Nanaya

Iris Ascendis

@ERode@AThousandCurses

BLUE CARRIAGE, OUTSIDE WINGRAM

There was something of a tension in the air as people boarded the boys' carriage. Michael deigned to sit off in one of the corners and immediately pulled his hood further down so as to catch some sleep, Fianchetto glared at the grimy janitor while propping open a book, and Dr. Kann looked around paranoid as if a ghost would pop out at him. Rio sat as far opposite Chunji as he possibly could, having not appreciated last night and was at least a pinch exhausted himself. Davil, for his part, slapped his knees after watching the service mannekin who wheeled him in simply walk out after locking his wheelchair, its job complete. "I guess there's no sympathy for the wounded among these guys. Talk about dire room service, am I right? Ahaha..."

The Wund boy's voice was stiffer and fainter, as if speaking just to prove to himself he was still here, or to break the relative silence any way he could. He'd turn towards Otis, a thin upward line instead of his usual wholehearted grin or anxious chittering. "Chunji tells me that you also had a hand in saving me, chum, so thanks for that. I suspect everyone did more than I could've asked for, so once I'm able to start moving around more again, let's continue where we left off, yeah?"

He nodded to himself as if answering himself, despite Otis not having done so yet. Rio would turn towards Davil, and then start to look around the carriage before speaking his own mind. "It wouldn't have gotten that far in the first place if Ciara were killed. Seriously, am I the only one thinking this? All this hero brainrot shittalk, idealistic bullshit, 'n we've got nothing to show for it but a comatose girl, a cripple, and from what I heard, human pasta sauce in that tower's halls. And now she's gettin' a personal escort to the city like a fuckin' fairytale princess. Oh, I wonder, will she finally meet her prince at the ball? Pffft."

Fianchetto would also perk up at this, shutting his book a moment to regard Rio with a look of what almost seemed to be pity, or understanding. "If what you seek is justice, Neroite justice is very fair. Were this incident to have transpired in the capital, speaking as somebody who lives there, there is no guarantee that she would even have been arrested for such things for very long, depending on context. Either that, or she would spend her life as the isolated subject of research and dissection, if some interested parties received her first."

Rio turned away, as if not willing to acknowledge the elder's words. Michael would begin snoring in the corner, unbothered. When the security mannekin boarded, the doors would close behind them, and the carriage would begin to move down the road.

---

@Estylwen@Psyker Landshark

RED CARRIAGE, OUTSIDE WINGRAM

Iraleth would have found her glare towards Michael returned with a perplexed brow, as if wondering if he'd said anything particularly odd. He'd slightly adjust the hood of his cloak - still ensuring that it never left his head - and picked at the strands of shredded fabric that dangled around its rim, before turning away to board the boys' carriage. Just before entering, however, he would stare at Iraleth again for but a brief second, as if still trying to work out what he said that was so bad, before disappearing out of sight.

Hearing Iraleth's particular request for her take before more joined the girls' carriage, Chloe would oblige while looking away towards the open doors of the carriage, gripping at her collar with one hand. "I have plenty of energy, you'll just need to excuse me if I'm, perhaps, saving it for when it matters," Chloe would reply bluntly, scoffing somewhat. "Because my 'take' is that I do not think this is the end. They never found that Umbralist's body, did they? The imp is in captivity, but why? What does it still offer? Can we even trust the present company to protect us while we're as vulnerable as uneducated flea farmers? Should something even worse be in store for us, I'll have to be ready to give it my all. The conditions are about right, I think, for-"

The half-elf caught herself just as she was about to say more than she was comfortable, waving off her own words. Just as well, perhaps, because the rest of their company on this journey arrived seconds later. Chloe shuffled away as she saw Ciara, not at all reassured by Alto's presence as a protector - he was as vulnerable as any of the rest of them, in his current state. Alto would ensure that wherever Ciara sat, he wouldn't be very far away, a hand unsubtly resting on the pommel of his longsword as he leaned back on the bench. Certainly not the most comfortable seating arrangements, but at least better than the floor.

