[hider=Artistic License]Roslyn's eyes spotted the arboretum just ahead of her. Her lungs burned and weighed in her chest, slowing her brisk walk into a gradual halt. She paused long enough to recover her breath. Based on student sightings, they spotted a student matching Tku's description heading this direction. She hoped he hadn't left yet.

When the sensation of inhaling needles faded, the young girl spotted someone sitting in one of the shaded areas. His hand flew across the page as he stared at a nearby tree.

Roslyn tried to wave for his attention as she approached him. He seemed like he was packing up and ready to depart. [color=#cbc66d]"Tku! Tku! Stay right there!"[/color] 

Tku was relaxing and slacking on his homework to instead try and capture the light shining through the leaves. [i]Maybe I could sketch it a few times to make an image?[/i] That would be serene.

And like a herd of Torogneese cattle, Rosyln barged into his time. Two thoughts passed through Tku's mind at that very moment. Be reasonable and wave hello as normal or...

A mischievous grin came across his face, [color=#734960]"Have you ever played Hide and seek?"[/color] and Tku ran.

Upon spotting Tku's cheeky grin, Roslyn paused. Her earlier eagerness dropped from her face after hearing his words. [i]Oh no.[/i] Before she could protest, the painter bolted. He hopped over the pavilion's railing and shot past a nearby tree. She sighed then she hitched up her skirts and went to pursue.

Sadly, it didn't take long for Roslyn to lose him. She might've been fast, but he knew this place better than her. However, she knew he couldn't hide forever.

From his high perch, Tku could spot a familiar brunette girl step into view. Her head twisted while her arms jerked up in defeat. [color=#cbc66d]"I swear I thought I saw him come this way."[/color] With pursed lips, she moved toward the next tree in hopes to spot his fleeing form. 

Tku looked down upon the girl, foolish she was to think she could catch the tricky Tku. He scurries into the leaves to obfuscate his position.

In reality, he was trying to leap from the tree very soon once she got up there.

Roslyn sucked in a sharp breath. Her feet moved faster as she reached the tree in time to spot his form disappearing into the next. This wasn't working, she realized. She dusted off the upper thighs of her dress before reaching into her pocket for the paint sample. Planting her feet, she drew in the kinetic energy of the soft breeze. Roslyn increased her voice's volume as she called out to Tku's current perch.

[color=#cbc66d]"I saw you! I only wanted to ask if you would paint a ship for me. You're the only artist I knew so I thought I would make you an offer."[/color] She held her ground there and waited for his answer. 

So very loud, this one, Tku thought after inspecting her more thoroughly. He leaped from branch to branch and landed near her.

[color=#734960]"Well, you caught me, and what's this about a ship?"[/color] As quickly as he started his game, Tku was ready to move on to a different thing. Though it didn't stop him from starting to take a lazy walk, asking her to follow.

[color=#cbc66d]"Yeah, I purchased it fairly cheap in Civitalunga. I will let you know I'm low on funds,"[/color] Roslyn knew that was an understatement, but she pushed away the thoughts. She still had time to deal with them.

[color=#cbc66d]"I'm hoping we could negotiate. You paint the ship for me and I'll give you a hogshead worth of the paint for the labor."[/color] 

She reached into her pocket and handed over a small sample of the paint. Within a green-tinted bottle, a bright red paint shifted within.

[color=#cbc66d]"Put it in the dark and watch what happens."[/color]

Tku knew little more that ships take him places, so obviously he likes them. He nodded along to the girl telling her woes of little funds. Yet, she still purchased a ship. Can't be lacking too much. Smallest amount Tku could think of was still 1000 Magus. Still he didn't question it.

He inspected the paint, feeling some of it in his hands.  Tku smiled as he watched it change in the light, [color=#734960]"Nice paint."[/color] He led them towards his dorm, [color=#734960]"I wouldn't mind painting the ship, depending on the size I will require more compensation. A ship is no easy thing to paint."[/color]

He opened his door, [color=#734960]"Ah, I brought you here to look at some of my works I have going on. I can bring it to the front for you to look at it if you feel more comfortable."[/color] 

In the back of her head, Roslyn heard Garith's chiding her over her shortsightedness. He had been better at the merchant side of things than her.  She couldn't fix it now.

