[hider=Fires of Creation]It was six in the morning, Arthur walking to little Red's house. He helped the girl with her dream problem, got the okay from the taskmaster, and now he could get Red on the right track. It was early, the sky grey though if that was from a low sun or a promise of rain was yet to be known. Well, was probably known to some weather mage or something but Arthur didn't care today he got to do some blacksmithing. Not only that, but teach a young mage with no place in the world how to do it too. Ethan would be proud.




Finding himself at the door to the house Arthur considered his options. Either she was awake, and reading. Or she was asleep. Either way she wasn't going to open the door without him knocking for several minutes. So Arthur just did the reasonable thing and teleported inside. Once again treading up the stairs he would slowly and soundlessly open the door to the girl's room.




The girl was breathing slowly when he showed up, curled up into a small ball beneath three blankets. A thin, short, and white dress covered her body as she slept peacefully. It had been about 4 and a half weeks since she had arrived here, and her life had been much more peaceful since Arthur showed up.




The nightmares didn't go away, but for some reason the little Roux figured out how to handle them. The panic upon waking would only last for a few minutes rather than hours, and it was obvious that he had helped her somehow. Right now though, she remained unaware of his presence.




Arthur stood leaned against the doorframe. He didn't like waking people up, and with the way little Red's dreams worked it would be even ruder to do so. But then again Arthur was here for a reason, so after about two minutes of awkwardly leaning in a doorframe and thinking Arthur moved one of his hands over to the door and knocked on it a few times while saying, [color=maroon]"Hey Red, wake up."[/color]




Somehow her dream had finished just in time, and the girl had started to pass into the next stage of sleep. So when Arthur knocked on the door, the girl woke up with a yawn. And like most teenagers she grabbed a pillow and covered her head, thinking it was far too early for her to wake up like this. The redhead didn't even really hear the voice, lost to her sleepiness.




Arthur watched as the girl attempted to avoid waking up. He couldn't blame her, he was, and sometime still was, the same way. [color=maroon]"Hey little Red, would you rather have a sword or a spear? Or maybe a hammer, though your not really big enough for one of those..."[/color] Arthur asked, his tone gentle so as to not jar the half sleeping girl.




The one called little red responded instinctually before becoming completely awake, voice filled with annoyed anger. [color=salmon]"Peasant. Never wake me up. Especially if the house is on fire!"[/color] The voice itself was a little different, as if it had come from a more confident version of herself in the past.




A few moments passed though before it seemed that her normal personality returned. The girl started to get up slowly, and realizing that Arthur had arrived spoke in a more respectful tone. [color=salmon]"... sorry ...!"[/color] It was hard to tell if she was apologizing for what she had said, or not getting out of bed and being ready when he arrived. She took a minute to contemplate Arthur's question. [color=salmon]"... a spear ... why ...?"[/color] She stumbled slowly towards the dresser, fumbling through clothes to wear for the day.




Arthur would look in a direction away from the girl out of respect before replying, [color=maroon]"Just curious. Good choice though, makes my life easier. Anyways we are going to be more or less booked for the rest of the day, and I suspect that you'll not have energy to do anything when you get back home tonight so if you have any important sidequests do them now. I'll meet you downstairs."[/color] Arthur would joke before turning to go into the living area downstairs, closing the door behind him.




The girl blinked for a moment as she watched him leave, curious as to what they planned to be doing. It would have been at least helpful to know so that she could pick out something decent to wear. After a few moments, a green dress reaching to just below the knees appeared on her body and she started to do some basic morning maintenence. A few minutes later, little red was down the staircase and waiting for Arthur to explain what was going on.




Arthur had sat himself on a couch in the living room. At least the girl didn't hate all sitting devices Arthur mused to himself as he took in the room's atmosphere. Turning his head Arthur saw little Red in a simple green dress.

Standing, Arthur would say [color=maroon]"Well then, we best be on our way. We're going to town."[/color] The pyromancer would then walk over to the door, holding it open for the teenager. The girl nodded obediently, walking quickly after him.




The two of them would walk the short distance to town in silence. Rather than stepping into the expansive mall however Arthur led Roux right past it, and onwards to the outskirts of the town. Turning and walking into a back alley Arthur would walk to the far end of it before knocking three times on what looked to be a patch of wall, the only thing on said wall being a bit of graffiti deplicting a handlebar mustache. After a moment the wall would swing inwards, and Arthur turned to look at Roux saying, [color=maroon]"I love this place. Come on."[/color] before stepping through the entrance.




Little red followed him inside, looking at a small sign inside that revealed the places name, [i]Schwerkunst[/i]. The teenager felt the forges heat, but it was a fairly comfortable to the girl. The valuted ceiling included a vent for exhaust, and a large room featured many small workshops inside half walls that seperated each of the work spaces.




Her eyes returned to the ground eventually, waiting for her savior to explain why they were here.




Arthur was walking up to a nearby table covered in leathers and other protective equipment and starting picking through it. [color=maroon]"The owner, friend of mine. He isn't here, isn't going to be for awhile. Aparently decided to go to Japan to find some legendary sword or something. Or maybe just something about watching a lot of anime, either way. So till he gets back he's letting me use the place, and today I'm going to teach you how to work metal little Red. Ah, this look like it'll fit."[/color] Arthur said pulling out a leather appron that looked just a bit too big for Roux and held it out to her, [color=maroon]"Put this on eh? And... this. This too."[/color] Arthur added as he continued to pull out a pair of gloves and a set of protective goggles.




The redheaded girl took the items from him, equiping each one quickly as they were individually handed out. Soon a protected version was looking at the forge, curious about what they would be doing in there. Were they making a spear?




Arthur garbed himself in leathers as well before going to one of the work stations. [color=maroon]"Well, let's get started eh? Go grab that hammer, I think that's one of the ones with less scary enchantments on it."[/color] Arthur pointed at one of the hammers while grabbing a piece of iron from a nearby pile.




Roux nodded, grabbing the hammer he had pointed out, picking it up and turning back to face him, awaiting his following commands. She'd never done something like this before.




Taking the hammer Arthur would then move the piece of metal and move it into the fire. After a moment he pulled it out and started slamming the hammer against the hot metal, shouting over the hammer's ring as he did so, [color=maroon][b]"First, I'm going to show you what you do. Then your going to make one yourself."[/b][/color]




The Phoenix nodded, looking on as Arthur worked the metal. Soon a simple spear began to take shape, a point forming. The man added fine details as time went on, sharpening the point and refining the design. The tip gradually became narrower, adding more mass towards the end. At the end it was a simply crafted, but precisely formed specimen. The little girl eyed it for a short while, nodding.




There was no way she would be capable of replicating that on the first try, despite her artistic talent.




Arthur stopped to look over his work. It was a good spear, nothing like Sorrow's Reach, but matching Ethan's skill wasn't a simple task.

[color=maroon]"Now. Your turn."[/color] Arthur said as he handed the phoenix the hammer and tongs. Arthur would take a single step away and simply watch.




The little girl looked at him, but he seemed adamant about not helping her. He had started by picking a piece of metal out of the pile, so the girl grabbed the first piece that caught her eye.




Orichalcum. Atlantian Bronze. Favored by the medditerranean pantheons, it was a natural instinct for her to pick the familiar metal.




She lowered the spear into the forge, watching the piece heat up as she left it in there. It gradually turned red and ... there! [color=salmon][i]... is it ready ...?[/i][/color]




The red haired questioned every piece of her work, and spent nearly three hours producing a shaped outline, far longer than it had taken Sir Wick to do. The little girl was about to continue onto the next step, when another object caught her amber eyes. She pointed at a small bin filled with various gemstones and fine rocks, looking at Arthur for approval.




Arthur stood there and watched, remaining as emotionless as he could while he mentally appraised the girl's work. She had formed a relatively good piece, far from a masterpiece but if this was little Red's first time at a forge it was rather impressive. Then again, she might have worked a forge before Arthur mused. Or been the forge.

Regardless the girl caught sight of a nearby bin of precious gems and stones and looked at Arthur. [color=maroon]"Not yet little Red. That's a fine piece you have there but it can be better. When you have a perfect spear tip then you can add some decoration."[/color] Mr. Wick said.




The girl lowered her head slightly as she was denied, but returned to perfecting her work. It was surprising how much work it seemed to take in order to form the simple tool, her right arm shaking from the constant strain of pounding time after time on the object. Just as it felt ready to fall off, the damn thing was finished. To finish it off, she grabbed some nearby linen and wrapped the metallic blade in cloth. Five hours after starting, she had finished her first piece at the forges.




Observing the piece, she raised it to Sir Wick for approval. It wasn't perfect, but it was surprisingly well done considering the complete lack of experience.




The tip wasn't short, but rather a long, wide piece designed for causing maximum damage to flesh. 




The pyromancer looked at the spear head. It was certainly well made, even despite the fact that the girl had never even been to a forge before, Arthur doubted her 'keepers' let her visit one at any point.

The girl was a natural that much was for certain. Maybe it had to do with fire, maybe one of her past lifes devoted her life to smithing and Red happened to retain some skill with it. Either way, [color=maroon]"Good job Red. How about we take a break, have something to eat."[/color] Arthur said as he stepped away from the work area and made his way for the exit, stripping the leather protection off himself while he walked and setting it on the table at the door.




Roux followed her teacher out of the shop, wrapped spear tip in hand as they headed towards their next destination.

