SilverPaw

Code Vein (Closed)

Any estimate on when 'after a while' for closing applications will be?

Code Vein

I might join.

The Hourglass Order

Linah Aranda

Linah arose not long after dawn, and got ready for the day shortly. She was early to breakfast, but not so much so that there would be no breakfast yet. She greeted Mr. Serrio, their Zeno’s servant, quietly, and thanked him for his services.

She’d been curious to see Onarr nonchalantly deposit his bascinet to the side, revealing his face. It was heavily scarred from magic, and Linah was nearly certain that was due to the boy’s own experiments. She didn’t get the sense that he was the kind to get into fights, or that this was something that had been done to him on purpose. While she’d assessed his injuries, she did not let her gaze linger beyond that; it would be impolite. Nor did she ask him about it.

Penny turned out to be a heavy sleeper. Zeno Afraval herself had to make quite a racket. The noise was bothersome enough for Linah to muffle it kinetically until their latecomer finally made her way downstairs. At this point, Linah was long finished with her food and drinks, and was leaning back into her chair comfortably as she let her digestion do its work.

She did lean forward attentively when Zeno Afraval recited their schedule. The most important part of her recommendations, however, was when she answered Onarr’s question. Linah pondered on that advice throughout the day. There were many things she was intrigued by, which might be a risk, and would certainly broaden her horizons. However, a passion? That, she was uncertain about. Was there anything she was dedicated to beyond her own survival, and the bettering of her station? No, but the latter would require many things, even things she might not enjoy doing. Then again, she might. But she didn’t think there existed any such subject which would earn her passion it for its own sake.

These thoughts preoccupied her till lunch. She enjoyed when the tour took them to areas she’d not had the chance to explore thoroughly beforehand yet, but mostly it was just a lot of shuffling around in a large group. As if they were some hapless tourists. In the end, the pointless activities were not so relevant as to let her thoughts linger on them. Instead, Linah eagerly perused the course selection papers they were handed. She was still considering the options presented when she sat down to eat, though the food in front of her did admittedly detract from that. She took opportunity of the wide selection of foreign foods on offer, trying bits of this and that.

Symphony of Espers

Jacqueline Leroux

Jacqueline sighed at the vampire’s answer. So, he wouldn’t be taunted, distracted, or bothered by jibes, threats, or obvious intent to attack. Jacqueline didn’t particularly care if she was considered stupid – she’d be injured sooner or later. If it was true that willingly shedding blood meant a different thing than having it be shed forcefully by an enemy, well, she might be fucked. But she would face those consequences herself, rather than it having endanger any one else, so she deemed the risk an acceptable one. It was a shame it hadn’t really attracted the vampire the way she though it might. But perhaps it would direct his attention if she engaged him in melee, and if not that, at least he underestimated her.

She’d noticed Su’s hand sign which warned of the danger of an ambush without making it apparent to anyone who watched that she’d noticed. She agreed with the assessment regardless, the whole set-up was indeed very reminiscent of a trap. The sole vampire, no matter how strong, likely wouldn’t have been so leisurely if he didn’t have backup either. So she braced herself for whatever may come…

And yet, was not entirely prepared for the revelation that the pianist was a caster. She narrowed his eyes at him, tracking as he waved his wand around. His words didn’t mean anything to her besides an obvious declaration for the start of the fight. Whether because that had actually been a signal or for another reason, that was when the trap around them finally sprung. Wukong, Valkyrie, and Orion were in line of a direct attack.

Well, the latter had been launched into the air more-or-less coincidentally, as she’d been right in the way of the chimera’s wild flailing. Jacqueline, who was close enough that she might be injured if she didn’t, managed to dodge. When the creature realized it had Orion at a disadvantage, it attacked, but Jacqueline saw that Orion was able to deal that by herself. As Jacqueline readied for action herself, Su was already stepping in to catch Orion, who was still vulnerable while in the air.

It might not be the best move, but staying here with the others didn’t suit her. Su was already taking the role of protecting a fellow agent, and Jacqueline thought Breacher could do all that was necessary to regroup the others and assist where necessary. If the three she’d seen were all the enemies awaiting to ambush them – which was a dangerous assumption but nonetheless one she had to make right then – it would be still five versus three if she left. Maybe the chimeric thrall or vampire or whatever he was would outright perish. If not, it still meant one of the surprise attackers was heavily injured.

