Fallenreaper

The Hourglass Order

Roslyn Wicke

""Don't judge a book by its cover."

Shifting Dealings

Roslyn wandered down the the paths winding the marketplace. She paused occasionally at a stall, admiring the trinkets and then moved on. Not much caught her interest as she kept on her bag at all times. It helped discourage any bold thief. Drawn in by the activity and a familiar face or two, she approached Fanaka's stall. Her attention lingered on the swimmer's box longer than the rest before she inquired about the sauces first.

"How much for a jar?" If her experience with Yuri had taught her anything, merchants tended to be more generous and willing to bargain after a purchase.

Fanaka was busy as ever and although the festival tugged on his very being, their was money to be made. And so at the arrival of a new coin purse, he smiled warmly to Roslyn.

"Welcome welcome," he greeted, slipping a jar from behind into his hand. "3 Magus, but I ensure you that this is quite the product," He cracked it open for Roslyn to try. A sweet fruity smell took to the air.

Roslyn took a small taste when a dab was placed on her finger. The favor popped across her tongue causing her eyes to widen and her lips to curl into a smile. It had a tangy fruit flavor with a pleasant texture.

"Oh, that is lovely." She debated for a moment then added, I'll take one." She turned to her bag and dug up three Magus from the amount she had left. Placing them in his hand, "One more thing. I'm also curious about the mystery boxes, can I get a price on them as well? "

Fanaka procured a fresh jar for her after the magus entered his hand, "The jar, if unopened, will last many months even in hotter environments. That is the real value in it." He wanted to return to Ayla but it seemed the brown haired woman with too much money was also interested in the containers. He looked at her up and down, Low Merchant or backwater nobility, one and the same really, Now whether to make the same offer or raise it? "6 magus for good customer," he raised it.

Roslyn spotted that familiar sense of judgement. A simple look that weighed her worth from her appearance and made her heart sink. She didn't wear the finest clothing or expensive trinkets that screamed wealth. Nor was her name well known beyond her little town. All these factors oozed power and gained favor where none would normally would be.

She reflected on the shift in price in her head. Not good enough, it seems. It would be foolish to take one after he raised it right in front of her. If she was hurt by it, she didn't show it. Roslyn kept her smile on and politely declined the "generous" price. "Ah, thank you for satisfying my curiosity. I think the jar will be enough for me."

She took her leave.

Chickens Gone Wild

Roslyn sat on the bench with the other contestants, her right leg subtly bouncing in place. Her hand held onto the vuvuzela she purchased from Vuvu while she went over how to play it properly. She tried to push back the rising performance jitters, but it was no use. Her eyes drifted over to the far end of the arena. Within the cages chickens of several colors, ranging from blue to reds, clucked in unison. Small heads bobbed while beady black eyes glanced about. There was a particularly nasty looking blue hen with speckles like a starry night. As if sensing her gaze, said hen's attention snapped to her.

The girl averted her eyes. She muttered underneath her breath, "That "chicken" seems more like a demon."

Someone tapped on her shoulder causing Roslyn to look up. It was a young woman who gestured her toward the fenced off area, indicating it was her turn. Giving her a nod, she inhaled a deep breath and pulled up onto her feet. She stepped out into the roar of the crowd. Meanwhile, the handler reached into one of the cages. In his arms was a pretty grey-blue hen. It looked passive until he set it down. As the grogginess faded, the avian strutted toward Roslyn. Every few steps, it paused and pecked at the ground. Not an air of concern about the girl's presence.

You're a proud lil' thing, aren't you? Roslyn rolled her eyes at the animal's cockiness. She tucked in her lower lip and raised her mouth to the vuvuzela's end. Her cheeks puffed before she blew into it. Air vibrated down the length before a low, hollowed sound erupted out.

Suddenly, the chicken stopped. Its head turned and stared at her. Not letting those beady black eyes frighten her, Roslyn stepped forward. She blew again. The hen flinched then started to casually dart away. she prayed it would keep doing that as she began to herd it toward the net. In her eagerness, her mouth didn't seal properly against the mouth piece. What came next was more of a rumble than a bellow. Abruptly, the chicken stopped in its tracks. Its reddish head turned toward her with a dead eye stare.

No... turn back around. She mentally screamed at the avian, but it continued to bob its little head. Slowly the bird began to rush toward her. Having seen the damage the spurs had done on other contestants, she tensed and stepped back. That was a mistake. Catching the display of fear, the hen's pace picked up. Its feathers bristled and wings raised up as it chased after her.

Oh no, the Gods have mercy on me. Why a chicken of all things?!?! Roslyn twisted to the right. She heard the fluttering of feathers as the demonic poultry landed just behind her. A part of her hoped she wasn't disqualified if the thing manage to scratch her.

The majority of the crowd broke out in laughter, with a few disappointed boos. One nearest the fences uttered encouraging shouts to face the "beast". Roslyn wasn't sure if they were mocking her or trying to help. Regardless, she couldn't let a chicken chase her the whole time. She dug in her heels and flipped to face the menacing poultry. Inhaling deep, she blew the horn again. The hen's neck feathers bristled as it charged at her.

With wide eyes, Roslyn jumped up letting the feather fiend dart underneath her. That didn't work like it was suppose to! An idea sprung to her head, her lips curled into a smirk. Maybe it was better to taunt the thing into the net than lure it. She knew it was worth a try.

When the blue hen circled about to find her, Roslyn moved quickly. She positioned herself in front of the net. With a deeper breath than before, she blew out another bellow. Cluck-cluck-cluck! The fiendish bird's head jerked in her direction and then bolted. For being a small thing, it easily cut down the distance between them. Roslyn felt her breath start to wane when the hen bounced off the ground and pounced at her. She stopped and dropped flat onto the dirt. The chicken sailed over her before landing into the net. Its wings became tangled as it hung there, trying to beat itself free. Relieved that her plan worked, Roslyn spotted a man offer her a hand up. Taking it, she pulled herself upright and brushed off her skirt. "Never thought a chicken could terrorize me until now."

The man chuckled before smacking her gently on the back. "That's what all the first timers say. Now, follow me." He walked her over to the handler, now holding a pacified bird in his arms. “Now, pardon or keep her?”

It was Roslyn’s turn to giggle. "Pardon her, she earned it. If all your chickens are like that, we should toss them at the thresher. I’m sure it would be swimming back to sea in no time. "

The man answered with a smirk and a shake of his head.

Little Stroll Along the Docks

---

Roslyn exhaled and then exited into the port. Her boots followed the dock's length until the festivity faded into the background. She considered ideas to provide provisions, but her head came up empty on a plan. The dread of facing the beast tomorrow didn't help. Lost in her thoughts, she had wandered towards the pirate ship.

She caught sight of an elderly woman being questioned by some Zengali men. Her head moved to notice the line of crates that weren't there before. Her eyes scrunched with confusion. Cautiously, Roslyn kept her unhurried pace while she tired to eavesdrop.

Lazily walking behind some crates, making no more noise than the waters, Roslyn ended up within earshot of their conversation.

"-'m just not sure if we can deliver these to you," said the smaller of the 2 men.

"But the merchant told me that he would have them delivered..." The old woman held onto her cane for support, obviously worried about her things being taken.

The larger man had a face of confliction, unable to side with his working mate or the elderly woman. Though it was somewhat difficult to make out the full scene with only the light of the moons.

Roslyn had delayed intruding on the conversation long enough. She sucked in a shallow breath and stirred her into action. Her form casually stepped out into view, continuing toward them down the dock's length. It wouldn't take long to notice her since she didn't hid the sound of her steps. She didn't know what she was going to do, but lurking like some timid mouse didn't help her.

The group had still been discussing whether they should relinquish the crates when the 2 men locked up when they heard Roslyn's footsteps. They turned around quickly to confront her, "Who are you? What are you doing here?" The big man shouted at her. The smaller one tried to keep an eye on Roslyn and the old lady.

Approaching them seemed less stupid in her head until this moment. It dawned on her how it must look, but it was too late now. Roslyn slowed her pace then came to a stop. Keeping her hands at her side, she spoke. "Sorry, I was just walking the docks to clear my head from the festivities. This place is a little different at night. I didn't mean to interrupt anything. "

It wasn't a total lie.

The large man more or less nods at her, turning back to the elderly woman. The smaller man turned back as well but he kept an eye on the suspicious new visitor. The old woman looked over to Roslyn, seemingly looking for help.

For a moment, she feared the worst. Thankful that didn't come to past as she then spotted the old lady's look. It tugged at the girl's heart. Roslyn hated her empathy some times as she then added. "I know it's none of my business, but is there anything I can do to possibly help?"

They had been talking when Roslyn joined the conversation. Small Man turned to her again, somewhat irritated at her. "Are you the wharfmaster?" he sarcastically asked her.

The Small Man gave her the 'what the fuck' look he could muster to her, "Go away woman." He waved her off like she a pest.

The old woman though, "I purchased these supplies and I wrote down the wrong dock," she tightened her cowl. "I'm terribly sorry, I really meant to put 2 not 7," she looked up to the taller man who seemed to be pretty uncomfortable with the whole situation.

At the man's reactions and harsh words, Roslyn inwardly flinched. That's when she caught the old woman's mention of supplies. Supplies, like provisions? If I can just... she stopped. Her heart dropped in her stomach like a stone in water, rapidly sinking to her toes. Do I really want to do this? Steal from an old lady for some pirates?

She sighed then pulled back from the conversation with the woman and smaller man. She refused to leave completely though as she spoke to the taller man. "Seems like a simple mistake, especially if she has proof about the supplies. So... why haven't they been moved?"

The Smaller man was growing more irritated with her continued existence. He readied another verbal lashing, poising himself to physically escort her off the pier. But the taller man turned to her, "The crates were scheduled to be delivered here. Anything that is suppose to be delivered here must be reported to the guards." He scratched his head looking back at the old woman.

"And that is what we should be doing, we could be at the festival instead we are working overtime for a blind woman," the Small man let out a disgruntled comment.

When the smaller man moved, Roslyn tensed and braced to dig her heels in. Her eyes hardened with a stubbornness before the taller man answered her. She quickly realized the reason he looked so uncomfortable. She reached up her fingers to pinch her nose for a moment. Her eyes looked once more at the blind woman. I can't do this. Not to a blind woman.

"Looks like there's only two options: continue to deal with the old woman or I can stay and try to get this resolved for her. I have a grandfather about her age, and I rather not see something happen to her."

The larger man laughed, "You carrying these crates? I mean no offense but your arms are even thinner than his," he slugged his friend's arm and small man shrugged it off like it didn't hurt. But the chemicals in his body told the truth, it hurt a lot.

Roslyn pressed her lips tightly as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Don't judge a book by its cover. Just watch."

