[h3][u]Roslyn[/u][/h3]
Time/Date: After the Thin Air event, Velles on Orredes the 7th.   
[hider=A Little Chaos With Your Wine?]
A soft breath entered Roslyn's chest, exhaling shortly after. Her mind raced through the plan as she leaned down and hoisted the small crate into her arms. The weight threatened to drag her down as she gritted her teeth. She drew in a small light from the nearby wicker lamp causing it to flicker out with a hiss. Pouring the energy into her veins, she lightened the weight of the crate while Esmii led the way.

[color=#cbc66d] "By the Gods, these are heavier than I expected."[/color] She huffed out.

It didn't take them long to locate the quaint house the Perrench Connection used for a base. Just outside, a blonde haired boy paced. He stopped at the end of his circling and tapped his foot. He scratched at the side of his head before he skipped up to her, taking notice of them.

Roslyn exchanged a glance with Esmii before she addressed him. Already her nerves started to flood her thoughts and they stumbled over themselves. She had never been great at deception as she inhaled, [color=#cbc66d]"Hello. I was hoping to find someone which I could possible trade this crate of Perrence wine in exchange for something special."[/color]

Esmii looked at Rose, she sighed and yelled [colour=#b08cc9]"Rose it’s pronounced Perrench."[/colour] 

"Perrence wine?" he inquired, "or Perrench wine?" He nodded vigorously. "Those mean different things, you know." His grin was large and toothy.

Roslyn flinched, realizing her mistake. [color=#cbc66d]"I'm sorry that was a mistake on my part. Perrench wine. But yes, is anyone from the Perrench Connection around? I figured if anyone could appreciate it, it would be them."[/color]

"Oh, haha! Yes, we like wine, don't we!"

With that, Zarra disappeared.

Roslyn's eyes widened, her foot stepping back a moment. Immediately she stretched out her senses to locate him. Nothing. Just Esmii and her seemed to be the only mages outside. It didn't ease her paranoia. Roslyn turned with words on the tip of her tongue.

Esmii was looking around frantically, wondering how this guy suddenly disappeared. 

[colour=#b08cc9]"Show yourself, quit hiding like a rat."[/colour]

Then, out of nowhere, a window explodes.

Roslyn screamed. Her form twisted and lowered, her face pressed into her shoulder. Chaos erupted onto the scene. Multiple common folk staggered out. Among their number, a bright human-shaped fireball stumbled upon the street. A man's blood curdling cries shot from it. The scent of burning flesh filled the air rapidly. Roslyn dropped the crate and rushed forward. She drew on the heat, cooling it to ice and coated the man's form with it. The flames dimmed and died gradually on contact.

After hearing the explosions and multiple people screaming, Esmii ran straight over to the people.

Not far, an older woman had crumpled. A long shard of glass stuck out from her abdomen. Her head lifted while her hand pressed her fingers pressed the wound. As Roslyn moved to her, the girl’s right hand touched the wound while the other gripped the glass. Stealing water from the air, she closed her eyes and focused on sealing flesh. She slowly tugged the shard out while the bleeding began to slow then stop.

Another cry caught her attention. A young boy, just in his teens, sat nearby. His legs bent at unnatural angles and blood gushed from the joints. White peeked out through the skin causing a fresh wave of queasiness in Roslyn's stomach. He trembled through the tears streaming down his face.

Esmii wasted no time and started healing wounds of one of the people who were caught up in the explosion, soon after they were healed the small yasoi girl moved to help the others.

Meanwhile, Zarra appeared near the crate. "Hee hee hee."

"Trust me," he advises, "they were bad people: traveler followers."

He picked up the crate of wine.

Anger filled Roslyn as she spoke, her eyes fixed on the crazed mage.

[color=#cbc66d]"How do you know?"[/color]

"I just know things," he said.

[i][color=#cbc66d]Like the hells you do,[/color][/i] she spat her thoughts at him. She rose onto her feet and moved to stop him. [color=#cbc66d] "Hey, that's not yours to take."[/color]

"Hey, that's not yours to take!" he mimics, giggling hysterically.

With that, he disappeared. "Thanks for the wine!"

Esmii focusing on healing the wounded said to Rose [colour=#b08cc9]"Rose you focus on that Pax sil spax (Piece of shit), I will help these three."[/colour]

Roslyn started to wonder why she bothered to say anything. Her breath exited in a heavy sigh. She dreaded explaining this to her team.

Then, a moment later, Zarra came hurtling out of nowhere. His face slammed into the cobblestones. The crate flew from his hands and rushed toward the ground. He tumbled along for several feet. Behind him appeared another person, a woman with a pale face. Zeno Fades-in-Moonlight.

Roslyn reacted quickly. Her finger snapped out and her kinetic hit the crate, slowing its momentum. It gently landed on the cobble street. However, a few bottles cracked before its landing. A deep, red liquid trailed between the planks and pooled near the bottom.

"Goddammit, Zarra, you are, were, and will always be a little cowturd." Luna stalled his momentum.

"They were traveler agents!" he hollered, "honest!"

She walked up and backhanded him.

"That makes them bad!"

The Zeno grabbed him by the neck. She slammed him into the ground once, twice, three times. A sharp crack echoed in the air. His nose broke and face splintered.

"Don't worry, we can heal you." The Zeno responded firmly.

"But they're the bad guys!" He wailed. "Really, I'm sorry!"

Zarra smiled through bloodied lips and added. "It was just a bit of fun!"

His answer did little to affect Zeno. She knocked him unconscious with chemical magic.

"We should've expelled you ages ago."

Roslyn jerked and grit her teeth, unable to look away from the rough beat down.

"You two!" Luna shouted at the two girls. "You're okay, right?"

[color=#cbc66d]"Yes,"[/color] Roslyn jumped a bit, answering impulsively.

Esmii had finished healing the people and walked back over to Rose. She watched what was happening and then stated [colour=#b08cc9]"I'm fine and so are the two people he hurt."[/colour]

The Zeno nodded. "Sorry about this. I'll deal with him."

[color=#cbc66d]"I seriously didn't expect him to go off like that. Is that...normal?"[/color]

She looked at Roslyn. "For him, it is." She shook her head. "but I think we've finally got enough here to get him expelled for good." On the ground was a small box from Cherune Game. "Little fucking psycho," she muttered under her breath. She reached down and picked it up. "Here, kid. Have it. You've more than earned it."

Roslyn dropped the crate as she caught the box. It landed heavily in her arms causing her to grunt and hastily balance it. [color=#cbc66d] "Thanks."[/color]

Before she could figure out how to carry both, Esmii took Rose by the hand and started to walk back. The Hendland girl felt too exhausted to even protest.
[/hider][hider=A Ship and Map, Spells Adventure]
It was a calm day in the port of Ersand'Enise. The pier was alive with sailors and fishermen tending to their ships. Some offloaded their catch for the day while others prepared for sea. A few glanced up long enough to see a young student rushing past them. Roslyn's boots slid on the salt water soaked planks as she rounded the corner. She cursed in Hendlish, but managed to keep upright. If she was late, they would give her spot way. She put on another burst of kinetic.

"By tah Hells, watch where yor goin'!" The man shouted, jerking the box to avoid colliding with her. 

