Fantasy The Four Courts RP [closed]

[Thanny]

- Jari Coriander, Somnum Court, within the carriages heading toward Sanctus Heights -

Jari fell to silence within the long carriage ride to the capital, his eyes focused on something beyond the terrain outside the window. Ever since his talk with the farm, he had been feeling a little introspective, perhaps even homesick. The smell and taste of the cheese Mako brought him snapped his mind back to his parents and their treating him with delicious, sometimes exotic cheeses. It was an odd passion of his father's to sample of the various foods of the world, one that he shared, though like anyone he had his preferences. He missed them, having not seen them in nearly a year. Perhaps he should take some time away from court duties and visit them. Shiroo too might appreciate the visit as well.

The dialogue of those within and without the carriage, and Laguna's sudden rocketing departure both spelled out the need for action for the young fox boy. Jari shook his head free of thought with widened eyes and popped his head out of the window, seeing the plume of smoke from within the capital. Moaning as he went back into his seat, he prepared the small amount of gauze in his rucksack, using Whittle magic to cut them into long strips ahead of time. He only had enough for five bandages, hardly adequate if it were a large blaze, and yet he hoped that it would be enough to save even a few lives. It pained him that he could not do anything but sit down and bide his time. Heck, he was not even sure if they were heading towards the fire, which spurred him to voicing a question or two.

"Miss! Rabs, is it?" he piped through the sliding door to the coach's driver. "I know not where we're going, but drop me off as close as you can to the site! If I can help, I want to! I'll relink with everyone later!"

- Daruk Mordem, Ignis Court, still duking it out with a crippled dragon and now a building too -

Daruk smiled up at the successful bombing run of the automaton's fire breathing mechanism. He would have cheered soon afterwards, gladdened that Henry was able to prevent further damage with the fires it breathed out, but there still was the danger of the city fire spreading like a contagion. Barring the possibility of generating an earthen wall to contain all of the blaze -- something which would have taken three Daruks to pull off if Daruk could do the proper math -- they had to pull something off remarkably well.

The building started to fall and was properly braced by Arun's earthen golem, the lifeless creature keeping the weight of the structure in place with impressive strength. Fearing that this would not be enough, the Maester (currently nearby the building) started to work on his earth magic a little harder than last time, separating the soil he pulled up from in front of him, in a 20-foot length by 20-foot width by 5-foot deep hole by size distribution. Some parted to become boulders, cobbles, and gravel, and some pulled off into sand and finer materials. Mixing partitions of this into a proper ratio, he created a considerably stronger soil, pushed it into three columns of earth around Arun's golem and ending inside the hole near him, and set his hand on each pillar. This made the soil composing them superheated and become a pseudo-rock, one of the strongest conglomerate mixtures. These three pillars should hold all of the five-storey structure, maybe even alone. He would let Arun be the tester of that, though.

Feeling the strain of the magical expenditure caused even the mighty Daruk to huff and puff, but he appeared very proud of his work. Being familiar with a lot of geotechnical stuff allowed him to think of all sorts of ways to make things strong, but they needed to stop this dragon for good.

"Everyone still here, blow up this mechanical beastie before it does any more damage! I'll hold this scrawny building here with Arun!"

For now there was no humour in his voice, none of his signature "gwa has." The moment's direness was sinking into him.

- Pali Noirtier, Umbra Court, observing the scene from his splendid carriage -

Giant columns of smoke gushed into the air, and the guards were getting antsy about letting people through. Pali sighed with a great deal of begrudgement that yet another, and yet very much worse, incident had occurred that delayed their meeting. The situation seemed to befit the possibility of Ignis mages being involved, and these court mages are probably the same ones that set off the blaze, the oafs. Worse yet, the guards did not take them as mages. Pali wanted to put a stop to that and exited the carriage, his half-cape tossed over his shoulder to prevent the fabric from billowing from a gust.

"We are from House Umbra, all of us being mages, except for our human baggage. If you want a quick and easy solution to this blaze, let at least me, Pali Noirtier, through. The others can help too in their own way with this incident. Leave the firefighting to me."

 

[Elrandir]

- Incarose Vassar, Iseult "Rabs" Mylis, Thea Nero - Court of Somnum: Sanctus Heights -

Both Incarose and Rabs were surprised the moment Laguna came out of the carriage and, somehow, went flying towards Sanctus Heights, it was an interesting experience to witness to say the least. Jari's voice made Rabs focus once more.

"Close to the. . .I'll see what I can do," Rabs said to Jari, "I guess you being mages will mean that you want to help."

"M-Maestra? I think one of your mages just left, um, flying?" Incarose said with a tone of confusion.

If someone saw Nero they would say that a sweatdrop formed on her forehead when she heard that. She was proud that one of her mages was ready to leap into action, but that was Laguna, always surprising everyone. Luka commented that maybe the problem was something the Court of Ignis couldn't contain, this made Nero wonder what could it be. Daruk was a strong man, the Maestra knew that, but if this was indeed something he and his mages couldn't contain then it was a good thing Laguna went ahead.

"Maester Daruk is a good man and I am sure that if he and his entourage are already in the city then they must be doing something about it," Nero said to Luka, "but yes, we shall fix whatever needs to be fixed. Let us hope it's not something serious."

Both carriages made their way to Sanctus Heights and, once there, two guards allowed them to enter, they even gave both girls a map of the city, which would make their trip easier. Rabs could feel the temperature slowly raising, Incarose, being naturally attuned to the element of fire, was not feeling much of a change. It took a few minutes until both carriages arrived at a stable. Nero was the first one to come out of her carriage, still holding her suitcase.

"You have our thanks, Miss Vassar, Miss Mylis, but it seems that people are being evacuated now. I will be more at peace knowing that both of you left the city for the time being," Nero said as she saw some guards helping people move further away from the direction of the center of the city, "I think that is our cue to go and investigate."

Incarose and Rabs nodded and went inside the stable for a moment, Meanwhile Nero waited until all the Somnum mages were outside their carriages before looking at each one of them.

"Listen, my students, it seems that there is a problem at the center of the city, and if that smoke is a sign then there should be a fire going on. Those able to use water spells must work together to control and extinguish the fires on our way over there," She said in a calm tone, "those capable of healing must help keep civilians out of harm's way, protect them at all cost, heal them if you must. Let's move out!"

The Maestra turned around only to find Rabs standing behind her, her hand nearly making contact with her.

"Maestra, have you seen Rose? She said she wanted to tell you something," Rabs said, a hint of worry in her voice.

"I'm afraid she is not here, Miss Mylis. Are you sure she is not inside?" Nero asked Rabs.

"Positive. With all this smoke coming from the center Skoll and Hati are unable to find her. Unless. . .No. . .she wouldn't. . .Maestra, I think that, maybe, Rose went towards the center of the city! We have to go and-" Rabs said before being stopped.

"We shall look for her and, if she is indeed there, we will protect her, Miss Mylis. Now evacuate and wait for Miss Vassar. Me and my students will help with this problem, do not worry."

Incarose was getting closer and closer to the center, the destruction was all around her, fire and stone and ruin. This brought back unpleasant memories, memories of pain, sadness and despair, screams of terror and the smell of ashes. Incarose didn't move from her spot, not even when the mages of Ignis were fighting against the automaton that was once part of the city. Something inside her had awaken, something primal, something fierce, something powerful. Fire began to sway towards the redhead, slowly at first, then the flames began to swirl and fly towards Incarose, but instead of setting her ablaze she was absorbing the fire inside her own body. More and more fire began to fill her up, her hair akin to a bright red flame, she squinted her eyes and clutched her chest with both hands before falling to her knees. The pain began to rise more and more, each passing second a torture for the young girl, until she reached her limit and, with a loud scream, she spread her arms and the fire would be released in a powerful explosion.

Meanwhile Nero didn't waited for Rabs's answer, she quickly took off towards the center of the city. At first, mostly smoke covered the streets, but the more they walked further into the city the hotter it became, the more people were evacuating, and small fires could be seen at first. Those fires began to grow in size until the Maestra heard the sounds of battle, she managed to see mages in the distance, and a familiar silhouette, that of Maester Daruk himself. She ran towards the battle, on the way she spotted multiple water hydrants and so she focused on making the water burst from them. Before she could reach Daruk and his mages, the hydrants all bursted as the water began to raise towards the sky before it went flying towards the Maestra, following closely behind her, and those who had followed her, and dowsing any fires along the way. She could clearly see the mages fighting against some dragon automaton, other mage was attempting to stop one of the buildings from falling, potentially killing everyone around, with a stone golem, but just as she was about to unleash the acumulated water, she saw Incarose sitting on her knees on the ground just as she spread her arms and fire began to swirl around her body.

"Oh no. . .Miss Vassar, stop!" Nero yelled as she ran towards the redhead.

Just about when Incarose was going to unleash the fire she had absorbed she could feel a pair of arms around her just as a wall of water formed around her, then the flames covered everything around her. She didn't understand what was going on, fire was the only thing she could see, but whose were the arms around her?
When the fire stopped and she still could see the wall of water she turned around, only to find Professor Nero kneeling behind her, some parts of her clothers thorn apart, burning marks on her arms, legs, chest and face. Did she. . .? Again . . .?

"A-Are you alright, M-Miss Vassar?" Nero asked.

"W-What happened? What did I . . . ?" Incarose said quietly.

"It's alright, we s-shall talk about t-this later," Nero said as the sphere of water that surrounded both bursted and the water began to fly around the central square, dowsing any fire it could find while also staying away from the Ignis mages's way, "Please, go back to the e-entrance of the city. Miss Mylis is waiting for you. Go! We shall talk later!"

Incarose was without words, the only thing she could do was nod and follow the Maestra's order. Nero couldn't see it, but as she ran, tears were falling from Incarose's cheeks. She had done it again, she had hurted someone with her cursed "gift."

Throughout all the comotion Nero could hear the sound of thunder, and soon enought rain began to fall. A storm was coming. She waved her hands in different patters as a glowing glyph appeared in front of her, this would allow the storm clouds to release more rain and, hopefully, be able to stop most of the fires.


- Diane Corbeau - Court of Umbra - Sanctus Heights entrance -

Once the guard left, the shadows from inside Maester Gerik began to shift and turn around the closed space, making different patterns and silhouettes around both the Maester and the bandit, Vann. Some easily recognizable, others strange combinations of creatures. From the shadows came a pale gloved hand holding a lamp with some green fire inside, the chain holding the lamp rattling faintly as the rest of the arm came out from the shadows. In a few seconds a pale looking person in back clothes, a half cape made of feathers, a half mask that resembled a black dog or wolf and wearing a hood, appeared from the shadows. Their head slowly turning towards the Maester, revealing a pair of green glowing eyes peering from behind the mask.

"The man is correct. There has been a situation involving a dragon automaton going rogue in the middle of the city, Maester," A female voice said, "Maester Daruk and his mages were dealing with said automaton, but, as you can see, the situation was more than they could handle and it went out of control."

The female turned her head to give Vaan a look. If Vaan looked at the woman that had just appeared he would notice that both her left arm and leg didn't looked normal, instead they looked mechanical, but something about it also felt magical, it was as if they were made from a fusion between technology and magick.

"There has been many mortal casualties thanks to the Court of Ignis and this rogue automaton," the woman said in a monotone voice, "the Court of Somnum arrived around 15 minutes ago, and the Maestra looked very interested in helping the populace. As for Vivifica, well, I've heard about an accident on one of the trains and the whispers tell me about two Vivifican mages that were involved in that particular situation."

The pale woman then stood still, not moving a single muscle. It was now up to the Maester to order what was to be done. Although, it looked as some of his mages were already taking action.

"Entrance to the city is prohibited as the guards are evacuating the populace," she said calmly, "if your status as Maester is unable to grant access to the caravan then, perhaps, some coin could do the work."

 

[Scrapmaster]

- Henry Heid - Dragon automaton fight - Sanctus Heights -

This fight had gone on long enough, fortunately Henry's attack worked and disabled the dragon's mouth fire breathing apparatus as well as blasting it from the inside out, said attack revealed a nasty hole in its mouth and exposing many wires, the automaton was subsequently thrown to the side by Arun, it now laid on its side, vulnerable.

Henry felt a tung of pain on the side of his left arm, noticing a somewhat cut wound to the side, probably from the shrapnel that flew from the explosion, it bled a small ammount before he used fire to cauterize the wound, using his fingers to cauterize it, he did notice that his blood had a tinge of gold in it. He had seen it before, it was a small side effect from utilizing Sunlight magic to amplify himself, but that was unimportant, as it didn't pose any danger to him.

Before he could do much he noticed a building about to fall on top of him and Lev, but before he could do anything to get out of the way, Arun attempted to hold it off with a giant earth golem to hold it upwards, and soon Daruk himself went on to hold the building up from falling. The base of the building was destroyed, so no way to use earth magic to repair it in time. They had even less time to destroy the dragon. Help was on the way, in the form of firefighters and rescues.

Regaining his energy back he focused his magic once more, looking at the dragon, and seeing the weak point left by Aquilla's magic, it was now or never. He charged his magic as he ran, maneuvering his way around the rubble of nearby buildings and the dragon's legs which moved but could not get the dragon up to stand. A golden trail of sunligt magic flowing behind him and fire magic flowing around his arms, he would use both sunlight and fire to enhance his physical strength and speed in order to close the distance and slash into the weakpoint with fire and sunlight powered slashes, the blade of his sword heated to the point of melting through metal as he try expose what was behind the warped metal layer before creating an orb of blast magic into his free hand and lobbing it inside. As he took some steps back for safety from the blast that would ensue as the blast magic would ignite itself soon after throwing the orb. Hopefuly this did some critical damage to the mechanical beast.

