Fantasy ☽₊✩‧₊Found Destiny₊✩‧₊☾

[ZombieBaee]

Veda “Smith”
₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊
21.Gemini.All Four. Siren.
​

A few months ago Veda and Vesta had sat on their couch and marathoned horror films, campy older ones had always been her favorites; the ones about classic monsters and spooks. Now she was sitting in the middle of a forest with one, though she no longer considered Leo a monster… she understood him in a way that she could tell most of the others didn’t. He may have been annoying and misguided more often than not but it wasn’t from a place of malice, it was from a place of great trauma and hurt. So as Veda sat on her knees, tilting her chin towards the stars to allow her throat up to a creature she had once only known from horror films… she wasn’t scared, not really. Well, she wasn’t scared of him. The idea of him being hurt scared her a whole hell of a lot, more than she should have felt for a man she barely knew anything about. But for some reason her stomach had turned into a hard knot at the sight of his blood and the thought of him not making it out of this situation alive was enough to make her panic.

“I’m sure.” Her voice was soft and she had no energy left to be sarcastic, she just wanted to focus on him healing and then getting the hell out of these creepy ass woods. Leo’s hand against the small of her back caused her to learn towards him slightly, the two of them fitting together like puzzle pieces as his face turned to the crook of her neck. His words caressed her ear and Veda’s breath hitched for a moment before escaping in a gasp as his fangs pierced her skin. It didn’t hurt as much as she remembered, being prepared and not fighting it made this a much smoother experience, Veda could even see why she heard this could be considered enjoyable in certain circumstances. That realization caused her face to warm, her eyes falling shut as her body relaxed against his. This time it wasn’t from the loss of blood, this time it was due to her mind losing out to her body, she wanted to be as close to him as possible and at this point Veda was damn near in his lap as he fed.

It had been a long time since Veda felt safe around a man, it made no sense to her why it was Leo of all people. Ever since the end of a tumultuous relationship a few years back she hadn’t put much trust in their gender again… especially considering they kept proving her right. It was the reason Veda never felt any sort of remorse when she stole from the dates she went on, because she knew that was the most damage she could do to the shitty ones without stooping to their level. Something about Leo just made her feel so secure and safe, ever since their first time together after the fire trial … she could just tell he had changed. What he had done to the twins that first week, it was out of character for Leo and she knew in her bones he would never do anything again to hurt her or Vesta. It wasn’t as if he had told her or anything, it was just that Veda knew it.

Leo pulled back only a minute or two later, his forehead resting against her shoulder as he pulled her in tight before finally looking up at her. Veda opened her own eyes finally, staring into his with a sort of serene expression that caused her smile to slowly grow. “Yes I’m fine- are you- Ah! Leo!” Veda gasped as her body was lifted into the air as if she were weightless, her arms instantly scrambling to get around him as Leo began to whip through the forest at a speed that dizzied her. However the way that he was holding her made Veda fairly certain that she could completely let go of him and there was no way she would fall. Leo had her held firmly but gently against him and the cool hardness of his chest against her only made Veda tighten her hold despite knowing she didn’t really need to. “Leo?” She spoke softly but knew he could hear her, “Can we wait before we go back completely?” The two of them had broken the edge of the trees and across the thin clearing she could see the lights and chaos of the citadel.

“I just- if you’re not going back out to look, which you’re not unless you want me to personally kill you, then we don’t need to go anywhere right NOW.” Veda peered up at him as she spoke, her eyes moving over his features slowly and really taking them in for the first time. Obviously Leo was gorgeous, but now she realized that his strong features were also somehow soft in a way and that just really seemed to make perfect sense for him. “It’s just all a lot right now and if it’s okay, I’d like to keep away from any more chaos. So even if we go back to the citadel can we remain unseen?” Her fingers dug into the material of his shirt a bit as she asked, she would leave the last bit unsaid but hoped he would catch on ; Veda wanted to spend more time with him.

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[EclipseRosee]

Matteo Sellis
｡ ₊°༺❤︎༻°₊ ｡
26.Sagittarius.Incubus.Fire​

“Vesta don’t!” Matteo growled after her with a guttural fear as he quickly moved to give chase but stumbled near instantly over a tree root. Dammit! As he scrambled to his feet his full order was taking over and Rune was yelling at him. “Yeah no shit bud!” Two small horns popped from Matteo’s temples as his eyes changed from their natural appearance to the blood red hues of his fae form then to finish it off two large wings spawned from his back, they were deep blue and maroon to match the color of the fire he typically summoned. Then he was off, flying wouldn’t help him until he reached Vesta but his wings did help him keep his balance as he ran through the woods, small wing bursts catching him every time he tripped up.

