[center][url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/3765742 ][h3][color=FFFFFF][b]A[/b] [color=CDC9C9]ʀ ᴄ ʜ ᴇ ɴ ᴇ[/color] [color=CDC9C9]ᴏ ғ ᴛ ʜ ᴇ[/color] [b]T[/b] [color=CDC9C9]ᴇ ɴ[/color] [b]T[/b] [color=CDC9C9]ʜ ᴏ ᴜ s ᴀ ɴ ᴅ[/color] [b]T[/b] [color=CDC9C9]ʜ ᴏ ʀ ɴ s[/color][/color][/h3][/url][sup][sup][sup][sup][img]https://drfhlmcehrc34.cloudfront.net/cache/7a/2e/7a2eca87d796d9fd03a702d75817da61.png [/img][/sup][/sup][/sup][/sup][h3][i]&[/i][/h3][h3][color=#3D85C6][color=#7BCDC8][i]ℭ[/i][/color]harles [color=#7BCDC8][i]Λ[/i][/color]eon[/color][/h3][/center] [center][sub][i]Collab with: [@Fallenreaper], [@Luna] Time: Arc 2, Day 1- Afternoon Location: Leaving and returning to Charles Aeon Residence[/i][/sub][/center] [hr] After locking the door, Charles pocketed the key. A few cracked windows had been repaired through he had to remind himself later to contact a contractor and ensure there was no serious structural damage. He could simply repair it with magic, but he often found it more complicated than letting others earn a living. A second opinion was also wiser. His carpentry skills were centuries old after all. His arms wrapped his coat tightly around his form, shielding himself from the surrounding cold and continued down the porch step. Fresh snow crunched underfoot causing the immortal to pause, his head tilted up to glimpse the skies overhead. Snow continued to gently fall from rain burdened clouds circling Ominar. The icy storm reflected the bleak future. Idly, Charles wondered if the weather was connected to recent events. Anxiety settled into his core, mingling with depression that still lingered before the wind abruptly picked up. It roughly pawed at his coat, forcing Charles to clench it tightly and resisted its will by digging his heels in. A few moments later it died down. Adjusting his coat once more, Charles cautiously continued walking along the upturned sidewalk toward the street. His feet snapped out with precision and purpose until he halted beside Archene. Every attempt made to avoid any still scattered debris now gradually being hidden by snow. [color=#4E99C6] “It seems a storm is coming…”[/color] Charles commented in a quiet tone, noting the residential district’s dismay. Archene seemed to be quite comfortable in his usual Haori despite the icy wind blowing and the snow on the ground. He sighed as he looked a Charles, [color=#BD95D0]"In some ways, it is already here. Things could be far worse, however."[/color] Whether he was talking about the recent events or the snowy weather was unknown. With all honesty, the recent events were unsettling to the point that it would be reasonable to relocate to another city, but given that chances were this could paint a target on him, he had to refrain from making such plans. Not that he expected the Prae to lose this chance to demonize and blame Licentia. Letting out another sigh, he asked Charles, [color=#BD95D0]"Where will we be going?"[/color] [color=#4E99C6] “In life? I’ve debated on that one myself. My first instinct is to move on. I’ve seen this happen a few times in America and it rarely ends well, especially in occupied areas. Back then, moving from place to place was never a hard thing for me.”[/color] Charles lowered his eyes back to Earth. The heavens far out of his reach for now. His sight brushed over the atmosphere among the population and easily spotted the most seriously affected areas. Prae of all ages reflected a side of themselves that was rarely seen in public. Their usual pristine appearances were blemished by the recent news and possibly lacking answers, fear rolling off their distraught images. [color=#4E99C6]“I fear about how Lilith is handling this...”[/color] Charles spoke out loud, concern in his voice as he continued to lead the way to Pick up Azulia. The walk would take some time as Erin lived on the boundaries of the business district and residential areas. [color=#BD95D0]"Honestly, it could be far worse. It is almost as if people don't notice that the next time something like that happens, it will be in this very city and its Exeo."[/color] Archene sighs, [color=#BD95D0]"Not that I know how this incident came to happen."[/color] The Licenti briefly nods at Charles, [color=#BD95D0]"Then we should go,"[/color] as he followed along. [color=#4E99C6]“Archene, please don’t rile up my paranoia with observations like that. Any opposing factions and organizations will be blamed for this,”[/color] Charles replied, leading the way. [color=#BD95D0]"I am only being honest, and sadly, I'm very aware of where the blame has been and will be falling,"[/color] he speaks a bit sourly, "Nothing that will just with mere words being exchanged right now, so I'll avoid riling up your paranoia." [color=#4E99C6]“I appreciate it. It’s not uncommon for minorities to be blamed when it comes to a situation like this, but it does speak ill of the individuals in control. The unfortunate part is that I have little right to judge. I’ve literally wiped out resistances before in past years.”