Nero Kunivas Mystics Apprentice HeartOfFerria Stardustblade358 Thanny

- Richter - Valley of Magic -

Richter stood quiet as Tiru began to verbally tear into Elliot, Richter took no part in it as he was focused on seeing if Aislinn had any wounds that needed tending and care.
"Regardless, leave the arguing to after we're safe, and not in the valley anymore." Richter chimmed in with his thoughts about their argument as he would lift Aisllin up in his arms, in a bridal carry. Meanwhile his Itika rods had returned to normal, and began gathering Itika once again, which were most likely quickly reclaimed by other Vivifica mages.

"Let us return to the VIllage." Richter spoke as he began to walk off with Aislinn, hoping the others would join him.

To a common VIvifican mage RIchter's devotion to Aislinn could be seen as weird, but to him it was different, he respected her, and she was one of the few from Vivifica who accepted him for who he was, surprisingly Richter wasn't the most popular among his peers in the court, due to his natural magical affinity and glorious hair, he'd gain quite the contempt from those who were jealous of him, his to the point personality didn't help matters either. So he kept his friends very close, and as such was loyal to them.

"Ychera...does that name sound familiar to anyone?" Richter would comment on what the spirit had said, as he continued to walk towards Miku.

Mystics Apprentice Nero Kunivas HeartOfFerria

- Arno Cross - En route to Sanctus Heights -

Arno sat alongside his partners as the train continued its route to Sanctus, Arno always enjoyed seeing how travel technology evolved, the trains were always helpful, after all a former thief's best friend would be a method of transport that allowed him to not only escape a city, but also blend amongs the passengers. Not that he had anything to hide anymore aside from his past.

Arno himself laid himself back in his seat, letting his hat rest in his head as Tibarn began to comment about their earlier ordeal. Tibarn mentioning the poker game. Which got a small chuckle out Arno. "Always been lucky with cards, and other luck games." Arno explained how he was so comfortable playing poker. Before he turned his eyes to face Tibarn, but without a hostile aura or any disrespect. "And I see you took a liking to our newest friend." Arno commented on Tibarn's earlier interaction with Saffron. Clearly teasing Tibarn, in his own way.

Nero Kunivas Mystics Apprentice

 

[Xion136]

Zion - Vivifica - Prison

Zion stood there, waiting for answers, comments, or the thief to start staring at her again.

Endless Thundaza Mystics Apprentice


Kagura Sumeragi - Somnum - Oh shi everthing's on fire

Kagura didn't want to let go, but Nero ran off fast. Managing to follow on pure instinct and swift feet, the Dancer arrived to find his Professor hurt. Eyes wide, Kaga took a breath. Already here. Don't look at chest. A soft hum was then heard, then Kagura began to softly sing.
"You are the ocean's grey waves..."

The water from the rain, from the hydrants began to coil and turn, Kaga supremely focused. The water coiled and then pressed against Nero, healing her wounds before coiling and creating a massive sphere of water, which was fired at a burning building to douse it. Kagura wobbled after coming to a stop, then hurried to Nero. "Professor!"

Elrandir


Eclaire de Wynter - Umbra - Sanctus Heights

Eclaire kept Feynne close...but she looked over as the fire raged. Frowning, she pressed her hand to the young girl's head. "...do you...have any medicine, Elle?" She asked softly. "...I don't know if we can get her to a doctor anytime soon..."
Stupid Eclaire. You can use healing magic...why not...why?
Why are you afraid?
Is...fitting in...worth the life of a young girl? One she fought so hard to save...?

 

[Nero Kunivas]

- Ronin of the Shade, Unaffiliated - Cathedral Prison -

Being the keen eyed soul he was, Ronin noted the Thief's embarrassment after having stared at Zion a mote too long. Internally, Ronin would understand, for the Vivifica mage was quite beautiful, but the Slayer had his suspicions that Zion was out of the Thief's league and it wasn't just because he had a part in the train disaster. Soon after, Ronin clenched his fists and prepared himself, for the noises in the distance were loud to a concerning degree.

"I'm here to set you free of this unjust imprisonment. Stand back." Ronin uttered as he flexed his right hand, forming an intricate, green sigil, that he would aim at the cell door's lock and would rotate his hand anti-clockwise until a click sounded from the cell door's locking mechanism. "There." He then pulled the door open and gestured to Jynn and Zion to follow him, but just as the thief motioned to go past Ronin, the latter unsheathed his shorter sword, Retribution, and would slice the Thief across his side. then pull back his blade into a backhanded stab into the Thief's lower belly in one deft motion, then would remove the blade and clean it off as he walked quickly away to the wall he had spotted earlier, sheathing his blade and paying not even a second thought to the lowly thief.

"Over here. Watch yourself..." Ronin spoke as he stood before the wall, then gestured for Jynn and Zion to wait. Within a few seconds, Ronin focused his arcane energy and raised his straightened hand fingers first toward the wall. With a yell, Ronin released an arcane-boosted One Inch Punch and obliterated the weakened wall, opening the Cathedral's prison area to the outside air.

"Go, through here! Make haste!" Ronin urged the Vivifica mages, hand gestures included as he looked back to the stairs for anyone approaching.

 

[Mystics Apprentice]

–Miko Village–
Scrapmaster , RikuXIII , Nero Kunivas , HeartOfFerria

The trek from the Valley of Magic was otherwise uneventful, the Vivifica mages carrying what Itika they could with the provisions that they brought. Tiru refused to acknowledge Elliot for the entire duration, instead making small talk with Quinn and musing over whether the residents of Miko would tolerate them for another night.

Upon Richter's question, however, the blond mage's brow furrowed thoughtfully. "Ychera . . . . Doesn't ring any bells here, though this talk of the 'First Court' does have me wondering. D'you suppose they are somehow connected to our Four Courts?"

During the trek Aislinn stirred once, muttered something unintelligible, before returning to her slumber. It was quite likely that fatigue had settled in from the lack of sleep that she'd been enduring for some time, and the battle within the valley did not help matters.

The mages would be greeted by the townsfolk, seeming otherwise unconcerned that they possessed sackfuls of raw Itika over their shoulders. One of the civilians, a woman, frowned when she saw the unconscious Aislinn, though said nothing as they would likely retreat to their rooms in the inn.

"So, what is the verdict?" Tiru asked, setting a bag down and stretching his strained arm. "Shall we head back to Regalia tonight, or stay here, rest another day, and set out tomorrow?"

–Sanctus Heights: Central Square
SOMNUM
Elrandir , HeartOfFerria , Xion136 , Thanny , RikuXIII , Nero Kunivas ,
IGNIS
Stardustblade358 , Scrapmaster , Thanny , Nero Kunivas , HeartOfFerria , Endless Thundaza

​

The young raven-haired churro girl looked to Vincent as he pleads that they must rescue the civilians, to which she nodded. Someone's blood smudged her chin as she held a determined look in her eyes. "I'll help, too!" Elia cried out, darting to the side as debris from the burning building fell alongside her, letting out a cry as she realized it was igniting a fallen body. It was clear that the young healer had not been prone to watching death, or perhaps had never even seen a body before.

Thankfully, Arun and the Ignis maester were on high alert, and rescued the surrounding mages and civilians from a fate involving the burning building and crippling their very forms. Between Daruk's impressive display of earth magic and Arun's magnificent golem summon, the two were able to keep the building secured and in place, allowing people to part on either side and flee for their lives.

"Get out of the city!" Shiroo cried, redirecting an elderly couple from returning to their home in an apartment labeled "2B." "We can't control this right now. GO!"

While several were managing the civilians, Henry was seizing this opportunity to put an end to the automaton that started this mess. Thanks to Aquilla's bravery and sacrifice, the weakened, warped plate of metal on the dragon's chest gave way at Henry's strike, exposing its mechanism and gadgets that it used to functions. Gears could be seen moving in tandem with its struggle, the explosive orb housing itself within the unit and unleashing an audible boom! The clanking of mechanical parts could be heard rattling within its core, and several parts of the automaton flung themselves around at alarming speeds. These were once loosened by Soren with his magic from earlier, and were fully released thanks to the blast. The automaton's eye flickered before the light faded from it entirely, its motions coming to an abrupt halt.

With the automaton down, the threat seemed to solely rest upon the flames threatening to consume the entire capital. The Somnum mages couldn't have arrived at a better time. The water unleashed by the Somnum maestra did indeed serve to quell the flames and, while the area which they covered was expansive and more crackled and ignited in the place of the ones Thea Nero put out, it seemed that there now was a sporting chance that Sanctus Heights wouldn't be reduced to ash.

–Grand Cathedral: The Prison–
Xion136 , Endless Thundaza , Nero Kunivas

The thief would indeed assume to follow Zion and Jynn out of the cell, turning his gaze gratefully toward Ronin. As his lips parted to speak, however, a cry instead escaped his lips, the blade finding its way into his stomach as both shock and pain caused the color to flood from his face.

"But . . . why?" he managed, before collapsing to the ground in a pool of his own blood. He would survive but only a few minutes if nothing were done to proffer him aid.

The thief's cry fell upon deaf ears, however, as no guard or attendant seemed even aware of the commotion that was happening within the prison, or the breakout that was about to occur.

When the wall fell, a burning city would be demonstrated underneath a darkened sky. An amber glow clung to the smog that obscured the starry sky from view, flaming ash hovering in puffs of smoke as it fell upon the ground. The scent of charcoal and burnt flesh would assault their nostrils, and the screams could be heard throughout the city. Sirens began to blare overhead, and across from Jynn, Zion, and Ronin a troop of security would rush past. A building had collapsed, and apparently they were working to rescue as many as they could.

(Looks like Zion is in the right place at the right time Xion136 !)

–Sanctus Heights: The Gates– UMBRA
Nero Kunivas , Thanny , HeartOfFerria , Xion136 , RikuXIII , Stardustblade358

One of the sentry man seemed alarmed that Arkane had procured an undead flying animal–presumably a horse–and took off beyond the wall. He was so bedazzled, in fact, that he'd entirely missed Isabelle scaling the wall with ice until another guard began waving his arms frantically and shouting. "O' noble mage! You mustn't do that! Your very life is in danger!"

When Pali made his suggestion the guardsman who tried to halt Isabelle merely sighed, lowering his glaive slightly. "With all due respect, archmagus, I do not see how one from the Umbra Court will serve in putting out the flames," he began, before elbowed by his companion who gestured to the gate.

"You may pass if it is what you wish, though we do not wish for you or any of your kind to be extinguished by the raging flames. Mage blood is too precious to be lost in such a manner, and already the Ignis and Somnum mages are trapped behind these walls in an attempt to save our city."

"The choice is yours," the first added begrudgingly. "Though we were requested by the High Priestess herself to evacuate all."

Meanwhile, Isabelle and Arkane would come to find Sanctus Heights smoldering, flames stretching along a huge portion of the city and everyone in a frenzy. A few areas remained spared of the flames for a brief time, but it seemed that they would eventually consume the entire capital within the walls.

–Train, en route to Sanctus Heights–
HeartOfFerria , Scrapmaster , Nero Kunivas

No one heard Saffron voice her thoughts on Vivifica, which was perhaps for the best lest she be subjected to a myriad of questions or held in the utmost of suspicion, neither outcome particularly desirable. An elderly woman did pass through and offer the metal mage something to drink, if she so desired it.

Meanwhile, Tibarn chuckled slightly at Arno's inquiry, to which he merely cocked a grin as he wiped something invisible from his chin.

"Well, what can I say? She's cute, is she not?" Behind the nonchalance, however, Tibarn also felt something about her. Something that he could resonate with, though for reasons he couldn't say. After all, he'd only just met the young woman and clearly knew little about her. The thought of Kiev possessing her, however, sent a wave of fury through him that it shouldn't have. Not that he wished for anyone's mistreatment, but the thought of Saffron potentially putting up with his abuse rubbed him raw.

"Don't think our friend here has any particular fondness for her, though," Tibarn voiced, elbowing Gabriel slightly in a prodding manner if he were present. He then turned to Arno, expression growing serious once more. "But honestly, her magic was impressive. Did you see what she did with that bullet back there? That's what I'm talking about. Could be real handy to have as a comrade."

The train would come to an unexpected halt after a short duration, many passengers rising from their seats demanding why they were parked in the middle of nowhere. Rumors would spread faster than the conductor that there had been an emergency evacuation in Sanctus Heights, and that they would be turning around.

"Well, isn't this sweet?" Tibarn murmured sarcastically, starting to get up from his seat. "We get all this way, and now they're making us turn back!"

