~Arabella Ambrose & Melni Ophel~
Collab with
@Pyromania99
"There, that should do it." Arabella smiled.
"Take two a day - one in the evening and one in the afternoon. Should help with the pain.""Gah, thanks doc. That'll teach me to try liftin' something that weighs more than me without help.""Tsk, next time just don't continue working if you've hurt your knee and come straight here you stubborn old man and don't try fixin' it yourself. You're lucky you just broke a few bones in that fall.""Yea, yeah.""I've bandaged it up pretty good, just make sure to rest and for the love of the stars don't go doing something else stupid. Might find yourself being eaten by little black piranhas. Such troublesome things, they are." She blinked, laughing softly.
"Ah, never mind that. You can show yourself out, hmm?""Bah, I can walk...probably.""Well. There's a perfectly good wheelchair here you stubborn old fool and your wife is waiting outside, correct? Have her help you. I however, am now officially done!~" She laughed, grabbing her hat from on top of a nearby medical desk and plopping it on her head.
"Ta-ta, darling. Next time you visit it better be to report how healthy you are, hmm? Oh, and try not to have too much fun with those. Or at least, if you do, lemme borrow one, heh!" Before he could comment on that, Arabella left the room at her usual quick pace.
The institute was quiet as usual. A number of people and other doctors milled about - some of which were still in training. Arabella of course, nodded to a few of them and gave them a friendly wave. She new a handful of them. Some were those she had been trained with. Others were new faces who had been her assistant, every now and then though she tended not to be around too much to really do that. More importantly though, she was done for the day! Aaaah, she hated working. Most people from Coalmire did - most preferred the nighttime revelry that occurred under the swamps full moon.
Still...the smell of soot.
The taste of the smog on her tongue.
The sounds of the smiths and metal workers.
Truly, High tower was probably her favorite place in the world! Arabella laughed softly to herself as she opened the door to the Institute and headed out into the busy streets. A number of traders, engineers and other people milled about the smog ridden city. High Mountain may not be as lively Coalmire, but it certainly was a sight to see! Much better than Eagrose or those silly other nations. Ah, she might be biased though. There was one reason she even liked coming here. She moved swiftly through the streets, twirling her cane and humming a light tune as she walked.
It didn't take her long to reach her destination, a workshop where her favorite person in the world was working. A person so great, she couldn't just greet them normally, nope! She had to surprise them with her own greatness! That was just basic etiquette. Arabella laughed lightly, heading into the building next door, walking into the small refinery. Most people didn't pay her a second glance - first rule of being somewhere you weren't supposed to be - act like you in fact, belong there. She headed towards the back, going up stairs, paying no mind to most of the workers or other people there and most didn't spare her more than a glance. Besides, it wasn't the first time she had done this. Most of them knew Doctor Ambrose relatively well.
More or less. They still couldn't figure out why she liked having the second story window open that led to a small balcony on the roof of a nearby building. They were mostly alright with it though so long as she behaved themselves. So she hopped out of the window and onto the ledge.
”Hmmm, this seems mostly together. The armor is set in correctly. Thick enough, should deflect incoming fire. Sadly, some of these joints are exposed when moving. Well, gunfire shouldn’t be a worry. Too inaccurate. Not a worry I think. Not for a test model like this.” Melni was having a look over her newest model of her Steam Armor, as she called it. A heavy-set piece of armor that was powered by the steam function of modern and state of the art Coal-Gem technology.
”Hmm, the engine seems well enough.” Yes, this was the model she was going to show off to those backwards folks at Eagrose. Pfft, traditions of swords and equestrian combat. How barbaric.
“Hmm…a little to the left annnnd…” A quiet click was heard as the window finally unlocked itself.
“Ah! There we go!~” The well-dressed woman would have been an odd sight, standing on the roof of a large workshop and fiddling with the lock on the window.
”Ahaha, with my expert expertise this is always easy, heh! Ah, Melni should really up the security around here…” The woman dressed in blue laughed lightly to herself as the window easily slid open and she hopped inside, brushing a few bits of dirt off her coat.
“Ahh…smells like hard work and steam.” She laughed, twirling her cane in her hand. Walking as silently as she was trained, Arabella moved swiftly and quietly – hopefully not alerting Melni to her presence in the large workshop. She knew her way around easily enough to find the Engineer. She wanted to surprise her, after all! And there was no better surprise than getting an Arabella in the mailbox.
Oh!
Now there was an idea. Maybe she should mail herself to Melni on her birthday as a present. Yes yes, now that was a fun idea! But for now, surprise hugs!
“Let’s see…Melni should be around…here! Surprise hug!” Arabella made a move to hug Melni from behind.
