Caira's family

[21:30] Adrian Rowan says, "Uhh... On my way out."
[21:30] Adrian Rowan asks, "I ran into your... Grandmother?"
[21:30] Caira Vindict says, "..."
[21:30] Caira Vindict says, "E-Excuse -me?-"
[21:30] Adrian Rowan exclaims, "Yeah... Awkward!"
[21:32] The elder Vindict stood before the much younger Vindict, bright golden hues gazing the younger girl up and down. There was no mistaking it, the Vindict features were clear as day, while she retained the noteworthy goldens of the Xizoh family.

"You are the daughter of Mital, yes? Unless my sources were wrong."

The older woman gets closer, squinting her eyes. It had been a great while since she left her home in Ezmara, spending most of her time tending to Mitra.

"I am Eztli Vindict, mother of Mital Vindict, wife to Mitra Vindict. I believe I am your grandmother."
(Eztli Vindict)
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[21:33] Adrian didn't know if he should go... Or if he should stay? This was awkward.
(Adrian Rowan)
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[21:33] Caspian felt that he would lose, somewhere deep down in his heart. But when everyone else had dismissed him, he opted to stand in! So kind of him to look on Atlas with pity.

It didn't help that he was fourteen, frail, and only beginning to delve further into his occultic magic.

Nature is wrathful; taking it out on him with guardians of the forest in the form of mandrakes, gigantic flowers that evoke poisonous spores to slow him, or the Froseal that strikes him down with ice magic.

..It's painful!

As he's slammed into the ground, Caspian erupts into a body of shadowy mist, coming to stand a few feet away.

"..Eugh, got it. Daemon tamer. Gross."
(Caspian)
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[21:34] Famfrit asks, "What?"
[21:34] Famfrit asks, "For?"
[21:34] Famfrit says, "Yes."
[21:36] Famfrit sighs.
(Famfrit)
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[21:36] Famfrit says, "I'll get to work."
[21:36] Where she thought there would be a moment to confide and try to sort through the many emotions that had sent her life down a rollercoaster, Rindou was met with some woman who was....

... She wondered how she was even alive, really. Apparently she was Caira's grandmother, too? She actually never knew about her friend's family, even as close as they were. It just never came up; most likely because comparing to Rindou's own family would be something frustrating, but now?

.. A lot could be told and spoken about.

She was slightly miffed at the interruption, but could understand and respect it.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[21:37] Caira shakes her head to Rindou when she had sat down. "I got second blade in the tournament. Masamune sung loudly, but the fire in me just didn't burn bright enough. I lost to Aurora in the grand-finals." As Adrian walks up with her literal grandmother, she's quick to get to her feet and stand almost at attention when the old Vindict looked back into golden eyes of her lineage.

Caira had features reminiscent of her father. Black panther's ears, claws, taller than the average female. ".. I'd ask how you got those sources, aha.. I tried to keep it secret for a little bit." Caira shrugs some, not expecting it to spread so fast. ".. Yeah. Mital Vindict is my biological father, but it ends there Eztil. Grandmother? I don't mind calling you either, ma'am."

Caira walked towards the older woman and stared back into her eyes, examined the features. Their faces were eerily similar. Bloodlines did that.

"... I thought all of the Vindicts were gone. All I have is my baby sister, now."
(Caira Vindict)
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[21:37] Adrian Rowan asks, "Should I... Just go like before?"
[21:38] Caira Vindict says, "Yeah, hurry up Adrian."
[21:38] Caira Vindict exclaims, "Time's ticking!"
[21:38] Adrian Rowan says, "Man..."
[21:38] Adrian Rowan says, "Yeah, yeah."
[21:38] Adrian Rowan says, "Good luck with the old lady."
[21:41] Famfrit says, "We need a master chef."
[21:41] Raising one hand to usher the daemon closer, despite the comment on the gross factor of deamon trainer. The dryad took the efforts to raise them, to heart. Like any parent would their child, once the daemon neared close enough. Two arms wrapped around its neck as best the dryad could manage.

"I don't think they're gross at all... Once you capture them. It's like raising a child, or a tree. Really." They'd comment, shamelessly giving the daemon public affection in the form of massaging the surface of its cold leather like skin.

