[IC] Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

[Scout]

Before Nymira came over, Asta had managed to pull herself up into a seated position, so she sat with one arm propped on a knee pulled to her chest while the other helped keep her steady as she relaxed her eyes. The soft glow of the Thistrun's eyes burned bright in her memory... The feeling of helplessness it had imposed on her, the drain on her physical and mental energy that it took of its own accord. Such power summoned monsters could wield - it was truly amazing. A voice rang in her ears and she shook her head, a little bit confused as she looked up in confusion.

Finally, the words processed and she seemed to gain her mental bearings. "Uh... Y-Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry, I'm just not as practiced as I would like to be, I suppose," She confessed with a shrug, "it's difficult to garner any kind of power nowadays, not without getting caught." Her shoulder throbbed again, about as badly as it had been the day before. This certainly wouldn't make recovery any faster, but her focus shifted back to her conversation as soon Nymira continued. "Well, I guess we can agree on something there. I'm about as big a fan of my own magic as your clan is, it seems. It isn't something I've ever proudly desired to wave around or flaunt, regardless of the Church's new ideology..." The woman sighed and shrugged, "My Vazra weren't standing up strongly enough... I needed something stronger - I knew I could handle a Thistrun, even if there was risk. In the end, if it didn't work, I thought that little bastard was going to overpower us anyway. Those other people didn't get here until after I'd called him into our plane, it was an impossible situation," She pointed out in slight defense, though she knew Nymira wasn't making a move to attack her.

The woman gave a half-hearted laugh, "I'm a bigger fan of using my summons for practical means and prefer fighting on my own... but it never hurts to have a back-up plan if you're facing something like a monstrous liquid... You're right though, my power was giving out, I may have overestimated. However, I was also growing weary before summoning it, therefore... I think it's safe to say that I did better than I thought I would. I'm usually more careful than that.

Meanwhile, Myria was patrolling the group silently, weaving between legs, investigating, ensuring that nobody was badly injured - save for Cecil, who was apparently not even a living thing. With a little bit of help, Asta was able to rise to her feet again and start making a tired walk for the group, alongside the Dimuran princess. She saw Cecil on the ground, now with her own eyes, and furrowed her brow.

"He... was a Machina?" She muttered in slight shock, "I mean... it makes sense, now that I think about it, but... Hmph... That's a little weird," The woman observed, tilting her head in curiosity. She didn't know the first thing about machines, only that usually they were heartless and focused on only what they were programmed to be focused on. Cecil had seemed far more... human, if such a word was appropriate.

[shylarah]

By the time the fight was over, Amuné was the only member of their little band left standing, since she'd used barely any magic and not fought at all. Ethan crawled over and tried to put the broken Machina back together, but his limbs wouldn't stay attached. All Amuné had been doing was laying him out nicely, so he wasn't in a twisted heap. She looked up at Ethan when he took he hands and pulled them away, trying to tell her that Cecil would be okay. "N-no he won't, this isn't like that. He...he...." She couldn't finish, dissolving instead into tears.

When the strange lady came over she didn't look up. The child had gotten a look at the newcomer's wild hair earlier, and she was loud and used bad words and Amuné didn't like her, even if she had rescued them. But the suggestion that Cecil might be replaced brought her head up with a jerk. "You can't replace Cecil, he's not like the other ones!" she yelled, hands curling into fists. "And I don't want to replace him! You rescued us, why couldn't you rescue him too?!" Amuné deliberately turned her back on the two strangers and buried her face in Wyth's fur as the moorcat pressed close in a bid to comfort her. She didn't understand, how could they talk about Cecil like that? He wasn't just a Machina, he was a person!

She lifted her head just enough to watch the Muran woman take Cecil's body to the cart. When Ethan pulled her into a hug the girl went willingly, the force of her sobs shaking her entire body. By the time they got to town it would be far too late for Cecil. He wasn't breathing, and he didn't have a pulse, and her Mommy said that without those even if a person could be brought back their head might not be right, and they might not be all there. And then the stupid lady and the stupid flying man would say to replace him, to get a new Machina. Amuné didn't want some other Machina. She wanted Cecil to be okay.

[GambolMuse]

"Hey you know better than I do Kensen, whatever you say," the woman uttered as she laid Cecil out in the back of the cart. "No clue why those kids are so bent out of shape over it, or why the hell they even named the thing. Never seen anyone so connected to a machine like they are." Then again she'd never seen a machine quite like Cecil either, so lifelike that she might mistake it for living. Combat model or not whatever this Machina was clearly wasn't a regular unit, it was like someone had gotten a special order made. Did it belong to them? Odd since none of the kids seemed to have money really so chances of that were slim. A bunch of young Magi being hunted by the Church, an unusual Machina and a Ydran child. What in the world had they wandered into this time?

"Hey! I got here when I could you little twerp, be glad the rest of you ain't dead too! Show a little fucking respect will you, it's not like we knew this was going on!" Rolling her eyes as Amuné broke down into sobs she rubbed the back of her neck, giving a shake of her head before walking over to one of the horses. Definitely spooked out of their minds even now as they stood almost petrified, their nostrils flaring and their hooves still stomping uneasily against the dirt. Probably useless to try getting them to move now, so with a reluctant sigh she reached up and stroked the horse's mane to attempt and soothe it. "Besides kid he's not alive like you and I are, he's a machine, not living. He'll be fine, few new parts and he'll be good as new," she added, glancing back at Ethan and Amuné, "So quit acting like it's the end of the world will you? He'll be fine once a machinist takes a look at him."

That was an understatement if Nymira had ever heard one. They were lucky that the Vazra had been kept under control, otherwise contending with both them and the slimes would have been an utter nightmare. At least Asta wasn't so prideful that she couldn't acknowledge her own mistakes and for that she would have to give the Ydran some credit, even if she'd still tried to overstep her boundaries. "Yes, well... A Thistrun might have been a bit much, we're lucky we weren't set upon," the Dimuran reiterated, "In the future do be mindful of what you bring into battle, will you? I'd prefer not to have to kill your summon and fight our enemy at the same time."

"We should get moving... Cecil needs repairs and we're all worn out, staying out here is dangerous." It didn't need to be said of course when everyone was feeling the fatigue of their encounter and it was all some could do not to collapse. Unsteady on her own legs as she tried to stand she arched an eyebrow at Asta's astonishment over Cecil, nodding and heading towards the carts. "Yes, the worst kept secret in our group. Perhaps only second to the fact we're all bloody Magi," the Dimuran added with a thin-lipped smile, "Like us he seems to be pursued for some reason or another, so try keeping that secret between us will you? As if we need more cause to worry..."

Where did they go from here? What should they be doing? Moving on and trying to find Amuné's parents was important, as was his finding Cedric. Then there was Nymira and her mission to find allies for her clan, they couldn't overlook that either. No one was still certain why Asta had tagged along but if she had something to accomplish then it was only fair they try and help her too. And then Cecil- He had to be repaired. Everything else was placed on the back burner in light of their friend's injuries, injuries which Ethan couldn't help but feel solely responsible for. Why was the Varuna so adamant about attacking them? What had they done to incite his anger? So far they had so many questions and no answers and were bumbling about blindly, running to and fro trying to complete whatever goals they had set for themselves. Clearly something more had happened and they had offended the wrong people in some way and now were paying for the price for it.