This treatment would not change even as he agreed to Ciara's request. "Vaal Nero's legal system is typically handled through the lawmen of the city - the city guard, appointed knights and paladins, or at the highest level of offence, a corsair. Crooks go through all the legal proceedings one might expect, may plead their case, and are rendered judgment at the conclusion of a very short trial. These trials are very short because, if a judgment were to take too long to be given, a corsair will step in and make that judgment themselves."

With an almost nostalgic sigh and a tapping on the pommel of his sword, Alto looks towards the ceiling of the carriage. "See, corsairs are above the law, for the most part. Blessed by the waters, they're said to be, and are given the kinds of privileges that an average enforcer of justice wishes they could have. Most of the time, they're a guard or knight suddenly given this blessing and granted corsair status upon providing proof of their claim. Could just as easily be some random bum off the street, though. Been a thing, apparently, ever since Nero himself died. A blessing left behind for the chosen, or something, they say."

The professor would turn to look at Ciara for the first time since boarding, pointing at her. "But you. You committed what the city would consider 'religious defilement' as a result of Umbralist accusations. Matters of the soul and of the divine are judged by the Star Court - Astrite priests and divine mages that form the governing body of Vaal Nero. They'll not take this matter lightly, but it's the one legal domain corsairs have no power in, so you at least won't be worrying about a loose cannon. Count yourself lucky for that one, at least. They will review the footage and testimonies sent to them, meet with lawmen for their opinions, and consult Astra for her personal guidance on the matter. The magic angle throws in an air of unpredictability, I'd say."

As the instructor concluded his explanation - at least for that very moment, assuming Ciara had no more questions - half of the security mannekin would board and take seats with spears in hand. The doors would shut behind them, and with no particular signal, the carriage would begin to move down the road.

Iris Ascendis

Hey guys, sorry for the delay, I came down with a real bad flu or head cold of some kind, and it's got me feeling like I live in another dimension or something. I'll get something up once I feel better.

Iris Ascendis

That'd be @Psyker Landshark

Iris Ascendis

@Estylwen@ERode@Psyker Landshark@AThousandCurses

WINGRAM ACADEMY

"F-Fifty? With the potential for more?" Chloe's eyes would widen at the bluntness of Chunji's statement, surprised that she'd been taken seriously. "Maybe an edit is in order before you show me, then..."

Davil would chuckle weakly from nearby, not as animate as he typically tended to be. "Thanks for the help, though. Really thought that was the end back there. Could've gone a lot worse," he would blurt out with a slight wheeze, his gaze running across everybody before eventually settling on Ciara for a brief moment; after which, he would just kind of look away to the sky and sigh as the mannekin attendant continued wheeling him along.

As Ciara spoke her apologies to Michael, he would turn his head to regard her with a side-eye. "Only part I'm confused on is why you'd choose a janitor, of all things. Don't have much pull. Would've been able to say that at least ya didn't make a mess of the halls, but uh, we both know even that ain't true," he stated plainly, his expression neutral. "But I'll do my part. Ya may've killed a few, but any teacher here's definitely killed their fair share more, I figure. With any luck, ya might even be in talks for a promotion'a some kind."

Such words would bring a look of annoyance from Alto, who would then turn back towards Otis and Iraleth, shrugging as he fastened his scabbard and tightened the straps on his backpack. "Tough to get any proper practical work done when we're bound by these rings. I've elected to call a temporary halt to official classes while on the road, and then figuring something out once we've settled in Vaal Nero. To that end, it'll be a two day trip, in which we'll arrive in the streets of the city roughly around the afternoon of the 5th. Worst case scenario, it's a self-study period until all this is resolved, doing what you can without the use of essence."

The instructor's eyes would then darken as he turned to answer the other question, looking towards Iraleth with grit teeth. Before he could speak, Kann would step forward with a similarly grim expression. "Hildegunde has been rendered comatose, after what happened. Initially, she was counted among the dead - but after a closer look, her prime essence remains. She's being tended to at the clinic, but as for whether she'll ever wake up? We have no idea, it's near unprecedented to survive with essence that dim. In the best case scenario, it's unclear if she'd even have an Ethos..."

