[23:44] The Devil says, "Hi hi~"
[23:44] The Devil asks, "Want some help?"
[23:44] Maria Malibu says, "Mm."
[23:44] Maria Malibu nods!
(Maria Malibu)


[23:44] Queen Stinnox [NPC] has inflicted an injury upon Maria Malibu. ("Monster Injury", "You're recovering from a close encounter in the wild.", "Temporary", "Duration: Short (1 day)")
[23:45] Maria Malibu gives a thumbs up as thanks!
(Maria Malibu)


[23:46] The Devil waves with both hands.
(The Devil)


[23:46] Maria Malibu thinks, "...What a wierdo...."
[23:50] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "-hi, Maria!"
[23:50] Delvika Koz says, "--we ran out of quiches.. but I hope this will do."
[23:50] Maria Malibu waves!
(Maria Malibu)


[23:50] Tab Blackdress gasps!
(Tab Blackdress)


[23:50] Tab Blackdress asks, "Oh my goodness all for me??"
[23:50] Tab Blackdress says, "Okay now I really do hafta get you that sushi."
[23:50] Maria Malibu points at Chuggums, she'll be back soon!
(Maria Malibu)


[23:51] Delvika Koz says, "I'll make more quiche for sale-- if at some point you'll wish to visit again.."
[23:51] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "-that was fast!"
[23:51] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "Of COURSE I would!"
[23:52] Maria Malibu pats her chest. She was just that good!
(Maria Malibu)


[23:52] Tab Blackdress applauds Maria!
(Tab Blackdress)


[23:52] Delvika Koz smiles joyously to the two.
(Delvika Koz)


[23:52] Tab Blackdress asks, "-what about you, Maria? Do you want anything to eat?"
[23:52] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "She's a chef, too!"
[23:52] Tab Blackdress says, "She actually is why I learned how to cook, hehe."
[23:52] Maria Malibu says, "Ehe..."
[23:52] Maria Malibu says, "Umm-..."
[23:52] Tab Blackdress presents Maria!!
(Tab Blackdress)


[23:53] Maria Malibu stomach would growl! Perhaps she was a bit hungry...
(Maria Malibu)


[23:53] Tab Blackdress says, "Super-duper good donuts..."
[23:53] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!"
[23:53] Maria Malibu says, "...Yum."
[23:53] Tab Blackdress asks, "Hm... sandwich? Pudding? Muffin?"
[23:53] Delvika Koz says, "Ah-ha-- it's relatable.. I wanted to practice cooking just to give my husband something to eat when he works.."
[23:53] Tab Blackdress nods in agreement.
(Tab Blackdress)


[23:53] Maria Malibu shrugs! She'd have anything at this point!
(Maria Malibu)


[23:53] Tab Blackdress says, "I give a lotta what I make to my-"
[23:53] Tab Blackdress says, "-aheh. My b-boyfriend."
[23:54] {Item} You picked up Pork-and-egg Sandwich And Fries!. Dropped by Tab Blackdress..
[23:54] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!!"
[23:54] Delvika Koz shields her mouth with a palm in a giggle.
(Delvika Koz)


[23:54] Tab Blackdress gives Maria a FULL MEAL! Woah!!!
(Tab Blackdress)


[23:54] Maria Malibu is collided an entire pallate of deserts. Somehow, someway, she collects them all!
(Maria Malibu)


[23:54] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!!!"
[23:54] {Item} You picked up Vanilla-fudge Swirl. Dropped by Tab Blackdress..
[23:54] {Item} You picked up Extra Crunchy PB&J. Dropped by Tab Blackdress..
[23:54] Maria Malibu says, "Th-thank...."
[23:54] Maria Malibu says, "Thank you."
[23:54] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "Of course!!"
[23:54] Maria Malibu says, "...Tab-..."
[23:54] Maria Malibu says softly!
(Maria Malibu)


[23:54] Tab Blackdress gasps to herself.
(Tab Blackdress)


[23:54] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "Oh my GOSH!!!! You said my name!!!"
[23:54] Tab Blackdress says, "EEEEEEEE-"
[23:55] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!!"
[23:55] Tab Blackdress wraps Maria in a big surprise hug! It's soft and sweet and encouraging!!!!!
(Tab Blackdress)


[23:55] Maria Malibu smiles! She is taken a bit back of the head! But the blush there all the same...
(Maria Malibu)


[23:55] Delvika Koz clasps her palms together once in amusement; She doesn't really get the importance of that little interaction, but she seems nevertheless happy for the two.
(Delvika Koz)


[23:55] Maria Malibu says, "Hehe..."
[23:55] Tab Blackdress says, "Hehehehe-"
[23:56] Tab Blackdress says, "Okay I will be RIGHT back Miss..."
[23:56] Delvika Koz says, "Ah-ha.. such jolly visitors today.."
[23:56] Tab Blackdress taps her chin.
(Tab Blackdress)


[23:56] Delvika Koz says, "No, no-- truly.. I was going to retire for the night anyway-- it's quite alright.."
[23:56] Maria Malibu says, "...Ah-..."
[23:56] Maria Malibu says, "M-..Maria..."
[23:56] Delvika Koz exclaims, "The offer alone is pleasant enough!"
[23:56] Tab Blackdress says, "Oh, are you sure? Well- let me just give you the sushi I have on me, then."
[23:56] Maria Malibu points to herself, nodding and introducing herself.
(Maria Malibu)


[23:56] Tab Blackdress says, "I can't hold onta it all day or it'll go bad."
[23:56] Delvika Koz says, "Doh-- if you insist.."
[23:56] Delvika Koz says, "And ah-- I'm.. Delvika.."
[23:56] Delvika Koz asks, "I take it you are.. Tab, then?"
[23:56] Tab Blackdress says, "-oh! I'm Tab-"
[23:56] Tab Blackdress nods.
(Tab Blackdress)


[23:56] Delvika Koz exclaims, "What an interesting name..!"
[23:56] Tab Blackdress asks, "Delvika's a nice name! You know they say you can tell a lot about a person by their name?"
[23:56] Delvika Koz says, "Well-- Tab, and Maria.. we hope to make this place a little safer as soon as the undead activity tones down.."
[23:57] Maria Malibu asks, "Mm?"
[23:57] Tab Blackdress asks, "If you need any help you can let me know, okay-dokie?"
[23:57] Maria Malibu cocks her rifle. Perhaps she was offering to exterminate some undead?
(Maria Malibu)


[23:57] Delvika Koz says, "Our neighbors from the east offer a lot of help-- we plan to construct a small fort here.."
[23:57] Tab Blackdress pouts towards Maria!
(Tab Blackdress)


[23:57] Maria Malibu points to herself, nodding confidently.
(Maria Malibu)


[23:57] Tab Blackdress says, "Oooh."
[23:57] Maria Malibu says, "Wh-.."
[23:57] Tab Blackdress asks, "Actually... do you need resources?"
[23:57] Delvika Koz says, "Honestly-- if you can give us some mercenary contacts to address for protection of this area.."
[23:57] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "I can!"
[23:57] Delvika Koz says, "That's going to be all the help we need."
[23:57] Maria Malibu pouts back at Tab! She wanted to shoot things!
(Maria Malibu)


[23:57] Tab Blackdress says, "Aricles Alline."
[23:58] Maria Malibu says, "Hmph..."
[23:58] Tab Blackdress nods!
(Tab Blackdress)


[23:58] Delvika Koz says, "Aricles Alline! I'll remember.."
[23:58] Maria Malibu says, "...Ummm"
[23:58] Maria Malibu sways herself back and forth! She was a mercenary too!
(Maria Malibu)


[23:58] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "An' Maria!"
[23:58] Maria Malibu huffs!
(Maria Malibu)


[23:58] Maria Malibu exclaims, "Mhm!"
[23:59] Delvika Koz says, "--Ah-ha.. okay! I'll speak to my husband about you too then.."
[23:59] Tab Blackdress works around an astonishing amount of mercenaries for a pacifist that doesn't care about money.
(Tab Blackdress)


[23:59] Maria Malibu says, "M-..Malibu-.."
[23:59] Maria Malibu says, ".."
[23:59] Maria Malibu says, "Maria-..."
[23:59] Maria Malibu says, "M-...Mali-...malibu."
[23:59] Maria Malibu nods.
(Maria Malibu)


[23:59] Delvika Koz asks, "--O-Oh, Miss Malibu..? You-- know her..?"
[23:59] Maria Malibu says, "Mhm."
[23:59] Maria Malibu says, "Uh-..."
[23:59] Tab Blackdress says, "Her daughter."
[23:59] Delvika Koz says, "We have some.. drinks from the Iron Maiden--"
[23:59] Maria Malibu exclaims, "Mhm!"
[00:00] Delvika Koz exclaims, "Ah! Ohh!"
00:00]