No... He had done something. It had to be his doing since he couldn't imagine anyone else being responsible for all of this. Nymira wasn't even from these lands and probably had no reason for the Church to pursue her so long as she hadn't done anything serious since arriving. Amuné was a child and hardly a threat to anyone given her magic was nothing more than Sight, leaving her out of the equation too. Asta had only just joined so it couldn't be here, they had been attacked before. Cecil was the only other person left and he had trouble believing that the Machina was worth all of this trouble. Or rather, he had trouble believing that Cecil had done anything to warrant all of this. So that left him, and with that acknowledgement a wave of guilt crashed down over Ethan. For all the fatigue in his body this weight was far worse, and after setting himself and Amuné down in the cart he all but collapsed, his chest rising and falling as he fought to hold back tears. Was this because he was pursuing Cedric? Had something happened with his teacher, and now chasing after him had somehow made him a criminal? It was no secret the Church was pursuing Magi but those were only Magi acting violently or causing trouble, they'd done nothing aside from the encounters with the Church. So it had to be him, there was no other explanation. And because he refused to kill even in self defense, because he'd refused to kill to protect his friends now Cecil might be injured, or worse. What if he'd tried killing the Varuna earlier? Cecil wouldn't be hurt and they wouldn't all be running on fumes. Or back on the ship, none of that would have happened either. Everything that was wrong seemed to lead back to him somehow and it was smothering him with a blanket of guilt.

"Hurry up and get on kids! We've got to get moving before that bastard decides to come back and try finishing the job," the woman shouted, gesturing for Nymira and Asta to hurry, "If you can't ride the horse then get in the cart, we'll get your asses back safely." If they hadn't been attacked by a Church Magi then she'd just as soon leave them on their own, write it off as a bandit attack and not give it a second thought. Yet they'd been very specifically targeted and she wanted to know why, clearly there was something among these kids that made them special. Why else would the Church waste time sending a Magi after them? "Kensen? Take the cart with the horse and follow in the back, make sure they're not harmed alright? I'll lead, just in case that Varuna comes back." Watching as Nymira struggled to perch herself atop the lone horse she rolled her eyes, walking over and giving the Dimuran a push in the back to help her up. "You've all got some explaining to do when we get back, but for now just shut up and take it easy alright?"

[Mogtaki]

Sheesh, just what was so great about this Machina that had these kids all bothered? He already assured them that they could get it fixed so it should be no problem, it wasn’t like they were going to secretly dump it in a bin the moment they got close to one. Maybe the girl was too young to understand that Machina weren’t alive and that it only imitated life. Sure, the Machina looked oddly close to alive if it wasn’t for the damage to its face, although it was kind of eerie with how its eyes looked so blank even if only one was properly visible. They might as well had been clearing up a corpse, but good thing it wasn’t a corpse otherwise these kids would be needing a little more than a drink of something later. They couldn’t had been much younger than the pair of them, or at least as old as them possibly so surely some alcohol might help ease the worries they had so long as he wasn’t buying.

Just how had they ended up like this, anyway? It looked like they were travelling, but someone like the Varuna wouldn’t just attack random people on the road or at all for that matter. There was probably a reason, but being Magi wasn’t enough of a reason. None of them were a threat to the Varuna, so maybe they had gotten into trouble with them earlier and were now on the run. If that was the truth then just great, more things to look into when they all already had so much on their plate already. It was easy fighting, but protecting others was a little difficult when stuck in their position.

Maybe he should stop thinking so much about this just now, he had been stood there thinking about it for an awfully long time and was probably looking a little spaced out. Hardly a good look for someone who just arrived on the scene. Adjusting his goggles he turned away for a moment before responding to his name, looking to the cart briefly before back again, giving a short nod. “Hm alright. I suppose I’m better off in the back of the cart so I don’t freak out the horse if I have to fly if that works with you”, he sighed before wandering over to the cart, having a brief look inside to see if there was anything of value. It just looked like they had taken the usual supplies as well as some odd looking goods too, but nothing of value that a Varuna would be interested in. It was curious, but no matter. There was the whole investigating thing that could be done later and not when everything was just getting started on this journey to safety. Once they get the Machina to a machinist they should be a lot calmer and able to talk about what went on, seeing as how that would be the main subject after all that.

Moving to the cart he watched as the other Dimuran woman make an attempt to get on her horse, his mind going to whether the battle had been going on a long time or not. It seemed strange that she was so exhausted, maybe she wasn’t well trained in magic yet despite looking like a prideful person. She wouldn’t be exhausted if she wasn’t a Magi, especially at this time of day with this kind of company. Oh well, guess he would have to work harder to protect them if they had to be protected and watching from the back meant taking off would be easy and quick. There was no way they could be killed on his watch. He felt pretty good about himself and his abilities, he certainly wasn’t as short tempered as his partner was that was for sure. Hopefully she was alright with him not riding on the horse with the cart, but if they did run into trouble then she would be appreciative that the horse didn’t freak the hell out. Unless they had more enemies in pursuit this should be a pretty quick journey, then they could get back to what they needed to do today rather some escort mission. Settling in the corner of the cart should be fine, he wasn’t exactly a big guy and didn’t take up a lot of space after all.

[shylarah]

The woman's words did nothing to reassure Amuné. Indeed, the effect was quite the opposite, leaving her even more upset than before. She didn't want to let go of Ethan, not even long enough for him to help her into the cart, and once he settled himself the girl moved to lean against him, grabbing a fistful of shirt.

Wyth leaped up into the cart after his girl, stretching his injured leg carefully. She was unhappy, but the man was looking after her for the moment, and the moorcat used the opportunity to take a better look at the new Dimuran that was joining them. He seemed safe enough, at least for the moment, and Wyth didn't smell anything that would indicate otherwise. With a great whff of exhaled breath, the feline returned to his girl's side, laying down next to her and rubbing his head against her tucked-in knees.

But even the great cat's rumbling purr was not enough to make Amuné feel better. Why did people keep coming after them? What had they ever done? It wasn't fair, it wasn't right, and now Cecil was gone and she should have done better, she should have used her magic even if she saw awful things and then she could have warned him sooner, so the attack would never have been made. Next to her, the child felt Ethan's breath hitch, and a glance up at his face told her she wasn't the only unhappy one. Even though it was hard to get words out around her tears, Amuné reached for his hand and squeezed it. "It's okay, everything w-will be okay, right?" she said, trying to reassure him even though she didn't exactly believe it herself. "I mean, we'll make it somehow. W-we'll be okay."

[GambolMuse]

They had technically been victorious today and escaped the Varuna yet again, so why did this victory feel so hollow? Perhaps it was the realization that, like before the Magi would return yet again to try and have them slain. And just like before they would be woefully unprepared no matter how hard they fought, the fact of the matter was they were outclassed in every way imaginable. It could also have something to do with the dismantled Cecil in the rear of the cart, having solely suffered the most during the entire exchange. Nymira's aches and fatigue paled in comparison to what the Machina had endured whether he could feel pain or not, and much of that had to do with her own inability. Had she not been so careless and left herself open he would not have had to protect her. Had Ethan not been so foolish perhaps things would have turned out differently but the battle hadn't relied on his prowess; of the Magi in their group it was clear she was the most seasoned, it had been her duty to ensure they escaped safely. Now instead of heading to their next destination with their heads held high there was a somber tone in the air, and the knowledge they were racing against a clock trying to repair Cecil before the next inevitable attack.

Ethan wanted so desperately to believe Amuné would be correct, that everything would turn out fine. Yet even an endless well of optimism eventually ran dry and after so many attacks on them it was impossible to not begin to waver. Cecil was gravely injured far as anyone knew and they had only made it out alive because of this woman and the Dimuran's help. What would happen if they were attacked again? Clearly none of them were strong enough to defeat the Varuna and he was hardly the only enemy they had faced. There was the old man as well from before, and while last time he'd fought for their sake Ethan would be hard pressed to call him an ally. The fact of the matter was if they were attacked again things would turn out just as they had now, or even worse. Just as he'd been lying to Amuné that they would find her parents, just as he'd lied to himself that Cedric would be found unharmed, he wanted to tell himself that they would be okay next time. He'd never been a good liar though not even to himself and Ethan knew the harsh reality that awaited them; they were likely going to be attacked again, and if he was so insistent on not attacking back with the intent to kill, if he valued his silly ideals over the lives of his friends, someone was going to die.