Roslyn ducked underneath and skirted past him. She squeaked in her wake, but didn't stop. 

[color=#cbc66d]"Sorry!" [/color]

With a final push, she entered into the dry dock building. A short, rounded man shook his head as he glanced down at the parchment in his hand. 

"Not here, I see. Well, we nee-"

[color=#cbc66d]"Wait! I'm here!"[/color] Roslyn gasped. 

The dock manager squinted and adjusted his spectacles, frowning at her. "Ms. Wicke, you're short on your payment by a large margin. If you don't have the rest amount due, you'll have to move this thing," His thumb jabbed at the damaged ship behind him, "immediately. Or I will have it confiscated as debt." 

Roslyn tensed, her mind racing to figure things out. She cursed herself for her stupidity and trusting another student's word over prices. They claimed it costed incantors to dry dock, but it was magnus. She barely had four incantor to her name by the end of the year. How was she suppose to solve this?

[color=#cbc66d]"Thing is... I don't have the funds now, but I can get them." [/color]

"Unacceptable." His hand moved to scribble with his quill. 

Approaching them from an angle out of sight was the sound of heeled boots clacking against the wooden docks. Approaching them was Trypano, clad in her single-leg red dress underneath a darker red coat with a split tail, her black magical bowler hat, a curious metallic cylinder slung over one shoulder and, of course, an expensive red purse slung over the other. One arm was crossed along her midsection while the other tumbled a single magus along her knuckles, rolling one to the other in a rhythmic flow.

[color=crimson]"No need t'move the boat. I'll pay fer it as is."[/color] While neutral in tone the accent imposed by the hat gave her a more gruff, rustic impression. Hooking the magus under her thumb she popped it up, sending the coin sailing over to the dock manager who fumbled about with his clipboard in surprise as he attempted to catch it. While the man was attempting to collect himself she had already fished out the remaining magus, presenting it to the dock manager.

[color=crimson]"Let's talk."[/color] This was directed straight at Roslyn, no longer directly heeding the dock manager himself.

The dock manager, having now received his payment, shrugged. His porky hand waved off the men about to unlock the ship. 

"Leave it there for now." He walked off to attend to the rest of his duties. 

Meanwhile, Roslyn blinked. Trypano?!? Her head glanced around as if she might spot the hiding place this tall, pale woman had used. No luck. She shook away the shock when Trypano made her request and nodded. 

[color=#cbc66d]"Umm, yeah, thank you. I appreciate it."[/color] Roslyn took a breath, pushing back the unease settling in her core. She swallowed it down as she forced a polite smile. 

[color=#cbc66d]"Is there anywhere specific you want to talk?"[/color]

[color=crimson]"Prefer'bly away from any unnecessary eyes. I do have somethin' to show 'ya, provided 'yer interested in my proposal."[/color] She gestured over to one of the unused docks. Typically if there wasn't docking or undocking to be done workers didn't have much reason to linger where they aren't needed. They wouldn't be completely out of sight but enjoyably alone enough to talk without much traffic around.

Trypano gave an affirmative nod to Roslyn's question. It wasn't a hard guess to make after all.

[color=crimson]"Yep. See, I got this map at the atoll of Moatu Suva, Kiluaho during The Dragon race."[/color]  She gave the metal map case a pat. This wasn't the original map of course, just a copy. She'd only be taking the original for the true venture forth as it may have details or features not accounted for in the replica she created. For now though she simply carried a replica she made just in case something happens to it during their outing.

[color=crimson]"Seeing as you've acquired yerself a ship I figured I'd make you a bargain: I help see th' ship repaired and you help get me to a specific spot on this map, one that ain't been seen on any others from what've been able to gather."[/color]  Unscrewing the top of the map case she produced her copy, showing the rolled up velum to Roslyn.

[color=crimson]"Course I ain't planning on doing th' trip lonesome. I'll be posting an invitation for other interested colleagues to join along as there's no guarantee what'll be waitin' for us there. There'll be the chance 'fer opportunity for any joining me on the ride, yerself included."[/color]  With that offer she cocked her head and hips to the side, setting her free hand on her hip.

[color=crimson]"Should 'ya accept I'll let you see what I'm talking 'bout."[/color]  She let the map unfurl, revealing the routes present before taking her free hand off her hip and extending it over in an offer to shake.

[color=crimson]"We got a deal?"[/color]

Listening to Trypano's offer, Roslyn stepped closer to examine the map. She frowned at the odd routes and continent as she weighed the risk. It was risky because if the spot was nothing, it might leave the crew and students stranded without supplies. However, her gut stirred against that notion. Her eyes glanced at the ship's poor shape and a prang of pity edged into her core. She wanted to find out more about the history of it as it must've been a pretty ship in its prime. This was the only chance for that. 

[color=#cbc66d]"Not going to lie, my curiosity is stirred. I think you'll have one less invitation to send out."[/color] Roslyn stated, her arms loosely crossed over her chest. She still needed to find funds for supplies and a crew, but this was a start. 

She inhaled softly at the growing people she was indebted to now. First Maura, now Trypano. Who  was next, she wondered, but she pushed the thought away. 

[color=#cbc66d] "I want to try and repair this old ship to its full glory. There's something... special about it. I can't explain it, but I feel sad it's been left to rot in a dry dock."[/color] 

Licking her chapped lips, she continued. [color=#cbc66d] "So to make sure I understand the arrangement. Once the ship is repaired, we need to head to the location on your map. After that, no other conditions applied?"[/color] 

Roslyn waited for anything else to pop up before asking for a physical contract. She learned a long time ago that a verbal agreement meant little to some people.

Trypano retracted her hand, instead canting the front brim of her hat up with her index finger as she looked down to the relatively shorter woman.

[color=crimson]"Well, the folks that'll be comin' will want to come home after we get there. I help fix up 'yer ship, you use that ship to get me and th' other students comin' there 'n back. That's the deal. Anythin' else needs sorting out we can make it a separate deal."[/color]

She could see there was more on Roslyn's mind so she waited to see what she had sitting on the edge of her tongue before saying more.

[color=#cbc66d] "I wasn't intending on leaving anyone there. I'm not cruel."[/color] Roslyn's lips cracked into a smile then added. 

[color=#cbc66d] "Also, can we get this in writing too? I've had a few verbal contracts abruptly change and it left a bad taste in my mouth. The dry dock fee is my most recent lesson. The trip will also need to wait until I can obtain funds for a crew and supplies. Oh and I need to finish the mana brews for Talkhan."[/color] She sighed a bit, her hand raised to rub the back of her neck. 

[color=#cbc66d] "I hope that's all right with you?"[/color]

Trypano gave a quick nod. Considering for a moment as they stood there she then reached down towards a plank in the dock. Her fingers seemed to sink into the very wood like it were clay and with a mere tug the section of plank smoothly slid out from the remainder of the plank that was fixed like it were simply resting against itself. Straightening back up Trypano took the board and ran her fingers of the surface, the board elongating and turning paler as she converted the wood into paper. Staring at the surface for a few moments she converted elements upon the surface into ink, staining along the page in delicate patterns which perfectly mirrored elegant penmanship.

