Sanguine Rose

Phoenix Wing: New Dawn

Location:Magnolia

Interactions: Trinity @CitrusArms, Jarivs @MarshiestMallow, Elena @PandaBrady, & Nyssa

Jarvis repeated the same sentiments. It was always good to know he didn't just sound like he was pandering. Of course, then again, he couldn't blame someone for thinking he was pandering to the hottest member of their little team; for someone in Trinity's position, it was understandable to be depressed about everything. But that was the point of their work together. That was the reason he'd managed to invent Second Wind in the first place, and the main target of his brainstorming recently. She'd get back up to power - and be giving Markovis a run for his money - in no time.

Neil listened to Trinity, but was still caught off guard when she suddenly shifted to be closer in height with him. He shrugged lightly, leaning forward to make up the difference. Sure, it was a bit of a surprise when Trinity grabbed his face; he didn't realize what she was going for until she finished off the Second Wind she'd nursed this morning and touched their foreheads together. Feeling a barrier go up in his mind was odd but less intrusive than the first time he'd felt the other presence in his thoughts. Considering he had avoided getting within twenty feet of the sword since that first time, it had slipped his mind to warn Trinity about it. The fact Mark didn't seem to be bothered by it slipped his mind too - then again, Mark wasn't bothered by most things so there was no surprise there.

"Thanks. Don't push yourself too hard in trying to help me keep a telepath out. Though, ya know, sorry I didn't warn you beforehand. I thought maybe I had but that could have been back when she joined the guild and I don't even remember when that was." That should have been something he remembered and mentioned and now he felt awful for neglecting to remind his teammate of that fact. Well, now she knew and perhaps she would at least remember without him having to try to remember to remind her.

Then the woman that shared bodies with Percy approached them. Looking for Markovis? To say he was confused was an understatement. He could name on one hand all the people that ever looked for Markovis. Or, rather, Markovis would like to know were looking for him. Interesting. Perhaps his friend wouldn't mind too much.

When Trinity's gaze carried past him, Neil turned his attention over his shoulder. It was meant to be just a glance, but the man ended up doing a double take upon seeing the amount of fluff just beyond the Exceed delinquent - or at least that was the personality Dalton tried to exude. The fact the girl beside him seemed too bright eyed and - both literally and metaphorically - bushy tailed, he doubted Dalton had been told he had to accompany her. It took a few blinks before Neil managed to stop looking like he was gawking just like Trinity beside him.

The look melted away to a more friendly smile. "What she also means to say is hi, this -" he motioned to Trinity - "is Trinity." He dropped his hand. "I'm Neil."

His attention turned back to Elena. "Markovis is busy at the moment and likely wouldn't want to be interrupted. He'll be back around soon enough though. What job is it you were looking at? I know he's been eyeing one or two for Smokin' Bottle."

---

Location: Phoenix Wing Guildhall

Interactions: Dalton @hatakekuro, Jarvis, Trinity, & Neil

Nyssa's tails swished as she listened. One rested on her lap, and she idly brushed her fingers through the fur. Her ear twitched at the bit of ruckus that happened back toward the door but for the most part - especially because the music was done - it was easier to focus on what the people she was talking to actually said. Like that there were places around town and here. "Oh, well, I suppose if I need to sleep inside somewhere, here is better than on my own. But I have not actually spent a night in a town since coming to the mainland."

Her ear flicked a bit toward Trinity. Oh, but someone had offered to show her to a place someone they knew lived. As long as the other person was okay with someone new potentially coming into his territory, then that was probably best. The kitsune turned to face the other girl, grinning with delight at the offer. "I would be thrilled to meet another that enjoys sleeping outside the bustle of such big vill- erm - cities. Living out in the forests is not much of a concern, personally, but I do very much prefer groups. So if you think he would not mind - that would certainly be preferred. Thank you very much."

When the man beside the purple haired girl spoke, she giggled lightly. "It is nice to meet you both - Trinity and Neil. My name is Nyssa. I look forward to meeting this Karn person, too." The girl turned back to the man behind the counter. Jarvis, that was how they had addressed him. He was the one she needed to pay attention to right now, wasn't he? Wouldn't do to go making arrangements to live with a guild member if she wasn't part of the guild. "But before I go off to meet someone or really settle into accommodations with the guild, I should join, yes? What do I need to do to join?"