Her eyes turned and walked to the crates as she drew in energy. Mumbling a spell beneath her breath, she reached out and 'hoisted' a crate with her arms. It twitched at first then began to raise with her motion. After holding it for several moments, she set it back down. She wanted for his reaction with a small smirk.

Small man gulped realizing that he had been yelling at a women that could break him in 2. The Larger man gulped realizing that as well. He might get beaten up by proxy. "Well you can certainly lift them," the large man spoke. He turned to the old lady, "Do you think you can trust this young woman to move them to the dock for you?"

The old woman, nearly blind, could still see the gift being used in front of her. A grandma smile spread across her face, "Oh I believe so, she seems quite wonderful and honest." She smiled so wholesomely at Roslyn, the young lass who put her neck out for an old folk like her.

The small man, once large in voice, was now small in his attitude, ready to get of this cursed pier before the mage or pirates come.

For a moment, Roslyn's pride swelled in her chest. The expression on their face was priceless as their attitudes shifted quickly. Her grin widened at how easy it was. However, the emotional high died when the woman praised her.

She bit her lower lip and then brushed it off. "I wouldn't say wonderful..." Or honest right now. Before the men walked away, she added one last thing. "That settles it. Oh, and you," she eyed the smaller man, "try to be more respectful. Now, go away man."

The small man didn't say anything, he just kept walking. There was too much at sake if the bitch decided to just snap his neck. But he had other ways to get back, he thought to himself.

Once the 2 men were well out of earshot, "Thank you again for the help," the elderly woman thanked her. "Those 2 were being real pains for me," she rubbed her neck and audible crack broke over the waves. "Let's get a move on," she nodded over to a peculiar ship that Roslyn was on earlier. The Grandma smile only grew wider.

"It was nothing," Roslyn responded. Her eyes scanned for any incoming trouble as she drew in kinetic energy from the water's movements. A part of her hoped it wouldn't come back and bite her in the ass later. Before she lifted up the crates, she caught the old woman's gesture toward the pirate ship. Roslyn blinked before it suddenly clicked. "I need to take my own advice it seems. I'm guessing you didn't exactly make a mistake, did you?"

The old woman gave a soft laugh, "Of course I made a mistake, this is dock 2 right?" Her smile stayed plastered on her face.

Roslyn arched her right brow and stared for a moment. "Right, forgot how the moons can make things look different." Not wanting to waste more time and get caught, she pointed her arm toward the crates. Her fingers clawed causing telekinetic magic to wrap about each one. They lifted one by one into the air as she walked them toward the ship.

"Right, the moons," she guided her up the gangplank under the the shadows of the main mast. The crates are placed but they made no noise. A candle on a small tray lit by itself in the woman's hands, she started to head to one of the doors to the interior of the ship. She looked back at Roslyn, the shadows flickering off her face, Eyes blackened in shadows but her smile was something wicked. "Care for some tea? We have honey~" The door started to creak open behind her.

Roslyn's eyes narrowed upon hearing the woman agree. An ice cold chill raced down her spine as she followed across the gang plank and onto the deck. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest with each step, feeling the discomfort growing. After releasing the crates from her magic, her attention locked onto the old woman. The young girl swallowed a small lump in her throat.

"It seems a bit late for tea, don't you think? And we?" Roslyn's curiosity warred with her fear, the later gaining strength.

She turned and walked through the entryway, the candle light going out as she crossed the threshold. Her figure was lost in the shadows but the creaking sound of stairs echoed through.

Roslyn frowned and stood there for a few moments. This was a bad idea and she knew it... but her curiosity ate up any more resistance. She muttered a curse beneath her breath then stepped in after the woman. She hoped her allies might actually notice her absence if she didn't return.

Each step creaked and soon the steps of the old woman disappeared. One step, 2 steps, 3 and countless more it felt. Soon she tripped on the floor. She went a little further and then a dozen of lantern lit up, blinding her for a second. The old women with the cowel was gone and in her place was a confident old women sitting on a chair with a table across from her. Tea was being poured and she looked up to ask, "One spoon or 2," she turned to some poor looking honey.

When light chased away the darkness, Roslyn's hand shielded her eyes. Her vision blurred then went back to normal. A burning sensation settled in her lungs before she realized she had held her breath the whole way down. She forced herself to relax as she inhaled. So many questions rushed into her mind that the young girl didn't know where to start.

"Just one please and thank you. Um, what did you say your name was again?"

The tea was served quickly but with an unusual amount of grace for a pirate. Their was no smile on her face, or any real expression at all. Just an old woman going through a basic task she has no doubt done 100's of time before. She took a sip of her tea, savoring it even though it was poor quality.

"Let's cut to the chase then. What's your name girl?" her voice was deeper and had a light gravel sound to it compared to the soft and frail voice she used with the men.

Roslyn, now seated, looked at her tea before giving it a sip. She managed not to make a face when the watery favor and strong aftertaste touched her tongue. Her head tilted up at the woman's question. She supposed it was fair that she gave her own too before expecting one. "Roslyn."

"You were on the ship earlier," she glanced at the girl's black eye, "got beaten up and still came back." She let out a small chuckle at the comedy that was this girl. But her face grew serious with Roslyn, "Very stupid to do so, what do you think happens to small women that wander near pirate ships?" the old women threatened Roslyn."But still," she paused, "You came back and helped me out, so I'll hear you out. What is it you want from me, Nanna Karmena, quartermaster of this ship."

At the woman's tone, Roslyn felt the familiar impulse to freeze creep in. She swallowed the lump in her throat and focused on the spark of anger in her chest. A part of her could guess the answer to the woman's question. The same thing that happened to any mouse that squeaked at a cat. So why was she doing this? It took her a moment to reflect on the answer. To ensure her loved ones survived the coming war.

The light of the lanterns flickered. Roslyn took a deep breath and stomped down her emotions. She felt ready to crack, but she couldn't right now. It was time for honesty and she hoped for the best. She set the teacup aside, "Due to my possession of a certain ship, someone from the central alliance thought I could earn your trust and sway you over to their side."

Roslyn paused, expecting to hear more laughter. It wouldn't surprise her since one act of kindness didn't guarantee trust.

A fawn.

That is what Karmena saw in Roslyn. Clumsy and curious of the world but ever so anxious and scared. The scene of a person like this sitting across from someone like her was just funny, not even worth the consideration.

But then the little fawn said the truth, "So your the one that ended up with the Nuvole Rosse." Her eyes went back to her tea, as she took a sip while thinking about what Roslyn.

Nanna Karmena smiled once again, "Quite the task they set for a girl like yourself," the smile grew. "Wandering into a famous pirate ship asking for trust just because you own a famous ship," she shook her head and clicked her tongue twice at the fawn.

"You're honest and young. Really perfect for the role they gave you," a small laugh followed and then she finished her tea.

"I could do it, get the men here to join hands with the Revidians. It wouldn't even cost me," she set the cup down, "But what would it cost you? You have the ship, wouldn't you rather ask me for some work." she raised an eyebrow with her. "Are you a girl sent out to do others bidding or a woman that takes what is in front of her?" Nanna Karmena has made her offer to Roslyn.

Roslyn found the woman's words not to be nearly as bad as she expected. Her head tilted upward and considered the offer. Back home, her father and grandfather had a simple life in mind for her. Marry, have children, and run the brewery until the end. She realized she never envisioned more or considered other options.

A few moments passed before the girl finally answered. "I gain more from your offer than swaying you to the central alliance." Once those words escaped her lips, she knew she had made her choice. She hoped it was the right one and the pirate didn't expect her to kill anyone.

Karmena appreciated the concise response, a pleasant smile came to her face, "Good, hate those pasta munchers." She stood up rather slowly and put up the teacups and honey, it was very business like. "Alright then, you have a deal, let's talk about what you can do at your level."

Nanna Karmena guided Roslyn further into the ship where they the discussed the details of the work she will be handed.

The Hourglass Order

Mahal Agha

"No...Why would you ask that?"

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In the Company of Warriors
_{Date: 19th of Velles, Victendes
Time: After Dusk
Location: Pelolia Village island, Moatu Suva}

---

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Wandering over to Prince Tamatoa's group, Mahal thought about their little encounter earlier. While chasing the girl, she didn't see them until a sonic blast was cast. She was too slow and it nicked her. Mahal didn't think when she whipped a fireball back at the source. No one was there, but more warriors appeared. They quickly outnumbered her. With daggers still drawn, she boosted herself with the Gift and bolted off. Despite her best efforts to lose them, they forced her back to the shore. Things settled down after that.

Her eyes darted down to the wound on her leg. Despite its freshness, it looked older. She was thankful for her mana type now. Her eyes lifted up when the men's voices grew louder. Drawing to the edge of the group, she folded up her legs and sat down to listen.

As Mahal sat at Tamatoa's fire, some of the others caused a bit of commotion giving the Palapar girl the distinct impression she had broken some unknown courtesy or tradition. However, the prince is quick to settle them, they had not been the ones with him by the shore and didn't know the context. He stood, walked over to her, and sat beside her.

"An apology is mine to make," he spoke semi-formally but it wasn't difficult to find guilt in his eyes. "Had I known you to be a countrywoman, I would have never attacked. But tonight isn't one that rewards hesitation, not when my little sister was on the line." As if to mark his point the sounds of cannon fire followed not too soon after. The sounds of people who presented a very real danger.

Mahal's temper flared when the men became agitated. Her form tensed and her jaw clenched, venomous words formed on the tip of her tongue. Before she spoke, the prince acted and calmed them. Her eyes watched him until he settled down beside her. She relaxed upon hearing her native tongue being uttered. While she was decent at Avincian, she still struggled with it.

She clicked her tongue against her teeth. "Tch. Why apology for your actions? For all you knew, I was a threat and protecting family is not wrong." Her leg stretched out, letting the fire illuminate the wound. "I was weak and slow so I deserved the wound. It is already healing, see?"

"I don't apologise for my choices, only their outcomes" Tamatoa corrected her. "It is the duty of a warrior to fight for what is worth protecting. But it is also their obligation to correct harm caused where it wasn't intended." He spoke those words not as a man who understood them to be his own, but a boy reciting them and still trying to understand their full meaning. "My binding is... in development. But I should be able to help that, if you'll allow me to correct the mistake." He pointed to the leg wound.

Reaching into her hip pouch, she retrieved something pinkish white and covered in red. A raw chicken bone dusted with spices. "I am more concerned about your behavior toward the Eeaiko of my group. She has done nothing wrong, yet you act as if she has insulted you or done worse. Why? "

He frowned when she brought up the Eeaiko. "You would hold some odd looks in higher regard than your own health? Don't be foolish."

