Fantasy &nbsp; The Four Courts RP [closed]

Nero Kunivas

(Arkane and Eleanor)

The officer glanced sharply at Arkane as the Umbra mage spoke up, insisting that it were the ruffians that threw the first punch. "Of that I have no doubt," came his response, perhaps slight amusement even apparent in his tone. "I can discern by your posture and composure alone that you are of a reputable position, within a mage court after witnessing a demonstration of magic within the battle. And that, I know, came from no common thug." He glanced over dismally at one of the ruffians, who rubbed his brow ruefully at an injury site. "I am not allowed to make false promises or predictions, but I will say this: your kind never stay here long."

His lips tugged in a flat line, which was probably the closest he'd given to a smile in a long time, his black goatee harsh with his long nose and sharp features. The officer's dark eyes flickered toward Eleanor as she spoke up, expression unreadable. "You will want to cool your tongue," he advised. "I am not the judge, nor do I make the decisions around here. But, when you do face said judge, I'd keep that attitude in check if I were you, Miss.

"Violence is violence, regardless of who threw the first punch, and all misconduct is treated the same. Should you be found innocent, despite the bodies"–carefully he averted his gaze from Eleanor then, focusing perhaps too long on the ceiling–"then you will be free to go. Everything you say and do within these walls will be a judgment of your character, however, so I would suggest that you choose your actions and words wisely."

One of the thugs grunted, then spat in the direction of Eleanor's feet. If the Umbra mage glanced over she would find that he was grinning menacingly at her, which didn't go unnoticed by the security officer in front of them. "That goes for all of you," he said darkly, raising a forefinger and glancing at the assaulting ruffian. "I think you need some alone time. The rest of you, with me."

The officer with blonde braids from the square led the perpetrating ruffian away, while the other followed Arkane, Kiran, Eleanor, and the dark-haired officer down a hall. They were led to a set of cells. A wall partitioned them, but they were connected in the sense that the same set of bars extended along both. They were generously sized, with bunks and a sink. The officer unlocked once cell and guided the two remaining ruffians within it, while allowing the other three into the second cell.

"No sense in overcrowding you," he said. "Should you need anything, an attendant named Gretchen will arrive shortly and bring refreshments. You will be asked your side of the story, but until then I would suggest that you remain civil to one another, and to any personnel here."

Vita City: Honeybadger B&B

Endless Thundaza ,

Elrandir

"The authorities?!" Mabel blurted, eyes widening and panic beginning to set it. "Oh, no, oh no, oh no, oh no, OH NO! This is all my fault! I never should've left you guys, or brought you here, or anything!"

Before much else could happen, Jynn and Nero got into a heated argument, and though she quietly pleaded them to stop, they didn't seem to hear her. It ended with Jynn leaving in a rage, Mabel reaching out a hand and exclaiming, "Wait, Jynn!" as he opened the door and left the room. Mabel stood silently in place, head hung low. A tear rolled down her cheek. "Jynn . . . ." At last she lifted her gaze to Nero. "I'm sorry about how this all went," she said awkwardly, wringing her hands, tears still shining in her eyes. "This is all my fault, and now I have to fix it. I will go to the sheriff's office and explain the situation. I will demand the release of my escorts. As high priestess, they will have to heed me and my request."

------

In the lobby, Jynn would witness much traffic, people coming and going, auras flickering in and out of the door and up the staircases. Jynn would also detect a familiar aura sitting across from him, the man with the top hat from earlier that had encountered Mabel and Jynn on the staircase. He would tip his hat respectfully toward Jynn, before clearing his throat and resuming his reading from a newspaper. No one else of interest would pass by, except the innkeeper did come and offer Jynn a drink. His tone was kind and almost conserved, perhaps assuming that him and his "wife" had gotten into an altercation.

–Vita City: Rat's Hideout–

Nero Kunivas

"May I ask the reason why you dislike dealing with him?" Vaike asked once they were out of the barber shop.

The other rogue, Tibarn, remained quiet, watching the streets of the slums carefully to ensure that they didn't have unwanted eyes or ears upon them. "True, we can begin our own search," he agreed to Arno's words. "There was a pretty nifty clock tower in the center of town. A good eagle-eye view, so to speak. Maybe we should start there, possibly ask around. Maybe Saff found some good information for us."

He moved forward and clapped Arno on the shoulder. He wanted to ask if he was alright and what that episode was back in the Rat's hideout, but he daren't ask in front of Vaike and Gabriel.

Stardustblade358 · Jun 1, 2020

- Vita City - Arrested - /w Eleanor -
Arkane kept his head up, and gaze persistent. That was...a heavy flaw of Arkane. He was too stubborn and prideful. Now, there was nothing wrong with being proud of who you were. The pride among the courts is what kept that healthy competitive spirit between them alive, in a way. But Arkane sometimes took that a little bit far. As in; he always tried to seek reason in his actions. Even when he was wrong. He would end up fighting until the very end when there was no other option, until everything had been slapped into his face and made obvious that it was his fault in the end. When he stuck to his guns he stuck to them and it was hard to stir him away. It seemed arrogant. Maybe that is all that it was in the end. 'Your kind never stay here long'. Reassuring and a bit off putting at the same time, but the former was best. Arkane glanced at Eleanor, frowning. When he saw the thug spitting at her feet, however, he snapped his attention back at him. Lucky for him, he was taken away and isolated from the others. If he counted himself lucky that thug would beg for forgiveness before Eleanor got her hands on him. Arkane stepped inside the cell, watching the door be closed as they were suggested to behave until then. Arkane clicked his tongue. "We do not have time to waste here. We must reach Vivifica..." He whispered, turning his attention around the cell. He had slept in mausoleums cleaner than this. At least, that is what he would declare. Though he did admit, he had always wanted a bunk bed...this was not the situation he sought to fufill that dream of his. His attention returned to Eleanor, his hands remaining within his sleeves. "Let us just...let them do their thing, I guess." He sighed, waving his hand. The more they fought, the more time they wasted here, he figured. Just let them do their thing quick and they could leave. Otherwise they could always try and break out but then that would mean a very quick exit of this city or else risk more trouble. Hands on his hips now, he snapped his head at Kiran. "Now, seeing that we have been acquainted. May I ask why they wanted your head, and if it was worth for us to get in the way of it?" He asked, leaning closer to him.

Elrandir · Jun 2, 2020

Thea Nero - Court of Somnum - Vita City: Honeybadger B&B -

Endless Thundaza

Now, that had been quite an interesting situation, Nero thought to herself. She wanting to put the blame on him? Maybe he wasn't able to pay proper attention to her words, as she made it quite obvious that the blame was directed towards the ruffians.

"There is no reason to apologize, Mabel. It seems that Mister Venas thinks he is the center of the universe and everything revolves around him," Nero said without much of a thought, "He is quick to jump to conclusions, something that, in his own words, people often do to him for being a mage of Vivifica. Somewhat hypocritical, in my opinion."

Nero walked into the small closet that was in the room, she began to change her dirty garments for some clean ones.

"It might reach a point when he will be a liability rather than an asset. Either on this very important mission, or in his own future. Do I find him useless?" Nero questioned, probably to herself, "With his current attitude? I would lean towards a yes. Maybe. He is eager to run into battle, keeps his battle lust in the open, he has a short temper. That doesn't mean he is without good qualities, I suppose."

The Maestra came out wearing a somewhat similar outfit as the previous one. Some differences here and there, but it was almost the same outfit.

"It seems that all of that change once you enter the equation, Mabel. Love can be a beautiful thing, but it can be used as a weakness for others to exploit. Don't forget that." the Maestra said rather calmly, "Also, this was not your fault, it was the fault of those who didn't realized were fighting someone way above their paygrade. That reminds me, it's not often that mages end up in jail, and when they do, they get released in a short amount of time most of the time. You could call it one of the "privileges" of being a court mage."

With a rather relaxed step, Nero approached Mabel and wiped her tears away.

"There's no need for tears at the moment, neither there is a reason to feel guilty. This was our choice and we must remain resolute until the end. Arkane and Eleanor risked their freedom so I could return and remain at your side to keep you safe. And I will not betray their trust. So, trust them and trust that everything will work out," Nero said to Mabel, "now, let's look for your friend before something bad happens to him. He can yell and blame me all he wants, he wouldn't be the first, and certainly won't be the last. At this point his safety is more important than my ego, or his, and having a blind man walking on the streets is not a smart choice."

Scrapmaster · Jun 7, 2020

- Henry Heid - Aeternalis - The Forest Titan Assault -

Thanny

His initial attack proved succesful, the hammer throw succeeded in deflecting the titan's attack, forcing it's attention towards him. As the titan swung it's arm wide, and brought another arm for a swing at his head, Henry skillfully ducked underneath the attack, using his sword for defense as he let the arm slide itself against the blade as he ducked. Normally he would smile at the sight of his previous combo attack landing and leaving a mark on the titan, but he was focused, his eyes cold and expression utterly serious as he entered a state seemingly like that of a combat trance.

