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Cuyler looked at a retreating Rainbrook and then back at Arya and her shock. Realization finally dawned on him with her acceptance and he couldn’t help but laugh. He took her face into his hands and kissed her deeply.
”Oh Ayra,” he whispered. As he spoke further, his strong accent faded a bit so he was easier to understand. ”I am thrilled to hear you so readily accept but, I don’t even have a ring for you. Not yet. I wish to speak to Rowland first. Atkin as well though I must admit I will still ask you properly even if Atkin does not give me his approval.” It wasn’t that Cuyler didn’t value Atkin’s approval, it would mean much to him but he knew there was some tension between them that may prevent it.
”We will marry Arya, but let’s see about getting you a bit better first. Alright?”

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Had the roles somehow reversed? When did Lyra become the bitter one and Amarantha become the fierce protector of the royals. Yes, Lyra bore her punishment physically well but her words suggested otherwise. It was a bit surprising to Amarantha that Lyra would speak in such a way. It was borderline disrespectful but it wasn’t inappropriate either.
Amarantha’s gaze shifted from the Queen and her former personal guard to look over Luna, who was doing the same and then at Myrus again as he addressed her. She raised her right eyebrow and quirked her lips into a hidden smile. She was half-tempted to listen to him. One should not challenge a demon. Myrus, the supposed monster, then started running but didn’t get very far until he dropped. Amarantha’s stance shifted as she relaxed. She looked over at the Queen, watching her demeanor to see if any signs of the Sickenesse started to show itself. The first stage had limited symptoms, ones that wouldn’t be quite visible if Amarantha remembered correctly.
”Your Highness, it seems you are in need of a new guard. I will have a few sent for your approval and I do believe it is high time the Prince has a guard as well. One that is suited for his, extraordinary needs. In the meantime, I will accompany you today.” She spoke as she eyed up the unconscious prince on the floor.
Amarantha looked over at Titan and smirked. She nodded towards the Prince after Luna’s words.
”Go on. Retrieve the Prince and take him to Princess’s Luna’s bedroom, as per her request,” she said, rather enjoying the look of disbelief and nervousness on Titan’s face as he looked between Myrus on the floor and his commander. Amarantha trusted Luna’s judgement and therefore had no problems with the Prince retiring to her room. The Prince clearly needed his family and comfort and Luna had a pressing matter that would show him he wasn’t the only monster. Not that Amarantha thought her friend was anything close to the disgusting term.
”You may accompany them Skoai, and your servant as well if you wish it. Titan will be in the room watching. For all of your safety,” Amarantha said, using her words carefully to not upset or show that she was skirting around the Queen’s words. Titan knew the basics of Luna, nothing specific but if she was about to tell her brother of her mental state, she would need further protection.
They still had the afternoon to prepare for this evening’s wedding but now that Amarantha was tied to the Queen and her second to Luna, she would have to utilize the messenger rats to get her other various jobs done and communication made to the rest in her employ. Her men and woman should be finishing their mid-day meal now and be moving about the Palace to secure it completely so there would be no surprises come wedding time. She would have to shift some of them around in order to bring a few to her side for the Queen and the Prince. The questioning of the Eastern SnowPlain natives would unfortunately, have to wait until tomorrow.

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Ahote couldn’t help but shift in response to the moving house, the voice who answered from upstairs and the shattering windows. His shoulders tensed and he bumped first into Minerva and then back into Grimspound. He narrowed his eyes. Ahote was used to spirits, the sounds and sights of them back in his home but they showed only during ceremonies, passing along blessings. They were always positive while here, in this moment, they were dark and not happy to be disturbed. Ahote attempted to shake off this unnatural chill but it held fast. He glanced back at Grimspound before he reluctantly walked forward. Ahote was hardly a coward but he wasn’t stupid either so he remained on alert. His eyesight and hearing heightened as they continued to walk.
Minerva’s words hit him and he watched her curiously.
”Are you related to this Nera Hawthorn then? I do not recommend removing something that is sacred here.” Perhaps spirits couldn’t physically attack, but if they were strong enough they could make other things occur.

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Of all the things he had been expecting... Rhys stared blanking in the air. Letting Esmeralda's presence by pass his interest for the time. Of all the answers. Queste. That had not been one of them. His green eyes brightened with potential hope that he would take the Queste and return alive to take the Wizard Tower for his own. Let that woman who had stolen his place as the ExtraOrdinary Wizard tremble in fear. This was a chance. This was a opening. Running a hand over his jaw, he studied the word with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"A Queste is something taken by the ExtraOrdinary Wizard's apprentice. Usually in search of knowledge, and something they do not always come back from." Uncrossing his legs, his lips thinned as he stared out his window. "It means I must go to the Wizard Tower and take a stone from the Questing pot. If it is marked or no, then I will embark for this knowledge." He couldn't let it by pass him. If the stone was marked, no Wizard would get in his way. A power play. If they did... Well, the Sickenesse was a problem. What if he could solve it? Would they risk their own health? Pointing sharply at Esmeralda, he gave her a stern look. "Til I return you will look over my son, and the Meadows will deliver their rent to my son until my return. If I do not. Then everything in this room is his." Pulling a cloak from the wall, he also slid a sword onto his belt and several knives onto his person. "Think of me what you will, Esmeralda, but that is my son. I will to it."

Gripping the woman he pressed his lips to hers and smiled wickedly as he tucked the map his had acquired from the unknown benefactor into his breast pocket. Stepping away and turning to slip form the door as he made his way to the Wizard Tower. "Amd hell to anyone who get in my way." He would seek out Erin before he left to make sure that one Wizard would see to his son's proper training and not whatever Esmeralda had in mind. This was a chance for him to prove himself and bring Blaise and his apprentice, former, tumbling down. To be the savior to the Wizard Tower and take the position of Extra Ordinary Wizard for himself.

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Location: Below attic[/center]

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Looking utterly confused, Skaoi gave a sharp squeal as Myrus shoved away from her embrace and ran down the hall. The pale healer would have followed, but there was one of those 'nifflers' that was circling her with far too much interest for her comfort. Trying to dodge about the small creature without hurting it she found herself at odds with the little vermin! "Shoo! Shoo! I'm not some shiny treasure nor do I have anything for you!" The Phsik pleaded with the greedy little thing, flapping her hands and skirt uselessly at the small creature. While she was thankful to the Queen for her intervention on the matter. She did worry that this new iron spin Valda had developed would spell trouble in her future.

Though the rest of the commands did trouble her. A servant? For her? "Oh! Your Majesty, please! I am unsuited to having a servant, as busy as I am. My apologies Lady Lyra, but whatever would I do with you? I have the Sickenesse to heal and there's the usual bout of illness and accidents-!" Skaoi stumbled and stuttered over her protests about having a servant, though she had in fact had them in the Eastern Snow Plains. She just didn't want to let onto that fact and raise more questions! Blushing as she came unto who she was speaking against, the woman looked down and dipped a curtsy. Perhaps this was a spy planted upon a possible spy? Well then! She would make sure that Lady Lyra found nothing out that wasn't already known! "As you will it, Your Majesty." She whispered, her eyes wide at the fact she had spoken so boldly in her flustered panic between the niffler, Prince Myrus and Lady Lyra who was now her servant. Hurrying after Princess Luna and her brother. Hesitantly edging about the foreign Prince who was causing her such distress.

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Grimspound frowned at the house as the windows brust in a shower of glass, the dirt and dust whirling down the hall and deeper into the Port Witches former home. "Well, that is one way to say 'welcome'." The scholar and peddler noted with some amusement. Grimspound was a jack of all trades and masters of certain ones. He enjoyed picking up a new thing from time to time. Though Minerva's words gave him reason to think harder upon what was going on. This was no simple sightseeing trip. This was a hunt after something. Something that had his instincts on alert and his eyes peering into the dark, while he kept a lazy and friendly smirk upon his face. This was all troublesome, and he delighted in it. A mystery was always fun. Though Minerva's words made him wonder what the tiny woman knew about him!

"There's a name Stephen Strange, though I doubt I am one to talk. Nera Hawthorn, I presume?" He noted with interest and a bit of jab about his own name- or the one he used. Though he was taking a light tone to this matter, his nerves were singing with delight and anticipation. Eagerness at the seriousness of the situation. It had been some time since something caught his interest so... completely. That Minerva was so at ease was not the least supportive but he supposed as she was invited here, she had right to be so.

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"...I am sorry brother, but I couldn't let you leave..." she said softly, looking at her brother sadly. She cared too much about him to let him race away like that, and it saddened her to use her Magyk on him like that. Nothing made much sense to her, but she wanted to help Myrus however she could, and if that meant using her powers to calm him, or to stop him from racing off, than she would. Valda glanced over at the others in the area.

"I do not care what you would do with Lyra as a servant, have her spend all day cleaning the infirmary for all I care, I'm sure you can find something for her to do," Valda said, giving the woman a smile. It made no difference to her what Skaoi did with Lyra, Valda was still mad that the woman had thought to order her around. She glanced over at her sister, and nodded her head at her sister, "Let's get going then," she said, before heading towards her sister's room.

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Sylvi was almost as stunned about her words to Tate as he was. It had been something she had been thinking about, and yet she knew that the words she said were true. She truly did care a lot about Tate, and didn't even care that he had started yelling and scaring her slightly. All that mattered was that he was okay, right now, despite what had just happened in the room. Staring at him, she took a deep breath, trying to figure out how to word things.

