Altered Tundra

Minutes to Manhattan

"You're all fucking idiots."

Minutes to Manhattan

"Guess I'm going back to my squad after such a disappointment..."

@Dirty Pretty Lies

>Disappointment
"Right. And tell me, who was it that sought me out?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It was quite the amazing sight to see, indeed. If anyone had told Savayna that the useless girl with the big brain and large tome would've been capable of replicating an advanced spell of one of the most talented Mist-users in all of Ivalice, then she might've suggested they were on some type of drugs. It was truly amazing to see how far this one has come. It was even more so when Savayna realized that they both had this tendency to do idiotic shit for the right reasons. Of all the time that they had argued, perhaps this was because they were a lot more alike than either of them liked to admit.

As Nadeline had finished the spell and seemed to know where they had to go, she would point in a direction finally, which resulted in a vocal approvement from Savayna. "About damn time," she stated, relieved. She followed Nadeline's lead as the two would begin their somewhat interesting adventure to get to the bottom of The Brotherhood's presence in Dalmasca.

---

That wasn't the reaction that she was hoping for.

As Cassandra had made it clear to Keiran that she had every intention of ending his life here and now, he didn't seem to be fazed by it at all. To her, it seemed like he didn't at all believe her. Maybe it was that he didn't take her seriously. Maybe it was how she was a teenaged girl and she couldn't possibly have the strength and power to do what her mouth implied she would do. Or maybe, he simply was afraid to believe that she was halting his death just to see him squirm. Whichever it was, Cassandra didn't take too kindly to him mocking her.

Right as increased the pressure of her Mist Vines around Keiran's body, in came some unwelcomed guests: Rozarrian Prince GRant and The Time Scion. At first, neither of them seemed to mind the position that Keiran was in, which brought a welcomed smirk to Cassandra's face. When Grant politely requested that she release Keiran from her hold, she looked at him with a confused look. It was then that he informed her that Keiran and The Time Scion were connected. Based on the burn marks that the queen saw on her arms and where the vines were placed on Keiran's own, Cassandra saw that whatever pain was inflicted on him was dealt back to her.

"I see. So it's true after all. These ancient beings can share pain with whatever host they've bonded with," Cassandra muttered to herself, remembering a scripture she once was read to by her brother.

Just as she was going to release him, Keiran made a note of how it wasn't all that painful. To prove him wrong, Cassandra tightened the hold even more as the Mist Vines dug deeper into his body and burning the flesh even more. As she did that, she caught the sight of the Time Scion, who happened to react to it accordingly.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

So they had to retrace Aloa’s steps huh? That seemed easy enough. With both of their enhanced magicks, there should be something that the two blondes would be able to do. They might actually prove the blonde stereotype wrong and surprise a lot of people. Granted, if people actually knew about this, they would probably try to stop the dumb blondes. Truly, the plan was insane, but Savayna was not about to turn her back ont his now. First off, she needed to get away from everyone jsut so that she could breathe. But above that, she wanted to find out more about The Brotherhood. And going with Nadeline was the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone.

“Let’s get going already.” Savayna said, cutting Nadeline off mid-sentence. She looked to the blonde princess for a general direction they had to go. She didn’t need specifics, but left or right wouldn’t be a bad start.

---

“Cute and a smartass, huh?”

Briefly, she dismissed the remaining two guards. Without fighting her on it, they did as she commanded. Meanwhile, she looked at Keiran. Cassandra had always kept her mind on something once it was decided. In a lot of ways, she was like WEsley. He had committed to going out and trying to save Ivalice. Though that left her alone, she understood that. And much like Wesley, it was hard to say no to her, though this one was certainly making it hard for her. Ah well. Cassandra never liked an easy challenge. She liked it to be difficult so, when she would finally claim her prize, it would actually feel rewarding and not like some cheap thrill.

“No, that’s not quite what I’m thinking, handsome.”

Much to Keiran’s discomfort, she asserted herself closer to his form, slowly stroking his hands. Just at the moment he had lowered his guard, she would bring her lips to his ear and whisper something into it. At that same moment, before he would even realize it, Keiran would find himself unable to move. He would find himself frozen - well, paralyzed was the more accurate way to describe what happened to him.

“I’m thinking how disgraceful it was for the Time Scion to bring a spawn of the dark one into our home. And what’s even worse, no one seemed to be bothered by it. But please, do not fret. I promise you that your death will be swift. As Queen of the Dalmascan Kingdom, I will make sure you feel no pain. Though it’s more than you deserve, I will not allow you to hurt anymore of the ones I love.”

Cassandra’s hand suddenly became engulfed in a bright orange and deep sienna aura of Mist. Sharpening it finely, her mist flowed out like vines, wrapping around Keiran’s body. Though gently at first, they would eventually tighten to the point where, upon the moment they started binding him, they would burn his flesh. Though, that’s not exactly where they would stop.

“I wonder how soon it is until they come? One minute? Maybe two?” Cassandra spoke, as if genuinely curious. “Oh well, not like it matters. You’ll be dead and away from this world before they burst through that door.”

