{Character Loaded, IC Year: 2129}
[17:34] {Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "<div class='mImg' style='background:url(e_transceiver.png)'></div> <span class='transceiver'>{Maliland02das} <b>Maria Malibu</b> transmits: "Venza? Can you come to my room, please? "</span>
[17:34] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "Venza? Can you come to my room, please? "
[17:34] {Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "<div class='mImg' style='background:url(e_transceiver.png)'></div> <span class='transceiver'>{Maliland02das} <b>Maria Malibu</b> transmits: "If you have time."</span>
[17:34] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "If you have time."
[17:35] {Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "<div class='mImg' style='background:url(e_transceiver.png)'></div> <span class='transceiver'>{Maliland02das} <b>Maria Malibu</b> transmits: "sends a gif of a cat eating spaghetti"</span>
[17:35] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "sends a gif of a cat eating spaghetti"
[17:37] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[17:37] Lavenza Malibu says, "...i got the message, Ria..."
[17:37] Lavenza Malibu says, "We were, uh..."
[17:38] Sacilia Orstein Smiling wide
(Sacilia Orstein)


[17:38] Maria Malibu taps into her transciever.
(Maria Malibu)


[17:38] Sacilia Orstein Gives Lav a kiss.
(Sacilia Orstein)


[17:38] {Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "<div class='mImg' style='background:url(e_transceiver.png)'></div> <span class='transceiver'>{Maliland02das} <b>Maria Malibu</b> transmits: "Kissing?"</span>
[17:38] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "Kissing?"
[17:38] {Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "<div class='mImg' style='background:url(e_transceiver.png)'></div> <span class='transceiver'>{Maliland02das} <b>Maria Malibu</b> transmits: "Yeah. Figured."</span>
[17:38] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "Yeah. Figured."
[17:38] Sacilia Orstein says, "I'm going to head to bed love.."
[17:38] Sacilia Orstein says, "I am exhausted."
[17:38] Maria Malibu pouts playfully.
(Maria Malibu)


[17:38] Lavenza Malibu turns red, shifting slightly so it looks less like they were kissing and being absolutely adorable.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[17:39] Lavenza Malibu says, "...Please do then, my beloved. I'll join you soon."
[17:39] Maria Malibu smiles softly, shaking her head.
(Maria Malibu)


[17:39] Lavenza Malibu presses a kiss to her lips.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[17:39] Sacilia Orstein She'd smile and float off to the room after returning the kiss
(Sacilia Orstein)


[17:39] Maria Malibu waves goodbye to Sacilia.
(Maria Malibu)


[17:39] Sacilia Orstein says, "Have a good night Maria."
[17:39] Maria Malibu says, "Mm."
[17:39] Lavenza Malibu says, "Good night, my angel..."
[17:39] Maria Malibu nods.
(Maria Malibu)


[17:39] Lavenza Malibu says, "...fuck, i..."
[17:39] Lavenza Malibu says, "...i've got it bad, Ari."
[17:40] Maria walks up to Lavenza.

She wraps her arms around them, tight. Pulling them into her embrace as if it were no tomorrow.

She wouldn't lose them either.

She would never lose another sibling, ever again.

She'd cherish Lavenza while she had them. Holding them tight, never wanting to let go.
(Maria Malibu)


[17:46] Going from cuddling your girlfriend and definitely not being kissy-kissy with her... To hugging one's twin, was a bit of a leap in headspace.

But it's one they adjusted to quickly, wrapping their arms around Maria with a smile. For as much as she thought of the determination not to lose her twin... Venza's thoughts would be cast not to the past, but the future.

In their embrace, Venza thought about plans for weapons, the home they'll build. The way they'll protect their loved ones. And they would think about how long they might have... what they'll do if... the worst does happen. Such was the different in mindset, but the bluette would cling to Maria as much as she clung to the necromancer, speaking quietly.

"...i'll have you know we were not kissing. We were proclaiming undying and eternal love for eachother."
(Lavenza Malibu)


[17:52] "..."

Maria shivers, as she holds her sibling tight. She didn't want to let go. For it would break her heart further to ever lose another sibling again. She'd do everything in her power to protect them. No longer would she idle and sit while they were in danger. No longer would she be afraid.

Her testament to her resolve was felt in that embrace. As she shivered and caught her sibling in her arms, did she feel naught but resolve. Sorrow, as the tears began to flow. For being unable to protect them.

No longer.

'No longer will I stand by and allow my family to be hurt.'

'No longer will I lose any of you. Ever again.' she tells herself, She coddles her head onto Lavenza, silent tears flowing before she wipes them away.

She had her time to cry already. She had more than enough hours to sit and ponder in her room. To clean her pistol, the very last memento of her dear brother.

One she'd cherish forever.

She had enough time to cry. To loathe and punch the wall, to bury her face into her pillow and weep. She had the time to think, to ponder what was next.

And this was her choice. Her path.

"...Hmph." she scoffs, leaving the embrace and nodding at Lavenza. She looks at them with a fervent brow. For she too, wanted to look toward the future.

It was all they could do for now.

The only way to process their grief.

"..."

Lavenza digs into her breast pocket, handing over a notebook full of Wayfinding theory and practice equations. She had gotten better, over the years. Even opened a portal with Fauste. But she still needed practice. Knowledge from someone way smarter than herself.

Reality was cruel. Hence why she desired to break it so.

She tilts her head, as if to ask Lavenza to assist her. The notebook was filled with her own equations. Her methods ofwayfinding, having to do with the trajectory of her pistol's bullets and opening portals through that.
(Maria Malibu)


[18:02] They had no true comfort or words aside from their presence, no response to her thoughts, no response to her tears, aside from wiping them away. Warm fluid drips from the enby's arm onto their twin's back, in the hug, the smell of iron in the air. All the comfort they had was to pat her on the back, to be there.

Pulling and holding her in until she left the embrace, they pass the enby their wayfinding notebook.

Fuck. it's been... damn near two years, since they thought about it, aside from the quick, failed lecture they gave to Cil. Rusty.

But as they look across her notes, the information, the words would come back to them. The runes, the method, the everything... And smiling, upon seeing that their twin has developed her own arithmentic solutions.

Sapphire eyes, now glowing, not quite as they used to, they would forever be tarnished, but glowing brightly, look at her, simple words tumbling out.

"Hon, this is... extremely well-done. I'm proud as fuck. The maths are simple, but... basing it on projectile motion as though sending a bullet through the lifestream? Yeah, that's...