This was why Jacqueline launched herself into a sprint, heading for Arzendale. She was already readying a melody, and as much as she might want to use it against the vampire, she couldn’t take the risk of not destroying the portal. When she ran past it, she launched the melody. A spiked metal ball formed, flew towards the magical gate, and embedded itself into it. Jacqueline briefly glanced at it, to see if it would be destroyed as intended or not. If it was, then one worry less. If it wasn’t, it might be a sign the enemy formed it at such strength because they didn’t intend for it to be one-use only. Since she was looking out for danger, she briefly directed her gaze backwards, to see if any of the revealed attackers would attempt to stop her.

However, she couldn’t spend all that much attention on other things; her main target was the self-proclaimed sovereign of blood. Thus, Jacqueline ran at him, readying her weapon for a strike. She’d attack as soon as she was close enough, aiming at his wand or hand. She stared at him as she approached, wishing she were faster.

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Havoc | Great Axe | Arcane | Pry
Eternal Knight | Perfectly polished
Forged Arsenal | Earth/Metal | Fissure
[Quake (2), Mass (2)] Damage X (6), AoE (2), Enhance (2), Powerful (0), Dispel (6), Shield (4)

DAMAGE: B | SPEED: D | SENTINEL: D | 500

[Bronze Projectile][Powerful][Dispel] = - 72 Mana

PHYSICAL: E | ARCANE: C | CHAOS: D | 428

Symphony of Espers

Jacqueline Leroux

When Binky confirmed there was no choice to be made, Jacqueline relaxed back into her seat. She wouldn’t mind having influence on mission parameters, but it was executed stupidly, it’d be pointless. She listened to the political explanation, and nodded at the end. It mostly made sense. The most frustrating part was the fact that Fritzi decided to save face by not using Freelancers, and now the very expected outcome of that population serving as their opponents came into being. Jacqueline didn’t think the emphasis on ‘we, the Gemini, and only the Gemini, will resolve this’, but unfortunately that wasn’t her call. So now they’d have to compete with Mavericks and Freelances, who were supposedly doing it out of good will. Jacqueline wasn’t sure she believed that, but it honestly didn’t matter.

Being assured of Lada’s cooperation wasn’t necessary – Jacqueline thought that woman was likely self-servingly smart enough not to compromise them this time. It was good to hear that their entrance would be covered. Seeing the blood barrier in action was much more exciting though; the bodies of the gang members they’d killed on the previous mission got turned into gelatinous substance and dispersed then shaped into the curved barrier. Jacqueline wondered if these particular bodies worked best because they were fresh, or if they were also used as a subtle test of Lada’s willingness to turn against her previous allies. Then again, from what she’d understood, only Lada and Rottweiler truly had a connection, so the rest of their former team having been killed likely didn’t concern them.

The door of the van opened once the barrier was formed. Jacqueline ran out with the others, following Breacher closely. Since she was near the front, she was easily and swiftly able to use Havoc to throw the door open.

She raised her brows once they crossed the threshold. The mansion was as if taken straight out of some corny vampire horror movie. Jacqueline had no idea if it was supposed to be ironic, humorous, or a genuine expression of the owner’s taste. She glanced warily at the statues – if reality followed a fantasy-inspired script, these might very well become animate. However, she soon noticed the hostages, and peered in their direction. Well, fuck. Hopefully there wouldn’t be even more blood mages this time…But no, maybe they were just to be supposed a pre- or mid-battle vampire snacks that’d empower their enemies? She wasn’t entirely sure how vampires functioned, to be honest.

The pianist stood up, ceasing the oh-so-thoughtful score accompaniment they’d had for that extra kick to the atmosphere. He was obviously a vampire, probably a formidable one given how cocky he was. He probably thought himself smart for that little poem of his, or, more likely, he was just baiting them.

Valkyrie asked permission to get a hit on him. If she thought she could without risking the hostages, Jacqueline thought she should, but didn’t say anything yet. However, she couldn’t help but snark at Wukong over the comms. “Of course, they were expecting us,” exasperation tinged her tone, “we did announce we’d be coming, just not when.” To Orion, she commented, “Well, someone does need to do something for the hostages, but, hm. If we’re assuming the vampire has to kill them himself, rather than there being a mechanism – a trap – in place…Breacher, how many could you build a wall around?”