Nary but a moment later Trypano faced the page to Roslyn. It's surface was a wonderfully complex document which mirrored a formal contract. While the exact agreement itself was simple details set below outlined definitions and conditions under which the contract may be considered completed or violated. While in nature they were easy to understand if explained to a layman the exact language used was precise and densely steeped in legal terminology. Above it all sat a line, the text adjacent to it denoting what is to be written upon this line as the signature of the participant in this contract. Trypano's name was already signed a line just above the blank.

[color=crimson]"Sign 'ere and we can talk further while we walk this down to the bank to seal in a secure deposit box. Wouldn't want anyone alterin' the terms in the contract now, would we?"[/color] She could tell what Roslyn was experiencing. The pain of giving your word only to suffer as result was something Trypano was much too familiar with. Such was why she was reluctant to promise more than she was willing to offer. Even something simple could easily result in harm. While she was quite fine with accepting verbal agreements she was also more than ready to settle things Roslyn's way.

When Trypano reached for the plank, Roslyn's eyes widened. Her hands snapped up to silence her budding screams as her foot stepped back in shock. What the hells?!?! She felt her heart jerk up into her throat and throttle her.  She forced herself to exhale, her brain struggling to explain it. For several long seconds, Roslyn's horror twisted into confusion then finally realization. It was binding magic. 

She scowled herself for her overreaction. Her eyes scanned the words careful as she tried to find anything that felt off. Nothing, at least within her education level, popped out. The girl hoped there was no extra clauses she didn't understand.  

Roslyn hesitated a moment then took the quill and wrote her name. A swirling mix of elegant cursive and scratch danced across the line before ending in a hard tail. [color=#cbc66d] "There. Done."[/color]

Her attention glanced to the ship which still needed repairs. It could wait for now. Letting that thought settle, Roslyn followed Trypano's lead. 

 [color=#cbc66d] "Okay, so I figured we can do a tour of the ship. You can assess some of the damages you will be repairing and we can determine an estimate to start. I'll need funds to ensure the dry dock fee is paid,"[/color] Roslyn trailed off before she spoke again. 

 [color=#cbc66d] "I do have a question. Why did you did pick my ship? It's not even seaworthy. Doesn't it cost you more to repair it than to hire out a crew with a better ship?"[/color] 

As the two students began to move out of the port, a set of eyes watched them. A  hooded girl, tiny and sweet by nature, perched on a small barrel. She had been busy flirting with a sailor before her eyes caught the two girls and Roslyn's ship. A smile spread across her lips before she bounced up and departed.

Trypano however was none the wiser. When one's attention is focused on the internal then external threats become cloudy.

[color=crimson]"Why your ship?'[/color] Trypano gestured to the vessel as a whole whilst rolling up the map and placing it back into it's case.

[color=crimson]"For much the same reason ye' find interest in where my map leads. Seeing as we both found these amidst the Dragon race I found it rather coincidental. Both a map and a ship, both with unknown origins. Ya' think so too, no?"[/color]

She left a space for her to tell her thoughts on the matter before she'd press onto more talk of logistics. Of course Roslyn was still thinking of quite pedestrian matters such as the need for food, water and lumbercraft supplies for the ship, all things a skilled binder could trivialize with ease. This was to be expected given her reaction to even simple matter rearrangement.

[color=#cbc66d] "The Gods have a funny way of doing things, that's for sure. Sort of glad it happen like this though."[/color] Roslyn chuckled, thinking back to her family's curse. She seemed content with Trypano's answer, finding nothing suspicious about it. 

 [color=#cbc66d] "At first I hesitated when Mr. Volta offered me the salvage rights. I thought the ship was more seaworthy than it looked, but it has a lot issue and it doesn't take a sailor to see it."[/color] She decided to move on from the topic of the ship since they would revisiting it soon enough. 

 [color=#cbc66d] "Revida was beautiful though. After you finished your leg of the race, did you decide to linger after?"[/color] Her attention turned back to Trypano.

She simply shook her head in the negative.

[color=crimson]"The time these trials are exactin' from me are borrowed against mah research. Too often life finds ways of interruptin' my progress."[/color] Rather than linger on the subject she recalled the matter of her business with Talkhan, someone else she was planning to approach sometime.

[color=crimson]"Speakin' of progress, you mentioned you were in the mana brew trade, yeah?"[/color] She opened, waiting to let her affirm this fact.

[color=#cbc66d]"All work and no play, isn't good for someone. It doesn't let your mind rest and reset."[/color] Roslyn commented with concern. 

She returned to the topic at hand.  [color=#cbc66d]"Right now, I'm just an apprentice underneath Talkhan MakAndzey. He's a bit gruff, but a fair task master."[/color] A bit of pride edged into her voice, though nothing close to arrogance. 

[color=#cbc66d]" His clan is using my family's brewery as a base of operations for Constantia. Because of that, I'm under contract that I can't make brews without his approval. Besides that, I've started experimenting with enchanted liquors."[/color]

[color=crimson]"Sleep fulfills that need aptly"[/color] Trypano dismissed the concern, moving on to more curious topics.

[color=crimson]"I'm a scholar of mana in all it's forms myself. Given how it's formative of all our greatest works and history it's some surprise the magic society knows as little of it as they do."[/color] As they calmly strut along towards their destination Trypano cast her gaze back over to the young brewer.

[color=crimson]"Here's a pop quiz for 'ya: what's the difference between mana stored in a hegelan mana colony and mana stored in the blood?"[/color] She posed Roslyn a question, something to test how much she actually knows regarding the subject of her craft. It would be a little opportunity to see just how far along her insight towards the nature of the work presently was. Someone with genuine interest in the craft might useful in field testing some more theoretical mixtures while also keeping attention away from herself while she built ever onward towards ever grander heights.

Roslyn opened her mouth to argue, but sighed instead. She knew arguing was pointless. Her hand rose and rubbed a bit at her bloodshot eye causing a bit of bruising beneath. At least most of her symptoms had become manageable now. 

[color=#cbc66d]" See, that question is hard to answer."[/color] Roslyn began, her lips curled into a frown. 

[color=#cbc66d]" I've never studied mana in the blood. Not unless you count what we learn in class. I have Chemistry next semester, but I'm pretty sure they don't cover that."[/color] 

She took a moment to think. Talkhan's meetings, so far, had been about modifications to her brewery, funding, supplies, and more. She decided to share what little she knew about the mana pools. There was no harm in it. 

[color=#cbc66d]"I didn't start training until about six days ago. I've only seen one pool. They are a system of animals, plants, and mana that thrive together. I was told to stay back for my own safety."[/color]

This was good information indeed. While doing it's job of letting Trypano know where Roslyn stood in terms of expertise, still mainly that of a neophyte, it affirmed a connection with something she was already aware of.

[color=crimson]"The answer's that they're not as different as you'd think."[/color] She notified Roslyn, taking a moment to structure her brief lecture.

[color=crimson]"Much as the ecosystem they prepare determines the qualities and health of the pool so too does the ecosystem of our flesh determine the vitality of our manas. Observe."[/color] Trypano held out her arm in Roslyn's sight, restraining herself greatly from peeling aside the skin and flesh, simply limiting it to an exercise in imagination.