That's fucking impressive. What did you need help with?"
(Lavenza Malibu)


[18:07] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Majora Malibu transmits: "And- I was looking to see if you could make a job reset and a replen pot earlier."
[18:08] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Lavenza Malibu transmits: "...i can probably do that, aye."
[18:11] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Lavenza Malibu transmits: "want that now?"
[18:11] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Majora Malibu transmits: "If possible"
[18:13] Hoshi scratches her head.
(Hoshi)


[18:13] Hoshi says, "Nope."
[18:13] Hoshi exclaims, "Hey there Lavenza!"
[18:13] Lavenza Malibu says, "..."
[18:13] Majora Malibu says, "Thank you."
[18:13] Lavenza Malibu says, "Don't mention it."
[18:14] Hoshi asks, "Something wrong?"
[18:14] Lavenza Malibu asks, "...Why do you two hang out so much recently?"
[18:14] Hoshi says, "Ehhh? I hang out with everyone..."
[18:14] Lavenza Malibu says, "Not me."
[18:14] Hoshi says, "It's because I don't see you around a lot."
[18:15] Majora Malibu asks, "I think we've only been around.. threeee times?"
[18:15] Lavenza Malibu says, "Aye, still wanted on the isle you stand on and on the nearest mainland city."
[18:15] Lavenza Malibu says, "So you wouldn't be seeing me much."
[18:15] Hoshi says, "... Sorry."
[18:15] Hoshi asks, "Where do you live then?"
[18:15] Hoshi says, "I'll visit."
[18:15] Lavenza Malibu says, "Here and the Traverse."
[18:15] Hoshi asks, "Didn't you just say you're wanted here?"
[18:15] Lavenza Malibu asks, "Mhm. Fun, right?"
[18:15] Lavenza Malibu says, "...In both places I only need to worry about Lazarus."
[18:15] Lavenza Malibu says, "Nobody else..."
[18:15] Lavenza Malibu says, "And I mean"
[18:15] Hoshi chuckles.
(Hoshi)


[18:15] Lavenza Malibu says, "-nobody else-"
[18:15] Lavenza Malibu says, "Gives a shit."
[18:15] Hoshi says, "Don't worry about that guy, he's talking with a skeleton right now."
[18:15] Majora Malibu says, "Sullivan."
[18:15] Lavenza Malibu says, "Aye, Garret "Hypocricy" Richter would do that."
[18:16] Majora Malibu says, "From what I could gather, he's turning himself in."
[18:16] Lavenza Malibu says, "I maintain my words."
[18:16] Hoshi says, "Well he's a skeleton, so he's probably gonna die."
[18:16] Majora Malibu says, "Doubt it."
[18:16] Hoshi says, "Or well... he's already dead.. hmm."
[18:17] Lavenza Malibu says, "Garret 'Hypocricy' Richter only kills undead and necromancers if they're children or teenagers"
[18:17] Hoshi says, "..."
[18:17] Lavenza Malibu says, "Sull's gonna get put in prison for his redemption."
[18:17] Hoshi says, "Good thing he didn't get you."
[18:17] Lavenza Malibu says, "...Yeah."
[18:17] Lavenza Malibu says, "...That said I'm basically a ghost."
[18:18] Lavenza Malibu says, "Even a Barrier Mage can't keep me."
[18:18] Hoshi says, "A very alive ghost."
[18:18] Lavenza Malibu says, "...No walls or prison could hold me."
[18:18] Lavenza Malibu says, "And I belong to my beloved, so I could never be controlled by collar."
[18:19] Hoshi says, "Though you're wearing a collar right now."
[18:19] Lavenza Malibu says, "...But he could kill me."
[18:19] Lavenza Malibu says, "Her collae."
[18:19] Hoshi says, "Egh..."
[18:19] Lavenza Malibu says, "I'm -hers-"
[18:19] Majora Malibu hands the goober a few tokens.
(Majora Malibu)


[18:19] Lavenza Malibu says, "In the most literal sense."
[18:19] Hoshi says, "I rather not hear about anyone else getting killed..."
[18:19] Lavenza Malibu says, "Stay out of the Vigil then."
[18:19] Hoshi asks, "... Aren't those expensive?"
[18:19] Majora Malibu says, "Get a tranceiver with that."
[18:19] Majora Malibu says, "...Possibly."
[18:20] Hoshi says, "I should do the honorable thing and reject it then..."
[18:20] Hoshi reaches out and grabs the tokens.
(Hoshi)


[18:20] Lavenza Malibu says, "Nope"
[18:20] Majora Malibu says, "No, you shouldn't."
[18:20] Lavenza Malibu says, "Take them~"
[18:20] Hoshi says, "I didn't say I'm honorable."
[18:20] Maria had been keeping up with her studies. Now, more than ever did she want to continue her dive into the world beyond worlds. Diving into the Lifestream, discovering it's mere secrets from beyond her brow.

Especially now that Levius was gone. She knew she could not have let them down.

Levius would want her to live her life. To continue and be the little gunslinger wayfinder he knew she could be. She wouldn't let him down, especially with him watching beyond the Lifestream.

Watching her.

She nods, allowing for Lavenza to flick through the pages of her diary. All across it were notes and equations involving the steps of Wayfinding.

[Netherworld]

[Speed]

[Location]

[Anchor]

All complex notes and equations, specifically the glyphs that were needed to maintain these steps. Her pages were filled with practice glyphs, as Lavenza can see. Finally, did she seem to master them, now showing her pistol too her sibling. A'catalyst' for her Wayfinding. Etched with the selfsame glyphs and runes used for Wayfinding. A complex array of mathematical equations, placed onto her pistol with the help of the Null Hypothesis. Her knowledge had grown from just a mere glimpse, as Lavenza could see she was on the verge of opening a larger portal.

Arithmetic solutions that are copied onto the glyphs of the pistol, she'd express this to her sibling without words. She tilts her head, furrowing her brow as it would seem not even she had fully mastered the art of Wayfinding. The arithmetic to complete larger portals was complex, yet with a catalyst?

It was an easy introduction.

She smiles at Lavenza's praise. A joyous, happy expression as her toothy smile is given. A far cry from the sorrow from before, now filled with passion.

She flips her gun, gesturing for her sibling to follow her outside. She'd...explain what she needed help with in due time. For now, however?

She'd demonstrate her methods.

Wondering if they were worthy of thought...
(Maria Malibu)


[18:20] Majora Malibu says, "Good."
[18:20] Majora Malibu says, "Now, when you get a chance."
[18:21] Maria Malibu waves to Majora.
(Maria Malibu)


[18:21] Maria Malibu and Hoshi!
(Maria Malibu)


[18:21] Hoshi waves to the girl she've never seen before.
(Hoshi)


[18:21] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[18:21] Hoshi asks, "Is that another Malibu?"
[18:21] Majora Malibu HUGS the Maria TIGHT.
(Majora Malibu)


[18:21] Lavenza Malibu says, "My twin."
[18:21] Maria Malibu places her hands on Majora's. She sighs, having already been told the news. Her eyes were a bit watery still, though she'd happily take the embrace, holding tight onto Majora as if to never let go.
(Maria Malibu)


[18:22] Maria Malibu holds her sibling tighter than she ever had. Without words, she would express her newfound cherishing of her siblings. She couldn't let them go anymore, especially now that one was gone...
(Maria Malibu)


[18:22] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[18:22] Hoshi asks, "This feels like a uhh... private family moment... should I go?"
[18:22] Majora Malibu whispers to Maria Malibu: I love you, sunflower.
[18:23] Majora Malibu says, "Tate's outside."
[18:23] Majora Malibu says, "Looking for you if you want."
[18:23] Hoshi immediately spins around and runs to the door.
(Hoshi)


[18:23] Maria Malibu without words, Maria nods and smiles. Her mere expressions and actions were enough to tell her brother how much she loved him. How much she'd cherish him, now that she knew how much it hurt to have a sibling gone.
(Maria Malibu)


[18:24] Maria Malibu thinks, "I won't ever lose any of you eveer again..."
[18:24] Maria Malibu thinks, "I promise..."
[18:24] Majora Malibu carries the blonde to the door to let the impatient goobers in.. not quite relinquishing his grip on her yet.
(Majora Malibu)


[18:27] Tate Brier asks, "Right. Hoshi, what did you need from me? You said you were looking for me?"
[18:27] Hoshi says, "I was."
[18:27] The young enby would have very little to critique, only making notes on a handful of runes that could be better-picked. It would take them a while to find the crucial [Convergence] rune, which without would kill the teen.

