Tabitha, too, had requested food somewhere along the way. Ellard seemed intent on lingering near her, though he walked a bit ahead, and she was intent on lingering near Tristan. She was tired. Her feet had started aching, somewhere along the Long Walk; but they were heading in the right direction. About time, too. Silverbrook had fallen behind them and a large tower had come into view. When she first saw it, dread had pressed into her navel and spread sharp fingers through her guts. Tension was high, at least for her. Everyone seems kinda fucked up, right now, anyway. One person in particular. Koda, I talked to him on the tracks. Ignored him when he asked me to help Michael.

"Ellard," that earned a turn of the boy's head and all of his attention, "s'about time ya start tellin' us what we need to know." Tabitha had her arms folded over her stomach, cradling herself in hopes of dispelling the ill feelings that seemed to be lingering in and ahead of her. "Pretty sure that big fuckin' thing is where he stays, right? Ya ever been inside?" Ellard shook his head, and she gave a slight nod of understanding. "Ok, so what do ya know about that place?" She pointed at it, for emphasis.

Against the waning sunlight, the tower was an adumbral spike; an oddly uneven silhouette that seemed to waver and give little wiggles in the distance. From where they stood, they could see that the spire rose from a squat complex. Tabitha tried to take it all in, but the details were hazy. We gotta get closer. She wasn't sure what banter had taken place, during their walk. The harlequin had hardly spoken a word, unless it was to Tristan or Ellard. Even then it was short and uncharacteristically reserved. Though, from time to time, she found herself quietly giggling. While she wouldn't say it, Tabitha Calvicante was scared. She had done her best to remain distracted, in her own head, thinking of pleasant things; even if those, too, reminded her of home and Rani and Lane and her mother. Will crossed her mind, several times.

"I know that he isn't like an angel or monster, I've seen those before," Ellard spoke loudly enough for the entire group to hear, though his voice sounded uneven; like it might crack, "He's something else. When he came to town, it was on a festival night." How many fuckin' festivals did those guys have? "Me, my mother and my sister were here with a caravan. The people in Silverbrook weren't like...like they are now, when we arrived." Tabitha watched his shoulders drop. She cast a glance at Tristan, then slowly away; letting her gaze flitter over the others. "It started happening the night we got there. A few people said they heard whispers. Others said they heard laughter." The boy's eyes drifted skyward, his head tilting back. "We stayed the night. Everyone had the same dream. I...I don't know if I'd call it a nightmare, but it was certainly strange."

Tabitha didn't interject, but she was curious. She already knew that Magician was influencing minds; that much was obvious. Seems like there's more to it, though. Wonder just what the fuck that thing is up to. Taking her hands from her stomach, she let one linger at her side while the other toyed with the hat-tendrils coiled around her throat. Her eyes roamed, again, to Tristan. Her mouth half opened, then slowly closed; a smile in place of words unspoken. Now ain't the time to be runnin' my mouth. I should be listenin'. Again, they drifted away. To Anni, to Ascot, to Zino, to Stormy, to Mike, to Oedipus, then back to Ellard.

"Some of the townfolk decided..." He tensed, slightly shaking his head and looking at the group, "that a lady who had traveled with us, some kind of mystic, was responsible. They...in the morning they..." Tabitha lifted an eyebrow, letting her fingers fall away from soft fabric, "They drowned her. That's when he appeared." A visible shiver ran through the boy. "He looks like something out of a fever dream. He was taller than any man, at least any I had ever seen. He wore a mask of white and gold, without holes for eyes, and an open robe of red. He was...like a corpse. Rotten wrappings covered almost everything. His voice was like...like parchment being torn." She tried to envision it, but wasn't sure the thing that came to mind was anywhere close.

A mask, though, huh? Sounds like this shit's kind of a big deal. We all got Masks, he got a mask. Fuck.

She sighed, quietly. Ellard was fighting down his terror, again. Tabitha admired that about the kid. He was brave enough to face his fears. It made her feel a little inadequate, though. Now her eyes were locked on the Magician's abode. It had been steadily growing larger, as they walked. She could pick out little details; like the spikes that jutted outward from the top of the spire. Looks like some kinda evil flower. Or, at least, that was the best way she could think to comprehend it. Her pace was slowing, aching tracing along her arches and up her calves. Despite how used she was to walking, running and climbing, this trek was turning out to be murder. As she mulled that over, another small giggle escaped her. Tabitha put a hand to her mouth, her eyes dropping. What the fuck is wrong with me...

