Shion watched him leave, slightly annoyed as they were clearly headed the same way, though she didn't bother shouting after him. Letting out a sigh, she looked at her corrupted hand. She made the right decision, if she had mentioned Emiri, there was no way Jaakuna would have had a clear mind to fight Hamut. As that thought crossed her mind, she could sense the Mist changing. Her eyes widened, and she immediately took off, following pursuit of Jaakuna.

[hr]

Lorenzo was the first to react, even if it was in vain, he wasn't about to sit there and do nothing. He dropped down to his knees, his hands already yanking out the tainted sword. What a fucking combination, Sap was probably one of the quicker ailments. Adding poison to it was just cruel--though considering who they were dealing with, it shouldn't have been a surprise. Sap was the more pressing matter, though more difficult to extract, but the poison wasn't anything to scoff at either. He'd have to get the poison out first, distinctly recalling Karolina teaching him on the many ailments that could kill a person.

"[color=darkorange]You better not die on me, you bastard,[/color]" He told Lannit, his magicks pumping into his veins. "[color=darkorange]You better not fucking give up, you hear me, Lannit?![/color]"

[hr]

A pair of footsteps distracted Nadeline, and her first instinct was to stand, her hand on her rapier. She wasn't in the best shape, and Wesley was in his own world at the moment. If it were an enemy, she wasn't sure she could handle it. She braced herself, her body at the ready as she stepped in front of Wesley. She could make out the outline of the figure approaching, noticing their height, though what was that on their head--

"[color=coral]Aloa?[/color]" Nadeline's eyes widened in surprise as the viera approached them.

Aloa bowed to her. "[color=lavender]I've come to fetch you, Highness. It breaks my heart to see your stance so rigid--did I not teach you better?[/color]"

Nadeline didn't even bother defending herself, tears of relief in her eyes. This was no illusion, this was the real deal, and she had never been so happy to see her teacher. "[color=coral]What are you doing here?[/color]" She asked.

Aloa's eyes fell on Wesley. "[color=lavender]I came at Shion's request. To the Dalmascan castle I went, only to find you were gone. You are fond of making my job harder, aren't you?[/color]" She said, kneeling down to Wesley. "[color=lavender]He will not budge, will he?[/color]"

"[color=coral]He...saw his brother,[/color]" Nadeline said, her hand on her neck unintentionally. "[color=coral]Dark magicks are involved, and...oh, Aloa, it's terrible...I don't...why did this have to happen?[/color]" Her voice choked unwillingly.

"[color=lavender]Life is cruel. Have you forgotten?[/color]" Aloa asked, her arm outstretched as a glyph appeared beneath them. "[color=lavender]It will always go out of its way to test us. Always.[/color]"

And with that, the trio were teleported out of the cursed hideout, and the hot air of Dalamasca surrounded them once more. The princess let out a sigh of relief, although she knew they weren't finished as she looked down at Wesley. She kneeled down, both of her hands on his. "[color=coral]Wesley...can you hear me?[/color]" She asked him, wondering if he even noticed they were back in his hometown. "[color=coral]...I feel so helpless, Aloa.[/color]"

Aloa looked around, already hearing the whispers of the people. "[color=lavender]Perhaps getting back to the castle would be best.[/color]" She said, taking Wesley's other arm, and together they would make him stand, though it was clearly out of instinct and not of his own will. Together, they would lead him to the castle.

[hr]

Sophia watched Emiri almost lovingly, as the girl had fallen asleep with her head on her lap. She didn't mind, and she didn't have an assignment yet nor anywhere to go, so she remained as still as she could be. A shadow loomed over her, though she paid no mind to it, already knowing it was a nosy Keiran appearing as he pleased. He always did go this way and that, doing whatever he wanted with nary a care to Zodiark's wishes. The way he spoke, however, Sophia knew there was a deep, deep sorrow, though she didn't bother mentioning it. There was no use having sympathy with the devil, after all.

"Did you want to play with the doll, too? You can't be too comfortable with her snoozing away there," Keiran asked, a mischievous smile on his face as he poked Emiri's cheek. "If you'd like, I can have her entertain us."

Play? "She is fine where she is," Sophia assured him, staring at him.

"What's the fun of owning a toy if you can't play with it?" He asked, standing straight. "That's what dolls are for, aren't they? To be used then thrown away when we're bored with them?"

She frowned at him, disagreeing with his words. "You mustn't treat her like that...our Lord seems to have taken a liking to her, and she is cooperating. At the very least he will gladly grant her the release of death she desires. The trials and tribulations of life are harsh on delicate humes," She explained, clearly pitying humes in general. "Do not outstep your boundaries. Our will is our lord's will, and to do otherwise--"

"You seem to forget I'm literally a part of him. There's no way I can do anything else," Keiran rolled his eyes. "I'm just having a little fun. If I really was cruel, I could always...have her drown herself--" He motioned towards the fountain behind them. "--or tell her to take her sword and cut herself repeatedly. Maybe have her strip down and dance in front of everyone--she could dance to one of your songs."

Sophia lifted her nose, unimpressed. "My songs are not meant for [i]that[/i] kind of dancing," She was quick to correct him.

"Isn't that what most songs are for? Dancing?" A third voice indicated that someone wished to join them.

Both Keiran and Sophia shared a mutual distaste for their...'comrade', who strolled along and inserted herself into the conversation without any input. Keiran visibly glared, though Sophia seemed more curious. "And to what do we owe this pleasure, Nabriales?" Sophia asked warily.