Fenixtear - A Fairy Tail RP

@Zarkun

Ria nodded in response to the question for a moment. Her gaze drifted up to the sky, watching the clouds move across it. "Yes, I have. The village I grew up in was absent of light pollution." Her smile turned a bit sad, but she quickly shook the thoughts from her head. Though one might mistake it for stop wistfully watching the sky if one had not seen the shift in her look. Just like that, the bright smile was back in place and she'd returned her attention to her traveling companion of the time.

"A trip out to one of the borders sounds like fun. I'm sure others in the guild might enjoy that as well. I haven't been out near Bosco in....well, many years. Not quite as long than the last time I went fishing. Though I think my way of fishing is a bit different than yours." She laughed softly. It wasn't an understatement. It could be fun fishing with someone that did it traditionally. The last time she'd been fishing, it was in an ocean instead of a lake - as she assumed he was talking about - and it wasn't with a rod and tackle. She liked her way well enough, but learning to traditional fishing sounded fun too. "Maybe sometime you could show me how you fish. Even if it's just around here."

For now, that would have to wait, as they'd arrived at the guild already. She held the door for Damian to enter, an absentminded motion she was more than used to by now. "Shouldn't take long, hopefully, to get the kitchen back in order. Just in time for the next rush."

---

---

@Spectral@Sho Minazuki@Landaus Five-One

A few voices of being ready, but it was the less refined man that spoke up, echoed quickly by the other man. Ah, yes, provisions. The enthusiasm to get going was wonderful to see, but at least two were concerned with the means of eating. If it had not been brought up, it was very much true that he would have completely have forgotten about that need. "Ah, yes. The need for sustenance over the travel time. Excellent you brought it up."

Carver turned away from the table, looking around a few stacks as he moved deeper into the room before he finally found an overstuffed pack with a multitude of precision excavation tools handing off it along with a few pans and water canteens. He carried it to the table and dropped it atop the map, then deftly unlatched the top and flopped it open. "I believe I have enough provisions, should you lot not mind canned beans or REMs. Should have plenty of water too, hopefully. But there are streams along the route and should be clean enough." As he spoke, he rummaged through the pack to verify the count of items it contained. There were more people than he actually anticipated, but he had overstuffed the pack so it seemed there might be just barely enough for the three. He packed everything back into the bag and hoisted it onto his back. "We can stop if you want, but the sooner we leave, the sooner we will get there. Theoretically." He folded up the map and slipped it into the breast pocket of his vest, and the book he had referenced before slipped into an interior pocket of the vestment.

With everything he needed, he rounded the group and opened the door, gesturing for them to head out so he could close up his office. Short of anyone wanting to stop to pick up other provisions, the trip out of Crocus to the start of the trail was easy enough - navigating through alley ways and side streets to get around the bulk of the crowd to the other side of town. It wasn't until they were clearing the last bit of city that he pulled out the map and a compass to ensure they were going in the right direction. "Right, so this way," he said as he started up one of the many foot trails into the mountain range.

Fenixtear - A Fairy Tail RP

I'm good with these updates

Phoenix Wing: New Dawn

Location: Magnolia

Interactions: Trinity @CitrusArms, Jarvis @MarshiestMallow

Markovis' eyes trained on Trinity for the entire time she spoke. The fact he came around here with no problem without them...it had completely slipped past his notice that Trinity only really ever came when she was with them. Or that a place that felt like home to her would feel so foreign now. Especially when that place was now filling once again with people she recognized but they didn't. He couldn't empathize...or sympathize...but he wanted to. He always wanted to be able to help support Neil and, in the past two years of building relations with her, Trinity. Times like these just proved how inept he was at doing just that.

The only thing he could relate to was that she had the same general reaction to the nuisance that was a telepathic sentient sword as he and Neil had. There was a pang of - was that regret? disappointment, perhaps? - something in his failure to note it to Trinity to make sure she was aware beforehand that something might invade her most personal of spaces. It was a matter that needed addressing, given how the sword and its owner were so unapologetically naïve - that was the kindest word he would give it - in both simply intruding in people's thoughts and not warning anyone in that it was a possibility. No matter how many reacted poorly to the intrusion, it never seemed to stagger the way the two seemed to approach new individuals.

That was for another time. Right now, dealing with a pair of unintentionally malicious individuals was not the crux of the problem. It was feeling like she didn't have a place here anymore. That simply was not true, and he knew it. It was a temporary feeling from being detached from what she was with the guild before he and Neil had joined and met her. A different Trinity for a different time.