[color=crimson]"Imagine the bone as the soil of our inner forest. From them spring rivers, not of water but of blood, through the channels that're our veins and arteries. The nerves, that which gives our brain the power to command our flesh, take root in the soil of our bone, extending their branches into the foliage that is our muscles and organs. Within this forest dwell manas, creatures not unlike Mana Slimes, if you've heard of them."[/color] She moved her hand past her arm over to her stomach as she continued to speak.

[color=crimson]"When we consume life that life is broken down, using acid to do the job of insects and reduce the dead into a fine fertilizer for our forest floor. This fertilizer is taken up by the rivers and spread throughout the forest, feeding unto the soil as well as the trees and canopy above before returning up the vein to begin it's cycle once more."[/color] She folded her arms back under her chest having covered the meat of her answer.

[color=crimson]"'Course it ain't as simple as I make it sound. The body's a delicate ecosystem after all. Seeing as we're nearing the bank I ain't gonna bog you down in details any further for the moment."[/color] She concluded, leaving Roslyn with some food for thought.

When Trypano held out her arm, Roslyn's eyebrow rose. She tried to imagine the body as an ecosystem, but she found it difficult. Deep down, she felt there was more to it. If everyone was 'healthy' then why wasn't everyone's RAS or abilities the same? Why did some people specialize in certain schools while others generalized? More questions cropped up and increased her thirst for more answers. She shook her head to clear it. 

[color=#cbc66d] "That sort of left me with more questions than answers, really. But I guess that makes sense. It's a lot to wrap my head around. But, I have heard of Mana Slimes. Never seen one. I think they are used in prime and mana shots."[/color] She answered, her eyes turned to the Bank as they began to climb the stairs and enter. 

Once the agreement was secured in the box and any other business concluded, they began to walk back to the ship. 

[color=#cbc66d] "Okay, all that's left is to look over the damages."[/color] She glanced over at her new investor to make sure she was still there. 

[color=#cbc66d] "I also need to send word to my family about the ship."[/color] In her mind's eye, she watched her brother become spitting mad over the whole affair. A soft sigh escaped her lips.

[color=crimson]"Speaking of Mana Slimes as components for mana shots, I've heard that consuming a Blue Killer Mana Slime offers significant improvements over a limited period of time upon being consumed. I'd like t' research that effect more myself but alas my time is limited. If ya'd like however I could take one of the split-offs and let you experiment on it during your brewing endeavors."[/color] She offered in response to Roslyn's mention of mana slimes.

After the agreement was sealed for safekeeping they began on their way back, Roslyn making mention of her family as they went.

[color=crimson]"That reminds me, I should leave a copy of my map with my brother."[/color] She commented idly, not really interested in staying on the topic as it failed to stimulate her curiosity. Her brother would certainly find use in such a map given it has many routes featured which could prove potentially more efficient. Alas, they haven't spoken much since she came to Ersand-Enise. It did leave her to wonder how they've been in the year or so she's been gone? She hadn't really considered it much given how much insight has come about, radically altering her worldviews since she began.

[color=#cbc66d] "First they want me making brews before shots. I'm not willing to break their trust by experimenting early. Once it's broken, hard to earn it back. Especially with a craftsman."[/color] Roslyn hated saying no, but she knew she had to ride this out. Else it would never happen. 

 [color=#cbc66d] "Is it okay, if I take you up on that offer when that changes?"[/color] The girl then asked timidly. 

Her eyes widened in surprise when Trypano mentioned a brother. [color=#cbc66d] "Uh, that's something we share in common. I haven't seen mine for at least a year. Father keeps sending letters asking me to come home for holidays, but..."[/color] Her voice cracked a bit, showing regret and pain at the thought.

Trypano gave a simple nod upon hearing out Roslyn's issue regarding her tutelage.

[color=crimson]"Ah'm not one t' impune on another's work. As a fella' craftswomen I know it's best to let one work as they deem best. I'll have more interesting things t' offer as time moves onward."[/color]

With the conversation turning back towards family she noted that Roslyn seemed to have some strife building back at her homestead. While she knew the nature of her relationship with her family was fundamentally different from theirs she could empathize with the reluctance in returning to problems best left behind.

[color=crimson]"I get 'ya. There's nothin' simple 'bout wantin' to spend time with loved ones yet starin' down the barrel of unresolved tensions and gettin' cold feet. Least I can count myself lucky that my brother gets it. He just makes up fine excuses to cover for me so I don' hafta show."[/color] Hmm, perhaps on second thought that might not be as good a balm to Roslyn's troubles. Perhaps due to the hat's influence on her brain she reached out and set an affirming hand upon Roslyn's shoulder, something to help affirm confidence or what-not.

[color=crimson]"Don't 'ya worry though. Ah don't know a single person who's got healthy familial relations out in this here school. If they can make it out 'ere then so can you."[/color] She tried to reassure Roslyn. It was no lie that she didn't know a single person in this school with healthy familial relations. Then again, she also didn't know many people in general. It was no surprise that the cross-sections of people with messed up family bonds and people who she knows would be a fairly tight overlap.

Roslyn's eyes narrowed a bit when Trypano's tone and mannerisms shifted.  If she didn't know better, she might've thought it was her grandfather speaking to her instead. The old man had a way of telling things like it was. Her smile renewed as she listened, appreciating Trypano's hand on her shoulder. 

She exhaled then poured out the family troubles. 

[color=#cbc66d] "It is hard. I'm on good terms with my grandfather and father, but... My brother and I use to be so close. Then everything fell apart when he got sick. "[/color] 

A small hint of anger edged into her voice, but it wasn't directed at Trypano. 

[color=#cbc66d] "Now I get to watch it all over again. I can't stand it. I feel helpless and angry, but it doesn't matter. At this point, the binders are a way to ease the pain. They can't heal it."[/color] Roslyn raised her palm to brush away the hint of moisture at her eyes.

And so the nature of her woes boils forth. A brother, afflicted with a disease of the incurable variety. Not an uncommon tale for her. Too often do those with maladies that lie beyond simple measures of healing through the guidance of flesh step through the medicant's doors. With the gravity of this topic Trypano saw it fit to remove her hat, even if briefly so that she may speak clearly with her.

[color=crimson]"I understand well your pain."[/color] Being a blood child it was common knowledge to any who knew of blood children what she meant. All blood children are born from mothers who die in child birth after all.

[color=crimson]"I must be clear: My work, my life's goal is to heal that which other healers cannot. From the Tethering to Greyborn's curse, from cancer to necrosis, I have dedicated myself to extinguishing these blights from all who suffer. I will use my knowledge and magic to make us the masters of our flesh and blood so that we are no longer it's slaves."[/color] Though her voice was always very even, very neutral, the conviction of her cause bled through in her tone and in the steely focus of her eyes as she looked down to her business partner.

[color=crimson]"While I would not dare insert myself into your family's lives without consent I feel it would be wrong not to offer my aid. If I may, I would accept the opportunity to go and see myself if I could discover the true nature of your brother's ailment. I cannot promise anything but I would do all in my ability to remove the cause, not just the symptoms."[/color] Perhaps she might of been too forward, offering such aid on the back of a single story. It might be off-putting to Roslyn to have a relative stranger promise hope in a painful situation such as that. She couldn't rightfully ask a stranger to place so much faith in her. Even still, this was the very thing she sought to do: To cure the incurable. To hold her tongue would be virtually a dereliction of her duty. With that she put on her hat.