"You never have to worry about letting them down, or them letting you down. It's always the same; together. One. Doesn't that sound nice?" They questioned, jaded hues illuminating from the prior use of magics, resonating its gentle glow past the vile of night.
(Atlas)
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[21:41] Famfrit says, "Of course."
[21:42] In old age, her sight had begun to fail her, yet she couldn't mistake the fact she entered at a rather awkward moment. Well, perhaps that's what grandparents were for, after all.

"I kept in contact with your father, of course. I knew that I had grandchildren, but I was never able to visit, due to your grandfather's condition. His mind has slowly went, and I've been looking after him. After hearing of a Nagual doing well in the tournament here..."

"I had my suspicions, and I had to see for myself. Now that I'm here, there's no mistaking it. You're my blood."

The elderly woman's gaze shifted to Rindou for a moment, noting that she was Shengese rather quickly.

"I always told Mital that I wanted grandchildren, so to finally see one..."

A wide smile crossed the woman's features, tears forming at the edges of her eyes. Before suddenly, she reached forward and pulled the much younger girl into an embrace.

Much like she did to her father, in his younger years.

"I'm sorry for not being there. My health has deteriorated greatly, and I knw my end is soon, but there is rich history to share. If you ever wish to learn from an old relic."
(Eztli Vindict)
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[21:47] Putting the crosier onto his back again, the warlock stares at him for a few seconds before huffing lightly.

"I don't hate daemons. I just hate fighting their tamers." He spoke, pausing. Then, he screams (internally!)

"Maybe I'll tame.. A demon! Ahahahah!" He cackles, grossly, before walking off.
(Caspian)
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[21:48] Atlas says, "A demon... What a strange kid."
[21:48] Rindou simply decided to sort of... sink into the ground further as she let Caira have some time with her grandmother. The days of them being able to hang out until late and talk to eachother were gone, weren't they? Responsabilities had swarmed the warchief and soon, Rindou would be the same.

She wasn't pleased by it.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[21:48] Atlas scratches at the back of their head before walking off as well.
(Atlas)
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[21:49] ".. Aha.." She doesn't feel the need to correct her about really being a human with her father's Nagual features. Perhaps that's what grandparents were for, too. Leaving the tiniest of details away, because let's face it Caira basically looked like a full blown panther-blessed anyway, she nods her head and returns that embrace as the two engage in a hug.. Likely one that Caira had needed for an endlessly long time.

"I always hated my biological dad because he left. Sure I had my mother and step-father but-" The tears at the corner of Eztli's eyes sell Caira, and she's left to place her chin at the elder's shoulder. ".. You don't have to apologize for anything, grandmother. Your health is much more important than risking that to give me some company or otherwise.." Caira's tone betrays her words, though.

She felt hurt that her heritage was otherwise a complete and utter void to her. No knowledge, no people to trace. Bar Mital, that is. A content sigh follows, and Caira rubs Eztli's back to comfort the old woman. "I'd love to learn about the Vindict history, grandmother. Do you have time now? Or is that too much to ask?"

Finally, someone to tell her about her blood.
(Caira Vindict)
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[21:55] "My father died while I was but a baby, so I understand the pain you might have had to deal with. I won't say I approve of my son's actions, but I still love him. Though I haven't seen him in a great, long while.."

Eztli released Caira from the hug, before taking a step back. Golden hues shifted to the side, as her attention was drawn away for a moment. So many memories, so much life lived, but there was still a few things she had to do before passing.

Imparting knowledge was one of those things, it would seem.

"It is not only the Vindict history that you will learn about, but rather, a joining of two great Gehennan families. Families that were once bitter rivals, at that. I can tell you what I have learned, what I know."

"And yes, I do have time now. I don't wish to take you from your friend, though. Is she from Huangzhou? You know... I was the second in command of the Rebellion, which is what formed Huangzhou. But well, I will save that for the story."

The older woman waited, observing the two.
(Eztli Vindict)
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[22:00] Part of her wished she could have disappeared in that moment. That life would have whisked her away and brought her to a place that didn't feel like she was both filled with freedom and held hostage at once. Emotions were hard to deal with, and so was defeat and humiliation. Though with the elder putting her attention upon her Rindou's manners showed themselves to be more than proper.