"He told us that we would be punished for that woman's death," Anger crept into his words, "all of us. That's when it started. He threw his arms out, wide, and we were changed. I remember it well, now. I could hear his voice in my head, hundreds of his words, all at once wrapping around my thoughts and...and as it stopped, I stopped being...being me." Tabitha felt a chill, at that. The thought of it added to her own growing fear. "We all stopped being us. Festivals started happening every other day. People would celebrate and someone would be chosen to walk this path to his keep. My mother, my sister...he seemed to be choosing the outsiders. I think..." Tabitha's stomach knotted up, she had a feeling she knew what was coming.

Poor kid. M'glad we gotcha outta there. But now, aren't we just takin' ya right to him? That's kind of fucked up.

"I think I was going to be next." Ellard spoke with dread, but he seemed to be steeling himself. "If that's the truth, I want to know why! It's why I wanted to come along with you! I want to know what happened to my mother and sister!" He exhaled deeply, his hands curling into tight fists. "H-He has powers, I've seen him do strange things. Aside from what happened to the people in the village. I've seen him create things from the dirt, that looked like people; that could move and even talk like people. Fire that circled around him like snakes. I don't know what else he can do, but I'm sure it's a lot...and I'm sure it's all terrible."

Ellard fell quiet, after that; turning to give a brief look to Tabitha. Neither of them were smiling, but their eyes met. He seemed more comfortable around the group. Tabitha was a little thankful for that; it meant that she wasn't his sole caretaker. He had become something of a shared responsibility, in her mind. Though, what Zino said earlier was probably true. Bringing Ellard along was a bad idea.

We probably shoulda just sent him the other way. Would be safer, for sure. Then again, he coulda died on the path. The Long Walk? I can see why they'd fuckin' call it that. What's death even mean, anymore, anyway? I mean, fuck, we all died. Look how bad that turned out!

Tabitha giggled, then lightly slapped herself; quiet so she didn't interrupt or draw attention beyond what might already be on her. Really, her heart was sinking. Others in the group had exhibited their gifted abilities. Some used them constantly. I've got nothin'. I can't do nothin' except run my mouth. She still felt the strange something in and around her. It was dull, rght now. Much less than it had been when she had walked alongside Stormy. "Like static, or a dream ya can't remember..." It was a whisper, Tabitha holding her hand out; her purple and green sleeve falling a little over her extended fingers. That, too, was funny; for some reason. Tabitha focused on it, imagining that she was drawing the part of it she felt outside inward.

There ain't nothin' there. She was fuckin' with me. I just want to be able to do somethin'! This shit ain't right! Throw me in a fuckin' clown suit and leave me to die in some other fucked up world?! I'll fuckin' show you! I'll fuckin' show you, Magician, all of them! Everyone! Don't fuck with me! Don't fuck with me! Don't you dare try to fuckin' pull this shit on me! I trusted you! I believed what you said about this place! I stepped on those fuckin' tracks so I could kill you! I stepped on those tracks so my-

Her heart skipped a beat and her thoughts faltered; a realization of the truth too much to articulate, even in her head. She lowered her hand, frowning. Tabitha couldn't look at any of them. I ain't worthless. I ain't. So, instead, her eyes became glued to her feet. Wrapped in the same stocking that covered most of her legs. One step followed another, as they inched ever closer to Magician's ominous abode. She felt her stomach and throat tense. The sun was close to setting and they still had a way to go.

Looks like the show's over.

Dust drifted on the wind, signaling the end. Koda, or whatever he had become, was dead. Stormy was wounded and being tended to. Everyone seemed to be in motion, except herself and Tristan. She let her eyes roam freely, along with her thoughts. There was something oddly calming about the way things ended. Before, her stomach was tight and small dreads had wrapped a thorny vice around her heart. Now she was smiling, despite the tension that still lingered.

She could feel the grass through the mesh on her feet, lightly brushing against her with each step. I didn't really know, Koda. The thought of him seeking her help on the tracks passed through her mind, but he ain't seem like that kinda guy. A part of her was fully convinced that it didn't matter, already hashing out that it had something to do with his Semblance. Another part was sad that it had to end like it did; that Stormy had to suffer the thing's bite. That Tristan had to pull the trigger. She had paid attention to that part; more closely than some of the others. Now that I know what it does, I'm gonna have to be real careful. Once more, as she had before, Tabitha let her fingers touch on the strange gun's grip; before she let herself follow her instinct.

Ellard started taking steps behind her, intending to follow along. "Go hang around the others," she didn't turn, but pointed toward them. "I got somethin' I need to talk about. Alone." She had expected resistance, for some reason; or at the very least a protest. Instead, she heard a few soft steps away from her. "Thanks, kid. I appreciate it." The boy stopped walking, at that.

