[u]Epilogue of White Thresher[/u]
[hider=A Stab in the Back?]
The White Thresher was slain. It had happened mere moments earlier, but it was an undeniable, if fresh, fact. Leon had put that beyond the veil of doubt. 

Now came the race for its riches, coupled with the fear of the encroaching foam and perhaps even each other. If none of the students had outright attempted murder, they had brazenly worked against each other more than once and their games of brinksmanship had consistently flirted with disaster. 

Now, as a sickly steaming fog boiled over the area, Zarina found herself checking those closest to her and most vulnerable to see if there had, indeed, been many casualties. Roslyn found herself once again in the hot seat aboard the Salty Swallow, and Ciro had taken a recess from the celebrations of his crew to scan the area for dangers and opportunities, his brow intensely furrowed. Yet, for Penelope Pellerin, princess of Perrence, there was only the former. 

The Fortis Orritis had eaten a battering from the pack ice and was both taking on water and listing to starboard, its binders - including her - in a desperate struggle to save it from foundering. That, to put matters simply, was all that was needed for a vile and dastardly act of sabotage and assassination. 

Roslyn's eyes widened at the aftermath. The energy rippled through the water, breaking ice and shoving away nearby ships. Her fingers gripped the railing to keep her balance. However, her expression fell into sorrow and dread. A dense fog rose around the ships as the ice melted from the heat. [color=#cbc66d] "I thought there was a plan... "[/color] Roslyn's words broke the silence. 

"I guess your 'friends' had other ideas." Diggory replied as his eyes glanced about nervously. He twisted away and then barked fresh orders to the crew. They were already hauling themselves across the deck and raising the sails. "We're getting out of here now." He looked over his shoulder at Roslyn while walking. "You're welcome to come with us or get off the ship and face the consequences." 

[color=#cbc66d] "Wait? What do you mean? "[/color] She pulled away from the railing and followed him. 

"By the gods, you're a bit of a git. You had us tether a ship full of Virangish and Eskandish to the thresher. It will be seen as an act of war. I find it amusing that they couldn't handle just the tip." He said with a playful smile, his head twisting forward again. "Enth will be expected to pay for the damages and more. Of course his Majesty won't." The man  watched her put the pieces together. 

Roslyn's face paled. [color=#cbc66d] "What...You- I didn't mean for this to spark a war."[/color]

"No one ever does, but it was going to happen. The high and mighty are always eager to swing their knobs about. No matter how innocent you claim it was, I doubt anyone will care or believe it. " Diggory shrugged as he stopped and leaned over some anchored lines. His hands began to loosen them. 

[color=#cbc66d] "I-I'll tell them the truth. That I was just trying to help. My friends will believe me."[/color]

He paused and laughed at her. "I doubt that. Based on my experience, the powerful will let the weak drown if it makes them look better. If you tell them this was your idea, you're likely to be arrested and your family's reputation soured. A little bird like you will not survive prison for very long." He continued to argue.

Pandemonium. A failure of leadership. A plan gone to waste.

A Revidian victory.

Up in the sky stood the wildblood, as if the air was made material to the flat soles of Zarina footwear, overlooking the aftermath of the mighty creature's obliteration. And soon the evidence of a vicious and foreboding plot went with it. With a clenched jaw and arms crossed uncomfortably tightly, the Virangish dragon assessed the situation the best she could in a state where she wanted nothing more than to belittle those that did not share her vision. 

Casualties and collateral damage were still accruing. The job wasn't quite finished yet, with many vultures already seeking to pick the carcass clean of any valuables. For a brief time, this supposed victory was likely to become more chaos than fanfare. And you know what they say about chaos - it is a ladder.

With one big victory under their belt, what else could the twisted partisan conflict try to greedily rake into their clutches? 

There was one person, one far too important to ignore. One stuck with a damaged boat. Golden, partially reptilian hues turned to Fortis Orritis. It was a ripe moment to make a play. A moment she would seize herself, had she plotted against an exalted figure in the current political landscape. She was not going to let these ghoulish plotters get a second, easier win today.

It was sudden and jarring and Penny staggered back and fell on her rear, clutching her stomach and shielding the babies from the worst of the impact. The White Thresher was dead, but [i]something[/i] had bumped the ship: something [i]large[/i], maybe a scavenger already here to feed on the carcass.

That was of lesser concern at the moment. They had just turned the corner. They had just gotten the majority of the holes patched and there was no more water coming out of the ship than going into it. There was a second bump, just as Penny was trying to stand again, and she cursed having one leg! She cursed her balance and the sway of the ship, but then came the water, [i]gushing[/i] inwards, and she scooted back frantically, binding up walls around the hole and hanging on for dear life.

Roslyn gritted her teeth with new frustration. Diggory just smiled at her with equal parts mocking and amusement. Out of her sight, three pirates discreetly broke from their comrades. They moved with purpose to different positions. Two took up rifles and dropped to one knee near the ship’s rear. They raised their muzzles as the Fortis Orritis came into range. Meanwhile, the third man settled in beside the railing and subtly drew in kinetic energy from the waters. He pulled off his shades showing his dark and porous eyes. His lips curled into a grin and he took aim at the princess.

When the temperature dropped, Roslyn's eyes widened. She turned toward the powergazer and began to draw herself. Before she could cast any magic, the butt of Diggory's pistol whipped into her head. She crumbled to all fours. Stars floated in her vision as she tried to push back up, but her body became heavy. Like something massive was holding her down. Something warm and wet trickle down her neck. It was blood. Her blood. 

Diggory stood over Roslyn and casually readjusted his pistol. "You should know, a magic school isn't the only place you can learn magic from. It's a pity. I was just starting to like ya."

[color=#cbc66d] "Word of advice, don't count your puffchickens before they hatched."[/color] She flipped over onto her back and sent a flare of arcane magic into the sky. It burst into a brief show of light before fading. [i]Please someone see it. Please![/i] Roslyn prayed as her lungs started to struggle with the pressure.

Within the myriad of energies and potential sources that'd cause the ship to rock abnormally, Zarina wouldn't have immediately guessed that the Enthish ship would have any part in it. And yet, her twisted, amber eyes were made to follow a show of light originating from that innocuous, supposedly "neutral" vessel.

A quick look and a brief draw with her unusually massive mana capacity had the draconic scout quickly assess the discrepancies within the ship. Most notably that one Hendlish girl she had gone out of her way to help.

In the blink of an eye, Zarina was no longer up above but by the railing opposite of where Roslyn had been gazing from. Her unforeseen appearance on the vessel caused it to rock slightly as if she was much heavier than she really was, potentially disrupting any assault demanding precision - it was on purpose.

[color=#E5E4E2]“What are you doing to her?”[/color] inquired a cold and husky voice, one originating from a woman that almost looked demonic with her budding, goat-like horns, warped eyes and visible black scales on her hands and cheeks.

[color=#E5E4E2]“What are you [i]all[/i] doing here?”[/color] she asked again with a demanding and, quite frankly, bitchy voice. Heavy steps were taken, bridging the gap between herself and Diggory as she awaited an answer.

If Zarina had been cued in by Roslyn and arrived with a flourish, she had not been quick enough to prevent them from getting their shots off. Two bullets exploded from the rifles of the snipers and, that very moment it was money in the bank - well, [i]their[/i] accounts, anyhow. The powergazer's twin beams leapt forth and scythed across the deck of the Fortis Orritis but, crucially, he'd been sent off-balance, and his deadly shots missed the Perrench princess by a handful of inches, chasing her across the deck but alerting her first. 

One of the bullets, she stopped in midair. The other plowed harmlessly into a sail and continued somewhere off into the grey-blue sky until, at some point, it would exhaust its energy and arc down into the water below. The beams caught up to the one-legged woman before long, but she had enough raw capacity to absorb the worst of them and then - just like that - they were done and Penny rose to her foot, more or less unharmed, but eyes wide with shock, anger, and... accusation.

The powergazer simply disappeared, as did one of the snipers. There was a flash and swell of energy close to Diggory, but he was [i]not[/i] gone. He cast about, alarmed. 

Roslyn had been a bit shocked by the arrival of woman with features of beast. It wasn't what she expected, but any help was still help. She felt the pressure of gravity fade as Diggory took a step back. He somehow kept his smile, his pistol pointed away and tried to look disarming. The Hendlish girl was already getting up to her feet to shout. 

Before any words came from her lips, the assassination started and failed. Suddenly two individuals vanished leaving Diggory and one sniper behind. The man cursed at his luck then turned to face the girls. "Well, the gods be damned." 

His arm jerked up and fired at Zarina. Roslyn ignored the subtle itch in her elbow as she narrowed on the ball. She pulled from the bullet's momentum, slowing it down, then sling shot it back to the sender.

A bullet shot wasn't going to stop the dragon's stride. An opportunity to show just how 'impervious' a horrifer's scales were. But alas, Roslyn beat her with an accurate and powerful enough draw to redirect the shot to the sender.

[color=#E5E4E2]“Tsk tsk.”[/color] a strange quid pro quo took form as Zarina rumbled control over the bullet before could hit Diggory. The last thing she wanted was for the big talker to disappear like the others. She was no fool to what was going on - they were either retreating to hide what they were doing, or being eliminated for the same purpose.

