Himari Energy Dev 3

[05:30] Surprising. She expected Zachary to really pull off the clutching win. He was really starting to adapt to her movements and spells but in the end he was defeated but it didn't turn her sights elsewhere. Her eyes were still focused on this whole... thing that she'd honestly rather walk away from but hey, Zachary was a friend of a friend. She couldn't just do that plus she suggested to stay and make sure he was alright.

"Alright, that's enough." Her hands would collide with each other in a clapping manner. Making it known that her presence was there and she was going to do something. She headed over hoping Francois was in tow and stood near Zachary's side and prompted him to get up with a bit of magic. Forceful.

"You're not in the best shape there, Zachary. Francois and I stayed to make sure you were okay and its a good thing we did."

Amber hues meet with Caritas. Unimpressed. Her magic was seen by Himari quiteoften so it didn't surprise all that much, however she didn't think any less of her because of it. What was she going to do? Instigate a fight? Nope. Not when she's weakened.

"We want to talk for a bit when you're in better shape. Is that, okay?"
(Himari Kurokaiyo)
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[05:31] She stirs in the mans arms, the energy surging through her causing the occasional convulsive out burst. The girl was in great pain, her muscles twitching as to someone with the right eye could see that her mana circuits were being blocked.
(Ororo Boros)
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[05:34] What was she going to do? Instigate a fight? Nope. Not when she's weakened.

How wrong could someone be?

The humour fell flat from Caritas' face at the sudden interruption. It was rude, dismissive and utterly out of nowhere. Could these children not grasp what was going on here? Did they really consider themselves so highly?

"What.. do you think you're doing? You- one of the endless amount of loiterers that sit here like it's your home. Where exactly do you think you are?" she sneered.

A brief glance was given to Orobo before she shook her head. Someone else would have to instruct him. The witch rounded on the littler interruptor.

"I suppose I can take you out next. There's a lot of pruning to do in this village. Or do any of you want another round?" she called out to the gang of idle 'villagers'.
(Caritas Midor)
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[05:35] Riley Howard says, ". . Hum."
[05:37] The quagmire of the situation had sent Francois into an absentminded stupor of sorts. Things were transpiring in front of her, but her usually studious eye hardly comprehended the things that happened. It was only when the end of the battle was decided upon that she snapped out of it, just in time to see someone salaciously lean closer towards Zachary as though inching towards a kiss.

Yet rather than transpire, something else seemingly happened. She was confused as to what occurred; was it visible or not? Regardless of which, her brows simply furrowed and her forehead knitted in a clear-cut sign of bewilderment.

"Why did this even happen?"

A hand raised to rub at her facial features out of dismay, and disappointment. What little that she saw of the situation seemed to have boiled down to one thing: stubborn pride. Was it the Knights' fault, or was it the settlers' fault? For some reason, Francois was led to believe it was the former.

Thus, she refused to comment on it any further. Concern was present in her gaze, yes, but at the same time, so was confusion and bewilderment. She had a feeling that she'd need to meditate over this.

She did direct the focus of her singular eye over towards the female's direction.

"Again, pardon us for our intrusion, as well as the ruckus that we may have caused. If reparations are needed, please allow us to provide them. At the same, please allow us to depart and we won't bother you any further."

She lowered her head into another bow.
She felt like she had been doing this a lot lately, for reasons that she didn't even know of.

"I will admit that my knowledge of the situation is lacking, but if possible, I'd rather not a wide-scaled conflict as a result of further friction."

She kept her head down.
(Francois cos Duran)
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[05:40] The beaten up, smoky-eyed boy glared at Francois as she closed the distance between herself and Caritas. Two beady eyes with strained, purple lids, two tiny fires in his eerie pink irises. He seems to ease back just a little when she bows her head, however.

"Just knights being knights," Loukas quipped, his lips twisting and leaving one fang exposed afterwards.
(Loukas)
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[05:47] And just like that, it's over. The teen witnessed something the average magi probably never lived to ever see for a second time. And yet, he still felt the lingering effects of hatred in the land, dying down as it ate away at him and any critters affected.

What power... The boy started his tread further without any word, leaving any knights or others to talk with the villagers.
(Petris)
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[05:48] Loukas whispers something.
[05:48] Loukas whispers something.
[05:48] He would visibly struggle to help himself up, but was still not to be underestimated. Flares of energy making unwilling to stick by him. His spirit was broken, but his heart remained to a cause.

He wouldn't even look to the others around him. He wanted to reach Caritas by word still. His determination never ending.

"Caritas, answer me. If you do, I can provide the tools necessary to help that girl." He offered, but in exchange for what?

He looked visibly exhausted to others, but to him he was reaching his limits somehow. It was odd for him to feel this weak already.

"You made me the example, you need not make another."

What was wrong with him? Zachary never acted in such a manner.
(Zachary Retinea)
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[05:50] Zachary Retinea says, "safe to assume im weakened in ways i cant explain"
[05:53] The stocky youth approached Deimos from behind, prodding him with a large box. "I'd love to haul this woman around for a little while longer, but I've been at it for nearly forty-eight hours. I need some sleep, so, here."

He'd gingerly hand the woman over to the youth, assuming he could carry her rather effortlessly, and accompany this with a Mythril Prosthetics Kit.

"You'll need to find a healer to use that, however. If someone untrained tried to, they'd probably make it worse, ho ho."
(Riley Howard)
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[05:53] "Oh- you are staying then malaka, you are more stupid then you look- Come here you little shit I will break you too."