"We're safe for now... Let's be grateful for that much," Ethan muttered, a sorrowful smile pulling at his lips as he pulled Amuné close in a hug, "W-We should rest... We'll be okay. Cecil's going to be okay." Leaning back against the wall of the cart he laid his head on the wall and glanced skyward, watching as the clouds silently drifted by. How much of this was worth it, he wondered. The desire to see Cedric safe was burning brightly as ever and yet Ethan was being forced to realize how silly his quest had been. If people like that Varuna were the ones who had taken his friend then what was he ever going to hope to do? He couldn't beat them on his own and he certainly couldn't ask the others to risk themselves either, so where did he go from here? Closing his eyes as he felt his chest tighten up again he took a shaky, long breath and tried to will himself to relax and rest, figuring they still had a journey ahead of them until they arrived in town. Whatever he decided could wait, they would probably be in town for a while yet and he didn't need to make an immediate decision, he was too tired to anyways.

Mutebo was at last in view as the sun began to dip below the mountains, casting a long shadow over the valley below. Off almost a beaten path and without a guide there was a very real chance they may not have found the city on their own, and for that Ethan was even more grateful for their saviors. With Zander and Geoffrey no longer in their group they'd lost the few people who might know the area so having someone to help them along, even temporarily, was of immense help. Placing an arm on the back of the cart he pulled himself up higher to get a better view of what awaited them, awestruck by the size of the city. From the path high above it was clear it sprawled out for several hundred meters in all directions, and even more still could just be seen around the bend of a mountain beyond. Galloway and Warren had been huge on their own to be sure but they were just towns, this was a proper city. The first Ethan had ever seen, and perhaps the first for the others as well. In his awestruck moment he could temporarily forget their troubles as he took in the majesty of such a large place, wondering how in the world such a secluded spot ever came to be.

Nymira wasn't sure if she'd ever get used to how... Green Adelon was. From the rocky, barren hills in the west to something like a lush mountain valley was about as big a contrast as one could find. It just felt so alien to her as they descended the mountain pass and began passing through farmlands, like they had stepped into a dream. Everything felt so detached from the rest of the world, the toils of their battle earlier almost like a bitter, distant memory. Almost. Her own exhaustion coupled with that of her companions was a powerful reminder of what they had just endured, as was Cecil's current state. At the very least being in such a place, so removed from the rest of the world, should grant them some respite. The Varuna wasn't likely to travel so far off the beaten path and into the mountains as it seemed horribly out of place for the likes of him, one who called water home. There was the river that ran along the city yet she doubted he would find it, or he would be so bold still as to attack. The woman and the other Dimuran who had saved them would be present as would doubtless other Magi, attacking them while here was tantamount to suicide.

Speaking of the other Dimuran though where did she know him from? In a striking sense of deja vu Nymira swore she recognized him from somewhere, even while so heavily clothed and wearing the goggles. She knew full well Dimurans didn't solely live in the western territories, she had seen far and few between in her travels, but she was certain she knew this man somehow. With enough on her plate though she decided not to pursue it just now and focus more on getting to Mutebo to rest. She was barely able to keep herself on the horse and her back and thighs ached from the constant jostling, her hands cramping from perhaps gripping the reins too tightly. The sooner they arrived and she could dismount the better.

"Well here we are kiddos, Mutebo! Gem of the Valley, or whatever the hell the people here call it!" One of the few places in Adelon that was removed from the nonsense of the Church, and as such proved to be an excellent place for people like her to call home. So long as she didn't bring any unwanted trouble to the city they agreed to house her and those like her, Magi who refused to join the ranks of the Church. In exchange for being allowed to live in Mutebo she and the others provided protection: protection to traders who traveled to and from the city, protection from the beasts which lingered in the hills surrounding Mutebo, and protection from bandits who might stumble upon it, thinking it defenseless.

They stopped halfway across the bridge that spanned the river, with the woman gesturing for everyone to stop for a moment. "Listen up kids! I know the world outside of here has been a shit show lately, but in Mutebo things are a little different. Magi aren't treated like trash so you can rest a little easy, got it? That being said don't go running around throwing fireballs and shit like you own the place either, otherwise we're going to have a problem. We've got a good thing going here and I won't have any of you messing it up for us. That especially means you, Ydran girl," she added in gesture to Asta, smirking as she pointed at her, "None of that summoning shit alright? There's Vazra that live in the mountains here among other things so its a real touchy subject with the folks here. Unless you want to incite a panic and give me a fucking headache no summoning, got it?"

"We won't cause any trouble, you don't have to worry about that," Nymira answered back, "We've barely the strength to stand now, never mind be throwing magic about carelessly." So this place was plagued by Void beasts as well? Strange since aside from her own home the Dimuran hadn't seen many places where Vazra roamed. The regions between the two couldn't have been any more different and accounting for the small pack they'd fought along the road before there almost seemed to be no rhyme or reason to where they could be found. Was it a result of people like Asta simply losing control? Or was there another Magi simply summoning them and letting them loose, as a sort of spiteful act towards the Church?

Ethan would have seconded Nymira's sentiment had he thought it necessary. Once they were finally settled in there was a good chance every single one of them would be out like a light, the only thing keeping him awake was the sense of impending danger. Hopefully that would fade once they were within the city itself. After hearing how the woman spoke to Asta he looked across at the Ydran and offered a sympathetic smile, hoping she wasn't feeling too ostracized. "For what it's worth I'm glad you're here... Things might have gone a lot different without your help," he said, looking down at Amuné as he placed a hand atop her head, "Right? Didn't Asta help us out?" They were all tired and the last thing they needed was to start at each other's necks. He wouldn't argue with the woman who had saved them but Asta had helped, Ethan didn't want her thinking otherwise.

[Scout]

Asta fell in and out of consciousness as the wagon rocked roughly along the road. Once, she woke up sweating coldly, but the dream she'd been having was fleeting and left her memory faster than it had even arrived. It wasn't until their arrival was announced that she actually began to stir once more, rubbing her temples as the feeling of drowsy grogginess enveloped her body. Fatigue wracked her muscles and brain as Myria helped nudge her awake. She looked to the woman speaking and nodded.

"Believe me... if I could summon now, it'd be the farthest thing from my mind. I've been ostracized a good portion of my life for that magic, it's not one that many are particularly keen to follow and it's certainly one they hate to see. What a lot of people don't realize is that void beasts aren't inherently evil... They just aren't meant to survive on this plane without some source of energy - meaning the summoner themselves. But when the summoner isn't a sufficient siphon, it becomes a matter of survival, because these beasts don't realize that dismissal just places them back in their proper plane. They don't always understand planar differences," She explained with a shrug. "But, to simplify, you don't have to worry. It'll probably be a few days before I'm ready to even start thinking about practicing again... That was truly terrifying for a moment..."

Finally, with a moment to herself, Asta could finally look forward. The fields and foliage did a lot to help raiseh er spirits, even if they did little for her physical state. Out here, the air felt fresher and reinvigorating. Given time, she could get used to surroundings like this. The atmosphere was reminiscent of home and Asta already felt more at ease just being around it. Her attention was pulled away by Ethan, though it took her a moment to realize that it was her that he was speaking to.

"Hm..?" She asked groggily, "Perhaps, perhaps not... But I appreciate the sentiment nonetheless. I'd have liked to be a better companion, but I don't think we were going to win that fight without assistance in the first place, to be honest. I'm glad you think so though," She replied, giving Amuné a warmer smile as well.

To be honest, Asta was far too tired to acknowledge the condescending tone with which their new allies had spoken to her. Perhaps in a few days she might realize they were patronizing, but for now it seemed juvenile to worry about it. Besides, they were the party's rescuers after all. The Ydran woman shook her head and ran a hand through her medium-length hair, pushing her hood from her head as they approached the town, making it easier for the air to circulate about her head and the sun to beat down on her pale skin.