With that, the doctor would step back, muttering meek apologies as he begins to walk towards the bridge to load onto one of the two carriages, followed closely after by Fianchetto and Michael. Davil would again look towards Ciara, expression painted with concern; contrasted only by Rio's look of disgust towards her, a brief muttering of, "Should've just killed her and been done with it," passing his lips. Chloe simply followed across the bridge with an avoidant slouch, gripping the edges of her cloak.

"...Well, there you have it," Alto would reluctantly spit, looking amongst his class. "Best start loading up. The carriage with a blue banner is for the guys, and red for girls plus myself. The reinforced security mannekin will also split themselves evenly."

As if trying to brush past the Hildegunde situation with tactless abandon, Alto continued to push the schedule along. "If there are no further questions or concerns, we'll have plenty of time to talk details as we go."

Iris Ascendis

March 3rd, 1526 SR

"They waged their wars in the dead of night. In sickness and in health, 'til death do they part - truly, zealotry was their spouse." - An excerpt from the Southern Rekordian war journal, 'Recollections of the Dysis Monstrum', published in 950 SR.

---

---

@Estylwen@ERode@Psyker Landshark@AThousandCurses

WINGRAM ACADEMY

The sun rose on another day in the Vaalin Union. For many, it would be business as usual, and perhaps the students of the school would finally have an ordinary day without trouble. Anxiety and unrest plagued the campus as the heroes of the future rose to tend to breakfast and hygiene or to gear up for the day ahead. There was little that was made public of last night's incident, other than a brief message sent out to students via essence mail that all was under control and that security would be redoubled in the days to come. Rumors spread quick among students, however, of a poor attempt at damage control - Nicole Malthruse had still yet to be seen since the battle, and whispers echoed of certain portions of the tower being put into a state of lockdown. Those of Compact 3 would perhaps only learn of such things through word of mouth, however, as the nullification rings would prevent Adapa access.

Regardless of what they were doing at any given moment, mannekin would arrive to the members of Compact 3 at 6:45 AM to escort them to the front of the school, by the entrance to the bridge. There was no time for delays, after all, with the situation as it was. 7:00 AM was the deadline to meet, after all, and it would be met.

Idling in the front plaza by the gates and bridge entrance would be a roster consisting of Alto, Michael, Doctor Kann, six mannekin with iron frames reinforcing the wood, and an elderly man. His robes were ragged and patchwork, but even though the colors were fading, he bore the trademark silver and blue uniform of a Shaktan mage. Rio would also be guided out towards them by mannekin, though perhaps more surprisingly, Davil and Chloe would each be led in from the campus town as well. The Wund boy was wrapped in bandages and was being pushed out in a wheelchair by a mannekin guard, but nevertheless waved in greeting with a wide grin. Chloe appeared, physically at least, to be none the worse for wear; the only striking difference would be the uncharacteristically humble attire she wore - a grey tunic, black trousers, and a bland yet warm brown cloak that she seemed none too pleased with. She side-eyed Davil with concern as they approached, but said nothing.

Alto would casually raise his hand up with a sighing smile and a cocked brow, showing off the ring he shared in common with his students. "Fair's fair, they said. I'm in it with you guys too, or at least... those that could be here," he would spit the last part out with a hint of regret.

Kann would pull the elderly mage in with an arm around his shoulder, and gesture him to the class. "This is Mister Fianchetto! He's here as an impartial observer on behalf of the capital, so rest assured, he's as good as on your side, a-ahaha..."

With an unsubtle shake to distance himself from the doctor, Fianchetto would clear his throat and bow. "No sides will be taken. My objective here is purely an academic one, but I will apply myself to ensure that matters progress smoothly."

Meanwhile, further towards the back, Michael leaned against the front gates. His hood and cloak billowed in the morning wind as he simply looked towards the bridge that would lead the group to their carriages. His smirk wasn't present as he looked on, his mind occupied by thoughts of the unknown.

---

@ERode

BOYS' DORMITORY

On the topic of the rings, the Strigidae of Compact 3 would, with dedication and study purely within the confines of his knowledge of essence and enchantment, stumble across additional information on their workings. Based on first glance at the arcane runes embedded, the ring did indeed appear to simply be one that rids the wearer of their capabilities for essence manipulation, and that was no lie. Alongside an enchantment of immovable binding, such that it would remain with the wearer for a conditional length of time, that appeared to be the extent of it.