After their brief yet furious bout of whispering – which Jacqueline wouldn’t be surprised the vampire was able to listen into – she addressed their host. “Why don’t you come earn you precious blood price yourself, huh?” Saying so, she raised her weapon-

-and proceeded to make a long but shallow cut along her unprotected palm. “Mm-m-mm?” she taunted, wiggling her lightly injured hand. Comically, she raised one leg up slowly, then took a very blatant step backwards. She then mock-gasped, “Oh, no, silly me, stepping back like this, huh?” Her words were dripping sarcasm, but hey, if the vampire was hotheaded enough to get enraged by this, or else self-absorbed enough to be willing to take the distraction and make conversation, it’d be good for them.

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Havoc | Great Axe | Arcane | Pry
Eternal Knight | Perfectly polished
Forged Arsenal | Earth/Metal | Fissure
[Quake (2), Mass (2)] Damage X (6), AoE (2), Enhance (2), Powerful (0), Dispel (6), Shield (4)

DAMAGE: B | SPEED: D | SENTINEL: D | 500

PHYSICAL: E | ARCANE: C | CHAOS: D | 500

Qualia: Mission Sub Rosa

Kiran Agnarsson

The Clocktower was beautiful. It was astounding to think of its construction; no Formulization at all! That qualified it as art in Kiran’s opinion. Not that formulized things couldn’t be too, but it was a bit different.

There was even a fountain, and seating in the form of benches. People were taking pictures, which he could understand. However, Kiran merely craned his head up instead, peering at the top. There was a balcony up top which would surely provide a great vista of the academy grounds. Steam gently rolled from its highest point.

Kiran approached the base of the tower, taking note of the basement door. Later. For now, he had a climb ahead of him. Might as well take the scenic route there when he was already there. As he ascended gradually, he only occasionally glanced out and around – the far more interesting view was the exact composition of the tower. When simple observation was not enough, Kiran gently ran his fingers across the array of machinery.

It took him a while to get to the balcony, but it was a worthwhile endeavor, and a pleasant one. At the top, he took a seat, and rested, enjoying the view.

*

Once he returned all the way down, Kiran stretched, then stood himself determinedly in front of the basement door. Cheekily, he knocked once. Then he laid a palm on the door, and sent a spark of Formulization through it to unlock it.

The Hourglass Order

Linah Aranda

_{Interactions: Onarr @Bork Lazer, Anesin @Noxious, Marlijn and Sienna Afraval @Force and Fury}

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The parade proceeded forward, a living example why the street they trod upon had been named as it was, and truly giving it its purpose. Closer to the plaza, those mounted passed off their horses to the hands of others to be stabled; in Linah’s case Valverde had taken up that task.

The crowd trekked slowly toward the center, but the closer they got, the more frenzied it became. The students begun fighting their way toward the front, and as Linah mimicked them instinctively, she saw what it was that was so coveted. An array of seating, best spots being fought over not-quite-rowdily.

Smirking at the idea of uppity nobles engaging in a behavior that they would surely term lowborn in other circumstances, Lin began weaving her way through the tightly packed group. If one ignored the scale of it, this was not all that different from making one’s way through a sale at the market. After her own judicious application of elbows and knees, Linah earned herself a decent enough spot. Close enough to serve as a good vantage point, but not so close that she’d be exposed.

Soon, speeches begun to be made, and Linah kept her gaze affixed forwards. She half-listened to the words being said, but mostly took in the atmosphere. Some were tense, some bored, some excited…But all of them select few from all across the world, there to attend at the best magical academy in existence. Despite everything, Lin was a tad proud to be there. It may not have been entirely on her own merit to have made it in – then again, who did? No matter the hows of it, she was eager to make a mark of her own, here. She would use this opportunity, and it would be to her benefit.

As the current speech dragged on, Linah noticed someone close to her left turn slightly towards her. She curiously tilted her head left, smirking and lifting an eyebrow as she caught the assessing gaze of a pale noble girl. The other girl was looking around at her peers, it seemed. Lin mentally shrugged, and righted her position until she was once again facing the current speaker. On a certain level, she could understand that girl’s fascination; seeing so many foreigners was a novel experience for her as well. In fact, it was so bizarre as to be nearly overwhelming. However, Lin had got used to it during the parade, even if it did admittedly still feel strange.

