[h3]Outside of...[/h3] [img]http://i.imgur.com/zPebRo8.png[/img] Well, she was feeling [i]much[/i] better after that little outing at Neoka. Lyssa was pretty sure she was either their best or most hated customer at this point, considering she had probably eaten almost all of their stock of cakes and other desserts. There were other places she could go though, so that was fine, even if the ones she had there were [i]delicious.[/i] Runik was a pretty fun person, too. After that, she decided to do what she intended too before that whole incident happened - and that was buy herself a device that allowed her to play on the glorious modern wonder known as the internet. Also known as a laptop. She had spent all afternoon playing on the new device instead of attending classes like she was supposed too. Even if the campus didn't have wi-fi, she was still able to download her stuff from steam onto the new computer at the store. And right now, the entire room sounded as though a clash was happening between two great armies in a battle to determine the ruler of the realm. Clanging of steel, slashing of metal - the roar of a dragon as the stormcloaks were decimated. She didn't have enough money to buy some headphones, so her roommates were probably just gonna have to deal with the noise. How did she afford it? Well, an adorable little demon had her ways. Really, she should have just had her parents send her good one from home, but that'd take too long and she was impatient. She wanted her internets now, or she might actually go insane. She was probably gonna get in so much trouble for skipping the first day of classes, but she honestly didn't care too much at the moment. As the day wore on, classes eventually ended. She had to wonder where her roommates even were. She still felt bad about what she did to Shikio. Maybe she wasn't even coming back because of it...which would only make her feel worse. Iravis, though, didn't she go on a date with that guy? She was a bit jealous she hadn't been asked out yet. She even said he could offer her sweets any time he wanted too. Harrumph~ Of course, she'd just basically be using him as a free cake dispenser since he seemed kind of...sleazy, but that was beside the point. Free cake trumped sleazy. [hr] Speaking of food in general...she was a bit thirsty. She looked around the room, two empty soda cans laying beside her. Pft. She really should stash some under the bed or something for later. Well, Iravis wasn't around for her to show this wonderful piece of technology, so she placed her laptop on the desk, and left the dorm intending to go buy more drinks for later. She wondered how Iravis would react to caffeine?.... Well, she'd have to wait a bit longer to find out it seemed. not moments after leaving...she found Iravis stumbling down the hallway obviously drunk, and Meruin not far away. [color=f6989d]"Okay, why was there a party and I not invited? Classes can't be [i]that[/i] fun can they? If they are, I might actually like going."[/color] She chuckled, a wide grin on her face. The Phoenix looked ahead, laying her eyes on the hellion and the little girl. A smile appeared across her face despite her previous anger. [color=salmon]"Sir Wick is ... Divine."[/color] She raised her eyebrow at Meriun however, speaking much more calmly than before. [color=salmon]"Time matters not for me."[/color] The Goddess would have normally smited the girl, but the wine was making her more ... diplomatic. Woooow. Lyssa stifled a giggle. She wished she had a recorder so she could record what Iravis was saying when she was drunk. That’d be just a tiny bit hilarious if she showed it to her in the morning. The demon realized that she was probably wording things funny because of the alcohol, but still. Hilarious. Meruin stared at the Phoenix, and sighed. That stumbling gait of hers was something she was rather familiar with - it was quite normal for Meruin to get some of her test subjects drunk or high on . . . various substances and recorded the effects when exposed to different stimuli. Sometimes, she even used alcohol to gain their consent to various experiments they would have otherwise declined. Of course, she always plainly stated what she was going to do to them as they drunk in order to avoid complications, but apparently most people didn't believe half a word she was saying. It was an intriguing phenomenon, really. She herself would be rather alarmed if some random stranger offered you alcohol while stating that she would use her inotxicated state to extract a word of consent to being vivisected on a kitchen table, but that was beside the point. Back to the matter at hand, yes, Iravis was drunk, but more importantly, it looked like it was a Professor that had gotten her drunk. This was bad. Iravis euphoric state implied something else as well. Meruin narrowed her eyes. [color=a187be][i]No, it couldn't be.[/i][/color] [color=a187be]"Iravis, please tell me you avoided having sex with Sir Wick,"[/color] she stated bluntly, [color=a187be]"as much as I respect others decisions when it comes to carnal desires, professors are something I cannot ignore. If word got out of your affair, then the professor in question is sure to be fired, and I still have use for them, so I cannot allow that."