[/color] Charles continued to crunch along the gradually collecting snow, his feet found paths around the upheaved pavement and ground to ease his progression. They continued to talk about various topics to pass the time. Finally, they arrived at Erin’s home causing Charles to pause. He politely gestured for Archene to wait as he made his way up the small porch steps. His knuckles rapped upon the white door, the wood gave a hollow sound, before it creaked open. Charles’ foot stepped back to avoid being hit by it. [color=#4E99C6]“I’m here to pick up Azulia. Is she ready?”[/color] A woman in her late twenties stared at him for several moments. Her head turned back inside then she spoke, indicating Azulia was nearly ready to leave. He could hear loud arguments happening in the background. His eyes tightened in concern, unable to see past Erin’s Aunt to see the conflict. “Just a moment, I’ll check,” Ms. McGrath stated then retreated back into the house. After a bit of harsh conversation, Azulia was sent out. Azulia sighed as she walked out. On her back was the backpack that held her clothes and homework. She smiled meekly at Charles. “Hey, Charles. There is a lot going on inside. Emmett and Erin are going at each other because Erin said she was moving.” She said shifting. “How are you?” Charles’s eyes scrunched up at the news. His lips frowned as he glanced at the weather, progressively getting worse, before choosing his next words. [color=#4E99C6]“The weather is getting pretty bad so I’m afraid I decided it was best you spend the night at home rather than at Erin’s. From the sounds of it, I’ve might’ve judged right,”[/color] Charles extended his hand for her to follow him down. [color=#4E99C6]“Azulia, this is Archene. A friend. Archene, this is my adopted daughter.”[/color] Azulia nodded in understanding. She could tell from the sky that bad weather was coming their way. She looked up at his motion to follow him and she nodded, silently following him down. She looked at the new person in front of her. “Hello, I’m Azulia,” She said. Polite introductions were made as they began to walk away. Part way down the street, Emmett rushed out of Erin’s front door followed by a concerned Olivia. His feet took two steps at a time without even pausing. Charles knew that mood all too well causing him to stop in his tracks then walk over to the boy’s rushing figure. Careless in his pace, Emmett’s foot skidded across some collected ice causing Charles’ arm to snap out and catch him mid-fall. Surprised he hadn’t fallen, the boy’s head turned to acknowledge his savior: his teacher. An apology was said, but Charles brushed it off. Before the adopted Kiseo children could object, the immortal insisted on escorting them both home before heading back. Azulia seemed ecstatic by this suggestion. After a few hours walk, Emmett and Olivia were dropped off and the group arrived back at Charles’ home. Azulia promptly headed to her room to change her clothes then finish up her homework. It seemed things at Erin’s house had hindered her progression causing Charles to frown slightly. Dusting off the collecting snow off his coat onto the now salted porch, he hung it up. Quietly he moved toward the fireplace where he snapped a finger to create a spark of fire then tossed it into the dry kindling. Immediately the wood nourished the flame creating warmth to fight against the growing chill. [color=#4E99C6]“Is there anything I can get you, Archene? It was colder than I expected it to become. Also, do you have a place or stay for the night? I can set up a bed cott for the night.”[/color] [color=#BD95D0]"A pleasure to meet you,"[/color] Archene replies to Azulia with a warm smile, [color=#BD95D0]"It is a pleasure to finally be able to meet his daughter in person."[/color] He chuckles briefly before following the group along. [color=#BD95D0]“Given the recent events, I think it is better if I were to stay around you. Plus, there is no heating at my place currently."[/color] He chuckles, [color=#BD95D0]"If it gets any worse, it won't feel too good to stay there. But yes, some warm tea or water would be great."[/color] Charles nodded then retreated into the kitchen to fix both Azulia some hot cocoa and Archene some warm tea.