His eyes sought to match the man's one last time, a final justification to see if the man was telling the truth. Ychera within him frowned and sent out more signals that he should not even attempt to see this man again, but Jari dismissed them.

- Pali Noirtier, Umbra Court, within the streets and feeling very uncomfortable -

Pali felt a wave of annoyance towards Aquilla, the nervous and uncertain girl voicing her opinion without thinking things fully through. Because of that he sent her a mild glare of irritation, but there was some logic to her words. His act of magic may have seemed archaic, but it was a tremendous scare tactic, and he had covered all of his bases even if it meant that he, individually, was to be hated by the public. Because of this, he continued his action, and reaped what he sowed.

The blue-haired youth was not a boy as he once considered, but rather a very poorly dressed and thickly veiled girl. Pali sighed. He had goofed, and his eye had failed him in delivering the information that was necessary. Pulling out chalk out of thin air as he walked closer to his quarry, he jotted down a blurb on an equally created slate. The blurb? To gouge out that eye, putting it out of service forevermore.

"Miss, no harm will befall you . . . immediately, anyway. As I and my fellows are members of the Fashion Police, I have to be frank: what are you doing dressed in such poor attire? Go home this instant and change into something more fitting, elsewise you might end up looking like him in two years." He points at Sigebart. "You are excused."

With that, the eyeball unraveled its eyestalk and lifted itself back over its master, and sniggering at himself once he fully turned Pali walked off further into the crowd, away from the puddle of pudding that was previously a teenager.

Elrandir · Feb 23, 2020

- Thea Nero - Court of Somnum - Vita City -

Nero Kunivas

"My dear ruffian, not even the most dangerous sea storms were able to make me bend the knee. What do you think a person such as yourself can do?"

Nero dismounted her horse and made it walk back until it was out of harm's way. She then turned around, only to see the Ruffian Leader already running in her direction. Mhm, he was not as weak as she thought if he was able to shatter that amount of ice in such a little amount of time, still, he wasn't a proper threat. Getting hit with a club was not a fun experience. Heck, getting hit with anything was not a fun experience, yet Nero allowed the attack to land on her, sending her skidding a couple of meters backwards.

"It seems my warning fell of deaf ears. Such a shame, but I guess this is how things were meant to happen," Nero said as she composed herself.

If the ruffian payed enough attention, he would notice that the spot where he had hitted the Maestra had ice falling off. It was as if the Maestra had a thin layer of ice armor around her person. From a blue glowing glyph on the ground came Nero's staff, she began to run at the same time she took it on her hand, and once she was close to the ruffian, she would use one end of the staff and put it on the ground, using it to jump over the guy and land behind him, then making an horizontal swing to hit him on the side of his head, hopefully the attack would land and cause the Leader to be stunned or confused.

"Please, if you want to avoid harm, lower your weapons and walk away," Nero said flatly, "if not then I cannot guarantee your and your companions's safety."

At the same time, Nero wave her hand on different patterns, leaving faint traces of arcane energy in the form of glyphs on the air. If the attack was successful then the Ruffian would also began to feel as if wanted to fall asleep. Status ailments were something that any somnum mage had in their repertoire, just in case they needed something more subtle to handle things.

- Diane Corbeau - Court of Umbra - Sanctus Heights: Elvenwind Lingerie Shop -

Scrapmaster

"It's alright, Elia, it's alright. You need to calm down," Diane said as she gently stroke Elia's hair, that used to work with Alouette when she was scared, "Everything will be alright."

Vala was watching this with complete interest. It had been some time that such amount of excitement had come her way, and how exciting all of this was. Possessions, vessels, mysterious men attacking authorities. However, the automaton had caused a lot of pain around the Central Square, and that was not something she wanted to see happening again any time soon. Her gaze wandered from the Lieutenant to Vincent, from Vincent to Vlad, from Vlad to Diane, and from Diane to Elia. Poor girl, apparently she was part of something way above her paygrade, not that she hadn't suffered such situations herself, but watching the Umbra mage trying to comfort the Lieutenant's daughter was strange, she was currently wondering the reason for that.

"Can't you help her, Miss Hassan?" Diane asked, "anything at all?"

Vala bit the tip of her thumb for a couple of seconds, she then walked closer and kneeled in front of Elia. She then put the tips of her fingers on Elia's temples as they slowly began to glow.

"A sleep spell? Are you sure putting her to sleep is the best choice?" Diane asked Vala.

"Don't worry about it, Miss Corbeau. This is not a sleeping spell. Not entirely. I have made some modifications to the formula and as a result the power of such spell is deminished," Vala explained, "this is mostly a spell to relax the mind and body. I made it to relax when I get stressed. I hope that this young girl can relax a little. Perhaps that way you can obtain the answers you all are looking for. Having such information dropped on her, and considering the situation with her father, I'm surprised that the young miss didn't broke down up until this moment. In any case, let's give her some time so the effect of the spell can work."

- Incarose Vassar - Court of Ignis - Sanctus Heights -

Mystics Apprentice

So, there were three different blue haired people, Pali and the others went to catch up with the newest one while Arun followed the couple that he had been interrogating. Which way she should go? Well, Pali had company for the time being and so Incarose followed Arun and the couple. She kept quiet and her full attention on the streets, just in case another suspicious person showed up. While Arun was looking at the couple's papers Incarose noticed another blue haired individual going inside a bar across the streets. She looked between Arun and the new target, but before she could say anything to Arun, he was already taking steps to leave the couple alone and go into that bar.

"I am so sorry for interrupting your day in such way," Incarose said as she bowed, "have a good rest of the day and, please, stay safe."

Incarose then followed Arun into the bar, looking around to see if she could locate the blue haired person.

"I feel bad for that couple, Arun. I think we ruined their day but," Incarose said, " . . .well, we don't have much to work with. I just hope we can find any sort of clue about this individual."

Stardustblade358 · Feb 23, 2020

- ??? - Vita City - Tower in City Square - /w unsuspecting Saffron - HeartOfFerria -

There was huffing coming from the staircase leading to the very top of the tower. "By the lord above, how many stairs does this damn thing have?!" The voice became louder and louder as it echoed down the staircase, only to surface at the very top of it. A large hat covered his face momentarily, only for a sudden gust of wind have him hold onto it. His long braid danced in the air with the cloth of his robes, revealing scarred, tanned skin and manic green eyes. Sharpened ears and a tentative smile; a cleric had finally arrived to the very top of the tower! "Oh thank the heavens!" He sighed, enjoying the gentle breeze against his skin. He glanced up at the ceiling, and much to his horror, he saw no bell. His eyes widened, and soon it seemed that he would fall into despair. "What?! No!" He yelled out, throwing a small fit as he slammed his arms down at the sides of his body. "I swear there was a bell in this tower! It was the tallest one in the city!" He yelled, lifting his hat once more to look around the tower. "There has to be something around here! It must be hidden! Yes! That must be it. His lord always tests me, and this is merely another one of those tests!" The man spoke, pretty much searching everywhere for that 'hidden entrance' of sorts. He knocked on the walls, the floors, searched around before his eyes landed on Saffron. He was not alone. "Oh! You!" He over in an instant. The cleric smiled and wrapped his arms around Saffron's shoulders, leaning closer to see the glass that they used. "Searching for something? Maybe you can help me find a bell!" He chimed, pulling the glass from their hand and to himself to take a look. "Ooh! Are you looking for sin to admire?" Poor, poor Saffron.

HeartOfFerria · Feb 25, 2020

Saffron - Atop the Vita City Tower
The bounty hunter seemed staggered by the sudden appearance of this seen watching, bell searching, stranger. As they pushed to look through the scope Saffron immediatly shoved them away. “Who are you?! Actually I really dont care. Look I have a job to do so can you please leave me be.” She growled. Her eyes now off the fight. She hadnt been able to get a good look at the faces of those in combat.

Quinn- On the Road
Quinn’s paced slowled to a halt as she was hailed down by Vaan. Beneath her cloak a hand grasped one of the magical canisters that she would load into her shotgun. “I may be able to transport a second but I havent a clue as to who you are.” She says as she starts to seeps her light magic into the canister. “What makes you think I should transport you?”