[/color] Not only would she lose access to their lessons, she would also lose the chance to use them as test subjects in the case that she needed more refined reactions. In fact, her current experiment was, as of current, her greatest and most ambitious project yet, and she needed everyone she could reach in order to make it a success by any measure! "[color=a187be]If you did then I have to ask you to not breathe a word of it to anyone. I cannot afford to lose an asset as valuable as a professor to gossip and intrigue."[/color] Iravis giggled slightly at Meriun's speech, giving the fourteen year old a knowing smile as she placed a finger over the younger girl's lips to silence her. [color=salmon]"The dragonslayer has has not danced with this girl's fire. What words did you desire to exchange?"[/color] She removed her finger, only to place a donut into the younger girl's mouth before she could reply and start giggling again. Well, Iravis wasn’t trying to burn down the whole building, so that was good. Lyssa was a bit surprised after her earlier outburst, but didn’t think much of it. Meruin was funny, and she was glad they were at least getting along somewhat even though that was probably the alcohol talking. Once again, she wished she had something to record this with. But that was unimportant. What could be more important than the threat of a phoenix burning down a building? Doughnuts. Like the one she shoved in Meriun’s mouth. She had eaten her weight in sweets at that café earlier, but she could always eat more. So she walked over to Iravis, and swiped the doughnut box from Iravis, opening it before inhaling the contents. [color=f6989d]“Aah, these doughnuts smell delicious.”[/color] She said, grabbing one. [color=f6989d]“Hehe, these a gift from Mr. Wick? You sure are getting friendly with him. I might be a bit jealous.”[/color] She finished, before promptly stuffing a doughnut in her mouth. That was intended as a joke, of course. Meruin wordlessly chewed on the doughnut in her mouth, recalling the warm sensation of Iravis's finger on her lip with clinical precision, [i][color=a187be]"Soft and smooth, yet nothing too indistinguishable from human skin. The temperature that came from it is worth noting, but not unsurprising. She is a phoenix after all."[/color][/i] [color=a187be]"That's good to hear Iravis. Now as for what I wanted to ask you: How long have you lived, and how many countries were you worshipped in?"[/color] She had thought long and hard on it. If she had never seen another like her, then that left very few possibilities. These were simple questions to establish the range of Iravis life experience in terms of physical location. From there, she could dissect which myths and legeds were and weren't the phoenix standing before her. From that population, she would investigate into which ones were most likely her, and estimate how many phoenixes were in recorded history. The goddess waited a few moments before responding. [color=salmon]"I have received offerings, laughed at Christ's resurrection, turned Latium to ashes, been a companion to Charlemagne in his conquests, and led Tancred over the walls of Jerusalem. I have lived over four thousand years, and am a goddess worthy of worship!"[/color] Some anger filled the Phoenix's tone, but it was clear that this was rehearsed. Fire filled her eyes as she spoke, memories seeming to run across them. A moment later though, she was distracted by her other question. Iravis looked up in the air, as if searching her memories. A finger was on her lips, silencing herself before she delivered her reply. [color=salmon]"Countries? The recent invention of the nation state?"[/color] The goddess had read up on the decline of feudalism and the rise of unified cultures forming borders based on agreements together. [color=salmon]"None to my knowlege. My historic realms have mostly turned to false prophets, and I don't have quite the following I used to."[/color] Goddess? As in like, something like people used to worship and stuff? Iravis was something like that? …well. That was…interesting. She didn’t entirely understand it, but that was fun then. She must be really old, and she couldn’t help but to think she looked good for an old hag. [color=f6989d]“So…you’re a goddess?”[/color] Lyssa commented, taking a half-eaten doughnut from her mouth. Well, it kind of made since. She played enough video games to know what a phoenix was, and Iravis fit the bill pretty well. [color=f6989d]“You mean, like a phoenix? Like an actually really real phoenix? That explains why you’re so warm and cuddly.”[/color] Iravis rolled her eyes, giggling a bit at the silliness of this girl. She hoped she finally got that warm pillow she wanted after last night. She may have been feeling better, but she could still use one. Hm, that response didn't give her much of a range. It was rather limited to the Rome and possibly the Abrahamic states of old. Still, it was a start. She noted to herself to ask her more later, while also taking into account her plastered state. She wondered how different her response would be while sober . . . [color=a187be]"Now, for my request. I need a pint or two of your blood, if possible,"[/color] she stated in the most straightforward manner possible. [color=a187be]"It would be a great help to me, and I promise payment in turn."