This felt awkward and wrong in a way she couldn't explain. Mahal expected this type of reaction from Lunara or even Salim. Not a stranger and especially not someone stronger. She popped the bone into her mouth, letting her teeth crunch it into smaller chunks. It gave her moment to calm her frustration. Once she swallowed, she spoke again.

"I think the same of you. I have had endured far worse than this and I heal quicker than most. " Her eyes shifted, recalling her tattoo hiding the facts she spoke of. Sonic blast was far better to heal from than thunderbolt at least. "However, since you insist I won't stop you. "

She shifted her leg closer to him while changing the topic. "The wreck seems to have collected a lot of unwanted attention. Enough to push the school into sending us."

"Thank you." Tamatoa place his hands on her leg and began healing. Perhaps in other cultures, this would have earned jokes or the odd laugh from the other warriors. That a such a simple and unnecessary act of kindness was performed by their leader. This was not the case.

He gave a stern look of worry to Mahal as she ate the bone, completely pausing his healing efforts. But he laughed it off once it sunk in that the girl fully intended to do that and it was beneficial. The Prince had never seen the Glutton mana type before.

"You're right about the wreck. First the pirates come, then the Virangish no far behind." Mahal might have picked up a further dip in the Princes mood, as if he held the Virangish in lower standing than the pirates. "And we are left to sit here, doing nothing while their stray cannon shots destroy our home."

Mahal didn't react to the Prince's look, though it made her self aware. She had struggled with her monstrous appetite since her Gift manifested. Over the years, she found ways to deal with it that included meat and insect rich meals to season bones. Her eyes glanced over her leg, checking it more out of habit than distrust. Not bad, she thought.

She gritted her teeth at the mention of the Virangish ships. They had no reason to be here, but they used their connections with Palapar to farther their own politics and power.

"Well if one comes this way, it will be sent right back where it came from." Mahal's tone sounded confident in this. Her eyes glanced back to the Prince. "Has any of your tribe been hurt or clashed with the Virangish on the island? I assume someone had to been curious about the wreckage."

Tamatoa chuckled a little and waved off her question. "No, no, the Virangish prefer to hide behind their treaties. That way they can keep believing they are in the right. They wouldn't fight us for no reason."

"What they have hurt is our pride." The Prince's face was stern and his voice picked up. Mahal no longer got the impression that his words were solely directed at her, but all those at the fire. The other young warriors made their agreements known. "We have had no problems fighting pirates off in the past. But it is only now that there is something valuable on our shores that the Virangish show up and insist on providing their protection. This battle could have been over. But now we sit on the shore doing nothing. Nothing! While they pillage our shores under that protectorate facade. All allowed for by the treaty the mainland signed." The Prince fought back the urge to spit.

Just then a warrior girl around Mahal's age came running from the shoreline with a hurry. "Prince Tamatoa! There are others coming to shore. They look to be Virangish."

In reply, the Prince rose with his spear. "Then we go out to meet them." He looked back to Mahal and appeared as though he was going to ask her to join. But then he stopped himself and thought something over.

"Mahal, you stay here." Then he left with the others before he could give a reason why.

Mahal had been asked to remain at the fire. But was she really going to?

The answer that was simple: No... Why would you ask that? Mahal tensed at the Prince's request. She had already pulled up onto her feet when the others started to rush into the thick of the jungle. He thought she was weak. The belief sliced through her like obsidian through flesh, her pride bleeding a bit. Instead of listening, she drew in energy and silenced her footsteps. She rushed toward the shore after them.

The Hourglass Order

Roslyn Wicke

"I might be able to fix that."

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Desperate Distractions

Roslyn cursed herself.

She cursed her helplessness, her inexperience, and most of all her stupidity. Her brown eyes watched as Penny hopped off with the drunkard. The pair disappeared down the nearest stairs before being swallowed up by shadows. A gentle squeeze on her hip jerked Roslyn's attention back to her predicament. She realized quickly, it wasn't Penny that needed saving. It was her. Slowly, he began to pull her to the opposite way. His hands kept her ahead of him and sent her down the stairs first.

Great job, Roslyn. Now what? Her heart dropped in her stomach while she tried to slow. His body closed in on her and forced her along, her boots stepping off the final step. He had one thing on his mind and she wasn't about to give it to him.

"So, what's your name? " She glanced about the interior. Failing to find an escape route, a nagging feeling started to grow in her chest.

"Gomes."

Roslyn fought to keep her smile in place. She twisted away whenever he invaded her personal boundaries. If only she brought her gun and some powder. The girl blinked. She realized there was barely any powder kegs near cannons. By now, Gomes' had noticed her lacking interest. "Something wrong?"

Roslyn tried to keep things light. "I saw you drinking earlier, any chance I could get a sip?"

He inhaled sharply and she could still smell the booze on his breath. While his arms didn't budge from around her, they did loosen their grip. Roslyn relaxed at the change. "Tastes like pisswater, not sure you'll like it." His lip curled upon the memory of it.

"I might be able to fix that."

The man's eyebrow raised. "How?"

"I know a thing or two about beers. It won't be hard to make it taste better." Roslyn held her breath, pleading this worked. Several moments ticked by before his curiosity overwhelmed the lust in his eye, "Fine. This way." With those words, they disappeared deeper into the ship.

Fight and Rumors

Roslyn sat on one of empty barrels, watching the dark haired man gradually work a board loose. Sliding it aside, he reached down and retrieved a small green bottle. He handed it off to her when they heard a creak. Her eyes snapped to the entrance to spot an Enthish man standing there. Tall, thin with wave brown hair, his grey eyes shot venom toward Gomes.

"Ya filthy Torragonese rat! Put that back!" He spat and stepped forward.

The mask man snorted. "I didn't see your name on it, Jeb."

Words turned into a fight when the Enthish seized the man's shirt. Roslyn muffled a yell with her hand. Immediately, Gomes adjusted his mask then shoved Jeb away. While the men continued to argue, she slowly slid toward the exit. Suddenly, something slammed into the side of her face. Her knees buckled before her head crashed into the edge of another barrel. It felt like it split open on impact. The pulsing pain made bursts of stars in her vision as her left hand pressed against her eye. She was lucky she wasn't knocked out. Slowly, Roslyn pushed herself back onto her feet. In the background, the two men continued to fight and bicker.

Sacrificing a bit of her adrenaline, she muttered a spell at the bottle. It twitched then shot at the two men. It bounced off Jeb's head before it flipped into her free hand. The pair stopped fighting, their eyes turned on her.

"Now that I got your attention, sit down." Roslyn growled.

Much to her surprise, it worked. The two men settled down as she checked to see if someone heard them. No one seemed to noticed... yet. Pulling herself back to the pirates, she sat on a barrel once more. Next she rid the alcohol of its impurities before splitting it between them. The whole time, she fought past the pain of her bruised eye. She decided to bind it later.

Everything went smoothly after the first drink. With lifted moods, the men's lips loosened. They complained about the meager, pitiful rations. Low gunpowder, weapons, and more. Bitterly they recalled the horrors they faced and the beast's description, most of it matching the other accounts she knew. Feeling like she got all she could, she prepared to seek out the Captain when she caught Jeb staring intently at her.

"If you look too hard, your eyes might pop out." Roslyn said with a hint of annoyance.

Jeb smirked. "Sorry, you reminded me of something. You're Hendlish, aren't you? I recognize the accent."

"Yes, what of it?" She leaned her arms into the barrel and used it to keep her balance.

"I am just wonderin' sumethin'."

"What is that?"

"Why are you here? Pretty as you are, you're not dressed like most of the prostitutes I've seen."

Roslyn choose her words carefully. "A group and I were sent to help kill the White Thresher. Your ship was one of the more recent ones to survive. I didn't know if it was luck or if you managed to do something the other ships didn't." She paused for breath before adding, "The damage is also something I've seen before. Same type of thresher, I think."

Jeb's head tilted as he leaned in closer. "Okay, one more thing. There was rumors about a ship called the Fantasma Rosso, or Red Ghost. I recall mention that a little, brown haired Hendlish girl had gotten her hands on it. Is that you?"

Roslyn's pause lasted longer than necessary. "Yes, it is."

"You're a little short to run a ship like that, aren't you?" Gomes pipped up causing Jeb to laugh and nearly choke on the last of his drink.

Roslyn rolled her eyes and ignored the comment. "I was hoping to find the Captain and..."

Jeb leaned back and scoffed. "And what? Offer to smuggle something? Unless you can provide food, powder, or killing that thing, your offer does no good here. We might not survive the next day with that hells beast still around."

She flinched at his tone causing Jeb to sigh, his eyes turned to the side. Even Gomes became quiet and adjusted his mask again. A dark sense of defeat bled from the men before her. Jeb was the first to break out of it. He straightened himself up before casting her an apologetic look. "Sorry, lil' tense, you know? Livin' this way isn't easy."

"I suppose. I'm not going to help with the gunpowder or any weapons, but I'll see what I can do." Hopefully the thresher too, she added silently. "I need to get going."

Jeb nodded, but he didn't comment farther. A part of Roslyn pitied the pirates as she realized they were going into a fight with little to no hope of surviving. The amount of gunpowder and supplies proved that. She wasn't sure they deserved this, despite their life choices. Some like Jeb had accepted the grim reality. Others, tried to pretend it didn't exist and enjoy their remaining time. She walked out back the way she came while she heard Jeb turn his attention back to Gomes.

"Mate, next time I'll find a Virangish pepper n' shove it so far up yer ass, you'll be shittin' fire for months..."

The Hourglass Order

Roslyn Wicke

"Truth be told, I don't like it."

---

---

Putting One's Cards on the Table

_{Date: 17th of Velles, Orredes
Time: Some time before the mission debrief
Location: ???}
Roslyn had tried not to eavesdropped, but her efforts failed. When she spotted Leon beckoning her over, she gave up being discreet and moved closer.

"Is there anything strange on your letter too, Roslyn?"

She ignored his subtle glances at Ciro and Trypano as she nodded. She considered how much to reveal as she spoke. "A bit. First it arrived with my family's shipment rather than courier. It mentioned my ship and then some privateers being... obligated to work with the Marquis."

As she offered her letter for Leon to look at, her eyes darted briefly toward Ciro. A part of her wondered if he actually knew more than what he told her when he sold her the Nuvole Rosse. She dismissed the thought almost immediately realizing how silly it sounded. He wouldn't do that... right?

Her attention returned to Leon, his eyes fixated on her letter. His expressions gave her some reassurance that her discomfort wasn't overblown.

"It seems our mutual friend is quite the plotter as well..." He whispered back, his attention once more drifted toward Ciro and Trypano before turning back."Thank you Roslyn."

"Truth be told, I don't like it." Roslyn replied in the same quiet tone, her hand taking the letter back. She slipped it into her skirt pocket.

