Illuminated Dev 5: The Ritual of Aversion

[15:53] Nera says, "Oh hello"
[15:53] Nera asks, "Hinna how aer you?"
[15:58] "I see, I see!" The idea of being in love with someone, but not romantically involved with them was quite strange to the little teenager. Food for thought to her, but she'd not weigh more in on that subject.

It was a strange one to think of, indeed..

However, she does giggle to his words, smiling widely. "Sorry to surprise you with such a thing, but it's really the truth - I look up to you as my mentor and like another dad figure in my life." The Kitsune nods; she hadn't heard from her own biological parents in many years now, nor has she been within their presence.

It was a bit of an unsettling fact for her - did they abandon? She didn't know, or perhaps too busy in their own affairs, but aside from that? Hina didn't mind referring to Svengalf like that!

Family mattered to her, after all, and Sven was part of that family love she had to offer.

She watches him wander away towards the door to check on the knock, only to see him come back in with Nera! A lighthearted smile is offered to her Elder felinae!

"Hi, Nera! I'm doing better lately. Still pained, struggling with the withdrawal symptoms, but.. much better and more focused." Perhaps it was the side effects of withdrawal wearing off, but - speaking of that? Hina glances to Sven.

"Oh! Uh.. about that, right- the second ritual. We should maybe do it soon, if you're not too busy or too tired."
(Hina Lam)
[16:03] would wave as she enters. she looked a bit les exhausted.

"hi Hina...im glad your doing better. if you Always needa safe place. let me know..okey?...i can build us the pillow fort!"

Nera would smile towards the two of them. it was nice seeing them her best lapine friend. and the new friend of a kistune!


nera would pull out a shiny Stone from her pocket

"nera gotten a lightsone!"
(Nera)
[16:07] Hina Lam giggles at Nera's motherly gestures. They were nice, and it always made her smile! "Thank you, Nera! I'll be sure to help you build one, one of these days!" And she'll observe the item retrieved, glancing at it curiously.
(Hina Lam)
[16:07] The lapine smiled, touched. Now that he thinks about it… never he had such young apprentice he took under his wing before. He never considered to adopt alone in this situation. But then, he recalls at how Nera has been adopting back and forth young magi from all origins.

"I am not bothered at all then. In the opposite even, it's even more reassuring, and self-confirming if you consider me like such. Thank you. I am happy to help you learn and care for you, Hina. You are a little sunshine to brighten my days. I will try my best to keep you happy and fullfilled too... daughter."
He lets out a little chuckle. It felt a bit funny to say such words in his situation. It seems like, he was adopted to be a father in this situation, the opposite of what it is done. But being such paternal figure for her was a compliment for sure.

Speaking of said felinae, it was her at the door, amused as he invited her to come.

"Oh ? You're building a pillow fort, Nera? And nice to hear ! From what I have seen, these lightstones can help containing some specifically attuned mana. Perhaps, it can help with focusing cosmic mana in the gate, who knows !"
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[16:13] Those words of his prompt some tears welling in her eyes. She, too, was ironically surprised by the way he speaks - a parental love and guidance, endearing in all manners.

"Daughter..?" It was the emotions overtaking her then. She's never felt this close to someone who she looked up to as a mentor - not even her own biological father. The Kitsune father of Hina's, while involved in her life, was usually cold shouldered and distant, keeping to himself usually.

Thus, to feel the overwhelming sensations of familial love in those moments that she missed so much touched her soul beyond comprehension, and a single tear trickles down as she shuffles toward Sven to bestow upon him a hug!

And when that embrace is given and she reels back, her attention is now paid towards Nera, listening idly to the both of them.
(Hina Lam)
[16:15] Nera hugs were spoted..hugs shall be applied. nera would walk over quickly and PULL BOTH INTO A BIG FAMILY HUG
(Nera)
[16:19] The lapine smiles to her reaction, patting her back. He opens his arms to welcome Hina , along with Nera Following next, grasping them together.

The lapine giggles, amused.

"You are both like family. Hina being my apprentice daughter. And Nera being my grandma figure looking upon me since I was a little lad at the Frontier, hehe."

He rubs their back, before letting them go. He offers his sleeve to wipe the tear on Hina's cheek.

"There... it's alright. You can count on me, along with others, ready to help you when you need, alright ?"

He offers again a smile, as he continues.