The vines the titan coiled around him, however, he jumped in an attempt to avoid it but one of the vines grabbed his leg, and slammed him onto the ground before it was burnt off by his fire magic as he channeled it through his leg, he was slammed from around 20 feet in the air and onto the hard ground as considerable speed and force, knocking the wind out of him for a few seconds, this would normally put a regular mage out of commission, and kill those of lesser constitution, but Henry did not let that deter him, he rolled backwards from prone, landing on his feet as sunlight magic channeled throughout from his chest to his left arm, as 6 daggers of sunfire appeared in his hand, as he launched them towards titan, each dagger would aim for one of it's appendages, two for the head, and two for each arm, they would sear the titan's wooden exterior on contact and penetrate deeply into it's bark.

"Sunfire Anchor!" Henry exclaimed as he stabbed his sword onto the ground in his position with one arm, and extending his other arm towards the daggers, chains made of sunlight would shoot out of the daggers and coil around his hand, if the daggers were successful in landing onto the titan, he would feel pulled by the chains, as the daggers would not release themselves from it, searing it's skin all the while. With the chains coiled around his hand he motioned his arm up, and slammed his hand onto the handle of his sword, the chains transitioning onto his sword and coiling around it. If this maneuver was effective the titan would find itself with it's head and both arms restrained, and it being pulled forward to the ground, where it would have difficulty moving and attacking. It could try to struggle against the chains and even break them with enough effort.

- Arno Cross - Vita City slums - The Hunt for Mabel -

Nero Kunivas

Arno sighed, both in relief and annoyance as he left the barber shop with his allies. He glanced at Vaike with a deadpan stare as the former asked why he didn't enjoy dealing with the rat. "He's much more than just an shriveled up old man." Arno responded, "They call him The Rat for a reason".

Arno stood silent as Tibarn tapped him on the shoulder, the boy had a heart of gold, something Arno found both annoying and admirable. He saw much of himself in Tibarn, maybe if he hadn't made so many mistakes in the past he would not be this jaded, unloving man he is now. But that was a topic for another time.

"Hm." Arno pondered about Tibarn's suggestion of checking the clock tower. "I have a better idea." Arno said, taking a few steps forward. "The best place for common gossip and rumors." Arno spoke with a disinterested tone. But if they were savvy enough his partners and Vaike would know that he was talking about a Bar, or Tavern. A place where people gathered for merry drinking and gossiping. Many a bounty could be found in a tavern, and many leads in one as well.

Mystics Apprentice · Jun 10, 2020

–Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral–

Xion136

Xion136

After another moment's pause, a deep sigh escaped Elder Absalom as he bowed his head. In that moment his face seemed ashen, and perhaps more aged than even the previous day with new wrinkles and folds apparent.

"Of course, I understand if this is something that you must give more thought to," he said to Kagura. "Take all the time you need, and come to me when you have made your decision. I will be eagerly awaiting your answer."

With that, Elder Absalom leaned back against the pillow, and within moments he seemed to drift off into slumber. Or perhaps he was meditating, though he no longer seemed aware of Kagura's presence.

–Sanctus Heights: Streets–

Nero Kunivas

Against his better judgment Kolm snatched up Aquilla's hand, giving it a slight squeeze. Aquilla would likely be able to feel a chill seep into her hand, seeming perhaps tainted with mixed emotions coming from the cold mage. He released her hand, and the cold would immediately diminish.

While unfamiliar with The Elvenwind himself, Kolm remembered following the blue-haired man to this specific location, so he would have been able to lead the other mages to the location with relative ease. He swallowed hard, walking closely alongside Aquilla, and as far away from Soren and Pali as possible. Those two intimidated him, even if neither seemed particularly malicious or threatening. Well, one of them was tall and wore a mask, which was threatening in its own right, and the other reanimated dead people . . . .

–Sanctus Heights: Elvenwind, the Exotic Wares Shop–

HeartOfFerria ,

Nero Kunivas

"That is quite true: we don't know what the Elders or priestess suspect," The blue-haired man replied nonchalantly to Vala's statement with a wave of his hand. "One of the many reasons that I wish I were a mind reader. Is that even a thing in the mage courts?" He gave a laugh at the end of his question, though he watched Vala expectantly, suggesting that his inquiry were serious.

He smiled back in regard to the comment about her business. "Nonetheless, I am glad that wealthy patrons are just as willing to give you their coin as ever before. In times of great tribulation some keep their wallets close, but that does diminish a prosperous nation. I have seen it before." His gaze lingered, perhaps too long on the robe that Vala wrapped up for him, before he took it with great pleasure and a courteous nod. "A pleasure doing business and meeting you, Madam. May our paths cross again soon."

As he turned around he heard Vala make her statement about someone feeling ashamed about being in her shop. He froze, and Vala could perhaps even notice his muscles tense. With a nonchalant laugh and a wave of his hand he merely stated: "Well, some people judge others for entering a building that specializes in, ah, exotic wares, as your sign so kindly puts it. I do not like people getting the wrong impression of me."

At around this moment the door to the Elvenwind would swing open again, allowing Kolm, Aquilla, Soren, and Pali to enter the building, coming face-to-face with the blue-haired man. Immediately Kolm stepped to the side, uncertain what the others wanted to do , but as far as he was concerned: his job was done.

–Sanctus Heights: The Lieutenant's Estate–

Elrandir

When Vincent opened the curtains he would reveal a splendid living room arrangement. Couches made of an ivory damask sat across from one another, black-and-gold ornate throw pillows adorning each one. A coffee table with a vase of artificial flowers would make up the center of the room, and rubbing against one of Vincent's legs was a rather large cat. It would meow, exposing sharp canines as it looked up unblinkingly into Vincent's face. It certainly seemed like a warm greeting, perhaps even an invitation to be pet. Or perhaps seeking food. It was uncertain whether this cat was just delighted to meet others after having been alone since Mastiff's injury.

With the home more properly lit, there was a room kiddy corner from the living room which had a handsome oak desk. It was the rollout kind, its contents concealed by the wood that rolled over the face of the desk. Behind the desk was an array of books, neatly tucked and in alphabetical order by author. And by "array" I mean four or five shelves of books, each six feet tall by at least forty inches wide. It covered an entire wall.

–Sanctus Heights: Cherry Babies–

Xion136

It seemed that Arun and Incarose were coming to the realization that there were about as many blue-haired people in Sanctus Heights as their were grains of sand (give or take), and that further perturbing the blue-haired man would only lead to repercussions. No one would pay Arun or Incarose any further attention, until the same waitress from before came up to the two. "Excuse me, you two, but generally this is a paid show," she explained. "Since you arrived late I don't believe payment was issued. Unless you are interested in paying the entrance fee, or purchasing drinks, I must ask you to leave and come back at another time."

Stardustblade358 · Jun 11, 2020

- Vincent - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: Lieutenant's Home - -
Vincent looked around, somewhat startled by the meow of the cat. He did not know the liutenant had a cat. He smiled, kneeling down and offering his hand for the cat to sniff. "Hello there little one. You have been stuck here alone for a while haven't you?" He asked. He would gently rub its head, and then scratch under its chin. He looked around for the cat dishes, and found them. He did notice that he was out of water. Vincent couldn't leave it like that. He picked up the dish and walked to the kitchen, filling it with water before placing it back down. "Here you go." He cooed. At the sight of the bookshelf, however, his interest quickly diverted towards it. He stood back up and approached the bookcases, giving off a whistle. Not as impressive as the private collection of the courts, but he was impressed nevertheless. He looked at his two companions. "I think this might be it." He began from left to right. They seemed to be in alphabetical order first and foremost. "Tekkanororia." He muttered, eyes glancing and jumping from one line of books to another, moving right to the next one searching for the T. "Takashi S. Tarka O..." He counted, fingers landing on one that did not have an author nor title written on the spine. He pulled it out, looking at the weathered leather that covered it. "Think this is it?" He asked, opening the book.

- Arun - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: High End - I need an adult. Wait. Crap. I am the adult -
Arun would look up, nodding softly as he pinched the bridge of his nose. This place was giving him a headache, anyways. "Yes. Our apologies. We will leave now." He muttered, looking back at Incarose. "Come. We must meet up with the others...if blue hair is the only thing we have to go on, it will be impossible, and we cannot go around like headless chickens and hope to bump into the one we are after." Vincent refused to even look at the general direction of the stage. Nope. He wasn't having it. He turned around and headed for the exit. They bet meet up with the others. If the gods were in their favor then they would have had much better luck than they did.