Below Diggory's feet began to form a portal. [color=#E5E4E2]“You're due for a break.”[/color] she remarked as the temporal maw sought to send the vagrant to An Zenui's deserts. Luckily, it would be night time there, sparing him the harsh heat.

Diggory's eyes widened in alarm and then, just like that, he disappeared. Had he gone through Zarina's portal or elsewhere? It was hard to say. The ship rocked up and down on the waves, Zarina bristled threateningly. Roslyn cast about. The crew drew back. "I didn't know nothin'!" one insisted. "We was juss followin' orders!" 

"It was all 'im, I tell yeh."

"We didn't know nuttin' about it. I swears!"

"You in't gonna go a murderin', yeh?"

"I... I was told to shoot an' I shot," the marksman said, among the last to speak. He looked about frantically, dropping his weapon and backing up with his hands raised.

Roslyn stood there and holding the energy in. She was shaking with anger as it churned inside of her. Red tingled at the edges of her vision and she forced herself to stay in place. Someone had tried to kill Penny, but she didn't know who or why. She inhaled deeply to gain control of her temper. 

[color=#cbc66d] "[i]Who[/i] told you to shoot?"[/color] Roslyn stepped forward. She hadn't heard Diggory give the order as she had been talking with him most of the time.

Elsewhere, aboard the Cuore Volante, Ciro Volta was trying to get a hold of Simona. It took him three attempts before she responded. [color=5F9EA0]<Padrone.>[/color]

[color=FFE4C4]<It's about time. Are they secured?>[/color]

[color=5F9EA0]<Two out of the three, certainly.>[/color]

[color=FFE4C4]<You missed one!?>[/color]

[color=5F9EA0]<I think I got him, but the Strega Squamosa knows temporal too.>[/color]

Ciro scowled. [color=FFE4C4]<Check. Immediately.>[/color]

[color=5F9EA0]<Yes, Padrone.>[/color]

[color=FFE4C4]<Over.>[/color]

There was a pause and Ciro took a moment to prod the helmsman closer to the dead beast. [color=FFE4C4]"If there's anything valuable there, we claim it,"[/color] he commanded, but then, it appeared Simona wasn't finished.

[color=5F9EA0]<Padrone.>[/color]

[color=FFE4C4]<Confirmed?>[/color]

[color=5F9EA0]<Still waiting.>[/color]

[color=FFE4C4]<Then why are you making a social call, Simona?>[/color]

[color=5F9EA0]<Did we win?>[/color]

Ciro gazed out across the sea to the Fortis Orritis, where a commotion had begun. Penny was, unfortunately, very much alive, but the main goal seemed to be well underway to being achieved.

Zarina clicked her tongue a third time as Diggory vanished. It was more of a snarl with her features distorting into a disgusted grimace. 

The crew soon came together and the last 'culprit' made himself known. He had surrendered, but that meant little to a temporal mage. [color=#E5E4E2]“We don't have time for an interrogation.”[/color] she remarked, and in an instant her core was pressed against the man with the hands up, one arm coiled around his torso. [color=#E5E4E2]“Our fates will be shared, now.”[/color] she uttered, almost poetically if it wasn't for how exasperated she sounded. 

She intended to warp this one into the Tethered refuge this time. Or end up where the others had.

Roslyn tensed when Zarina moved forward. She spoke quickly as she felt the familiar itching starting again. [color=#cbc66d] "If you can store him somewhere, I have a hat that will help. It copies memories from people. "[/color]

[color=F7976A]"Putain!"[/color] she screamed. [color=F7976A]"Un enculé à tenté de me tuer!"[/color] She was livid, casting about for the culprit. [color=F7976A]"Montre-toi, connard, je vais te baiser ta race au point de niquer la mémoire de tes ancêtres, petite merde va!"[/color] She stalked across the deck, ready to rip a person limb from limb.

Crew members rushed up to her, their voices, faces, and bearings radiating both concern and... fear, for her rage was truly incandescent. She ripped a balustrade off of the ship and disintegrated it in midair, but then they were pointing and calling it out: the ship from which the fire had come. She laid eyes upon it and was, sadly, unsurprised. It was the Enthish pirates. [color=F7976A]"You save this ship,"[/color] she warned. [color=F7976A]"I have done my work already and it has been good."[/color] She picoted on her heel, gathered from the water, and [i]rocketed[/i] towards the Salty Swallow.

A great many miles away, at the other end of Severa, Marceline felt the heat and stench of Temporal magic. Alarmed, she pulled back on her wheels and, moments later, a bedraggled looking pirate appeared in the middle of the courtyard practically where she'd been standing. This, then, would be Zarina's work. The man scarce had time to look around when she seized him with her kinetic magic and dropped him to the ground. [color=598527]"Whoever you are, you're here because you just pissed off someone I like. Stay still and be good and nothing bad will happen to you."[/color] 

The drop off was swift, barely ten seconds in-and-out. The goods secured somewhere few would be foolish enough to even consider looking into.

Upon returning, Zaz smirked. Penny's wrath was unleashed and rightly so. Part of her wanted to see these vermin get some just desserts.

But, alas ...

[color=#E5E4E2]“Ah-ah-ah ...”[/color] the taller-than-usual draconic lady stood in the vanguard, right before the poor sods that did not stand a chance. [color=#E5E4E2]“Their captain's gone. Don't actually throw away your life over a few nothing sailors.”[/color] she stood tall, arms crossed and not exactly in the most protective of stances. These people probably deserved some retribution, after all.

Ciro watched the princess have a meltdown and he almost laughed with giddy glee, but he did not, for he was master of his face, and he only cracked a small, satisfied smile that could've meant anything. Then, the news got even better. [color=5F9EA0]<Padrone.>[/color]

[color=FFE4C4]<Simona.>[/color]

[color=5F9EA0]<He is secured.>[/color]

[color=FFE4C4]<Excellent, cugina.>[/color]

[color=5F9EA0]<We did it, Padrone!>[/color]

[color=FFE4C4]<Don't get too excited. Get them to Enth.>[/color]

[color=5F9EA0]<On it!>[/color]

[color=FFE4C4]<And Simona?>[/color]

[color=5F9EA0]<Padrone?>[/color]

[color=FFE4C4]<Good work. I love you.>[/color]

[color=5F9EA0]<Thank you, Ciro. I love you too.>[/color]

[color=#E5E4E2]“With a trusted friend.”[/color] Zarina whispered, eyes still on the raging bull that was the princess.

Penny arced around back of the ship and came in for a landing. [color=F7976A]"Out of my way, Zarina,"[/color] she demanded, touching down on the ship hard enough to shatter some of its planks. [color=F7976A]"And [i]you[/i]."[/color] She regarded Roslyn. [color=F7976A]"I'm in [i]perfect[/i] control of myself."[/color] She smiled pleasantly enough, but there was something truly [i]ugly[/i] in her eyes. [color=F7976A]"You have my word that I won't lay so much as a [i]finger[/i] on these sacks of feces disguised as human beings."[/color] Her crutches snapped to her arms and she took a step forward, boiling with nine points of energy. Her eyes scythed through the cowering sailors. More than one dropped to the deck, vomiting or writhing in place. Even Roslyn looked queasy. [color=F7976A]"Now,"[/color] the princess demanded, [color=F7976A]"Which of you was behind it? I just need one name,"[/color] she offered, [color=F7976A]"then the rest of you can go home."[/color]

[color=#cbc66d] "Shit."[/color] Roslyn uttered when she felt Penny's power. Was she always that strong? The girl leaned against the rail, using it to balance and support herself. She pushed through the sick feeling in her body. [color=#cbc66d] "Penny, this is too much. They don't know. I think all the ones part of the attack were ported away."[/color]

Zarina exhaled from her nostrils and her claws drummed over her salty attire. [color=#E5E4E2]“I don't recall you needing to touch someone to gore them, Penelope.”[/color] still, the Virangish pivoted to give a better view to the princess. [color=#E5E4E2]“Promise you won't kill these mongrels, and you can have your interrogation. But I think the shotcallers have been swiped from us already.”[/color]

[color=olive]"I... I didn't know nothin', lady."[/color] The marksman backed up, but he didn't go far. His hands were raised and his body language pacifying. [color=598527]"That's a double negative,"[/color] Marceline replied. [color=598527]"Just stay the fuck still."[/color] She shook her head. [color=598527]"I'm sure she'll be back for you before long."[/color]

[color=olive]"It was all the boss and a couple others. I swear it. They just turned around and changed their minds suddenly."[/color]

[color=598527]"Mmmm hm."[/color] Marci glanced down at her nails. [color=598527]"That's something you can tell [i]her[/i], okay?"[/color] She rolled up beside him, reached out, and patted him on the shoulder. [color=598527]"You just stay nice and safe and quiet here. If what you're saying is true, you have nothing to worry about, Mister Sailor Guy. Laelle!"[/color] she called, looking up, [color=598527]"Keep an eye on this shithead, okay?"[/color]

A younger tethered, still very much on four, hustled forward. [color=6ecff6]"Uh... yes! Right. Absolutely."[/color] With that, the prisoner was secured.

[color=F7976A]"It's so much more personal when you do it with your own hands, though, not the [i]cowards'[/i] way."[/color] She sighed and seemed to deflate a bit when the words of her two... friends seemed to match. [color=F7976A]"Swiped by who and swiped where?"[/color] she demanded. [color=F7976A]"Do we have any idea?"[/color] She shook her head, still letting loose with a massive amount of energy until she saw that Roslyn was struggling with it. 

