[05:42] The girl would be found practically frolicking by herself. Guided by the cobblestone paths, she'd be taking a morning walk all by her lonesome. Her eyes were distant, scanning the outskirts of the island as she walked the paths. Keeping to herself, as she always did. And engaging with the calm rush of the shores.

"..."

A Drakanite would quite literally pick her up without notice, bringing her over too their spot. Maria was...too tired to react. Merely blinking a few times in astonishment and confusion as she is whisked away by the taller woman and plopped on the cushion afront.

A tilt of her head, as she blinks and gazes to both adult women. The Drakanite was familiar and known, though she was told to stay away from the Shadecrests. They were an odd family, were they not?

Not that she really cared. Hers was odd as well.

The other? She had not known. The eye's of the woman tilting curiously too the Beastkin. She nods softly in response, placing her palms over her lap as she sits. Though she'd tilt her head curiously, as if to ask how she got her name.

Her eyes widen at the mention of Levius, a soft not extenuating her features. Polite, she bows lightly. In greeting to both Primrose and the woman in front of her.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:43] Tate Brier says, "Hi. Quiet, huh? I think I only ever saw you two hug but never talk. Well, not yet, anyway."
[05:44] Primrose Shadecrest says, "I do not know who this child is, contrary to popular belief."
[05:44] Tate Brier says, "I meant her and Levius"
[05:44] Primrose Shadecrest says, "I saw her talk to growing Ophis on- oh."
[05:45] Primrose Shadecrest says, "...Levius has quite the wide age-"
[05:45] Tate Brier says, "That's his sister."
[05:45] Primrose Shadecrest stops herself from talking, shaking her head in disbelief.
(Primrose Shadecrest)


[05:45] Primrose Shadecrest says, "...I see."
[05:45] Primrose Shadecrest says, "...Thank gods."
[05:45] Tate Brier asks, "Who's Ophis?"
[05:46] Maria gestures to her throat, if it wasn't obvious, she was mute. Her only method of communication was through expression, to which she'd have a plethora to give.

The girl points to the Shadecrest. She gestures to her ears softly, and then back to the Drakanite. Maria then points to herself, as if to say 'I have heard of you'.

Back toward the other, she nods softly. Mention of Ophis causes the girl to smile, placing a hand on her chest
(Maria Malibu)


[05:47] Maria Malibu raises an eyebrow at Primrose.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:47] Tate Brier says, "Don't worry about it, she had the wrong idea about something."
[05:47] Maria Malibu blinks, giggling softly.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:47] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[05:47] Tate Brier says, "Your brother is, yeah."
[05:47] Maria Malibu points to her phone, shaking her head and sighing softly.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:48] Maria Malibu mouths the words 'won't answer'. A frown escaping her lips. Perhaps she was sad her brother was not answering her transciever?
(Maria Malibu)


[05:48] Tate Brier asks, "Are you calling someone?"
[05:48] Maria Malibu nods.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:48] Primrose Shadecrest says, "He is probably busy with matters much more important than you, little girl."
[05:48] Tate Brier asks, "Uh...is it your brother?"
[05:48] Primrose Shadecrest says, "Like talking to someone he met fifteen minutes ago."
[05:48] Maria Malibu frowns!
(Maria Malibu)


[05:48] Maria Malibu pouts, crossing her arms at Primrose.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:48] Tate Brier asks, "You're pretty brutal when it comes to him, huh?"
[05:49] Maria Malibu nods.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:49] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[05:49] Tate Brier says, "I find it more likely he's with Lavenza or Invidia still"
[05:50] Tate Brier says, "I thought Lavenza said they'd be here in Nilhirra but...seems not"
[05:50] Tate Brier says, "I brought all the materials too."
[05:50] Maria tilts her head, frowning slightly. How could she properly say this?

"..."

There was a furrow of her brow, a light hum escaping her lips. A thought processes, on how to explain her woes. And yet of course, did she seem incapable.