Xion136 · Feb 26, 2020

The Cherry Babies

The pub was not a pub. Low lights with plenty of shadows illuminated the area, making the place seem seedier than it really should. A main stage was set against the back wall with a center part extended to a rotunda at the end, tables and benches spread around. A few outlier stages were set up, including two raised platforms. The stage and platforms were occupied by dancers in varying degrees of undress, a site that would definitely have made the thankfully not present Eclaire nosebleed, but Arun and poor Incarose had stumbled right into the back alley exotic dancers club called the Cherry Babies. The center rotunda was currently empty, devoid of dancers - instead a portly man with slicked back hair and a wide, beaming smile waddled up, dressed in an ill-fitting suit...but based on the jingling coming from the depths of his coat, he was clearly the owner. He swept his arms wide, as the small quartet of bards stopped playing so he could speak. His voice was deep and booming though, betraying that, just maybe, appearances were not everything.
"My fine patrons. I am proud to announce present a pair of our finest dancers. Some of your favorites too, I am sure, based on my coinpurse!" Gloating, his arms waved a bit, enjoying the attention. "But alas, you do not want portly old me here. So I present, by popular demand - Coco and Vanille!"

Waddling away as quickly as his legs could take him, the bards once more started. A strumming harp, a few toots of a flute, and a pair of dancers gracefully began advancing down the long neck of the stage. They wore little more than underwear with veils, clinking gold chains and bracelets adorning their clothes and arms. Each had an anklet - one with an obsidian black one, encrusted with silver argent, and the other with white gold, encrusted with the most multicolored opal. They were moving in tandem, steps and flourishes, veils flying as they went down. They were intune with each other, a true pair of professionals. No wonder the man was raking in the gold - he had fine merchandise, as many of the patrons would say. Coco had raven colored hair, barely reaching her neck. Eyes of intense azure swept the establishment in quick, calculated glances, always on alert. Vanille's eyes matched her partner's, but a shock of almost white blonde hair flowed down her back between her shoulderblades, flying about in as she twirled. As they reached the stage, the dance change.
And that was when Arun and Incarose would realize that...this was definitely not family friendly, not by any stretch of the imagination. Indeed, this was a club for adults.

And most probably, this was not a place where legality was liable to be the norm.

Elrandir

Makoto Suzaku - Ignis - Aeternalis

Makoto looked at Mia. She was...mildly overwhelmed by this. Shifting, the brawler glanced around. "...I don't mind attention, but...it....it's just..." she paused. "...it feels weird...no one knows what Mabel looks like, but once told it's her they prostrate themselves so willingly...it's like...they don't even question it...not even a bit." She kept her voice low, looking away. "...it doesn't feel right to me." The Ignis Brawler, if anything, had a bit of sympathies with Zion's outburst. No one knew Mabel or the Council, so why trust them? Where she had blind faith at first, and true faith in Henry and her Court, she couldn't find a lie in that fact. As it was, no one truly knew the rulers of this land. She politely excused herself from Mia with a bow - Mabel bowed to Mia right? - and threaded her way to Henry, coming up beside him.
"...everyone thinks I am Mabel." She whispered to him. "...no one questioned it...it...feels....wrong. If that makes sense." She said to her best friend, resisting the urge to hold his hand. She had to be Mabel. Appearances!

Scrapmaster

Eclaire de Wynter - Umbra - Vita City

Eclaire had broken off from the group with Fyenne. Following her charge, she wanted to see the hideout of the brigands who assaulted them at the bridge. Knowing was half the battle, and she intended to know what was going on in Vita City as soon as possible, especially if they were heading to Vivifica.

Mystics Apprentice

Kagura Sumeragi - Somnum - Sanctus Heights

The Water Dancer stopped as the cute maid accosted him. Cheeks flushing, he quickly curtsied. "Y-Yes ma'am! I-I'll follow!" He squeaked out. He bit his lip, trying to focus. She is really pretty... the boy thought, glancing her up and down once he was sure she wasn't going to catch him...of course she might, he didn't know if she was secretly a badass ninja maid after all...pink hair was super cute...was she into boys that looked like g- wait she didn't know he was a boy. This was...would be awkward...
So, he stayed quiet, just following her. At least he already seemed fairly introverted, so no weird questions! Right.
...right?

Stardustblade358 · Feb 27, 2020

- Arun - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: High End - I need an adult. Wait. Crap. I am the adult - Xion136 Elrandir -

Arun stared. It took him a few seconds. His eyes darting across the establishment. The scent of tabacco, alcohol and incense was abound. people were talking and chatting, while some were cheering while watching the performance. Scandal dressed women walked across carrying drinks for their patrons, and it took a few solid seconds for the establishment to settle in. Arun's blue eyes darted across, and when they landed on someone, they quickly darted away to a whole other area, and then found an excuse to dart to another place. Oh no. *OH NO*. This. This was not in the training. Nor in the maps. Hell, he had been to Sanctus Heights countless times and not once had he ever seen an establishment like this, much less enter it. His skin was slowly turning red, and his knees were genuinely almost shaking, and steam was escaping his body into the air. He Ignis mage had not been trained for this. He backed away, only for his back to hit the cold wooden wall. And even then he had to quickly pull away because he heard the sizzling of it against his armor. He quickly went straight to Incrarose, and just held onto her shoulders. "Why would someone enter this place?" He asked, his eyes darting around. He had to close them. Right. His magic was still at work. It was kind of hard because he was seeing people do...terrible things! "The blue haired man entered this place. We need to find something. "I though the name meant this place was for fruit!" Oh it was for fruit alright, just not what he was thinking. He hoped that this place was up to code because the heat was about to go up and it was totally not his fault. He opened his eyes again and began to search. He patted one of the waitresses, who turned to him and Arun maintained straight eye contact. "Excuse me. We are looking for a man with blue hair. May you know where we can find him?" He asked, his voice shaking.

- ??? - Vita City - Tower in City Square - /w unsuspecting Saffron - HeartOfFerria -
The man seemed aghast at such a treatment. "Why, you should be nicer to people! Do you not know that good things come to those who follow the lord's teachings?" He asked, arms crossed. When asked who he was, he seemed to have no qualms of what he was. He pressed a hand against his chest. "My name is Dab Dabberson The 2nd, the follower of the holy entity known as 'The Allmighty'. He blesses everyone with happiness, creativity and joy. I hoped to find myself a nice bell to add to his temple...but this tower has lied to me. There is no bell here. I was hoping that there was a bell. I need a bell. A really big bell! One that can be displayed in the tower of the temple! You would not happen to know where I could find such a bell, would you?" He asked. But their attention was back onto whatever was that they were watching. They approached once more. "Working, you say? You seem to be looking at people. That is work for the birds...unless...you are looking at the young people in search of sinful actions!"

Elrandir · Feb 28, 2020

- Incarose Vassar - Court of Ignis - Sanctus Heights: Cherry Babies -

Xion136

Incarose was ready to look for the person who had entered the Cherry Babies, which was NOT a pub or tavern! but something else got her full attention the moment her eyes saw the interior of the establishment. The ambient, the clientele, the barely clothed employees dancing, this was too much for the pure mind of Incarose Vassar. No matter which way she turned to look, each way gave enough reason for the young maiden's face to turn the same shade of red as her hair. She had been told about places like these, but she had never been to-was that Maestra Nero?! The amount of surprise and shock on Incarose's face could be noticed by anyone looking at her at the moment. Why was the esteemed Maestra of Somnum in a place like this? Why was she wearing such garments?! She wasn't acting like herself at all! The thought of finding the blue-haired man was lost in a sea of questions, most of them about why the Maestra was there. She regained some of her focus after she felt Arun's hands on her shoulders.

"I-I-Idunno! I thought this was a tavern, not a . . . well . . . a p-p-place like this!" Incarose stuttered, "We need to find this person and leave quickly. I don't know if my emotions will be able to handle all of this."

The redhead hopped that the waitress that Arun stopped would know something about the person they were looking for.

Mystics Apprentice · Feb 29, 2020

–Vita City– (Caravan Party)

Nero Kunivas

Ghoul #2's attack was a success. The blade pierced through the skull of ruffian #2, blood seeping out from the wound and pooling around the body. His eyes were lifeless, body completely still after having struggled to wriggle free.

A scream pierced through the air. Apparently their fight had attracted a fair amount of attention, and one of the passersby, a middle-aged woman, dropped her sack of groceries and pointed frantically at the body, which had just been stabbed brutally.

"Monsters!" she shrieked, before running away, leaving her groceries abandoned entirely. An apple rolled into the pool of blood, and now people began to run and scream about the fight. A few teenagers watched at a far-off place, curious to see where this battle would go, though most fled as fast as they could. It would only be a matter of time before security arrived.