[color=#cbc66d]"Of course. It will be after the repairs. It's not even seaworthy right now and it likely won't be for months."[/color]

As she followed him in, her eyes widened. [color=#cbc66d] "Oh."[/color]

Any words she said didn't seem to do much justice to her thoughts upon glimpsing the painter's work. People depicted in life or fantastical scenes, their flowing forms drew her attention. Pictures of places that seem to remind her of home while some were places she wanted to explore. Some were simple splatters of paint to evoke emotion or attention. Instinctively, Roslyn took a step forward as if drawn to them.

[color=#cbc66d] "Tku, these are amazing."[/color]

[color=#734960]"Thank you,"[/color] he smiled confidently, [color=#734960]"It's nice to know I haven't studied and practiced for years for nothing."[/color] He sat as a chair was pulled over for Roslyn as well with a tad bit of kinetic magic. It was all smiles until, [color=#734960]"Let's get down to the final details, yes?"[/color]

He sat forward, demeanor serious compared to before. "The paint you showed me," he asked for it back, "It's a miraculous paint. I have heard of it and seen it before. But there is a glaring issue with the quality and sourcing," he kept it in his hand. "It's blood magic Roslyn," Tku said with no room for question.

Roslyn was thankful she was sitting down. The moment Tku mentioned blood magic, her eyes blinked. Her breath hitched in her throat and a slight pain rippled through her chest. Roslyn shifted her gaze, but her body told everything. She didn't know as she struggled to put together her thoughts.

[color=#cbc66d] "She said... I didn't..."[/color]

With a deep breath, Roslyn forced herself to stop. She pushed away the emotions plaguing her as she tried again. This time her voice strained to remain calm.

[color=#cbc66d] "I swear, Tku, I didn't know. I was just told I needed a painter and she would replicate the paint."[/color]

[color=734960][i]She?[/i][/color] Tku thought, [color=734960][i]Who would be so brazen to do a large project so much blood magic at play.[/i][/color]

Tku's face softened, [color=734960]"Let me get you some water,"[/color] he poured a ladle of water into a wooden cup for her. Rubbing his chin and tapping his foot he shot back up, [color=734960]"Alright, I won't put the blame on you Roslyn but do be careful. Paint Guilds are violent when someone messes with their interests."[/color]

He was genuinely concerned for her. If it was a small project he wouldn't mention it but an entire boat? He rubbed his neck, [color=734960]"Paint can be more expensive than gold, a lot of work goes into making it and those people will do a lot to stop blood mages from just recreating it. I won't stop you but you might want to talk to your partner in this again."[/color]

Roslyn, shaken by the recent discovery, gratefully took the cup. She sipped it though it didn't help much. When Tku moved, her head turned and watched him. Her emotions couldn't help but bleed over her expression.

[color=#cbc66d] "Thank you. I just can't believe how stupid I was. The contract never mentioned using magic. It only covered purchases and repairs. If she hadn't came in at the right time, I couldn't have kept it in dry dock."[/color]

She took another sip to give her time to clear her thoughts.

[color=#cbc66d] "I should've realized something was up. The only payment required was that I take her to a place on a map. It was one she got during the Dragon Race."[/color]

By now, the glass was empty and she offered it back.

[color=#cbc66d] "I didn't mean to waste your time."[/color] 

[color=734960]"It happens, Roslyn,"[/color] placing a hand on her shoulder Tku tried to comfort. Had he not been so vigilant the paint would have passed unnoticed. [color=734960]"And it is not a waste of time, I can recommend other, cheaper paints if you need. Or does it need to be this one?"[/color] Tku asked, a small smile returning to his face.

[color=734960][i]Her slight at me is not of her own choices,[/i][/color] Tku told himself.

Roslyn smiled weakly, appreciating his kindness. It felt like everything had strings attached to it and she hated it.