"Be careful," there was a slight tremble in his voice, "I don't know what's going on, but he's..." She didn't want to hear whatever was coming next. Dangerous? A laugh came at that, quiet but genuine. Ellard continued walking, a heavy silence settling in at her back; despite the commotion.

Everyone here's dangerous, probably. I ain't know half of 'em. I ain't wanna know the rest, a small huff escaped her and Tabitha lingered still on the precipice of action. I ain't got nothin' to offer Stormy. I'll talk to her after she's better. Wonder if dude's bite was poisonous? Fuck. A giggle bubbled up from her depths, this time not one she fought back. It felt normal, now, almost, to be laughing like she did. Since they had arrived in Irriss laughter had haunted her, small giggles from her mouth; though they felt like they came from somewhere far away. She'll be fine. Deal with what ya know ya need to.

Her progress was purposefully slow. She thought she'd seen an eye flick in her direction, during the conflict, and was at least partially sure that he would be aware of her approach. Voices reached her, but were barely noted. They had their problem to deal with. It ain't matter, they'll do fine. Keep on walkin'. She had her own ideas about the situation, about the why of it. Sometimes injuries ain't on the surface. Even if Tabitha saw the Koda-thing's execution as necessary, there were others who would struggle with it. Ain't that a little cold, though? To think of the guy like he was always that thing? She laid an arm over her stomach, taking the final few steps to approach Tristan's side, the other lifted; giving a half-wave.

I guess it ain't matter. We failed. Tabitha stopped beside him, a small smile on her face. "Good shot, Tristan." It probably wasn't the best thing to say, but it was what she had settled on. "Ya saved some asses, for sure. Thanks." Her smile widened, Tabitha looking over his form in full. The lifted hand trailed to the tendrils of her hat, toying with them as she spoke. "I'm startin' to think that what we just saw, what ya just had to put an end to, is the reality around here." Whatever the Koda-thing was, laying eyes on it had set her heart in an odd place; pity and spite for what he had become, an instinct she was unsure of. Before it had been ambivalence. Koda was one of them, that was true; but them was hardly a solid concept for Tabitha.

The group was connecting, in some ways. She could see that much. Still, her place was outside those small circles. Ain't never really been a fan of cliques, anyway. She almost laughed at herself, with that thought. A woman was bleeding on the grass, bitten by some shadowy nightmare; people attending her with frantic care. Yet, here she was attempting to reach out. To be certain that a bond from Lightbridge, tenuous as it felt, was still there. Am I scared? That thought drove her forward, her hand leaving the massive hat and coming to rest on Tristan's shoulder.

She took her eyes from molten gold and gunmetal to look skyward. The shadow of Magician's tower seemed to be stretching close to them. With another small bout of walking, they would be at his gate. The sun was threatening to set, leaving them to their first night in Irriss. Don't ignore their suffering. A command to herself, from herself. Away from the pastel hues of coming struggles and back to the foreign world stained by common confrontation. They settled on Stormy, being aided by Zino. Even the new guy's leaping into action. Ellard was standing behind them, pale but watching.

"Fuck," she said, letting her hand drop from Tristan's shoulder and turning to face him fully, "I ain't any good at this. Ya probably already know that, so I'm just gonna say what's on my mind." She didn't wait before launching into it. Tabitha rarely did. "I don't like this shit. I know ya ain't happy with what just happened, either. But let me be straight; I'm glad ya shot him. He was gonna kill Stormy...and once ya had his attention, we both know what it was after next." Her free hand went under her hat, digging around inside the rim of it. She produced something, two somethings she had kept hidden for a while.

Quickly, she lit a cigarette; putting the pack and lighter away with fluid motions. Green locks were brushed aside, her eyes still on the myriad spread of Tristan's own. She took a drag and exhaled, to the side. "I ain't want ya to..." articulating the exact thought was difficult, so she latched onto something else, "Look, ya said before that ya afraid of 'fallin' out of step'...I've been thinkin' about that, really hard the last little while." She struggled, biting her lower lip and dragging a foot back and forth; taking a slow drag from the cigarette. "I'm afraid of havin' the only person here," her eyes dropped, then drifted back up staring hard into him, "that I know...that I really care about endin' up tearin' himself to pieces."