Roslyn's glaze rose from the ground, once more settling on her associate. Like a lit candle blown out, the distant and controlled tone returned in Trypano's voice. It unnerved the Hendlish girl to see a person flip instantly. Pushing her surprise aside, Roslyn noticed the dedication bleed through the professionalism. 

She had considered asking Esmii, but after the events with Sven... She didn't want to distract the Yasoi too much. Besides, what did she have to lose in the end? Nothing really. 

[color=#cbc66d] "That's kind of you."[/color] 

A moment of silence passed before Roslyn continued. [color=#cbc66d] "I see no harm in trying, but I need to talk with my family first. I don't think my grandfather or father will reject your offer. Garith... he's getting tired of being disappointed."[/color]  

By now, the dry docks were easily seen. The ship was still there in all its damage glory.

With that Trypano let the hat rest back down on her head.

[color=crimson]"My thanks fer your trust. I'll do everythin' in my power cure what th' others can't."[/color]

That being said they had finally arrived at the ship. She was already sizing up the damage, her eyes scanning along the hull, her mind tallying up how much lumber would be needed to complete it. Of course, they would need to head inside to see if more specialized parts were in need of replacement or repair. Before that though another question came to mind.

[color=crimson]"She have a name?"[/color] In all the hectic business she hadn't learned the name of the vessel quite yet. A small detail she likely overlooked but still one worth addressing.

[color=#cbc66d] "You're welcome and I hope you'll find something the other binders didn't..."[/color] 

Cradled in the dry-dock, a caravel ship slumbered. Heavy modifications had transformed her into a low, lean, and quicker ship years ago. Sadly time hadn't been kind to her. It peeled back the red paint and exposed the pale, grey wood underneath. Several masts decorated its deck with numerous, torn black sails. Some of her metallic accouterments had been stripped by scavengers. Two out of the six gun ports held their weapons. At the stern were large, jagged hole where the claws of a thresh had breached it. 

Roslyn pulled out her salvage license then found the name. 

[color=#cbc66d] "According to the license, she's called Nuvole Rosse. I'm not sure what that translates into."[/color]

[color=crimson]"The Red Cloud."[/color] She answered. Approaching the vessel she ran her hand over the ends of the planks which where fractured and splintered, the spot where the thresher attack took place. Prying free a splinter she stared down at the wooden sliver between her finger tips. The layers of the splinter frittered away, absorbed into her mana until naught remained. Piece by piece her magic consumed the splinter, revealing unto her the structure of it's very being.

[color=crimson]"Hmm... Good quality wood."[/color] She idly remarked as she continued to circle the tattered beauty. Running a finger nail over a section of the remaining paint she calmly drew along the very tip, leaving a thin line in the already marred paint cover whilst she analyzed it's composition as well.

Boarding upon the ship she strut from section to section, building a mental checklist of parts in need of repair.

[color=crimson]"Missing a few things, cannons, metal joinings, sails and such. Some of th' ropes will need to be updated to modern standards but overall this girl is not too far gone."[/color] With her assessment concluded she turned towards Roslyn.

[color=crimson]"I figure ah can bring around enough wood to repair the thing. I can even install 'em and perhaps even improve upon it t'some degree. I can also provide the paint though if you'd rather you can find an artist t' decorate the girl. My art style may not be... In fashion."[/color] She recommended. It wasn't that Trypano didn't have some artistry to her weird contorted soul but she doubted Roslyn would enjoy her more macabre sense of style.

As Trypano boarded the ship, Roslyn followed in her wake. While they went about their rounds of the damage, the younger girl watched the tall, white woman. Her long, spidery fingers scratched the ship's surface and drew mana in. Roslyn bit back the small irritation swelling in her chest. A warning that her chemical mood boost was about to die. 

Quietly, she drew in some of the moisture in the air and touched her elbow. She inhaled than refreshed the 'blessing of joy'. Roslyn nodded at Trypano's assessment over the ship.

[color=#cbc66d] "At least you can paint, but yes. I have an artist in mind. Esmii introduced him to me during the society faire. I figured I can let him use the hue in his art works if he'll decorate the ship for free or cheap."[/color]

She blinked for a moment then added. 

[color=#cbc66d] "Wait, won't installing it take more of your time? As for improvements, I think that can wait until it's back in its prime. That would require more funds anyways."[/color]

[color=crimson]"I consider it an investment. After all, I'll be using this ship to traverse unknown territory. Wouldn't want 'er sinkin' on me, now would I?"[/color] She answered her first question, moving onto the second.

[color=crimson]"In addition I figure since I'll be footin' the bill on keeping her docked 'till she's seaworthy I'd see to it personally that she be restocked and refitted for travel. After all, what's good f'the ship's good for us too y'know?"[/color]

[color=#cbc66d] "Usually, but I don't what to think.  This is very generous of you, I do appreciate it." [/color] Roslyn's hand began to rub her elbow through her dress sleeve.

[color=#cbc66d] "Is there anything you need? I mean when it comes to the ship?"[/color] Roslyn quickly corrected herself.

[color=crimson]"For now I think I''ll bring up some base clays tah convert into resources. The sooner I get to work the sooner this vessel will get back t' floatin'."[/color] Before heading off to acquire the clay Trypano reached out and shook Roslynd's hand once more. [color=crimson]"Happy t' do business with 'ya. "[/color]

Just as they were about to leave Roslyn brought forth her question. It was a sound question for sure. The problem was...

[color=crimson]"I don't know.[/color] She'd only been told of the disappearance recently. Given how little they'd spoken recently outside of time meetings there was no telling where Xiuyang went or did unless she was specifically told such.

[color=crimson]"Problem with someone who skulks about at times is that they ain't easy to keep track of. I trust 'er competence as she's made it along this far. Only..."[/color] Right, there was also the imperial factor to consider. With close to half of the people returning from the Retanese mission as sanguinaires it wasn't impossible for her to have been entangled with their dealings over here.

[color=crimson]"Say, Roslyn..."[/color] Trypano came over, lowering her tone as she leaned in. [color=crimson]"Mind keeping somethin' between jus' th' two of us?"[/color].

Roslyn's heart sank when she heard Trypano's answer. 

[color=#cbc66d] "That is true. Makes things harder to help when needed. I was hoping her missing were just rumors. My pride still hurts from the trade off, but I don't want anything bad to happen to her."[/color] It didn't matter in the end. Her right foot tapped in place as she twitched to pace. Trypano's hushed voice snagged her attention causing her eyes to darken with worry. 

[color=#cbc66d] "Sure, some else thing wrong?"[/color] She hung on the woman's next words.

[color=crimson]"A few weeks back me and a few other students were sent to Retan on a mission. Xiuyang along with a student I believe named Valerian joined the mission later. At the end we were forced to make a choice: The lives of our allies in Retan or the opportunity to become a sanguinaire, made such by the sanguinaire emperors of Retan itself."[/color] She had to take a deep breath. Roslyn seemed like a nice girl, someone not made to follow a rabbit hole as deep as this went. Moreso, peeling away the scabs to expose the sins of her colleagues and by flaw of duty herself.