But indeed at the moment there was little to say. Noting that "a catalyst is more a crutch than a boon without extensive addition to it... but it works. Well, in your case." Following the teen outside (along with the many others) with a nod, they would simply, with a smile, gesture for the teen to show off.

Plenty of details could be had about the runework, but with a catalyst so much of that would be negated. Such was the way of the Britannian Traversal Library. Any words they may have? Would be negated by watching her demonstration. They were tempted to make their own portal at the same time, but... First, it was her turn.

They were here, wanting, waiting for her to do so. With a smile of anticipation.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[18:27] Hoshi exclaims, "I didn't need anything though. Just wanted to give you a hug!"
[18:27] Tate Brier says, "Oh. Right."
[18:27] Tate Brier spreads her arms for a hug.
(Tate Brier)


[18:27] Majora Malibu says, "Night."
[18:28] Hoshi leans into tate's arms and gives her a hug.
(Hoshi)


[18:28] Tate Brier says, "Meet anyone new recently? Have fun? Safe? "
[18:28] Tate Brier says, "I should take you to meet Parmoni some time."
[18:29] Hoshi says, "I did see a-"
[18:29] Hoshi says, "Ehhh, she's gone."
[18:31] Hoshi says, "And she's back."
[18:31] Hoshi asks, "Forgot something?"
[18:32] Tate Brier says, "Yes, sorry"
[18:32] Tate Brier says, "It was...valuable. I almost lefti it on the ground"
[18:32] Hoshi says, "Silly Tate, you can't leave things that are worth money on the ground."
[18:32] Hoshi says, "Otherwise I might pick them up and sell them off."
[18:33] Tate Brier says, "...yeah. sorry."
[18:33] Hoshi says, "Actually.. you should totally leave valuables on the ground."
[18:33] Hoshi nods to herself.
(Hoshi)


[18:33] Tate Brier says, "We share a room, its fine."
[18:33] Hoshi says, "Yeah! But taking from the chest is stealing. Taking it from the ground is fair play."
[18:33] Hoshi says, "Finders keepers."
[18:34] Tate Brier says, "...true."
[18:34] Tate Brier says, "I'm saving for the project anyway."
[18:34] Hoshi says, "Oh... I'm not taking anything then, don't worry."
[18:35] Hoshi says, "Do you want money? I got... a bit."
[18:35] Tate Brier says, "No."
[18:35] Tate Brier says, "Keep it."
[18:35] It didn't help to cry and weep forever. Maria had her time. She knew to cherish her siblings more than ever before now. To protect them, to do everything in her power so that she wouldn't feel this way ever again.

Holding Majora tight in her arms was more than enough to extend her resolve. All of her siblings were precious to her. And if it meant it was up to her to be their guardian, she'd take the role without hesitation.

Levius had taught her to be brave. To stand up for yourself and the weak. To be humble and kind, and too of course? Stay true to yourself.

Lessons that would resonate with Maria when she needed it. And now? Would she live for him.

Gesturing for Lavenza to follow outside, she'd nod and agree with their words. She knew it was a crutch, that she could not properly learn Wayfinding without being able to know the glyphs by heart. Yet repititon had hammered in most of the glyphs. Her pistol being an apparatus was merely for her to practice her signing and writing of glyphs. A crutch, yes. But more like training wheels, in this case. The [Convergence] rune was held near the back of her diary. This one held the most notes and detail, yet it was the hardest for the teen to remember. Hence did the pistol act as a crutch, already having the rune written within it's frame.

She unholsters her pistol, flipping it across her finger as she demonstrates to Lavenza. The air was warm today, a delicate afternoon for a demonstration. Did she have to flip her pistol across her finger? Of course not.

But damn did it look cool.

She gestures to a nearby barrel. Of course, did Maria have much to learn still. Much to decipher and of course, practice with. The runes were not sloppy in any case, but there was always room for precision and accuracy. Something that was important for any gunslinger.

She aims with one hand, launching the mana bullet straight from the pistol's frame. It bounces off of the barrel, Maria focusing her mana and focus straight toward it's wooden frame.

BANG!

(roll 2!)

"Ngh..." She groans. It would seem she would fail to teleport the object in this case. Perhaps her runes were faulty? A single flash of blue would be left from the impact. But not enough to fully create the portal she wanted.

Instead, she merely bashes the barrel in two. Straight through the middle, some shards would be teleported a few inches away. Yet it was not her intention.

She turns to Lavenza, shrugging her shoulders and sighing. There was something she was still missing. And perhaps it was Lavenza who she would ask to give her guidance.

(Maria Malibu)

[18:35] Hoshi asks, "Eh.. you sure?"
[18:36] Tate Brier says, "Its your money."
[18:36] Hoshi scratches her head.
(Hoshi)


[18:37] Tate Brier says, "Was going to find someone to do errands with"
[18:37] Hoshi exclaims, "Well... I'm here!"
[18:38] Tate Brier says, "Ideally more"
[18:38] Tate Brier says, "And maybe clear some dens"
[18:38] Hoshi says, "I'm worth at least four people."
[18:38] Tate Brier says, "Maybe to me"
[18:38] Tate Brier pats Hoshi's head as she checks her transceiver.
(Tate Brier)


[18:38] Hoshi grins as she receives the head pat.
(Hoshi)


[18:38] Tate Brier asks, "Lets take a walk around, see who wants to join, if any?"
[18:47] Anders Brightwood walks up the steps, gazing towards the pirate ship just docked on the shores of Nilhirra. Upon reaching the end of the stairs, he finds Lavenza and what he assumed is a friend of theirs chatting in front of the Lavenza estate.
(Anders Brightwood)


[18:52] Anders would find a tiny blonde girl shooting at barrels
(Maria Malibu)


[18:56] The enby watched the demonstration with shining eyes... knowing eyes, curious eyes all the same. Smiling with the gunslinger's flair, the flipping the pistol, they were hopeful. As the mana bullet is fired...

The bluette already knows well that the attempt has failed.

And thus they were reminded why they'd never crafted themselves such a crutch. Though the enby noted the issues... it was clear Maria had the lack of feedback expected from such.

And that lack of feedback naturally meant she didn't learn from these experiences. Trial and error without knowing the error. The bluette would nod telekinetically plucking the gun from her fingers, to draw it into their hand.

"So hon... There's a few things. Number one... CONVERGENCE. Even though it's on the pistol it's not getting the mana flow it needs... The pistol's not really made to do this, we'll need to disassemble it and actually carve the circuits of a tool in, rather than a weapon. They're different things, Ari."