Tabitha's eyes softened, the slight edge in them retreating. Something in her had changed course. Thoughts of the C-Route filled her mind, for a moment. There was so much fuckin' blood. Blood on the tracks, blood on the platform. That same part that pushed her there knew why she needed to see this. Slowly, it clicked for her entirety. "I'm scared of losin' you, man. We made a promise to go back, together." It was a simple statement, uttered with an honesty that made Tabitha feel completely exposed. "I ain't forget what happened. I ain't gonna forget this. Ya ain't, either, I bet. So, I'm takin' ya up on that offer from earlier. Let's talk. I told ya what's on my mind. Ya turn."

She had said her small piece. Letting the gaps be simply what they were. Tristan, or anyone who happened to overhear, could make of what she said what they would. Slowly, she took another long drag and lowered herself to put out the cigarette. Rising, she breathed out the last of it.

I'd kill for a drink, right about now.

Ellard, lingering behind them, watched Zino's effort to stanch Stormy's bleeding. He was quiet, his expression one of grim concern. He didn't speak loudly, so Tabitha couldn't hear him; but the others certainly would.

"Do you think the Magician did this to him? Your friend."

Tracing strange sigils on her forehead hadn't been Beatrx's envisioned goodbye. However, Caretaker Nirvu had insisted. As things were, with the rules she had chosen to abide by; there was little choice in the matter for her. It had been at the task for a long moment, pausing only to inquire about her comfort. She watched her strange friend, her strange mentor, dip its fingers into a small well of black liquid; tried to watch as it gently etched the pattern onto her face.

First had been the markings along her mid-cheek, long and wrapping to rest at the nape of her neck. Next were the circles around her eyes, spirals leading outward. She had opened her mouth, several times, to question the meaning behind it all. That question was met with a small, felt smile. "It is to prepare your body for our parting, for the gift I intend to give you. Now, please remain still, this is a delicate ritual," she hadn't understood that, at all, but did as bid and let herself be as unmoving as stone. "We have spoken at length about your displacement, but today, the day of our parting, I will give you something to tie you tie Irriss," Caretaker Nirvu spoke gently, but its words sent a small wave of dread over Beatrix's heart.

I don't want to be...to be tied here. I want to go home, of course, she knew her situation; that she had some place in a struggle she didn't understand, that home was an impossibility anyway. I want to see my family...but, but this is important. I'm supposed to be a warrior... Her heart was heavy. The sparring session with Srath was still fresh in her mind, the phantom weight of the blade still in her hands as though some part of her yearned for it. I promised, though! That was her steel, that which allowed her to place all of her faith in the Prime Caretaker. So she did. Whatever lines he traced on her, Beatrix knew, was for her benefit.

They were in the hut she had come to call 'home', during her two weeks-and-a-day in Irriss, in the Crystalline Gardnen. Now that it was time for her to depart, things seemed dismal. I'm going to be sent out into the world, b-but why? Beatrix knew that answer well. The other Caretakers had been unhappy with her presence since her arrival. Caretaker Nirvu was the only one kind to me. It changed something in me. The second half of the thought would have sent a shiver through her, had an edict not otherwise compelled her to remain static. The candle she had noticed, before, was now lit; black and white wax trailing down the helix of that bizarre candle.

Beatrix Ashworth watched the flames as the Prime Caretaker continued its work. "Beatrix," it began, drawing her attention, "I intend to give you something called the 'Empty Sphere'. A relic left behind by an age Irriss never experienced." She desperately wanted to ask what that meant, but the Caretaker continued. "These markings are to be certain your body can bond with the Sphere properly. To make it your own. For too long has it been kept in idle, secluded hands. The other Caretakers know not what I intend. Please, keep it hidden."

I don't, either! Her fingers tightened against the slacks she had been given, drawing a handful of the coarse material into her palm. The blade she had practiced with sat on the table before her, without the shimmer it had earlier possessed; the enchantment to dull it gone. She was afraid, truly, but the trust grown between herself and the Caretaker soothed that frantic emotion. It already turned me into a fighter...am I...am I going to be a warrior, next? I-I guess that's up to me... In a way, it was exciting. She had faith that she would return to Lightbridge, eventually, but what she had been told made it clear; that time may come long down the road she would travel.

"Is it going to hurt?" She turned wide eyes to the Caretaker, staring into its faceplate, "I'm not sure wh-what the Empty Sphere is or why you're giving it to me! I don't feel like I'm right for-"

"Be still, Beatrix," the Caretaker gave her a non-existent smile, lightly putting a hand on her arm, "much like the ritual I performed to draw out your warrior's instinct, this is to provide you with a means of defense. The Empty Sphere is an artifact that requires a Mortal host, by itself it can do little but project a tangible, durable field," the Caretaker paused, considering her in the low light. "It seeks out the other Spheres, as well; which is the burden I ask for you to shoulder. If the Nomad Serpent has returned, things will become increasingly dire for Irriss. These Spheres may allow us to repel it."

