21:51] Maria Malibu walks up to Behitha...
(Maria Malibu)


[21:51] Maria Malibu signs, tilting her head curiously.
(Maria Malibu)


[21:51] Behitha is dumping loads of adamantite pants to the poor merchant.
(Behitha)


[21:52] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[21:52] Maria Malibu says, "...."
[21:52] Maria Malibu shakes her head.
(Maria Malibu)


[21:52] Maria Malibu says, "<'Are you Behitha, miss? I heard about you.'>"
[21:53] Behitha turns her attention to the small blonde girl, a brow is quirked in her direction, and she signs back.
(Behitha)


[21:53] Maria Malibu says, "<'That poor merchant. I am sure he's giving you a terrible deal.'>"
[21:53] Behitha says, "<'I am. How may I help you?'>"
[21:53] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!"
[21:53] Maria Malibu says, "<'You are...mute? Like myself?'>"
[21:53] Maria Malibu gestures to herself.
(Maria Malibu)


[21:53] Behitha glances off to the side, offering a shrug.
(Behitha)


[21:53] Behitha says, "<'Something like that. I am capable of speech, but my pronounciation and articulation are ...'>"
[21:53] Behitha she rolls her wrist as she signs.
(Behitha)


[21:53] Behitha says, "<'Lackluster.'>"
[21:53] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Majora Malibu transmits: "Pretty sure she is, yea.."
[21:54] Maria Malibu says, "<'That's okay. I am the same. I am capable of speech but it hurts to talk.>"
[21:54] Maria Malibu says, "<'I am just glad to have someone that understands me!'>"
[21:54] Maria Malibu says, "<'What is that?'>"
[21:54] Maria Malibu points to the floating thing beside her.
(Maria Malibu)


[21:55] Behitha gestures to her drone, as it lowers itself to hover just above her palm.
(Behitha)


[21:55] Maria Malibu giggles.
(Maria Malibu)


[21:55] Maria Malibu says, "<'Cute'>"
[21:55] Maria Malibu says, "<'May I?'>"
[21:56] Maria Malibu offers her palms to the drone.
(Maria Malibu)


[21:56] Behitha says, "<'This is W.A.K.A.N. or Wireless Advanced Kinetic and Nurtring drone.'>"
[21:56] Maria Malibu says, "<'That's a mouthful.'>"
[21:56] Maria Malibu says, "<'...Handful.'>"
[21:56] Maria Malibu says, "<'So he is used for...?'>"
[21:57] Behitha says, "<'That's why acronyms are invented. And go ahead, you may study them.'>"
[22:01] Maria gently handles the drone into her palms. She'd treat it as if it were a pet. Luckily, handling it with just as much care you would, an animal.

Her gaze marks the features of the drone. She allows it to hover over her palms in a gentle manner, giggling softly to herself as she toyed with it. She'd note it's make and model. The technology and runecasting involved to make something such as this must have been entirely out of this world..

Yet again, Maria had experience with such complex runecasting algorithms. Wayfinding was based on physics, after all. The selfsame physics that dictated matter and the complex runes that would make this drone operate.

she tells the woman. She smiles softly, gently allowing the drone to hover back toward her side.

she asks. Now tilting her head with a curious demeanor.

(Maria Malibu)

[22:11] Behitha watched as the little blonde teen carefully examined W.A.K.A.N. The girl's findings, simply by looking over the drone, were impressive. It wasn't perfect, but enough to admit that it was not often that someone could so quickly assess the make and intricacies of her work.

And so she gave a slight nod, acknowledging the girl's observations. "['You're mostly correct. The exterior is made of an alloy of arcanium and a small percentage of adamantite, but the circuitry is mana-based. I appreciate your keen eye.']"

She adjusted her glasses slightly before continuing. "['I am a student and an employ of the Proto Institute, located in the Final Frontier. It was there that I learned how to create W.A.K.A.N. and other similar constructs.

My focus is on magitechnology with a concentration on golemancy, combining the principles of magic and technology to create manually operated automatons that serve various functions.']"

There was a glint of curiosity in her eyes as she studied the girl before her. "['Are you interested in such things?']"
(Behitha)


[22:22] Maria was a keen one. Where she lacked in social aptitude at times she made up for with her perception. She lacked the ability to communicate properly, hence her skill for deduction and reasoning. And of course, her acumen.

The girl was a soft one. Lurking within those keen hues was some level of melancholy. Her hair was a bit messy, yet she kept herself clean and approachable. Wearing things that Behitha might realize that was similar to an old friend a while ago.

Her mannerisms, her gait, and even the way she carried herself were remarkably similar to this person. The gun at her hip as well, once being owned by that selfsame person.