“Vesta!” Matteo yelled once more as he entered the space where the wraith had her held, thankfully Rune was just a few feet ahead of him and took care of the creature… at least he thought it was Rune although Matteo hadn’t actually seen any magic be used. Right now how didn’t matter to him, all his focus was on scooping up Vesta from the ground before he ran her over and launching into the sky with one powerful jump. Once they cleared the trees his wings furled out completely and a deep blue haze encapsulated them as he soared higher into the air.

Now that Matteo could actually breathe again he looked over the woman curled in his arms, he was holding Vesta in a hug basically, his arms wrapped tightly around her back and hips to keep her up but from what he could see the only wound was on her cheek. Those few scratches were enough that it was hard for Matteo to not turn back and kill that fucking wraith himself. “What in the FUCK is wrong with you?” He adjusted her so that her legs were around his waist, one of his arms supporting her hips while the other hand moved to cradle the back of her neck. “Do you know how badly that could have gone? How close to that you got? Those things can take down even our most trained people and even give the heirs a run for their money. You’re barely two months into this! You could have been fucking killed Vee!”

The two of them landed once they reached the citadel and Matteo gently placed Vesta’s feet on the solid surface of the Ignis tower spire. Around them the night wind whipped wildly at this height but Matteo didn’t even feel a chill due to the fear fueled rage he was still deeply drowning in. Vesta winced as she touched the cut on her cheek, her eyes unable to meet Matteo's furious gaze but still he stormed forward and took her chin between his thumb and fingers. “Does it hurt?” He grumbled turning her head softly but with a firm grip that showed he wasn’t willing to take any excuses or sugarcoating. “It’s fairly deep but thankfully didn’t break through any tissue fully. We should get you down to a healer to get cleaned up though, or I have some supplies in my room. But even if you have me clean it up now that doesn’t mean you don’t need to go get checked out later. Wraith wounds are strange and can bring up complications often.” Finally his gaze moved from her cheek to the rest of her face, moving first over her eyes before moving down to her full lips then back to her gold flecked eyes. “You could have been killed Vesta.” His eyes held hers intently, his face void of anything but worry and frustration. Silence stretched between them, broken only by the howling wind. “You don’t have to be the only person fighting anymore, it isn’t you and Veda against the world here. There are people here to support you and care for you, to help you when you need it. Running into shit just because you can’t fully trust others is just plain stupid and bound to get you or others hurt.”

It was rare that Matteo showed his serious side, around here he stuck so closely to his comedic relief role in order to save himself from strife and drama. But this was serious, this wasn’t a time for jokes or smiles. He was so frustrated with her for constantly butting heads with all things confrontational and threatening! She could run off after a wraith, throw her flame towards a stranger and constantly tell off Leo but she couldn’t seem to handle texting her sister. The bravado was dangerous and he just couldn’t swallow her getting hurt, it was already killing him to look at her cheek! He couldn’t even begin to imagine something more dire.

. ​

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[ZombieBaee]

Marigold Lycath
◯ ☽ ◑ ● ◐ ❨ ◯
23.Scorpio.Werewolf.Water

Dammit! Mari hissed under her breath as she watched Alina interact with the woman in her arms. She had known it was a long shot and knew there was only so much possible but it still stung to lose anyone to a wraith. Darkness had plunged their realm into a war that ravaged their lives for years, the shadow users from the shadow realm had become so jaded and power hungry after their exile to their own realm and had found a way to bridge the divide and wage war. Mari could remember those days like it was yesterday, she had fought in the ranks alongside her family despite her power being worthy of more. She could remember feeling strange about fighting at all, she knew she had to in order to protect their people but at the same time she understood the shadow users qualms. Their entire race had been sent to a dangerous new world based simply upon fear of a few radicals who had gone power hungry and discovered the use of shadows in order to steal other power. Any incidents that came up with wraiths sent the war just… sent her mind in spins.

“Thank you.” Mari spoke simply as she stood and watched as Alina lifted the woman into the air. With a flick of her wrist Mari pulled water from a nearby creek and rinsed her hands, then doused the bloody ground to diminish any smells that would pull more unsightly creatures towards them. Then the two women began the walk back towards the grounds. “I should have assumed it was after the twins. Their power aura must seem like quite the prize to any of those things.” Wraiths were still a bit of mystery in their world besides being insanely strong and coming from the shadow realm. Thinking about that realm made her mind jump instantly to Rune and his secret, one that Mari had never been afraid or or prejudiced against. He would never use his shadows to do anything but protect this land and its people but she couldn’t help but wonder then why he seemed to be the only one left.