They would sigh after saying that, telekinetically drawing some of the barrel shards nearer for her to see the (small) damage upon them, from the lifestream.

"Secondly... You're using method of Impact Teleportation instead of traditional wayfinding. That means you'll be limited in how you can teleport people and the actual 'portal' constructions you can do."

They would look across the runes, then back to their twin, then back to the gun. Their left hand would conjure a [Meta] Rune and an [Ether] Rune, and around the structure of the gun, all of the runes would project about an inch away from the metal, glowing symbols connected with glowing lines, 'pseudocircuits' made from their own mana. A simple construction, all considered.

"Try doing something like this... You can use them as a crutch still, all of the runes are the same as before... I added proper connections so my mana reaches every rune properly, it's not a hard construction, I know you're capable of it. But, this also lets you adjust the runes to be... a little more adjustable, rather than by will. For instance..."

The construction's runes alter, just a few, setting an exit portal to be defined by a second shot, rather than will alone.

"It'll let you do... well, Let me show you."

=Roll of 1 (lower is better=

The enby points the gun at their wall, firing. The blue mana bullet would come out green, dissipating against the wall into the chaotic, whirring emerald light of the Lifestream they'd seen so many times before. A second shot as they spun towards Anders, pointing the gun at him directly, and firing.

The portal would manifest an inch short. The bluette's precision with their arithmency… truly was terrifying on it's own. Looking back to Maria,handing her the gun as the symbols disappear, they would be proud of themselves for being able to make the portals as they used to...

And now would contemplate getting their own catalyst so much more, saying "Damn, I... See why you use that... But, yes. Try that construction. It should help... a lot." as they calmly walked into one portal, emerging from the one near Anders. Someone was confident, though... Convergence was forever on their top priority, with Wayfinding. So it made sense.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[19:02] Barely dodges the projectile as he unslings his rifle, years of drill becoming muscle memory at this point, as he shoulders his rifle and properly aims it squarely at Lavenza.

"Hngh… well, not a fan of fanfare, I suppose. I must admit, I wasn't expecting you of all people to come here in the middle of the night."

He takes a deep breath, steadying himself, expecting a fight to come.

"You know full well you are a wanted person here in the Kingdom, I'll give you props for somehow evading the patrols. I'll be frank, I was expecting you to try and convince me to your position, but I suppose diplomacy is not an option for you now, is it? I'll keep it brief, no need to spill blood here, just stand down right here, right now."
(Anders Brightwood)


[19:11] Jaherr Valkynia asks, "Have any of you seen lord Stede?"
[19:12] Lavenza Malibu says, "Not since he visited me in prison."
[19:13] Jaherr Valkynia says, "Damns..."
[19:21] Jumps out of the way as the projectile raced towards him, but as he looked back from the ground, he notices that the projectile that was supposed to land where he once was suddenly turned into a bright green orb, watching as Lavenza just smugly walked past back to where they once were.

Picking himself up and dusting himself off, he eyed the two just chatting, ignoring his almost deadly experience.

Standing up, he unslings his rifle, wielding it and aiming straight at Lavenza.

"I must admit, you're the last person I expected to visit here tonight. You know full well you are a wanted person here in the Kingdom, I'll give you props for somehow evading the patrols. I'll keep it brief, no need to spill blood here, just stand down right here, right now."
(Anders Brightwood)


[19:21] Maria had practiced her flair just as much as her actual skill. The bullet met it's mark exactly where the young woman would want it. Yet all it would do was cleave it in two, not teleport it as she had desired.

Still, she wondered what she'd be doing wrong. Was she simply not skilled enough? Was her aim off? Was her knowledge still lacking?

Trial and error was well and good. Yet without knowing the error, how could one learn?

Maria was more than willing to learn. She sighs, shaking her head. Sometimes, her shooting would work. Sometimes it would not. It was quite literally a hit or miss, whether or not the bullet would have it's desired intention. Sometimes she can teleport an object a few feet away to it's desired location, sometimes she could not. The randomness to it all have confused her. For she couldn't understand why she was lacking.

"..." She turns to her sibling with a curious hue as they explain. Tilting her head, her gun is plucked from her fingers. This brings a...frown to the young woman's features. The gun was something she cherished deeply, and she didn't quite like that Lavenza had taken it from her without permission. Especially now that the person that had given it to her was long gone.

She gives Lavenza a chance nonetheless. If it was anyone else, she'd be livid.

"..." She listens, a finger tapping her chin as she ponders. Convergence. The one rune that she had difficulty grasping. She knew the basics, of course. Yet it was always the glyph she had the most trouble practicing. Her crutch meant nothing when she could only siphon it half of the time.

"...Mgh." The idea of taking apart the pistol was...distressing to Maria. It was once Levius's pistol, after all. And Lavenza would find how much it would distress her.

Nevertheless, they were right.

She needed to learn these glyphs by heart, and not just have a crutch as the pistol forever. She needed to flow her mana in a manner that was precise and focused, as did she need to master the glyphs themselves.

Especially Convergence.

Maria approaches, finding the damage done to her pistol. She widens her eyes, not even noticing that it was damage at all. She had thought they were simply scuffs in the frame, yet it was clear as day from careful observation..

"Mm..." she nods in understanding. Plain as day, as it was evident she couldn't rely on this crutch anymore.

But there had to be a way, right?

Maria realizes that perhaps on relying on a crutch, she should use the pistol as a tool...

The girl watches as Lavenza demonstrates. A curious hue, as the gun is fired, a bullet dissipating in a burst of green light before another shot is taken mere seconds after. Her eyes cross the trajectory of the bullet, a portal manifesting an inch short from Anders. The precision was a feat to see, and certainly something Maria herself would want to mimic someday.

Every gunslinger needed to be as precise as they were deadly.

"Mm." She nods, taking the pistol in her palms once again. With the glyphs rewired, she does find it easier to siphon her mana. Psuedocircuits, as it were. Proper training wheels. The construction was almost trivial for Maria, allowing herself to form proper connections with the pistol's glyphs. Especially so, the one that dictated Convergence.

Maria's right hand conjures a proper [Meta] rune. A single connection directly toward her own circuits, she allows herself to siphon her mana.

Maria nods in understanding. Once again, the pistol is taken in her palms. She cocks the hammer, aiming toward another barrel. It was better to have runes be adjustable, rather than just firing the runes with will alone

"..."

Again, she focuses, looking downthe sights of the barrel before pulling the trigger once again. This time, Convergence being her priority. Her mana siphons directly into the rune, her very body attuning too the complicated glyph. A softened breath, as Levius had taught her. She exhales...

BANG!

(roll 5!)

An emerald glaze, a flash of light, as the barrel is teleported. Maria huffs, squeezing the trigger again in rapid succession. She turns toward Anders, pulling the trigger once again a few feet away from his position. Her gunslinging was precise and swift, Anders finding a barrel of fish to be teleported mere inches away from him!

"!!!"

(Maria Malibu)

[19:22] She smiles. A cocky, shit-eating grin as she succeeds in teleporting the barrel directly right of Anders. She flips her pistol, blowing away the smoke from it's barrel.