She cherished his memory, it would seem.

As the drone hovers back, the little Malibu smiles. Her expressions were soft, compared to the Issha woman afront her. Pride of course, fills her hues. Countless nights of studying with Lavenza, hearing their lectures and pouring over complex equations and artificing schematics.

...She missed him just as well.

"Heh."

["I had alot of time to study these things."] she simply says. A chuckle escaping her lips.

["Oh? You are the one I remember, then. You were the one that boy was talking about. And the one I saw with the Drakanite. I knew you were familiar."] A brief mention of the Lam, as what would seem like...a blush caresses her features?

Anyway...

She shakes her head, happy to hear more about the woman and her employ. Her interested is gauged, hues of light canary peering in intrigue and nodding at her signed words. She signs back, just as expertly as the other.

["I am."]

["My twin, was also a magitechnologist. Just one of their many talents and focuses. They...taught me alot, and also had an interest in golemmancy."]

["But they are not here with us anymore."] Her gestures were slower than normal. Canary hues break away from Behitha's, a solemn gaze tilting to the ground for a mere moment.

"..."

["Anyway. I am a apprentice Wayfinder. I was taught many things regarding complex algorithms and magic circuitry with my studies. I'd like to help you sometime, if that is alright. I feel as if it is an avenue for me to improve as well!"]

"!!!"

Where were her manners?

["I am so sorry!"] she huffs, pouting and placing a hand on her hip. She was angry at herself for being so rude!

["My name is Maria. Maria Malibu."]

["My brother used to know you too, I think."] she smiles at her introduction, tilting her head to offer Behitha the chance of her own.

Though, she already knew her name. She figure she'd give her the selfsame courtesy.

(Maria Malibu)

[22:41] Meanwhile, the Ishaa young woman stood with her posture impeccable, her Proto Institute cloak draped over her shoulders, and her chakram secured neatly behind her. Her uniform was immaculate, adorned with a few service ribbons just above the pocket of her left breast blazer, each one a celebration to her dedication and achievements. She observed the blonde girl with a measured gaze as she interpreted her signs. In a way, there was a mental voice inside of her head, reciting it in real time when one word was communicated before it went to the next.

The girl's aptitude in complex algorithms and magic circuitry was what piqued her interest. There was potential here—potential that could be cultivated, refined, and perhaps even become a valuable asset to the Institute.

And as Maria introduced herself, the name struck a chord. Behitha's eyes narrowed slightly in surprise, though she quickly masked it with her usual composed demeanor.

Malibu.

The connection was undeniable, and the resemblance to Majora was now unmistakable.

A soft hum escaped her lips as she leaned forward, gently grasping Maria's chin between her gloved fingers, tilting the girl's face upward to study her features more closely. The reflection of her lenses caught the light as she examined the familiar contours, the familial ties becoming all the more apparent.

"[Maria Malibu,]" Behitha signed, her movements precise and deliberate. "[Don't be mistaken. Your brother is still a dear friend of mine.

I have not seen him in some time due to the tensions between the East and West, but I still hold him in high regard.]"

She released her chin, her gaze softening ever so slightly. "[I could certainly use your assistance. If your work proves notable, I will personally refer you to the Director of the Institute, Katryovno Dryden.]"

A small smile, almost imperceptible, played at the corners of her lips as she took a step back. "[What I have learned from my time here in Meranthe, years ago when I was younger than your age is that things are not given to you.

You have to take it, and work hard for it. So while I admire your eagerness to assist, I wish to see the depths of your ingenuity as well. Make something to present to the Director and if he likes it well enough then you will be admitted in.

I will assist you, and there are an array of crafters in Meranthe that I'm certain will to if you just ask.]"

Her expression returned to its usual calm neutrality now.

"[I look forward to seeing what you can do.]" Behitha concluded, giving a final nod of acknowledgment.
(Behitha)


[22:57] The taller woman that stood afront the tiny Malibu was indeed a sight for her eyes. She stood proud and tall. Her Proto institute cloak flowing in the wind, adorned with accolades and ribbons that would mark both her intelligence and accomplishments. Maria stood proud as well, yet she was a relaxed little thing. Seeping into eyes of melancholy would be a lax attitude that she gave to everything around her. The very same attitude of a distant Ookami relative.

No doubt Lavenza had visited the Institute more than a few times. The genius probably critiquing their methods and ways more than a few times, as was told to their poor sister. Still, did she gauge interest in their activities. She was not one for allegiances. But exploring her skills and learning about people? It was what her brother would have wanted for her.

Here she was, thinking about them. This wasn't just about them, she thought. But about her. How she would make her mark on this world, as small asit might be.

She'd hope she can be an asset, at least. Too much information knowledge had been given to her to just simply waste.