“Cy will be able to get her to her home, she had a terra signet on her amour right? If you can just help me get her to the Terra barracks, I’ll take it from there Alina.” Mari knew that bringing up Cy was a touchy subject between the two of them but given the circumstances kept the usual biting tone out of her words. “I’d appreciate the help.”

—
A day after the attack it was announced that the woman who has died was being given an honorary title to commend her bravery against the “rogue wraith” and that there was no need for any one in the Citadel or surrounding villages that should worry. An announcement that made Mari more rage filled than ever because it was a fucking lie. But the current powers that be would rather helpless sheep who follow without question than an actual prepared population that might see all the fucked up shit that happened. This was why Mari needed things with the heirs to happen as planned, Cy and the others might have issues but they cared about their people and would change things for the better. At least Mari thought so.

The other announcement was one to distract the people from their paranoia and fear; the wedding between Alina and Leo was moving up.

“There’s so many people around.” Mari grumbled as she walked through the courtyard with Vesta at her side towards the arena for more training. “This fucking wedding is going to be so damn tacky. Did their mothers invite the entire fucking nation?” She barked at two people standing obliviously in the entry way to the arena when they didn’t move and caused them both to nearly jump out of their skin before running back towards the main building. “Acting like fucking tourists.”

“Anyways, where’s your lap dog Vessie? Still keeping him in a crate?” Mari plopped down on one of the benches to re-tie her white and blue sneakers as they waited for the others to arrive for some combat training. It was their last session all together until all focus turned to the wedding. “Not that you need him anymore, you’re like everyone’s favorite new conquest now kid. New girl AND a basically dead order? You jumped to the top of the hit list there girlie.”


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[KAYDEN]

Cypres Ettery
~𑁍~
27.Capricorn.Nemean Lion. Earth & Air​

The wraith attack had screwed things up for Cy more than he thought it could have. As if it wasn’t hard enough to have to deal with the reality of wraiths returning this close to their home, he also had been fairly positive he watched Rune use shadows against the creature during the battle… and that the creature had spoken to the man in its eerie voice. Then just to add insult to injury, it was announced that Alina’s wedding to Leo was moving forward as a celebration to look forward to in this trying times. It was meant to be proof that the leading families weren’t scared, that they were frivolous enough to throw a wedding so the public didn’t need to worry about any silly attacks. It was reckless. Plus, it meant the love of his life was officially the wife of another man. A couple that he would have to see often, do business with and act with respect towards. All things that Cy felt nearly impossibly at this point in time.

“Listen to me closely, I want you to gather everything you can on shadow users for me okay Matteo? I know you can get your hands on things and I won’t ask a question. Promise.” Cy spoke lowly into the speaker of his atlas as he walked towards their meeting space for the day. “I just want to do some research because of the attack okay? That’s all. Plus it’s a good distraction from all the wedding madness around here.” He wasn’t about to tell Matteo the real reason why Cy needed a big distraction from this wedding but he was sure those closest to him and Alina had to see why he was upset. Even if they didn’t know anything or have suspicions, it was clear that he and Alina were growing distant as friends and that this wedding would be the nail in the coffin.

As Cy entered the arena his eyes landed on Mari and Vesta, finding no one else here yet. “Morning ladies, Mari is this who you’re going to hang out with now? Vesta do you mind if I ask to check your eyes real fast, Mari do I need to start doing that with everyone you’re around or making her friends with or do you want to maybe finally let me in on the truth there?” He dug at her with a raised brow, moving to lean against one of the supports of the benches. Ever since the announcement moving Alina’s wedding date he had begun to drill Mari again about the black circles in her eyes. Maybe just maybe if he could push her into realizing she should be with her unnamed mate, Cy could figure out how to be with Alina.

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[Pax Pardus Hale]

Vesta “Smith”
✴︎⋆✴︎⋆✴︎
21.Gemini. All four. Phoenix.

"It hurts a little." Or a lot, but she couldn't tell him that. Vesta had met his eyes once, those deadly serious blood red orbs of his causing her to shrink down like she was in trouble. A normal person would have recognized his fear of losing her, but Vesta didn't pick up on those social cues. No one had ever been this worried about her and she mixed up the signals, and while she secretly dreamed of Matteo holding her face she had never wanted him to be mad at her. The eyes that always made her heart beat funny were now cutting her down smaller than she had ever felt. Immediately tears pricked in those golden flecked orbs of hers and flowed down her cheeks, the single stream of tears healing the bloodied wound in a matter of seconds.