[color=crimson]"I rejected the offer of course. In the end however it came to a vote amongst us....

They chose sanguinism.[/color]

Roslyn bit her lip again. She knew most of this story as Vel had shared his side of things, including the flying squids. However some details were skimmed over as she shook her head. Not sure if she heard right, she broke the silence. 

[color=#cbc66d] "All of them?"[/color]

[color=crimson]"Not [i]all[/i] of them. I along with one other refused it. Ahm also not sure how many of them accepted the sanguinism itself. Only two went with th' emperors after the battle, 'nd Xiuyang herself went off with 'em later still. The two who went first was a woman named Ingrid and th' aforementioned Valerian.[/color] Something did strike her a curious. Roslyn, someone shocked to see something as simple as binding, was only mildly surprised by this revelation. Could it be that she knew of it prior? It brings to mind the possibility she's spoken with someone from that mission prior.

[color=crimson]"Tell me, see or hear 'nything about sanguinaires since your return 'ere?[/color]

[color=crimson]"Does if it were a sang tryin' to eat 'ya."[/color] Trypano quickly answered back, setting her hands on her hips with a sigh as she continued to recount the events that took place in Retan.

[color=crimson]"I don't [i]think[/i] she is but nothing is a guarantee, 'specially with one as secretive as her. I do know with little doubt though that Ingrid and Valerian can be counted 'mongst them. Pretty much right after they turned they went on a bender during the emperor's little 'Game', attacking their fellow students fer goodies like rats in a dead man's boot. Both Ingrid and another guy took turns stompin' on Val though I can't be too specific since I was pretty sick of the rat race, figured i'd get some fresh air 'nd an early ticket home.[/color] She shook her head at the thought.

[color=crimson]"Truth is I don't hate 'em 'cause their sangs now. What you are don't decide who you are after all. My issue's with their boss. I can bet my left arm that sanguinaires that've been 'round long as the emperors have didn't live that long by just letting their blood just up and walk. The emperors 'nd by extension the elder sanguinaires are settin' these kids up. No way in the five hells will any of 'em be allowed to step outta line, just pawns on somebody else's board now.[/color] With all that being said she did just admit to being midly sympathetic to sanguinaires which, depending on Roslyn's stance on the matter, could be awkward so she decided to tackle the elephant in the room before it went out of hand.

[color=crimson]"Course I also believe that th' fact they skulk 'bout drinking people's blood is wrong. One shouldn't take another's blood without consent. Speakin' of... [/color] Trypano saw an opportunity as she fished her hand into her purse and produced a small metal vial. [color=crimson]"In case somethin' hurts 'ya too bad for a binder to fix mind givin' a blood sample? I can fix you up, right as rain in the future with one 'o these."[/color]

Roslyn blinked at Trypano's response a bit. She didn't what else might eat her other than a monster, but she held her tongue. She didn't feel like looking foolish today. Ignoring the strain building in her neck, she kept her eye contact and let the woman continue. 

The young girl remained tense throughout it all. Her fingers picked at her sleeve while her ears digested Trypano's side of the events. Upon hearing about Vel engaging not once, but twice... she frowned. He had made things sound less vicious than it seemed. She chewed her lip a bit when the pale woman turned to her opinion of Sanguinaires. Roslyn had braced for the worse, but found herself surprised. 

She continued to stare at Trypano's earnest thoughts, her expression softening. A small sigh escaped her breath. Another 'small' problem to resolve, she realized. Before Roslyn got a word in, Trypano's next words stopped the girl in her tracks. Her mouth opened then shut. Her finger curled and pressed to her lips, considering the request. 

Several moments passed, her mind finally putting words together. 

[color=#cbc66d] "Uh... Can you repeat that request? Cause for a moment there, you sounded like a Sanguinaire..."[/color]

Oh dear, seems the girl was reticent to the idea. It seemed her hanging out with sanguinaires hadn't softened her up to blood work as much it appeared.

[color=crimson]"Hmm... How t' put it...[/color] She pondered for a moment. [color=crimson] "Y'see, when binders heal 'ya they do so by letting the blood piece together the matter that makes 'ya. Yer blood has a specific image of 'ya built in which is why whenever you get cut or somethin' you always grow back th' same way. Problem is when somethin' messes you up so badly that even yer blood's altered then not even a binder can fix 'ya. Stuff like mana infections, intense radiation exposure or even say incurable aberration madness are all things that'll mess you up beyond repair. Hence, I ask for blood samples. The blood inside my vials won't suffer and keep a perfect picture of 'ya so if you get irreparably altered I can use yer blood t' rebuild ya body back to exactly how y'are right now."[/color]  Hopefully that was a suitably layman response that even someone as novice as Roslyn could wrap her head around. The process itself was not only fiendishly complex but also experimental to some degree in that she'd not yet repaired someone from blood derived from a stored vial yet. She had to give off a sigh of mild annoyance, really restraining herself from talking down in the midst of her simplified speech.

[color=crimson]"Look, it's frustratin'. Folks take one look at me and don't trust me from the get go. Ah try to be 'Normal' but then folks like Xiuyang disappear and I can only deal with the hand I'm dealt. If she's... Unwell, there's no guarantee I can fix it."[/color] Of course by unwell she was narrowly skating past the moral quandary that is cheating death itself. Roslynd wasn't ready to approach that sort of conversation yet. [color=crimson]"Do forgive me if her disappearance has me a little paranoid, hence the request. Ah can only work with what I got and turning the clock back is gettin' dangerous.[/color]

Once more giving Trypano the time needed to explain, Roslyn's arms crossed in front her. She listened intently. She had a basic idea of binding due to her lessons in class. To some degree it made sense and her body began to relax, but never really heard it said in that way. 

[color=#cbc66d] "Yeah, that is sort of smart. And I'm sorry. Every thing feels like a mess now and the academy feels more dangerous by the day. I really hope she's okay."[/color] 

Roslyn let out a heavy sigh. [color=#cbc66d] "Also... I feel like there might be more than two Sanguinaires roaming the school. However, I can't confirm it."[/color] 

Her lips pressed together as she caught what was said. [color=#cbc66d] "Wait, you know Temporal magic?"[/color]

[color=crimson]"Ah do. Was taught by Jocasta in exchange fer my promise to cure the Tetherin'. Still working towards it since, like too many ills, the issue's in the blood. Once ah crack the secrets of blood there are so many things I can fix. Sadly it's a gate with many doors, each one opening to many more mysteries than the last.[/color] Trypano answered Roslyn's question in arguably more words than a yes or no question really warranted.

[color=crimson]"Well I know with roughly eighty percent certainty that Yulia is one of the sanguinaires you may be speaking of.  Ah also wouldn't be surprised if the emperors or agents of the sanguinaire elders would be in place out here, keeping tabs on their new [i]investment[/i]"[/color] With that mentioned Trypano turned to face the yellowing sky with the sun dipping closer to the great blue horizon.