It seemed Leon's constant glances had finally gotten Ciro's attention. The dark haired man turned about and joined them. His words said with a smile, but the undertone held annoyance at the lacking politeness. Roslyn shifted to the side to make room for him. Of course after Ciro offered his own letter up, he hinted at reading Leon's too. Ayla also nudged Leon showing her own curiosity. This caused Leon to swiftly apologize then stated they all should share their letters.

Roslyn shook her head, amused by having to take her letter back out and offered it up for the others. "Here's mine for whoever wants to read it since we're sharing."

She had nothing to hide. At least, not in regards to this.

---

---

Off To The Ports
_{Date: 17th of Velles, Orredes
Time: daytime
Location: Morrento in Zengali, Mezegol}

After introductions finished, Roslyn weighed the information. She seemed distracted when the sounds of someone talking pulled her from her thoughts. With a deep inhale, she addressed any of her group that remained.

"I'm not very elegant with words. It is better I head out to the docks rather than deal with the Marquis. I want some idea of what to expect before we rush into battling this Thresher..." She secured her invitation and rest of her things before adding, hoping it wouldn't be snitched later. "I'm guessing we're all meeting up at the festive later? Do we meet back here or somewhere else?"

Leon's voice came from behind her as he chimed in. "I, for one, intend to enjoy the festival to the fullest." He flashed a smile. "We fight tomorrow, so why not enjoy today. But you can find me if you need me, I don't exactly blend into a crowd." He departed with those words as he moved once more toward the encampment.

"Yeah, I'm the opposite. I blend way too well into the crowds." Roslyn countered with a small chuckle. She some times envied those that didn't simply disappear, but knew her 'talent' had its own perks.

Upon hearing that Ciro was heading toward the port proper, she chimed in. "I guess we'll be accompanying each other for a bit then. "

---

Notes:

_{Summary:
Putting All The Cards On The Table Roslyn joins in with the others over sharing their letters.
Off to the Ports Once they get a debriefing at the Baker's Dozen, the group divide and pick their own places of interest. Roslyn, alongside Ciro, heads down to the port to see what information she can find out about the attacks.
Items of note on her person: Smoking Bandit (per-loaded with Rosy Wick- x2 charges), Four-Dimensional Compass of the Seafaring Tribe, Bottle of Whine, Band of the Beggar King, Tusk Bandages x2, Snowpepper sniffing power x2, Skinglue x2
Tags: Leon @Jumbus, Alya @Ti, Trypano @A Lowly Wretch, Ciro @Force and Fury}

The Hourglass Order

Mahal Agha

"Move, now!"

Mahal's patience began to wane as she popped something white into her mouth. The hot, spicy seasoning hit her taste first. Gently her tongue rolled it about, weighing the texture and noting the size. She was confident it was a pork knuckle with some cartilage still attached. Drawing in the slightest hint of mana from the sunlight, she strengthened her teeth and cracked it. She had just swallowed it down when Raffie's voice caught her attention.

She lowered her gaze to size up the petite, pink girl, "I'm surprised you're here too."

Any additional conversation was cut short when students were instructed to jump into the lake.

---

---

Straight From The Stone And Into The Fire.
_{Date: 19th of Velles, Victendes
Time: Dusk
Location: Moatu Suva, Kiluaho}

Mahal bobbed in the waves as her arms held tightly onto a nearby crate. Her eyes did a quick scan around her, seeking out any shapes of her fellow students close by. Identification was near impossible due to the dying light. Suddenly a loud sound of whistling came from behind her. She turned to spot a towering ship. Several dark rounded shapes sailed from its board side and flew across the fading twilight sky.

"Move, now!" Mahal shouted then pulled her body higher onto the crate. Driven by instinct and fear, she drew in mana then kicked her legs. Her eyes fixed on the nearest land mass.

Past the choppy waves, Mahal spotted one of the students splitting off from the rest. The small green one. He swam for the Blue Adam while the others scrambled for safety. She wasn't sure if she should be impressed by his bravery or take a lesson from his foolishness. They would find out later when or if he returned.

Something with bright red hair shot past her and narrowly missed her. Mahal jerked back to see a helegan toss himself through the water like a skipping stone toward shore. Every few meters, he tilted up then dove beneath the surface. Finally, he landed face first into the shoreline where the wheelchair bound girl and the Eeaiko already were.

Feeling the edges of the shoreline press against her toes, Mahal dug in and pushed the crate onto the sand. She caught the small shapes of both Raffie and Baykara on the Virangish flagship. Maybe they will get them to stop firing while the others made it to shore. Securing her crate with the others, her eyes counted the remaining students. Her teeth gritted as her count was off by two repeatedly.

"We're missing two, where's Tku and Fiske?" Mahal asked, her eyes fixed on the water and ready to dive back in.

---

Notes:

_{Summary:
Mahal races to the shore with the remain students, save Ren, Raffie, and Zast. Doing a brief head count, she notices two are missing: Tku and Fiske.
Items of note on her person: Diyablos, x2 Virangish black steel dagger
Purchases this Cycle None
Tags: Maura @Ti, Fiske @jasbraq, Tku @dragonpiece, Marz @Th3King0fChaos, Raffie @Emeth, Kaureerah @Force and Fury, Zast@Jumbus, and Ren @Suicharte}

The Hourglass Order

Roslyn Wicke

"I'm going to need a beer after this."

---

---

One's Own Worst Enemy

_{Date: 17th of Velles, Orredes
Time: Spare Period
Location: Mage Hunters' practice range, Ersand'Enise}

Roslyn inhaled. She drew in the heat from the sunlight resting on her dress, chilling the air around her. Her hazel eyes eyed the hovering disc in front of her. It was practically asking to blown out of the air as it stood no more than three meters from her. Lifting up her arm, she aimed her pistol at it. Her hesitation kicked in then when she recalled her group's Tan-Zeno's disapproving words.

"You've been apart of the Mage Hunters' society for about three weeks. You know how to clean, maintain, and use a gun. Yet, you struggle to hit a still target hovering only three meters in front of you? That is unacceptable, Miss Wicke."

Despite her best efforts, Roslyn felt a heat of shame wash over her cheeks. The crack of the weapon echoed in her ears when she pulled the trigger. The bullet dropped and blew past the target. She cursed in Hendlish then made a quick circle motion with her finger. The round, metal ball whipped around as it nicked the disc causing it to wobble. Still it kept going. Roslyn's eyes widened and she jumped back. Clods of dirt scattered as he bullet planting into the ground where she stood earlier.

She let out a breath of relief at it narrowly missing her foot. With a slightly tremor in her hand, she set down her pistol and pinched between her eyes. Roslyn knew she had already wasted too much of her spare hour on this, but her perfectionist nature kept gnawing at her. Like a rat with a piece of twine, it wore at her insecurities and drove her to continue to practice. The newly formed callouses on her fingers looked ready to pop at this rate.

"You're getting better, Roslyn." She caught Morritz Stiglitz's praise after he approached her. He turned small clay disc in his hands, thoroughly examining it. "See, right here. You managed to nick it this time."

He tilted the right side to reveal a small chunk chipped away at the edge. Roslyn bit her lip, sparing it the smallest glance. She could do better...

Roslyn became quiet. She averted her eyes and reached to reload the pistol. Morritz sized her up before he spoke again. "I see you took Tan-Zeno Mendenhoffer's criticisms to heart."

Roslyn's grip tightened on the gun before pausing to look at him. "Is it that obvious?"

"I am afraid so." He continued with a quick follow up, setting down the disc. "Being Mendenhoffer's teaching assistant, even I find his words harsher than necessary. But I assure you, he has the best intentions. Especially with the war brewing on the horizon."

Sizing her up, he then added. "I suggest taking on a task that does some good. It might make you feel better."

Morritz gave her a smile and walked away, leaving Roslyn to her thoughts.

Preparations

_{Date: 18th of Velles, Lepedes
Time: After Class
Location: The Groove, Ersand'Enise}

As Roslyn walked during her shopping, she continued to read the small parchment in her hand. It was a call to arms request for a monster hunt of a violent white thresher and cargo retrieval of the Sant'Agata della Compagnia Rossa. She recalled seeing it a few times and passing it over. It felt too far out of her capabilities, especially for the reward it asked. Stuck at the bounty board, she continued to struggle to find something. Ciro seemed to materialize out of nowhere and inquired about her presence.

She bit her lip. Truthfully, she had hoped to find a job posting to solve her tuition issues. Ashamed to admit it, she mentioned wanting to do something positive. Ciro gave her a long look before he pointed out this bounty. Roslyn didn't know if he saw through her small lie or not, but gratefully took the suggestion. It felt rude not to despite her feelings.

"Uh, Miss? Are you listening? "

Roslyn's head jerked up to see an older woman staring suspiciously at her. She slipped the parchment into her satchel and inhaled sharply, facing the shop keeper with a smile. "Uh, yeah. Sorry. I'm looking for skinglue, snowpepper sniffing power, and binding bandages."

"Wait there. " With heavy steps, the woman slipped behind the counter. She pushed through a small door and into the backroom. Her gruff voice continued to speak through the small gap made by a stone keeping the door open. "Currently, we are out of binding bandages. We've been out of stock since the Trials and shipments have been delayed. However, you are in luck. We got two skinglues and a snowpepper power left."

"Better than I expected. How much? " Roslyn pulled out her small coin bag, ready to count them out.

"Twenty for both skinglue and ten for the sniffing powder." She aired casually.

The girl's eyes widened in shock and barely stopped her jaw from dropping. That was nearly double the amount that she recalled from Vossoriya more than a month ago. "That's more than I remember it being... "

"Blame the rising tensions. Medical supplies are hard to keep on hand since the Trials. At this rate, you'll be lucky if we even got normal bandages to sell."

Roslyn nodded and thanked the woman. She paid, taking her goods and then departed the shop. Her next stop was Fat Yuri's shop. She purchased one dozen pufferchicken eggs before she got caught up in conversation. It reminded her of the damage they had done before departing though she couldn't change that now. Roslyn bid him good bye and popped home to drop off her goods at home. Her final stop was the Grand Library to borrow some research materials. She needed more information over Threshers before tomorrow.

The Hunt
_{Date: 19th of Velles, Victendes
Time: Daytime
Location: Departure Point, Ersand'Enise}

Roslyn finished packing her things as she recounted the list in her head. Even though she knew she had prepared the best she could be, she still bit her lip. What if it wasn't enough? Her fingers pinched down on her nose as she took a deep breath and pushed out the negativity. No point in delaying anymore. She hoisted the satchel onto her shoulder, slipping on her ring and grabbed her hand cannon on her way out. Last thing she grabbed were the boiled dozen of puffchicken eggs for a quick meal on the run.