True to the fact he rarely showed emotions, Markovis studied her impassively. Then, after a moment, he gently pat her head a few times. People liked contact when they were upset, yes? His cat certainly preferred scritches when he finally returned home after long days out - especially after jobs that took the team away for a few days. "Thinking about what was leads to a disappointing future." He meant it to be uplifting, but as soon as the words left his lips, he realized she may not appreciate it. Especially in combination with the fact he was still patting her head.

His hand suddenly returned to his lap as he looked at Jarvis. There was one thing he knew for sure that he could do that would hopefully help. At least, comfort food never hurt to try, that is. "As always, I will pay for the items I am to use, but I would like to borrow the kitchen facilities. Please and thank you." That was all he said, before tucking his bottle of liquor into his shoulder bag, handing it to Neil, and making his way into the kitchen.

Neil held the bag by its strap as he watched Markovis disappear into the kitchen. Then he shifted over a seat to fill the void Markovis' departure left between him and Trinity. The bag found a spot on the floor at his feet. The older mage leaned forward a bit, smile sliding into place, as he tried to make eye contact with their despondent teammate. "Hey, come on now. Don't be so down. If there's anyone that belongs here out of Smokin' Bottle - it's you. I get it - some old mates came back and seemed to have moved on. We're still working on your kick, but we're a step closer than we were a year ago - right? Soon enough, you'll be a one lady band way better than anything Damian and his group could put together. You're going to outshine everyone soon enough."

---

Location: Phoenix Wing Guildhall

Interactions: Dalton @hatakekuro, & Jarvis @MarshiestMallow

"So you have no way of knowing what would happen if it did go out? You would not die, would you? That would be awful. There was a legend we were told when little that said there was a kitsune once that had many tails, and on each one balanced a fire. We had made a pact with larger lands to trade and fight when needed, and when they called on us to fight - he went. Enemies struck at the fire and each time one flame extinguished he lost more power. Eventually, the final flame was snuffed, and he died. This is why those of us that can wield the gift of fire do not keep it for all to see, 'least we perish as he did." Nyssa's gaze kept moving back and forth between Dalton's face and his tails. When they came to a stop, her curiosity got the best of her. When he came to a stop and sat on the stool, she reached out to test the flame. Not only did she feel no heat before she got to the flame, but her fingers passed through without issue. Once, twice, three times. Interesting.

She blinked and seemed to realize they were at their destination. A brilliant smile spread on her face as she turned to face the man behind the counter. "Oh, yes. I would very much be interested in joining. I heard a little about this from Ariel, and am interested to take part in being a guild member to learn more. Though I can make do without burdening you or this Jamie person with finding lodging. I am quite adept at staying outside, no trouble." She sat down on a seat beside Dalton without taking her eyes off Jarvis.

Phoenix Wing: New Dawn

Location: Magnolia

Interactions: Trinity @CitrusArms, Jarvis @MarshiestMallow

Neil clasped his friend on the shoulder as he saddled up to the bar beside the younger mage. It wasn't even to make his presence known to his friend. He was fairly certain Markovis knew who was near him without actually turning to address the person. Or, maybe more to the point, that Markovis didn't care who was next to him. The fact that there was a physical contact that Markovis didn't shrug away from meant the guy knew it was Neil.

It was a moment of silence between when Neil joined Markovis and when he finally spoke. "Crowded now, huh? Lot more excitement than the last time I was here."

Markovis didn't even look over at his friend. Instead, he just took another sip of his drink. "It certainly is louder than the last few days, but the crowd is staying away so I don't care." Truth be told, the band playing actually made it easier to drown out the noisy reunions happening near the door. He wouldn't have let himself get caught up in all that even if he'd arrived with Neil and Trinity, but arriving alone made it easier to just head straight to his usual spot. If it got bothersome enough, he supposed the job board was right there - plenty of jobs that he could pick from.

The alchemist laughed, and the grin remaining in its wake. "Of course, silly me." He glanced around Markovis to look at Trinity when she joined them. "Done playing with the furball?" He paused for a moment when Jarvis had asked the question His smile faded, and he stood up a bit straighter. "Yeah, are you okay?"

That question caught Markovis's attention. He stopped mid-motion of bringing his glass to his lips, and put it down on the counter instead. His dark gaze landed on Trinity beside him. "What happened?"