"And true, there is still this ritual to do ! How long do you think it will take?"
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[16:21] Hina Lam hugs Nera in return! The girl's tear is also allowed to be wiped away by Sven in those moments, smiling as he does. "Nera is a great Grandma figure," she says giggling. "I know I can count on all of you. I appreciate everything you both have done for me, really." A dip of her head. "Uh.. the ritual takes.. about a day, I believe?"
(Hina Lam)
[16:21] Hina Lam says, "I fasted for this one, and I have to steel away from temptations. So- Well, you know.."
[16:22] Nera asks, "Can i....know what this is all about?"
[16:22] Svengalf Sandsker nods towards Hina.
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[16:22] Nera smiles as she being called the Grandma of sven and hina
(Nera)
[16:22] Hina Lam says, "It's part of my enlightenment to connect myself with Jiuweihu! For the Illuminated, there are three rituals."
[16:22] Nera asks, "Ahh okey?"
[16:22] Svengalf Sandsker nods, listening to Hina.
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[16:23] Svengalf Sandsker asks, "I have the vial still. How may we help further?"
[16:23] Hina Lam says, "The first is the Ritual of Light, which I already did with my friend, Eivor. It's to present yourself almost bare to the sunlight and accept it into yourself."
[16:23] Hina Lam says, "The second ritual, the Ritual of Aversion, is for the Luminate to steel away from temptations in whatever manner seems appropriate, so-"
[16:24] Hina Lam glances towards Sven, frowning. A sigh is made, and what she is about to mention may come off as bizzare!
(Hina Lam)
[16:24] Hina Lam says, "So.. I want to use the Fantasia.. while under the withdrawal to.. steel away from temptations."
[16:25] Nera says, "Ahh....sooo"
[16:25] Hina Lam says, "Of course.. I want someone present to stop me in case I can't, but-- You all put your trust and faith in me. It'll be.. really hard to do."
[16:25] Nera asks, "While under the withdrawls to Strenghten yourself?"
[16:25] Svengalf Sandsker tilts his head at her reaction. Did he say something wrong ? But he nods, understandingly.
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[16:25] Hina Lam starts coming down from this strange high she's been on of enlightenment lately, fidgeting uncomfortably.
(Hina Lam)
[16:25] Hina Lam says, "Yeah."
[16:25] Svengalf Sandsker says, "I see."
[16:25] Nera says, "Its...risky.....but...."
[16:25] Svengalf Sandsker says, "But necessary."
[16:25] Svengalf Sandsker says, "I have written a book on temptations when I was an initiate too."
[16:25] Hina Lam says, "I want the Fantasia, but.. failure isn't an option, so- well, yeah."
[16:25] Nera asks, "You want a fresh bottel?"
[16:25] Hina Lam laughs nervously at that mention.
(Hina Lam)
[16:26] Hina Lam says, "It's just.. withdrawal, it's hard to explain, I guess.. but I'll need to be tempted with it and see if I can, you know.. steel away from it."
[16:26] Svengalf Sandsker picks up the vial from the chest, showing it in between his fingers.
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[16:26] Hina Lam says, "Not fall to taking it again."
[16:26] Nera flicks her head
(Nera)
[16:26] Nera says, "I rather you not."
[16:27] Svengalf Sandsker says, "Don't worry Nera."
[16:27] Svengalf Sandsker says, "Hina has been brave enough to dare getting the vial. And she could have drunk it after receiving it."
[16:27] Svengalf Sandsker says, "But she has resisted yet until now."
[16:27] Nera says, "...tahts good."
[16:27] Svengalf Sandsker asks, "You're still in withdrawal, right, Hina ?"
[16:27] Nera says, "......lockd taht chest 4 times and seal it 6 times..."
[16:36] That bottle is retrieved from the chest, and the Kitsune steps back some. The temptations were nigh that Hina wanted to dive for the tiny vial, but she turns away, curving some of her person to lay hands upon the wall and inclining her head.

In those very moments, she was suddenly doubting herself, and she'll keep her eyes averted from the vial that Sven held before her.

"Yes, I'm.. still dealing with it, and- to see it again," her words are passive, some squeaked out through cracks, and her breathing draws in and out heavy and audible.

"Uh- right, right, so.." Trailing off, the girl steps sideways, almost facing both of them, but trying to keep her sight away from that alluring bottle of the witch's brew that he was holding.