[color=#cbc66d] "I've never had these issues until after the mission in Vossoriya. I don't want to have to spend all my time wondering if one act of kindness is really just that."[/color]

When Tku mentioned another paint, she shook her head. [color=#cbc66d] "No, I want to restore her to what she was. It's hard to explain why, but... "[/color]

Her eyes glanced at the paintings and thought about her brews. She tried to use them as an example. [color=#cbc66d]"It's just like slapping any color on a canvas and saying it's enough. Or just using any ingredients for a brew and not caring how it turned out. Does that make sense? It doesn't feel like she deserves that."[/color] 

The intent resonated with Tku. He was brought to a tougher decision than he wanted. [color=734960]"Are you willing to be thrown in jail for this? For your partner to be killed?"[/color] his voice steady, no emotion to be had. He was staring at a painting under a sheet.

Upon hearing Tku's voice, Roslyn became quiet. Her eyes glanced at the floor and reflected on his serious question. It was not one to take lightly. She bit her lower lip as she weighed the choice before her, the gnawing worry growing in her chest. When she got the ship, she had no idea what Ciro sold her until after the Dragon Race. Roslyn started to wonder if Revan was right. She was unworthy of the legend because she wasn't cold-hearted enough to sacrifice someone.

[color=#cbc66d] "It's sort of funny. [/color] She began.

[color=#cbc66d] "When I got the ship, the salvage license said 'Nuvole Rosso'.  Yet, I don't think that's her real name. Someone called her the 'Fantasma Rosso' and that name feels right."[/color] Roslyn took a moment to consider her words. [color=#cbc66d] "During her glory days, she skirted the law many times. She even ran the Belzaggic blockade to deliver supplies. She was a smuggler and hired by... a less lawful crowd."[/color]

The freckled girl inhaled.

[color=#cbc66d] "If it was just me, I would say yes. Even if I know my father and brother would be disappointed in me."[/color] Her shoulders fell, her good nature winning out. [color=#cbc66d] "However, I'm not heartless. I am not sure I can risk another person's life even if she's very eccentric."[/color] 

[color=734960]"Then you should speak to your partner,"[/color] Tku rubbed the bridge of his nose. She was a determined child. [color=734960]"Are you able to meet up with them to talk about this and,"[/color] Tku sighed, [color=734960]"and do you need someone else to be there with you?"[/color]

As Tku spoke, Roslyn saw him rub his nose. A gesture her brother did when  he was frustrated with her causing her to regret her words for a moment. Her pride wanted to say no, but...The words of the Binding class teacher echoed in her head. Condemning the morals and actions of blood mages as evil. Were the rumors she had heard really true? There was no reason to believe otherwise. She pushed down the nervous fluttering in her chest as she spoke.

[color=#cbc66d] "She might be overseeing the repairs. We can start there."[/color] Roslyn took a breath and continued.

[color=#cbc66d] "I'm worried what she might do when I ask. So, yeah , I think I do. Just in case."[/color] 
[/hider][hider=The After Trials Celebration Party]
[u][b]Mahal[/b][/u]

Mahal focused more on movements and fun than etiquette. She put on a simple red dress with floral stitching then wrapped a yellow sash about her waist. After twisting it about her waist a few times, she tossed the end up and over her upper shoulder. It left some of her back tattoo exposed as she retrieved the body paint. Dipping a horse hair brush into the black pigment, she began to create a band design across the outside of her arms. It took hours, but the result was beautiful. They wove her hair into a single braid and topped it off with Goma cat fanged earrings.

By now, the activity had drawn Diyablo's attention. The reddish ground octopus began to run with two limbs wiggling to be picked up. As much as Mahal hated to, she used her foot to keep him at bay.

[color=B8860B]"No, Diyablo. You will smear the paint. You stay here, play with your toys and be good."[/color] She spotted his stink eye as he managed to cling, getting to her waist where he hung off her sash.

She sighed then managed, with some help, to untangle the needy octopus. She dropped him off into the tank of water before they left for the party. Mahal made sure to bring a small pouch of sweets to help control her endless appetite.

[center]~~~~~~[/center]

Upon arrival, Mahal's eyes darted about and her heart was pounding hard. She started to regret her decision as she slowed her step. [color=B8860B]"Maybe this is a mistake..."[/color]  

She looked at her sister.

