Altered Tundra

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

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For the love of God, don't tell her.

Ava could see Alexandros' subtle way of trying to tell her not to say anything about Raychelle, the maid-like nanny they had last year and Kelly, the nanny for the Davenport family across the street. She knew he didn't want Audrey to know about them and how he seduced them on several occasions or how they both got fired because of how they foolishly thought they could outwit Alexandros. But it was her brother that got the worst of it when their mother scolded him and banned him from driving his favorite Ferrari for a whole month. She knew that he didn't want any of that made public, yet Ava was feeling especially devious this morning, not to mention this would be the perfect chance for her to get back at him for all last week when he didn't have her side regarding how she stayed with Jackson for those few hours.

Payback's a bitch, ain't it, Alex?

"I imagine it's something very similar to how you two ended up shacking up," Ava shrugged, assuming Alexandros did the same thing. "Maybe the only difference was you didn't have a job or your professional reputation to worry about - just your personal one." Ava mused, glaring at Alexandros who seemed to be hiding some kind of painful anguish. "Though, the funny thing about our previous maid, Raychelle, she actually got her revenge. After she got fired, Alexandros was actually grounded from driving his Ferrari. He had to settle for his BMW. As I'm sure you could imagine, he took it hard." Ava thought on that, "kind of like those nannies did when..well, you know."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Whatever happened to you being a man, huh Larry?" Savayna kept on teasing and mocking him as she couldn't help but notice how he tried to soak up the warmth from Grant's cloak. His comment about it being cold only made her laugh. As an ice-user, she had an additional resistance to cold weather. She felt at home when it was freezing cold.If it wasn't for it actually raining and her not wanting her hair to become all poofy and big, she probably would do away with the cloak.

She stopped, looking at Lorenzo. "Poor baby can't handle a little chill." She got real close to him, smiling coldly. As she did, Savayna flipped her hair. "If you let your whining go, you'd see the cold would never bother you, anyway - just look at me! I'm barely covered up and I can't hold it back anymore." Savayna got even closer to Lorenzo, "just let it go, Larry."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Rain or shine, Lorenzo never fails to complain. honestly, Savayna could remember how he was when they arrived at the gates of Rabanastre about how hot and humid it was and now he was bitching about how wet and rainy it was. If she hadn't needed him to build this damn contraption for Grant, she would've simply made this journey with Grant. However, seeing as how that was not the case and Lorenzo was the only one who could build it, she had to make due. It didn't make her growing annoyance decrease, though; from where she was walking, despite trying to distance herself by pulling Grant in a brisk walk, he still was as loud as ever.

The trio would make their way in the entry point of Giza Plains and it was amazing how green the plains got in such a short amount of time. Truly it was one of Ivalice's several mysteries that couldn't be explained properly. The only thing that could be said was how amazing it was to see. And, of course, the swampy ground made it a hell for anyone in heels. Luckily, Savayna could use her magick to flatten her heels until they got to Ozmone.

As they traversed further into Giza, without warning, a lightning bolt came down and struck near Lorenzo just as he was commenting about how hard it rained. "I think the gods are trying to tell you something, Larry." Savayna mocking Lorenzo. Since he had the tendency to forget people's names, she would accidentally forget his. She chuckled; though she caught Grant's approving glance.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

After a while, she had started talking to herself, those around her worried she might go and do something crazy, or that she was crazy. Truth be told, she was barely holding it together. Grant, of all people, knew that she was impatient. She valued punctuality above else, so imagine being her and it running on nearly ten minutes of her having to wait for them. Mateus tried his best to distract her, but he was met with such an icy retort that not even his inner realm could reach such cold temperatures. One might say that he retreated into his domain and cut off contact with her for the time being.

Only when Savayna heard Lorenzo’s voice did her mumbling and rabid tapping cease. The same could not be said about her face. She was absolutely livid with them right now. “It’s Savay--oh, you know what? Just forget it. We’re running late as it is.” Savayna roared, turning around as the two were probably behind her.

She briskly walked, leaving the Rozarrian brothers behind her chilly path of at least five paces. She approached the gate and was met by a couple of Dalmascan soldiers. She requested they open up the gate. After a brief exchange of words, they happily did it; though one of the partial reasons was to not feel Savayna’s cold wrath. Even to them, she displayed a nasty snarl like a Behemoth in the winter of Omisace.

The large gate sent vibrations through the most southern portions of Rabanastre. Even those in the palace could hear it. It was so loud it would bring an uncomfortable feeling for about five seconds until the sight of the plains came into view. And as their luck would have it, they chose the day it was the wet season. Thankfully, Savayna prepared herself for it and had brought her snow-colored cloak that perfectly matched her light blue and silver dress-armor set.

Briefly, she looked at Lorenzo and Grant who took advantage of the time the gate took to open. With a one-second glance at both of them, she noticed Grant came prepared, but Lorenzo was wearing nothing to protect him from the wetness of the rain and the shocker of possible lightning. “Now that’s what you get for keeping me waiting, dumbass.” Savayna told Lorenzo, whacking him on the back of his head as she led the charge into Giza, her fur-edged cloak over her head and icy eyes focused on the sight ahead.