A...quest, then. I'm being given a quest... Her heart leapt and thundered, settling back slowly into normality. She thought back to Srath, awaiting her outside the Gardens. Her guardian. Then she thought to her outburst; her tears and wailing. Her face flushed and she fought down the urge to lower her head, instead directing her eyes to the sturdy boots given to her. I'm really leaving... That drove a spike through her heart. The hut, the Garden, even the aloof Caretakers had become so deeply familiar over the last two weeks. Her fingers trailed to her Remembrance Leaves, careful not to impede the Prime Caretaker's movements.

Gentle fingers drew her from racing and tangling thoughts; chasing away phantoms of doubt. Caretaker Nirvu was standing before her, its faceplate lowered to observe her. In the dancing light of that lone candle, color seemed to catch vibrantly on her companion's not-face. "It is done. All that remains is for you to accept the Empty Sphere..." it folded its arms, Beatrix feeling its sad smile, "and for your departure." The Prime Caretaker turned and approached a hefty box, occupying a far corner of the room. Slowly, it stooped to open it. A wave beckoned Beatrix forward.

She could still feel the ink on her face as she did, wet and strangely heavy. Over her companion's shoulder, she could see it. Perfectly average, in an odd way. A glass sphere, larger than a marble but barely. It could fit in the palm of my hand. The Caretaker turned to face her, straightening itself. "This is the Empty Sphere. One of five Spheres that exist within Irriss," sensing the question it continued on, "the others correspond to the elements. Fire, Water, Wind and Earth. Each of them responds to the Empty Sphere, lending their power to it. It is..." Beatrix tilted her head, waiting, "a complicated thing. Even we are not sure of its origin." That didn't sound good, at all, but Beatrix kept her trust braced at the forefront, "Though several of us have given guesses. We are, however, familiar with its use."

Beatrix knelt, looking close to the Sphere. It's...strange. I can feel something from it. She couldn't place the feeling, aside from longing. It's r-reaching for me! For something that was supposed to be empty, there was a thick swirling of what she assumed to be smoke within. Beatrix Ashworth found herself incredibly uncomfortable. Something about the Empty Sphere suddenly seeming slightly sinister. "A-And this is for...me?" Her hands moved forward, slowly, hesitating just above the thing's sufrace. "But why? What does it do...where do you want me to go? What d-do you really mean when you say 'accept the Sphere'?"

A broad non-smile came from her companion. "I assure you there is no danger in accepting the Sphere, Beatrix. I have warded you to integrate it. To accept it, however, is to play host to it. It will become a part of your body, something you can control; with time and guidance," her heart sank, but the Caretaker remained stationary; watching her as her jaw dropped, "It will strengthen you. What I did, today, to prepare you for sparring is nothing compared to the boon this Sphere will offer."

She took time considering it. It-It did help me learn to fight. I promised to help. This is scary, I want to go home I want to go home I want to go home!

With those thoughts, the Sphere moved into her skin. Melting into a puddle of chromatic mercury, flowing upward to make contact. Beatrix watched, awed and repulsed as it seeped into her palm. A trailing along her neck made her lift her hand. The Prime Caretaker stopped her, gently. "Watch. You called to it." The markings snaked down her neck and those close to the left arm made their undulations toward where the Sphere had liquefied and slid into her skin. She was too stunned for protesting thoughts. "The markings will form your Sigil, Beatrix Ashworth. Then, after a time, the Sphere will form where it first entered you."

Wh-what's...

Ecstasy jolted through her, Beatrix's face coloring further. Her body tensed and twitched, but the new, faint presence she felt was already familiar. Already conjoined to her.

"The Sphere will seek out the other Elements. Those scattered when Irriss was..." Caretaker Nirvu paused, for a moment, "changed. There is much you must learn, Beatrix. I have instructed Srath to guard and instruct you, until you have come to master your abilities. I am afraid, however, that this is goodbye." It moved forward, lightly lifting her from her crouch; drawing her eyes to it. Slowly, Caretaker Nirvu embraced her. Beatrix's eyes watered. Despite the strangeness, despite the secrets; it had been kind to her, honest with her.

She didn't cry, but she found her voice in their embrace.

"Can I come back, some day?" She was squeezing harder than she meant to, the strange markings having settled on her palm. Already it hurt, as though there were something growing there. "I...I'm going to miss you! I'm going to miss this place!"

Caretaker Nirvu stepped back, almost reluctantly.