She stood up, offering the old woman a bow as she introduced herself with the kind of etiquette that was expected of her back home.

"I am Rindou of house Sakamoto. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Vindict."

Far too formal. A bit stuck up.

Her heart was in a messy place, unsure of itself.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[22:10] "I wouldn't dare ask you to not love your son anymore, no no. I just.. I can't think of him in any light but negative. I can't lie, grandmother. I want to track him down and give him a piece of my mind." She takes in a deep breath and shakes her head. "But I know who he is - What he can do. A Chaos Magi, they call him here in Gehenna. I want to stand and be everything he wasn't. I don't know how to do that, though. Right now, I'm trying to become Chieftain for Gehenna."

The hug is parted now and she's left to stare. Were their eyes really that golden? Jeez. "But yes, this is Rindou. She's a good friend of mine. A-And did you say you helped -form- Huangzhou?"

Just what kind of elder were they dealing with here? It's insane to think about. ".. I'd very much like to go now and hear about everything you have to say. If it can help me understand what I can do to get back at my father, I'm more than enthusiastic."
(Caira Vindict)
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[22:12] Eztli Vindict says, "Would you like to come, Miss Sakamoto? "
[22:12] Rindou Sakamoto says, "I.."
[22:12] Rindou Sakamoto says, "... I would be honored."
[22:12] Eztli Vindict says, "Very well. "
[22:21] Slowly, the older woman led the duo the temple. It had been decades since she last stepped foot in inside, though it brought back a mix of good memories and bad memories.

The bad always outweighed the good, however.

"It's weird to think I was once a prisoner within the cells of this temple, used as a political hostage."

After a great amount of struggling, Eztli made it up the long set of stairs, before leading them into a back room. It looked just how she remembered it to be, a soft smile forming upon her features.

Sitting atop one of the red cushions, her gaze shifted between the younger women.

"Well, I'm not sure where to start, but perhaps with myself."

And so her story began.

"My birth name was Eztli Xizoh, which at the time was a surname with quite the renown. The Vindicts led the Ezmaran tribe, while the Xizoh led the Atl tribe. My family was from the mainland, and known for its use of occultic flames."

"Unlike other Gehennans, we were born with pale skin, as well as golden eyes and blue hair. My father, Ezton Xizoh, was the Chieftain of the Atl. Known by many to be a fierce warrior, he often fought with the Ezmaran people."

Eztli reached forwards, before heating the pot before them with some of those aforementioned occultic flames, before dropping tea leaves within.

"After assisting Jianghu, he fell in battle in an ambush. I never knew my father. My mother, Kachina Xizoh, was kind and loving. A caring woman, forced into the position of Chieftess of the Atl after my father's untimely demise. She was far too soft, and the other tribes stepped all over her."

"To combat this, she recruited one of the strongest men in all of Gehenna- Xomac Tepin."

Once the tea finished, she poured each a cup, before taking a sip of her own.

"Sorry, I will get to the Vindict section after explaining my origins, if you don't mind... There is so much to share of my life, I've lived a long time."
(Eztli Vindict)
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[22:26] The presence and mention of occultic flames made Rindou squint a bit. Her own eagerness to clear them out could be felt as the righteous opposite practically dripped from her form with how close it was to exploding outwards. Though she respected - and wanted to respect - Caira's grandmother she had some trouble with her own emotions lately. She remained more focused on the words being said, hoping that the scent of tea warming up would help her relax and settle herself a bit.

What a rough few days.

This story of Gehenna, however, was something that she could listen to and hopefully try to understand more about their odd culture. For a noble young girl born at the height of Huangzhou's power there was not much but success she had known in life.

"Was he killed for helping my people?" She asked.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[22:28] She walks alongside Gehennan cobble as they get into the rightmost room of the temple. Sitting down at the cushions, she's leaning back and popping her back with a bit of a sigh. "..." And when they sit and they're all assembled in the same room, Caira is utterly silent. Eztli Xizoh. That wasn't a Vindict - Not until marriage. I mean, it made sense. The husband's name transferring over.

Perhaps she didn't expect it.