Thanny · Jun 11, 2020

- Jari Coriander, Somnum Court, feeling defeated outside of a door in the Grand Cathedral -

Xion136

Mystics Apprentice

Jari listened in for what felt like two months -- or was it three? -- as well as his little ears could, wishing that his fox-ear earpieces were the real deal so that he could gauge what was going on a little better, but even then he would not have heard much more than he did. Kagura was to make a choice? A decision of some kind to Absalom, one of the governing council? He puzzled as to what that was, arriving too late perhaps to know, but nothing else was to be heard. Panicking, he decided to slip off further down the hall so that he might not be caught by either of the two by the door, speeding himself up with lightning magic with a quiet foosh.

"Kagura . . . what are you thinking of?" he pondered to himself, heart fluttering and feet slightly stumbling as his body seemed to weaken. He recovered and thought nothing of it, and slowed down by one of the pillars near the outer-facing walls, looking out with a heavy weight on his mind. Bonds can help make a person, but it can also break him or her, and Jari felt at his limits. He had to walk. He had to think. And walk and think he did, forgetting entirely to alert others of Invidia's presence in the Grand Cathedral.

- Pali Noirtier, Umbra Court, with the others in the Elvenwind -

HeartOfFerria

Elrandir

Pali sulked in the back of the group, head and shoulders hunched over, and his typically flowing cape draped over and gripped tightly toward him. Every now and again he glanced toward Soren, wondering what was going on through his mind behind that mask. Ignis and Umbra were very much like oil and water, with the exception of perhaps a few. Maesters Gerik and Daruk seemed to get along fine, but he speculated it was just a farce like much in politics. Lev joined the Ignis Court out of prowess, and she made friends too in and out of the Umbra Court. Pali himself lived a very bitter life since the "divorce" Aislynn set up with the exception of his daughter, and now with Lev gone and on a mission he was very bitter indeed.

When the Elvenwind opened its doors, however, he remembered why he was here. The blue-haired man Kolm had met was inside, looking aristocratic and bright and cheery. Sickening. He should be aristocratic and dull and bemoaning. Then again, maybe this guy was not a mage, even if he carried a certain mien of confidence.

Pali wanted to lash out and grab the man, force him to spill the beans as to whether he did what was said was done, but bit down on his tongue and wandered elsewhere in the store, giving the blue-haired man and Vala the shopkeeper a nod and a tip of a hat he materialised before entering the store.

He scanned the aisles as he entered one, not exactly perusing as much as looking for good places to hide his eyes. The eyes and eyestalks from previously peered out from the shadows of clothes in three separate locations, difficult to see and focused on the blue-haired man while he felt the material of some piece of finery.

Aquilla, you had better do what you said you'd do. Show me your "subtle approach," he voiced internally.

Elrandir · Jun 14, 2020

- Vala Hassan - Court of Umbra - Sanctus Heights: Elvenwind Lingerie Shop -

HeartOfFerria

Mystics Apprentice

There was something about this strange man that piqued Vala's interest, but it was best to keep that on check. At least for now.

"Mind reading, you say? Well, it is said in some books that, in an ancient age, people who possessed an affinity for the wind element were blessed with very interesting abilities," Vala said as she casually waved her hand, "Precognitive abilities, being able to reveal that that is hidden from the normal eye, mind reading."

That kind of people and their civilization had a name, yet she couldn't remember at the time.

"Whether this is true of not, well, it is still up to debate by historians and researchers of ancient history," she said, "In any case. It was my pleasure to do business. If you ever need another gift, remember that we are always here."

Oh? Was the poor man nervous? His stance surely suggested such a possibility.

"Social norms, what others think of an individual, judging others without first judging one first, such is society. But worry not, privacy is something we pride ourselves into," At this point Vala heard the entrance opening, "Oh? It seems that we have an abundance of clients today. What a lucky day."

- Diane Corbeau - Court of Umbra - Sanctus Heights: The Lieutenant's Estate -

Mystics Apprentice

Diane took the time to look around the entrance of the home. Photographs, furniture, the normal stuff that one would have on their home. She couldn't sense anything dangerous at the moment. They had come the the house to find something important, and it was imperative that they did so. She could hear the sound of a cat coming and Vincent's voice.

"Is everything alright, Vincent?" she said, before noticing the animal, "Oh. It seems that the Lieutenant had a pet. It could have starved if either the Lieutenant or us hadn't come."

The pale woman followed Vincent to the bookcases, he was looking for something, and, hopefully, he would find it there. She began to look for anything suspicious, anything at all. It took a few minutes of looking at names and titles until Vincent found something strange. A book without author nor title.

"It could be. It seems that this is the only book that do not possess an author nora title. A little strange when every other book has one."

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

Stardustblade358

Xion136

Mystics Apprentice

This had been a complete waste of time. There were many blue haired individuals in the city and searching one by one would be impossible. To say that Incarose was disappointed was a an understatement. The voice of one of the waitresses made her come back to reality.

"Uh? Oh! We are so sorry. We were just . . .sorry! We will take our leave." Incarose said.

The red haired girl followed Arun to the exit, giving one last look back at the stage. Did people really enjoyed coming to places like this? She didn't wanted to figure that one out.

"Well, that was a pointless chase. Do you think the others had more luck than us," Incarose asked, "perhaps we should look for them and see what else we can do to help."

Mystics Apprentice · Jun 15, 2020

–Aeternalis, the City of Everlasting Dreams–

RikuXIII ,

Nero Kunivas ,

Xion136 ,

Scrapmaster

The sound of groaning branches and snapping twigs could be heard as the massive forest titan shifted its weight, fixating his gaze from the Umbra maester to the Ignis one. A long moment of silence lapsed following Daruk's deafening boom, before the titan resounded with words of its own.

"YOU WISH DESTRUCTION . . . . YOU BREATHE IT, YOU REEK OF IT"–he brought up a twisted hand to point at Daruk–"YOU SEEK TO HARM THE LADY OF THE FOREST. ALL OF YOU!"

It seemed to grow tired of negotiations. Vines slithered across the ground, threatening to envelop both Daruk and Gerik, yet the vines remained poised, not moving to wrap the maesters just yet. "WE WILL NOT PROTECT . . . . THOSE THAT THREATEN THE MOTHER OF THE FOREST."

Meanwhile, the smoke gave Yael the cutting edge that he needed. The forest titan #1 lost complete sight of Yael and was caught off-guard when his snake form ensnared him. Yael successfully had him in a complete body bind, and even so much as caused the forest titan to lose his balance. With a low groan, titan #1 collapsed to the ground, still completely pinned by Yael.

This, however, arrested the attention of the other titans. A truce, apparently, was not being struck, and they felt this as an assault of one of their own during negotiations. Titan #5 that had been negotiating with Daruk and Gerik let its vines spring to life, charging at the two maesters to ensnare and strangle them.

Titan #4 had flaming daggers tossed in its direction. The vines sprang up from his limbs and attempted to deflect them, though two of the daggers managed to still get through. One flaming dagger embed itself into his left shoulder, and another into his neck. It let out a deep moan, bark seeming to catch on fire as the flames seemed to roar to life. As it moved its hand to set out the flames it was left distracted, not realizing that Henry was anchoring him to the ground until it was too late. It struggled, trying to break free. The chain embedded to his shoulder snapped, though the chain still kept him rooted by the neck, the titan clawing at the dagger to tear it from his neck.

Titan #3, seeing his brother in distress, ripped a large boulder from the ground, perhaps a piece of foundation from a burnt home. It moved slowly toward Henry, before launching it at his sword, the chains, and the Sun of Ignis himself.

Titan #2 was still engaged in combat with Laguna.

–Somewhere between Vivifica Forest and Sanctus Heights–

HeartOfFerria

Vaan yawned, wearing a curious smile as he next turned to Quinn. "Everything will take some time to retell," he said dully. "But very well; I will share with you what I know. Security in the capital is at an all-time low. Authorities are too busy with the automaton attack and aiding survivors to be able to very much care about what is happening in the streets." He raised a brow. "Why, you hiding from authorities for whatever reason?"

"There is supposedly hidden vaults underneath the Grand Cathedral, belonging to some of the wealthiest residents that Sanctus Heights has ever housed, but I cannot prove this to be fact or fiction. It is not particularly easy to wander around the cathedral unnoticed. There is always security aplenty there." He tapped his chin thoughtfully, as though trying to recall more information to share with her. "The Sanctus Heights library is among the largest in Regalia with many resources, though I don't know of anything very special to note there. I hear that the elders also keep other collections not privy to the public, but that is all that I know. Can't say I have a real thing for books."

He grinned widely. "So, is that payment enough for the ride?"

Stardustblade358 · Jun 16, 2020

- Yael/Nahum - Unaffiliated - Aeternalis - We came here to have a good time and we are feeling so attacked right now -

Yael kept himself wrapped around Giant #1, and slowly tightened his grip within the coil. "The lady of the forest? We merely wish to speak with her! Why would we want to cause harm?! Who sanely attacks innocents out of paranoid views and concerns?! Does the same lady of the forest wish for you to kill the children of this village? Innocents who have no fault other than offer us food and shelter? You are meant to protect those who are weaker than you, not those who will die curled away and afraid wondering what had they done to anger the forest they called home!" He yelled, and at every word the body coiled tighter, and tighter, and tighter, to the point that his own body was beginning to bruise against the harsh surface of the titan. But, it seemed that Yael was all in for it. He was aiming to shatter the Titan #1. He already had him down, after all. He might as well try. If he could rip it to pieces, it would have to disappear, right?