Lavenza was right. She couldn't use the pistol as a crutch. But a tool? This was for the best.

She understood now that she needed to siphon her own mana and understand these runes to a T. She needed to connect these runes into her very circuits, allow them to embrace her frame. Simply allowing them to shoot from her pistol? Of course it would be met with waning results.

At least with herself, could she control the output of the glyphs, and of course, adjust on the fly.

She nods, smiling happily at hr sibling as she clutches her pistol tight to her chest.
(Maria Malibu)


[19:22] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[19:23] Anders Brightwood successfully rolls away from the bright ball of light, before materializing a barrel a few inches where he once stood.
(Anders Brightwood)


[19:26] Grunts, remarking "Great... well, I wouldn't mind shooting two miscreants tonight."

By this point, Grey had come into the scene, as well as a bunch of other marines, who upon recognizing Lavenza from the wanted posters, drew their weapons as well and began encircling the pair.
(Anders Brightwood)


[19:27] Grey checks his transceiver, a quick message is typed, and the Captain holds up a hand with a hard tone.

"Stand down. The lot of you."

The older medic's demeanor is one that demands no argumentation or disagreement It's an order, given with authority.
(Grey Aundeoth)


[19:28] Provided nobody does anything stupid, the Marines would remain encircling, though weapons would stay pointed at the ground. The captain outranks Anders in this instance, though his reasons for the order are in limbo while other's react.
(Grey Aundeoth)


[19:30] Maria turns to Anders, furrowing her brow at his words as he spoke. She tilts her head, as if offended the man would say such a thing. Especially right in front of Lavenza and herself's own home...

She stands afront of Venza, furrowing her brow. She already lost another sibling.

She didn't want to lose another.

"..."

She growls at Anders. Didn't they know they lived here? That this was their mothers' island?

"..."

Her breathes were rapid as she glared at Anders. Yet she kept her pistol at bay. Still, guarding her dear sibling.

All she had wanted was time alone with them. Having others ruin it like this? Especially after losing her brother?

Of course, it would make her angry.

Livid.

Maria backs away, looking back at Lavenza. She clutches tight to her pistol, her heart beating rapidly with each and every moment.

Stand down?

The little outlaw only would if Anders did.

A miscreant, he called her?

Perhaps she was.

But she'd rather die a miscreant than see a sibling taken from her again.

"..."
(Maria Malibu)


[19:30] Exhales loudly, as he lowers his rifle, with the other marines following suit.

Whatever the Captain's reasons were, he hoped it better be worth going against the King.
(Anders Brightwood)


[19:31] Maria Malibu looks toward Grey.
(Maria Malibu)


[19:34] They were happy beyond happy their sister was learning, taking to heart what they said. Apologetic as they were that they needed to separate the memento from her, the demonstration and her attempt after went well. All was going well.

And then Anders pointed a gun at them. A troupe circling them. The least motley of motley crews.

Thankfully, the young enby was nothing if not clever... And borderline suicidal, half the time. The gun pointed at them, their left hand would weave a single [Ether] Glyph. They should be spending time and energy with their twin. They should be cherishing time with family, after losing their big brother. Instead...

A diagram of energy would form around the enby, their own circuits, five convergence points described, their right arm's circuits returned to their natural state. And all their circuits, beginning to overload, teetering on the edge of lethal. Certainly it was painful. But they would apathetically look to Anders.

"Order says capture me, not kill. If a single round touches my skin, my circuits are now set to detonate. In other words, if anyone tries anything, I die. You kill a fifteen year old, defy the arrest warrant, and rob my dear twin of another of her siblings less than a month after we lost our oldest brother.

Your choice."

They look to Grey, then. Short telepathic conversations aside, they thought he was leaving. "There a reason you're intervening here?" Their circuits would remain as they are, though their posture would relax ever so slightly with his order.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[19:42] The captain sighs, though the look he gives Lavenza is one of profound irritation rather than concern or panic.

"First, you're an idiot if you think that would deter any of us. Sorry, Lavenza, but orders are orders, especially from those two. Holding a gun to your head wouldn't stop us, resisting arrest again for what you were charged with justifies lethal force. And we would be arresting you, if it weren't for the fact I decided to check on your legal status."

Grey taps the pocket containing his goldlight-channel transceiver, the one he just used a moment ago before he gave the order to stand down.

"According to Lazarus, you've sealed your necromancy with a contract. He says you're now a non-issue and 'not something to bother with.' Congratulations on stepping back from the ledge."

A gesture is made towards the sibling, Maria, with a scolding tone, "Don't shoot at my marines, please, and think twice about your decisions, Maria." The man's attention turns back towards Lavenza, "I am disappointed in you. I warned the both of you the consequences of this path several times, and instead of consulting the one who already walked it, instead of listening when I told you to stay away from it, you didn't." He's not yelling, he's not angry, just... disappointed. Somehow, that probably hurts worse. "... Were it not for Lazarus's counsel and the deal you struck, your ultimatum would be called right now. Be glad you're smart enough to know when to step back, and that he's a merciful man."

An unspoken phrase, an implication... 'Because I am running out of mercy myself.'

The queen has arrived to quite the situation, at the very end of his statement, and his focus shifts to her at once. The marines surrounding Lavenza areunsure of what to do, though a few pop salutes towards her. Most, keep their weapons lowered.
(Grey Aundeoth)


[19:43] Sivenka Tanis tapped grey's shoulder, she held out two frosty branches of Perdegrine.
(Sivenka Tanis)


[19:43] Sivenka Tanis whispers something.
[19:43] Grey Aundeoth says, "Unless the queen orders otherwise, all of you marines go back to your post and stand down in full."
[19:44] Sivenka Tanis raised an eyebrow.
(Sivenka Tanis)


[19:44] Aricles Alline asks, "What's all the noise?"
[19:44] Sivenka Tanis withdrew her Perdegrine, she has no clue what she walked into. She was just trying to hand off some of the flowers.
(Sivenka Tanis)


[19:44] Anders Brightwood sighs and starts breathing deeply, calming himself down as he slowly slings his rifle. Looks like no blood will be shed here today.
(Anders Brightwood)


[19:44] Sivenka Tanis says, "Right away Captain."
[19:44] Anders Brightwood says, "Will do, sir."
[19:48] An entire squad of Marines, pointing their rifles at herself and Lavenza, directly in front of their own home. Somewhere that was supposed to be a safe space for them. A sanctuary?

And yet, they'd take that away from her?

Haven't they taken enough?

Maria continues to guard her sibling. Even amongst the plethora of soldiers that would point their rifles at the duo, including Anders himself, does she fail to stand down. Her pistol is caught in her palms, held tight as she guards her dear sibling. Her eyes meet the eyes of the Marines, and while her heart would be beating with fear, she would hate to let it show.

No. She'd let these idiots be the ones to strike her and Lavenza down?

Of course not.

They call themselves the law? They call themselves justice?

Her mother taught her better than to give in to these people.

She'd mock the Marines if she could, yet she knew it was for the best she stand down. Still, was her guard up, canary hues darting straight toward the commander who had luckily kept his forces at bay. Still, was it comical. That they'd need an entire squad of soldiers for Lavenza alone. Especially directly in front of their own house.