---

Location: Phoenix Wing Guildhall

Interactions: Ariel @twave, Nolan & Dalton @hatakekuro, & Jarvis @MarshiestMallow

Nyssa listened to the explanation of Ariel, then Nolan. Okay, not life-mates. But mates of some sort. Not that she wasn't still confused by their relationship status given the mixed information, but it was fine. There was time to get clarifications and actually understand things. This Nolan answered her question, though it brought up some more questions. Like what a husband was, and what an s-class was and -

The rest became irrelevant when a talking cat interjected and volunteered to take her over to this Jarvis person. Her eyes widen as her attention fell on the Exceed. She opened her mouth to start asking more questions as she walked away with Dalton, but the questions caught up in her throat. A look of a dawning realization overtook her curiosity. "Oh! Wait!"

The kitsune skipped back over to Ariel. "I forgot. I am still holding this and you had it before we met," she said as she handed the older mage back her lacrima box. "And I had said I would repay you for the food, and in getting me here. I would rather not forget about it, and if I do not do it now, I surely will. So rather than repay the - um - money! you traded for the food, I figure repaying you magic expended to get from - Oak Town you said? - to the food house and then here would be better."

Before she could get a response, Nyssa closed her eyes. Her tails fanned out as she lifted up on her tiptoes. Her fingers wiggled as she swept her hands toward her abdomen, and a glow started in the tips of her tails and moved to take over more of her. She swirled around, the glow seeping into her skin and moving to pool in her fingers and on her lips. Lacing her fingers with Ariel's, the kitsune leaned up and nipped Ariel's ear. The glow transferred from the girl to the rainbow mage.

Nyssa lowered to flat feet and stepped back. "Energy transference is not necessarily the same from one of us to another, but hopefully that was enough to recoup you for the magic expended getting from Oak Town to here." She grinned and bounced a little as she waved.

A quick twirl around, and she skipped back off to rejoin Dalton. "Can I ask you some questions? Because you are an - um, I believe Ariel said Exceed? Because she had a form that had ears and a tail like you - well not exactly like you because she only had one tail and it was not on fire, and wings. You do have wings, too, yes? They just happen to be hidden right now, correct? Do all Exccceed have two tails or is it just you? Do Exceed tend to have fire on their tails? Why are your tails on fire? Is it dangerous for you if that fire goes out?" Her attention fixed on Dalton, almost as if - and because it was true that - she had completely forgotten about what she'd just done.

Phoenix Wing: New Dawn

Location: Magnolia

Interactions: Trinity @CitrusArms, Karn/Edarn @Silver Fox, Damian (briefly) @Zarkun, Ariel @twave, Nolan @hatakekuro, & others (not necessarily directly and possibly missed)

When Trinity completed the bike and suggested he get on, Neil obliged and together they made quick work of getting to the guildhall. He didn't figure it would be terribly much different arriving today than any other day, aside from perhaps a bit more hubbub from Damian and Penny returning. That didn't seem the full of it though, as others seemed to be returning too; a few new faces were scattered throughout the guildhall. He spotted Markovis at his usual spot, nursing a drink he'd apparently brought himself. How did Neil know that it hadn't been ordered? Because he recognized the glass as being one of the set Markovis used at home too.

His attention turned back to the group he and his teammate had joined when the man Trinity had greeted as Damian introduced himself and shook his hand. Neil smiled and returned the shake for one of his own then watched the returning S-Class move to the stage and make an announcement. A festival, huh? That certainly would drive up foot traffic in the city. Maybe even increase business. Never a bad thing when he was working on new potions.

The thoughts surrounding the festival distracted him enough that he hadn't noticed Karn moving in for a hug. The dazzling smile spread on his face once again as he returned the hug with a chuckle. "Hiya Karn. Though I'm still not sure why you and Bri shorten my name like that. I'm sure it takes more effort to say two syllables than my actual name." He still laughed though. NiNi was a pretty ridiculous name for an adult, coming from another adult. He supposed it would always get his attention better than just Neil.

His attention turned to new, eccentric, entrances which found Trinity capturing the little furball Jasmine insisted was actually a worthwhile contributor to her and the guild. His attention fixed on the scene they were making - getting a collar on an exceed - until another new face arrived. And went straight over to kiss Nolan. If Neil thought he'd been laughing at the ridiculous nickname Karn and Brianna insisted on using for him, the way Nolan's face went so red he could nearly feel the heat of all the blood flooding his skin had him nearly double over.

It took a moment to settle down from the laughing, and wipe the tears from his eyes, but the alchemist collected himself all the same. A soft sigh helped finish the calming breaths. "Man, I didn't think I would ever see someone go tomato red like that. Classic." He kept the smile as he turned and offered Ariel the same smile he'd had for everyone else. "Hi, nice to finally meet you. I'm Neil. Read the issue you were in. Pretty cool a member of the guild is working for Sorcerer's Magazine."