[00:00] Delvika Koz says, "I used to work on your mother then, ah-ha.."
[00:00] Tab Blackdress asks, "On?"
[00:00] Maria Malibu chuckles.
(Maria Malibu)


[00:00] Delvika Koz says, "A cook, while my husband was tending the bar at her tavern on the islands.."
[00:00] Maria Malibu says, "Aww-..."
[00:00] Delvika Koz says, "Erh-- not the islands, sorry.."
[00:00] Delvika Koz says, "Nilhirra."
[00:00] Tab Blackdress says, "Ooooh."
[00:00] Delvika Koz asks, "Was it..?"
[00:01] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "Yeah, that's right!"
[00:01] Maria Malibu says, "Mhm."
[00:01] Delvika Koz says, "The settlement that was lost some time ago.."
[00:01] Maria Malibu says, "...Home."
[00:01] Maria Malibu says, "...W-was..."
[00:01] Delvika Koz says, "No no-- can't be it.."
[00:01] Tab Blackdress asks, "Korcula...?"
[00:01] Delvika Koz asks, "Nyflhelm..?"
[00:01] Tab Blackdress says, "Oh, mm-"
[00:01] Tab Blackdress says, "Iunno."
[00:01] Delvika Koz says, "An ookami village.."
[00:01] Maria Malibu asks, "Mm?"
[00:01] Maria Malibu didn't seem to remember. She might have been to young!
(Maria Malibu)


[00:01] Delvika Koz says, "One of her taverns was there-- that's where we worked."
[00:01] Maria Malibu pats her chest. She will tell her mom that Delvika said hello!
(Maria Malibu)


[00:01] Delvika Koz says, "A nice place, many visitors! The daemonic menace took it, unfortunately.."
[00:01] Tab Blackdress says, "Oh, I'm sorry. They shouldn't do that..."
[00:01] Delvika Koz says, "They had to join with Dal'Thala, and-- well.. the populace shunned my husband for being a cambion."
[00:01] Delvika Koz says, "We had to cut our contacts since."
[00:01] Tab Blackdress asks, "A wha?"
[00:01] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[00:02] Delvika Koz asks, "--Cambion! You-- haven't been here often?"
[00:02] Maria Malibu ponders, "...Well things seem to be different now, yes?"
[00:02] Tab Blackdress tilts her head to the side.
(Tab Blackdress)


[00:02] Maria Malibu thinks, "...Maybe Momma remembers."
[00:02] Delvika Koz says, "We're Koz.. his name is Stiltzkin."
[00:02] Tab Blackdress says, "I don't think I've seen him."
[00:02] Maria Malibu thinks, "I might have been too young..."
[00:02] Maria Malibu ponders...
(Maria Malibu)


[00:02] Delvika Koz says, "He's a free cambion living here-- a whole host gathered after him, both magi and not.."
[00:03] Tab Blackdress says, "Whassa cambion."
[00:03] Delvika Koz says, "One of our less magically gifted friends was tasked to sell our goods--"
[00:03] Delvika Koz says, "Hum.. how do I explain.."
[00:03] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[00:03] Maria Malibu asks, "...Hy-..b-...brid?"
[00:03] Maria Malibu says, "...Hy-...brid."
[00:03] Maria Malibu says, "..Uh-..."
[00:04] Tab Blackdress asks, "Ooooh. 'Tween what and what?"
[00:04] Delvika Koz says, "A daemon can twist a human being into a cambion. They are like you and I, but-- horned, and more.. inclined to the occult--"
[00:04] Maria Malibu tilts her head to the side. She seemed uncomfortable, trying to speak...
(Maria Malibu)


[00:04] Delvika Koz exclaims, "Hybrid is a right word!"
[00:04] Maria Malibu exclaims, "...Y-yes!"
[00:04] Maria Malibu nods.
(Maria Malibu)


[00:04] Delvika Koz says, "My husband wasn't turned one, however-- he was born one."
[00:04] Delvika Koz says, "He fled from his old masters, and.. well.. here we are."
[00:04] Delvika Koz says, "We've known each other since our childhoods, ah-ha.."
[00:05] Delvika Koz says, "Well, hum-- we'll see how he likes the sushi when he comes back.."
[00:06] Delvika Koz says, "Thank you once again for this treat, Miss.."
[00:07] Maria Malibu says, "Mm..."
[00:07] Maria Malibu asks, "T-tea?"
[00:07] Maria Malibu tilts her head at Tab. Maria seemed available! If she wanted to hang out now!
(Maria Malibu)


[00:07] Tab Blackdress blinks, dazed.
(Tab Blackdress)


[00:07] Tab Blackdress says, "Aha- sorry, I spaced out."
[00:07] Delvika Koz says, "Oh-- also.."
[00:07] Maria Malibu waves her hand over her face!
(Maria Malibu)


[00:07] Delvika Koz pulls over the satchel from her hip, and taps a small silver medal hanging on the side.
(Delvika Koz)


[00:07] Delvika Koz exclaims, "If you-- ever get hurt.. I'll be more than happy to patch you up!"
[00:08] Maria Malibu tilts her head at Tab. Maria seemed available! If she wanted to hang out now!
(Maria Malibu)


[00:08] Maria Malibu says, "Ah-"
[00:08] Maria Malibu nods!
(Maria Malibu)


[00:08] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "Oh! That's so sweet!!"
[00:08] Tab Blackdress says, "I'm pretty clumsy sometimes, hehe."
[00:08] Delvika Koz says, "Well.. enjoy your day now, dears--"
[00:08] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "I'll be sure to let you know!"
[00:09] Maria Malibu says, "Y-you...too...-"
[00:09] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "You too!! Sleep well!"
[00:09] Delvika Koz says, "Ah-ha-- I do sincerely hope I won't /have/ to heal you.."
[00:09] Maria Malibu thinks, "...Might have to heal me..."
[00:09] Maria Malibu was very reckless!
(Maria Malibu)


[00:09] Tab Blackdress asks, "Humm... do you wanna go to my place?"
[00:09] Maria Malibu exclaims, "Mm. Mhm!"
[00:09] Maria Malibu says, "Y-yes."
[00:12] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!"
[00:12] Tab Blackdress says, "-oh-"
[00:12] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "We can spend time in the boat, too, if you'd like!"
[00:12] Maria Malibu says, "Erm-..."
[00:13] Maria Malibu shrugs! She didn't seem to mind! Just as long as there was something that can brew tea!
(Maria Malibu)


[00:13] Maria Malibu ponders, "...I still remember how to make tea, right?"
[00:13] Maria Malibu buzzes, "...Of course you do!"
[00:13] Maria Malibu thinks, "...I think."
[00:13] Maria Malibu thinks, "Maybe she wont notice if I wing it."
[00:13] Tab Blackdress says, "Hummm..."
[00:13] Tab Blackdress asks, "Have you been inside our place here, yet?"
[00:13] Maria Malibu shakes her head.
(Maria Malibu)


[00:13] Tab Blackdress asks, "You haven't, have you?"
[00:13] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "Then c'mon!"
[00:15] Maria would gaze about the abode. It seemed the tinest bit cramped! With the woman having to guide her way through the interior, making sure her coat wasn't caught on anything.

She eventually finds a way toward the couch, taking a seat and acting as polite as she could. It was obviously difficult for Maria to express herself. Especially to Tab, who she couldn't simply use Telepathy with like everyone else.

It was back to square one, as Maria reacts with mere gestures and facial expressions. At the very least, she seemed appreciative that she didn't judge her for muteness! Always happy to take care of her when needed.

Maria was still a bit embarrassed about her drunken shenanigans. And the little telepathy incident....

"!!!"

Maria rises from her seat! Following Tab as she gestured for her to follow!
(Maria Malibu)


[00:16] Maria Malibu says, "Phew..."
[00:16] Maria Malibu thinks, "Much more spacious..."
[00:16] Tab Blackdress says, "Aaaand."
[00:16] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!"
[00:16] Tab Blackdress exclaims, "Tada!!!"
[00:16] Maria Malibu says, "Ooooh"
[00:16] Maria Malibu says, "P-p..."
[00:16] Maria Malibu exclaims, "Pretty!"
[00:16] Maria Malibu nods!
(Maria Malibu)


[00:16] Tab Blackdress asks, "Hehehe. Where do you wanna sit?"
[00:16] Maria Malibu gazes at the piano and musical instruments specifically! They catch her eye!
(Maria Malibu)


[00:16] Maria Malibu asks, "Hm?"
[00:16] Maria Malibu exclaims, "Oh!"
[00:17] Maria Malibu takes a seat on the couch!
(Maria Malibu)


[00:21] Tab happily takes a seat next to Maria, placing a cup of tea for each of them- before rubbing the back of her neck nervously.