Deimos said now approaching Zachary with malicious intent. "I am tired, I have had peace for years in this village but now you knights are showing up out of the blue and now already one of my own is hurt.."

He continued to walk to the man preparing to break him down and put him in a cell. Unless stopped by someone else.
(Deimos)
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[05:53] Riley Howard says, ". . I'm going to cry."
[05:54] Riley Howard says, "Holy shit."
[05:54] Riley Howard says, "At this point, literally anyone take her - hey, you. ."
[05:54] She vibrates, shaking the entire bush she leans against.

This is so good.
(Metsik)
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[05:54] Only now did Sibylle seem to calm down, that physical vibration ceasing. He took a few steps forward, shuffling along the grass to perch himself near the stairs of the trading post. For now, he just stared towards Zachary before speaking up,

"You're not smart making demands," He snarkily replied with no smile upon his face. Now his finger lifted, pointing to Deimos. "He's mad."
(Sibylle)
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[05:55] He'd turn towards Ezekiel, raising up a Mythril Kit and the unconscious woman. "I'm about to drop her. Just. . take her to your hospital, please."
(Riley Howard)
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[05:55] She had passed out at this point, considering Riley had literally done two laps around town while carrying her. She had no concept of time.
(Ororo Boros)
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[05:56] Himari assumed Zachary was still recovering from his defeat so she let him get it all together before continuing to speak with him. She didn't want to overwhelm him questions and a conversation when he was injured and would need some serious medical attention.

Her attention would soon turn to Caritas. White-haired and a bit demanding. Reminded someone in her family and it wasn't just because of the magic either. She squinted a bit and honestly thought she was talking to someone else who assumed that she always loitered there. But she probably didn't know Himari has only been to this town twice and has been on good behavior!

"I have to agree with her, there is no need for any more conflict when much as already been received. I'm sure everyone wants to go about their days and if you'd like to make an example, maybe another time over some tea, hm? I'm not really one to start something so casually without reason."

Maybe she exaggerated that a bit but she really didn't want something else to stir up when they could just talk it out. That was one of her codes within her family. A meaningless battle is what they'd call it. Words first over fist is what she was taught and would continue to go by it.

"We can go by your demands. But we're honestly only here to see how his condition will continue to hold up. I'm sure that's okay?" she inquired.
(Himari Kurokaiyo)
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[06:00] The leader of the thunderbirds seems to have set the white haired dancer upon the grass. A golden star marked upon her forehead as a strange golden electricity arced from it and surged through her entire nervous system.

She would convulse, slipping in and out of consciousness as she could no longer feel her connection to the stars. She only felt pain.

And Hate.

Also Pain.
(Ororo Boros)
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[06:00] So many deigned to address her at once- it was Francis that spoke most humbly after being silent this whole time, so she listened. Her lips pursed as the others spoke, shaking her head.

"You're all so awfully arrogant. I suppose being snug inside Osrana's walls for so long will do that, won't it? Things are different out here. Words carry weight."

Her eyes continued to glow, a faint blue that seemed deeper after whatever salacious seal she'd completed with Zachary. They were sharp and alert, looking left to right.

".. I've decided. Today has been a chore. Paying for damage is all well and good, but I want some extra insurance. One of you will spend some time with me. Oh, won't that be fun?"

The smile on her lips suggested that 'fun' would be absolutely one sided. Zachary's demands, of course, were unanswered. A cruel irony for his ignoring of Atreus.
(Caritas Midor)
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[06:02] A fist would move to blind side Zachary to the ground and Deimos would continue his onslaught if he didn't run.
(Deimos)
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[06:02] His fingers wiggled a little, large brown eyes peering forth as he continued to perch there.

"Can I pick which one?" He asked now, his gaze focused upon Caritas for the time being.
(Sibylle)
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[06:03] {Item} You drop Lust Potion.
[06:03] {Item} You picked up Lust Potion. Dropped by Himari Kurokaiyo. .
[06:03] "I will then, so long as the rest of them are allowed to go."

Francois kept her head down, prioritizing humility and the desire to cease the violence. It was an almost ironic comparison to what she used to be in the past-- a bumbling noble who didn't want violence. Though in a sense, while Francois may welcome it and greet people with it, she still wanted to avoid it if possible.

And for now, her ignorance meant that it was something that she pined for.
The irony of it, however, might be lost to anyone but those in the skies.

"I humbly apologize for all of our rudeness thus far." She reiterated her apology, before eventually reaching out a hand to tug Himari's and whisper into her ear.

Her partner will likely be pulled into it, but she was worried for her above all still.
They were a pack of wolves, yet here she was...

...being the lone wolf trying to shoulder it again.
(Francois cos Duran)
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[06:04] Francois cos Duran whispers: Himari. I'm sorry if I'm pulling you into this but... I think it'll be better this way to avoid any undue hostilities.
[06:04] Francois cos Duran whispers: Himari. I'm sorry if I'm pulling you into this but... I think it'll be better this way to avoid any undue hostilities.
[06:06] Jinx would close her book, rising from her position and walking over towards Ororo, a soft sigh protruding from the teens lips. She hadn't actually expected anyone to get truly hurt from this.. Especially not her friend. Scratching her cheek just a little bit, she'd kneel down towards the young woman's body, examining the extent of her injuries.

Though, it didn't seem anything was really external. The reasons for her pain and suffering appeared to be internal.

Squinting, ever so slightly, she would notice the occasional convulsions the cosmic magi was having, as well as the frequent passing in and out of consciousness. Retrieving a certain book from the confines of her cloak, Jinx would look around. She could only do so much..