Time to go on their adventure!

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

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Ava eyed Audrey as if she was a dumb blonde or something. “Yes, another one; as in it’s more than one - dos, if you will.” Ava retorted with her usual sarcasm, though she did notice that Audrey leaned into Alexandros, wondering exactly what she was saying to him. Knowing him and what she [Ava] had just said about Alexandros’ sexual endeavors, it didn’t mean good things for him, which brought a proud smile to Ava’s mouth as she happily dug into her food.

On the other end of the table, Alexandros felt that familiar chill down his spine as Audrey not-so-subtly threatened him. What a wonderful feeling it was getting these on the regular basis. The first time was Alexandros’ fault, of course, but every time after that seemed to be the work of someone else. If it wasn’t Florence, then it was Ava. He never did seem to be able to catch a break when it came to this woman. At the least, though, he knew she cared. The fact that she was worried she caught something brought a smile to Alexandros’ face and he stared back at Ava who only looked at him with a confused expression.

Ava raised her eyebrow at Alex but then heard Audrey. “Oh right, I think you asked about my brother’s refusal to use condoms.” She smirked at Alexandros. “To answer that would be to dredge up ancient history.” She glanced at Alex, seeing the oh-so-subtle gleam in his eyes that was telling her not to do it.

“Ava..”

She contemplating for a moment. As she hummed lowly, seriously considering her options, she gave Alexandros a beaming smile. He knew what was coming.. “So would you like to know about the time he did our last nanny or our neighbor's nanny?”

And there it was. The obvious war between siblings was on. Alex drew the line in the sand and Ava crossed it, boasting her military arsenal of secrets. In that moment, Alexandros knew there was nothing he could do. For once, the half-Greek God of Greatness was at the mercy of the artful Ava.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Savayna had been the first one to wait by the Southgate, which was surprising. She was often the last one up due to her innate ability to be one of the laziest people in all of Ivalice. However, she seemed extra motivated. She didn't have a lot to gather. The rations that she needed was on her person at the time. She had a few potions in her pocket and when she got to her room, she grabbed a small pouch which had some other medical supplies in it. After she would grab that and a cloak in case of the rain season in Giza, all she would need was her sword. As soon as she had placed that on her hip, she had left.

"What the hell is taking them so long? I told them thirty minutes, not thirty-one, not thirty-two - but thirty fucking minutes." She tapped her heel rather loudly against the stone-plated ground.

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

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“You’ve got a point there.” Ava echoed Audrey’s sentiments. “You can’t give him any sort of gratification or his big head might explode. Or worse, he might think he’s a god or something.” She let out a sigh.

Alexandros couldn’t help but feel attacked, though he didn’t show it. To him, it was Ava just being her usual, jealous self. It must be really hard not being perfect. Their parents thought highly of her, sure, but there was nothing like being the first-born. No matter what any parent might say to their child to assure them they love every single of their children equally, there’s always a part of their hearts where their first-born child resided. Even if he was wrong, if Ava thought it to be true, then it was worth rubbing it in her face. After all, regardless if it was true or not about what she just said, giving her any gratification about being right was also something he wasn’t about to let happen.

But, enough of that. Alexandros was rather interested in how this was going to play out. His sister and his...current house guest were having a conversation. On one side, Ava wanted to know what on earth had gotten into her to sleep with Alexandros and in the corner of Audrey, she simply didn’t give any hint to that. Don’t disappoint, ladies.

Ava eyed Audrey closely. This girl was skilled in the art of the poker face. It was hard for Ava to get a read on her. Still, something had to give. “I hope you used a condom. The last thing mom and dad want is another pregnancy scare by your current hussy,” she looked at Audrey, “again, no offense. You seem like a real charmer, but you wouldn’t believe the company he keeps.” She let out an exasperated sigh, glaring at Alexandros who had simply smiled, feigning innocence about Ava’s claim.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Fine, I suppose there isn't any avoiding it." Savayna let out a sigh, looking to the Roselia brothers. The disappointment couldn't be retrained as Savayna would give Lorenzo an annoyed glance. She understood the logic, though. No matter how inconvenient it was, it also made sense. She might not have known much about magicite, but the theory was if you have foreign magicite in a magicite-powered machine, it would get sucked into it, and that could be catastrophic for said machine, especially if those machines had people near it.

Besides, there was a lot of truth to what he said. Ozmone was just a few hours away from Rabanastre. The journey did wholly dependent on whether or not it was the wet season in Giza Plains. It was so random that one day it was dry as the Dalmassca sands and the next it was like a monsoon. If it was dry, then the journey to Ozmone was two hours tops, but when it was wet and water flooded the plains, they would have to find alternative routes across the vast wetness. Not to mention there was the immediate danger of lightning storms. With Savayna being an ice/water magick user, that didn't spell good things for her.

