Kyrisse

—(••[ 𝕎𝕀𝕊ℍ𝔼𝔸𝕋𝔼ℝ ]••)—

𝕃 𝕚 𝕝 𝕚 𝕒 𝕟 𝕟 𝕒 𝔹 𝕣 𝕒 𝕟 𝕕 𝕥

---

𝕊𝕖𝕡𝕥. 𝟟, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘 / / 𝕌𝕊𝔸ℝ𝕀𝕃ℕ 𝔼𝕒𝕤𝕥 / / 𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕆𝕦𝕥𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕥: 𝕆𝕓𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 ℝ𝕠𝕠𝕞 𝟚 / / ~𝟙𝟠𝟛𝟘

---

Lily stared at the screens as she absentmindedly bit into the donut in her hand, what happened with Christmas earlier completely forgotten. She focused her attention on Teams 3 and 4 as directed but didn't really understand the need for these "games" ...If you can actually call them games.

First of all, most of the students hadn't gotten to know each other well enough to work together effectively as a team. Especially me... Since I haven't made any effort to actually get to know anyone yet. The few that I know probably don't even like me all that much... She thought about her team mates from the real battle they had been in. Marcus. No. Probably hates me for throwing that grenade at him. Grant. We didn't really interact all that much...if at all. Callan. She waited for me to wake up in the hospital but she was just probably trying to be nice. Siena. Lily perked up a bit. She's fun.. And of course, some of the students that weren't on her team but at least interacted with her. Emma. Hmmm... She seems nice. Maybe I should try to talk to her more. Angelique. She remembered her comforting hand on her shoulder in the hospital. And that sincere thank you. Maybe I should make an effort to get to know her too. She made mental notes on who she wanted to talk to later on... something that she'll probably forget before the minute was up.

Her thoughts drifted to what had happened earlier. She wondered what would have happened if it wasn't Siena that found her. She probably would have run away or hide or something. As she continued watching what was happening on the screen, she noted the the teams at least made an effort to work together.

Why is their golden snitch thrashing the house? Ugh...It'll be hard to move around in all that junk...

Secondly, the whole thing did not fit into the games category. Games are supposed to be fun. What kind of game allows people to hurt each other? She again thought back to the recently concluded round she had participated in. She hadn't been hurt and had actually enjoyed the whole thing but she hadn't been in the midst of the fighting like most of her classmates were. A lot of them got hurt. Definitely not a game...

She stopped chewing and stared at the screen -- at the violence it showcased. Legs were broken, part of the building was cleaved off, a face melted, a head was bashed in, an eye was stabbed by a broken off table leg... Her thoughts shifted back again to the last real battle she was in, to the pain she felt when the grenade shrapnel hit her eye and then later on by a fish scale. The memory of the pain and the sight of people trying and successfully hurting each other made her stigma flare back up. Her heart began beating fast as that familiar urge to destroy and hurt came back. The voices in her head began whispering again.

Her eyes remained on the most violent of the students and the injuries that were dished out. She almost wished she was with this group. And suddenly she resented what had been her role in the previous round. She had been useless. Her powers would have allowed her to take and give. Give and take. Take and give. She didn't care much about the pain that she would receive but she craved the pain and the suffering that she could give. She knew that it would calm the voices and settle her unstable mind.

"Well, then, that was an exciting round! Let me make it official while you guys fill out the evaluation sheets."

Lily didn't even notice that while most of the students were given evaluation sheets and pens, she was bypassed. Although she probably wouldn't care even if she had noticed. Her eyes tracked the blonde boy with the blue ribbon on the screen and the events that had transpired between them earlier came back to mind. She should have cut his hand with that small wound that he had wanted so much to take back. Give it back and magnify it two folds...four folds. She knew she could do it. She didn't know how she knew but she could feel it. And she cursed herself for holding back.

A manic smile spread across her face.

Her thoughts came to an abrupt stop as she pulled her eyes away from the screen. The smile fell off her face and she stared hard at the unfinished donut in her hand as though it was offending her. No. These people are supposed to be my classmates... team mates and possible friends. Must. Control. These. Thoughts.

But it would be so easy to just let go and give in.

Easy to...give in.

Yes, give in.

Give in. She found her eyes drifting back up to the screen.

YES.

No. Once she saw that Christmas had finished healing the injuries, she let out her breath, not really realizing she had been holding it. She pulled her eyes away from the screen, closed her eyes and with one hand, rubbed them. The voices were still insistently whispering in her head. No. No. No. NO! she repeated the word over and over in her head, hoping to drown out the voices.

The First War

Sophia considered Paul's question, trying to decide whether to play coy or a little bit more aggressive. She thought back to the deal she had made with the Count and the threat Crone made to her. If she dallied, she might get into trouble and Paul might eventually lose interest. Better to agree now than to miss the chance. She'd really like to be paid as soon as possible so that her sisters won't end up hungry or needing to enter into the kind of job she has. She nodded. "If you wish to return to your room, I shall be glad to accompany you, my Lord."