Mystics Apprentice · Jun 16, 2020

–Vita City: Prisons–

Nero Kunivas

Kiran had heard Arkane whisper, but hadn't quite understood what the Umbra mage meant. "What?" he inquired, but the conversation swiftly changed toward himself and the thugs, and why there had been a conflict at all. He sighed, shaking his head before slumping down on one of the cots. He turned his gaze up to face Arkane, bronze skin glistening under the bright light above his head.

"Listen, you saved my life, and for that I owe you much," he said finally. His accent was thick, but he spoke their native tongue fluently. Perhaps he'd lived in Regalia most, if not all, of his life. "Those men . . . they weren't nice. They committed crimes that were unspeakable. It shouldn't surprise you to know that they were still trying to do the very same, but I didn't want to let them. I finally was saying 'no,' which was going to cost me my life."

He withdrew a pendant from underneath his linen shirt, one which glowed with its own pale light. "This charm is from my homeland. Its very core possesses Itika, and I am sure that a mage such as yourself understands what this power can do." Kiran wrapped his hand around the pendant, clenching it tightly in his fist. "I'm no mage, but with this I can wield magic. Even I don't understand it. One night on my way home from the market I saw those ruffians with a sick child. I healed him, and instead of expressing gratitude, they captured me. Thought I was a mage and demanded that I continue to serve them. Threatened my entire family if I were to leave. I didn't tell them the source of my powers, for fear that they would kill me and take the pendant for themselves. I was probably right in assuming they would. But–"

His eyes fluttered closed and his breathing grew labored, as though recalling a memory that he didn't wish to recollect. "They made me do terrible things, crimes I never would've dreamed. I never again wanted to be an instrument of their destruction, so I decided it was worth it to escape. And that is when I ran into you. Perhaps it was mere chance, but I like to think that it was fate that delivered me into the hands of you mages."

Finally he tilted his head. "What of you, Arkane the Necromancer, and you, erm?" His gaze shifted toward Eleanor, though he didn't catch the woman's name. "Something tells me that you both also have a long story, and that you aren't here for the tourist attractions either."

Vita City: Honeybadger B&B

Endless Thundaza

The priestess visibly winced at Nero's words, but she tried not to show offense. Reacting and getting more upset by the situation would only fuel the fire and worsen matters. She had to remain a strong and neutral party, but ever since leaving Sanctus Heights she had felt anything but strong. Perhaps she was weak, weak and not ready for what the real world had to offer.

"With all due respect, Maestra," Mabel said firmly, tone expressing a hint disapproval. "I did not ask for your opinion on whether you thought Mister Venas was no longer useful. As far as I am concerned, he is our guide and advocate to be heard by the Vivifica court, and none of that has changed." She bit her lip. "I see that you two have your differences to settle, but I will ask you both not to allow that to interfere with our current mission. You must cast your personal grievances aside for the time being."

She felt color rise in her cheeks. It felt wrong to criticize Nero, the woman being her senior and even her mentor, but as high priestess she needed to hold the group together, and wasn't it her word that held the most authority? She let out a sigh. "I'm sorry, this has just been a really bad day."

It relieved her to hear that Arkane and Eleanor wouldn't be held long, but she still felt bad to think that they went to prison on her behalf. "We haven't enough time for them to be released on their own," she murmured lowly. "We must get to Vivifica, and soon. I think we should go down to the sheriff's office and explain the situation. As priestess, they will have to listen to me." She hesitated in the doorway for a moment. "Maybe you should rest, Professor Nero. You have been through quite the ordeal today."

-----

Moments later, Jynn would detect a familiar aura emerge down the stairs and, soon, kneel in front of him. "Jynn," was all that Mabel had managed. She grasped his hands, holding them tightly for a moment before giving him a gentle tug. "Please, I need your help. We're going to get Arkane and Eleanor out of jail."

–Vita City Tavern–

Nero Kunivas

"Oh, I see," Vaike said with a wave of his hand. "So he's one of those. How foolish of me." It seemed that Vaike was deep in thought, perhaps with a memory, though he didn't make further comment as they tread quietly down the road. When Arno mentioned a tavern there were different reactions among the group. Vaike nodded enthusiastically and agreed that it was a good idea, whereas a flash of panic crossed Tibarn's face instead.

"Uh, the last time we were in a Vita City tavern is all too fresh in my mind," Tibarn said ruffly, thinking back to when they'd captured Kiev the last time they were here. "The moment we approach the owners will probably have a mind to turn us away."

Vaike just laughed and shook his head. "Come now, my friend. Don't let the past dictate your future. I think Arno's suggestion is a fantastic one. I know of just the spot."

And that is how they found them seated in the Wandering Rose, a tavern on the far end of town that was neither wealthy nor in squalor. It was approaching evening time, and the longer that they were seated, the more patrons that began to filter in. A female bartender with thick curly hairs and a genuine smile approached them. "What will it be tonight, gents?" she asked, turning to Arno, then Vaike, and the other two members of their merry band.

Stardustblade358 · Jun 16, 2020

Arkane - Umbra Court - Vita City - Arrested - /w Eleanor & Kiran -
The fact that those men were not nice was rather obvious from the start. Even the soul itself was rotten, regardless if he would use it in the end. Arkane's eyes widened at the sight of the necklace. That...was illegal. But no shit it was illegal. The fact that it was illegal was probably the sole reason that he was left alive. When you tell someone that you cannot do something, they will do it. Tell them something is illegal, they will find ways to get a hold of it. The power of Itika was not just what made it illegal, in the wrong hands causing chaos and death, but its addiction. If they had this thing that made everyone a walking weapon by just holding it in their hand it would be chaos. More than it already was, at least. Fuck it not like this was his job. He merely stared at the pendant for a while before his attention returned to him completely. "You do not have to be a mage to have magical potential. There are humans with magical potential, even if it is merely a small amount. Not strong enough to be capable of creating magic by one self, but just enough to be able to wield it, along with that necklace of yours." He said, eyes landing on the necklace for a moment. "Hope they do not find that on you or else you will not be leaving this place any time soon with or without a murder charge." He kept his arms crossed and hidden in the sleeves. He had hidden his flute and cards, and over his dead body was anyone taking them away from him. "We are here on official business. Merely passing by, however. We were on our way to our accommodations for the evening when you ran into us, and now we are here. Whether it be destiny or chance, luck was at your side at the moment, is all." He sighed. All he wanted was to return to whatever place they would be staying at, take a well deserved bath and sleep in an actual bed. It would be lovely to do so, actually. Though Arkane could not keep his gaze away from the necklace from long. He, personally, had never seen Itika close. He remembered one of the many lectures where some of it was presented to them, safeguarded behind thick glass and under lock and key. But nothing more or less. "Your homeland. Where are you from?" They might as well form some conversation. They were stuck here for a while, after all.

Elrandir · Jun 16, 2020

Thea Nero - Court of Somnum - Vita City: Honeybadger B&B -

Mystics Apprentice

"My apologies, High Priestess. It seems that, perhaps, I was too blunt while expressing my thoughts. It won't happen again. Also, I think you misunderstand. Whatever differences you might think we have are non existent. From my point of view, of course" Nero said calmly, "as the high priestess you possess more authority than us, and as such, I will obey your commands."

The Maestra put her hand over her chest and gave Mabel a small bow.

"There is no need for an apology. Per your request, we should find Mister Venas and make our way to the precinct, that way we can free Arkane and Eleanor," Nero said, "As for my injuries, they are completely healed. Your concern is appreciated."

Without any further words Nero followed Mabel. They found Jynn minutes later, but Nero was more focused on their surroundings, just in case someone was paying more attention than needed to them."

HeartOfFerria · Jun 17, 2020

Aquilla
Immediately identifying the blue haired target a cold chill ran through her arm and enclosed around her wrist. The ice forged itself without frost rather forming clear as glass but stronger. The other end of the chain reached forth aiming to be locked around the blue haired man’s wrist loosing a sharp chill if it would connect. The result would be his arm being locked to hers giving her control to lead the target where she needed. Upon confirmed capture she would move towards the nearest bathroom.

Quinn
“That information will suffice as payment.” The illuminator dully replied to her passenger. She would then push more mana into the stones to speed up the over land travel time. A stone bar would raise behind her passenger to allow him to hold onto something.