She shakes her head for the time being. Instead, she points at Tate, gesturing to herself and mouthing 'Maria'. She would then gesture to the Beastkin, as if asking for her name.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:51] Tate Brier says, "Oh, uh"
[05:51] Tate Brier says, "I'm Tate and this is Primrose."
[05:51] Primrose Shadecrest says, "I could be worse."
[05:51] Maria Malibu smiles softly, nodding.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:51] Primrose Shadecrest says, "It is good to make your acquaintance, little girl."
[05:51] Maria Malibu nods!
(Maria Malibu)


[05:51] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[05:52] Maria Malibu mouths the words 'Lavenza'. She tilts her head, gesturing around, as if to ask where they might be?
(Maria Malibu)


[05:53] Tate Brier asks, "They're not around, despite saying they'd be here. They did, right, Prim?"
[05:53] Tate Brier says, "Or am I crazy"
[05:53] Maria Malibu frowns...
(Maria Malibu)


[05:53] Primrose Shadecrest says, "They were at their home."
[05:53] Primrose Shadecrest says, "Invidia was waiting by the door"
[05:53] Primrose Shadecrest says, "Then they left"
[05:53] Maria Malibu clenches her fist, exasperating a heavy sigh through her teeth.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:53] Tate Brier says, "I cant exactly make it in since its locked, so"
[05:53] Primrose Shadecrest asks, "...What is going on with this creature? Are you okay?"
[05:53] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[05:54] Maria Malibu shakes her he-...stops herself! She nods, smiling softly at Primrose.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:55] Tate Brier asks, "Um...sorry not sure i understand?"
[05:55] Primrose Shadecrest says, "I do not either."
[05:55] Maria Malibu taps her fingers against her legs. She soon shakes her head at Tate, as if asking her not to worry.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:55] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[05:56] Primrose Shadecrest says, "This is the worst attempt at hiding emotions I have ever seen."
[05:58] The girl's eyes flick to the side. She seemed...frustrated. But not at the two women. Something or the other in her mind would cause her to delve into bitter thoughts. Perhaps it was because she could not express herself as she wanted?

They stare into the distance, a blank expression expressed.

The frown upon her features could dictate envy, though. Or some sort of jealousy. Annoyance. At either herself or someone else, she wouldn't try to divulge further.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:59]
"I see."

The drakanite lets out a weary huff, nodding to the silence of the girl.

A paper is produced from a pocket in her robes, and placed before her alongside a pencil, followed with her placing her hand on the girl's head to caress her head unless she pushed the hand or got away from its range.

Nonetheless, the paper remains on the table, with the drakanite presenting it with a palm.

"By all means."
(Primrose Shadecrest)


[06:01] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Levius W. Malibu transmits: "Maria!!!"
[06:01] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Levius W. Malibu transmits: "where are you?"
[06:01] {Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "<div class='mImg' style='background:url(e_transceiver.png)'></div> <span class='transceiver'>{Maliland02das} <b>Maria Malibu</b> transmits: "I'm in Nilharra"</span>
[06:01] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "I'm in Nilharra"
[06:01] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Levius W. Malibu transmits: "alright!"
[06:04] Levius W. Malibu says, "Hi-hi, everyone."
[06:04] Levius W. Malibu asks, "Aw, no blueberries?"
[06:05] Levius W. Malibu says, "Thank you, though."
[06:05] Lavenza Malibu appears from the veil of being far away to give their twin sister a big big big big big big big big hug.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[06:05] Levius W. Malibu exclaims, "Me too, me too!"
[06:05] Levius W. Malibu exclaims, "Oh, joy, ceaseless and unrelenting, at the sight of this youngling!"
[06:05] Levius W. Malibu says, "Tate..."
[06:05] Levius W. Malibu exclaims, "Is for you!"
[06:05] Lavenza Malibu says, "My big twin sister... we gotta make some portals together"
[06:05] Tate Brier says, "Barely covers ingredients..."
[06:05] Levius W. Malibu says, "Fwah..."
[06:05] Levius W. Malibu asks, "Really!?"
[06:05] Tate Brier says, "Yes, your mother charges 80 per egg"
[06:06] Levius W. Malibu says, "Buh, I am sorry."
[06:06] Levius W. Malibu asks, "80 is market price, no?"
[06:06] Tate Brier says, "She's the only egg vendor i can find"
[06:06] Tate Brier says, "Levius"
[06:06] Tate Brier says, "YOU ordered it"
[06:06] Levius W. Malibu says, "I am sorry."
[06:06] Tate Brier says, "Pancakes are 2 eggs"
[06:06] Levius W. Malibu says, "Wow..."
[06:06] Levius W. Malibu says, "Yeesh, okay, sorry..."
[06:06] Levius W. Malibu exclaims, "You messed up my order, though!"
[06:06] Levius W. Malibu says, "They were supposed to have blueberries..."
[06:06] Tate Brier says, "How."
[06:06] Tate Brier says, "They literally do"
[06:06] Lavenza Malibu says, "...Someday I'll be able to use chaos magic"
[06:07] Lavenza Malibu says, "Like properly"
[06:07] Lavenza Malibu says, "And i'll just be able to make it have blueberries"
[06:07] Lavenza Malibu says, "But today..."
[06:07] Levius W. Malibu exclaims, "WAHOO!"
[06:07] Lavenza Malibu says, "...Lev those have blueberries"
[06:07] Lavenza Malibu actually looks at the pancakes.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[06:07] Levius W. Malibu says, "Lav, tell me, o wise oracle..."
[06:07] Levius W. Malibu asks, "Do these have blueberries?"
[06:08] Lavenza Malibu says, "...Tate"
[06:08] Tate Brier asks, "Yes?"
[06:08] Lavenza Malibu says, "I'm so sorry you have to deal with this."
[06:08] Levius W. Malibu says, "..."
[06:08] Levius W. Malibu says, "Fwah..."
[06:08] Lavenza Malibu says, "Oh fuck"
[06:08] Levius W. Malibu says, "Wao."
[06:08] Lavenza Malibu says, "Crystals"
[06:09] Levius W. Malibu says, "...Oh."
[06:09] Levius W. Malibu says, "It has BLUEBERRY JAM. in it."
[06:09] Levius W. Malibu says, "...Okay."
[06:09] "..."