Feeling a bit lost, she worried she had misread the directions. Her braid swayed behind her as she turned in place, her eyes scanning her surroundings. She spotted Ciro's dark, curly head near a collection of students. Her boots hastened across the flagstones as her eyes caught a familiar, pale Revidian. Trypano. Roslyn cursed underneath her breath while her pace slowed and she fell in next to Ciro.

---

Notes:

_{Summary:
One's Own Worst Enemy- After receiving criticism from her Zeno, Roslyn attempts to improve her aim at the Mage Hunters society range during her spare period. A small conversation occurs with Morritz Stiglitz, the society's head and Mendenhoffer's teaching assistant. He encourages her to seek out a task that does some good to improve her mood before leaving her to her thoughts.
Preparations- After stalling at The Groove's bounty boards, she is approached by Ciro who suggested to take on the White Thresher mission. Roslyn accepted and spent a bit of time purchasing supplies and preparing for the trip the next day.
Then the Hunt- Roslyn meets up with the others for the hunt only to discover that Trypano is among them.
Items of note on her person: Smoking Bandit (per-loaded with Rosy Wick- x2 charges), Four-Dimensional Compass of the Seafaring Tribe, Bottle of Whine, Band of the Beggar King, Tusk Bandages x2, Snowpepper sniffing power x2, Skinglue x2
Purchases this Cycle
Groove/Yuri Receipt- x2 Skinglue (20), x1 Snowpepper sniffing powder (10), and x1 dozen pufferchicken eggs (10) Total: 40 (budget was 50 left from last auction)
Tags: Leon @Jumbus, Alya @Ti, Trypano @A Lowly Wretch, Ciro @Force and Fury}

---

Mahal Agha

"Something about this doesn't feel right..."

---

---

When Reality and Skepticism Collide
_{Date: 19th of Velles, Victendes
Time: 2nd hour of Shune.
Location: gazebo on Hedda’s Island, Ersand'Enise}

Mahal's mind kept returning to the meeting yesterday. She lingered on the High Zeno's words in her head as she tried to make sense of it all. Her foot dangled over the edge of her bed as she rocked herself. Unable to deal with the hounding suspicion, she gave up fighting and brushed Puno off her. The updog cocked her head then obeyed. Ignoring her companion's disgruntled looks, Mahal moved with purpose.

She retrieved her small bag and began filling it up with essentials. Finding the daggers, she wrapped them in cloth and placed them in. She grabbed her waterskin and filled it with the pitcher of fresh water left on her side table.

Pushing her room door open, Mahal hollered in Palparese down the stairs. Behind her, Lunara briefly stirred before flipping over and returning to sleep. A spark of guilt crossed her expression before she caught the sounds of a pair of feet rushing up the stairs. As Mahal got dress, two servants entered. Pua and Kalani, the two indentured servants her father sent. She gave them quick instructions over how to tend to the animals during her absence.

They were too small to accompany her and this made them liabilities. Risking their lives was rather pointless at this stage. Hopefully by the time of the next mission, they would be ready.

During the conversation, she caught the sound of water being sprayed. Mahal had no doubt Diyablos had heard his name and came to investigate, but she had wasted enough time. Finishing up, Mahal straightened out her clothes then collected her bag. While the servants kept the hounds from following her outside, she rushed for Hedda's Island.

~***~

It didn't take long to spot the crowd as Mahal spotted the gazebo's roof ahead. Already a few students had arrived and waited for the portal to be summoned. Her eyes flicked through the crowd, some faces she knew and other were new. The most familiar were Fiske and Ren from her apprentice group. Her teeth gritted at the image of the later as she moved to avoid him.

She would not let him poke her temper today. Her form stood beside the Eeaiko as she prayed for the delay to be brief. Unknown to her, a small, reddish tentacle stretched out from underneath the cover.

---

Notes:

_{Summary:
When Reality and Skepticism Collide -Mahal instructs to servants to care for her pets as she prepares for the mission. While she waits for the portal to activate, she didn't spot Diyablos managed to hide away in her bag.
Items of note on her person: Diyablos, x2 Virangish black steel dagger
Purchases this Cycle None
Tags: Maura @Ti, Fiske @jasbraq, Tku @dragonpiece, Marz @Th3King0fChaos, Raffie @Emeth, Kaureerah @Force and Fury, Zast@Jumbus, and Ren @Suicharte}

The Hourglass Order

Chilling with the Pets

Mahal

Time: Third Hour of Oraff to Eshiran. Some time after the Revolution aftermath.

---

Mahal took a deep breath. She lowered her arms and braced herself against the sand, stretching her right leg out behind her. When the mental countdown ended, she took off running. Instinctively, she drew in the mana around her. Upon reaching the edge, she slowed for a slip second. Her feet kicked up and released the kinetic energy. It sent her flying as her limbs curled in, sending her cannon balling into the water.

SPLASH!

It surrounded her suddenly. The subtle pop of shifting pressure settled in her head. Mahal drifted there. Her legs and arms began to loosen until they floated beside her. She blinked. Water blurred her vision while she observed her surroundings. Nothing at first. Suddenly, a low swish darted past. Her arms jerked to the side, swinging her about. She caught the fleeting glimpse of something dark disappear deeper.

Mahal smiled. She pushed her legs over her head and dove after it. Like a dream, the dark shape continued to stay just ahead of her. When she thought she could reach it, Mahal reached out to touch it. A sharp pain echoed in her chest. She stopped and clenched her chest. A few bubbles escaped her lips and floated upward. She cursed then shot up toward the surface.

Air rushed into Mahal's lung when she reached it, the sting across her chest fading. She continued to drift in place. Before she began her swim to shore, something brushed her feet. Mahal squeaked as she slipped off. Bobbing back up, she witnessed a dark carapace surface.

Apoy gave a low rumble that vibrated in the water. His hard shell lingered close allowing her arms to rest on him. She gently traced a jagged, yellow orange line down his craggy carapace side. It mimicked lava almost perfectly before it would fade into an ashy grey as he got older.

"Since you're eager to help. Apoy, shore." She commanded. The volcanic thresher just floated there.

"Apoy, shore!" Mahal repeated louder and gave his back a sharp tap. He still didn't go. She didn't understand. A moment passed before she realized the issue. With a soft sigh, she reached into her water tight pouch and pulled out a small fish.

"Apoy, shore." This time Mahal pushed off his form and lead him toward the beach. The volcanic thresher rumbled again and his legs began to move. She stepped up on shore before tossing him the fish. Apoy's large claw snapped up and seized it, retreating back into the habitat's depths.

"We'll work on that.." She had forgotten how food motivated he was until now. Speaking of treat addicts, her eyes shifted toward two forms bounding up to her.

Puno promptly lowered to her belly. She let out a strong, attention seeking woof. Sand stuck to her rich grey and black pelt as she wagged her rounded tail eagerly. Mahal reached to pet her only to have her dart away and repeat it. Mahal shook her head, "Puno, I'm too tired to chase you."

Mahal lowered herself into a cross legged position while she reached into her bag. She pulled out a few seasoned wood chips and a jerky treat. Catching the sight of food, Puno went for it.

"No!" Mahal raised her arm to block the greedy pup. Puno whined in protest trying to climb up her. Before she could reach it , Supok trotted up. The runty firehound leaned in for a sloppy kiss and pushed the updog off. Puno growled a warning. She lowered her form and followed up with glottal barks from her throat. Supok jerked and twisted about.

Mahal considered getting involved, but she stopped herself. They needed to resolve this before it became an issue. She watched the exchange until finally Supok rolled onto her side and went submissive. The brindle hound side eyed Mahal for help.

"Don't look at me like that. You shoved her first." Mahal then held out the jerky, telling them to sit and stay. Making them remain in place for a few seconds, she then let them have their treats. Supok and Puno settled in beside her while chewing them.

Casually, she laid back into the sand of Apoy's enclosure. Her eyes shifted to the skies and watched the clouds drift by while she reflected on the past events. It was difficult to know how she should feel about it. What was a small spark of protest spiraled into a fire of destruction and hope for permanent change. A part of her doubted it was that easy.

She found herself a part of the student body that dealt with the fall out from the conflict. Acid rain, fire, and more rain down on the city. Shortly after the chaos started to fade, she went looking for Lunara and they stumbled upon the staff. A large fight seemed to have broken out as they healed who they could and shortly was sucked into a strange place. Mahal's knuckled tightened, recalling the lack of senses and direction in that place. A small tremble broke across her flesh. She was weak in that moment. Frozen in place by panic, her lung struggling to contain air and her heart trying to break her ribs. If it wasn't for Diyablos and Puno, she might've been stuck there forever.

Mahal closed her eyes against the thought as she took a deep, cleansing breath. Something thin and rubbery touched her hand. She opened her eyes and spotted Diyablo sitting there. Giving him a gentle smile, she pulled him onto her belly. It seemed he had been playing in the ruins of a small barrel. It was one of her failed toy attempts for Apoy.

"It is too bad that Ciro only sells to reputable buyers now. Ironwood would've been a better choice." Mahal said to her small octopus, referring to the rumors of students destroying the shop.

Puno whined causing her to sigh and ruffle the dog's ears. It reminded her that she still had crates she needed to open. A part of her worried over the Rettandic ones.

Again, Diyablo tugged at her attention. She glanced down at him. "I saw you liked the barrel. I wonder why?"

Diyablos just blinked and seemed to smile with his odd eyes. It felt like he prefer to keep his secrets then reveal them, making the girl chuckle. She let him idly play with her hands and fingers.

Recently things, to some degree, started to become normal again. Sadly the scars of the conflict lingered underneath. Either the staff didn't do a good job or they wanted reminders of what happened here. It didn't matter in the end because Mahal had chosen to keep those memories. She thought about her tattoos. Not all scars were best forgotten.

For now, she would enjoy the peace while it lasted.

The Hourglass Order

Self Reflections and Hazy Memories

Roslyn
Time: Shortly after the Revolution
Location: Student Dorms.

Thump, thump...

Roslyn stepped up to her dorm house's door. Her hand took out her iron from her dress pocket and inserted it into the lock, giving it a soft twist. The door opened with a click. Rustic hinges gave a soft squeak as it the door came open. Roslyn gestured her hand outward, sending her bauble of light ahead. The pale, warm glow illuminated shadows before melting into the faint orange cast by the dying fire.

"Uh, I didn't expect someone to still be up this early." She mumbled to herself and closed the door. Her eyes scanned the room until she found the reason why.

Sharen, her roommate. The mousy, young black haired girl laid balled on the rug nearest the fireplace. A long, drawn out sigh escaped Roslyn's lips. She stepped closer and leaned down to check the girl. She noticed the tale-tell signs of red smears on her cheek, but there was no trace of a wound. Likely healed over by magic, the brunette thought.

