Ronan: The Difference Between False and True Memories [HI]

17:43] Ronan says, ". . ."
[17:43] Riley Townshend exclaims, "Oh my, wanderers!"
[17:43] Oskar Aime asks, "Ain't you the Siren Lupo was sweet on?"
[17:43] Sylirei asks, "What?"
[17:43] Oskar Aime says, "Lupo Buckers."
[17:43] Oskar Aime says, "Bah, nevermind."
[17:43] Oskar Aime says, "He's dead and buried."
[17:43] Oskar Aime says, "Well."
[17:43] Oskar Aime says, "Probably buried."
[17:44] Oskar Aime asks, "So. Whatcha up here for?"
[17:44] Ronan says, "We are here for the Lord of the region."
[17:44] Sylirei says, "Doesn't matter."
[17:44] Riley Townshend says, "Lord of the region?..."
[17:44] Brock asks, "Doesn't matter?"
[17:44] Oskar Aime asks, "The lord?"
[17:44] Brock asks, "Matter?"
[17:46] Ronan says, "Lord Ultovex. I was planning on conversing with him, if he'd have it."
[17:46] Oskar Aime says, "Ah."
[17:46] Oskar Aime says, "Fair enough."
[17:46] Oskar Aime says, "Y'd have T'find him."
[17:47] Erétria Fengari says, ".."
[17:47] Riley Townshend says, "This place is lively lately."
[17:48] Riley Townshend says, "Now there's a neries prancing about too."
[17:48] Ronan says, "< A neries? >"
[17:48] Oskar Aime says, "Eh. Eretria is a regular."
[17:48] Ronan says, "< That light... >"
[17:48] Ronan pivots around to face Erétria.
(Ronan)
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[17:48] Riley Townshend says, "Wouldn't know."
[17:48] Erétria Fengari says, "Mm."
[17:49] Ronan says, "< It -is- the same one as before... I wonder... >"
[17:49] Brock whispers something.
[17:49] Erétria Fengari says, "So. I have to ask."
[17:49] Oskar Aime whispers something.
[17:49] Erétria Fengari asks, "How desperate would one have to be to try and get paid eight hundred coins for hunting down a magi?"
[17:50] Ronan says, "Hm? An interesting question."
[17:50] Ronan says, "Though, the lives of some are more damned than others."
[17:51] Oskar Aime says, "I mean, Eight hundred coins ain't nothing to sneeze at. Y'could get most of a chicken for that."
[17:51] Erétria Fengari says, "Yes, I'm sure that's accurate. But, even the least trained of magi could find work that paid better."
[17:51] Sylirei says, "Eight hundred coins is nothing."
[17:51] Brock says, "Some people just do it for the fun."
[17:52] Erétria Fengari says, "Fun.."
[17:52] Ronan says, "< So, I wasn't thorough enough. >"
[17:52] Ronan says, "< ... Noted. >"
[17:52] Erétria Fengari says, "I could see that, I suppose. High stakes though, for a low reward."
[17:54] Erétria Fengari says, ".. It's unfortunate I tend to find the presence of Neries on this island lacking."
[17:54] Erétria Fengari says, "I've met only a few."
[17:54] Erétria Fengari says, "Couldn't ask them, if ever they've met 'twin magi' .."
[17:54] Oskar Aime says, "Y'think yer kind is hard T'find? I thought I was the last one until I saw him."
[17:54] Erétria Fengari says, "Or, triplets. Who have different magic."
[17:54] Oskar jerks a thumb over his shoulder at Riley.
(Oskar Aime)
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[17:54] Erétria Fengari says, "But yet-"
[17:54] Erétria Fengari says, "Their mana tastes the same."
[17:54] Erétria Fengari says, "The exact same."
[17:54] Sylirei says, "Hmmm."
[17:54] Sylirei says, "That's probably for the better."
[17:54] Helos Fengari whispers something.
[17:54] Oskar Aime asks, "Eh?"
[17:54] Oskar Aime asks, "What's fer the better?"
[17:54] Ronan asks, "... So, Erétria... What brings you to propose this question?"
[17:54] Sylirei says, "Your lack of..."
[17:54] Sylirei says, "More of you."
[17:55] Oskar Aime says, "...."
[17:55] Ronan says, "Do you have a driving point? Or is it simply for statement's sake."
[17:56] Erétria Fengari says, "Oh I think you know why."
[17:56] Ronan asks, "Then, I ask you this... How was it?"
[17:56] Erétria Fengari says, "I. Said. No. And you fucked with my head anyways."
[17:57] Erétria Fengari says, "But I found a flaw."
[17:57] Erétria Fengari says, "Your illusions can mask the senses -you- know."
[17:57] Erétria Fengari says, "Mess with sight. And sound. And touch and taste and scent.."
[17:57] Oskar Aime asks, "With the Hood, What's your business with the Adjudicator?"
[17:58] Sylirei says, "Hehehe."
[17:58] Sylirei says, "You ignored what I said."
[17:58] Erétria Fengari says, "But neries have a sixth sense. And I never forget the 'flavor' of mana used against me."
[17:58] Ronan is actively talking to the Erétria. Unfortunately, they did not note that they were being talked to from others behind him.
(Ronan)
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[17:59] Riley Townshend says, "Hmm..."
[17:59] Oskar Aime says, "No, I didn't. I'm trying to Resolve what your friends business is first."
[17:59] Erétria Fengari asks, "So. Are you going to make it up to me, or are you going to force me to beat you down this time?"
[18:00] Ronan says, "... The latter is not an option for you. It'd be better to phrase it, as a request."
[18:00] Ronan says, "... Though, if you rise to strike me, I promise you..."
[18:00] Sylirei turned around to look at the Neries, slightly confused.
(Sylirei)
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[18:00] Ronan says, "I -will- be more thorough this time."
[18:00] Sylirei asks, "What are you both talking about?"
[18:00] Ronan says, "I've been preparing a technique to demonstrate at the volition of Lord Ultovex. Unfortunately, she was one of those that I stumbled upon as a test subject."
[18:00] Erétria Fengari says, "Oh no. No no. You -will- make it up to me, fix your bullshit. I told you I'm -not- your lab rat."
[18:00] Erétria Fengari says, "Not yours or anyone else's."
[18:02] Riley Townshend says, "This is the type of conversation I like."
[18:02] Riley Townshend says, "It will undoubtedly end in bloodshed."
[18:03] Ronan says, "< I'm surrounded by the wicked. Though, it is here that I will undoubtedly grow stronger. >"
[18:03] Walking towards Ronan, Oskar would raise his voice, "What is your business?" And raising a hand, a bullet of water forming there would rocket past the man, plowing through the snow near him. A warning shot...
(Oskar Aime)
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[18:05] Ronan asks, "Hm?"
[18:11] The malevolent display of water cannonade ripped his attention from the Neries, however, he seemingly did not turn away.
There was an illusionary veil cast, to harden an image of himself keeping his stance against Erétria.

