[sub]in collaboration with [@Meiyuki] and [@Wildeyes][/sub]

[h1][center][i][u]"Unexpected Turn"[/u][/i][/center][/h1]

[color=89fdc5]“Elina, I am so sorry for making you feel like- Gah! Come now Triss, you can do better than that!”[/color] Triss rubbed her hair, the tresses unfurling from the ribbon she had tied them in. She was trying to work up a sincere apology for Elina, and the trouble she had caused. She still hadn't decided if she would write a letter, or recite the apology in person. 

[color=89fdc5]“Elina, what happened at the garden was something I will never make you face again.”[/color] She had no idea if that was a lie, so she couldn't use it. Vows in this castle were solid, and life would be hell if she broke one. She fell backwards on her bed, and sighed heavily. She hardly even wanted to apologize, but it was the right thing to do.

Clarissa finally found her way to... Triss' room.  The girl was evidently a mind witch,  and that was a rare sight.  Medusa wanted to find out if her talents could be used to draw out Lorelai's demonic nature,  perhaps sending her into a blind rage and cutting the civil war short as even her allies turned against her for safety.

She pushed open the simple wooden door,  not bothering to knock first for a girl so much her junior.  Her eyebrow arched as she spied Triss staring at the ceiling in obvious frustration.  [color=00aeef]"Hi,  I'm Clarissa,  and you're Triss."  She said,  getting introductions out of the way quickly.  "What seems to be the problem?"[/color]

Triss scampered her way up the bed, so she wouldn't be caught fishing for an apology. Unfortunately for her, the woman -Clarissa- must have been there a while, because she had asked anyways. She looked puzzled for a moment, because the lady had knew her name. She figured things went around fast in the castle. 

[color=89fdc5]“Hello, Clarissa.”[/color] She said with a small smile, crossing her legs and gesturing so Clarissa could get comfortable. [color=89fdc5]“It was just a little mistake, I used my powers and it made one of the witches a bit crazy. Now I need to apologize, for making her want to kill someone.”[/color] Triss felt safe enough explaining, because she figured everyone would know in a day or two anyways.

[color=00aeef]"Excellent!  I was just here to find out what you were capable of!"[/color]  Clarissa chuckled,  taking a seat in the simple desk chair each room featured.  [color=00aeef]"Have you considered the classic 'whoops,  sorry I made you murderous'?"[/color]

Triss arched an eyebrow, curious as to why Clarissa needed to know her abilities. [color=89fdc5]“I think Elina is a bit more complex than that. She was rather upset, a lot of grief clouded her mind. So, I need a sincere apology to help her.”[/color] She cracked a smile at Clarissa’s simple apology suggestion, knowing how easy it made things seem. [color=89fdc5]Why would you like to know my skills, Clarissa?”[/color]

[color=00aeef]"Whoa whoa whoa..."[/color]  Clarissa's eyes widened.  [color=00aeef]"Please.... please tell me you're not talking about Elina Ruvina.  Silver hair,  crimson eyes,  quiet,  closer to cute than sexy?"[/color]

[color=89fdc5]"That's the one, why?"[/color] Triss didn't want to know why, honestly. Just her luck, Elina would be the one witch that happens to murder other witches for fun. [color=89fdc5]"Did I do something very stupid, or just slightly horrible?"[/color]

Clarissa stood and closed the door to Triss' room,  after looking both ways down the hallway.  [color=00aeef]"Not entirely sure which one.  Somewhere between painting a target on your back for a very old,  very powerful witch,  and abusing poor Elina for kicks."[/color]

Clarissa returned to her seat.  [color=00aeef]"So,  thing is.  Elina,  adorable little Elina,  is currently Lorelai's favorite.  Just below her daughter I'd presume.  So if little Miss Ruvina runs off to big bad Von'Strauss you might want to keep your head down."[/color]

Triss wished there was a way she could strangle herself. After all, it would be a better fate than being killed by a blood witch, and whoever this Lorelai character was. She buried her face in her hands, the only thing preventing her from tears was possible embarrassment. Why did things have to go wrong the second she arrived in this haven? [color=89fdc5]"Well, that's just great. Thank you for warning me."[/color]

[color=89fdc5]"If it helps my case at all, she did ask me to use my powers on her. Maybe it wasn't a big deal, and when she snapped out of it she realized everything was okay?"[/color] It was a stretch, but it was better than admitting how screwed she was. Would she have to flee the castle?

