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[img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/dHRmLjY2LmFiOWIzNy5XbUZ5YVc1aElFRnNMVTVoWkdWeS4w/italianno.regular.webp[/img]

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[b]Interacting with:[/b] Yalen [@pantothenic], Jocasta, Marceline and Tavio [@Force and Fury], Ayla [@Ti], Kaspar [@Wolfieh]
[b]Event:[/b] The Deserted [b]Location:[/b] The Refuge
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Zarina gave an appreciative nod to both Marceline and Jocasta before heading into her temporary quarters. She really wanted that bath, and it would be the first thing she hopped into without even familiarising herself with the foreign room. Her sweat and sand covered skin appreciated the warm, pore-opening water. A good half-hour was spent in it, until it eventually entered lukewarm territory and the Virangish could only bear so long with only her thoughts and nothing else. She smelled of oranges, a flavour that was quite common in this Refuge, it seemed.

They had a big day tomorrow and there was little chance of sleep. Still, Zarina clung onto a modicum of hope. Dried and fitted with a fresh set of common, dark clothing provided by the establishment, she had set her pendant over the nightstand by her bed, improvised a carpet with the spare towel and got on her knees before the stand. The third and final prayer of the day- even if it was probably the start of a new one. Hands over her thighs and head lowered, with her hair modestly tied to not hide her face, she started off silent before reciting it in Inipori.

[color=C78A2C]”Dreamer, the one and only above all.”[/color]

Thoughts of home and the Al-Nader estate flooded her mind. Her mother, in particular, and the affairs she had to leave behind.

[color=C78A2C]”I embrace the three envoys of the one great Vashdal.”[/color]

Yalen came to mind, and her assumptions toward his person. A cleric in a group with at least on Hexaic, and her mind immediately drifted into suspicion. A cruel and unjust thought, unworthy of the dreamer. Unworthy of a kind man either.

[color=C78A2C]”Let us dream. Let us dream. Let us dream.”[/color]

Then came Ayla, along with her sister. Envy reigned supreme in Zarina’s heart, for many reasons. A jealousy unfitting for people she loved. It was so hard. She paused, but the prayer had to continue.

[color=C78A2C]”Until we see you, Great Vashdal, freed of …”[/color]

The first thought went to Kaspar, the one she began to admire. The serenity of that young man and his way to talking, it made Zarina think of just how bad things had gotten with her. But then, as the prayer ended, her thoughts drifted toward Jocasta- toward the one she was the most concerned over.

[color=ffdead][i]A nightmare.[/i][/color]

[color=C78A2C]”A nightmare.”[/color]

Cold sweats mixed with the humidity of her hair, making for an uncomfortable coldness throughout her upper body. Something felt off, to the point where she forgot to finalise her prayer. There was nothing, in truth, and yet that last thought caused her to just stop for a good moment. She did end up finishing the last lines and bowing to finish the ritual, and complete the final prayer of the day.

Sleep was not an option, not in such an unfamiliar place and with so many things running in her head. Zarina was going to have to kill time while keeping her mind busy. Grabbing a chair from her quarters and opting to step out, she placed herself by a nearby corner where her field of view covered all the rooms of colleagues who were resting in. She had brought along a weathered knife from her limited belongings and a piece of wood, about the side of her palm as well. A work-in-progress it looked like, given she brought it along with her weaponry and bag, that she carved into something. It was at the beginning stage with nothing particularly intriguing about it. A mere slab.

Her work was interrupted by a little lion seeking out the tethered girl of their group. Zarina watched, silently, and let her find out if Jocasta was awake or not.

[See Collab Post in Ti’s Response!]

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Zarina was likely the first to be awake, given she hardly slept. If one could even call these micro-naps sleep. When the smell of pastries and warm drinks captured her flair and activity began to accumulate in the Refuge, she left her post and got a head-start on the others. Coffee was inevitable and she served herself with a reasonable amount. She may be an addict, but she didn’t consume in excess, or at least not in one sitting. She took this time to find a nice, comfortable spot where she could admire the rising of the sun and indulge in the fresh, morning air of the arid desert, the sweet spot between the frigid coldness of the night and the scorching air of the day. How she missed her horse and the days she rode through these very dry lands.

[hider=Morning before the Mission]
There was a conspicuous lack of Zarina when the group had gathered for a convivial breakfast. She had since left before they had woken up with coffee safely acquired. Her return from the same tree she had visited last night would be around the conclusion of the morning feast, empty cup in hand, [color=C78A2C]“Buenos Días.”[/color] she greets in passing as she reaches for the coffee and pours herself some while staying on her feet. She also indulges in churros. 

She didn’t look particularly tired, or at least hid it well, but her gaze wasn’t nearly as focused as it once was. It darted around, taking in quick information before discarding any concern she may have for those present, except of course– [color=C78A2C]“Sleep well, Ayla?”[/color] although she asked while the Warden was speaking. Not loud enough to actually cut him off, but she didn’t appear to really consider others, as if she were a tad zoned out.