"We'll meet at the southgate in half of an hour. That should be plenty of time for us to get what we need for the journey ahead." Savayna told them. She gave both of them a nod.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It was strange when Isabelle thought and looked at Reia. The two of them were around the same age (with Reia being just five years shy of her) and yet, as the blondes mingled and conversed, Isabelle could tell the immediate differences between them. It was true that Reia wasn’t a mother, but she acted like one to not only her troublesome brother, Lorenzo but the seemingly troubled youngest of the three, Grant. There were tales that reached Dalmasca’s hot deserts from Rozarria’s lush, rich mines that Reia when she wasn’t being harsh on her council, had been a just ruler. Even after the recent stories that painted her as an evil woman, Isabelle did not see her in front of her eyes. Who she saw was a confident person who deeply cared not only for her country but her family. So, maybe that’s why she acted harshly towards Cassandra.

When Reia began speaking about her own council and Isabelle’s late husband, she began to grow... well, somewhat sour. She didn’t show it on the surface, but thinking about her husband reinforced how terribly she felt as a mother. She knew that Reia didn’t blame her nor did Wesley, but she blamed herself. She might’ve not been the one to kill her husband, but she left, leaving his children to deal with it on their own. And to make matters worse, there’s a part of her that secretly despises her son’s decision to forgive the one who did kill him. Even if it might’ve been under the influence of that bastard Hamut Darcone, she still couldn’t overlook the fact that Isaiah Darcone killed her Jonathan.

She nearly showed it on the outside, but she stopped herself, only to smile at Reia. It was just in time as she mentioned Wesley and how he would be the one to lead Dalmasca to glory. “He is truly his father’s son.” Isabelle noted, smiling softly as she looked at Reia. “I am sure whenever he takes full control and reigns of this country, great things will await it.” Isabelle said warmly. “And I’m sure your niece will be with him for every step of the way.”

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She didn’t like it when Lorenzo just grabbed it out her hands, which she made known she bopped his head lightly, though she would huff and turn around as if pouting like Emiri. However, when Lorenzo started to talk about where they could find Sonosis Magicite, she turned around. Hearing him speak, it seemed they were going to go on a bit of a trip. Though it came to a surprise when he said that come along without even being asked. But, as with all things, he would use this as a prerequisite for getting to know her.

Savayna sighed. “You remind me way too much of Jaakuna.” She sighed again, turning to the selection of vehicles. “Well, in any case, guess we should pick one that can fit all three of us.” Savayna said, approaching them.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

No one had been able to break Cassandra’s will quite like Reia did.

She thought it couldn’t possibly get any worse. With what Cassandra had said about Reia’s brother and the known fact that he had gone corrupt and murdered his own father, she thought that what Reia had to say in response couldn’t make the conversation between the two ruling figures of their respective countries go down an even darker path. However, as Reia began to unload on Cassandra, the Queen Regent was proven wrong.

Reia ripped into Cassandra like it was nothing. She had remained calm and dutifully focused as she did everything that Cassandra had said towards her but insult her family. To do that would stoop to Cassandra’s level and unlike her daughter, Isabelle knew Reia to be above that. Instead, she’d direct all of whatever she was feeling in that moment at Cassandra. Telling her exactly what’d happen to her in the next few years, how she’d end up in ten years, and what her future looked like. And though Isabelle did feel as though she went too far, the Queen Regent also knew her daughter needed to hear this. Moreover, she deserved this.

A few minutes passed and Cassandra had been read her rights. She was a silent, nearly-about-to-cry mess. It broke Isabelle’s heart, though she simply gestured to Alistair. “Take her outside for some fresh air.” She ordered.

“Right away, Queen Regent,” Alistair got up and guided a petrified Cassandra. “Come on, your majesty.”

When they were out of the Grand Hall, Isabelle let out a sigh, shaking her head as she glanced at Reia. “There was no way that was going to end well no matter what route you took.” Isabelle said, letting out a rather annoyed sigh. “I saw no other way for her to see how horribly she’s been acting as of late. Please know that she doesn’t reflect our nation. She has...been having a difficult time with her father’s death. It’s been a full three months since that his murder. I feel as though I’m partially to blame for her attitude. I left for my father’s home in Balfonheim after he left. It was the wrong decision, but it was something I had to do to get away. I didn’t even stay for when Wesley took off on his own adventures, so I don’t know. Maybe I’m trying to find a way to excuse her behavior. Had I stayed, maybe she wouldn’t be such a bitch.” Isabelle gasped as soon as she said that. “Oh gosh, did I just--you must think I’m a horrible mother.”

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As they ventured through the halls and made their way to the part of the palace that housed their vehicles, Savayna smiled at the Rozarrian brothers. She had pretty much ignored Lorenzo’s repeated inquiries. It only had taken them ten minutes, but once there, she would also snicker.

“So, Grant here can’t speak. I don’t know why, but the only way he can speak is through the use of his Esper, Zeromus. I don’t know the specifics, but all I know is that he needs a special contraption that you Lorenzo, Rozarria’s greatest inventor, is going to make him. I know for a fact you have a blueprint of something that could help Grant. In fact, I have it right here.” Savayna snapped her fingers and out of nowhere was a blueprint of a collar of sorts that seemed to manipulate the user’s mist in order to draw out their thoughts and project it into sound. “Now, tell me where we can find this--” Savayna looked at the blueprint real quick. “Sonosis Magicite?”