"I-I-I-" she stammered a bit, before taking another deep breath. "I do love you Tate, what I had said... It wasn't just me trying to calm you down... It was the truth..." She looked down at the ground, not sure how he was going to react to that. It didn't matter though, she had told him the truth and now would wait to see what would happen.

Bruce managed to hold in his anger, similar in a way to his father, his anger could at times get the better of him, and swirling fire of any sort was likely not the best idea at all, which was the main reason he had been focusing on staying calm. Glancing at Myth for a moment, he was worried about her, but knew that if he had lost his temper, it likely would have been more dangerous than her getting a rush of emotions mentally from Tate. That was his reasoning anyway for not stepping in to help her immediately.

Fire in a small enclosed space never would have been a good thing, sure, his mother would have been fine, but everyone else in the room likely would have been toast. He looked between his mother and Myth, before he looked at the ground, not sure what to say to that. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he stared straight at the ground as he spoke. "...My family has a history of issues with anger... When I lose control of my temper, I lose control of my powers... Thought trying to stay calm was the lesser of two evils, since I likely could have ended up killing everyone in this room... Aside from my mother... Are you okay Myth?" he said, before he glanced right at her, it was obvious that he was worried about her.

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Lyra eyed Skaoi and Myrus, watching with some relief that a simple hug seemed to negate his powers once more. Perhaps they had found an off switch so to speak for his powers? Her lips parted, the corners then tugging down into a frown at Myrus's words. She shook her head. She didn't think he was monster. Her apprehension was not from a fear of him per say but more of the seemingly unstable nature of his powers. Until he learned to hone his powers, he was dangerous, yes, but not at any fault of his own. He had been dealt a bad hand, but she had faith that in time he could turn that all around. The good support system he had in his family was a start.

"Aha!" Tristan exclaimed as the niffler suddenly scurried off, thinking he somehow managed to chase it off. However, he quickly realized that it was in fact after a new prize now, the Physik woman Skaoi. He wasn't exactly sure what the woman could possibly have on her that would be of interest to the creature, but hey, at least it wasn't bothering him anymore. He jumped back as Prince Myrus darted past him.

Lyra's eyes widened, taking a step back as the prince suddenly took off. And then just as quickly as he had taken off, he suddenly fell to the ground unconscious. She took a few steps forward in the prince's direction, her gaze flitting between Valda and Myrus. The prince didn't appear to have injured himself in the fall fortunately, as such her gaze lingered more on Valda, realizing the Queen had just used her Magyk. Past transgressions were brushed aside as she went to the Queen's side, true concern in her eyes. "Your Highness, are you alright?" she inquired worriedly, looking Valda over for any signs that the Sickenesse had taken ahold of her. She glanced back over her shoulder at Myrus, before returning her attention to Valda.

Tristan's brows rose, before promptly furrowing as the prince suddenly collapsed onto the ground. He glanced around at the others a bit confused as to why no one seemed particularly concerned that the dude just hit the dirt. "Uh, was that supposed to happen?" he asked, scratching his head. However, his question was sort of unofficially answered when Luna requested that Prince Myrus was taken to her room and Lyra seemed to be instead fussing over the Queen. Well, okay then. "I would be happy to help," he exclaimed, walking over to the collapsed prince.

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@Nallore@KazAlkemi@LadyRunic: Nera Appeared to them against the wall of the room. She had a book next to her which she Caused to turn from page to page. Unfortunately, Malekith's selection in literature was lacking. And since the Port Witch Coven had abandoned the house, there was no one there she could ask to bring her new books. Nera was dead, but she was imprisoned in a place of loneliness. She had always imagined that if she died in this house, her afterlife would be nearly identical to her life. She would plot and plan and make advances at Fleur, the Witch Mother.

Instead, she had nothing. It was perhaps some sort of karma - or a cosmic joke. "It's fine, you aren't the first one to mock my name," Nera mused. She floated a few inches off of the ground. It was one improvement on life - the ability of Flyte. She then floated a few feet into the air, looking at those who had come. Arnora would see the ghosts of two teenagers - the ones who perished in the home just a few months ago.

"No, we're not related," Minerva mused, her eyes flashing at Grimspound for a moment. "Nera, where's the stone?" Minerva asked simply. There were ways of making a ghost talk - especially one that was chained to a specific spot for a year and a day.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

@BlueSky44@mnkee@Nallore@KazAlkemi: By the time the Palace guards got Myrus into Luna's room, he remained in a deep sleep. His temperature had risen slightly but not enough to be alarming. A few gossiping ghosts Appeared and watched the Royals with interest. The ExtraOrdinary Wizard had still not arrived, which in itself was unusual. Arya Rincewind was anything but tardy. The little niffler scurried after them, only for a girl with tidy brown hair and a silver circlet to step out in front of it.

"Tinsel!" the girl huffed with annoyance, picking up the niffler by his foot and shaking him, until all of Princess Luna's coins fell to the ground. "Sorry about that, he gets a bit excited...Bad niffler, very very bad!" the girl scolded. The niffler made a chattering squeak that sounded almost like a laugh.

@LadyRunic: "Rhys!" Esmeralda called out, stepping up and heading over to him at the door. She stared at him for a moment. "Give 'em hellfire." She then shut the door and went to tending to her son. Rhys' way to Wizard Tower was clear, although there were the usual crowds going from Snake Slipway to Wizard Way. It was the lunch rush as well, so tons were stopping in at Wizard Sandwiches to eat - and little kids were dropping FizzFroot packets into their drinks with eager smiles.

@FantasyChic: Meadow nodded, giving Fleur a slight smile. She could appreciate her. "I should arrange for your to meet my brother - I think the two of you would get on swimmingly." Meadow did have her power hungry streak, but she sensed a potential match between the two. Creating an alliance in more ways than one boded well for strengthening the empire they desired to create.

"I am curious...How did you know you were Magykal?" Meadow asked. It was no longer business talk but instead simply a young girl in a strange land, wondering how something as foreign as Magyk could be.

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Arya read the shock in Cuyler's face and she realized her mistake. Perhaps she could have blamed it on the Sickenesse, the vicious illness clouding her thoughts and her resolve. Cuyler had had no intention of wishing to marry her. She lightly returned his kiss, the most she could muster herself to do as her face burned with embarrassment. Mixed in with her complicated flurry of emotions was that Cuyler wished to speak to Atkin - her apprentice - about the matter. Rowland was like a father to her, yes, but Atkin was her apprentice.

"...I misunderstood your words, Cuyler," Arya told him softly. She loved him deeply. But she did not wish for him to marry her...out of pity or some misguided display of loyalty to her. She didn't want him to throw his lot in with a sinking ship unless it had been his idea, his intentions. "Can we speak about this later? I'm running terribly late to meet the Queen," Arya told Cuyler.

She then glanced down the stairs and Rainbrook scampered up, looking sheepish. "Miss, your amulet...You ought to keep it on you," Rainbrook warned. "N-Not that I am saying you will be doing anything dangerous, of course...But..."

He then sighed, pinching his nose slightly. "I-I have been doing some readings...In the Pyramid Library...Th-thank you again for allowing me access...A-Anyways, I was doing some reading in the Sybilline Booke a-and from what I read, I think lapis lazuli might be an answer to our....y-your....our...little problem."

"Lapis Lazuli runs deep underneath Wizard Tower - it's why Magyk is so strong here - and it's a key construct of my amulet," Arya explained to Cuyler. The only other country in the world that she knew of with a large deposit of Lapis Lazuli was the Eastern SnowPlains, at the Heart of the Ancient Ways. Such knowledge was kept to those within Wizard Tower, of course. "But Rainbrook, if this illness is linked to Magyk - how can Lapis Lazuli aide it? Nothing Magykal has been shown to have any effect...Not even Physik."

Arya then coughed up a little bit of blood, but it didn't phase Rainbrook. "I think the answer, w-w-with all due respect, lies with Alchemie...H-Have you heard of the House of Foryx?"

"Of course," Arya almost snapped. "The House Where All Tymes Do Meet - home of the first ExtraOrdinary Wizard, Hotep-Ra. No one has seen it in centuries, not since the Seventh Son of the Seventh Son was the ExtraOrdinary of the Castle." She had plans to search the Darke Floor - the Eighteenth Floor of Wizard Tower - that he had set up. Potentially there was a powerful Reverse there that they might use.

"W-Well..." Rainbrook swallowed thickly. "I-I think that one of the stones of the House of Foryx, if crushed into a powder, could be used in Alchemie to make the Elixir of Lyfe..."

"That's just a legend - it isn't real," Arya chided. "The Elixir of Lyfe...It's something from the Olde World that they told children to comfort them at night...My mother would have known if a recipe for its creation existed."

Rainbrook then pulled a small key from his pocket. "It's hidden in the Manuscriptorium Way...I'm certain of it." There was something incredibly familiar about him, but Arya couldn't quite place her finger on it. "A-at any rate, please, put your amulet back on...The Lapis, I think, might slow the progress of the illness..."

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Antonije's emotions still felt scrambled. He knew that he had felt incredibly angry moments ago, but it was all gone, as if someone had cut his sails and left him stranded at sea. However, he didn't feel bad - he certainly wasn't projecting his feelings to everyone anymore. He stared at Sylvi, memorizing her face for a moment as he repeated her words in his mind. She loved him?