Lunara was wearing a formal Palaparese dress. The dress is blue with white and gold accents. She also has gold bangles on both of her arms, and a gold necklace and earring set with blue stones. Lunara stood next to her sister, feeling the anxiety in her build up, if Lunara wasn't here Mahal would probably have not turned up. Holding her sister's hand tight. [colour=#05DDFB]"It's ok sister, there are a few faces that we know." [/colour] Looking around she spotted a free table that didn't have any people. [colour=#05DDFB]"After we get some food and a drink. We can sit there."[/colour] She slowly paced forward. She turned to her sister, 

[colour=#05DDFB]"Deep breaths. Plus I think Miray will stay by your side." [/colour] Pointing to her cat nuzzling up to Mahal's leg purring.

[color=#B8860B] "Alright."[/color] Mahal took several deep breaths as she pushed away the shakes in her core. Her fingers tightened her grip on her sister's hand before she crouched down, brushing Miray's head gently.

[color=#B8860B]"Miray helps... a lot. I should have brought Diyablo, but he would not behave. I did not want him getting into trouble. I am ready."[/color] With that, the sisters entered the party officially.

Lunara took Mahal straight to get food and drinks, they grabbed a variety of different foods. Seeing Johann she smiled at him and said. [colour=#05DDFB]"Hi there Johann, hope you are doing well and are you enjoying yourself? Me and my sister will be sitting over there if you would like to join us, as Mahal doesn't do well in crowds."[/colour] After talking to him the sisters made their way to the table that wasn't as crowded.

Mahal fought the impulse to flick her sister behind the ear. Some things didn't need to be said as she bit back the reaction. Even if they were true. She picked out two plates of food as she followed Lunara to the table.

When the sisters got to the table Lunara realized she may have said too much to Johann. [colour=#05DDFB]"Sorry if I said too much to Johann, sister, I didn't mean to. Are you angry at me?"[/colour] She looks at her sister to see if she is annoyed at her.

[color=#B8860B] "You do tend to say too much. And I am, a bit. It will pass because it is hard to stay mad."[/color] Mahal popped one of the strange treats into her mouth. Her eyes shifted to watch the event as she chewed, finally swallowing the savory morsel.

[color=#B8860B] "I am going to make Helios and Apoy a toy later. I will need some iron wood because normal wood might break too easily. Do you think they might like a barrel with a rope through it?"[/color]

[colour=#05DDFB]"Ok that will be nice for them."[/colour] Lunara started to eat the selection of food she got, she enjoyed what she had and thought about asking what everything was, so she could have more of it at home [colour=#05DDFB]"The food is nice, I might ask what some of these are so we can have them at home."[/colour]

[color=#B8860B] "I can see if I can ask for the recipe. I hope you are not tired of my cooking."[/color]Mahal raised an eyebrow though her sister might notice a bit of subtle teasing there. [color=#B8860B] "Slightly surprised you are not out there more often. I did not want you babysitting me. Father would not approve."[/color]

[colour=#05DDFB]"I love your cooking sister, and I will go and talk soon, I'm just making sure you are ok first."[/colour] She then thought about who she could approach next, even though she was taught how to greet people she still got nervous when meeting new people, in case she made mistakes, as she doesn't want to cause shame on her family.

Mahal let out a soft breath. Her form leaned onto the table as her right arm raised, waving her sister off.

[color=#B8860B] "I am, I promise. Socialization will do you some good. You are more approachable than I am and you just need to relax. Stop being so hard on yourself. And if anyone gives you trouble, I will be right here for you to talk to."[/color] It was a small, kind gesture toward her sister. Mahal knew she bore a weight she wasn't built for, but father's word was law in their home. Nothing changed that.

[color=#B8860B] "Besides, we both know I am not much fun at these parties."[/color] She took another bite of something else on the plate. Her nose scrunched up, but she managed to get it down.