"Um. I really am sorry about the other day, aha..."

She looks a little ashamed for not being able to handle telepathy well. Communication is important.

"So, um- That's still hard to me, but I thought that maybe, um- I mean, I'm still learning, but-"

Tab brings her hands in front of her. She spends several seconds just fidgeting with them, trying to get them into a certain position.

"I spent a few days just practicing at home... Um. I'm not too good at it, but I can do my best."

After some more fumbling... something clicks in her head, and she properly signs-

""

She pauses with a pout, then tries again, spelling out-

""
(Tab Blackdress)


[00:25] {Item} You picked up the rooibos tea. Dropped by Tab Blackdress..
[00:25] {Item} You picked up the rooibos tea. Dropped by Tab Blackdress..
[00:25] {Item} You drop the rooibos tea.
[00:29] Following Tab into a more spacious place! She'd breathe a sigh of relief. Maria did seem a little uncomfortable inside the ship...perhaps some level of claustrophobia?

The gaze in the woman's hues felt melancholy. As happy as she was to spend time with Tab, a friend she's known since she was a teenager, it felt as if she didn't deserve it. After hurting her during that telepathy incident, and especially after having the girl carry her to bed in a drunken state.

Maria felt oddly vulnerable.

But was this a bad thing? It was impossible to tell, as Maria couldn't quite express herself. Still, she gazed about the spacious interior of their home. A beautiful place, and quite spaciously decorated as well. Her eyes glancing about, gazing at every nook and cranny the woman's home had to offer to her...

"Mm."

Maria shakes her head. She points to herself, as if trying to say that she was the one who shouldbe sorry. The last thing she would want was to hurt a friend, after all.

Her anxiety wanes over time, however. The gentle smell of tea raised toward her nostrils, washing away whatever awkwardness or anxiety that lingered in her heart.

It was here that Maria realizes just how much of a challenge it was to express herself again. The crutch that was telepathy had worked for so long, but what would she do when unable to talk to someone at all?

"!!!"

Maria gazes at Tab. She smiles softly, chuckling to herself as the sign language is sent her way. She'd halt her giggling, gesturing back her own words.

she says right back. The fact that Tab would learn sign language just for her?

She couldn't help but blush.

she signs back. Maria was slow with her own gestures. Having mastered it a while ago, she understood how to allow and teach Tab how to gesture right back.

Maria gestures. Slowly enough that Tab can put two and two together.

A little segmented, to make it easier for her to understand.
(Maria Malibu)


[00:41] Sorry? What would Maria be sorry for? Sure, she hurt her, but didn't all of her friends...? As long as she was happy!

Tab's eyes stay on Maria's hands the whole time with surreal levels of focus. She blinks slowly at first - and then, with less time spent thinking - begins to sign again.

She giggles excitedly. A way to talk with Maria that actually worked? It was taking her a bit to remember all the diagrams, but having them performed in front of her was helping...

Me"> No, wait, that wasn't right. She shakes out one of her hands to indicate to ignore the last sign.

She hesitates a moment, thinking. Replaying back Maria's sign in her head.

And then, she does another 'scratch that' motion, before trying her sentence again, dramatically more naturally this time?

Tab was picking up signs dramatically faster than should be expected, especially given how stiff her initial words were.

she signs idly, thinking for a moment - though again, with less and less time in each hesitation. Blinks. Thank You"> - 'scratch that', again -

And then... an even more natural sentence-

Tab looks at the two cups in thought for a moment.
(Tab Blackdress)


[00:53] Maria tilts her head. A better glance into Tab's eyes. Was there something buried in there? Something she didn't know quite much about yet?

Did they share the same melancholy?

Or something entirely different?

"Hm..."

She looks at Tab inquisitively. A surreal level of focus, as if the girl was staring into Maria's very soul. It was true, Tab was always a positive and joyful person. But looking into that focused, unblinking gaze...

She couldn't help but feel something was off.

"Ah."

she applauds her friend! Her own gestures are performed slowly in front of the girl. And with time, she'd also express what each gesture or signal meant.

Some level of trial and error was to be expected, of course.

She sees her cross out the last sign, nodding alongside her gestures. It was here that Maria would try and practice with Tab. Enjoying her time, helping her through the motions that was sign language.

"Mm!"

She nods in approval. Noticing just how quickly she'd adapt. It surprised Maria. Not even she or Lavenza could adapt so fast to something like this...

"Yeah!" Maria nods, answering the woman's gestures. It was remarkable how fast she was answering and learning. Especially at the pace they were going.

Maria answers enthusiastically. She takes another sip, once again allowing it's flavor and smell to fill her senses.

Maria wouldn't gesture full sentences. Not yet, at least. Mostly to give Tab an avenue to understand her and not feel overwhelmed.

(Maria Malibu)

[01:08] Tab responds with a curious - and somewhat anxious - look of her own. She'd been stared at, before. A lot.

Like, a lot a lot.

Like a lot.

And every time it was for a different reason, with different intentions. She was always under someone's gaze, wasn't she? Always being judged. She had to be perfect, all the time, because if she wasn't, someone might get hurt.

Tab Blackdress can relate to Maria's melancholy more than either of them can really imagine. Each of them had their own unique stressors, but they also shared maybe too much in common.

"Uh- aheh." Tab laughs nervously, before forcing her attention back towards the signs.

'You? Pretty? Yes?'

Tab glances away with a nervous blush. Was she mixing up her signs, again? Surely.

'Your house. It is pretty.' Yeah, definitely. Someone dismisses her own confusion with a befuddled blink at first.

'I love it!' "I happy"> Scratch that. What should take months of acclimation and practice was taking Tab a matter of minutes of conversation.

Unfortunately, if there was a specific sign for every type of tea, she didn't know it. You gotta spell some things out.

She raises her hands to tap her chin before lowering them again to add a follow up. - Okay, there's no way most of those words were in whatever guide she may have read. What?

She points towards Maria.
(Tab Blackdress)


[01:22] Maria's gaze was gentle, for the most part. As if trying to deduce the woman's feelings. Something deep within her. Maybe Maria can relate, the feeling of being stared at.

Feeling like you didn't belong.

She wouldn't know what Tab held in her heart. Tab might not even know what Maria might have held in hers. But that seemed alright. Maria simply wanted to spend time with her friend. Something she hasn't done in quite a while.

It was...difficult making friends.

And yet Tab gave the mute girl a chance, it would seem. Even going as far as to learn sign language just for her.

It meant the world to Maria, even if she couldn't say it.

But she wouldn't gaze at Tab out of expectation. It was one of the way's she can speak, was using her eyes. And she'd find something similar, lurking within Tab.

It was almost like looking into a mirror.

"..."

Maria breaks her gaze. Perhaps she knew what it felt like. Always being judged for what she was, rather than being given the chance to express who she truly was. Perfection was a necessity.

For it was because Maria wasn't perfect that her siblings were taken from her.

"..."

These thoughts linger. She was looking into a mirror, once again. Misunderstood, always being judged for something she couldn't control. Something no one can understand.

...Maybe Tab can.

If not just the slightest bit.

Actions and expressions, spoke louder than words in this instance. She gazes back at Tab, softly. Repeating her gestures with her own.

"..."

Maria's blush was also present. She had gotten mixed up herself! That was a rarity!

Another question launched at her, but she gives Tab room to breathe! Agentle nod as she continues to watch her gesture. Still, surprised to see just how quickly she'd adapt.

"Ah."

She nods, taking a sip of the Rooibos tea. Canary hues glance at her once again, Tab was speaking full sentences now?

It caught her off guard

There was no actual word for 'wayfinding' in sign language. It was here that Maria expresses the art of simply combining simple words and phrases together. In this instance, combining the word for 'way' and 'find' into one singular gesture.

she was content with her gestures. Yet seeing how quick Tab would adapt...

Her gestures wouldn't be so segmented. It was as if Tab had suddenly grasped the concept in what would take a normal person days, if not weeks to learn.

"..." She giggles, yet it was clear it caught the little Maria the slightest bit off guard.

It caught her interest, Maria gazing at Tab with intrigue...

(Maria Malibu)

[01:40] eyes and eyes and eyes and eyes and

Unprompted, Tab clears her throat. Wraps her cloak around herself a little tighter as she leans forward in her seat. Opens her mouth as if to speak- decides against it, closes it. Her vision darts around the room like a dragonfly- then quickly recovers, turns back to Maria.

"...do you want a hug?"

She felt an inexplicable, painful tension in the room all of a sudden. She just wants Maria to feel okay, be happy.

There was an agonizing familiarity, there. The more she tries to ignore it the more she feels it.