[/color] Lyssa stopped chewing on the doughnut, and gave Meriun a blank stare causing the half eaten pastry to fall too the floor. Meruin was seriously giving her mad scientist vibes. Not that it was a bad thing. Mad scientists were cool. She paused, eyes flickering over to Lyssa. [color=a187be]"Your blood would be nice too, Lyssa."[/color] The vitality from the blood of a phoenix and demonkin would greatly improve the efficieny and duration of her intended spell. Well, not that she would have minded giving her blood to a good cause...but blood in general made the demon squeamish. [color=f6989d]“I, uh, mean, I’d be glad to help you with something, but…”[/color] She shook her head, obviously not comfortable talking about it. [color=f6989d]“S-sorry, I’d prefer all my blood stay where it is.”[/color] She picked up the doughnut from the floor, and promptly began eating it again. The Phoenix shook her head but then stopped, suddenly serious. [color=salmon]"Artemis' Bow."[/color] After a moment, she nodded as if to confirm to herself that was what she wanted. [color=salmon]"If mortal hands can pull the string it is only a mockery. For that, I shall give you what you ask."[/color] Meruin wasn't sure what Iravis was referring to, but she knew without a doubt that she had just accepted. Wonderful, although the price was steep. Meruin frowned. Now how was she going to acquire the bow of a Goddess long gone . . . ? It was a shame about Lyssa, but it was no real loss in the grand scheme of things. [color=a187be]"It's no matter Lyssa, I understand if you prefer I don't experiment with your blood. I find that demons are quite wary in that regard, so usually I have to drug them first,"[/color] she mentioned nonchalantly, [color=a187be]"they were much more receiving afterwards."[/color] Lyssa simply reached into the box and pulled out another doughnut. [i]Yep. Definitely mad scientist.[/i] Turning to Iravis, Meruin held up a large vial made of pure silver. [color=a187be]"If you don't mind, can you put the blood in the vial?"[/color] Hopefully she could get the blood first. Who knows how long it would take to get that bow . . . Iravis raised an eyebrow, giggling slightly. [color=salmon]"The Bow. Find me the Goddesses bow and quiver first, then I shall grant you what you desire."[/color] She was drunk, not stupid. Meruin sighed. [color=a187be]"Very well, if that is what it will take."[/color] The small mage closed her eyes. A hum of power echoed over her body and when she once again opened her eyes, the dull grey-green orbs were glowing brilliant emerald. The wind around them kicked up into a frenzy and an unnatural, deathly chill settled on Meruin, who's skin had paled from the cold. [color=a187be]"On this day a week from now I swear to bring to you the Bow of Artemis, Goddess of the Moonlit Hunt, at the price of my eternal soul should I fail, so says Meruin Hazy, Maga Obscura so Named!"[/color] And so a date was set and the challenge begun. Meruin Hazy has always played with high-stakes, if only so she could enjoy the victory afterwards. [color=a187be]"Well, the pact is finished,"[/color] said with a faint smile. [color=a187be]"I'll be looking forward to your blood Iravis. Please be prepared."[/color] Iravis nodded, trying to be serious. [color=salmon]"How to pledge again ...?"[/color] A shot of realization spread across her face. She began seriously, but her pledge ended in giggling at the end of it. [color=salmon]"By the power vested in me and the sins for which I am punished. May I grant you a vial of my fire upon your quests return. Else the lazy dog Ammit consume my soul, who in his greatness has become great in the belly. And may the Sun that lies above reject the gifts I never requested. I forgot the rest of it. Duat something or other."[/color] She stumbled a bit more and used the wall as support, smiling at Meriun first then gazing at Lyssa. [color=salmon]"Making an offer bring color to your life, Hellion. A soul at peril is the ultimate encouragement."[/color] Meruin returned her smile. [color=a187be]"Alcohol truly is a wonderful creation."[/color] She said absentmindedly. It just got a phoenix to pledge its soul after all. [color=f6989d]“Betting my soul on something? Do souls even exist?”[/color] She questioned aloud, finishing another doughnut. She didn’t entirely believe in such things as those, but it did sound pretty fun. Kind of…reminded her of something that’d be in a video game. Betting her soul for something? Hmm…what would she want?...well, no one could have too many sweets! “[color=f6989d]Well, if they do, I’d bet my soul for all the sweets and the world!”[/color] She swallowed the last doughnut in the box, licking her fingers clean of the icing, lingering and seeming to gently nibble on her index finger as she thought, looking over at Iravis with a thoughtful look before continuing. [color=f6989d]“Annnd maybe for Iravis to let me use her as a pillow.”[/color] [color=a187be]"Well, this has been a productive day. Thank you for your time Iravis. I'll be seeing you."[/color] With a short bow, Meruin turned and proceeded to her room. [color=a187be]"I really must be sleeping now."[/color] Oh, but first, she had to head to the rooftop deck of the school building. She'd left a seal tag there and it would be a waste to lose it.