The Kitsune's fingers start to idly fidget, nails touching at the tips of her fingers, and she's visibly very distraught.

"The Ritual of Aversion," she begins, glancingtowards the floor. Cold sweats begin, and she can feel every tinge of withdrawal side effects overtaking her; the rush exists, and she tilts her head back up towards the ceiling, as if attempting to glance through the tangible ceiling towards the sky.

'Give me strength, Jiuweihu - to get through this one.' Thoughts are passive, and she'll finally speak to continue about the aim of this particular ritual.

"We don't have one of her blessed - an Illuminated, so.. this is the best we can do. To have someone watch, as she'll watch me, too." She says in a rushed manner.

"It is to be tempted with it- the Fantasia, I mean. You have to tempt me with it. She's watching me. Her ritual, the second of three, is to emphasize the ability to resist.. the.." Her words continue trailing off, bloodshot gaze flicking towards the bottle- "-the impulse to take it," she finally utters out, glancing to Sven.

"-and I've already fasted, as instructed of her customs." She pauses then, and when she finally averts her gaze again is when she'll add the final touch of what the ritual means, "I.. have to find myself in meditation and not fall to it." A deep breath is drawn in, and the Kitsune wipes away at tears trickling down.

"Does that make sense?"
(Hina Lam)
[16:40] would pull Hina into a tight hug. face first into her own chest. not to look at the Fantasia potion

and humming gently


"hmmmh….well….it make sense...but yes….."

glancing over towards Sven. and noding with her had to place the cursed bottel away. she know how People suffer from it

her own mother used it.



(Nera)
[16:48] The lapine walks, while still keeping the vial visual. He doesn't even hide it. He even lays the fantasia on top of the desk, on dispaly, and without any obstacles. He just stands asside, crossing his arms.

He nods, confirming then he has heard her. He listens to her, attentive. And while at it, he observes her gestures and symptoms : Undoubtly, the symptoms of withdrawal are reappearing like those last months. The shakings, the cold sweat, the self reclusion as she wraps her arms around herself.
A drastic shift of emotions today again, who already was quite exceptionnal.

"Don't worry. We are here with you. We will try to be an appropriate alternative." He offers a reassuring smile, soft and carefull for her.

He politely mentions Nera to let the bottle presented on the furniture.
"Nera, let Hina face the fantasia. This thing has given her two years of Despair. She is trying to face it to not be afraid of it anymore. Don't worry, be here for her. As a supportive mother, not a covering mother. Hina is soon an adult, and she will have to face the world eventually." A little sadened smile at this idea. She decided to adopt him as a father figure, while already old enough soon to be flapping with her own wings in this Dangerous world. He has to remain strong for her too.

He returns back to Hina. There is… a little concern as he will have to play the role of the antagonist of this situation. He takes a deep breath, before nodding.
"Hina. When you are ready, whatever I will be saying, it is not representative of what I think. I will just be some stage play to be the villain to tempt you. Can you trust me with it ?"
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[16:50] Svengalf Sandsker says, "... Mh. Perhaps I should dress differently then. To make it more obvious I will be the evil."
[17:01] That hug is passively accepted, though the Kitsune makes no motions to give one back in those trying moments.

The clink of the bottle on his desk is noted, and she'll immediately flick her head in its direction to stare.. and stare, and stare at it, listening to Sven in the meantime.

He was right. To face the world meant to embrace her struggles, to accept them as they were in the ordeals she's faced thus far and what she currently is confronting her little person.

This was her fight to overcome.

Hina grits her teeth and breaks free from Nera's embrace, shifting herself towards the vital on his desk, staring at it more, longingly.

A hand does reach for it, but never makes contact as she pulls away, nodding her head from his words. "Sven's right. I just need your presence, but- don't be verbal to encourage me. This is just.." She gulps, eyes never moving away from the vial of dreams she desperately wanted to whiff and feel the effects of.

A lucid world. Dreams come to life.

"-but thank you, thank you." Her head inclines, rises, and inclines again, shaking it to agree to his stage play as a villain in this Ritual of her story.

"I'll assume a meditating stance then," she says, downing a levitation potion of her own brew - somewhat bitter, but to help with boosting her person to his stature some and posing to meditate - legs cross, hands on her lap. "I trust you, Sven. I'm ready- half a day, if that's okay?"