Ruffian #1 glanced over as Arkane spat his warning, causing him to be on high alert. He ran, ran as fast as he could and ducked into a barrel containing hay. The lightning was a near hit, and yet did manage to miss the ruffian. He was now a ways away, however. He cocked his gun and prepared to fire at Arkane, though his aim was not the greatest given the circumstances under which he was within the cart, hand trembling violently at the awareness that he'd already lost a comrade.

After taking his strikes at Eleanor, Ruffian #3 did not stick around to engage her further. He rushed Nero, after witnessing their leader being struck in the head with her staff. He swayed on his feet momentarily, before landing on one knee. Clearly he was disoriented. With a shout of fury, ruffian # 3 attempted to jab his twin blades into Nero's back, quite close to her spine.

–Vita City– Cat's Eye Cafe–

Xion136

To say that Fyenne was nervous about returning to the Ebon Flame hideout was an understatement. With her hand firmly in Eclaire's, the young girl meekly led Eclaire to a richer part of town. It took them about thirty minutes to get there, but once they had Fyenne stopped in front of a three-story building, lowering her gaze to the ground. Glass windows allowed full view of the first floor, with fewer windows above (and the windows that were present had heavy draperies). Women in maid outfits darted around tables, serving quite the full house at the present hour (around dinnertime). Above them read "Cat's Eye Cafe". Without lifting her head, Fyenne simply murmured. "It's here, upstairs."

If they went in, they would be promptly greeted by a hostess in the same attire as the other maids: short black dress, puffy sleeves, and a frilly white apron. "A table for two?" she would inquire, smiling from Fyenne to Eclaire, expecting the cat girl to respond seeing as she was accompanied by a child.

–Vita City– Streets away from the fight–

HeartOfFerria

Where Dab and Saffron stood, they would realize that some people were running past, coming from the south part of time. One of which seemed rather panic-stricken, though the reason why they ran was unclear, yet Saffron could presumably conclude that it was from the fight. It would give her a direction to go off of.

–Vita City– Barber Shop in the Slums–

Nero Kunivas

"Ah," was all that Vaike said as Arno explained who this "Rat" was, and his connection to him. "Well, I am sure that this, erm, friend of yours will be very useful in our search. The more eyes, the better."

Meanwhile Tibarn followed along with the party, hands stuffed in his pockets, eyes searching their surroundings carefully. He didn't want to be jumped in the slums.

Once they arrived at the barber shop Vaike merely cocked a brow, but he allowed Arno to do all of the talking. Apparently the bounty hunter had a good rapport with the people here, and he felt his voice was not needed. The big mustachioed individual set him ill at ease for reasons that he couldn't explain, perhaps because he'd seen such jolly individuals before, whose joy would be a rouse so that you would not see them for what they really were.

Tibarn nodded respectfully toward Mr. Mustache as they were further led into the building, having gotten through with Arno's passphrase and leading them through the lounge downstairs. At the woman's wink Tibarn blinked, glancing at her but seemed otherwise distracted by something he didn't voice, turning away and following alongside Arno. It was shortly thereafter that they were introduced to the Rat himself. He wasn't anything quite like either Tibarn or Vaike were thinking, but he would do, most certainly. As Arno was referred to as "Mack," Tibarn's gaze flickered over toward his friend, yet his expression remained neutral, revealing nothing. He'd have questions to ask him later, that was for certain. Vaike, being a man of many names himself, thought nothing of Arno being referred to by another name! In fact, he moved forward and extended a hand to shake The Rat's.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Rat," he said. "My name is Vaike. I understand that you have eyes and ears around this town." He paused, hesitating for a moment before continuing. "There is a certain traveler coming through Vita City, one which we hope to intercept before she reaches her destination. She has long sandy-brown hair, hazel eyes, of average height and build. She has several companions with her, most likely mages. Have you happened to hear of any such people arriving here in town, or any suspicious activity that we should perhaps know about that might be related to her arrival?"

He deliberately left off her name, and the fact that she was the high priestess. He wasn't sure to what extent the Rat was to be trusted, and he felt those minor details would make no difference in ultimately seeking the priestess.

Vita City: Honeybadger B&B

Endless Thundaza

An encounter with a family member
This was written by me (lilac) and Endless (blue). Spoiler tab due to sheer length:

The innkeeper seemed delighted to assign them the room, whereas Mabel seemed bewildered.

"What are you doing?" she hissed into his ear, but was unable to elaborate when the innkeeper accepted Jynn's coins and extended a key out to the blind mage.

"It's all yours! Third floor, room 310, but you can't miss it. It's the only room with double doors in the middle of the hall."

Mabel would silently move along with Jynn, making her way toward the set of wooden staircases leading up. Each flight of stairs was broken into two sets, before they would turn and lead upward again. This was likely to prevent devastating falls if one were to fall, but it might've been more aesthetically pleasing to the owners as well.

"Why did you accept the room?" Mabel inquired. "Surely you know as much as anyone how inappropriate that would be!"

As soon as Mabel finishes with “inappropriate”, he whispers to her. “That is why I chose it. It is inappropriate for the high priestess to do this. In that aspect, why would this pursuer even bother checking this room if the high priestess is forbidden to build relationships with anyone?”

He places a hand on her back. “Listen, I know you’re not on board with this, neither am I. But going undercover is exactly like going into battle; you need a plan, a strategy. You can have the strongest armor and a fancy sword, but you can’t just mindlessly charge into a fight and expect victory. You must work your way around obstacles, to guarantee your chances of success. This is no different. You can’t just stop at changing your clothing and identity. You want to guarantee your chances of going unnoticed, correct? Sometimes, you must do the unthinkable to stay hidden. Do you understand where I’m coming from?”

He starts to turn red, obviously about to say something embarrassing. “There was this one time that I had to go undercover myself, and disguise myself as...” He sighs before continuing. “...as a woman. There was a crime lord that was hard to pursue, but he was a hornball. I managed to arrest him when he invited my guise to his stronghold.” Jynn finishes, unsure how to continue on with the conversation. “You see what I mean? You need to fool or out best your opponents as much as you can.”

Jynn holds Mabel’s hand. “If it makes you feel any better, I’ll sleep on the sofa.”

The high priestess remained silent as she mused over Jynn's plans. While there were merit to his words, she still felt unsure about this battle plan. "But, we don't even know where our pursuers are, or if they are even following us into Vita City," Mabel said slowly. "Isn't this being a little too cautious?"

At Jynn's tale of his previous investigations undercover, Mabel couldn't help but crack a grin at trying to envision her boyfriend dressing up as a woman. "I am sure that all of the men fell for your stunning good looks," Mabel chortled, before finally interlocking her fingers in with his as she gripped his hand tightly. "But I do understand what you are trying to do. You are trying to keep me safe at all costs, and for that I thank you. If you feel that this is the best plan, then I defer to your judgment."

As they reached the top of the stairs Mabel twirled around at the top step, grasping both of Jynn's hands and backing her way around the corner. Clearly she wasn't paying attention to where she was going, as her heel met with a large bucket of water. It sloshed water on the floor, causing the already off-balance priestess to lose her footing entirely and falling into it. Water would rise up and splash both Jynn and a servant middle-aged woman, who'd been kneeling beside the bucket at the time.

As Mabel pokes fun at Jynn for disguising as the opposite gender, Jynn reddens in embarrassment. “Please don’t.......” But the embarrassment was short lived, as Mabel accepts Jynn’s plan.

It wasn’t long until the duo reach the top of the stairs, and the priestess turns her back towards the corner before tripping into a bucket of water. Jynn tries to catch her, but he too ends up falling, but he lands on the side of the bucket, and ends up being splashed from Mabel landing inside the bucket. He was unaware of the servant women next to them. “Mabel, are you alright!?” He grabs a hold of the priestess’s hand and pulls her out of the bucket.

It was until he helped Mabel get back to her feet that he notices the servant. Oh no..... did he give away Mabel’s identity? He tries to play it off as if he didn’t say her real name. “We are so sorry ma’am! Blaise was trying to help me get around the corner! We didn’t mean to drench you!”

The servant woman's lips drew in a thin line, skin growing paler by the minute. Her eyes were wide as she tore her eyes from Mabel, before they shifted on to the Vivifica mage.