[hr]




The two of them were walking through the mall, Arthur found it was always a good place from which to just pick a meal and eat. Standing at the border of the food court Arthur asked, [color=maroon]"So little Red, what are you hungry for?"[/color] After some hesitation, she quietly asked for whatever he was having. [color=maroon]"That is a good question..."[/color] Arthur mused, unsure himself what he would eat. He was really hoping the girl would have a first choice so he could just have what she was having but clearly that wouldn't work.




After about a minute of looking over the various stalls Arthur made a choice. Pizza was always a good choice, and personal pizzas were cute and tasty. Walking up to a place that made such a dish Arthur proceeded to order a hawaiian pizza with cheese filled crust before looking down to the girl next to him and asking what kind she wanted.




She looked at him, and upon observing the menu read olives. Those were familiar. [color=salmon]"... Olives ...!"[/color] Somehow, she managed to sound a little excited despite her normally quiet tone.




Before long the two were sitting at one of the many tables in the food court, personal pizzas before them. Arthur was halfway through a slice, which made up a quarter of the pizza before setting down the pizza and asking, [color=maroon]"So little Red. Did you have fun this morning?"[/color]




The one called little red almost didn't hear his question. She followed his example, grabbing the food with her hands and eating the divine bites.




She hadn't had anything so tasty in her life. Maybe the hunger from pounding at the forge was being an incredible sauce, but this combination of tomato, olives, and cheese was delicious. The satisfied girl hardly managed to catch his question, but nodded eagerly in response as she enjoyed her food.




Arthur nodded to himself when Roux confirmed her enjoyment to him. [color=maroon]"Good. You feel that feeling in you? That hard work, all leading up to a single piece of metal? That's creation. It is fire."[/color] Arthur said as he returned his pizza to his mouth to take several more bites. The girl nodded, waiting for him to continue.




After a moment Arthur had finished the first slice and its cheese filled crust before continuing, [color=maroon]"Fire is life and death both. One doesn't exist without the other. Some think fire is just a novel toy to burn their foes with. Of course you and I know better though eh?"[/color] Arthur said as he picked up his next slice and began to bite into it.




This time the girl nodded more enthusastically, understanding what he was getting at. At this point though, she was a more captivated by the pizza, smiling widely as she consumed the new flavors.




Arthur simply ate, smiling. This girl was without a doubt an interesting one. He looked forward to training her further. Rather than say anything more Arthur just kept eaten, and let little Red keep eating. Once the pizza was finally gone Arthur said, [color=maroon]"Okay, there is still plenty of time today. Time to go back to the forge."[/color]




The teacher student pair returned to the forge. Sir Wick taught little red how to finish the spear, and the girl wrapped the pole in fine linen in order to provide a better grip. And he even let her decorate it with a saphire, ruby, and emerald in a metalic band to help hold the pole onto the stabbing tip.




And a spoon. She didn't understand why, but the pyromancer insisted she create a spoon. The small elegant work took hours, as he didn't accept her attempts until it was perfect. And then he kept it. When she finally arrived home that evening, she collapsed on the sofa downstairs, unable to get above the steps and into her bedroom.




[hr]




Arthur was standing at the door to the headmistress' office. Once again a spirit of the more frightening sort had sneaked up on him and delivered the message that Livia wished to see him. And once again Arthur teleported over without too much thought. Opening the door Arthur took a step in while saying, [color=maroon]"So, how is your day going Livia?"[/color]




[color=662d91]“Oh, stopped knocking have you, Arthur?”[/color] She gave him a friendly smile. [color=662d91]“I might actually feel a little offended if I wasn’t thoroughly impressed with you at the moment.”[/color] The headmistress leaned back in her seat, wine glass in hand as she took a sip of it. Gall was standing just behind her, silently observing as always.




[color=662d91]“So you could say my day is going quite well. Please, do take a seat.”[/color]




Arthur walked the distance across the office to the chair convientantly in front of the desk. The pyromancer sat in the seat quietly, waiting for the headmistress to say what she wished.




[color=662d91]“Nothing to add? No witty remark or something? Oh you’re disappointing me now, Arthur.”[/color] She chuckled. [color=662d91]“Care to guess why you’re here?”[/color]




Arthur smirked as he brought one of his hands up to his beard, [color=maroon]"If a guess had to be made I think I'd say... creation."[/color] Arthur said with a clearly amused voice.




[color=662d91]“Hmhm, well,”[/color] She smiled. [color=662d91]“You’re not completely wrong.”[/color] She placed the wine glass on the desk. [color=662d91]“I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with the way you’ve handled this situation. You even went against a direct order when I told you no weapons on the first day. Not many people would have gone against a direct order, even if they thought they could have a better outcome. So, very well done indeed, Arthur.”[/color] Livias smile left. Her voice took a more serious turn.




[color=662d91]“But that’s not the main reason I’ve called you here. Indeed, you have done well. I was skeptical at first, but you are a man that does what he believes to be best without thinking too much about it. While I cannot entirely agree with your methods, they are necessary. Really, if everything was run by thinking about every little possible outcome, most organizations would never get anything done. They’d spend most of the time debating over what color to paint the walls.”[/color]




She sighed after finishing, giving a small glance over to Gall.




[color=black]“Are you sure, Livia?”[/color] He asked. [color=black]“I do think he is capable, but…”[/color] Livia silence Gall with a motion of her hand.




[color=662d91]“Was this not your idea to begin with Gall?”[/color] Livia replied. [color=662d91]“You’re the one who said he might be useful, so hush.”[/color] Gall simply nodded and returned to silence as Livia turned back to Arthur.




[color=662d91]“So…what do you know of Gods, Arthur?”[/color]




Arthur watched, and listened. Seemed like they intended to give him something, weather a gift or major responsibility was hard to say.

[color=maroon]"The gods? Not much, not often one gets to have a conversation with one after all. Would love to though, I bet it'd be an interested chat."[/color]

Asking what Arthur knew about the divine. Well as Arthur said he didn't know much, never bothered to know. So long as he was a decent person he'd end up in a nice enough afterlife and no more thought was needed besides that.




[color=662d91]“Well, that might depend on your definition of ‘God’.”[/color] Livia replied. [color=662d91]“Little Roux is considered to be a god, after all. So is Sorcha. Minor ones, to be sure, but still gods.”[/color] The headmistress sighed, turning slightly to Gall.




[color=662d91]“Make sure no one interrupts us.”[/color] She commanded. The reaper nodded, disappearing in his usual fashion.




[color=662d91]“Before I continue, let me make myself very clear. Anything we are about to discuss, you are not to tell anyone outside of this room. Sorcha, Gall, and I are the only ones you may speak to about this, and only when you are certain no one is listening. And once I tell you, you are committed to this cause. This would be your only chance to walk away, but if you intend to look after Roux, then you will be involved eventually.”[/color]




Responsibility it was then. Well, why the hell now? [color=maroon]"Alright. I'm not walking away."[/color] Arthur said, his smirk growing wider.




[color=662d91]“Excellent.”[/color] She grabbed her glass of wine again, taking a sip before continuing. [color=662d91]“Then…perhaps I should tell you the story of how Sorcha, my old friends and I met.”[/color][/hider]
[hider=Noble Roses]Little Roux was tired after the day's training with her teacher, casting fireballs at several inanimate objects and doing some basic spearwork. It had been three days since she'd made the piece of art, but she didn't feel like she was progressing at all. The fourteen year old stumbled into her house in the afternoon, tired limbs barely managing to hold support her body.




An hour long bath in near boiling water managed to force those pains to dissapear. Wrapping a towel around herself, Little Roux hopped onto the bed, pulling open one of her books to read, legs kicking in the air happily for a minute or two.




The redhead enjoyed the entertainment, but something just bothered her. It took an hour before Little Roux finally managed to place it. It was coming, and she knew it. She just didn't know when. 




She hadn't seen her Keeper in over a week. The headmistress would undoubtedly pop in at some point, forcing the girl to put the book down and go on some adventure. Then when she returned from that adventure, she'd have to start again from an inconvinent spot.




So instead, Little Red decided to take initiative and visit Livia for the first time without a reason. She finished her chapter, placed a small pencil in as a bookmarker, and headed off to do some personal work.




It took some time, but the girl ran a braid of thick hair down her back, dressing in a long, formal, and red dress for the night that exposed her shoulders and the top of her pack to the world. Since she'd returned to the forge, she'd managed to even create some small amber earings that matched the color of her eyes.




All in all, Roux was well dressed for the evening. She picked up the Atlantian Bronze spear on the way out, and headed over to Livia's office.




Livia was just finishing up her work for the day. Honestly, work had been keeping her rather busy and she was still a bit concerned leaving Roux’s education and training in Arthur’s hands would be problematic. That said, he was also quite capable, and though she disagreed with his methods, she really couldn’t criticize him too harshly. Before, she had mostly been upset that he tried to essentially undermine her authority by doing something with Roux without consulting her first.




Well. That and it was common courtesy to ask someone’s guardian permission before doing such things, and all things considered she did consider herself Roux’s guardian.




She should go visit the redhead after this. See how she was doing. Perhaps teach her a bit about what it meant to be a ‘god’, and that just because she was considered to be one didn’t mean she had to be all haughty, arrogant, and angry, like some were known for.