Could she truly bare twelve hours of the imposing vial she so desperately wanted to pop open and revitalize her own senses? "Just.. don't open it, because if I sniff it? Well-" Of course, she wouldn't let herself finish that, but her tone is marked serious. She was sure he understood the risks that this type of scenario may inflict on her.

But, to be strong? For Sven, for Nera, for Eivor, for Frontier, for her family, and especially - for Jiuweihu? She would do her utmost best to triumph in this tribulation - the Ritual of Aversion.

"Jiuweihu, under your guiding light, I will be performing your second Ritual of your faith, the Illuminated. To steel away from the temptations of this Fantasia, and prove to you that I can resist these impulses and grow closer to you."

Another nod of her head, and she'll sit there mid air, beginning her meditations in silence, praying, and doing whatever it would take - whatever it takes in order to withstand this trial.
(Hina Lam)
[17:07] The lapine nods. Letting her finish first her explainaitons

"I have the time for it then. I will fetch the disguise"

He returns back to his bedroom, looking in his shelf what he could dress to feel more intimidating. Or closer to the depiction of witches...
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[17:11] Nera says, "Svnegalf the bunnyu"
[17:16] Svengalf Sandsker says, "When Sven gets older yeah he can be a tailor"
[17:18] The lapine returns. This time, cloaked in a dark and somber clothes. A pointy hat, with his ears hidden Under the hat, and the tail tucked. There was a mask of a pink fox held on his face.

"My child.", he muttered in a feminine, motherly tone.
"You look tired. Weary. The Fel is rampaging the land. People are dying. Either from the claws. Or from the misery. Kings are fattening themselves, as the Farmers are fending for themselves to survive.
Is someone truly living in such time ? To be in fear of never looking another tomorrow ? To fear dying ?"

The voice was soft. A bit tense from the acting, and forced. But still he had some practice in trying to change his voice to other tones. Nera was familiar with such acting.
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[17:34] She'll focus, idly meditating mid levitation, hands resting on her lap as she spectates Svengalf placing on those attires that reminded her of that witch.

Indulgence.

The one who she had attacked for the sake of pushing her corruptive magics away from Eivor, only to end up captured at the mercy of Sheol, escaping, and meeting her sometime thereafter - A dream, and then reality.

And then Fantasia.

Those words reverberate, and she'll focus her attention to that vial of dreams. The feminine imitation of Sven's voice grasps at her temple, but her eyes never move.

A light mantra is hummed all the while, doing her absolute best to resist those tempting words, that desire to consume the Fantasia, and steel away and triumph in this Ritual.

Hina bites down hard on her lip. The intangible aura of the Kitsune ruptures some - no visible pyres, but the heat emanating from her is a blaze of passion, of enthusiasm, welcoming herself to these wrestling thoughts that she's attempting to fully drown out and overcome.

The acting could be considerably persuasive, but for the sake of demonstrating her strength and willpower? To prove to those she loves that she can be successful in her endeavors? Hina does resist it enough despite her visible person shedding sweats and trembling, fingers unconsciously gripping hard at the skin above her knee.

Her stomach rumbles some, a showcase that she had fasted beforehand, and the ever present Fantasia there was just so captivating to her. To feel that lucidity again.

She didn't want to fear them. She wanted to live for another tomorrow. She feared dying because of weakness, and that vial presented on Sven's desk? It was a promising concoction of power despite its drawbacks.

Still, however, she'll manage to remain in place, focusing herself, staring at the Fantasia. The pressure was on, and she was doing all that she could to combat those intense, undesirable feelings.
(Hina Lam)
[17:38] Nera watches as Hina begann to Mediiate. and. seeing Sven Dress up. taht did cause a smile upon her face. but it quickly faded.

it was a serious siuation. so Nera would simply. lean against the wall quietly. using her staff as support....and being Ready to Hinder hina. with magic incase. she gives into the tempation.

Nera would quietly utter a small. Prayer towards Gala, and the deity of juwnhsule

"dear galla. give this Young one strenght. dear Jwnhule...even if nera says your Name worng im sorry but do support and aid this Young one"

(Nera)
[17:46] The improvised acting witch glance over the silent duo. It was difficult to perceive any facial expressions. The voice was monotonous. Emotionless.

"You are in denial, my child. I understand it.
You recluse yourself in your own Bubble. To shield yourself from the evil. around you.
You do not want to see the evil again.
You do not want to hear the evil again.
And you do not want to speak evil and become like them."

Hours passes already, as the actor observes Hina.

