Petrifying Aegis #5

 Latorre casts a glance to Ashera-- A bitter expression hidden behind an ornate mask of Nyeshk.
(Latorre)
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[02:00] Faith St.Joan Luxata asks, "Hello Teacher, Are you well?"
[02:00] Bai says, "I can do Lightning way better now! Daiyu taught me."
[02:00] Amy asks, "D-Daiyu?"
[02:00] Bai exclaims, "Yep! Mrs. Daiyu is very nice!"
[02:00] Amy says, "She is.."
[02:00] Latorre asks, "Impressive! Are you content with the results?"
[02:00] Aeolus Luxata says, "Miss Ashera, thanks for helping my little sister."
[02:00] Nalani says, "Nice? Huh..."
[02:00] Bai exclaims, "I spent like, a whole year shooting lightning at a tree!"
[02:00] Nalani says, "Thaaaat's not the word I'd ever use to describe her."
[02:00] Amy says, "N-Nalani.."
[02:00] Bai says, "It was -really- tiring. But over time, it got less tiring. "
[02:01] Nalani exclaims, "What? There's lots of words to describe her!"
[02:01] Ashera Ixis says, "I am."
[02:01] Nalani says, "Just not that one..."
[02:01] Ashera Ixis exclaims, "Im Doing splendid even!"
[02:01] Bai says, "I think I'd call myself..."
[02:01] Latorre asks, "Now-- When I picked up a sword, do you think I instantly knew how to swing it, little Bai?"
[02:01] Faith St.Joan Luxata says, "That's good to hear I'm glad."
[02:01] Bai says, "...I mean-"
[02:01] Amy asks, "She's n-nice, okay?"
[02:01] Bai asks, "You just kinda swing it, right?"
[02:01] Faith St.Joan Luxata says, "I have recently learned new magic since we last spoke."
[02:02] Latorre chuckles.
(Latorre)
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[02:02] Bai says, "Like-"
[02:02] Ashera Ixis says, "Mmm Interesting."
[02:02] Latorre says, "Ahh, you remind me of Kirsi, when I used to mentor her."
[02:02] Ashera Ixis asks, "What did you learn?"
[02:02] Bai takes his traveling stick and swings it forward.
(Bai)
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[02:02] Nalani says, "She's... skilled."
[02:02] Faith St.Joan Luxata says, "Holy Fire,Holy Ground,Earth."
[02:02] Nalani says, "And smaaart."
[02:02] Latorre reels back, aiming to NOT be hit by the boy's aggressive swing.
(Latorre)
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[02:02] Amy says, "And n-nice."
[02:03] Latorre says, "Careful, careful."
[02:03] Bai says, "Oh! Sorry."
[02:03] Nalani says, "She's also strong..."
[02:03] He sighed, dropping his head once again as she denied him the simple pleasure of watching the others be abused - even though, technically, all Bai had done was laugh, and Amy hadn't even said anything.

Maybe he was just being a bit of a sadist. Tilting his head back up to look at Mahernala, he sighed.

"Well, I'm sure they'll do something eventually.. I can't be the only one who tells a horrible joke once in a while.. right? Please say right."

As she frowned at the mention of her name and gave him permission to call her Nala, Archinox snorted. He quickly shook his head, indicating that that name simply would not do.


"I had a cat named Nala when I was a wee toddler. If I call you that, I'll burst out laughing every time we speak. It wouldn't be very good for my image, you see. I'll stick with Mahernala.Plus, unique names are fun. I don't even know what mine MEANS!"

He stood, stretching towards the sky and letting out some pleasure-filled grunts. The popping of his bones resetting themselves and adjusting was oddly loud.


"Anyways, what I do for fun? Eh.. talking to people such as you is pretty much it. I'm fairly new to this place myself, after all."
(Archinox)
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[02:03] Latorre asks, "There's a lot more to a sword swing than just throwing your arm, hm?"
[02:03] Bai says, "...But, yeah. There is only one lightning move I can't do really well. "
[02:03] Nalani says, "And, uh. Good at getting drunk."
[02:03] Latorre asks, "And what is that?"
[02:03] Bai says, "Oh! It's really hard. Ok."
[02:05] Ashera Ixis says, "Wow."
[02:05] Ashera Ixis exclaims, "Nice combination you got going there!"
[02:05] Faith St.Joan Luxata says, "Thank you."
[02:06] Amy whispers something.
[02:06] Faith St.Joan Luxata says, "I apologize for not visiting sooner, I spent most of my days within Gehenna as of recently."
[02:06] Amy whispers something.
[02:06] Amy whispers something.
[02:06] Ashera Ixis says, "Ah thats fine. I have been taking care of my little one right now."
[02:06] Nalani whispers something.
[02:06] Amy whispers something.
[02:07] Faith St.Joan Luxata exclaims, "Oh, how is the baby!"
[02:07] Nalani whispers something.
[02:08] Faith St.Joan Luxata says, "I havent seen the baby since my last visit here.."
[02:08] Amy whispers something.
[02:08] Amy whispers something.
[02:08] Amy whispers something.
[02:09] Amy whispers something.
[02:10] Nalani whispers something.
[02:10] Bai rolls up his sleeves, and stretches his arms,