...However, with dedicated fiddling, a perceptive eye, and a deft touch, there was more to be seen. It was nearly imperceptible, but a second set of runes overlapped almost perfectly, underneath the set on the surface. They appeared to continue the 'sentence' of runes, and seemed to state that a worn ring would also suppress one's self when necessary - to suspend all latent nama and rupa beyond acceptable parameters set by the enchanter, until such a time that the enchanter wishes to reactivate the individual, or else until the ring's enchantment of binding is dispelled through the passage of time. There would additionally be runic scrawl dictating that the removal or disenchanting of the ring would alert the enchanter to the individual with a ping of their location.

The overlapped runes would conclude with one final statement that was not written in runic or in any scrawl resembling an arcane enchantment. Only one phrase could be read in the common tongue from this passage, which would state, "DAMOCLES AT EACH OF OUR HEARTS."

Upon reading this, Otis would feel an external pressure nudging against his chest. It wasn't a painful sensation, but something sharp dangled against his chest, invisible and immaterial. For some reason, knowledge was transferred to him in that moment from something beyond, as if abiding by a rule. And that rule was clear through this transference: if a wearer were to attempt to remove, dispel, or be separated from the ring before the enchanter's parameters had been met, this invisible blade of pure killing intent was the final countermeasure which would plunge itself into the escapee's heart with absolute precision. Even now, as those of Compact 3 go about their days, these blades would ever point towards them, waiting for the moment at which the enchantment would be defied. One could lop off their finger as the simplest means of removal, but the blade would still strike. The ring itself could be disenchanted or destroyed if one were to find somebody equal to the task, but the blade would again trigger in such cases, as it almost seemed entirely separate from the rest of the enchantments present. Its invisible impalement was, without doubt, a certainty were one to break the rules.

Were Otis to cease fiddling with the ring, the sensation of the blade would eventually fade away. Were he still in his room, looking into matters of the ring by the time of 6:45 AM, the mannekin in his room would surround him to ensure he arrived to the meeting point on time.

Iris Ascendis

Hmmm, would you want me to make that as another mini-post for you to reply to before I go on to the morning round? Or should I just include that as part of it?

Iris Ascendis

@Estylwen

WINGRAM CLINIC, ROOM 106

The remainder of the night in the clinic would proceed without issue. It had been a long day of danger, deceit and duels, and undoubtedly very few would rest adequately. Wails of pain would resound through the clinic's halls as more were dropped off, and those such as Sylv, Kann and the receptionist would tend to their pains and agonies well into the night; more than likely, well past the sun's rising. It was a disastrous second day at Wingram Academy, and the mixture of wailing patients and patrolling mannekin through the halls and rooms of the clinic served as a constant reminder of this.

The same squadron of mannekin would keep watch over Ciara as she slept. Were she to try anything, they were prepared to respond accordingly; and they were certainly programmed with lethality in mind, that night. Weak wheezes escaped Davil's mouth on the other occupied bed within the room, followed promptly by the occasional check-in from one of the clinic's doctors - Sylv's dark-ringed eyebags being the most common sight to peek in throughout the night.

---

@ERode@AThousandCurses

BOYS' DORMITORY

Otis and Chunji would each be escorted back to their rooms at the boys' dormitory, were they to comply with orders. Sylv would form an essence link with Otis if asked - for all the good it would do at the moment - before promptly encouraging him to return to his room with the guards, as, in her own words, "The screams of the pained are the burden of the obliged."

The dormitory halls would be agonizingly quiet; the footsteps of those escorted by mannekin, and the mannekin themselves, would be the sole reassurance that noise remained in this realm. Even without the ability to perceive the immaterial, tension hung in the air like a brewing storm. Were the boys of Compact 3 to meet in the halls on the way to their rooms, there would be precious little time for face-to-face conversation, as the mannekin would insist with mechanical assertiveness to proceed ahead without delay.