"I will welcome you into the Crystalline Gardens, should you return," it folded its arms, giving her the sense of a smile, "but you have a long road to walk, Beatrix Ashworth. A long road to your home. Srath is waiting on you. Do not forget to take the blade." There was a long silence. "Goodbye, Beatrix Ashworth."

"Goodbye, Caretaker Nirvu. Thank you for everything!"

Footfalls echoed lightly from high arches and close walls. The Magician's keep was, as always, extremely quiet. Those footfalls being the only noise punctuating a short trek down a particularly long hallway. The master's hallway. It had never been given a true title, but this particular moniker seemed to arise from time to time. Different from the others only in the most basic sense, this hallway's import was its usual traversal. There were no grand secrets hidden in the shadows that danced along along it; though one could argue that the door at the end of that hallway held more than one or two, at least once a proper knock had been given.

As usual, there was a chair at the midway point. It had never been moved, nor would it be. Often, Elegance had questioned its purpose. More than once aloud. Only once had the Magician's keeper been given a proper response. She hadn't understood, at the time. Now it brought a smile to her face, considering the bizarre simplicity of it, as she stepped lightly around it. There was much that seemed simple, once the answer was given. Truly, though, I had heard that answer before. Was it Rain or Constance that had it right? In a way, that didn't matter. Elegance knew that. It was her own thoughts on the subject that should be at the forefront.

Either way, she was right. It's simply there, a test fo- she stopped before one of the few mirrors in the keep, put there at her request, lifting her sparkling lantern to a countenance wracked with long hours, Oh my. That won't do. Lightly, her fingers left the lantern to hover at her side. All at once her face and figure shifted, Elegance adopting a more personally pleasing form. Just like that, it goes away! Dark circles beneath her eyes now spoke of careful application, loose locks shortened and stylized, mouth widened and lips adjusted. She stared for a long moment, bringing a finger to her eyes to test the tenacity of quick changes.

"Ow." Her new frown was positively provocative, the tears in her eyes lending a certain vulnerability to the expression. "Perfect!" Immediately Elegance covered her mouth. Her echo, however, seemed to spread joy through the master's hallway. Neutrality worked its way onto the 'naturally' morose beauty she had claimed. A curse escaped her, silently; turning to take the lantern back in her grip with a sigh. She left her reflection behind, satisfied, still careful to walk lightly.

After all, the master is not one pleased to be woken prematurely, both hands now were wrapped around the lantern, holding it aloft and ahead, Elegance's countenance cast fully in the blue it unevenly shed, Though is anyone in this castle really happy about being awake at this odd hour? I cannot imagine so. However, they had guests to attend. Instructions to follow. Jobs to perform. Elegance had always been the best at this. Which is why she had been chosen. Not by the Magician, who was often too busy to look after himself; but by the shadowy one she had molded several of her appearances after. Elegance had taken each order with graceful patience, making sure to be eloquent when protest was required. As requested.

Slowly the hallway narrowed, the walls framing the door precisely and the ceiling dipping low. Thankfully the door was larger than Elegance by half. Really, it's bigger than most of us. There were perhaps two she could think of, on the keep's staff, that would have trouble approaching the door alone. Still, so far as she was aware, she was the only one who made this trip regularly. Elegance placed the lantern at her feet and knocked on the door. Sixteen knocks, two claps, a stomp and a satisfied sigh to herself. Silence followed. She shifted back and forth, listening, counting down the seconds. Finally, a grunt and the sound of latches thrown. Then, sliding.

The door didn't open, but she felt eyes on her from the other side. "Master?" It was never really a question. Elegance had come to understand, quickly, how things worked in Magician's keep. Silence, expected, followed the question. An invitation to continue. "Your guests are nearly here," she folded her hands, looking slightly upward, "it's time for you to greet them." Elegance gave her best smile to the door. A groan, disbelief and petulant reluctance. Fourteen, fifteen...

He appeared before her with a decompression that made her lantern tilt and sputter. Madness twitched somewhere deep within her, the reason she held her hands as she did. Their grip tightened, not so much as to be obvious; or so she liked to think. Then it subsided. He wore a broad rimmed hat, pointed and much too large to be reasonable. Under that, Elegeance knew, was a face still lined with sleep and unkempt stubble; tired and downcast, his lone eye would be on her feet. The other covered with his most regal patch. "Purple and gold always are a nice combination, but don't you think it would be better to wear your normal one?" He tilted his head, intent on proving her wrong; though Elegance had predicted this. She smiled broadly, giving him her most enthusiastic gesture of approval; a thumbs up.