[color=F7976A]"I mean, they're Enthish privateers,"[/color] she snorted, having come right up to the other two. [color=F7976A]"They went after an Eskandish-Virangish ship ostensibly to attack the thresher, but there were a hundred better ways they could've done that. Then, a brazen attempt on my life."[/color] She shook her head tight and scowled. She was cold and unequivocal now, the burning rage from a minute earlier having visibly cooled and been replaced. [color=F7976A]"Perrence demands satisfaction."[/color]

Roslyn felt the pressure gradually lessen as color returned to her face. She caught the mention about the earlier attack as her eyes shifted away. It looked bad and she hated herself for it. Why didn't she think before she acted? One thing at a time, she told herself. She'll explain and apologize about the first attack later. First, she wanted to focus on finding the actual culprits or this wouldn't be the last attempt on Penny's life.  [color=#cbc66d] "I don't think the ones responsible for this care if you kill, hurt, or punish them."[/color]

She squinted, trying to recall everything that happened earlier. A subtle throbbing etched across the back of her skull. She reached back and gingerly touched it, feeling the small split of skin. Roslyn hissed then mumbled, [color=#cbc66d] "Fucker hit me harder than I expected. Starting to think pirates are bad for my health."[/color] She applied pressure to stop the bleeding.

[color=#E5E4E2]“Temporal magic. From where? No clue.”[/color] Zarina shot a careful eye at the troupe of men, many terrified of what their fates would be. [color=#E5E4E2]“I did not sense a temporal stench within my perimeter. I have to assume it's either a much stronger spatial magic user than myself, or someone with considerably more range.”[/color] was her analysis, eyes back to Penny and the subtle gestures that could indicate rowdy behaviour.

Then Roslyn added her input, prompting a shrug. [color=#E5E4E2]“You're the boss of this ship now. I'll leave their fates to you, but I still counsel that you keep the princess from becoming an easy - what did they call it again?”[/color] the dragon blinked and tapped her scaley cheek with her claw. [color=#E5E4E2]“Cassis Belly. Or something.”[/color] with another indifferent shrug, the Virangish had disappeared in a flash, keen on scouring the remains of the thresher and enforce some much needed arbitration after the recent mess.

Penny was left there, impotent in her rage, as Zarina teleported away. She'd been attacked and nearly murdered and she was the problem to be babysat. [color=F7976A]"This ship is to be interned in a neutral port,"[/color] she suggested, flicking her head towards the coast and distant Zengali. [color=F7976A]"Anyone disagree?"[/color]

At Zarina's mention of  "Cassis Belly", Roslyn resisted the urge to point out it didn't matter. She gripped her elbow and tensed when Zarina abruptly vanished. Her mind made a note of the mention of temporal as she was left in charge of the ship. At Penny's words, Roslyn's eyes darted around the crew. Fear etched across their features, all eyes remained on the princess as they kept silent. Not a single one dared to object. Satisfied that the bleeding had stopped, she replied. [color=#cbc66d] "I doubt anyone will. It wouldn't look good if they did." [/color]

Still feeling a bit guilty, she then added. [color=#cbc66d] "I'll stay onboard and make sure they get docked."[/color][/hider]
[u]Epilogue of Cast Away[/u][hider=Stirring the Fire Within]
At the conclusion of the battle, Tamatoa didn't exchange words with Mahal. He had rushed to his father's aid, made sure he would live, and focused on bringing the warriors of Moatu Suva together. But even then, when the first party raged in celebration of tensions passed, he hadn't sought her out. It was as though he was avoiding her.

Everyone on Moatu Suva slept in that night. Only toward the late morning did anyone go about their day and prepared for the next night of festivities. The sun shone bright and warm, and the gentle sea breeze soothed the skin. It was hard to believe this place was a war zone only a day ago. It was then that Tamatoa approached Mahal and asked for a private conversation.

They sat there on the beach facing away from the wreck. The seamless horizon sparkled a dazzling blue as the only noise for a time was the coming and going of waves. This place was truly a paradise. And yet, the Prince looked only to the distance with a bothered look on his face. Perhaps he hadn't left that battlefield quite yet.

[color=e4e675]"When we were back fighting off those pirates, you had the opportunity to join us. Aid me, aid my father, and yet you stayed on that ship and helped the Virangish. Why?"[/color]

Mahal eyed up her knuckles, the dark purple bruises now yellowing. Instead of celebrating, she had found a groove of trees and unleashed her fury upon them. By the time she was done, her hands were bleeding. She inhaled and dropped her arms to her side. Diyablos settled upon her shoulder as he clung about her neck. Absentminded, she stroked his side until the sound of footsteps caught her attention. She looked up and saw Tamatoa. He had been avoiding her and she suspected she knew the reason why. When he requested her presence, her head tilted before she nodded and silently followed. 

Once they were out of sight, the question came. Mahal pressed her back against a nearby tree. Her legs crossed as she lowered herself  down, sitting among the gritty sands. A quiet passed between them before she spoke. [color=#B8860B] "Ren Baykara was on the ship and I couldn't avoid him. Besides, it was the plan to show support. Fighting alongside them accomplished that."[/color] 

Mahal eyed up her knuckles, the dark purple bruises now yellowing. Instead of celebrating, she had found a groove of trees and unleashed her fury upon them. By the time she was done, her hands were bleeding. She inhaled and dropped her arms to her side. Diyablos settled upon her shoulder as he clung about her neck. Absentminded, she stroked his side until the sound of footsteps caught her attention. She looked up and saw Tamatoa. He had been avoiding her and she suspected she knew the reason why. When he requested her presence, her head tilted before she nodded and silently followed.   Once they were out of sight, the question came. Mahal pressed her back against a nearby tree. Her legs crossed as she lowered herself  down, sitting among the gritty sands. A quiet passed between them before she spoke. [color=#B8860B] "Ren Baykara was on the ship and I couldn't avoid him. Besides, it was the plan to show support. Fighting alongside them accomplished that."[/color] 

[color=e4e675]"He was there, so you couldn't."[/color] The Prince clicked his tongue in frustration and grimace, his gaze still to the sea. Although, his delivery didn't leave the impression that his frustrations were targeted at her and what she chose. His sitting posture was reserved with knees up and arms reaching out to keep them in place. [color=e4e675]"You felt fear. While you had the choice, there really wasn't one because you knew the consequences of choosing wrong and didn't want to see them."[/color] He turned to look Mahal in the eyes. His face was angry but his eyes didn't carry the weight of judgment, only sadness. [color=e4e675]"Am I right to say that?"[/color]

Mahal felt Diyablos crawl from her shoulder down to her lap. The octopus left a damp trail as he settled in the nook of her legs and toyed with her fingers. Fear. Her mind fixated on the word and she took a deep breath. A thing displayed by the weak and enslaved, not something a daughter with blood ties to noble society should feel. Her eyes lowered to hide her self disgust. Her silence answered his question clearly.

 [color=#B8860B] "It's not him I fear, but of ill words getting back to my father. He is not a man known for his mercy. Especially toward me. Unfortunately, I seemed to have done my task a bit too well."[/color] She inhaled then added with an angry tone. her hands balled up into fists. [color=#B8860B] "It's the students' fault I'm in this position. If they hadn't picked me to aid the Virang, I wouldn't have crossed paths with him. He wouldn't have known I existed."[/color] 

Tamatoa let out a long sigh has he leaned back on his hands and tried to let the tension roll off him. It didn't. [color=e4e675]"I know the feeling all too well Mahal, all too well now... I don't think we were any different than you."[/color] His hands clenched into fists as well. [color=e4e675]"We fought for them not because we agreed with their goals but because a knife hung over our heads if we resisted."[/color]

[color=e4e675]"I grew up free in this place, to have them come in and force our hand... I want this to be the last time it ever happens."[/color]

Mahal shook her head. She uncurled her fingers as Diyablos' tentacles wrapped about them.  [color=#B8860B] "It won't be though. The strong will always remind the weak of their place. Be it though words or physical means."[/color]

She took a deep breath. Being a noble's daughter she was taught strength above all else and where her place was. Whenever she rose above it, her father would jerk her back into line. It was a fate she would never escape and she had stopped trying years ago. What was the point when it ended in pain? [color=#B8860B] "Some times, it isn't worth the pain."[/color] 

[color=e4e675]"Sometimes it is worth the pain... We have our freedoms to fight for, isn't that worth putting our lives on the line for?"[/color] Tamatoa replied with a fire in his chest. [color=e4e675]"I hear theres going to be a war in Constantia, Mahal. Virang and all their forces will need to be staked on keeping their homeland safe. Maybe that's our chance to take Palapar back. We are far out and don't see the Virang patrols often, but I'm sure Moatu Suva could stand with the mainland in that goal."[/color]

[i][color=#B8860B]It's easy to say when you've not watched your severed arm go flying across the floor.[/color][/i] Mahal thought, but kept her mouth shut. Her eyes continued to watch her pet, but she still lisented to him. The complications rose to her attention. She wasn't just a native. She was a noble and had ties to the 'problem'. Dalma, Lunara's mother, was part of the Virangish nobility circle and so was Lunara because of blood. [color=#B8860B] "Then what? How do we keep it? Virang will likely drain our country dry before they will let us stand on our own. We're a colony of theirs after all. Besides, it's more complicated for me than a simply choice."[/color]