"Did you say Mabel?" she asked, voice trembling slightly. Her hair was drawn from her face with a small kerchief scarf, though her sandy brown hair was still visible as it cascaded down her back. Her hazel eyes were soft, hazel eyes which Jynn would likely recognize all too well as those belonging to the priestess.

Mabel herself was drenched, standing alongside Jynn tentatively, seeming uncertain on how to properly respond to the woman. Should she try to deny it? That wouldn't sit very well at all, especially if she was recognized as the high priestess.

"My daughter's name is Mabel," the woman said. "And I daresay, this young woman looks strikingly like the high priestess of Regalia."

Jynn’s eyes focus on the woman in curiosity. “Wait... you’re... the high priestess’s mother?!” He examines her, and he finds that her aura is remarkably similar to Mabel’s. Not only that, her eyes resemble that of Mabel’s.

This seems to evoke a curious response from Mabel. Her expression was unreadable, indifferent almost, as she studied the woman before them. It were as if she were trying to suppress her emotions, and yet were having difficulty in doing so. She blinked frequently, as if keeping back tears.

"Indeed I am," the woman responded to Jynn, offering him a nod and extending her hand to shake his. "My name is Elante Atelier. While it has been so many years since I have seen my daughter, there is no mistaking this girl before me."

She started to move toward Mabel, who remained standing stonily beside Jynn. The priestess merely offered Elante a curt nod, causing her mother to jerk back in surprise. It seemed to trouble Elante, though she finally turned her attention back on Jynn, "And who might I have the pleasure of meeting? It is uncommon for the high priestess to have connections, let alone leave the capital for any reason."

The woman confirms that she is in fact Mabel’s mother, and introduces herself as Elante Atelier. “Atelier”. That is Mabel’s last name, this was indeed her mother. He shakes her hand, introducing himself. “I’m Jynn. I’m Mabel’s.... friend.” The hesitation clearly indicates he was more than just a friend, but he was unsure if Elante would be accepting of his relationship with her daughter.

Jynn looks towards Mabel, who was blinking rapidly. Jynn tries to comfort her. “Hey. Are you okay?” He looks to Elante, then back to Mabel. “Should I... give you two a minute?”

Elante hesitated before nodding slowly in response to Jynn. "If you don't mind, I think a moment would–"

"No, it's fine," Mabel interjected, throwing out a hand dismissively between them all. "Whatever we wish to discuss can be said here, with Jynn present."

Down the hall a door to one of the rooms opened, a man with a top hat emerged. He hummed to himself, pocketing a pistol before beginning to make his way toward the staircase. This only went to show that they were indeed in a public area, and such a conversation would not be best held above the stairs.

Jynn was shocked about Mabel’s remark. It was very clear that she was either at war with her emotions, or she was upset. But it wasn’t long until a random man passes by. This was not the place to talk. Jynn tries to interject. “How about we head to the room? We can discuss things there without public ears eavesdropping.”

The man tipped his hat as he passed the trio, eyes lingering on Mabel for perhaps a second too long before he disappeared down the staircase and out of sight. Mabel nodded in agreement with Jynn. "You're right, we should go somewhere private to talk."

Without turning another glance toward her mother, she continued to hold Jynn's hand as she led him to their room, suite 310 with the double doors that the innkeeper described. Their mother followed along, stealing a suspicious glance at the door and then back at the couple.

"What is going on here?" Elante asked, frown deepening. "Nothing about this is right. The priestess shouldn't have ever left the capital, let alone drawing someone so close into a relationship such as this."

Jynn nods in courtesy to the man, but did not appreciate him seemingly ogling Mabel. But his focus was drawn away when the priestess agrees and leads Jynn to their room, with Elante in tow. Immediately, Elante has some questions, regarding Mabel’s venture out of Sanctus Heights, and why she and Jynn are in this relationship.

Jynn closes the door behind them. “We’re out to stop the Vivifican Maestra, Aislinn, from causing more trouble than she already has, and Mabel wants to get some experience out on the field.” Jynn stands next to Mabel. “Secondly... we’ve been friends ever since we were... seven I believe?”

"It isn't what it seems," Mabel added hurriedly. "This is all just a cover to ensure that I am not found."

This made Elante raise a brow. "Found?" she repeated, before shaking her head. "Forgive me, you two are adults and can make your own decisions. It's just . . . you can't blame me for being concerned."

With that, Mabel rushed to her mother and threw her arms around her neck, Elante being slightly taller than her daughter. Tears streamed down Mabel's face as she buried her chin into the woman's shoulder.

"Why did you let them take me?" Mabel demanded through tears. "Why didn't you ever come?! You could have visited! You left me alone and I was so scared! You lied to me!"

A look of great defeat washed over Elante's face as she held her daughter tightly, gaze shifting toward Jynn sheepishly, before she lowered her head in potentially shame. "I did what I thought was best for you," she said, though even as she said those words she knew that they weren't true.

As soon as Mabel rushed to hug her mother, Jynn takes a seat on the sofa behind him, and gives them a moment. His clothes were still slightly soggy from the incident, but they were at least dry enough to not affect the sofa.

A tear ran down his cheek, happy for Mabel to finally be with her mother again after all these years. But things started to turn somewhat sour, as Mabel starts to call out her mother for supposedly letting the elders separate her from Elante. Jynn tries to meditate the situation. “Let’s not be too harsh on her, Mabel. I’m sure there’s more to the story than what we see...”

The priestess tore away from Elante, glancing back and forth between the two within the room. "The way that I see it," Mabel murmured softly, pain clear in her voice, "I was abandoned when I needed my mother most. I was not protected as I should have been. For all of these years, I thought that you were actually glad to be rid of me."

Elante began to open her mouth to retort, but instead Mabel filled the silence. "Please, excuse me, both of you." With that, she opened the French doors leading out to the balcony and stepped outside, shutting them abruptly before either could follow her. A sigh escaped the woman's lips.

"Please, let her have her feelings of resentment toward me, Jynn," Elante said, turning to face the Vivifican mage. "I cannot fault her for how she feels, and perhaps such loathing toward me is helping her cope with the situation and choices that she must make as the high priestess. It has allowed her to separate herself as she feels is best."

Jynn was shocked when Mabel snapped. “Mabel...” There wasn’t much he could do right now. She was upset. And perhaps giving her a moment alone may help sort out her feelings. The mage sighs.

Elante pleads him to let Mabel have her feelings of resentment. Jynn scratches his head. “I suppose... But I still believe those elders are the ones at fault. I have a feeling they took her away from you without your consent. But then again... I’m just making assumptions.” He sighs again. “I apologize. As you can tell... I have very little respect for those old farts...”

Elante moved forward and placed a hand on Jynn's shoulder. "I would like to speak with you for a moment." With that, she sat down beside the mage and folded her hands in her lap.

"Being a mage of the courts, I assume that you know what it means to be selected as the high priestess of Regalia." She paused a moment before continuing. "It is divinely decreed, the elders are shown the future priestess, and one day they send men to inform the family and take the girl away. While, yes, I did promise Mabel that I would follow and be right there with her while she was guided into her new life, I never came . . . . but not because of the reason she thinks."

She lifted a hand to tuck stray strands of hair from her face, her hand trembling as she did so. "I have seen the way that you look at her. I can tell that my daughter means very much to you, and for that I am grateful. Despite the laws and restrictions placed on the priestess, she has still found you, and that makes my heart very happy."

After Elante wishes to speak with Jynn alone, the mage questions in curiosity. “Me? Um... Alright.” Elante explains the decree the elders take in selecting a priestess, but then explains that there is another reason she never fulfilled her promises to Mabel, which makes Jynn tilt his head.

But before she commented further, she acknowledges Jynn’s relationship with her daughter. His cheeks turn crimson. “Well... yeah. She means the world to me. I’d give up my life for Mabel. I don’t know if I would live with myself if something happened to her. I still remember when I first met her. We played together, and we had so much fun.” He smiles slightly, raising his arm a little to show Elante the bracelet Mabel gave to him. “She gave me this that day... and I had kept it on my person for all of these years. We’d continue seeing each other until we reached our teens.”

He sighs. “It was until a few days ago that I met her again. And ever since then... me and her were starting to see each other more than just friends.”

A smile displayed on Elante's face. "Childhood friends," she surmised, giving Jynn a nod. "I am glad that she knows you so well, and that she can trust you. It means that I can trust you also, for there is something that you should know, if you are her confidant, protector, and best friend."