She takes her hands out of her cloak to continue their other conversation in sign language in the meanwhile.

No, not quite.

She smiles softly.

Tab sips her own tea during the little break.

Path searching? What's that? Like... going exploring or something? Why was Maria saying it as one word, though- a flash of realization hits Tab. Wayfinding! Of course.

Nope. Another warm smile.

Herself?

She takes a pause to point towards both the instruments and the art studio in the room. There wasn't a word for pictobox. Could she invent one, like Maria did?

How was she learning so fast?? That question confused her. Wasn't she learning at a normal pace?
(Tab Blackdress)


[01:52]

"..."

It impressed Maria, how fast the woman learned. Still, she'd continue her gestures. She'd pick up the pace and slow it down whenever needed. For the first time in a while, she found herself connecting to the Blackdress in a way she never had before.

It meant the world to her, to be able to express herself. Her voice, her soul..

Everything.

Maria giggles, nodding and smiling at the woman's expressions and gestures. She was a natural! And now that she can properly speak with Tab, she can properly express herself.

"Mhm."

she giggles. Perhaps Maria was too hard on herself. It was no doubt that Lavenza learned twice as many things as they ever did. She never quite understood how they kept up with it all.

""

"Thank you." she utters softly. Taking a sip of her tea.

"...Friends..." the girl utters. She goes over to a nearby plant, caressing it's leaf in a gentle manner. Maria's voice was entirely soft, yet less raspy than it used to be. It carried a rural accent, yet it was hard to decipher at the moment. Given how soft her real voice was.

"Heh..."

Yet it was at the cusp of their conversation that Maria finds Tab speaking to her normally. A gentle query, sparking surprise on the woman's features.

"I-...wh-.." she tilts her head, eyes furrow, gazing into melancholy as Tab gestured toward her.

'Nothing to be sorry for.' she said...

"..."

It took a while for Maria to answer, yet she would with her own voice. She places a hand on her throat, forgoing eye contact for the time being to ponder.

So many eyes...

Tab leans forward, just one of the many eyes. Her gaze darts back to Tab, watching her myriad of expressions as the question would linger.

Was that tension so severe?

"I-..."

"..."

"Yes..."

"..."

A soft voice echoes from her lips. Maria seemed embarrassed. Was the look in her eye so heavy that Tab had noticed it so easily?

The pain that came with being mute, unable to express yourself?

The pain that came from living this life and all that it would entail?

Agonizing familiarity, as she gazed into those crimson hues.

Maria nods. Allowing for Tab to give her a embrace well deserved.

It was as Tab said.

There was nothing to be sorry for.

None of it was her fault.

None of it...

"..."
(Maria Malibu)


[02:05] "Mhm."

Perhaps Tab's understanding of what 'learning' actually consists of was a little different than Maria's. Whatever it was, though, seemed to be working just fine.

The pain Maria had of not being able to communicate was something that Tab didn't believe she should have to go through. Of course she wanted to learn sign language. Maria had her... other method, but that was still too loud for Tab to deal with.

Everyone deserves to be happy. Everyone deserves to have a friend. So if telepathy wouldn't do, it was up to her to find out something else.

It seems, however, Maria had made a fatal mistake. Had she forgotten Meranthe's one-and-only hug-magician's other specialty - compliment magic? Goaded by her initial success, she presses the advantage with a bright smile!

Consecutive full sentences, even if simplistic in content.

In a world of grey? Pain was all too familiar. Of course it hadn't escaped her sight.

Delicately, Tab comes forward to Maria, out of her seat, and with all of her hug-magician powers-

gives Maria a much needed hug. It's soft and comforting and sweet - all wonderful things for a hug to be. And yet, with the subtle lingering power of illusion - and something else - it's also things a hug can't be.

The hug is a night on the balcony. The hug is finding cover under a tree in a sudden rainstorm. The hug is a two-AM snack, getting up from your bed from insomnia - and a chat, too.

The hug is a reminder that everything is going to be alright. That she cares.

"You are so important to me. I love you, okay? An' I want you to be happy. I know it seems tough sometimes, but you're doing your best, and that's what counts, right? I'm always gonna be here for you."
(Tab Blackdress)


[02:20] Everyone deserved to be happy, didn't they?

So why was it so hard for Maria?

Why was it so hard for her to move on?

"..."

None of it was her fault. Levius's and Lavenza's deaths, her muteness, her inability to socialize as well as her peers. It was never her fault.

And still, she at least tried...right?

"I-..."

"..."

Maria doesn't move. Tab lingers forward, colliding with the girl in a gentle embrace. She might feel the woman's heart beat as she collided with her, a rapid pulse that would only grow more rapid and rapid with the passing of time.

Arms wrap around Maria, pulling her in close, as the little gunslinger does the same for Tab.

Luckily, both compliment and hug magic would combine to perform a deadly duo. Already, she feels relieved from just a mere gesture. And for the first time in forever? For that single, tiny, small second...

She feels as if she might be able to move on.

...Just...just maybe...-

"!!!"

The combination of magics causes Maria to blush feverishly. Smart, pretty, AND talented? Now Tab was just being a little too kind for her own good!

Who said she wasn't those things though?

...That's right. Herself.

"Uwh-..."

"Heh..."

"Th-...thank you..."

"Tab..." Maria smiles, saying the woman's name once again. In that soft, tiny and rural little voice of hers. Something she had always been so scared to admit.

There was a reason she was mute, it would seem. Perhaps it was all encased in fear and anxiety.

An anxiety whisked away.

"M-...me-..."

"...Me too!"

"..."

Maria nods fervently. Her soft voice raises, producing a bit of a rasp, yet expressing her heart once again.

"..Me..."

"...Me too.."

"..."

A comforting gesture. Amongst all the pain in the world, would Maria know that she still had people to rely on. People to trust.

She was still so scared. What if she lost her too? What if she lost everyone she has gone close too? Could she handle it again? The heartbreak?

All of that sorrow?

"...L-love....y-you..."

"...Too." Maria says. Caught in this embrace, feeling the warmth of this illusion. Basking in naught but all it had to offer.

It almost felt too good to be true.

And yet a question still lingers..

Just who was Tab?

And why was everything about her so, so familiar...?

That hug felt familiar. It felt as if it was something akin to hugging her own mother, the most comforting feeling Maria can compare this too.

Everything was going to be alright.

And she can move on.

Of course she can.

Maria lingers forward, holding tight to the woman's embrace. She takes great care to not cause another telepathy accident. Merely holding her in her embrace, her heart beating wildly at every second Tab had held her.

The shadows of her heart fade.

And it is here that Maria realizes that she didn't have to be scared anymore.

Not now, not when she has people to look after her. Not when people still cared for her, flaws and all.

Even if Maria didn't know it, she was braver than she thought.

She'd only make the same promise to protect Tab. With every bone in her body, to never feel that pain ever again.

Tears fall, echoes of whimpers dropping from Maria's hue. Why was she crying? Didn't she know it was going to be okay?

Perhaps it was okay to let it out every once in a while...
(Maria Malibu)


[02:20] * You have been awarded 1 Levels! * [02:38] Oh - oh no. Maria was crying. Did she do something wrong??

No- she was holding on tighter. This was good. Probably.

A little caught between possibilities, Tab isn't one hundred percent sure whether to steady the kindness-attack or lay off. She settles on slowing it. Her heart, too, is a rainstorm, a pitter patter that's grown into a rapid ba-dump ba-dump ba-dump.

Now was the time for reassurances. "It's alright. You're fine. You're safe here. Take as long as you need."

She's careful not to move her own hands around too much. The back of her mind still replays that harrowing look in Maria's eyes on the night Tab brought her home.

Trauma.

It takes no trivial amount of concentration from Tab to telepathically suppress something - many somethings, in fact.

Quieter than the rest of her words, Tab admits something she almost never does. Maybe it's because of the red bow, making her braver. Maybe it's because she thought it's what Maria needs to hear. Maybe it's just because she can't hide it any longer. It comes as a whisper in her ear. "I know what it's like to be hurt, too."

And then that's too much to admit, not without lightening the subject. Maybe a LITTLE bit more compliment magic is in order. "Your voice is lovely, you know?"

Tab shows no signs of wanting to pull away. She'll stay for however long Maria needs this for.

It's okay. You're safe. You're loved.

She is so, so thankful that Maria couldn't see her own face right now, to hide the vibrant red hues of her blush. Phew.

"I'm not goin' anywhere."
(Tab Blackdress)


[02:55] The tears were silent, uttering from her hues with hardly a weep. The occasional whimper, as Tab held on to her. Tighter and tighter, Maria feels her heart beating with a fervent pulse once more.

She was a beet red, as if the poor girl had a fever induced onto her. Perhaps it was a swirl of emotions and thoughts that ailed her that caused it so. Or simply the close proximity to someone so dear.