Indeed, he had worn his normal eye-patch. Black leather and otherwise unremarkable. His normal hat, as well. His coat was different, though, one she had never seen before. It was quite remarkable. Envy wrapped arms around Elegance's throat. Despair struck her in the stomach. He won, after all. Sixteen seconds, my point. Eye-patch, my point. That jacket... A snap brought her eyes to gloved fingers and somewhat to Magician. There was a soft smile on a scruffy face, the lantern in his other hand. "Game over. Magician wins. Good morning, Elegance." He turned and walked away, leaving her trailing behind him.

It was in the fashion of many of his jackets. Tight sleeves growing wide at the wrists, tails that tapered and twisted. However, the material it was made of, the colors were so unlike what she had seen before. Usually he was a man of dour dress, black and deep blues the signature storm-cloud she had come to know. To see him clad in white and the sky's own blue was disconcerting. Not to mention that it makes the hat look out of place. She wouldn't bring that up, though. Instead Elegance did her best to completely ignore that and continue on with her duties.

"Don't worry about it," his voice was relaxed, his pace leisurely, allowing time for his keeper to remain in the lantern's light, "I've been up for a while. Tonight's an important one. For me, for you, for her, for everyone. How am I supposed to sleep with something like this going on?" That was a fair point. One Elegance wouldn't contest, instead nodding along. Magician had been invested in many things over the last two weeks, one of which had proven to be a problem beyond his capacity. "I've figured out a couple of things, that's for sure. Notice that they're arriving with one of their members missing?" Of course she had. Elegance had been watching closely.

"Yes, Koda Yuhashira succumbed to the weight of his Semblance," she brought a finger to her lips, speaking around it, "Do you think offering them condolences would be appropriate?" Magician shook his head, passing the lantern back to her. They both slid around the chair, in silence, before Elegance continued. "You're probably right." She shifted the moment through several different lenses, finally settling on what she thought would be the right light. "It makes sense. That course of action. However, it also brings her motivations into question." She was adept at viewing the strings, but following them to their conclusion was often fruitless; drenched as each possibility was in possibility.

"This wasn't part of her plan," Magician stated that confidently, stretching with the hallway behind him, "Otherwise I would've been instructed to greet fewer visitors." She could feel his frown deepen as he began walking down the stairs. "Though, technically, the number is the same." Elegance hurried to catch up, but stayed a step behind her master, curiosity on her face. A glance in her direction, then ahead, torches kicking to life above and below; their lights shifting from blue to green to red and stalling there. It was a rosy color, revealing a long table and the various faces gathered at it. Greetings rang out in various tones, some of her counterparts waving or rising to bow at their master's entrance.

I suppose he's right. There's only so far one should be willing to trust, however. The others, that distracting mob of uniformed maids and butlers, seemed overexcited. Uncomposed. She allowed herself an internal leer at them. It was unbecoming of those who served her master's needs to act without restraint. I'll discipline them later. For now, I have to attend to my own assignment. She had made note, already, of which of them had cheered loudest.

"Ah, yes, the boy that's tagging along. Didn't you say you were expecting something of the sort?" She kept her own tones light, letting her distaste for the others show with a glare in their direction. Quickly they returned to their meals, only a few daring to make a face or grumble while she was watching. "It should have been dealt with on the road." Elegance let her lantern go, over the rail. It did not shatter, or even touch the ground. Instead it hovered unevenly, drifting aimlessly until sputtering out of existence. "The Mortals I can understand, but inviting an unknown entity into this keep is pressing your luck."

He stepped off the stairs and adjusted his hat, scratching lazily beneath his ears afterward. "Yeah, that's true. I've been thinking about it. It could turn out poorly. Or," he pointed to Elegance without looking, "it could be exactly what I need, at a time like this." When he resumed walking, she was already beside him and gaining speed. "Think about it. If this tag-along is what I think he is, half of my problem will be solved." Elegance nodded, her back now to him. She was thinking about it, but she didn't get it. Magician continued, Elegance lowering her head slightly. "Really, though, it's going to be difficult." A sigh escaped him. "Even if the Mortals are cooperative and straightforward, it's not like anyone is going to want to see what happens."

"Why is that, master?" Elegance was curious, standing straight-backed by the entrance to the keep. Her hand was already on the door, prying it open for him to pass through. Her face was, again, telling. Magician stopped to consider her, placing his own hand atop hers, stopping the door from opening all the way.