"Волим те, Silvija," he replied. He brushed her hair out of her face and then pressed his forehead against hers. He gave her a mental kiss. He then glanced at his siblings, seeing Marya looking visibly relieved. The speedster was a bit curious too, since Bruce's father still hadn't come back inside.

Runa relaxed, smiling slightly as her son went to tend to his fiancée. She didn't want to hover and interfere, but she strongly believed in both female independence and that a husband should be there for his wife when she needed him. After Antonije's mental outburst, it was clear that was needed. She grimaced slightly, however, considering Bruce's words. She had had similar worries when she married his father - humans were so fragile and unlike most stories, gods could not simply create more gods.

"Bruce...Do you need me to cast an enchantment as a precaution?" Runa asked softly. She didn't mean to impose but she held her gaze with him for a moment, before she went outside and fetched her husband. "Lance, please come and examine Myth..." she called out softly.

When Lance entered the room, he wasn't alone. Bruce's sister, Halley - a fairly tanned girl with oval eyes and curly dark hair - came in as well and gave Myth a slight smile. "Hello, is it Myth the Muse? I'm Halley - I'm very pleased to meet you." She was very prim and proper, seemingly fitting well into the bossy and perfect older sister role.

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Luna watched as the little Niffler turned its attention towards Skaoi raising an eyebrow as the weird creature had sudden interest in the Physik woman. She was glad that Tristan and Titan and a few others started to escort her brother towards her bedroom, she sighed slightly and rubbed the back of her neck. She wasn't sure if she wanted everyone else to know, the less people who knew of her condition the better it was for her and their family. Then the little girl came out and blocked the way of the niffler who was trying to take more valuables from them, then the creature was being shaken as her money came out.

Luna quickly walked over picking up the small coin purse she had on her and stared at the girl and the cackling creature that was in the girl's arms. "Just keep a closer eye on that thing, someone may try and kill it on accident." Luna said, she wasn't sure how others within the Palace would handle it, she did find the thing oddly cute but she didn't say anything about it. "Have a nice day miss." Luna said, as she started to make her way towards her bedroom, stopping for a moment staring at the Ghosts that Appeared in front of them gossiping about what was going on. Luna rolled her eyes a bit before heading over towards her room, seeing her brother on the bed looking over at everyone once they were in her room and closed the door behind her and made sure that it was locked.

Luna closed her eyes as she walked over and sat down on her bed, looking over at her brother he seemed to be out for awhile and looked over at her sister, Tristan, and Skaoi as well. "I have been keeping this from all of you since the coronation." Luna said softly as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Ever hear the Castle Legend of near drowning of Princess Esmerelda?" Luna asked looking up at those who were in the room. "Aww, why do you have to spill our secret out to everyone?", the Voice spoke up again in her head, which Luna shook her head a bit trying to ignore it again.

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Arnora would look up at the stairs seeing Nera leaning against the wall just by the door holding a book there in her hands, as Arnora followed Minerva up the flight of stairs. She stopped and stared at the two kids who died there as well, she wasn't sure how they died yet either as she looked between Minerva, Grimspound and Ahote as well. Arnora watched Nera floating just above the floor and then in the room, Minerva asking about the stone. Arnora quickly spoke up and turned towards Nera maybe trying a nicer approach would work, and maybe they would get the information.

"So Nera was it right?" Arnora asked looking at the Port Witch and then the two teenagers who had died there, and then back up at her. [colo=#81BEF7]r"How did you die, and what happened to these two anyway?"[/color] Arnora asked, she figured that maybe getting some small talk in would loosen things up a bit. "That's if you don't mind me asking, maybe we can help each other out? You are going to be here for awhile, we can get you something to read."

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Cuyler rubbed his thumb along her spine while she spoke with Rainbrook. At the mention of the amulet Cuyler frowned at the young man. He had just managed to get Arya to let go and now this stranger, wanted her to put it back on? Arya had just tried to use music to open a door for Thor’s sake! If she did have that amulet on, the condition Arya could be in now. Cuyler stood tall and shook his head, not wanting to think that way.

”The amulet also contains her Magyk, which has been apart of her the majority of her life and Magyk is what is killing her. No. We will find an alternative, some Lapis Lazuli or this stone you speak of in the Manuscriptorium,” Cuyler said firmly.

Rainbrook sighed, looking at Cuyler for a moment. "The amulet contains Lapis Lazuli connected to the Heart of Ways," he explained. "My mother explained it to me like this, when I was young...Lapis Lazuli enhances Magyk, some more than most. But it only will enhance pure Magyk. Besides, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard carries belt Charms as well - would you ask her relinquish those as well?" Charms could be used as Magyk sources of their own - the reason that individuals like Amarantha could keep a few on them and still use them. The nervous individual pinched the ridge of his nose, before he looked back at Cuyler and Arya.

"Since when did I let men speak for me?" Arya asked. As tired and weary as she was, she didn't appreciate Cuyler and Rainbrook speaking on her behalf. She was sick but she was still capable. She held her gaze, looking at Cuyler and Rainbrook both for a moment, and gave no indication if she would retrieve her amulet from him. "Now, Mr. Rainbrook, please inform me exactly what information you have been withholding from us."

Cuyler continued to frown, glaring even now. He appreciated his explanation from Rainbrook but he still wasn't agreeing with any of this. To Cuyler, Magyk was Magyk. It didn't matter if it was Lyte, Darke or Pure. It would still hold some effect of Arya, it would still decrease her chances and take her health away from her. Rainbrook's words were only making Cuyler want to keep Arya away from it all the more. There seemed to be no compromise and Cuyler was struggling with it. He could feel his anger rising from his lack of knowledge and ideas on what to do to save Arya.

Arya spoke directly to him and he hung his head, ashamed. He looked away from her, at anything else including a cloth he moved to get wet. He didn't want to blood drying around her lips after she had just coughed some up. He came back and offered it to Arya.
"I simply worry. I did not mean anything by it."

"I know you worry," Arya told him, her gaze softening. She accepted his cloth and cleaned herself up, yet her thoughts were hidden behind her inquisitive green eyes. She loved Cuyler dearly and Rainbrook's insights on the Lapis Lazuli could stand to be tested still - yet she was more interested in knowing why the odd Ordinary Wizard had said such things. She held her gaze at Rainbrook now.

"O-oh dear..." Rainbrook muttered, his nerves all a flurry. "My mother...She...She suffered from a similar ailment in her youth..."

Cuyler smiled a bit at Arya before his eyes flashed and he looked at Rainbrook. He just decided to tell them this now?"Was it the cure? Did she find this cure? Have you ever read or heard of this Sickenesse before?" he asked Arya. He was sure she hadn't. She would have said and done something to protect the kingdom right? She wouldn't have let her own shame in being sick cloud her from saving others. That was not Arya.

"No, I haven't," Arya replied with a frown. "But Cuyler...Rainbrook doesn't come from the Castle - nor the Small Wet Country. Perhaps his land has experienced this plight before - or even if it is just a similar case, the cure they used could give us some information..." However, she was also feeling a bit of nagging at the back of her mind. She was far too tardy to see the Queen at this rate. While Valda was more forgiving than Meliscente had been, it did not mean Arya could just refuse a summons.

Rainbrook shook his head. "It was...It was different, yet I think similar enough. My mother found that Lapis Lazuli - such as the type in Miss Rincewind's amulet - could help to stave off the effects. And then...well, I have told you my plan. I'm not well versed in Alchemie but..."

"Cuyler, instead of venturing to the woods, I would like for you to accompany me to the Palace - and then come with me. It's probably time you met my mother anyways."

It was different, yet I think similar enough. That wasn't exactly comforting but what sort of shot did they have? They needed to take any opportunity that was presented too them. It was a risk, this new plan but, Cuyler would do anything to help Arya. The young man looked at his love when she addressed him again. He was a bit surprised with her decision but was not going to disagree.

As for meeting her mother, well, perhaps he was a bit nervous. They had only spoken of her a handful of times so he knew that Selesia was a Alchemist. She would be there best chance if Rainbrook was so set on this Alchemie way and if his mother's condition, did indeed have similar ties. "Was your mother cured by the treatment she used?" Cuyler asked Rainbrook.

Rainbrook nodded. "Yes, she was," he answered softly. "M-my mother...Sh-she's brilliant - quite healthy - managed to deliver my sister and me without complications," he answered. Arya glanced at Cuyler and she nodded. "Let's go then - if this is the path to curing the Sicknesse, we cannot hesitate," she said. Rainbrook nodded, snapping his fingers and they vanished in purple mist, reappearing at the Palace in the corridor.

"S-sorry for not asking first...I didn't really fancy walking," the odd wizard said.

"Your Majesty," Arya greeted Valda. "I apologize for my tardiness...How may I assist you?"

Cuyler huffed a shaky breath but nodded in agreement. This could be everything they've been searching for or it could be one more lost cause. Rainbrook transported them and Cuyler stumbled a bit. That whole transporting thing was not his favourite means of travel. He looked over at Rainbrook.
"Hvorfor gjorde du det? Er du ikke bekymret for sykdommen?" Cuyler asked their companion in hushed tones. There were a lot of people in the room they were now in, not that there wasn't enough space but Cuyler was suddenly unsure of his presence here.