"Mutebo is Magi friendly..?" She asked curiously, just now connecting the dots. "That's... uh... cool. Aren't they afraid the Church will find out your arrangement and launch a larger scale invasion? Or even just take you out one at a time? They're not exactly subtle about their recent persecutions from what I've seen... Even if they aren't advertising it quite so obnoxiously either..."

[shylarah]

Amuné nodded when Ethan said they were safe, but his assurances about the Machina elicited only an unhappy sniffle as the girl nestled herself between her two protectors. She knew better, her mommy was a healer and she'd seen people when what made them who they were was gone, and that was what Cecil looked like now. Ethan was just doing what a lot of people did, because they wanted someone to stay. /She/ wanted Cecil to stay too, and she kept having to remind herself that he was gone, that if the Saints had taken him he was with them now. The thought that at least he had his answers now was little reassurance.

The route was a scenic one, winding through the start of the foothills. Their destination came into view suddenly after a bend in the road, a city curled against a bend in the river to one side and sheltered by the first of the real mountains on the other. By then Amuné was in a somewhat better mood, at least, though a gloomy cloud still hung over her. But the sight of Mutebo, bright in the afternoon sun, made her feel at least a little hopeful. The place was as big as the biggest of the towns she'd been to with her father, the times he'd had them go travelling with his tribe. Ethan thought Cecil could be repaired and in a city like that, there had to be someone who knew about Machina, right? The child gave herself a shake. She didn't want to hope if it wasn't so. Hope was already stretching thin, believing she could find her parents after weeks, and so far from home. They were safe, of course, of that there was no doubt, but they had to be worried about her and she really had no idea how to find them. She missed them terribly. "Ethan?" She tugged at his sleeve, actually managing a smile at his dumbfounded expression despite the awful events of earlier. "Do you think...do you think maybe someone in town will know something about my parents?" Amuné looked up at him, her grey eyes worried. She was desperately in need of some good news.

It was a surprise to hear that Mutebo accepted magi. Amuné glanced warily at Ethan, then Nymira, wondering how they'd react. But she still had no intention of saying anything about her own gift. Her daddy had told her that even among magi the Sight was rare, and she needed to be careful of other magi as well as those without magic.

She let out a wide-eye squeak when the new lady said Asta had summoned the lizard-dogs. She had? Why? Those things were bad, and scary. When Ethan asked her what she though of the other Ydran's anctions, the girl shook her head, frowning. "No! She summoned scary things and they might have killed everyone, and they're big and scary and /bad/! She's bad!!"

[GambolMuse]

"It's friendly enough, one of the few places left in the kingdom that won't sell us like cattle to the slaughter," the woman quipped with a bitter smile, "We protect them and they protect us, sort of a mutual agreement we've made. Everything we do is outside of Mutebo so it's not drawing the Church's forces here, or the royal family's attention, or even the military. Far as anyone knows our base is elsewhere, not in some port city tucked away in the hills." They had gone through painstaking measures to make sure that while Mutebo was a haven for people like them it wasn't a well known fact. If one of theirs found a Magi they would approach them, carefully at that, and offer refuge. Some took it, others called them crazy and went to the Church and others still just tried to stay out of matters entirely. "Those fuckers would come here and try and wipe us out in a second if they knew where we were, sure, but they don't. And you brats aren't going to tell anyone where we are either unless you want to have a problem with us, and believe me, I'm a bad bitch even without being your enemy. So don't piss me off," the woman added behind a deceptively sweet smile, "And everything will be all hunky dory, okay?"

Ethan wanted to cover Amuné's ears every single time the woman opened her mouth and spoke so foully. Chances were it was nothing the Ydran girl hadn't heard before but then still it wasn't something she needed to hear regardless. "We won't cause any problems, thank you for helping us again." As if they needed some sign of what this woman might do to them if they crossed her, they'd seen plenty of her and her companion's power when fighting the Varuna and it had been scary enough simply watching it, never mind being on the receiving end. As they began moving again into Mutebo Ethan let out a sigh of relief, smiling sadly when Amuné voiced her displeasure of Asta. "I mean... Any of our magic could accidentally kill someone. Mine, Nymira's, Cecil's, if that's magic... It's not fair to single out Asta then is it?" He was never made aware of any negative stigma towards summoning and Void magic, not from Cedric or anyone else in Kinsgrove. Then again he and Cedric had been the only Magi in their tiny home village and magic itself wasn't something normally taught so that might be why. With all the traveling he'd done he'd have figured he'd at least heard something more about it, yet evidently not. Why was Void magic so frowned upon?

"I don't suppose you'd tell us why exactly the Church is doing what it is? From the sounds of it you're not on the best terms with them," Nymira pressed, "We've been attacked twice now by the same Magi, and we'll probably be attacked again before long. So why are we being targeted? What have we done to draw their attention?" If there was someone who could finally answer these and other questions for them they had best ask, they should know what they were getting into before continuing on their journey. The inner cities would be where Nymira planned to gain the most support for her clan and yet the same places could be the most dangerous for her to travel. Or anyone in their group, nowhere that far East may be safe for them.

"We'll talk when we get somewhere to rest, not exactly the sort of shit you speak about in the open. Even here," the woman explained as she waved to a group of fishermen along the river, "Mutebo is safe for Magi, aye, but that doesn't mean we can parade around all willy nilly either. People here aren't all in agreement that we should be around, it's only because of the city's mayor and the guard that we're allowed to stay. Folks here are kind of split on whether they like us being here or hate us, and talking about our problems and fighting with the Church aloud... Well, someone's going to complain, thinking we're going to drag the city into chaos. So business is kept on the quiet side outside." Refuge was only guaranteed as long as the mayor and the guards agreed to protect them, but if enough people complained then they would have no choice but to throw out her and her people. It was annoying, having to tiptoe about like this, but it sure as hell beat being on the run or being under the thumb of the damned Church.

Their stop was a ways from the entrance to Mutebo and closer to the base of the mountain than many buildings. Beneath the shade of the mountain and down a road partially overgrown and in a state of disrepair they came to the headquarters for the Magi here. It was a three story building that looked more like a storage building than one people might inhabit, but they would take what they could get. Outside there were nearly a dozen people sat about, some playing cards and others simply lounging about, napping outdoors or cleaning up the property. Upon their approach a man in a long, raged coat with unkempt hair and a beard walked out to greet them, waving to the woman and Kensen before peering past at the group.

"Who's this lot then? Bunch of new recruits?" he asked, frowning as he looked over each member in appraisal, "Don't seem like much of Magi if you ask me. We're not miracle workers, if these kids can't fight then they're just taking up space."

"Not everyone here is a fighter, Gage, and they're not recruits. Just some kids being troubled by the Church, we're doing what we do and helping them," the woman answered as she waved Nymira off of her horse, "Take the horses and the cart out back, help them unload their things and get them put somewhere no one's gonna take their stuff. And I'll need a couple of men to help transport a broken Machina into town. Send someone in ahead of them too, let Richard know he's got some work to do." Helping Nymira off of her horse despite a grunt of protest she then handed the reins over to Gage, circling around to the back of the cart and opening up the rear door. "Come on kiddos, time to get up. Your friend here's going to go into town to get fixed up, and while he does we'll take care of you. Hurry up, we haven't got all day."

Nodding his head once Ethan slowly slid out of the back of the cart, reaching out and lifting Amuné out in his arms. "Cecil's going to go get some help, he'll be good as new once they patch him up." If they had someone like Norman here then Cecil was in good hands, he'd be back on his feet in no time and they'd be back to... Well, wherever they were going next. Holding Amuné was difficult even with two arms tucked under her but he managed, smiling as Wyth followed alongside them as they moved towards the building. "Are you hungry? We have food we could break into, and we should get you cleaned up too. And we should get Wyth someone to look at him while we're at it," Ethan added as he came to a halt, squatting down and petting the moorcat, "How are you holding up buddy? Doing okay?"