It was only after that that his gaze landed on the girl beyond Ariel, and furthermore the boy - woman? huh - that entered after to introduce herself as a long time habitant of another guildmate's body. The guild seemed to have quite a few body transformers - or at least bodies that had a few more people in them than normal. Interesting. As was the fact that apparently Nolan had a cousin that was as hyper as Nolan could be awkward.

He turned his attention back to everyone in the group. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go check up on Markovis. I'm sure he's not thrilled with the rise in activity this morning. With an incline of his head as a parting, Neil headed for the brooding team member still drinking by himself.

---

Location: Phoenix Wing Guildhall (mostly)

Interactions: Ariel @twave, Nolan @hatakekuro, & Others (not necessarily directly)

Nyssa, for all the excitement of watching Magnolia come into view, didn't match looking at the building Ariel set them both down in front of. Magnolia was far larger than any village she'd visited thusfar. The building the older mage said was the Phoenix Wing Guildhall was gigantic, twice the size of anything she'd seen thus far - even dwarfing the common home for the children in the village. Her mouth hung open, eyes wide, taking in the building. If she wasn't mindfully clutching the case to her chest, she might have forgotten she was holding anything at all. When Ariel entered, the kitsune blinked to life and followed the older girl inside.

Immediately regretting it. Between the music, the huge amount of loud conversations, and the general bustle of the building, her ears flattened and she shrunk back a bit. Her tails flattened against her legs and curled around them to hide them and her feet. How could such a large building - such a large space - make her feel like there was too much too close? It wasn't like anyone was too close to her. Or actually ambushing her. It still made her feel like at any moment something might happen and she felt woefully underprepared. Her gaze darted from one person to another, from one wall to the other to the floor then ceiling then back again, to help take in everything. The thousand conversations filtered through her ears and she couldn't keep up with any of them. How was this so much more overwhelming than when she was performing earlier? Or at restaurants? Likely the music - that's what she contributed it to. Conversations didn't happen while they played music, it was only to accompany dancers. It hadn't occurred to her there were possibly conversations while she was dancing because they were quieter. Here it was a competition between the performance and the conversations it seemed.

Her attention landed on Ariel greeting another mage - who in turn became red as embers - with a kiss. That bit helped her focus in. Or maybe it was the music dying away. At any rate, she didn't feel so ready to run back out the door. Ariel had mentioned it was one of the bigger guilds of light, and that there were many people here. It wasn't like she hadn't been around thousands of people - dinners with the village were the entire community after all. It was all likely just because it was sudden and new.

So after a moment to collect herself, her ears perked up slightly, and her tails didn't so tightly tangle around her legs. A smile spread on her face. She stepped closer to Ariel, looking up at the older mage once more. "You did not say you had a mate." She looked at Nolan, appraising him a bit before looking back at Ariel. "He is strong. Very good for you. Are you two life-mates?"

She blinked before looking back at Nolan with an apologetic smile. "Oh, sorry. I neglected to introduce myself again. I am Nyssa. It is nice to meet you. I met Ariel earlier today, and she told me lots and about this guild and I wanted to see it and maybe join. That is okay, correct? I do not need to be from Fiore to become a member, yes?" The more she spoke, the more her tails began to swish happily behind her instead of clinging around her legs. Especially by the end when she had regained her formerly cheerful smile and composure.

Fenixtear - A Fairy Tail RP

@Zarkun

"Oh good. Slipped my mind for a moment," Ria said with a soft laugh. She glanced around for a moment before remembering where they were in the city. Then glanced at the sky before looking back at Damian. "It's about lunch time, isn't it? Are you hungry?" She started walking, again, though this time she seemed a bit more mindful of where they were headed. A list of things swirled around her head, trying to vie for the correct order of priority, but things get jumbled every so often. There were books to get, things to look into, and - "Oh yeah, we should go back to the guild, anyways. I've fallen behind waiting and taking my turn to cook in the past week. I need to make sure the kitchen is cleaned up from Lavinia's attempt to make cookies and take my turn as guild cook."

---

---

@Spectral@Sho Minazuki@Landaus Five-One@Lord Indra

Carver's attention returned to the rude one. Formerly rude one - a pleasant correction to make. Explanations that were offered were only partially adequate for the performance thus far, but it was far more than he anticipated from the gentleman before him at the time. The others, in turn, seemed to all share the same sentiment. The warm smile returned to the historian's face as he turned his attention from one Feinxtear member to another.

