[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/DVjv2A1.png?1[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/PIt6O9j.png[/img][/center] [hr][color=gold]Location:[/color] Ersand'Enise [hr][color=gold]Interactions:[/color] [hr][hr] As the Melon Derby came to an end, Ingrid just felt a flood of relief. The anxiety of protecting the special melons and large melons was just too much. Fuck they had even 3 fucking monsters and 2 annoying dudes come into their home. Thank god it was all over. It would be awhile until the tallied all the melons and in the mean time they needed to clean and fix the house. Cleaning was calming. Just a mindless activity that allowed Ingrid's mind to normally wonder to her studies or imaginative world but she was feeling bad about some of her descisions and responses. She left the group for far too long, and if she did choose to leave, she should have brought them all, it wasn't like they had any melons. Then she came back with a healthy chunk of points but then left again and literally did nothing. And how I acted towards Zarina. It wasn't just wrong, it was dangerous. Using a spell like that without even being fully practiced in it was stupid. If it went wrong I could have accidently melted her. I need to apologize to her. Ingrid felt dejected by her own actions but was overall fine. All she needed to do was to apologize and reflect. She couldn't help but question what the Ice King said. He was overwhelmingly strong and frighteningly insightful. She rarely thinks about her family means of making money past what is written on the ledger. But it is thrown in her face about how her family are oppressors. Easily seen if you just think for a moment. If you care to look and Ingrid never cared to look even when she worked at the mines. Terrible. She felt terrible and uncomfortable with herself and she knew she should be. The guilt was heavy but it is something she shouldn't just let control her nor push away. Until she can level with herself she needs to keep it where it is and continue with the others. Her guilt shouldn't be a bother to others. Afterall, they came 4th!!! It was a small celebrations as they finished up the cleaning. Ingrid chose to go out for a walk, hiding away whatever she was shaken up for, from Dory to her own ignorance. Just be happy that you came top 5, something you believed that you were never capable of. A growing headache was taking hold from the stress she felt. She was thankful she could hold herself up in moments of stress most of the times, she wishes she was more aware of how stressed she was instead of what seemed like passive aggressive signs from her body. That magical bean juice she invested in was a cure all at this point for Ingrid and she headed over for that bitter medicine. To her surprise, Zarina was out there with Casii and it seemed a fight was about to break out. Ingrid didn't mind watching. Cathartic violence was always a way to take your mind off of it. Ingrid started watching and she ended up next to Ismette, the last person she expected to watch this. She tried to make some conversation, maybe some fun but Ingrid misread the situation and instead got on her bad side a bit. She just wanted to learn how to flirt and kiss. Ingrid thought that she should have just asked but that was too embarrassing. But as her mind wandered to the last time she had a kiss with Benny, the fight had frown fierce and outside sources were healing fighters. Things were getting rowdier but it felt within reason. Zarina and Casii were looking fucking awesome though. Ingrid rooted for Zarina because she knew her slightly more. But the intense spectacle started to turn as species started to rile. It wasn't long until insults were being thrown and Ingrid was suggesting that before the fighting Ismette should leave. But Ingrid failed to coax the good hearted Yasoi from trying to stop the fighting as she left Ingrid to join the mash and try and stop the fighting. Ingrid wanted to get out of here, fear and disinterest as her primary motives. But she needs to try and do better and she rushed in after Ismette, facing the humans as Ismette faced the Yasoi. Doing her best to stop the fighting with her imposing size. Her actions were not based off of strength but trying to reason. And the normal life lesson that volatile emotions and reason have no place with each other, no wonder Dami and Eshiran are at odds with each other more often or not. Things intensified as Hegelan and Eaiko joined into the fight as well. The fight started for real for Ingrid when Chad tried to do a flying dropkick to only get slammed by Manfred followed by a Zarra slamming into an unprepared Ingrid. Fighting was breaking out and Ingrid had this painful grinding in her shoulder, she might have cracked it or damaged her cartilage. But higher than her wellbeing, Ingrid was just trying to find Ismette. She wasn't good in these situations and could accidently kill people, a fate Ingrid wanted to have her avoid. Before she could, Zarra healed her arm. She said thank you as she started to try to get to Ismette. Things went from bad to worse, Ismette was knocked over and it didn't look good and she let out a scream. Ingrid rushed over to cover her when a rotund Virangish boy kicked her in the head. She was obviously down and injured and this insolent boy attacked her. Ingrid started to draw and had every intention to twist and rip him in half from his fat belly. She would have truly done it if her draw wasn't so slow. Ismette's anger exploded before Ingrid, blasting everyone near her away. Ingrid was blasted into a wall, maybe some broken bones and head and organs felt like they just been shook around. She was out for most of it until she was healed by Zarra. Ingrid stumbled her way to Ismette to check on her, she should be afraid but her worry for Ismette outweighed her self-preservation. To Ingrid's relief, Ismette was fine and was back to the self Ingrid knew. Casii made her way over and she watched Ismette take care of her with Casii literally falling into Ismette's arm. They were close. Like it felt they were dating. But Ismette wouldn't offer to bang me later if she was- then they went off and looked like a couple. Ingrid would be lying if that didn't strike her as odd. She felt stupid for being excited about sleeping with Ismette. People cleared out and she was left wandering and having a sudden panic is she was just ugly and no one had the heart to tell her, not even Benny. But these were just momentary extreme thoughts and she luckily wandered upon Zarina. [hider=An Owed Apology] Ingrid sighed as she now needed to do what she actually left to do, apologize. She felt weird just going up and doing it. Normally she would send a letter first for a time and place, arrange an appropriate gift to smooth things over, prepare refreshments in case they wanted to talk afterward, and go over how she would apologize exactly the night before and the morning of. But this time was different, she just had to earnestly go up and apologize. Nerves built just thinking of it. Having spot Zarina, she felt even more nervous. Zarina was riding a high and Ingrid thought that she would just bring it down. But based of how things went with Dory when she apologized all formal she got punched in the stomach. Honestly it might happen again, Zarina has quite a punch. Ingrid walked up and said, "Hey Zarina, you got a second?" Ingrid seemed uncomfortable but she was maintaining a steady line of eye contact. Zarina was accosted by Ingrid right after the fight. A very high and wobbly Zarina with her arm over Marci's shoulders and incessant giggles come from her, [color=C78A2C]“So we'll take the cash, and then buy loads of potates for a potate salad.”