"I- I'm sorry Matteo. I do trust you. I just wanted to help..." Why else would he have brought her out there if he didn't want her help? Vesta had so many questions, so many things she wanted to say, but she couldn't find any words. The whipping winds reminded her how high up they were, and while Matteo may have not of felt the temperature she had a deep shiver run down her spine. "I don't want anyone hurt because of me. I - I just didn't want you hurt." Vesta quietly admitted with a quivering voice and the small copper haired woman stepped closer to him to rest her forehead against his chest in defeat. "...I'll go to the healer."

--

"Matteo hates me and I don't really know how to face him anymore." Vesta followed Marigold absentmindedly and did her best not to bump into people on the way. This last week had been hell. The news of the Wraith had the citadel busy, the images of her as a phoenix spread like wildfire and it suddenly seemed that everyone wanted to talk to her, and the impending wedding had the entire place packed. All of which wouldn't of been an issue if she could be by Matteo's or Vesta's side like usual. She just... she couldn't stand to see him mad at her again. Vesta folded in on herself and would've held up in her room had it not been for Mari keeping her social.

Vesta had sat down on the bench next to Mari and hugged the top of her thighs to her chest so she could rest her chin on her knees. The usual spunk she had was left on the top of the Ignis tower and each day without Matteo and Veda her mood went more south. But Mari was wrong, Vesta did need Matteo. They may have known each other for just a few months but he became a pillar in her life, someone she appreciated, idolized, she admired him so much. Even now she couldn't help but think of that beautiful form of his, horns, wings and all. At this point she'd give anything for him to just flirt with her-- she knew it meant nothing to him but it certainly meant something to her.

"Eyes? Why would you be checking my eyes?" Dark red brows furrowed at the mention of eyes and Vesta peeked over to look at Mari's. Yep, a black ring. "Are you sick or something? What happened? Want me to walk with you to the healer?"


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[Pax Pardus Hale]

Alina Diaval
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
22. Aquarius. Storm Dragon. Water & Air


Once upon a time ago when they were teenagers Alina and Marigold were good friends. She couldn't even remember what had crumbled their friendship, but the thing that sealed the deal for her was the engagement to Cypres. Still, Alina silently assisted in the transport of the sentry to the barracks and parted ways with her old friend. It wasn't Mari's fault that she was hopeless in love with him, it was just painful to be around. Still, she loved Mari. She was brave, fearless, and confident, all the things that Alina wasn't. Maybe that was why Cy would never love her.

That didn't stop him from kissing her in the greenhouse. The thought made her want to cry and vomit every single time, and she thought about it a lot. I don't love you. The words crippled her heart every damned time. He wanted to still be respectful to him but at this point Alina would never be able to look him in the eyes again, not without breaking down and sobbing.

She locked herself at the top of Ignis tower in Leo's room once more and told Leo to go find Veda. As if the Wraith and heartbreak wasn't bad enough the wedding got moved up. Alina couldn't eat, all she did was sob, and she refused to even shift from her dragon form up until today. Their families arrived today and she had to put on a brave face. Perfect makeup, perfect wavy hair, and she donned a flowing blue dress that was a bit too big now for her dwindling figure to make believe that she was fine.

The only thing she couldn't put on was a smile.

Thunder clapped in the distance and dark storm clouds were rolling in as her, Leo, and Veda moved closer to the arena for their training session. She'd be seeing Cy today and that was something she didn't want to do. He'd be there at the wedding with Mari, he'd watch her kiss Leo and wouldn't even feel a thing about it. All the thoughts weighed heavily on her as they walked into the arena and of course those swollen tired eyes of hers landed on Cypres. Her stomach churned and she quickly turned to Leo to straighten the obnoxious tie he had to wear to impress his father. "Veda I'm not sure if Leo has invited you yet, but I insist you and Vesta come to the wedding. It's the event of the year from what I hear."

Still, even as she tried to fake her enthusiasm it didn't reach that dejected look on her face. The poor thing hadn't eaten in weeks and no matter how much she slept it never seemed to be enough. And the only person she wanted to confide in was the person who was hurting her the most.
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[Colt Voltage]

Leo Thorn
𓆩✧♛✧𓆪
26.Leo.Vampire.Fire

"Veda didn't want to go back to the citadel and, honestly, neither did Leo. He was going to go back in and hunt for the Wraith but with Cy and Rune both there surely they had it under control. Plus as fun as it sounded he didn't want her killing him. "Yeah, I've got a few places I can show you to kill some time. I didn't want to let you go quite yet anyway." Leo peered down at her with an easy smile on his face, his blue eyes soft as he looked over her gorgeous feminine features. Her nose, her eyes, those prominent cheekbones, she was so damned beautiful it should've been illegal.