[color=00aeef]"That certainly helps your case a great deal!"[/color]  Clarissa heaved a sigh of relief,  sinking into her chair.  [color=00aeef]"Lorelai's reasonable,  if obscenely dangerous.  You may have to be on the lookout for Elina,  but she's mostly harmless,  so you should be fine."[/color]

Triss relaxed her body, but her head was still swimming. [color=89fdc5]"That's good, thank you."[/color] She rubbed her head, a headache creeping up on her. [color=89fdc5]"It seems like things have been getting increasingly worse in this castle."[/color] She said, mainly speaking to herself. [color=89fdc5]"So Clarissa, you did come here for something, yes? You wanted to know about my powers, yes?"[/color]

[color=00aeef]"Right!"[/color]  Clarissa sat up in her chair as she suddenly remember the purpose she’d had coming here in the first place.  [color=00aeef]“On the topic of things getting bad in the castle… Medusa was hoping you’d assist her in bring that to an abrupt halt.”[/color]

[color=89fdc5]"Medusa? I haven't talked to her since I first arrived here. She's a rather skilled witch, I don't know why she would ask for my help."[/color] Triss smiled, happy to finally get to find out what was going on. She also wanted to help make things right, whether it meant choosing sides or not. [color=89fdc5]"Do I need to talk to her personally, or are you the special lady?" [/color]

[color=00aeef]“For… deniability reasons Medusa prefers to not meet with you.”[/color]  Clarissa explained.  [color=00aeef]“But first tell me,  what all can you do?  You made Elina want to kill someone,  which is a hell of a feat,  but how’s your magic work?”[/color]

[color=89fdc5]"I see."[/color] Was all Triss could say. Things were truly heated, if one couldn't talk to another without having to truly analyze the consequences. [i]Maybe I should have done that with Elina, before just trusting her.[/i] Triss shrugged at her thought, and returned her attention to Clarissa. [color=89fdc5]"My powers require eye contact, and if I am going to use it on anyone, they will probably see my eye color change. I'm used to pushing past human mind blocks, but witches may be a different story."[/color]

[color=89fdc5]"Once I'm inside, I have access to their emotions. Emotions that they had felt during a certain situation, that is now stored inside. It has never really mattered how large it is, once it's pulled to the forefront of their thoughts it takes over. I would show you, but I'm a bit reluctant, as you could tell."[/color] Triss chuckled halfheartedly. [color=89fdc5]"Who would I be using it on?"[/color]

[color=00aeef]“Lorelai Von’Strauss.  Medusa wants you to draw out the horrific twisting power of the abyss that she keeps suppressed in the deepest recesses of her mind.”[/color]  Clarissa said grimly.  [color=00aeef]“That should end this little spat,  for better or worse.”[/color]

Triss' mouth gaped, had she really been asked that? Fiddling with the mind of a witch that could break her in an instant? [color=89fdc5]"Absolutely not. If I were to do that she would kill me! Besides, her walls would be far too hard to pass through. I bet there are no cracks in it."[/color] Suddenly, a thought came to her mind that she didn't want to express. She couldn't help herself, it was useful information that rested on the tip of her tongue. [color=89fdc5]"Unless...we create some cracks? It would be horrible...but if we could cause her to experience something that would make her fragile, I could get through? It doesn't mean I'll help, I just figured I should tell you, so you could tell Medusa."[/color]

[color=00aeef]“Already done dear Triss.”[/color]  Clarissa said quickly.  [color=00aeef]“I’m sure the death of her lover of a year and a half should be sufficient to open her up to your influences.”[/color]

[color=00aeef]“Listen,  I know you don’t want to do this,  I get it.”[/color]  Clarissa moved across the room to sit next to Triss.  [color=00aeef]“It’s dangerous,  and destructive.  We’ve got sisters in the crossfire on this one Triss… and you’re the current best bet we’ve got for ending this before innocent blood paints these walls.”[/color]

[color=89fdc5]"How unfortunate for her, but yes, that would work just fine."[/color] Triss said, hating herself for agreeing to that. Using the death of someone's love to get into their brain? It sickened her...and regrettably intrigued her. She had never done something like this before. 