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Titan gathered up Myrus and they were starting to move along the corridor when a girl came racing out to gather up the niffler that was trying hard to go after Skaoi. Amarantha shifted and moved in front of both Luna and Valda. Luna however, bent down to scoop up the coins. This gave time for Amarantha to look the girl up and down and commit her image to memory.
”Watch yourself,” she told the girl. Amarantha hardly cared what or who she was. She only cared about the proximity of her to her friend and Queen. She guided Luna and Valda away so they could continue walking.
Amarantha stuck with Queen Valda while they walked along the long walk. The cold treatment she was giving Lyra was anything but surprising. Valda was a rather unstable Queen but she was thrown into this, she was trying to establish herself but Amarantha also saw that shouldn’t be the type you would want to cross. The latest use of Magyk though would be the test to see how long their Queen could last. Amarantha didn’t like fighting an invisible enemy.
Speaking of invisible. As the group walked along the corridor to Luna’s bedroom, a few ghosts Appeared to them. Amarantha tensed up and looked straight ahead as she hurried forward, passing both royals and entered the bedroom right behind Titan and Tristan as they awkwardly carried Myrus inside. Amarantha and ghosts, didn’t agree. She had a troubling time with them, one in particular and she just wrote every single one of them off. She feared the lot of them.
Titan laid Myrus on the bed and backed off, moving to stand outside the door and keep guard over the group inside. He looked left and then right, listening for any footsteps in the hallway and blocking out the conversation behind the door he stood in front of. He had to remain well on guard with so many royals in one place. They had one assassination attempt today, they did not need another. With the wedding still to come this evening, it was going to be a rather long day for all in the Palace Guard and Young Army.

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Ahote continued to get this crawling feeling up his spine. He was getting the strange combination of hot and cold sensations sweeping through his body while he stood in the room with the others and the ghost of Nera Hawthorn. Her aura was one of conflict. There was a bright yellow but a mix of another that simply showed more of her loneliness and spitefulness. He was intrigued by this ghost, but he still didn’t want to upset her. The aura in the room alone was one to push him over the edge. The room they stood in did not belong to the ghost before him but to another depraved soul. The darkness made him wonder how many more ghosts had perished in the room and if Nera fell to that soul's hands. He was sure this was what was causing his temperature fluctuations. He shifted his weight, his other senses starting to fire as he worked to keep himself relaxed and present within the room.
Ahote looked over at Minerva, suddenly confused by her. She was looking for something, this stone. She was hiding her intentions for it. Ahote wasn’t exactly sure she could be trusted, that he should even remain in this room. What could this stone do and why did she covet it so much?

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He had to smile to himself at Esmeralda's actions. While they could not, for the life of them, stand each other. Apparently it did not apply to the life of their son. A blessing in the long run for the boy he supposed. Though this by no means meant he was going to trust the witch. Trust was something he didn't give anyone, not even Fayard. It was just a weakness he could not and would not afford.

The crowds were of little concern to Rhys. He was used to them and to using them. If anything, a constant stream of people heading in one direction would mask his presence. Stopping by one of the many shops that catered the hungry throng, he was able to place an order for a sandwich and receive in record time due to the smiling charm he graced the serving girl with. That apologetic smile of someone who was in a rush, and didn't want to trouble the staff but needed to move. It also helped he tipped her well for the aid as he moved off.

Steadily he worked the sandwich down to crumbs as he studied the crowd and moved like a man with an easy air and purpose. As if he belonged, which he did. Rhys was a Wizard after all. Why would he be turned away? The man didn't waver from his target. The Questing Pot. The place where he could begin the power play to save his son and more importantly take the Wizard's Tower for his own.

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Location: Luna's Room[/center]

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The fever was hardly worrying as of yet, but Skaoi quickly dampened a small cloth and placed it over Prince Myrus's forehead as he laid upon Princess Luna's bed. It was a positively grand room, though Skaoi had seen plenty like it in her time. Sitting demurely in a chair near-by as to be of use if she was needed, she tucked her hands in her apron. It was easy to shrug the ghosts of those who had passed on off. The mass entourage of royals that seemed to be clustered in this room? Not so much.

Keeping her head down and her ears open she stood and began pulling small pouches from the basket upon her arm. There was soothing tea in it perfect for calming down any distraught individual. Which it seemed that her new assistant would need. Skaoi could have told the woman that questioning a Royal was a foolish action at the best of times. Doing in public against a direct order and so blatantly? The pale woman could only wince at the thought of what would await her for such a disregard of propriety. Eastern Snow Plains folk were proper. The nobles even more so.

The girl with the niffler had intrigued the physik enough she had graced the small child with a smaller smile. For all the creature was troublesome, it was slightly adorable. Though as Luna mentioned the drowning a small piece of memory clicked for Skaoi. She remembered hearing the tale of an Old Castle Queen attempting to drown her child. Possessive of her throne and wishing no one to have it after her death. Which sounded utterly foolish. A kingdom needed a ruler to be functional. However, the quiet woman kept her tongue still. Not voicing these facts as it was not her conversation. This was Royal Matters and not for the likes of her to intervene. Standing she moved to the nearby baths to fetch hot water.

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Grimspound smiled at the ghostly woman. She had be lovely in life and she was still lovely in death, the man admitted without shame. Though he did feel a twinge of pity for Nera. To be all alone was a hard thing, even for he. He had grown up in a village where people were tight knit and everyone knew everyone. While he enjoyed the road as a solitary traveler from time to time, it did get lonesome. Pulling the book he had been reading from his jacket and gave Minerva a stern and disapproving look. "Now that is uncalled for and unkind, my dear." He winked at Nera with his ever charming grin and friendly demeanor. While he was aware there was most likely- enough of a chance that he'd bet his grandmother's favorite cane upon it- danger about, he was all for being friendly til the time came to strip away civility.

What worried him was how badly the woman wanted the stone, and how apparent that was. Desperation often was such a troublesome thing. He himself made it a point to not be put in such a situation. Rather he would put others in that situation and play them along like the Pied Piper in the tales his mother told him when he had been far younger. Resolving to keep a sharp eye on his little companion, he offered the book to the ghostly form of Nera. "A common title and by far not the best, but I figure the rest of this material must be getting dull. I, myself, cannot bear to see a fellow reader suffer so." He bowed slightly to the spirit. Such a sad and lonely woman. In such a house and very likely having caused her own death? Who could blame her! Though he got the feeling she was conflicted on something. He smile was firm as he resolved to make the woman quiet unconflicted. "But my dear friend is quiet correct. Could you please tell us a bit more about yourself and this place?" Slashing a look to Minerva he quietly prepared to stop her if his warning was not heeded.

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Myth could understand where Bruce was coming from. She was still new to all of this talk of gods and their abilities and her concern for Marya and Madea as well as her own child blinded her to the possibility she was being protected. She gripped Bruce's hand and gave him a comforting squeeze. "I understand and thank you. I am all right now." It was then she met Runa and she could tell immediately that Runa was someone she would like right away.

"Nice to meet you as well, but please, just Myth is fine. And yes, please make sure the baby is all right. I'll live through it, but I must know if they are safe. The twins too. And Tate. Perhaps I should sit down?" Myth rubbed her stomach as she moved around to find a chair to sit in and rest. The whole ordeal was tiring and she still had a wedding to get through.

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It was an interesting question and one she had not been expecting. She wondered what the girl's end goal was. After all, Magyk was not something to be taken lightly and it was not something you just...found. "Well, I am sure my story is different than most. Some find their Magykal abilities early while some find them late. My mother, the previous leader of the coven, was the one who introduced me. In our long lineage, each daughter possesses the ability of Magyk."

"That is something that just is. I know not of how other families or circles deal with Magyk. Whether some find it a curse or a blessing. I have found no danger from it apart from the current illness that has fallen upon us and others with Magykal abilities. It is why I am more concerned with discovering a cure, at least for mine and my own. I care not if others live and survive through this, but my coven will not suffer more loss. We have had too much already."

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"I am perfectly fine!" Valda snapped at Lyra, getting fairly annoyed with her. In fact, Valda was getting a bit annoyed with everyone else circling around her, constantly concerned about her well-being, and she hated it! That was definitely the one thing she hated most about being Queen. No one seemed to like to leave her alone to her own thoughts for two seconds! She partially wanted to punch Lyra in the head to make a point, she could handle herself perfectly fine!

Another thing was bothering her slightly, that part being that concerning herself with Valda, Lyra had virtually ignored her orders to listen to whatever Skaoi told her to do, and to basically leave her alone! "And my well-being doesn't exactly matter now does it? You have other things you need to do Lyra, and none of them revolve around following me!" she snapped, before she back handed Lyra across the face. She'd forgotten that she was wearing a ring or two, and there was a streak of blood across Lyra's cheek where Valda's hand had connected.

When she followed after her sister, Valda just listened to her words. Unlike the others, she still was a bit behind when it came to knowing anything about the previous rulers of the Castle, so she shook her head, the story not really ringing a bell. She turned when Arya appeared out of nowhere, "My brother's abilities seem to be going a bit crazy... He ended up destroying the attic nearly, had to put him to sleep when he tried to run away..." she said to her, even though she wasn't even the one who had called for Arya in the first place.

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Sylvi smiled slightly, hearing Tate's words. She didn't really understand truly what he had said, but she recognized his nickname for her in that sentence, which made her happy. Not to mention it was pretty obvious what it was that he had said, considering what followed his words. He was definitely an unusual person, not like someone she has met before, and what really mattered most was that her words were true, and that he knew that her words were true.