Tamatoa paused, it seemed a thought as simple as 'then what?' had yet to cross his mind. [color=e4e675]"If they are going to drain your country dry regardless of what you do, isn't it better we get rid of them now? With them distracted in the war, we can look for allies and build up defences. If the situation is as lose-lose as you say, I would rather take my chances fighting for our freedom."[/color]

Mahal's eyes lingered on Tamatoa as she tried to find where his strength came from. She didn't understand it, but it stirred something in her. As she continued to keep her octopi in her lap, she spoke again. [color=#B8860B]"I admire your bravery and hope."[/color] She exhaled then added. [color=#B8860B] "I might be more jaded than I realized. My mother is native born, but my father is part of the noble circle. Being on the receiving side of his wrath, someone of his strength feels unbeatable. I notice not all the natives are magically gifted either and so there will be a lot of death if we fight."[/color] 

[color=e4e675]"To shy away from war only means that the cause was not important."[/color] Tamatoa explained as if reciting a lecture he had learned time and time again. [color=e4e675]"To commit oneself to battle, to risk your life and pose risk to the lives of your enemies in defense of something is an expression of love for it. I love these islands, Mahal, I love the freedom when you take a boat to the ocean and feel the breeze against your face. As long as the Virangish stay on these islands, that will slowly be stripped from us. I can only imagine what the main land feels being under their thumb."[/color]

He turned to the girl and took her hand. [color=e4e675]"You must understand, many of us here are soldiers without cause. Freedom is something any of us would take up arms for. Besides, we have [i]some[/i] advantages."[/color] He gave the grin of a confident man, whether or not it was misplaced was yet to be seen.

[color=e4e675]"To shy away from war only means that the cause was not important."[/color] Tamatoa explained as if reciting a lecture he had learned time and time again. [color=e4e675]"To commit oneself to battle, to risk your life and pose risk to the lives of your enemies in defense of something is an expression of love for it. I love these islands, Mahal, I love the freedom when you take a boat to the ocean and feel the breeze against your face. As long as the Virangish stay on these islands, that will slowly be stripped from us. I can only imagine what the main land feels being under their thumb."[/color]

He turned to the girl and took her hand. [color=e4e675]"You must understand, many of us here are soldiers without cause. Freedom is something any of us would take up arms for. Besides, we have [i]some[/i] advantages."[/color] He gave the grin of a confident man, whether or not it was misplaced was yet to be seen.

Mahal knew more about the main land then the smaller islands. She watched the elites bleed the people dry as their resentment grew under the lash. Words from radicals cried for change, but the people waited for the words from the Queen. They needed the order to burn down the system and rise from the ashes. Eventually, Mahal had to pick a side. 

Her eyes glanced up when she felt him touch her hand. She would be risking losing Lunara and her father, but she'd be free. Her heart wondered what that was like. Her hand squeezed his in acceptance. [color=#B8860B] "It's not death I fear because there's things far worse to endure. Let's hope your advantages are enough, or we'll need to come up with new tricks."[/color]

Deep down, she knew if they lost then Ren and those like him would make examples of them. So she prayed to the ancestors to give her strength for the challenge to come. And that one day, Lunara might forgive her.

[hr]

As Tamatoa helped her up, he presented her with a strange and rare material. She turned the pale, ivory colored stone over in her hand. He called it Ngangau Koiwi. The same material used in his father's weapon, it drained energy from magical sources. This one drew the heaviest from binding while kinetic was barely touched. Her mind thought about the hook like weapon the King wielded causing her to inquire more. Ultimately, she accepted the gift intending to use it. 

After her conversation with Tamatoa, Mahal had been left feeling raw and uncertain. Unable to tolerate the bitterness, she rose onto her feet and patted her skirt clean. Her form disappeared into the jungle. While she hadn't known Fiske for long, she knew spirits became restless. Their memories could haunt the living and drive them into insanity. While her feet navigated over the twigs and branches, she sought any red coloring. Death blooms or known as tūpā were a flower traditionally burned to burned to guide the dead into the afterlife. She had preformed the rite many times through this was the first time within the last two years.

Mahal spent a good hour or two, but only found look alike ones. She sighed  and crouched down to pick it. Hopefully the spirit appreciated effort more than accuracy. Next she found a large fallen branch to carve a small boat to cradle the plant. Though she didn't asked any of the students to join her, she didn't stop them from helping or joining her either. Eventually she finished her task then used arcane to set it alight before letting it drift into the ocean. 
[/hider]
[u]Events after[/u][hider=How to Train Your Dragon]
Location/Date: Animal Farm, Velles 22nd
Niallus talked with the guards, inquiring about Albion's pen. Roslyn stood nearby and crossed her arms while waiting. She glanced at the Queensgate, recalling the aberration incident before pushing it aside. By now, Niallus had finished up causing the men to step aside. Walking through the cobblestone paths, she eyed the various pens and their occupants. The students' pets ranged from a giant sloth to adorable rosy threshers, each needing their own space to exist. 

Finally they stopped at a small forest edging an open meadow. Roslyn saw nothing as she turned to Niallus, [color=#cbc66d] "So where is Albion?"[/color]

Standing next to Roslyn, the shrubbery slightly swaying in the cool breeze. His eyes slowly surveying the area, in an attempt to spot his dragon. Before he could spot her, his attention pans to into a direction, A  couple of white scales catching the sun's rays.  Around where the scales were rested. The grass around it was flattened off, the trees are parted just enough so that it can be a excellent place to bask in the sun. 

[color=3d5a88]"She's here, well normally. "[/color] pointing towards where the scales were. [color=3d5a88]"Let's have a look around, but stay close to me as a precaution."[/color] Warning Roslyn as he took a couple of steps forward.

[color=#cbc66d] "Right, um... what type of animal is Albion? I think I forgot to ask earlier."[/color] Her head swiveled about, observing the surroundings. The sun beat down on her pale blue dress as she kept close to him. Her boots stepped across the grass, flattening it more. Some blades just behind her moved. She twisted about and knocked  into Niallus' back. A fat hare bolted past. With a flash of its white tail, it disappeared into the trees. [color=#cbc66d] "Sorry, I didn't mean that."[/color] 

[color=3d5a88]"She's a Dargon, A Harlequin Kite to be more precise. "[/color]After feeling Roslyn bump into his back, he turned on his heels. [color=3d5a88]"What is it?"[/color] catching a shrub russle, he caught a silver shimmer close to it.  Walking in front of Roslyn. [color=3d5a88]"Don't make any sudden moments, as she can spit out highly poisonus siliva."[/color] He said glancing towards Roslyn then back to the foliage. [color=3d5a88]"It's alright. She's a friend."[/color] Seconds passed, then, a head of a white dragon started to push past the foliage. Its eyes were a pretty shade of blue, as it stared at her owner and his companion.

[color=#cbc66d] "Just a hare, I think. "[/color] Roslyn replied. She tried to recall what she knew of the dragon species, but she came up empty. Before she asked more, Niallus' warning reached her ears. Roslyn froze on the spot. Her eyes followed him. [color=#cbc66d] [i]That would've been nice to know earlier![/i][/color]

She sucked in her breath. Not even daring to draw in the sunlight, she stayed perfectly still. [color=#cbc66d][i]Don't spit. Please don't spit.[/i][/color]

Using the joints of her wings, Albion slowly crept her way out from where she was hiding, all while not breaking eye contact. Sunlight shined off her white scales, her folded up wings, shimmering a sort of rainbow pattern from the sun. She had a magnificent aura around her as she continued her prowl towards them. If Niallus was with anyone she trusted, she wouldn't act in this way.
[color=3d5a88]"That's it, Good girl."[/color] Niallus praising his dragon. 

Albion eventually came to in front of Niallus, to the point where she had to slightly look down to meet her masters gaze. Then Albion nuzzled her head to shoulder, letting out affectionate churps.

Roslyn didn't like being helpless. Muscles started to tingle after holding the unnatural posture for so long. Her eyes made contact with the dragon's blue ones, even when her primal brain screamed to stop. The air in her chest started to burn up her insides. She knew better than to bolt while Albion nuzzled up against Niallus' shoulder. Her subtle misery ended when her breath cautiously released from her lungs. The girl refused to speak to avoid breaking the bonding moment.

Albions head stopped moving across Niallus's shoulder. Her eyes locked onto Roslyn, a low hum came from the dragon as she tilted her head towards Roslyn, stalking towards, as a hunter would stalk its prey. Albions nostrils flared every few moments as she came closer and closer smell Roslyns scent. 
Niallus stood ready, just in case. Roslyn wasn't in danger, for Albion, this was her way to see if people pass her test.

The fabric of her dress shifted against her skin. She trembled a bit, feeling the heat and intense stare down. Her hazel eyes snapped to Niallus who seemed unfazed by the dragon's behavior. Using her willpower, the young girl stood her ground. She sank her feet into the ground and didn't budge. 

[color=#cbc66d] "Don't you dare think about biting me."[/color] She realized how lame she sounded the moment it came out of her mouth.

Upon reaching Roslyn, Albion stood there not moving, it move its head sniffing her. Niallus walked up to the pair [color=3d5a88]"See, Roslyns not going to hurt you."[/color] Niallus said to Albion, Albion  however was still staring at her.