He takes the vial, knocking it gently against the furniture. The glass ringing on each strikes against the wood.

"But there will be a time, where you will have to open this bubble to fullfill your basic necessities. You want to live, don't you ? Yet, you can't isolate yourself entirely. Thirst and hunger will come to you, my child. And to reach for the apple in the orchard, are you ready to come across the warden that selfishly keeps its fruits from others?"

The vial is played in between their fingers.

"This vial here altough... it is your true escape to stay alive. You won't be fearing anything. Thirst and hunger won't claim you anymore. And you will be able to speak, hear, and see things, without crossing the evil again. You will be able to reach the dreams as you wanted. To be embraced by your dear Jiuweihu, safe from the Fel."
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[18:00] 'You are in denial, my child. I understand it.' Those imitating words find themselves bumping around through her mind.

And then those words of Indulgence ring out, pushing out all thoughts, teasing. 'I was beginning to wonder if you'd decided against freedom after all.'

Hina's eyes shift towards that clinking bottle against the desk. Her breaths drawn in are heavier than earlier, but she'll maintain her composure, doing her best to remain in that non-spoken, meditative stance, praying to Jiuweihu.

But, when the Witch's voice comes for her temple again, this time it's different, pushing her for the Fantasia. 'Such a delicate little thing, isn't it? Some are willing to pay thousands for a single dose.'

Coupled with Sven's imitation to come thereafter? Again, the Lapine's improvised Witch costume speaks to her. There's a crazed look in Hina's eyes - bloodshot, desperate, wanting to pounce at the opportunity to rip apart the vial and take in the longest breath of her young existence to be under its positive effects again.

Though, she doesn't move from her position. Rather, the girl's mana ignites some within, forming at the convergence point in her chest - gathering. She longs for the Fantasia, almost in a state of panic despite her will to continue meditating.

More beads of sweat trickle down her face, and her trembling persists.

'You want to live, don't you?' Her eyes never shift from that vial now in Sven's fingers. 'This vial here although... it is your true escape to stay alive.'

And once more, the Witch's true words resound over Sven's own, prompting the allure of Fantasia more, and more. 'Freedom is what comes when you abandon them, when you embrace what the world could be, rather than what is it.'

A light shake of her head, trying to tuck away those voices of Sven's and Indulgence's, allowing her own passive prayers of reflection and contemplation remove those doubts that so gravely wanted to intrude within her.
(Hina Lam)
[18:20] Nera would from her postion lean lighty over towards hina

gently whispering her soft tone

"do not give into the witch. temptation. ist lies and tricks. only sufferings the more and the longer you take…..only pain and suffer…….you dont Need this under Jiuweihu guiadnce. Rember her light. she is the only one you Need...not this potion"

came the few words from the eldery cat. in hopes to counter some of the Evil witches words. to give hope and ressaurce to hina. yet Standing still Ready to intervene. if nescary
(Nera)
[18:23] More hours passes, despite the whims of the actor playing with the vial as it rings a little tune.

The lapine wasn't aware of who was this Indulgence person. Nor he knew really how witches truly works to tempt others into consuming this cursed preparation.
His current inspirations are withdrawn of what it could be opposed to his Alacritan faith, like escapism and denial. Achieving comfort no matter what.
The lapine was starting to become out of ideas...

Yet, it hurt to see Hina like this. And being responsible of her state. He wanted to encourage her, to help her. But... There will be a time when her father won't be here to protect her back... right ? She has to endure it alone... for now. Like when she was captured. The idea was abject... but Hina trusted Sven in this ungrateful role.

More hours pass. It was on the last hour for Hina.

The witch started to become more annoyed. The tone finally becoming more agressive.

"I know you crave for it. You are tearing your own wrists appart. You are biting your own tongue. Your eyes are popping out of their sockets. You feel prisonner in your own body, don't you ? You abject staying alive in this world, to the point you are trying to mutilate yourself. And when clawing the last bit of your skin won't be enough to free yourself form suffering, will you tear your own heart appart, going through the pain for such ? You won't even be able to join the spiritworld by suicide, my child. Suicide, is only for the cowards, who reject the Lifestream. Their soul go right into Helheim, damned for eternity."

The lapine wasn't sure even of what he is saying, but clearly, he is trying to play on the fear factor.
And speaking of the fear factor...