Perhaps for later, for now, she had some things to take care of back at her home, she just had to finish this little paperwork, though.




The one named Little Roux eventually found herself in the hallway in front of Livia's door. The girl hesitated for a few moments before delivering a few small taps on the gates to Livia's realm.




Well, she had intended to finish the paperwork, but it seemed like little Roux was actually paying her a visit. Well then, no reason to say no.




[color=662d91]“Come in.”[/color] She said, putting away a stack of paper in a drawer. [color=662d91]“The door is open, as always.”[/color] At least, it was very ever rarely locked unless she was in the middle of something important.




The little girl walked in, approaching Livia's desk and peering over it to see the woman behind it. A quiet voice addressed the headmistress [color=salmon]"... hello keeper  Livia..."[/color] The truth was that the spear-wielding fourteen year old didn't know what her plans were, why'd she dressed up, or even why she had the spear. Had she come to talk about it? Give the woman an update? Go out to dinner? She wasn't sure.




[color=662d91]“Hello, Roux. What are you doing here?”[/color] Livia replied, getting up from her chair, walking to the front of her desk. [color=662d91]“I was just finishing some paper work, but I can have Gall do it later.”[/color] She chuckled, noticing the weapon in the girls’ hands.




[color=662d91]“Oh, did Arthur teach you to make that?”[/color] She said, a small smile forming. Of course, she already knew that he had. [color=662d91]“It’s quite a lovely spear.”[/color] She also wasn’t fond of such weapons, however, but…well, she couldn’t exactly say that to her right now, could she? No sense in crushing the little girls enthusiasm. It was obvious she at least enjoyed blacksmithing to some extent.




Roux nodded in response, a small smile forming in response to the praise about her weapon. Still though, she didn't really have an answer for the first question. The fourteen year old looked down to her feet as she came up with an appopriate response. [color=salmon]"... I ... I came here to visit you ..."[/color] It wasn't a lie, at least.




Came here…to see her? Wow, uh. Well, Livia didn’t usually get casual visitors. This was actually a bit new for her. She actually looked rather surprised for a moment before her face returned to its usual smile.




[color=662d91]“Is that so? Well, I can’t really deny a visit from you, can I?”[/color] She softly laughed. [color=662d91]“Alright then, that paperwork can wait. Are you hungry? I know a very good place in town.”[/color] The red haired girl nodded, having been too busy looking at the ground to notice Livia's slip up.

[hr]

Roux followed a few steps behind Livia into the small town after the headmistress had her drop the spear off. The pair walked into an italian resturant, the [i]Il Cibo[/i].




A low flat ceiling hung fancy fans, the dimmed lighting perfect for a more romantic setting, or a fancy dinner. Between ornate internal pillars were herbs and shrubs of all sorts, providing privacy between the customer groups. A set up of several magical instruments played quiet music in the background, never failing to miss a note. On the inside, there was practically a dresscode.




Behind a small counter was a well dressed man, short in stature and wide in the smile, he was the definition of a cheerful employee. Whether he had mastered the art of acting or was actually so interested in delivering good service was a mystery to everyone.




Knowing Livia as a frequent guest, the Host gave a small bow and delivered an appropriate greeting.




"Madammuzel Headmistress, I hope your day has been joyful. Would you prefer a table or a booth?" In response to that question, little Roux gave a slight tug on the Headmistress' dress.




Livia greeted the man with a friendly smile.




[color=662d91]“Indeed it has, Monsieur.”[/color] Livia replied as she felt Roux tugging on her dress. Well, she knew what the girl was concerned about. As much as she’d like to comfort Roux and get a booth…well, she couldn’t be afraid of chairs forever, could she? With a small smile, she turned to Roux, kneeling to get to the other girls level.




[color=662d91]“Now Roux,”[/color] She softly said. [color=662d91]“I know you don’t like them, but you can’t stay scared of chairs forever. I’ll be there as well, so there’s nothing to be afraid of. You’re a brave girl, aren’t you? You can conquer something as silly as a chair easily.”[/color]




The red haired girl looked down as she was chastised for her irrational fear, only managing a one quiet one word response. [color=salmon]"... no ..."[/color] She didn't feel brave, and wasn't exactly sure why Livia called her brave. What had she done to deserve such a word?




Livia continued to smile softly, turning to face the host.




[color=662d91]“A table, please. A quiet one towards the back if you don’t mind.”[/color] Livia said, not wanting to hold them up unless she had too. She then turned back to Roux.




[color=662d91]“Not brave?”[/color] Livia placed a hand on Roux’s should. It was a light one, meant for both comfort and encouragement, though if Roux wanted to remove it she could fairly easily. [color=662d91]“Roux, I don’t know where you got the idea that you’re not brave from. You’re one of the bravest girls I’ve met. Or do I need to remind you of how excellently you conquered those chairs in your home? Or the other day in The Vetement? I don’t think a girl who wasn’t brave would face what she was afraid of head on.”[/color]




Roux actually removed the hand, a little upset at Livia's cheerful insistence about her character. It was a stupid fear. She knew it was a stupid fear. It wasn't as if the chair at the place had been the thing that made her cry. Or yelled at her. Or beat her. Or r...




After a few seconds, it seemed as if the girl was entering a slight state of shock. [color=salmon]"... Please ..."[/color] The red haired girl wasn't sure if this was a response from a flashback or a plead to Livia.




The host looked at the two, wondering what was going on. "Madammuzel, is everything alright?" 




Oh dear. Not good. This had disaster written all over it. Livia frowned, but not at Roux. She turned to the waiter, before giving him a stern command.[color=662d91] “Be quiet please. If you could perform your job elsewhere for the moment. This child is having a bit of a panic attack, I fear.”[/color] That said, she dearly hoped this didn’t escalate. The chances for something going terribly wrong was great, but she could evacuate everyone herself without moving from this spot, if she had too. The host moved away, performing his job of moving new customers as far away as possible from the scene. Most of them seemed eager to be seated to eat and away from the problem, so he didn't have a hard time moving them.




She then turned back to Roux, trying to think of something she could say to the girl. How did someone handle a panic attack? Well, the first step was obvious. Not to startle them, or make any loud noises.




Honestly? For the first time in a long time…Livia was at a complete loss as to what to do. A comforting hug was out of the question. Roux would obviously not like that. She could always attempt to calm her using her magic in some way, but that felt a bit…dirty. So, Livia did what she had done best for years. She talked.




[color=662d91]“Little Roux…can you hear me?”[/color]




The girl collapsed and curled up into a ball, muttering various words beneath her breath. Images passed through her mind of this life, going earlier and earlier and earlier and ...




A few words rose out above the rambling, seeming to be the voice of Roux but not at the same time. [color=salmon]"... I can't ... I can't ..."[/color]




Well things were spiraling out of control fast. Seemed the girl was having a bit of a panic attack. Tsk. Seemed she made a bit of a mess of things. She had to resist the urge to shout some sense into the girl, but that would only make things worse. So how could she fix it?




[color=662d91]“Roux. Listen to me.”[/color] She spoke in a quiet, but firm voice. She honestly didn’t know what entirely she should be saying here. She had never really dealt with a panic attack before. She should…try to bring her out of whatever nightmare she was stuck in shouldn’t she? [color=662d91]“Whatever you’re seeing, it’s already happened, okay? You’re not there anymore.”[/color]




A few tears fell out of her eyes as Livia tried to calm her down, but some of the color started returning to her skin. Roux's arm raised as the brushed off the tears, seeming to have returned to consiousness. [color=salmon]"... but I am ..."[/color]




Despite that response, the girl managed to return to a standing position after a minute, and her quievering limbs eventually came to a stand still. Amber eyes looked up to Livia, blinking as they obvserved the older woman for a few seconds. Then the girl's stomach growled conviently, bringing up the next topic on it's own. The red haired girl looked down a little, flushing with some embarrassment.




Livia sighed. Well, at least nothing terribly bad happened.




[color=662d91]“I am sorry, Roux. I did not mean to cause you distress.”[/color] She softly said with a smile, chuckling softly as the girls stomach growled. 




[color=662d91]“Let us get that Booth then, alright? Sounds like a much better idea than those nasty old chairs, hmm?”[/color] She motioned for the waiter, to return, and told him she would like a booth instead of the table she originally had planned. The red haired girl nodded with some enthusiasm and then the Host led them towards their table. He was curious about what was going on, but it wasn't a big issue and it wasn't worth angering the headmistress to ask about it.




The pair was seated and handed their menus, and the girl's eyes went over the words before forming her own. [color=salmon]"... keeper I'm ... I'm sorry about ..."[/color] Roux's fingers started to run through her braid, seeming to play with it slightly out of nervousness.




Aside from a group of young teenage boys, probably the children of noblemen, making a small ruckus a few yards away as they seemed to start arguing about something in attempted hushed tones, the resturant was largely quiet and surprisingly calm. If there was a place to talk, this would be it.




[color=662d91]“Aha, do not worry Roux. It is fine. I should not have pushed the issue, so it is my fault. Maybe we can burn some chairs together at a later date, hmm? That might make you feel better.”[/color] She softly chuckled. Being a usual here she didn’t need to look at the menu. [color=662d91]“But that doesn’t matter. This is supposed to be a fun little outing, isn’t it? So let us enjoy this. See anything you want?”[/color]




She’d have that talk about what it meant to be a ‘god’ at a later date. For now, she had probably stressed the child a little too much with that incident.