Just wait until their mother hears of this.

"...Mm." she furrows her brow at the commander. Side by side with her sibling, she takes the same path as her sibling. Even if it would mark her as an outlaw as well. Well...

Perhaps she was destined to break the rules, wasn't she?

The commander's words are heard, her pistol still clenched tight in her palms. She wouldn't let any of those so called 'Marines' step over her and her sibling. Especially not beside their own home.

Grey asked not to shoot his Marines, but they were the ones pointing guns at herself and her sibling in front of her own home.

"..."

His words are heard in full. Yet it did not make Maria any happier. The mere fact that his Marines would encircle them beside their own home was more than enough to dictate to Maria what they believed justice was.

She knew better, of course. Even this young, did she realize justice was an illusion. The death of her brother made that clear. The only justice that wasn't, was your own.

A gaze now clear toward the Queen. Maria tilts her head. Finally, does she holster her pistol.

It didn't mean she wasn't a quick draw, however.

(Maria Malibu)

[19:53] The enby would just stare at Grey. Their circuits would remain, their look of apathy along with it.

"First of all, it was a lie anyway. I just don't care if I get shot right now. Assuming I didn't... you know. Teleport away or become a ghost.

Second of all, what I was charged with very much was not what I did, you warned about, or the Oracle deemed me guilty of. Plot twist, when people tell a fourteen year old they're going to die and to accept their fate, they fucking panick. I was at no risk, at the tree, I just fucking panicked. But no, that makes me infinitely guilty of things I didn't do."

They would then sigh, continuing.

"Third of all, you gave me a book with reassurances that acts that prelude necromancy, which, fun fact, are the only ones I committed aside from taking energy from one corpse that I found, are not necromancy. When I was eleven.And before you try to say that's not what the book said, I produced it for the Oracle's Secretary, and if it didn't say that, I wouldn't have gotten my contract to begin with."

They were immune to the disappointment. The more they'd recounted the story to friends, family, world leaders, and the oracle themselves, no matter the level of belief afforded them or the judgement to the one thing they did aside, the more people agreed on where the issue started.

"Fourth of all, I did step away from a ledge. It's just not the one you seem to fucking thing I stepped away from, and if I did step off it I guarantee you and nobody you look upto would have given a damn, regardless of any sentencing or contract."

As they speak, though the words themselves were vitriolic, the actual tone they used was completely benign. As though they were exhausted well beyondthe point of having emotions. And, after all that, they would look over to Rio and Aricles, giving a little wave with their bloodied right glove.

"Hello, Queen Rio, hey Aricles."
(Lavenza Malibu)


[20:03] Aricles walks into the kerfuffle as the marines are ordered to lower their weapons. Good start to his 'morning'. Was this about the Kingdom neglecting to announce the bounty was off?

Hearing all the talk of Lavenza's contract, he decided it was so.
Aricles walked closer as the marines made room, looking to what he could to ease this situation.

"You lot are slow on the news. I spend half my time underground and knew Lavenza was found innocent."
He hoped nobody would nitpick the definition of 'innocent'. And that neither Rio, Grey, or any influential marines saw the back of his helmet right now. Might make him seem biased.

"Hello, Lavenza. Hello, Maria, and Grey, and Rio. Busy day?"

(Aricles Alline)

[20:04] Maria Malibu gives Aricles a sarcastic expression, nodding. Busy day indeed.
(Maria Malibu)


[20:04] Maria Malibu says, "Mm."
[20:05] The captain's face is unflinching and unmoving. The words land, but have no impact. Understood, yes, but not effective. He simply continues to stand, as the marines slowly filter away, with a glance towards Lavenza as they speak. Most of his attention is fixed towards Rio. Why, is difficult to say.

The message, however, is fairly simple: He doesn't fucking care. Why, exactly, again, isn't clear, but it's been quite some time since they've met and spoke. Perhaps he's changed in some way, or perhaps it's something else, but it is clear. He doesn't have the spare mental space, time, or energy to care or argue.

"Lazarus states you are a non-issue. Therefore you are. That's as far as I care right now, Lavenza."

Perhaps he simply doesn't believe them. There's a decent chance of it, considering what the other side of the story has to say. It is evident, in any case, to the young prodigy what Grey's attitude towards the situation is.

Good soldiers follow orders, and he has his. Lavenza's plight is in the hands of someone else, he's not part of it, and he doesn't care to be anymore.
(Grey Aundeoth)


[20:06] Maria pouts, crossing her arms with an annoyed sigh.

She'd wonder what it was like to sell your soul to an order. Her thoughts of joining Goldlight seem to wane by the day.

For the time being she stands down. Though, she would furrow her brow at a few soldiers walking by her, sticking her tongue out.
(Maria Malibu)


[20:12] Rolls his eyes and sighs at the exchanges.

Deep down, something inside him was telling him that this was wrong, but what can he do? He is duty-sworn to defend the Kingdom and abide by its laws.

He returns these thoughts to the deepest recesses of his mind. This is just work after all. Nothing more, no matter how unfortunate it may be.
(Anders Brightwood)


[20:16] If they were in a better state of mind, perhaps they'd laugh or be disgusted or care in any way that they once called this man a friend.

That there was ever a day they looked upto him.

They were a very dumb child, apparently. Despite all the people who said otherwise at the time. Their mind briefly toyed with the idea that he may have been brainwashed. That he may have been altered, whenever the knowledge was plucked from his mind. At the time at least he had some sense of compassion, instead of being a mindless drone.

But like him, they simply didn't care. They had enough bullshit to care about these days, and they would apathetically say "Then why are you still staring at me? Buzz off."

Their attention would then fully turn away from him, looking to the queen with their full attention. Not necessarily in deference, simply respect that they held only for the people who deserved it. She was one. Part of their mind would remain ontheir twin sister, but primarily, it was on her.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[20:17] Rio also has relatively no idea what the hell she had just walked in to. It was the usual time she left the house, and seeing commotion so soon wasn't exactly the most welcome sight.

Rounding the corner of the building and seeing just who the commotion was about, however? While welcome wouldn't be the correct term, something akin to surprised might fit the bill. Rio's tired gaze opens back to its usual, more open stare outward, visibly surprised for the moment before eyes shifted to Grey and settle once more, listening to him speak.

That context might prove to be incredibly important in regards to her following actions, as are those of the Malibus.

For the moment however, she listens, taciturn, gaze primarily on Lavenza, listening to the conversation. Her eyes even close for something close to a minute throughout the conversation. Most could assume in contemplation, though she did seem to favor her weight toward the staff.

"A poor lie, yeah. And ineffective. Things have changed a bit in your absence."

Even her tone is dry, lower, tired. She continues, eyes opening to fix on Lavenza.

"Who said that to you? That you were going to die, and to accept your fate? If what you say is true, and that was the only cause for panic..."

She shakes her head, unable to find the appropriate words to finish the sentence and simply punctuates it with, "I must know," before holding up three fingers from the hand clutching the staff, held only by a ring formed by thumb and pinky.