".. Pale skin, gold eyes, and blue hair? That's.. Jarring to say the least, grandmother." She goes quiet again, nodding her head. "What of this Xomac, then? Did Kachina ever get back at the other tribes for their treatment?"

Two questions fly from Caira, a singular question flies from Rindou.
(Caira Vindict)
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[22:39] "My father was killed partly due to helping your people, yes. Many people in the other tribes resented him, since the Atl was growing in strength quite quickly. He led the tribe with a firm hand, while my mother led the diplomatic front."

"She secured an alliance with Jianghu, and my father fought for it to beat back the Valmasian people."

Eztli took a sip of her tea, before giving a satisfied sigh. It was nice to be able to sit down and talk of the past, like all grandmothers loved to do.

"Before Valmasia attacked Ardent Cliff, however, my father was ambushed while returning home. My mother had just gone into labor, giving birth to my younger brother Katzan. He received word and headed home immediately, but his enemies knew of this news... They laid a trap and attacked him while he was going home to meet his new son, and perished in the fight that ensued."

"My mother assumed the title of Chieftess soon after, and for thefirst time ever, the Atl decided to follow her for her diplomatic prowess rather than her physical strength. Which, as you know, the Atl always valued strength."

"No matter, after the war, Atl's stock greatly lowered. That is where Xomac came in, yes. After speaking with him, she was able to recruit him to her cause. Yet a few years later her health got to her, and she stepped down. I was a teenager at the time, and I was with my mother when she passed."

A few moments of silence linger, as Eztli takes another sip of her tea. It was so long ago, yet she could remember it as if it were yesterday.

"After Kachina's passing, Xomac Tepin assumed the title of Chieftain. My brother and I were both too young yet, even if we were the legitimate Xizoh heirs. Xomac, he-"

A heavy gulp.

"He knew that my brother and I could lay claim to his title, so we were disregarded, outcast. Cruxati captured me and I was imprisoned here, to use as a bargaining chip against the Atl. You see, at this time, all the of the tribes were individual and often warred one another."

"Xomac said to go ahead and kill me, as I wasn't needed. The current Chieftess of Cruxati, Kayeliun, spared me and intended to bring me up within Cruxati. I imagine she wanted to push my claim when I was older, to install me as a puppet Chieftess of Atl. Instead, I fled to the demon capital of Gaiar Aetherius."
(Eztli Vindict)
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[22:48] To know that someone died fighting for another nation back then was both surprising and uplifing in its own way. Perhaps down the line it meant that Rindou, somehow, owed something to Caira. Regardless of whether that was just the Sakamoto trying to be polite or to find excuses to speak with her friend more was left up in the air, instead she listened at Eztli recalled her youth, retelling her past that was honestly filled with dark moments and openly terrifying in nature.

What kind of person would willingly join a demon capital?

She knew far too little about Gehenna's history to be surprised at the united tribes fighting back then.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[22:56] Caira is also very quiet while this portion of the story is undertaken. Killed for assisting with Huangzhou. The tribes at one another's throat.. She seems surprised. "It's weird.. The tribes have always been helping one another. From the day I was born. Atl and Ezmara don't really exist as their own places- It's just Cruxati now." She turns her eyes up towards her grandmother and offers a question to the next portion of the story.

".. Why Gaiar?"
(Caira Vindict)
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[23:04] "Yes, the tribes came to Agartha together, aligned with one another... But this was a very fragile alliance. It broke down almost immediately, and the tribes were constantly at each other's throats."

Years of perpetual warfare, Gehennan fighting Gehennan. It was far more peaceful in recent times, which was a comforting thought for the older woman.

"As for Gaiar? I was young. I was an occultist. So I fled to Gaiar in order to learn under a demon. I served underneath him for many years, living among accursed and archons. The demon I served eventually turned on me, and I fled there. At this point, I was wanted in several territories, yet I returned home to Gehenna."

"In my absence, my brother Katzan had grown exponentially. So much so that he took over the Atl tribe as its new Chieftain. Ezmara left Gehenna, the then Chieftain Karma Vindict moving his family to Ardent Cliff, which was the Shengese settlement at the time."

"My brother Katzan then burnt down what remained of Ezmara. I'm sure if you looked hard enough within the Dreadwoods you could find the old temples, remnants, all rubble now due to my brother. Your great grandfather Karma's creation turned to a mess of stone."