The scarlet haired girl scanned the menu for a few minutes, nodding and pointing at an item on the menu, a meal including spicy pasta and a side salad. It wasn't overly expensive, considering all of the items she could have picked.




Roux licked her lips in anticipation, and then blushed again as she realized how rude that was.




Livia laughed softly.




[color=662d91]“No need to be embarrassed, Roux. The food here is delicious.”[/color] Livia replied. She was getting some Chicken Scarpariello herself. Of course, with some exquisite wine and a salad as well.




[color=662d91]“So, your training has been going well? I apologize for not being there myself, but Arthur knows what he is doing and running this school can be quite time consuming.”[/color]




Roux nodded, thinking for a moment before responding. [color=salmon]"... I feel like I should be progressing faster ..."[/color] In a way, she felt like as if she was failing the man who had saved her.




If Livia had been keeping up with Arthur however, she would know that this was a completely false perception of her training. The Pheonix had been progressing at a stunningly fast rate with her flames, already reaching a level of strength that would normally be possessed by a sixth year student after only 4 weeks since her first time even using the power. It wasn't difficult for her at all to blast small or medium sized targets.




So instead, her teacher had decided to start focusing on control in leiu of strength until she could handle it. Visits to the forges were part of that, and the girl had refined the spear more since her first time making it.




The red haired girl still had a long ways to go before she had reached Arthur level with that, but at the rate she was progressing it wouldn't be a surprise if she caught up to him by 20. The teenager was also clearly gifted with the spear, and Arthur would be getting the feeling that she was rusty warrior rather than a new student.




Her footwork was excellent, and it was obviously one of the better retained things from her past. If the girl wanted to, she could dodge out of blows from a vastly more experienced fighter with ease.




For both trainings though she remained relatively timid during the sparring sessions though, and she seemed to lack dedication to any blow that actually had a chance of landing.




[color=662d91]“There is such a thing as working too hard, you know.”[/color] Livia replied. [color=662d91]“No sense in over working yourself.”[/color] Not that she had a lot to talk about in that area. She could go for a long, relaxing break from work herself, really. Not that it was ever going to happen. Some things, she just couldn’t leave up to Gall to run.




[color=662d91]“From what I’ve heard, you’re doing quite well.”[/color] Her timidity aside, she was anyways. As far as she cared though, that was good. No one in her opinion, should wish to harm another with a weapon of any sort, though they should also realize that at times, one had no choice.




Another talk for later, then.




[color=662d91]“Anyways, don’t worry about it too much. You’re not going to disappoint me or Arthur. Indeed, I’m certain you’ve already impressed him a lot.”[/color]




The girl nodded uncertainly, but a small smile appeared as a result of the praise. Of course, she didn't say anything. Roux started to think back to the books she had been reading, wondering when she'd have to get some new ones. Would that mean visiting a library? Maybe she could ask later about having Livia bring her some ... It seemed as if for this moment the red head's thoughts drifted off to somewhere else, but not in a negative manner.




Livia simply smiled, and returned to her own thoughts. Well, at least everything turned out alright for the most part. Perhaps she’d maybe see someone talking to Roux about this chair problem of hers. She was no psychologist, after all. Neither was Arthur. They could help with her abilities and confidence, but…well. She supposed she could always ask Gall. The reaper usually gave sound advice.




It wasn’t long however, before the food arrived. Spicy pasta, two salads, and her own Chicken Scarpariello and a delicious looking glass of some expensive wine. She thanked the waiter, who gave a small bow and left.




Aside from a few words from Livia, and even less words from the fourteen year old, the meal went by peacefully. The food was delicious, and the slight spiciness of her own dish was enough to give the meal a kick without making it overwhelming. Other customers were served, the noble teenagers were still causing a minor ruckus, all of them trying to hide the fact that they were. They seemed to be ganging up on one of their own, failing miserably at their gestures towards ... the table Livia and Roux were sitting at. Roux could hear what they were saying, but couldn't quite put it together ...




As the two started to wrap up their meal and waited for their check, the nobleman nearest their table was suddenly pushed out by his friends, sent stumbling towards the ground. He shot them a murderous look, but proceeded to brush off his fine robe as he raised himself from the floor. His 'friends' were trying to surpress laughter to the best of their ability, delivering commanding gazes that made it very clear he would not be returning until he had accomplished his task.




The blond haired boy couldn't have been more than fifteen, but he walked over to one of the plants near a pillar. Across from Livia, Roux tossed a look over to the blond kid, gears in her minds turning as she tried to figure out what was going on.




The nobleman began to cast a spell, chanting in latin as he placed a hand on the plant. 




Well, now this was certainly…interesting. She didn’t know what this nobleman was doing, but he looked just a little suspicious. Especially since he was just in an argument with his friends. She doubted he was up to anything devious. Probably just some noble kid thinking he could get away with doing some small prank or something, and it was obvious they were his target.




Well. Two can play at that game.




Without even glancing at the other kid, Livia simply took a casual sip of her wine. At the same exact moment, the plant the kid was grabbing moved just a foot away from him.




The nobleman blinked, and tried approaching the plant again, sure his mind was playing tricks on him. At this point, his friends couldn't contain their laughter, and an explosion of laughter filled the room. A few of the other customers started looking on, wondering what exactly was happening.




As soon as the kid approached the plant, it would again move just far enough to be out of his reach. Livia, simply continued continued to drink.




The other customers by this point were laughing too, understanding what was going on. The kid refused to give up however, chasing after the plant in a mad insistence upon getting his goal. Then he tried jumping at another plant, which also seemed to be possessed and moved away.




Within five minutes the entire resturant was dying of laughter at the plant chasing noble, who by this point was running out of breath. Some of them seemed to know what was going on. It seemed like he tossed a look for mercy over to his commrades, who decided against giving him any sort of mercy. A look of concern started to cross Roux's face.




Suddenly, the plant teleported in front of the table the headmistress and the red haired child were sitting at. The wheezing nobleman seemed to make one last attempt at the plant, trying to grab it's leaves and mutter latin beneath his breath as he did so.




The plants moved back to their original locations, which at this point seemed to confuse most of the customers as well. The boy, finally realizing that the source of this could be the ... his eyes widened as he realized this was, in fact, the headmistress.




[color=662d91]“My, I’ve never seen someone dance with a plant before.”[/color] Livia mused, giving the boy a soft smile. [color=662d91]“It was quite entertaining, really. I think you could make a decent living doing it.”[/color] She teased further, emptying her wine glass before laughing.




[color=662d91]“I do apologize for putting you through that, but you really should pay more attention to who you’re messing with.”[/color]




The boy simply looked up at the headmistress, gulping as he realized that if he didn't talk fast he'd be a goner. "Headmistress ... I ... wasn't ... messing .... with .... you" the words barely came out of his mouth between ragged breaths.




Livia simply laughed more.




[color=662d91]“No need to be so cautious. I’m not angry or anything. I just needed some entertainment, really. I’ve yet to have a day off in quite a while. I perhaps did get a little carried away.”[/color] She sighed, setting the wine glass on the table.




[color=662d91]“But that doesn’t matter. What were you trying to do with that plant, hmm?”[/color]




The nobleman's cheeks started flushing, and he started to look as nervous as Roux when she first arrived. "... spell ..." Was the only audible word that managed to leave his lips. Some of the older couples in the room started to realize where this kid was going, and decided to sit back down and show the poor nobleman some mercy. The younger ones were wondering why the older ones were sitting down, and Roux simply didn't understand what was going on.




A spell? Well…that much was obvious. Did…did he want to ask Roux out? Well….Livia didn’t entirely know how she felt about that…on one hand it could be fun. On another hand, she had no clue who this boy was, and it could be dangerous. With a sigh, she gave the kid a small smile and decided to give him some mercy himself.




The plant which he had originally been attempting to use the spell on, moved back towards him, bumping into his back before sliding away a few inches.




[color=662d91]“Why don’t you show us, then?”[/color]




The boy turned around, working his magic on the plant. Roux couldn't see what was going on, but Livia would be able to tell that he was using Bratus magic to create ... flowers? The moment the first one formed, the normally civilized resturant started whistling. The boys blush only spread further as he glanced over his shoulder to take a look at the red haired girl, who by this point had an idea of what was happening.




A series of cirmson and amber roses formed, the boy spending some time creating them and perfecting them. The moment he turned around, his friends started cheering him on. And then the rest of the room did. The Host didn't mind the interuption at this point, because he was cheering too although keeping a careful watch of the situation to make sure it didn't get out of hand.




Livia simply gave him a warm smile, clapping softly as the flowers bloomed. Well, he was indeed a talented student. She decided to help him out a bit and get Roux to say something.




[color=662d91]“Roux, I’d say those are some lovely flowers. Wouldn’t you?”[/color] Still, she had to wonder what exactly the child’s intentions were. Just a friendly flower was fine, but if he was after anything more…like say, some sort of date with Roux or something…well. She’d make sure he knew his place.




The resturant silenced as the headmistress spoke, and the cheering started only for it to fall silent as they listened to hear every word from the nobleman's mouth. For a moment the kid just seemed to mutter under his breath, but now that the room was quiet he managed to muster quite the perfomance as he kneeled in front of the redhead, extending the flowers upwards. 