 

[Stardustblade358]

- Arun & Vincent - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights -
Arun would focus, the finishing touches formed as Daruk helped with the stabilization of the building. He would lower his hands, letting go of the golem as his creation would remain, formed by stone to retain its place and hold the building as a new structure to add to the scene. He would turn back, glancing as the beats was finally slain. "I thought that these things were mindless. How could it attack as it did?" He asked, his voice soft among the roaring of the chaos around them. His attention finally returned to the world and the consequences, and things were going down quickly. The city was burning down to ashes, corpses scattered around as they served fodder for the fire. People ran for their lives. It was chaos. "What have we done?" Arun asked, his eyes wide as he watched the terrible consequences of the fight. No matter. They had won one fight. Now they needed to fix this one. Arun was off. He would assist with the evacuation, using his earth magic to form bridges over ruins and fallen structures, getting them out of the way for the people to get past and to the exits. Vincent would rescue civilians, helping them out towards the exits as the flames raged on. It was hard to breathe, the thick smoke and intense heat never relenting. He gestured for the civilians to hurry down to the exits at the different gates of the city. There was a group that were having trouble as part of a house had collapsed onto the road, blocking the path to the nearest exit. He would prepare to use his own gear and transfer them over one by one, before there was a shaking of the earth. Arun would swing his blade up, the ground beneath extending as the cobblestone rose and draped itself over the collapsed house, creating a bridge of some sort for them to cross. Vincent would stare before shaking his head, gesturing for the people to continue. "Go!" He called, and they ran. Arun would return and continue, searching for a way to get rid of the fire. He did not have control over fire to the extent of the others, he did not know if he could absorb it. All he had was his earth, his stone and terracotta and- wait, that could work! Mud! Arun came to a halt in front of a building, shifting the earth in front of him to bring out massive pieces of rock and dirt mixed together. He took out his battle axe once more. He would make sure that he had a shot free of civilians and teammates before he would pull his battle axe back and calculated before swinging it. The pieces of dirt and rock would fly across the air, and it would seem that they would become projectiles of death had they not changed at the very last second. The dirt would soften, and mud would replace them, splatting down against the buildings and its roof with hisses from the suffocated fire. It worked, to an extent. He had ho qualms, and he proceeded to repeat the process in an attempt to calm the fires.

- Arkane - Umbra Court - Sanctus Heights -
Arkane had spread out his curses as much as he could, gifting curses of rain around the buildings edging the walls and taking up as much ground as possible. It did not take long for his curses to run out, however, the cards running dry out of their spells. Arkane frowned, and yet it would seem that they would be blessed by the Somnum court finally showing up to help; as one of the only legitimately qualified people to deal with this kind of disaster. "Isabelle, make it rain blood or something! Anything to put out these flames before the whole city is in ruins!" He insisted. Arkane shuffled through his curses again, flipping card after card as he looked to choose the right one. He would scoff, looking up at the place. How could he possibly stop the fire from going any further- wait. Maybe he could use the reflection against the fire. He would activate one, letting it float in the air as a giant mirror would be aiming upwards into the sky. He quickly looked around, whistling for the pegasus to fly him further down, closer to the fire. Once there he would lift a card, focusing on it. "Here we go." He whispered. The card's symbol would glow, and a giant mirror would appear before him. He let go of the card as it floated and he backed away. He took out his flute, focusing on the curse. Absorb, and release. An alternate reflection. He would take a deep breath and begin to play his flute, the tune eerie among the chaos. As he did, the mirror would suddenly begin to produce air, slowly sucking and absorbing the fire into the inside of it. Arkane focused on the curse, his red eyes glowing. Citizens would see as this mirror would slurp up the fire from the buildings, leaving them smoking with whatever they had left, taking one or two shingles along with them, only for it all to be transferred and expelled through the mirror aiming at the sky, shooting the fire upwards like a flamethrower, allowing it to expel into nothing. Arkane plaid the flute while sitting on his pegasus, focusing on the spell as the mirror by the fire would move along the buildings, pulling up the fire and transferring it to be expelled into nothing upwards.

 

[RikuXIII]

{Mako Koyl - Somnum Court: Eirika * then Sanctus Heights}
Mako started to blush as she handed the cheese and milk to Jari.
"Yep!" She said, her mouth engaging on its own. "It's very Gouda!"
"Crap, here comes the puns..." the young teleporter thought....
********
Mako knew she would feel apprehensive when she saw Sanctus Heights, but the sight of the city in smoke made her heart jump into her throat.
"What in the Heavens happened?" She murmured, eyes wide.
Professor Nero's instructions gave her something to focus on, but that didn't last long. She had no talent for water magic, meaning she couldn't help with the fires, and she didn't know healing magic. How was she to help? She couldn't see Jari, and Laguna was apparently off doing her own thing, so she couldn't follow them. Not sure what to do, she followed after the Maestra.
As she moved into the Central Square, Mako heard cries of people trapped in buildings. She swallowed, doing some mental math.
"I'll bring 'em to you!" She called out to the other Somnum mages before vanishing.
She reappeared inside a burning building, coughing from the smoke. She could hear people in the next room. She burst through the door to find a family with the father trapped under a beam.
"Hold still!" She yelled, raising her hands.
A portal appeared below the family, dropping them to the street outside where she hoped the healers would see them. Closing the portal, Mako coughed again before teleporting to the top of the a reasonably stable building, listening for more targets to save.


{Valery - Vivifica Court: Valley of Magic * then Miko Village}
Valery leveled her weapon for another laser blast for her opponent when the attack was called off by one calling herself Ychera Vencii. The warden growled after the sports as they retreated. The parrot familiar swooped down and landed on its mistress' shoulder.
"And stay out!" It squawked.
Taking a moment for a few deep breaths, Valery turned to see about Aislinn. There was already an argument going on.
"She was poisoned." The familiar translated Valery's signing. "While not ideal, knocking the maestra unconscious could have saved her and us more harm."
She nodded to Richter.
"Nothing that will not heal." The familiar spoke.
*******
Heading back with the rest of the Court, Valery opted to act as rearguard, in case this "First Court" tried something again. She was also considering what was learned today on her watch. She knew a little about death magic, but spirits were not a branch she had studied. Had death twisted these spirits, or was there more to this story? Either way, an enemy had been made.
Returning to their inn, Valery allowed herself to slump into a chair. Her unnatural regeneration was already handling the wounds she had sustained, but she still felt tired and hurt.
"Rest." Her parrot said, translating her answer to Tiru's question. "Strength for the road and time for Aislinn to recover."


{Gerik Lockford - Umbra Court: Umbral Caravan * later arrival at Sanctus Heights gates}
Gerik beamed at Vaan.
"Ah, there we are." He said. "The small details make make the man. Very good, Vaan."
He pulled a jingling bag of coin and tossed it to the bandit.
"There is far more of that if you can get me more information about Invidia. Inside is a card with a contact for you to get in touch with."
Reaching out, the Umbral Maester took Vaan's hand in a two handed hand shake.
"Welcome to the Umbra Court's employ. We are generous employers."
Tendrils of darkness escaped Gerik's grip as the smile on his lips was no longer mirrored in his eyes. The magic he was using was a simple tag using dark matter. It was harmless unto itself and mostly undetectable, just a way for the Maester and his agents to track the bandit. But it never paid to tell the intended intimidation target those details.
"And a devil of a fiend to betrayers."
**********
With Vaan instructed to wait silently, Gerik spent most of the rest of the trip in silent contemplation. The possibility of this "Invidia" being an actual seer could just be smoke and mirrors, as was some of Gerik's own power. It would be an effective ruse, getting people to believe you already knew their thought and actions. The Maester used his knowledge of people and human nature to predict how people would react and it was mostly accurate. But that had nothing on the menace of a magic means of predicting the future. The fear it inspires is unequal. A clever lie. But that was the problem, currently. Was it a lie or truth? If true, then plotting against this Seer would be near impossible. What secrets could he see? And what secrets did he already know?
"A sister..." Gerik murmured to himself as he stared out at the landscape.
The sight of Sanctus Heights elicited a look of resignation from the Umbral Maester. So, things were progressing faster than he had hoped. At the gates, Gerik waited then listened to the guards with much the same expression. He turned to say something to Micah when Diane appeared. This sparked a smile.
"Ah, miss Corbeau, I was just about to call for you." He greeted.
He listened to the Fixer's report carefully. Yes, it did seem things were moving faster than predicted.
"I want that automaton disabled with minimal damage." He said, getting out of his carriage. "If we are going to get to the bottom of this, we need more evidence."
He spotted some of his mages already heading into the city.
"Bring down the automaton!" He called after them, augmenting his voice with magic to carry farther. "And keep Ignis from obliterating it!"
He turned back to Diane.
"What word of the High Priestess? If you don't have any, find out."
Gerik half turned and leveled a finger at Vaan.
"Unless you are a skilled fire fighter, I suggest you go about your business."

 

[Thanny]

- Pali Noirtier, Umbra Court, fighting fire -

Pali issued his famous chiseled grin as he was allowed entry, as well as the rest of the Umbra court. That went well.

"You needn't worry about me. Keep an eye out," he responded to the two guards, patting one on the shoulder as he walked past, both eyes closing as his mouth moved.

In a gust of water-laced wind, he took off once more, this time up the side of a tall structure as he wished for great speed, the ability to walk up walls, and slow falling. Reaching the unlit top of a tall building, he gazed down at the burning square and leapt from building to building, getting as close to the blaze as possible.

His eyes beneath very wet bangs were fixated on the perimeter of the fire, the narrow streets causing the overcramped structures to be easily set aflame even with the deterring rain. This, however, can be changed. He lifted his hands to the crying heavens as he issued a profound wish.

"Obliterating fires of the city I witness, be quenched inside the smoke you produced. Obfuscating smoke, commit patricide to the flames that bore you."

Several buildings would have this happen at a time along the perimeter, the smoke, instead of rising up, falling down and suffocating the fire as if it had a mind of its own. In the end, the buildings would be completely devoid of open flames, though time will be needed to allow the smoldering to end. As for the occupants of these structures, they will likely not survive, if there had been any survivors, not unless they had something protecting them from the smoke like wet blankets. Pali knew this and did it anyway, a non-heroic choice easily made for the sake of the rest of the city.

With a flare-up of bone-biting pain, Pali collapsed onto one knee and both hands, the aftereffects of using too much wishful thinking catching up to him. The Battle on the Big Bridge was one thing, but this was another. However, he knew his limits. He had one more go, one more only. Rising up to the challenge once more, he raised his hands to the storm clouds and reiterated his wish on seven new buildings.

A total of fifteen buildings were snuffed out of flame and potential life before the agony. Not even fifteen seconds after the last building was squelched like this, the gnawing sensation of every cell being ground into something lesser was so overwhelming that Pali fell forward unconscious. His body would cool down and relieve itself later when his powers will do something similar and restore themselves, but for now he was to lie prone on a flat building in the rain, and he was fine with that.

((Pali is unconscious but safe. *little nudge to Stardustblade358 *.))

- Daruk Mordem, Ignis Court, fighting fire -

The Maester of Ignis was relieved when, with one last explosion, the dragon was no longer an issue. He breathed out a sigh of extreme relief, doubled by the successful bracing of the building that Arun and he fought to protect everyone from. That could have ended very poorly for all involved, especially his court, who he had inwardly and outwardly promised to keep safe with his life. Memories were fuzzy still from that berserkergang trance of his, but he seemed to recall his oath of protection before he was even Maester. That was years ago, though . . . many years.

Now was not the time for thinking back, however. It was time for action again. With an uplifted and confident grin, he threw himself forward. The world needed saving by Daruk again, after all.

"Well done, everyone! That dragon didn't know what it was messing with! Hwah ha! Now, let's follow Arun's example and suffocate these flames! We have a city to help!"

And his court was not the only one to help, too. He espied Somnum helping with Thea Nero leading the charge, and he thought he saw an undead horse . . . flying? What a crazy thing to witness, but he was ensured that that was some sort of Umbra mage. Perhaps those two other courts were the reasons for the rain. He had to thank someone later.

He rushed off, doing the same thing as Arun and gathering an abundance of soft earthen material to absolutely suffocate whatever flames he came across. Perhaps with this, he can save the integrity of the buildings as well as the integrity of the Ignis Court. People like to blame, and they were likely to be subjected to intense scrutiny no matter what. Still, it was best, and he continued on with a wild, hearty laugh as he met every tongue of fire with a blanket of sand and clay.

- Jari Coriander, Somnum Court, aiding the survivors -

The self-proclaimed fox boy snickered at the use of a cheesy cheese pun. It was well done, in his opinion. Happily accepting the cheese and milk with a thank-you, he pondered over something before setting down the glass of milk on a level bit of ground and breaking up the slice of cheese in half with his fingers and the plate, offering Mako the untouched half.

"For a superb delivery!" he piped with a wide grin before sinking his teeth into his bit of cheese robustly. The cheese did not disappoint. It was sublime.

-- -- -- -- --

Jari went full-steam ahead alongside Miss Nero before branching off where the fire was lapping at new buildings, hoping to save whoever was left as a straggler. He was different from the water mages. He had no magic useful to aid in the prevention of something from being burned, but what he did have was the ability to absorb and distribute heat. The air, hot and sticky and possibly smokey, would be easy to cool down if he acted as a thermal heat sink, and he did exactly that as he travelled through the building, calling out for anyone who did not vacate the structure yet.

He went on like this for four floors, and got a few still inside roused up and ready to evacuate, but on the fourth and final floor he found someone, blind and stumbling along the smoke-filled hallway without their white cane. He asked about this and found out that the room the blind man came from was starting to catch aflame. He did not have enough time to get his cane or his wife.

"What room number?" Jari asked, too excited and anxious.