Upon returning to their respective rooms, Otis' would be predictably unchanged, Davil's wheezing body naturally having been left behind at the clinic. As for Chunji's, he would see Rio crouched down, digging a drink out of the mini-fridge on his side of the room. Upon seeing his roommate, he'd stand up and point to the ring on his hand. "Was gonna be here before lights out, all nice 'n tidy, but I suppose it couldn't wait, huh? Had to sic teach on me."

He'd crack open the can he'd retrieved from the fridge, the cartoonish smiling mermaid logo of the Shaktan arcmage-sponsored drink, 'Feemie's Fizzyfun', in heavy contrast to the dour demeanor of the dagger-eyed loner. The can hissed with carbonation, and he'd down the whole thing back while making eye contact with Chunji, before crumpling the can and tossing it into a nearby trash bin. That much fizz at once clearly made him uncomfortable, noted by the immediate rumbling of his stomach and the fact he was biting his cheek, but his expression would not refuse to break away from a scowl.

"I explained myself to Alto 'n he gave the okay, and that's all you need to know. Our Adapa don't work with these rings on unless it's an emergency broadcast, so you'll have to take my word on that for tonight," he would spit out, before retiring to his bed and immediately turning on his side for sleep, clearly wishing to spend as little time interacting with Chunji as possible.

Indeed, were any with the nullification ring to attempt it, the Adapa and all of its features would be locked. It was like living the life of a citizen outside the Union, which to some people within the country who grew on the luxuries of its leyline, would perhaps consider that a fate worse than death.

---

@Psyker Landshark

GIRLS' DORMITORY

The travel back to the dormitory would be uneventful, were Iraleth to allow it to be so, with the mannekin hurrying her along to a consistent march through campus and the halls of the girls' dormitory. A pin drop would be thunderous in this place tonight, with many almost definitely preparing for a night attack by crazed apocalypse cultists that - thankfully, for the sanity of staff and students alike - would not arrive this evening. It would take time for that feeling of safety to come back, as even though the tower was the only place attacked this time, who was to say it would remain that way, were a future threat to unveil itself? The events of this evening would likely be the catalyst for change, whether for good or ill.

As Iraleth was escorted back to her room, she would find it to be just as silent as the rest of the building. It was unchanged, with the only sound welcoming her within being the whistling wind of the open window, curtains blowing freely; but then, had the window been left open when she had left? Maybe it didn't matter. Her Adapa wouldn't work with the nullification ring on, so non-essence-based entertainment would be her only companion, if exhaustion hadn't yet set in.

Whenever the paladin would decide to turn in, she would see a piece of paper peeking out from just underneath the side of her pillow. Were she to inspect it, she would see a blank strip of paper, and then after another moment, letters in black ink would begin to form from it.

Scrawled hastily, almost as if scratched in, it would read: "THIS ISN'T OVER | THE JANITOR LIES"

The next time Iraleth would blink after taking in the message's contents, the words would disappear entirely. The wind outside would intensify, and it was clear that it would be a stormy night.

Slam.

The windows of the paladin's room would slam shut. Even were she to have closed the windows earlier when she entered into the room, they would indeed slam shut.

Iris Ascendis

Ya gotta stop cursing yourself with those statements kekeke.

@ERode

It is starting to feel like a cursed phrase, for sure.

Hey guys, just wanted to give a little update before I presumably disappear for probably the rest of the year. Things keep happening forever and I honestly don't know when I'll have much of a moment to breathe. I technically have one now for the first time in months for a minimum of 10 days, but it's literally only because my aunt almost died and could still very well die (very botched surgery she's still in ICU for) and because of that my mother's put her education which I tutor her for (sometimes as long as 9 hour sessions) on pause as she tends to my cousins.

Don't worry about re-intergrating me into the RP, I don't have any foresight as to when things will quiet down sustainably, and I wouldn't be surprised if you guys killed Hildegunde off while I disappeared. You have full permission to do so if you haven't already - I'd like to someday return to this but god knows when or if that'll happen, so do whatever y'all feel is best.

Just wanted to say thanks for having me and I apologize for all the times I slowed things down. If I knew my life would be getting as busy as it were right now I'd have not joined. I do feel really bad but I hope you're all having fun and I was glad to be a part of it! I'm glad to see it's still going C:

Anywhomst. There's my 'I'm not dead message', although with the way things are going I feel like I might as well be.