Bruce didn't really know how to react to his own words. He had spoken the truth, but it worried him, knowing that he could easily hurt Myth. Nothing truly mattered, nothing else did, and he didn't know what he'd do if he accidentally had hurt her or anyone else in the room. "...That might be a good idea mother..." he said softly to Runa, not really knowing what else to say on the matter, but he did give Myth a slight smile, glad that she seemed to understand everything.

He looked over and saw his father walk in, a bit surprised that he wasn't alone. Bruce couldn't help but smile slightly, seeing his older sister there. "Hey there Halley... It is good to see you again, it has been a little while..." he said with a smile at his sister. It made him wonder just where in the entire universe his younger sisters were. He had expected Halley to be on time, the other two it was a coin flip whether or not they'd show up on time or just before the beginning of any sort of gathering, they were a bit strange that way.

Lance nodded at Runa, as he went over to check on Myth. This wasn't his first time dealing with doing a check up or two on a pregnant woman, "Myth, are you feeling alright? Any sort of problems right now as an immediate cause relating to what just happened or not? Ask the simple questions first then see if there is anything else that could be a problem, makes my life generally a whole lot easier if I do things that way..."

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@Nallore@KazAlkemi@LadyRunic: Nera looked at Arnora for a moment, before she laughed slightly. She hadn't been asked to tell her story before - not even really when she was alive. She had been a tool for others and in her rebellion against that, she had lost her life. At least her objective had been secure - she had killed Queen Meliscente. She had sent Queen Meliscente's house spiraling into chaos... It was close enough to what she had wanted to do, anyways.

"I was murdered," Nera said, taking in her audience. "A humble witch in this household, I was one of the few who could walk the path of Lyte as well as Darke...A tyrant by the name of Amarantha, who framed me for her murder of the Castle Queen - Queen Meliscente - killed me on this spot. If you can avenge my death...Then I will help you find what you seek. Perhaps then I can rest easy."

"What's stopping us from just burning this house to the ground and finding it amongst the ashes?" Minerva asked.

"Nothing but your vanity."

@LadyRunic: As Rhys approaches Wizard Tower, he'll find himself under the Great Arch for a moment. It marks the entrance to the tower from Wizard Way and it is decorated with ornate Lapis Lazuli. For a brief moment as he passes underneath it, his symptoms will seem to be all but gone. And as soon as he steps out from underneath the arch, they return in full force. The Wizard Tower itself requires a password to enter and it has changed since Rhys' time, so he'll need to find some other way to enter the building.

@FantasyChic: Meadow nodded, looking at Fleur. She found Magyk to be strange and weird, yet she knew that her cousin's kingdom, the Castle, thrived due to its presence. In the Lagoon, they had to traverse around as normal mortals. There were rumors that a woman with Magyk had relocated there with her wife, but Meadow had never heard them nor seen them. However, the Crown Princess' curious nature soon vanished. One of Fleur's spies had finished Scrying and came with frantic news.

"Witch Mother, I apologize for the intrusion - the Prince is dying."

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The girl with the niffler nodded, though she looked a bit offended. "Oh, Tinsel would never hurt anyone!" Her voice had a soft accent to it, one that was particularly hard to place. In modern times, it would be called British. She scratched behind the ears of the niffler and gave a bit of a bow to everyone, before she dashed through the kitchens and went out onto the Palace Lawn, vanishing from sight.

Rainbrook remained in the hallway outside of the chambers with Cuyler. He shook his head slightly. "Magi er en del av meg. Jeg kommer ikke til å slutte å være hvem jeg er ute av frykt for," he replied in hushed tones. With all of the illness in this place, both physical and mental, Rainbrook thought it best to keep his tone lowered - as if he were dealing with ill puppies and not mad people.

Arya hesitated outside of Princess Luna's chambers for a moment, stepping over to Cuyler. She had kept a neutral expression on her face as Queen Valda hit one of the servants, Lyra, and the rings causing blood to be drawn. The wound would likely scar. "So that I might attend to the prince," Arya whispered to him, holding out her hand. "His abilities will require me to be able to properly See," she added. The two of them had a hushed yet intense fight, ending in the Northern Trader caving in and returning the amulet to her.

As Arya placed the amulet around her neck, a bit of color returned to her face. She took a breath and gave Cuyler a chaste kiss, before she bowed her head slightly and entered Princess Luna's chambers.

"So um...A-a-actually I do have a question for you..." Rainbrook said to Cuyler, looking at him sheepishly. "How does one...fl-flirt?"

Back within Princess Luna's chambers, Arya took a moment to survey the scene. She hoped that the maiden Queen Valda had struck would have the good sense to not follow the agitated Queen inside. "I see, Your Majesty," Arya said, gently approaching the bed of Prince Myrus. She did her best to give Luna her privacy, acting as if she did not hear the conversation. Arya paused for a moment, her head pounding.

Her vision blurred and Arya saw double for a moment, before she collapsed to the ground, fainted. Myrus was still fast asleep, running a bit of a temperature.

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Runa nodded. She sat down on the floor, her legs crossed, and she began to chant. Her chant was soft and powerful, like a rushing stream growing in force against a barrier. As it continued, the same dark energy appeared to swirl around her and when she opened her eyes, they were pure white. Yet the Goddess of Lies continued on until the spell was complete. "There - I have protected their life force against attacks caused by you, Bruce," Runa said, looking quite tired. Her head was pounding as she caught her breath. It had taken a lot of her strength.

Antonije meanwhile pried his gaze away from Sylvi and looked at his sisters. Runa might have managed to calm him down, but his anger threatened to flare up again. It wasn't right for them to have to suffer like this. They needed to be free to run and do whatever they pleased. It was what his parents would have wanted for them, at any rate. He spoke into his sisters' minds and Marya frowned slightly, before she nodded in understanding. They couldn't tell anyone of this plan - not Bruce, Myth, and certainly not Sylvi.

"Yes, sit down," Halley said. She actually had medical training as well that she had received on Midgard. She glanced around the room, before she saw the sofa and her hands swarmed with red energy. The sofa was then dragged over and Halley gently helped her brother's fiancée down, figuring she could assist her father with the check-up.

Luckily for Myth, she wouldn't be feeling any sort of problems.

There was then a POP! and a portal appeared, with a girl with curly brown hair stepping out of it with a niffler. "Oh my gods, you guys missed it!" Astrid, Bruce's younger sister, exclaimed. She closed the portal behind her like she was slamming a door and she continued to pet the cute niffler. "The Queen went batshit and hit this pathetic little servant woman! Oh and then that prince from the Land of Long Nights? He's such a baby, little coward was scared of Tinsel!" She then made cooing noises at the niffler.

"Myth, this is my daughter Astrid..." Runa told the bard. Astrid was certainly the loudest and most spunky of the family.

"Oh, you're my brother's girl? Aww you're so cute! I'm Astrid - like my mum said. I'm the cool one in this family of dorks."

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Rainbrook’s response to Cuyler’s question, made him pause for a moment. Magyk was just as much a part of Arya as it was to this new wizard he had just met. He fought with himself while he and Arya had their hushed argument. In the end, he handed the amulet over. He didn’t want to see her die, he couldn’t bare it but still she asked. Cuyler wasn’t sure which would be worse. Having to live without her, knowing he didn’t cave to her or living without her, knowing he denied her something that could have made a difference in this moment.
Cuyler stood there in the hallway while Arya walked into the bedroom. He was still tensed with a swirl of emotions from their hushed argument. Cuyler’s eyes didn’t leave the amulet as she walked away from him. He shuffled from foot to foot, needing to be in there but wasn’t sure it was quite his place. He was barely aware of the others anymore. All he had was this strange pull that came from just left of center of his chest to the person who had just walked into the room.
Rainbrook pulled his attention for a moment. He stared at the apprentice in disbelief.
”Are you serious!? Now is not the time!” he yelled at the poor man before he threw open the bedroom door and stalked inside. Cuyler was positively shaking when he walked into the room, seconds before Arya fainted.
A swell of fear overcame the Northern Trader and he rushed forward but before he could reach her he was grabbed and thrown against the wall. He stood there pinned by a shorter female with eyes that could rival his own. But where Cuyler’s held love and warmth, these held cold and death. He was aware of the womans’ lips moving but all he could hear was a rushing in his ears, like that of being submerged underwater. He looked at Arya, still lying unconscious on the floor and he snapped. He looked back at Amarantha and yelled in rage at her. He went to shove her off of him but hands didn’t meet her chest.
The water in the air, along with the water in Skaoi’s bowl, seemed to be drawn to one place. The rushing water sound increased in Cuyler’s ears but he hardly noticed until he attempted to shove Amarantha off of him. With the sound of a crashing wave against the hull of a ship, all that gathered water came forth and threw Amarantha back.
Shock now replaced the anger and fear within Cuyler as he looked from his hands to the person now on the floor. He looked around the rest of the room, seeing that he, yes he, had soaked the entire place.