"Four-twenty. Hurry!"

Jari, flabbergasted that this man was willing to escape without his wife, and did not even call out for someone to aid him in getting his wife out -- tried not to begrudge the man and instead attempted to rush to the woman's aid.

The fire was at its worst at Room 420, likely the start of the blaze of the building. An open window must have set the room ablaze first, or maybe the fire creeped up the side of the building and ignited all the wood in its path. Nevertheless, it was very much aflame. His refrigerating magic had to come to a complete stop before he took in more than he bargained for. He was extremely hot as he was.

Entering the room through the ajar door, he scoured the place with his sleeve over his mouth, breathing through the mildly thick fabric of his shirt. One room specifically had its door shut, and recalling his schooling he paused before the doorknob, cooling it and absorbing its heat in the process before opening the door inwardly.

This was a mistake. The surge of fresh air from the once closed room caused a backdraft to blast him into the bedroom. Feeling scorched, coughing from the surge of smoke, and with his clothes and tail on fire, he rolled around to douse the flames before getting upright. Fearful whimpers could be heard from the bathroom, and Jari did not wait to reach out and next open the bathroom door.

"Come on!" he throatily shouted over the din and crackle of flames, peering into the gloom to spot a properly dressed woman in the bathtub, surrounded by a wet blanket and lying in a small pool of water. "We have to get out of here!"

She was hesitant at first, but rose and took the blanket with her, rushing for the exit. Jari felt a bit of satisfaction knowing that she will be all right, but he looked about a little longer. The cane. Where was the cane?

The collapse of part of the ceiling brought down a cloud of noxious materials and particulates as he attempted a search through the rooms, and Jari went down, coughing and crawling a little ways out of the debris. He looked around with soot-bleared eyes. He had to escape this conflagration.

And that's when he saw her again, the adventurer lady from before: Ychera Vencii. She glanced down at his fallen form with her heavy farmer's tool, a repurposed scythe, attached to her back, her hair tied neatly into a bun, her visage expressionless. There was some time before another flash of memories overtook Jari for a split second, informing him a little more about her life and skills, but most important to him were the words actually spoken.

"Get up, youth," she commanded, turning her back towards him. "You cannot die yet, not until you have completed what you must do. I can only provide so much. Now get up!"

Jari felt the surge of confusion first, followed closely by confidence. Rising to his feet, he ran past her and into the hallway of the building, but when he turned to see where she was she was gone. Was she there to begin with? Was he hallucinating under the duress of low oxygen and inhaled debris? He shook his head and fled the building, bracing himself against the wall as he headed down the stairwell, as alone as when he started. The blind man and his wife had already left and migrated to the first floor before he touched the first step down.

 

[Elrandir]

- Incarose Vassar - Sanctus Heights -

Again. It had happened again. She had tried her best to avoid such a situation for days, weeks, or maybe months! Why did that had to happen today? She had hurt the Maestra of Somnum, a very important person in the land. She felt stupid, she felt scared, overwhelmed, with the current situation. Poor Incarose was currently hiding inside an empty apartment further away from the center of the city, a building that was not currently on fire, she was covering her ears as she sat in a corner of the room.

"Calm yourself. . .think of something else. . .anything," she thought to herself, "just not that. . .not again..."

She could feel it inside her, the power sleeping inside, ready to burst at any point in time, the current situation wasn't helping much either. She had to apologize to the Maestra, she had to apologize to Rabs too. . .she had lied to her just so she could help others, but instead she caused more troubles. She hoped everything could work out and the city could be saved.


- Thea Nero - Court of Somnum - Sanctus Heights: Central Square -

A few moments passed when everything around the Central Square was hectic, the streets filled with fire, bodies and the screams of terror from the populace. Nero struggled to maintain her concentration in the multiple things she was currently doing. Taking care that the torrent of water she was controlling didn't affected the mages that were currently fighting against the automaton, be careful enough as to not hurt the civilians, instead protecting them from the fire, and make the stormclouds release more rain that what it would normally could hold. That combined with the healing spells she had used on Luka on the trip to reach the city left her almost completely drained, and she was almost reaching her limit. That was when one of the mages of Ignis successfully managed to bring the automaton down.

"Perfect. The threat of that automaton is done for. It looks like Maester Daruk and his mage can take care of that building for the time being," Nero thought just as she felt her injuries healing and someone singing, "That must be Kagura, I must not forget to say thanks, but for now I need to focus on getting rid of all the fire I can."

For a few minutes Nero waved her hands as her injuries slowly healed thanks to the Dancer. Maybe some scars would remain from this experience, maybe not, but for the time being the Maestra focused moving her torrent of water towards any fire she could see.


- Diane Corbeau - Court of Umbra - Sanctus Heights: Entrance -

Diane slowly followed Gerik outside the carriage, not before giving Vaan one last look. Once outside the chain held in Diane's hand began to rattle faster and a little more loudly, the green flame inside growing in size.

"The number of casualties is rapidly increasing, they could be thousands at this point, Maester. And judging by the amount of smoke coming from the Central Square, the city could be burned to the ground completely if the other courts do not stop the threat," She said absentmindedly.

The pale woman waited for the Maester to give his orders to the rest of the caravan. Disabling the automaton and keeping it with minimal damage was what he wished, and it was something that had to be done, but knowing the mages of Ignis that automaton must have been blow up to pieces by now. Gerik then turned back to Diane, her faintly glowing eyes looking directly at his own.

"Besides giving the order to evacuate the populace, there has been no further word about the High Priestess, Maester," Diane answered calmly, "the priority of the guard was to evacuate the city until either the fire consumed it or the other courts fixed the problem. In any case, with all the chaos happening at the moment I am sure finding a high ranking officer will be quite easily. I will obtain more information in regards to the High Priestess."

Diane's form slowly sunk into the shadows casted by the walls of the city, and just as quickly as she appeared she was now gone, ready to travel the shadows of the city in search for any high ranked officer to get the information about the High Priestess that the Maester needed.

 

[RikuXIII]

{Anya Alighieri - Ignis Court: Ignis Court}
Anya used her flames for a blast of extra speed as an enraged Ignis Mage came down with both swords. Missed by inches, the Phoenix Bearer turned the dive into a roll, ending up in crouch, pivoting around to face her irrational friend. The Mage had been a solid member of the court and stanch guardian of the innocent...up until an ancient curse on her bloodline resurfaced after a few generations of laying dormant. She had apparently been trying to kill a few bandits in custody when Anya got involved. Those bandits were now cowering in their cells as Anya tried to keep the Mage's attention.
Growling something unintelligible, the Raging Mage with eyes glowing red slashed out with a sword, sending a wave of fire at Anya. The Phoenix Bearer called up a shield of flames of her own, blocking the wave. With facial marks beginning to glow, she punched her hand forward, through her flames. The flames responded to their master's command by shooting forward. They twisted and formed the talons of a gigantic bird before reaching the Mage. The talons closed around her, pinning her arms and weapons to her sides, though not enough to do physical damage. Likewise, the flames did not burn the Mage.
"It's alright, Mari!" Anya called out. "We've got them! They aren't going to hurt anyone else."
Mari still struggled against the Phoenix's grasp. Anya figured she had to take a different approach.
"Raiden's coming, honey. He can help you calm the blood. We haven't found Sifrei yet, but we'll get him here asap. You don't have to feel this alone."
Mari's struggling lessened at the mention of her two closest friends, and the red light in her eyes was fading.
"It's okay, Mari." Anya said in a soothing tone. "It's okay. You don't have to listen to the curse."
"Keep that freak away from me!" One of the prisoners yelled, getting to his shaky feet.
"Now's not the time, si-" Anya began through gritted teeth.
"I know my rights!" He continued. "You can't do anything to me while I'm in custody! And my trail will vindicate me. The kid deserved it!"
The Phoenix Bearer looked at the prisoner with disgust, but too late realized that's not who she should be focusing on.
"Oh, cr-" she started to say before being hit by a massive sonic shockwave.
She was thrown against the wall and knocked unconscious.
*******
Anya woke up with a head ache. She got up slowly and observed her surroundings. Most of the prisoners were still there, though the idiot who opened his mouth was missing with the door to his cell ripped open and a large hole to the outside blown in the far wall. Well, that was unfair. Bits of him was still in the cell. A few looked important. And, of course, no sign of Mari. One of the Court's healers hurried over to her.
"Mari?" She asked, swatting away a glowing hand.
"Don't know." He answered. "She's gone beyond the city. Raiden has already gone after her."
Anya nodded. Maybe Mari's friends would have a better time calming her down, especially without any unrepentant child killers around.
"Well, I'm going to go get a shot of something strong for my head, the. Go lay-"
"Um" the healer interrupted nervously, "weren't you suppose to leave with the Maester?"
Anya stared blankly at the healer for a moment, then looked out of the hole in the wall to the outside, noting the difference in sunlight.
"Damn it."

{Later, at Sanctus Heights; Central Square}
If it wasn't one thing, it was another. Anya landed in Sanctus Heights' Central Square, tattoos glowing and flame wings dispersed. She looked around, seeing a lot hurt and in need of help. But you had to care for your own first. She ran over and slid to Aquillia's side, preparing a ball of flame, which flickered into different, often unusual, colors.
"Daruk!" The Phoenix Bearer yelled out. "Why is there a freaking mechanical dragon at what was supposed to be a a semi-friendly council?"

 

[Endless Thundaza]

Jynn, Vivifica - Sanctus Heights

As soon as Ronin injures the thief, Jynn snaps at him. “YOU IDIOT! DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU ARE DOING?!” He jumps out of the bed. “YOU DOING MORE HARM TO US THAN GOOD! IF HE DIES, IT IS ON US!” He clenches his fist and raises it to Ronin, charging up electricity to deliver a blow to his face. But doing this would be useless, and the only option now was to retreat from Sanctus Heights.

Jynn lowers his fist. “You know what? Fine.” He turns to Zion. “Zion, we must leave. As soon as possible. Grab the thief and fly home ahead of me. I must find Melstrome before they auction him off.” With that, Jynn exits the prison and heads to a stable he remembers was in Sanctus. Thankfully, the smoke hid him and his identity, but he still tried to be silent and sneaky.

 

[Stardustblade358]

- Arun & Vincent - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights -
Arun was busy swinging his axe and sending mud onto the buildings. The mud was thick and watery enough to suffocate the fires, although it would also break down and crush the structures and parts weakened by the fire. Already in his mind he was kicking himself over and over again for allowing this to get out of control; but what could he have done to stop it? They did their best against the beast. Now it was dead, and now they were in charge of taking care of the damage. Already mages from other courts were helping out to put out the fire. He could only imagine what the people of the city will think. They arrived to this lively city, beautiful and full of history. They would leave it behind in ash and coal. He spun his scythe, rising the ground beneath to send a wave of mud towards a building, slamming into it. It snuffed out the fire. Here he was hoping that there was no one inside that would suffer from any collapsing structures. Arun would look around, his golden hair darkened with soot and ash as he took a deep breath. What had they done? Regardless he went on. He continued, buildings soon caked in mud, but their fires put out. He was about to swing another when he heard a district cry among the chaos. He froze, looking up as he would listen to it. He ran. What he encountered was what seemed to be a group of people...well, what remained of them. They had been crushed by the collapse of a wall while trying to escape. They had been squished, splattered like fruits as blood mixed with ash beneath. But the cry did not halt. He approached a bit closer, the cry getting louder. From the arms of a man who had been crushed from the waist down, a small bundle cried and move, protected from the smoke by being by the floor. Arun moved the cloth, revealing a small child. He did not hesitate, quickly picking them up and hushing them softly in the chaos. The cotton fabric that covered them stained red with the blood of their father, Arun could not leave it behind. "There there." He whispered. He wrapped one arm around the child, the other remaining on his battle axe. And like that, he went on, sending mud to suffocate the remaining flames.

Vincent was flying through the smoke and debris, searching for anyone that could need help or be trapped. He would stop by a street, coughing as he looked around. There were corpses laying on the ground. The worst part was that they were not burnt. Instead they had died from the smoke inhalation, all while trying to escape. They could not find their way out in time, and died along the way. That alone sent chills down his spine, only to witness as the mages from the other courts had arrived and began to help. From a non-magic user; it was a scary thing to watch. One revered these magic wielding people like gods at some point; but only if they were born or recognized in a court. Outside of it they were considered cursed beings. The difference merely being the recognition from a power that they had no control over. Even as saviors, their powers have always been so grand...It was scary. Vincent digressed, continuing to go on and search for anyone that needed help. It was when he was approaching the stables that he could hear the horses calling out. The fire had yet to reach them, thankfully, but the heat and smoke surely did no better. It was along the way that he saw someone heading to the stables, the opposite direction of an exit. "Hey!" Vincent hurried over, landing just a few feet away as he approached. "What are you doing? The exit is that way! You have to get out before the smoke gets you!" He coughed, covering his own nose with his glove.