"Well, at least you didn't get killed. That's something I can thank the Gods for." Roslyn use the sound of her own voice to keep her awake and continued to talk to herself. She noticed the flaking logs crumbling into ashes and the fireplace growing cold. Taking hold of the nearby spade, she snuffed out the remaining embers.

"There, fire is out." She turned away and began to head upstairs.

With each step, exhaustion needled at her and tried to drag her down. Just a little farther, she thought. Her bauble began to flicker and dimmed causing her to side eye it. Roslyn drew from the sounds of her steps causing her bauble to brighten once more. Upon reaching the landing, she proceeded into her room. Once the door tapped shut, she tossed her things to the nearest corner and flopped onto the bed. The bauble died instantly and sleep greedily swallowing her.

******

"Roslyn, are you in there?"

"Yes, I am. I just woke up." Roslyn pushed herself upright, sitting up in bed. She hadn't bothered to undress since last night. Her hand rubbed against her eyes to clear the grit.

"Good. The letter you gave me should be on your side table. I'm starting on breakfast."

"Okay," Roslyn said as she reached for the letter and held it in her hands. Inside the folds was a will and apology all in one. A grim reminder of yesterday's risk.

The events fired slowly by in order. First she fought alongside Rikard, Johann, and Niallus to enter the Violet Enclave. There also was a green Cazenax that joined. Getting through the first wave was hard. When her call for help went unanswered, one of their group made a 'tactical' retreat. It revived the enemies' morale. Thankfully, it seemed someone was paying attention and boosted their strength. The tables started to turn before the doom golem exploded. She had just spotted Rikard get scalded before the flames cut off her escape. Her eyes shifted down to the letter as she thought she was going to die then. She recalled her skin tingled then the pain began to dull, someone smothered the fire until she got back up on her feet. Whoever it was, Roslyn was grateful for it.

They made it into the Nashorn. The gauntlet proved challenging and confusing as they worked their way through each intersection. She lost a few things along the way and couldn't use binding for a while. Xiuyang seemed be the same level of frustration she was in Vossoriya. Though likely for different reasons. Especially when the woman materializing from shadows and then later with the two Zenos, Domi Durdovin and Van de Waal. Waal sent his goose to finish them off after taking Niallus' offering.

Recalling the Zeno's words about her compass, Roslyn grabbed her bag from the corner. Flopping back onto the bed, she took it out to examine. Everything seemed to be in order now causing her to frown. She didn't understand what happened, but whatever it was... it was gone now. Stuffing it back into her bag, things seemed to become weirder from that point on. After stopping a demon, disguised as Xiuyang's shadow, from strangling her they were sucked into some part of the void. At least, that was her guess. It had the same feeling as when the black orb slammed down on her during Mano e Mano.

It took some time to navigate out and they nearly lost Xiuyang, who was the last to hatch. They had transported into some realm of gods. Not any that she was familiar with as they found others. An old woman, the Old Mother, beckoned her and eight others toward her. They rose into the sky before landing in an alpine meadow overlooking a small, beautiful pond. Surrounding the place was a ring of spruce trees. The members began to split as Roslyn headed to the butterfly stirred by Nibbler, She was joined shortly by Penny. Both girls waiting patiently for the insect to draw near for what seemed like hours. Finally one landed on the top of Penny's crutches then another on Roslyn's shoulder, their number growing. Roslyn remembered being left in amazement by the sight of it all. In small little groups, their heads turned and wings beat in a pattern. It was a riddle. Working together, the girls managed to solve it:

Five steps back, you get the magic.

The two didn't waste time trying it out. The butterflies then congratulated them, landing upon their bodies before disappearing. It made Roslyn a bit sad to say goodbye so soon. Penny mentioned she was glowing causing her to notice it too. The scene ended as they slowly began to slip into slumber. Roslyn woke in a tangle with Xiuyang exactly where they left off. After that, she was given a choice to keep or give up her memories. She chose to keep them and returned to her dorm to sleep the nightmares off.

Her fingers traced the name of her family on the letter. How would her family had felt knowing the danger she put herself in?

Roslyn's head bumped back against the wall behind her. Things were so much easier when she was eight years old. It was before her mother died, her brother grew sick, and her life became a mess. She leaned back and closed her eyes, trying to recall her years in the meadows. Usually with old memories there was a blurry recollection that let her mind fill in the blank. Not this time. She couldn't even see the meadow in her mind's eye. Just a darkness settled in her mind.

The girl frowned and tried harder.

"Roslyn-" A distorted voice drifted in and out, beckoning to her.

Roslyn didn't recognize the voice as she pushed her head to remember more details. Abruptly, a sharp pain nailed into her forehead. Her breath hitched in her throat and her stomach twisted with a dread. She continued to try and push past the suffering, seeking the missing memories. Something wasn't right.

Ba-bump... ba-bump.

Her heart echoed loud in her ears that it drowned out everything else. It felt like her brain was going to erupt from her skull. She didn't understand why trying to remember hurt so much. It shouldn't be this way. Roslyn felt the needling pain spread from the left side of her head toward the right. Like something was trying to stop her recollection.

"Sholi..." The word broke past the fogginess loud and clear. A blurred out woman, about a foot shorter than her, vanished then reappeared yards from her. A cold, clammy sensation chilled Roslyn's skin as her hand sought for the bucket near her bed. Roslyn couldn't stop now. Gripping the edge, she lifted the bucket up before...

Another voice, this time in Avinican, spoke before fading away. "I'm sorry, Roslyn. We have to do this. It will keep us all safe."

Her head became swallowed by the relentless, rhythmic pounding. The burning surged behind her eyes causing them to water. That sickening sensation within her middle finally rushed to her throat. Stomach acid splattered into the bucket's bottom. As she struggled to catch her breath, another wave came up. Finally, her stomach was empty. Her headache started to wane when she stopped trying to remember. Roslyn leaned back again and used the back of her hand to clean her mouth.

W-what the fuck happened? Wrinkling her nose, she lowered the bucket onto the floor. The liquid sloshed causing her stomach to tense again. Roslyn took several deep breathes before her middle settled again. She'll need to dump that later as she topped it with a wooden cover, hiding the evidence from sight.

One more thing to add to her ever growing list. Roslyn smacked the back of her head lightly against the wall. Trypano and her removal from the THESIS program still lingered at the top of her most stressful things to do. She didn't look forward to visiting her family. She had no doubts that Garith had gotten worse since last year, but she didn't know how bad. Was he still using a cane or was he bed bound now? It was hard to tell since she was too frighten to face the reality and watch him deteriorate.

"I'm a horrible sister... " She grumbled out loud to herself as she sat there.

She didn't know how much time passed when she decided she had enough self-loathing, her mind drifting to the woman. She felt so familiar. Roslyn wondered if she could repeat what she saw. First she needed to find somewhere with more space. Having something to distract her helped ease her mood.

Quickly, Roslyn rushed about to clean up, change her clothes and tidied her hair. Before exiting, she paused when she spotted Esmii's salve. A faint theory formed in her head. She grabbed it alongside the compass then headed out.

---

TLDR Highlights:

Roslyn comes back to her dorm and heads up to her room to sleep. When she wakes the next day, she reflects on yesterday and her role in it all. While trying to recall simpler times, she discovers one memory is abnormally hard to recall. In her attempts, she suffers a headache painful enough she gets sick and is forced to stop. She tacks it onto her ever growing list before heading out, hoping to attempt to replicate something from that memory.

The Hourglass Order

The Day Before the Spark

Roslyn

Mahal

Hammer/Gauntlet

Shield

All Revolutions Spread Flames

In the back of Mahal's mind, she cursed her sister's bleeding heart. They had been watching the violence erupt from the safety of their dorms moments before. Magics, cries of spells, and screams wildly erupted in the chaos. Meanwhile, the twins hurried like rats through the streets.

Mahal gritted her teeth, her eyes constantly observing their surroundings. She didn't like them being out here. It was dangerous and she couldn't protect them all. She gripped her twin daggers harder as Puno shivered on her shoulder. Diyablos clung to her waist like some rubbery, living belt. Both refused to be left behind much to Mahal's frustration.

She glanced up to spot a large rock hurling at them with incredible speed. Any students that hoped to wait out the revolution found themselves forced to find cover.

"I can help with the rock." She was already moving to deal with it as she spoke.

Mahal took a deep breath and pointed the dagger at the rock. She muttered a kinetic spell as he drew in mana, "solid telekinesis."

A familiar, empowering sensation tingled up her skin. It rippled past her muscles and through the dagger's handle before the rock began to slow. Gradually it came to a halt, Mahal's teeth clenching while she focused. From the corner of her peripheral vision, she noticed movement coming to her aid.

A petite, redhaired girl stepped in beside her.

"We'll assist you." Alya nodded toward Mahal as she used her sonic magic to buffet the oncoming projectile to slow it down.

With their joint effort, the rock slowly came to rest upon the ground. Mahal inhaled deeply, feeling Diyablos slid higher and cling to her shoulder. The little octopus tilted his head until his dark, black eye rested on Alya's form. Meanwhile, a grey brown long snout canine came rushing toward her. Puno let out a short hehe as the pup's jaws curled into a smile.

"That is where you went." Mahal commented, leaning down to scratch the updog on the ear. Puno just rolled onto her back and accepted the attention.

It took Mahal a moment to realize her sister was nowhere around. Whistling to her dog, she began move to Mudville. She thought she spotted Lunara head that direction.

Rain began to pour. People at the Flying Lion tavern grumbled as they were starting to get wet, but funnily enough, there were no screams or shouts here. Everyone appeared to be fine! In fact, they were begun to find it funny, hilarious one could say. There was certainly something in the water, and they were all raving about it. One could say it was one big monster raving loony party!

Mahal squinted her eyes before realizing the rain was the cause.

The Psychodelic rain started to produce different effects on people. Some seemed to go into a stupor, collapsing on the floor, seeming to be drained of energy and thought, as if succumbing to a blissful state where physiological concerns troubled them no more. However, others... they seemed to grow wilder and more violent, their laughter loud as a crazed look entered their eyes. Mahal used her magic as she flung people into their homes and bolted the doors with magnetic charges to help limit the rain leaking through the roofs.

Among the chaos, she spotted Ayla focus on the people, trying to help rouse them from their stupor and knocking out the crazed-looking ones. Another student, Oweyn, proved the effective. He demonstrated why his nickname was ‘Aqua Man’ as he unleashed his hydromancy to control the flow of the water, directing it into the canal and harbor. Things were starting to settle down, but wasn't over yet.

She kept moving, wandering toward the hall. Her eyes widened to see things start to float and drift in the air. Statues, rocks, and other large objects suspended there. And what goes, often has to come down. Spotting some hegelans attempt to escape through the portal, Mahal muttered a spell and held out her daggers. She channeled telekinesis to keep the large items from crushing them. Diyablo, driven by curiosity and ego, stretched out to pull one slowly down by the leg.