[/color] was the first thing Ingrid would hear as the duo was taking an alleyway to reach the dorms the Virangish brawler lived in. [color=C78A2C]“Ehhhh?”[/color] she responded to her name, prompting her to stand on her own two feet and relieve Marci of support duty. She nearly stumbled down but eventually found her footing. That Casii shit was strong, [color=C78A2C]“Iiiiiiingrid.”[/color] she acknowledged the Eskanding giantess and pointed her index finger right at her, [color=C78A2C]“You wanna steal my cups too? Well-”[/color] she raised her fists, [color=C78A2C]“You ain't gettin'em without a fight.”[/color] she imitated Casii to a T there, and couldn't help but snicker and snort with each word. Ingrid questioned if Zarina was on drugs or drunk but she remembered some of the miners talking about feeling high after a fight, better than drunk they said. Maybe this was for the best, or she might just swing at me. Ingrid did an awkward chuckle, "You can keep your cups Zarina, I wanted to talk to you about today." Ingrid kept it at that for now, she was gauging the situation. [color=C78A2C]“Talk? Oh.”[/color] Zarina's arms were lowered and a stiffer posture was attempted, [color=C78A2C]“Talk about what? I didn't organize the bets if that's the issue.”[/color] an accusatory finger was quickly pointed at Ingrid, [color=C78A2C]“Although if you bet on me, you've won.”[/color] Maybe she didn't remember what I did, I could just play this off and let it be, Ingrid thought. It would be easier but Ingrid knew that was the issue. "I meant what I did in the Melon Derby. I got in the way of you getting the Supreme melon," Ingrid stated, some guilt in her voice. "I know it was a game but I only targeted you and got involved to get back at you for the teasing." The shame she felt for doing that was showing through. [color=C78A2C]“Huh.”[/color] Zarina just gave a dumb stare to Ingrid and then scratched the back of her head, [color=C78A2C]“That's really dumb.”[/color] she replied with no reservations on how she formulated things, eyes wide and red from the baking, [color=C78A2C]“So that means ...”[/color] a toothy grin slowly stretched out, [color=C78A2C]“I get to hit back, like, whenever? Heh. Heh. Heh.”[/color] Ingrid scratched the back of her head and said, "I think that would be fine, I did escalate it a lot so that is on you now." Ingrid was worried, She liked her nose and Zarina has shown she is good at punching. She really wants to ask if they can go back to teasing but that isn't for her to decide. [color=C78A2C]“With your blessings, Miss Penderson ...”[/color] Zarina rubbed her hands together, [color=C78A2C]“I shall concoct a devious plan to make things square! It could be today. It could be tomorrow ....”[/color] she leaned in a little closer to the Eskandish, [color=C78A2C]“It might even be next year!”[/color] she winked and clicked her tongue. "Of course," Ingrid said. There was no confidence in that, more the sound of someone rescind to their fate. Her shoulder's slumped, this is okay, she thought. "Well I have to be off, I need to apologize to Evander for slamming him into the floor during the Derby, I realize now he was just retreating," Ingrid said then sighing. Ingrid started to turn to leave and waved saying, "Have a good night Zarina." [color=C78A2C]“Eh?”[/color] Zarina squinted, [color=C78A2C]“Why the fuck are you apologizing to every dickhead from the Derby? They knew what they were signing up for.”[/color] she sucked in her cheek and crossed her arms, [color=C78A2C]“That just sounds like so much effort for a whole lotta nothing.”[/color] "Because it was unnecessary," Ingrid said turning back to her. "I don't want to be someone who just steps on people. Even if it was a game, I didn't need to slam him into the floor hard enough to knock him out." Ingrid said, not confident but just stating her thoughts. "I could have just stopped him to see if he had any melons, I could have gently knocked him out with chemical or arcane. I could have just let him go. If I can't actively weigh my actions in a silly game, I can't be trusted to do it when it matters." Ingrid looked away, "During the brawl I kept calm until Ismette was kicked when she got knocked down. I almost lost it and was going to tear the boy in half. Luckily Ismette lost it before I did. But it's that I'm trying to correct." She just sighed after saying so much. "Didn't mean to say so much, I guess I'm stressed." Zarina's lip quivered with Ingrid's response. Her arms loosed a little without fully unfolding, [color=C78A2C]“Ah, I see. You're afraid that you're too extra. I would've thought an unstoppable frosty guy would've calmed that.”[/color] she looked as though she was chewing something, though her mouth was empty, [color=C78A2C]“Well, I think they won't be offended. What you REALLY need is some self-control courses.”[/color] her eyes drifted toward the forked tower, [color=C78A2C]“Ever thought of taking one of those?”[/color] Ingrid didn't think much about Zarina knowing the Ice King visited her. If she sent him, then it still wouldn't matter. She wasn't strong enough even with the help of Hegelan drinks, she definitely isn't strong enough now. But it was something to keep note of. But their was no time to ponder their connection, if their even was one. "The Ice King did indeed come by. How he would of calmed things I have no idea. He just came in and bullied everyone. If you mean to say that he had control, then I guess. It's easy to be in control when you are that strong. All he told me to do was essentially stop having to apologize and instead do better," Ingrid said as she leaned against the alley wall. It was obvious that the Ice King's words had an effect on her but it was unclear how much. Ingrid chuckled, "Do they have classes for self-control? I think I could use some." [color=C78A2C]“Uhm, by having you guys sit down and cool off. That tends to calm down hot-headed people.”[/color] Zarina cocked a brow and tilted her head, [color=C78A2C]“So, wait. He told you to stop apologizing, and yet-”[/color] she snorted before shaking her head, [color=C78A2C]“Y'know. I get this feeling you have a slight fixation on strength. I do, in another way, as well. But perhaps you should heed the King's words, Ingrid.”