Still, Maria's heart wavers. The shadows and the pain that marked her as someone vengeful and tired. Of someone filled with hate for the world that had ignored her so?

It was gone now.

It was a good thing that Tab was such a good influence on her, for it was because of her that Maria would take the harder, yet more moral path.

She didn't need those shadows anymore.

"..."

Maria simply basks in silence, her heart beating louder and louder as it collided with Tab's. She knew her trauma did not define her, she knew that it was because of all of it, that she was the person she was today.

She wasn't a vengeful person, nor was she hateful. She held true to her own beliefs. Her own justice.

And her love.

So Maria does take up in her offer. Taking as long as she needed to quell her emotions. To take those deep breathes, and guide her trauma toward the past with gentle motions.

The look on that woman's face, the bite on her neck, the hatred in her eye.

The image of a dead brother and a dead twin.

Guns pointed at her and her home.

Blood and violence, given naught but a nonchalant glare.

All of it.

Even something as simple as a rock thrown at her face when she was a child.

It didn't matter now.

"..."

Maria didn't have to suppress it. She didn't have to forget. But she didn't need to linger either.

Nor did she have to be alone.

"Y-you...do...?" Maria asks softly. Holding tight to the woman who would coddle her.

"...It's...o-okay...too..." she says softly. It took every inch of Maria to speak. To open her heart to another. To express herself without the fear or anxiety of losing them again.

Small steps, tiny and fragile. But there nonetheless.

"Heh...hehe...r-real...really...?"

Another fervent blush. Maria widens her eyes. Was she talking now? It felt so easy. No longer did it take triumphant amounts of efforts. The words simply slipped from her lips.

"You...too-.." Simple, soft, and somewhat raspy words. But it was an attempt, nonetheless. A sign of her potential. That someday, Maria too can speak.

All she head to do was open her heart again.

The duo both knew what it was like to be hurt. To have your soul and your heart break in two. For Maria, it was a never-ending cycle of torment, her siblings dying back to back. Fighting foes that reminded her of her darkest insecurities and hatred for herself. Her frustrations because she couldn't speak...

It did not define her, did it?

Maria knew who she was.

Deep down in that heart of hers. She knew fully well who she was.

And no longer would she hide her truth.

Maria exits the embrace, her breathes were raspy. Her heart still beating, being this close to Tab. She finds her gaze droopily locking onto the woman's. Still caught in her embrace, yet taking the time to look into her hues once again.

To look plainly into that mirror.

Something would click in the mute's soul. It didn't feel right, yet at the same time...

"..."

Silence, lingering mere inches from the woman's lips. Tab had promised she wasn't going anywhere, right?

Maria hadheld it in for so long. But being so close to her? With mere touch being enough to activate all of the emotions writhing in her brain?

She'd hope Tab would forgive her, as it seemed Maria had failed to curb her desires.

She couldn't help herself, nor would she deny her feelings.

She was tired of denying her emotions, of denying who she was, and denying herself a chance to express something to another.

Maria's lips linger closer. And a little closer, bit by bit. She doesn't outright reach Tab's own just yet. Perhaps some of her sense was still there, but the action was certainly evident.

It was up to the other if she wanted to recuperate. As the poor Maria had failed to hide her feelings...
(Maria Malibu)


[03:23] whatwhatwhatwhatWHAT

A million trillion emotions all push their away into Tab's mind. Love, hate, confusion, fear, panic, despair, wonder, loneliness, awe.

A perfect storm.

The mind-static was drowning, deafening to her. What does she DO? What is she supposed to feel? Where does she go from here?? Did she do something wrong, or right?

Why was this all so HARD?

Sheer nonrecognition covers Tab's eyes, a semi-dissociative state. She's completely lost her previous concentration - and a previously well-put-down memory intrudes on her, a kiss stolen. Everything hurts so much.

But...

She loved Maria. And she meant it when she said that. Is this what that means, then? To feel that way? It was a feeling she felt so often, and so strongly, and yet she barely understood it on even a conceptual level.

Other faces creep into her mind, too. What about Aricles? Or, for Maria- Kateto? Was this normal, for Tab to feel this way about multiple people? Would they understand?

Tab's dissociation devolves - or perhaps evolves - to red-faced befuddlement. This was all so, so overwhelming.

But... looking at Maria's face, feeling her desperation. She couldn't- she couldn't possibly say no, could she? It would hurt her far, far too much. And- Tab wasn't sure she wanted to.

Tab is under so, so much pressure. All the time. It gets to be too much. She cracks. She doesn't know what the perfect choice is. She doesn't know how to make everybody happy, to share her love.

Too much thinking. Too, too much. The thinking gets so painful, so much, so so much, until she just

stops.

A single drop of water rolls off a leaf and falls.

Outside, a windchime rings, swayed by the wind.

With a little hesitation- Tab leans forward, as well. Keeps going, just until they just barely touch Maria's. Not quite completing the kiss, not yet - but willing to. Leaving it to Maria.

The sound of her own heartbeat fills her ears. And so- to drown it out, to keep some semblance of calm-

she shuts her eyes.
(Tab Blackdress)


[03:46] The very same emotions that was a whirlwind inside Tab's mind. It was the very same in Maria's.

What was she doing?

Why was she doing this?

"..."

A perfect storm of ravaging emotions, as the girl lingered forward. She wanted nothing more than to stop herself. Was she just like her mother? Who was this but just another to add to the collection of kisses she has had with others?

Did it matter to her as much as Maria thought?

A million, trillion emotions. Maria couldn't describe it better herself. She hated herself for giving in. This was not who Tab was to her...

Who was anyone to her?

Why was it all so difficult!?

Why does she feel this way so easily? What did any of it mean!? Why?

'Why? Why? Why? Why?'

"!!!"

A lingering silence. All of those thoughts forgone, as her lips cross her own. Was it mere lust, just like all the others? Or a true, fervent desire for love?

Maria couldn't bear it. Why she did this to people. Why she kissed people, only to break their hearts the next day. What did all of this even mean!? Had she truly fallen for anyone at all?

Or was just another illusion?

Did it matter?

"..."

Maria was young. She made mistakes. Was this one of them...she wondered? Or would it be caught in a veil of silence once again.

It was all so hard. So difficult. All of it.

Kateto, Esoti...

Now, Tab.

Who was meant for her and who wasn't?

Tears fall from Maria's face. It was as if the gunslinger knew what she was doing was wrong. Immoral, even. But she couldn't help herself. Maria is caught in a veil, a dissociative state, as her mind finds naught but the desire for the taste of the woman's lips across her own.

It felt so good, didn't it? No alcohol, no drugs, no sense of vengeance or bounty can ever compare to what she wanted to do.

"..."

Perhaps this would be the worst mistake she's made.

Maria stops.

"..."

A sense of morality. Her dissociative state, keeping her from going forward.

Love was a feeling Maria too felt so often and so strongly. She barely understood it. Was what flowed through her mind merely lust? Or did she still not know who she was?

She too, wonders if they'd understand.

It was all to much.

Something was wrong.

"..."

It was as if the world was in slow motion. An echo of time and thought, a ravaging whirlwind, all caught in her embrace.

...This wasn't right.

"..."

Maria couldn't speak, as she finds herself lost in a state of dissociation. She lingers backward, moving away from Tab and instead, gazing at the grandfather clock mere inches from the wall.

Maria's breathes wane, the tick of it's arms, all that she can hear admist the gentle chime of wind outside, the droplet of water colliding against the concrete patio.

It would seem like it was daytime, wasn't it?

"..."

"T-Tab..."

"I don't-..."

["I don't want to do this..."]

"!!!"

Her eyes widen, catching glimpse at the woman's state that she had put her in. All of the pressure and happiness, all because Maria couldn't withhold her desires...

"N-...no..."

"What-..?"

["What did I do?"]

["What did I do? What did I...what did I...?"]

Her panicked breathes catch her. If only she had met her senses earlier, if only she did not force the poor woman into this state of emotion and overwhelming.

Oh, Tab would hate her forever, wouldn't she?

And so would Aricles.

"Hah...hah..."

A single drop of water falls. An echo of a windchime rings against a gentle wind.

Was it morning already?

"..."

Still, a kiss placed upon her lips. A bittersweet one. Gazing into those eyes, the closest she has ever been.

...She realizes just what Tab was.

Human emotion was so painful, wasn't it?

It was overwhelming, even for Maria.

...She can only imagine what Tab went through.

"..."

She looks to the side, finding Aricles. No doubt having witnessed the scene in it's entirety.

Again, does it ring through the gunslinger's psyche.

["...What have I done...?"]

She could feel something was wrong, deep down in her heart.