Plop !
The caracteristic sound of the bottle being uncorked. At least, Svengalf keeps a thumb on the spout for the fragrance to not escape.

"It's right here, and ready for you. No need to mutilate yourself to liberate yourself from the sufferings of this world. An access to the spirit realm, where anything is possible, free from pain, and without even dying."
He steps forward, as one hand catches her wrist, pulling her closer. Showing the vial right in front of her. And even push it right in her face. Still with a thumb held on the spout.

Perhaps, the final test for such, when the temptation becomes now a physical threat and demanding...
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[18:47] Unfortunately, for Hina to maintain focus, she must ignore the words of Nera, even when the Elder Felinae leans towards her to whisper encouragement. Presently, they are drowned out by the thoughts of Sven's witch mimicry and Indulgence's ridiculing.

To call her weak, unable to save her friend that she fought hard for over a year ago. To present the Fantasia under the guise of freedom of the divines. The words were loud, prodding at the Kitsune's confidence.

It was a battle between the spectrums within. The good versus the bad. The natural order versus those who defy it. The divinity of fates versus the fates for freedom.

And for Hina to fight back on this, she'll repulse those scornfully abusive, intrusive comments by the Witch's voice with her own empowerment. 'They created us, Indulgence. Jiuweihu created me, and I am her child. This is my fate, my own path, my freedom.'

Her meditative stance still does not waverdespite how much push was present. 'For her-' Hina grits down on her teeth, '-I'm not going to failure you, Jiuweihu.'

Those hours pass by in absolute anguish, staring at that bottle. The withdrawal effects peaked at every opportunity, imposing that bottle as if it were akin to god. Something to worship, something to indulge in, something to truly awaken her from the dullness of this reality she so dangerously wanted to escape from.

More hours go by, and the beads of sweat continue. Her skin hurt, the convergence point within her chest felt nearly exploding with the collection of mana at a single focal point, and the girl's ambiance was ever present, still trying to welcome in that unconscious, subtle warmth of a friendly demeanor, though somewhat aggressive as well, trying hard to push those intrusive thoughts out.

'You feel prisoner in your own body, don't you?'

'All I seek is to offer freedom, not shackles.' Again, those words of Indulgence intrude. Hina felt helpless in this conflict, almost emptied of the breath in her lungs - she was feeling faint from how hard she'd been breathing, but never shifting her meditative focus.

And then it happens-

Plop!

Hina's ears flicker towards the sound of the cork popping off of the vial, despite her prayerful stance. She'd not cheat Jiuweihu with magics of her own determination to assist in this practice of steeling from that temptation, but when the imitation of the Witch draws close and grips her wrist, placing that bottle close to the Kitsune?

She holds her breath, puffing out her cheeks as tears trickle from the ducts of her eyes. The flame of passion stockpiles at the convergent point in her chest, wrapped around her heart, and the power exuding from Hina is intensified heat - unconscious, protective, but she doesn't falter to wanting that Fantasia so close to her face.

The force of the little one's willpower was eminent as stares towards it so daringly, challenging herself before Nera and Svengalf, steering herself away and guiding her heart away from that pathway so tempting before her.

It was intense.

'Jiuweihu, I won't disappoint you. I won't disappoint Sven. I won't disappoint Eivor, or Nera, or Frontier - no one. I won't disappoint myself, either.' She thinks to herself in this trying time.

Her face grows more red from holding her breath, doing whatever it takes within her little person to drive herself away from it, to focus upon it all at the same time, and render herself truly free from those impulses, battling it as best as she possibly could.
(Hina Lam)
[18:56] … What was he doing. This is only an imitation, right ? That's not him. That's not him, the lapine tried to reassure himself.

He understood what Hina needed in this moment. At how the temptations was to be put and forced upon her. Yet… He doesn't have the heart for such. Watching her tears flowing and struggles as he grips the person he cared as a daughter, it filled him with dread.
"That's not me. That's the mask. I won't harm her, Alacritas.", he thought himself.

There was a struggle to keep that vial close to her face, while grasping her wrist. He kepts the thumb on the neck still, as this was only just to scare her from the agression, not for him to force the inhalation. It lasts for some minutes, as the witch remains silent in the struggles. Until…

Ding !

The Grandfather clock rings for the 12th time. 12 hours have passed.