---

Olivia looked at Crone. She wanted to say no, that she wanted to stay, that she felt more uneasy and less safe when she was with him than with the towering knight standing only a few feet away from them, that she wanted to stay and chat a bit more with the long lost Duke-to-be. But of course, she knew that she can't say any of those. She wanted to know what's going on. She needed to know if her father was really as corrupted as Winston said he was. And if she wanted to do those things, she needed to go back to the castle.

She could see Winston readying himself to fight from the corner of her eye. She had no doubt that the man can handle himself and do a good job at disposing off the Count's men, probably Crone too. But she didn't really want him to be hurt. She actually liked the man even though most probably feared his huge stature and scarred face. And of course, she didn't want anyone else hurt.

She had no choice. She looked towards Winston. "This man is my father's most trusted man, I shall be safe returning to the castle with him at my side. Thank you for looking out for my well being, Sir Knight," she gave him a smile and nothing more, hoping that he'd understand what she planned to do. She could have gave him a look but she needed to be careful and didn't want Crone to be suspicious. She turned her attention back to Crone, nodded and gave him a polite smile. "Thank you, Sir Crone," she said and walked on ahead. "Come, Darma. It is time to return to the castle. Father is most probably worried sick that we have left without telling him," she said, the closeness to her handmaiden she had exhibited the night before gone.

"Yes, milady," Darma nodded and followed after her mistress obediently.

Love and War

Hullo! Will fill in my characters in a few minutes.

The First War

The breakfast Paul had prepared was perfect. The food, while some looked strange and inedible, was delectable and exquisite, especially to Sophia's tongue which had never tasted more than what most penniless commoners had. In between bites, she wondered how often she'll get to taste these kinds of food if she spent more time with the noble. Of course, it went without saying that she has to spend a lot of time with him. It was what she was being paid for. She wondered if she would ever get the chance to let her sisters taste food like what she was having now. What would be their reactions? Would they like it? Would they want to eat is as often and as much as she did?

As she ate, she promptly told him about herself when he asked, leaving out the recent business proposal that she had accepted. He was pleasant company and he treated her well. She was glad as it wouldn't be so difficult to spend time with him. She just hoped that he was as pleasant in bed as well. At that thought, her mind wandered off to more selfish things. Would Paul actually treat her more if she gave him what he obviously wanted from her? Even as he acted every bit of a gentleman and treated her more than how a noble would treat a peasant, she noticed how his eyes would often stray down to her breasts, making her wonder hungry he was for a soft, warm female body to tend to his bodily needs. A little bit more and you'll get what you want from me...

She ate more and drank more and found herself feeling a little giddy than she should be. She looked at the breakfast wine, drank a little bit more, and then at glanced at the noble. Her mind inadvertently strayed to how he had looked half naked last night and she wondered idly how he'll look with all of his clothes off.

When the meal finally came to an end, Sophia watched as Chloe packed up the remaining food, hoping she could ask for it to bring to her sisters. But apparently, she didn't even have to ask.

"It would be a shame for this to go to waste. Shall we have Chloe deliver it to your home ... to your sisters?"

She blinked and stared at Paul, not fully believing how generous he was. When his words finally sank into her, she smiled widely and nodded. "Thank you, my Lord. My sisters would most definitely enjoy tasting what I myself have only been able to taste because of your good graces." She took his arm and let him lead her to the water's edge. With the strict instructions to listen to every single thing that Paul had to say, she listened with an attentive ear as he recounted his story about leaving the castle, embarking on a futile quest to locate his father and brother and finally coming back home. She noticed how he glanced towards the castle where her employer was probably pacing the floor, wondering how he'll get rid of the man who would take him out of the seat he coveted.

She blushed genuinely when he stared at her and reached out to pluck a leaf from her hair. For a noble, he sure was acting terribly nice to her.

"Why are you here, Sophia...? Why are you here ... with me? Without sounding as if I do not appreciate and honor your company ... please tell me ... what do you want from me?"

What do I want from you? No, it is what Count Barker wants from you. I am merely here for the money, was the real answer in her head. But of course, she couldn't tell him that. So instead, she gave him a smile and answered him with a partial truth. "I have heard that a nobleman has come into town, my Lord. I looked through the window, saw you and heard some of the men in the tavern speak quite highly of you. I thought that I would come in and meet you," she chuckled at the memory of what she did. "I apologize for spilling ale on you. I did not believe you would spare me a glance if I had not done it... particularly in the company of Lady Olivia." She gestured towards the picnic area where they were in. "I had not expected that you would go out of your way to treat me to something like this. I am not of the same standing as you are, my Lord and I greatly appreciate the food and your company. I-if I may repay this kindness, would you allow me to visit your room at a later time?" she asked.