Gwen rolled her eyes at the round of complaints. After pushing a stack of books into a much orderly pile than the 'how has this not tipped over yet' haphazard stack it was, she hastily pulled her clothes back on. "Yes, apologies," she said as she turned. "You keep your office like my sister keeps her room, and habits are habits." She fixed another stack of books on her way back over to them, casually pushing a few books that were nearly falling back into the shelves.

The historian's eyes lit up with the mention of the sentient sword. "The sentient sword of the Tranzell family? Intriguing. My colleague - Professor Ksenia Nikowski - would be terribly interested to speak with you and your sword at some point. She specializes in weaponry through the ages. Perhaps you would allow me to arrange such a meeting?" He put a hand up before she could answer, shaking his head lightly. "Actually, don't answer just yet. Think on it. You're not here to speak on your family artifact."

He stepped back up next to the table, standing opposite the others that moved to the table. As he spoke, he motioned to the map on the table, "There are several routes we can take, as you see from my mapping, but I believe that this way will prove both the least dangerous naturally and hopefully will avoid potential mating locations of several of the more dangerous beasts that live in the mountains. Without the guarantee of being able to avoid it is why I didn't wish to travel by myself. That and once we're there." Carver let his voice trail off as he put a few old books atop the map. Each he opened to particular pages, some illustrating the ruins they were looking for while others had illustrations of things that looked like stone beasts and what might be warnings of traps - all the writing in ancient languages. "Within the ruins themselves, there are natural dangers such as beasts that may have made these ruins their home or even just the natural decay causing them to potentially crumble beneath our feet if we are not mindful. Beyond the natural, these texts indicate there are special magical protections on the throne room, royal chamber, and treasure room, as well as throughout the ruins' inner chambers. What I am looking for within are mostly items that have significance to when this ancient people lived, but according to this book - " he held up a particular book, highlighting a scepter - "This was an item of great significance to the emperor. It hopefully will lay within the throne room, but it was also known to stay with the emperor at all times so it is likely to also be within one of the many other rooms left to the ravages of time. I'm looking to recover this specifically, and study it further."

Carver placed the book back onto the table, and rest his hands atop it. "Getting theoretically will take us a day and a half, perhaps two depending on how the terrain actually is. According to the texts, the ruins are slightly smaller than the king's castle, so it is my hope it will take no more than a day to fully explore them and hopefully locate the item of interest. Any additional items would be much appreciated - there's only so much one can learn studying the books about a people without actually seeing their things, after all - so I may be able to increase compensation based on what we are able to recover if it is not simply the scepter I seek. All in all, we will be gone from Crocus for about a week. Is everyone ready for the venture?"

Gwen listened to the whole speech, standing with her arms crossed but studying everything the man said. When he'd finally seemed to take a breath and checked on if they were ready, she shrugged. "Yeah, I'm good."

Phoenix Wing: New Dawn

Location: Magnolia
Interactions: @CitrusArms

Neil chuckled at her response to his first inquiry. It was most certainly true. Then again, he was never really great at getting up early or anything. He liked to take his time to get ready - a previous significant other said he took longer than most of the women they knew - and he certainly agreed with the assessment. It seemed university was the only time he truly managed to be a 'morning person' and those days were long gone. Considering he could operate entirely at his leisure currently, there was no big rush to be more timely unless he had appointments.

While she tinkered and went over what her day's agenda was, Neil poked at a little gadget he knew - or rather assumed - he wouldn't break just from idly toying with it. Some kind of thing on a spring? It certainly wasn't actually close to working - more likely a component if he had to guess. But it still distracted him from being more bothersome than she likely needed him to be while she put the finishing touches on another gadget. It was pretty much the same thing he did every time he showed up to hang out if Trinity didn't put him to work. Sometimes he would just mill about around her, working out formulas in his head or on paper; that didn't happen quite so often right at the moment. Usually those formulas were something he immediately went to his workshop to test out, stuff too dangerous to test run outside of the controlled environment. So, fiddle with her gadgets he did. "Overdue is a very mild way of putting it. If I didn't come visit, and every so often bring Markovis around, neither of you two would get any kind of socialization," he said with a laugh.

He waited patiently as she finished up the last bits to leave. That was something he didn't miss about being a shop owner. Call it spoiled, but he certainly enjoyed the fact he had employees and managers that dealt with all the day to day tasks of business stuff so he could focus on everything else in his life - inventing, guild mage, helping out Trinity and Markovis when things came up. Win win for everyone, the way he saw it. He didn't have to deal with that boring minutia while still being able to get involved when needed, and handsome compensation for the person that did enjoy doing that stuff. It wasn't something he ever wanted to take for granted after lucking into his current store manger.