[/color] she started to seem a little more focused now with the chemicals in her body mellowing a tad, [color=C78A2C]“Strength alone is not Justice- You can't solve everything with power. And in the end, power had nothing to do with how the Derby ended, even if I thought your little cabal with the winners was going to be detrimental to us all.”[/color] "I have no reason to listen to the Ice King," Ingrid stated plainly. Ingrid quickly added, "I'm just considering his words. I still find apologizing to be useful. I'm not perfect and I know I will make mistakes whether I want to or not." She kind of rolled her eyes when she said strength alone is not justice, "I know that. And the whole thing with helping them wasn't really some grand plan, Jocasta tried to crush me as well remember. I had a few reasons but it really comes down to that me and Trypano have something going on and we said we would help each other. Completely opportunity base." She didn't say if she had a fixation on power. She wasn't completely sure yet. [color=C78A2C]“Uh-huh.”[/color] was Zarina simple response to Ingrid's stance on the subject. The eye roll in particular was responded with a half-lidded stare, [color=C78A2C]“Well, thank you for coming all this way.”[/color] she twisted to look over at Marci, [color=C78A2C]“I'm going to wish you a good night, Ingrid. The scary things that lurk in the Night will be coming out soon.”[/color] she snickered some, [color=C78A2C]“I'll see you tomorrow. To kick your ass.”[/color] "Night Zarina" Ingrid said as she waved goodbye. She stayed in the alley trying to consider if what she did to Evander deserved an apology now. They way she acted to Evander wasn't even something that terrible considering what she could've done. Plus it wasn't like she was squishing a bug, she was squishing an intruder in her base. Anyone would do that. And from the way Zarra looked, they did. If he seems to have issue with me and wants one, I can give it, Ingrid thought. But until then their is no need. [/hider] Ingrid looked forward to the Auction. She had planned a presentation with Zarra and Korin to help sell the dragon pearl. From what she knew, she could sell it off to someone for 5k magus. But in the Auction it could go for more! Ingrid felt confident as a salesmen. But it seemed her belief in herself was misplaced. Even with prove of it working, the species that can confirm it true led to it selling for 4k… She kept on a straight face and thanked Zarra and Korin. But she felt like she was about to puke when they left. That was a lot of money. She could accept even 250, no 500 magus below market value but a thousand was and impossible amount of money. She could swear she could see her family staring at her as the numbers came in. Her friends laughing at her and the snickering of the crowd as she failed so publicly. She just wanted to go and bash someone's head in. In her manic state she started to scratch herself lightly before going to her trusted method of self-harm. A finger full of arcane energy placed her bare skin and burning herself in small but intense bursts of pain. When she could smell the skin burning she stopped and covered her shoulder back up under her dress. She continued to the auction and it was fun! Much better than loosing face for failing to sell a dragon pearl. Much better than Failure. Much better. So she needed to so better in the auction. Each loss on something she wanted to win on hurt and each win was elated her. There some displeasures hearing Dory and Manfred flirt so much. She normally be able to hide her feelings but she couldn't and moved across the auction to sit next to Sven. He was a much better auction partner anyways. He was knowledgeable and filled her with these overwhelmingly fuzzy feelings when she let him bid as much as he wanted to go on a dragon date on a Tyrannus Mosiengus. Ingrid was glad to have him as a friend. Sven was so bright and she liked to bask in it. Though she questioned what she added to the friendship, well enough to equal what she receives. 25 Magus was nothing if it was for him. But the final item came out and the tone of the Auction was about to change. Sven spouted it was a rare artifact. He was sure. He never spouts things off like this unless he was sure. It was enough for Ingrid. The bidding was quickly climbing. To the point to where Ingrid was betting with speculative money. Desmond had joined in on this, lending 2k and the number climbed higher and higher and it was obvious they were against the endless purse of the Doge. It was that Evander fellow. He was connected to it from the start. Ingrid was approached by what seemed to be representatives of the Sovereign Pac. Sven was getting increasingly nervous and wanted out but Ingrid hated the idea of being beaten. It was her box and she wasn't letting no fucking bitch of the Doge get it. The price was so high that the auction was taken private and they were brought to the back room. Money was calculated and things were weighed and the amount they were offered by their backers felt low, 21k. Ingrid decided to add 4k and Desmond added 2k for 27k. They won it and but over payed by 2k. It was upsetting but they had it. She felt strong. She won. And that is when the third group made their move. Ingrid remembers little from their but she came to a very different room. There was Covenant and the mystery people were defeated and they were being either tortured or questioned. Her box was with her but for how long. She was panicked. Her precious box, her 27k magus box was in danger and everyone could be a threat. The odd priest tried to make motions towards her as screaming could be seen and heard from the man caused by one of the brothers and one of the sister. She moved away and he tried to negotiate giving the box to Desmond. No he will steal it while it is being transferred. She threatened him to stay where he was as she hid next to Sven. Sven was safe. The brother had enough and knocked her out without even a struggle. All her strength she was told she had meant nothing. Why is she always failing. Why isn't she strong enough. [hider=Ingrid's Winnings] A beautiful, sky-blue vase from Engyu You have all seen him at the festival, but Sir Jean-Claude has offered a very special prize of a night with his Tyrannus Monsieger. Enjoy the thrills of riding the largest tamed dragon with the legendary dragon rider himself. Finishing the evening enjoying a dinner where you can ask him any question from his adventures. Your one shot of spending the night with a real star. The chunk of mineral appears to carry a decent weight and has a greenish gold tint to it. To the layman it looks like a piece of gold, but to a jeweler it's just pyrite. It feels heavier than it should be. A lumpy green stone weighing about 2 pounds( Radium) [/hider] The next time she woke up she was in her Zeno's house with a welcoming smell of a warm mulled cider. She wanted some so bad that she only got up for that and came to notice the people around her. Some of shortlisted, Desmond, and Sven. She sipped some and tried to feel better. She wasn't in her right state of mind. She felt vulnerable with what happened and all these people were here. Desmond