She let out a low, long exhale, her gaze staring off into the distance, as though trying to decide where to start. "The reason I didn't follow Mabel was to throw her father off. I informed him that she passed away when she was taken from me, and I didn't risk following her because I didn't want him to find her."

Elante seems to appreciate Jynn’s words, and admits that Jynn was someone she could trust. Then, she continues to the reason why she wanted to talk to him alone. She explains that she did not follow Mabel was because of her father. Jynn tilts his head. “Her father?”

He places a hand on his chin. “Did... or is he planning to do something horrible?”

"Indeed," was her response, followed by a prolonged silence. "Her father is a man not worthy of knowing. He uses his charming wiles to get what he wants, manipulates people into playing his game. He disappeared long before Mabel was even born, but every so often he returns, throwing his threats casually as he goes along.

"I don't know what he intends to do, but he knows that Mabel is alive. He knows that she is the high priestess, and he wishes to involve her in his game, to do her harm." She closed her eyes tightly. "He's apart of something–some evil cult or some such–and he's not human. Not in the sense that you and I are human, at any rate. Please, you must not let him near her, and you mustn't allow Mabel to be coaxed by his charismatic ways. He has a silver tongue, but he is dangerous. If he learns of you, I have no doubt that he will use you in his schemes as well."

Jynn listens carefully to Elante’s words. It was clear the man she speaks of is someone very manipulative, and it seems that Mabel is a target of his. This leaves him puzzled. “I don’t want to be blunt, but how come you wish to tell me about this, and not Mabel?”

Elante then warns Jynn that he will try to manipulate him as well, should he find out about the mage. Jynn scratches his head. “May I ask.... what’s his name?”

"Because I don't think Mabel will be receptive to me," Elante said evenly. "You saw how she was only moments ago. I feel that if I told her anything about her father, she would rush off to try to find him just to spite me. She would think I am making excuses."

She held her skirt in her fists upon her lap, skin thin and cracked from all the work she did with her hands. "Above all, I don't want to add more to her plate than what is already there. No one needs the added stress of knowing your father is a psychopath hunting you and wanting to harm you, do you not agree to an extent, Jynn?"

At the mention of his name Elante grew very still. "Whether the name he gave me is true, I do not know, but I had been lead to call him Caelum."

Jynn continues to listen, and as the conversation continues, he becomes more unsure as of what to do. A part of him now wants to stay silent, but deep down... he knows warning Mabel will be beneficial in the long run. He faces Elante. “Do you suppose she’d be more willing to listen if this was coming from me?”

At this Elante merely shrugged. "At this point you would know my daughter more than I do. All I want to do is to keep her safe and see her happy. I feel that the least she knows, the better, but I also know that I have made poor choices for her up to this point."

Tears began to bead at Elante's chin, yet she refused to openly cry. Whether they were tears of sorrow or fear was anyone's guess.

Jynn senses tears dripping down Elante’s face, but she did not break down. Jynn places a hand on her shoulder. “I promise Elante. I promise, I will do whatever I can to keep her away from Caelum. I will protect her, even if she crosses paths with him. I’ll always provide her a shoulder to cry on, and I’ll always be there when she will need me the most.”

He scoots closer to Elante. “And... don’t be too harsh on yourself. None of this is your fault. You had your reasons why you couldn’t be there for her. She may be upset now, but... give her some time to vent her emotions. This is her first time in a while where the laws aren’t interfering with her thoughts and emotions...” Jynn reaches into his pocket and pulls out his last bar of platinum, and places it in her hand. It was rare to earn two platinum, let alone one, but this shows all of his hard work of good deeds throughout his life.

Jynn smiles. “Please. I insist that you take this. I’m glad I got the chance to meet you.”

As Elante began to open her mouth, likely to protest, her daughter emerged from the French doors. Mabel's eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, as though she'd shed much needed tears and emotions. After stealing a glance between Jynn and Elante, she moved toward Jynn and reached for his arm.

"Are you hungry?" she asked him. "Maybe we should get some food ready for the others." She averted her gaze from her mother, though said in her direction. "We will talk more . . . some other time."

–Sanctus Heights: Cherry Babies–

The waitress, who was not the most modestly dressed herself in very short shorts and a low-cut V-neck blouse, turned when Arun approached. "Um, what?" she asked, clearly confused by their request. "I just serve drinks. Don't know if I've seen anyone with blue hair." With one final glance as though Arun was crazy, she moved away back behind the bar, preparing more drinks to serve out to the cheering and woo'ing crowd. Apparently Coco and Vanille had quite the following. Some were even throwing money at the young women's feet.

Seating was scattered throughout the entire club, many people attentive to the lovely dancers on stage and paying Arun and Incarose little attention otherwise. Sitting not far from the front was a man with blue hair, likely the one that had entered moments before Arun and Incarose. He brought a drink to his lips, none the wiser that the investigators even existed, much less that their eyes would be trained on him.

–Sanctus Heights: Elvenwind, the Exotic Wares Shop–

Scrapmaster

At first Elia was unable to respond to Vincent, seeming to have not even heard the Ignis non-mage. It wasn't until Vala had administered her magic that she slowly began to calm down. First her breathing regulated, next her eyes seemed a bit glazed. She lowered her hands to the floor, where she sat rather still, almost as if in a trance. She became more limp and heavy against Diane; if the Umbra mage was close enough she would have rested her head against her. Eventually she lifted blank eyes up to meet Vincent's face.

"He said strange things, like souls granting him the power of rebirth. How the people would pay for their betrayal." Elia bit her lip, turning away from Vincent. "The rest is very fuzzy. He made fun of my frailty, for being a gullible and useless person, and yet my magic would suffice his needs. But that is all I know and remember. I thought it was just a dream, as everything was so dark and distant, and yet I heard the voice multiple times. Not just once."

She considered Vincent again before replying, tone eerily calm and much slower than the normally hyped-up girl would speak. "The journals were back at my father's home on his bookshelf in his study. I could take you there."

Elia blinked, eyelids growing heavy as the comfort of Diane made her even more tempted to drift off to sleep. Apparently she was unused to being enchanted into relaxation, and she was falling quite deeply into the spell.

–Sanctus Heights: Cathedral–

Xion136

The young woman blinked, surprised that Kagura would curtsy to her, but instead she merely giggled girlishly and lead the way for him. "My name is Viola," she informed him. "You may not know this, but some of your friends of the courts saved my life yesterday. If it weren't for all of you, so many more of us would've died! While I know that Elder Absalom will thank you formally, I really want to thank you personally, from the bottom of my heart."

As they reached the upper floors, they would see Vlad's door close as though someone had slipped in, but no other activity went on in the hall. She would lead him to a rather large door. Before she knocked, however, she clasped both of Kagura's hands and fell to one knee.

"Thank you, Miss Kagura. For anything. If there is anyway that I can repay you, please, please just ask it of me." She smiled brightly, before rising and knocking on the door. She then opened it ajar and poked her head in, calling into the darkened room: "Elder, I have brought the young mage that you requested."

"Good, good, send him in."

Him? Viola glanced at Kagura curiously before moving away without another word, allowing the mage enter at his convenience.

If Kagura entered the room he would find that it was immaculately well kept. A bureau would be to Kagura's right, while a seating area with a loveseat, rocking chair, and table sat. Further into the room, behind a half-wall, was a canopied bed, the drapes pulled to either side. Three large windows covered the far wall, though all but one had its drapes closed. Emerald green and silver were the themes of this room, the carpeted rug the same shade of green with silver serpents trailing the length of it.

On the bed sat Elder Absalom, dressed in a simple tunic and pants, covers drawn over his lap. He would watch Kagura carefully before gesturing toward his own bed, as though for Kagura to sit. "Please, take a seat, Kagura. Thank you for coming. There are some matters that I would like to discuss with you."

–Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral–

Thanny

Invidia stopped in the doorway, one hand on the wooden frame. "Searching for Invidia will suffice," was his mere response, with one final nod and smile toward Jari before he slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him. Not long after his footfalls left Jari would hear voices from outside his door, one belonging to a happy bubbly maid that he might recall as Viola from the day prior. She kept referring to a "Miss Kagura" as they traveled further away.

–Somewhere between Vivifica Forest and Sanctus Heights–

HeartOfFerria

Vaan offered Quinn a toothy grin. He reached into his worn traveler's cloak and took a pouch of coin from it and gave it a rattle. "I said that I would pay you," he said smoothly. "Is that not reason enough?"