Lunara handed her sister her plate that still had quite a bit of food left on it, as she knows her sister needs to eat. She took a deep breath and slowly approached Niallus and Maura, she extended her hand and said. [colour=#05DDFB]"Hello Niallus, how have you been?"[/colour] She then turned to Maura and introduced herself. [colour=#05DDFB]"Hello I am Lunara Agha, It's nice to meet you."[/colour]

As Mahal watched her sister locked in conversation, a realization washed over her. She didn't belong here. Feeling her bitterness grow in her chest, she stood up and walked outside. A heavy weight lifted from her almost immediately when the fresh air hit her. Leaning against the wall, she inhaled deeply and crossed her arms over her chest. It was times like this she wished she had brought her kicker snail.

[hr]

[u][b]Roslyn [/b][/u]

Roslyn finished pinning her hair up, letting the slight wave cascade down. It hung delicately about her shoulders and her eyes widened a bit at her appearance. She hadn't dressed up in such a long time that she forgot how nice she could look. Her dress was nothing fancy. It retained her everyday appearance, but held small embroideries. Delicate ones she had sewn on her own that held a floral flourish. They rested along her waist, sides, and lower parts of the sleeve.

As she slipped on the tarnished ring, her eyes noted her approval for leave from classes for a family visit. Next, she rolled up her sleeve and checked her elbow. It had been itching like crazy since Mano 'e Mano. If not for Esmii's salve, Roslyn feared she'd peel her skin off. She was relieved to see the irritation around the thin black marks had faded. She rolled her sleeve back down.

Grabbing her compass, she slipped it into her pocket and left.
[center]~~~~~~[/center]

It didn't take her long to spot the party in full swing. With a deep inhale, Roslyn entered and sought familiar faces or at least friendly ones.

[i]There she is![/i] Roslyn sighed, grateful she had finally found Esmii. The yasoi was near Maura, Abdel, and Niallus. Memories of the auction lingered in her mind. She sighed recalling how she needed to repay both Ciro and Maura for the 'help'. No point in dwelling on it now as she casually approached them.

  [color=#cbc66d] "There you are, I was looking for you."[/color]

Esmii heard Roslyn, [colour=#b08cc9]"Hi I have been here for a while, as I helped set up, and got changed here, sorry did I forget to tell you. Also you look beautiful by the way."[/colour] Then she gave her a hug.

[color=#cbc66d] "It's okay and thank you. It's nothing much. The embroidery was a bit tricky, but I managed. I wished I paid more attention during the first year though..."[/color] She felt Esmii squeeze her in a hug. Once she was released, Roslyn leaned back and crossed her arms.

[colour=#b08cc9]"Well I think it's pretty, I tried to go for something pretty but elegant, my mam sent me this dress so I thought why not put it on for a party."[/colour] She smiled, and though [i]I wonder when Sven will arrive, I really wanted to tell him something important and give him something.[/i]

[color=#cbc66d] "I think it was the right choice."[/color] Roslyn said, her eyes observing the dress. Her eyes glanced around noticing the absence of a certain large dragon loving guy.

[color=#cbc66d] "Uh, where's Sven. Is he off getting drinks or some food?" [/color]

[colour=#b08cc9]"I'm not sure where he is, as he said he would meet me here, maybe something came up. But I am going to check on him later, I'm wanting to tell him something."[/colour]

[color=#cbc66d] "It's likely nothing. Maybe he got sick or something. The trials were a bit... extreme, for everyone. How about we get something from the big food spread, uh? You can direct me to the best choices."[/color] Roslyn began to gesture to the drinks and food.

[colour=#b08cc9]"Yes let's have some of this amazing food, and I'm not just saying this because I work for them."[/colour] She laughed and pointed everything that was tasty out to Roslyn.

Roslyn shook her head as she took a few samples and a drink. She wasn't much of a wine person, but no point in being picky. After a bit of conversation, the girl wanted to see a few others before the party died down.

Especially Xiuyang, the hardest one to find.  

[color=#cbc66d] "Come find me when you're ready to head home. We'll leave together."[/color] She whispered then took her leave.

After a bit of milling around and searching, Roslyn caught sight of Xiuyang and Maura. The pair were locked in conversation while glancing over at Ciro near... Juulet?!? Roslyn blinked in shock at the unexpected image and hoped there wasn't going to be trouble. Upon approaching the two girls, she greeted them kindly.