"I give these to you, although they are not worthy of your divine grace." In this case of course, he was referring to her looks, not her actual status as a minor diety. Roux looked up to Livia, nodding in agreement that they were in fact pretty flowers. But a look of confusion ran across her face, a flush extending down her neck. She had no idea what to do about this. The resturant started cheering though, obviously wanting a happy ending to this.




Livia looked at Roux. Well, this had turned out to be interesting. She certainly should be getting to know other people aside from her and Arthur. Perhaps this could be a good thing, then. She’d just have to be careful of this kid. Seems like she’d have to encourage Roux, though.




[color=662d91]“You should take it, Roux. It certainly is a thoughtful gift.”[/color] She quietly said to the girl.




The red haired girl nodded, gently taking the flowers from the kneeling nobleman and returning a small smile. The blond haired nobleman decided to be brave at this point and press his luck. "Would ... Would it be possible for us to meet ..." The resturant went wild, but the friend's table gasped in silence and started high fiving eachother at the possibility of having her join their group. Of course, the bullied child wasn't going to share. "... at greater leisure in the near future? ... Possibly in a more private setting?"




Of course, compared to a resturant worth's of peoples staring at you, a park would be considered private. Roux sat there, unsure of how to answer.




Okay, the flower was certainly thoughtful, but she wasn’t going to assent to such a thing so quickly. Especially with someone she didn’t know.




[color=662d91]“Now,”[/color] She replied sounding a bit stern, fixing the boy with a cool, somewhat threatening gaze. It was easy to tell she was a bit…well, cautious of the boys offer. [color=662d91]“That is a very thoughtful offer. Roux certainly could use someone her age to…play with.”[/color] She definitely could use some time other than staying alone in a room for eight hours and training with Arthur. Still, she wasn’t about to just leave her alone with him. Not when she didn’t even know the kid.




[color=662d91]“Does that sound fun to you, Roux? You certainly could use some time aside from training.”[/color]




Due to Livia's encouragement, Roux nodded. The resturant exploded in cheers, those with drinks tapping glasses and returning to their own buisness. After exhanging pleasantries and arranging a 'play date' the following week with the Headmistress, the nobleman left to his friends both cheering him on and feeling extremely jealous.




He never actually gave our his name. Livia and him had agreed on a time, a place, and he seemed to understand the fact that they weren't going to be completely alone.




As he left, Roux looked up to Livia, the confusion returning to her face. [color=salmon]"... what ... what just happened ...?"[/color]




Livia simply laughed.




[color=662d91]“Really, Roux. I do believe you’ve just made your first friend.”[/color] Livia replied. Yes, this was probably a good thing indeed. Roux needed someone to hang out with that was her own age. Perhaps she should think about getting her into Montagne after all…[/hider]
[hider=First Incarnation]It was a calm day, mostly quiet. She had taken some time off today for one very specific thing. And that was to talk to both Arthur and Iravis about the ‘definition’ of godhood, and what it meant to be a ‘god’. No doubt it would become relevant sooner rather than later, and she very much didn’t want to delay talking about it any further. However, she also didn’t wish to go ahead and talk about it without consulting Arthur first. It was common courtesy, after all. They were both sort of her guardians, and even though he had went ahead with that training without consulting her first, she wasn’t going to be as petty as to do something like that herself.




So she had called Arthur to her office to discuss exactly that. How exactly they should approach this. It was a bit of a delicate subject, after all. She wanted to steer Roux towards the path of a loving, nonviolent god. That would be best for everyone, and if she could steer her down that path…then perhaps there was just enough of a chance that she could also get Sorcha and her to reconcile at a later date. 




Thoughts for later, however. For now, she should speak with Arthur.




[color=662d91]“Well, glad you could make it on time, Arthur.”[/color] She said to the pyromancer, her back to him as she watched a few students from the window. She turned walking to the seat behind her desk. [color=662d91]“Apologies for calling you here on such short notice, but I need to discuss something with you that I feel will become relevant sooner rather than later.”[/color] She poured herself some tea from a pot, sliding it and an empty cup over to Arthur, letting him have some if he wanted it.




[color=662d91]“A rather sensitive subject, I think, especially for Roux.”[/color] She took a sip of the tea before continuing. [color=662d91]“And that is what exactly it means to be a god. I feel as though I should consult you on this matter, since we are both her guardians.”[/color] Livia fell silent, waiting for Arthur to reply.




Arthur had been called to the headmistress' office. And now he was sitting in the chair he had become rather aquainted with lately again, listening to Livia's words while he poured himself a cup of tea.

[color=maroon]"Seems fair enough."[/color] Arthur said before taking his first sip of tea. [color=maroon]"So what's your plan?"[/color] Arthur asked.




[color=662d91]“That is what I wanted to talk to you about.”[/color] She replied. [color=662d91]“I was going to take her someplace where we could quietly discuss without interruption. Here is no good, I suppose we could do it at her home, though.”[/color] She continued, before shaking her head. [color=662d91]“But that doesn’t matter at the moment. I simply would like to inform her that a god, is a being that should care for all manner of life. Even those that do not worship and directly oppose it. A being that uses violence in a last resort, and that her flames are meant to protect and help people. Not to harm them.”[/color] She finished with a sigh.




[color=662d91]“Perhaps I am being rather dramatic, but that is simply what I would wish to convey to her.”[/color]




Arthur listened, before saying [color=maroon]"Perhaps."[/color], almost a whisper to himself.




Livia simply gave Arthur a somewhat unimpressed look.




[color=662d91]“No opinion at all? Input? You do in fact, spend more time with her than I do, so I would expect you would know the best way to approach this.”[/color]




Arthur sat there quietly for the most part. His mind was elsewhere, taken away by Livia's train of thought.

[color=maroon]"Sorry. But I feel the need to ask, does a god need to care for all manner of life? I'm not saying murdering anything that the god in question doesn't agree with. But there are people out there who shouldn't be protected. People who do in fact need to pay for their actions. Should a god love them?"[/color] Arthur questioned, no hint of humor in his voice.




[color=662d91]“Well, certainly. But I'm not talking about those people, though personally I would dislike killing anyone unless I must."[/color] Livia replied. [color=662d91]"I am talking about the other people. Those who might disagree with them, or hold different beliefs? Or need I remind you what one of Roux's past lives has done in regards to killing hundreds of innocent men, women, and children?”[/color]




A slight grin found its way to Arthur's face, even if it was uncalled for. He couldn't even understand why. [color=maroon]"You can't say everyone and then cut a part out of it and ignore it."[/color] Arthur said, [color=maroon]"And of course killing others just because of something like faith is rude, be you god or mortal."[/color]




Really.




That was what he was going to say?




[color=662d91]“Oh you know what I meant, you insufferable man.”[/color] She replied with a huff, giving him a mildly annoyed look. [color=662d91]“Besides, where did I even say that a god shouldn’t kill, when it’s necessary? I was simply saying that a god should take into account more than just the immediate situation, or something other than petty arguments or grievances into account. More than just her own emotions.”[/color]




Arthur merely shrugged at the mention of his inability to be suffered. It was an art form.

[color=maroon]"Then it seems we're in agreement. Killing random people equals bad, killing bad people equals reasonable. What's next on the agenda Headmistress Fiore?"[/color] the man asked, clearly enojoying himself at this point.




Arthur’s loose concept of ‘bad’ was more than a little annoying. Concepts such as good and evil were irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Still, such an argument would likely be as pointless as trying to put out a fire with grease.




[color=662d91]“While I do not share your sentiments on the ‘killing bad people is reasonable’, I suppose that is alright.”[/color] She replied with a sigh. [color=662d91]“The next thing I think, is that we should discuss this with Roux. What do you think would be the best way to do it?"[/color]




[color=maroon]"I think the best way to tell her, would be to sit in a room with her. And tell her. And if she listens then that is good, and if she doesn't then she wasn't going to regardless. Simple isn't it?"[/color] Arthur said, his voice an odd combination of serious and joking.




[color=662d91]“You do no really understand, Arthur. If she doesn’t listen then we must find a way to teach or make her listen.”[/color] She replied, shaking her head. [color=662d91]“But I suppose you are right. We should at least tell her and see how she reacts first.”[/color]




[hr]




As expected, Roux was reading happily on her bed, dressed in the clothes she designed herself. A Phoenix decorated the cover, apparently written by an academic mage who had sought to learn as much as possible about the mythical creature.




It was odd though, reading a history book over two hundred years old with the subject matter as yourself. Still though, education was helpful.




What wasn't expected was a blond nobleman laying down to her right, reading on about a different subject. Both of them seemed so utterly engaged that it probably would have taken the apocalypse occuring outside for either of them to notice Sir Wick or Livia entering.




It didn’t take Livia or Arthur long to reach Roux’s home. It looked like she was currently having a reading session with her new friend. A small smile formed on Livia’s lips, but they were here on business, so for now, he would have to leave.




[color=662d91]“Ahem,”[/color] Livia cleared her throat, knocking on the door rather loudly to get both of their attention. 




[color=662d91]“Having fun, Roux?”[/color] Livia asked. [color=662d91]“I apologize for the intrusion, but Arthur and I would like to speak to you about something.”[/color] She looked over to the nobleman, giving him a small smile.




Arthur was standing behind Livia, though not for long. He was then in little Red's room, leaning himself up against a patch of wall. [color=maroon]"Alone if you two don't mind."[/color] The teacher said nodding towards the boy.