However, another image of Ronin peeled away from the hovering counterpart, descending for Oskar behind him armed with what seemed to be a brand of Valmasian rifle.

" My business, is a demonstration at the request of Lord Ultovex. I have been here before, and had his audience - I wish only to showcase to him a technique that may assist his efforts. "
He claimed, "I believe, my abilities may do well, to even change Agartha by storm. If he'd be gracious enough to take as my audience once more, that would be great."

There was a brief glance at the surroundings, to find that...
They were... Well, being surrounded.

"... Surely, we can ease up on tension, yes? If anything, the only trouble that is likely necessary in any accord--" He turned back for Erétria, to point at her.

The illusionary veil had crumbled akin to shattered glass.

"Is likely her. I doubt she came to me, with intent of forgiveness."
(Ronan)
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[18:12] Calista hmms quietly.
(Calista Shimasu)
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[18:12] Helos yawns, as he plops himself down onto the snow, just chilling there as he watches the scene unfold.
(Helos Fengari)
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[18:12] Looked at Ronan for a few moments. Then over at the two leaders of the world powers who've declared Sors a war criminal and actively assaulted followers of his. Then looked back to Ronan again for a few more moments.

"Hmmm."
(Brock)
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[18:17] 'Back away.'

'What?'

'Back away Little Yin, preferably behind Helos.'

'You think there's gonna-'

'Yes.'

Yin would stare at the group 'conversing' a little longer before taking a few steps back and to the side so that she'd be positioned behind Helos.
(Yin Invidia)
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[18:17] Yin Invidia whispers something.
[18:18] Helos Fengari whispers something.
[18:25] "You could have found anyone else."

They didn't quite show it. Gambler that they were they knew well enough how to keep a poker face, but even that mask had its cracks. A faint lift of the upper lip in a snarl, a twitch of their right eye.

What they'd been using as a walking stick through the snow, now they took up in both hands. Quicksilver glimmered at their fingertips, and flashed through the runework of the stave. At its end that ruby-red crystal seemed to drain of all color, just as the air near them did the same.

"You could have gone and gotten someone to be your lab rat for a bit of pay. Could've asked someone willing. But you stopped me, and you messed with my brain, and I can't. Fucking. Remember it right, anymore.

I can't think straight. I remember you and I remember them and- there wasn't a them there was just you but- I. Can't.."

The neries let out a sharp puff of breath between bared teeth. With no real flourish, no showmanship, they spun the top of the staff toward him. That quicksilver gemstone flared, and directed Eretria's natural ability to drain mana toward him.

They pulled from the mana he used to keep himself afloat. Not enough to hinder him directly, but enough to force him to use more. To force him to exert himself.

Quicksilver lines spread up their arm, as shallow circuitry filled with mana. Then with a sharp motion they stabbed the base of their stave into the ground. From beneath the snow, a singular gnarled something sprouted up.

Ronan would likely recognize the beginnings of that 'tree' which they sprouted in the battle prior. A dark stem, and brilliant azure caps which took the place of leaves.

"Fix it. Fix it or this time I will come out on top. And I will make certain you never get to make someone your lab rat against their will again."
(Erétria Fengari)
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[18:27] Very little attention would be payed towards the Oscuri, as no threats had been coming from him as of yet, which was a very good thing to take note of. As he clearly had support of others in the area. Though that perfect state would be quickly destroyed as a water based projectile would be fired off. Garnering the attention of the siren once more.

Heavy snowfall would surround them, likely appearing no different than that of the surrounding area, considering the mountain was very well covered in snow. A single hand remaining ready to reach behind herself, as she turned.

A powerful stare would be focused towards the man, the situation was rather quickly degenerating into the perfect conditions for the start of a battle, without a shadow of a doubt it was by design rather than accident or pure circumstance.

A singular sentence would be whispered towards Ronan, one could only imagine the statements or questions one would have for another as those around them rather quickly enclosed without much reasoning or question. Others however might say that there is great reason behind such actions being taken.

The expressions of the fish girl were stuck displaying an unimpressed and slightly uncomfortable look. This hadn't been the first of these positions she had been in, but as long as her ally didn't flee, it was not going to be the last.
(Sylirei)
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[18:27] Yin Invidia whispers something.
[18:28] Sylirei whispers: What is your plan?
[18:29] There are just the faintest of hums which follow suit, head tilting over to the side before he leans back, allowing it to rest upon the blunt sections of a certain, fiery staff to his right all the while.

No words of his own escape, really, but he listened ever so quietly, processing the scene before him amidst the way those lips remain curled into a tiny, tiny smile, yet visible nonetheless.

Still and silent, the Gehennan Chieftain just watched, if anything.
(Elyon Hirai)
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[18:34] Oskar would halt, his attention turning from Ronan and towards the two invaders. Eyes narrowing, turning the emerald blaze inside into a pair of glowing horizontal slits.

Taking a few steps forward, he would thrust a hand out, a glowing shield of holy light and water erupted between the man and whatever Eretria's attack was.

"Eretria, Hold. We have guests. We'll settle this afterwards." Strangely, the statement was accompanied by a raised hand, a burst of healing light to attempt to calm the Neries.
(Oskar Aime)
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[18:35] Calista Shimasu says, "We'll go and let you handle your business.. good luck."
[18:36] Oskar Aime asks, "I'm guessing you came here for a purpose. What was it?"
[18:36] Calista Shimasu says, "Just on a stroll of the land."
[18:41] The aquamancer turned their attention from Ronan unto... Two others?
Odd, Ronan didn't see them earlier. When did they arrive?
Did it really matter? They seemed about ready to depart almost as soon as they arrived.

He didn't know them, thus he didn't acknowledge them directly beyond a passing glance. The shielding from the attempted siphon was greatly appreciated - to delay the pending wrath from the Neries was...
The term eluded Ronan.

"Can't you see? None would see the development of such a technique to fruition, but through you, I've learned that it is possible." He explained, " I can change sinners into saints, and the wicked into the sane. " He sighed, desperate to lead her to reason.