did his best to cheer her up and it did help but she still embarrassingly asked Sven to just stay with her. He felt safe for some reason, she just wanted to be safe. Talks happened and Ingrid understood but she longed a certain girls company but she would obviously be with her lover… Sven shocked her with the idea of buying it themselves. It was stupid and stupid. One stupid didn't do it justice but she played ball because it was Sven. She knew this wouldn't pick up steam. She even called Benny in, Mostly to cuddle with him, and second to see what he thought. And he thought it was something they could do. And with that it was so. She couldn't believe it. Benny was off to do something that he wouldn't even let us do. She wanted to go with him, wherever but he was against it and he was gone. Her heart was left wanting but she could only accept this was his way of doing things. Ghaven started inspecting it and Ingrid went out to search for jobs. No luck was found but she could think. Just a lot of questioning how things happened. What would happen. Just questions with not even speculation. And finally there was Silas, they boys she thought was dead. [hider=Racing Silas] Ingrid was wandering in the alleys when she sighted Silas. She saw him before the brawl going on but couldn't get to him with everything going on. She needs to apologize for kicking him so savagely during the Student Faire. She starts to jog over, calling out to him and waving. For all the excitement of the day, the city was oddly quiet come dusk the evening after the melon derby. Silas's adrenaline was still pumping, unsatisfied with his performance and placement, he's decided to exercise out his frustration with a walk rather than return to the Zeno's quarters. The streets had emptied enough that he was able to recognise Ingrid from quite a distance, causing him to tense immediately. True panic began to set in when she began running towards him, sending flashbacks to the fountain at the Societies Faire. With a sudden great gust of kinetic energy Silas was six feet off the ground and clinging to the adjacent alley wall where he remained. She didn't seem aberration mad this time at least. "Evening Ingrid," He'd underestimated her height and had to awkwardly shuffle his foot out of her reach when she finally stopped getting closer. Silas did his best to sound casual, but remained firmly perched on the wall. "Can I help you?" Ingrid has no idea how to respond to someone jumping on a wall to keep away from her. It was... interesting. Ingrid decided to try and defuse the situation first, it was a little too odd to talk to someone hanging on a wall. "There is no reason to run Silas," Ingrid affirmed, "I just wanted to say sorry for what happened at the faire." Ingrid waited a moment and asked, "Do you think you can come down?" It was awkward and made it seem like she was about to beat him. She seem to look around quickly to see no one was watching. "Hm" Silas considered. The derby was over, and if she wasn't enraged maybe he truly didn't have anything to fear. His hand and side slid against the brick until they were at eye level. "Apologise? To me?" A noble apologising proved a difficult concept to him, being more accustomed to getting chased down to give one himself. "I did kick you," Ingrid said, "I hadn't seen you since then so I was excited when I did. Sorry for spooking you." Ingrid seems to be happy, ecstatic even that he was okay. Ingrid saw him as a good acquaintance after the Birfday thing. It was so much fun and she was dismayed when she believed she ended his life with a kick. "How are you doing though, did you have a fun time at the derby?" "Quite hard." He nodded in a agreement, then shrugged at her question. "Didn't win." Was his curt, embittered response. It took only a thought and half moment for his attitude to flip to one of jovial excitement however. "Dragon's next though, and we have that one in the bag at least" He grinned widely, almost bouncing on his perch. "We're too fast to lose" "Well, best of luck to you," Ingrid said. "I'm afraid that most of my team, myself included, are shitty runners," Ingrid couldn't help but chuckle a bit. Ingrid then said with a bit of fake confidence, "Who knows, maybe we will get lucky like in the derby." Silas shook his head and finally lowered himself to the ground, making their size difference all the more pronounced. "Too tall not to be fast." He said with certainty. "You trying to make me go easy? Won't work." "Nothing lucky about it either." He continued, barely take the time to breathe between thoughts. "Two tethered won't be much help in a race. Mozaru won't be first long. Only real worry is-" He stopped, apperently remembering that Ingrid was part of the conversation. "Yasoi said you ran into the ice King, ya?" Ingrid raised an eyebrow, "Well we can always find out who is faster with a little foot race later," Ingrid said, hoping they might do it. She could use some exercise. Ingrid set aside the idea of jojo just keeping people from going forth or worse, knocking them into the obstacles. "Yeah, it should help us with Mozaru having 2 tethered. And yeah I did. Why do you ask?" Ingrid asked. "He the real deal?" Silas tilted his head, continuing the verbal back and forth but already sensing out potential race paths based on his knowledge of this city. "Kills everything in his path, scary serious, got more magic than you real?" Ingrid seemed surprised, "I don't know about killing everyone but he was definitely scary. And had way more magic than me." Ingrid folded her arms and lightly rubbed one of her arms, "He knew things about me that he shouldn't. I just don't know about him." Ingrid shook her head like she was removing the Ice King from and started to think about where they should race. Something nearby might be nice. Silas remained quiet for a moment, carefully considering her words, only to change the topic completely. "A race then yeah?" Just saying the words brought his energy back up to barely-contained levels, he shuffled his feet. "Blessed fountain to parade street? Will be curfew soon enough anyways." He didn't face her, but paid carefully attention to her reaction at the mere mention of breaking the rules. "Ought to have a wager for it too- bad luck otherwise." "I guess the fountain was okay, I guess the curfew was getting close," Ingrid looked to the sky and made no other note of the curfew. "I love a good wager. Loser dunks the other in the fountain? Or are you thinking more in terms of Magus?" Ingrid asked as she rubbed her fingers together to signify money. "One swim was enough thanks," He grimaced "and money is too boring. Pick something you really want." If he'd been after her coin he wouldn't have wasted time with asking, much less a race. "Like how I really want to pay a visit to The Society of the Gift." "You want to go to the Society of the Gift? Can I ask why?" Ingrid asked. She could only ponder why he would want to go there. Maybe it was because they were excluded only to nobles. Silas shrugged. "Maybe. If I win and you take me there. After the trails, so you know there's no funny business." He held up his hands in innocence. "But what do you want? It may not look like I got much, but most anything you can think comes through the Ersand ports, and I know my way around the night shift." "That does interest me," Ingrid admit. "I been needing a way to get out at night. I'm not a member but I know I can get us in. Sure, let's race. Some rules talk though, no magic right?" She didn't assume but she didn't want to suddenly be blinded by light at the start of the race. "No magic." He agreed. "No fighting neither, just speed." He motioned for her to follow the short walk to their starting line. "Count us down to a bang?" He suggested. "Alright," Ingrid said as she started to stretch. This was getting exciting. Ingrid started to count down, "3... 