Surprises were best done without yelling that it was a surprise. Melni pulled a gun out from her coat and pointing it behind her, about where the familiar voice came from.
”Can you not, and say you did if it makes you happy?” The Engineer said as she stood to a now stopped Arabelle.
”And please, just knock like a normal person? I understand it’s hard for you but…”Arabella stopped right in her tracks as the gun was pulled, holding her hands up to her shoulders just a foot or so away from Melni. She was wearing one of her usual small impish grins.
“Tsk, straight for the gun! So mean!” She laughed.
“Ah, Melni it’s like you don’t like me or something.” Arabella giggled again, lowering her hands and resting a hand on her cane.
“And please, just think of me as your security expert! Besides, if you really wanted me gone you’d bolt the windows shut. So quit being dishonest and just hug me already~””I’ve no ‘hug’ for you. Also, you’d just break the glass if I just bolted the window. Now, what’s your reason for being here?” Melni said, getting straight to the point. She lowered the gun, letting Arabelle breath a little. She was ready to fire if the doctor decided to do anything fishy again but hopefully that wouldn’t be a problem. Why was she always so clingy.
”Or did I have an order for you?” “Waaah? No respect for the craft! Breaking glass is so barbaric and crude! I’d just pick the lock on the back door or steal a key.” Arabella scoffed, mocking offense at the suggestion. She quickly put a smile back on however, as Melni got right down to business.
“Business as always. Tsk, why can’t I just come to say hello to my favorite engineer? Seriously, you should take a moment and relax every now and then.” She sighed in seeming disappointment before continuing.
“Aaah, but that is what I do so love about you. Anyways…” The doctor hummed lightly to herself, taking a look around the workshop.
“Hmm, I do believe I requested a few of my normal specialty items. A few of those delightful little shrapnel toys…as well, I’d like to discuss a potential new design with you, hm?””Ahh, right. I had some of those completed yesterday. They’re in the chest over there. I tried a new formula. Should have a little more… Umph to one of them. It’s the one with a two marked on. She muttered a bit, pointing to the same chest she put Arabella’s devices in. She couldn’t feign ignorance if she wanted at the prospect of,
”’New Designs you say. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued. Do tell.”“Ooh, I’ll be sure to test them out at an appropriate time, heh.” She chuckled lightly, picking up her cane and resting it on her shoulders as she lightly tapped the back of her neck with it.
“Hmm, what do you know of the ‘Magnetic Engine’, hm? Really fancy high tech stuff.””’Magnetic Engine’? That so called Clockwork? How intriguing. I know it’s a type of engineering they use over in Grusk. It’s a different type of power source than our ‘Steam Engines’.” Melni said, going over what she did know. That said, she… Well, didn’t know much of them other than that. The tech never made it’s way over to High Mountain. At least, not in an intact and reverse engineerable way.
”Why do you ask?” The Engineer asked, having a sneaking suspicion of why Arabella asked.
“Well, as its name implies it runs on magnets that create some sort of electrical current. I am not entirely certain as to how as that is not my area of expertise.” She replied walking over to the box that Melni had indicated earlier. She opened it, reaching in and pulling out one of the Shrapnel springs she had requested she make.
“In theory, would there be a way to disable them easily remotely? Or at least, that could cause the engine to malfunction?”Truth be told, going into Grusk to spy on them was incredibly dangerous. Not only were they extremely wary to start with, their military was nothing to laugh at. Coalmrie was taking a risk in sending its agents there…but there was little to be done. If Cordella wanted something - Cordella got it. If she could get her hands on some device that could deal with their supposed clockwork contraptions it would make her life a whole lot easier.
”I’m not wholly sure. Surprisingly, Magnetic Engines aren’t my forte.” Melni sarcastically. Thinking on it for a little bit.
”Well. Alright. If it’s a magnet, you could probably introduce another magnet. Preferably stronger than the one you want to disable.” Then something dawned on her.
”Hold on a minute, don’t tell me you intend to go some, definitely not Grusk, and retrieve a working Magnetic Engine?”“Or find some schematics for one in a place that’s definitely not Grusk. Preferably both!” She laughed, a bit too enthusiastically. She pulled her tophat off, placing the Shrapnel spring inside of it before replacing it on the top of her head. Arabella turned back to Melni, not paying any mind to the other girl’s personal space.
“Can you build something like that for me? Something that could introduce another magnet, or otherwise disable a magnetic engine?”Of course, without an actual one to test with it was going to be difficult to say whether they could do it or not, but that wasn’t her job.