Ayla starts to become a little flustered when questioned directly again. She navigates avoiding responding when Jocasta asks, though with Zaz… she could not even recall how she returned back into her bed. [color=7ea7d8]“Like Jocasta”[/color], glancing at the other girl in her attempt to avoid any exchanges with the caretakers. They had great difficulty, and the lingering scent of smelling salts were still present in her nostrils. Jocasta leaned in knowingly, smirking. [color=ffdead]“They used the salts on you, didn’t they?”[/color] She shook her head tightly, shooting a wary glance at the warden and vice–warden. The blonde seemed… almost uncharacteristically clingy this morning, making an effort to place herself in the centre of the group as they’d made their way here, even holding Ayla’s hand for a little while.

Nonetheless, Zarina’s attention was soon drawn away. The mention of a missing ranger prompted the cocking of her eyebrows in a similar, blasé manner to when she heard of the strange death of the other ranger. When the head of the establishment finished, she looked over at him, [color=C78A2C]“Yeah. How many are on the payroll here?”[/color] she inquired with little consideration for manners, her tone coming off almost aggressive with how straightforward she was, but her body language suggested the placebo she was drinking was keeping her poised. Somewhat.

Tavio paused, clasping his hands behind the small of his back and, for a moment, a look that seemed to be almost… annoyed flashed across his aquiline features. [color=f26522]“We don’t disclose that information,”[/color] he said shortly. After a second, he thought better of it. [color=f26522]“But there are four hundred thirty–five souls in this place, and all are in equal danger.”[/color] He broke character for a moment, lips forming a thin, bitter line. [color=f26522]“Gutierrez was a coward for running like he did, now that we face a serious threat.”[/color] he shook his head, gazing out across the others.[color=f26522]“And after ten years, too,”[/color] he muttered. Jocasta seemed to shrink back, ever so slightly, from his eyes. [color=f26522]“Any other matters?”[/color] he inquired, businesslike again. 

Ayla reaches for the plate of churros, helping herself to the cinnamon as she sprinkles some on, drizzling warm coca upon them. She turns to look towards Jocasta,  [color=7ea7d8]“Would you like some?”[/color], offering to give the plate to the girl and reach for some more. She extends this courtesy to others within the group, especially those who have not had the pleasure of Torragonese treats before. Yalen accepted his share, but seemed more interested in staring at the steam rising from his plate than actually eating. He quietly offered his thanks all the same. 

Zarina figured as much and merely responded with a quick cock of her eyebrows when the information was withheld, but she nodded at the compensation given by the warden. She took a bite from her churro and downed it with her still very warm coffee, all while still standing. Someone was quite restless even after the all-nighter, [color=C78A2C]“So he’s a deserter?”[/color] she pauses and winks over at Ayla if she paid attention. Bad pun…

[color=f26522]“It would appear so,”[/color] the warden replied, as Jocasta muttered something under her breath. He didn’t seem to notice, perhaps because Zarina continued.

[color=C78A2C]“That’s … Unsettling. Do you have, err-”[/color] she raises her eyes, thinking for a few seconds, [color=C78A2C]“A contingency? That’s the word, right? If things kind of go not so great?”[/color] she keeps calm, eyes wide and focused right at Tavio, all while she casually nibbles on her pastry, [color=C78A2C]“Because that’s a lot of souls. And we’re …”[/color] she was about to say a greater number, [color=C78A2C]“One guy down. And the job’s to save lives.”[/color]

[color=f26522]“The job is always to save lives.”[/color] The warden nodded. [color=f26522]“Worse comes to worst, we make a formal request to the Duke of House Frannemàs to send a force.”[/color] He shook his head. [color=f26522]“However, that is something of a last resort. It would be… stressful for the patients. Right now, they don’t know that anything is wrong, except for a select few.”[/color] He glanced at Marceline and she nodded quietly. [color=f26522]“For many of the younger ones, such danger would be distressing. We don’t need to fill the minds of children with nightmares, especially children who have already suffered so much and will suffer yet more.”[/color] He paused. [color=f26522]“For the older ones, many of them are in fragile health. We cannot afford to introduce more stressors into their lives.”[/color] Beneath the table, visible to perhaps only the couple of people closest to her, Jocasta’s grip on the tablecloth tightened momentarily. 