Two more students arrived as they aided in the rescue mission. Slowly, the short men and women found themselves on solid ground again. Some escaped through the portal while other arrived to help their kinsmen. Mahal felt exhausted, but she still had to find her sister. She prayed Lunara wasn't stupid enough to join the revolution's efforts.

The Hourglass Order

Artistic License

Roslyn's eyes spotted the arboretum just ahead of her. Her lungs burned and weighed in her chest, slowing her brisk walk into a gradual halt. She paused long enough to recover her breath. Based on student sightings, they spotted a student matching Tku's description heading this direction. She hoped he hadn't left yet.

When the sensation of inhaling needles faded, the young girl spotted someone sitting in one of the shaded areas. His hand flew across the page as he stared at a nearby tree.

Roslyn tried to wave for his attention as she approached him. He seemed like he was packing up and ready to depart. "Tku! Tku! Stay right there!"

Tku was relaxing and slacking on his homework to instead try and capture the light shining through the leaves. Maybe I could sketch it a few times to make an image? That would be serene.

And like a herd of Torogneese cattle, Rosyln barged into his time. Two thoughts passed through Tku's mind at that very moment. Be reasonable and wave hello as normal or...

A mischievous grin came across his face, "Have you ever played Hide and seek?" and Tku ran.

Upon spotting Tku's cheeky grin, Roslyn paused. Her earlier eagerness dropped from her face after hearing his words. Oh no. Before she could protest, the painter bolted. He hopped over the pavilion's railing and shot past a nearby tree. She sighed then she hitched up her skirts and went to pursue.

Sadly, it didn't take long for Roslyn to lose him. She might've been fast, but he knew this place better than her. However, she knew he couldn't hide forever.

From his high perch, Tku could spot a familiar brunette girl step into view. Her head twisted while her arms jerked up in defeat. "I swear I thought I saw him come this way." With pursed lips, she moved toward the next tree in hopes to spot his fleeing form.

Tku looked down upon the girl, foolish she was to think she could catch the tricky Tku. He scurries into the leaves to obfuscate his position.

In reality, he was trying to leap from the tree very soon once she got up there.

Roslyn sucked in a sharp breath. Her feet moved faster as she reached the tree in time to spot his form disappearing into the next. This wasn't working, she realized. She dusted off the upper thighs of her dress before reaching into her pocket for the paint sample. Planting her feet, she drew in the kinetic energy of the soft breeze. Roslyn increased her voice's volume as she called out to Tku's current perch.

"I saw you! I only wanted to ask if you would paint a ship for me. You're the only artist I knew so I thought I would make you an offer." She held her ground there and waited for his answer.

So very loud, this one, Tku thought after inspecting her more thoroughly. He leaped from branch to branch and landed near her.

"Well, you caught me, and what's this about a ship?" As quickly as he started his game, Tku was ready to move on to a different thing. Though it didn't stop him from starting to take a lazy walk, asking her to follow.

"Yeah, I purchased it fairly cheap in Civitalunga. I will let you know I'm low on funds," Roslyn knew that was an understatement, but she pushed away the thoughts. She still had time to deal with them.

"I'm hoping we could negotiate. You paint the ship for me and I'll give you a hogshead worth of the paint for the labor."

She reached into her pocket and handed over a small sample of the paint. Within a green-tinted bottle, a bright red paint shifted within.

"Put it in the dark and watch what happens."

Tku knew little more that ships take him places, so obviously he likes them. He nodded along to the girl telling her woes of little funds. Yet, she still purchased a ship. Can't be lacking too much. Smallest amount Tku could think of was still 1000 Magus. Still he didn't question it.

He inspected the paint, feeling some of it in his hands. Tku smiled as he watched it change in the light, "Nice paint." He led them towards his dorm, "I wouldn't mind painting the ship, depending on the size I will require more compensation. A ship is no easy thing to paint."

He opened his door, "Ah, I brought you here to look at some of my works I have going on. I can bring it to the front for you to look at it if you feel more comfortable."

In the back of her head, Roslyn heard Garith's chiding her over her shortsightedness. He had been better at the merchant side of things than her. She couldn't fix it now.

"Of course. It will be after the repairs. It's not even seaworthy right now and it likely won't be for months."

As she followed him in, her eyes widened. "Oh."

Any words she said didn't seem to do much justice to her thoughts upon glimpsing the painter's work. People depicted in life or fantastical scenes, their flowing forms drew her attention. Pictures of places that seem to remind her of home while some were places she wanted to explore. Some were simple splatters of paint to evoke emotion or attention. Instinctively, Roslyn took a step forward as if drawn to them.

"Tku, these are amazing."

"Thank you," he smiled confidently, "It's nice to know I haven't studied and practiced for years for nothing." He sat as a chair was pulled over for Roslyn as well with a tad bit of kinetic magic. It was all smiles until, "Let's get down to the final details, yes?"

He sat forward, demeanor serious compared to before. "The paint you showed me," he asked for it back, "It's a miraculous paint. I have heard of it and seen it before. But there is a glaring issue with the quality and sourcing," he kept it in his hand. "It's blood magic Roslyn," Tku said with no room for question.

Roslyn was thankful she was sitting down. The moment Tku mentioned blood magic, her eyes blinked. Her breath hitched in her throat and a slight pain rippled through her chest. Roslyn shifted her gaze, but her body told everything. She didn't know as she struggled to put together her thoughts.

"She said... I didn't..."

With a deep breath, Roslyn forced herself to stop. She pushed away the emotions plaguing her as she tried again. This time her voice strained to remain calm.

"I swear, Tku, I didn't know. I was just told I needed a painter and she would replicate the paint."

She? Tku thought, Who would be so brazen to do a large project so much blood magic at play.

Tku's face softened, "Let me get you some water," he poured a ladle of water into a wooden cup for her. Rubbing his chin and tapping his foot he shot back up, "Alright, I won't put the blame on you Roslyn but do be careful. Paint Guilds are violent when someone messes with their interests."

He was genuinely concerned for her. If it was a small project he wouldn't mention it but an entire boat? He rubbed his neck, "Paint can be more expensive than gold, a lot of work goes into making it and those people will do a lot to stop blood mages from just recreating it. I won't stop you but you might want to talk to your partner in this again."

Roslyn, shaken by the recent discovery, gratefully took the cup. She sipped it though it didn't help much. When Tku moved, her head turned and watched him. Her emotions couldn't help but bleed over her expression.

"Thank you. I just can't believe how stupid I was. The contract never mentioned using magic. It only covered purchases and repairs. If she hadn't came in at the right time, I couldn't have kept it in dry dock."

She took another sip to give her time to clear her thoughts.

"I should've realized something was up. The only payment required was that I take her to a place on a map. It was one she got during the Dragon Race."

By now, the glass was empty and she offered it back.

"I didn't mean to waste your time."

"It happens, Roslyn," placing a hand on her shoulder Tku tried to comfort. Had he not been so vigilant the paint would have passed unnoticed. "And it is not a waste of time, I can recommend other, cheaper paints if you need. Or does it need to be this one?" Tku asked, a small smile returning to his face.

Her slight at me is not of her own choices, Tku told himself.

Roslyn smiled weakly, appreciating his kindness. It felt like everything had strings attached to it and she hated it.

"I've never had these issues until after the mission in Vossoriya. I don't want to have to spend all my time wondering if one act of kindness is really just that."

When Tku mentioned another paint, she shook her head. "No, I want to restore her to what she was. It's hard to explain why, but... "

Her eyes glanced at the paintings and thought about her brews. She tried to use them as an example. "It's just like slapping any color on a canvas and saying it's enough. Or just using any ingredients for a brew and not caring how it turned out. Does that make sense? It doesn't feel like she deserves that."

The intent resonated with Tku. He was brought to a tougher decision than he wanted. "Are you willing to be thrown in jail for this? For your partner to be killed?" his voice steady, no emotion to be had. He was staring at a painting under a sheet.

Upon hearing Tku's voice, Roslyn became quiet. Her eyes glanced at the floor and reflected on his serious question. It was not one to take lightly. She bit her lower lip as she weighed the choice before her, the gnawing worry growing in her chest. When she got the ship, she had no idea what Ciro sold her until after the Dragon Race. Roslyn started to wonder if Revan was right. She was unworthy of the legend because she wasn't cold-hearted enough to sacrifice someone.

"It's sort of funny. She began.

"When I got the ship, the salvage license said 'Nuvole Rosso'. Yet, I don't think that's her real name. Someone called her the 'Fantasma Rosso' and that name feels right." Roslyn took a moment to consider her words. "During her glory days, she skirted the law many times. She even ran the Belzaggic blockade to deliver supplies. She was a smuggler and hired by... a less lawful crowd."

The freckled girl inhaled.

"If it was just me, I would say yes. Even if I know my father and brother would be disappointed in me." Her shoulders fell, her good nature winning out. "However, I'm not heartless. I am not sure I can risk another person's life even if she's very eccentric."

"Then you should speak to your partner," Tku rubbed the bridge of his nose. She was a determined child. "Are you able to meet up with them to talk about this and," Tku sighed, "and do you need someone else to be there with you?"

As Tku spoke, Roslyn saw him rub his nose. A gesture her brother did when he was frustrated with her causing her to regret her words for a moment. Her pride wanted to say no, but...The words of the Binding class teacher echoed in her head. Condemning the morals and actions of blood mages as evil. Were the rumors she had heard really true? There was no reason to believe otherwise. She pushed down the nervous fluttering in her chest as she spoke.

"She might be overseeing the repairs. We can start there." Roslyn took a breath and continued.

"I'm worried what she might do when I ask. So, yeah , I think I do. Just in case."

The After Trials Celebration Party

Mahal

Mahal focused more on movements and fun than etiquette. She put on a simple red dress with floral stitching then wrapped a yellow sash about her waist. After twisting it about her waist a few times, she tossed the end up and over her upper shoulder. It left some of her back tattoo exposed as she retrieved the body paint. Dipping a horse hair brush into the black pigment, she began to create a band design across the outside of her arms. It took hours, but the result was beautiful. They wove her hair into a single braid and topped it off with Goma cat fanged earrings.

By now, the activity had drawn Diyablo's attention. The reddish ground octopus began to run with two limbs wiggling to be picked up. As much as Mahal hated to, she used her foot to keep him at bay.

"No, Diyablo. You will smear the paint. You stay here, play with your toys and be good." She spotted his stink eye as he managed to cling, getting to her waist where he hung off her sash.