Thanny · Jun 20, 2020

- Daruk Mordem, Ignis Court, facing off against forest titans of colossal scale near Aeternium -

Nero Kunivas

Daruk grimaced at the creature as he hovered in the air, wondering why it was even more stubborn in its conjectures than he was, and that was saying a lot in terms of his own obstinacy and his understanding that he was not the most reasonable all the time. The titan lumped everyone up with him, the idea of which suited him rather nicely because if everyone just roughhoused everyone else, a lot more people would be more agreeable and happier overall, but there was the fact that not everyone held the same ideas. He sniffed angrily, seeing the vines snapping forward, before letting loose a gout of flame that seemed almost spherical from his body. If the vines did not get outright incinerated, they would have a hard time staying intact, or at least he hoped. Vivifica incorporated tricky magic, not nearly as straightforward as Ignis'.

"I make no secret of my love for fighting," he bellowed further, swinging his hand out in order to slash the vines aiming for Maester Gerik with strong flames in hopes of cutting the extended vines in twain, "but I am no threat to Aislynn, the current Maestra of Vivifica, and neither are the others. Listen to the shapeshifter, the wisdom that flows from a youth so young. The townspeople did nothing, but if you persist and if it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get! I've pounded sense into things bigger than you!"

He pooled together all of his fury into his expression, the flames complimenting his face's flushed appearance as he glowered. His muscles rippled, his arms locked in front of him in pugilist fashion. He was aiming for intimidation, and if he had his way it would be quite so. In all honesty, though, he really hadn't pounded sense into bigger things, excepting the sea and mountains. These . . . things were massive.

Nero Kunivas · Jun 21, 2020

- Eleanor Le Doux, Fierce Shadow, Umbra Court - Vita City, Prison -

Stardustblade358

Mystics Apprentice

Once thrown into the prison cell with Arkane and another individual, likely another common criminal, Eleanor's frustration revealed itself now that she was out of the officer's view, beginning to furiously pace around the cell, look through the bars, throw herself onto the unoccupied bed and generally doing everything she could to take her mind off of this absurd situation, all the while Arkane was talking to Kiran, learning of his sob story and use of Itika. An irritated Eleanor hadn't the empathy to spare right now.

Standing up again, a very faint aura of darkness was forming around her body. The unnatural movements of its wisps and particles were warning signs of Umbran Madness, as was her continually mounting anger. Before this condition surfaced, Eleanor would've been able to keep herself calm in tense moments like this, but now all she could think of was how much she wanted to kill someone or break something, anything! And in a swift, unexpected motion, a gauntlet formed on her left arm and she punched the nearest wall. Hard. Then another gauntlet on the opposite arm coalesced from the shadows, with another punch soon to follow. With both arms, Eleanor repeatedly beat into the wall, uncaring of whatever anyone was saying to dissuade her or how it would make her look. She just kept punching and smashing into the wall.

Eleanor's eyes were glowing yellow and she was beginning to roar as the punches increased in speed, dust and stones were kicking up by now as Eleanor ignored the pain for as long as she could...until something snapped her out of her rage and she fell to her knees in front of the likely heavily damaged wall, her gauntlets smoking from the heat generated as she let one fall off so she could touch her pink pearl charm from Eclaire. It would seem the charm did indeed hold a calming power...the only worry Elle had was how long this would work for.

Standing tall once more, Eleanor just sighed and faced Kiran and simply uttered: "Eleanor. Eleanor Le Doux...pleasure to meet you. Sorry about that." Tossing off the other gauntlet and letting them melt away back to the shadows, Eleanor shook her hands to the sides, because they hurt like hell.

- Soren Monroe, Bulwark of Ignis, Ignis Court - The Elvenwind, Sanctus Heights -

HeartOfFerria

Mystics Apprentice

Preferring to be the silent, yet intimidating sort for the time being, Soren would wait until the opportune moment, following his compatriots along inside the Elvenwind Exotic Shop, coming face-to-face with a blue-haired man. Whether this was the guy they were looking for, Soren couldn't say. But he was hoping they could at least have a civil conversation, rather than a repeat of the last man and another ideological debate with Pali.

- Gabriel Woods, The Soaring Raven, Bounty Hunter - Vita City Tavern -

Scrapmaster

Mystics Apprentice

"Well, let's hope this goes better than last time..." Gabriel casually uttered as they had entered a familiar place: A Tavern in Vita City. The Crew had had enough bad experiences to be cautious, but not so many as to put them off, Gabriel especially, who regardless of what they needed to do, was looking forward to a drink to help steel his nerves for whatever came next, so with a tip of his hood, Gabriel greeted the bartender with a smile.

"Your strongest Whiskey, please. Plenty of ice too." He said with the usual drawl and hoped that the Wandering Rose did indeed have Whiskey.

- Laguna, The Maelstrom, Somnum Court - Aeternalis, The City of Dreams, Titan Attack -

Scrapmaster

Laguna had done their best to avoid Titan #2's attacks and would prepare to strike again, but would wait in the skies, some distance away from the Titan, to hear the attempts at negotiations. Every word exchanged only angered Laguna, as it seemed that Vivifica was not below attacking civilians and fellow mages through proxy, via these Forest Titans, who would not see reason.

"Do not waste your words on these beasts, Maesters Daruk and Gerik! It is clear that Vivifica is finally making their move to destroy us by sending them after us! You're better off reasoning with a wall!" Laguna then outstretched their arms, bellowing their next words.

"Do you hear me, Titans?! Vivifica's heresy will be punished! And you will share their fates!!"

Suddenly, with a downward flex of their arms, Laguna's aura of Lightning suddenly turned completely blood red and the buzz of their power become audibly darker. With a deep bellow and raising of their arms, the skies themselves turned red as furious storm clouds began to form, followed by powerful bolts of crimson lightning intermittently striking at the Titans.

- Merrymaker, The Jokesmith, Somnum Court - Aeternalis, The City of Dreams, Titan Attack -

"Worry not, little boy." The jester-like mage would speak in a surprisingly kind and reassuring voice as he knelt down to the child's level. "There are Court Mages already fighting back, you'll be safe. I'm going to help them, but you get to safety, you hear? These Titans are about to be taught quite the lesson!" Gesturing for the boy to keep running, Merrymaker would continue his approach, entering the battlefield and upon seeing Maesters Daruk and Gerik, his eyes lit up.

"Ahh, the boisterous brute and smooth talker! I do sincerely hope we can resolve this with words, my compatriots, else these Titans get a proper good thrashing!" The Merrymaker already had a whip in hand that he cracked in the air to emphasize his point, but his jovial attitude was cut short by the skies turning blood red.

"...waitwaitwait, I didn't do that! Who's bringing the heaven's down!? I didn't do it, God, I swear!" He said in dramatic fashion, revealing that he actually hadn't been caught off guard, he just ran with what he was seeing in spite of his actual concern.

Scrapmaster · Jun 28, 2020

- Henry Heid - The Sunny side of Ignis - Ganked by TItans in Aeternalis -

Out of all of the daggers thrown at the Titan, one of them managed to land true, not being blocked. Landing straight into the giant's throat, pulling it down with considerable force as it was now anchored to the ground and open to attacks. Henry summoned his hammer, and slammed it into his sword's hilt. The impact let off a burst of sunlight and fire magic as a pulse of fire followed through the chain binding the sword and the dagger anchoring the titan. The pulse would follow the chain until hitting the dagger, creating a strong explosion onto it's throat, Henry would follow through with three other slams, like a blacksmith slamming their hammer onto an anvil, each with increasing force and power.

He would manage to send two more pulses of fire magic, which would explode on impact with the titan's throat, in an attempt to behead the titan completely with localized explosions, but before he could slam a fourth time Titan #3 lobbed a boulder at him. Forcing him to pull out his sword and dodge out of the way of the boulder, with a dash and a roll, he pulled his sword out of the ground, sadly this broke the spell which binded the dagger's chains from the sword, but as a failsafe the dagger embedded within the titan's neck would explode violently with all the accumulated energy it had, not enough to kill it, should it not be dead already from the pulses, but more than enough to disorient it.

"I wanted to avoid having to kill you, but now you've left me no choice! I will not let you endanger the people of Aeternalis any longer!" Henry bellowed, his voice increasing in intensity and tone as he looked at the Titans and how they were acting. Hammer in one hand, his sword on the other, Henry looked down both Titan #4 and #3. His fire magic amping up as a result of combat. His cloak flowing with the wind breeze. He focused for a second, and infused his aura into himself, both sunlight and fire magic boosting his abilities even further. Henry's eyes now had a small glint of gold, and a faint trail of magic following him.

He would then wait for the two titans to attack or move, ready to counter them in whichever way possible should they do so.

Stardustblade358

- Vlad - The Shadow over Somnus - The liutenant's house -

Vlad was mostly silent and spend most of his time in thought as he followed Vincent and Diane to the liutenant's house. A good sized home, fit for a higher ranked official of security, also a house big enough for a family man, a study, a living room, a bunch of other things as well. Vincent and Diane were checking for the books, as a cat showed up, asking for pets. Wait, did the lieutenant actually have a cat? This seemed weird at how friendly the cat turned out to be and how suddenly it showed up, normal domestic animals aren't that friendly to new people, especially when their owner had been absent for a while.