The nobleman nodded, blushed, and grabbed his book. He contemplated doing something for his month long friend, but instead settled for waving goodbye, which Roux returned after a few seconds.




Then the red haired girl looked down to the floorboards, a blush running across her cheeks. It was fairly embarassing to have her keepers find her like this. [color=salmon]"... I enjoy my books and ...  talk about what...?"[/color] She had improved a bit more with another month of recovey, almost able to form complete sentences. The young teenager moved to sitting on the edge of her bed, kicking her legs back and forth as she waited for them to explain.




Livia simply eyed the boy as he left. She was warming up to the lad ever so slowly, but she was still a little cautious of him. As long as he wasn’t causing trouble, she would allow them to be alone together. One whiff of trouble though, and he’d find himself…well, removed from the academy.




Livia took a seat on Roux’s bed, a enough room between the two of them to be somewhat close, but hopefully wouldn’t make the girl feel uncomfortable. Livia hummed for a moment. There really was no easy way to address this…so she simply got right to the point.




[color=662d91]“Do you know what a ‘god’ is, Roux?”[/color] The one she was speaking to nodded in response, wondering where this was going.




[color=662d91]“Oh? Well, then perhaps you can tell me what you think they are then.”[/color]




After a moment of thought, the girl responded. [color=salmon]"... powerful beings ... worthy of being worshipped ... like Ra ..."[/color] The girl muttered the words out one after another, thinking of a good definition to give out.




The girls answer wasn’t wrong, though it wasn’t the answer she was hoping for. There was a chance this conversation could go horribly if she wasn’t careful.




Hmm…




[color=662d91]”Aha, well. That’s certainly true.”[/color] She replied. [color=662d91]“Indeed, one must be strong to be a god. But is that all, that makes a god what they are?”[/color]




The red haired girl pondered for a moment, considering what Livia could be getting at. [color=salmon]"... They bless the good and punish the immoral ... gods have that right ..."[/color] A more moral standpoint.




[color=662d91]“Do they, though, Roux?”[/color] Livia replied. [color=662d91]“Does a god truly have a right to be judge, jury, and executioner?”[/color] Perhaps it was a bit too large of a concept for a child to grasp at the moment, but she continued anyways. [color=662d91]“Does a god have a right to decide what is moral or immoral? Would you say they could kill someone simply for believe differently than they do?”[/color]




Arthur had kept his head down, staring at the floor while his hat concealed his face. [color=maroon]"And what if a person is immoral? Do they have the right then or does the person with death itself behind them think nobody should die?"[/color] Arthur said casually without raising his head. He was mostly just saying that for the sake of arguing at that point, but Livia really shouldn't believe she was the one in control because nobody was, Arthur just wanted to prove that.




Livia shot Arthur a bit of a glare.




[color=662d91]“Immorality, cannot be simply defined by one person and one person alone. Or a god, for that matter. Would you say killing someone to protect your family is immoral, Arthur? Would you say a woman who sells herself for money, is immoral if it’s what she truly wishes, or has to do? It’s close minded to think your way of reasoning and thinking is ever the only acceptable and correct one.”[/color] She sighed, this was getting a little off topic, but she couldn’t exactly say she was going to let it go so easily.




[color=662d91]“And Death comes for all, eventually, Arthur, no matter what one may do to preserve it. But this doesn’t matter. What do you think, Roux?”[/color]




[color=salmon]"... gods judge mortal souls ... they choose morality then ..."[/color] Roux looked up at Livia, eyes suggesting that this was not a fact to be debated, and that she absolutlely believed it to be true.




Livia looked at Roux with an equally stern gaze, suggesting that this wasn’t a universal law at all.




[color=662d91]“Hm…well, if that is true, Roux…then by judgements of some gods, I should probably be dead.”[/color] She replied rather sternly. Honestly, she had never interacted with the gods – much. She had met…a few divine beings in her rather short life. She wasn’t fond of them, to be honest. In fact, you could say if there was one thing in this life she hated, it was them.




She had received a rather dangerous threat from a god once. Something about her misusing the souls of the dead. She hadn’t really been paying attention a lot about that one.




[color=662d91]“So you consider me to be a bad person, then Roux?”[/color]




Roux looked to the side. It was clear that she had a thought, but chose against saying it. Instead different words came out of her mouth. [color=salmon]"... mortal hearts turn quickly ..."[/color]




[color=662d91]“That is not what I asked, Roux.”[/color] Livia replied, voice growing much sterner, an air of seriousness to it. [color=662d91]“If a god, any of them, said I was immoral and that I am a bad person…would you agree with them? Would you blindly follow them and their decision? Would you consider me a bad person, then? And I will not be having you lie or dodge the question – you will answer truthfully.”[/color]




The crimson haired girl turned her head towards Livia, amber eyes looking towards the floorboards, tears forming in her eyes.




Arthur sighed, this wasn't going to end well. Better he be the one in the firing line at least, little Red wasn't old enough for this kind of conversation.

[color=maroon]"Livia, stop."[/color] Arthur said sternly. He didn't get to be stern often, inside he was actually a bit giddy.




Livia shot Arthur a gaze that would have made an enraged Oni think twice about interrupting her.




[color=662d91]“Arthur. You have a concern?”[/color] She was hoping the foolish man wouldn’t have interrupted, but it was fine if she did.




[color=662d91]“I would like to hear her answer.”[/color] She continued. [color=662d91]“Whatever the answer is, I will not be upset. If she believes me to be a bad person, then that is that. I cannot change her mind. In fact, I would rather know now rather than later. You think I will kick her out or something? I would feel more insulted if she was merely pretending to like me.”[/color]




Arthur merely shrugged, [color=maroon]"Did I say why? Your going too hard at it, and talking too much."[/color] Arthur would raise his head and look over at Roux, [color=maroon]"It's okay. Livia doesn't lie, at least I've not caught her in any. Please speak your mind, it's the only way to get this over with."[/color] Arthur would then return to look at the floor, letting his red hat hide his thoughts.




 [color=salmon]"... Four thousand years ago, I too had a mortal soul filled with magic. I challenged the gods ..."[/color] A few seconds passed, the Phoenix thinking about what she should say next. [color=salmon]"... They brought my sins forward. Many have been slain because of my sins were brought to light. Wrath ..."[/color] She shook, terror filling her veins. [color=salmon]"If I ever manage to enter the Duat, I know my heart is far heavier than a feather."[/color] When her eyes met Livia's, they were colored brown.




[color=662d91]“Roux…”[/color] Livia quietly replied. 




Those eyes seemed different. She couldn’t say…what, exactly, but they didn’t seemed to be of that girls she was previous speaking too. Not to mention, her entire manner of speaking was off. Roux was rarely able to form three complete sentence.




Still, even if she suspected something, she wasn’t just going to make a huge deal out of it. If this was a memory or something from her past lives, then she would treat her the same.




[color=662d91]“Perhaps in a previous life, you were a terrible person. But you are not your past lives, are you? You are you. And I am certain if you were to be judged for your sins, you would be found lighter than a feather.”[/color] She smiled.




Arthur listened. Of course, he was lucky enough to have enough free time to partake in things like video games. And books. And random internet hijinks. Regardless he knew the cues. [color=maroon]"Livia, when was the last time Red here remembered a single piece of her memory coherently?"[/color]

Arthur internally was jumping with glee, not only did he get to be stern, but he also got to be smart. That's two things he wasn't allowed to be often enough.

[color=maroon]"So my question is, who exactly are we talking with now, because at the moment it doesn't sound much like little Red?"[/color] Arthur asked casually, as if such a thing happening was common.




The brown eyed girl tilted her head, letting off a seemingly mischevious smile as she decided to allow the pair of teachers some conjecture, jumping off the bed in a spin and looking out the window.




[color=662d91]“Tsk. You really think I wasn’t going to notice, Arthur?”[/color] She said to him. [color=662d91]“If I would hazard a guess, I would assume we are speaking to Roux’s first life, here.”[/color] There wasn’t much else that it could be, aside from another previous life. At any rate, Livia was not too concerned with it. 




In fact, she was curious. She hadn’t felt this…compelled in a long while to learn something.




[color=662d91]“Not that it truly matters. Indeed, I’m actually rather quite curious as to your thoughts on this matter, whoever you are.”[/color]




The one who was possibly not Roux shrugged. [color=salmon]"... A question for a question. A fair trade?"[/color] She spun around, facing them now.




[color=662d91]“Indeed, that seems fair.”[/color] Livia replied.




[color=salmon]"Fair enough. As the senior, I will go first."[/color] So she answered their question.




In ancient egyptian. Based on the amount of time it took for her to finish speaking, she had provided quite the answer. A smile spread across her face, proud of having won her little clever game.




[color=salmon]"My turn..."[/color]




Arthur looked up at this girl. [color=maroon]"Clever, but if your going to be answering in some dead tongue then Livia will too, and then I'll be sitting here having no idea what you two are saying and neither of you would be better off. So let's just ignore and put away the stupidity for a moment and have some basic kindness."[/color] Arthur interrupted. He was staring at this not quite Red. Brown eyes. Roux had amber, and they were gold when she got angry. Arthur couldn't help but wonder if there were more hues waiting to be found.