" I can change the world. Save it, from those that would seek to damn it... and the only person out there that is willing to see such a power actually develop, is not those out there!" He exclaimed, pointing south for the cliff - He meant the other settlements.

"They'd see to the suffering of others, for their own power and benefit! I will use this power, to help the wounded and the doomed... And to punish those whom sadistically taunt them. A better world, truly balance. You, were naught but a minor, but necessary sacrifice in this aspect."
(Ronan)
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[18:42] Ronan says, "Only, Lord Ultovex..."
[18:42] Ronan asks, "It leads me to believe that maybe he was entirely misconstrued. Thus, here we are... So, do you wish to see such a vision die?"
[18:42] Oskar Aime says, "Goddamnit."
[18:42] Oskar Aime says, "They're gone."
[18:45] Helos Fengari says, "That they are."
[18:59] It was enough to say he stepped between them. The quicksilver did not waiver, however. And what exorcist magics and aquamancy alike was put between him and them became a struggle to maintain. The Neries cared not for the source of the mana they drew upon.

Only that they gathered it, for their own usage in return. They redirected the mana they took, and fed it to that odd fungal growth reaching toward the sky above. Brilliant azure bioluminescence glimmered across the edges of the caps. Spores of a similar coloration dusted free with each brush of the wind.

They did not attack immediately, but they were gathering their arsenal. Readying for a fight that might be necessary. As of yet? He had not given them the answer they wanted.

"I don't care what you see as 'necessary,' you cretin. I told you to pick someone else. Find another subject. And you proceeded regardless. So now you have to deal with the repercussions."

Though their gaze stared over Oskar's head whilst saying as much, a glance was spared down to meet his gaze. For the moment? The fact they did not immediately launch into battle seemed to be their only acknowledgement of his words. They offered that much.

Their gaze returned to Ronan.

"Save your reasons for someone who cares.

Fix what you fucked up."
(Erétria Fengari)
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[19:00] Oskar Aime says, "Right. External matters are done."
[19:00] Oskar Aime says, "Back to Internal Matters."
[19:00] Oskar Steps out from between the pair.
(Oskar Aime)
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[19:10] Well, Oskar got out of the way.
Erétria didn't care for Ronan's reasoning, and as far as he was concerned - this was easily a waste of time.
Like all settings, it seemed as though everyone only wanted blood. This place was no different, if anything, it was more permitted - perhaps that meant that he didn't have to hold back.

"How can I fix, what just isn't broken." He explained to the woman.
He didn't gather anything to his defense nor battlements. He was fairly confident that, this time, he wouldn't need it.

"Nothing about your head is broken, nor wrong. I have not altered you in the slightest... But I can." His eyes sifted about her features, about her staff and her constructs.
" All I did, was create a memory: A false memory, mind you... You can forget it, that is within -your- power. As it is, to forget any memory. The only issue is, the memory was supposed to overwrite the previous one. I was hoping you'd naturally forget one for the other... But as I said before, I wasn't thorough enough. " He explained.

" Now, if I were to try again, I could correct this issue. Obviously, you're not going to let me do that. "

" … So... What now? Are you intent on attacking me? To 'punish' me? Or, even slay me? Am I just to be, an exaggerated smudge in your created grudge-match? Why badger me to fix something, knowing you have no intention of allowing it. As far as I'm concerned, you're simply here to pose as another obstacle in my way."
(Ronan)
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19:17] Oskar, now more or less ignoring the conflict between Eretria and Ronan, the two would settle it or not. Meanwhile, his gaze returned to Sylirei, now that the enemy was gone, unfortunately not at the hands of an angry mob, the Oscuri was more aggravated than ever....

And has seemingly decided to take it out on her. Pulling the scythe-staff forward, he would point it at her.

"So, you and I also have sommat to settle don't we?"

The snows around him would glow, melting to form into pools of holy water, Light glowing from the swirling barrier forming around him.

"Y'said Y'think it's best there are few of us, so why don't Y'explain that one to me?"
(Oskar Aime)
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[19:23] Sylirei would finally reach back and grab her staff, preparing herself for a fine bout, the snowfall becoming well agitated by her readying for combat.

"If you think I would fight you alone, you would be insane..."

"And you proved my point. After Lupo, I have no reason to support someone like you."

Water against a siren, it would provide some degree of ease to the fight, but not quite enough to take it casually, after all, despite her lack of desire to fight, the intents of the oscuri were hard to tell.
(Sylirei)
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[19:28] Brown hues looked down upon the scene quickly playing out before them. A fight? Several fights!? This was a beautiful display of raw-violence, or the potential for it. The floating shadow-mage couldn't help but to smile.

A flicker of flame's licked about their form as they waited for something amazing to begin. Though, what would they do if it where only a flitting thing? Conflict reduced to an individual level.

Well, perhaps it was a subtle thing as the Vashranan's hands reached behind her back. Gripping the war stave that rested there. Pulling it slowly into their hands, held before them. Inahling deeply the woman's eye's glowed softly with the exhale, smock and ash drifting up into the sky.

There was the soft form of a shadow that curled about their legs. Perhaps the red-hood would join in on the violence? Against who was anyone's guess!
(Brock)
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[19:33] "The overlapping memories is the broken part you sick fuck. I want reality back. I want to remember what actually happened and not get confused every time I try to think about it."

One step closer. The quicksilver gem at the end of their stave jabbed up close to his throat like the tip of a spear. Gold-flecked eyes gleamed with ire, the faint curl of their upper lip a full-out snarl now.

"This 'false memory' you put in my head is wrong. I've told you what I want. Told you to fix what you fucked up. If you continue to refuse to fix it? Then yeah, you can sure as Hel count on the fact I'll beat you to a pulp and leave your body for the wolves.

.. And if you fuck things up even further? I'll end you after the fact. Got it?"
(Erétria Fengari)
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[19:33] "Don't think You'll have much of a choice now will yeh?" The Oscuri would say with a grin, pulling his scythe back and whipping it forward to hurl a ball of holy water at her, roots tearing themselves up from beneath the snow only to explode in clouds of toxic spores as they streaked towards the Siren.

"I'll not let Lupo fucking Buckers be the face by which Y'judge my people. If you're gonna hate us, I'll give you a proper reason, and rob you while I'm at it."

Ironically, it seems comparing him to Lupo… was probably worse than just saying they were an evil race.
(Oskar Aime)
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[19:34] 'Just in case. You know how this mountain is.'

Seeing Brock preparing themselves , Yin would nod before bright orange embers lit ablaze and surrounded her form. Following those fires were arcs of electricity that quickly melded together with them, resulting in the flames turning a bright pink with heat that distorted the area around them.