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Many things happened in the next few minutes. One of which, Amarantha did not see coming at all. The sunlight flashed across Valda’s rings as she raised her hand and backhanded Lyra. Amarantha’s eyes widened and she snorted before quickly covering her mouth to keep from outright laughing. Gods above that was priceless. How many times had the Hunter wanted to do that but restrained herself because her new position demanded it? When Valda slapped it, it felt like a victory for her as well. There was no remorse on Amarantha’s face as she walked into the bedroom with the Queen. However, she did lean over and whispered to Lyra as she passed.
”At least you are working for a healer now, that should help that pretty face of yours,” she said with a wink.
Amarantha finally laughed fully before she stepped into the room and kept to the sides of it. She did know how to give privacy, even though she listened to everything but she kept her comments to herself. Besides, she knew every word Luna was about to tell them. They had spent many days speaking of this.
The door opened and before Amarantha could react, she settled. Finally, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard decided to make an appearance. Amarantha settled back and pulled out a knife. She picked underneath her fingernails while the others spoke to each other. Make no mistake, even though Amarantha was the epitome of relaxed, she was ready to strike if anything happened. She didn’t spend long in this position though, just as Arya went to examine Myrus, another person walked into the room. Amarantha recognized him as the boy who seemed to be attached to the Wizard these days. She sneered and demanded his presence to be removed as this was a royal, family matter but before she could enforce it, Arya fainted. Honestly, this Sickenesse was turning into a real nuisance.
When Cuyler moved to go after Arya, Amarantha moved as well and pinned the tall boy against the wall. She could feel his strength underneath her arm but that didn’t deter her.
”This is a matter above you station boy. Leave now before you become unconscious as well.” She didn’t get to make good on her promise though. Just as Amarantha’s eyes would flash before she fought, so did his but they moved as the waves would, rather than the fire of hers.
The room seemed to fall silent and then there was a rush and Amarantha was thrown back. She hit the floor hard but sustained no damages other than ruined hair and clothes. She sat there on the floor, completely soaked and instantly miserable. She glared at the boy who stared at his hands like they were a foreign thing.

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Ahote eyed the book Grimspound handed over to the ghost. He then looked at the strange man and shook his head. This was far from a friendly visit and yet Arnora and Grimspound were trying their best to be guests, rather than scavengers like Minerva. This whole thing still rubbed him the wrong way.
He looked back to the ghost and listened to her story. Something was, off about it and her aura was the tipping point. While he believed she was murdered, he didn’t believe the rest of her story. She was being dishonest and manipulative. Ahote didn’t agree with why they were here or what Minerva was so desperate to get her hands on but he wouldn’t let his friends be treated in such a way.
”Trust and honesty go a long way Nera Hawthorn. You are being dishonest and manipulative with us, for reasons that are your own but I wish for you to stop this.” He then looked at Minerva.
”Desecrating a place of the dead will get you no closer to your goal. No matter who the dead were in life.”

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Lyra pulled away, blinking slightly in surprise as Valda snapped at her. She understood that the queen was still pissed with her, but now Valda was just being immature. Though Lyra probably deserved to be yelled at earlier for ordering the queen around, even if it had stemmed from good intentions, this was a bit much in Lyra's mind. While the others may see her actions as a breach in propriety, she saw it as a mere act of kindness and compassion for another living, breathing human being. Kindness was never wrong or a sign of weakness, and nothing and no one could convince her otherwise on that. Her lips thinned as Valda continued on with her little tirade. However, she let the woman's words just glance over her this time around. After all, the true damage had already been dealt, or so she thought...

A small gasp left her lips as the queen suddenly backhanded her, the woman's rings connecting with her flesh in a sting of pain. She let out a sound of disbelief that Valda would strike her. She reached up to touch her face when she felt a warm liquid running down her cheek, and her hand came back to reveal blood. As the initial shock wore off, Lyra's eyes darkened in intensity, the blue of them becoming more prominent. Her jaw clenched shut as her head swiveled to look back at Valda. Something within her had shifted in that instant. "Yes, Your Highness," she spoke up, her words eerily deadpan.

She straightened and stiffly turned away before wordlessly catching back up to Skaoi. As the others went into Luna's bedroom, Lyra planted herself outside the door. She was a servant again now. Her presence inside was neither required nor wanted. Her gaze flitted to the side, eyes narrowing marginally at Amarantha's remarks. She never liked, let alone trusted, the woman, and this only further proved her point. She faced forward again, lacing her hands in front of her.

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Tristan helped Titan lift and carry Prince Myrus to Princess Luna's. Why they were taking the prince to the princess's room and not the infirmary was beyond him, but he ultimately decided it wasn't worth questioning or arguing about. Whatever floats their boat, I suppose. He spotted a few ghosts along their way, but he didn't think much of it. He was a Spirit-Seer after all, so seeing them wasn't anything new to him. The trek through the corridors to Luna's bedroom was relatively quick and fortunately uneventful, at least on his end it was. He was too far ahead and overall preoccupied to take notice of the altercation between the queen and Lyra, and that was probably for the best.

He felt a bit of relief when they had made it to Luna's bedroom and carefully placed Myrus on the bed. The last thing he wanted to do was to drop Luna's brother right in front her. He had already made a fool of himself enough today. Well, technically whoever had poisoned him made a fool of him, but that was beside the point. The point was he needed to save face in whatever ways he could. Not that that was entirely why he had offered to help move the prince in the first place. He did like helping--sometimes.

He nodded his head to Titan, before stepping away from the bed to find a spot to sit. Once seated, his attention turned to Princess Luna. His gaze softened as he saw her nervousness, like she had something really big to get off her chest. He was half-tempted to go over and comfort her, but he decided that they weren't quite there yet in terms of their relationship(?). Besides, he wouldn't entirely know where to start. So, instead he did the next best thing. He shut his mouth and listened. His brows rose slightly, before furrowing, and he shook his head in response. He already wasn't sure where on earth this was going.

His gaze turned sharply to the door when the ExtraOrdinary Wizard entered. His blue eyes followed her, before drifting back over to Luna. However, he quickly did a doubletake when Arya suddenly collapsed. He jolted in his seat, eyes widening. And then, someone else burst into the room. And then, an altercation happened. And then, well, it was like a tidal wave hit the room. It all happened so fast. Tristan spat out some water, now drenched from head to toe. "Thanks man, I really needed a bath today," he stated sarcastically to Cuyler.

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Luna was about to say what was next when she looked towards her sister and then Lyra, her eyes went wide when she watched her sister the queen backhanding Lyra across the face. "Ohhh looks like the bitch got slapped." The Voice said in her head, hearing it laugh in her head as Luna tried her best to ignore it as well. Seeing the bloody mark across Lyra's face Luna did feel just a little bit bad for her, but it was justified anyway. The strange girl with the niffler was an unknown and Amarantha did end up warning the girl as well, Luna let out a slight sigh before she was about to speak again.

Then she saw Arya coming into the room with Cuyler, and someone that she didn't know at all but she could see him just outside of the door there was way to many people in the room and it was way to personal for her to reveal to everyone. Yes the ExtraOrdinary Wizard had a right to know as well. But then Arya just collapsed on the floor just at the edge of her bed where Myrus was, then the man Cuyler came storming in. Amarantha quickly stepped in to block the man from tending to Arya, but then she suddenly felt herself getting drenched in water.

"Everyone out of my room now!" Luna wasn't having any of this in her room at all, looking over at Skaoi, Valda, Cuyler, Lyra , Tristan and Amarantha for a moment. "Skaoi, Valda, Tristan and Amarantha you can stay, everyone else out!" Luna didn't trust anyone else in the room, she stood up looking at Arya biting her bottom lip feeling bad she didn't know what was wrong with her and looked over at Skaoi. "Is there anything you can do for the two of them?" Luna asked, she rubbed the bridge of her nose before The Voice spoke up again in her head. "This is just one big happy family." Luna was getting really annoyed and stressed out now with the people in the room. "Will you just shut up please?" Luna said to herself out loud leaning herself up against the wall rubbing the bridge of her nose still.

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Arnora looked directly at Nera for a moment as she started to say her story, she wasn't sure if the ghost was telling the truth right now or not. Her attention turned towards Grimspound as he handed her a book to read, she stared at Ahote getting the feeling that he was telling the truth about her. She shifted on her feet a little bit while looking over at Minerva when she asked what would happen if she simply burnt the house down. "I wouldn't do that, with the amount of spirits in here and seeing as they are all witches it wouldn't be wise." Arnora said.

Her attention then turned back towards Nera. "If your story checks out, you would give or tell us what the lady wants correct?" Arnora asked, she didn't know the whole story or any of the current royals living in the Castle. Arnora wasn't sure attacking the royal family would even be a good idea or not, she didn't really want to be put to death or anything like that.

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It was like he remembered it in those old days before he left. It was the optional term her preferred over fled. Though when you kill your mentor in a blind rage in the middle of the 'upstanding' folk, fleeing had seemed a good idea at the time. Now a days, Rhys wondered if he could have twisted that accident to garner him sympathy and perhaps a higher position. It would not have suited him though. To live and work in this area and forever hear about the ExtraOrdinary Wizard Arya and how she was so grand. It was enough to make him want to snarl and blast something apart in disgust.

Though there was a flaw with his plan. The password had been changed into the Wizard Tower from what he knew it to be and there was no one about to bully the answer from. Erin would be preferable. Though just when he did need the useless worm, said worm was no where in sight. Anger boiling inside of him and he wanted to rip the tower from the ground and let it's ruin lay in the streets. Upon examining the foundation he noted that some odd folk were slipping in and out of the tower like cockroaches. A large even was underway, perhaps their precious ExtraOrdinary Wizard about to step down or something. Give him a chance to strangle her death with his own hands. Though as he looked closely his expression soured. A wedding. Their precious Arya was getting married? All the better time to strike. If he got the cure for himself and his heir? All the better.