She sighed then managed, with some help, to untangle the needy octopus. She dropped him off into the tank of water before they left for the party. Mahal made sure to bring a small pouch of sweets to help control her endless appetite.

~~~~~~

Upon arrival, Mahal's eyes darted about and her heart was pounding hard. She started to regret her decision as she slowed her step. "Maybe this is a mistake..."

She looked at her sister.

Lunara was wearing a formal Palaparese dress. The dress is blue with white and gold accents. She also has gold bangles on both of her arms, and a gold necklace and earring set with blue stones. Lunara stood next to her sister, feeling the anxiety in her build up, if Lunara wasn't here Mahal would probably have not turned up. Holding her sister's hand tight. "It's ok sister, there are a few faces that we know." Looking around she spotted a free table that didn't have any people. "After we get some food and a drink. We can sit there." She slowly paced forward. She turned to her sister,

"Deep breaths. Plus I think Miray will stay by your side." Pointing to her cat nuzzling up to Mahal's leg purring.

"Alright." Mahal took several deep breaths as she pushed away the shakes in her core. Her fingers tightened her grip on her sister's hand before she crouched down, brushing Miray's head gently.

"Miray helps... a lot. I should have brought Diyablo, but he would not behave. I did not want him getting into trouble. I am ready." With that, the sisters entered the party officially.

Lunara took Mahal straight to get food and drinks, they grabbed a variety of different foods. Seeing Johann she smiled at him and said. "Hi there Johann, hope you are doing well and are you enjoying yourself? Me and my sister will be sitting over there if you would like to join us, as Mahal doesn't do well in crowds." After talking to him the sisters made their way to the table that wasn't as crowded.

Mahal fought the impulse to flick her sister behind the ear. Some things didn't need to be said as she bit back the reaction. Even if they were true. She picked out two plates of food as she followed Lunara to the table.

When the sisters got to the table Lunara realized she may have said too much to Johann. "Sorry if I said too much to Johann, sister, I didn't mean to. Are you angry at me?" She looks at her sister to see if she is annoyed at her.

"You do tend to say too much. And I am, a bit. It will pass because it is hard to stay mad." Mahal popped one of the strange treats into her mouth. Her eyes shifted to watch the event as she chewed, finally swallowing the savory morsel.

"I am going to make Helios and Apoy a toy later. I will need some iron wood because normal wood might break too easily. Do you think they might like a barrel with a rope through it?"

"Ok that will be nice for them." Lunara started to eat the selection of food she got, she enjoyed what she had and thought about asking what everything was, so she could have more of it at home "The food is nice, I might ask what some of these are so we can have them at home."

"I can see if I can ask for the recipe. I hope you are not tired of my cooking."Mahal raised an eyebrow though her sister might notice a bit of subtle teasing there. "Slightly surprised you are not out there more often. I did not want you babysitting me. Father would not approve."

"I love your cooking sister, and I will go and talk soon, I'm just making sure you are ok first." She then thought about who she could approach next, even though she was taught how to greet people she still got nervous when meeting new people, in case she made mistakes, as she doesn't want to cause shame on her family.

Mahal let out a soft breath. Her form leaned onto the table as her right arm raised, waving her sister off.

"I am, I promise. Socialization will do you some good. You are more approachable than I am and you just need to relax. Stop being so hard on yourself. And if anyone gives you trouble, I will be right here for you to talk to." It was a small, kind gesture toward her sister. Mahal knew she bore a weight she wasn't built for, but father's word was law in their home. Nothing changed that.

"Besides, we both know I am not much fun at these parties." She took another bite of something else on the plate. Her nose scrunched up, but she managed to get it down.

Lunara handed her sister her plate that still had quite a bit of food left on it, as she knows her sister needs to eat. She took a deep breath and slowly approached Niallus and Maura, she extended her hand and said. "Hello Niallus, how have you been?" She then turned to Maura and introduced herself. "Hello I am Lunara Agha, It's nice to meet you."

As Mahal watched her sister locked in conversation, a realization washed over her. She didn't belong here. Feeling her bitterness grow in her chest, she stood up and walked outside. A heavy weight lifted from her almost immediately when the fresh air hit her. Leaning against the wall, she inhaled deeply and crossed her arms over her chest. It was times like this she wished she had brought her kicker snail.

---

Roslyn

Roslyn finished pinning her hair up, letting the slight wave cascade down. It hung delicately about her shoulders and her eyes widened a bit at her appearance. She hadn't dressed up in such a long time that she forgot how nice she could look. Her dress was nothing fancy. It retained her everyday appearance, but held small embroideries. Delicate ones she had sewn on her own that held a floral flourish. They rested along her waist, sides, and lower parts of the sleeve.

As she slipped on the tarnished ring, her eyes noted her approval for leave from classes for a family visit. Next, she rolled up her sleeve and checked her elbow. It had been itching like crazy since Mano 'e Mano. If not for Esmii's salve, Roslyn feared she'd peel her skin off. She was relieved to see the irritation around the thin black marks had faded. She rolled her sleeve back down.

Grabbing her compass, she slipped it into her pocket and left.

~~~~~~

It didn't take her long to spot the party in full swing. With a deep inhale, Roslyn entered and sought familiar faces or at least friendly ones.

There she is! Roslyn sighed, grateful she had finally found Esmii. The yasoi was near Maura, Abdel, and Niallus. Memories of the auction lingered in her mind. She sighed recalling how she needed to repay both Ciro and Maura for the 'help'. No point in dwelling on it now as she casually approached them.

"There you are, I was looking for you."

Esmii heard Roslyn, "Hi I have been here for a while, as I helped set up, and got changed here, sorry did I forget to tell you. Also you look beautiful by the way." Then she gave her a hug.

"It's okay and thank you. It's nothing much. The embroidery was a bit tricky, but I managed. I wished I paid more attention during the first year though..." She felt Esmii squeeze her in a hug. Once she was released, Roslyn leaned back and crossed her arms.

"Well I think it's pretty, I tried to go for something pretty but elegant, my mam sent me this dress so I thought why not put it on for a party." She smiled, and though I wonder when Sven will arrive, I really wanted to tell him something important and give him something.

"I think it was the right choice." Roslyn said, her eyes observing the dress. Her eyes glanced around noticing the absence of a certain large dragon loving guy.

"Uh, where's Sven. Is he off getting drinks or some food?"

"I'm not sure where he is, as he said he would meet me here, maybe something came up. But I am going to check on him later, I'm wanting to tell him something."

"It's likely nothing. Maybe he got sick or something. The trials were a bit... extreme, for everyone. How about we get something from the big food spread, uh? You can direct me to the best choices." Roslyn began to gesture to the drinks and food.

"Yes let's have some of this amazing food, and I'm not just saying this because I work for them." She laughed and pointed everything that was tasty out to Roslyn.

Roslyn shook her head as she took a few samples and a drink. She wasn't much of a wine person, but no point in being picky. After a bit of conversation, the girl wanted to see a few others before the party died down.

Especially Xiuyang, the hardest one to find.

"Come find me when you're ready to head home. We'll leave together." She whispered then took her leave.

After a bit of milling around and searching, Roslyn caught sight of Xiuyang and Maura. The pair were locked in conversation while glancing over at Ciro near... Juulet?!? Roslyn blinked in shock at the unexpected image and hoped there wasn't going to be trouble. Upon approaching the two girls, she greeted them kindly.

"Hey, I found you two. Xiuyang, where have you disappeared to lately? And Maura, I wanted to thank you for your help at the auction. I'll find a way to pay you back, I promise." She made sure not to stare too much at Xiuyang's scars, she didn't want to be rude after all.

Maura rolled her eyes, “We never said princess treatment; we said treat you like royalty. You know the expression, behind every great king is a greater queen.” She mused for a moment, as she cast her eyes about, looking towards Raffie and Ayla, “We have enough princesses as it is.”

As Roslyn approached, she simply smiled sweetly. "We are not interested in money, though. If you want to offer something in return, we would gladly accept your friendship." She moved her hands onto Roslyn's own and squeezed them, "We just wanted to see people smiling at the auction, so take good care of it."

She smiled at Roslyn, inviting her into their sonic bubble. At her unusual shyness, though, she smirked, deciding to playfully put on airs. "Messer Volta has arranged safe lodgings for yours truly," she answered with a mocking imitation of a snooty noble lady. "Not that I cannot defend myself, of course—perish the thought—but we would not want any Perrench rabble to get themselves hurt, now would we?" She winked, then dropped the preposterous accent.

"Can't say exactly where. You never know who's listening. I'm aware of the rumors floating about that we're under the same roof and all that, though."

Roslyn let out a soft chuckle at Xiuyang's imitation. It felt good to hear her own thoughts now as she weighed the information.

"Well, you know my opinion of rumors. Unless I have confirmation, I don't believe in them." She said, referring to their conversation during the Society Faire. Roslyn reflected on her next words before adding. "But I understand. The less people that know where you are, the safer it is. I will admit, you two are cute together."

She let the tease surface in her voice.

Then, just like that, she stood up, dropping the sonic bubble. "I know! My cuteness score goes up just standing next to him," she japed, as if she'd said nothing of importance at all while the bubble covered them. "I should go back to him, but I just have so many people to talk to."

Roslyn detached from Maura after catching up. The last bit of entertainment was interesting to see. However, by now, it was starting to get late and she needed to walk Esmii home. Her eyes darted across the thinning party for the sight of her friend.

Surprisingly, the Yasoi was nowhere to be found. The brunette girl frowned. Did she leave to check on Sven? Roslyn sighed, recalling the mention earlier. The idea of Esmii out there alone made her uncomfortable as she prayed Esmii stayed safe.

Not able to stay here all night waiting for Esmii to return, she debated on leaving. Roslyn's eyes then caught a commotion at the door. She casually shifted her position to keep an eye on the exchange. Shortly, the host and the teacher disappeared up the stairs. The others remained at the door with the other housemates.

What's going on? Roslyn wondered.

Instinctively she moved to what remained of the drinks station. Most of the alcohol was gone, but there seemed to be this dark liquid with a bitter taste. She glanced at the label: ZenoBucks Coffee. Noting the name, she once more began to wander. Her hand reached into her dress pocket before it rested on something hard and rectangular. Roslyn frowned and then pulled it out. It was the compass she got as a prize from the trials. She caught a glimpse of someone darting up the stairwell before they came to a stop. It was Penny.

Roslyn couldn't hear the conversation, but she read the body language. It had something to do with Penny it seemed. Roslyn felt her dread grow as she clutched the compass. Her eyes lowered to it and a thought crossed her mind. Could this help? She doubted it, but what did she have to lose? She flipped it open to reveal the face.

"Don't think you can help me find something to help Penny, can you?" She whispered and took another long drink of her coffee.

The compass pointed north, as compasses do. There was that other arrow, as always, but it never did seem to move. Briefly, it trembled, but then it went away.