The staff on their back was then drawn and she'd silently stare forward, ears perked up and listening out.
(Yin Invidia)
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[19:36] Ursha says, "I wanna fight too....."
[19:36] Yin Invidia says, "..."
[19:36] Oathbreaker says, "Then remember my child, Have fun doing so."
[19:36] Oskar Aime says, "Aye, ain't no point in gettin Yerself bloody without enjoying it."
[19:37] Sylirei says, "Weirdo."
[19:39] Yin Invidia whispers something.
[19:39] Helos Fengari whispers something.
[19:39] Oathbreaker asks, "Oh greetings Lord Ultovex. Here to watch the..bar brawl?"
[19:40] Despair says, "I hav' questions, but ultimately a bar brawl sounds entertainin'."
[19:40] Helos Fengari says, "Eyup."
[19:40] Ursha exclaims, "Get to brawling!"
[19:40] Despair asks, "Wha's the story?"
[19:40] Brock exclaims, "Fight or we're gonna burn the lot of ya!"
[19:41] Oathbreaker says, "Hm..No idea honestly."
[19:41] Ursha exclaims, "HELL YA!!"
[19:41] Oathbreaker says, "But besiides that...we're going to collect hopefully an apostle body soon so we may bring forth /her/."
[19:41] Oathbreaker says, "With you're help of course.."
[19:41] Yin Invidia asks, "Lots of people on this mountain use fire huh?"
[19:41] Helos Fengari says, "I was here for the whole thing, but I wasn't paying attention."
[19:42] Erétria Fengari whispers something.
[19:42] Despair says, "Sur'."
[19:42] Despair says, "We'll hav' ta see."
[19:42] Erétria Fengari whispers something.
[19:42] Oskar Aime whispers something.
[19:44] Yin Invidia says, "Brock's."
[19:44] Helos Fengari says, "."
[19:44] Brock says, "Five hundred coins on my team."
[19:45] Despair says, "Brock seems absent from combat."
[19:45] Ursha says, "I bet one thousdand on my retainer."
[19:45] Oathbreaker says, "Their..going to be throing hands with whoever wins."
[19:45] Ursha says, "Erethria."
[19:45] Ursha says, "Get it together."
[19:45] Erétria Fengari says, "Eretria."
[19:45] Despair asks, "Is it teams of two against teams o' two fer no greater reason?"
[19:45] Helos Fengari says, "I think there's a reason."
[19:45] Helos Fengari says, "Buuuut, I forgot what it was."
[19:45] Helos Fengari exclaims, "Sorry!"
[19:45] Oathbreaker says, "Well, We suppose the two fighting now have a reason...the latter? Just for chaos."
[19:46] Brock says, "The reason's something boring boss."
[19:46] Ursha says, "Eretria."
[19:46] Ursha says, "Get it together."
[19:48] Despair says, "The Sirenian looks strong."
[19:48] Oathbreaker says, "We do remember them being locked up in Gehenna when we were chieftian..."
[19:48] Yin Invidia says, "I think everyone here can take on everyone over there."
[19:49] Ursha says, "Hint."
[19:49] Ursha says, "Their weak to fire"
[19:49] Sylirei exclaims, "Wrong!"
[19:50] Ursha exclaims, "Lies!"
[19:53] From the blizzard of the Sirenian's conjuring, birthed the legion of Ronans that sprinted in their midst. It was as though these magi had natural synergy.

" You seek to stop me from getting to him... So, I will just have to force you both to a knee. "
The voice of Ronan spoke from all of his doppelgangers, ruthlessly tackling at the two. Though, the sea of illusionists were easily dispatched throughout the course of the battle.

Yet, something seemed amiss.

" For people determined to stop me from advancing, you two are -bad- at it. " An image manifested behind Erétria, reaching for the back of her head whilst she was distracted by the others.

"But alas, I'm ending this."
Physical touch, this time -- A strong hold.
The very contact severed their connection to reality:

All five of the senses, briefly expelled.
-- leaving them ensnared in darkness... For a brief amount of time.

The image of Ronan, was indeed, the actual Ronan.
He had learned from the last fight, this recurring trick was still his ace in the sleeve.
He jutted over, to kick her back in, to send her hurdling into the snow -- Charging the impact with a gravitational thrust.

Then, there was the other... One to which, he didn't contribute to, outside of the numerous legion of his doppelgangers.
Though, to strike them, would only disperse them into snow? Lost to the blizzard.

Their blackened silhouettes plagued the snowy night...
At least, until the magics of the Sirenian came to an ease.
(Ronan)
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[19:59] Oskar, frankly, was ignoring Ronan at this point. He was ignoring Eretria. He was locked in on Sylirei. A smile on his face, oddly, given the Ronan's intervention. The reika would surge outwards in a tide, wiping away the illusions as mana was ripped from their surroundings.

Cackling like a strangely happy madman, he would launch himself at the Siren again, scythe a-swinging as he hurled magical attacks at her, focusing on no one else.

And nothing else, but that sense of joy, that feeling he was at one with the world, and then tearing free with every bolt or blast.
(Oskar Aime)
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[20:09] Oathbreaker conformed a tar-like arm and simply waved their kin over.
(Oathbreaker)
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[20:09] Oathbreaker says, "Come join the show..bloodbath? Bloodshow."
[20:09] Helos Fengari says, "It's one of those things."
[20:09] Vallahaz was covered in tears and injuries. ".. No." Narrowed, angry eyes turn to stare at the gathering around the normally quiet mountain. ".. What's going on here?"
(Vallahaz)
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[20:11] Oathbreaker paused for a moment before the creature of tar gave a slight shrug. They..honestly didnt know in honesty. "Not sure, Human things more or less.."
(Oathbreaker)
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[20:11] Despair says, "Some fight. I lack an understandin' o' why."
[20:12] Yin Invidia says, "Something something Eretria something something Eretria angry something."
[20:12] Vallahaz asks, ".. Ohh.. Is that.. The human I've been keeping my eyes on?"
[20:12] Pestilence asks, "....Ah?"
[20:12] Yin shrugged.
(Yin Invidia)
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[20:12] Pestilence asks, "...My, my. What is this?"
[20:12] Oskar Aime says, "The fuckers wouldn't fight alone. Eretria's got an issue with the hooded one, and the Siren insulted me."
[20:13] Vallahaz says, ".. That reminds me. Ultovex. I need to ask a favor later."
[20:13] Oathbreaker says, "..Human issues dear brother."
[20:13] Yin Invidia asks, "Huh? Ultovex is here?"
[20:13] Despair says, "We can make some sort o' deal."
[20:13] Pestilence looks down at Helos.
(Pestilence)
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[20:13] Pestilence says, "Move."
[20:14] Despair asks, "A human ya hav' been keeping your eye on?"
[20:14] Oathbreaker quite literally picked up their acolyte and simply placed them with their other acolyte
(Oathbreaker)
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[20:15] Vallahaz stomps forward and glares back at Ronin who had come all the way up to the peaks where the rest of the ravenous few had gathered. A cruel smile appears upon the Kaor's face while gazing back at the hooded one.