Nabriales was...probably the most narcisst being in existence, which made her little more than a pest--even Keiran garnered more respect among their own than Nabriales, and that was saying something. She always insisted on parading around in a [url=https://db4sgowjqfwig.cloudfront.net/campaigns/116455/assets/565317/Fire_Cultist.jpg?1457293892]false image[/url], a rather stunning visage of beauty with her fire colored hair, fair skin, and lips so red they'd make a rose feel shame. Her image put most humes to shame, but she paraded herself around with so little to the imagination so much no one really took her seriously. Well, at least they didn't when she was in that form, anyway...

"I was curious," She stated simply as she walked up to Sophia, kneeling down to stare at Emiri's face intently. "Igeyorhm said she was prettier than I am."

"Must you let your vanity get the best of you?" Sophia asked, slightly irritated.

"She's way prettier than you by a longshot," Keiran stated, grinning. "To be fair, Sophia here is, too."

Sophia shot him a look as Nabriales exhaled sharply, trying to pretend she was amused. "To compare the beauty of a goddess to that of a hume...I admit that she has the potential, but as long as she remains mortal she does not stand a chance against me," She stated haughtily as she would stand. 

Keiran rolled his eyes, taking note that she intentionally left out the part where he mentioned Sophia. "The only thing you have going for you are those way-too-large knockers on your chest. She has a better face, a nicer body, a sweet sounding voice, a personality that doesn't involve her making our with her own reflection--"

"I do not! Sophia, tell [i]Mitron[/i] that he is wrong!" She whined, reminding Sophia very much of a petulant child.

Keiran visibly gagged. "Don't...use that name on me. It's Keiran," He snapped, clearly displeased.

"Enough, both of you," Sophia's voice was dangerously dark, coming out almost as an order. "Arguing between ourselves serves to do nothing but sew discord. It simply won't do. Nabriales, if you have no other business, I ask that you leave us if you are continue to purposely aggravate Keiran."

Defeated, Nabriales pouted. "I just wanted to see. Keiran insulted me first," She said, hands on her hips.

"I didn't know stating facts was considered insulting," Keiran replied.

The three fell silent as Emiri stirred, letting out a yawn as she rubbed her eyes. She sat up, stretching, though noticed everyone staring at her. "[color=palevioletred]...what?[/color]"

"Nothing, darling," Sophia stated, lightly brushing Emiri's bangs out of her eyes with her finger. "Do you wish to rest more? I would be happy to take you back to your room."

Emiri wanted to reply, but she felt Nabriales' glare needed to be addressed first. The brunette looked back at the red haired woman, wondering what her deal was. "[color=palevioletred]May I help you with something, ma'am?[/color]" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "[color=palevioletred]Your staring is starting to make me blush.[/color]"

Sophia shot a glare at Keiran, who snickered. He clearly had used his influence to add that 'ma'am' at the end, and Nabriales didn't like that. To their surprise, Nabriales took it with stride, though her stare was vicious. "Tell me, Scion of Time, how does it feel to be constantly used everywhere you go? Doesn't it bother you to constantly be a nuisance? Is that why you came here, to seek some kind of purpose?"

Keiran's eyes narrowed, though he remained silent as Emiri smiled. "[color=palevioletred]It's funny...you remind me so much of my mother that it's starting to bother me,[/color]" She said as she would stand, clearly not imposing at her rather short height, but there was something about the look in her eyes that was unsettling. "[color=palevioletred]I never did have the courage to stand up to her. But fate decided to take care of that for me...she died. I'd suggest you be more kind to me, lest an unfortunate fate befall you as well.[/color]"

"Is that a threat?" Nabriales asked, not noticing both Keiran and Sophia backing away.

Emiri held out her hand, her sword appearing in it. "[color=palevioletred]Why don't we see? I'm eager to test my powers again.[/color]" She beckoned the red haired woman, itching for a fight.

Nabriales hesitated for a moment. She wasn't new to battle, but if something were to happen to Emiri, it would be her head on a pike courtesy of Zodiark himself. Keiran seemed to confirm that fact as he strolled over to Emiri, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. He took her sword out of her hand, letting it disappear as he brought Emiri closer to him. "Now, now, you're not even at a hundred percent yet. Nabriales is just teasing you--she's just jealous 'cause you're cuter than she is," He said cheerfully, pinching Emiri's cheek, much to her displeasure. "Isn't that right, Nabbs?"

"...yes," It was the most unconvincing answer, though Nabriales wasn't about to go and anger her Lord. "I'd be happy to spar...when you feel the time is right. If you'll excuse me..." The woman simply turned on her heel, deciding to leave.

Emiri was disappointed, though she disliked Keiran being so close. "[color=palevioletred]I could have taken her,[/color]" She snapped at Keiran, making an attempt to push him away.

He held on tight, though for once he had a pretty serious expression. She was shocked to see him so as she didn't bother pushing him away. "I don't doubt it, but not without a few scratches. Can't have that happen, can we?" He asked her gently, almost lovingly. Sophia raised an eyebrow at him, but he ignored her. "You're walking around fine, but we need you to be at your best. We're expecting a lot out of you."

He really did talk to her like he owned her. Sophia looked at the pair, noticing how close Keiran was to Emiri's face, he could have stolen a kiss if he so had desired. Emiri didn't respond, prompting Keiran to pat her on her head as he released her. "I never thought you'd be the one to discourage fighting," Sophia admitted to him.

Keiran smirked, resting his elbow on Emiri's shoulder. "Can't have anything happen to my doll. Rather...can't have her exterminate half the castle and Nabriales in ashes. It just wouldn't do. The woman is annoying, but she has her own part to play in Zodiark's plan. We all do. Some more than others..." His voice trailed off, a small frown on his face.

And there was that vulnerability Sophia had come to know. He usually did a good job of hiding it. Though as quickly as it came, it left, and he pinched Emiri's cheek, causing her to swat him. "How 'bout another song, Sophie? I haven't heard one in a while."