"Third..." Her face scrunches up, a look of something akin to disgust given to both Lavenza and Grey. "What the fuck?" That one gave her whiplash. "I'm.. gonna need to see this book myself. Like- fucking immediately. And why are you fucking around with bodies when you were elev-"

It's Lavenza. That question answers itself.

"And four- Oop-" A pinky raised, and the staff begins to fall, caught by a stern stare and the glowing gaze of the ferromancer's sightcasting and brought back to be snatched back up by her hand.

"And four- that is false. It may be difficult to believe, but if we if this motherfucker is still alive and kicking, you would have gotten your shot. You just-.. didn't help your chances at all."

Her gaze shifts first to Aricles, then to Grey, listening to their final remarks. The latter causes her to raise an eyebrow.

"And if I were to state otherwise?" She asked, tone clearly challenging, though she dismisses it with a shake of her head, attention returned to Lavenza.

"You know, I had planned on writing you soon, hoping you would trust me enough to come to Nilhirra and let me hear your side of the story before I could truly condemn you.

Certainly saved me that trouble, assuming it won't be a pain in the ass to find you again when I want that chat."

She takes a deep breath and sighs it out, looking around at gathered marines and magi.

"...Leave them be for now."
(Rio Emeraldi)


[20:18] Sivenka Tanis tapped Anders' shoulder.
(Sivenka Tanis)


[20:18] Sivenka Tanis says, "You got any tiller's joy..? I could uh... Get to work on fixing that field on the island if you do."
[20:19] Sivenka Tanis hoisted up a small pouch of coins.
(Sivenka Tanis)


[20:20] Sivenka Tanis raised a single finger.
(Sivenka Tanis)


[20:21] Anders Brightwood nods twice, turning around to gently retrieve the pouch of coins, and walks back to his ship to get the potion. He needed something to distract himself from this.
(Anders Brightwood)


[20:23] Anders Brightwood hands Sivenka a bottle of Tiller's Joy and another small pouch of coins.
(Anders Brightwood)


[20:23] Anders Brightwood whispers something.
[20:23] Anders Brightwood returns to watching the exchange, albeit in a more eased stance than earlier.
(Anders Brightwood)


[20:25] The young Malibu had wanted to join Goldlight alongside her brother. To enact justice upon evildoers as they promised. Yet it was clear what such a life entailed. You lose your soul as a soldier. Something Maria did not want to be.

She ponders for a few moments, how the ideals of these people have seemingly waned over time. Their beliefs that were once so fervent, now naught but a droning, lifeless sense of service. She'd wonder if they still had souls, if they still believed in justice. Or if they were numb to it all.

Her arms stay crossed, glancing about the soldiers that would disperse before canary marks the more important persons of interest once again. Yes, her sibling seemed safe for now, but it did not wash that insulting taste from her mouth.

A glance toward Anders, for even see she could see the tinge in his eye that what he was doing was wrong. That this sense of justice was nothing more than an excuse. He was sworn to protect a Kingdom, it would seem. But was his soul gone because of it?

Did he forget what he signed up for along the way? Did he forget what it all was supposed to mean? Certainly it wasn't this, right?

Maria tilts her head. An annoyed sigh escapes her, as she gestures for everyone here to 'buzz off' alongside Lavenza's words. She mockingly bows. As both her and her sibling were spending needed time with one another before interrupted by such a welcoming party.

She sighs. Of course, did Maria have her own thoughts and opinions. A plethora, even. But she was mute. She had no way to explain her thoughts, even if she wanted too.

Not that she needed too.

A waste of time, she thought. A shame. She felt deep in her heart that...she almost wanted the trouble?

Weird, that...

Maria turns to hr sibling now, smiling with content, and with a bit of annoyance still lurking in her hues. She smiles as if to say, 'can we continue?' as this welcoming party had interrupted them enough.

She wondered if there was more to show, however...

Maria unholsters her pistol once again. She simply...practices what she was doing before. Shooting at barrels and teleporting them feet away. Practice makes perfect, after all.
(Maria Malibu)


[20:33]
{Character Loaded, IC Year: 2129}
[20:41] They listen to Rio calmly. If anything they attain an actual calm, listening to her at first. As though knowing she would be an actual human being... An actual trusted figure.

"Ineffective if the goal was to not be shot, opposed to giving myself enough time to turn incorporeal or... teleport away... I could frankly get away at any time, i'm… not really in danger in the vast majority of places, ma'am.

That said... the initial source of my panick was Lazarus doing the freaky glowy-eyes thing at me. He... said it indirectly. He said necromancers would be killed by is, and then while I was panicking and said people will 'think' i'm a necromancer, he corrected by saying I was one... and he said if I was lucky I wouldn't be killed at one point."

They furrow their blue-brows, recalling the event a full year ago, memories muddled by being in a panick attack but they believed they were accurate enough.

"Nirav at one point said something about it... and when we met with Chancellor Renfae, he told me to 'be calm and accept my fate'... And then when I told my situation to the Lumin King, he essentially told me to stop talking and if I die I die... I was... thoroughly panicking by that point, so I ran. And then Lazarus took that to mean I was actually guilty."

They would shake their head, running their hand through their hair to calm down. The memory still freaked them out, but they seemed uncaring that their glove smears blood through their hair.

"The book was confiscated by the Oracle's Secretary... If it still exists you might be able to ask them, but they... probably just burned it. I know someone else with a copy of the original... he might not have gotten rid of it, when he wrote his revision of it. As for the body I just found it outside of midpoint. I autopsied it for medical purposes, practiced my fleshcrafting on it a bit, and yes drained it's energy. Gave it back to the wilderness eventually."

They don't address the fourth point. That was, apparently, the limit of their trust even with Rio. The worth of their own life, especially to people like Grey. If only their telepathy was the slightest bit better, to hear his thoughts... Not that they cared.

"...And no, i'm here again. That said I've been in Gloomlight's prison for six months... The day after I got out I found out my big brother was killed... So if you did write a letter I... probably wouldn't have.

Don't worry they treated me well, there. The Oracle didn't fully believe me... and wasn't going to give me a contract until I produced Grey's book for them to read. They... still think I'm more liable than I said... And I probably am. I haven't exactly been in a good headspace for the last year.

That said... I think I've brought up most everything but... if you do want to hear it more directly or just... wanna chat... I would fucking cry. In a good way. You'd be the first one, really."

They would cleanly ignore Grey's words again, turning back to their twin. Not smiling, but still... calm, speaking to Rio. They would nod, giving them the implicit okay to keep shooting and teleporting barrels, though their attention would flit between her and the queen.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[20:45] Greys eyes narrow at the last part. His attention turns back towards Lavenza, though he were going to leave, and interrupts the lesson with a single question.

"... Your big brother was killed?"

Has nobody told him? No, probably not, people don't tell him shit. He frowns. He still seems annoyed with them, somewhat pissed in a vague sense, but his attitude isn't hostile, per se.

He definitely believes the order's side of the story, that Lavenza's an idiot, and making a blatant attempt at manipulation, as well as a known liar. Though some sympathy goes through him, a bleeding heart rearing it's head, he stomps on it.

Something has changed in him, and it isn't the position of his office. He's held captain since before Lavenza left, and he wasn't like this.
(Grey Aundeoth)


[20:46] Lavenza Malibu doesn't even look in his direction to answer.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[20:47] He sighs.