After the lengthy introductory address, something more rousing was announced: The five monarchs. Linah clapped sedately, though she was as invigorated as the rest of them. These men were all powerful; they knew it, and so did everyone else. Even if she personally didn’t care for any of them, felt bitter towards them for disregarding so many as worthless due to being so far beneath their notice, Lin couldn’t deny that they carried themselves well. They were so well practiced, one would be hard pressed to call it posturing – except in the case of the King of Perrence, she thought.

As soon as the second to last monarch of the Thrones was declared, Linah stood up. So did select few people, all Torragonese. It was a sign of respect for their king. She’d never thought about their nation’s ruler all that much, truth be told. She could see now that compared to the ostentatiousness of the others, Sancho VIII was dressed pragmatically, with little embellishments. His address had been short and to the point, only the pertinent points present, as it should be. This, at the very least, she was now able to recognize and reluctantly respect. It spoke to her Torragonese spirit, she supposed.

(Nonetheless…that ruby alone could feed hundreds of mouths for who knew how long, and that golden thread could do just the same. It irritated her.)

When the Torragonese King sat down, so did the rest of his countrymen. Once again seated, she clapped for the Doge.

When the other representatives begun appearing, Linah relaxed her hands, and simply observed. In mere moments after President Yibozo sat down, there was a shimmer of something odd nearby. Looking at it sharply, she saw the moving outline of a not-completely-disillusioned hand. An illusionist… Someone nearby asked if she saw something, but Lin didn’t have the occasion to answer. Her body had automatically tensed, and she was beginning to stand up-

-unimaginable power spiked -- light flashed -- a series of blinks-

-…Linah found herself half-crouched above the bench, as if ready to rise herself. She couldn’t fathom the reason, so was deeply confused, and sat back down. Three of the Arch-Zenos had a brief silent communication, perhaps, but she had no idea what that was about. There was no reason for her discomfiture and unease. The inconsistency reminded her of something, but she couldn’t quite put her mind to it, and the feeling of wrongness was fading rapidly. It seemed insignificant now. Lin told herself she might ask around later if anyone had experienced something odd during the ceremony. That was enough to dismiss the matter from her conscience.

Now that the brief bout of worry had passed, Linah directed her attention to the present. The most personally relevant part of the event for the students begun: the assignment of each initiate to a master. Lin amused herself playing the classic guess their age-height-weight game – but with a twist. She focused particularly on how those students carried themselves, how observant they were. She thought about how easy of a mark they’d be. If she could steal from them without notice – not that she would, of course not. (Unless someone was being unaccountably stupid with their possessions, and even then…)

Hours passed, and only a dozen of them or so remained. Now that the time of her choosing was night, Linah fully straightened up in her seat – she hadn’t exactly been slouching, but she’d relaxed. Now, she was ready to walk up to the stage the moment her name was called.

A royal Torragonese Zeno was the one to pick her. She may be a royal, but Linah though it appropriate to be with a kinswoman, especially given the recognition of their national bond. Lin walked briskly towards her new master, only peripherally observing her teammates. One was an Eskandish woman, one a small helmeted Joruban, and one a Perrench missing a leg. All of them were a curiosity in their own regard, though admittedly Linah was surprised to see someone disabled.

Regardless of newness of these people, and their peculiarities, Lin’s gaze was leveled centrally on Zeno Afraval. As her approach brought her near, she briefly greeted her in Torragonese, “It is an honour.” Turning towards the rest of her group, she switched to Avincian, “Pleasure,” and summoned a small smile for their sake.

Summary

After passing of the horse Margarita to be stabled, ‘fights’ her way to good seating. Watches and listens to the speech, pondering on the fresh start being at the academy sort of represents. Catches Marlijn’s gaze, smirks at the girl. Thinks about foreigners, then the monarchs. Has Opinions, especially about that Perrench peacock. Stands in respect for King Sancho III, as do all the Torragonese. Notices the illusion, is startled into almost-standing. After the memory wipe, she can’t understand why she’s so tense. Unable to resolve the minor discrepancy, she puts it off, refocusing on the present. Kinda up in the air if she’ll actually pursue this issue later, tbh. Watches the student selection. Is pleased at the recognition of a common national identity by her master, even if she is a royal. Greets Zeno Afraval. Briefly greets Anesin, Onarr, and Penny as well; presumably, any more will be done in a collab.