Endless Thundaza

- Arkane - Umbra Court - Sanctus Heights -
Arkane played his flute, the tune of the instrument haunting the city as he would absorb the fire and eject it into the nothing of the sky. He would continue to do this until his curse ran out of energy, the cards running out of magic from their creation. No problem. Arkane still had a few more left, quickly replacing them to resume the task. Although it was beginning to take a toll on him. Such massive amount of alterations to the curse, and the amount of items that he was absorbing, at the moment and prior creation to the curse cards demanded a lot of magic from him. He had rested up on the way to Sanctus Heights, and had regained his strength. But he would soon be unable to continue for much longer at this scale. He closed his eyes, playing the flute as magic would surge from his tunes, giving instructions to both the mount he rode and the cards that he controlled. Twisters of fire would be absorbed into the grand mirror and expelled upwards. Who is to say that not one or two people or corpses would get caught in it along the way; but hey, he was at least attempting to do something. If they did nothing, then the entire city and its history would be gone within a day. He would take a breather, coughing as he would watch Pali do his thing, smothering the flames with the same smoke that they created. But it ended up taking too much of him as well, collapsing. "Shit, Pali!" He had overdone himself, going as far as to bring rain upon the area before going unconscious. Arkane led the mount down towards him, the hooves hitting the cobblestone as rain drenched them both. Arkane jumped off, quickly kneeling down to Pali and pulling him up. He reached over, touching his forehead before looking at the pegasus. "We cannot leave him here. Come." Arkane gestured with his hand, the undead pegasus bowing its body to help Arkane get Pali onto the beast, draping him on it. Arkane would sit behind him, making sure that Pali did not shift nor fall in the movement. He moved some of his hair away from his face, glancing around them as he would look down at his flute. "I do not have much left." He whispered. His attention would turn down to Pali before patting the pegasus. "One more round. Then we can meet up with the rest." He insisted. The pegasus would huff, taking off into the sky once more. Arkane kept his grip on Pali, making sure he was safe as he would have the pegasus fly them towards the areas with more fly. As they did, Arkane began to play the flute again. His curses followed him along. They moved with him, absorbing the fire and expelling it into the air. He was a member of the Umbra court, a necromancer who saw the world as it was. He knew that there was more than just nothing after death. That there was endless possibilities long after your heart had stopped, and that there were many things to be discovered. And yet why did it hurt to see the city burn like this? Why did it ache to see the people run for their lives as history burned before them? He played the tune, his fingertips aching as he felt a drop of sweat drip down his brow. He would take out the fire of multiple lines of buildings from when he began, taking the smoke along with them and clearing the paths, revealing the ashen remains beneath. It would be when he could feel his head light and warm blood drip down his nose that he knew that he was beginning to push his limit. He finished to use up what was left of the curse, watching the cards stop their glow and turn into nothing, no longer usable. Smoke and steam would remain, Arkane grasping at the pegasus as he groaned. "Get us to one of the walls." He asked. The pegasus complied, flying his master and his friend to one of the many walls that surrounded Sanctus Heights, landing on the very top, where all they could do was witness and wait.

Thanny

 

[HeartOfFerria]

Isabelle- Umbra
The blood mage quietly walks through the streets. Isabelle appeared to be activly ignoring Arkane’s request for blood rain. Smiling as she watched the fires burn, then suffocate. She didnt really move to help anyone, simply choosing to let the rain, and Smoke work its magic. That is Until she reached the central area and the mechanical dragon. Her eyes softly going from Ignis mage to Ignis mage. “Isabelle of Umbra. Does anyone need medical attention”

Luka-Somnum

Luka slowly followed Nero. She was pushing her magic, lessening the stress on Nero by using her own water spells. She started to help channel her mana as well, making an attempt to synch it up with the flow of Nero’s mana. Hopefully that would allow them to keep the spell up for longer.


Saffron- Aboard the Train

The train stopped, prompting Saffron to stand up. she looked around shortly before making her way towards the conductor. “Why did the train stop?” She asked herself as she pushed through several other passengers till she reached the conductor. As expected, several people had the same idea as her. Along the way she passed Tibarn, Gabriel, and Arno.


Quinn- Vivifica

The court servant followed the others. Her eyes watching Elliot as they move back to the town. She kept her eyes on the mage till their arrival at the inn. It was at this point that Quinn broke off from the others to go to her room. Unlike most of the others however, she left her door open incase her fellow members of the court needed anything


Aquilla- Ignis

The Ignis mage groaned as she laid in the small ditch. Anya looming over her. She looked simply sapped of mana with several bones broken from the massive mechanical beast having landed on her.

 

[Scrapmaster]

- Henry Heid - The Sun of Ignis - Sanctus in Flames -

A wave of relief hit him as he saw that his attack on the dragon not only 'killed it', but didn't cause it to cause any collateral damage in its death. He stood up for a few seconds, catching his breath as he looked at the now dead mechanical monstrosity, looking at Anya as she had arrived just in time. As Henry literaly began to collapse, collapsing into one knee as a wave of exhaustion and fatigue washed over him from the over usage of his magic in such short time. He had used more magic than he should have when fighting the dragon, it was a while since he had exerted so much magic to do something.

He tried to get himself up, much as he tried, however it wasn't enough, until he began to hear someone scream, a child, screaming. Looking around he noticed a little girl, crying, right next to a burning building which was almost collapsing, "get out of there!" He screamed at her, but she did not listen. The building was getting more and more close to collpasing, fire about to burst out of it and right onto the kid. "No! No! NOOOO!" He screamed as he pushed himself to run towards her, as the building's flames shot out towards, he had closed the distance in seconds, as he extended his hand, creating a small light barrier to block the flames coming their way. The kid finally noticed the situation and looked back at an exhausted Henry pushing himself for her, he simply looked back at her and told. "Go!" He shouted at her to get out of there, and that she did. As Henry released the barrier as he extended both his hands towards the burning building, and began to absorb the flames into the palm of his hands and soon enough the entire four story building that sat in front of him, originaly covered in flames from inside out and about to collapse would find itself extinguished of flames as a grunting Henry absorbed the energy, converted it into mana and purged any excess as best he could. It was a rather painful process, but he was quickly done in doing so, taking a few surprised steps back as he looked at his hands, with lines of flame spiralling around it as he closed his hand as those flames extinguished into embers.

In a silent moment of reflection Henry stood there contemplating it, before turning towards another building and doing the same thing. His sword had already disappeared in a flash of light, ready to be called again. Henry would go out to absorb and extinguish the flames of several other buildings in order to help the other mages to take care of the flames.

'I can't believe we let this happen...I can't believe I let it happen...but...all I can do now is help fix this.' Henry thought as he did all this.

Nero Kunivas Mystics Apprentice RikuXIII Stardustblade358 HeartOfFerria

- Richter Vanis - Miko Village -

"For now, we rest. See what decision the maestra takes when she wakes up." Richter spoke almost instinctively as Tiru questioned what they should do, going back to Regalia would waste too much time, and they already had access to the Inn. There was no reason not to let Aislinn rest for now that they were safe.

Richter would place Aislinn on a comfortable bed near a window as he would allow himself some rest afterwards, sitting in a nearby chair to look at the other mages and the maestra. "Tiru...is there any information at the court maesters of old? This first court the spirit said, must be connected to ours." Richter commented. Sighing. "I've never seen anything about it in our court's library." Richter continued, with a look of intrigue and seriousness in his face.

Mystics Apprentice Nero Kunivas RikuXIII

- Arno Cross - On a Train to Sanctus Heights -

"Well, Gabriel's trust is hard earned." Arno commented as he adjusted himself on his seat, "Still don't know how he came to trust you, even." Arno commented dryly, making fun of Tibarn without showing much expression other than his eyes.

Before Arno could open up another topic they were soon stopped, or rather the train stopped, unlike most everyone in the train Arno barely reacted to the sudden stop and stranding in the middle of nowhere, rumors quickly spread and there was talk that the conductor would turn the train back and head back to Vita city, due to an emergency evactuation of Sanctus, something bad had happened there.

Arno pulled out his mana rifle, placing it in front of him, buttstock on the ground as the rifle's barrel end would turn red, signaling fire magic, Arno would take out a ciggarete from one of coat's many pockets and use the magic rifle's heated barrel to light it, lightning it up rather quickly, as the magic rifle would turn off and lay resting between Arno's legs, as he'd take one smoke from the ciggarete and slowly release it along with a long breath.
"Oh well". Was all Arno had to say about all of this. It was very clear Arno didn't rightly care what would happen next, as he'd quickly throw the ciggarete on the ground and step on it. All while not leaving his seat at all.

Mystics Apprentice Nero Kunivas HeartOfFerria

 

[Thanny]

- Daruk Mordem, Ignis Court, bewildered of a wild Den Mother -

Over the muddy and slightly noisy operation of slinging very real mud, Daruk turned his head and blew his watery locks out of his face upon hearing and then seeing the Den Mother of Ignis. When did she get here? He did not see her in the train ride over here. Perhaps she caught up to them in the next train ride.

"Who knows why?" he shouted over the rain, still bewildered. "We were just enjoying a snack and watching the show when the thing upped and attacked us! I only know a handful of mages who can craft something like this, all Ignis mages, but only Arun is nearby and I am certain he is innocent. Patience is not something he has, nor I! Gwa ha!"

He burst into a jolly mood once more as he coated another building's outside with mud, enjoying his own humour and laughing giddily. Sometimes one has to laugh at themselves, or at the very least with themselves.

((Just Daruk for now until the next update. Anya got a response!))

 

[Mystics Apprentice]

–Sanctus Heights–

Thanny , Xion136 , Stardustblade358 , HeartOfFerria , Scrapmaster , Nero Kunivas , Elrandir , RikuXIII , Endless Thundaza

–Central Square–
Now that the threat of the live automaton was quelled, the mages set to work on a rescue mission. Not all Somnum mages could work with water to tame the flames, and fewer Ignis mages had the capacity to quell the fire, and thus the majority of the mages were working on saving civilians from an untimely death trapped in smoldering buildings. Mellark Crowe was among the Somnum mages who stayed behind in the square, fixating large cubes of ice over a torrent of flames and allowing the heat from below to melt them, trickling cool liquid over the raging blaze. Slowly, with the efforts of Arun's mud, Arkane's curses, Pali's wishful thinking, Thea's rainstorm and Luka supplying mana to the maestra, Daruk's blankets of clay, and Henry's consumption of the flames, the mass fire started to be reigned in, until eventually it lingered upon only a few buildings, and then doused entirely. The entire city still reeked of charcoal, ash, and burnt flesh, a thick smoke permeating the air and making it difficult to properly breathe. The death toll was in the thousands, that much was clear, though the full extent of the damage and repairs was only assumptions and estimations at that point.

Shiroo scoffed as Isabelle introduced herself, further inquiring if anyone was in need of medical attention. "That should be obvious. Just look around!" he stated angrily, helping a woman and her two children out from underneath smoldering debris from a building and directing them away from the disaster.

By then authorities were crawling all around Central Square, many of which introducing themselves to the mages and asking about the disaster. The fire rescue team was busily aiding civilians, rushing those who needed urgent care to an infirmary. It seemed that the dire situation was starting to resolve itself, but at quite the cost.

"Maester, Maestra." A man in a navy-blue uniform approached, badges upon his chest indicating that his status was greater than those of the average soldier. "My name is Lieutenant Mastiff, and I wish to humbly thank you, from all of us in Sanctus Heights and on behalf of the High Priestess, for saving our city. If not for you and your mages, this entire historical municipality would have been reduced to ash. We owe you our lives, noble mages, and we will be forever in your debt."

From Zion and Ronin's position, central square was only a block away, and would be a relatively short walk if they attempted to approach it. The thief, Remy, was stabilized thanks to Zion's healing magic, though remained unconscious.

–Gates–
In Gerik's carriage, Vaan wasted no time in booking it, pleased to have arranged a future business transaction with the maester of the Umbra court. "Consider it a deal." He nodded respectfully. "I look forward to being under your court's employ, Mister Lockford. I can assure you that it won't be a decision that you'll regret." Easy enough words for a bandit. The blond disappeared amidst the smoke and fog, and whether he would return to Gerik's side one day remained to be seen. For now, the smoke began to ebb away, and the Umbra mages were granted access to the city.

Meanwhile, in the stables: (written by me and Endless)

Spoiler

As Jynn reaches the stables, he slides to a halt as he notices Melstrome outside with someone holding on to the halter. It was a woman dressed in white, and Mel certainly seemed to know who she was. As Jynn steps closer, his eyes widen, and he immediately knows who it is.

Spoiler

She turned her head, the headdress' adornments resounding a soft jingle with her movement. Her green eyes fell gently upon the Vivifica mage, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"Hello," she said meekly, raising a hand to display that she held Melstrome's reigns. "Is this who you are looking for?"

Jynn almost blushes, but he knows that there is a possibility that this woman believes that he has caused all of the incidents that have transpired. He remains submissive, and bows, with a fist over his chest, the bracelet on his wrist shining. “I swear to you on my life that I did not get myself involved with Itika and cause all of these accidents, Mabel........”

The High Priestess blinked, tilting her head slightly as she considered Jynn. As her lips parted and words began to dance on her tongue, her gaze fell upon his bracelet and nothing managed to escape her. Instead she smiled warmly, extending the reigns to Jynn and placing her free hand on his shoulder.

"After all of this time," she began softly, "all of these years, and you still remember me, Jynn. You even still wear my bracelet."

It would be unwise for Jynn to mention his memory loss at this moment. “Y..y..yea. I have never taken this off for too long. It always felt like I would break our promises if I did.” Tears started to run down his cheeks, and he kept trying to wipe them. “I hope you don’t see me as a monster now, especially since my maestra decided to go rogue........ Life outside the court has been harsh for me the last couple of months........”

