Seneca and Marisol/Nerin 2

[21:17] Into the Suds did he trek across the olden wards and freshly decaying housing complexes. It was a sight to behold, such poverty. There had been an attempt to change things, made by the Late Mayor Claude vey Pelleaux. With his death the efforts for reform would have fallen to the wayside.

Now it was covered once more in the plague, in the filth, the violence. Seneca's kindness made him slow at each begger. Offering coins to them, each in turn. Knowing that the metal was worthless to him but meant the world to them.

It was finally as he settled in the square of Sudbury that he'd settle Momo within his lap. Holding them softly until the time they should awaken. His violet hues searching for the Exarchs he'd sent for to arrive.

This would be the start of something better for Osrona. He knew it.
(Seneca)
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[21:19] The child remained slumbering for now, the stress of the earlier interaction far, far too much for the child's mind. She sighed quietly, her monstrous features detracting from it- but in the end, she was still as he was.

A child. Na・e, and defenseless at this time.

She frowned in her sleep, but otherwise? She kept still.
(Momo)
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[21:23] Mar﨎ol Altin says, "..."
[21:24] Mar﨎ol glances to Seneca. And then to Momo.
(Mar﨎ol Altin)
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[21:25] Seneca was holding Momo in there lap. She was alseep.
(Seneca)
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[21:31] With the arrival of the Exarch's he'd called for Seneca's expression brightened noticeably. Finally, someone who'd be able to help where he was simply not capable. His lips curled into a wide smile, parting softly as he began to speak.

"Exarch Marisol, Exarch Nerin, apologies but she's sleeping. How to start... This is Momo, she was a girl who survived the Verona Virus." As he spoke those violet hues glanced to Nerin before settling back upon Marisol.

"Taken during the raid for the ship last year. While surviving she was cursed with this demonic taint. Living a life of fear due to the threats the demons lashed upon her."

As he spoke his gaze flickered to the southwest. Directly towards the Demon's tower as it loomed so many miles away lie a blight upon the land.

"She's also found herself bound to the Dark Lord, foul magics at work all around." He took a deep breath. "I spoke to her, listened and learned. She grew up here, in this district. So... I asked if she wanted to come home."

His gaze flicked from the far away tower back to Marisol. "So, I've brought her home. In the hopes that was can figure out how she survived this plague that's killing the people. In the hopes we can untether her spirit from Helheim... And in the hope that she can be safe and return to her life here."

A short pause before he added. "I have heard in the past that those who came willingly seeking aid for there curses... There natures to Osrona have been met with the blade. I need to know that won't happen with Momo."
(Seneca)
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[21:40]
The woman finds herself beginning to hum- if only briefly. Her hands would ease carefully behind her back as she listens to the explanation of Seneca...The woman shaking her head from left to right. "This one is interesting..." She says softly while looking down towards the sleeping child. "We found her in the forest once, playing with her friends. We tried to capture him...But it seems that she had decided to run away." She murmurs, pressing a single hand upon her cheek. "Perhaps, it was the rumors of us being knights. Or maybe, those in Moonfall had gotten to her head...Either way...It's lovely that she wished to return home on her own accord. Not many people even want to give that consideration when they're taken or 'leave'." she adds before beginning to turn, if only slightly.

"It is not difficult to sever her ties to the Dark Lord. I believe that if she really wants to attain her soul again, she can meet with Erika and the rest of the church members...We'll collect the dust and we'll rid her of her occultic ties. As of now though, we're also currently studying the Cambion." The woman brings a hand to her lips.

"I...Will not research her if she does not desire it. Plus, there are other subjects who are more than willing. However, every willing body is lovely." A shrug is given. A wave of the hand.

"A strange rumor you've heard. Actually, we let people know that if they come willingly, their sentence and charges become lighter. And if they turn themselves in, then we work with them to fix with mistakes they might've made. If you're curious, no, we won't harm her. But, we will ask of her to get rid of her occult magic soon enough." The woman adds while nodding.

"Tell others who might pester her that I've given you permission to look after her. However..." A pause. Her gaze trails down towards the child and Seneca.

"I suggest that you be weary. Do not eat what she gives you...Do not wander somewhere that she might tell you to alone. A similar situation happened with an Exarch and he was found poisoned and killed in his own home." A shake of the head.