The Hourglass Order

Linah Aranda

Linah was leaning against the galleon’s railing, right elbow digging onto the wood as it supported her head, and left hand partially hanging off. She enjoyed the sea breeze, the saltiness in the air oddly appealing, and the occasional splash resulting from a particularly unruly wave more than refreshing. She mostly stared at the vast, seemingly endless stretches of water. During the day, when there were no landmarks around or no one passing them by, it was as if they were in a separate realm of their own, just them, the people on the ship, and the ocean beneath them.

It was during this strange mood of hers that Mr. Valverde found her. He was one of Na’ir’s servants, and the only person accompanying her. Officially, he was here to ease he journey; to make all the necessary arrangements for travel, manage the finances, negotiate with officials or merchants, and similar tasks. Unofficially, though everyone involved knew about it, he was there to keep an eye on her. To prevent her from ‘running too wild’ as Na’ir often worried she might when left to her own devices. Really, the man needn’t worry. She may be many things, but an idiot wasn’t one of them.

“Ah, miss Aranda, here you are, after all,” the refined (if somewhat sweaty and windswept) middle aged man greeted her. His lips twitched into a barely-there smile, but the corners of his eyes crinkled in genuine emotion.

She’d heard Valverde’s measured footsteps, and had turned towards him upon arrival, nodding. Addressing him verbally, she asked, “What is it?” and despite the brusque address, her tone was kind. Her expression had relaxed from the pensive frown it’d been set in previously as soon as she’d noticed him.

Gael Valverde looked at her carefully, assessing. “Is something the matter?” he inquired quietly.

Linah tilted her head to the side briefly. There was a reason that this man in particular had been trusted to watch her; he was observant and unafraid to pry. “No, I was only thinking,” she shrugged lightly. “This is pretty new to me,” she gestured at everything, the sea and the ship, “But, well, it is the one ship.” Unsaid was that she was getting restless, feeling cooped up a bit despite the vessel’s size or the incomprehensible immensity of the sea. Not that she was unfamiliar with the latter, having lived so near the coast, but she’d certainly not sailed anywhere previously.

Valverde nodded as if he understood her perfectly. Well, he probably did know enough of what she was like. She enjoyed being involved, and though she’d had fun chats with the sailors whenever they were off duty, it just wasn’t…there was that unspoken rift, that their work and lifestyle was and would forever remain foreign to her. Lin didn’t believe it had to be that way, but then again, a few days’ journey really wasn’t the time for her to try integrating herself with the seamen.

“Understandable, I myself vastly prefer the solid ground beneath my feet,” Valverde commented, and gestured for her to follow.

“Oh, it’s lunchtime?” Linah guessed.

Gael nodded, “Indeed.” Lin saw a brief flash of hesitance on his face; he pursued his lips as if he were about to open his mouth, but stopped himself in time.

“If you want to say something,” she said slowly, with deliberation, “don’t hold it back. No need to be all that politic when it’s just the two of us,” she offered.

“Ahh,” the man sighed, wry. “Margarita has been antsy, I’ve been told,” his voice was reluctant, lips pressing together after his admission.

Margarita was the dapple gray mare travelling with them. Na’ir had sent her with them just to artificially elevate Linah (literally and metaphorically) during the procession of the Academy of Ersand’Enise’s opening ceremony. She understood the gesture, but nevertheless thought it a bit silly. Still, given how she’d grown to love riding despite learning ‘late’ (but only according to the standards of nobles, or families like Yazath’s), she hadn’t forth any complaints. She’d arrive at the City of Ersand’Enise four days before the opening, which would be plenty of time to ride Margie to her satisfaction. “Well, I’m not surprised she got fed up staying here,” Lin said, though her eyebrows had risen up. “A ship’s no place for a creature,” she stated. “Yet, she was fine this morning,” she added, tone puzzled and questioning.

“Perhaps she can sense we are nearing the land,” Gael offered.

Linah doubted it, but said nothing. “Either way, I’ll check in on her after lunch.”