"The book I read said this one is called "Thunder blade" or "Lighting Break", I don't really remember exactly. It's really tough!"

He then orients himself towards the tree next to the lamppost a bit north of Latorre.

"It's like- I gotta put all my energy into my arm, and then run at the person I wanna hit! But it uses up a lot of my energy, and if I miss I'm toast!"

He then went quiet, apparent on replicating the series of precise movements he read about in the book Towah gave him. He needed to draw forth the natural lightning in his body and collect it into his hand, shaping it so that it'd take the form of a slender blade across an outstretched palm.

He took a big, big step back, and began to charge energy. Lightning arced off of his body, coalescing and forming into a shaky, slightly-unstable covering of his hand.

Then, he sprints! Taking a straight line towards the free tree, he strikes it with the charged hand! Except, he didn't prepare nearly enough, and the lightning harmlessly discharged into it, leaving a small black mark where his hand impacted.

"Ow ow ow!"

He shook off the now-sprained hand, picking off a few splinters here and there.

"...my hand should've gone through the tree! I must've done something wrong."
(Bai)
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[02:11] Kai Fujimaru asks, "Excuse me, Are you who I speak to, to seek esidence here?"
[02:11] Reito Shimasu exclaims, "Oh, yes!"
[02:12] Kai Fujimaru asks, "Does this require a certain amount of coins?"
[02:12] Amy whispers something.
[02:12] Amy whispers something.
[02:12] Reito Shimasu says, "No. The path to citizenship is actually on the board."
[02:12] Reito Shimasu says, "Right over there, by the fort."
[02:12] Nalani whispers something.
[02:12] Watching his reaction to her words closely, Mahernala adjusted her stance a bit, the long tapered sleeves of her arms gently swaying as he placed one hand on her hip and let her other arm hang loose. Raising her eyebrows a bit at his apparent disappointment with not being able to see the others punished, her frown deepened slightly.

"I suppose so. I have heard many terrible jokes in my life, so I'm sure you're not the only one. Still...I don't see why they should be punished, especially since you were the one that told such an atrocious joke."

Shrugging, Mahernala adjusted her stance once more, feeling oddly at ease. She wasn't used to being around people, that much was clear to anyone who looked at her. Her eyes would shift between all present in turn, almost like she was measuring them up.

Slowly blinking at what Archinox said about her name, Mahernala turned her gaze back to him, giving him blank stare for a moment before slowly nodding.

"I...see. Well, I'd rather not have my name cause laughter, especially because that would be rather irritating. So, Mahernala works then I suppose. To be fair, I don't know what my name means either."

Taking a half-step back as Archinox stood up and stretched out, she'd look at him evenly.

"Oh? Well, that sounds...rather trite. But not unpleasant I suppose. I've lived here for some time but...as I said, I've been away for some years. It doesn't hurt to talk to people."

Looking over at the man who had been staring at her earlier, Mahernala almost seemed to direct her words at him. As he wandered away to apparently seek residence here, she'd call out to him, making sure her voice wasprojected in his direction.

"Hey, you. Going to walk away without saying something? You sure looked as if you wanted to say something."

Looking back to Archinox, she'd sigh softly.

"People still escape my understanding sometimes..."
(Mahernala Ashei'ore)
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[02:12] Kai Fujimaru says, "Alright thank you Mrs. Regent."
[02:13] Kai Fujimaru says, "I appreciate your assistance."
[02:13] Reito Shimasu says, "Of course, anytime."
[02:13] Amy whispers something.
[02:13] Amy whispers something.
[02:15] Nalani whispers something.
[02:15] Nalani whispers something.
[02:15] Latorre watched with interest. It always brought joy to the man to be able to witness another grow. The stagnation of his imprisonment in Dawn had left him forgetting the small, beautiful things-- Like he were witnessing now.

And, with a loud thud that resonates throughout the town square. A laugh would breach the lips, grinning widely beneath that ornate mask of his.

"...Perhaps," The man began, speaking between his calm laughter. "I have faith you'll be able to do it, in time!"