"I've heard of them," Neil chuckled softly. "But no. Damian and Penny must have left before Markovis and I joined. Heard nothing but good things about them, then again, who would actually say bad shit about someone that could probably break them in half?" He laughed again before nudging her. "Looking forward to seeing them again?"

Neil looked forward as they walked, hands idly resting in his pockets. "I'm looking forward to meeting them. I heard there's supposed to be a meeting in the guildhall with a few other guild masters. So maybe we'll see other new faces. Or maybe just some old faces you recognize might be showing up from a hiatus. Day's still young enough that there are bound to be plenty of surprises." He was looking forward to it, but considering Mark was gone before he'd gotten underway with his own morning routine, it was likely the younger mage was already in the guildhall. A pile of new faces was exactly the opposite of what he was sure his roommate and friend would want - especially if those new faces went looking to interact with him. "Maybe best we don't doddle," he said with a chuckle. He flashed his inventive friend a brilliant smile."While we might enjoy company, there's a certain brooding member of our team that definitely would not appreciate a round of introductions."

Phoenix Wing: New Dawn

Location: Magnolia, Ending at Phoenix Wing Guildhall
Interactions: none

Sleep did not come last night. He wanted it, he tried, but it ended up with Markovis staring up at the ceiling just watching the shadows shift with the moon's path across the sky. Trying to master his latest spell came to mind, but that wasn't exactly something he could work on in the late hours - both because he couldn't safely practice it in the house, and because he needed someone else to be the target. Neil would have been willing. Markovis didn't want to interrupt his friend's sleep just to get another spell under his belt. It didn't matter anyways. Since sleep would not come, he gave up in the early hours of the morning. He flipped on the lamp over his bed and started reading his latest book purchase. Penelope, a soft silver and black furred tabby cat, lay curled up against his hip. Soft purrs were the only thing to break the silence, quietly indicating her content state even as she slept. Much was the usual way he did anything in his room - with Penelope curled up on his lap or against him. He wasn't entirely sure he wanted it any other way.

When the sky began to brighten - as much as much as it could with the overcast outside - he had already finished the book and moved Penelope to his lap to just sit there cuddled up with her and gently petting her. That brightness was as much a cue for him that it was finally daytime as it was for Penelope that it was breakfast time. She stood, stretched, then headed for the kitchen while he did much the same. He always saw to getting her fed a bit of moist food mixed with dry first thing, quiet enough as to not wake Neil before he needed to. While the cat ate, the mage moved through the house to double check the plants and water any that needed it. Then it was time to set about his own food. Garden omelet, toast, and orange juice - enough for two. Making Neil breakfast was the least he could do considering how much his friend had stuck by him over all these years, no matter how much Markovis didn't see the point in it.

He knocked on Neil's door, and left the tray of breakfast on the table beside it. As he did most mornings. Routine was key. Take care of everyone else eating, then eat. Then it was off to shower and dress. Like most days, he chose dark slacks, a dark colored button up, and comfortable shoes to match. Some days, it included a tie and jacket, some days it was a polo. Most of the time, it was just a semi-formal outfit and he was content with it. A few scritches behind Penelope's ear as she sat on the table beside the door, and Markovis left with his messenger bag of things - a carefully packed glass, a bottle of bourbon, and a couple of books accompanied by a notebook and pen.

In no time at all, he'd made it to the guildhall. Before they'd joined Phoenix Wing, he would have headed for plot of land Neil had since sold - a place to train safely without risk of hurting someone that didn't deserve it. Since joining, at least it was a place he could train if he wanted, or simply sit and read alone. He didn't even pay any attention to the group gathered not far into the guildhall; any other day...he still wouldn't pay a noisy group gathered in the middle of the guildhall any attention. Much less a bunch of people he didn't recognize with the chatterboxes, the pretty boy, and the upstart.

The quiet mage headed straight for the usual table he sat at, in a corner away from prying eyes - back to the corner to keep the guildhall as a whole in view. Markovis took the bottle and cup from his bag, placing them on the table before removing the books and notebook from it as well. The bag strap rested over the back of the chair, and he took his seat. Remove the cap, pour his glass, replace the cap, chill the glass to desired temperature, then choose a book to start with - the same thing he did most days when he had no desire to go look at the job board. Today was one of those days he'd rather read and make notes of interest than go on a job.