"Mm.. Can you help me?" She'd glance over towards the one that was.. standing directly behind her.
(Jinx Stein)
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[06:10] His questions went unanswered. Now he understood where his stance in all this. Ignored as well, he would have to leave the village area without a part of himself. He may never understand what she had done to him. It was like a curse, but unlike one.

His eyes went to Deimos, then Carita, but skimmed over Fran and Himari. He pivoted off in shame and his pride hurt. He would recover, but only slowly. For now he would take to a stride and just make himself sparse without a word.
(Zachary Retinea)
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[06:14] "Hmm.." A hand rose to her chin after the littler insurance deal. However, Francois's answer raised some alarms within her. Her lips weren't fast enough to move to delcare herself that person to be the one who'd stay just so that the others could go freely.

Although, Himari would soon interrupt that especially not accepting her apology she had just lowered her tone for because it was not needed.

"Right, so you want one of us to stay is that correct. You said insurance. You want us to rub your back or something?" she asked, being a bit sarcastic. The woman did decide on what she wanted and honestly Himari could give to fladoodles what she wanted. But of course, an upstir wasn't necessary.

Himari would walk right in front of her. "What if we both stay? Is that alright because I don't particularly want to leave with her and vice versa. Or what if we leave right now, the both of us? What will you do then?" she questioned once more.
(Himari Kurokaiyo)
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[06:15] Sibylle exclaims, "But then I can't pick!"
[06:15] Sibylle exclaims, "And that's boring!"
[06:20] A dismissive gesture was thrown towards Sibylle, with no time to entertain such antics save for a small smile. Her hands were crossed beneath her bust, panting quietly. The woman wasn't keen to introduce just how narrowly she had won that fight, so she put up a strong front. As if it were effortless.

"I don't need you," she'd tell Himari bluntly. "You seem like a nuisance- and if you both try to leave? I'll just have you both killed. No, I'll keep this young, well mannered lady."

Her head tilted towards Francois in acknowledgment, smiling gently as she looked over her figure. Well kept, and well dressed. Combined with her etiquitte and offer to pay for damages, this must be a noble! What a catch.

"Mmm.... a six month indentured service agreement, that'll do, won't it? And a letter to your family to pay for all these poor trees. That's a good girl." One of her tendrils stretchedout towards Francois, slowly- but still alarmingly towards her neck. If allowed, it'd lightly wrap around like a collar of sorts. Cling!
(Caritas Midor)
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[06:20] A fat sack of alchemy ingredients is literally just left lying around somewhere nearby.
(Metsik)
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[06:20] Randi decides to walk over and pick them all up... Though he isn't an alchemist.
(Randi)
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[06:23] The boy huffed, before he slowly rose back up to a standing position. Now his eyes fell upon Himari, the one that wasn't wanted. With the dismissive gesture thrown his way from Caritas, Sibylle debated his next move carefully. He was silent for several moments before eventually pushing away from the stone wall of the outpost and trailing back towards the village proper.
(Sibylle)
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[06:25] "I'm sorry but,"

Francois raised her hands first and foremost.

"My family cannot pay for those expenses. I've officially left after a statement to them that I will be journeying to become worthy of the family name." It was an important clarification to make. The collar that aimed to wrap around her neck-- being that of water and the like, caused her to furrow her brows.

A cursory test of her mana aimed to see if it was one of those mana restraints that impeded a person's ability to use mana. If not, a vibrant and shocking burst of flame can be seen erupting around Francios' body.

It was Fire, refined further and further. But not to the point of becoming Plasma, or invoking Lava-- or even the combustion of an Explosion.

It was simply Fire. At its most Primordial state.

If it was, indeed, a mana restraint of sorts. Then nothing of sorts would have transpired. Either way, she sought to stand up straightly afterwards with the intention of keeping her hand around Himari's. She looked at her, intent on discerning as to what she planned on doing next.

"I can, however, try to pay for the trees myself. I made a fair share of money from selling reagents I found in the wilderness. As well as the paltry amount of reagents I have on my person."

"Beyond that, I will be willing to serve six months of indentured service agreement." Francois closed her eye.

This too was an experience, likely. Something that'll give her a taste of being a working person.

Huh.
It almost felt exciting.
(Francois cos Duran)
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[06:32] "An indentured servant is equate to a contracted slave," she bluntly said back. A hand reached for Caritas's hand to interrupt the action of putting a collar around Francois's neck. It felt involuntary but voluntary at the same time. A feeling of instinct to protect someone dear to her and wouldn't let her suffer under someone's foot. This is what she thought. To Himari, it had now turned into something less meaningless if was directed that way.

"I don't really care personally if you need me or not. You either take me and her or take no one at all. You have a good eye, however."

Her hand would release but not before she shoved off her hand so the collar would be directed away from her companion's neck. "Conflict always arises when someone acts out of order. Or because someone is unintellectual." Was it directed towards her? She'd leave them to figure that out for themselves.
(Himari Kurokaiyo)
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[06:34] Like a child who's balloon had just popped in front of her, the woman pouted as her magical tendril met flame. It reformed soon afterwards, completing the loop. There was no mana restriction in play, at least not yet. The water felt cool against skin.

"Is that so? I suppose it'll do. Plenty of work in Moonfall, after al-"

Her tendril snapped with the other girls interference. Caritas stopped mid sentence, her glowing gaze settling upon the short woman in silence for a moment. When she spoke her voice was very soft and very cold.