"Something is not right here." Vlad commented, he couldn't quite put his finger into it but this all seemed wrong, the way in was too easy, the way they found the place also, and now they were about to find more about Tekka...but his gut told him something was wrong. "...If someone was out for the Lieutenant's life...why is there no one here? I doubt a locked door would've stopped them." Vlad commented. "Or maybe there is? and we're being watched?" Vlad figured that he could very well be jumping the gun with his hunch. But he had to keep an eye out for Vincent and Diane, as he was the less diplomatic and educated of them, not fit for investigating books and whatnot, but he had a good eye, especially one attuned to shadows. He walked over to a small dark corner, and shoved his hand inside the shadows, attempting to attune his senses to them, this would allow him to sense the other nearby shadows in the house, any place lacking light or with dim light would be able to sensed by him, and with that. Anything or anyone out of the ordinary.

Stardustblade358

- Arno - Vita City - The Wandering Rose -

Well, good thing Vaike was supportive of the idea of going to a tavern to gather information or just hearing the newest rumors, Tibarn was against it but Vaike knew of another tavern, ah yes. The Wandering Rose, a smaller tavern than the one they were in the other day, but a sizable one nonetheless.

Arno moved himself to one of the tables, alongside his companions, sitting down as a femable bartender approached, pretty and young, the regular kind of bartenders nowadays, a shame most of the time they weren't treated very respectfuly by the patrons, but he always made a point to treat them well. "A shot of Tequila, please." Arno spoke, passing a coin to the woman as payment, and with a tip of his hat signalling a respectful greeting. His hat mostly covering his face, not a whole lot of his face was visible to those not near him.

Leaning himself back onto his chair, he looked over at Vaike, then at Tibarn and Gabriel. "Regular business, mingle and sit around, keep an ear out for any rumors or information." Arno commented.

Endless Thundaza · Jul 18, 2020

Jynn Venas, Vivifica-Honeybadger B&B

Elrandir

The furious Vivifica mage notices the man that they passed by when he and Mabel met Elante. Something seemed suspicious about this individual. Perhaps it is Jynn’s irritation that was making the mage think so. Regardless, as not to seem suspicious himself, Jynn respectfully reciprocates before the innkeeper offers him a drink. The Vivifican mage declines. “I appreciate the offer. But I’ll pass.....”

Something suddenly comes into his mind; how did he manage to get downstairs without trouble? Was it muscle memory? The sounds? His anger clouded his thoughts, not giving him a good idea how. Perhaps once he settles down, he could figure it out, which would not take long for him to do so.

Mabel approaches him, holding his hands and telling him that they needed to get Eleanor and Arkane out of prison. Maestra Nero was accompanying the priestess, which made Jynn unsure. But alas, his desire to save the two mages overshadowed his frustration towards Nero though the Maestra would notice that Jynn was still visibly frustrated at her, he stands up and nods, as well as remembering Mabel’s code name. “Alright, Blaise. Let’s make haste.”

Mystics Apprentice · Jul 18, 2020

–Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral–

Xion136

After having escorted Anya in the direction of the other mages, but failing to find them, Shiroo retreated inside the cathedral. He uncorked his flask–of a beverage unknown–chugging down half the content as he traipsed up the carpeted steps. The destruction of yesterday still lingered on the walls, tapestries torn and entire walls decimated, but Shiroo seemed quite at home, entirely ignoring the demolition. As he walked down the hall he stopped dead in his tracks, squinting ahead. Initially he thought that his eyes deceived him, but lo! There stood his cousin, Jari, whom he hadn't been able to discuss anything with yet. Let alone his newfound discovery about his, ah, taste in men. He swallowed hard, contemplating whether he wanted to confront him now or retreat before his cousin noticed him.

A door shut to Shiroo's left, a maid with a feather duster emerging from within and offering him a greeting: "Good day, mage of Ignis. Can I do anything for you?"

He froze, certain that Jari would whirl around at any moment and find him there. He swore inwardly to himself, but outwardly he smiled kindly and said, "No, not right now, thank you. I just remembered something that I have to find in my room before going to help with the recovery team." And just like that, she was off, but his cover was now blown. Instead he feigned enthusiasm in seeing his cousin, smiling widely at Jari and waving at him.

Well, we were going to have to have this conversation sooner or later, he thought bitterly to himself, walking up to Jari and giving him a clap on the shoulder. "So, how's it go's it, my man?" he asked. "Been looking to have a talk with you at some point. It seems like we never have time alone for, well, anything, but much less discussion. First I should ask . . . . Is there anything, well, that you want to say to me? Anything at all, maybe that you've been bottling up for years and just never felt the courage to break to me?"

He watched Jari carefully, solemnly, wanting to give Jari the chance to spill the beans first if he so wished. It would've been easier than confronting him, at any rate. . . . Or at least he thought so.

–Sanctus Heights: Elvenwind, the Exotic Wares Shop–

Nero Kunivas ,

HeartOfFerria

The blue-haired man glanced down as ice ensnared his wrist, causing him to drop his merchandise in surprise. Immediately his gaze shot up to look at Aquilla, deep blue eyes boring into hers.

"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded. "Are you assaulting me? Who are you?!"

As she wrenched him toward the bathroom he had no choice but to oblige or risk getting his arm pulled from its socket, shooting a helpless glance at Vala and the other mages as she led him off. Once the two were in the bathroom he glanced at his captor: a young woman, considerably younger than himself, and seemingly some kind of mage given the ice that she procured . . . . Somnum?

"Somnum?" His curiosity betrayed him as he voiced the question aloud. "No, that cannot be right. There is something incorrect about your stance and the way in which you use your ice, and yet something about you just screams that you are of the Somnum lineage."

He shook his head. "But anyway, Miss . . . . You have a lot of explaining to do. You just assaulted me in a shop and locked me in a bathroom with you. This would look horrible for me to present to the authorities, so you'd better have a good reason for doing this so that you can let me be on my way. Maybe, just maybe, I will tuck this moment in the back of my mind and not decide to reiterate it to those who would do you harm."

–Sanctus Heights: The Lieutenant's Estate–

Elrandir

The feline took quite a liking to Vincent. It rubbed its head against Vincent's hand affectionately, lapping up the water eagerly before chasing after the inventor once more. It began to meow loudly, persistently brushing against Vincent's legs in a figure-eight pattern. The water was a start, but apparently the cat still wanted something else.

As Vlad attuned to the shadows, he would sense the presence of a mouse or two scuffling in the above attic, but otherwise the only detectable presences belonged to Diane and Vincent, along with the cat that had a newfound obsession with his comrade.

The book that Vincent collected from the shelf seemed to be an academic journal, seeming to be an account written by the scholar and scientist, Irasbeth Tekkanororia. There were many volumes within the novel, though if flipping to the journal which was written in the book, volume 18, the contents would be there. Of her trip to The Outskirts, which read:

"I was relatively alone. My fellow researchers, Oona and Rowan, had already returned to Miko, and only my scribe was at my side. The boy of fourteen followed along meekly, unafraid of venturing to the land where the mages had been laid to rest. To the land that was forbidden, where magic was said to roam and was plaguing the nearby townsfolk with its ghosts. Phantoms that would wander the streets at night, preying on their youth that possessed magic and devouring them in plain sight. I didn't believe it; in fact I scoffed. How could I believe such a tall tale? What I was about to witness would only prove my error, and what an unfortunate, deadly error I made!

We encroached upon the burial grounds. All was silent, though my scribe and I couldn't help noticing the lingering green aura that lingered on the ground, on the rocks. After careful inspection I determined that it was Itika, raw mana. It was in such mass concentration here, something I couldn't comprehend then. Now I have my theories, but that is neither here nor there. I firmly believe that all life is sustained by Itika, and everywhere you look is Itika. Once I thought that raw mana was a property only found within mages, but what I have seen has proven that theory to be false. Alas, Itika is not a property of the earth or something that you will find lying around. It is us–we are the concentrated weapon that demolished our world over a thousand years ago.

Regardless, it was on those grounds that I saw it: first the haunted, soulless sockets, followed by its black ghastly form and long, sickly pointed finger claws. I was relatively defenseless, with only a dagger strapped to my thigh, my scribe much less armed than myself. I dug my blade deep into its shoulder, but it cared not. It swiftly flung me to the side, before reaching out to grab my scribe. Poor Odin. I watched a scene that I do not even bear the heart to describe, something so horrid I care not to remember. I could only scream over and over, the sounds of tearing flesh and the choked sound escaping his throat more than I could withstand. It was there that I was found, twelve hours later, by Rowan, who insisted that I hit my head and hallucinated. I know what I saw, and I know that it was no hallucination. Even now my account is dismissed, not taken seriously, and yet it is important. It is serious, and I will not stop trying to be heard. The wraiths are real. They claim to be members of the First Court, something I do not know but can only assume that it points to the Great War over a thousand years ago. The elders of the council know not of which they speak, nor do the maesters or maestra, but their threat is real–they were once real. And after witnessing what I had that day, I have no doubt that they have the capabilities to return to our world like they so claim to do.