For a moment, Zarina appeared poised to respond and pile on questions that would give way to a clear answer, but then she just stopped and took a seat not too far off from Marceline while the others took turns speaking. She could use a second churro, [color=C78A2C]“Mmm, by the way, love this. Props to your cook. Or baker. Or whatever.”[/color] she nods enthusiastically while pointing down at her second delicacy. [color=598527]“You should see their Pastéis de Nata,”[/color] Marceline whispered back. [color=598527]Usually not for us inmates, but I get the odd one when I’m a good girl.”[/color]

Meanwhile, Ayla could not help but notice how tense her companions at the table had grown. What was said on the high desert sands stays upon the desert sands as she attempts to cup Jocasta’s hand within her own. [color=7ea7d8]“Shai-Desierto is a nightmare which the children in Varrahasta even fear, it is not surprising that those here experience its terror. If it becomes like the Halassa, no one will rest easy in their beds”[/color]. 

[color=f26522]“They may rest eternally, with Echerràn,”[/color] Tavio replied grimly, catching her words just as he was done with another inquiry. [color=f26522]“The truth is that Shai can break through these walls should she really so choose. She does not, for the cost would be too great. Were she to go mad, however…”[/color] He trailed off. [color=f26522]“That is why this is so urgent.”[/color] He scowled. [color=f26522]“Why even a brave man like Joaquin gave into his fear; why Gabriel expired from it.”[/color] For a moment, Marceline glanced his way, as if she had something to say, but she kept quiet and looked down at her plate instead.

Zarina took more notice of her neighbour, the one that had her name distinctly carved on the big tree. Her stare was obvious, maybe even overwhelming should the tethered girl be paying attention, [color=C78A2C]“How are we feeling, Marceline? Marcelina? Sorry, bad with names.”[/color] she smiled and even offered to fill the girl’s cup with some coffee Zarina refilled herself with, [color=C78A2C]“I’m Zarina, by the way.”[/color] she extends her hand out invitingly.

Marceline blushed[color=598527]“Oh Gods, I didn’t actually learn your name last night did I?”[/color] She swallowed and shook Zarina’s hand. [color=598527]“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Zarina, and it’s Marceline.”[/color] She lowered her voice further. [color=598527]”The Warden just insists on making my name sound more Torragonese, even though I’m pretty sure I’m Kerreman.”[/color] Just then, Tavio glanced their way. [color=f26522]“Did you have a concern, my dear child?”[/color] he asked the younger girl. She shook her head. [color=598527]“Not truly. I was just sad about Garbiel and Joaquin.”[/color]

The warden smiled understandingly. [color=f26522]“I know that you and Joaquin were… close. I am sorry he has disappointed you like this, my Marcelina.”[/color] A tight nod and smile was the girl’s only response. [color=f26522]“Now, if there is nothing else, I need to see to finding his replacement.”[/color] Tavio clapped his hands together. [color=f26522]“I will meet you in…”[/color] He glanced at the large clock mounted on the wall. [color=f26522]“One hour and a half. In the sun-shelter by the gate.”[/color]

Ayla used the opportunity to make a request [color=7ea7d8]“Given we have time, could we request Marcelina to give us a tour? We could use an opportunity to awaken for the trials ahead of us. A stretch of the le.. Our muscles”[/color], she turned to face the girl, as if the warden had already consented, offering her a warm friendly smile, [color=7ea7d8]“If we are not imposing too much on your busy schedule and your hospitality, we would greatly appreciate the gesture.”[/color]

Ayla was quite the Godsend in this situation, as Zarina had finally felt her nerves flare. When the warden came off as strangely possessive, the ‘My’ in particular, the Virangish teen could not help herself. She first just stared at him, still processing why it irritated her, and then narrowed her gaze to a brief glare when it happened again. How easily she would have snapped if someone talked to her like that. She shook her head when Ayla spoke up and just nodded in agreement with the lion’s proposal.

Tavio Ortega may or may not have recognized the ploy for what it was, but it was clear that he trusted ‘Marcelina’ enough to go along with it if it would just keep them out of his hair while he arranged for them to go and kill things in the desert. He waved a hand almost…dismissively. [color=f26522]“You may go.”[/color] he replied. [color=f26522]“Of course.”[/color] His eyes found Marceline’s. [color=f26522]“Lead them prudently,”[/color] he told the girl, taking a few steps. [color=f26522]“Remember, one hour and a half, by the gate!”[/color] He was talking as he backed away, and Vice-Warden Mirabel joined him. She had not said a word the entire time. [color=f26522]“We have general supplies, but if you need anything specific, that is on you to have ready.”[/color]

[color=C78A2C]“Muchas Gracias.”[/color] Zarina forced a smile and lazily waved, but did not put any heart in her tone. 

[color=f26522]“De nada,”[/color] he replied, with equal enthusiasm, disappearing around the corner. When the warden was gone, she exhaled from her nostrils, [color=C78A2C]“MY Marcelina,”[/color] she tittered while addressing Marceline, [color=C78A2C]“everyone gets the honour here or something? Or are you that special?”[/color] she looked annoyed, but articulating it did seem to calm her, enough so to make it seem like half-hearted humour.