"... How unfortunate."

She looked over her shoulder, gesturing. "Cairn- you look awfully useless right now. Get rid of this pest for me, won't you?"

(Caritas Midor)
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[06:44] Cairn was definitely being awfully useless. He stares straight ahead, his eyes glossed over, the buzzing only a slight droll in the back of his existence. It's only when Caritas calls out for his name that he seems to fade back in to reality, slowly turning his gaze in their direction.

There's an idle shift, a wayward twitch beneath his skin as it bulges outwards within his arm. His joints lock tight for a second, only to forcefully move as he takes his first step in that direction. His sandals press into the dirt, wandering his way in that general direction. The buzzing grows only louder as he approaches the group- Particularly, Caritas.

"What."

He'd only barely noticed the motion that Himari had made, his golden eyes landing on her for a solid moment. He's not very tall or physically imposing, but the sheer amount of noise buzzing off of him, the insects that crawl over his form, the staff on his back which was little more than a gnarled, twisted, ugly branch, the antlers coated in thin silk denoted him as.. Someone interested, at the very least.

He hesitates, looking her over; His head does not move, instead, only his eyes twitch across her body. He clearly hadn't been paying attention, and yet he slowly repeats something she had just said, in a dull monotone, an awful, emotionless voice.

"Conflict always arises when someone acts out of order. Or because someone is unintellectual."

He hesitates, the buzzing that burns within his body only growing louder and louder with each passing second.

"She wants you gone. Unfortunately for you, there's not much say. That I have in these matters. It is not that I wish to follow her command. But it is out of obligation. I owe her a favor for something earlier. So I will give you one chance to heed her words."

The staff is drawn, meticulously, slowly, with twitching, erratic movements. It's almost entirely inhuman, something one might expect a zombie in some book to react like. His joints stiffen once more as the gnarled branch practically illuminates at his touch, dull browns becoming vibrant greens, the bulb glowing bright yellow with the buzzing of a loud insect stuck inside.

"Apologize. Turn around. Leave."
(Cairn)
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[06:47] * You have been awarded 1 Roleplay Points! *
[06:48] It is hard to move on, even when she really should. Oh, but she is still basking, remembering- the flare of deathly mana. It was as he had spoke it, that drew her. Such a simple thing was given life and purpose, and that was made it simple and beautiful.

It was passion! Not to say that she lacked such particular passions, no- but such an outlet. how there are every things and fascinations that happen around here, she is fully engrossed by.

Somewhere along the line, her sack of regents comes breaking off it's rotten string at the hip as she spins in place to this newest happening, ending up... rolling over to some fat kid. She doesn't see who gets it, and she also doesn't really care. She's a smith and scribe- they were just to be traded for services she could hope illicit from this place in prodding curiosities that might itch in the back of her dry throat, but oh well.

The Ookami lingers- she lingers longer even thansome of the villagers had now, barely subtle, not at all hidden. She was tall. She stuck out over shrubbery and branches.

She was still watching. Grinning. Beaming.

Did she get to watch even more maiming? How does she live here so she can always watch, partake? Such simple thoughts are all her shaky excitement affords her to think.
(Metsik)
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[06:49] What was the best option here?
What was the proper move that'd make both parties happy?

Think.
She couldn't think at the moment, as the admittedly belated inebriation from the numerous tankards that she had at Kurokaiyo Grill had some form of effect on her. However, she managed enough rationality to know that Himari was worried about her and that the woman did not like Himari's spunk. Was that it?

Uncertainty shackled her momentarily, but she lifted her golden gaze over towards the two. Cairn-- or so she believed was his name-- was thankfully giving Himari a chance to depart from the vicinity. But at the same time, she knew Himari was staunch in her desire in remaining with her.

They were partners, after all, bounded by that unbreakable bond.
Thus, Francois tried to strike some extra compromise.

She did not want any further conflict, at least not while she can help it.

"Erm. Does two indentured servants for maybe a year instead of six months not sound good? Just an idea."

She did not want to impose too much, especially with this already appearing as a favor in her eyes. The Knights -did- just kind of bust open the door with a boot rudely.
Though the dire repercussions of what might come made her grow a bit pale.

Why, oh, why must things always boil down to this, she thought?
Only the Syndicates deserved it in her eyes. Or eye.
(Francois cos Duran)
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[06:55] Gleefully putting her hands together, the girl nodded several times even as steps were taken to distance herself from the terrible buzzing nest that was Cairn. Her ego was somewhat healed knowing that he felt the need to make reparations for what had happened before.

As she looked towards the noble, there was a moment of pensive silent. Thoughtfulness, as if considering the offer. Such dedication to each other, such pure and obvious affection.

"Oh, dear. What's the cause of all this reluctance. Perhaps I already know. Is it... love?" The word had a weightless quality to it, as if lingering between them- until dispelled by a sudden cackle from the woman.

"Of -course- it is!" Her eyes were wide once more, practically blazing with that spectral glow. Teeth bared in a grin, even her face flushed at the sheer thought of what she had found.

The woman made another dismissive gesture at the green haired girl. "No- your reluctanceonly makes me want it all the more. Ahhh... so many months alone, apart from each other. When she returns, will she even care for you anymore? That seems a perfect punishment for such an uppity little bitch!"

That stretched out hand turned into a pointing finger, as if daring her to defy herself- and the very manly archdruid that she had dragged into it.


(Caritas Midor)
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[07:11] The atmosphere grew tenser by the minute. She understood why they were always such rash people here. Maybe it was something in their food or something their water but this situation wasn't going to get any better unless Himari promptly left without another word. However,

Her mind prevented that from happening.