"Because," his eye bored into her, vibrant in its oddity, catching the light and shifting between colors she couldn't quite recognize, "they've killed a man dressed as a beast. Scattered him to the wind. They're learning, but they haven't had time to adjust. What I'm going to suggest will almost undoubtedly irritate them." Slowly his fingers drifted away, leaving Elegance fighting her first impulse. "If I'm going to teach them anything, the first test will be the most important. I need you to be on guard, ok?" She opened the door, fully. A lantern appearing in her free hand. "Let's go."

Elegance followed her master into the waiting night and down the keep's steps. Other small points of light existed around the unmarked grounds, lanterns of varying color; put there by her effort. She stayed close to Magician, having taken his words to heart. When she was on guard there was little that escaped her. The blue in her lantern surged, shivering and rising to coat her fingers in cobalt flame. Empty, the vessel served no purpose; dissolving and flickering into nothing. Flexing her digits, the flame danced and intensified, Elegance holding her hand forward to spread light over a wide wedge before them.

...Go on! Say something!

...

Did we stop?

Tabitha Calvicante had been quiet, for a good while. Long had she stared at the strange spire. Even when light had seemingly been bled from Irriss, there was an aura around the place. Not entirely uninviting like it was during the day. The clear sky at it's back, the moon hanging beside it in a half that brought to mind beaches and vodka. Other than a giggle, here and there, at her own absurd thoughts; she found there was nothing to say. So, instead Tabitha had focused on the small problems. Chewing over the same five or six things kept her feet moving and her eyes open.

Her hand on fire? Ya gotta be jokin'. Who the fuck's this?

Now, her mouth was moving. For the first time in what felt like hours. All that came out, first, was a rasp. She cleared her throat and stepped from behind the group to better observe, tilting her head. Indeed, before them were two people. One was a guy in a big hat and some kind of jacket. That, like, some kinda fucked up windbreaker? She couldn't really tell. It was eye-catching in the dark, regardless. The other was a maid with her hand on fire. Something about her was eerily familiar to Tabitha. It's her face. Looks like... A shiver chased the thought away. Nah, the eyes're different. Besides, if she was here we'd know about it. I think? Does that mean he's...?

They stood side by side, in silence. Tabitha wasn't sure she caught it, but for a second the maid's eyes darted to the man; then back to the group. She couldn't see his face very well. Body language didn't reveal much. He seemed relaxed, from what she could tell; hands dangling at his side. It's him, right...? Looking between them she barely noticed that defending herself hadn't crossed her mind. Part of her blamed it immediately on fatigue. Another whispered that she didn't much care about fighting; that Tabitha had accepted this encounter because it had been the only way forward.

Ellard, who she had momentarily forgotten about, was staring hard at the duo. She considered him, for a moment, giving a light nudge. His eyes moved from them to her and back, finally settling at the ground.

The one in the hat shifted, bringing a hand to his mouth; leaning to whisper something to his companion. Her flame sputtered, dimming for a moment. The maid's eyes widened and shock touching lightly on her features. "Oh, of course. My apologies." It was after a rapid whisper, but Tabitha caught that part; before the woman composed herself and her eyes fell on the group. A gloved hand was holding the brim of the hat low, though her periphery might have caught the ghost of a smile. "Welcome to the Magician's domain, Mortals. I'm Elegance, head of staff in the keep."

"We here, for real?" She couldn't help herself. Tabitha wasn't sure she had even spoken the words until she felt eyes on her. A shrug followed, too tired to be given true pause. "I mean, damn. We walked a long way. About time. Ya gonna let us in or what?" Despite how tired she had become, Tabitha smiled. The maid frowned at her, then disregarded her entirely.

"This," she pointed with the hand that wasn't burning blue, "is Magician." He stepped forward, then, offering a slight tilt of his hat in their direction.

"Thanks, Elegance," he sounded normal enough, but that hardly meant anything, "I'll take it from here." Tabitha couldn't help but feel underwhelmed, despite the tension creeping through her. The guy in front of them wasn't making much of an impression. Still, hatred for the one he served was hard to fight down. The maid stepped back, brandishing her hand. "You're finally here. That's good. It's not easy to make it from Lightbridge." He brought a hand up, motioning to the group. "However, a couple of things I need to sort out before you can come in. First, some of you haven't put on your Semblance." He sighed, after saying that.

"The way I see this is simple. You choose to surrender it, or you put it on. Otherwise, I can't help you." Entirely uncertain, Tabitha watched his hand as it lowered. "The second is a matter concerning Silverbrook. That conversation's a little more complicated. I'll let you decide exactly what's going to happen. There are a lot of paths we can take, so take your time. Think of questions, if you need to."

Wait...what? We gettin' this bullshit again? I ain't...fuck, I ain't wanna do this. Y'all up.