A blush is expressed, as well as the fervent anxiety and flurrying thoughts that would come from a child blooming into a teenager. All that could be seen were these expressions of angst. Despite being mute, she was as normal as any other teenager.

Moody. Tired. Anxious...

All rolled into one.

Quelled lightly, by the scary Drakanite's touch. For one so clad in ebon, she was rather gentle, at least...

And yet she is handed a paper. For the bolder and taller one, the Drakanite that she was actually scared of, would seem to want to aid her. The mere gesture was enough to express a confused glare, a relieved smile soon given as she takes the paper into her arms.

She writes, a pen taken from her shirt pocket.

'Lavenza has been spending too much time to Levius. I am jealous.' she writes, expressing the rather neat and softly written words to the duo.

'Please keepthis a secret. But I feel alone.'

That was what she'd express before crumpling up the paper in her palms. Perhaps there was more going on in the mind of this teenager. This but a gentle tip of the iceberg.

"!!!"

Her train of thought wanes as her brother approaches. Almost immediately does she hop from her seated position, running toward her brother to greet him properly.

With a hug, of course.

"!!!" Her twin appears alongside with him from seemingly thin air, a smile on the girl's features as she is hugged by them promptly. She returns the embrace, pocketing that piece of paper she had written onto earlier. And huffing a sigh of relief, upon embracing them.

"..."

Still, did that odd sense of melancholy take her purview. Some thought or another that made her feel as if something was...wrong.

She holds tight to Lavenza before eventually leaving the embrace. Smiling at thethought of creating portals together. She...had been lacking with that, hasn't she? Girlrotting in her room and reading books all day would cause someone to slack off, wouldn't it?

She did love those books and stories, Lavenza would know this well.

"..."

(Maria Malibu)

[06:10] {Item} You picked up Paper (Blank). Dropped by Primrose Shadecrest..
[06:10] Levius W. Malibu exclaims, "Maria!"
[06:10] Levius W. Malibu asks, "Lavenza, could you show her the display of the gun we have cooking?"
[06:11] Lavenza Malibu says, "...Sure thing, big bro."
[06:13] Lev leans down, bringing his arms around in an exaggerated motion as he hugs his dear sister, grinning ear to ear, pinching her cheeks, ruffling her hair to no end... the works.

He grabs her and tosses her up, heave-hos and there-we-go's abound. His tiredness vanishes from his face, replaced with joy, truly unrelenting.

"How's the bestest sister in the whole, wide world been? I have so dearly missed your presence!" he queries andd exclaims, holding her in his strong arms still.

(Levius W. Malibu)

[06:19] "!!!"

Levius would come to find the makings of a teenager now! Maria was no longer as small and easy to carry as she once was. She was in fact...heavier!

But perhaps it was best not to mention the fact she was heavier and a little taller. Lest you face her wrath.