"Sorry, but I'll do neither of those without my companion by my side. It's instinct and how life works. It's kicked in and I'm not going anywhere without her as I said before. I wished you could try and understand but it has come to me that you've failed to. My apologies you're that unfortunate."

A hand idly sat on her hip as he amber hues drifted to the white-haired lady that called a her a... what was it? Little bitch. She wasn't much taller unless they were that self-conscious about height. However, Himari would only direct her attention and words to her now.

"No you." That was all that she would say before she continued to speak more after a whole minute of using that term. "It is funny how you have to call over someone to do your business. You must really want more indentured servants to do your bidding. That only shows how lazy you really and truly are."

Himari had guts and courage. Even when she could be at an obvious loss. But did she care? Not at all. She looked over at Francois, and reach for her hand. "I'll be taking this, thank you." The girl would turn on a heel. Her body would float off the ground thanks to her magic and she'd aim to dip with her companion if possible.
(Himari Kurokaiyo)
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[07:14] "I'm sorry."

That, unlike the other set of words he'd said, came out differently. There was a small sense of disappointment in his voice, emotion in his inflection that hadn't come out earlier. The hand wielding the staff raised, and at his beck does his full druidic power manifest.

From both sleeves, from the collar of his robes do a thousand insects swarm outwards. They warp around his form with wild abandon, the noise of buzzing intensifying even as it devours any further words that Cairn could offer. It was truly not that he wished to do this, of course.

He was just repaying a favor, one to hopefully ensure another certain druidic apprentice wouldn't be placed in harms way.

The insects form outwards, creating a cloud of creatures that bulges outwards and into the nearby vicinity. They encircle the group, intent on stopping what may be an escape on the girls part. It's not a thick cloud, and if one would wish to brave the insects, they could certainly try..

..But they hovered aggressively, clearly ready to stop her, should she aim to leave. She'd made her bed.

It was time to lie in it.
(Cairn)
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[07:18] None of the retorts thrown seemed to phase her much- after all, Cairn was here. There were a few in Moonfall that even she didn't particularly want to mess with, and he was one of them. Not only because he was kind of gross. Her gaze swept from Himari to Francois.

"It's such a shame things go like this!" There was disappointment in her voice, too, though it was far less serious. "Stay with me, won't you? The bugs will eat you up!"

Her own tendril stretched out, as if to play tug of war with Francois as the rope- and ready to pursue should the druid be too slow or, somehow, fail.
(Caritas Midor)
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[07:23] Love.

It was an emotion so powerful it drove Francois to a vengeful spree. Love. It was something that truly spurred people on, evident by how Sophie had fought with the intention of teaching her. Love. It was something that Elijah showered their family with. Yet was love supposed to be between romantic partners alone? Nay.

It was for family.
It was for friends.

And Himari counted as both.

"Well, I am spending months away from my family as well. But I'm sure our love stays stro--"

She cut herself off, not because of uncertainty or doubt. Rather, Himari's movements of taking hold of her hand and attempting to float away from the vicinity. It was some form of gravitational impulse that she could not fathom, nor perform. Her element and sole knowledge of magic rested in one thing and one thing alone: Fire.

The dedication to the element, to the point that it wasn't modified by any other effects, made her strong in it-- but simultaneously weak in versatility. The levitation went unimpeded, though a tendril sought to wrap around her ankle in a tug of war.

Francois could only look at the thin air with a blank eye.
'Why?'

It was something that she only read from a book, but now was happening to her. Being tugged from both directions actually -hurt-. She started to apologize to her big brother, for she might fall not in the fields of war or battle; or fighting against Elevans, but to being torn and ripped by two forces pulling at her in an almost perfect equilibrium.

Either way.
She was levitated along with Himari, as she shouted profuse apology over to the denizens of Moonfall regardless of success.

"Please, I'm sorry. It does not have to end up violently! I apologize profusely for any offense done-- aaaaah."

In her mind, Francois composed a -rapid- haiku. One of apology. One of statement. One ofmissing her home, dedicated to her brother figure, Elijah. She was experiencing parts of the world she knew not.
(Francois cos Duran)
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[07:24] With swift motion, the Kurokaiyo would take her companion in hand and drift off away from this horrid settlement.
(Himari Kurokaiyo)
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[07:24] The swarm pursues.
(Cairn)
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[07:24] Speed!
(Caritas Midor)
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[07:24] They would find themselves trapped into a illusion running their way back into the the village.
(Deimos)
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[07:25] Fass.
(Francois cos Duran)
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[07:25] fuck you 4k
(Deimos)
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[07:30] Atreus glances over at Lowri and then leans back on the wall, real cool like.
(Atreus Ghede)
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[07:30] It wasn't too difficult to keep up. The woman stopped before them as the bugs formed a ring, her eyes practically manic at this point. Tendrils flashed through the air menacingly, her hand pointing.

"This is your -last- chance! You want to resolve this peacefully, don't you? So stay right there, and be a good girl. If you behave, your little friend might just come out of it alive! If not, well..."

A loose shrug of her shoulders as a spare tendril drew her staff for her. This had all escalated off of the failures of a Knight that wasn't even here anymore. It was like a snowball out of control- and she loved it.
(Caritas Midor)
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[07:36] PANIC.
PANIC.

"Uhm. Play fight?" Francois uttered before she heaved a deep sigh. "I am so sorry."