"The one in brown has seen how ugly, cruel and malefic the world can be. I showed it to him first hand. He has made bounds and leaps from being the helpless whelp he once was. Quite like I've honed my blaze, he has honed his person." A long, searing tongue flicks out and wraps around Vallahaz's sword, sparks and embers appearing.

"So I would hope that none of the annoying few here plan on stopping his progress, yess?"

The temperature is rising.
(Vallahaz)
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[20:18] Despair says, "Ronan, I believe his name is. I am curious to see the advancement of his technique."
[20:18] Vallahaz says, "Advancement is -everything.-"
[20:19] Despair says, "Personal satisfaction is everythang. People exist only to seek satisfaction, an' avoid pain."
[20:20] Oathbreaker says, "Or a third option which is for neither reason..which is the hardest to find after all."
[20:20] "The fuck are you talking about?"

Eretria spun the stave they held, directing outwards the bioluminescent spores kicked up from fungal growths. Forcing them through the winds of the blizzard, seeking to dispel the illusory legion and find the real Ronan among them.

Yet as before there were too many. They hadn't the power to gather up all the mana from all of them. Their focus was spread too thin to ward them all away- And unlike last time, Ronan had help.

"I told you how to avoid fighting, I told you just to put my memories back the way they should be. That's all I wanted, asshat. You-"

They felt the flicker of mana behind. The bottom of their stave was sent swinging already, attempting to ward the man- Or his illusions- off and away from getting in so close. Alas, too little, too late.

One touch, and their senses shut down. Sight to naught but black. Sound to silence.Scent, and taste, gone entirely. Touch to numbness.

Five out of six.

Everything but their 'taste' of mana. The webbing they'd laid out in the form of mycelium. The beacon of light that was that central gnarled multi-capped mushroom. Still they could feel the world, through that alone.

Through that, they sought for anything. They sought sources of mana, pulling through the channels of fungal roots. Anything. Anything.

Where they reached out, there was an answer. In the darkness a brilliant, burning light. A gaze they felt on the back of their neck. Their body was forced forward into the snow.

And as they hit the snow sparks started to fly. Ethereal mana not in quicksilver or sapphire, but vibrant amber tones. Through shallow circuits and overdose flooded through, jolting the Neries back to their senses. Their eyes blazed pure golden light.

Starlight revitalized them. They forced themself up, turning their stave on their illusory rival. A snarl was painted on their once expressionless visage.

"You're the one who decided to fight."
(Erétria Fengari)
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[20:22] Ronan says, "I tire of this. I'll fix you, alright. <*glimpses over to note a larger audience, Sors in tow*> ... And alas, -he- is here. <*returns his glare to the opposing two*> Which means I can't fail."
[20:22] Oskar Aime says, "I don't give a shit about ya."
[20:23] Ronan says, "-- you afflict my ally. That is an affliction to me, by extention. You, are as much as the target of my aggression as she."
[20:23] Ronan says, "Enough talk."
[20:34] Despair says, "Fire Kaor."
[20:35] Vallahaz says, "Vallahaz Dalmeroth."
[20:35] Vallahaz asks, "What is it, Ultovex?"
[20:35] Despair asks, "Your interest lays with Ronan, correct?"
[20:35] Vallahaz says, "Correct."
[20:36] Yin Invidia asks, "Brock, are you still gonna....?"
[20:36] Despair says, "I find interest in the Sirenian an' intend to speak wit' them. Would you prevent me from such."
[20:36] Brock says, "Yes, I'm going to stlll knock there heads about."
[20:36] Vallahaz says, "Now why would I do that? I intend to make business, not impede."
[20:37] Brock says, "Just cause I've stood here and gotten tired doesn't mean I decided not to."
[20:37] Pestilence says, "...Business."
[20:37] Despair says, "Good. I simply hold curiousity. "
[20:37] Yin Invidia says, "Ehmm....."
[20:37] Yin Invidia says, "Okay."
[20:37] Vallahaz says, "Don't kill the boy and you can do what you want. Human life holds little value to me bar that one."
[20:37] Pestilence asks, "Tell us, Dalmeroth. How does the former king relate to oneself?"
[20:37] Oathbreaker asks, "..Former king? Have we missed something?"
[20:38] Pestilence says, "This one relates to Ipos."
[20:38] Despair says, "It is not a desire to kill within maself. I simply have an interest in the strong."
[20:38] Vallahaz says, "I am a direct spawn of Ipos, to quell your curiosity."
[20:38] Oathbreaker says, "Ah, We almost had forgotten the name..forgive us."
[20:49] A certain Siren had been forced into a combat engagement she didn't desire to have, having one around combat hungry people, and the Adjudicator made none of it less stressful. Though she continued forth regardless of several reasons not to.

Each and every strike towards her opponents would leave them soaking and freezing, most people in this scenario would struggle to remain alive, though she was not as cruel as those around her. At the very least, not with intent to be.

Twice over she had beaten down her opponents with a flurry of water and ice, shaking the surrounding area, primarily those who intended to cause harm to her. With loud disorienting noise. Likely doing no good to those that were practically moving ice sculptures. This is not to say that the opponents didn't put up a fight, as their damages were significant, and tiring within the icy climate...

The moment she found weakness within Oskar, she moved in and attacked, dealing gret damage, regardless of the prowess of the Oscuri, worth noting that such prowess was wasted in her opponent, as they weren't known very well for being mages.

Her final blow would leave the man shaken to the bone, a painful chill covering him and entering him with ever blow, without a doubt causing great harm to his innards. She would leave it at that, both out of desire to continue, and the inability to, as the next opponents stood not too far from her only ally in the area.

Sylirei proceeded back to her ally, ready to continue the good fight.
(Sylirei)
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[20:51] The madman managed to actually do it, he had Sylirei down.... a bombardment of magic that brought her to her knees, and he was ready to start swinging. The frustration of having to fight the pair of them ready to get poured out on the downed Sirenian.