---

The commotion in the tavern was escalating and Darma's hand worked faster, finally tying the knot of the cloth used to wrap the bread in. She glanced towards the men and sighed. They sure walked into trouble.

Olivia, on the other hand, was staring straight at what was happening, taking in the hatred in Winston's voice and focusing on the word murdered. Did her father really do those horrible things? Did he poison Richard and sent her grandmother away to be incarcerated in some lonely monastery? She cringed and took a step backward when she saw Yules' head snap to the side. She was sure he was the dead when he fell to the floor. She turned her gaze towards the tavernkeep. "Do you have any other way out of the tavern we can use?" she asked in a hurried whisper as she handed the man payment for the food.

The tavernkeep was used to brawls breaking out in his place but this was a completely different thing. Fear shined in his eyes as he looked at the Lady of Ryrstone. "Yes, milady, this way," he gestured discreetly to the door leading to the kitchen behind him.

Olivia nodded and made a move towards where the man had gestured. But before she could take a step, a very familiar voice addressed her. Darma, herself, froze in place.

"Lady Olivia, if I may have the honor of your momentary company, I have a message from your father."

Slowly, the blonde noblewoman faced her father's most trusted knight...or if he could be called that. For as long as she could remember, Olivia didn't like the man. While he seemed to serve her father loyally and showed nothing but respect towards her, there was something in his eyes that frightened her. But she never showed him that she was. She looked at him and nodded. "What is it, Sir Crone? We have just procured food to take back with us to the castle when... her voice trembled a little and trailed off as she flicked her eyes towards the men behind Crone. It gave anyone listening the notion that she was troubled by the commotion and had no inkling about what was happening. "...when this commotion began. I-I thought that taking a trip into town was perfectly safe but now..."

On a normal day, Darma would have laughed and scoffed at Olivia's acting. But this was not the time for it and the superb and very convincing acting capabilities of her mistress was something that was handy in situations like the one they were in now. All she really needed to do was play along. And by playing along, it meant staying quiet and looking around them in a scared manner.

Iris Halo

K E I R A W A L K E R

_{@Musaki Hajime @canaryrose @VampireOracle @Aeternum @FallenTrinity}

On a normal day, Keira would have changed her mind and opted to watch the spar. But today was far from normal. She wasn't her usual cheerful self and she didn't feel like hanging out with a lot of people. She silently ate her breakfast and looked at the two men who had agreed to fight each other. If she had to make a bet on who would win, she would probably place her money on the Hammer Darius. He had spent years training and with his bulk and strength, she had no doubt he could take anyone out with just a single blow. But then again, the smaller Temporean Connor could prove to be a challenge if he was faster. Well, I guess I'll just have to see which one of them comes out as the victor later on, she thought to herself as she watched them file out and head towards the training facility.

As soon as she had finished her breakfast, she silently cleared away her dishes, washed them and then paused at the door, contemplating on whether to ask Cayde to accompany her or not. Figuring he'd want to get back to his game that he probably put on pause, she shrugged and then continued out of the dining hall and back to her room. She took up the bow her father had made and then headed out.

As always, the moment she stepped out, a shrill cry rang through the air. With a smile, she raised her arm and Falco promptly landed on it. "Any time is always a good time to practice, don't you think?" she asked the hawk, earning her a tilt of its head and an approving hoot. With brisk but careful steps, she made her way to the ice covered forest where she had done the arrow ritual earlier.

An arrow cut cleanly through an ice encrusted leaf, splitting it in half before it flew straight back at Keira. She caught the magic arrown in her hand just as Falco made another screech. The Arrow laughed. "Boomerang Arrow. It's a pretty cool trick, right? It would be useful if I wanna hit several target at once. And... it would have been nice if I could show it to dad..." her words trailed off as the magical arrow dissipated. Falco, once again, landed on her shoulder and in a rare gesture of affection, touched the top of its head on Keira's cheek. The gesture immediately brought the girl out of her depressive mood and she smiled at the bird of prey. "But I'm glad that you're here and I got to show it to you, Falco," she said as she took a seat on a fallen log.

Her mind on the raptor that had settled to preening its wings while on her shoulder, she stared at the sky for a moment, wondering what it feels like to glide through it like Falco did. And just like how her arrows cut through the air the moment she releases it from her bow. It must feel great... she concluded, letting her mind drift to other things, completely unaware of what was happening to the others.

It took her several hours more of shooting before she was satisfied that she had enough practice for the morning. Bidding her raptor a fond farewell, she watched him soar through the air once more before she headed back to the house.

She stepped through the door and looked around. It was strange that it was so quiet. By now, she had expected the men to be back and bragging about who was better.