The embrace would bring naught but a delicate smile onto the girl's features. Still, even now did she look at her older brother with pure admiration. And yet she is quite literally put through the works, heaved around and giggling silently to herself as if she were a madwoman. That smile never leaving her features.

It was definitely a lot better than the frown she had a few moments ago.

When it came mention of a weapon, the girl would tilt her head, now turning to her twin sibling with curiosity and excitement brewing in those canary hues.

Anything that had to do with firearms or artificery would cause her to smile. Levius would find that Maria had been taking good care of her own pistol. Having learned how to clean and oil it already!
(Maria Malibu)


[06:20] Levius W. Malibu asks, "Hum, have you been taking care of that gun?"
[06:20] Levius W. Malibu says, "Good girl! You've even oiled it properly."
[06:22] Lev has grabbed his former service revolver in the blink of an eye, and sets to examining it rigorously. He pulls out a neckerchief from a pocket, wiping away at any errant grime or dust, and pats Maria with his clean hand. He asks:

"Would you like anything written on it? Think on it, it's good practice."

While he is talking thus, every single mechanism of the revolver is examined, from the safety, hammer, trigger, barrel... to the cylinder. He gives an approving nod and a salute towards his sister, half-jokingly, kneeling and presenting the gun as if to be knighted.
(Levius W. Malibu)


[06:30] Maria nods happily. With pride, does she show her pistol to Levius. Now with a proper trigger guard and modifications, it would seem Maria had been applying her own touches to the pistol. She'd already seem to be adept at it's handling. Her finger was ways away from the trigger, the pistol held in a position where the barrel was away from Levius. Proper gun safety as he had taught her, and what would no doubt make him proud.

The pistol would have had ongoing modifications. The sights were updated and made with a clearer material, adjusted properly to fit her own style of shooting. The grip was cleaned and replaced with a leather finish, alongside replacements to the cylinder. Basic repairs and maintenance, with added modifications to boot. In short, she was very much taking care of her pistol. Treating it as if it were her child.

She smiles at his praise, clutching her heart with naught but pure joy. It was enough praise to make her forget her woes. Perhaps...all she needed was attention?

Teenagers were odd creatures.

She ponders his query, taking the pistol back into her palms after his examination. She'd shrug lightly, unsure of what to engrave into the pistol...

"!!!" A thought comes to mind. Alas, it was a silly thought. Yet...it would be cool to have engraved.

Maria soon retrieves her crumpled up piece of paper from before. She scribbles out the contents from before, now writing 'Do you feel lucky, punk?' onto it's page. A...reference to something, for sure. Probably to one of her storybooks she reads, or some sort

(Maria Malibu)

[06:33] The young enby creates a single [Illusion] glyph in their hand, a buzzing, glowing creation with runes so small as to seem like continuous lines and planes of mana. Impossible complexity, detail visible only to one with the altered senses of the thirteen year old.

When that rune shatters, it's replaced by a rifle. It's shape is similar to a hunting rifle with a very thick barrel, made from black metal with white marbling, chaotic and glowing, covered in runes. The sights have a [Light] Rune on either side. Despite the fact that it's an illusion... They work. Gazing through the sights would reveal a focus-responsive, invisible system of three lenses, which can be precise enough to see the wood grain on the door of the library upon the hill, or completely unmagnified, becoming unnoticeable in the process. The hammer interrupts the black metal with white marbling, though the marbling is especially dense around the seemingly-Ivory piece, metal, but purely white and organic-looking.

The assembly is attached to an iridescent red stock, Aspected Prismanthium perfect for fire mages, warm to the touch, but with the texture of wood. Upon one side, it reads

"Sunrise,
Parabellum"

in simple black letters. On the other, the name of the weapon, both in a black, non-marbled metal that feels comparatively cool to the touch, and hums with untapped, etheric mana.

"Hallow
Elysium"

The trigger, grip, and triggerguard are all seemingly ivory as well, though it feels slightly different in the mana output. The thumb naturally finds a dial, next to the safety upon the weapon, on each side, making the gun ambidextrous. The dial, despite the focus of the sight-lenses adjusting with focus alone, adjusts the focus of them. Pressing it up would remove those lenses, pressingit down would activate a light from within the barrel. A simple ray, not harmful, invisible to the naked eye, though casting a love heart wherever it points. Like the lenses, it's focused both by thought and that dial, in perfect alignment, without issue.

And should their twin pull the trigger? A burst of holy ether. Perfectly on-target, leaving whatever the heart shone on smote.