And so, as she kept it up, Cassandra had every intention of making sure Keiran would be slain by her hands.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It did seem that Nadeline was worried about whatever she was planning to do. Understandable. This plan wasn’t necessarily the smartest of plans and the two of them would most likely end up maimed--or worse. Though, Savayna would simply wave away her worry with what could be described as a dismissing scoff, followed by an assuring smile. This was obviously the smile Savayna gave when she always threw caution to the wind and anyone who was on the receiving end, should they know her well, of course, would probably say bad things were coming when she smiled like that.

Once Nadeline would reveal her half-hearted plan, she [Savayna] made sure to take in each word carefully so she could devise what should be the next appropriate step to take. Admittedly, Savayna felt it was an insane plan. The Brotherhood was large. Rabanastre was large. Sure they could use contacts through The Hunter’s Guild here in the royal city, but it didn’t help them that much. They still would need to find this stronghold. According to what Nadeline had said before, she was captured and brought to this stronghold, so she doesn’t really know the exact location of it.

As Savayna was about to say something about how retarded this plan was and how unlikely it was to succeed, the blonde Rozarrian would state she needed to do something. Anything. It was in that moment Savayna realized the severity of the situation for her future niece. This wasn’t a matter of what she should do. To her, it wasn’t even a question. To her, she had to do this. This prompted Savayna to sigh and smile once more, walking past Nadeline. When she was about five paces away, she looked back. “You coming or what?”

---

Cassandra couldn’t be happier when Emiri finally left. She was even more thrilled when Aloa left with two of the four Dalmascan guards that were in the room. Though she would ignore them, the queen would automatically focus her amber eyes upon the slightly-tanned face of Keiran. She was a girl with a crush, but this girl was the queen and she knew exactly what she wanted. Bearing that in mind, she moved closer to the mysterious young man, bringing her hand into contact with his. In that touch alone, she sensed the very strange, ambiguous Mist that coursed through his body.

Looking deep into his eyes, Cassandra’s own would flicker with a gold light and she would gradually bring her body close to his. “Your mist is rather peculiar. It’s ancient, like that of the Espers. Like Hashmal’s. But, at the same time, I can’t help but feel drawn to it.” Cassandra noted, finding herself so close to Keiran’s body she could smell the freshness of his breath. “Keiran, do you know what I’m thinking right now?”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

She heard Grant inform Nadeline that the person in charge of it all and likely responsible for Wesley’s condition(though not directly), was The Snake, Levi. She heard how Nadeline practically accused Grant of keeping something from her and how he always kept whatever was bothering him inside until it blew up in his face. She implied how he was keeping something--something Savayna knew--to himself and it was affecting his outward personality and mannerisms.And above all else, she heard both of them defending their respective points. Only thing was that Savayna didn’t like how either of their points was completely idiotic.

As Savayna would look over towards Grant standing alone on the balcony, she would spot Nadeline walking away. Half of her mind was telling her to go join Grant and comfort him, but after what had transpired earlier in the day, he probably didn't want to see her. So instead, she would follow Nadeline until they were more or less alone. Savayna pulled her aside, stopping the princess in her tracks. “Whatever you’re planning on doing, I want in.” Savayna told Nadeline.

---

Still, Cassandra ignored Emiri. Even though she apologized for the young man, who would later announce himself as Keiran, she would keep her eyes on him. It was as if Emiri was invisible to her. The only person she wanted to pay attention to and acknowledge was this very handsome, mysterious man in front of her. The name Keiran made every strand of her hair stand up with excitement. Something about the way he spoke, how his tone hinted at something intriguing about him and how he might’ve hinted at something else about him made the queen want to know more about Keiran.

Though, her joy would soon be cut short as she saw a Viera--a different one from before--enter the room. Based on how they greeted her, it was obvious to her that these two knew her. The confirmation of that came when they seemed to lower their guard around her. She stated her name as she requested something odd of Cassandra.

“The Sword of Kings?” she repeated what Aloa said, scratching her head. She had to think about it for a brief moment until she remembered that something by that name was in the armory. It had been stored the last time Wesley came back from one of his journeys. “Oh that rusted sword? What do you need it for?” Cassandra asked Aloa.

Before she would get a response though, the annoying brunette would speak without being spoken to again. Scowling lowly, Cassandra kept her calm center by looking at Keiran. “Fine, you go but Keiran stays.” Cassandra ordered Emiri, not smiling one bit at the girl. “Miss Aloa, my guards can escort you to the armory where you’ll find this...Sword of Kings.” She would briefly inform Aloa.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Reia would explain the situation and what they all had came to Dalmasca for, she let out a smile, then chuckled as if finding it very interesting. While it was true that she heard whispers from her counsel about what happened in Archadia and even more whispers about Zodiark’s presence(it wasn’t long ago that the skies of Ivalice went dark). So there wasn’t a single doubt in her mind that she knew that everyone would have to band together in some way.

Though, she had to admit her surprise when Reia stated they wanted to propose a treaty between the Three Great Nations of Ivalice. It was a surprise to her because she remembered it was just recently Archadia invaded Rabanastre, resulting in her husband’s death. If only she had been there, maybe she could have stopped them.