[color=salmon]"Tell me, what is the difference between the heart, the mind, and the soul? Me and Roux share the same soul, so if I reach the scales, who's crimes will be weighed?"[/color]




Livia actually seemed rather amused by the girls reply, and question. Oh, that’s how she wanted to play this game, hmm? How adorable. She would engage in a battle of wits with this entity, then? She had to say she was getting more and more curious as to this personality.




However, now wasn’t the time for that. She had just been posed a rather…delicious question. A small smile formed on her lips as she pondered the answer for a moment. It wasn’t a simple answer, but it wasn’t a hard one.




[color=662d91]“I shall have my little spirits remember your words, and perhaps brush up on my ancient Egyptian, but regarding your question…”[/color] She paused, thinking about her reply for only a moment.




[color=662d91]“The heart? Well, in my experience it is what drives humans to accomplish their desires”[/color] She replied. [color=662d91]“The mind is what makes a person who they are. Defines how they go about things. The soul…could be considered the very being of a person. Their true nature that not even the heart nor the mind can cloud.”[/color] She smiled.




[color=662d91]“So in that regard…if you were weighed, all of your lives would be taken into account. But what would you define as a crime, hmm? Even the worst atrocities can be committed with the best of intentions. I know that all…to well.”[/color] Livia replied with a small laugh, though she didn’t elaborate.




[color=662d91]“But…perhaps, because you reincarnate your soul isn’t the same as the last, hmm? After all, you change ever so slightly with each one, do you not? Wouldn’t that change your soul as well? Perhaps if you do make it to the scales…perhaps, as they say, a miracle will occur or some such, and [i]all[/i] your individual souls will be weighed as separate people. Who can say? None of us here have truly ever died, so who can say for certain, hmm?”[/color]




The brown eyed woman nodded. [color=salmon]"Not a bad answer. If we are going to continue talking though, you're going to have to bring some drinks in here ..."[/color] She looked down at her body, eyes widening a bit. [color=salmon]"... how many years have passed for this incarnation, exactly?"[/color]




Arthur chimed in, [color=maroon]"I'd like to ask a question as well, and for good measure I'll answer one now. As far as I can tell, about fourteen or so? No older than sixteen, no younger than thirteen. Livia could you get some drinks?"[/color] Arthur was grinning, he loved this kind of thing. Best part was when he got to be both coy and blunt at the flip of a coin, made it more fun.




[color=662d91]“Ordering me around now, are you Arthur?”[/color] Livia replied, giving him a small smile. [color=662d91]“Do not forget who your boss is.”[/color] A black, skeletal messenger spirit surfaced in the room, and Livia waved it off, bowing before it left the way it came, going back to Livia’s home to fetch a bottle of the best wines she had.




She didn’t like younger children drinking, but well, the opportunity for information was just too great for her to pass up.




[color=662d91]“The drinks shall be here shortly. My lovely little spirit shall not be long.”[/color]




The oldest woman curtsied towards the pyromancer, gesturing for him to continue.




Arthur stood there for a moment. Then he finally got around to saying, [color=maroon]"I don't actually know what to ask. No, wait, got a question. How's your day going?"[/color]




Livia’s jaw opened slightly, the woman fumbling with words for a moment before she regained her composure.




[color=662d91]“Really Arthur? You can ask this person any question you want…and you waste one on its day? Such a wasteful question. Have you no desire to learn? For knowledge? For discovering some hidden secret that has been long forgotten?”[/color]




Livia realized that she had gotten a bit carried away.




[color=662d91]“Ahem, apologies, but really…such a question is rather wasteful.”[/color]




The brown eyed woman raised an eyebrow at Arthur, and then actually started laughing when Livia berated him. [color=salmon]"Honestly? I was enjoying my book. At least this incarnation was."[/color] A few seconds went by as the woman seemed to think about what to ask next. [color=salmon]"Let us continue then, but to make it fair we both keep to this language."[/color]




Arthur returned to looking downward, mostly to hide his ever expanding grin. [color=maroon]"I have plenty desire to learn, and I learned that Red was having a good day. I don't need to be the magus supreme armed with the secrets of a dead race or anything. I'll give the turn to you Livia, maybe you can show me what kind of questions should be geting asked eh? Not before answering more deep and meaningful questions though. If anyone wants to know the time or the weather though I call dibs."[/color]




The brown eyed goddess seemed to pout at this, frowning slightly. [color=salmon]"The blessed of Ra always care for life. Your fire burns."[/color] A gesture towards the woman. [color=salmon]"This woman though? Nothing."[/color]




Nothing? Hah, she wasn’t entirely sure what she meant by that, but it mattered not.




[color=662d91]“Trying to say that I am empty and have no care for life,”[/color] Livia chuckled, though it wasn’t a question. [color=662d91]“Quite rude, I think, but it matters not.”[/color] Livia hummed silently, thinking of some question she could possibly ask.




Something relevant to her interests.




[color=662d91]“…how does one kill a god?”[/color] She asked after a moment. [color=662d91]“Surely as an immortal goddess you have some insight into it.”[/color] She asked, a small smile forming on her lips. [color=662d91]“And do not tell me it cannot be done. I have seen it happen. Twice, actually. Minor gods. Nothing like Thor, Odin, or your precious Ra, or that silly Jackal that is angry with me for messing with souls of the dead.”[/color] She paused for a moment as the spirit brought back several bottles of wine and three glasses for them to drink from.




It sat the bottles on the ground, while Livia took the glasses from it before it disappeared.




[color=662d91]“For a normal human…killing a god would be quite the feat. Even a minor one, if they are at their peak power. Certainly there has to be ways to make it…easier?”[/color] Even with her abilities, she would never stand a chance against an actual god if they wanted to as they say, smite, her.




The woman shrugged. [color=salmon]"Killing a god? Honestly, overwhelming [i]fire[/i]power usually does the trick."[/color] She smiled at her rather lame pun, then countinued. [color=salmon]"Realisticly? It's easier with non-magical methods. A sword of adamantium in the hands of a hero, or a spear with bathed in the blood of an upstart would be a better choice."[/color] She seemed to pause as if thinking about elaborating, but then decided not to. The glass of wine passed her lips, the fourteen year old's body taking in the liquor.




Arthur peeled himself away form the wall long enough to grab a bottle of wine, glasses were too boring and drinking from bottles was more fun anyways. Returning to his leaning postion the pyromancer said eagerly, [color=maroon]"Any good questions for me?"[/color]




The woman nodded, deciding to ask them a question in return after taking another sip of the wine. [color=salmon]"Are you two dating, and if not, why?"[/color] Changing the pace of such a session was always fun.




[color=662d91]“No, because he’s an insufferable idiot who acts before thinking.”[/color] Livia quickly replied, barely even letting the goddess finish.




Arthur laughed, not long or hard, but he did. [color=maroon]"Rather be an idiot. At least I don't overstep my bound- Actually nevermind I do do that. But at least I know better than to think I have control over the things happening around me."[/color] Arthur took a swig from his bottle, [color=maroon]"And how dare you steal that question, I wanted to answer it."[/color] Arthur remained leaning against the wall, letting silence settle for a moment before saying, [color=maroon]"Don't suppose you or any of the ones that came after ever met someone called Ethan, fallen angel, black wings, likes spears?"[/color] Arthur mused. Of course he doubted it was likely but might as well get the out there questions out of the way first then move on to the more pressing ones. Also gave Arthur time to figure out what the pressing questions actually were.




The goddess shook her head no, although a bit sadly. Feeling his fire, she could tell that was something personal. Another sip of the wine. [color=salmon]"What are your-"[/color] A finger pointed towards Livia, [color=salmon]"-feelings about Roux, the current version of me? In detail."[/color]




A small smile formed on Livia’s lips.




[color=662d91]“In detail? My my, that’s quite the request.”[/color] She replied, taking a sip of the wine herself. [color=662d91]“Such a complicated question. One with an answer two people here might not like, but I am not one to lie. Concern. Fear. Anger. Hate. A little of everything, I think.”[/color] She took another sip of the wine, formulating a better response for the goddess.




[color=662d91]“She is a good child. A little…conflicted. Some gentle steering down the right path is all she needs. Hence the start of this little discussion about what it means to be a ‘god’. I think she could have great potential, even potential to undo all the past sins you or your other lives may have committed.”[/color] Livia sighed as she continued. [color=662d91]“Concerned…perhaps because as someone who is unable to have children themselves, I think of her as my own even if that thought is rather silly. Anger, for what one of her past lives has supposedly done to one of my dear friends. Hate…simply because I do not like arrogant fools who strut about and claim divinity. She has yet to do such a thing, but I feel it perhaps may be inevitable.”[/color] She took another sip, fixing ‘Roux’ with a rather harsh glare.




[color=662d91]“Fear…because if she does become some arrogant, vengeful god who does nothing other than kill for petty vengeance and other useless reasons,”[/color] She sighed. [color=662d91]“Then I am fearful of what she could do, and the fact that I will kill her with my own hands, if I must.”[/color] She took another sip of wine, as if what she just said wasn’t a huge deal at all.




[color=662d91]“I do hope that is good enough for an answer.”[/color]




A bow of her head told the other woman it was her turn, and the goddess drank again from the wineglass. At this point she stopped standing, instead jumping onto the bed and rolling around in the sheets, giggling slightly. Somehow, the wineglass in her hand did not spill during any of this. It was almost as if the answer didn't matter to her, and she was simply wanting to make Livia feel a little uncomfortable.