He moved toward her to shake her hand. "The name's Vaan, that's all you need to know. I am neither friend or foe, though if someone was trying to stab you I would probably come and intervene. I'm just a nice guy like that." He laughed thereafter, as though he'd said the greatest joke in the world.

"But seriously, how is it that you're moving so quickly? I saw you move from that stone . . . some kind of mage?" he inquired, quite curious as to how Quinn did it.

–Aeternalis, the City of Everlasting Dreams–

Nero Kunivas ,

Thanny

Timi leaned back on his palms behind him and smiled. It brought him a great amount of joy to know that he'd pleased Yael, especially with something so small. He felt that the shapeshifter deserved a little pick-me-up, but little did he realize how much it would mean to him. His eyebrows rose when Yael suggested that they dance, but he wasted no time in leaping up to his feet. "Okay!" he cried out.

If Yael permitted it, Timi would take his hands and begin to dance with him. The excitement from the two was contagious, leaping and bouncing off others who felt it within them to dance with full stomachs also. They cheered and cried, some sang while others scurried off to procure instruments. Soon many were dancing on and around tablecloths, raucous laughter ringing through the night.

–Sanctus Heights: Streets–

Nero Kunivas

The teenage girl, who was dressed as a male, gave Pali a glare. "Loser," she murmured darkly under her breath, apparently mustering some of her strength once she realized that they had no intention on harming her–or taking her in. She flipped Pali off, though whether the Umbra mage saw it she wasn't sure, before scuffling away and blending into the crowd.

So much for that encounter. No one else on the street was of particular interest. After a few moments Kolm darted over to the others, panting as though he were out of breath.

"I found another," he said, "but because I am untrained I didn't dare follow him alone. He went into the Elvenwind." They had their lead, but would they follow it?

Thanny · Mar 1, 2020

- Daruk Mordem, Ignis Court, dancing alongside the masses in Aeternalis -

Mystics Apprentice RikuXIII

As Daruk waited for an answer, the sound of two people kicking to a beat turning into dozens alerted Daruk to something happening, something grand. Dancing! DANCING! Feeling very lively, he turned back to Gerik and voiced, "Come, Maester Gerik! Join us in dance!" before tossing himself wildly in step.

Daruk's dance looks very much like this:

- Pali Noirtier, Umbra Court, in a search for the blue-haired man with fellows in Sanctus Heights -

HeartOfFerria Mystics Apprentice Nero Kunivas

Nothing significantly changed in Pali's mood, especially because his back was turned toward the young woman flipping himself off. In fact, even if he did witness it, nothing would have changed. He was older, and strangers' opinions of him did not affect him much, as long as it would not negatively affect him and his association through his actions. Someone else's, however . . .

Pali grinned when he witnessed Kolm coming up to the leftover party. It was just those three, right now -- Pali, Aquilla, and Kolm -- as well as that hulk of an Ignis mage with a rebreather, if he decided to join them.

"Aquilla, you were saying to me that my methods are boorish and archaic. Now is your chance to shine. Pray tell, what methods would you employ on that blue-haired man who went into the Elvenwind? Come, come, I don't have all day, fair heart."

It was going to be especially interesting to see what Aquilla would do inside the Elvenwind. If the girl were as nervous as she was in mixed company such as theirs, he only hoped she would be even more awkward inside what he knew to be an . . . intimate shop.

- Jari Coriander, Somnum Court, after a diplomatic visit with Invidia in Sanctus Heights, Grand Cathedral -

Mystics Apprentice (I will try to rival you in length of post)

Everyone's favourite fox boy was left feeling very conflicted by the end of the conversation, staring at the closed door obsessively before wheeling about and falling back onto his unravelled bed with a whump. His breathing, once careful and cautious, fell into a state of panicked huffs, and he raised his hand to his headbanded fox ear, as he usually did when he was nervous. He met with that man that the others were searching for, who he was searching for, but he was alone. He hated himself for feeling so disabled, so surprised and helpless. If Invidia was not who he was, he may very well have been dead, but instead he was offered a chance to know more.

His breathing slowed, and he pondered more cerebrally. This meant a chance to be a double agent, a possible method of capturing Invidia and bringing him to justice. However, if he did know more, if he just took a peek behind the veiled curtain partially shown to him, would he think differently? Invidia did not seem as bad as he originally thought, even if his men were confessed to have more criminal backgrounds. What if he were telling the truth, and to best help the people was to side with him, even against the views of the Four Courts turned three?

"Don't even think it," came the voice familiar, yet not.

All he knew was that it was not his own. This agitated Jari enough to whisper heatedly, "And who are you to say that?"

"A friend."

"I've met a lot of people recently, and few have ended up as my friend."

"Then perhaps I should clarify matters. I am Ychera." Bursts of memories came in the form of a torrent, filling in some of the mysterious gaps in his faculty of retaining, but not all. Jari unknowingly gripped the side of his head. "I was ambushed and left wounded. However, I fell into a coma and my mind went to the one person who I thought would best keep me company -- you, Jari. You were asleep at the time. Sorry I did not ask for permission before coming to you."

Jari let his hand fall and stared off. He stopped speaking, but replied mentally as if to himself.

"But . . . how? Ychera was so skilled. Most of my lightning magic I learned from her assistance."

Jari could feel a mental shrug from Ychera.

"I came across someone I cannot beat yet. My adventures carried me far, and will farther still, but first I must recover. Dare I say that you have found a most terrible choice for an potential ally. Invidia is not to be trusted. He has been a thorn in my side for a long time. He played a part in harrowing my life, I'll have you know. I did not imagine him to be so diplomatic, however. Beware, my student. He is someone to fear than with whom to side."

Jari slumped defeatedly, unsure of himself and what he should be thinking. He looked down at the wooden figurine in his hand, a splendidly crafted image of Kagura spinning in water, one of his favourite mental images of a performance back in Somnum. The wood was strong, but without steady grain that shed in clumps -- the ultimate wooden crafting material for his Whittle magic. If one looked close enough, one could see the beads of water and sweat from Kagura's form.

"Who is that?" asked Ychera.

"It's my"--he paused a moment--"one of my best friends. Kagura and I shared a moment together today where we bonded. I always admired him from afar, but now I see him a little more clearly. I made him this as a gift."

"But he is dressed . . ." she started, but was cut off by Viola outside, talking about a "Miss Kagura." Both snapped to attention.

"I need to talk with that maid, find out where Kagura is."

"But she said 'Miss Kagura?' "

"It is a subject of much confusion," he more blurted than replied, leaping to his feet and coming to the door.

"And what of Invidia?" Ychera spoke, but went unanswered because Jari started calling out to the maid.

"Ma'am, you know of Kagura? Where can I find h-her?"

He purposely changed up the pronoun from him to her so as not to confuse the poor serving girl, but in the end threw Ychera for a loop, leaving her quite puzzled.

Elrandir · Mar 1, 2020

- Thea Nero - Court of Somnum - Vita City -

Nero Kunivas

Good, the ruffian leader was effectively disoriented for the time being. Nero took a couple of steps back, just in case the guy attempted to lunge at her.

"Well, as you can see, this isn't going to end well for you, my dear fellow," Nero said calmly, "one of your men has, well, let's just say he will no longer be around."

The Maestra looked towards the fallen ruffian. That was not good. Now they would need to handle the authorities of Vita City, investigation, interrogation. A waste of their precious time. BUT this was a case of self defense, hopefully that would help speed up the process. The shout of fury of the ruffian made the Maestra quickly turn around to look at him, only to get two stab attacks on her chest. She could feel the warmth sensation of her own blood, her white blouse slowly turning crimson and ice shards falling off.

"Such a rude thing to do to a lady. And this isn't even the first date. You are making me have such a bad impression of the city," Nero said in an eerily cold tone, "perhaps sharing the same fate as your mate over there would be preferable to you? I can grant you that wish. Or perhaps you would like to feel the cold embrace of Death as she slowly takes your life away."

Something in Nero's eyes made it quite obvious that she was done playing games at this point. Nero let go of her staff, yet it remained floating at her side, before she grabbed the twin blades. She never took off her eyes away from the ruffian's own, perhaps to make him keep his attention on her, but if the ruffian actually bothered to look at his weapons, he would notice that they were starting to freeze over, but that didn't stopped there, the ice was quickly making its way towards the ruffian's hands and, if he didn't let go of the twin blades, he would then be frozen over.