A nod is given, as Latorre begins pacing towards the tree, so to inspect the damage.

"Even the finest of swordsman were halted by tree bark, at a time. Don't let it stop you."
(Latorre)
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[02:18] Latorre turns on his heel, as to face a particular, blond Krausite.
(Latorre)
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[02:18] Latorre says, "Ashera Ixis."
[02:18] Ashera Ixis asks, "Yes?"
[02:18] Latorre says, "I've a personal qualm I wish to settle. In combat. With you."
[02:18] Latorre says, "A duel, if you will."
[02:18] Latorre asks, "Do you accept?"
[02:18] Ashera Ixis asks, "A personal Qualm Mmm?"
[02:18] Clings to her Teacher.
(Faith St.Joan Luxata)
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[02:18] Amy whispers something.
[02:18] Amy whispers something.
[02:18] Ashera Ixis asks, "May I ask?"
[02:18] Amy whispers something.
[02:19] Latorre asks, "Ask what?"
[02:19] Ashera Ixis says, "The Qualm."
[02:19] Latorre says, "You hurt a woman I love, very dearly."
[02:19] Ashera Ixis asks, "Ah never specific enough. Regardless. To the north gate shall we?"
[02:20] Nalani whispers something.
[02:20] Nalani whispers something.
[02:20] Latorre says, "Yes. Let's."
[02:26] Faith St.Joan Luxata asks, "Hello Sir.Emiri, How is your day?"
[02:27] Emiri does not stare, instead continuing to sport his own blank expression. Even with the blindfold on, his gaze is directly onto the venomous Drakanite before him.

"..Latorre.." He simply mumbled. Nothing more was said. Faith is completely ignored, as if the Kitsune didn't even notice her presence or words.
(Emiri Taiyang)
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[02:27] His blade is non existent, or at least, that is what one could have been led to believe. On his form, not so much as a sword had existed. However, the sickening sound of rending flesh can be heard, before a venom dripping blade, borne of bone and various other bodily tissues, would fall from his sleeve. The blade itself were a matt beige, that of a light tan color without gloss, while the hilt were hidden beneath his cloak's sleeve.

It is raised, poised upwards. It were a familiar gesture in which he had repeated countless times. Against Vampires, which he ever so zealously hunted all those years ago. To undead, which littered the streets of Dawn. To fellow people-- Those whom he loved, those whom he barely knew,

And those whom he hated. Kraus could have blessed Ashera, having hidden Latorre's glare of utter hate for the woman, which seeped in venom-- Both literally and figuratively.

His voice raises, no longer soft spoken as he had been, but a voice that lay in tatters, almost sounding broken, as thoughts of that unmentioned woman course through his memory. Ashera had done this to them. Ashera could have stopped the unforgiving hell this mystery woman could have gone through. It were these thoughts that course through the Drakanites mind, before he shouts.

"Draw your sword. I seek for this to be a quick fight..."

Latorre knew the odds-- Though, his will to have challenged the woman to a duel were not in hopes to win or lose, but bearing another alternative completely.
(Latorre)
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[02:28] She assumes he was deep in thought and focuses on her teacher and the man in front of her.
(Faith St.Joan Luxata)
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[02:29] Bai takes a seat on the grass, staring at Latorre and giving a big thumbs-up to him.

"Come on big bro! You can win!"

He didn't really understand why they were fighting, but he was put off by Ashera's aura. So, he'd give a hundred percent of his attention to cheering on his mentor and friend.
(Bai)
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[02:31] Latorre whispers something.
[02:38] Ashera would slowly pull out her blade unsheathed. As she would look towards the man with upmost control and poise. She would look at him in his eyes. Ashera would truly wonder what woman it was. Was it Conchita in her lapse of judgement? Was it someone else.

Only time will tell, Ashera would accept the duel of honour. And continue her duties to protect those closest to her. At least all that were in her grasp. The new Ashera has most certainly left the scene, the good old Ashera however. The one that would search for the good in others instead of suspicion. Has returned.

She would look towards the man. She did not have hatred or malice for the one before him. But she most certainly had the resolve to fight back if one decided that it was fit to. The venom blood was certainly alarming.

The woman would feel the need to protect even further. She had those very close to her heart that she would do he upmost to provide prosperity. She will stop the hatred from the man. As the woman would slowly attune herself to the lifestream. Laying a soothing aura across the battlefield.

"If your hatred remains true. Then let us draw blades. Just know that the feeling isn't mutual if its in regards to your own malice."