Concern flickered upon Mabel's face, watching as Jynn tried to conceal his tears. She reached out to catch his hand, saying nothing yet her expression said it all: despite the years that had transpired, she still regarded their friendship with high esteem.

"You are no monster, Jynn," she said at last. The priestess looked as though she wished to say more on that note, but her emotions became masked by a blank expression, one that she would often adopt in front of the masses when she tried to separate her own feelings from her duties. "Vivifica's choices are regrettable, but I do not hold everyone in the court at fault. We all must do as we are expected. That is our purpose in life."

She began fidgeting with her necklace as she glanced toward a smoldering building. The majority had been so preoccupied with the flames that, for once, she was not being shadowed. Mabel turned to glance at Jynn. "You must do what you feel is right, my friend. You may have already noticed, but things are changing in our world, and I fear that things won't go back to the way they were with the path we all are taking. There is more to it than what meets the eye." The light from the flames danced in her eyes as her gaze flickered toward Jynn, almost in warning. "Please remember that."

Jynn looks up to her and intertwines his fingers with hers. “I understand..........” He gently takes the reins from her. “I had planned to attend your meeting tomorrow. But it appears that it will be too dangerous for me to stay here with all that has happened. I’m sure I already have a bounty on my head.”

Confusion contorted her face as she tilted her head to the side, a gesture that Jynn would likely remember even from their childhood. "Why would you have a bounty on your head?" she asked. "These flames are the result of a disaster in central square, but you arrived from the direction of the Grand Cathedral. Has something happened that you feel you would be responsible for?"

Jynn looks towards the flames. “It’s not necessarily this that has me upset. A fellow member and I boarded a train earlier, and an elderly woman had a bag of Itika, which was then stolen by a thief.” He faces her again. “I apprehended him, believing he stole something valuable from her, but he had the Itika, and it was clear he knew that. He uses it to defend himself, setting a whole car on fire. I managed to remove the car from the train, but authorities believe that me and my fellow court member smuggled Itika onboard to attempt to assassinate you when we arrived here.”

The High Priestess remained standing in front of Jynn, hands clasped together in front of her as she made out her story.

"Oh, I see," Mabel said slowly. "I heard something about a train disaster, but I did not know the details. I'm sorry." She shook her head, stray strands of brown locks managing to escape her twist. "I know that you would not try to assassinate me. Convincing the other courts and the elders of this, however, might be more problematic."

She drew a step closer to Mel, stroking the top of his head gingerly as she said, "You have a lovely horse. What's his name?"

“I understand. I don’t want you to get into trouble.” The Priestess takes an interest in his horse. “Oh, that is my troublemaker, Melstrome, or Mel for short.” In an almost show off way, Mel faces his side to Mabel, striking a prancing pose. Jynn raises his finger. “Not right now, Mel.” He faces back to Mabel, scratching his head and blushing. “From here on out, I probably should resort to horseback for transportation to anywhere, heh.”

A laugh escaped Mabel as she continued to pet the horse. "My, what a charmer he is," she said teasingly. "I wish that I had a carrot for you!"

The flames continued to ebb away around them, the smoke still thick in the air. Mabel averted her gaze from the Vivifica mage as she next spoke: "You maybe wouldn't know this if you've never been to the Grand Cathedral, but there is a side entrance through these very stables that leads into the kitchens"–she turned to glance upward, hoping that Jynn was catching on to every word–"a chef is discerned by their black attire and white aprons, and they are never questioned when they come and go from the cathedral. While they won't be attending the council, there is a balcony that they could overhear the events from. If one takes the side flight of stairs off the servant's wing and heads straight up, the balcony overlooks the main chamber, and theoretically one could witness the entire event from above. Everyone will be so attentive on the entrances and meeting that no one would notice a chef wander up there, especially since the chefs will be bustling about preparing the food and banquet."

She tilted her head, offering Jynn a mischievous smile. "Well, I hope that you have a safe journey back!"

Jynn listens carefully to Mabel’s words, immediately understands what she is implying. He looks at the stable. “Huuuuuh......... interesting........” He looks back to Mabel with a smile, as well as offering a bow. “Well, thank you for your time, Priestess. I shall ‘take my leave’. And I hope to see you again very soon.” He winks at her.

Jynn grabs a long piece of black cloth from his pocket, and wraps it around his face, revealing only his brown hair, his right eye, and mouth. He looks back to Mabel. “Before I ‘leave’, do you perhaps need a ride back home?”

"No need for formalities in private," Mabel said sheepishly, swaying slightly on the spot. "We're best friends after all, are we not?"

Excitement lit her eyes at Jynn's offer, before her gaze flickered to the horse and then back over her shoulder. "I am supposed to be evacuating, but there is no need. The fires are being contained, and I have already seen that the meeting shall take place tomorrow." The high priestess smoothed down her white dress, gripping the sides before responding. "I should probably return to my quarters in the cathedral. It is not far, but I thank you greatly for the offer, Jynn." She shot a wistful glance at Melstrome. "Though I will admit, I've never been on horseback before."

Jynn holds her hand. “Of course we are. Even with our restricting lives, our bond will never waver.” Mabel then states she did not need a ride home, as it was not too far, but then, she comments on the fact that she has never ridden a horse before.

Jynn was shocked to hear this, and even Mel drops his bottom jaw, with the bit dangling from his tongue. “Wait, you never rode a horse before?” Jynn stands straight and pats the saddle. “We got time. Hop on. What the elders don’t know won’t kill them. Nobody, not even a High Priestess, should be rejected this privilege.”

Her eyes widened as Jynn gestured for her to mount the horse, initially in excitement, but then in fear.

"Why, Jynn, I couldn't possibly . . . !" Her objection, however, was purely verbal, as she did still approach Mel and eye the stirrups curiously.

“No ‘buts’! Come on Mabel! You gotta learn when to let loose a little and have fun!” Boldly, he sweeps Mabel off her feet and places her on the saddle. He adjusts the stirrups to the High Priestess’s leg length. He hands her the reins. “Hold on to these. We’ll do a basic walk-trot-canter.”

Color flushed the priestess' cheeks when Jynn scooped her up and placed her on the saddle, though she didn't seem upset. Quite the contrary: excited and eager. Adventure seemed to be something that she craved, though it wasn't often that she were able to exercise it.

"Okay." She grasps the reins, in a fashion similar to that which she had seen other riders do, before glancing toward her friend for advice. "Do I nudge the horse with my heels?"

Jynn nods. “Yep. But don’t kick him.” Mel faces forward an awaits the leg yields he is given. “Now, we’ll start with a walk. Nudge him forward.”

A nervous smile played on Mabel's lips as she gently nudged her heels into Mel's sides. Her knuckles were white with tension as she clung onto the reigns with a death grip. It was clear that the high priestess was nervous.

"Like this, Jynn?"

Carefully and slowly, Melstrome starts to walk forward. It was clear that Mabel was nervous. Jynn walks beside the two of them. “You’re doing great, Mabel.” He takes off the cloth covering his face, knowing he was safe.

A couple minutes pass, and Mabel probably is getting the hang of the walk. “Alright. Are you ready for a trot? Just nudge him when you’re ready.”

The young woman was starting to feel more confident with Melstrome's movements and how to guide him. Being on a horse still felt quite alien to her, but she trusted Jynn–she knew he wouldn't allow any harm to befall her.

"Allright, here we go!" Mabel dug her heels perhaps too hard into Mel, as they started to move much faster than a trot. "Uh, is this right?!" she called out.

Mel picks up the pace, and Mabel would find that his back does not jerk with each step of his feet. Jynn also steps up his pace to make sure nothing goes wrong. “You’re doing remarkable, Mabel!”

A few minutes pass, and Jynn now feels that the Priestess is ready for a canter, the final gait before a full on gallop. “Alright, lets step up to a canter. Place your left leg on his ribs, and your right leg right behind his shoulder. Also, nudge on the right rein.”

"Are you sure that we should be doing this now?" She shot a nervous glance over her shoulder, getting the creeping sensation that they were being watched. However, she meekly obeyed, positioning herself in the manner which Jynn suggested, tugging lightly on the right rein upon doing so. She jerked in surprise at the movement, though managed to hold herself steady as Mel pressed onward.

"I don't think I want to go faster alone," Mabel said at last. "I fear that I won't be able to control him."

Jynn examines the area around them, seeing if he can pick up any auras of those watching them. It seemed to be all clear. Mel starts to canter. It was such a smooth transition, the pace feels like riding a rocking horse. Jynn obliges to Mabel’s worries, and hops aboard behind her. He gently places his hands over hers, tracing her fingers so he can help her control the horse. “Let’s turn around.”

Upon those words, he shows Mabel how to turn Mel, by gently pulling on the right rein. He shows her how to slow him down, and allow him to speed up back to his normal pace.

They reach the area the started off from, and Jynn gets Mabel to slow Mel to a halt, before getting off and offering a hand to the Priestess. “Did you have fun?”

The High Priestess grew very rigid as Jynn sat behind her, the young girl seemingly trying to suppress any and all of her emotions as she focused on what Jynn was trying to teach her. She couldn't help noticing that his hands were still soft, despite obviously working within a stable to tend to Mel.

Mabel was quite intrigued by the horse, turning often to smile at Jynn or ask questions on proper positioning or maneuvering the reins. The Vivifica mage was a patient teacher and the priestess an eager pupil. The ride seemed to end all too soon, though she said nothing in protest as she accepted Jynn's hand to dismount.

"Oh, so much fun! That was incredible!" she exclaimed, excitement shining in her eyes and exhibiting a joy that none had ever seen in Mabel before. "Thank you ever so much, Jynn! We should do it again sometime!" At these words she hesitated, fidgeting with her hands slightly before lowering her gaze to the ground. "Or . . . perhaps not, but it was fun."

Jynn was glad that she had a blast, but as soon as she reluctantly hesitates about riding again, he grabs her hands. “Hey, don’t feel so down. Never say ‘never’. One doesn’t know what tomorrow or the day after will bring.” He gives her a reassuring smile before giving her a hug. “I’m glad I saw you again.”

For a moment Mabel looked hopeful, before she shook her head. "This was wrong, and I should not have accepted." Regardless, she returned Jynn's embrace, getting on her tiptoes so that she was at a better height to him. She buried her nose into his shoulder, and when she pulled away Jynn would find the priestess in tears.

"Me too, Jynn." Quickly she wiped at her eyes, before turning to him and offering him a false sad smile. "Me too."

Mel could hear Mabel’s regrets, and lowers his ears in sadness. But Jynn knows that she is at war with herself right now, and she probably needed time to figure things out. “I understand. Times have changed, and you have an important role to play right now. But I’m glad we took this time to reinforce our friendship.” He gets up onto the saddle. “Get home safe and get some sleep.” Putting his disguise back on, he gets Mel to galloping off to the outskirts of Sanctus Heights for the night.

–Miko Village–
Scrapmaster , RikuXIII , Nero Kunivas , HeartOfFerria

It seemed unanimous that rest was what the Vivifica mages need before they decided to return to the mainland or harvest more Itika while in the Outskirts. The blond mage nodded, thick bangs falling forward and covering his eyes.

"After our encounter I am sure that we could all use a little rest," he admitted, before considering Richter's following question. "This is the first that I'm hearing about this 'first court.' I think the four courts were established all at the same time, so I don't think there was any one court in existence before the others." He rubbed his chin. "Though it is odd. We do not have clear records of our world before the court system was established one-thousand years ago. Records and journals seem to be wiped clean, as though there was a deliberate blackout in our history and someone erased everything. There may have been an initial court all those years ago, but no one can tell us more."

The young man took a seat across from Richter, draining the contents of his canteen while glancing out the window. He hoped that the attack was just a fluke, but he did not feel that it was so. It was said that they had yet to see the last of the First Court, and something in his bones told him that this were true.

–Train, en route to Sanctus Heights–
HeartOfFerria , Scrapmaster , Nero Kunivas

The conductor was surrounded by other passengers as Saffron approached, all inquiring on the same matter.

"But we've paid for passage to Sanctus Heights!"

"We can't turn back now–we have a wedding to go to!"

"When will the gates open?"

By that point the conductor was seeming a bit flustered. He smoothed down his suit, turning to each of the individuals and responded with: "I will see what can be done. We will remain on standby until a status report can be given on the situation in Sanctus Heights. Apparently an uncontrollable fire has swept through the city, rendering it particularly unsafe to arrive in, and the gates have been closed even if passage was still desired."

Tibarn threw his friend a surprised glance as he discarded his cigarette so casually, dismissing their arrival in Sanctus Heights in a similar manner. "But after we earned this tickets?! No way!" He started to get up, desirous for a word with the conductor himself, when the man disappeared from their compartment and he noticed Saff nearby. "Yo, Saff. Long time no see."

He shrugged, looking to Arno, followed by Gabriel, before returning to his seat. There was nothing that he could say that the other passengers had not, and he couldn't force the gates of Sanctus Heights to open for him.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
And so, the mages of the Four Courts, or those answering the call of the High Priestess, have at last gathered within the capital of Sanctus Heights. And yet, sadly, the city could not greet them in its proper manner of splendor and luxury. The fire started by the automaton was perhaps the greatest tragedy that had broken through in quite some time, resulting in the death of three-thousand civilians, with even more injured from the incident. With the three-million people living within the city's walls, the mages succeeded in saving quite the number of individuals, though scars remain from the fires, if the crippled city is not enough of an indicator of such. It will take much time and money to bring the city back to its former glory, though with the aid of the courts this was not an impossibility.