–Sanctus Heights: Cherry Babies–

Stardustblade358

Not far down the street they would see a familiar raven-haired woman exit a corner store, brown paper bag in hand as she took a bite from a ruby red apple. She turned her violet eyes on them, a look of surprise on her face followed by a a concerned frown.

"Arun?" Everyth voiced. She shoved her apple back into her paper bag before moving toward them. "You two look like you've just seen a ghost. What happened, and where are the others? I thought that Pali and Soren was with you."

–Aeternalis, the City of Everlasting Dreams–

RikuXIII ,

Xion136 ,

Nero Kunivas

As Yael so intensely coiled around Titan #1, it would feel something cave in its hard body. A deep groan escaped it, followed by the horrid sound of a vacuum that had swallowed a sock. It fell to its knees in a heap, collapsing on itself as well as Yael. The titan had fallen, likely not to rise again.

It was at about the same time that Daruk said to listen to the shapeshifter that the shapeshifter himself ended the life of Titan #1, causing Daruk's own negotiating Titan to whip around and stare. A moment of awkward silence lapsed, before titan #5 roared and started stomping slowly toward Daruk, ground shaking underfoot. Daruk's flames had succeeded in shriveling the vines that had threatened to entangle himself and Daruk, so both maesters were unhindered to retaliate.

"LIES!" the forest titan boomed, uprooting a nearby tree and chucking it at Daruk. It continued to move toward Daruk, the ground shaking even more violently the closer it got. While Daruk aimed at being intimidating, the Forest Titan's moves didn't falter. It was still bigger, and it had fought foes bigger still.

It seemed that none of the titans would hear negotiation tactics, not after one of their own had fallen. Any further protest would fall upon deaf ears, as their one and only goal seemed to be to remove the threat, and that threat was the mages–and all humans within the vicinity. Whether it was because their intelligence was null, or they couldn't differentiate mage from commoner, they seemed to have no strong preference on who they were harming. If one titan wasn't engaged with a mage, a simple civilian would pay the price.

Laguna had the upper hand in the sky, the titans not expecting the lightning strikes of crimson red. They tore down and cascaded down, striking around and upon the forest titans. Laguna had fair aim, as they succeeded in avoiding strikes toward their allies. Two bolts of lightning met their target, titan #2. The lightning ignited the wood on its body, sending the titan aflame and yet still rearing to fight. It dove toward a cluster of civilians hovering under a canopy, bringing its massive fist down to smash the canopy and cause it to fall upon the dozen people. Screams sounded from underneath, though the injuries would be uncertain. It might become clear to Laguna that if titan #2 couldn't reach the mage, that it would continue to make the people pay the price.

The explosions to titan #4 was more than it bargained for. First flecks of bark and debris went flying out in all directions, then more of its core material of rock, dirt, and something else that was gritty and sharp. Finally, the titan's neck and core seemed to explode along with Henry's explosion, sending large amounts of flaming debris onto the Ignis Mage and surrounding picnic grounds. Tents and blankets went aflame, and one woman went screaming, running while completely ignited. Henry would find sharp debris raining down on him also, a mix of what seemed to be glass and some other kind of shrapnel from deep within the titan. Shrapnel also went flying as far as Merrymaker, Daruk, and Gerik. Forest titan #3 let out a sharp exhale, standing before the Sun of Ignis.

While Henry closed his eyes and focused on his aura, he would feel the sensation of vines attempting to wrap around his wrists and ankles. If he didn't move quickly, perhaps even interrupting his charge, he would find that he'd been ensnared and brought in to titan #3. It would attempt to bring Henry close, attempting to clamp its jaw tightly around Henry's shoulder to rip his arm from his socket. Or, at the very least, cause some severe pain and piercing damage into his shoulder, and perhaps strain the ligaments.

–Somewhere between Vivifica Forest and Sanctus Heights–

HeartOfFerria

The double agent smiled widely. "Glad to have met an accord." He seemed mildly disappointed, however, when Quinn developed a handhold for him so that he would no longer have to hold onto her. "I didn't mind it the other way, you know," he said with a mischievous grin, though there was something playful and harmless in his tone.

The two would continue to travel, leaping from stone to stone, on through the night.

–Vita City: Prisons–

Nero Kunivas

A scoff escaped Kiran at Arkane's words. "So you're saying that I'm more or less a minor mage?" He smiled. "Well, I wouldn't be surprised if mage blood runs in my veins, even if I am not one myself. My ancestors were very powerful mages themselves and had lived during the era of the Great War, my great-great-great-something grandmother even being a member of the First Court." He wrapped his bronze fingers over the smooth crystal, which seemed to dull with his touch. "They won't know that this necklace is anything out of the ordinary. No one knows it possesses Itika except you and her"–he jammed a thumb in Eleanor's direction–"and I'm assuming that neither of you are telling?"

He glanced away, shame clouding his eyes as he next spoke: "I'm sorry if I ruined your evening. You were just heading to your lodging when you got mixed up with me. I apologize, but, Arkane"–Kiran tried his best to meet Arkane's eye, if he'd allow it–"sir, I really am grateful. Thank you. I feel that I can finally be free of these men, after all this time and these many years. You have given me more hope than I have allowed myself in so long."

"I am from Viridi Isle, or The Outskirts as your people call it," he explained to Arkane. "Here Itika is evil, but in my land it is a fine balance. It is but a neutral substance, that can be used for either good or evil. Too much of a good thing can be bad, surely you know that. My people are bound to different laws than Regalia. We see things differently."

He tilted his head to the side, alarmed as Eleanor had a sudden outburst and attacked the wall. Kiran's eyebrows rose higher and higher as he watched the woman, blinking several times as she apologized for her outrage. "It's . . . um, quite all right, Miss. I am sure that the guardsmen won't mind that you pummeled the wall." Kiran moved toward her, extending a hand out to grasp hers. "May I, Miss Eleanor?" If the Umbra woman permitted it, he would gingerly grasp her hand, with his other hand waving over it. His brows were knit in concentration, on his tongue the language of Old, not commonly used among the mage folk but seemed to still be deeply rooted in Outskirts traditions. Eleanor would watch as her hand was no longer blistering or bleeding, the pain slowly ebbing away. All the while Kiran's pendant glowed at his neck.

Vita City: Honeybadger B&B

Endless Thundaza

Seeing Jynn's mood lighten put Mabel's heart at ease. Still, she knew that there was lingering tension between Vivifica and Somnum mage–perhaps there always would be–but she would attempt at being the neutral party that they needed–at least until they broke their friends out of prison.

"All right, let us proceed." She gave Jynn a playful tug and a smile that he likely could not see. She rubbed her thumb over his knuckles gingerly, thoughtfully, before moving toward the exit, assuming that Maestra Nero would follow. The top-hat man would be intently reading his paper, though as they left the building his lips curved upward in a smile.

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

The three would uneventfully find their way to the deputy's office where their friends were being held. The same receptionist that had greeted the other mages was still sitting at the desk, lifting his gaze from a report. "Can I help you?" he inquired, gaze resting on Jynn, for some reason assuming that he was the one in charge, before stealing a glance toward Nero and Mabel in turn.

–Vita City Tavern: The Wandering Rose–

Nero Kunivas ,

Scrapmaster

"So long as we don't get ourselves involved in any poker we should be in the clear," Tibarn said with a chuckle in response to Gabriel's remark, adding an additional whiskey to the order. The waitress nodded without jotting anything down and turned toward Arno. "And you, sir?"

After he informed her of his request and paid her, she took the coin gingerly. "I'll be right back with your drinks and your change, sir," she said, before whisking away from the table.

It was evening, and already crowded in the tavern. Lots of jovial laughter and roaring arguments could be heard. A thud, slam, and beer sloshing to the floor could be notated without so much as glancing around. There likely was plenty of gossip around, but filtering it out from all the noise around them would be particularly difficult. A frown furrowed Vaike's brow.

"Besides a lovely redhead over there watching a table of two men," Vaike interjected, jerking his head to the other side of the tavern. "I don't see anything out of the ordinary, per se. She's decked out in her finest, so she's got some money trail. Why she's watching men is beyond me. Too old for that, methinks."

The woman was indeed dressed finely, in a blouse, corset, and fine dress, jewels around her neck and dangling from her ears, displaying wealth. She was perhaps in her late twenties or early thirties, likely no older.

Tibarn nudged Gabriel. "You should go flirt with her."