Were it not for her partner managing to escape Eretria, and wanting to keep his buddy intact. Knocked off of the Sirenian, the pair were allowed to recover.... And unfortunately managed to over come the two of them.

Though the Oscuri felt his flesh freezing, that.... oddly didn't seem to be stopping him. Reika surging through his veins.

"Do you think this will stop me?" He would say, surprisingly with a tone of utmost joy. Pained laughter echoing out of his throat, The pain just another part of that joy. A broken, insane grin on his face as he looked at the Sirenian.

"I am an Oscuri, a scion of the end of days..." He would shout, Raising his scythe high, and smashing it into the snow, an explosion of Reika hurling the powder into the air, obscuring him....

And like that he was gone. With only a flicker of words to herald his departure. "One day, your friend won't be around to help you out Siren."
(Oskar Aime)
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[21:15] Amongst the scuffle, it seemed as though the battle was winding to an end -- Against Ronan's favor.
The number of clones were beginning to dwindle, and the illusionist was growing desperate.

"I'm-- THROUGH WITH THESE GAMES!"

Gravity sought to shred at the very foundation beneath their feet, chunking icy tundra from under the Neries. He had to turn his focus to her exclusively as the battle waned.

" YOU COME TO ME, DEMANDING A FIX AS I EXPLAIN THERE IS NOTHING BROKEN?! SO BE IT! " He exclaimed. The murmur of bass sounded off as the realm around him grumbled in distaste to the disturbance.
Hands rose for the skies, as though to summon his very energy from the moon and stars themselves.

… But... It was not from the skies, that anything would descend. Quite the opposite, for the stars themselves began to twinkle out of view.

Odd...
No... Erétria had seen this before. The very forces that lifted portions of the arena and soon developed a maelstrom for the heavens. He was not blacking out the sky... No... There was something there.

Space, magically compressed to an extreme degree had forged a singularity. Its pull proved immense, attempting to suckle whatever it could.
Light seemed to bend in its reverence, soon transcending the battleground for a dull gray... And finally... Darkness.

To spectators, what had appeared? A black sphere with lavender lining expanded to consume both Ronan and his adversary. It weighed into the ground, crushing its path through the ice... Heavy and still sinking.

Within, Ronan traversed absolute oblivion, shielded by the very arcane that conjured this black hole.
Without color, there was nothing to see... But they could both feel whether it'd be through her sixth sense... Or his gravitational influence.

That was when... The technique subsided, leaving the Neries… By herself?
Where did Ronan go?
No, that shouldn't have been the question - what she should've wondered was, where was her weapon?
The answer to that question was, just feet away, just lying on the ground.

But how? When? Where was Rona--
That was when the sharp pain struck her in the stomach, peeling her over.

"I have to thank you for the opportunity to test my theory of gravity and light."
A crushing feeling wrapped around her neck, and slowly she was dragged into the air.
The air around her seemed to tremor, and gray lining manifested the image of Ronan once more.

" Truly perfecting the technique will take time... But alas, it is time to end this. To 'fix' you...
She was weakened, and this time, disarmed of the very weapon that weakened him.
Between his constricting digits manifested a white gleam of energy. Upon contact, the gleam traversed beneath her skin, up her veins for her head. Eretria's eyes soon were consumed by the opaque sheen of alabaster, and the senses were all shut down.

Surely, there was the extra that he hadn't familiarity with... But it didn't matter. He'd work around that issue.

" You will live a life, unlike your current... One, without your damning weapon. Without, your sixth sense... Without, your malice... And knowing what loss truly is. "

**********************************************
In The Mind of Erétria Fengari
**********************************************

She awakes... In a bed. Odd, this felt familiar.
However, she was... smaller? No, she could examine herself in this alternate reality to find herself: Younger.

To scan the room, would mean to discern this as the same clinic she was placed in before. Though, venturing outside would only re-ensure this fact: This... Was Levengard?
No, this had to be the illusion... All she had to do was resist it.

But, why did nothing happen?
Perhaps, it'd take her seconds... minutes... Hours... Before it'd be questioned harder.
This time, the illusion was different.


**********************************************
In Reality
**********************************************

Ronan had tempered with this illusion, by tying it with his execution of Time magic. It was, severed from the very constricts of time, far more effectively than the first time she was encumbered by it.

This, wasn't going to be a day, trapped within Ronan's alternate reality. It was... Days... Weeks? Even longer.
He was drastically stronger than last they met.

" Three months... This is certainly far stronger than I've ever managed thus far. I only wonder what more I can accomplish... Though, perhaps, I can go a step further? " He monologued, speaking out for Lord Ultovex and Vallahaz to hear.

"I'm putting her through a few months of life as a child, hopefully... With a self-insert of a younger version of my self, I can indoctrinate her mind into seeing me differently. Theoretically, this could hypnotize individuals in the future..." He turned for, what he presumed to be more attackers en route.

"... Or break their very mind. Ultimately, I'd prefer not to kill. I feel as though, it is not necessary. "

**********************************************
In The Mind of Erétria Fengari
**********************************************

This life seemed to be guided, almost as though she was on auto-pilot. Though, it came to her in the form of mental suggestions, more like her own conscience, moving her body for her if need be.

Within days of being transported to this 'alternate reality', she'd come across... him
Ronan?
This time, his face was shown.
His form, smaller - younger as well.
He greeted her, not with a weapon, nor malice, but a smile.

" Where've you been all this time?!" He scolded at her, "You said we were going to explore that cave, yesterday!" He pointed offwards for the southeast.

… It was, the beginning of... A forced relationship? Nothing beyond the childish play of teenagers exploring the world: Innocent.
Weeks... Had turned to months...
Before a fateful day would have a younger Ronan and Erétria traversing midst the mysterious depths of an occult-touched forest.

The rain came down...
Lightning cackled, and a concerned Ronan kept urging at her to return back to Levengard.
It didn't matter... For they'd be intercepted by a four individuals.
Randoms -- Nothing special of note, aside from their daggers.

They didn't speak, they merely laughed.
The tone had warped for the worst... As battle swiftly ensued.
However, this younger Ronan was no magi. Within seconds, he was overwhelmed, beaten to the ground, and held down.

The beaten Ronan could only look up at an... Oddly weaker Erétria as she'd fend off her attackers.
Though, as time waned onward, it only turned against her favor, resulting in them overpowering her as well.