Ayla mumbled,[color=7ea7d8]“Las paredes oyen - the walls are listening”[/color], she draws upon her gift to shield from any eavesdropping, though sound within the space begins to echo as they spoke. [color=7ea7d8]“Ahora ellas no son - now they’re not.”[/color]

 [color=598527]“What sort of place do you think this is?”[/color] prodded Marceline unconvincingly, grabbing a crutch and rising to her feet.  [color=598527]“Surely, nothing but goodness and light happens here.”[/color] She rolled her eyes.  [color=598527]“The warden seems to think of himself as our father rather than our jailer.”[/color] With a rather hedonistic flair, she leaned over and popped one last churro into her mouth, licking the cinnamon off of her fingers when finished.  [color=598527]“Those of us who learn to humour him are more likely to receive certain privileges.”[/color]

Zarina snorted, [color=C78A2C]“Smart girl. You play the role well.”[/color] she then gives a curt nod to Ayla as a thanks for covering them.

Jocasta sighed. [color=ffdead]“S-seems very much like the Refuge where… where I was,”[/color] she agreed, using a minor telekinesis spell to grab a few more of the treats and pack them into a little bag that hung off the back of her wheeled–chair. [color=ffdead]“Good girls get special privileges, so you learn to be a good girl.”[/color]

 [color=598527]“Mein Gott!”[/color] replied Marceline,  [color=598527]“You were in a Refuge?”[/color] She blinked.  [color=598527]“I had thought to ask but didn’t want to be insensitive. How did you ever get out?”[/color] She turned to regard the rather quiet Yalen.  [color=598527]“You too?”[/color]

Yalen shook his head in the negative. [color=#FD5E53]“...No…”[/color] The entire time Yalen sat at the table, he had been staring at his food like a lifeless doll without taking an active part in the discussion. He could sometimes be seen glancing fearfully at Jocasta. There were shadows under his eyes indicating a severe lack of sleep.

Taking notice of Yalen’s predicament, one Zarina was all too familiar with, she took it upon herself to fill his cup with an almost excessive amount of coffee with some added sugar, [color=C78A2C]“Drink. All of it.”[/color] she ordered with a stern tone, her eyes never leaving his frame until he complied, [color=C78A2C]“We should pursue this while ‘touring’, or else they’ll get on our ass.”[/color] the Virangish girl stood up, bringing a third churro and her filled cup with her. 

[color=#FD5E53]”T-thanks.“[/color]The coffee was too hot for Yalen’s sensitive tongue, but he didn’t bother waiting for it to cool before gulping it down. He didn’t particularly care right now. The look he gave Zarina as she left her seat was like seeing a ghost.

[color=598527]“You’re not wrong,”[/color] Marceline offered in response to Zarina’s earlier recommendation. Pivoting jauntily, she hurried forward with a motion halfway between a brisk walk and a normal swing-through on her crutches. [color=598527]“I’ll give you the grand tour,”[/color] she promised, [color=598527]“and answer any questions that might come up.”[/color] She started to lead them out the door. [color=598527]“Today’s activity day,”[/color] she mentioned, [color=598527]“So everybody’s out and about. Well… except for the zeros, of course. Anyways, it’s busy.”[/color]

Before everybody could make it out in the hall, which simmered, open to the elements, under a colonnade, Jocasta spoke up. She glanced awkwardly in Yalen’s direction and then at the others, with a small, reassuring smile. Yalen’s eyes grew wide for a split second, but he quickly straightened his face out and smiled back. [color=ffdead]“You... you all go on w-without me,”[/color] she told them, a couple of pushes from the entrance. The sequins and faux-gold embroidery on her green and white dress caught a few rays of the desert sun and sparkled and her blonde hair, done up in an elaborate fashion, shone in a halo about her head. [color=ffdead]“I have… s-something else I need to do quickly.”[/color]

Ayla waves Jocasta off as everyone else departs for their tour, pointing towards the clock with a smile as a reminder of the time they need to be back at the gate. As they travelled for a moment, she began to address their guide using her proper name, [color=7ea7d8]“Marceline, the naranja are juicy here. Do you enjoy the fruit often?”[/color], her question is more of a prompt to Zarina to remind her of their late night exploration.

Zarina conferred a final glance at Jocasta before the group would be completely severed and they went their own way. The late night expedition had made both Zarina and Ayla familiar with some of the area already, [color=C78A2C]“Quite a cute spot, with all the initials and names there. Reminds me of that one time when I-”[/color] she pauses and clears her throat, [color=C78A2C]“Nevermind.”[/color] although she trained her eyes toward Marceline from behind, [color=C78A2C]“... How many staffers are there? I actually did have a good reason for asking, beyond prodding the guy.”[/color]