She apologized, though in that moment-- combat clarity took hold of her. A gentle girl that can turn into a fiery one. It was what Francois embodied.

"Please excuse my audacity for trying to protect my friend-- my family-- in your village." It wasn't sarcastic, nor is it sardonic, for it was accompanied by a genuine bow that Francois performed. Her eyebrows creased in pain, alongside a wry smile.

"But I'd sooner be considered a failure by my family and a bad girl than to let a friend who'd stand with me until the end of time fight by herself."

In that instance, however-- her gentle words, her relaxed demeanor and the pacifistic nature that she carried with her vaporized. As though melted by the selfsame fire that she manipulated. She was no experienced combatant, in fact, she reeked of inexperience and inability to utilize the most out of her power.

But what she had was raw power and potential.
An eruption of the Primordial Flames enveloped her from head-to-toe, as her golden iris turned into a copper eye. The circular pupil of her eye extended into a vertical slit.

A gentle girl that can become ferocious and fierce.
All she had to do was...

"Elevans," ...believe that they were Elevans' people. "Elevans-- !"

She gritted her teeth, as anger took hold of her and caused her flames to erupt wildly. She fashioned herself as a berserker in a sense.

(Francois cos Duran)
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[07:53] ... Curious.

The responses given by Francois- they were all very curious. Combined with how possessive her friend was, it all had the unfortunate consequence of practically entrancing the woman! She was positively ecstatic to get her hands on the girl now, and if there was violence involved?

That only made it more exciting.

Fighting alongside by Cairn, though- that was something she could do without. The buzzing insects made it difficult to focus and hear her opponents, restricting her mostly to what she could see.

Water lashed out, focusing on keeping the two unarmed attackers at bay as they focused on her. "My, my!" she exclaimed amidst blows, water rushing to frantically repel attacks. "This feels... oddly personal! Don't start trouble you can't finish, girls!"

Her voice was sweet and pleasing, yet dripping so thick with malice that it was hard to take as anything but menacing. Especially with the sadistic way her water left cuts against her foes, ripping rather than piercing.
(Caritas Midor)
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[07:54] The swarm.

It erupts out of every orifice of Cairn's, not only clothing anymore. Where before the swarm seemed docile, at the mere twitch of the staff, they descend in on the two. The buzzing grows loud, cacophonous, drowning out any other noise in the area. Likewise, Cairn's body grows horrifically loud as well, magnified by the magic that surrounds him.

The grasslands of Moonfall grow wild and untamed at his beck and command. The creepy, crawling creatures of the world bend to his commands, swarming, biting, disrupting the field. When fire and melee strikes into the swarm, many die; But just as many are immediately there to take their place. They flow in the direction that Cairn twists the bulb of his staff, it glowing bright yellow, emitting ear splitting screams and vibrations.

Queen's Crescendo, the staff, emits pheromones forth. It sends his swarms into a frenzy, with pincers and proboscises alike finding the flesh of the two who stoodagainst him. Clearly, his fighting style was obvious; Which is to say, he did not fight. Instead, he allows the ear splitting noise to drown out the battlefield, to wittle away at sanity and reason, all the while his insects slowly broke them down, piece by piece.

Unlike his rather odd choice of partner in this combat, he does not say anything. Instead, he stands at the far end, far away from the combat. A swarm of insects surrounds him, a thin barricade protecting him from magic and fist alike. For her, it may have been personal. He supposed, in a way, it was personal for him, too.

He hated working with the witches.
(Cairn)
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[07:58] Ripping water.
Insects.

Francois was hard-pressed against the two of them as they utilized ways of fighting that she hadn't seen before. Yet, rather than an expression of fear, there was a faint toothy smirk that crossed onto her face. It was a new experience, something that she hadn't encountered before. Perhaps she might suffer from a terrible affliction from this battle, or perhaps she could very well lose a limb but...

...even as the water ripped through her flesh, and the insects sought to feast on her-- her flame burned brighter.

"Burn," There was an almost ebullient smile on her face. "My spirit!"

The eruption of her flames sought to eliminate the nearest source of water and insects around her, preventing herself from being fully brought down to the ground. It did have the repercussions of exhausting her, but the joy etched on her countenance almost made it seem like thegravity of the situation was lost on her.

This was an experience she wouldn't have felt inside the city's walls.
This was an encounter that wouldn't have happened within her family's protection.

It was...

...something only Francois felt at the moment.
Elation.

She might die.
She might lose her limbs.
She might lose her freedom.

But at the very least-- she will lose it by the consequences of her own action.

"Let's go, Himari!"

She sought to call out to her partner, her feet digging deep into the sand as her flame burned brighter than ever. Her body may be wounded and injured, but at least her soul remained as resilient as ever.

A mellifluous laughter even found itself parting her lips.
(Francois cos Duran)
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[08:09] Himari would slow down her breathing so that she had more of a calmed state. She had a cousin that dealt with that same darker water and a friend that had those types of healing capabilities. She just needed to get into the twist of things and adapt to both their spells at the same time. But she also had to focus on her companion/partner while doing all of this. It'd be one of her most serious fights in her life and she just might lose it today.

However, that didn't ruin her confidence despite struggling in the first few minutes. Her coating of raw mana wrapped around her and radiated slowly. Albeit, it'd soon grow into a light blue when she triggered more of her circuits to burst within her and release more mana to overclock her power. She's been training towards this and honestly? She only hoped that it would work in this instance.

"Let's go, Francois."