Scrapmaster · Jul 18, 2020

- Henry Heid - The Sun's Wrath - Aeternalis -

With the death of Titan #4 came respite, but respite short lived as it's debris fell upon several tents and one woman in specific who was ignited. This all happened fast, but not so fast that Henry couldn't process what was happening, fully focused on the fight at hand, he managed to dodge away from the falling debris that headed his way, a few small pieces of glass struck him on the side of his arm, leg and cheek as he evaded most of it by dashing and rolling to safety, it bled for a second before the wound cauterized itself, his blood was so hot it basicaly burned the wound, closing it. Visible steam coming from the wounds.

Henry stepped his foot down, and concentrated as he did before, but with the added effect that that all fires around him, and yes, especially the woman who had been ignited briefly would all begin moving towards him, being absorbed straight into his body as his aura absorbed all the fire in the vicinity, the woman in question would still find herself with few burns, mostly first degree burns as she wasn't on fire long enough for her skin to be charred. This would charged his aura even more.

The titan sent out it's fines, as Henry still had his eyes closed, he felt the vines wrapping around him, he expected the titan to do something...and this was the best outcome, the titan would find his vines holding Henry, but he kept his hand on his sword and hammer, and his charge was not interrupted, as the titan pulled him towards it's maw, Henry's eyes would open halfway. releasing a fiery shockwave from him, burning and incinerating all the vines that held him, as Henry released an explosion of blast behind him to propel himself to Titan #3's head. He aimed for the forehead of the titan, with his hammer ready, possibly this motion was too quick for the titan to react in time. Henry would slam his hammer onto the titan's head, creating a concussive shockwave, which would also send Henry flying back, but he quickly dismissed his sword, and in it's place summoned a dagger, with a chain on it like before, as he threw it at the Titan's neck, it aimed to impale itself into the Titan's neck, if that worked, Henry would pull himself back towards the Titan, the chain pulling him forward as he would change his hammer to his sword, and preparing a slash infused with as much sunfire magic as he could. The objective of said attack? to Decapitate the titan entirely with one supercharged and superheated sword slash that would send a cutting shockwave in the area of impact as well. Henry went all in. But made sure not to waste all of his power in it, as he did not want to leave himself vulnerable in case his onslaught failed.

In which case, if his onslaught failed, Henry would be on the defensive until the Titan left another opening.

Mystics Apprentice

(Post for Vlad and Arno will come at a later time. As they're in a pretty good spot, all in all).

Stardustblade358 · Jul 18, 2020

- Vincent - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: Lieutenant's Home -

Vincent would hear the loud purring of the cat. He smiled as he opened the book. "I'll get you some food before we leave. Give us a few minutes, alright little guy?" He asked, careful not to step on the cat when he approached the bookcase. His eyes skimmed through the pages and passages until it reached a specific one that seemed to catch his interest. The researcher spoke of having found a burial ground that was rich with Ikita as raw material. Something that was originally thought only found within living beings as part of their magical capabilities had a physical form that could be used and abused by the popular masses should there not be control. Reading that they were in Miko only determined further that she spoke of the area known as the Valley of Magic. Heavily restricted, usually. But that didn't stop people from try and getting something for themselves. Risking their lives while at it. People will defile graves of their ancestors for the sake of power. But what followed was a surprise, as well. He could see the rush of the ink against the parchment, the panic visible in the writing as she spoke of ghastly Wraiths that had attacked her and her assistant. How nobody believed her but that she knew what she had seen. How these beings claimed to be member of the...First Court. What? Return to our world? "Diane, Vlad." He called for them, looking up and showing them the journal. "The First Court...the one from the A Thousand Year war?" He looked down at the readings once more. "The author speaks of Wraiths in a valley near Miko that claim to be part of the first court. Powerful enough to come back to life and kill an unarmed man. Maybe powerful enough to return." He handed the journal to Vlad. "We need to bring all of these back to the church. All of them. This person has seen these apparitions, and has been the witness to these beings of the First Court. She might be the key." He said, picking up journal after journal and stacking them up. He planned on taking them all back, and reading them all if he had to. He paused at the sight of the cat. "Uh. We also need to feed the cat before we leave."

- Arun - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: High End - I need an adult. Wait. Crap. I am the adult -
Arun looked up at Everyth, and he indeed looked like crap. He had a bit of dark circles under his eyes, and even as he was properly trained to be a mage...today has tested him. "We could not find the right blue hair perpetrator." He spoke, sounding disappointed in himself as he bowed his head. "I believe that we should return to the church and...see if anyone else has found anything. We...have failed for today." Arun turned to Incrarose, bowing his head. "...I am sorry Incrarose. I believe I ended up dragging us in circles."

- Arkane - Umbra Court - Vita City - Arrested - /w Eleanor & Kiran -

"More. Less. Does it matter? You can make things explode, and that alone is enough. Bloodlines of mages do not disappear completely. They merely dwindle. As generations pass it may reappear while it may also seem that there is nothing in all. In reality, it's always in there. Just tends to be stronger in some generations by the luck of the draw." Arkane watched as Eleanor went ahead and just let her anger flow through fists. He did not stop her. If you were a smart person, you wouldn't attempt it. You would merely allow Eleanor to finish with her current tantrum, and then take care of the aftermath. It was natural. Everyone took out frustration in different ways. Eleanor's just was a bit more explosive than others. "We have no need to tell anyone of it. It will not bring us any benefit. Besides. Now it means that you owe us a favor." His expression never changed, shaking his head instead as she came back to her senses. "A little bit more and you could have made a doorway to the outside for us." He teased, smiling at her before returning to his calmer expression. He would look at him, blinking a few times as he spoke that even though he had ruined their evening, that they had helped. Arkane hated that mushy feeling he was beginning to feel at the pit of his chest. He glanced away slightly. "You're right, you ruined our evening. I could be having a bath right now. But we also got involved when we could have looked the other way. That makes both of us accomplices..." He did snap his head at the mention of Virdi Isle. *Oh*. That explained a lot, actually. He gripped at his own hands under the sleeves. "Do not forget how differently it works within Regalia. It can end up costing your life for something so small." He whispered. He stepped back as Kiran decided that he would try and help Eleanor with healing magic. The language he spoke was unknown and old, something he did not know nor could recognize. A healer. "Could have naturally belonged to the court of Sommun." Healing was not the way of Umbra. The courts served, as a way, opposites of one another to keep the balance. Sommun was life. Umbra was death.

- Yael/Nahum - Unaffiliated - Aeternalis - Death of the Innocents -

Yael wrapped tight and coiled, whispering curses under his breath until Titan #1 collapsed beneath his pressure. He could feel that bruises would already be forming against his own skin as he slow;y let go and slithered away. He had no choice. He had no other choice. He slithered out from underneath the titan, struggling to catch his breath. Sweat and dirt stuck on his skin. His mind was spinning before it was brought back by the sounds of screams. Yael would lift his head up only to see as Titan #2 would slam itself down on a canopy of humans. No. No no no! Not the civilians. The shapeshifter slithered at it, deciding he would give Laguna a hand. "COWARDS!" He screamed at the titan, eyes glowing. "COWARDS THE LOT OF YOU!" He screeched. He reached Titan #2 and would slither around its arm and up its body, surrounding it. "You call yourselves the guardians of the forest! Then what about them?! Their ancestors?! Those who have lived alongside the creatures and your allies?!" It was obvious. They were not going to talk. There was no negotiating. Only death. Then so be it. He would crush every single one of them. Or at least try. "Run away! As far as you can! Do not stop running until you cannot see the Titans any longer! Go! Go! GO!" He screamed, unhinging his jaw to bite down on the head.

Scrapmaster · Jul 19, 2020

- Vlad - Somnum Blood - Lieutenant's home -

Attuning to the shadows was simple enough, nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary in the upper floors or the home in general as he scouted, he did notice a few mice around the attic, tsk tsk Lieutenant. All was well and good until Vincent found the book he was looking for, he seemed rather perplexed about what he was reading.

"What about them? they're just a myth." Vlad commented, as Vincent asked him and Diane. But the next part about wraiths were enough to catch his interest and attention, releasing his attunement to the shadows as he turned to look at Vincent. "We're in a world where giant electric monkeys eat the horns of large electric horses, and you're surprised about Wraiths?" Vlad asked him, half sarcastically, hiding his uneasiness at the revelation beneath a layer of sarcasm.

What Vincent intended to do, however. Vlad was rather against. "And then what?" Vlad asked him, his back turned to Vincent. "You bring all this to the church, the elders will hide it, throw it into the library to be forgotten...or worse, they'l order the destruction of these journals. The lieutenant had to risk his own life for this stuff, he had it for some time...why didn't he take it to the church...hm?" Vlad asked Vincent, his tone devoid of sarcasm and witticism.

"You bring this to the church, they'l give you a tap on the shoulder, and nothing will come out of any of this." Vlad commented.

Stardustblade358