And for this illusion... somehow functional, despite that fact, somehow with weight and feeling and exuding mana, somehow with other runes laid into it... Into simply an illusion... The enby would wordlessly hand it to their sister, to inspect. A small smile upon their face.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[06:37] Lev looks at the piece of paper and nods sagely. It will be done! By Lavenza, of course, but it will be done all the same. He hands the piece to the young enby that popped over to their side, with a grin towards his partner-in-crime.

He turns towards Lavenza, and ponders... "Hm, can we apply the same thing we did to my gun..? The beam of light, I mean. It'll make it easier for Maria to shoot from the hip, if need be."

He squats next to his sister now, admiring his gun to be made yet again, a proud look on his face. Not pride for himself, mind you, but pride in his genius sibling, who supports him so, that much is clear. He taps on the beam reticle, and then adds on a related note, seeing the model name on the illusion:

"You should also name your gun, hm! But do think on that, as well, if need be."
(Levius W. Malibu)


06:53] While guns were droll business for Miss Tate. They were naught but an idea filled with excitement and possibility for the young gunslinger. For it was outlaws and lonesome drifters that used the firearms she had adored. The selfsame heroes she found herself loving in those storybooks of hers and tales of history. Some based in fiction, some based in fact.

Some battles would end with merely one shot. Others? With a flurry. And yet when the smoke cleared and all was said and done, it was the weapon that made the man. Or in this case? The woman.

For a mute, who found it difficult to express herself. Artificery and firearms were but one method of expressing her passions. Of expressing herself and what she adored.

Maria turns to her sibling. Her mind was practically buzzing, filled with excitement and curiosity. She finds of course, for her sibling to be well-versed already in quite a plethora of magics. Illusion and glyphs, for one. While Lavenza spent theirdays studying and perfecting their craft, Maria spent hers immersed in her little stories. Sure, Maria was just as competent as any artificer or alchemist her age, yet it was clear that her sibling was something else. A genius.

Something she wasn't.

"..." This thought dictates a frown before she shakes her head. She listens, eyes widening at the glyph shown before her purview. A image of a rifle. It catches her eye, as she goes out to grab and examine ever inch of this piece of art. It's marbling chaotic and glowing, it's rifling pristine and made with the utmost precision, a wood grain finish to instill comfort in whatever gunslinger was lucky enough to wield such a weapon.

Ivory finishes to both the grip and the triggerguard. The girl continues to examine in awe. Not even she, in all her creativity, can create something like this. And yet...her sibling did? It was better than most artificers twice their age...

She continues to examine, holding the illusion of the weapon in her arms. She points, looking down the sights and adjusting a rather adept stance as she holds the rifle in two. A nearby tree is targeted, the weapon feeling as smooth and dexterous in her arms as any that had come before it. Her digits slide naturally throughout it's ivory and wood finish, each and every caress marking the young gunslinger with content. She tests and examines the weapon in her arms, focusing that arcane lense in the shape of the heart toward the tree...

Aiming directly at the tree, the sights would be perfectly aligned with this arcane ray. She pulls the trigger, erupting a burst of ether and smiting the tree with a smokey barrage of mana. A single, precise shot, cleaving the tree in two with the shape of a heart. "..."

Even as a little teenager, was she a natural with weapons.

It felt good, to take that shot. It felt natural, to Maria. It couldn't help but bring the most joyous of smiles to her face, caressing this weapon in her hand, wanting one for her own...

And yet, this was not hers, was it? Moreso, was it merely an illusion. A facade. Much like her dreams of an outlaw.

Maria nods in approval, before handing over this replica back to her twin. A glance is given to Levius, gesturing to him and tilting her head. As if to ask if this weapon was for him?

She nods at the idea of placing a ray of light on her own gun. In fact, she clasps her hands! Nodding excitedly at her twin! "..." But...alas...

She pushes her twin's chest, a confident nod instilled in her hues. She wanted to work with Lavenza. Not just sit by and have them apply these modifications themselves.

Maria was more than capable herself. And alas, it was evident she wanted to show it.

For once, she wanted to express herself. For once, did she want to be known.

Someone different than her siblings.

Someone with their own identity.

Even if that identity was merely a dream.
(Maria Malibu)
[07:14] It's been months, since the young enby's perceptions were irrevocably altered. Never once did they regret it, until the very instant they gave Maria the illusion of the gun. Seeing their sister as a clump of cells was fine, as it was for everyone else, for the time being, identifying her by DNA as all others.