"Don't let the same happen to yourself." She adds, before bowing slightly.

"Is there anything else that you'd like to report or is this all?"
(Mar﨎ol Altin)
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[21:55] "--What Marisol said."

"You shall not take anything to eat from her, nor you should trust her with anything at all. No matter how warm you feel towards her - until she's confirmed to be no longer a witch, you should never, and I mean, ever trust her with things that could be suspicious."

"Lest you end up just like Nemein - who was poisoned and then killed by the witch he tried to redeem. He believed in her, because she was nice to him."

"Do not repeat his mistake."

Even then.. there's a chance of redemption to all, no matter what has happened to them- but it doesn't mean that Nerin isn't so ever cautious about it.

"She's also to be collared."

"And the remote will be handed to one of the Exarchs. If she attempts to flee to Moonfall or find herself cooperating with those of the dark, we'll be able to intercept her and put an end to it."

"I'll leave no chances to such backstab - even if we're giving her a chance at redemption."

Which should be obvious, based on all the experiences Nerin had. But to digress..

"Is that clear to you, Seneca?"
(Nerin lux Altin)
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[22:00] Seneca's eye's widened, he was right this was the correct course. The words of those who'd taken arms against Osrona had been but twisted truth's to turn the people against the city.

Though, when the words kept coming. Explaining the breaking of the dark pact of the purging of the occult. Even perhaps of understanding what a Cambion was? Well, it was all such good news.

Of course he'd await patiently for Nerin's own take on these events. Listening to him quietly throughout his orders and his explanations. With a nod, the figure's ashen locks shifted slightly falling down over his shoulders.

"I understand, I shall not speak of things which would compromise the safety of the people. I will not take food nor leave myself open to deception or manipulation from Momo. I shall seek out a collar and the remote will be turned over to an Exarch."

As he spoke he'd offer a wistful smile to the duo. "Thank you both for clearing the rumors and fears I had in bringing her back. It proves those things to be the rhetoric of my foes upon the field."
(Seneca)
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[22:01] The girl groaned a little bit, shivering and biting harshly at her lip. Opening her dull yellow eyes, they stared forward, and immediately? She tried to scramble away, off of Seneca's lap and away from the bench itself.

"Y-you...!" She squeaked out, terrified suddenly. She'd seen them, they tried to bring her in, they even attacked her, well, attacked was putting it kindly...
(Momo)
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[22:07] Seneca's grip was probably not to tight but it was also rather uncompromising in it's security. Keeping the youth steady and safe within his lap.

After all they were panicking, what if they fell? Without a word he'd speak calmly. "Momo, it's alright. We're in Sudbury, verything's alright."
(Seneca)
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[22:08] She finds herself beginning to nod briefly. "There's not much else that I need to say then...So long as we're clear on all of those fronts." she adds while beginning to turn briskly...Promptly waving towards the girl.

"Save it." She adds, nodding slightly. "We're not here to...'Forcefully' take you in. You've decided to come home, so...There's no point in detaining you." A shake of the head. A sigh.

"In any case, you two can have fun now. Farewell."
(Mar﨎ol Altin)
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[22:10] * You have been awarded 1 Roleplay Points! *
[22:12] Seneca says, "Farewell Exarchs."
[22:12] Seneca says, "I shall, find a collar and remote."
[22:13] It doesn't seem like Nerin is awfully amused by the act that Momo puts up. As much as she may look like a simple child.. in the end, he knows what witches are capable of.

It was the same story with Sibylle.

"Keep in mind the guidelines that were given to you, Seneca."

"I do not wish to wake up one day to hearing that yet another Knight has fallen to such folly and found themselves poisoned and killed in their own home."

Is it cruel to say such a thing? Perhaps.. but they're at war, and quite frankly, he didn't care - not after countless atrocities he's witnessed.

"Good luck."