Eztli shook her head at this, before sighing.

"My brother eventually fell in an honor duel, and I was the last remaining Xizoh. Furthermore, I became wanted within Gehenna, as well as Gaiar Aetherius, so I was forced to go to Crafthold. I worked alongside Eiphraem Kang and his associates, being an informant and spy, as well as being part of an assassin unit for a bit."

"However, things quickly deteriorated and I became wanted there as well, which forced me into virtual exile. It was in this exile that I met your grandfather, Mital Vindict."

"He was my light within the darkness, my rock. My family had fought against his family, yet we looked past our differences and fell in love. After time passed, so did the people that wanted my head, and we were eventually able to return to Gehenna."

"It is here where we started a family, where I gave birth to Mital in my later years. I can tell you about the other side now, if you wish. What I know of the Vindicts and my husband."
(Eztli Vindict)
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[23:10] "What was the name of the demon? They are timeless, perhaps he still roams?" She nods her head now, thinking that she may just go hunt him or his friends as sort of a long-range, old-time payback call should he still be alive. Though she's listening again. She's listening extremely close. "So you were wanted basically everywhere? I don't know if you pay attention to the bounties that get thrown around Agartha, but I'm also wanted. Fifty thousand on my head. I kind of understand what that feels like - Knowing you can't go to too many places without that fear."

She sighs now, hearing the name Eiphraem. ".. It's a shame that Crafthold was burned down. Briar Locke pushed a little too hard." A hand comes up to her head as she leans into it, hearing the meeting of Mital - The birth of, haha, Mital. ".. I see." She looks up now and coughs into her hand.

".. So. The Vindcits now, yes."
(Caira Vindict)
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[23:11] Perhaps Eztli's age was making her mess up a lot name and words, or maybe it was just too late for the woman of such an advanced age, but Rindou followed despite the mistakes being made, quietly listening to this hazy, hopefully instructive learning experience. Knowing about where Caira's family came would...

... probably not explain much. Her father ran away according to her and from what she knew she had to provide for both her and her sister, assuming the mother was dead, that was... yeesh.

Thankfully enough Caira seemed entertained and curious about that past.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[23:20] Eztli was totally old, so that meant she was prone to mistakes and slips of the tongue. She didn't notice her mistake, instead moving on with her story.

"I did forget one part that I mentioned prior. Shortly after Mitra and I married, we joined the Rebellion. This was after Ardent fell, and the Shengese people were refugees. I knew Ikkaku Ukitake from my youth, we quickly bonded."

"I led a successful attack against the fish Chieftain Inoa, burning down his spa. His son, Kuhn, would later become your father's good friend. A twist of fate, considering myself and Inoa were at odds constantly. Anyways-"

The woman finishes her cup of tea... Pouring another immediately.

"As a reward for my successful attack, Ikkaku named me his second in command. We assisted Ezmara in attacking the Vanirhallan settlement, which was where Huangzhou now stands. As a reward, Ikkaku and I were given that land, but it is then that I left the Rebellion to retire. Had I stayed, I'm sure I'd have been part of early Huangzhou, but I was part of the fight to claim that land."

There was some pride to her words. Seeing that the settlement had thrived over the years, knowing what it once had been.

"But yes, the Vindicts were always in control of Ezmara. Just like the Xizoh for Atl. Your great grandfather was Karma Vindict, who was married to Maiya Vindict, one of the finest alchemists that Agartha had ever seen. She was a nagual, which is where you get those traits from."

"Your father led the charge on Valmasia, his endeavors later leading to the fall of Avalon. Ezmara was the strongest it had ever been under his reign as Chieftain."

"When Gaiar Aetherius attacked Ardent Cliff, Karma Vindict left the Gehennan territories, moving the Ezmara tribe into Ardent Cliff itself. To the other tribes and Chieftains? It was seen as an act of betrayal, choosing to assist foreigners over his own people."

"Yet he fought to protect Jianghu, no less. Ultimately, Ardent Cliff fell, but the Vindict legacy lived on through your father. He, alongside Tonantzin and Kuhn, united the tribes. For the first time in a century, the tribes stopped their bitter resentment of one another and came together under those young Chieftains."