“I’d appreciate it. She’s especially fond of you. Not so of strangers – nearly kicked a man’s face in, I was told.”

Lin laughed. “Well, I’ll do my best to prevent any future injuries. Won’t be long now, as you’ve said.”

Their conversation petered out as they made it to the mess deck, joining in with the other personnel to eat. Linah was slowly but surely onset with excitement; as soon as the next morning, they would arrive at Ersand’Enise. There would be many things for her to do there, while she waited for the ceremony. Getting herself acquainted with the city, perusing the famous Merchant’s Quarter, get Margie properly exercised…Oh, yes, much to look forward to.

***

Sooner than expected, it was the day of their official welcome as students. Linah sat comfortably atop the saddled Margarita, who was behaving quite well, despite the crowd, being forced to a slow walk, and the duration of the whole event itself. They trailed at the end of the merchant crowd. Though she didn’t quite belong to that class, she’d been told there would be a few other non-merchants mounted. Besides, not many people paid attention to her specifically. Even if they had, she’d been trained sufficiently that she’d not let her discomfort show regardless.

Admittedly, there was plenty to divert her attention. At the front, there was a speech (she presumed), and then the leader of the group performed a magnificent light show. Leon Solaire…She’d heard of him, of course. Besides admiration for his magical skills and excellent showmanship, she didn’t have much of an opinion on him. He did seem the sort who’d be good to make an acquaintance of, so Lin supposed she’d have to put in some effort to do so.

One other followed Leon’s lead, and created a fiery wolf. Appreciative, Lin lightly clapped, many others doing the same. Some had been emboldened when they saw someone beside the famous performer doing his bit, and followed the second’s bravery. Linah amused herself by comparing the spectacles by their aesthetic, inventiveness, and skill involved.

The only thing that slightly soured her mood, was when the crier called for “The Torragonese Lady Linah Aranda, patroned by Na’ir Yazath!”

Of course, the infuriating man had to have his name added. Scoffing under her breath, confident that no-one would hear her, she returned her gaze to the sky, letting herself enjoy the remaining examples of what competitive beginner students of magic could create for fun when they put their minds to it.

Since she had her head tilted up, she saw when some boy was catapulted through the sky and right into one of those light shows. What, a failed stunt? she wondered. Lin followed his flight trajectory, feeling very much confused and a tad horrified as he sailed through the skies. When she saw him knock into the balcony where the nobility was, the dread was so acute, she had to avert her eyes. She blinked her eyes quickly, pretending the light had dazzled her.

As she sat there, thinking on the scene, her heart begun beating faster, her throat suddenly dry. She’d merely seen it happen, and she wanted to escape. Oh, that poor boy…Barely arriving at the academy, and he’d already committed social suicide. Linah sighed, and with a barely visible shake of her upper body, put the recent memory out of her mind. While she was aware she could help, she wouldn’t stick her neck out just because she’d felt a brief pang of sympathy for a stranger. If he lived to tell the tale, and didn’t become an outcast based on this events, perhaps she could ask him some time what he’d thought he’d been doing, making such a fool of himself.

Summary

A scene from Linah’s voyage, introducing Margarita, her steed-to-be for the ceremony, and Valverde, a servant of the Yazath family. Then, the welcoming ceremony itself. Mostly observes things. Does notice Vyrik, but chooses not to get involved in that mess.

Symphony of Espers

Jacqueline Leroux

Jacqueline was once again being driven somewhere, mildly bored. Still, the anticipation of an oncoming battle was enough to prevent her from dozing off. Even though she’d prefer to occupy herself somehow, professionalism prevented it. Otherwise, she might have pulled out her phone to play Tetris, or something. As it was, she’d spent some time by inspecting the agents around her. She supposed, after their dinner, she knew Su the best. Valkyrie, Silhouette, and Wukong had been there on the previous mission, but she’d only briefly interacted with Valkyrie. Orion was the newbie, so she’d not even met her yet.

Maybe after this mission, she should try get to know some of the others. The tense awkwardness of this silence, where no one really knew another, and wasn’t willing to make small talk – even if it would just be about mission related stuff – was annoying.