[color=89fdc5]"I don't understand your contradictory, dear Clarissa."[/color] Triss said, mimicking the witch's words. [color=89fdc5]"You say that I'm to retrieve her 'horrific twisting power of the abyss', but this will somehow make things less dangerous for the members of the coven?"[/color] Triss was surprised with her own tone, but she had good reason for it. Clarissa was asking her to risk her life to bring out something unnaturally dangerous, which could in turn risk the lives of coven members. [color=89fdc5]"Also, why am I the only hope? Medusa is truly powerful enough to figure things out, is she not? I came here for peace, and you expect me to endanger myself?"[/color]

[color=00aeef]“Trust me,  Lorelai mad on power is far less dangerous than Lorelai with her wits about her.”[/color]  Clarissa narrowed her eyes at the witch.  [color=00aeef]“You’re not the only hope,  just the best one,  the avenue that leads to the least amount of bloodshed.  I [i]expect[/i] you to remember your oath.  The coven’s in danger,  and you have the tools to fix it.”[/color]

Triss' eyes flitted around the room, as guilt found its way into her head. She really needed to work on staying stronger for a longer period of time, but she [i]had[/i] made an oath to protect the coven. [color=89fdc5]"I do remember my oath, very well in fact. However, if I'm to do this, I must stay safe." [/color]

She realized how much it sounded like she wanted to protect her own hide, so she decided to elaborate. [color=89fdc5]"As in, I have to get close to her, close enough for eye contact. That means I will need to be protected on the way there, and long enough to connect and manipulate her thoughts. It should only take a few moments, then you won't have to worry about keeping me safe. After that I can hold my own."[/color] She paused, trying to think of what else she needed. [color=89fdc5]"There's also the problem of her being able to see my eyes, as well as other witches being able to know what I'm doing."[/color]

[color=ed145b]“You don’t need to worry about other Witches finding out at this point.”[/color] The voice of Alphonse the Shadow suddenly reverberated through the room.[color=ed145b] “Clarissa, pal. What are you doing here conspiring to ruin my murder buddy? How are we supposed to eliminate the coven’s enemies if she can’t keep her head?”[/color] Alphonse stood from the chair in the corner that had not been occupied a moment before. He then turned to triss and nodded his head. [color=ed145b]“Triss, I’ve heard? I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”[/color]

[color=00aeef]”Fuck...Alphonse,  should have known.”[/color]  Clarissa favored the man with a sad smile.  [color=00aeef]”Listen,  it sucks that we ended up on opposite sides of this,  but I gotta do what I gotta do.”[/color]

[color=00aeef]”And so does Triss.”[/color]  Clarissa turned back to the girl.  [color=00aeef]”Lorelai’s the one starting all of this,  and she’s the one that needs eliminated.”[/color]

Triss jumped as a voice appeared from thin air, almost falling out of her bed when the voice grew a body. A redness crawled along her face, growing bright before fading slowly.  She didn't know what flustered her more, having no privacy in what was supposed to be her private room, or having to participate in a mock war. 

She had half the mind to ignore Alphonse altogether, but what was the point? [color=89fdc5]“Pleasure to meet you, Alphonse. Sad to say we're caught up in such a predicament, maybe after things are settled we can meet anew? For now, you'll have to listen to me conspire about the ruining of your buddy.”[/color] She reached out a gentle hand to shake Alphonse’s, smiling kindly. [color=89fdc5]“Does he need to leave, Clarissa? Or will he just find his way back in?”[/color]

[color=ed145b]"I'm afraid I'm rather difficult to ward against. Besides, I'm mostly here to talk to an old friend. Clarissa, I heard your opinions on the matter, but do you really think that letting a Von' Strauss's carefully restrained wrath loose is going to help?"[/color] Alphonse shook his head. [color=ed145b]"I know you owe Medusa a lot, but have you considered that Lorelai has good reason for wanting her gone? The woman's gone crazy, saddling us with no use patrols, sending us on pointless, dangerous missions, she's had it out for Lorelai for months, something needs to be done."[/color]

Triss closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. Was this really how it had to happen? Could they not talk about this in a separate place? She still had an apology to work on. She let her unshook hand fall to the bed with a plop. [color=89fdc5]“Oh yes, talking to an old friend is such a pleasurable ordeal. One best shared in a room without a third wheel.”[/color] She gestured towards the door and rubbed her face. 