Was it worth it?
(Maria Malibu)


[03:50] A helmed man walks in through the door to his bedroom, having sensed the mana signatures of people inside.
A little plan to surprise Tab before he heads back to the Frontier. That exosuit finally had an artificer.
Walking in to-
"Hello, T-"
Huh?
What on Eternia is going on me?
"Er- What?
Tab?"

A knock of confusion to his skull. Weren't Maria and Kateto involved? And for that matter, he and Tab were. A part of him had worried she might be taken advantage of in such a way, just as her kindness and desire to help others put her in danger so often. But even in the cynical, experienced mind of a mercenary, he never expected it to actually happen.

Two fingers on his gauntlet snap, loudly. It sounded like two metal pipes dropping onto the floor, if with more intensity than usual. Gauntlets were left humming in vibration in the aftermath.

"Maria. Please wait outside while I speak with Tab."
A frigid calm. A return to how Aricles once sounded. The monotone, calculating mercenary.
(Aricles Alline)


[04:03] every day she can feel it

the little garrote wire around her neck

and today

today it was so tight

it squeezed and cut into her neck in horrible, terrible anguish

suffocating her

she brings her hands up to pull it away but its so so tight

digs her fingernails under it as it pulls into her flesh

and it wont come out and she is more and more and more desperate until her nails RIP OFF and blood drips out but its not enough

A sense of unearthly horror sunders Tab as Maria pulls away and she opens her eyes.

Aricles.

And Maria-

'T-Tab... I don't-...'

She's made a horrible mistake. This was all her fault. She cracked from the pressure and she hadn't just hurt one but two people, deeply. What was she supposed to have done? What was the right decision?

Tab's silent for a moment- for all too long a moment. For a moment that seems to last forever. It's unclear if she's even breathing.

She wants to scream. She wants to cry. She wants to say she's sorry. She wants today to have never happened at all.

This was her fault, wasn't it? She let herself stop being perfect. Just for a second. And THIS is what happened.

Guilt and anguish force their way into her lungs. Her eyes fixate on the floor in a terrible, stunned state.

She can't shut the memories out anymore, not now, not even a token effort of resistance. It's all so painful.

Everyone who loves her hates her.

That's the only explanation. That's why they always take what they want. If she couldn't live with that, she couldn't be a good person, she couldn't help them.

Could she do that, for them? Be perfect?

Tab breaks the silence with a wracking sob, burying her face in her hands.

Everything is so grey. She just wanted to help. And she'd messed it all up again.

She didn't deserve to be happy.
(Tab Blackdress)


[04:08] It was all her fault...

As that garrote wire tightened, as Maria finds the consequences of her actions laid bare. There was naught more she could say but the tears flowing from her hue.

"T-Tab...?"

"N-..."

"..."

She'd want to reach out and help. She wanted to help her! She wanted to make up for all of this!

Hadn't she done enough...?

All of this, so a selfish little woman can be happy.

For just a moment in time.

"Wh-...what-...I can-..." Maria wouldn't know what to do. Watching as her friend was caught in naught but anguish.

There was nothing you can do, Maria.

She had done enough.

Thought writhing in her psyche, as the girl simply takes her things and walks out. She knew she was of no help now, she knew she had broken the poor girl.

And she'd blame herself forever for it.

A single moment of lust, so that you can be happy?

She'd hope it was worth it.

Maybe now Tab would know how it felt.

To want to scream, to want to cry and say you are sorry.

But being never able to do so.
(Maria Malibu)


[04:09] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[04:11] Maria Malibu says, "Heh-...hah...wh-...ngh..."
[04:11] Sakri Mugen exclaims, "Oh, hiii!!!"
[04:13] Maria walks out. Seeping breathes linger from her lips.

Tears pouring through a broken dam as she walked out.

What have you done...?

'What have you done, Maria?'

"..."

"AAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHH!"

"...."

"...."

She pulls her pistol, lingering it forward toward her chin. Digits mere inches from the trigger, shakily waiting for the courage to pull it.

Until...?

"..."

"...."

Maria's hues find the bat. She lowers her pistol...staring deep into Sakri's hues.

"..."

Maria couldn't speak anymore. But she had so much progress, hadn't she? She tried to speak Sakri's name.

Only for nothing to linger.

"Sa-...sa..."

"..."
(Maria Malibu)


[04:18] nera had no idea what was Happening she just arrived to the saphire bay to see how this littel Island is doing only for her to see a blond haird Woman to. put a pistol to her chin to try to take her own live...……

ears perking up. before nera would use some her beastkin aglity. and her wings and a bit of time trickery to Propeell her self Forward in time or slow it around for the others. and rush over to the blond hair Woman. to With Force. altough gently

Steal the Pistol from her so she cannot try to do what she saw again

"mine now."
(Nera)


[04:18]
The ever so carefree bat wanders about the islands, in search of fairy powder in order to make pocket change and... apparently get plentiful experience from it all.

She watches Maria take out her gun, watching it aim towards her own self, followed with hasty steps rushing to stand before the shorter woman. (Sakri grew, haha!)

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?"

And soon, the doctor in training lands a bitch-slap worthy of a thousand legends onto the cheek of the gunslinger, while her other hand wraps its fingers around the barrel of the gun. As little as context may be involved in the matter, to see someone hold a barrel up to their head in broad daylight? Awful.

Probably the first time she used the nerves by her brows so harshly in her life, forming a mean frown over her visage as she silently scolds the woman before her.
(Sakri Mugen)


[04:19] Aedin Tanis says, "Ahoy, miss."
[04:19] Nera says, "Hooooy"
[04:19] Aedin Tanis waves slowly.
(Aedin Tanis)


[04:26] "Agh!"

Maria would yank away from the Felinae before she even had the chance to take her pistol. Nera would only be able to grab the barrel, before she pulls away. As potent of a Magi Nera might have been, Gravity magic had kept that pistol tight at in her grip

No one touches that pistol but her.

...But how cruel of a fate would be to end your own life with your brother's revolver?

"..."

She glares at Nera, seeping, wavered breathes exiting her lips. She was whimpering, tears still flowing from the woman's face. Caught in nothing but misery.

She holsters it. Glancing now at the carefree bat. Her breathes suddenly calm. The mere presence of this stupid, dumb child calming her woes.

Of course, Maria couldn't forget what she had done.

Might as well have killed her, Tab Blackdress.

Might as well have put that bullet in her temple and pulled the trigger.

How could she forgive herself?

"...I-..."

"Hah..."

"..."

She couldn't speak anymore. All of that progress, left to naught.

Back to her old self, it would seem.

A hearty slap breaks her suicidal train of thought. It breaks her trance. Sakri was right.

What the fuck was she doing?

She shakes her head at Sakri, now much taller! And while any other moment would bring a smile too her face?

Maria lingers. She plants herself next to Aricle's house,palms forced upon her face. She curls up into a little ball, knees planted at her cheeks. One side hurting much more than the other...

That slap had certainly done some work.

"..."

Maria coddles by the house. The pain and sorrow, knowing that she had hurt both Tab and Aricles so much...?

It was unbearable.

(Maria Malibu)

[04:29] "Agh!"

Maria would yank away from the Felinae before she even had the chance to take her pistol. Nera would only be able to grab the barrel, before she pulls away. As potent of a Magi Nera might have been, Gravity magic had kept that pistol tight at in her grip

No one touches that pistol but her.

...But how cruel of a fate would be to end your own life with your brother's revolver?

"..."

She glares at Nera, seeping, wavered breathes exiting her lips. She was whimpering, tears still flowing from the woman's face. Caught in nothing but misery.

She holsters it. Glancing now at the carefree bat. Her breathes suddenly calm. The mere presence of this stupid, dumb child calming her woes.

Of course, Maria couldn't forget what she had done.

Might as well have killed her, Tab Blackdress.

Might as well have put that bullet in her temple and pulled the trigger.

How could she forgive herself?

"...I-..."

"Hah..."

"..."

She couldn't speak anymore. All of that progress, left to naught.

Back to her old self, it would seem.

A hearty slap breaks her suicidal train of thought. It breaks her trance. Sakri was right.

What the fuck was she doing?

She shakes her head at Sakri, now much taller! And while any other moment would bring a smile too her face?

Maria lingers. She plants herself next to Aricle's house,palms forced upon her face. She curls up into a little ball, knees planted at her cheeks. One side hurting much more than the other...

That slap had certainly done some work.

"..."

Maria coddles by the house. The pain and sorrow, knowing that she had hurt both Tab and Aricles so much...?

It was unbearable.

(repost)
(Maria Malibu)


[04:33] Aedin had walked into a bit of a mess, judging by the roller-coaster of actions that Maria went through... a figure held in great respect, having her revolver out without any reason? That is very suspicious...

