[center] [img]https://78.media.tumblr.com/a3b148938837c8380c1eb6e43f0d31fc/tumblr_pcvta2YxeN1w6599so1_1280.png[/img] The Docks [/center] Grisaia was able to muscle the fish just high enough in the water to give Vertti a clear shot. [color=lavender]"You’re doing good!"[/color] It took Verttia moment to steel herself. But once her confidence came, she fired a bolt at the fish. It struck her target without entirely passing through it. That was a desirable outcome, because it meant that the fish had to deal with not only a sizable wound, but the bolt acted as an anchor to slow down their prey. There a rope attached to it, which meant Vertti could help pull it in.[color=lavender]"I think it’s too big for the ice chest, so let’s just paddle back to the dock!"[/color] Mistress Vertti was so excited that she took one of the ores and paddled with Grisaia. This was hardly the work of two expert fisherman. While the fish was large for them (and the boat) there were probably bigger things in the water that better, stronger fisherman could get. But as an outing for two people who didn’t spend much time doing fun things together, It was great. Once they got back to the dock, a few workers from Vertti’s boat maintenance crew were there to help pull the fish out of the water. [color=lavender]"Please take this to the mansion as fast as possible."[/color] [b]”Of course.”[/b] [color=lavender]"Oh! And send Aer out this way if she hasn’t leaft the mansion yet."[/color] [b]”The bodyguard, right? I can handle that.”[/b] With a nod, the two parted ways. [color=lavender]"I believe the magic show should be starting soon. If we’re quick, we may even be able to find a good spot to watch it."[/color] [hr] [center] Golden quarter [/center] The giant turned the sword over in his hand. [color=baddab]”Oh come now Mie. I expect you to lie convincingly, but not something as blatant as that!”[/color] He ran his thumb across the flat of the sword. [color=baddab]”No weapon is indestructible, though I’m unsure if I should feel angry because you lied to me, or gushy because you did it out of respect for your sister’s craftsmanship.”[/color] The man set the sword aside with a chuckle. He then folded his legs together and sat down. Even when sitting on the floor, he towered over Mie. [color=baddab]”I’m leaning towards getting angry though~”[/color] His smile persisted. [color=baddab]“You told me that you were capable of getting rid of Mistress Vertti, yet she is still drawing breath.”[/color] He placed his hands on his knees. [color=baddab]”You didn’t fall in love with them did you? Seeing that kind woman nurture her adopted son,understanding the struggles of being an aristocrat who helps the poor and broken. never receiving any praise regardless of how hard she works.”[/color] He wiped a mock tear away from his eye. [color=baddab]”That must be it, because the alternative is that you aren’t taking me seriously. [i]Surely[/i] it’s not that.”[/color] [hr] [center] [s]Thot circle[/s] Main Road [/center] Most spirits had a way of hiding in plain sight. Some turned into animals or faded away, but Odessa’s method was less flashy but equally unorthodox. She had the ability to vanish entirely from sight just by walking behind Alistair. The second she vanished behind his back, she was gone. And she could appear just as suddenly, like she was standing just out of sight the whole time. Shortly after stepping around Alistair, Odessa walked in front of him and looked up into his eyes. She was short enough that she didn’t obstruct Alistair’s view of the other two girls, barring her horns. [color=BF81DC]"I know you don’t like being interrupted, but make sure you keep your distance from that girl."[/color] She pointed at Aerith without looking. [color=BF81DC]"There’s something off about her color. It’s like your blue was a week ago, but much, much worse."[/color] She stuck her thumb in her mouth. A nervous tick, and one that proved nigh impossible to break.