And so they were off. The nearest town was about an hour away, 15 minutes with his vampiric speed. He held onto her the whole time like she was the most precious thing to him until they got there, gently setting her down on the cobblestone path once they arrived. There they stayed for hours meeting the townsfolk that Leo had personally saved from an attack years ago. They welcomed Veda in with open arms, cooked food for the two of them, and showed them around the quaint little village. It showed Veda more than just the bustling overwhelming citadel, just how well loved Leo was by his people, and how welcoming they were to her despite not even knowing her background.

---------

"I hate ties." Leo grumbled miserably as Alina straightened the red tie he wore over his black button down. This past week he was bombarded with blow after blow. He wanted to warn the people of the possibility of more Wraiths but was vetoed, his worries swept under the rugs by the kings and instead the wedding was moved up. It made him furious but, Alina shut down. He didn't know what he did to hurt her so bad but it seemed she didn't want him around, so much so that she had sent him off to hang out with Veda. Honestly that was the only positive of the week, but whenever he wasn't with Veda he was trying to get Alina to at least eat something. The only thing she seemed hungry for was biting off his head.

He knew their relationship was never about a connection. He was marrying her because he promised her dying father he'd look after her, and Leo had never broken a promise. He... he wished he could set Alina free to love who she wanted, hell he wanted to be free to love who he wanted. That wasn't an option anymore though, so he was thankful she at least pulled herself together for their family's arrival.

"*My oh my, is this where you two have been hiding?~*" His eyes widened to the size of saucers and his jaw dropped at the sound of the chipper feminine voice. "M-Mom?" He spun on his heels and blinked widely at the 5'4" olive kissed skinned woman who didn't look much older than mid her early thirties. She had pixie cut black hair, striking blue eyes and a cat like grin to her face. She had elongated kohl eye liner like Cleopatra and a small golden crown fixated to the top of her head.

"*I absolutely had to sneak off to find you. Your father is such a busy body-- said you two were far too busy for your mother. Can you imagine? Now Alina doll you're absolutely fading away. The cards have said you haven't been well lately. And they also said that you've made a new friend, Leo-bear.*" "Oh, please mother not your card talk again." Leo let out a small groan as the small woman bounced over to them, her blue eyes with the glowing golden ring around them instantly landing on Veda. Her Cheshire smile only grew and her eyes practically sparkled. "*Yes yes yes, you're one of the twins are you not. The siren? The cards speak so highly of you. It's an honor, really. My name is Dalia Thorn, buuuut you can call me mom. Mommy? Mother. Whatever you prefer. Welcome to the family.~*" There was no hesitation as she pulled Veda into her arms for a tight hug.

"Mom seriously you have like, NO chill. You're embarrassing me."
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[Sir Damien]

Rune Finch
⋆༺𓆩

𓆪༻⋆
27.Scorpio.Basalisk.Shadows&Earth

Matteo had seen Rune's shadow abilities time and time before, he was just good at making it look like earth powers. His blood ran cold when he realized that Cypres saw him, and although he didn't say anything he could just feel the look on his face. Still, Rune acted like nothing was wrong and escorted the two of them out of the woods into the hell that was the citadel.

While the threat of the Wraith was minimized and swept under the rug Rune argued with the kings. He insisted that they at least allow Rune to take a leave of absence to look into where the Wraith had come from but, they dismissed him and said that he would be the last person they sent. It made Rune feel like he wasn't trusted, like he wasn't good enough purely because he was a shadow user. It made him clench his jaw and bite his tongue, but, he couldn't argue. They controlled his life-- one word from the kings and Rune would be executed. While it didn't sound like a bad idea sometimes Marigold lingered in the back of his mind. How if he died it would rip her to shreds, how if he was gone no one would be looking after her like he would.

He simply accepted the refusal and slithered back to the citadel.

"I overseen the arrival of the kings this morning Dalia but I noticed your absence. Jasper said you'd be tracking down Leo." There was a hint of amusement to Rune's voice as he entered the arena. Honestly Dalia was the only royal he genuinely didn't loathe. She was from a land faraway simply here to visit when she had instantly bonded with the king. Already mates were a rare thing, but an instant bonded mate was one in a million. She seemed off the wall at times but-- no, she was off the wall all the time. But her predictions were never wrong and he often sought her advice for things that troubled him.