Though Maria's integrity as a person is not called into question... her stability is. The curious giant approaches, standing next to the bat, having paid only the quickest of glances to the money-grubbing batkin. His attention is purely focused on Maria, worry marking his face as he squats, next to her. A hummingbird pestering him for attention is sent away, with a motion of his hand... this is a serious moment.

He is markedly taller than the last time Maria saw him, adorned in the black-and-white cloak of the Bastion, as he puts a hand on one of his knees, and reaches out to wave the other in front of Maria, trying to get her attention.

The giant signs, slowly, if the gunslinger deigns to look at his hand. If ignored or not noticed, he soon speaks, calm and soothing, worried voice making its way to her:

""

(Aedin Tanis)

[04:34] Nera scatters a few meters away since now people who know here. beginn to handle the situation!
(Nera)


[04:37]
The bat watches the woman curl up into a ball just on the ground, crouching down by her herself as an arm loops around her back for a loose hug, plentiful room to squirm out of if there was a need.

Her initial rush of adrenaline calms down, a much calmer tone asking shortly after a sigh.

"...What's wrong?"
(Sakri Mugen)


[04:41] Nera would bow her head gently
(Nera)


[04:41] "Kil..."

"...Killed her..."

Maria continues to shiver, caught in her little ball. All that would come to mind was her mistakes.

Could this woman ever come to love again?

Did she even know what it was?

How would she know that a kiss would kill her?

How many times has she hurt her?

"...K-i...killed..."

The woman finds herself in a rather emotional and dissociative state. All this, so she can have a moment of joy.

Such a selfish little woman, she was.

Maria's integrity? A woman of great respect?

Hardly.

The giant hardly knew what she was.

A selfish, broken, and tired woman. One who might as well who had just killed her friend.

Of course, how can she explain any of this except from meek words?

"I...killed her..." she says softly. She does mark the giant's hands. But she was an emotional mess, at this point. Caught between many memories of her mistakes and actions. Realizing her selfishness. And how it being stemmed from loneliness marked no excuse.

She never made herself this vulnerable. Not to anyone, really. Not Sakri. Not Aedin.

Only her siblings. And even that was a rarity.

She eventually calms her emotions. A soft breath, tears wiped away. Her chest rises and rises and rises, whimpers escaping her lips.

Eventually, she gestures. She speaks.

she says. Sakri was mere inches away. She looks into the little bat's eye, marking a soft, yet melancholy smile.

She rubs her cheek, as she hugs her. Did Maria deserve this? After what she's done?

She'd offer Aedin to translate for her. Mere actions being louder than words, as she touched the not so little bat's cheek.

She didn't want to worry her.

"...Bad...um-..."

"..."

She huffs. No words can leave her lips. Her pain was too much, after all. She simply shakes her head, calmer now, yet still weeping silent and soft tears.

(Maria Malibu)

[04:43] Nera says, "Nera will withdraw....from this since there are people now who know this miss......."
[04:44] Nera places a wooden plate with some steamy baked poatos and sour cream before flattering off
(Nera)


[04:44] Aedin Tanis says, "Oh."
[04:44] Aedin Tanis exclaims, "Take care, iss!"
[04:49]
The wings of the batkin flap once nervously, as the words are spoken. A concerned look alongside a tilted head looks over the curled up woman, soon turning her gaze towards the house as she lifts herself up to stand on her two legs.

"...Right- I..."

She approaches the house, timid steps signaling the fear and anxiety building up in her form, gods knew what horrifying sight awaited her just inside, after all. But she had to be sure, surely there was more to this than her simply deciding to murder someone, right?

Signs of struggle, or anything that may be a clue for self defense or anything of the sorts. Even a mistake was acceptable, perhaps.

"...One moment."
(Sakri Mugen)


[04:49] Aedin's eyes grow wide, unclear as it may be in which manner. Surprise or horror... close enough, to each other.

He turns to the bat, translating out-loud what Maria has signed, his worry growing by the second:

"She said she did something terrible... that she thinks she just killed her friend."

Soon, Aedin signs, quiet, exasperated, bringing a joint of soothing-reed to his mouth, lighting it with fire magic. He's going to -need- that. He takes a drag, and ponders a moment, searching for words... what does one even say in a situation like this?

He asks, out loud, perhaps deeming that leaving Sakri out of it might be a bad thing to do:

"Slow down... you couldn't'a done such a thin'. Tell us what happened, have a seat in'nat bench."

He does not bother, for a mere second, to conceal his accent and vernacular, as he usually does, marking towards the bench, or any of the tables close by...Maria has some explaining to do.

That is a -heavy- accusation, after all... and one the giant doubts she could truly be capable of.
(Aedin Tanis)


[04:50] Aedin Tanis says, "...You keep her calm, I'll check inside."
[04:51] Aedin Tanis asks, "'is is where she came out of, no?"
[04:51] Aedin Tanis points to the house.
(Aedin Tanis)


[04:51] Sakri Mugen says, "Hel no, wait your turn, shrimp."
[04:52] Aedin Tanis flicks her forehead, and pulls out a paper and a feather pen, black and white.
(Aedin Tanis)


[04:52] Aedin Tanis says, "Is Aricles inside, or close-by? I'll write, if not."
[04:52] Sakri Mugen sticks her tongue out.
(Sakri Mugen)


[04:53] "..."

Sigh

A deep breathe. A gentle gesture.

With the help of Aedin, Maria rises. She'd chuckle, finding Sakri to investigate the scene with such bravado and clarity. If only the little bat knew, this was something she couldn't solve herself.

Maria takes a seat. The tears were dried by now, but that heavy feeling deep in her heart? It still weighed on her.

Everything.

Her selfishness cost the life of her friend. Or it might as well have...right?

No words can be spoken, her gestures coming to her aid once again. At least someone here, knew sign language. Someone who could understand her.

"Heh...hehe..." she giggles softly as Sakri sticks out her tongue. A small joy to her face, if not melancholy.

"..."

She sits, gesturing slowly, and heeding the giant's advice.

Slow and steady...

That was all she'd say.
(Maria Malibu)


[04:54] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[04:55] Maria Malibu says, "<I shouldn't have done that...>"
[04:55] Maria Malibu says, "<I don't know why...?>"
[04:55] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[04:55] Maria Malibu stops gesturing, leaning back on the couch.
(Maria Malibu)


[04:55] Sakri Mugen says, "Um."
[04:55] Sakri Mugen says, "There's... nothing dead in there."
[04:56] Maria Malibu sighs...
(Maria Malibu)


[04:58] Maria Malibu asks, "...?"
[04:58] Maria Malibu looks toward Sakri...
(Maria Malibu)


[04:58] Sakri Mugen tilts her head.
(Sakri Mugen)


[04:58] Sakri Mugen asks, "...'Sup?"
[04:58] Aedin Tanis says, "You really shouldn't... have."
[04:58] Aedin Tanis says, "But... it's okay."
[04:58] Maria Malibu says, "...No-..."
[04:58] Aedin Tanis says, "We're only human, after all."
[04:58] Maria Malibu shakes her head. She shouldn't...
(Maria Malibu)


[04:58] Maria Malibu says, "<I'm stupid,>"
[04:58] Aedin Tanis says, "There's a solution... there must be."
[04:58] Maria Malibu pats the bat's ears...
(Maria Malibu)


[04:58] Maria Malibu says, "<I was told to wait outside...>"
[04:58] Aedin Tanis says, "Right."
[04:59] Aedin Tanis says, "I doubt I could do much, even if I went inside."
[04:59] Sakri Mugen says, "No... there are locked rooms, I couldn't check those."
[04:59] Aedin Tanis says, "I think it's equally somethin' to do with her as much as it is with you... she's strange enough, by herself, already."
[04:59] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[05:00] Maria Malibu had her theories, but she wouldn't say them, out of respect for Tab.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:00] Aedin Tanis crosses his arms, leaning on the railing of the stairs.
(Aedin Tanis)


[05:00] Sakri Mugen says, "I don't even know the person."
[05:00] Maria Malibu says, "<"I-...i'm so lonely...">"
[05:00] Aedin Tanis says, "Me neither, not too well-"
[05:00] Maria Malibu says, "<"I don't know what I want...">"
[05:00] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[05:00] Aedin Tanis says, "You're not lonely... there're people who care for you."
[05:00] Aedin Tanis asks, "Your family?"
[05:00] Maria Malibu says, "<"I'm a bad person.">"
[05:00] Maria Malibu says, "Y-yes...."
[05:00] Aedin Tanis says, "Now, now, no need t' beat yourself up."
[05:00] Sakri Mugen puts her own hand on the woman's head.
(Sakri Mugen)