Trying to stay ahead of the others, as was her nature, Marci found herself unable to do so, and so she settled for being in the middle of the pack. As they reached the ramp and the stairs, she opted for the latter, boosting herself down with some kinetic magic. She glanced back at Ayla and Zarina and smirked knowingly. [color=598527]“You two got up to a whole lot of mischief last night, hmm?”[/color] She stuck out her tongue teasingly. [color=598527]“As for staff…”[/color] she furrowed her brow in thought. [color=598527]“Maybe a hundred or so? Perhaps… a hundred-fifteen, I’d say. They don’t give us exact figures, but they cut wherever they can, lemme tell you.”[/color] She shrugged. [color=598527]“Most of them are caretakers and crafters. We call them magpies and pigeons, for their robes and their… tendencies.”[/color]

Yalen descended the stairs like a waddling duck, to the amusement of the rest of the group. For once he was walking without the aid of his cane. The leg braces he had requested last night still needed to be broken in. Marci couldn’t help but look at him. [color=598527]“You’re still on four,”[/color] she observed almost reverently. [color=598527]“Lucky.”[/color] They reached the bottom and she continued on, directing them towards the pool area. It was teeming with half-dressed children and teens. [color=598527]“And yes. That tree is an institution.”[/color] She smiled fondly. [color=598527]“Everyone eats the oranges. Everyone’s name is in the bark…including people long gone.”[/color]

As they descended, Zarina kept an eye on both the front and the back, being Yalen’s clumsy descent. She had half a mind to help, her body language even suggested hesitation, but she instead let him push through, [color=C78A2C]“Keep at it, hotshot, and you’ll be faster than me.”[/color] she winked before continuing onwards. Taking in the air of the pool and the laughter of kids having fun, Zarina stretched her arms open, prompting a yawn in the process, and just let the damper air hit her, [color=C78A2C]“Anyone feel just a little tempted?”[/color] she shrugged with an impish grin. She nodded at the mention of the tree’s popularity, [color=C78A2C]“Names, cute hearts.”[/color] she tilts her head, [color=C78A2C]“Dates. Any particular meaning to any of it, Marcel- Is Marci good? I like that, actually.”[/color] she nudges her head toward Ayla, [color=C78A2C]“She calls me Zaz after all.”[/color]

However, before Marci could reply, a small curly ball of energy came streaking out of the pool, headed straight for their group or, rather, one member of it in particular. [color=ec008c]“Mistuh Yawen!”[/color] Rita made it a few more steps before tripping over her own feet and only managing to avoid a faceplant by sticking her hands out and absorbing the impact. She lay there on her stomach for a moment, as if deciding whether or not to cry. They apparently didn’t have swimsuits, so the kid was in her underwear and showing a fair bit of plumber’s crack. [color=ec008c]“Oww,”[/color] she pouted.
 
[color=#FD5E53]“Rita!”[/color] Yalen broke away from the tour group, nearly tripping on his own feet in the process. In the same moment he tore off the outer coat of his uniform and wrapped it around the child’s body to preserve her modesty. [color=#FD5E53]“Are you okay? Where does it hurt?”[/color]

Apparently comforted, she returned to a more neutral expression, quirking an eyebrow. [color=ec008c]“Owaph,”[/color] she muttered. [color=ec008c]“Whewe [i]doesn’t[/i] it huwt?”[/color] She rolled onto her back and sat up, examining her palms and rubbing at her knees. 

Possessed of an instinct similar to Yalen’s, Marceline was about to go over herself but, with a quick reassurance, the priest decided to separate from the rest of the group to see to the girl. Before Marci turned back to Zarina, she watched them go. [color=598527]“More falls are coming in the future,”[/color] she said softly, before forcing her face into another expression. [color=598527]“But sure, you can call me Marci, as long as there’s no stupid ‘a’ at the end.”[/color] She rolled her eyes, almost as if she was trying to act cool in front of the older teens. [color=C78A2C]“Yes, the stupid ‘a’.”[/color] Zarina nodded, lips pursed as she let it sink in, [color=C78A2C]“It’d be REALLY dumb to have that in a name. Right, AylA?”[/color] she exaggerated just how vexed she was, and after a brief moment she ended up laughing, [color=C78A2C]“I’m messing.”[/color] Ayla was counting the classmates with her fingers. Ayla, Ysilla, Zarina, Jocasta, Kaspa, Yalena… they were not getting entry in the cool club any time soon.