---

Location: Magnolia, Ending at Trinity's Shop
Interactions: @CitrusArms

The knock on his door woke him. It should have been his alarm, but it wasn't. Thankfully, Markovis had a routine. It helped Neil deal with those nights he fell asleep entirely too late because he was working out a formula. Unlike the neat and tidy room Markovis kept - and thankfully helped keep the house - Neil's room was scattered paperwork, notes taped to his walls, and (this morning, like many) a piece of paper stuck to the side of his head as he sat upright at his desk. "Morning!" he yelped, then yawned. It was a full minute before he realized he had something stuck to his face, found when he went to scrub the sleep from it. What kept him up late this night? The same thing as most nights as of late. Working out that stupid formula. How was it eluding him still?

Tired eyes took a few minutes to focus on the scribbled notes on the page in his hand. Nope, this wasn't going to work either. He sighed and put the paper with the others he'd scribbled notes on last night. For the past few days, he'd considered combining a different ingredient with the base set, but when he actually went through with the test, it was - well...His gaze drifted to the scorched side of his room no longer designated as his testing area. He'd just bring someone in to get that fixed up. Maybe later he'd try a few other combinations; this time, he'd do it in the safety of the testing labs at his factory. For now, breakfast.

- - -

Showered, dressed in jeans, his usual sweatshirt over a tee-shirt, and sneakers, and assured his hair wasn't a complete mess - Neil found himself leisurely walking rather than headed anywhere in particular. He had stopped in to check on his shop as he left the house - the entire reason he bought the building - but no one had stopped in for anything specialized. Crystal had it under control, as always. If she couldn't manage the store, he wouldn't have hired her after all. The factory ran by itself too, mass producing the formulas he saw no reason to regulate. Again, as it was intended.

Once he realized he was headed in the direction of Trinity's shop, he started walking with a bit more purpose. In the past two years, most of the best potions he'd created were in attempts to make something to help her recover her power, after all. She was a great source of inspiration, just being around helped. Plus, they were friends and teammates. No reason to not check if the shop was open.

When the door worked, he stepped right on in with a dazzling smile gracing his face. "Morning, Sunbeam. It still qualifies as morning, right?" He laughed softly as he closed the door and walked further into the shop. "Do you have appointments today, or are you free to go hang out at the guild?"

Fenixtear - A Fairy Tail RP

@Spectral@Sho Minazuki@Landaus Five-One@Lord Indra

Gwen didn't seem fazed at all by the fact their client seemed uncomfortable with her lack of clothing. She took them, but continued her inspection of the room without dressing.

As soon as the clothing was out of his hands, though, Carver turned his attention to the man that had next addressed him. He took a calming breath, and pulled his shirt in order as if it needed minding. "Yes, that is what I was going to address had your companion not disrobed." The man pulled a cloth from his pocket and removed his glasses. He focused his attention to cleaning them for a moment before returning both articles to their proper place. "Though, sir, considering how this whole thing is starting off, I'm not entirely sure I will be doing that just yet. Thus far this has gone quite below standards of a proper job undertaking, as you have yet to introduce yourself and disregard the rather uncouth behavior of your disrobed companion."

The historian's attention turned to Jessica and Asher - so far the only two to conduct themselves professionally. "Is this truly how your guild operates? I had heard good things about Fenixtear; though - perhaps - I was mistaken and should take my job to another guild."

---

@Zarkun

Ria's gaze followed Kaden as he disappeared into the crowd. Training with him - while advantageous for him - likely could do her good as well. She knew his magics, and getting better at combating opponents that wielded lightning was something that would certainly help. There was also the fact that in training him for water magic, she could work on getting more control and shaping the water into other ways. No better way to really master your own magic than teaching someone else.

Her gaze dropped to Damian after she realized he'd been talking. How long? Well, the wolves knew. The important thing was she caught the last part. She assumed the rest was mostly just explanation leading up to the apology. A smile spread on her face, and she lightly brushed the apology away. "Fights happen. Unseemly, but no one called for Rune Knights, no bystanders were hurt, and nothing was damaged. You were acting in good faith to try to help nullify a situation between our guild and another. There is nothing for you to apologize for."

She tapped her chin, looking around for a moment. "We were going somewhere. Where were we going...?" Her voice was soft, almost like she was talking to herself and not addressing Damian. Her attention turned back to Damian as she gave a soft laugh and shrugged. "We were headed back to the guild, right?"