”Theoretically. It’d be close to impossible to know without a test unit though. Not like I’d get anything out of it even if I did.” Melni commented. Arabella should be able to figure it out for how long she’s known Melni.
”Right?”“Pft. Is money all you ever think about? You’ll grow old and get wrinkles and everyone will call you an old hag one of these days.” She giggled.
“But that’s okay, I’ll still love you regardless, but yes. I’ll pay, you greedy little thing you.””Tell you what. If it works, get me a copy of schematics and a working one. I know you’re good for it. For now at least. So if you can manage to pilfer a second, it’s free of charge. If you get caught? Well, I just know you from around town. If they ask.” Sounded fun to her. Not like she didn’t enjoy working on devices anyhow. She… Might have to consult with some others on this though.
”I might have to do a bit of independent research on it.” She wanted to make sure this
worked before she sent her customer out on a practical suicide mission.
“Annnnd deal!~” Arabella grabbed Melni’s hand, giving it a firm shake.
“Heh, if I didn’t know any better I’d say you were concerned about little ‘ol me.” She giggled.
“Thanks, darling. You’re always a great help. Your gadgets have saved my butt more times than I care to think.” She cleared her throat, seemingly thinking about something for a second as she released Melni’s hand.
“That said…Melni, I will be going to Grusk. I might be there awhile. It takes more than a quick jaunt to a factory to steal something from a heavily guarded military state. I know I am extremely skilled and good looking, buuut…” She chuckled.
“I know you’ve been considering traveling to show off your wares – and Grusk could likely be fairly interested in them – and I could use an easy way to…restock.””They already have those ‘Magnetic Engines’. I don’t want to give them any ideas. Well, if they don’t have some of these things already. No, I planned to see if Eagrose was interested in this things. I don’t think I’d be useful in the stealth mission you have. Could get you some more supplies together though.” Melni wasn’t too sure about going to Grusk. She never had a good feeling from Grusk. Well, truth be told she didn’t feel amazing about Eagrose either… But, well, you could see a sword coming from a mile away.
“Ah, alright alright. I understand.” Arabella grinned.
“I’ll pay the usual price…Though, perhaps the beautiful maiden could give the brave spy a kiss before she’s sent off on a dangerous mission she might never return from? She’ll settle for that hug!””If by ‘kiss’ you mean a bullet through the foot… Then yes. I’ll give you one.”“So mean!” Arabella pouted for only a moment.
“And I am nothing but friendly and affectionate! You know, we have a word for people of your prickly disposition in Coalmire.” She laughed, twirling her cane in her hand.
”Yes, yes. Some backwards word that matters little to me.” The Engineer muttered.
“Heh.” She chuckled, grinning at the Engineer.
“And this is why I still find you adorable.””Say what you will, regardless, come back tomorrow, I’ll have more information for you.” Melni said as she turned to look at her armor suit.
“Ah, trying to get rid of me I see, fine, fine. I’ll be off for now, miss prickly pants.” Arabella gave Melni a pat on the shoulder as she passed her.
“Though, a word of advice, darling. I’d keep your distance from the institute in Eagrose, hm?” Whatever she meant by that she didn’t say, but simply left the shop in a surprisingly normal manner until she turned on her heels and gave the desk by Melni a glance.
“Ah…by the way – there’s a little black birdie on the table that’s a little irate. Should probably feed him. Or ignore him? Can never decide.” She turned back around without waiting for Melni to respond, if she would have.
“Ta-ta darling and watch out for the metal hounds. They get restless this time of year. Ah...for some reason, The air smells so faintly of the sea...I wonder...no, it couldn't...”With that, Arabella was gone, muttering to herself as she left Melni to her own devices.
”A bird?” Skeptically, Melni looked over to the table where she found. . .
”Nothing? What the hell is wrong with her?” She just shook her head and went back to her armor. It was a bit late to bother anyone. She’d wake up and go check out and gather information in the morning.
~Coalmire, Cylnath Clocktower~
~Cordella Porter, Archdeacon of Coalmire~
Later that evening, in a moonlight swamp...
"Praise be to Cyl.""Yes yes, praise be and all that." A small woman standing just over five foot four stood next to a comfortable looking throne - for that was what the seat could only be described as. Plush, violet colored upholstery lined the regal throne. Its edges were trimmed in silver and black. In front of the girl was a canvas, and in her hand a palette and paintbrush. She placed the brush upon the canvas, filling it with a rich, dark sea blue color. Aside from a few candles, the only thing illuminating the place was the clear, moonlit night as pale rays of the moon illuminated the interior through the clocks face.
"Are we quite done? I have a painting to finish.""Lady Cordella." One of the few gathered in the room, dressed in standard Cylnath garbs - a fancy, well groomed suit.