"Tis but a flesh wound, matey. One that I can take care of. But yours will be far more severe if you don't stop what you are doing and surrender," she said, "I imagine being part of Umbra's endless supplies of corpses is not a good experience for one's soul, aye? That is what awaits for ye. Cold. Eternal. Torment."

- Diane Corbeau - Court of Umbra - Sanctus Heights: Elvenwind Lingerie Shop -

Scrapmaster

It looked like Vala's spell worked. Elia was slowly calming down, eventually she would rest her head against Diane. She remained like that for some time until she spoke once more. Whatever the strange voice that Elia had heard only told her about how she was a gullible and useless person, that souls would grant him the power of rebirth, and people paying for their betrayal. Souls granting the power of rebirth? That sounded slightly familiar. Was the blue-haired man the voice Elia had heard? He had said that the amount of itika that had appeared after the automaton attack and fires was the reason he was able to return to the mortal plane.

"Does anything like this sounds familiar to you, Miss Corbeau?" Valas asked, "do you remember what you told me?"

"The guy in the tavern, the blue haired man, said that the itika that was released after the death of countless people gave him the necessary power to return to the mortal plane," Diane answered, "I think it's fair to say that this can confirm that the voice that Elia heard is that of the blue-haired man."

"You did a good job, child. And don't let whatever that person told you affect you. You are proving him wrong right now. You are helping them find the answers they need to get to the bottom of this." Vala said to Elia.

At this point Diane noticed that Elia's eyelids looked heavy, as if she was ready to sleep.

"Miss Hassan, I think you can stop your spell. It looks like Elia is ready to fall asleep and . . . and we need her help to continue this investigation." Diane said.
"Oh! My apologies. It seems that she is not used to such, ah, treatments," Vala said as she removed her hands from Elia, "give her a couple of minutes and she will be good as new. Just don't push her too hard, alright? I am sure this is a lot to take in, not only for her, but for everyone. You can stay as long as you need, but make sure to not bother the Lieutenant too much. If you are hungry or thirsty, the kitchen is at the end of the hallway. Take whatever you need."

And with that Vala bowed and left the room, ready to reopen her store. Would it be wise to send a message for the Umbra Maester? This was an important event, after all. Then again, one of his Fixers was already on the case. The moment Vala reached the front of the store, she was surprised to notice that an individual was already inside the store. Didn't she . . .? Perhaps she had made a mistake and didn't closed the door properly.

"Welcome to Elvenwind, sorry to make you wait. I am Vala Hassan, how can I be of help?" she said with a pleasant smile, just as she always did.

- Incarose Vassar - Court of Ignis - Sanctus Heights: Cherry Babies -

Xion136

Mystics Apprentice

Incarose was getting more and more flustered as time went on, this was not a place she usually went to, or would go again at any point in the future, or so she hoped. When the waitress said she didn't knew about any blue-haired individual. Incarose sighed.

"It seem it that finding that person in here will be difficult. It doesn't help that there are many distractions . . ." Incarose said as she sighed again, " I think we should look for a few more minutes. If we don't find anything then . . . then we can wait outside until that person comes out."

Incarose went a little deeper into the establishment, not wanting to obstruct the entrance or bother patreons or staff. After looking around for a few minutes, Incarose caught a glimpse of blue hair.

"Arun. Hey, Arun," she whispered, "Look over there. I think I can see someone with blue hair near the front. The lights of this place make it hard to see, but I think that's who we are looking for."

Endless Thundaza · Mar 1, 2020

Jynn Venas, Vivifica - Vita City, Honeybadger B&B

Mabel emerges from the French doors. Her eyes were red and puffy, clearly from letting out all of her emotions. Jynn stands up when she reaches for his arm and asks about food. Jynn responds quietly while holding her arms as well. “You’re right... We should calm down, get something to eat, get some food for the others, and rest for the night. Both of us will need it...”

He pulls her into an embrace, in case she needed to shed more tears. He faces in Elante’s direction. “Do you know where we can get some grub?” Jynn has stayed in the B&B before, but he has never eaten there, strangely.

Stardustblade358 · Mar 2, 2020

- Arkane - Umbra Court - Vita City - I came to this city to have a good time and I'm feeling so attacked right now -
Arkane watched the man would be killed by his ghoul. The necromancer smiled and waved his hand gently, seeing the soul escape his body and being absorbed by the Ghoul. Another one for his collection. "Good." He whispered. Now he could have the body. He jumped at the scream. Crap. He forgot that they were in a public area. He looked around as people pointed at the body. Monsters? Excuse you lady, he was trying to survive! He pulled his flute to his lips and whistled to it. 'Bring the body back', he ordered. The Ghoul would pull at the body down the sigyl, leaving a drag mark of blood behind. He would have to use it later. All bodies were sent to the same place, anyways. His part of storage area in Umbra where the bodies would be stored, and his own creations would prepare the body from decomposition. He turned to Ruffian #1, who had managed to evade the lightning. He saw him raise his gun and aim at him, his grip shaky. Arkane rose another card, preparing to send this noob to the shadow realm...or something similar. "Go on...land a hit if you dare." He narrowed his eyes. "You cannot kill what is already dead." Maybe that was more dramatic than what he had been going for, but he digressed. "Nero unless we should deal with security we should leave soon." He looked back at her as she was freezing the blades of the ruffian. "Nero! You have to leave. Go!" He insisted, turning to her. "If both of us get locked up no one will be there to protect Mabel. I will finish this here." It was obvious by then. For whatever reason, Arkane had developed concern and familiarity with Mabel. Maybe he saw himself in her? Or maybe he just pitied her? He would never tell, probably.

- Vincent - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: The Exotic Shop -
Vincent watched as she seemed to be falling asleep. He looked up at the rest. "The place is still a crime scene, we should have no trouble in inspecting the area." He suggested, looking down at Elia. They had already pushed her so far, and in all honesty, Vincent already felt like an ass for having to haul her around. But to his credit, he was correct in one thing; Elia was the culprit, yet at the same time she was not. He stood up, looking at Diane. "I actually believe that she should remain here." He admitted. "She has already exhausted herself, and as Vala said, she has already gone through a lot today. Such information alone requires time for her to recover from. We can find the books ourselves and bring them back to the cathedral for deeper inspection." He looked back down at Elia. "I have been giving her a hard time dragging her all over this city and it turns out she was that much of a victim as the rest of Sanctus Heights." He whispered, hands tightening into a fist. Guilt. He felt guilt. But determination to see this through prioritized everything else. Rebirth? Was it the same kind as the one that caused the animation of the automaton? He turned to the two once more. "She should be allowed to remain here with her father and rest. Come on. Let's head to the home."

- Arun - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: High End - I need an adult. Wait. Crap. I am the adult - Xion136 Elrandir -
Arun was handsome, but he was not handsome enough to be saved from this. He would stick to Incrarose like the awkward friend tagging along with the only person that they knew in the party. Arun would look around, trying to focus but there was so much to focus on. Even with his magic activated, he could not narrow it down fully. At least, until Incarose found who they were looking for. Arun narrowed his eyes, focusing on it. He could hear the heartbeat...and there was the hair. He lifted his head. "Great job, Incrarose. Lets go!" He took her hand and pulled her along, hurrying to the man in blue. He would approach, standing by him before clearing his throat. "Pardon us. May we have a word with you, sir?" He asked.

- Yael - Unaffiliated - Aeternalis - The Grand Feast -

Yael would allow the child to lead him along, smiling as he followed barefoot. His tail would wag and follow his movements, ears perked and a genuine smile on his face. He could try and compare it to other memories, possibly. His birthdays. His wedding days. His accomplishments. His conquers. But even if he tried, they all melted away whenever he felt the pendant around his neck against his skin. No. This was one memory. A single one that could never be repeated, from a single life that he lived. There were many. But this one was special. But he would not worry about it. He did not had to pretend with this one. The feelings were genuine, and so were his smiles and laughter.

A cat has nine lives, and all of them are mine. But my tenth life is special, for it was the one I remembered what living is all about.

Elrandir · Mar 6, 2020

Thea Nero - Court of Somnum - Vita City -

Stardustblade358

Nero was pretty focused on freezing both ruffian #3 and his dual blades, but Arkane wanted for her to leave.

" I find that course of action a little unwise," she answered, "you will be fighting at a disadvantage if you stay alone."