Marci, who’d looked nervous for a moment, relaxed into a smile and a blush. [color=598527]“I’m always so bad at telling, ”[/color] she admitted. Around them, people in various states of ambulation moved about the pool area, many within the water. Plenty of eyes were turned their way, but nobody interrupted them. As they watched, a boy and a girl about the age of the students were carving their names into the tree. Funnily enough, the boy bore a striking resemblance to their own Kaspar. [color=598527]“And yeah, the tree,”[/color] said Marci. [color=598527]“Those two just reminded me: there are lots of meanings. Sometimes the little kids just do dumb stuff.”[/color] She pursed her lips and shrugged. [color=598527]“Lots of dicks. Then, we get the lovers.”[/color] She tried not to linger on the two by the tree.[color=598527]“Like everyone over sixteen just has a lot of… you know.”[/color] She blushed. [color=598527]“Not much else to do.”[/color] She moved on, taking them under the shade.[color=598527]“Most dates are arrival or name dates, since you get a new name when you come here. Usually someone older takes you under their wing and carves them for you.”[/color] She sniffed, settling awkwardly onto a bench, and her yellow summer dress fluttered in a gentle breeze. [color=598527]“Ones in circles are first day on two - that means when your legs stop doing shit and you get your chair.”[/color] She shrugged. [color=598527]“That’s about it, I think.”[/color]

Kaspar’s eyes drifted to the tree, scanning the branches and admiring its shape. This kind of tree was unfamiliar to him, as he didn’t study the plants of Torragon, but it pulled him in like so many other plants had in his time. Keeping the voices of the group half in mind, he stepped away, head tilted as he noted the particular shapes of the leaves, the contrast between the bark and the bright fruits that dangled temptingly from the branches. He reached up, fingers skimming one, and wondered passively if it would keep until he had a notebook in hand. Willing to chance it, he grasped the fruit fully and tugged, detaching it from the branch and watching the leaves bounce in response. He palmed the fruit, turning it over, and then found himself wondering what, precisely, his plan for storing it was. Feeling a bit sheepish at the way he’d been distracted by the tree, Kaspar glanced around to see if anyone—most of all his fellow students—had noticed his captivation. His red eyes trailed down, sweeping around, and froze near the trunk. His brow furrowed, unbidden, as he stared at the couple carving into the bark, and a coldness crept up the skin of his back. The girl was unfamiliar, but there was something unsettlingly recognizable about the boy, like Kaspar should know him from somewhere. It took him another moment of openly staring to realize just how strongly the stranger’s face resembled his own—the most noticeable difference being in the differing colors of their eyes. For a moment, he felt as though he were looking at some distant timeline in which he’d simply been disposed of, placed far away where no one would ask any questions. It burned hot in his gut, flooding his mind with everything he’d spent the past night pushing away. It almost seemed like he could smell the blood again, coating his stinging palms… And the pain forced his awareness back, red eyes sliding down to the fruit still gripped in his hand. The skin was mottled and leaking, pooling on his scraped flesh and dripping to the ground as his Gift peeled at it. The juice was sticky against his skin, not warm or red but still enough. Startled, he dropped the fruit to the ground where it thudded gently and rolled, leaving the stone wet beneath it. Breathing raggedly, he backed away, trying to find his classmates and their guide. The boy didn’t matter, nor did any path but this one. Kaspar could simply push him away, every boy he’d ever been, and forget this moment in the garden. If it truly wouldn’t leave his mind, as part of him perhaps so dearly hoped, the carving would still be fresh—and it’s not as if the boy could leave. 

Ayla, meanwhile, decided to push the boat out a little further, though avoiding being direct. [color=7ea7d8]“There are a couple of pretty ones within a clover. Amanda, Consuela…
”[/color] she pauses for a moment, [color=7ea7d8]“There are lots of A’s… does the four-leafed clover signify anything?”[/color] choosing to refrain from mentioning Marci’s own name. Zarina kept silent, her face not directly geared toward the younger tethered girl, but her eyes were very much peering in her direction. She also crossed her arms– she didn’t know what was coming, but she braced herself for anything.

Marceline paused and something flickered across her face. [color=598527]“Wanna see where the aqueduct comes in?”[/color] she asked pointedly.

Ayla tilts her head at the sudden tangent, it stuck out like a sore thumb, awkward and disjointed. [color=7ea7d8]“Seems there are more names in the clovers, taking a closer look”[/color] the implication left to hang awkwardly, allowing Marci to answer the question with privacy. Zarina sighed somewhat loudly from her nose, catching on to the situation as quickly as Ayla, although the potential undertones and the idea of prison-life weighed on her mood. She stood close, not behind but by Marceline, as a rather tall individual and hoped to provide some semblance of safety and discretion with the proximity without actually touching the girl, [color=C78A2C]“Nothing here but us girls, and maybe a few flailing kiddos.”[/color] she mumbled under her breath.

[color=598527]“You remember what Ayla said about the walls in the dining room?”[/color] Marci suggested, trying not to let out an annoyed sigh. [color=598527]“It isn’t just the walls. I think we should go see the aqueduct. Nobody ever gets to see it and I kinda like it there. It’s peaceful.”[/color] She began walking.
Ayla gave a nod, [color=7ea7d8]“Always wondered where you find water in the desert, please show us the way.”[/color]  Zarina looked side to side, checking if they didn’t have any unwanted tails or little worms that whispered to their avian masters.