"Thank you for helping us, I'll remember this later," Nymira said as she watched men gather Cecil up out of the cart, laying him across a blanket, not unlike one would use a stretcher. "If it's all the same we'll head inside now and rest, though I do hope you plan on answer our questions at some point."

"Awfully demanding for a little guest aren't you? The way you talk one would think you're a fucking princess or something," the woman taunted with a grin, "But I'll answer your questions, sure. Get your asses inside and relax first though, let's make sure none of you die on us before we get to that point, aye?"

[Mogtaki]

The man had been quiet enough on the ride with his gaze directed out at the horizon throughout the entire travel. He barely glanced at the others and even then it was a case of not caring much about them. They probably didn’t much care for him either, he was just some guy who came out of the sky and helped them for a bit before hopping on for a ride. He could easily fly back himself, but that was tiring and it was so far away too so hitching a ride was the better way to go about travelling anyway. That was a nicer way to put it rather than ‘there’s probably not going to be any trouble but I’m just doing what I was told’ that could’ve been his explanation first. It wasn’t that he was too lazy to say that he doubted they’d get attacked now that they were on high alert, he just didn’t want to say that and have to be the one to get on the horse. He didn’t like riding horses, he wasn’t built for riding horses and knew she’d set him on one if he so much as made any sort of quip about the danger level. She was just like that.

Upon arriving he felt somewhat relieved and impatient, he was definitely looking forward to getting back on his own feet again and getting this Machina fixed just so the air would clear up. It was so negative right now and he didn’t like it, it just make him feel awkward and not particularly wanting to be here with them even though he was there to help. It was all just so annoying, he was not entirely sure about whether the Machina having everyone all upset was because they couldn’t afford another one, this one did look particularly fancy and human-like after all. Maybe it was to blend it in with the crowd and not have everyone poking at it. Being poked at was never fun, he always ended up as a subject to that because he was a Dimuran. Always either some punk trying to be brave in front of his friends or some kid pulling his tail. Ever since he attached the blade onto the end kids had become less likely to try and pull it, but even then there was always the annoying brats who just tried to anger him. He wondered if this female Dimuran ever got annoyed by brats like he did, then again she was a ground Dimuran and probably would give those kids such a look that they would feel fear for centuries after.

Keeping quiet in the back he wiped the outside of his goggles with his scarf, just minding his own business while the others talked amongst themselves and the area was explained. It was a nice place, they should like it enough to hang around for a bit but hopefully not be all sappy and annoying while they were doing so. Their mechanic and machinist was top notch here and could fix anything so they didn’t have anything to be worried about, they could bring a Machina back to life from just a few scrapped pieces. Their Machina had basic structural damage and a severed powerline so all that had to be done was replace those and upgrade and it’d be good to go, then maybe it would be known just what this Machina did for them to consider it a friend for whatever reason. Machina weren’t programmed to express or feel, they might as well make friends with a rock. They’ll get their servant back soon enough, it was just a matter of them not poking it any further and letting the machinist do work on it.

While he was fine with them talking amongst themselves what he wasn’t fine with was some of the things that were being said, his polishing being halted for now as he felt a sting of anger. Looking to the offending pair he growled lowly, whipping his tail around and pointing the blade tip at Ethan and Amuné. “Don’t you dare dismiss that attitude like it was nothing, boy!” he pointed at Ethan before pointing to Amuné, “And you. If I ever hear so much as one more single racist comment I’m gonna make sure you’re going to have a bad time. How dare you dismiss her for what she is. Do you even know where her people originally come from? Maybe you should use this time here to learn some respect…”

The amount of times he had been dissed behind his back because of how he looked and what he could do mean he was very easily triggered when someone was called ‘scary’. There was nothing scary about her, there was many people out there who were gifted at summoning creatures from the Void and she had already given her reassurance that she would be able to keep them under control. Might as well get on at them all the time for having a moorcat following them around, that thing was the real danger around here if not kept on a leash. Might as well have some giant bird follow them around. Feeling all sorts of pissed off he hoped that kid would straighten up and learn not to be so intolerant of others, he didn’t care about her age.

Chilling out for now he decided to lean back and listen to the others talking. It was just the same old explanation about the town going on and what it was used for so that wasn’t interesting, but he had nothing better to do now that they were here. It was the same old whenever they brought people here, they had to bring a lot here before over and over so it wasn’t anything he was willing to volunteer to assist in the explanation. That was too much talking for him, too much narrative. It was a place that was safe, that’s all that needed to be known. He was feeling a little tired anyway, it wasn’t time for him to be talking about Mutebo like he was a tour guide. Simply observing the scenery as they came upon their place he barely even moved a muscle once they had stopped, instead stretching his arms out for a moment before finally jumping out the cart. They should really get him a brush for that hair on the old man, at least to make him look less like a homeless bum. All this talk was just exposition to him at this point, the old man always was suspicious about weak looking people coming here but it wasn’t as if it was something that shouldn’t be ignored.

With all that done it was finally time to sit down again after that long ride, at least a sit down that wasn’t also bumping around and making his tail feel momentary discomfort every so often. He didn’t care that it was the other Dimuran who gave the instruction to rest, at least resting meant he could get something to eat too. The whole answering questions thing wasn’t something he was particularly enthusiastic about doing, but then again if he kept quiet then he probably wouldn’t get any questions directed towards him. He did wonder whether the Dimuran woman would want to talk to him, but probably not considering she definitely probably most likely didn’t like him automatically because of what type of Dimuran he was. He wasn’t used to meeting other Dimurans if at all, it wasn’t as if they came to this land often. Either way they should be happy enough to settle down inside; there was seats, food and beds and that’s all that really mattered.

[shylarah]

"It's not her magic, it's what she did with it," Amuné objected, and then flinched when the new Dimuran snapped at her. "It's not a racist comment! I never said anyone else was scary, just her! You didn't see it, there were these little lizard dog things like we ran into before, and then this great BIG monster with tentacles and it was awful!" Her voice caught at the memory. "And it's not like she kept control of it, it nearly broke free, I could tell, and then it would have killed...." She trailed off with a shudder, not wanting to say more about that, lest her secret be revealed. Instead she rallied her nerve and glared up at the man. "It's not like it was a nice animal, wanting to help us. If Wyth went after people like those things did he would be bad too, but he doesn't, and he's a good boy. He only hurts people to protect me." She stuck out her chin. "But those animals were bad and she brought them even though they're bad and that makes her scary! And you are mean!" With that she turned her back on him, obviously sulking.

When they arrived, and old man with wild hair growled at them. But he wasn't so bad. Ethan was worn out, and Amuné squirmed so he'd put her down when he tried to carry her instead of just helping her out of the cart. She didn't reply to his comment about Cecil. Wyth was more than happy to let the man scratch his head, giving a great rumbly purr in response to the attention. He was still favoring his back leg, but his front paw had healed well enough to use.

Amuné protested Nymira's directions. "I don't wanna rest," she said, her voice bordering on petulant. "If...if Cecil really will be okay, then there should be someone with him when he comes back." She moved to stand by the stretcher, though she didn't quite look at the broken Machina in it. "I'm going with him." She didn't really think he would, but maybe...no, no, she wasn't going to hope. He wasn't coming back. But just in case, she'd be there. Just in case.

[GambolMuse]

They shouldn't be picking fights or arguing with these people, not since they had saved them without needing to. But having Kensen snap at them was a little unwelcome and were Ethan any more tired he just might be irritable enough to snap back. Taking a breath he nodded his head once and smiled, deciding it was best to just not say anything in return.