The thunder in the backdrop was only further signification for what was to follow.
Malice and vile intent for the girl could be seen on the faces of these grown men, encompassing her. As they lowered, the shadows they cast seemingly darkened at their images, leaving only their blue eyes to really break out for the Neries.

It was, in the next few moments, what would clutch dearingly at her mind. The very sensations of such torment, intensified in such manner that it dared to weaken the physical form.

**********************************************
In Reality
**********************************************

The Neries' mind beginning to respond to the invasive entanglement of foreign energies in a spastic manner, taunted by what should be immediately repressed memories. Though, this illusion went beyond that, forcing the body to remember the phantasmic transgressions these imaginary foes would reap upon it.

Though, it didn't matter if it ever happened... All that mattered, is that she believed that it might have happened. That was where the memory ended, and when Ronan dropped her body - as though discarding trash.

"... Who's next."
(Ronan)
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[21:26] Ronan asks, "<*scans the area*> ... No one?"
[21:27] Famfrit says, "I hardly care. I also have no clue what I'm looking at."
[21:29] Yin Invidia asks, "No one... Probably?"
[22:10] Fungus barely poked through the snow. Across the field, colorful caps and strange branching limbs all reaching up toward the stars above. With each passing sweep of their staff bioluminescent spores kicked up, directed toward their foes.

Through their interlocking roots, Eretria extended their reach. Quicksilver illuminated the snow from beneath, drawing mana from those who stepped upon them. Friend or foe or onlooker alike. The neries didn’t discriminate.

And they hardly paid mind to the sirenian on the field. The blizzards which wreaked havoc across their path of battle seemed like no more than white noise to them. Their vision, their attention, all focused in on one- Or many, as the case tended to be.

Illusory foes through which beams of ultraviolet and sapphire pierced. Yet they never seemed to hit the right mark. Always when they were certain of one being him, that mirage would vanish for more to take its place.

Where that failed quicksilver glared to life across orichalcum runework. The crimson gemstone atop their stave dulled and greyed, as a concentrated mana-drain focused in on one target after another. Destabilizing and distorting illusions in its wake, pulling what he used in his constructs for their own use.

But it wasn’t enough.

Even as the numbers dwindled, they were caught up again in something else. Blazing eyes turned upwards soon enough to see the starless sky again. The eyes of those great things above closed to their plight. All but one, not visible with the naked eye but seen with their sixth sense.

A single glaring eye of ultraviolet tone. Not even something that should properly be seen. They held onto that image, the mana which coursed through them from that distant.. Whatever it was.

But soon enough they were left alone. The light which had surrounded them flickered and died out. Color faded away, senses addled for a time. Their eyes remained open- Yet still theydidn't see the exact moment their weapon left their grip.

Their heart dropped. Quicksilver glimmered at their fingertips, the only light they could cast- Still, bent and warped by his own magics. To the point they could've never seen it coming.

One sharp pang, and they doubled over. Or had they fallen? They couldn't quite tell. They knew this time, they couldn't trust their senses. So that grip around their neck, that could've been a false reality too.

Despite what their senses told them the neries struggled to move. To force their body to fight back, slender fingers grasping for anything they might feel. Seeking the mana they used as their anchor to the reality of the world.

Yet without their staff to channel it? They were too weak a magi to truly ground themself this time.

To his words Eretria could only utter one. Through struggling breaths a simple, two-letter word. "No-" But it was the last they could manage.

Golden eyes glazed over pristine white as the snow.

. . .

Now where? When?

It felt familiar. It felt wrong. They were young again, and in a bed they'd never been in before. Or.. They had, right? Surely if they lived here they must've been here before. And Hel, they got into trouble often enough to wake in the clinic more than once.

But. They'd never lived here. Mother was in Dawn. Levengard was at war with Dawn. Father died at the hands of Gehennans. Right? That was the truth. Why would the enemy allow the neries in their midst?

This had to be wrong. It had to be fake. But it felt so very real. And try as they might to dampen the magics around them they seemed to hold no effect. So then.. It couldn't be an illusion right?

What did that make their most recent memories? Was it a dream, out on that mountain top? A dream of fungal friends draining mana from their foes, of starlight pouring from the heavens to filter through their veins-

In truth the more they thought on that, the more that seemed the fanciful reality. After all, they were just a kid. A little neries who was soon to lose their home and their mother in the war- Or, in this reality, might have lost them already.

Gold-flecked eyes turned skyward, as they took in the sunlight.

. . .

Their body twitched in his grasp.

Glazed over eyes remained open, though they lost that wild, fearful edge. Their heartrate began to slow as days and weeks played out in their mind. The simple life of a child. Learning what little they could about their own abilities.

The quicksilver which had gleamed at their fingertips died out. Their hold upon Ronan's arm slackened and dropped. And soon they looked little more than a corpse, barely animated every so often.

A mumble here. A grin there. A frown, a laugh, and so on. Quicker than perhaps it should've been, though that was the point, was it not? In their mind time was slowed. Their perception taking in another life entirely.

False memories engrained far more deeply, this time.

. . .

"Lessons, dummy."

Their tone a bit bland. Bland enough to be taken seriously, until the moment they cracked a smile. It was something typical of them, to not quite show their sarcasm.

"I still dunno what sort of magic I'm gonna have. Every time I try to practice I run out of mana, I've told you a dozen times at least! I wanted to see if I could figure something out before we went. Just in case you know?"

But it hadn't been very successful. And much like reality their dreamlike state never truly pushed them to 'learn' what they could do. A bit of mana theft here and there, but nothing major.

And life. It played outso much differently. This time they had a friend, growing up. They explored the world not out of boredom and loneliness, but curiosity and excitement.

It was a different sort of game they learned to play. Risking nothing but themself and their dear friend in pursuit of knowledge. The thrill was pleasant, when they got to the more abnormal portions of the world.

And places like the dreadwood? Oh those were the best.

"Oh calm down scaredy pants. We never get hurt anywhere else we go! Why would this be any different, just because of a bit of rain? I swear it's like you're afraid of your own shadow."

Yet eventually they acquiesced. Too late to save their hides. On their turn back homeward bound the Neries met with faces they'd yet to have seen before. Four against two- Those odds were awfully stacked against them. Especially as they were still rather young.

Despite the danger, those sharp knives glinting with condensed droplets from the rain, Eretria put themself between Ronan and the lot. Taller. Seemingly older, perhaps. But still not strong enough.

He went down first, prompting a scream from the Neries.

Prompting a scream from the Neries.

Then Eretria themself, soon after.