2... 1..." suddenly thier was a bang in the air like she combusted something, "Go!" Silas took off at a jog, it had been a long day and he wasn't terribly worried about losing to the noble girl. At least until he saw her running, full sprint past and ahead of him barely a block into the journey. With a short curse Silas worked to pick up speed, but without the familiar push and pull of kinetic gift aiding him there was little hope for him to catch up to Ingrid's impossibly long strides. So he ducked left, towards the buildings north of the main street in hopes of finding a short-cut. Instead he came across a blockade; damage caused by student during the derby had closed the path and left him with no choice but to return to the original track; even further than behind than before. His cheeks were burning by the time he arrived at the greens at Parade street, more from embarrassment than exertion. "Like I said, too tall to be slow." He offered his hand. "A trip to the port hold in owing." Ingrid never looked back. She just kept running. This was a race. She like race. She made it to the fountain and she threw up her hands before taking a seat on the floor and heaving. She felt like she was drowning and felt light headed. She saw Silas and gave a small wave. "Thank Desmond, he's been training me and Zarra for weeks!" Ingrid said, owing everything to Desmond. Ingrid took his hand and used it to help herself up before saying, "Yeah, I need it to find a good date spot and who knows, I might learn something." She looked wobbly still from the run. "God you don't even look tired," Ingrid said with a mixture of disbelief and amazement. "Training with Desmond?" Silas made a face of disgust. "No wonder you're tired if you've been waking the same hour as him." He let go of her hand and took a step back, using his senses to scan up and down the street as other students hurried to turn in for the night. "Good race Ingrid, and thank you- for the apology. But we've all felt the aberration effects before, you weren't exactly in control." "Waking up that early isn't the worse since I would get us some coffee after. And it was a nice race, and no problem. Even If it wasn't in control, I should still have said it. You have a good night!" Ingrid said as she walked away. [/hider] It was fun to race a little. Her heart racing felt nice. Her winning felt better. She finally headed home. She didn't want to interrupt anyone. She didn't even want to talk to Dory, worrying that she may still unable to control her feelings. She wish she was better to talk to her. She really wanted to talk to someone. Maybe cry or let out her frustrations but she couldn't so she just went to bed. She just felt tired. [hider= Baking with Dory] The sound of a nail falling onto metal ringed out and Ingrid awoke to put out the candle. Although the rest was rather short, Ingrid felt alright. Possibly a result from her mid day nap that Brother Ashe put her in. Whatever the case, she should make breakfast since she was up so early and people stayed up so late working. It was the least she could do. She gently went room by room to extinguish the flames of their candles to stop their nails from waking them up. She thought about what to make for the Hegelans. Ingrid didn't want to serve them something as drab as skyr and oats. Ingrid thought to herself how to best impress her guests and she was reminded of the 'breakfast' pastries she was introduced to here. Maybe some pastries and a spread of different breakfasts would be enough for them. I should get Dory to help, Ingrid thought as she went to Dory. Ingrid gently kneeled next to Dory as she still slept. It looked peaceful, like the world can just stop there. Seeing it made Ingrid let out a yawn as if she yearned to just go back to sleep as well but responsibilities of the hosts shouldn't be taken lightly. Ingrid lightly said, "Dory, Dory," before increasing her persuasion to gently shaking her shoulder. "Would you help me out with breakfast?" Ingrid asked. Dory was shook awake by her Eskandish friend, a little bit cranky from having been woken up so suddenly. "Ingrid? What'ya want?" Her eyes perk open upon hearing her request. "You want to make breakfast?... Sure, let me get ready then." She replied, still somewhat sleepy. "Thanks Dory, " Ingrid smiled as she stepped away, "I wanted to leave a good impression on them and I don't know a better baker than you." Ingrid walked down to the kitchen where they started cooking. "I think I will pull out the works for the hard work our team and they did yesterday. Plus with the whole music box, I want to leave them satisfied with us," Ingrid said as she rolled up her sleeves and began by preparing a few birds and prepping some veggies. Ingrid kept prepping as she talked, "Did you sleep well Dory?" "I slept rather well!" Dory walked up to Ingrid, looking what she was preparing. "What are we preparing for everyone today?" She thought to herself for ideas of what might work well with it. "Well, I guess a bit of everything?" Ingrid said, clearly going in blind. "If the event is as taxing as yesterdays, then a large morning meal will hopefully get our team through it and help Shortlisted." Ingrid started to put some of the smaller birds on a spit and started to roast them while turning, best way for an even cook and good color. Ingrid wiped her hands before starting a porridge of oats and ground nuts, "I can make a bunch of stuff but I think the best way to impress someone is a sweet pastry. They are so addicting." "Sweet pastry? What kind do you have in mind?" Dory asked, instinctively grabbing for the flour. Soon she'd get a bit of a blush from embarrassment. "I doubt mine would impress that well." Ingrid put the some almonds in a mortar and proceeded to pound them with the pestle, infusing it with just a touch of kinetic magic. "Hmm," Ingrid let out, "Well, this time of year is known for their fruits and berries." Ingrid stopped and rolled her eyes, recalling, "At least according to Sven. Grape dragons are out and in full force right now" Ingrid said through a chuckle. She decided to stop pounding for now and moved on to sifting the oats to make sure no rocks or other debris can be found it it. "Seems you are fishing for