@Sifr

I wish you all the best, and I hope things start going your way, that sounds absolutely terrible! You'll always be welcome to return when things calm down, and Hildegunde won't be dead - I'll leave the chance open for you to come back when you're feeling confident things are in the clear! I plan to keep this going to a conclusion, regardless of how long that may be. ^.^

Iris Ascendis

@Estylwen@ERode@Psyker Landshark

WINGRAM CLINIC, ROOM 106

"Hey... HEY! Don't do tha-"

Clunk.

The gargoyle, all at once, had ceased - as did the encroaching layer of shadows that had begun to cover its earthen hide. Not only did it no longer struggle, the lights in its eyes appeared to entirely dim, leaving behind nothing more than a stone husk. It simply stood there, lifeless and slumped over. After another moment, gravity would take its course, the stone guardian tumbling to the ground in a static position. From within, the sound of erratic tapping and even punching against the immobile creature could be heard alongside animalistic growls and grunts. "You can't seriously expect that to hold me! I'll break out. I'll get out and pummel the lot of you! Just give me a second... RAAAAAAHHHH!"

Ting.

An amount of effort was put in that sounded as if the imp had put its full bodyweight into the escape attempt, and yet the immobile stone body held firm. It stamped its little feet and slammed its little hands from inside, screeching in frustration at the prison of its own making. From within the chest of the gargoyle, it was well and truly trapped. "Ooooh, there's gonna be hell to pay when I get out, bird boy. Mark my words, you're meal prep in the making..."

It would go silent after that, apart from grunts of rage. Raja would cease casting and move closer, inspecting the unconscious gargoyle top to bottom, taking care to seal up any cracks in its frame as she did so by mending the stone together. "Apologies, I was careless. Well done. This won't happen again," she would declare as her eyes remained on the stone sentry. "This gargoyle is Ascendian. I can only assume it's the result of Kann's continued carelessness, but that's a matter for another time. Its body won't hold on this side forever, so I'll need to transfer the imp to a more suitable prison soon."

Raja would lift the gargoyle up over her shoulder and begin moving away with it. She'd look back towards Otis, then throw the ring box towards Sylv, who clumsily caught it. "Make sure all of Compact 3 receives a ring, doctor."

Sylv would nod, and Raja would leave, awkwardly shuffling out after cramming the gargoyle through the doorway first, as if trying to push a couch through an entrance that wasn't quite wide enough. The doctor would then move towards Otis and extend the ring box to him. "Please withdraw and wear one. A guard force will escort you back to your dormitory rooms after you have complied."

As that statement was made, several mannekin would enter the room and stand at ease, heads turned towards Otis and Iraleth.

---

@AThousandCurses

WINGRAM CLINIC, HALLS

Chunji, surprisingly, would receive a rather quick reply. Within a minute of sending, his Adapa would ping, and a reply from Alto would appear. It would read:

"Hey, Chunji. Currently finishing up some business at the tower, people're still on guard around here. Some suspect the fight's not done yet, while others think it's time to tend to the wounded and wrap things up for the night. I lean with the former, which is why I wanna stay around for a bit. Once that's handled, though, I can follow up on Rio. Plaza's way away from the tower, though, so it's probably fine? Kid's probably just antisocial and moody."

About a minute later, a second message would ping on Chunji's Adapa, again from Alto as a further follow-up.

"Oh yeah, and Ventura's got a trial coming up in Vaal Nero, and we're all going. To my knowledge, everyone else has been briefed, but feel free to check in with your buddies when you can. You'll also be required to wear an essence nullification ring, and we'll all be heading out by carriage tomorrow morning. A dorm escort should arrive shortly. Thought I should let you know, so you're not caught unawares. Talk more later, stay safe!"

As if on cue, a group of security mannekin turned the corner and marched towards Chunji, eventually stopping in front of him. The guard leading the march stepped forward and opened a box of rings, presenting it to the boy wordlessly.

Iris Ascendis

Sorry, life came up. Getting around to a post tonight!