But Arkane was right. If both of them were locked in jail, who was going to protect Mabel? The Heir of Vivifica was not able to do it, being blind and all. Eclaire and Fyenne were doing their own thing. And both Arkane and her were busy protecting the young man from the ruffians. Stay and fight, with the possibility of getting arrested. Or leave Arkane on his own, but being able to be at the High Priestess's side.

"Alright, you win. But you better be back soon," Nero said to Arkane before turning to thenruffian "As for you, I am sad to say that our time together is over. My companion over there will be with you in a moment"

The Maestra took out the daggers from her chest, more blood spilling on her blouse, she grabbed her staff, crouched and made a quick swing to hit ruffian #3 behind his legs, hopefully making him fall. She then would run and mount her horse, giving Arkane one last look.

"We will be waiting."

And with that, Nero's horse galloped away from the scene of the fight. She would take some time to heal her wounds once she was far away from the scene, she would ask the people for directions too. In time Nero would arrive in the Honeybadger B&B, hoping that Mabel and Jynn were already there, waiting for the rest.

Mystics Apprentice · Mar 7, 2020

–Vita City– (Caravan Party)

Nero Kunivas

At Nero's threats, ruffian #3 merely laughed, shaking his head slightly. "Death cowers when she looks at us," he retorted, uncertain what kind of threat that a woman could possibly make that would send chills up his spine. He felt so certain of himself, in fact, that it took him several moments to realize the blades in his hands were beginning to grow cold, and that his own fingers began to be tinged with blue as ice crusted over them. He yelped, releasing the blades quickly and glaring at Nero, stunned.

While Nero and Arkane spoke, the ruffian leader started to come back to his senses, shakily rising to his feet. This made ruffian #1 feel a bit more brave, coming out of the cart and striding back into the fray. The three were still rearing and ready to go, or at least mostly–one was swaying, but that was all right. Ruffian #1 picked up his club that he'd discarded when running from Arkane's lightning, smacking his palm and ready to go.

The swing was slightly too wide from Nero, missing Ruffian #3's legs as he skirted away, deftly sweeping to pick up the blades that Nero left behind, still tarnished with the Maestra's crimson blood. "We won't forget this from ya!" Ruffian #3 shouted after her.

This now left Arkane alone. Until he felt someone bump up against his back. Dark eyes flickered toward Arkane, braids shifting over his shoulder as he jerked his head in the direction of the ruffians. The young man from the Outskirts, true to his word, stood alongside him, and would continue to do so until this was resolved. "We should try to outrun 'em," he urged. "These guys are good, and they have friends which they can call on–"

Just as ruffian #1 began to charge Arkane with his club held over his head, a whistle blew in the streets, and cries rang through the streets, "By the order of the chief of police, I demand that you all surrender and drop your weapons!"

If Arkane glanced up, he would find four security officers surrounding them on horseback, and three on foot. They all had guns raised and trained on the ruffians. Ruffian #3 sized them up before trying to slip away. He did not get far. One of the security guards fired their gun, knocking the ruffian to the ground with a bullet to the shoulder.

"Any resistance and we will have to use force," a security officer added, as though that should have been obvious.

One officer moved toward the dead body, seemingly trying to check for vitals, while another of the officers turned toward the remaining individuals. "All of you. To the sheriff's office. Now."

The Outskirts individual's eyes widened as he glanced at Arkane, but clearly he wasn't going to resist arrest. The ruffian had just proven that resisting was a fool's errand. And clearly, they were outnumbered.

Vita City: Honeybadger B&B

Endless Thundaza ,

Elrandir

Nero would have little trouble finding the Honeybadger B&B. The directions that had been given to her were clear, and she found no trouble as she made her way. Some people glanced her up and down after noticing the blood on her chest, but none made an attempt to stop her or to even get involved. If she walked inside, the innkeeper, pretending to ignore the blood, greeted her with a warm smile.

"Well, hello there! And what can I do for a fine miss such as yourself? Looking for a room for the night?" he would ask her.

-----

The priestess clung tight to the Vivifica mage as she let out a deep anguished sigh, one that seemed to be tainted with tears if she allowed them to escape. However, she did not allow herself to cry. She needed to exude strength right now, but for Jynn and for herself, and thus she took Jynn's hand, rubbing his knuckles with her thumb tenderly before facing her mother. Mabel opened her mouth, as though to speak, before Elante beat her to it.

"You both are so sweet together. I am glad . . . that you have each other. I love you, Mabel. Forever and always."

Mabel seemed uncertain on how to respond to that. She closed her mouth, stared at her mother momentarily, before tucking a lock of hair behind her hair and guiding Jynn out of the room by the hand. If he didn't continue to move along with her, she was prepared to drag him out of the room if she had to.

"I am sorry that you had to witness all of that," she said as she wiped her hands on the skirt of her still-wet dress. "Or that you had to speak to her at all. What did she say to you? It seemed that you two were deep in conversation when I came in."

As they climbed down the stairs they would find Nero in the lobby, the innkeeper offering her a room. Mabel's eyes widened at the blood staining Nero's blouse, as she gripped Jynn's shirt and said in a harsh whisper. "Professor Nero's here, and she's hurt!"

–Sanctus Heights: Streets–

Nero Kunivas

Kolm, for a moment, appeared as Switzerland, shifting his weight from one side to the other, not wanting to take sides and get involved in a court mage dispute. Eventually he stood in front of Aquilla, choosing to defend whom he deemed to be more the victim here. That, and he'd personally begun to view her as a friend . . . or something.

"Look, it doesn't really matter right now," he said curtly, trying to diffuse the situation between them. "If we don't hurry that man is going to be in and out of that store quickly. We should go now if we want to catch him . . . or not. It's up to you guys." He glanced down awkwardly, as though fearing the repercussions for speaking out to court mages. Would Pali wrap him up in one of his eye stalks, too? Kolm slightly shuddered at the thought.

–Sanctus Heights: Elvenwind, the Exotic Wares Shop–

Scrapmaster

They saw . . . worth in her? This caused Elia to smile gently at Vala, whether from being drugged from the spell or comforted by her words was unclear. She was gearing up and ready to guide them to her father's house when Vincent suggested the impossible . . . .

"You mean, you're letting me go? I'm free?" she asked, blinking in surprise and glancing at the Ignis mechanic. Had he a change of heart? Did he decide that she was innocent? But she felt this evidence only furthered her conviction, not the other way around. She extended her hand toward Vincent, and if he accepted she would drop a small silver key into his hand.

"This is a key to get into the lieutenant's house. It is on the west side of town, on Babbling Brook Way. It is number four; a white house with a red door," she explained to Vincent. "We all lived there, back when Mom was alive, but after that . . . my sister insisted that we move out and get our own apartment. I did like it there." Elia was rambling at that point, perhaps the side effects of the spell and feeling so relaxed.

The raven-haired mage would curl up wherever she was led, though before doing so she lifted her head. "Oh, and Vincent?" She offered him a smile–an actual smile–"thank you. For believing in me, and for helping my dad. Maybe I was wrong about the courts, after all."

----

In the main shop, Vala would find a blue-haired man looking through some of the merchandise on the racks, chiefly silken robes. He glanced up when Vala arrived. "I am looking for a gift for my wife," he answered her smoothly, shifting his long hair over his shoulder. "It is our anniversary this weekend, and I have heard nothing but praise about your merchandise from her." He lifted a robe from the rack. "Do you accept checks?"

–Sanctus Heights: Cherry Babies–

Xion136

"Hmm?" The blue haired man shifted in his seat toward them. Expressionlessly he glanced from Arun's face, to Incarose's, before seemingly slightly irritated by the interruption. "Can I help you?" He jerked his head toward the performers. "And, more importantly, can it wait? I would like to enjoy the rest of the performance."

No one around them seemed to be aware of their conversation; they certainly weren't attracting any attention.

–Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral–

Thanny

At the mention of Kagura the pink-haired maid shifted around, glancing over at Jari and smiling. "Oh, are you a court friend of Kagura's?" she asked, before gesturing down the hall with a hand. "She is in visiting with Elder Absalom, who would like to reward her for her efforts in saving him yesterday. I am sure they will only be a moment longer, if you don't mind waiting." There were three doors down the hall, where she had pointed to, though one was particularly ornate with a green rug in front of it, and it was the only door on the left–which seemed to be where Viola was indicating.

She offered him a respectful nod of the head as she started to pass him down the hall.

–Aeternalis, the City of Everlasting Dreams–

Nero Kunivas ,