"Perhaps we should discuss what the Werneath scholars are up to.""Hm? What are they up to, exactly? Fiddling away with their machines and machinations? I have no desire to speak of such a thing. They know what will happen if they do anything to endanger the Grand Work of Aamator." She made sharp, swift, motion with the paintbrush - some of the paint flinging itself onto a nearby scholar.
"Lady Cordella. Reports indicate they may be straying from that path...""Ah, unless you boring old men have proof of this I have nothing else to discuss. You've kept me here all day! I say by the light of the Stars above you all are trying to bore me to death. Someone go bring me something sweet before I-!" Cordella stopped mid sentence, eyes going wide as she finished a stroke on the canvas.
"It...it..." She started, stepping a few steps back from the canvas she had been so interested in earlier. Upon a sea-painted canvas was a single image.
She turned from the canvas, immeditely ignoring the rest of the scholars around her. Could it be? Could it be? Could they have been so blessed? She turned to face the giant face of the clocktower. Upon the face were inscribed various runes of differing meanings. They had been cut into the glass, and as the shadows of the hands ticking away passed over the small group of gathered scholars she was filled with a sudden desire.
"Dismissed, everyone!""A-archdeacon?!" Before anyone could stop her the smaller woman bolted from the room. Her swift feet carried her down the winding staircase of the clocktower, past the dorms and study halls of the scholars and through the vast libraries filled with the scrawl of madmen. Ultimately, she found herself outside of the tower, past the gates that sectioned off the upper portions from the middle city. She didn't stop, not even stopping to revel in an outdoor feast. Rather, she kept to the back alleys, moving swiftly.
The wet, warm air felt odd against her skin. She didn't get outside of the tower much, but it was an oddly comforting feeling. She even found herself gracing the people who saw or heard her with a song. A soft, somber tune she was humming. She hadn't a clue to its origins, but the melody simply entered her head. Her steps carried her down steps and more steps, until eventually she reached the canals. Not stopping for a second, she leaped over one, earning quite an odd glance from a vagrant but she didn't stop.
Not until she got to the old mines.
The entrance of the old mines loomed in the moonlight night. Deep shadows, hiding things from the eyes of mortal men in their depths. She cared not, for the night was something her people always welcomed. The mines had been off limits since Amator's time. He always said that one day, they would open again and then their work truly could begin. What was that work, exactly? She had no idea. Amator was quite null on that. He feared something...something would interfere with that.
Still humming that nameless song, Cordella continued into the murky darkness of the mines. What she did know, was that drawing that symbol - that rune, meant something. It was Amator's sigil - or at least, that's what they called it. He emblazoned it on all of his old notes. It was forbidden for anyone to use it in any capacity because of it. Why had she drawn it then? Some might pass it off as a subconscious thing...but the subconscious was a powerful thing. The scholars of Cylnath preferred to work letting the world guide them, opening their eyes to knowledge and not questioning why everything happened if they couldn't find an answer.
They simply accepted it, whatever it was. Madness, some said, but they were closed minded fools who had no vision for the future. A vision where all of humanity could benefit from their discoveries and insight. Which is why she was not frightened of walking into a pitch black cave with just the light of an old lamp she had just pilfered form the old mine entrance. Swift feet carried her down, down, so far down into the earth below the city. Under the sea, and the muggy swamp, until -
She found it, in a section that had long been deemed off limits to all, even the Archdeacon by the will of Amator himself.
There, an unnatural light filled the cavern, and she could see all.
In front of her was a door. A massive thing that was twice the height of a human, made completely of stone. Part of it had decayed, withered away due to time and inside of it she could see something floating, casting a light over the ancient ruins, and she found her legs failing her. She fell to the ground, as laughter filled her lungs.
"Glorious! So Glorious, Amator! This is what you found isn't it! I can tell, yes! Yes yes! It is, ah what is it? Ahh...oh dear oh dear should I? I can't decide. Yes or no yes or no." She laughed again, bringing herself to her legs as she approached the door. No no, perhaps she shouldn't? What did her eyes tell her? Whatever was in there was potentially dangerous.
...she would need to excavate. There was no telling what this place was, but it held secrets. Their direct link the beyond! No no, she would arrange it. She would go back and arrange it with the others after singing a prayer to them. Oh yes, yes indeed, this was glorious.
Cordella hurried back to the surface, where she gathered the scholars and began their work.
Over the next coming few days, it was said that the Scholars of Cylnath were unusually jubilant and jovial. Something happened in the night, and they began excavating in the old mines once again. Among a select few of their doctors, they would receive a missive to suspend all activities at once and return to Coalmire immediately.