The rest was felt, more than seen. Through the blurred vision tears caused they could only see vague shapes and shadows. Faces 'graced' by vile grins and gleaming, sapphire eyes. There was no hope of escape. And yet they fought back.

With tooth and claw and horn, they scratched and bit and struggled. With the odds against them they had no chance. But they refused to give up. They refused to simply let things happen without a fight.

In the end. Their body fell limp.

In the end. Their body fell limp.

They lay in the snow, curled in on themself.

Their long arms coiled around their legs, holding their knees to their chest. The neries hadn't felt the impact of being dropped to the ground. They barely registered the cold which brought their body to shiver instinctually.

Golden eyes blinked. A bleary visage of the world coming into focus again. One hand lifted, slowly, to wipe away the tears they'd shed in reality. And the very first thing they saw clearly- The vermillion jewel atop their stave.

The neries reached out to take their weapon into their hand. A faint flicker of quicksilver flashed across the runework, and they felt a pulse beneath the snow.

Mana rushed toward them. Mycelium their extended circuitry, pouring vitality back into the tall individual. They drew a shaking breath, as slowly, they uncurled.

And shaking, they pushed themself to stand at last.
(Erétria Fengari)
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[22:16] Erétria Fengari says, "."
[22:16] Erétria Fengari asks, "What.. h.. happened?"
[22:16] Erétria Fengari says, "What-"
[22:16] Erétria Fengari asks, ".. Ronan?"
[22:16] Ronan asks, "Huh?"
[22:17] Ronan says, "< Did it work? >"
[22:17] Ronan unsheathes his hood
(Ronan)
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[22:17] Ronan asks, "Lord Ultovex, what is, your verdict?"
[22:17] Erétria Fengari asks, ".. When'd we get.. here?"
[22:18] Despair observes, cocking an eye in silence.
(Despair)
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[22:18] Ronan says, "We met, and you were caught off-guard in a scuffle."
[22:18] Ronan asks, "It's okay now. Are you, alright?"
[22:18] Ronan descends for the Neries
(Ronan)
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[22:19] Erétria Fengari says, "I.. My head hurts."
[22:19] Ronan says, "Oh? Hmm, perhaps you should get some rest."
[22:22] Ronan reached out, as though to rest his hands upon her shoulders.
He was acting... Radically different than he did before the wicked cast of illusionary prowess.
As though, to follow through with these memories - To create his own reality, in which she'd live.

He acted... Comforting...
Though, behind the trickster's guise, was the inclination of joy.
Was this, success? Proper indoctrination?
Even the creation of an ally from an enemy? Maybe... Maybe even more.

" I was afraid for you. " He gave a smile, almost as though getting teary-eyed. Mushy...
He pulled at her to give her a hug, as though to embrace her after she was harmed.
He levitated to make up for the height difference.

… As though, to take in an old friend...
… An old friend, whom was just... Moments ago, the very person he sought to make suffer.

If the hug managed to carry through, he'd unveil his wicked grin outside her view, before getting back into character.
(Ronan)
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[22:33] Their expression gave naught but confusion. A furrow to pale brows, a frown upon pierced lips. Gold-flecked eyes kept narrow, as they tried to puzzle out what had just occurred. Why, precisely, they remembered so many years ago just now.

Had they had a premonition, so many years ago? A dream in which they realized their potential long before it was unlocked? If so, how? If not-

.. Their body tensed up at his touch. Gold eyes went wide, their back stiff, their chin lifted ever so slightly. Quicksilver blazed at their fingertips, draining away his magic at an accelerated pace.

Yet they allowed the hug. For just a few moments they allowed him to hold them. Then a hand came up and pressed against his chest, forcing him back and away. And, hopefully, forcing him to the ground too.

Not to lie there, but to stand, as his powers over gravity were sapped by their touch. The tall neries backed away, then. Just a step.

"I thought.. I.. thought I was fighting.. you- Did.. did we spar? I.. I just.. I think I.. blacked out? You-

You remember the.. the dreadwoods.. when.."

At that, they choked up.

One hand lifted to press against the very base of one horn.
(Erétria Fengari)
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[22:35] Vallahaz asks, "What were you intending on doing again, Ultovex?"
[22:36] Despair says, "I hav' a lack of knowledge concernin' the sirenian. I hold the intent to speak to them an' understand their presence up here. They seem strong 'nough ta harm one of my Oscuri. But I have also grown curious as to watching *this.*"
[22:40] Confusion? Certainly, that was not from absolute failure - no. Though, that meant- "It's okay!" He allowed himself to be pushed away, back to the ground where he backstepped with arms up as though to ease her nerves.

"You don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to."
There was sadness in his tone.
He had learned this... Through his constant loss in life -- Thus, emulating it, was not difficult.

This character he had to play however, was certainly something Ronan was taking a liking to.
" We were sparring. " He claimed, "- but you were hit as a result of a nearby scuffle. " He looked over the previous battlefield, explaining it away.

"I attempted to use my magic to slow and stop some of the projectiles, but one of them struck you across the head pretty hard. You went down for a second. I'm just glad you're okay. You... You really scared me for a moment there." He gave a light chortle.

"-- But I know you, you're stronger than that. We, are stronger than that. "

An actor, giving a genuine performance, and his audience was commentating.
He acknowledged them with a glimpse over, before looking back to Erétria. "They wanted to see a new technique I've been working on, but I've been getting rusty. It's a gravity technique that I feel as though, can theoretically turn me invisibl-... Huh. There I go again, babbling like a nerd. Heheh… Just like old times, right?"

That was it, the final nail in the coffin.
Hopefully, it'd never be dug up again.
(Ronan)
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[22:51] "Old times.."

They repeated those two words. Their voice, quiet, near mumbling the simple phrase. His story made sense, to their addled mind. Though they tended not to spar, they recalled practicing their attempts at magic with him before.

Before. Years ago. When they were younger, and life seemed so much simpler. Eretria had thought themself invincible then. No one would dare hurt a kid after all.

And now..

The neries dropped the hand they'd raised. A frown tugged at their lips, confusion turned to concern with the passing moments. The hand they kept upon their stave tensed, a slight bit of panic welled up inside. Just how hard had they managed to hit their head?

"Ronan- Ronan how old am I? How long was I out of it? I- I. That night. Is. Its the last time I remember. Seeing you. Until.. Until..."

Eretria placed their other hand upon the weapon they held, gold-flecked eyes scanning the mountaintop. Wild, certainly filled with a tinge of fear. Certainly, his work was still far from perfection.

But for now, they were buying into the tale he spun.
(Erétria Fengari)
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