Himari's body moved swiftly through the air. Her feet skidding through the sand likely gaining a bit of it in her shoes. She was a trained martial artist that had the abilities to combat at close quarters. Despite her opponents she aimed not to fail.

She had a goal and the power that she radiated was only the percentage of that goal. To release her power in flux of energy that would vibrate even the darkest of places. Her punches would aim to hit harder. It mattered not in insects covered her and her vision nor did it matter that the flicks of tendrils hit at her skin.

Determination burned brighter. Even here.

A kick off and she'd continue.
(Himari Kurokaiyo)
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[08:11] ** Caritas Midor has inflicted an injury upon Himari Kurokaiyo. ("Temporary Injury", "Temporary Injury", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[08:24] What were the limits of determination? Even if she couldn't say for sure- they were certainly met in this battle. Try as they might, the two of them couldn't break down Caritas' defences, much less hope to mount an assault on the druid himself. He looked very comfortable standing there as bugs moved to do all of the work.

Water flashed amidst the forest, slicing and deflecting the raging fists that came at her. It collided with fire and evaporated, a defensive battle against the cornered girls with nowhere left to run.

It was futile, wasn't it? As events drew to a close, Caritas would close in on her opponent. Lashing tendrils grasped at both wrists, dragging the girl upwards before securing around her thighs in turn. The woman sneered.

"Hmm... you've seen what happens next, haven't you?" she asked. Her hand reached out, gently cupping the girls cheek as she was brought forward like a fly in a spiders web. Fingers traced over skin lightly as their bodies entangled, lips coming closer until...

That terrible 'kiss' that reached right into ones spirit. Like a hand plunged into icy depths, something cold and unknown felt like it was rising up Himari's throat. Faint wisps of blue mana left her lips and were taken in by Caritas, the witch- for what else could this possibly be?

Seconds later the ritual would conclude, leaving the young girl drained, though not to the same extent as Zachary. Caritas licked her lips, releasing the girl and turning over.

"Two meals in one day... lucky me. Are you alright, dear Cairn?"
(Caritas Midor)
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[08:26] He grows tired of things, it seems. The staff is lowered downwards, Queen's Crescendo vibrating with a horrid frequency. This, alongside of the invisible pheremones causes the massive cloud of insects to descend upon the target that he was given. Unfortunately, however, the druid casts the staff a bit too slowly, and finds Caritas in the way at the last moment.

He audibly curses, though it's deafened by the sheer sound of buzzing white noise. He's forced to tilt it further, sending the massive cloud of swarming bugs straight into Francois. Even with the fire, they seem to be slowly encompassing him, overcoming him. They bite into his flesh, and horrifically enough, seem to be actively drinking his mana, alongside of biting into his flesh. Were it any other type of magic, the boy might not have been so lucky, as after a few brief moments of holding them there..

..The swarm hesitates, the fire beginning to effect their numbers too greatly. In a defense order, the swarm flies itself upwards, surrounding him before dispersing back to the druid. They fly back into their positions within his sleeves and collar, and from there.. It should be rather obvious just where they begin to take refuge.

Francois, though not overwhelmed or hurt in any real capacity, would be completely enshrouded in ugly, bright red bumps on a few patches of his flesh. Himari may have had similar, but nowhere near as badly as Francois had it, given the cloud has physically encompassed him for a few seconds.

And, horrifying enough, the moment the bugs return themselves to Cairn's body, he actively breathes a sigh of relief. They'd drank his mana, and were slowly beginning to 'refuel' the druid as he takes a step forwards in the grasslands of Moonfall, using his staff as a walking stick, of sorts.

The buzzing grew quiet, but never faded. His twitching is errant and wild, much worse than it had been before. Joints lock and twist, flesh bulges as insects crawl just beneath, and his expression returns back to its emotionless, careless gaze.

He waits, specifically, for Caritas to be finished with her foul business before he speaks, not particularly to her, but she was indeed the only person about who it could have been aimed for.

"I almost caught you in that cloud. I thought about it for a moment, but I would have owed you another favor. We're even now. You'll leave the boy in the green hat alone now."

It's very clear he's taken no pleasure in this.. Or, perhaps, he's not taken pleasure in anything for years. Despite the conflict they found themselves in, he speaks so casually, as if he wasn't worried at all.

"I hope you enjoyed your meal."
(Cairn)
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[08:33] Insects. A swarm of them.

Francois had sought to valiantly fight against the duo, yet her inexperience prevented her from making the most out of her flames. Even then-- despite the impending defeat-- she found herself smiling. The injury from Elevans, and now the converging cloud of bugs, all made it worthwhile in her perspective.

Consider it overly optimistic, but every defeat served as a lesson to her, even as the bugs started to feast on her flesh-- biting and piercing through her exposed skin to the point that she felt intense and agonizing sensation across the entirety of her body.

Was this it? Was this where she dies?

Soma's ghastly image appeared in her mind, with her brother looking down at her in disappointment. Not yet, she cannot fall her.

The flames around her body erupted for the last time in this battle, dispersing the insects before they could fully rob her of her life. Yet, that final burst came at the cost of the last bits of her consciousness and mana-- prompting for her to fall slack on top of the grass. Silence soon followed, as the last of her flames subsided.

She lost, perhaps more than the battle itself; her freedom was now shackled to a degree. And who knows, perhaps a harsh punishment of sorts awaited her? Either way, Francois was defeated soundly in this battle. Regret did well up in her stomach.

If only she were stronger.
If only she could have fought better.