Speaking of things that troubled him. Those black ringed emerald orbs of his looked to Cypres and Marigold and his jaw clenched. He hated seeing them together but there was nothing he could do about it, nothing he could do to ease the pain in his chest. "Matteo's late so we'll start without him. Alina-- you look like shit." His brows furrowed as he looked at the small dragon. "Today we were going to tackle air and earth, but we can start with Ettery."

Rune looked towards Cypres once more and arched his brow. "Unless you're not up for it. You missed hitting the Wraith, you'd probably miss the girls too. In which case I'll have to do everything again." Okay maybe that was the jealousy speaking, but the point remained.

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[ZombieBaee]

Veda “Smith”
₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊₊✩‧₊
21.Gemini.All Four. Siren.

Veda didn’t know how to handle her own emotions anymore, it was like being a siren made her already tumultuous emotions even more rocky. Between still being estranged with Vesta, all the weirdness with the wraith attack and whatever in the hell was going on with Leo… Veda was a mess. Ever since the night of the attack Veda’s mind was completely clouded over with Leo, a haze that only got worse with every time they were together the last week. The man was engaged to a woman that he loved, a woman that he was getting married to this week and a woman who was such a beautiful soul. It was just like Veda to grow attached to an inappropriate man, to want something she could t have… but this just felt so much more intense. In reality Leo and her didn’t know each other, she didn’t know his middle name or his favorite book, she didn’t know anything about his family aside from them being currently involved in the council and he didn’t know her. But it felt like she did, Veda felt like she had known Leo for eternity and was so comfortable around him as if he was an old friend. It just made it all that much more confusing and of course Veda wanted to talk to Vesta about it all but she knew she would t understand! Vesta would just tell her she was being stupid and that Leo was a monster … but that wasn’t fair. So instead Veda just bottled it all up and moved on with her life.

“Actually I already got invited as a plus one, but thank you for thinking of me Alina. Of course I’ll be there.” Veda tried her best to give Alina a bright smile as the three of them walked, Kato had invited Veda to be his date a few nights back and she had said yes out of surprise. It was an agreement she was now very much regretting. “It wouldn’t be all messed up if you would stop playing with it.” She laughed softly as she watched Alina fix Leo’s tie, a simple interaction that made her want to vomit on the spot. Stars, someone should lobotomize her and put her out of her misery.

Then without warning an unfamiliar voice rang out that caused Veda to nearly jump out of her skin as she beautiful woman approached them. At first she was confused but after looking past the skin tone and the make up it was very clear who this woman was, she was Leo’s mother. Leo-Bear? It made Veda let out a snort that she quickly hid behind a polite cough, that nickname might even be better than mosquito. Veda’s soured mood was instantly changed by watching the way Leo’s mother spoke to him, we’ll really spoke in general, she was just so authentic in a way that she hadn’t seen much around here. Authentic in the way she hadn’t seen Leo in the village he took her to, the way he acted with the citizens and didn’t front with that toxic mask… it was easy to see how they were related. “Oh! Uh yes ma’am, I’m Veda and over there-“ Before Veda could even begin to turn to point in the direction of Vesta she was being pulled into a hug that shocked her. For such a small woman she was quite strong and despite Veda’s awkward back tap of a hug the woman held on with no sign of letting go until she was satisfied. “It’s nice to meet you… Mom?” Her voice was clearly filled with anxious energy as she finally gave the woman a full hug back and was released to stand on her own again. There was no way in hell she was calling this woman mommy, mom felt strange enough on her tongue. “You must be excited about the wedding right? Coming up fast.” Another half hearted chuckle left her lips as she tried to make small talk however her body shifted uncomfortably at the mention of the ceremony. It wasn’t reasonable for the idea of their marriage to make her so depressed but she couldn’t fucking help it. There was just something about Leo that spoke to her soul, he called her in and knowing that he was getting married to Alina hurt so much that Veda was having issues handling it. Hell if it was anyone but Alina, Veda probably would have been actually causing a stir by now but Alina was such a lovely person that didn’t feel right to ruin this for them, especially based on just some gut feeling that she was sure would go away in time.

Across the way Rune’s voice rang out and Veda was more than thankful for the distraction. With a small wave she excused herself from the trio and jogged over to join her sisters side to prepare for training. Veda was shit with earth but decent with air, thankfully it seemed that Vesta had a decent hold on earth. “Hey Rune! Don’t be a dick to Alina. Save that energy for the men around here.” Rune had gotten a lot less scary in their weeks here despite his increasing use of insults and lack of filter. That being said, Veda had become accustomed to calling his shit since Mari and Matteo had stopped recently. The man needed someone to check him.