Niallus went into his satchel, looking for a treat for his dragon, pulling out a small apple. Offering it to Roslyn, spotting the apple Albion tried grabbing the apple out of Niallus's hand. He manages to hold her back as he offered the Apple to Roslyn.

Roslyn eyed up the exchange between Niallus and Albion before taking the apple. It was a hefty one with a bright red skin. In turn, she offered it up to the white kite. Gently she lowered her snout and began to chew it. While petting the muzzle, Roslyn commented. [color=#cbc66d] "I thought dragons usually ate meat, not fruit. "[/color]

[color=3d5a88]"Most Kites eat herbs and fruit."[/color] He spoke while he petted the side of Albions head as she began eating the red apple [color=3d5a88]"But Albion can eat either. Sven mentioned that her race of dragon are Omnivores. So i try my best to give her a balance of both fruit and meat."[/color] He pulls out another apple, this time a green one, [color=3d5a88]"She's slowly warming up to you. Otherwise she would have probably fled by now. Do you want to feed her again?"[/color]

Roslyn wrinkled her nose a bit when she felt Albion's tongue brush her skin. It reminded her of a dog's, including the sensation of drool coating her  palm. While the dragon crunched away, she glanced toward Niallus. [color=#cbc66d] "Oh, sure. She's covered my palm in a bit of drool."[/color]

She took the offered apple and held it up to Albion. Immediately, the white dragon's head lowered and crunched away. More saliva coated her hand as she accepted the icky sensation. [color=#cbc66d] "How long have you had her?"[/color]

Niallus patted Albions neck as she ate from Roslyns hand, [color=3d5a88]"I've had her since she was an egg, she hatched in front of me almost a year ago."[/color] there was a lose bit of dry skin that was left over, seems that she shead her skin not to long ago.

[color=3d5a88]"She's very protective over me, but she also needs to be protected. Mostly due her white scales."[/color] He stops petting her, for a moment. [color=3d5a88]"When I first had this place set up for her, someone tried abducting her. Since her scales can be valuable. But no one else has tried."[/color] He simply said.

Roslyn idly stroked the dragon's cheek. She remained mindful not to catch the scales as Niallus' story echoed with human greed. It was hard for her to imagine hurting such a pretty animal for profit. 

[color=#cbc66d] "Glad to heard that they didn't hurt her.  Even for money, I can't imagine hurting such a pretty creature. At least, now."[/color] Her hand pulled back when the apple was finished. [color=#cbc66d] "She's pretty big for one year old. Can she fly?"[/color]

Niallus nods to Roslyn, [color=3d5a88]"Yes, she can, she cant carry anyone yet, but she's getting there."[/color] giving Albion a little scratches under her jaw. He pulls out another apple. [color=3d5a88]"Albion..."[/color] He said getting her to turn her head to face him, sighting the apple she moved away from the two humans. Niallus  threw the apple straight up into the air, Albion stood up straight, her wings unfolded the sun catching them giving them a majestic rainbow style, her eyes tracking the apple. In an instant she took off flying straight up to catch the apple.

Roslyn's arms crossed over her waist. Her eyes observed the white dragon walk away and then lower into a pouncing stance. She turned toward him. [color=#cbc66d] "Niallus what are you-"[/color] 

A small gust brushed past her, ruffling her skirt. Her eyes turned skyward to spot the beast snap her jaws onto the apple. Awe filled Roslyn's eyes, noting the beauty in that moment. [color=#cbc66d] "Whoa.... How long did it take you to train her to do that?"[/color]

Niallus looked up to his dragon, seeing her take to the sky is something that he'll always be amazed at. Watching her gracefully twril in the air, before she starts to descend back to the ground, with a last flap of her wings she adjusted herself at the right angle of her body for her hind legs to land.

Looking back to his Hendlish friend. [color=3d5a88]"It took a while, the more she got the hang of it i threw it higher up."[/color] He was about to say more, but Albions head bumped his shoulder, then his waist as she began sniffing him, no doubt wanting to check if he had more treats for her. [color=3d5a88]"Albion, I dont have any more."[/color] He said with a little chuckle in his tone.

The way Albion behaved, Roslyn knew the dragon was spoiled. She let out a soft snicker and shook her head, amused by the dragon's search for more treats. Her hands gathered her skirts as she stepped through the tall grass. [color=#cbc66d] "I don't think she believes you."[/color] 

Her eyes drank in the small area of wild beauty, her form twisting once about in place. [color=#cbc66d] "This place reminds me a bit of home without the rolling hills. Especially in the deep woods near the manor. I half expect to see a pond come into view any moment."[/color]

Niallus managed to shoo away Albions head away from him as she sniffed. The Dragons attention turned to Roslyn, she tilted her head as if she wondered if the Hendland had them. Before Albion had a chance to investigate, Niallus pulled her away, listening to what Roslyn mentioned. [color=3d5a88]"There is a little hideaway that i made, hidden a bit away. I trust you, Roslyn."[/color] as he turned Albion went on ahead, Letting out a small chuckle. He turned to Roslyn [color=3d5a88]"Come."[/color]

Leading a little bit deeper into the forest, Niallus lead Roslyn to a area secluded away by trees. It was a open area where the branches that were above the area acted as sort of roof, light still broke through, but it wasn't blinding, it gave it a warming aura to it. One side of the area there was a small river, Albion walked up to the river to drink from it. On the other side, there was a small area that resembles of a makeshift living arrangements, having makeshift beds that people can sleep on it was made out of leaves and pelts, near it was a pile of books. Lasty at the centre, there was a campfire, where food can be cooked if needed. 

[color=3d5a88]"This is where Alibion sleeps when it rains, theres even room for a person here."[/color]

Roslyn shook her head when Albion turned to her. It wasn't hard to know what the dragon wanted as she held out her empty hands in plain sight. [color=#cbc66d] "Oh no, don't look at me. I don't have anymore."[/color] 

She smiled when Niallus saved her from a sniff over by the curious dragon. At his mention of a hidden hideaway and trust, her right eyebrow raised. [color=#cbc66d] "I would hope so. I don't think I did anything to make you distrust me."[/color] 

Casually, she strolled behind the taller Eskander. Her eyes scanned her steps, avoiding any lurking piles of dragon shit in the tall grass. Gradually the overhead canopy began to thick and shelter them from the sun's rays. For a moment, Roslyn felt like a character in one of her land's old stories. Her eyes darted about and expected to find some large shadow looming nearby. She stepped closer to Niallus, drawing on his presence for comfort. 

When they arrived at a camp site of sorts, she took in the scene. It surprised her how cozy the place was. [color=#cbc66d] "Did you make this all by yourself? If so, I'm impressed."[/color]

Niallus scratched the back of his head, [color=3d5a88]"Thanks, i wanted to find somewhere that was away from it all, Thankfully,  one of the Zenos helped by showing me this place."[/color] He walked across the camp, to where a small pile of books were. [color=3d5a88]"I often find myself staying at least once a week."[/color]

After drinking some water from the river, Albion walked over to the large animal bed, once stood on it she curled herself up to go to sleep. [color=3d5a88]"Seems the Albion enjoys you being here, that's good. Esmii has the record for the fastest person shes bonded with."[/color] letting out a light chuckle.

[color=#cbc66d] "This as close as you can get to being in the middle of nowhere. Especially when you can't leave Ersand'Enise."[/color] With all the chaos in her life, Roslyn started to wonder if she needed an escape of her own. She stepped on the opposite side of the fire as she folded up her skirts and sat down. [color=#cbc66d] "I will have to bring some ale and picnic lunch next time. "[/color]

Her eyes turned to the lounging white creature as she smiled. [color=#cbc66d] "I'm glad she approves. As for Esmii's record, it will be safe for a loooong time."[/color]

Niallus sat next to his lazy Dragon. [color=3d5a88]"True. Esmii, Sven Oweyn and Marlijn, they all bonded with her when she was a baby dragon."[/color] he said giving her a little pet. [color=3d5a88]"I'm slowly training her to get use to people who aren't the people she is use too. Hopefully when she's bigger. I'll train her so she'll can used as rideable mount."[/color] He looks to Roslyn [color=3d5a88]"Would you be interested?"[/color]

Roslyn's eyes drifted to the dragon snuggling up to Niallus. Her imagination considered what it might be up in the clouds as her attention drifted off. Pulling herself back to earth, she nodded. [color=#cbc66d] "Absolutely!"[/color] 

Realizing the volume, her hands pulled up and clasped over her mouth for a moment. With a sheepish look, she then added in a softer tone. [color=#cbc66d] "Sorry, a bit excited. Yes, I would love to. Are you going to train her in Eskandish or Avincian?"[/color]

Albion looked up to Roslyn after her little excitement about riding a dragon. Niallus let out a little chuckle, [color=3d5a88]"Well you're enthusiastic, thats good."[/color] He remarked. [color=3d5a88]"No need to apologise Roslyn."[/color] as he left Albions side giving her one last pet, to let her rest. Niallus went to where Roslyn was. [color=3d5a88]"I'll be training her in both Avincian first since she's almost big enough to ride. Then Eskandr. She'll need to memorise the areas from the sky."[/color] He walked past Roslyn getting ready to leave, when Albion came striding up behind Niallus, wanting more nuzzles, [color=3d5a88]"I got to go, I'll come back for a bit in the morning."[/color] the Dragons gaze glanced in Roslyns direction, as if she was next to attacked by affection.