But at the end of the day, those were the mere gripes of the loser.
(Francois cos Duran)
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[08:48] Himari's fist collided with many things when she fought. Be it sand, attacks, flesh. She did not care what she hit. She only cared that it would hit her opponents which, she was doing for the most part. Himari stood there radiating blue mana from her circuits. The tension of the fight making her burn brighter externally and internally. Her fist was wrapped in a veil of mana and heavily weighted by the gravity that she controlled on the battlefield. She tried her best to fight with the best of her abilities and gain a victory so her and Francios could leave this horrid place and go home. A rest was needed and she wanted to get back to their serious training session the moment they deemed ready.

But why did it have to turn out like this?

They were taking a toll. Dark-bluish tendrils slashing at her flesh and insects biting at her skin while removing some of her mana. However, it continued to burn that bright blue in which she exerted fiercely without a hint of it fading. Even if the bugs proved challenging against her. Blood boiled and only charged up her fighting power more but at what cost did she do this for if she failed in the end?

The attacks that came in were too strong to bear. It wasn't just insects and tendrils she had to look out for. Water, ice, and sound were all things that she was affected by. It hurt at her body and destroyed through her armor. Suddenly, she could feel herself alone on the battlefield. Francios kneeled down in defeat and not able to continue while Himari fended for herself. That's when she knew, they weren't strong enough. Himari didn't panic but she had multitudes of sweat droplets skate down her face in unison.

It was then that her attacks were meaningless. Embrace defeat? How could she when her companion would be taken away from her and god knows how long until she sought to see her again. Pain wrenched through her body not just physically but emotionally as well. She fell, defeated and weakened. Caritans power leaking into her and dragging out portions of her mana. The same mana that faded the moment she dropped. She could feel the icy chill of her skin and bones beginning to override her.

She needed a way out of this with her partner. However, it wasn't possible. She lost.

"Please.. Please don't take the only close-friend I have left." Words came out in a muffle. Coughs escaped in the lack of power. She got out of it but her friend did not. "Please..."
(Himari Kurokaiyo)
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[08:57] "Mh..."

A brief smile would acknowledge Cairn, looking over to the unfortunate bug bite victim and cringing a little. That wasn't a great way to get taken out. Hel forbid anything drag even a fraction of her beauty away from her. The woman turned finally to Himari, not thinking too much about the cloud that allegedly barely missed her.

"Why would I do that..? This is all your fault. What on earth made you think.. you could come between me and Zachary with such a tone?"

She walked over to Francois, kneeling down besides her. The girls cheek was pinched between her fingertips, nails digging slightly into flesh. "She let you down, didn't she..?" the woman asked of her, meeting Francois' gaze as best she could. "Flippant commentary leading to such a dire punishment. I'm not that old, but I really do feel like a mother!"

A small giggle escaped her lips before her smile became predatory. "Now then..." For the third time in as many hours, she leaned foward to grab what was hers- but this time it was no faux kiss. Lips pressing against Francois', one hand held her chin steady and the other ran through her hair in a passionate and undoubtedly one sided affair.

Essence leaked from the woman, stirring up past her lips and being consumed by the witch- so what was different about this time that begged for physical intimacy? Absolutely nothing, for those unfamiliar with witchcraft.

Leaning back, the woman wiped her mouth on her sleeve- as if disgusted by the kiss- and rose.

"Hmm... since I'm in such a good mood. I'll allow it! Yes- pick yourselves up and get out of my sight. You, my dear," she'd gesture to Francois. ".. will need to come back and make amends some day, won't you? Put away that weak little spirit and behave. Now- get out of here."
(Caritas Midor)
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[09:05] Stolen.

Francois laid there with her eye wide-- no, it wasn't Himari who let her down. It was herself. As per the usual. The deep-seated feelings of regret and impuissance started to manifest from the core of her heart. It wasn't just her first kiss-- her lips-- that was stolen, but something much more than that.

Her actual belief in the matter. She wanted to speak up, to say that it wasn't Himari's fault. But she couldn't speak. The desire to become stronger. The desire to become capable of protecting the people that she cared for. She felt a stabbing sensation deep within her heart.

This was all her fault.
Simply because she lacked the ability to speak fluidly.

Tears welled up in her eye, enough that she gritted her teeth out of sheer frustration. A harsh slamming of her fist caused a small wave to form around her.

Why?
It was always this way.

First, she lost to Elevans in a battle that she should have won. Elijah's disappointment was palpable.

No.

It won't be a repeat of that. As she pushed herself off of the ground, with her teeth gritted and a tear welling up in her eye, she found herself resolving that it won't be the same. No. It won't be a repeat of what happened. Footfalls brought her closer towards Himari, intent on pulling her up to her feet.

"Himari, I'm sorry." She aimed to give her a firm hug-- almost too desperate of an embrace, before promptly departing from the vicinity. But the firm look on her face denoted one thing and one thing alone: a resolve.
(Francois cos Duran)
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[09:14] A hand gripped the cold sand of the night. And feel from the spaces in between her fingers as she realized she might not see her friend again. Eyes clouded by tears and a blur was all that was seen.

That was until she felt herself being tugged up to her feet and pulled into an embrace. The liquids in her eyes would spill as her body was moved and squeezed with a tight constrict. Himari felt that same warmth that she's always felt when near Francios.

"She's letting you go.. I'm so glad. I'm so glad."

Himari returns the hug in full. Her emotions might've released a bit more magic to make the embrace tighter than ever but that was just her love for her friend, partner, and companion. "Let's get out of her. I'm never returning her unless I get stronger."
(Himari Kurokaiyo)