compliments," Ingrid said jovially, "Not that I don't have plenty. For starter, your pastries are always well seasoned, just as sweet and salty as they need, I don't think their is a baker in town who has a better knowledge on how to use spratz, your pie fillings are always good and never too runny," Ingrid said in a dramatic fashion to tease her friend. "Plus," Ingrid added, "I have always enjoyed whatever you made so I think they are plenty to impress." Dorothea let out a rather heavy sigh, trying to hide the embarrassment from the compliment.. "Fine fine, you've made your point. Any pastry you'd like me to make in particular? I can try to make them and if we don't have the ingredients... Then we'll just improvise!" She stood proudly, it seems the compliment did have some effect, even if she would never admit to it. "Oh? Sven's a dragon lover? Haven't spoken with the lad lots, most I know about him is from you." "He is indeed," Ingrid replied as she adjusted started to add the porridge ingredients to a pot. Ingrid continued, "In fact he is almost borderline obsessive." Ingrid sighed but smiled lightly. "When he starts to speak on his passions, it is like something changes with him. He speaks better, he is less reserved. I might even call him bold. I can't help but just want to stay and listen to him talk." Ingrid seemed to have caught herself before saying more. Now Ingrid seemed smidge annoyed, "But now that passion for dragons have gotten us into a weird situation," Ingrid said, completely skipping the fact that Sven actually said to her maybe they should back out of the box auction. Ingrid just leaned on the counter, weighing how much more she can say. They are trying to keep it on the secretive side but Dory was also Ingrid's best friend. She looked at Dory, "Do you want to know the situation? We are trying to keep it secretive but if you promise to keep it a secret I can let you in." Ingrid really did want to let Dory know but she was dating a Kerremand noble. Plus as much Ingrid hated to consider Dory for her cash. She might have a few thousand. "Well, it's good that he has someone to talk his passions to!" The Feskan chuckled as she got a bowl from a cupboard, looking at the flour as she chugged it in without much thought. "Now for the other ingredients to match it!" Seems like she was already somewhat lost in her own world. "Keep what a secret?" Giggling as she grabbed some eggs. "Did your family betroth you to Sven all of the sudden due to his passion? But you know my mouth is sealed." "No no no," Ingrid said as she waved away the thought of being betrothed to Sven all of a sudden. Ingrid sighed, "As much as I like Sven and he wouldn't be a bad partner. My family wants to marry me off for a good price. Unless his family is offering to be absorbed by mine, I doubt they would even consider it. But that's not the point." Ingrid went over next to her and watched Dory work her magic. "During the auction we somehow got pulled into a bidding war between Revidia and Eskand," Ingrid said as she rubbed her arm nervously. She let out a heavy sigh, "Anyway, Sven wants to buy the artifact we bought by ourselves to keep it out of any nations hand." Ingrid weighed how much she should say and just decided to trust Dory. "It's an artifact that would allow us to control one of the most powerful dragon. An item that could swing the war so far that it could make a weak nation stand a chance against a strong one through sheer force," Ingrid said, stressing the importance of this item. Ingrid continued, "And instead of handing it over to any nation, Sven wants to gather funds to buy it ourselves." Dory looked somewhat afraid from hearing the story from Ingrid. "You tried to get into politics with Revidia? Have you lost your mind?" Her expression calmed somewhat after thinking a bit more on the topic. "How much do you need?. . . Please don't tell me it's a lot. . ." She might have already caught on why she was even told about this. Dory's response was very justified and all Ingrid could say was, "Possibly." She tried to keep her nervousness hidden but what happened at the auction house was still fresh in her mind. "It is a lot of money." Ingrid had a lot of pride in herself. She has never asked for help from anyone at the school. Especially nothing financially. But what they are trying is insane. She never wanted to use a friendship for money, especially not Dory. She seemed to struggle saying it but it eventually came out. "The cost is 27 thousand Magus..." Ingrid has nothing left to say. "27 thousand Magus?... What do you have as an idea to gain all of that?..." She might get a bit harsh but it truly is a lot. "I do need to know that it truly is worthy to invest into it, you understand that?" She cracked some eggs into the bowl, putting some spratz into it soon after. Ingrid felt she was choking up. Their was no proper reason to invest in this. Dory wasn't one to just throw money for nothing in return. She knows that Kerremand isn't siding with Eskand and Perrance so Ingrid knows that she could levrage that if Eskand gets this. Kerremand would be the first place to fall and would lead to Manfred being potentially a fallen noble or dead if they recall him. Ingrid could easily phrase it that Feska is so small that they would most likely conquer it in a matter of days to be safe and have full access to the lake. But all of those could easily be seen as threats. She felt sickened that those thoughts were her first come up in this talk. Maybe it was just realistic to think this way. Dory most likely doesn't know that Eskand will side with. "Dory," Ingrid said with some concern, "If we do not pay this by ourselves, Eskand will take it for themselves." Ingrid placed a hand on Dory's shoulder, "Eskand is hungry for blood." Ingrid leaned in to whisper, attempting to dampen sound around them to try to keep this as secret as she could, "And for the first time in a thousand year, it isn't Parrench blood they are after." She couldn't say any more. "For the investment, this is to try and make a stand against the politics that bind us. The norms that has us going to be married off like Ayla. This is just the price of pursuing change. I'm not asking you to do this. If you want to do this, you can. If you don't, I won't blame you." Hesitation hit her as the thoughts of the destructive power of such a thing if true would be catastrophic. It is a lot of money but leaving it to a war hungry people might not be the best. "Then who are the Eskandr after this time if not the Perrench?" Perhaps playing dumb might be best in a situation like this, she loved her friend to death but she does need to milk out a bit more information before coming to a conclusion. "Would that really help change the world's politics? . . . I doubt it can change the engraved ideas in nobles that's been there for ages. . ." She hated what happened at the party, however there isn't much there is she could do. Events of the morning, goodbyes with allied teams; Ingrid could not say more without saying who the Eskandr was going for without