[color=#cbc66d] "Hard not to be. Though also a little terrified, "[/color] Roslyn added with a shrugged. She frowned when she heard the mention of Albion learning two languages. Her eyes glanced over to the creature currently nuzzling the dark haired man, [color=#cbc66d] "I might suggest limiting it to one. Most humans find it hard learning multiple languages and I can't imagine it's easy for a dragon."[/color] 

Her head followed his form, hiding her disappointment, then rose up on her feet. She dusted off her skirt and then noticed the beast sizing her up. Holding up a finger, she spoke firmly.  [color=#cbc66d] " No. I haven't time to be mauled by an attention seeking dragon. I'll bring you an apple when I come to visit again."[/color]

They stared at each other for a long moment before Albion moved toward her. Roslyn cried out before she twisted about, her feet rushed for the exit. Somewhere behind her, she caught Niallus' booming laughter then called the dragon back.[/hider][hider=Truth or Cider] 
Location/Date: Beer Garden, Velles 23rd. 
Roslyn bit her lip as she put the quill to paper. She wasn't sure where to begin, but forced her hand to write.

[i]Dear Xiuyang,

I invite you to join me in the Beer Garden after classes. I hope you don't mind testing some new cider recipes and getting to know each other. There's a fun game from Hendland I'm hoping to share with you.

Sincerely, Roslyn.[/i]

She glanced at the letter with scrutinizing eyes. Her hand placed the quill back into its well before pressing her fingers over her lips. The words didn't feel right no matter how much she tried. Instead of spiraling and redoing it over, she swallowed her worries. She folded it up, poured hot wax and then pressed in the seal. She discreetly handed it off to Xiuyang when they had Preservation class together the next day.   

[hr]

Roslyn pulled onto her toes and reached for the small glasses in the cabinet. Taking them down one by one, she split them between two trays. She had the number she needed, causing her to thump back onto her heels. Carefully, she organized them neatly before sliding them next to several jars. Each one had a different symbol painted on the label. Mostly of it was nonsense save to Roslyn as she took a moment to breathe.

[color=#cbc66d] "Now, I need to get these from here to the table, "[/color] She sighed and glanced at the sundial. [color=#cbc66d] "I still got time."[/color]

With the war and other heavy topics of late, the Hendland girl felt the two of them needed a break from it all. Today was going to be nothing, but fun and getting to know each other. That meant a drinking game though with cider instead of alcohol. Rolling up her sleeves, she stacked the trays on top of each other then hoisted them up. She managed to finish up just when Xiuyang arrived. [color=#cbc66d] "Glad you can make it."[/color]

The letter was received by a sleep-deprived but relatively chipper Xiuyang. Her eyes questioned if she should open it right away, and upon reading it, she gave Roslyn the OK. Then, it was back to her notes. A student sitting next to her seemed to notice that she was writing things down before the Zeno even talked about them, and spent most of the class staring at her notebook in disbelief.

When Xiuyang arrived, she stood still for a while, waiting for her ears to catch whatever Roslyn just said. It was awkward enough that she finally removed her beanie. It occurred to her that it would be useful to learn how to read lips like Oksana. [color=slateblue]"I'm keeping my schedule free for a while. That last mission was nothing short of stressful."[/color] While she spoke of the mission, she thought of the things that happened around and after it just as much. [color=slateblue]"You seem well. What's all this, then?"[/color] she said, gesturing to all the jars. [color=slateblue][i]Reminds me of how Trypano labels chemicals...[/i][/color]

Roslyn raised an eyebrow, but kept her pleasant grin. She uncorked the first jar and then poured. The ember liquid rose swiftly to the top of two of the glasses. At the mention of being well, she paused for a bit and slowly put it back. It reminded her about Mezegol, more specifically the portal home. The dark truth was screaming no, but she didn't want to ruin the moment.

Clearing her throat, Roslyn quickly latched onto Xiuyang's question. [color=#cbc66d] "Oh, yeah. This batch is cider with cinnamon, there's a crude apple here with a stick. "[/color] She pointed to the uneven, lump 'apple' with a triangle growing out of it and a dash line beside it. She bit her lip. [color=#cbc66d] "I'm sad to say, I'm no Tku when it comes to art. This is the best I can do."[/color]

Roslyn gestured for Xiuyang to sit across from her. [color=#cbc66d] "Anyways, lets focus on having some fun first. You can start. You tell one truth and one lie. I have to guess which is the truth. If I am wrong, I take a shot of cider. If I'm right, you do. And just a warning, I don't know if they taste good or not. I experimented with the favors and methods."[/color]

[color=slateblue]"I'm no better. If I draw a heart, there's about a fifty-fifty chance it looks like a butt,"[/color] Xiuyang replied, eyeing the symbols with some relief and renewed curiosity.

Then came the introduction of the game. [color=slateblue]"A truth and a lie, huh." [i]...This seems like the kind of game that gets saucy by the end, like truth or dare.[/i][/color]

Her default grin widened. [color=slateblue]"Sure. Then, between these two: one, I've never lost a drinking contest, and two, I was pretending to be drunk when I had my first kiss."[/color]

Roslyn chuckled at the thought of a heart shaped butt. Her arms crossed underneath her as she took a seat and leaned forward. She rolled her tongue against the inside of her mouth in thought. [color=#cbc66d] "Ummm, that's a tough one.  I'm going to guess the second one is the truth and first is a lie."[/color]

[color=slateblue]"HaHA!"[/color] Xiuyang cackled, clapping her hands twice. [color=slateblue]"I love it! I love your mental image of me as an innocent maiden who wouldn't just go for it! Not that I didn't try that gambit, mind you. It just didn't work."[/color] Xiuyang grinned, blushing. [color=slateblue]"It's true, I haven't lost yet, but only because I don't pick fights I can't win. I didn't challenge Mountain Spring. He would've toasted me. I've had a few salty opponents declare a draw, though. It's fun to see which 'runs out' first, the alcohol or their pocketbook!"[/color] she snickered. [color=slateblue]"First round of cider is yours, Rose. Or do we both take a shot at guessing first?"[/color]

[color=#cbc66d] "I took a guess, and lost. Just don't challenge a hegelan and you might keep your win streak."[/color] Roslyn commented, amused by Xiuyang's trickery. [color=#cbc66d] " No, I take the first shot. Based on my reaction and description, you get to decide if you want to try it or not. Let's hope this doesn't taste like shit."[/color]

She lifted the glass before tilting it yup and gulping it down in one shot. A strong, cinnamon burn raced along her tongue chased back by the bitterness of apples. The wooziness hit her harder than she expected as she set it back down. [color=#cbc66d] "That burns more than I expected. I might've let that one ferment too long. Reminds me of Firetail Whiskey, but with a bit of bitter apple. Be careful with that one."[/color]

She inhaled then shook her head clear. [color=#cbc66d] "My turn."[/color] Clasping her fingers together, she pressed her forefingers to her lips for a moment. [color=#cbc66d] "Choice between: My first taste of alcohol was from my gandfather's secret stash or I  set my brother's trousers on fire during a planned dinner. "[/color]

[color=slateblue]"Heh. I'll outdrink a hegelan, no problem,"[/color] she replied smugly as she retrieved a shot glass from her bag. [color=slateblue]"The way you describe the profile, this feels appropriate,"[/color] she said as she proceeded to take a shot of the cider. [color=slateblue]"Hey, it's pretty damn good like this."[/color]

Xiuyang listened to the choices Roslyn gave and couldn't help but smile. [color=slateblue]"Okay. My gut is telling me the first one is true, but I'm going to guess the second one just because I [i]need[/i] to hear that story. I don't care if you made it up, I just need to know how you imagined that happening."[/color]

[color=#cbc66d] "Well, you can keep that jar if you like it. I can always make more. I didn't expect the cinnamon to kick up like that."[/color] Roslyn commented, then sighed. [color=#cbc66d] "Well, I wish you had gone with your gut. I might've won. But, the other one also is amusing to tell as it's not a full lie."[/color]

She grabbed the other jar and poured two more shots, passing one over to Xiuyang. This one had an odd bump oval on it. [color=#cbc66d] "This one has lemon in it. Wish me luck."[/color] Down it went as Roslyn sat there. She licked her lips then debated inwardly, finally breaking the silence. [color=#cbc66d] "The favors are definitely stronger, but I liked the earlier one better. Might be because I'm not a lemon fan."[/color]

Roslyn continued with her tale. [color=#cbc66d] "I was twelve and we were entertaining some noble company during that dinner. Garith had made me rather cross the day before and so I wanted to get even. I tried to do an illusion spell. Instead of looking like he shat himself, I created a spark and he rushed into the nearby pond to put it out."[/color]

She bit her lip thinking of her water soaked brother emerging with a glare at her. [color=#cbc66d] "He didn't talk to me for a few weeks after that. Grandfather was upset, but father snickered at it."[/color]

Xiuyang just grinned even wider on her second win, but she still tried the cider. [color=slateblue]"Whoo! Strong, aye. It kicks your ass, but isn't that the idea? ...This is good stuff, eh, Rose? Take some pride in it."[/color] She gave her trademark wink and smiled.