[color=89fdc5]“Isn't Lorelai under the same laws of the oath? Or is this some sort of loophole?”[/color] Triss waited a few more moments, before muttering another line under her breath. [color=89fdc5]“I really don't understand this place, maybe I should just leave and let you all work it out.” [/color]

Alphonse suddenly realized his rudeness. [color=ed145b]"Of course we can leave so-"[/color]

Clarissa cut Alhponse off short with a wave of her hand.  [color=00aeef]"No,  I'll be going,  and you'll be leaving several minutes afterwards.  Medusa nor Lorelai can see us talking."[/color]  She moved towards the door,  pausing before opening it. [color=00aeef]"Alphonse... It's going to be my job to kill you... is your loyalty to Lorelai worth that much?  I'm sorry."  With that she left,  the sound of her heels echoing down the hallway.[/color]

Alphonse stood silently for a moment. He jarred himself back to reality. He turned to Triss with his usual smile. [color=ed145b]"Sorry we had to meet like that. I was following Clarissa for obvious reasons, and your conversation was....well, it was dangerous as hell. I thought it would be better to blast the idea from her head, and maybe prevent her from getting you involved."[/color] He held out his hand.[color=ed145b]"I'm Alphonse Stone."[/color]

Triss watched Clarissa leave her room with eyes half opened, she turned back to Alphonse, who she would be stuck with for the next few minutes. He wasn't the worst person to have to talk to, she was sure. He didn't seem like he had a scarred past that could be exposed any moment, at least not as far as she could see. [color=89fdc5]"It truly is a shame, because now my first impression of you is marred. I don't think you're a bad person, you don't seem like one."[/color] She shrugged, and smiled charmingly, reaching for his hand and giving it a firm shake. [color=89fdc5]"We have another minute or so before you can walk out, would you like to say anything? Preferably not something relating to the war."[/color]

"I know of a few good places to find some peace and quiet, if you ever want to find a place to relax. Peace is always precious, regardless of current events. I can show you one, if you like?" Alphonse offered her an elbow.

Triss got up, excited to find some peace and quiet. Wherever she ended up, it would be better than the castle. She also wouldn't have to worry about people confronting her for a while, what was wrong with that? Moving around Alphonse, she grabbed her book, and shoved it into her pocket. [color=89fdc5]"I would love to. You see, if we had just met like this I think I wouldn't have minded it."[/color] She laughed, poking his nose and looping her arm through hers. 

Alphonse shook his head from Triss's tap on his nose. His grin grew from ear to ear. "Right this way then." He lead her to a secluded corner of the castle wall, the view spanned over the court yard garden, the air was silent except for the sound of bird song. [color=ed145b]"This is one of my favorites. You can hear nothing but birds here. Pretend that the castle is nothing but brick and nature."[/color] Just as Alphonse finished his musings, he heard the clicking of heels on stone coming behind him. 

"Alphonse,  and... is it Triss?"  Lorelai's voice cut through the sounds of birdsong.  "You match the description I've heard anyway."

She waved her hand dismissively as they turned towards her.  "I don't need anything if you two are busy,  but I'd heard of a mind witch by the name of Triss from Elina and was intrigued."  She smiled at Alphonse.  "Now,  why don't you introduce me and I'll be on my way."

Triss was about to sink down to the ground and admire the sounds of distant birds, perhaps she would have invited Alphonse to sit with her as well. She didn't get the chance to though, when the infamous witch Lorelai came around the corner. Triss straightened her posture, no longer relaxed. Elina had given her description to Lorelai, she just didn't know what the context had been.

[color=89fdc5]"Yes, I'm Triss. Nice to meet you. I see Elina told you about the...incident? I apologize for that, I didn't know her yearning would be interpreted as such."[/color] She smiled nervously, holding her hands behind her back so she could privately fidget with them. [color=89fdc5]"If you'd like, I can leave you and Alphonse alone?" [/color]

"No,  that's quite alright,  I just spotted Alphonse taking some lesiure time with a woman and thought I'd poke my nose where it didn't belong."  Lorelai winked at the red-headed witch.  "How did you two meet?  Satisfy that curiosity and I'll leave you two your devices."

Alphonse put a hand on Triss's shoulder, partially to show affection, partially to calm the woman's nerves. [color=ed145b]"I couldn't help but notice this beauty walking through the garden. It tends to get crowded with people at this time of day, and I thought she might like a quiter place to read her books. Is that quite satisfactory?"[/color]

"Indeed."  Lorelai smiled.  "Very well then,  enjoy your afternoon.  Triss,  lovely meeting you,  we'll have to talk sometime when it's more convinient."  She turned to leave.  "Oh,  and Alphonse?  I'd like to invite you to dinner this evening.  I could use some advice,  nothing buisness related."  The sound of her footsteps slowly faded as she departed.

Triss froze, pushing into Alphonse's hand. The warmth emanating from it settled her frayed nerves, and she managed a smile that looked less forced. She let Alphonse explain everything, nodding along with passion. Once Lorelai had left, she looked to Alphonse and stuck out her tongue. [color=89fdc5]"Oh, a beauty in the garden?"[/color] She said, mocking his voice playfully. [color=89fdc5]"Thank you for explaining, I don't think I could have. Are you going to depart?"[/color] She finally let herself sink to the floor, tucking her dress underneath her and pulling her knees up to her chest as a headrest. 