[color=crimson]"Quite frankly I don't think there's a single place in the world now that's safe. Great powers 'ave been movin' for a while, since Hugo died I reckon, perhaps earlier even. The amount of 'nomallies ain't coincidence either. Yer struggles with the sangs up north, the structural upset over in Retan, the number of deital artifacts now freely floatin' 'round, heck, even just the fact that dark magic, stuff that straight up might as well 'ave not existed before now, is suddenly poppin' up every odd corner ya' turn is all evidence that big things are in motion. Like an orchestra, we're all jus' swept up in the musical swell as this world o' ours approaches some big crescendo."[/color] Trypano waxed on regarding her theories, linking everything together like some big conspiracy. It was impossible to know what was by design and what was mere happenstance but having seen the world end her perspective has artificially grown forcibly overanalyzing the scope of everything in the hopes of finding something, anything, to piece together the truth behind this big puzzle.

Roslyn's eyes followed Trypano's, relating to the feeling of dread crawling inside of her. It felt like her whole world began changing and not in a pleasant way. A soft sigh escaped her lips. 

Her left hand rolled up her right sleeve, exposing more flesh. Something pitch black lingered near her elbow before she extended her arm. Her next words resigned herself to her decision. 

[color=#cbc66d] "Okay, don't make me regret this.... how much blood do you need? I'm assuming you need to cut me with kinetic to draw it out?"[/color]

[color=crimson]"Please, nothin' so barbaric. Observe."[/color] Trypano took her hand in hers, holding the vial in the other. Inside Roslyn's artery a slight draw could be felt, eliminating only enough blood to fill the vial with. It was a painless procedure as blood had no nerves to feel with. Without even so much as a mark she had acquired her blood, the only evidence that it took place being the tell-tale magical signature of binding being cast, something only those who know what to look for could see.

As recompense she converted some of the air around them into blood, the wind picking up around them slightly to fill the gap as the slight amount which Roslyn had lost was reconstituted within her. With that done she released Roslyn's arm and tucked the vial away into her purse. clasping the bag closed.

[color=crimson]"Simple an' painless. Ah can assure you, it's use will be 'xclusively to yer benefit."[/color]

Roslyn instinctively tensed when she felt the draw in her vein. Her breath stayed in her chest and burned slightly, her brain forgotten how to breathe. A sense of weakness entered her body causing her chemistry to react. Adrenaline raced into her and pushed back the unpleasant sensation. Her eyes spotted the vial as it filled up. It was morbid, yet impressive at the same time. The dizziness seemed to distract her thoughts before Trypano's magic began its work. Feeling her arm released, she cautiously pulled it back to her side and pulled down her sleeve. 

[color=#cbc66d] "As long as I don't regret it later, I'll trust your word."[/color] Roslyn didn't really have a reason not after all.  

[color=#cbc66d] "Let me know if you discover anything about Xiuyang. I'm going to see what I can dig up. I don't think I'll find anything, but I have to try."[/color]

As she began to walk off, she mumbled underneath her breath. [color=#cbc66d] "I'm losing more friends than I can keep at this rate..."[/color]

[color=crimson]"I shall."[/color] With that they parted ways. As she stood at the prow of this vessel, her figure cut out as a silhouette by the setting sunlight, she reflected on concerns both current and future. While their parting ended not with high hopes but on the weight of their fears they parted as business partners, perhaps the closest thing she'd ever had to friends. No matter how many times she'd told herself to take this journey upon herself alone it seemed impossible to heal mankind without needing mingle with them, just as her brother had said.

One must imagine Sisyphus happy.
[/hider]
[h3][u]Mahal[/u][/h3]
Time/Date:After the Thin Air event, Velles on Orredes the 7th.  
[hider=Not Bad, For Some Normies] The Nice Ones spend a bit of time cooking a very deliciously and well crafted pizza. Once finished, they head off to the Huggy Bears. They plan to offer this rather tasty treat with a side of Tku's recent humorous misadventure in Revidia for their box.

The Huggy Bears were intrigued by the normies attempting to be... funny? With unsettlingly large grins and an incomprehensible Nashibansek welcome ceremony, they ushered them in. They insisted that they kiss both sides and the lintel of the door frame, however. It was traditional in their culture.

One by one, each of them enter doing as they are told. However, Mahal hesitated. She glanced at them with a frown before Lunara coaxed her into it causing the serious woman to sigh. Tku suggested they sit and eat while he began his story. He told them the epic tale of how he risked the entire game... just to feed the nonna a PP pizza.

At the mention of the 'PP pizza', they all burst out laughing. "The PP!" more than one shouted. Punches-Kittens rolled her eyes but then smirked. Then, out of nowhere, Gives-Free-Hugs bolted forward towards Mahal, arms wide open as if to... tackle her?

When Give-Free-Hugs rushed forward, Mahal tensed and stepped back. She didn't like the idea of being tackled.

Gives-Free-Hugs paid her discomfort no heed. He wrapped his arms around her and he was small and soft. "Breathe now," he advised. "Rest now." He smiled and snuggled in a bit. "You are among friends." He looked up at her earnestly, still not letting go, "now please, tell me more of your very funny story!"

Mahal fought every impulse to instinctively lashed out. Her eyes closed and hands balled up at her side. She looked stiffer than a plank standing upright. At the mention of breathing, she forced out the air captured in her lungs. This was... weird to her.

"Soft kitty," he mumbled into her shoulder.

"Warm kitty." It was Takes-the-Piss.

"Little ball of fur," chimed in Smells-Like Breakfast.

"Happy kitty!" chirped Dances-with-Rainbows.

"Sleepy kitty," yawned Punches-Kittens.

"Purr purr purr," they all finished together, with a strange form of reverence.

[color=#B8860B]"I'm not a Goma cat..."[/color] Mahal mumbled loud enough for him to hear. Though if she had ears they would be laying flat and her tail would be flicking in annoyance.

"Hush now," whispered Gives-Free-Hugs, "be peaceful. We like you."

"Even if you sometimes don't like yourself," added Takes-the-Piss sagely.

"There is very much to like," agreed Dances-with-Rainbows, smiling sweetly. 

"Really, we just wanna heal the world," grumbled Punches-Kittens semi-convincingly. 

"With the power of humour and good food," added Smells-like-Breakfast. 

They all nodded earnestly.

Mahal opened her eyes and tilted her head slightly. Her form had relaxed some, though her face hadn't changed much. She seemed to digest their words and slowly her arms curled about Gives-Free-Hugs with the hesitation melting away.

He sighed delightedly. "That's how you do it. See?" With a final, big squeeze, he let his arms fall away. "Much more relaxed," agreed Takes-the-Piss. "We don't like people whoa re too serious here." He winked. "They suck."

"Now," prodded Dances-with-Rainbows, bouncing up and down on her seat and taking a moment to reposition herself cross-legged, "where were you?"

Smells-like-Breakfast nodded. "Yes, I was very much into the story before Hugs did his thing." She shot him a mock glare, but they all leaned in as one after that, almost uncanny.

Mahal continued to relax as Hugs released her, seeming pleased with her reaction. It stirred up her self awareness at how serious she looked at all times. In reality, it was a defense. One she created to survive and protect herself. As the group turned back to Tku, Mahal interrupted.

[color=#B8860B]"I'll try,"[/color] She didn't smile, but her tone had softened considerably. She took a seat behind the Huggy Bears as they eagerly wanted to return to the story. Tku smiled then continued until the end of his tale. Then he suggested they look closely at their pizza.