"Well... She tried to help us and we should be happy about that. Maybe it didn't go as... Smoothly as it could have, but we're okay now." Amuné wasn't completely wrong, the creatures they had seen were most definitely awful looking. Far worse than the direwolves which lived in the hills near Kinsgrove, or the gnoth, crablike creatures that lived along the Elion River to the west of the village. Or any number of the other beasts which Ethan had encountered in his travels, many of which he had no names for. For as strange and intimidating as many had been at least they seemed to belong here in their world, they had a place here. The Vazra? The beast with the tentacles? Even never seeing them before one could tell they weren't meant to be here. So was Amuné completely wrong? Of course not, but she wasn't completely right either. Asta had it under control until a certain point and she was trying to help, they couldn't be mad at her for that.

For now they should worry more about getting rest than whether or not Asta's decisions during the fight were right or not. Everyone was tired from their day and a nice bed after a hot meal would do everyone wonders. At Amuné's behest Ethan put the young Ydran down on her feet and smiled sympathetically when she went to Cecil's side. He understood wanting to be with Cecil right now, he did want to as well, but that wasn't their place to be right now. "They're going to be busy fixing him, we can't do anything to help and would probably only get in the way. Besides if we're tired too then we have to be resting, otherwise he's just going to worry about us when he wakes up." The idea of their friend waking up alone somewhere was definitely sad but they had to take care of themselves too. Maybe Amuné hadn't expended much today but the rest of them were running on fumes and liable to pass out if they didn't take it easy. "Let's go get some food first, okay? Maybe a little later we can visit and see how things are going?"

"There's no room in the garage for little kids to be running around, you're staying here," the woman demanded as she gestured to the complex, "Now come on, get inside and let's get you all patched up and clean. Your friend is going to be fine kiddo, the mechanics in Mutebo come from all over and are some of the best I've seen, he'll probably be back up and running by the morning." Provided they had the pieces for him. Just what kind of Machina was Cecil anyways? She had seen plenty of Machina in the cities and surrounding towns but never one that so closely represented a living being before. Probably some high end bot then and one which would need imported parts. But no way was she telling the little girl that, she'd probably freak out hearing it could take a while.

So there was no reason to worry then, Cecil was going to be just fine! "Come on, I bet they've got some good food inside, let's go see what they have." Reaching out Ethan took Amuné's hand in his own and gave her a patient smile as he tried to pull her along, heading towards the building. "And we should get someone to look at Wyth too right? Cecil's going to be okay but our little furry friend needs his wounds cleaned. And he's probably hungry too," Ethan added, smiling down at Wyth, "Right buddy? Want some food?"

Resting now was certainly their best option given all they had endured. If Cecil was a machine then he wasn't truly dead, even Nymira new as much, and he would be fine with or without their company. He would be there tomorrow for them to visit after they had a chance to take care of themselves, and if need be Nymira would take Amuné personally first thing in the morning. Watching the men unload their cart she almost considered overseeing the affair as she didn't fully trust them handling their supplies, though the act of simply standing proved to be taxing on her. With little choice she would leave these people to their work and join the other inside for some much needed food and rest. There was something troubling her though, more than trusting her supplies to strangers. When she crossed paths with Kensen she hesitated for only a second before looking up at him, scrutinizing his features as her face turned emotionless.

"You're a Dimuran... Which clan do you hail from?" Nymira asked, looking at the man before her for any defining characteristics. She felt like she knew him somehow, like they had met before all of this, before her journey into the kingdom proper. With the exception of a rare few most clans knew one another, either through treaties or from battles between one another which begged the question then: from which clan did he hail? Figuring she should be forthcoming and honest with it she turned to face him, having to crane her neck upward to look at him in the eye. "I am Nymira Rumia, daughter of Hákon Rumia and heiress to the Rumia clan. And you are...?"

[Mogtaki]

These people were pretty bothersome with the complaining and being prejudice, but he doubted they’d be here for all that long if they were truly so concerned about everything that wasn’t their Machina. They probably didn’t know who they were and were just pleased with the fact that they were getting it fixed, if it could be properly fixed. Whether there was more internal damage or not wasn’t something he could see, he didn’t know how long they had been using it to fight so there could be more damage than there was before now making the Machina fairly useless. It was really annoying, but luckily they were back which meant relaxing a bit before he had to go out there again. They had all been busy these last few days so rest was always a good thing, even if it was still early. He was pretty hungry after using so much magic at one time, it would be good to get some food too then.

Turning to head towards the house he simply ignored Nymira, not paying her much attention compared to anyone else until she stopped and stared at him. Already he immediately disliked that, he didn’t even know how to deal with that other than try to walk away; however, she soon spoke to him about personal stuff. He knew it was going to come down to this eventually, she probably didn’t come across other Dimurans and he did stick out like a sore thumb even if he did cover up. Sighing lightly he looked to her, not really knowing what her need to know was about before he frowned at her name. He didn’t think that she was going to be here and in front of him no less. This was most displeasing and something he felt rather uncomfortable with, giving his partner a quick look as if asking for assistance; unfortunately, she was away and busy already.

“Hm, Hákon…great”, he muttered before sighing again, looking back down to her. “Fine. I’m Kensen…just Kensen. I don’t come from any clan, at least not anymore. In fact, it was your clan I did call home for a while…but your father kicked me out. It wasn’t that long ago, maybe five…six years ago…I don’t blame you for not remembering me, though. I’m not important”. It was hardly going to be something that someone like Nymira would care about, seeing as how she was rich and going to inherit a big clan like that.

[shylarah]

"I'm not tired!" the girl protested. "I'm not really hungry either -- and I can eat there. If he's going to get better, someone should be with him!" Why did they not understand this? It was scary being alone in a strange place, especially after being hurt. Her Mommy had always said letting a friend or relative stay just outside the room was okay, especially with children. And with people chasing them, and strangers nearby, it would be worse. "I don't care how good your mechanics are, someone should stay with Cecil!" Amuné was getting upset. It shouldn't matter -- he was dead, he wasn't going to wake up, but it still did somehow. "I won't run around! Mommy always says sit quiet or wait outside, and I can do that, I've done it before so she can teach me things and I'm a good helper if you want or I'll just be quiet and stay out of the way!" She was tearing up again and growing increasingly distressed, and Wyth shoved his head into her side. But it didn't help, and neither did Ethan. When he took the girl's hand to lead her off she let out a shriek and tried to pull away.

"No! You say he's just hurt but if you meant that I should stay!" Amuné struggled to extricate herself, but the entirety of an eight-year-old's strength was no match for Ethan's, even when he was worn out. She couldn't get her hand free, and when she tried to pry his fingers loose he simply scooped her scooped her up. The child wailed a shrill protest. "Put me /down/! We have to stay, we have to! He's hurt and if he wakes up he'll be alone and he won't know anyone and he'll be scared!" Tears streamed down her cheeks. She remembered those first weeks, after she had to run away from home. They'd been horrible. "Being hurt and alone like that, waking up and not knowing where you are and with just strangers, it's awful. I don't wanna leave him like that! I wanna stay! Put me /down/!"

[GambolMuse]

"Amuné... I know you want to help but we're only going to get in the way. Let the mechanics do their job and we'll see him as soon as he wakes up, okay?" Far too fatigued to argue it Ethan gently tried to usher Amuné long, his eyes set on the building before them. With his limbs heavy as lead and his stomach empty as the deepest chasm the only two things on his mind now were a hot meal and rest. Did he feel concern for Cecil? Of course he did and he would like to be there for their friend as well but they had to take care of themselves too. Never one to be overly forceful Ethan tried to give Amuné's arm a tug towards their temporary lodging, deflating when the Ydran girl instead resisted and began to howl. He felt as every bit as bad for Cecil as anyone else but they just couldn't go and see him right now, he'd need time to rest too and would probably need a little time to adjust. In an act of desperation Ethan turned and simply lifted Amuné's small frame into his arms, promptly regretting the decision as she wailed and shoved against his chest.