saying it directly. Ingrid could only hope that Dory could put the connection together. "Who knows," Ingrid said. "I still have my doubts about this. But I want the world to change. And this might be my way of doing it without having to give up the things I want to give up the things. I just want to be idealistic at least one." Ingrid tried to think of her words carefully. "I came to ask you because you are my friend. If that is not enough than I understand and It won't change anything between you and me. I will still be on your side and love you as I did before." It was awkward but Ingrid chose to break off with, "I should go get some coffee for us" and left. [/hider] Ingrid's head was a mess. So many conflicting thoughts and an overwhelming feeling that she is going to make the wrong choice. If I really don't hand this over, how long will it be that my father or grandfather marries me off? Or who knows, maybe it will disgrace me enough that he just cuts his losses on me and I will just owe him money. How many more Eskandish soldiers will die because I didn't give the box. Would I even be allowed in Eskand. Sven seems so sure of this. Does he have a plan if his family is sieved or striped of their land because of his choices. My family is large enough to not be removed but Sven's... I need to talk to him before it is too late. Then there is how I acted at the auction house. I acted like a total nutjob in retrospect. Threatening a member of the church who was just trying to make sure we were okay. Ingrid cringed remembering how she acted towards him. You can't just threaten someone I would just take a single day of not fucking up. I hope todays trial goes well. [hider=Coffee Run at Zenobucks] Ingrid made her way to her dorm first to grab the glass ware needed to bring so much coffee, cream, and sugar back with her. She came into the coffee house, Zeno Bucks, carrying all the things she needed. Like many others, she came with a big order. "Morning, I need 10 large coffees, 15 servings of cream, 15 serving of honey and sugar," Ingrid said with a smile. Another day, another Magus to snag from the kids who didn't have anywhere else to get quick and tasty coffee, plus pastries, [color=C78A2C]“That will be five Owls. Yep, thank you for choosing Zeno Bucks~”[/color] Zarina is manning the kiosk at this time, ensuring every coin is properly stored before treating the next customer - there are so many, far more than the stall could handle! Then comes Ingrid, and at first the business owner didn't actually realize it is her, [color=C78A2C]“Welcome to Zeno Bucks, how may I serve you today?”[/color] and then came the familiar voice along with quite the outrageous order. Zarina cocks a brow, [color=C78A2C]“Woah, woah, Ingrid, you're killin' me here!”[/color] she humorously replied, but got right to serving, [color=C78A2C]“Feeding the entire gang or something? Also, by cream you mean milk? We only have milk.”[/color] she sucked in her cheek while pouring in a cup, [color=C78A2C]“Got any cups of your own, by the way?”[/color] Ingrid set down her tray of cups and pitchers, "For my team and our guests. We paired with the Hegelans and they were real fun to play with. We were up pretty late and I want to get us all ready for the day," Ingrid explained why she came with such a big order. Ingrid shot out a sudden reply, "Oh yeah, milk, sorry. Tired," like she processed it a few seconds late. Ingrid yawned and decided to do some small talk, "How's your dragon egg going?" to Zarina. She was genuinely interested because as much as she reads about dragon care, she can't help but worry over her little egg. [color=C78A2C]“Sounds like bad sleep.”[/color] Zarina tilted her head and cocked her brows, [color=C78A2C]“Not a position to envy before a race. Luckily you've got me.”[/color] cup after cup, the order was being filled, [color=C78A2C]“15 orders of cream ... Do you just want your coffees made with milk?”[/color] during the downtimes the Virangish shopkeeper whistled a little tune, [color=C78A2C]“Large servings sizes? Both? So, like, thirty servings?”[/color] she supported her weight with a single hand whilst she dangled her sugar spoon with the other, [color=C78A2C]“Gonna need to be more thorough, love. Maybe take a sip.”[/color] The second subject was tackled, prompting Zarina to look a little more alert. She nodded, [color=C78A2C]“They're both doing well, actually.”[/color] she took a bite from a brioche slice, a bit of brain food as she let her mind wander a little, [color=C78A2C]“Signed them up in DRAGON, got my license, also got a bed for the little shits when they hatch. Egg life is goooood.”[/color] she smirked, [color=C78A2C]“You sure you don't wanna get some breakfast with that? Like, you don't wanna run on an empty stomach.”[/color] "More like I had a forceful nap and my sleep schedule got a bit out of whack," Ingrid said, not really wanting to go into detail about that. "You know probably, coffee can have be quite bitter the first time around. But I'm sure that with what the Hegelens drink, I think they could down burnt and cold coffee without batting an eye," Ingrid said then taking a sip of it. Ingrid nodded, "Definitely 30 servings of milk, I think Zarra and Dory would cry if they had it with less." Ingrid nodded along to Zarina as she started to get out the money she needed for the order. "No thank you," Ingrid responded, "I actually am making breakfast for both teams at home, its the least I could do." Ingrid got surprisingly chipper, "Dory is making some of her spratz baked goods so I think I will save my appetite for that." Ingrid connected back to the conversation about dragons, "I actually ended up with a dragon egg somehow. If it wasn't for Sven I would have been raided by D.R.A.G.O.N. I didn't know the first thing about dragon raising so Sven is helping me raise it." Ingrid seemed to be reminiscing about something as a smile came to her face. She let out a small chuckle, "I swear he finds spending time with egg more enjoyable then when we hang out. A little dragon nerd." Ingrid's face went to a more serious one as she started to sip from the finished cup, "Sven has been getting more and more worried about dragons being taken for the war efforts. That and the actual toll of a war." Ingrid was paying close attention to how Zarina responded to see if she should go further. [color=C78A2C]“You know what?”[/color] Zarina stopped her pouring and prepping, instead downright got extra cups to fill them with the appropriate amounts of sugar and honey each, while she downright provided a liter of milk to go with it all. It was a lot to carry, [color=C78A2C]“You may as well just get the bulk option, so they can figure out what they like.”[/color] Then came the amount to pay, and it definitely wouldn't be cheap. [color=C78A2C]“Y'know, as an investor, you should definitely shill our pastries to the foreigners.”[/color] she shrugged with a sassy smirk, [color=C78A2C]“Just sayin'.”