On the mention of how Reia and Jaakuna would respectively serve as the proxy for their own country’s interests, Isabelle found herself losing her smile upon the mention of her daughter, Cassandra. “This all sounds wonderful, Empress Reia, but I’m afraid my daughter might not be able to partake in these talks of a treaty.”

“And why is that?” Jaakuna asked without cautious care, “I mean no disrespect. You are Wesley’s mother and one hell of a babe, but without Cassandra, we cannot proceed.”

Isabelle couldn’t help but giggle and smile rather lovingly at Jaakuna’s continued admiration at her beauty. One might even say she was returning the favor through her somewhat flirtatious glance at him “I’m understand that she is a vital part in these talks going forward, but ever since Wesley was brought back, she hasn’t left his bedside. Even with all of the doctors investigating his condition, she wouldn’t leave the room.” Isabelle informed them. “Her heart is one of the compassionate kind. And that heart is on the verge of breaking due to her love for her brother.”

Jaakuna cursed to himself, then he turned to Reia. “Well now what? If we can’t do this with Cassandra, the maybe--”

“Excuse me, perhaps I can offer up a suggestion.”

“The floor’s yours.”

Isabelle nodded, “seeing as how you’re here on your brother Roman’s interests, perhaps, if the Empress will allow it, I could act in my daughter’s sted.” Isabelle suggested, her eyes on Reia. Out of the three, she was the only one representing her country’s interests.

---

While the Viera doctor(?) examined WEsley, on her command, Cassandra sat in a chair about ten feet away from Wesley’s bed. The only thing she could do was watch as the viera would do a lot of things that she herself wasn’t sure what they were. She had a high awareness to Mist, like her brother but in a different way. She could see the spiritual strings that were woven of those who could manipulate their mist. She could see what properties they held and what they did. Through this, she saw that the Viera doctor was using a method of deep healing, which was an ancient form of scan that literally scanned the body for ailments that ran deeper than just the typical poison or sap. These were down to the very core of one’s own soul.

She would continue to watch, though she might’ve fallen asleep as she noticed that the Viera had stepped out at some point and she woke up when she heard someone barge in without even so much as a request for permission to do so. Amber eyes fell upon the duo: one was a black-haired man that was quite handsome and the other--the other that Cassandra recognized--was that girl Emiri that Wesley told her about. The one with the weird time powers. The one whom the Archadian Prince loves. Wesley spoke fondly of the two of them, though he never mentioned the young man. The one that, if one could see Cassandra right now, was quite struck by him. Her heart began fluttering and she felt an odd feeling course through her stomach.

Standing up only to greet them, she did so with a pause, hearing the duo exchange words. They specifically would start talking about Wesley. The young man would start by talking about Wesley and what condition he was. Immediately, she would step forward, tapping the male on his shoulder. “Excuse me, who are you and what are you doing here?” Cassandra asked the young male, trying to hold her initial infatuation with this man in check long enough to get a base answer from him.

Minutes to Manhattan

Waiting on interactions with Audrey or Samantha before posting.

@Dirty Pretty Lies

Double post but meh

You could always migrate Audrey back to her squad.

Minutes to Manhattan

I did a thing. Basically collab'd with myself because I am a sad piece of shit. Woo. Should be quick to post as Rich assuming Tundra doesn't advance too far with Ava. Actually, it might be better to interact with Alex. The bromance convenes! Maybe. Perhaps. I hope.

@Inkarnate

I don't plan on posting for Ava until the scene she's currently apart of advances some. Alex is free as a bird, so feel free to have Rich bump into him if you wish. We definitely gotta lay the foundation for dat arrogmance.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Keiran began to explain what he knew about this Creature, Isabelle couldn't help but notice how anxious he got when he was describing what it not only was but what kind of emotions it fed off of. Based on what he was describing and how on-edge Keiran felt about it, it seemed as though this thing--this Creature of Darkness--was what the nurses told children when they wanted a scary story instead of some happy-go-lucky tale of a hero or something in that regard. And to think that not only something like that exists, but that Nadeline had encountered it.

Hearing about this being of darkness brought a moment of dread to Isabelle. to think something like that actually existed in the world. Though, perhaps because she chose to be blissfully ignorant and that she didn't want to know about the darker things in Ivalice led to her being easily shocked about what lurked in the deepest parts of Ivalice's darkness. Perhaps it was her refusal to accept anything else but goodness in the world that led to her being completely surprised by what this thing was. Though, as she would take her time to adjust to what it was this thing was, Keiran would request to see Wesley, but he didn't wait for her permission. He simply did so as he wished. The Iniko girl would follow him, apologizing on his behalf.

Then, just right after her, Nadeline had to take a moment for herself. Obviously talking about Wesley was too much for her. Isabelle would check up on her in a few. She would have done so already, but Grant would inquire to Isabelle about seeing Cassandra. She blinked as if the request to see her daughter was lost on her. "Why do you need to see my daughter?" Isabelle asked Grant.

Before Grant would be able to answer, Jaakuna would speak for him. "It's why we've come here," Jaakuna started, standing up. "I'm not any good at this kind of thing, so perhaps Reia should explain it," Jaakuna admitted, giving Reia the floor.