Smells-like-Breakfast grinned wickedly. She, of course, knew, but jokes were better if you were in on them and didn't give them away.

The others glances with varying degrees of interest and trepidation down at their food. "You poisoned us!" Dances-with-Rainbows wailed, utterly distraught. "And after I embraced you!" hollered Gives-Free-Hugs. "'S about time, to be honest," grumbled Punches-Kittens with a shrug. "Was a good run, I guess."

"Hee hee heeee," snickered Takes-the-Piss, eyes wide with delight. "So," he prodded, "what's on it?"

[color=#B8860B]"Pineapple."[/color] Mahal announced, her lips curled into a faint smile.

Punches-Kittens spat it out immediately. "You are a disgusting human being," she growled, a small black cat of a person raising its hackles in threat display. Smells-like-Breakfast continued to chew, and even took another bite. Takes-the-Piss looked at his pizza distastefully and then grinned Mahal's and Tku's way. Gives-Free-Hugs and Dances-with-Rainbows stopped their wailing and rushing about. "Oh," said the former, "it's just... pineapple?" The latter blinked. "Oh!" she chirped. "We eat that all the time!" She clapped, quite pleased. Most of the others chuckled. "Well, it's not quite main-event level comedy," Takes-the-Piss admitted, "but hey, not bad for a bunch of normies."

"At least you tried," mouthed Punches-Kittens with almost comical hostility, glaring at them from where she was curled up. When Lunara looked over at her, she hissed.

"Here," said their informal leader, fishing a Cherune Game box from his heavily tasseled satchel. "Take this. You've earned it."

Tku gratefully caught the box as the Nice Ones bid their goodbyes and thanks before departing.

Of course, the box was imbued with a somewhat weakened version of arc lightning. "Have an enlightening experience!" chortled Hugs. Naturally, he still hugged Mahal, even though it meant his hair would stand on end for the next few minutes.[/hider][hider=Just a Little Favor]

Thin Air had just finished as Mahal and the rest of the Nice Ones approached the Covenant's base. They held a simple plan in mind. Find Sister Cadence and have Tku appeal to her in order to obtain the next box. However, the plan left a sour taste in the Palaparese girl as she noticed something eerie. Sister Cadence, sadly, was nowhere to be found. Nowhere whatsoever. In fact, not a single member of Covenant seemed to be in evidence. 

Mahal frowned. This hidden event stirred her ill-temper of late, making it harder to keep a cool head. She felt the leather flap on her bag shift. A large eye peeked out and scanned the scene. Mahal's chest rose with fresh breath then exhaled. She placed her hand on her satchel causing Diyablo to recoil back inside.  

She pushed out her senses in hopes to locate the box. Her senses snapped onto its location, heading right for her and quickly. She caught the sight of a human shape. Then, it was gone. 

In a knee jerk reaction, Mahal uttered a spell. Her kinetic stasis pushed out in hopes to stop the target in its tracks. The rushing box and whoever's holding it busted right through her attempted attack. It stopped right in front of her to reveal itself as Brother Flint. On a balcony nearby was Cadence. 

"That was kinda rude," the former grunts, "just attacking a guy outta nowhere."

[color=#B8860B]"You spooked me. I wasn't going to not react."[/color] Mahal commented, her voice on edge. 

"Easily spooked," he remarked, glancing up at Cadence, and she shrugged. 

"My art is convincing. What can I say?" She shook her head. "But she was good enough to at least partly see through it."

That was when a third member of the group appeared. He was tall and handsome, with curtains of long white hair draped to either side of his face. "I take it you're here for this?" he proposed, kinetically yanking the box from Flint's hands.

[color=#B8860B]"Considering what's been happening in the city, you can't blame me for being... overly cautious."[/color]  Mahal stated, her eyes flickered to the box. She wasn't a deceptive type and her team seemed rather quiet. With a small sigh, she nodded. Better to be honest than being caught in a lie and suffering a worse consequence. That was what her childhood had taught her.

"We've got the strong silent type here," remarked the third member of Covenant, "minus the strong, maybe." He snickered.

"Ash, don't be mean," scolded Cadence.

Flint shrugged. "I say we just give it to her, to be honest."

Mahal tensed. The mockery wounded her pride, but it was the truth. It still pissed her off though as she drew in mana defensively. Seeming to sense her tension, her satchel shifted and a long red tentacle reached out to poke her fisted hand. Mahal, distracted by the touch, ceased her drawing. Her gaze turned downward to see Diyablo crawling out.  

[color=#B8860B]"Ahh, no. Diyablo, stay in there."[/color] She snapped then tried to gently push him back in. 

Diyablo wasn't amused and resisted. His tentacles continued to entangle about her fingers. Despite her distraction, Mahal continued to address Covenant. 

[color=#B8860B]"Look, I do not want trouble. If you have other ideas, aside from me leaving without it, I am willing to listen."[/color] 

Cadence softened even further upon sighting the little animal. "Awwwww," she cooed. "Is that a sumpfkrake?"

Flint leaned in to take a look.

Ash arched an eyebrow. "You're going to do us a favour," he announced, "and then this is yours." he tossed the box idly from hand to hand, eyes flicking in the little cephalopod's direction.

Diyablo seemed in agreement with Ash. His little tentacles wiggled as he managed to settle on Mahal's head, looking like an odd cap. This seemed to be his favorite perch as a content expression washed over the alien like face. His tentacle stretched toward the nearest Covenant member. The want to climb was clear on his intentions, a habit all octopi had. 

[color=#B8860B]"He is a handful at times. The coloration is called the red devil. It's taken from the local's belief that octopi of this color contain demons. It's a myth, but does not stop them from being feared or killed."[/color] Mahal's voice held a hint of sympathy for the creature. 

Her hand reached out for the item and took it. [color=#B8860B]"That is a strange request, but doable. Does it need to be hidden or out in the open?"[/color] 

"Do try to hide it a bit," said Brother Ash, handing the device to her. "Once you have, come back here and this box is yours."

[color=#B8860B]"Very well, I'll be back soon."[/color]  Naturally when Diyablo spotted the man draw closer, the little creature began to slide down along her other arm. 

[color=#B8860B]"Diyablo!"[/color]  

He gave no squirts and began to investigate this new person. Brother Ash chuckled in amusement. His hands rotated as the small red tentacles curled about the fingers and climbed all over his hands. Mahal frowned again. Diyablo was far too young to understand the danger he risked by being intrusive. 

Spotting her concern, Brother Ash spoke. "He is in no danger. Now, you have a box to hide and you're wasting time." 

[color=#B8860B]"I'll be back for him."[/color] Mahal uttered then raced off for the Lonely Obelisk. 

Her feet slapped across the stone and dirt, cutting down the distance easily. Once she arrived, her eyes glanced about for a hiding spot. It took her about two hours to finally locate a decent place for it. Satisfied by her work, Mahal raced back for Diyablo. When she entered the Covenant's base, she froze and raised an eyebrow. Brother Ash was sitting down with Diyablo lounging contently in his lap. The man's fingers tickling along the octopus' surface causing the little guy melt in place. It was clear he enjoyed the attention. As she collected her pet, Mahal thought she saw a small hint of disappointment at their departure.[/hider]