But to not see her smile... The enby was heartbroken. Such word didn't capture the depth of regret and misery they felt. To see the mute girl handle the weapon and not be able to... truly understand. It was the first time in years anybody else what she was communicating better than the enby. That fact was enough to make them want to seek Talguth and demand a reversal...

A mournful smile. The first, so far only time they'd ever worn one, thinking upon their new existence. Tears welled in their eyes, barely suppressing the urge to start bawling then and there.

She was examining the gun, it's functions, taking a shot at a tree, leaving it ashen even from the illusory model. She was a master. A genius. And they couldn't even see her smile. They felt like a failure. The worst person in the world. The worst of their thoughts would emerge, the worst since they fixed their voice. The weapon is forced back into their hands, and it flickers out of existence, like a glitch in the universe, a tear at the seems.

They'd get out of their head, for a moment, to... try and interpret.

"...uh... yeah it's... I don't think he wanted a turn on it, he got one earlier... but..."

The push would have them shrinking in on themselves, even... just falling over. The nodding was hard to see, the clasp... The pressure wave that reached their ears was hard to decipher... Was she mad?

They made their twin mad. The tears would actually fall. The young enby would quietly repeat apologies, looking down at their twin's knees... Her excitement wholly missed, in their radical perspective... Two wholly different reactions to what just happened. Completely separate in mind, for the first time in thirteen years.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[07:17] Primrose Shadecrest says, "Um."
[07:17] Primrose Shadecrest says, "I must be on my way. I apologize."
[07:17] Lavenza Malibu says, "...sorry"
[07:17] Lavenza Malibu says, "...it's okay i'm sorry"
[07:19] Primrose Shadecrest says, "...Please be safe. I think you would appreciate the privacy now too."
[07:26] Lavenza's eyes have been different, as of late. They felt as if they were...empty. Gone was that little spark of what Maria could describe as humanity. She knew her twin well. Maria literally was in the exact same womb as them. She could tell when something was off. When something was wrong. This was more than mere anxiety, even for her to realize.

And yet all she could do was deliver a gentle smile too her twin. A sense of worry lingering in her canary hues, as if wanting to ask her sibling 'what's wrong?'. Yet unable to find the words. Unable to speak, as was her curse.

Unable to express.

Still, does she gaze at her sibling. Handing the facade of a weapon back to them, gazing into their eyes as if trying to discover the reason for this odd feeling in the pit of her stomach. This wasn't something a child should feel just yet, was it? So why...-

"..." She tilts her head. Her lips part ever so slightly, as ifto say something. Anything. And yet as she'd realize, naught would come. The mournful smile is raised, tears welling in their hue, to which the mute would express a gentle touch on their features. Holding their hand tight and caressing their palm.

Her mere expression was hopefully enough. Of concern. Curiosity. 'Are you okay?' Maria asks through the mere furrow of her brow and gentleness of her features. The touch of their palm in her own.

"..." She eggs them on, still grabbing their palms. The girl's mere gaze was hopefully enough to instill some comfort. For even if Maria held jealousy and envy in her heart for Lavenza, never would those feelings surpass her love for her. For all her siblings.

Maybe that was part of her reason of wanted to be an outlaw.

Love was a lonely feeling, after all.

"???"

The tears fall, Maria would react accordingly. Surprised, at first. Confused? What did she say? What did she do, even?

"..." She shakes her head, trying her best to curb their worries or woes that had invaded their psyche. What happened? Maria was happier and smiling more than she ever was in a while because of this. Why would Lavenza thing they made them angry?

It was the complete opposite, for Maria was happy in the moment. To share a moment with her siblings, especially so that she had been keeping to her lonesome alot of the time.

Maria grabs her siblings palm, wiping their tears away with a gentle gait. Still, did the annoyance and anger fill her heart. She hated that she couldn't do anything, she hated that she could not comfort them. She hated more than anything that she could not speak...she hated...

"..."

Now was not the time for such things.

For even if Maria was mute, it did not mean she couldn't make sounds. She gently caresses the crying enby. Hugging themsoftly, enough to whisper into their ear.

"...Shhh..."

The only sound she can make. One of comfort. As if telling her twin.