Accommodations await the mages of the Four Courts within the Grand Cathedral, where servants would wait on them as if royalty and their every whim and fancy met. However, the night closes with many a question, especially for the mages residing in The Outskirts after their encounter in the Valley of Magic: who is the First Court, and why did they attack? What could spirits from the Spirit Realm wanted with Itika, anyway? And how did the automaton awaken with a conscious of its own? Are these incidents somehow in relation to one another?

With these questions we close the preface of our story, as we come to fully embrace our world and walk into . . . .

Chapter One
​

After a long rest, you have awoken either in the Grand Cathedral, the inn in Miko, or a location where you have decided to rest for the night. Word of the Sanctus Heights fire has spread wildly around Regalia, it even being the talk of the locals in Miko Village! Perhaps you are wandering the halls for breakfast, or are just getting acquainted with your peers if in Sanctus Heights. Regardless, the council would begin within an hour in the Great Hall, and thus it would be well to get organized and prepare to take a seat in the hall before the event occurred.

In Miko Village, the maestra awoke after a long night of nightmares. When she awoke confusion were clear on her face, especially to find all of her mages surrounding her, clearly exhausted from the previous day's events.

"How did we arrive here?" she inquired, turning to Richter before adding. "Those spirits . . . what happened to them? Did you all defeat them?"

After remaining on standby for many hours, the train finally chugged back into motion, rolling into the station of Sanctus Heights. Nothing looked particularly different upon disembarking, but once they entered the city they would start to see the damage that had been done. The four bounty hunters would likely have sought lodging at one of the many inns and motels, seeing as they have plenty of funds on them to accommodate their stay.

 

[Stardustblade358]

- Arun - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral -
When the two members of Ignis arrived at the Cathedral, they did not have the same cheerful spirit they had when they entered the city. The Cathedral would provide them shelter, treating them like royalty, although neither of them felt that they deserved any sort of treatment so nicely. Especially after seeing the city burn the way it did. They would have warm beds and meals while whole families would be left sleeping in rubble while searching for their missing loved ones. It was chaos, and they had to move on with the reunion with the priestess. They were led to their rooms, and they would head in for the night.

Arun looked at himself in the mirror, frowning for a moment as he saw that he was covered in soot. His usually reflecting armor was darkened, along with everything else. He removed his armor, and was about to place it aside when one servant offered to clean it up for him. Arun did not protest, watching them step away with the armor. Arun would then proceed to strip down and take a proper bath. He washed the ash and soot from his body and got dressed in comfortable clothes, stepping out to see the servants having already returned the armor in the time he was bathing. It was been restored to its clean, shiny state with a simple wash. Arun would step away from it to take a look through the window. It made his heart ache. He sighed, rubbing his temples before walking over to the bed and laying down. He did not need much time to fall asleep; for he was out like a light the moment his head touched the pillow.

- NEXT DAY -

Arun got properly dressed, watching the dawn of a new day shine upon the city. It only gave view as everyone tried to fix what was left of the city. Could they not postpone the meeting in order to help with the recovery effort? Well, everyone would definitely like to discuss about this in the meeting regardless. Only more troubles ahead. He meditated for a bit in his room before finally stepping out. He would follow the servant instructions and head to the Great Hall. He did not have an appetite this morning. Too many things in his mind. He could even hear the servants whisper among themselves regarding the fire and the battle with the best. Whatever came of it, he would face the consequences with his court if it came down to it.

- Vincent - Ignis Court - Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral -
Vincent removed his gear, setting it down the floor as he removed his clothes. Part of his hair had remained soot and ash free due to his cap, and his under clothing were spared most of it thanks to his coat. But they were still utterly dirty. He groaned and stripped down, taking a well deserved bath. The entire time he wanted to go back to the automaton and see; what the hell just happened? It was an automaton, but none were infused with magic. That was not the point, either. If it had been infused with magic, why now? Was there a trigger to it? After a bath he dressed in standard clothes and shoved his dirty laundry into a pillow case. His gear was given a quick clean up before he would take a seat by the window. He watched the city recover from the ashes, and he could not help but feel guilty. What more could they have done to stop it? But then again; he was not much use, was he? He was magicless after all. He would work on the project he was working on the train for an hour or two before heading to bed. He swore he could hear the cries of the people out the window. Misery, pain, anguish. It took a while for him to fall asleep, but he found it eventually.

- NEXT DAY -

Vincent got dressed, fixing his shirt and coat. He adjusted his equipment and would sigh. He crossed his arms and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Today would be one hell of a day. If he was not out before out of pity or actual respect, he wondered if he would even be allowed within the actual meeting. He was a member of Court Ignis, and he was proud of it. With magic or without. He would adjust his hat and stepped out. He followed the directions to the Grand Hall, wishing to head there and greet with the court Maester and the other courts. He was sure that today's meeting would be more sour than the usual thanks to the fire. He yawned a bit, rubbing his eyes. He had kept some cookies that he packed, and would proceed to open the bag and eat those for breakfast as he made his way down the hall.

- Arkane - Umbra Court - Sanctus Heights: Grand Cathedral -
Arkane would arrive on his pegasus, absolutely exhausted. He would gain aid from the servants to get Pali to his residing room as he would climb off his beast and give it praises on his own. "You did well. I thank you." He said, soon dismissing the beast. He would turn, following the servants as one showed him to his given place to rest up. He would look at the mirror to realize that he was covered in soot and ash and his hair was an absolute mess. He groaned in annoyance and went straight for a well deserved bath. He spent a long time washing off the dirt, and after that making sure it washed off from his hair too, before carefully brushing his hair thoroughly in and after the bath. He would be sitting in front of the given vanity, staring at the mirror. He would pick up his flute, playing a few tunes as a seal would appear behind him. An undead being, looking much more human than what he usually summoned, would take the brush from his hands and proceed to brush Arkane's hair from behind. As he was brushed up properly, he would work on his cards, counting them up. He pulled out blank ones, proceeding to pull out some ingredients to make rain curses. He would work on them carefully. Yet his mind flashed with the recent memory of the burning city. On his way to the Grand Cathedral a desperate woman would grasp at his robes, stopping him at his tracks. In her arms she held a child whose corpse had long gone cold. The look in her eyes when she begged for the Umbra Court member to revive her daughter. 'Because that is what your court does, right?'. The expression when he said that he could not do that, that it is not how she thought. The sobs of any hope broken as he rode away. Arkane dug his hands against the wood beneath, suddenly standing up as his heart was racing. He glared at the reflection, realizing that tears were threatening to escape his eyes. He quickly wiped them away with his sleeves and walked away, facing the window. The city was basically gone; and he did what he could do. End of story. He would return to make his curses; and once he was done, and his hair was well brushed, he would turn in for the night.

- NEXT DAY -

Arkane would get properly dressed with clean clothes, picking up some perfume and spraying it on to smell decently. He would turn and spray some on Hector. He stepped out of his room, greeting servants that were already there to greet him back. They would tell him where the Great Hall was for the meeting. Arkane would thank them and walk away, although he was still visibly distracted from the events. Although he was also thinking of Pali. He hoped that he had managed to rest up enough after his work the day before. Hector would follow right behind Arkane, wagging his curly tail to every person they passed. Should he see anyone interesting, whether from Umbra or otherwise, Hector was most likely to run off to them for pets.

 

[Endless Thundaza]

Jynn Venas, Vivifica - Outskirts of Sanctus Heights


In a forest nearby, Jynn was wide awake, and Mel was already grazing. But something about Jynn has changed. “You know Mel, there are days where I make decisions, and immediately regret them, this would be one of those days.” Overnight, Jynn has cut his hair very short, almost near his scalp, a style he never tried before. He has also removed the body glove under his clothing, and removed his gauntlets, but keeps Mabel’s bracelet on him at all times, his loyalty to her is undying. All of this may seem like a ridiculous choice to make, but it had to be done so it would be harder for others to discern his identity.

It time to eat, and Jynn already had a mallard he shot last night on a spit above a burnt out fireplace, feathers stripped from its body. It was left to be cooked overnight, and it came out perfectly. It was not an easy thing to do, but if he didn’t kill the duck, he would go hungry.

He takes bites out of the bird. It tasted good, but maybe only to his tongue. It was pretty often that he would have to spend nights out on the field during missions, sometimes for multiple days in a row. So he taught himself how to stay nourished and alive. As he chews, he teases his horse. “Hey buddy, you want a bite?” Mel immediately gags at the thought of eating meat, as any horse should.

Jynn finishes his meal, and he begins planning his day, recalling Mabel’s words.

 

[Elrandir]

- Thea Nero, Incarose Vassar - Court of Somnum - Sanctus Heights: Central Square -

The time it took for the fire to be doused entirely felt like it lasted a lifetime, when one fire was extinguished another one had taken its place, but with the cooperation between the mages of Somnum, Ignis and Umbra, they had managed to stop the fires. The scent of burnt flesh and smoke lingered, making it difficult to breath, civilians were being helped by the court mages and the local authorities. Nero's control over the torrent of water and the rainstorm slowly came to a stop as her mana finally ran out. She had been capable to keep going far longer than expected thanks to Kagura's and Luka's help, one providing healing while the other supplying mana. Once she took a well deserved minute to take a breath Thea turned around to look at Kagura and Luka, giving both of them a hug while also ruffling the dancer's hair

"You have my thanks, both of you," she said through tired breaths, "I need to take a quick break before we can continue helping the civilians. If you two have the strength then you can continue helping the civilians, if not, then rest for a little bit. I am sure Maester Daruk and his mages will be trying their best to help too."

The Maestra spotted a, still whole, bench that had survived the situation and so she sat and waited for a couple of minutes, her breath slowly returning to normal.

"Is this what you were trying to warn me about?" the Maestra asked, "this was the danger and not the balaenas?

She tuned out all the noise around her, waiting for an answer that, with the passing of the minutes, never came. Instead, she noticed some next to her. A familiar face.

"Ah, Miss Vassar, what are you doing here? I thought I told you to-" the Maestra said before being suddenly stopped.

"I'm so sorry, Maestra. I never intended for, for this to happen. I told Rabs that I was going to ask you if you wanted to leave the city, but then I heard the screams and. . .I just reacted. . ." she said as she looked at the now barely visible burn marks on Thea's body, "I didn't mean to. . . it happened so quickly, I. . .The screams and the fire. . .I apologized to Rabs, she was angry but she understood, and I had to apologize to you as well. . ."

The tired Maestra wrapped her arm around the redhead's shoulder and gave her a few pats.

"It's alright, Miss. . .It's alright, Incarose, I don't mind. I am sure you have you reasons, but I have to ask you. Why aren't you part of the Ignis court? Or any court, for that matter. You have a gift, I am sure someone should have noticed that." Nero said.

"I don't. . .I've been. . ." Incarose replied.

"It's fine. I won't pressure you to talk about it, but we should really talk about you joining a court, Incarose. It is best if you learn to control your abilities to avoid letting magic run out of control. Stay with us as part of our court tonight, we can talk about this later, when we are not busy with, well, this."

Incarose looked around what remained of Central Square. She used to like to come the Sanctus Heights, watch the people, eat some tasty treats, but after that night things were going to be very different.

Fifteen or twenty minutes later the Maestra was ready to continue her efforts to help the survivors, Incarose, while still a little shaken by the situation, offered to, at least, help evacuate the civilians. At some point Nero joined Daruk, she greeted him, although this was not the best situation to be in. A man in a navy-blue uniform approached both of them some time later, and if the badges were any indication, he was a high ranking officer.

"It was no problem, Lieutenant Mastiff, helping to fix this situation was the logical thing to do," Nero answered, "I hope that the findings of the investigation can be shared with us at a later date, this whole situation is quite strange. The lives that were lost today will be forever remembered by out court."

Even though the Somnum Court's reputation was that of its mages being lazy and often avoiding work, this time had been different, some of them worked until very late, the Maestra included. She spent most of the time helping heal civilians, her Gloscan Crystal slowly getting drained of all its magic, but it was all for a worthy cause. Professor Nero, and those who had stayed, were taken to the Grand Cathedral, where servants greeted them and treated them as royalty, this made Nero feel uncomfortable given the current situation in the city. Her whole body was covered in soot and her clothes were thorn and burned, she asked to be lead to the bathroom to clean herself. The servants, always eager to help, showed her the way to a private bathroom, she quickly declined. Instead she was taken to the women's communal bath, which looked more like a big pool.

She had been there for a few minutes, using her water controlling abilities to clean her body of all the soot while also using faint regeneration spells to heal the burn marks. The sound of footsteps made her turn to look at the entrance of the bath. There stood Incarose, blushing after founding herself alone with the Maestra.

"S-Sorry! I didn't mean to-" Incarose yelled while bowing her head.

"Tis alright, Incarose. Take your time and relax. I am sure tonight has been stressful, for all of us," Nero said as she rested her arms on the edge of the big bathtub/pool.
Incarose walked and took a seat on the edge, dipping her legs on the water, trying her best to avoid looking at the Maestra.