[/color] [color=C78A2C]“Actually,”[/color] she snapped her fingers to get the glasses girl's attention, [color=C78A2C]“before we get knee deep in other stuff. That Dory doll. She's your friend, yeah? I'd like to meet her proper.”[/color] the last few cups were filled and all of it was presented neatly, although those in line were getting a bit cranky, [color=C78A2C]“Business opportunity. I'm getting fuck all ideas to get spratz here without absurd tariffs.”[/color] Back to eggs, which unfortunately couldn't come with the breakfast, [color=C78A2C]“Ahhh, getting your own little shit too, huh? And with Sven? Ooohhh la la!”[/color] she shot a toothy grin with her very sassy tongue coming out to say hello, [color=C78A2C]“Making a nest so soon. I like it. With a keeper too. Daddies supposedly get SUPER hot as they get older.”[/color] she took a sip of her own coffee and continued, [color=C78A2C]“Anyway,”[/color] she clears her throat after taking maybe a bit too many sips, [color=C78A2C]“Dragons being used? What, did someone say you had to draft yours or something?”[/color] she furrowed her brows, [color=C78A2C]“Sounds kinda illegal in this city.”[/color] "Bulk option it is then," Ingrid agreed as she held onto her coffee like it was the only thing keeping her going right now. Ingrid knew she shouldn't buy the pastries but buying could put Zarina in a better mood since she refused on Zarina's first pitch. I should give her what she wants to put her in a better mood. Ingrid shrugged with a smile, "Your right," She pointed to the Brioche, "the brioche is hear is delectable and freshly baked. That isn't something you can just make in an hour or 2. 10 slices please." Ingrid knew that in the grand scheme of things this was a drop in what they needed and even more so if this could give us a better chance on getting more contributors, then it was worth the chump change. Ingrid figured that Zarina would want to make some connection with Dory eventually, I could introduce them but Ingrid wanted herself to be there. Ingrid smiled lightly, "I think I can arrange that." Normally she would bring up that as Zarina put it she was only part of this for her money and it would cost her to use her for her connections but their was no need to bring it up when you plan on asking for help. Ingrid thought that the dragon talk would be toward raising a dragon. And as such saying her and Sven are making a nest was a quick way to get Ingrid very red with embarrassment. Ingrid begun to talk quick, "I mean. It's not like that! I mean he does have his good sides but he is just a friend. You know that friend you've known forever and stuff. He like loves dragons and animals so I thought it be fun..." Ingrid became aware that her trying to quickly explain the situation while being utterly flustered made her look so guilty. Then there is the fact that apparently Sven bridal carried her home yesterday. She took a breath and switched to the dragons, "It is more than that. He is worried that innocent animals will be sent to die in a war. Pulled from their habitats and tamed to kill people and then die," Ingrid said. "He thinks that our nations are going to find a way to take the dragons. But he has a way to stop it. You should come talk to us if you want to know more about his thoughts. Got to protect your little shitter right?" Ingrid said. With Zeno Bucks hosting so many people she couldn't say anything outright but she could hopefully peak Zarina's interest. [color=C78A2C]“Good, goooood.”[/color] Zarina grinned and got to it: A whole pound of brioche to go with another half of a loaf, making for a dozen instead. It made it more practical overall. The sweet bread was still hot, clearly made today right from Pumpernickel, [color=C78A2C]“Veeeerrrrry good.”[/color] she adds with a lyrical tone to the potential Dory meetup. Spratz were soon going to be at an arm's reach. [color=C78A2C]“Yeah. Childhood friend. Grows to be a fine man. School sweetheart ...”[/color] oh the teasing wasn't ending with some forced snickers here and there, and Zarina was not oblivious to the cues. Although as the pleasantries died down for a more somber subject, Zarina's features loosened too and her posture straightened a little more, [color=C78A2C]“I mean, I'm gonna be real with you,”[/color] she whipped out a few churros to add as freebies to the order, [color=C78A2C]“I'd be the first one to give a shit about those creatures. But I mean, this is just as applicable to people. I don't recall many bumpkins being enthusiastic over being cannon fodder.”[/color] she crossed her arms, slightly challenging Ingrid's initial idea, [color=C78A2C]“Oh I'll protect my little shitters alright, but this is sounding like you wanna stop war altogether.”[/color] she clicked her tongue and paused briefly to muse the notion. And then she sighed, [color=C78A2C]“I'm of the not-so-optimistic idea that if two people remained in this world, Vashdal bless them, one would end up killing the other.”[/color] the Virangishwoman peered down for a moment, only for the whiny customers at the back to bring her back to reality, [color=C78A2C]“I don't think we'll ever stop folks finding ways to kill one another, whether it's through animals or pseudo-slaves.”[/color] she sucked in her lips and grit her teeth a little, [color=C78A2C]“But- Fine, I'll bite. If only for the big lizards.”[/color] Ingrid tried to play towards the dragon aspect from her lack of insight into Zarina's priorities. Many people she has met sees war as part of the natural cycle and should be enjoyed when it comes. Ingrid couldn't know what Zarina's opinion was but she was happy that she didn't. It let Zarina show her priorities and her values. Ingrid felt more assured that Zarina was a good start. And she seems to realize the situation more than Dory. Ingrid seemed excited getting a few free pastries, "Thank you!" Ingrid said implying it to both the pastries and her giving her a chance. She lifted the tray of drinks and pastries with relative ease, it was obvious that she was practicing drawing the weight away from things. [/hider] Ingrid carried the coffee back and had a good sendoff to their hegelan friends. One day Ingrid will go to their home to drink with them. Ingrid was just happy she made what she thinks a good impression on some jolly folk. Ingrid spent time by herself getting ahead on studies and read some more of her favorite books. That is about it. Just the nerd reading by herself. Snaked and Afraid matched with Ismette's cousin team, Vysta's Favour. It just made sense and they went over who went where. Ingrid didn't mind pairing up with Chad, he was hot and fun to be around. Just that kind of person if you can deal with him. Ingrid somehow convinced him to search with her even when he was solidly no. Now Ingrid needs to get Chad and his friends to an Eskandish Party after the Dragon. Should be easy enough. Eskandish know how to party with the best of them. The dragonspine was as beautiful as ever and Ingrid has a worrying amount of time to admire them… The cold was nice. It was home. It's like it just took some of the stress away. She was going to have fun. She needed it to avoid cracking.