Where hearts lie

@Caits

Caius smiled at Callie's offer but shook his head. It would definitely be easier if the newly turned wolves were calmer but it was not how things should be done. Being turned on the night of a full moon and fighting with the older wolves was in itself a rite of passage, a sort of initiation for a life that would no doubt be more difficult than what the young ones could ever imagine. "Thank you for the offer but I'll have to say no. Chaos is a part of us and the young ones will have to learn to control it without any help. But I appreciate the offer."

He looked around his place. What used to be his place alone now showed signs that a female was living in it. It was nice. "I would, however, have you enchant this place to keep out everything and anyone, including me, on the night that I need to be away. Your witch friends might take the opportunity to attack."

The First War

Sophia expected a simple breakfast in the tavern. Bread, some cheese and perhaps a tankard full of warm apple cider. It was her idea of a good breakfast, one that she was sure Paul could afford...unless of course he only planned on making her watch him eat breakfast. The last invitation to breakfast she had received years ago had been like that and it greatly embarrassed her. She was confused when he led her out of the tavern. Did he mean to bring her somewhere else?

As she was led to the edge of town, she wondered where they were going and was surprised speechless when he led her to a grassy spot where a blanket had been laid out. A magnificent spread of food awaited them: breads, cheese, jam, fruits. Her mouth automatically watered. There was so much food...food that can last her and her sisters for months.

She looked towards Paul. Why was he being so nice to her? No noble had ever been nice or generous to her. Did he know who she was and why she was with him? Did he suspect her? Or did he want something in exchange? Probably what all men want...

"Is this a good start toward getting me back into your good graces?"

It can't just be because you felt guilty for running your hands all over my body last night. You want more, don't you? she thought as she looked at Paul then at the big pillow he was gesturing to and then at the food. For the food, she might actually give him what he wanted then and there. But she carefully kept her thoughts to herself and nodded meekly. "You did not have to trouble yourself, my Lord, said but taking a seat all the same.

"Thank you," she said in a soft voice as she continued staring at the food, afraid to reach out in case it wasn't really meant for her.

---

On their way to the Black Raven, Olivia thought about how to ask the tavernkeep about Paul if he was not awake and in the tavern when they got there. Several questions ran through her head. Why would she be looking for him at this early in the morning? Would it look suspicious or inappropriate to ask? Would the tavern keep be curious about who she is? Would he ask?

Even as she worried aobout these things, she found herself wondering about Paul at the same time. Was her an early riser? What sort of food did he like to eat for breakfast? Would he be happy to see her this early in the morning? Would he be disappointed when she told him that she cannot meet him later for their planned meal?

But there were no questions to ask or be asked when she and Darma entered the tavern. A man she knew to be working for her father spotted her and quickly made his way towards her. She didn't even have time to turn and walk back out when he greeted her. And as soon as he did, people that were in the tavern, including the barkeep looked towards her. Olivia cursed under her breath, knowing that there was nothing else she can do and no chance of escaping now.

She took a deep breath and nodded. "I see no reason why my safety is at risk. And thus, there is no need to worry about me. Darma and I will make our way back to the castle by ourselves. We are, in fact, on our way back and simply need to purchase food to eat along the way," she smoothly reasoned out. She looked towards the tavernkeep, who was obviously trying to make out Olivia's features from underneath the hood she had on. "I hear that the home made cheese they make here is the best in town."

At Olivia's words, the tavernkeep stood a little straighter and smiled proudly at her. "It most definitely is, milady. Shall I prepare some bread and cheese for you to take on your way back?"

Olivia smiled back and nodded, revealing her face to the man. "Yes, please." Darma immediately bowed to her mistress and headed towards the tavernkeep to assist in the preparation of the food her mistress had ordered.

Olivia looked back at the man her father sent. "If you will excuse me..." she gave the man a small, polite smile before she followed after Darma. But before she could take more than a few steps, she caught sight of Winston and some of the men with him closing on more soldiers from the castle. Are these men sent because of me or are they here because Lord Paul has returned? she thought as she hurried over to Darma.

Darma nodded as soon as her mistress was beside her. The handmaiden knew that they had walked into trouble and was helping the tavern owner's daughter to wrap the bread a little faster. "We need to leave as soon as we can, milady," she whispered under her breath.

Olivia nodded. "I think, however, that it might be a little late for that," she whispered back when she caught sight a man that looked like Crone from the window."[/color]

After the Asteroid-Closed

@Kyrisse

It's morning so I would guess in his room would be a good place to start unless he fell asleep by the bunker doors to make sure they weren't opened.

@Wick

Ooh, good idea. By the bunker doors it is.

~Soulmates: I'll find you again~ (MxF, FxF, 18+)

-clears throat, points to plot then points to self-

After the Asteroid-Closed

Hmmm...not sure what to do.

@POOHEAD189

I'm also at a loss where to put Jae. :/