"Even if they were practitioners of Chaos."
(Eztli Vindict)
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[23:25] Rindou's eyes shifted towards Caira at this point, expecting more reaction from her as the whole history of her family was being re-told and ran down bit by bit. It probably would make her feel a certain pride. Knowing her it probably came with more goals, responsabilities and aspirations, too.

They'd never have the time to talk, would they?

Still, Rindou managed to cast forth a small smile for Caira.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[23:31] "Ikkaku?!" She blurts out now, blinking a few times. "The legendary master of Arcane Order?" Caira has to calm herself down as her grandmother had said she was -basically- his second right hand. Her eyes are bright and shining. Pride beats like a heart, showing across her form in entirety. "Did you ever learn any of his skills? Take any lessons? Do you know how he did it?"

Something probably told Eztli that Caira had her eyes set on mastering another path of her power - Something to directly oppose and resent her father not just in mind or spirit, but in power as well. At the mention of her father doing great in assisting with the tribes re-uniting, she takes in a deep breath.

It's visible. It's extremely hard for her to be excited for anything involving her father. She's struggling to deal with the fact he had abandoned her. "Chaos did this world a lot of bad, grandmother. I'm sure you saw it, right?" A breath is taken in and her head tilts to the side.

".. Maybe it's selfish, but I want to learn Order. Not just to stand against the stigma that Mital put on our family's name, but to bring even more good back to Agartha." A hand comes up to scratch behind her head.

".. And one day find my father and give him a piece of my mind." A smirk appears, though it's one of the more childish goals she held.
(Caira Vindict)
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[23:38] "Ikkaku Ukitake, yes. He was a master of Arcane Order, that much is true as well. However, I never had taken a liking to the Arcane, and Ikkaku knew this. Our interests simply aligned, so we were able to work with one another quite effectively. If anything, I problem gave HIM more lessons than he gave me...."

Telling him how much she disliked the Arcane, yet the older woman felt it unnecessary to bring that up. Her granddaughter seemed quite ambitious, reminding herself of when she was the same age.

Though things were far different, far more bloody in Eztli's time.

"Regardless, I will tell you the same thing that I told your father when he brought up the Arcane. Follow your heart. The possibilities are endless, Caira. I believe in following your own moral compass, rather than following any sort of doctrine or set of beliefs."

"My interests have forced me to perform evil deeds in order to survive, whileat the same time I acted brave and valiant in other situations. I did what was necessary for myself, as well as my family. Whether or not it was good was subjective, since my own meant more to me than anything else."

As for Mitra, she merely offers a knowing smile.

"I wish I could give your father an earful as well. What a horrible father... Yet I still can't forget the little, cute, innocent boy that he was once was. I always used to embarrass him in public with hugs and kisses. On purpose. Perhaps I spoiled him too much..."

"Regardless, I spoke far too much on my own part, since I knew it by heart. I met Mitra late in my life, and I didn't give birth to Mital until my fourties? Maybe fifties..."

"No matter, you are free to ask anything on your mind."
(Eztli Vindict)
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[23:43] Rindou actually decided to ask a question. While it may not have been her place it was clear that the story was over and that Caira had gotten the sound and wise advice she needed from her grandmother. There was something Rindou herself needed to know.

"How has occult magic affected you in your life?"
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[23:50] ".. Follow.. My heart." She takes in a deep breath and focuses in on that. All of those bubbling and boiling desires and emotions. That seems to bring her to close her eyes and meditate only a tiny amount. "It's difficult to, you have to understand that. There's way too much in the world to think about just myself, you know." A laugh follows. Her mind seems to linger on that idea of her own selflessness.

"I'd do anything for the people here in Gehenna. I love them so much, grandmother. A doctrine or set of believes- No, but-" She shakes her head and the couch on the other side of her starts to wobble, shake just a tiny bit as she took a deeper breath.

".. Well. Maybe I am following my heart when I say I'd die for this place, these people. I don't like to play things dumb, but sometimes it's hard to do what it is you want to. So much responsibility and duty I owe to every single one." The cushionon the other side had long since stopped moving, whatever half-cocked use of the Arcane had faded away as fast as it came.