Even if he didn't kill Arya he would be able to instill into his heir if the boy lived that hatred. Perhaps the boy would kill the ExtraOrdinary Wizards and leave him with clean hands? It was plausible. Striding back the way he came the man noticed a frantic looking fool come bursting from one of the shops- Botts' Robes for All Occasions to be precise. As the man rushed off to one engagement or other, the rogue noticed a letter fall to the ground. Scooping it up out of morbid curiosity, a wicked smile crossed the man's lips. A wedding between Bruce Banner and Myth the Muse? The doors would be open to the public at five, and the wedding was to take place at sunset. He would be able to slip in easily. Til then... He turned on his heel back to his home to get some better clothes and overlook the plans he had of the Wizard's Tower for the thousandth time.

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Location: Luna's Room[/center]

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Skaoi winced when the Queen struck Lyra. It was not overly common to slap a servant in such a fashion, but the Queen was the Queen. What had the girl thought to gain by speaking so out of turn? Had this been the Easter Snow Plains the fate would be harsher for a mere servant. Despite whatever position she had before Lyra had been demoted, she was not doing herself any favors questioning the ruler? They- rulers- did not have friends. They had subjects and that cold wall about them was best to be respected. Best not to draw attention. Though her thoughts were drawn back to her charge, especially when the water in the bowl began to move.

Looking over her should Skaoi gasped in shock as Arya was laying on the ground. Cursing herself for not noticing, the physik gave a small squeal of protest when the water blasted them all. Shivering like a leaf in the middle of windstorm, Skaoi squeezed the water from her clothes and hair in short order and rushed to Arya's side ignoring how indecent she looked. Quickly she worked snapping to the Northman, "Quickly! Get her out of these wet clothes and the boy as well! The wet will do them no good! Someone fetch dry and warm bedding." Setting to work she hurried about the room with the speedy and practiced frantic nature of one trained well in her craft. "Merely stress for My Lady... His Highness is supressing his powers and doing no good for himself in that regard." She muttered softly more to herself than the rest. Trying to use her powers and a mixture of herbs to help the boy with no results.

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Grimspound smiled as the ghost of Nera Hawthorn took the book. It was by far not his favorite and a paltry gift but sometimes the token was enough, he mused as the book settled beneath the woman. Arnora and Ahote were both speaking as though the woman was being a sneaky little thing, and of course she wouldn't! Right? Puzzling over it for a second he mentally winced at the way his grandmother would twist his ear for falling for a pretty face. There was something subtly off and he of all people should have caught it! Promising to give himself a verbal lashing later- something that often took the tone of his dear granny- his emerald eyes shone with even more interest.

While he didn't think Minerva was right to use force to get her way, he had no quarrel about playing his hand to the woman's game. So he would play along for now. "The dear lady has lived in enough tragedy and you now accuse her?" Though they were well placed and true accusations. "Misstress Nera, what can you tell me about this Amarantha? I have not heard of such a tyrant while I travelled." Grimspound questioned carefully, not implying that she was innocent nor that she was not innocent. He didn't like accusing beautiful women on principal, though he did sense something sneaky that he approved of within this Nera. If only she was not a ghost!

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Myth cradled her stomach as she took a seat, both embarrassed and thankful for the attention given to her. And she was meeting Bruce's family, which was a plus, though it did not go the way she expected. Tate seemed calm for now, but if she knew him well enough, this would not be the only instance. His care for his sisters was evident and MYth wanted nothing more than to help, but flying off the handle like that would not help anyone.

"Yes, I'm fine. A bit tired, if anything, but I don't feel like there's anything wrong." She gave a sideways glance at Bruce to ensure him she was fine. As soon as she did so she heard a pop and out came yet another person. After introductions were given, she took the woman in. She could already tell that they would get along swimmingly. "Yeah, I'm Myth. Nice to meet you and thank you!"

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Fleur wasn't so sure if meeting the girl's brother would be fruitful or not. She found, in her experience, that men were often more trouble than they were worth. Good for one thing really and even then, women could hold their own if it came to that. Still, perhaps this allegiance would be beneficial for her and her own. "I hope that answers your questions. Magyk is both a blessing and a curse and it takes a strong person to be able to handle it, as this illness demonstrates."

Before she could continue, one of her members came barging in and announced the prince was dying. This upset Fleur for two reasons. 1: She did not care if the prince was dying, alive, or in the desert in nothing but a loincloth. 2: He was dying for another reason than her own. "I will overlook the interruption as the news has...certain merits. Leave us now." Once she was sure he had gone, she returned her attention to the girl.

"It seems fate has other plans for the royal family. Such a shame. I kind of liked the boy. Ah well."

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Valda did not respond to Lyra's comments, choosing instead to ignore the woman entirely. She was still getting on her nerves, but that didn't matter. What did matter was what exactly was going on with her brother, and she was grateful to Arya for showing up and trying something, anything would be better than sitting around doing nothing. She did not know what to say, or do anyway, when Arya collapsed suddenly. The Sicknesse was clearly taking it's toll on her, but still, she would have expected it to not take too much or anything like that.

"Arya? Are you okay?" Valda asked, any sort of coldness to her voice when she spoke to Lyra was gone, and now she was just concerned for the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. If using Magyk was effecting her this much, made her wonder what would happen to everyone else who used Magyk. Then came the tidal wave from what seemed to be Arya's boyfriend of sorts, and she found herself soaking wet. Coughing ever so slightly from the sudden amount of water, she glanced over at Cuyler, "Mind explaining what that was for?"

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Sylvi was confused as to what it was that Tate was doing. He was looking over at his sisters for some reason, even though they were perfectly safe. Made her wonder what he was thinking, then it made her wonder if that actually was what he was doing. After all, he was telepathic, so maybe he was talking to his sisters in order to make sure they were okay? It would make some sense, he did obviously worry about them when it came to stuff like this.

Bruce looked over at his younger sister, and it made him wonder where exactly the youngest one, Nova, was. The two younger ones in his family weren't exactly ones to stick around and stay in one place, unlike himself and Halley, they tended to move from place to place. "Oh, hey there Astrid... And you do realize that not everyone is used to nifflers? I've only gotten used to all of those animals of yours because I've grown up with you."

When she heard Astrid mention the prince from the Land of Long Nights, she tensed up slightly. Her brother, was here? Why was Tristan in the Castle? None of this was making any sense to her, and she was worried about all of the things that could happen if they ran into each other. She certainly did not want to go back home, preferring to stay here, a place where no one really knew where she was from or what her family was like. It was something better here, that was for sure.

Lance nodded at Myth's words, "Alright, just let me know if anything changes," he said, giving her a smile. Bruce looked over at Myth, giving her a smile as well, glad that she seemed to be okay. He was also grateful for what his mother had just done for him. Lance went over to Runa, before he took her gently by the arm and led her towards a chair. "You need to sit down for a little bit Runa..."

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@Nallore@KazAlkemi@LadyRunic: There was one thing to be certain - Minerva was more ruthless than the rest of the party. Nera sighed slightly, hearing Ahote admonish her for lying and deceiving them. She had her reasons for withholding information. Perhaps it was silly to keep sentimentality in such a lonely afterlife, after her love had abandoned her for so long. "Are you finished admonishing me and appealing to my clearly well defined and irreplaceable set of morals?" Nera asked with a bit of a yawn. She then nodded slightly at Arnora.

"Never did I describe her as a tyrant," Nera said, seemingly losing interest in Grimspound and the others. Minerva rolled her eyes slightly - it wasn't like Nera's ghostly afterlife got any more interesting than this. "If you want this item so much, you can find that information on your own. Everyone these days just wants things handed to them...They don't work for what they receive..." It seemed to be a bitter note for her.

"I still think burning this place down would be easier - witches or not, they're dead," Minerva argued - but Arnora was wise. Ghosts could still Cause things to happen to the living.

@LadyRunic: As Rhys heads back home from Wizard Way, he'll notice the ExtraOrdinary Apprentice, Atkin, wearing his street clothes and heading out of the nearest message rat office. Atkin scrunched up his face slightly before he threw his ExtraOrdinary Apprentice tunic on the ground and huffed, heading to the Ramblings where his family lived.

And then, as if in some sort of cosmic joke, Rhys would also see Ernie - his old friend(?) - heading back from the Snook's Nook. It was located outside of the Ramblings and housed the largest markets at the Castle, with the exception of the Trader's Market. Better late than never?

@mnkee: Out in the hallway where Lyra remained, Rainbrook was looking rather nervous and ill at ease with all of this. For whatever reason, Cuyler yelling at him had shaken him up a lot - as if he cared deeply about the Northern Trader's opinion. He breathed out for a moment, ruffling his hand through his wild hair in agitation as he paced back and forth. "I mustn't tell..." he whispered over and over again. He definitely was of a nervous disposition.

A ghost of a young Castle Queen Appeared next to Lyra. She was Sabelina the Wise - remembered as the Castle Queen who brought the entire Small Wet Country Across the Sea under the Castle's reign. Her gaze and smile were unnerving, as if when she looked at you Sabelina was determining every possible way to defeat you.