Why did he feel like the bad guy doing this? Ethan knew they needed to let Cecil be seen to, and seen to alone, yet he felt lousy for denying Amuné all the same. "Please stop, we'll see him soon okay? We just have to rest now," the Magi pleaded as he struggled to keep a hold of the girl. Giving Wyth a confounded look he did his best to simply ignore the protests and went ahead to the building, ignoring the multitude of stares as they approached. Evidently wailing children weren't commonplace here, if everyone's reactions were anything to go by. Upon their entry an older woman, nowhere near as imposing as the one who had saved them, greeted them with a patient if strained smile. They would be shown to their quarters and perhaps not a moment too soon as Amuné's veritable breakdown was beginning to draw an awful lot of attention. All while they were led through the building Amuné's protests persisted and when they finally reached their given room Ethan thought it a blessing as he closed the door, kicking it shut behind him before setting Amuné down on the bed.

"Amuné... You've got to settle down. I know you're upset but he's going to be okay." Easing himself down onto one knee Ethan gave the Ydran a patient smile, reaching out and gently placing his hand atop her head. "He's not like us, remember? He's a Machina, and they can fix him. He's not dead, he just... Turned off. Remember like before? It's happened before and it probably happened again, he used a lot of energy fighting. But give it a day and he'll be up and at 'em again, I promise." So long as that Varuna didn't do anything particularly nasty to Cecil that is. Easing backwards Ethan settled on his rear and extended his arms out to hold himself up, releasing a long-winded sigh. "You don't want to show up tomorrow and be sick or tired right? So let's take care of ourselves while he gets looked at," Ethan reiterated with a smile, "Besides, this is a big city. I bet there's a lot that we can do here, and since its friendly to Magi we don't have to worry. We'll take Cecil with us and have some fun when he wakes up, how's that sound?"

The overwhelming sense of déjà vu Nymira was experiencing was never going to permit her to rest, not until she knew who this man was. The best way to find out was introduce herself and be outright with it rather than waste time trying to awkwardly beat about the tree... Was that how that saying went? His initial reaction to hearing her father's name hardly instilled confidence in things and hearing him elaborate further didn't paint an ideal picture. Her father had kicked him out? A few years ago now from what Kensen had told her as well, but what had happened back then? Nymira's brow knit together as she tried to recall events from that long ago and she lifted her eyes to Kensen once more, hoping his appearance might trigger some memory.

"Kensen... You were in a hunting party... No. You were meant to clear out a Vazra nest." It was coming back to her now and she felt ashamed for not remembering it sooner. How had she forgotten an event where several of their own had met their demise? There had been initial animosity towards Kensen back then but it had long since faded, in its place almost an indifference instead. Whether he'd been truly responsible for their deaths or not mattered little at this point and holding a grudge for something that long ago was a waste of energy, something she had very little of right now.

"I won't apologize for my father's decision, nor do I expect you to accept any such apology," her words were without venom or animosity, sounding almost disinterested even, "I would assume at this point you have no desire to come back to the clan? It's possible my father would allow it, though you may have to undergo a trail to prove your loyalty. Then again it seems you've made a place for yourself here as well." If that woman was the leader as Nymira had assumed then the fact Kensen was with her and her alone suggested he was rather important to this organization. They still had no answers as to what precisely these people were doing here and she might ask if she'd expected Kensen to share anything with her. Instead she'd seek a different line of questioning, one just as pressing.

"I'll need to speak with whoever is in charge of Mutebo. I'm here on my father's behalf seeking an alliance. Is that something you would be able to arrange?" She should meet with him sooner rather than later, no doubt their days were going to be busy even when here in a refuge. "In fact take me there now if you're not busy. I'd like to speak with them before we..." Nymira's voice trailed off as the corners of her vision darkened slightly and her head suddenly felt lighter, a dizzy spell coming on that caused her to almost fall in place. Catching herself on the cart she grit her teeth, steadying herself and taking a deep breath trying to will the spell to pass. "Maybe... After a meal would be best..." Nymira admitted, frowning as she looked to Kensen once more, "Show me inside at the very least. I'd like to... 'Chew the hide' with the people inside, I should try and befriend the people here if we're all Magi."

[shylarah]

The child struggled and shrieked, but Ethan refused to set her down until they had reached a room and he closed the door. Her protests had devolved into incoherence, and she slumped on the bed when the man finally let her go. Moved by a deep fear that she'd tried hard to ignore, when Ethan placed his hand on her head her howls turned to choked sobs, and she flung her arms around him. Sensing the shift from frustration to hurt, Wyth leapt up on the bed and settled next to the pair, rubbing his head against his girl's side.

It was a minute or two before Amuné could manage an understandable sentence, but when she did the real reason she was so upset became clear. Yes, she saw Cecil as being in her position, but the truth was far more. "He's not okay, he's not! He was just lying there and he was too still and that means -- that means--" She gulped a breath, the images she'd put from her mind for so much of their travels flooding back into her thoughts. "Like...like when I dreamed about Mommy and Daddy...and they were lying like that...a-and...." She was shaking, unable to get herself under control. She'd tried so hard to believe, to pretend she'd not seen any of it, that she was just having nightmares. She'd kept believing and kept hoping and now with one disaster piling on the next, her faith was eroding. She wanted to believe Cecil would be okay. She wanted to believe her parents were okay. But it hurt her to do so, and allowing the idea that her Machina friend was gone had allowed in more doubt than she'd intended. "They're gone, and he's gone, and everyone keeps dying and I just want to go h-home but I'm not supposed to. I w-want my Daddy!" Her fingers dug into Ethan's shirt, curling around folds in the fabric. "I'm scared, I want my Daddy and M-Mommy. All I do is get in trouble and get in the way. I wanna go home!"

[Mogtaki]

Kensen was already growing annoyed at the kid screaming behind him for no reason, over a Machina no less. It was just irritating at this point and he did wish he could tell her to shut up again but he had more important things to worry about. He didn’t have much to worry about today, but with this load of people coming in with the daughter of that man who nearly indirectly killed him being here had him bothered by a fair sizeable margin. It was not long ago but he was still young when it happened and he was treated like a lesser being to them for surviving. She barely seemed to remember him from it and did spend some time giving him a staring at before finally coming to the conclusion that she indeed did remember the event and barely looked like she gave a damn too.

All that he did back then was the right thing, everything that happened was correct of him to do and there was nothing else he could do to change that. Even though he could go on forever about what happened and why he wasn’t to blame the words spoken by Nymira told him she probably didn’t give a damn about it and never would care since it didn’t affect her life in the slightest to know. She had zero sympathy for what happened and definitely had her curiosity satisfied enough for her to not care about him anymore. Even though he was asking for no sympathy before it still made him angry, probably because of how cold she was acting and simply saying ‘nevermind you’ll probably be able to go back now anyway’. “I don’t see how a flyer like myself would be well accepted into a clan of majorly ground dragons after what happened. I am more welcome among outcasts”.

Turning slightly to walk back to the house he frowned when she mentioned an alliance with her clan, looking back at her with a frown from behind his clothing. Turning back to her as she started making demands he folded his arms, watching her for a moment as she fell backwards nearly onto her backside if the cart wasn’t there. Sighing, he dropped his shoulders a little before shaking his head. “’Befriend’ or become acquainted with because I see no reason why you would want to be friends with me or my people without it being an attempt to benefit yourself and your father”, he spoke as he adjusted his goggles, zooming the lenses a little, “I don’t see your father finding friends here. You might as well keep going once we fix your Machina if that’s all you were travelling here for. You have no idea what’s going on if you think Mutebo would want to be allies with a clan such as yours in a time like this. You would be inviting more trouble than it’s worth to both parties”.