The lion krausite paladin would say. Her determination to fight was there. Hopefully that the man would slowly retain his senses and talk the problems out after the scuffle was done. She would retain her defensive fomorian stance. And await engagement.
(Ashera Ixis)
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[02:39] Bai exclaims, "Go big bro!"
[03:22] Ashera would run towards her opponent Her blade would quickly clash with that of her opponent. The Lion paladin had her faith remain close to her. She was a true exorcist for the darkness. But this was battle again some other darkness.

The darkness that resided from within. She would feel from every strike that Latorre had used against her. Each strike would be filled with pure hatred from the man. She must have hurt the man severely for him to act like this. Especially when he seemed to bring around that calm demeanor of his.

Ashera's blade would radiate golden magic, the magic of purity and light. And would strike back with resolve, she was feeling the intense power from the drakkan… However, something else set her off as they were fighting.

The Drakkan had swiftly strengthened his stance. This was the stance that was used by that of vampires.... But, how would a drakkanite even be able to use that? She thought. However, only for a brief second, Poison would run through the blade and claws of the drakkan. And the singing pain would damage her skin.

It was at that point. Her ability to protect would raise significantly. She wanted to not only protect the people around her. But to make sure that the people she was fightning alongside was at ease. She would need to vanquish the inner evils in order to put others at ease.

"Give me the strength to Aid!"

She would yell out. The courageous hero would activate her Petrifying aegis once more, this time. Reaching another pinnacle that she never thought would happen before. The krausite woman would add a layer of healing and one of holy protection, then she would cascade it over with earth magic. And finaly combine it with the holy ground layer she was developing.

Ashera would slowly enter a state of zealous protection. Every strike that was laced with poison would slowly eat away at the holy ground. However, The rock would heal the layers back whilst healing her. The drain wasn't as bothersome the more she had used it. Though it was still there.

Ashera would finish the fight as Latorre was at his weakest. Her Spell slowly diffusing back. Rocks following off. She would knock him back on the round to his feet. Though the krausite paladin would try something different.

She would look for change in others. She would continue to look for the good that resided from within the other and try to amplify that aspects. The best shield, is change for the better.

Ashera would reach a hand towards him giving him a bright smile as she did.

"Good fight. Lets talk about this rather than clash blades next time, it generally achieves nothing if you are only searching to harm someones pride."

She would say. Hoping there was no more problems with him.
(Ashera Ixis)
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[03:37] The sizzling of toxins formed by the drakanite can be heard eating away at the earth and grass, leaving trails of dead, yellowed grass in his wake. He fought unrelentingly, his blade slashing as if there were a retained intent to maim. For one as attuned to the lifestream as she, perhaps she might have felt the pain that emanates from Latorre; The tears, which are forced in behind layers upon layers of dried predecessors. Over the years, tears had been a commonale, once clear, dyed a black, but nor, they almost seemed to glimmer a faint gold, blessed by holy magic's, yet from what?

Latorre were a man of tight lips, oft not speaking to any. Existing within his own mind had always been his most endeared pastime, until such a habit had been interrupted, until someone had clawed their way into his life, only to linger there like a dead woman-- For that is just what she were, a dead woman.

Their blades clash once more, not sending sparks, but instead a thick, black fluid that coats the ground below, his own blade screaming in anguish, which had fallen upon the deaf ears of Latorre.

He had felt so much pain throughout the years; and it were her fault. The woman before him had caused this, to his belief-- Though to an extent, it were undeniably true.

As Ashera cries out her battle cry, calling upon forces unpresent to give her the strength to aid, Latorre can be seen screaming, charging Ashera.

"YOU CAUSED THIS!"

The words echo, slowly fading in repetition until none but a faint hum is heard. Ashera's defenses had grown, though his assault had as well. For a blade with weight comparable to that of even Nyeshk, it were swung with speed otherworldly. Slowly and slowly, her barrier's are chipped away at. If such aggression had been used prior, perhaps victory were within reason-- Though Latorre didn'tfight to win, nor to lose.

And before he knew, there he lay, looking up to an empty blue sky, with a hand overtop of him, offering aid. How blissfully ironic.

The man does not take her hand. Instead, lightly casting it away with a slap from the back of his head, with an all too bitter scoff. He is quick to find his way to his feet, looking away from not only Ashera, but to those who spectated.

For it were a gazeless stare, that had wrought him more pain than any of Ashera's attacks.

"If only you had given her that same gesture."

With that, Latorre's blade crawls up his arm, slowly rending once more, until it were hidden from the naked eye-- Leading him to pace towards the front gates. He had little to say to the woman-- Though future duel's like this, weren't out of the question.
(Latorre)
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