[color=#cbc66d] "Hey, I found you two. Xiuyang, where have you disappeared to lately? And Maura, I wanted to thank you for your help at the auction. I'll find a way to pay you back, I promise."[/color] She made sure not to stare too much at Xiuyang's scars, she didn't want to be rude after all.

Maura rolled her eyes, [color=#6f4a50]“We never said princess treatment; we said treat you like royalty. You know the expression, behind every great king is a greater queen.”[/color] She mused for a moment, as she cast her eyes about, looking towards Raffie and Ayla, [color=#6f4a50]“We have enough princesses as it is.”[/color]

As Roslyn approached, she simply smiled sweetly. [color=#6f4a50]"We are not interested in money, though. If you want to offer something in return, we would gladly accept your friendship." [/color] She moved her hands onto Roslyn's own and squeezed them, [color=#6f4a50]"We just wanted to see people smiling at the auction, so take good care of it."[/color]

She smiled at Roslyn, inviting her into their sonic bubble. At her unusual shyness, though, she smirked, deciding to playfully put on airs. [color=slateblue]"[i]Messer Volta[/i] has arranged safe lodgings for yours truly,"[/color] she answered with a mocking imitation of a snooty noble lady. [color=slateblue]"Not that I cannot defend [i]myself,[/i] of course—perish the thought—but we would not want any Perrench rabble to get [i]themselves[/i] hurt, now would we?"[/color] She winked, then dropped the preposterous accent. 

[color=slateblue]"Can't say exactly where. You never know who's listening. I'm aware of the rumors floating about that we're under the same roof and all that, though."[/color]

Roslyn let out a soft chuckle at Xiuyang's imitation. It felt good to hear her own thoughts now as she weighed the information.

[color=#cbc66d] "Well, you know my opinion of rumors. Unless I have confirmation, I don't believe in them." [/color] She said, referring to their conversation during the Society Faire. Roslyn reflected on her next words before adding. [color=#cbc66d] "But I understand. The less people that know where you are, the safer it is. I will admit, you two are cute together."[/color]

She let the tease surface in her voice.

Then, just like that, she stood up, dropping the sonic bubble. [color=slateblue]"I [i]know![/i] My cuteness score goes up just standing next to him,"[/color] she japed, as if she'd said nothing of importance at all while the bubble covered them. [color=slateblue]"I should go back to him, but I just have so many people to talk to."[/color]

Roslyn detached from Maura after catching up. The last bit of entertainment was interesting to see. However, by now, it was starting to get late and she needed to walk Esmii home. Her eyes darted across the thinning party for the sight of her friend.

 Surprisingly, the Yasoi was nowhere to be found. The brunette girl frowned. [i]Did she leave to check on Sven?[/i] Roslyn sighed, recalling the mention earlier. The idea of Esmii out there alone made her uncomfortable as she prayed Esmii stayed safe.

Not able to stay here all night waiting for Esmii to return, she debated on leaving. Roslyn's eyes then caught a commotion at the door. She casually shifted her position to keep an eye on the exchange. Shortly, the host and the teacher disappeared up the stairs. The others remained at the door with the other housemates.  

[i]What's going on?[/i] Roslyn wondered.

Instinctively she moved to what remained of the drinks station. Most of the alcohol was gone, but there seemed to be this dark liquid with a bitter taste. She glanced at the label: ZenoBucks Coffee. Noting the name, she once more began to wander. Her hand reached into her dress pocket before it rested on something hard and rectangular. Roslyn frowned and then pulled it out. It was the compass she got as a prize from the trials. She caught a glimpse of someone darting up the stairwell before they came to a stop. It was Penny.

Roslyn couldn't hear the conversation, but she read the body language. It had something to do with Penny it seemed. Roslyn felt her dread grow as she clutched the compass. Her eyes lowered to it and a thought crossed her mind. [i]Could this help?[/i] She doubted it, but what did she have to lose? She flipped it open to reveal the face.

[color=#cbc66d] "Don't think you can help me find something to help Penny, can you?"[/color] She whispered and took another long drink of her coffee.

The compass pointed north, as compasses do. There was that other arrow, as always, but it never [i]did[/i] seem to move. Briefly, it trembled, but then it went away.
[/hider]