And off he goes.
(Nerin lux Altin)
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[22:13] Momo asks, "... C-Collar...?"
[22:14] Nerin lux Altin says, "A collar is necessary to track your location and intercept any possibility of you attempting foul actions."
[22:14] Nerin lux Altin says, "Can be wrist collar, or ankle collar too."
[22:14] Nerin lux Altin says, "Doesn't matter."
[22:14] Nerin lux Altin says, "So long as you're tracked."
[22:15] Momo says, "..."
[22:15] Seneca says, "I'll explain everything Momo. Don't worry, what I said we could do has been confirmed as possible by the Exarchs."
[22:15] Seneca says, "Also... I have some fae dust if it helps Exarch Marisol."
[22:16] Mar﨎ol Altin says, "No, I believe we're in need of Iron but...I have some at home."
[22:16] Mar﨎ol Altin says, "I'll return shortly, I think."
[22:16] Momo says, "..."
[22:17] Momo says, "S-seneca I can't... I can't..."
[22:17] Momo says, "I can't..."
[22:17] Momo says, "I can't I-"
[22:18] Was, very obviously, panicking. She felt a pull, the pull to call her back to the tower. The pull to escape.

She needed to escape. Any chance in humanity, even if it was being offered to her- a collar? She'd be at their mercy. Even if Seneca was kind, he was only one man. He was only one man that could only do so much.

"I don't want to hurt you. I don't want them to hurt you if they can't cure me. I can't- Seneca I can't."

She shook her head furiously, going to try and wiggle away.
(Momo)
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[22:19] Seneca says, "Hold on, calm down let me explain. I've- Oh jeez co-"
[22:24] Seneca's grip, went from firm to ironclad. It was the firm grip of someone who knew better. Like a father catching there child before they could run into the road.

His voice steadied as he spoke calmly, pulling the child into a loose hug. "Momo, listen to me. You're safe, home, look around we're in Sudsbury. I'll buy one of these homes for you and you can live here again."

Now his tone was taking a more soft tone, caring. As he went on to explain what he'd learned. "The collar can be dressed to look cute. It's just a tracking collar and I'll make sure it's remote is within the hands of someone I trust without hesitation.

But, they can cure you of your pact with the Dark Lord. Of the occultism which even now twists your desires, and in time? Maybe, even this Cambionism."

Softly he continued. "Just trust me and we can give you a normal life again."
(Seneca)
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[22:30] She was going to die.

She was going to die, and Seneca couldn't stop it.

They were going to kill her, because the only cure to Cambionism was death.

That was what she knew. That was all she knew. That was all she heard, and that was what she believed.

"Seneca..." She whimpered, sobbing quietly,"I'm scared...I'm scared... I'm... I'm scared, and-..."

She closed her eyes, tightly...!

"I don't want to be here... This isn't home.. I'm back but it isn't home..." She was fidgeting, the blue light from her eyes shining now, the occultic nature beginning to bloom around her...!

"Maybe... I really can't be saved." She whispered, to herself more than to the man who held her. Tears once again ran from her eyes, but they were from despair.

No matter how she might've twisted, she was still scared. She was still terrified, but now? Nowshe knew. Even if she were back in Sudbury, even if she were back in Osrona� She wouldn't be home. Wouldn't be able to be back home.
(Momo)
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[22:37] She steps out of the ether. The light and darkness seem to coalesce into one another, if only briefly, before the woman shifts out of what seemed to be utter...Nothingness. "How silly of you." She says while beginning to shake her head from left to right. "Scared. And scared. And scared. And you want to go back 'home' to the demons...Where you could easily be eaten, taken advantage of, or worse considering your current state." She adds while looking down towards the girl.

She seemed...

Very unimpressed. But perhaps, this was because she had her run-ins with little children like this. Or perhaps, it is because she has very little patience. Regardless....While she understands that she should be a little bit more sympathetic...She simply cannot afford to be. Not after Sybille killed Nemein. Not after she let one person go against her own will...Either way though.

"If you're curious, no...We're not trying to 'ensnare' you in some trap...And quite frankly." she says while moving the collar down. "If you want to leave now...I won't even stop you." She adds while glancing towards Momo, the collar in her hand.

"You can go. Walk away. But understand that we give people chances to turn away from the darkness that they have...We work with those that feel as if they cannot be redeemed and we save them, however.." she says, quirking an eyebrow.

"You turn away from this...You won't be able to return here. We won't take you back. So, you can choose now. You can be home, be safe with Seneca, be here and enjoy the life and luxury in these city walls or you can return to the woman you call 'Mother'." Either way..