'It will be okay.'
(Maria Malibu)


[07:35] In the tragedy of the world they live in... Each expression, the furrowing of brows, the hopeful and sorrowful and confused looks... The enby saw none of them. Grabbing their palm was the first and only thing to get any reaction, aside from the push. A comfort, a confusion, a small grip, an apology. Holding both hands, they would grab hers, a tight, awful hold, thinking they fucked up, and realizing, far too late... that they hadn't, ruining the mood aside.

The shall shush... they understood that. They knew the hug. It wasn't an angry hug, it was a confused, caring, loving hug... a hug of pain. They would return it, tightly. Shuddering in her hold, they would cease their apologies, their crying coming to stop quickly, and instead...

They would simply say, "i'm sorry, maria… I... can't really... see right, right now... I know it's a lot to ask... can you tell me on the text to speech if you're upset...?" They would continue squeezing their twin for several seconds. Caringly. Scared, in a sense. No longer so regretful, returning to a state of 'it will be okay'... but certainly not the smiling creature they were when they handed over the gun.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[07:44] If Maria could scream and yell, if she could just say one thing. One simple little thing to ease the woes of their twin. If she could just do something as simple as express herself to her damn sibling.

"..."

Lavenza finds their twin's face contort. She shivers. Angry. Annoyed. But not at them, no.

At herself.

She sighs deeply, shaking her head at her twin. She was not angry at them, she was not upset. She'd caress their palm gently, embracing them and shushing them into their ear. Her only method of expressing her comfort.

She nods, taking out and typing into her transceiver. In truth, Maria hated using this thing. She did not want her voice, her only method of expression, to be this robotic, droning thing. And yet, she knew that sometimes, it was easier to explain.

'I am not angry at you. I had a lot of fun testing out your weapon. I am just moody, is all. But know that it is not your fault at all. In fact, I am glad to see you and Levius. You made me feel much better and happier today'

A pause, before she continues to type. That droning, robotic voice escaping the transceiver.

'I have been feeling lost and alone as of late. I have been feeling jealous. I want to work on things. I want to continue my studies. But most days, I can barely get off from my bed. I feel sad and alone. And I am unsure why. But know that it is not your fault, I promise.' she then nods. Smiling softly too her twin.

'I think working with you will help me. And that was what I was trying to tell you. I am tired of having everything done for me. I am tired of feeling like nothing. That is all.'

She then realizes the cause for that pit of worry, and why she felt that Lavenza's eyes were so different. Alas...

They were blinded.

That was why the light was gone.

Maria nods to understand, a hand caressing over her sibling's face, brushing their hair to the side. She continues to touch them in a soft, gentle manner. Patting their shoulder and giving a light squeeze.

She sighs, of course. Yet alas, she was happy that her sibling was still here at least.

This was the price of knowledge, it would seem.

(Maria Malibu)

[07:59] They shiver... a caress, a hug, before she withdrew... They didn't feel their anger or the contorted expression, but as the droning voice kicked in, they would begin to speak back. A small, grim chuckle when she said they made it better, a quick "Bet I've made it a lot worse by now..." as she continued.

Then she described... depression. That's what that was. They... were familiar, but... not nearly that bad. Not most of the time. Not since their voice was fixed... their voice.

She didn't use the device, despite her obvious frustration in communication. She must've hated it... they would....

They couldn't do much to help her depression directly. Nor make her feel truly... not alone. But they could do something. In the hug, the little brushed and comforts, they would draw away. The light of humanity was gone from their eyes, but not the light of focus. They didn't seem blind, the way their eyes focused through her,so intense it could burn.

"...then, my twin. This will be the last thing I do for you, today. We'll discuss after."

They would raise forward, and press a small kiss to her forehead. Operatic, unneeded, as another [Illusion] Glyph of endless complexity formed on the tip of their index finger, a [Mind] Glyph on their pinky. As they shatter, she'd get the tiniest odd sensation on her forehead, probing into her head. Visually, nothing would be different, but as the enby drew away from her, they'd say "just think, with intent... I'll hear you, now."

Putting on their brave, 'crafter' face. Their mask, in this situation, they would say "Now... what say I stop moping like a baby and forcing you to cheer me up... and let's go make you a gun… or modify what you've got."

Whenever she goes to think, as instructed, she would, for the first time, hear her own voice. Matching the voice in her head, what she 'sounds' like, in her own head. The enby would watch her... then realizes something, creating one more [Illusion] glyph. Only for themselves... an illusion of their twin's face. Overlaid utop her own, matching her movements... they couldn't see 'past' their illusion, after all. And while the image was in some ways foreign... it would give them a human look that they were desperately missing.