When they arrived, they found an ancient aqueduct, dating back perhaps to Avincian times, though Avince itself had never conquered the High Desert. It stretched off into the distant highlands. Here, where it spilled over the wall into a great copper and ceramic holding tank, there was nobody to be seen. Marci turned awkwardly on her heel and regarded them. [color=598527]“Your friend there - the one in the chair – she told you about these places, and what they’re like.”[/color] The tethered girl sighed, gazing wistfully down at her feet before looking up. [color=598527]“The clovers are from when they recruit you.”[/color] She sniffed and rubbed at her nose. [color=598527]“Some of us: the more powerful ones, the more biddable ones: they… train us.”[/color] Her eyes flash challengingly for a moment. [color=598527]“People treat us like we’re useless, like we’re a liability. We will never be anything or do anything of worth, and they teach us plenty of that in the refuge.”[/color] She chuckled bitterly, sounding eerily like Jocasta last night. [color=598527]“but a Tethered who is trained in the Gift is superior to all other magic users. We are not limited to the tiny world of perhaps a hundred yards. We can draw from miles distant. We can sense from miles distant. We can [i]strike[/i] from miles distant.”[/color] She nods knowingly. [color=598527]“I haven’t been called up yet - likely when I’m sixteen, if they have their way - but I’m in training.”[/color] She shrugged, letting herself lean clumsily against a ceramic pipe. [color=598527]“And if you wanna know why we do it,”[/color] she snorted, [color=598527]“What else is there to do? What other chance at a life do we get to live?”[/color] She gazed out blankly up the aqueduct. [color=598527]“I will never get to build something great, like this, that lasts for a thousand years. I will leave no descendants. My name will not be written in anybody’s books. We’re all disposable here. If something happens to us on a mission, then it was because of the Tethering.”[/color] She turned her eyes back to them, expression even, mouth a thin line.

Ayla pauses for a moment as she listens, contemplating the words, simply trying to imagine.  [color=7ea7d8]“So the Tethered are used as weapons, powerful ones.”[/color], she recalls how Jocasta and Yalen dealt with the Halassa, the strength they showed, and also the strength that was hidden. There were many questions that she wanted to ask, though some could wait, [color=7ea7d8]“Do you know where the Aberration is located, does your skill extend that far?”[/color]

Marceline sighed vexedly. [color=598527]“I should be able to sense it, but I can’t.”[/color] She shook her head. [color=598527]“Normally, finding the little aberrations isn’t a problem, so I have to assume that it’s far: outside of even Tethered range.”[/color] She shrugged helplessly.

[color=C78A2C]“If so, Jocasta and even Yalen can likely sniff it out too.”[/color] Zarina kept her arms crossed the whole time as she listened, and one could easily notice her scowl growing on her expression. It wasn’t indignation as one might imagine, but a growing frustration toward Marceline’s words and disposition. When the tethered girl sought to justify her decision, a ‘Tsk’ escaped the Virangish girl, [color=C78A2C]”The strongest among mages, shuddering before the worms that have crawled in this establishment.”[/color] she shook her head with venom in her voice, [color=C78A2C]”Have you just given up, Marci? Is self-pity just that comforting? Given you’re fully aware of your situation, it’s not like they have a full grasp of you.”[/color] eyebrows cocked, Zarina leaned forward a little, invading the tethered’s space a little, [color=C78A2C]”And, you know what?”[/color] her voice raises a tad, [color=C78A2C]”Who cares if you don’t accomplish memorable things? Most people don’t.”[/color] she purses her lips and backs off a little, [color=C78A2C]”Most won’t. Slaves and Royals alike.”[/color]

Marceline shrunk back from the display and stumbled slightly as this near-stranger invaded her space. She took a second to reevaluate what she was going to say and what she was willing to reveal. This one was too aggressive: an eagle or an owl in manner. Such people judged. They judged quickly and often wrongly and were eager to speak on it. The fourteen-year-old decided that it was not safe to ask her question nor share her final secret. Perhaps she had already said too much. There was the Tethered girl among them, and the Tethered boy. They would understand her better and the former had even said the words. She knew Him or knew [i]of[/i] Him. Perhaps [i]she[/i] would be better to ask. Marceline blinked. [color=598527]“With all due respect, you haven’t lived my life, so don’t condescend to tell me how to think. I already get enough of that, thank you.”[/color] Her eyes narrowed momentarily and she grabbed her crutches. [color=598527]“Anyhow, I think you have your answer. We should go back now.”[/color] She turned and took a few steps, annoyed at her inability to outpace this group. [color=598527]“I invite you to enjoy our pool facilities,”[/color] she threw over her shoulder. [color=598527]“As for me, I have things to do.”[/color] 