"The choice is yours." It is a harsh ultimatum. Especially for a child. But...Even children tend to know better.
(Mar﨎ol Altin)
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[22:48] It almost seemed as if the man was wearing down, his emotional resonance with those around him was starting to wear down his energy. Which wasn't all that surprising considering what had been taking place.

Though, of course he wasn't surprised at Momo's panic. It was natural to be scared which is why, perhaps even before the shadow's spread apart to reveal Marisol. Seneca's lips parted and he spoke slightly.

"Remember what I said about fear, it make's people make mistakes. Makes them choose things which are not true to themselves."

Though she was already starting to lash out, perhaps even subconsciously with her occultism and dark gifts. Seneca was nothing if not durable. His features remaining soft as he outright ignored the discomfort brought about by the spilling occultism.

That's when Marisol arrived. She spoke... Harshly, yet not dishonestly. He could see a sort of reflection of Nerin within the woman. It made sense considering he knew them to be married.

His head nodded softly with the assurances that this wasn't a trap. "It is no trap, I have offered all of my foes the chance to return here with me. You just happened to meet as a friend and agree."

Yet, the final ultimatum was delivered by Marisol it was... Seneca's gaze lingered on the woman for a moment before he let out a soft sight. Letting his grip upon Momo slacken and loosen until they could depart at there leisure.

"If you desire to leave... You will be returing to a world where you'll be twisted into a weapon of war. A slave, a destroyer, a monster..."

Violet hues looked upon Momo with a hint of sadness.

"Do you truly wish that?"
(Seneca)
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[22:57] The girl stared, between Nerin, Marisol, and Seneca. Those tears kept pouring, but she was only quietly hiccupping. Pondering, perhaps. Whether she should stay, or go. Whether or not, she would be doomed. She would be �

Her eyes lowered towards the ground- not even looking towards the collar. The human inside of her cried out- cried for a second chance. It was right there, take it. Take it.

Please, save yourself.

The stress in her shoulders faded. She stared in a blank manner, the tears stopped falling. As if something else took her over? She stepped back, nodding towards Seneca.

"While... It is appreciated, that you'd tried to save someone like me, Seneca..." She breathed softly, before smiling, gently almost. Yet there was nothing there. Nothing but a blank slate.

"It's too late, and She-... I... I should've known that. It was dumb, for me to try and change it. Next time we meet?"

She turned away...! Yet, there was a little noise, like someone begging.

"Please, do what you must. Okay?" Then, she fled. Back to her captors. Back to her Master.

Back to her doom, surely.
(Momo)
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[22:58] Mar﨎ol briskly turns away. Welp. That's solved now.
(Mar﨎ol Altin)
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[22:58] Seneca exhaled, sittng on there bench.
(Seneca)
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[22:58] Mar﨎ol Altin says, "Some people simply don't want to be saved."
[22:58] Seneca says, "I've started to notice..."
[22:58] Mar﨎ol Altin says, "Sorry if I've seemed...Harsh."
[22:59] Mar﨎ol Altin says, "Crocodile tears aren't my thing. Not anymore."
[22:59] Seneca offered the slightest of shrugs.
(Seneca)
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[22:59] Seneca says, "It's fine, I understand."
[23:01] In the end, it remains rather clear..

Some just aren't there to be saved. And while Nerin, for the most part, silently observed all that's been going on - only eventually does his gaze fall onto Seneca.

"Now you understand."

"Why exactly we're hesitant to offer mercy to anyone in the first place." There's a pause. "Simply because these people don't even mean such most of the time.. simply because they're there to drag on our time."

"Have you noticed how hesitant she's become after mention of a collar? She realized that she would be tracked, that she could not work with them - because we would watch her."

"Because she would not be able to eventually betray us."

In the end, it is something that the Exarch saw through immediately- which is why he ordered such precautions. Still..

"It's whatever."

"So long as we pass down experience of dealing with such people to newer Knights, we won't be caught off guard like that."

"Not again."
(Nerin lux Altin)
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[23:03] Seneca nodded quietly, seeming mostly deflated and tired. They'd speak evenly but it was clear the events had left them disappointed.

"Perhaps in the future things will change."
(Seneca)
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[23:04] Seneca says, "Thank you both for the support. "