[05:00] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[05:01] Sakri Mugen says, "...I mean..."
[05:01] Maria Malibu smiles softly.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:01] Aedin Tanis says, "You're not bad, you merely make mistakes, we all do."
[05:01] Sakri Mugen says, "You're the single lady in the... triangle, I think the fault falls on those that did swear into commitment."
[05:01] Aedin Tanis says, "...Probably."
[05:01] Maria Malibu says, "<"I hurt her. I made a big mistake...">"
[05:01] Maria Malibu says, "<"...I shouldn't have done that...">"
[05:01] Maria Malibu sighs.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:01] Aedin Tanis says, "A mistake is a mistake, big or small."
[05:01] Aedin Tanis says, "Y'didn't intend to hurt her."
[05:01] Aedin Tanis says, "That's what matters."
[05:01] Maria Malibu says, "No..."
[05:01] Maria Malibu shakes her head.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:01] Sakri Mugen says, "Yeah, ju's a lil' kiss."
[05:02] Maria Malibu says, "Tch-..."
[05:02] Maria Malibu rolls her eyes at Sakri, playfully.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:02] Maria Malibu grabs her palm! Now Sakri can hear her through telepathy!
(Maria Malibu)


[05:02] Maria Malibu says, "<And what, you've kissed someone before?>"
[05:02] Aedin Tanis quietly takes long drags at the joint. He's contemplating.
(Aedin Tanis)


[05:03] Maria Malibu says, "<You're too young for that sort of stuff, Sakri...>"
[05:03] Maria Malibu says, "<I made a big mistake. And now? I don't know what to do. I thought I was better than that. You know?>"
[05:04] Sakri Mugen says, "Uh... not really, no."
[05:04] Aedin Tanis says, "...Oh, telepathy? Nifty."
[05:04] Sakri Mugen says, "Though this is the third time I am witnessing a relationship drama."
[05:04] Aedin Tanis remarks, cupping his forehead and pinching the bridge of his nose.
(Aedin Tanis)


[05:04] Maria Malibu says, "Gwuh..."
[05:04] Maria Malibu says, "<You'll understand someday...>"
[05:04] Sakri Mugen says, "One time some guy tried to kill someone's clan member for her love, one time someone tried to coax a friend into an open relationship-"
[05:04] Sakri Mugen says, "This is third."
[05:04] Aedin Tanis says, "Bizarre."
[05:04] Maria Malibu shakes her head.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:04] Maria Malibu let's go Sakri's palm, going back to gesturing!
(Maria Malibu)


[05:04] Maria Malibu says, "<"I don't think I...deserve love.">"
[05:04] Maria Malibu says, "<"I guess that's why I hurt myself.">"
[05:06] LOOC - Maria Malibu: (normally `think is telepathy stuff
[05:09] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: still speaking with tab??
[05:09] PM from (OOC)Aricles Alline: Aye
[05:10] PM from (OOC)Aricles Alline: Likely for quite a while
[05:10] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: dam...
[05:10] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: out of curiousity what did i do to her?
[05:10] Aedin Tanis asks, "What makes you say that?"
[05:10] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: im gonna assume shes a synth and i overloaded her somehow
[05:10] Maria Malibu shrugs.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:10] Aedin Tanis says, "Surely you can't be part of the few people in this world that do not deserve love."
[05:10] PM from (OOC)Aricles Alline: god you dont know the LORE
[05:10] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: I do not, LOL
[05:10] Aedin Tanis asks, "And... you hurt yourself?"
[05:10] PM from (OOC)Aricles Alline: this mf is a LOT
[05:10] Sakri Mugen says, "Yeah, like tax collectors."
[05:10] Aedin Tanis only barely holds his grimace, only squinting at the blonde.
(Aedin Tanis)


[05:10] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: I figured she might be a synth? But idk.
[05:10] Aedin Tanis says, "Pf."
[05:10] PM from (OOC)Aricles Alline: without spoilers. may as well be made of untempered glass with every person on the planet carrying hammers in both hands
[05:10] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: I hope i didnt fuck her up too bad. Maria is absolutely beating herself up rn
[05:11] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: Like Maria literally can't forgive herself. She is VERY selfish, but she's starting to realize her consequences is not 'hehe im a outlaw lmfao' and that her being selfish has genuine consequences
[05:12] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: Anyway I didn't mean to cuckplot. I just rolled a extremely low roll and had to play into my character >_<. So i hope there's no hard feelings.
[05:12] Maria Malibu says, "Pfft."
[05:12] Maria Malibu chuckles at the 'tax collector' bit.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:12] Maria Malibu says, "...Yeah..."
[05:12] Maria Malibu sighs.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:13] Maria Malibu says, "<I hurt myself by breaking other people's hearts.>"
[05:13] Aedin Tanis says, "...Damn."
[05:13] Aedin Tanis says, "Kind of poetic."
[05:13] PM from (OOC)Aricles Alline: It's alright, something like this was going to come up eventually (as her rp just before i walked in showed... not the first), just glad i happened to walk in during. More ticked off about what may have happened in the past from other people
[05:14] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: Maria did stop herself, knowing what she was doing was wrong. I wouldn't have kissed her but i rolled a ONE and had to play into Maria's selfishness
[05:14] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: but yeah. poor tab :(. unsure of Maria can forgive herself anytime soon
[05:14] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: good rp tho
[05:14] Maria Malibu says, "...Esoti..."
[05:15] Maria Malibu says, "...T-Tab..."
[05:15] Maria Malibu says, "...Kateto..."
[05:15] Maria Malibu sighs.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:15] Maria Malibu says, "<I don't know how to love, I think.>"
[05:15] Maria Malibu says, "<It's scary.>"
[05:15] PM from (OOC)Aricles Alline: Expect Aricles' arrival sometime in the future (if i havent stepped outside while you're still online)
[05:15] Aedin Tanis says, "I doubt it's something you can -know-."
[05:15] Aedin Tanis says, "It's probably more... instinct."
[05:15] Maria Malibu says, "<When I was little. People used to hurt me. They used to make fun of me. Because i'm mute,>"
[05:15] Aedin Tanis says, "But whadda I know? I'm fifteen."
[05:16] Maria Malibu says, "<...I suppose I never grew up from thinking I wasn't useless.>"
[05:16] Aedin Tanis says, "...Oh."
[05:16] Aedin Tanis translates the rather grim bits to Sakri, out loud.
(Aedin Tanis)


[05:16] PM to (OOC)Aricles Alline: She'll write a letter and confront him sometime anyway. Im getting sleepy, so it might have to be later!
[05:16] PM from (OOC)Aricles Alline: It's also quite late for me
[05:16] Aedin Tanis looks at Maria, sympathetically... not speaking just yet, seemingly in search of words. He does feel for her, though, that much is clear. Poor Maria.
(Aedin Tanis)


[05:16] Maria Malibu says, "<Instinct?>"
[05:16] Maria Malibu says, "...May-...maybe..."
[05:16] Maria Malibu nods.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:17] Maria Malibu says, "<...My instinct has...gotten me ino trouble.>"
[05:17] Maria Malibu says, "Mm..."
[05:18] Maria Malibu thinks, "What am I doing? Talking to a bunch of kids..."
[05:18] Aedin Tanis says, "...Maybe."
[05:18] Maria Malibu thinks, "I guess they're innocent. They wouldn't quite understand just yet."
[05:18] Maria Malibu thinks, "...Sweet boy though, Aedin."
[05:18] Maria Malibu smiles at Aedin.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:18] Maria Malibu says, "...Thank you."
[05:18] Maria Malibu says, "<For comforting me.>"
[05:18] Maria Malibu says, "And...Sakri..."
[05:18] Aedin Tanis says, "<Of course... anytime.>"
[05:19] Maria Malibu sighs...
(Maria Malibu)


[05:19] Maria Malibu squeezes the bat's cheeks!
(Maria Malibu)


[05:19] Maria Malibu says, "Stay-..."
[05:19] Maria Malibu says, "S-stay..."
[05:19] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[05:19] Maria Malibu asks, "Stay safe. Okay?"
[05:19] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[05:19] Aedin Tanis says, "Pff."
[05:20] Maria Malibu says, "Hmhm-..."
[05:20] Aedin Tanis says, "That one? Unlikely."
[05:20] Maria Malibu says, "Y-you...too.."
[05:20] Maria Malibu says, "Aedin-..."
[05:20] Aedin Tanis says, "...Bye, Miss Maria."
[05:20] Maria Malibu says, "Mhm..."
[05:20] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[05:20] Aedin Tanis says, "Take care, and write if... something happens."
[05:20] Maria Malibu says, "...Yes."
[05:20] Aedin Tanis nods, and waves.
(Aedin Tanis)

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Pub: 20 Sep 2024 06:24 UTC

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