Maria tilts her gaze idly, placing her hands into her cloak. She felt as if she was not enough to join such ranks. Her canary hues finally flicking back to the woman in question as she spoke. Each word rapidly deciphered.

Expressions, deciphered.

She caught the familiarity of her name. Simply reacting to it with a lax smile. Her gaze droops lightly, as she nods at the realization.

"..!!!"

The lax gaze suddenly parts, as a gloced hand grasps her chin. Maria blinks idly in surprise, a light blush even escaping her as the woman provoked her features. She approaches, just the tiniest bit too close to comfort.

"..."

She gulps, allowing the woman to gaze into her features while awkwardly breaking eye contact, rapidly blinking. Indeed, she looked remarkably similar to Majora. Their face shape, eye shape, curved brows and angular faces and all, a prime example of a Malibu.

Finally, Maria does not find herself caught in the reflections of the spectacled gaze. She brushes her hair to the side, gazing at Behitha. ["Majora? That's good. It seems my family knows you well already. I take it you also might have met Levius and Lavenza..."]

But that was besides the point.

["Yes. I agree."] Maria simply signs. Her eyes glow at the mention of reference to the Director. Canary eyes widening in both surprise and excitement.

["...That would be great!"]

["But yes, I agree. I have had more things taken from me than given to me, miss Behitha." she gestures, pointing toward the woman in question.

["If I am to live up to my parted sibling's legacies. My legacy. Than I will do what I must."] Maria pounds her chest, nodding with a fervent, confident gaze.The selfsame that carried naught but sorrow, would also carry an unbreakable conviction.

["Sounds like a deal."] she says with a soft smile. Yes! This was her chance to finally be part of something. Perhaps..

A chance to find her voice..

She nods. Signing at the cusp of Behitha's words. ["You won't be disappointed."]

Maria chuckles silently, smiling with that token pride that all Malibu's seemed to have. The conviction would never leave her features, likewise her confidence in herself.

But with that out of the way...

"..."

A small silence, before Maria...awkwardly signs again. ["That Lam boy. He lives there too, yes?"]

["Do you know what he likes?"] she asks abruptly. Curiously. If not...awkwardly.

(Maria Malibu)

[23:11] Without a word, she reached out and ruffled Maria's hair until it was thoroughly tousled.

"[Your brother and twin...]" Behitha began to sign, her movements slow and deliberate, reflecting the weight of her words. "[I'm sorry for your loss, Maria. It will not be easy, and you will fail, but what determines your worth is if you pick yourself back up again.]"

Her hand fell away, and she stepped back slightly, giving Maria space as the conversation shifted.

When Maria asked about assistant, she quirked a brow. That was quite the segway. What. Did she like him or something?

His likes.

". . ."

She felt a pang of realization. While she employed Esoti, she had never taken the time to truly know him—his likes, his dislikes, what made him tick. It was a small but significant failure on her part, one she was determined to rectify.

"[Esoti,]" The woman signed, pausing as she gathered her thoughts. ["He's a good assistant, reliable. But..."] Her hands hesitated mid-air before continuing. "[...if you would like, I can find out what he enjoys and relay it back to you.]"
(Behitha)


[23:17] "!!!"

Her hair is ruffled! Made even messier by the gloved hand of the scientist before her. The girl pouts, yet does not struggle. The mere gesture of comfort more than enough for the girl to start looking up toward the other. Her eyes practically sparkle, a reemergence of a gentle smile on her features.

"Heh..."

["You are right."]

["I will keep going. I will keep walking my path. Even if I fail, even if I fall. I will keep walking."]

["For them. And for me."]

With that, she nods. Her hands were tired from all that signing! But nevertheless.

She would begin to see Behitha as some sort of mentor figure. Perhaps a big sister, if things were go to well.

A start of a budding relationship.

And yet...

"..."

Maria clears her throat, despite not being able to speak. Perhaps she just wanted too break the awkwardness.

"..." Maria tilts away. What was she thinking!? She shakes her head with naught but another care for those thoughts.

She nods at the name. 'Esoti'. Of course she knew his name. She was just too prideful to say it.

["Yes. I would appreciate that."] she doesn't say or sign anything more. Trying her hardest to hide the small blush overthrowing her features.

["It is getting late."] Maria says, pointing to the falling sun.

["It was a pleasure meeting you, Behitha. Please get home safe. It's dangerous around this time."]

["Goodbye."]
(Maria Malibu)


[23:20] Behitha says, "<'Safe travels to you, Maria.'>"
[23:20] Maria Malibu waves!!!
(Maria Malibu)

Edit
Pub: 13 Sep 2024 09:18 UTC
Views: 56