No. She didn't know the slightest thing about Order beyond the few who were capable masters, and perhaps the good and just feelings it operated on. She'd need.. A teacher.

"Can you tell me more about Karma?"
(Caira Vindict)
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[23:57] "I understand that sentient entirely. When I referred to 'my people,' I didn't mean the Gehennan people. I grew up in a very different time, as you know. We weren't united, and the other Gehennan people sought for my death. I know it's not the same now, but..."

Old habits die hard, it seems.

"Regardless, I will answer your question first, Miss Sakamoto."

Her gaze shifted to the Shengese noblewoman, before offering a nod.

"I had issues with occultism in my youth. Instead of fighting it, I wished to embrace the corruption and madness. It is the reason I went to Gaiar Aetherius, who better to teach me how to embrace corruption than a demon itself?"

"After nearly dying, after almost falling into madness, I took a step back. I learned to control my urges, though they are always there. Tugging at the back of my mind. But I think of my family, I think of my husband, my children, my grandchildren. That's what gets me through my troubles."

The elderly woman shifted her gaze to Caira now.

"As I said prior, Karma Vindict was one of the strongest of his generation. One of the strongest within Gehenna, and perhaps all of Agartha even. He utilized wind, lightning, water, and was a master of storms. He was charismatic, wise, and a force to be reckoned with truly."

"Yet he had his moments. Be it changing his gender to a woman, while his wife changed to a man... Or some other lascivious activities which I will not mention given the nature."

Poking fun, even though she was telling the truth completely.

"I hardly knew him personally speaking, but he was a good man. He was in the same line as myself, following his own moral compass and doing what he believed to be right for Ezmara."

"He also had a thing for demons. Under his reign as Chieftain, Ezmara was a refuge, a sanctuary for every sortof demon you can imagine. Many of which growing up to be the Archons that founded Gaiar Aetherius... You know, the faction he fought later in his life."

"Another interesting twist of fate, if anything."
(Eztli Vindict)
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[23:59] Caira Vindict says, "... This is a lot to hear, grandmother. It's.."
[00:00] Caira Vindict says, ".. I feel like I have massive, massive shoes to fill."
[00:01] Eztli Vindict says, "I will remain around the tribes, for the time being. I can let you reflect and mull things over. If you need anything more, I will be here. "
[00:02] Rindou Sakamoto says, "... Thank you for the story, Lady Vindict."
[00:02] Caira Vindict says, "... I-"
[00:06] Caira stands from the cushion and moves over, wrapping both of her arms gently around Eztli and holding on for a time. It's at this point that she might be able to see the water building in Caira's own eyes.

"For so long I.. Wanted to know more about my family.. Questioned if any even lived anymore.. Thank you, grandma." She calls her something more casual, less formal. ".. I'm really not alone with my messed up dad.. At least, for a while."

A pained laugh comes from her chest. She's more than grateful.
(Caira Vindict)
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[00:06] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[00:09] Eztli returns the gesture, her arms wrapping around her granddaughter, before pulling her close. Her right hand patted the younger Vindict's shoulder, as she nodded.

"I faced a great deal of strife within my life. Being hunted, hated, facing death at every corner. Yet I pushed forward, I continued, I persevered. Even if I perish, my legacy will live through you. Karma's legacy will live through you."

"It makes me realize that all the hardship was worth it, if you were the result. My beautiful granddaughter."

Letting go, the elderly woman struggled to a stand, before offering a smile.

"I don't wish to keep you from your friend any longer. I'll be here, for now."
(Eztli Vindict)
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[00:10] Caira would've undoubtedly helped her to her feet so she didn't have to struggle quite as much. Being called her beautiful granddaughter, Caira is moments from breaking down and wailing tears of happiness. She turns to the door now, a wonderous smile on her face as she ran out.

Caira was..

.. Worth it.

Tears of joy spill down her cheeks, but she's long since out of there with her spirits beyond raised.
(Caira Vindict)
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[00:13] Rindou wasn't too sure what to do at a time like this after seeing Caira, well... being on the complete opposite of how she currently felt. Sure, she was happy for her, and would soon enough follow after her, but God was it difficult to put on that fake smile. A small wave is offered in Eztli's way regardless, hoping to be as polite as possible.
(Rindou Sakamoto)