"It's true, Captain. Just found out recently from Majora myself. Killed in action fighting the Captain of the Deathwind Fleet."

The memory of that revelation still stings him, the guilt even more so, as it just dawns on him that he drew his weapon on his friend's siblings.
(Anders Brightwood)


[20:57] Rio crosses her arm, staff tucked into the nook of her elbow to pin it in place, listening.

The initial comment causes her to smile and emit a soft chuckle- even if it partially to keep herself calm and humored.

"You really need to stop making everything a challenge. Innocent or no, you can still simply piss someone off, and that's an entirely other matter."

There's the slightest seasoning of ire in her emphasis, though it calms when the rest of the story is given without frequently telling her population to go fuck themselves. The slumbering dragon's wrath, clearly.

As not one, but several names are given, there's a small aura of weariness growing with each one. Not as easy to yell at someone when the blame is spread around to so many names, all holding weight and all, while callous in their remarks, likely having little to reprimand.

Imprisoned in Gloomlight? Why was she only hearing about this now? A telling turn of her head is made to Grey, as if to silently ask him that question, though she's no telepath either.

The lack of the fourth point is seemingly noticed, judging by the small frown her mouth shifts into. And her face continues that rollercoaster of emotions.

'I would cry' gets sympathy. 'In a good way' gets a weak smile, and a small, dismissive nod back to Lavenza, straightening up in her posture as if to signal she were ready to move on, denoting it with a simple,

"Go spend time with your family."
(Rio Emeraldi)


[20:57] Grey's eyes close for a moment longer than normal. He works his jaw, then nods. Inwardly?

'Fuck.'

It seems to take a minute to process, slowly, sinking in. He had seen and spoken to Levius just the other day it seemed, laughing and joking right on that bench there-

His facade is slowly cracking open, as that particular piece of news worms its way in. He visibly withers ever so slightly, a hardened heart breaking a little more. He'd steeled himself here, reassuring himself he simply had other issues to worry about. And he does, urgent ones. The storm inside of himself is stomped upon repeatedly until he chokes it down, but it's visible.

He does not have time. A war is coming, and he's fucked his chance at making amends with Lavenza for now. Does he even want to, given what he's heard of the lying? No. Yes. No. A child is hurting, and yet he has no room to take the time to care, because he has so many other things on his plate.

And Rio's right. But- his transceiver pings, and he checks with a soft sigh and steeling of his gaze.

"I have to go."
(Grey Aundeoth)


[20:58] Rio Emeraldi says, "Go ahead."
[20:58] Rio Emeraldi nods to Grey.
(Rio Emeraldi)


[20:58] Anders Brightwood glances at his tranceiver, noticing the message meant for Grey, and sighs. It would appear that he will be needed elsewhere.
(Anders Brightwood)


[21:00] Lavenza Malibu says, "...Well, if someone got pissed enough to attack, i'd... you know. Vanish."
[21:00] Lavenza Malibu says, "...It's... well, let me just..."
[21:00] Taking one last glance at the Malibu siblings, he does not say a word, but his eyes are filled with guilt and regret, hidden behind a veneer of a stern look.

He turns his back from the scene, and makes his way towards the beach.
(Anders Brightwood)


[21:00] Rio Emeraldi says, "You're missing my point, but it's -incredibly- irrelevant right now."
[21:01] Aricles Alline says, "Perhaps an announcement should be made."
[21:01] Venza simply vanishes to nearly nothing, not even a shadow of themselves, less than a ghost. Less than alive, without even a glyph woven. It was as though their heart just willed them to not exist anymore, and the universe listened.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[21:02] Lavenza Malibu reappears, without a sound. Without a glyph or any noticable casting, they simply return.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[21:03] However unlikely it may be to hit, Rio throws a blunted dagger at where Lavenza's forehead was, to prove a point.
(Rio Emeraldi)


[21:03] Lavenza Malibu says, "...Not my best work but yeah... I..."
[21:03] Lavenza Malibu speaks as it passes through them. They truly were a ghost, like that.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[21:03] Launches himself forward to intercept the dagger. He was the Chosem.
(Aricles Alline)


[21:04] Lavenza Malibu says, "...I... look, for as much as people like to build me up sometimes..."
[21:04] Lavenza Malibu says, "The universe has fucking -loved- tearing me down recently."
[21:04] Grey would perhaps be able to find the flurry of emotions clasped within Maria's mind. Maria would remember their encounter, even if it was a just a few years ago. He'd find a plethora of emotions. Annoyance, anger, a bit of cockiness...

Most of all, however, was sorrow.

A melancholy as deep as the pit of one's own heart. Something she had wished to forget, if naught for a moment. A chance for her to get her mind off of her sorrow, to spend time with her sibling, even if just for a moment.

Yet even that was taken from her.

"..."

Her arms are crossed. She listens to each and every word from her sibling. Furrowing her brow lightly, reacting to their words. She eventually places a hand on their shoulder, as if to say 'that's enough'.

If there was one thing she learned while being mute, it was that sometimes it was just...best to stay silent.

They wouldn't listen. Maria would try to tell them. There was...no use in wasting your breath with them.

The both of them were already hurting enough. And to make matters worse, a war was coming.

A war directly in the path of both Malibu's it would seem.

"..."

Eventually, Maria gets bored of simply shooting barrels for entertainment. She seemed...tired. Exhausted

She turns to her sibling, holstering her pistol and tapping her chest, she gestures too the door. She wanted time alone. Perhaps to sleep, it was...already pretty late.

And the both of them had been through enough for one night.
(Maria Malibu)


[21:04] Lavenza Malibu says, "...I get... touchy. I'm sorry, Queen Rio."
[21:04] Lavenza Malibu says, "...sorry your lesson got interupted, hon."
[21:04] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[21:04] Rio Emeraldi says, "...I understand. I'm not asking for pleases and thank yous- even the 'queen' part is surprising, just- yeah. Don't give them more reasons."
[21:04] Maria Malibu shakes her head. She didn't seem to mind.
(Maria Malibu)


[21:04] Lavenza Malibu gives their sister a hug goodnight, pulling her in so tight it almost hurts.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[21:04] Maria Malibu says, "...AFJADGHFSH"
[21:04] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[21:04] Lavenza Malibu whispers: ...i love you, dear sister.
[21:04] Maria Malibu loses her breath for a bit, but eventually, she smiles.
(Maria Malibu)


[21:05] Lavenza Malibu whispers: never forget that... please... remember it even in your dreams.
[21:05] Maria Malibu says, "Mm.."
[21:05] Maria Malibu nods.
(Maria Malibu)


[21:05] Lavenza Malibu whispers: ...night.
[21:05] Lavenza Malibu lets her go.
(Lavenza Malibu)


[21:05] {Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "<div class='mImg' style='background:url(e_transceiver.png)'></div> <span class='transceiver'>{Maliland02das} <b>Maria Malibu</b> transmits: "I love you too, Venza. Night."</span>
[21:05] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Maria Malibu transmits: "I love you too, Venza. Night."

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Pub: 09 Sep 2024 03:48 UTC

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