Ayla has her eyes flash towards Zarina, the smaller girl was visually shaking in the spot, [color=7ea7d8]“Jo told us all about these places, and this is what you came out with? You… babaca!”[/color], moving to place herself between the exit where Marciline was leaving and Zarina. [color=7ea7d8]”You are some estrangeiro who has just entered their home, already judging her from your pedestal. What are you expecting, her to walk out of here into the open deserto in her braces... And where? This is the only home she knows, this is the only family she knows.”[/color] She glares up at the taller woman, not being intimidated by the height difference, and in a lower voice, [color=7ea7d8]“and even if she did somehow walk out of here and somehow survive, what about the rest, bring her family with her too? Without his little treasure, who will senhor pervertido target next, her little sister Rita?”[/color] She taps upon the side of her head with her finger, then mimes her voice with her hand, [color=7ea7d8]“Pense antes de falar - Think before you speak”.[/color]

It went about as expected, Marceline took it the way she should and Ayla was left revolted. Zarina, however, exhaled peacefully as the tethered girl ‘walked’ away. When the inevitable verbal spanking came to be, she just passively peered toward Ayla’s direction and took it, only to flinch at ‘Babaca’. That was new, but then the lecturing began and again the same steam that pressurised her sensitive, sleepless head began to accumulate again. Her jaw shifted, causing her teeth to briefly grate against each other, [color=C78A2C]“If I have to hear another fucking pity-party story, see innocent little lamb-to-the-slaughter eyes or play moral counseler one more time, I’m going to take the fucking naranjas and shove them up the warden’s trimmed asshole. And cut the fucking tree.”[/color] as humorous as the imagery was, the growing anger in Zarina was palpable in her voice alone, and her body language would not leave anyone feeling reassured. She was clenching her crossed arms, nearly damaging the fabric of her top, and her face began to look a tad redder. It made it somewhat easier to see just how much her sleepless night affected her features when she was flexing them all like that, [color=C78A2C]“I’m here to do one job, I don’t have to be moral support.”[/color] she shakes her head, [color=C78A2C]“Most powerful mage …”[/color] she mumbles before scoffing. Quite the disproportionate anger for just some lost fourteen year old. The clenching became bad enough that her nails were viciously digging into her skin through the top, leaving marks. She gestures in dismissal, [color=C78A2C]“Tell her I’m a babaca and you’re outraged or something if you care. I need to prepare for the job.”[/color][/hider]

Worked up, tired and with a killer headache, Zarina passed both Ayla and Marceline to reach the sanctity of her mostly unused quarters. A brief breathing exercise and some water helped with the head, but as she composed herself, the all-too-common realisation of the fruit of her impulse made her slip. A weighted punch was thrown toward the  wooden edge of her bed frame, causing it to crack and her knuckles to suffer some light damage. Heavy breathing became light hyperventilating- nothing she couldn’t control, but it did not help the case of her increasingly pained head.

[color=C78A2C]”Fuck.”[/color] she cursed with as much restraint as she could muster before turning her head to the pendant she had left on the nightstand the whole time. It was time to pray, but how could she? So much anger, so much regret that bred even more anger. Again, she had to keep her mind distracted. Food, water, knives, rope, everything one would need for basic survival in the desert, just as she was taught by her papy, were accumulated and put into different bags provided by the Refuge. Most of all: Cloaks, adapted for the climate and made to protect from potential storms. If they had ranger getups available, then all the better, Zarina was all over them. She was almost ‘zoned out’, completely separated from all those that passed by her and tunnel-visioned on completing this rudimentary task. At least the group would be somewhat prepared this time.

And finally, she made a trip to the stables, to see if they had any mount capable of helping those limited like Yalen or even Kaspar. If anything, she would take one for herself too, even if the Gift allowed her to effectively navigate faster without one.

[hider=Collab Summary]
Jocasta is clingy this morning. Hand-holding all around.
Warden is reluctant to share numbers of staff.
Yalen is distant and preoccupied in his mannerisms. Must have slept badly last night.
Sand Wyrm doesn't break through the refugee walls as the cost would outweigh the benefits. If it were to go mad because of the Aberration, the children would be in grave danger.
Marceline is called 'My Marcelina' by the Warden. Intentional 'a' at the end. More Torragonese that way.
Due to the need for a replacement ranger, the party has an hour and half to do what they wish.
Marceline provides a tour, away from the staff, allowing the group to ask questions in private.
Jocasta disappeared with Yalen for a bit, then went off on her own.
Marceline suggests there are about 115 staff at the refuge.
Yalen reunites with Rita, assisting her to become modest.
Kaspar sees someone who looks like himself. Triggers his trauma and abandonment issues.
Marceline explains that the four-leaf clover is a sign of being chosen to be trained as a weapon. If trained the right way, they can sense and use their gift from miles away.
The Aberration is not within tethered range.
Zarina slips loses her cool with Marceline, she chooses not to share the final clue. Perhaps something for Yalen or Jocasta to explore due to possibly being more understanding due to the status of the tethered.[/hider]