@FantasyChic: Meadow took in the news with interest. Her cousin, Prince Myrus, was dying? She frowned slightly, remembering talk with her advisors about the tensions between the Eastern SnowPlains and the Land of Long Nights. Both of them wished to have the Castle's allegiance for the same reason the Lagoon wanted to control it - for its resources. "Queen Valda will be vulnerable, then," Meadow mused. "Perhaps the time for your forces to strike is soon. She'll be too preoccupied with her brother..."

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In the brief few moments that Arya was unconscious, she found herself in a strange clearing. Draped on her shoulders was a red cloak and as Arya looked to her left and right, she noticed that she was not alone. A wise woman who seemed about her age stood next to her and turned, giving her the slightest smile. "Come home, Arya," the woman whispered.

"Who are you? Where am I?" Arya called out, the road seemed to go on forever in either direction she looked in this wood.

"You must come home."

Arya's eyes then opened and she found herself on the ground, soaking wet. The entire room was covered in water and she glanced around wildly, trying to ascertain what had happened. Whatever her dream had been about, it was almost entirely forgotten already. If pressed, she would not be able to recount what had occurred. Her amulet was still around her neck and Arya was shaking - she knew not if from the Sickenesse or the cold that penetrated her bones. "Forgive me, Your Majesty..." Arya said, her voice feeling hoarse. "I am quite well, I am sorry for distressing you."

Myrus continued to sleep, as if the water had not hit his form. Yet while Arya had dreamt during her slip into unconsciousness, Myrus' mind was too exhausted to conjure a dream for him - or perhaps, it could not fathom an image to provide him comfort. A message rat slipped into the room, asking for the ExtraOrdinary Wizard - and once Arya confirmed it was her, the rat began its message: Arya - I really loved being your apprentice, but I'm needed at home - and with this illness, me mum's not really chuffed to have me at the tower...Sorry, but I quit. Love, Atkin.

Arya's face flushed from embarrassment - but sorrow filled her. She could not blame Atkin for wishing to dissolve the apprenticeship. She shut her eyes for a moment, afraid that if too much more happened she would burst into flames. The pounding headache made concentration difficult and she was in no condition to help Myrus. She could barely help herself.

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To recap, the Banner residence is becoming quite crowded. Let's just briefly summarize who is there and who everyone is, since as while the physical space is becoming less and less adequate for all of these people, I have a feeling the RPers are struggling as well:

• Runa, Baldur's daughter, Granddaughter of the eternal flame, and Mistress of Lies - Bruce's mother
• Lance Banner - Bruce's father
• Astrid Banner, Traveler of the Nine Realms - Bruce's younger sister
• Halley Banner, Mistress of Chaos - Bruce's older sister
• Bruce Banner
• Myth the Muse
• Antonije Magnisky - Bruce's adopted son
• Marya and Medea Magnisky - Bruce's adopted twins, younger sisters of Antonije
• Sylvi the Bard - Antonije's girlfriend
• Tinsel - Astrid's niffler

"Marya, Medea, Превише људи, идемо доле," Antonije said to his siblings. He didn't mind if Bruce's family heard this one, figuring that they'd all be able to understand it. It was both nice and irritating that Bruce was able to understand Serbian. But at any rate, things were getting too cramped up here for his tastes and Antonije wanted to feel like he could breathe again.

"Хоће ли Силви остати код нас?"

Antonije shrugged slightly. "Ако жели," he said, before his twin sisters rushed in a flash of silver down the stairs into the basement. Antonije nodded at Sylvi, beckoning for her to come if she wanted to, and he gave the gods assembled the middle finger before heading down into the basement. As soon as he got down there, he felt like he could breathe again. "Превише проклетих људи..."

Back upstairs in the living room, Astrid smiled at her soon to be sister-in-law. "I got you guys an amazing present - you're not allergic to animals or anything, right?" she asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "And don't worry Brucey, it's not a niffler!"

Runa huffed a bit, but let her husband lead her into a chair. "I'm fine, love..." Runa gave him a soft kiss, her head still pounding as she had spent the majority of her energy. She was glad that Bruce's siblings seemed to be getting along with his fiancée - and she hoped Nova would arrive soon. She was an hour late now.

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Cuyler was still in a state of shock. His hands shook with fear as he tried to comprehend what had just happened. The realization that there were people talking flooded his mind as the sound of being submerged cleared. He flinched a bit from the harshness of some of the comments and the yelling of some healer Cuyler imagined, who was kneeling beside Arya. Arya. He noted her soaked clothes and ran to her side. The healer was instructing to strip Arya but he would do no such thing in front of all these people.
Arya was just coming to when Cuyler bent down and his hands fluttered over her.
”Arya, I’m so sorry… I don’t… I don’t know what happened. I was just… trying to get to you and then….” He stared down on his hands, willing them to yield an answer but none came. He didn’t even hear the messenger rat as he looked around at the others still soaked and dripping water onto the floor.
Cuyler looked around the room, trying to find something dry to give Arya but he seemed to be the only dry one in the room. He looked back at Arya, water and fear still in his eyes.

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Amarantha pulled herself to her feet, shaking the water off her arms and wrung out her hair. She would need to change before the wedding but at least she had the awful smell of sick off her now. She surveyed the dampened room, seeing the bed Mryus was laying on was positively soaked. With Luna’s outburst of demanding everyone out of her room except a select few, Amarantha being one which she was pleased with, she took a step forward and placed a hand on her arm.
”I believe we all should move to a drier room. Mryus’s clothes will need to be changed as well. Unless someone has some untapped fire power they are hiding as well?” She asked, addressing the whole room with this. It seemed the boy who had unleashed all the water, didn’t realize he could do such a thing. How many more people were going to develop a enhanced ability while Amarantha was there?
Luna responded but not with what she was expecting. She noted her friend’s far away eyes and knew those words were meant for the thing inside her head and not the Hunter herself.
”Luna, remember your head,” she quietly urged her friend before she looked at everyone else.
Amarantha moved from Luna’s side and opened up the door.
”Titan your assist is needed. Servant, assistance to Skaoi. Your services are suddenly needed. We need fresh clothes for the Prince and something for the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. Also start a fire in another room, that would be lovely,” she said with a flashing smile to Lyra before she turned back into the room. She left the door opened and walked over to the Queen and ExtraOrdinary Wizard.
”Let’s move somewhere warmer.”

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Ahote was slightly worried that he had offended this ghost but she still seemed calm enough. Arnora seemed to believe him, Minerva hadn’t changed her position at all and Grimspound…. Well, his pulse had increased significantly and Ahote frowned. Now was hardly the time to side with another pretty face. Especially a dead one.
Ahote grew agitated and shifted a bit, looking around him again. Minerva continued to threaten burning down the house and Ahote wasn’t sure the people in this house, dead or not, would appreciate such things being said about their final resting place. He couldn’t see through any change of the house though. It still had the despair of the lost souls and specific depraved soul that this room held. He looked back at Nera as she floated above the ground, almost looking bored with them still there. Her mention of needing to work for what they wanted didn’t sit well with him. Not that he didn’t value hard work but he believed her hard work would consist of someone dying. Of them getting revenge for her before Minerva got her answer. Ahote wanted no part of that mission.
”Perhaps we should try and get our answers somewhere else,” he said and looked at Minerva.

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Luna was still trying to ignore the voice in her head, hearing it continue to laugh a little bit which was unnerving and annoying at the same time. She stopped and shook her head, a little bit when she felt Amaratha's hand on her shoulder and nodded at her friend slightly and sighed just a little bit. Her eyes wondering over towards Cuyler with an annoyed look on her face, the man got her room soaking wet, ruining everything pretty much that was there. Everyone seemed to be so concerned for Arya which was understandable the woman did collapse out of the blue along with her brother.

"Take Myrus to his room, it should be dryer and safer there for him." Luna suggested as she tried to wring out her dress, as she rubbed her eyes a little bit more. "I wanted to say this for a long time now. I want to just say it now." Luna said looking over at her brother she wanted to help him in someway she could. "Our family has mental illnesses, happens every generation or so. The Near Drowning story was a member of our family many years ago. She was paranoid and wanted to keep the power to herself, anyway long story short." Luna said looking over towards Tristan for a few seconds.

"Since the coronation it started when the Port Witches took me. I have been hearing a voice inside my head it's slowly going to drive me mad. Tristan, I cannot marry you I don't want you to see me like that again and I don't want to hurt you or anyone at all." Luna said, she didn't care who else was in the room now, and then she stopped looking down at the messenger rat as it scurried in and announced that Atkin had quit being Arya's apprentice. She wasn't sure what to think right now, and then started to get out and leave the room. Luna wanted sometime alone to think now.

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Arnora moved towards a nearby wall and leaned herself up against the side of it for a moment moving a braid of hair out of her face as she looked towards the spirit of Nera for a moment as the ghost stared at her. She didn't like her that much, and she certainly wasn't going to be a pawn for her at all after being nice to her. Her attention turned back towards Minerva still suggesting burning down the house and shook her head a bit. "Even if they are dead, they can still Cause things to the living. And i'd rather not deal with a bunch of pissed off spirits. I see enough of them on a daily basis anyway." Arnora said, as she stood up looking over at the spirit of Nera once more.

[color=#81BEF7"What Ahote said, I am sure there are other ways to find whatever you are looking for. But no burning the place unless you want spirits to haunt you for the rest of your life."[/color] Arnora said, giving Nera a smile. "I do hope you enjoy the rest of your time in the room, maybe i'll swing by later or something." Arnora said, as she started to head back down the stairs, she wanted to get out of here as soon as possible.