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[ZombieBaee]

Marigold Lycath
◯ ☽ ◑ ● ◐ ❨ ◯
23.Scorpio.Werewolf.Water

“Oh please.” Mari huffed as she fixed her lipgloss in a compact before tossing the tube and mirror back in her purse. Her muddied golden orbs landed on Vesta with a raised brow, “That man doesn’t hate you Vesta, Matteo is obsessed with you. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not friends with the little shit but I do know that Matteo had zero people he hung out with until you and you sister showed up.” And including Veda in that is a stretch lately since she had been basically in the three way with Leo and Alina for weeks now. “Just take it from me kid, this world makes things get difficult fast and your status will only make things more complicated. So if you feel anything for someone now, go for it because there’s a strong possibility that once you girls reach any sort of status… choices will be made for you.” Mari tried to keep her mind from wandering to Rune as she spoke but she couldn’t help it or the stabbing feeling in her chest at the thought of him.

However when Cy joined and chose to open his mouth and be an abrasive dickwad, that stabbing was taken away and replaced with a burning anger that made her eyes turn to dangerous slits. “Cy I asked you to drop this. It’s over. It’s done. Can’t change it anyways. Plus shouldn’t you be acting right with all of our parents here? Who knows who’s sniffing around for a reason to drag your name through the dirt.” Her voice was low and dangerous as she spoke to him, Vesta was thankfully the only one within earshot but even then her asking questions could get dangerous for Rune. Mari glanced over at the redhead for a moment before her eyes returned to Cy, “There’s a phenomenon among fae called starbound mates, it’s like your one true person made for you by the stars. It’s not very common to find yours, but if you do there’s signs.” She chose to leave it at that because any more information was first not her job and second potentially dangerous. “And Cy is choosing to be petty about things rather than realizing that I chose him and that’s all that matters.”

Thankfully the subject was put to an end as others began to arrive, the throuple mentioned previously and then eventually Leo’s mother and Rune shortly after. Mari had to make a cognitive decision to stay calm and collected when Rune entered the arena, she knew that Cy was watching her every move lately and she couldn’t risk him finding out who her mate really was. Although when Rune said Alina looked like shit Mari couldn’t help but react with a short burst of laughter from where she sat. Mari wasn’t needed for today’s training, but there is no way that she was getting stuck dealing with all the parents in the back at the citadel. So instead, she had woken up and gotten ready to come train for the day. The girls were mostly training with Cy and Rune for earth and air hit the others would be working on general fighting techniques now that within the citadel walls it was mandatory to complete additional training each week due to the wraith attack.


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[KAYDEN]

Cypres Ettery
~𑁍~
27.Capricorn.Nemean Lion. Earth & Air

Cy couldn’t help the rueful smile that spread on his lips as Vesta looked confused and Mari began to become agitated. If Mari would just come clean and tell him about what going on, he would drop it… or he would convince her to leave him for her mate. If Mari walked away, Cy could try and spin this to somehow end up with Alina, he could be free to tell her the truth about how he felt about her and why he lied. But it had to be her, if he tried to break it off his father would likely fucking kill him for embarrassing the family. “Mari no need to get so hostile, I can be happy and thankful while still remaining curious. Can you blame me for wanting to know who my fiancés mate is? Who I have the lovely privilege of apparently beating for your hand?” He spoke it sweetly but hoped she could see the betrayal he felt in his eyes, it wasn’t that he was heart broken because Mari loved someone else, it was that he was giving up happiness for her and that she apparently had spent enough time with someone to have gone star crossed.

A few moments later the others began to trickle in and he stopped the subject, deciding that she was correct about the fact that the families were present especially considering Leo’s mother had found her way to their training. Cy watched them all for a moment as the woman pulled Alina then Veda into individual embraces that made him scoff. The woman was strange but kind enough, but he just couldn’t stomach watching Alina and her future in mother in law interact. It was just another reminder of the event occurring in just a few days.

Then as if he could get any more annoyed this morning, Rune had to go and call him out in a way that made his rage flair. “I’m sorry we don’t all thrive in dark corners like you Rune, it was hard to see in the forest that evening.” Cy growled over at the man, staring at him point blank to try and drive home the secondary meaning behind his words. Cy believed fully that Rune was a shadow wielder he just needed to prove it, or threaten the man enough to scare him into admitting it. He couldn’t wrap his head around why he would be here or why the council would allow a shadow wielder the rank that Rune held, but maybe they simply didn’t know. From what he knew Rune was registered to Terra as well… maybe he had hidden it from everyone until his slip up with the wraith. “We can start with me, good idea to show the twins that their mentor isn’t invincible. That he can take a hit.” Cy smirked as he pulled off his jacket and tossed it over by where Mari sat on the benches. Veda was mouthing off at Rune and that only fired up Cy even more… just something in him was itching to hit this fucker.