The lapine immediatly releases her, as he corks the vial. He observes Hina in silence, contempling her situation.
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[19:02] Nera still stands at the ready incase....just incease, but she had faith
(Nera)
[19:14] The little one's unconscious prowess continues to emit. She would not so willingly cheat her goddess, but the uncontrolled assembly of her mana at the convergence point in her chest built to an undesirable pinnacle, trying to burst through the seems of her heart.

It was excruciatingly painful. Much more painful than how her body was feeling in those moments where Sven's finger lingered over the rim of Fantasia's bottle, held directly up to her face.

It festers, drawing in more, and more of her spiritual energy until - and just as he's pulling it back at the ding of the Grandfather clock with the vial of Fantasia?

There's a very dull pop! from the girl, and her stance breaks. Like a burst of something within - unstable mana drafted by no willpower that was dense in nature, fiery, and igniting the poor Kitsune's heart a tad and surrounding circuits, scorching them to a light degree.

Hina's eyes widen, and she felt like she was going to throw up, wincing, crying, and a hand rises immediately when that pain pulsates through her body, gripping at the area of her own chest. A loud gasp is made as if she couldn't breath, or was trying to gasp for air.

Either way - it seemed that she didn't falter to the temptations of the Fantasia, finding success in her second ritual of the Illuminated - The Ritual of Aversion.

"Time already..?" She says, turning away towards the wall nearby and audibly crying. She could feel that something within her was wrong. "I did it, didn't I?" She questions painfully, though it was rhetoric, as if questioning Jiuweihu's eyes upon her. "I did it, Jiuweihu."

It would seem then, that despite the slightly destructive ambition of her symbolic spiritual energy, she triumphed in her Ritual of Aversion of the Illuminated faith, never faltering to the temptations of that Fantasia.

"I.. I did it- I.." The girl pauses, gasping more for air and gripping harder at her chest as she leans against the wall, however- still floating above the ground. "..I did it," she repeats again.

It was finally over. The risk of this ordeal was seemingly apex to her, but she did not break her meditative stance, nor did she gravitate towards the allure of the Witch's potion.

Hina was successful.
(Hina Lam)
[19:17] Nera simply trys to gently hug the floaty and crying hina
(Nera)
[19:18] ** Hina Lam has inflicted an injury upon Hina Lam. ("Ignited Heart and Circuits", "Within the ambition of Hina's Ritual of Aversion, the girl's subconscious protective nature and spiritual energy surrounding herself stockpiled enough within the convergent point in her chest, grasping at the heart, and was eventually set ablaze by force of the Kitsune's natural affinity of fire magics. Because of this, her heart is slightly scorched, as are the mana circuits surrounding it. An accidental injury made out of desperation to steel away from the temptations of Fantasia.", "Permanent", "Severity: MINOR (-5 VIT)") **
[19:18] ** Hina Lam has inflicted an injury upon Hina Lam. ("Ignited Heart and Circuits", "Within the ambition of Hina's Ritual of Aversion, the girl's subconscious protective nature and spiritual energy surrounding herself stockpiled enough within the convergent point in her chest, grasping at the heart, and was eventually set ablaze by force of the Kitsune's natural affinity of fire magics. Because of this, her heart is slightly scorched, as are the mana circuits surrounding it. An accidental injury made out of desperation to steel away from the temptations of Fantasia.", "Permanent", "Severity: MINOR (-5 VIT)") **
[19:21] The lapine observes her through the mask for an instant. To see her exhausted and in pain. No words came out. No cheers, or congratulations.

The lapine returns to his bedroom, removing his costume.

He returns with casual interior clothes, looking upon Hina. His eyes glow in blue, looking upon her circuits as she winces and leans against the wall. There is a little concern, as the lapine silently tries to wrap his arms around her.
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[19:22] Nera says, "Ou donee it you did it"
[19:22] Nera says, "Your a brave kistuneee the bravest of them all"
[19:24] Hina Lam hugs Sven despite the nature of her internal injury. Sven could easily see the fiery mana having seared away at her organ and circuits surrounding it. Painful to say the least, but in those moments? All she could manage was to hug the Lapine, cry on his shoulder, and feel relieved.
(Hina Lam)
[19:24] Hina Lam says, "Thank you, Nera."
[19:25] Nera would gently scratch her ears
(Nera)
[19:27] The lapine holds Hina dearly in his arms, tears flowing too.