"I-I've been thinking, Maestra, about what you said. . .joining a court, I mean. You see, I was recruited once by some people a few years ago. They said that I could learn and help the rest of those who were born without magic, my parents thought it would be an honor to do such thing and so I was taken by these people," Incarose said, looking anywhere but the Maestra, "but then I discovered that these people, who called themselves The Shepherds, were kidnapping people with the ability to use magic to sell them as slaves, as weapons, or just as. . . I was one of those, and I tried so many times to escape."

The redhead turned around to look towards the entrance because she heard some footsteps passing by, showing her bare back to Nero, exposing long faded scars, possibly made off by being hit with a whip. The Maestra did not made any comment on this out of respect.

"I succeeded, in time, and I did my best to return home. But it was al a ruse. . .they were waiting for me, they had my parents bounded, they mocked me for trying to escape and, and. . ." Incarose then looked at her hands, "they forced me to, to use magic to burn my home. . .with my parents still inside. I was blamed by the authorities, I was hunted, forced to leave my home and live as a wanderer, as a beggar, barely having anything to survive. Some took pity and gave me food to survive and, well, I tried my best to find work, anything to get food. That is how I became an adventurer or sorts. But the magic always went out of control in the most random times and so I was not able to stay in one place or with someone for long periods of time. I think staying at Miss Eirika's ranch was the longest I've managed to stay safe. Iseult helped too. She offered me support when others just looked at a poor orphan girl and kept living their own lives."

Nero patiently listened to Incarose's story, never interrupting her, even when, at some point, it looked as if she would break down. The Maestra noticed that Incarose had tears in the corner of her eyes for most of the time she was explaining her past.

"I am sorry that you had to go through that experience, Incarose. Those who see mages as tools have been a problem for a long, long time. These Shepherds are one of such groups. Our authorities have apprehended some of them, but they never reveal anything, and we, as mages, cannot use more, eh, magical means of interrogations. It would be an abuse of power," Nero said while looking at Incarose, "but you can join my court if you wish. There is also Ignis, since they specialize in fire magic, that would be a great place to start. I could speak with Maester Daruk to see if you could join their court."

Incarose looked at the water as she waved her legs slowly, remaining silent for a couple of minutes.

"That would be. . .good, I suppose. I don't want to hurt more people just for being unable to control this, this gift. Honestly, I would get rid of it if I could. It has brought nothing but suffering to me and those around me," Incarose said, "but let me think about it a little more, Maestra, and I will give you an answer then."

Both women remained in the bathroom for a few more minutes before finally deciding it was time for them to return to their respective rooms. Incarose had been offered one room too, even when she was not a mage, nor part of any court, all because Professor Nero told the servants that she was with her and her court. Nero remained awake for a little while longer, gazing at the full moon throughout the window before she went to bed and quickly fell sleep.

~~ Next morning ~~

Once Incarose, after asking many times for directions, made her way to the cafeteria/kitchen of the cathedral she saw the Maestra already awake, drinking a small cup of tea without any sign of fatigue from the previous night, and her clothes had been repaired by someone sometime in the night. She was alone at the moment, the other mages probably still asleep or just waking up, so she took a seat next to the Maestra.

"Good morning, Maestra. I hope you sleep well," Incarose said.

"Good morning, Incarose, I hope you did as well," Nero replied.

"So...what will happen today?" The redhead asked.

"There will be a meeting between the courts in around," Nero said as she took out her pocket watch and opened it, "one hour, more or less. You are welcomed to join us. But first, you must have breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day, after all."

And so the Maestra and young Incarose had breakfast together, waiting for the rest of the Somnum court and for the appointed time of the meeting with the High Priestess.



- Diane Corbeau - Court of Umbra - Sanctus Heights -

Diane had been wandering the streets of Sanctus Heights for quite some time now, listening to the people's reactions from the shadows.

"This is a catastrophe!"

"Where is my husband?! Have you seen my husband?!"

"Mommy? Daddy? Where are you?"

"Ignis mages arrived and the Automaton came to life. How do you explain that?"

"Some Vivifica mages escaped from prison. I'm sure they planned this! Those damn Vivifican mages. Curse them all!"

It looked like the blame was being put on some of the courts by, at least, some of the people, others were calling them heroes for saving the city from being totally destroyed.

"They saved us after the ceiling fell."

"That girl found my dear Rafy and helped her look for me."

"May the gods bless those mages. They came at the perfect time."

This was all pointless to the pale woman, what was more interesting to her was that the amount of dead people kept rising, if her arcane lamp was any indication. It would take time for the authorities to give an estimate count, but that could wait. Finding out about information about the High Priestess was more important. After searching for quite a while she found the most interesting scene in one of the city's many stables. One that, given her current assignment, the Maester of Umbra will be happy to learn about. Who would have thought that the High Priestess, she who was meant to be the link between the Courts and the people without magic, would be playing pretend with a random man. Destruction and death surrounded the city, people lost members of their families, consumed by fire, choke to death, and the Priestess was wasting time on this charade.

All the time the Priestess and the Random man spend goofing around, Diane remained in the shadows, the light of her lamp all but gone, never making any noise, never moving a muscle, even breathing was something she didn't need to do, so remaining hidden was something she was good at. From the time she spent observing the happy pair she noticed some subtle hints between the two. Words, physical contact, emotions, all of them precious pieces of information for the Maester to use if needed. Diane waited until the Random man left, leaving the Priestess alone in the dark, that could lead to a very dangerous situation for the lone girl, something that the man didn't seem to have think about when he left the Priestess behind. She could get hurt on the way back, after all. Diane instead sunk into the shadows once more, disappearing to go and search for the Umbra caravan.

It took some time to find the Maester and the caravan, Diane waited until the right time to come out to stand next to the Umbra Maester.

"I have found something about the High Priestess, Maester. Something that you might find interesting."

While everyone else was busy with helping the civilians, Diane explained everything she saw in the stables to Gerik, everything involving the mysterious man and the High Priestess Mabel. When all the courts were taken to the Grand Cathedral, Diane never went to her room, instead she stayed outside the building, waiting for the dawn of the new day.

Sleep was something that she didn't needed, same with food, she sometimes took the time to participate in such frivolities, but they were not needed to continue her present existence. Throughout the night Diane watched how to city slowly tried to recover from such a devastating blow. She would wait until morning, until the appointed time for the meeting, or until Maester Gerik called for her.

 

[Endless Thundaza]

Jynn Venas, Vivifica - Outskirts of Sanctus Heights


Jynn paces back and forth, unsure of what to do, wondering how he should react if by rare chance he gets caught. What should he do if has to defend himself, or in worst case scenario, Mabel? Mel is lying on the ground nearby chewing on some twigs, merely waiting for his master to make a decision, while at the same time, sniffing the air, and moving his ears independently to pick up any unwanted sounds and smells.


Lev Noirtier, Ignis - Sanctus Heights


Within the Grand Cathedral, Lev was taking a bath, tending to minor burns on her shoulder and the side of her stomach from the automation drake yesterday. She came prepared in case any of the male Ignis members peered into the room, with her gun and sword behind her head. Before she gets out, she looks around to see if there are any peeping toms in the bathroom, then gets out and quickly wraps a towel around herself. She reaches for her undergarments and coat, which was repaired after the conflict, and heads into the changing room, as well as grabbing her gun and sword.


She comes out of the changing room in her coat and equipment on her back and hip, exiting the bathroom.

 

[Stardustblade358]

- Yael, The Trickster - Independent - Sanctus Heights: Outskirts -
Mel and Jynn would probably sense something. A rather big energy...but the figure was small. Soon enough, Jynn would hear a loud meow. There, standing behind him would be a black cat. The hair was as black as the abyss, the ends of its hair fading to purple, but too lightly to notice right off the bat. His eyes were a bright purple, as were the insides of his ears. Odd cat, that is for sure. The cat would meow at Jynn loudly, walking closer as he proceeded to rub itself against Jynn's legs. Medium long hair, with a rather fluffy tail. It would purr and rub its face against Jynn's legs, pawing at him and meowing every time louder and louder. If Jynn was not prepared, he would be surprised to find the cat jumping up to his chest, clawing at his chest and tries to climb onto his shoulder, finding a place to rest as he would rub his face against him. It was Yael, hoping that the man would pity a cute kitty enough to give him food. He could get his own food, but he was too damn lazy. Especially with the city having been caught on fire.

Endless Thundaza

 

[Endless Thundaza]

Jynn Venas, Vivifica - Outskirts of Sanctus Heights

Mel picks up a concerning sound, and gets on all fours, sounding a low pitched snort as an alarm. Jynn summons his sword, but as soon as he turns around, he sees nothing but a black cat. He lowers his weapon and withdraws it. “Don’t scare us like that buddy.”

There was always a superstition that black cats were bad luck, but Jynn did not believe such a thing. It was clear the feline was scrounging for food, perhaps he smelled the mallard Jynn cooked earlier. Jynn looks at the leftover bones. One of them did have a considerable amount of meat left on it. He gives it to the cat. “Here you go. I hope this might be enough.” Upon closer inspection, Jynn notices the cat has purple eyes, a feature that is nonexistent in cats, as they primarily only have copper or light green eyes, and very rarely have blue eyes. Jynn starts to announce his worries. “Are you......... a shapeshifter? Oh no. You’re going to tell authorities of my location, aren’t you?”

Mel approaches the cat, sniffing it, as well as giving it a massage on its back with his lips.

Stardustblade358

 

[HeartOfFerria]

Isabelle: Umbra: Sanctus Heights Cathedral

The blood mage quietly crosses her arms at the comment before deciding it would be best to not start a fight so quickly. She huffed before moving to use her blood magic mixed with a bit of water and ice magic to staunch the bleeding of wounds and with hopeful thinking, properly (keysord there), reset some broken bones. She couldnt regrow limbs but she assumed that may be too painful for the person on the receiving end to begin with. Isabelle was at this all night, most likely to the disdane of anyone who wasnt umbra.


The following morning, the bloodmage was exaughsted. She was running on fumes as she fumbled through the halls of the cathedral in search of her fellow umbra mages. She had dark rings on her eyes from lack of sleep. “The one part of being a court mage that isnt fun... note to self. Leave medical work to the Somnum Court....” she then stopped and laughed a bit before proceeding. “Nevermind... they probably wouldnt have done much at all except sleep and half ass the work to get done early.”



Luka- Somnum-Cathedral
This pale mage was fast asleep in her bed. She couldnt heal people and once the fires stopped she felt tired from the drain on her mana the previous night. She needed to rest. Hopefully the Maestra would let her sleep through the meeting. Luka failed to find it important, seeing as it didnt involve pushing the boundaries on social limitations of magic or social standards in general. It was a simple meeting.


Quinn- Vivifica-Inn

The fairy mage woke up near dawn and moved to help those in the inn prepare everything for the day. It didnt bother her to help out at the place they were staying since helping them, meant helping the mages of vivifica. She even got to work on preparing food for the other mages. She kept a close memory of their individual preferences in food and flavors as she cooked, somewhat individualizing the meal for each mage. It was the same food but each person had something extra that they would like. She would then clean up the cooking space making sure it shined brighter than it had when she started. And would move onto standby incase anybody needed anything. The entire time, her Mariner would not leave her side.


Aquilla- Ignis- Cathedral?
The armored mage remained unconsious till morning. Her body left feeling sore and in a way, shattered. As her eyes opened she found herself staring at the ceiling. “Why does everything hurt?” She groaned thinking to what happened the night before. Her last memory being that of the mechanical dragon breaking the small ice sheild. “Riiiggghhhht.. crushed beneath a metallic menace. How long have i been out?” She wondered


Saffron- Unaffliliated- Sanctus Heights

Saffron turned to Tibarn “Hey....” She smiled. “So I guess we are stuck... anybody know any good games?”

———

Upon arrival in Sanctus Heights, Saffron would have followed Tibarn Arno and Gabriel, staying where they chose to stay. She looked at it as a good way to stick with people she could trust... sorta.

 

[Stardustblade358]

- Yael, The Trickster - Independent - Sanctus Heights: Outskirts -

The cat happily would grasp at the bone with it's paws, holding onto it as it would chew and bite off the remaining meat from it. The cat ate all that was left, chewing down to the bone and licking any remains as it. As Mel sniffed and massaged the cat, the feline would purr loudly, tail fluffing around as it leaned into the well received touch. Ears would twitch as Jynn stated his concerns, the cat lifting a paw to lick it. "Why would I turn you in? You have fed me, have you not? That alone has earned you my interest, young one." The cat would speak. The voice was clear as day, although his mouth never moved. It came from the thin air around the cat instead, who would stretch and rub his face against Jynn's cheek. "I must thank you for feeding me! Changing my shape takes a lot of me. Sadly I ran out of food when I turned into this shape. Whoops!" He would giggle, tail wrapping around Jynn's neck. "Such secrecy and mystery surrounds you. You jump like a flea on a dog's body. You would not happen to be attending the meeting of the courts, would you? Or maybe you will be using the chance of the burning city to gain riches from misfortune?" He asked, tilting its feline head. The cat would look up at Mel, lifting a paw up and gently petting the mount on it's snout. "I thank you for your grooming services, as well. It has been a while since I have received such treat!" He cooed. It was obvious that this cat was rather chatty for a shapeshifter, and that maybe he was thinking of sticking around for a while.

Endless Thundaza