At least they'd be able to see her reaction, to her first words, right?
(Lavenza Malibu)


[08:13] Maria pouts, squeezing her sibling's hand in a tight manner at their words. It was a gesture as if to say 'stop that'. The tightening of her thumbs pinching her sibling's palm. A light squeeze, yet enough so that it would pinch them.

Maria shakes her head, denying the fact they had made it worse. And again, by holding their palms true and gentle, would they continue to tell them through mere touch and gesture alone, that having them here with her was more than enough.

It was always more than enough.

"..."

The girl smiles at the kiss to her forehead. A gesture of affection and care. For the twin that shared the same womb as herself, that for a moment, she can express herself and her woes. She smiles gently, the oddest of sensations soon filling her psyche. It probes and vibrates into her forehead, a whirr in her mind, unwavering yet gentle all the same

'...Can you?' she thinks.Tilting her head in curiosity toward her twin. Was this a form of telepathy? She wondered? Something only her twin could have discovered with Illusion magic? Can they hear her thoughts here and now? Even these ones?

What was this? Her voice? It caused her eyes to widen, how clear it was now. How lively it was.

It was a gentle voice. There was a slight drawl to it, as if it were an accent deep within she was trying to replicate. Yet it was gentle all the same. A stern and feminine voice. Bold and filled with passion, yet humble all the same.

Brave.

'My voice. Is this my voice?' it echoes. The voice is caught in surprise and shock. The poor girl was on the verge of tears, hearing her own voice so clearly and concise. Yet she'd soon realize just the same as before. Just the same as the gun, this was a mere facade. An illusion. A fantasy.

Yet a blissful one.

Perhaps if she ever had a voice, this was the closest she'd get to it.

'Please.'. She'd say in her mind in a sassy tone. She even rolls her eyes playfully, nodding at excitement at the idea.

'...But i'm tired. I've been up for a long time. Maybe we can do this when I wake up?' her thoughts linger. Could Lavenza hear them? If not, the gentle yawn that escapes them would hopefully be enough to entail.

'I have blueprints. Ideas. Maybe...things will be okay. I'd like to work on something with you. Maybe it will get me out of my rut.' she thinks to herself and too Lavenza. Her mind a flurry of emotions and thoughts, but for now?

Sleepiness

She gives her sibling a light kiss on the cheek, once again patting their shoulder, and taking her leave.
(Maria Malibu)


[08:13] * You have been awarded 4 Levels! * [08:15] Maria Malibu says, "'Thank you, Lavenza"
[08:15] Maria Malibu thinks, "Thank you, Lavenza..."
[08:21] Seeing the confluence of emotions on their sister's face, the young enby would marvel, smile, truly, deeply smile. Hearing her voice, seeing the way she smiled, the shock, nearly crying...

Though if they could hear the idea that their illusions were fantasy or façade they would have much to say.

"That's your voice, yes... And I can very much hear you." They would giggle, the illusions adding together in the enby's mind, letting them see and hear her properly.

"...Tired, huh... well, I can't beat that. When you're awake, find me again... i'll let you talk as long as I can. Maybe... someday, i'll carve in circuits... so you can do this on your own."

They giggle again at the yawn, giving her a kiss on the cheek to pair the one she gave to them, before saying "The second you wake up, then... I drop everything, and come running. We'll get your things build... It'll be great."

They stand, giving her a hug before bed, whispering "don't mention it Ari... it's good to hear you." before letting go, and letting her go on her way.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[08:25] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Levius W. Malibu transmits: "fam still over at nilhirra?"
[08:25] 'I can talk. I can speak...'

Her thoughts were just as lively to herself, as they were to Lavenza. Her face contorts, her heart beating, a flurry of emotions and being able to hear her voice echoing so lively and so boldly. Hearing it made her feel alive.

If not just for a moment.

She smiles, the confluence of emotions taking their toll.

'Yes. Okay!' she nods. For once in her life, her excitement and passion is ignited once again. Hopefully, it was something to wake up toward this time around.

'It's...good too hear you too, Venza.'

'Goodnight...'
(Maria Malibu)


[08:25] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Lavenza Malibu transmits: "yep but ari's going to bed"

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Pub: 09 Sep 2024 01:47 UTC
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