"Hina, I didn't mean to hurt you… I am sorry…"

He sinks his forehead on her shoulder, sobbing.
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[19:31] A sniffle as the girl embraces him so, a single hand loosening from the grip to place at the area of the heart below in her person. "You didn't hurt me, Sven; this is not your fault."

She was aiming to reassure the man, reeling back from his shoulder to look upon him, and that hand from her chest lifts to wipe away any tears on her face.

Hina looked okay for the most part - red faced, teary eyed, but internally? She was in absolute anguish, pained from the effects of her unstable mana production in that focal point for so long, for so many hours.

"I promise, it isn't your fault, okay?" Another set of words pass to give him reassurance. "This pain is necessary, and it was a success, right? Mhm, an easy fix, for sure!" Her words come to comfort him despite the anguish she's feeling within.
(Hina Lam)
[19:35] The lapine nods slowly. He regains a little smile, taping her back.

"I know you had to endure it… for the sake of growing, to face your fear."

He wipes a tear.

"... I feel horrible of what I have done… It's not me…"

He takes a deep breath.

"Listen… Hina, take some rest… I will prepare you some food meanwhile…"

He carefully detaches himself from her, as he nods towards Nera.

"... Thank you Nera for being present. I will soon sleep… can you take care of her for a bit?"

He heads towards the Kitchen, dragging his feet.
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[19:37] Nera gave a nod towards sven
(Nera)
[19:42] To grow and face her fears. While the goal of her Ritual was to steel away from desirable temptations - in this case, the Fantasia - it also concluded more about Hina.

She was growing into a prospering young woman, and to his words? She'll nod, smiling despite how pained and physically ill she felt. To endure this pain of the Ritual was something she'd let persist some as a sign of triumphing in her objective.

"Don't feel horrible, please. I asked you for this, I knew what I was getting into." As he detaches from the Kitsune, she leans herself into the wall, resting a bit there.

"Thank you, both of you." A pained smile offered to both as Sven opts to cook her up some foods to replenish herself for Tristinia's order of potions -

"I'll probably go to Aphros to see Eivor and to rest at his apartment, then come back and work on Tristinia's order." She had to see how her closest friend was managing at this time through his own fantasia withdrawal.

There was some sort of tranquility washing through her, however. She could feel some dulling effects of that withdrawal fading away, it seemed - lesser than before, but not as opposing as it had been throughout the ritual.

Instilled hope, perhaps, or was the year of the Fantasia withdrawal finally coming to a close? Only time will tell.

Hina slumps over some regardless, nodding her head. "Gotta make sure he's doing well himself." She laughs lightly, idly resting.
(Hina Lam)
[19:43] Nera says, "Awwhh...no care by nera...oh well"
[19:43] Svengalf Sandsker nods slowly.
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[19:43] Svengalf Sandsker says, "Also... take these keys, Hina."
[19:44] Svengalf Sandsker hands over a copy of his keys.
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[19:44] Nera says, "Im im gonna goo i guess..."
[19:44] Nera says, "Farm a bit and then rests"
[19:44] Svengalf Sandsker says, "We are family now, Hina. So, it's fair for you to have a common home with me."
[19:44] Svengalf Sandsker says, "And understood Nera, I will be sleeping soon too."
[19:45] Svengalf Sandsker asks, "And take care on your way to Aphros, alright ?"
[19:45] Svengalf Sandsker says, "Nera, teleport her if needed."
[19:45] Hina Lam takes the copy of his keys. She was surprised receiving them, and she'll cant her head, nodding to him. "I'll have to get a copy to my home for you as well in case you need to come in for anything." A smile is offered as she places away the key!
(Hina Lam)
[19:45] Hina Lam says, "I'll be safe, unless either of you want to wayfind me there."
[19:46] Hina Lam laughs nervously. Perhaps she'd have to consume another lax essence to help with her injury!
(Hina Lam)
[19:46] Svengalf Sandsker nods weakly, smiling from her reassurements.
(Svengalf Sandsker)
[19:46] Svengalf Sandsker says, "We can talk more about it later of course."
[19:46] Svengalf Sandsker says, "But until then..."
[19:46] Svengalf Sandsker says, "I sleep."
[19:47] Svengalf Sandsker says, "Good night. Nera. Hina."
[19:47] Hina Lam exclaims, "Good night, Sven!"
[19:47] Nera says, "Good night.."
[19:47] Hina Lam says, "Please rest well."
[19:47] Svengalf Sandsker says, "I will try."