Thankfully, that was when Binky briefed them on the situation. The way Jacqueline understood it, they’d be taking the front entrance, which would have been too risky under usual circumstances, but would now be rendered safer due to the recently captured blood mage. Jacqueline wondered if the woman was getting paid, or if she was doing that just to exercise her arcane muscles. It seemed to her that Binky mentioned the back entrance just to make it a point that’s where they would have had to go if they hadn’t the blood mage. Well, that, and to relate it to the information about the Maverick henchmen being their direct competitors this time.

It was due to this supposition of hers, that she was entirely taken aback when the discussion of a vote began. “Quoi?” she expressed her confusion, in a rare occasion briefly falling back to her mother tongue. She shook her head, and looked from Valkyrie to Silhouette. “Who ever said anything about a vote?” though she’d glanced from one coworker to another, it was more or less a rhetorical question. Frowning, she thought back on what exactly Binky said. She realized that her words may imply a choice that was for them to make…But that was really unusual.

For one, Jacqueline didn’t believe she or any of her coworkers present here (with the exception of Binky) had the kind of clout to make such a decision. It wasn’t just a minor here-or-there alteration of a mission parameter either. It was the kind of judgement that carried political weight. If they went through Bastion, Maverick’s new base in Pax, wouldn’t they be basically announcing they were ready and willing to take the whole of Maverick on? That seemed a bit premature in her opinion. For another, asking them to decide now wasn’t in accordance to the rule of TPO. Only the occasion was somewhat (though questionably) appropriate. The time and place…Well, if they picked the front entrance, and the blood mage was neither willing nor ready to assist, what would be the point of them being made to choose or going exactly there in the first place?

Finally, she looked towards Binky for clarification, raising her brows in wordless question. If they really were supposed to have the final start as to their entry point, she’d give her assent to a frontal assault. It was the more sensible option, for more than one reason.

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Havoc | Great Axe | Arcane | Pry
Eternal Knight | Perfectly polished
Forged Arsenal | Earth/Metal | Fissure
[Quake (2), Mass (2)] Damage X (6), AoE (2), Enhance (2), Powerful (0), Dispel (6), Shield (4)

DAMAGE: B | SPEED: D | SENTINEL: D | 500

PHYSICAL: E | ARCANE: C | CHAOS: D | 500

Qualia: Mission Sub Rosa

Kiran Agnarsson

Since Shou wasn’t in the apartment any longer, Kiran departed with a wry shrug, heading to the public denouncement on his own. He frowned in disappointment to see the charred remains of the library. If Bermuda had had any rare tomes or original prints – possible – how much knowledge had been lost? And how much money?

Du Bordeaux was named the culprit. Kiran would find it a likely supposition even without evidence, even if the lack of any such thing would not move him to hasty judgements. However, in this event, there was plenty of evidence. Caught at the scene of the crime, weapon in hand, photographed during her brazen pyromaniacal venture. It seemed pretty clear cut to him that she was indeed guilty. He was somewhat dubious at students handling the whole trial, though.

Perhaps a similar motivation drove Franz to speak up for Jeanne. He was similarly curious as to who the mysterious vigilante was, and what his role in all of this had been. Franz did have a point that the unknown person’s motives and actions could be suspect. Of course, the suspicion of the unknown individual in question and Jeanne’s guilt could certainly be true at the same time.

Surprisingly, quite a few people seemed to take Jeanne’s ‘side’, as it were. At the very least, she had some friends, allies, or simply people fond enough of her to provide her with a defense. Once it became clear that all that was to be said was said, and a group of volunteers formed, Kiran departed with the crowd. He did not especially care about Jeanne’s fate; admittedly, he was sore and bitter at the library’s destruction, and the sight of the named (but not yet entirely proven) criminal made him uncomfortably irrational.

Thankfully, he had better things to stew than bemoan what’d already passed or stew in ineffectual emotions.

***

His first agenda for the day was investigating the clocktower. Perhaps its activation was truly a mere warning for the start of the curfew. But it could also be physically tied to the activation of the Starsteel Formulization. That’s why Kiran took a walk, strolling towards the tower in question. If he could, he’d go inside, see the sights. Well, that’d be his excuse anyhow. If access was forbidden, he might have to talk to some people.

Though, if it was too much of a hassle, he’d give up for the day. He did still have to secure himself a working space for his project, after all, and he intended to do that today as well.