[color=slateblue]"Sounds like your dad has a real sense of humor. I wish I'd tried that on my sister. Would've been worth it."[/color] After a moment, she remembered it was her turn. [color=slateblue]"Ah, hmm. Okay, round two: one, my dad acts like a curmudgeon, but he's actually a huge charmer—a ladies' man! And two: my first alcoholic drink put me in a hospital bed."[/color]

[color=#cbc66d] "I guess so, but it wasn't what I was expecting. I might send some of these home later and see what he thinks about it."[/color] Roslyn glanced at the glass. She smiled at the mention of her father. He was the type that would slide down the banisters with her when no one was looking or chuckling at her antics. Sadly, not all of her memories were fun and games. He had taken on the role of a noble and ensured their family thrived. It meant sacrifices.

As Xiuyang started her next round, Roslyn poured another set of drinks. This time the apple had lemon and mint in it. She frowned a moment. [color=#cbc66d] "Umm, I think you're trying to be tricky again. I've only met your father once. I'm going to say the first one is the truth and second is a lie?"[/color]

[color=slateblue]"Ahh, you've only met him once, but you have a good eye. Pass me that shit,"[/color] she said as she prepared to take the cider. [color=slateblue]"Mm. Tastes like defeat. Uhh. It's not bad, but the flavor profile is a bit... busy, I guess. They can't [i]all[/i] be good, ay?"[/color] she offered apologetically.

[color=slateblue]"Suppose I ought to explain. To be clear, you didn't hear this from me, or in general, hm? My father doesn't have a wandering eye or anything, but he shares a blood type with the Berbignon kid. So does my sister Maria, so watch out if you do business with her, since she has fewer scruples than him. Alas, poor me had to develop natural talent,"[/color] she japed.

[color=slateblue]"The latter is a story my sister Desi likes to tell. We used to prank each other, a lot. One time, she was dressing a wound of mine, and giving me a hard time about crying over it—I was like, four—so when she turned her back, I hid the alcohol she was using. When she asked me where it went, I faked a burp, and, well..."[/color] she snickered. [color=slateblue]"You can imagine the rest. Our pranks turned rather mundane after that one, but to this day, she insists that I was actually dumb enough to drink it. She's not a petty girl, but she never let that one go. I probably deserve it."[/color]

[color=#cbc66d] "Yep, I would be more surprised if there wasn't any. Experiments don't come without some sort of risk. "[/color] Roslyn commented as she gave a tentative sip. Her nose crinkled up. [color=#cbc66d] "I agree with you on the taste, it's a bit too much. Even the apple flavor is tasting off."[/color]

Her eyes widened when Xiuyang explained. She struggled not to laugh, the sound coming out like a stifled chortle. It sounded like something her brother would've done when he was younger. [color=#cbc66d] "I wish I could say the same about ours. They hit a peak when I was thirteen, then grandfather told us to stop it or he'd make us. We never tested it to see if he was serious about that."[/color]

Roslyn's shoulders rolled with her deep inhale as she continued. [color=#cbc66d] "Okay, here we go. When I was seven, I took one of my mother's necklaces and buried it. Second one is that during a game of hide and seek, I once broke my arm after trying to hide on the roof of the manor."[/color]

Xiuyang reached for her gourd, only to find that nothing would come out but drops. [color=slateblue]"Again?"[/color] she muttered irritably. Barely resisting the urge to slam it down on the table, she considered the options. [color=slateblue]"Well, I'm going to hope that second one is false,"[/color] she offered.

Roslyn spotted Xiuyang's frustration. She considered saying something, but kept her silence until her friend made her guess. The girl made a playful shrug, trying to keep the situation light and fun.  [color=#cbc66d] "Well, I have had broken bones before but not during that incident. So right again."[/color]

After taking her drink, her nose crinkled a bit and stomach tightened. It wasn't horrible, but it was not the best either. Especially compared to the past ones. [color=#cbc66d] "I'm not sure I like this one. I should've had something on hand to purge the flavor between shots."[/color]

She poured them each another round of the first one then slid Xiuyang one. [color=#cbc66d] " This might help."[/color] Roslyn settled back and moved on to detail her story a bit more. [color=#cbc66d] "So, to further elaborate on the story. It was a bit of an ugly piece and I forgot where I buried it. We, alongside the servants, spent all afternoon digging and looking for it. Never found it. I discovered later that mother never liked the thing and I got off far easier than I should've."[/color]

Xiuyang tried the cider anyway, as she did every time. Her nose crinkled too, and she slammed the glass down. [color=slateblue]"Fuck yeah! This is the best one. Top. Shelf,"[/color] she declared. For a moment, she forgot about the game entirely and just kept drinking. After a minute, she sobered up, figuratively speaking. [color=slateblue]"Shit, I dunno if I have any more interesting stories to tell. Not much to talk about after childhood. Work, work work,"[/color] she swung her glass back and forth to accentuate the monotony. [color=slateblue]"Much of it confidential—and I don't wanna talk about my love life. That's private too. Ciro's a gentleman, and I wanna respect that and have [i]*some*[/i] class."[/color] She swilled the remainder of her drink around. [color=slateblue]"What else, what else..."[/color]

Roslyn shook her head, a smirk on her lips. Her form leaned back as her eyes shifted to the left in thought. [color=#cbc66d] "Not many people like to talk about their relationships. Mother was the same way. I'll likely be the same with whoever father arranges for me."[/color]

[i]If I don't die before then.[/i] She inhaled and brushed off the negative thoughts. Somehow, despite everything, she managed not to falter in her smile. [color=#cbc66d] "Just keep things light and fun. "[/color]

[color=slateblue]"Light and fun,"[/color] parroted the sleep-deprived Rettanese. It was about then that Xiuyang thought she saw something in Roslyn's eye, too, but she dismissed it as her own drunken eyes playing tricks on her. [color=slateblue]"Ah, I got one more,"[/color] she replied, suddenly struck with inspiration. [color=slateblue]"How I made my first bit of coin: on the stock market, or betting on a fight?"[/color]

Roslyn poured another round and what she expected to be the last. She watched the liquid rise until it reached the rim then stopped. The lumpy apple had been joined by an oddly shaped circle and haphazardly striped bee. Mango and honey. She slid over Xiuyang's glass while she held her own.

[color=#cbc66d] "I wanna say stock market, but I'm going with the bet. I feel like if it is right, there's more to it."[/color]

[color=slateblue]"Sorry, but it's the stock market. That's my dad, right? Just what an eight-year-old girl wants to do."[/color] She gestured to try the cider too. [color=slateblue]"I did bet on fights though. Not much else to do while out at sea and the binders aren't working. Besides, if I lost, I could just cry until they gave me my money back."[/color] She grinned mischievously.

Roslyn tossed back her shot, letting it settle on her tongue. Her eyes widened in surprise at the subtle sweetness and tang in her mouth. She made a note to produce more for Maura to try and possibly circulate to the taverns. Maybe one or two jars for her zeno group at the end of the semester. [color=#cbc66d] "This one turned out rather well. Got a nice taste to it that isn't just apple flavor. "[/color]

She got herself another glass and leaned back. [color=#cbc66d] "Well, I guess life can't always be exciting. My childhood was playing in the fields, meadows, and woods. My nanny was frustrated because I managed to slip away whenever she turned her head. Mother said I told her I learned it from small folk in the valleys."[/color]

Xiuyang shrugged upon trying it. [color=slateblue]"I like the ones with more bite. If I want something sweet, I'll just get a juice."[/color] Still, she finished it. [color=slateblue]"The Rettanese have a saying—more like a curse, really: 'May you live in interesting times.' There's something to be said for the ordinary moments and well-worn paths through life. Then again, people always want what they don't have."[/color] She slouched back, her limbs spilling out of her chair in a very inelegant but equally 'Xiuyang' way. It drew attention to the fact that she was doing less of that, lately.

[color=#cbc66d] "With everything that's been happening lately, I'm definitely living in 'interesting' times."[/color] Roslyn exhaled, taking another drink. [color=#cbc66d] "There's some days I just want to scream or toss things."[/color]

Realizing she was dipping into unpleasant territory, the girl returned to the game. [color=#cbc66d] "Here's the last one. I sneaked out to the woods, only to get lost and barely made my way back home. Or I once kissed a boy beneath an apple tree before rushing home and blushing into my pillow."[/color]

Xiuyang smiled. [color=slateblue]"We all are, and no doubt."[/color] She tried her gourd again, and was able to get one little sip. [color=slateblue]"The second story sounds like something you'd do,"[/color] she wagered.

[color=#cbc66d] "You should go a little easier on that gourd or I will need to haul you back to your dorm."[/color] Roslyn tilted her head, [color=#cbc66d] "You'll be surprised to learn that you're wrong. Everyone in town knew about the curse. Despite the respect my father's side had with the town, I think people were too scared of me passing it onto them. I did once catch a farmer boy sizing up my brother's ass though."[/color]

She held back a snicker at the memory. [color=#cbc66d] "Poor boy stumbled over his words when I mentioned it. I thought he was going to burrow into the hops field and pop up next spring."[/color]

Moving on to the next story, her expression relaxed and her tone became a bit more sober. [color=#cbc66d] "It was during the hours of Ipte that I got a stupid idea. If I 'disappeared' the day before I went to Ersand'Enise, they would send Garith instead. That plan didn't work out well. I started to get scared after a few hours."[/color] The girl took a breath and continued. [color=#cbc66d] "Then I heard a giggle and spotted something move out of sight. Suddenly, a small orb of light appeared a  small distance ahead. I followed it until it disappeared. That's when my home came into view."[/color]

[color=slateblue]"I won't get drunk,"[/color] Xiuyang replied matter-of-factly. For a long time, she used to think that it was impossible, but then she'd met Hill's Pond. She smiled at the memory, not allowing the incident that happened after to drag it down to oblivion.