Livia didn’t seem entirely disturbed at all by the girls’ question. Or rather, if she was, she wasn’t showing it.




[color=662d91]“Hmm...”[/color] Livia sighed, taking a drink from the wine. She was a little disappointed. It wasn't often one got to speak with someone as...old as this. [color=662d91]“I'm rather disappointed, if I must be honest. You're not giving me any difficult questions at all. But ah well, Tis my turn.”[/color] She mused, tapping a finger against her glass. Earlier when she had asked her first question, Arthur had so conveniently decided to interrupt, he had asked a question as well.




Which meant, there was also a very good chance that the girl answered his questions instead of hers.




[color=662d91]“Well…since I can’t be sure whose question you answered earlier when you pulled your little Egyptian speak on us, I think I will ask again, just to be entirely sure. Do you think gods truly decide what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’? What is moral and immoral? You may be a little biased, but I would still love to hear your answer regardless.”[/color]




The goddess held up a finger, looking up and thinking of the best way to explain this. [color=salmon]"This is more complicated than you imagine. A twenty year old man in this age would be considered immoral for intercourse with a fourteen year old, correct?"[/color] Her tone suggested that this was a somewhat honest question.




[color=662d91]“Indeed, they would be by the majority.”[/color] Livia replied.




[color=salmon]"When I travelled for my performances though, that occured more than once. Would you consider those men immoral for the same reasons?"[/color] The Phoenix spoke, a slightly philosphical tone coming across.




Arthur kept his head down, he feared that if his smiled had grown any larger he would actually get hurt from it.

This was actually fun to listen to, Livia trying her hardest, not Red being clever. Arthur chimed in, [color=maroon]"No. I may not agree with them but what is right or wrong varies between groups and time. That fact has always been the case. Mind if I ask a question now?"[/color]




[color=maroon]"I'm thinking, well, talking to myself inside my head, and I'm finding it rather annoying to keep saying not Red, so... what's your name? Or assuming it is something no sane person could pronounce in this time and age then what would you prefer to be called?"[/color]




[color=662d91]“Arthur…was that question not directed at me?"[/color] Livia frowned, fixing Arthur with a bit of a glare.




[color=662d91]“But indeed. I would not.”[/color] She said, turning back to Roux. [color=662d91]“What is considered Immoral or Moral varies between cultures, groups, and religions. Which is why the gods ever deciding what is solely moral or immoral, is completely ridiculous. Judging someone to be sinful from their own selfish perspective, is folly."[/color]




First, the goddess answered Arthur's question. [color=salmon]"The heavens call me Iravis Ustrina, so that is probably the most appropriate name if you are addressing this soul."[/color] Maybe she was drunk, but she didn't end up considering this to be a question.




She turned to Livia, a more stern look on her face. When she ended up speaking, her tone was insulted. [color=salmon]"And of course, the gods don't change either, and the pantheons don't divide their territory to compensate for that. When one passes into the beyond, they usually choose to go to their 'home', so you won't have some hedonistic viking ending up attempting the Duat."[/color] The woman was rolling her eyes, but she ended up rising from the bed, falling down in her drunken state, then heading over to a drawer.




The goddess opened it, scrambling to find something inside of it, with a book and fifteen bottles of Phoenix tears falling onto the bed pointlessly. After a few moments, she seemed to pull out a necklace with a metal cylinder at the bottom along with two small human figurines on the side, the bases of them inscribed with egyptian script. [color=salmon]"It always amazes me how much I remember. It's quite obvious Roux cares about you."[/color] The brown eyed woman approached Livia, tossing her the necklace.




Livia listened quietly. She didn’t really learn anything she hadn’t already contemplated herself in her own studies years ago. Plus, having the Grand Lich of the Reapers as her familiar, earned her some very valuable insight into the nature of the soul.




What she wasn’t expecting, though, was what this ‘Iravis’ was currently handing her. She caught the necklace, and looked at it. She had seen similar things before, though never in person. Descriptions, usually, in a dusty old tome.




[color=662d91]“This is…”[/color]




One of the very few times in her life, Livia was genuinely speechless, and said nothing to the woman.




[color=662d91]“I…see…”[/color] Was the only word she was able to manage in reply.




The woman shrugged, spinning around to place the things away she had taken out. Perhaps they didn't care about the fact that Roux had continued to produce the vials despite the fact that it was no longer neccessary. The woman jumped back onto the bed, looking towards the floorboards. More wine entered her body as the liquid passed her lips. [color=salmon]"My turn. I feel like I'm missing some plot though, so I'm curious. Why did you seek this incarnation out in the first place?"[/color]




Arthur took another long swig. He was starting to feel it, but he considered himself rather capable of holding his spirits.

[color=maroon]"Oh that's an easy one. Livia here has a dragon of a friend who wanted you dead, and she sent me to do it. Course I couldn't go killing any kids so instead we decided to not throw any younglings to their certain doom. Right Livia?"[/color] Arthur laughed.




Livia sighed at Arthur’s rather…limited explanation.




[color=662d91]“I have a friend, who is indeed a dragon. Ages ago, one of your reincarnations slaughtered hundreds of innocent men, women, and children simply because they didn’t want any competition for their god. This was…around the first crusades, I believe. You won’t find any record of it in history books, but if you know where you are looking…you can find evidence of the events. I intended to bring the phoenix so she could answer for what she had done, but…”[/color] Livia took a drink from the wine glass.




[color=662d91]“Instead of a power hungry phoenix, we found an abused child. I was not about to throw her to an enraged dragon.”[/color]




The red haired girl lifted her face after they had finished talking, cheeks flushed from drinking the wine. After a few moments, the glass rolled off her fingertips and shattered against the floor. Amber eyes looked back at the two of them, tears filling them up. [color=salmon]"... oh ..."[/color]




The two of them had meant to kill her for their friend. Of course they did. No one risked their lives to save anothers. Little Roux's eyes returned to the floorboards, and then she planted her face into the bed, sobbing.




The only reason they'd taken her in was pity.




Arthur jumped into action in less than a second. He was on the bed, comforting the girl in one of the best ways he knew, giving her a hug. Not a fierce one that would be given to a brother on a battlefiled, nor a tender one given to a lover, but a soft hug given to one's child.

[color=maroon]"Tis alright little Red. Tis alright."[/color]




The red haired girl tried to push away, but there was no strength in it. Tears countinued to roll down her face, soaking Arthur's shirt. [color=salmon]"... get ... out ..."[/color] Anger tried to fill her voice, but only saddness ended up speaking.




Livia had figured that question was a trap to say the least. If Arthur hadn’t opened his big mouth she could have danced around it, or at least worded it more delicately. Next time, if she ever got to meet with this person, she was going to make sure Arthur kept his damn mouth shut. He didn’t have the mental ability to outsmart one hundreds of years older than he.




[color=662d91]"Roux…”[/color] She began quietly. Perhaps it was better to go ahead and get this out of the way, however. But what could she say here? A hug wasn’t something Roux liked, but leaving would probably be just as bad, if not worse.




[color=662d91]“I’m…not going to lie, Roux. What you heard was the truth. Did we take you in out of pity? I suppose if you want to call it that, we can.”[/color] She continued with a sigh, falling silent for a few moments. [color=662d91]“Honestly, I’m unsure what I can say. It’s a rare feeling, for one such as I, especially since I have been rendered mostly speechless twice in the past few minutes.”[/color]




Livia looked at the necklace she was holding, bringing it up to her eye level.




[color=662d91]“Even after you made this for me, Roux. Here I am upsetting you. I suppose I am a terrible person after all, aren’t I?”[/color]




Arthur spoke, sharply, [color=maroon]"Livia, your not a bad person. You aren't suited for this though. Leave. I on the other hand with remain here, remain quiet, and do nothing whatsoever."[/color] Arthur would then twist himself around so that he could lay on the bed and sat there staring at the ceiling, one arm postioned perfectly to allow someone to cradle into it.




[color=662d91]“Hmph, not suited for it? This entire situation is because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut and think about your words when you were conversing with someone who is clearly your intellectual superior.”[/color] Livia rather, harshly snapped, before her own eyes fell to the floor.




Perhaps he was right though. Maybe she wasn’t cut out for this entire thing. She had thought she had been doing rather well, but…perhaps she wasn’t? Or maybe this was just a onetime thing where she could do nothing? She hated that, but she supposed there wasn’t anything she could do about it.




[color=662d91]“I…apologize, Arthur. That was a bit uncalled for.”[/color] She shook her head, and laid the necklace on the bed, she looked over to Roux. [color=662d91]“I suppose…I will leave then. Once…perhaps if you feel better, and if you forgive us for this, I’ll be more deserving of this…”[/color]




And with that, Livia headed for the door as a messenger spirit grabbing all of the wine bottles and glasses, before taking them back to wherever they came from.




Roux sat there, laying up for a few moments. Arthur's fire was warm. It was comforting. It was like life itself. After a few minutes, she fell over into's Arthur's offered cradle. Tears rolling down her eyes.




Ten minutes afterwards, the Phoenix recovered her composure. Little Roux stood up, grabbed the spear on the wall. [color=salmon]"... Let's go ..."[/color] She refused to be something taken pity on. 




[color=maroon]"Why of course."[/color] Arthur said.




When they trained that day, amber eyes somehow seemed brighter than normal, and yet filled with pain.[/hider]