[color=ed145b]"I have some time yet before dinner. I wouldn't mind enjoying the peace while I can. Especially with a beauty such as you."[/color] Alphonse gave her a wink and a devilish grin. [color=ed145b]"If you'll have me."[/color]

[color=89fdc5]"Why would I not have a handsome man such as you? You truly are a beacon of light, especially with that blinding blonde hair."[/color] She reached out a hand to help him to the ground, sharing his grin. [color=89fdc5]"You know, I wonder now if this wasn't the only occasion you hid in a girl's room."[/color]

Alphonse's face suddenly glowed a beat red.[color=ed145b] "Beacon of Light"[/color] was not something he was used to being referred to as. [color=ed145b]"I....uh, hide lots of places."[/color] He said, not quite sure what was happening, though he enjoyed Triss's proximity, her scent was sweet to him, it was intoxicating in a way that made him want to sit next to her for a long while.[color=ed145b] "I can pretty much hide whereever I want."[/color]

Triss watched the blush on his cheeks spread, a tinge of pride knotting her chest. [color=89fdc5]"Oh Alphonse, you really aren't helping your case. I bet you're quite the peeping tom."[/color] She bumped his shoulder with her own, holding the contact for a second too long before she caught herself admiring the warmth. [color=89fdc5]"Anyone you like to peep on in particular? I'd rather like to know before they chase me down and try to kill me."[/color] She giggled, tossing her head back to look at the sky, and remove the hair in her face. 

Alphonse chuckled at that. [color=ed145b]"No, no one in particular. I normally try to keep my peeping professional."[/color] Alphonse was struck by the woman's face as she gazed at the sky, her skin glowing in the sun. [color=ed145b]"Why are you so curious? Are you planning something that might another's jealousy?"[/color] Alphonse affixed her with a playful gaze.

Triss faced Alphonse, watching the way his pale blue eyes sparkled with such laughter. She locked onto his eyes for a few solid heartbeats, as if testing to see if her powers would kick in. She felt no surge, just an unnatural affection. She wondered what her own mind would look like right now, if she could see into it. "Oh...no of course not. I would never think of defiling such a fair young maiden!" She leaned in a bit closer, her eyes flashing with mischief as she whispered in his ear. [color=89fdc5]"I see no problem in fooling around though, do you? Obviously in a platonic sense."[/color]

Alphonse's body shuddered at the woman's whispers. He was used to wild passions. Women who desire him for his body, or his seed. This was something different. A sweet sensuality that filled his body with electricity. He answered Triss's whisper with a kiss just beneath her ear. [color=ed145b]"I don't see any problems either, it feels right even."[/color] He gazed into Triss's eyes, eager for the promises held within.

Triss shivered pleasurably, her body eager for his touch. She had never felt this way before, and she wanted to explore it. When he kissed her under the ear, a soft, almost indistinguishable moan escaped her lips. She paused at the sound, blushing a light pink. [color=89fdc5]"I've never...uh, done anything like this."[/color] She admitted, finding the way he stared straight into her eyes unimaginably beautiful. [color=89fdc5]"What about your dinner, with Lorelai?"[/color]

[color=ed145b]"She can wait awhile, she'll understand."[/color] Alphonse said, his eyes twinkling. "There's always a first time for everything." He said, his hand trailing down her hip, resting on her thigh. [color=ed145b]"If you want to learn, I can teach you."[/color] His eyes never broke from hers. Never lost their lustre.

Triss felt her body tense, as he ran his hand along her her hip, finding it's place on her thigh. It only took Triss a few moments to relax, and submit herself to Alphonse, weak under his touch. [color=89fdc5]"Yes."[/color] She whispered, unable to close her eyes and pull away from his fierce gaze. [color=89fdc5]"Yes, Alphonse. I think I would like it if you taught me."[/color] Feeling a bit brave, she reached up and held her face between her hands, pulling up for a quick kiss. [color=89fdc5]"I hope you don't mind me being a beginner, I may need a lot of lessons."[/color] She laughed, rich and hoarse. 

Her laughter was music to Alphonse's ears. He leaned in for another kiss, longer this time, gently, he began the first exploration into her mouth. He gently bit her lip as he pulled away. [color=ed145b]"I won't mind at all, these are the best lessons to teach."[/color]