She tried the cider, and nodded approvingly. Another excellent batch by star brewer Rose. [color=slateblue]"Woh."[/color] She blinked at the first story. [color=slateblue]"I thought the whole... you know. I thought that was a rich people thing,"[/color] she said, referring to the boy with eyes on her brother. [color=slateblue]"Huh."[/color]

She nodded along soberly to the second story. [color=slateblue]"A real forest fairy story, huh? I did a similar thing, actually."[/color] If such a thing were possible, she slouched back even more lazily than before. [color=slateblue]"You're sworn to secrecy, but I didn't want to go to school. I wanted to keep traveling and doing business meeting stuff with my dad. Obviously, the life I wanted there was naive. I didn't have that much responsibility, so it was more like a permanent high-luxury vacation with my favorite person in the world. Which, to be honest... I still kinda want that."[/color] She smiled as she pictured sailing across the world with Ciro.

[color=slateblue]"So I got this funny little idea. If you want to learn binding magic, you have to build up a reputation as someone with trusthworthy morals and all that shit, right? So if I picked binding, I could put off school and we could keep doing our thing. It actually worked—kinda—but I did end up getting really interested in the Gift. So, I did end up going in the end, but it made it hard to fit in. First year, I made barely any friends aside from Ashon. I was both older and further ahead in my studies than most of the others. Girls were jealous, boys were intimidated, so I just focused on studying and making bank."[/color]

She had a sudden realization. [color=slateblue]"Girls, boys. Listen to me talking like we're still just kids going to school. With all the fucked-up shit that's happened, we should all be honorary adults."[/color] She tilted her head back, placed her gourd to her lips, and just left it there. She laid there like she had no intention of ever moving again, just soaking in the absurdity of her life. Then, slowly, she lowered the temporarily exhausted gourd. She [i]*was*[/i] an adult, she reminded herself soberly. How the hell was [i]*everyone else*[/i] coping?

[color=#cbc66d] "Nope, they have their preferred tastes as well. I felt sorry for him because I've only seen my brother flirt with women."[/color] Roslyn said, struggling not to giggle in her drink at Xiuyang's surprise. [color=#cbc66d]"Stuff like that is usually kept in the dark and not openly admitted to. Families need heirs to pass their legacy onto and you're not getting one that way."[/color]

The girl leaned forward, letting her arms fold underneath her. Any air of the modest and timid baroness she had, was lost now. When she caught Xiuyang mentioning they were adults, she smirked in amusement. She had done more than her father and grandfather combined, but she didn't feel like one.

[color=#cbc66d] "My lips are sealed with any and all secrets."[/color] She raised her arm and pressed her forefinger against her mouth in a hush gesture. Her fingers rotated her shot glass as she thought about something. [color=#cbc66d] "That sounds familiar, but I was more of a flower on the wall. Valerian was my savior during my first year."[/color] The girl sighed thinking of him and the fact he never returned to school. [color=#cbc66d] "Sadly, he withdrew from the school and I doubt we'll cross paths again. It's funny, I had a crush on him, but he's got better opportunities."[/color]

Her eyes turned to Xiuyang. [color=#cbc66d] "I'm happy to see most of my friends seem to have found people that love them. Despite all the messed up shit, you all deserve some happiness. "[/color]

[color=slateblue]"I~ knew it,"[/color] Xiuyang drawled in an accusatory tone, pointing an accusatory finger, much as a drunkard ought. [color=slateblue]"You liked him! You just wouldn't admit it."[/color] She cracked a foxlike grin.

Roslyn gave her friend a raspberry before she added. [color=#cbc66d] "Of course not. I don't think a Marquess would waste time on a Baroness. Besides, he had a lot of girls swooning over him. Moment I said anything, I'm sure there would've been a knife in my back when I wasn't looking."[/color]

[color=slateblue]"Oh, don't I know it."[/color] Xiuyang slumped back down, nursing her gourd. [color=slateblue]"It's not [i]*as*[/i] bad since we're both merchants, but you must know a load of harpies are wondering why a handsome specimen like Ciro is choosing to entertain a [i]*'damaged flower'*[/i] like me."[/color] She puckered her lips rudely as she mimicked the snobby accent, along with an attempt to inhale and spit out some phlegm, which ended dry and unproductive.

Roslyn had made the mistake of taking a sip of her drink. When she spied the mockery display, she snorted and a burning sensation climbed up her nose. Her hand came up to stop herself from spewing her cider out. Midway between a laugh and a cough, she replied. [color=#cbc66d] "This might be a bit of a romantic take, but I think he looked beyond the surface and liked what he saw. Love doesn't always make sense. I learned that by watching my parents. Here's to love, hope, and a bright future."[/color]

She raised her drink for a toast.

Xiuyang cast an eye Roslyn's way, smiling knowingly to herself. Perhaps she was right. Or, perhaps it was because she had done everything in her power to make herself useful. A marriage between merchants was a practical matter, after all, before it was a romantic one—and since she had both, she was all the more eager to do everything she could to keep him—but that was a mouthful, and not very romantic. [color=slateblue]"You might say that,"[/color] she agreed simply.

She reached, moving her glass toward Roslyn, but with her current posture it was impossible to reach. She feigned exasperation, sarcastically sitting up in her chair properly to meet her for a toast. [color=slateblue]"Cheers."[/color][/hider][hider=Prologue to Bog]Location and Date: Ersand'Enise, Velles ???

[i]Lil' Bird, 

When we broke into your last year's experiments, I realized how much I miss you. Especially, with the hops harvest coming around Ardanes and then brewing work to come. You will be happy to hear that Miss Mercador's contacts have arrived a few days ago. Even Garith was impressed. We're starting to expand our brew deliveries beyond the local towns, but its slow going. 

I got word from the MakAndzey clan head that they are looking for a replacement and sent me a reminded we're still under contract. I fought back the urge to reply that we haven't broke it. 

Now to touch on your earlier request, it is a yes. We would be delighted to receive you and any friend you bring for your next visit. I hope it will be soon. [/i]

Roslyn's eyes absorbed her father's sentiments in his latest letter. Her form slouched as she continued to read. Having grown up reading his writings, it didn't take her long to decipher his chicken scratch. Brewers weren't known for their elegant writings after all. 

[i]While cleaning up one of the studies, Esther found a wobbly floor board. I had to pry it open and found a stack of papers within. Such an odd place to hide them, isn't it? I read through them before realizing the handwriting belonged to your mother. They were written around the time she attended Ersand'Enise.[/i]

Her eyes tightened, her form straightening up at the shift in tone of the letter. 

[i]I've never known your mother to write tales of fancy. She didn't enjoy reading fiction, but I find it hard to believe what she wrote wasn't the truth. Garith suggested sending it to you along with the next shipment. I pray you stay safe.[/i] 

Roslyn set the letter down then turned to the small parcel. A small collection of papers were neatly tied up and wedged in the center of the bottles. She cautiously removed it then began to read.[/hider]
[hr]
[u]Other Scenes[/u][hider=Lies Hidden in the Blood]
Place: Palapar within the Agha family residence
Time: 13th of Velles, DZ38 ( 17 years ago)

Selim's eyes drank in the Darhannic wall shrine before him. At the center stood Vashdal, both the masculine and feminine forms locked in embrace. His arm wrapped loosely about the small of her back while hers rested across his neck. Their faces turned down at the world disc held against their navels. Despite the direction of their gaze, their eyes stayed closed and deep in slumber. Their long robes defied gravity while it flowed about them on the wall. 

The healer's gaze lingered to admire the sculptor's efforts. Somehow, he managed to capture divinity in stone. With a deep breath, Selim folded his hands against the floor and bowed his head against them. Before his prayer began, the doors slammed open. Footsteps approached him rapidly. A voice boomed an accusation at him. [color=c13131]"They learned about her from you, didn't they? Answer me!"[/color]

Selim took a breath then straightened up. His face turned to the man and they locked gazes. [color=e1dd67]"Yes."[/color] He said boldly. 

The elite's fury rolled off him as his hand slapped Selim's face. The force sent the healer to his side as every servant and slave flinched. Selim held his hand to his split cheek. He didn't dare make eye contact again or mend the cut. Ruslan loomed over him. [color=c13131]"Why? All you had to do was follow instructions and I would arrange the rest. Instead, you sent a letter about them."[/color] He held his index finger up to emphasis his point. [color=c13131]"Now, her family's eyes are on us..."[/color]

He trailed off, but Selim didn't need to know the rest. He already knew what would happen if one of the children died prematurely. Dalma's family would investigate, discover the ruse, and leave Ruslan in disgrace. Her family didn't take kindly to trickery of any sort. Silently, Selim sent up his gratitude to Oraff and Shune for their aid in his small gamble. Without their blessings, it wouldn't have succeeded.

The heat between them hit its peak before it fell into a subtle tension. Ruslan drew in the light then sterilized his hand. After collecting himself, he spoke again. [color=c13131]"Despite what you believe, this was not mercy. Death would've been a better fate for her. You'll realize that in time."[/color] 

Leaving behind those ominous words, Ruslan departed. [/hider]