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[EclipseRosee]

Matteo Sellis
｡ ₊°༺❤︎༻°₊ ｡
26.Sagittarius.Incubus.Fire​

“Yes, I already told you earlier in this conversation I would. Now will you please stop asking so I can get ready? I already told you I woke up late Cypres.” Matteo stammered as he raced around his room with sopping wet hair to gather his things. He had been fucking exhausted since the wraith attack, he had used to much of his power and really needed a recharge but he just couldn’t fucking do it! It used to be so simple and casual but now the idea of flirting with or heaven forbid more than flirt with anyone other than Vesta felt so dirty and awkward, even if she was currently avoiding him like a plague. That only added to his exhaustion, the constant stress of trying to get Vesta to talk to him about what he said to her up on the spires that night but getting met with nothing but avoidance. Clearly Vesta was upset with him and he wanted to apologize for yelling and ask what really bothered her? He could understand that any sort of yelling was uncalled for but the rest of it he didn’t understand? Was Vesta upset with him for actually caring about what happened to her?

It only took Matteo about fifteen more minutes to finish getting dressed and tie his long hair into a bun due to it still being soaking wet. Once he was presentable he gathered his bag and booked it towards the arena. But unfortunately by the time he arrived the air was already filled with a palpable tension thought currently it seemed to be between two unlikely candidates… Rune and Cypres. “Sorry I’m late!” Matteo yelled as he reached them and slid to a halt, her bent over slightly and braced himself on his knees while his breath came in ragged spurts. He couldn’t remember the last time he was this fucking drained, it was a chore to even run. “Why are you two fighting? I don’t understand what’s happening here? What’s happening?” He finally caught his breath and glanced around at everyone, his eyes finally landing and remaining on Vesta. It had been a week since he had even seen her and just watching her standing there seemed to calm his nervous heart just a little bit. “I thought they were training you two today? Not putting on a show of toxic masculinity?” ​

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Vesta “Smith”
✴︎⋆✴︎⋆✴︎
21.Gemini. All four. Phoenix.

Normally Vesta would brush off whatever Mari said, assume it was a joke or some catty response. However what she said stirred up emotions she couldn't quite label. Matteo stirred up feelings she couldn't quite label. With all the toxic relationships Veda had been in she swore off men and dating, she wasn't willing to get mixed up in all the drama. With Matteo there were smiles, laughs, and even at their worst moment on the tower he made her heart flutter. If he was obsessed with her like Mari said then did that mean she was obsessed with him too? Too bad they weren't starbound, but even then she didn't care.

The trio came in and soon was followed by Leo's mother who, for some reason, opened her arms to Veda like family. Honestly it made her smile because that's all they wanted growing up, though it was a little weird that it was Leo's family of all people. She didn't understand why her sister insisted on hanging out with him. She didn't want to hang out with Matteo and Vesta but she much preferred the company of people actually engaged?

The sudden pissing match came out of left field. Vesta stood to her feet next to her sister and straightened the tight black tee she wore and simply watched the two males quietly. However when Matteo walked in her eyes fell on him and stayed there. He looked so tired. She had seen this man run, jump, and fly without so much as getting winded. Now there were bags under his eyes, he was running late, and he was panting like he had just ran 10 miles.

"Are you okay?" It wasn't the first thing to say to someone after a week of avoiding him but, she couldn't help it. All of her anxieties about him hating her shifted into anxiety about his well being. immediately she turned to him and moved the back of her soft hand to is forehead gently. "No fever... when was the last time you--- um, charged?"

The thought of him with flirting or being with anyone made her physically ill. Part of her hoped that it was him just being sick, but as she felt both of his cheeks with the back of her hand she confirmed no fever. It wasn't like she had any claim on him though, he was free to see whoever he wanted to. "I don't think training is happening today. Come on." The small pale hand fell from his face and grabbed hold of his much larger hand so she could lead him out of the arena. She'd talk to Veda eventually, just not right now.

"Can I help you at all?" The sentence made her face light up bright red as she realized what exactly she said. "I-I, um, do you want me to find someone for you? T-There's that one girl in Ignis that's always flirting with you. I can find her?" It wasn't like he couldn't charge, even if it crushed her soul.

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