It seemed none of them knew what they were in for if they were planning on becoming allies with the city, it was better for them if they just left once everything was sorted. He wasn’t being rude even if he would gladly be to the princess, it was just a case of it being too dangerous for them to consider allying an entire clan with Mutebo. They would be asking for trouble then and there would be very little they could do to protect them. He didn’t know if he even wanted anything to do with them either, they had all been vicious to him and removed him from their clan because he lived. They may be trying to seek allies now, but there was nothing telling him that they wouldn’t turn tail and run themselves if they knew what they were getting into. Turning away he started to head for the building, not giving Nymira any mind anymore since she could make her own way in without needing him to lean against.

[GambolMuse]

Ethan was beside himself. How was he supposed to console Amuné? Everyone knew that Cecil was going to be alright after he was worked on, or at least they were confident as much. For him personally there was no certainty but he tried to air on the side of optimism and expected their friend to make a full recovery. Yet Amuné spoke of Cecil as though he were truly gone and removed from this world. Could a Machina actually die like that? He'd no idea how a typical Machina worked never mind an apparently more advanced model like Cecil but he didn't think machines could actually be killed. Stop working perhaps, but killed? When she clung to him again and the hysterics resumed he carefully rose to his knees and held Amuné in his arms, closing his eyes tiredly as he tried to soothe her.

"Cecil isn't dead, Machina don't die. He... Remember when he ran out of power and stopped moving? Something happened and he turned off, that's all. He'll be fine when they fix him," Ethan reassured with a soft voice, smiling as he stroked Amuné's hair, "And your mom and dad are okay too, I just know they are. We're getting closer to the big cities right? We'll find them, someone's got to know where they ended up. Someone here might even have a clue for us if we look around. You'll go home, but its going to be with your parents, right? Until then I'll take care of you and help you find them." They had to be alive, they didn't have any reason not to be. They lived far from the cities and they'd never done anything to anger the Church, there had to be an explanation for where they had gone. And Ethan was determined to help Amuné solve that puzzle and find her parents again. And to help Cecil find out just who, or what, he really was. And Nymira with her mission to aid her clan. Not to mention whatever Asta might need which was still a mystery, and on top of all that his own desire to reunite with Cedric.

Realizing just how much still stood before them a whole new wave of fatigue washed over Ethan, his eyelids heavy as he fought to open them again. He needed food or rest right now whether Amuné wanted to eat or not. But he couldn't well leave her alone either, not in the state she was. "Come on, let's go try and get something in our bellies okay? What would your mom or dad say if you didn't eat your supper?" Ethan prodded with a playful smile, easing Amuné back and wiping tears from her cheeks with the pad of his thumb. Placing his hands on her shoulders he then leaned in and placed a light kiss atop her head, using the bed to help himself get to his feet. "We need to get Wyth looked at too remember? Let's go see if someone here knows how to help him okay? Then we get fill our bellies and get some rest." He so hoped she'd listen to him this time since he was borderline collapsing as it was and waiting any longer was going to be troublesome.

"Much of the Rumia clan are outsiders, members of another clan at one point or another. I'm sure you'd be allowed back," Nymira answered dismissively, her interest already passing from Kensen's reunion. Her goal out here was not to bring those who left back home and she'd not expend the energy to try and do so, not when there was so much else to be done. She would however dispel one misconception Kensen seemed to have of her clan, if only because to think otherwise was an insult to her father. "We don't care if you're Skyborn or not, all that matters is your loyalty to the clan. If you can swear that you'd not harm your fellow Dimurans and would serve the best interest of the clan then you'd be let back in."

On to more pressing matters: finding allies for her clan. Mutebo seemed to be a prosperous place enough, certainly larger than any of the places they'd been before, and the fact it harbored Magi was an extra boon. Though their alliances were not meant to be militaristic in nature Nymira was certain no one would have any problem with more capable warriors in the event something were to happen. Mutebo then was an ideal starting point for her endeavors, and Kensen could potentially be her means of building a connection. When the Dimuran gave her an anything but supportive response however she became annoyed, narrowing her eyes and staring up at him, trying to bore through his goggles.

"You're right, we have no idea what is going on here. That is thanks to your leader or whoever she is refusing to answer my questions so far," Nymira grumbled, "And of course I am seeking a benefit. No one seeks allies or partners without some goal or intention in mind. And we'd obviously offer some kind of service in exchange, it's not a one way deal. Besides..." There was a pause as she seemed to scrutinize Kensen, glancing briefly over at the woman he'd been with before frowning, "You're not in charge, so frankly your opinion doesn't matter. Her opinion and the opinion of this place's leader are all I care about." Even if she had been rude the fact that Kensen then turned and began to walk away struck a sensitive spot in Nymira and she glared at his retreating figure, wishing she had the strength to throw a warning shot at him for leaving like that. "Have you no honor? Your own are still among our clan, do you not want to help them?!"

[shylarah]

Amuné sobbed into the Muran's chest. She'd tried hard not to think of what might have happened, but sometimes her worry became overwhelming, and with Cecil lying broken and too-still, it was one of those times. Ethan managed to comfort her, and at last the girl subsided into whimpers and sniffles. "You're sure? Cecil's just sick, he's not gone? You're sure he'll come back and wake up again? And my dreams are just bad dreams? You'll stay until Mommy and Daddy can take me home? Everyone will be okay? ...Promise?" She gulped a deep breath and wiped her eyes, nodding. "Okay. Okay, I'll do my best. I'll be brave like Daddy said. I can do that. I can." She took another shaky deep breath, and gave Ethan a brief but very tight hug. "I'm sorry. I'm trying. It's hard -- but I'll try harder. I'll be brave."

Ethan's comment about her parents scolding her for skipping a meal brought an unsteady and sheepish smile. "Y-yeah, okay. We can do that. A healer to check on Wyth, and then dinner." Amuné slid off the bed and took his hand in hers, rubbing her reddened eyes with the other. "I...I guess maybe I am hungry after all...." Sticking close to his side and with Wyth nearby on the other, the child followed out of the room.

[Mogtaki]

It wasn’t just a matter of him being selfish and not allowing Nymira to make a presence with the leader of Mutebo, he wasn’t just trying to take out his anger over the tribe abandoning him in such a vicious fashion. There was so much more to Mutebo, their group and the entire situation they were attempting to place themselves in. She had no idea what would happen if she allied her clan with the city, it certainly wasn’t going to end with anything good so long as the situation remained a particularly bad one. Forces would be stretched thin, there would be even more people at risk too and even if she got all defensive saying the clan was strong and had many allies it still didn’t excuse the threat they would be placed in if they decided to become allies forcefully.

Tactical reasoning aside, he really didn’t want to have the clan be a part of his life in general. The clan had abandoned him over a reason they had created themselves, he never did run from the group on his own decision. He was still bitter after all these years, it wasn’t his fault and yet he was accused of being a traitor to the whole clan. He had been left bitter by it, he nearly died. Right now he just wanted to get inside and get food and probably have a nap after, it wasn’t easy flying around all the time before food. Wanting to ignore Nymira for now as the arrogant princess she probably was, ignoring the little quip she gave about his leader; however, when she mentioned his honour he stopped in his tracks.

“My own? I was trying to help them that day, the day I was cast out. I never did have an official mother or father in that clan like several other Skyborn children. Maybe your father also sent them to their deaths one day, who knows”, he spoke before turning back to her, pulling his bandana down a little, “My honour was crushed and torn from me when your father cast me out so I guess you could say I do not. Does it make you feel happier to hear me say that? Or would you rather me get all angry about it like you seem to be?” Turning away again he carried on, letting out a sigh. “You’ll find food inside and once you get your Machina fixed, you can leave if you want. An alliance is just too dangerous and out of the question, you have no idea…”