|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 24, 2022 19:17:24 GMT -5
Vaena Beraellis of Argaris Academy “What you are asking of me Damien is...” A woman with fine red hair paced slightly, her jade hues looked to a man with dark hair and a chiseled jawline. “It could end everything.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Do we have much of a choice, Miss Beraellis?” The man questioned as he crossed his arms over his black buttoned dress shirt. “Yes, there are always choices to be made.” The woman held a thick book in her hands, the leather looked as though it was crumbling from age. The pages were yellowed and weathered. “This book.” She sucked in a long breath. “It is from a long time ago. This magic...it shouldn’t be practiced.” She set the book down on a table that was positioned between them. “I will not be the one to do it, Damien.” “I’m not asking.” His brows furrowed slightly, his eyes were dark as he walked around the table to her and stood before her. “This isn’t an ask, Vaena.” He bore down into her eyes. “The Capitol asked me to bring you here and to present this to you. They are not asking for you to do this.” He raised a brow slightly before he lifted the book and looked it over for a moment. He then pressed the book into her chest. “You do not disregard what the Capitol has asked of you, Miss Beraellis.” “But I thought you said it wasn’t an ask.” Her jade hues glared up to the man that stood over her as she placed a hand over the book that he’d pressed against her. “The Capitol has no right to demand anything of me. I am a mage of Argaris. I do not fall below the district that the Capitol has reign over.” Her voice was strong, her lips pressed together as she watched this man closely. Slowly a smirk tugged at the edges of Damien’s lips. This was followed by a chuckle. “Ah, that is where you are wrong, Miss Beraellis…” Vaena took a step back from him then, “You can call me Vaena, Damien, that’s the least you could do.” Her voice was pointed as she took several quick steps toward the exit of the room. Damien was quick to catch her he grasped her shoulder and placed himself between her and the door. “Vaena, listen.” He searched her hues. “You don’t have a choice in the matter. It would do you well not to protest it.” He looked to the book that she still held. “Why don’t you read it over? Hm? Think on it over night.” He flashed that charming smile that Vaena knew quite well. Her expression didn’t change as she stared to him. “Thinking about this overnight isn’t going to change my response. You’re a fool to think it would. Even the Grand Master of Argaris would tell you no.” “Well, that is why we’ve gotten his daughter.” Damien gave another smile. “Have a look around the town, Vaena. Perhaps it will help change your mind. There is a lot at stake here. You’ve lived in the safe walls of the Argaris Academy for so long...do you even remember what the real world is like?” He shrugged slightly then, “I’ll send for you in the morning...” He turned and placed a hand upon the door handle. “Oh and Miss Beraellis...don’t even think about leaving town.” His eyes narrowed slightly before he pulled the door open and left the room. Vaena stood completely still, her lips pressed together into a flat line. She pulled the book from her chest and stared to it a long moment before she shook her head. “I won’t bring the end of the world...” She whispered to herself. “He doesn’t understand...he must...not understand what this means...” A sigh came from her lips as she pulled the door open and walked down the long corridor of the office building. The light above her flickered slightly and she looked up to it a moment before she continued on. The building was immaculate. It was a building of the Council, of course it would be top of the line. Not a penny was spared when building it. She brushed her fingertips through her hair as she stepped into an elevator. Damien was right about one thing, she wasn’t used to the world outside of the Argaris Academy. It was different. She was so used to the small bubble that she lived in. The structure of the academy. Though her father has encouraged her to make this trip. He said it would look good for the Academy to see to a request from the Council. If only he knew what they were asking. “Don’t forget your bag, Miss Beraellis.” A woman spoke from behind a granite countertop. She held a small black backpack forward. Vaena was shaken from her thoughts by the woman. “Oh right. Of course. Thank you.” She grasped the bag and slipped the book into it before she slung it over her shoulders. Vaena stepped out into the city streets then. Her eyes gazed about the tall buildings with illuminated signage that held anything from advertisements to words from the Capitol. She looked up to the grey skies as thunder rumbled overhead. “Great.” She muttered as she turned and quickly made her way along the busy bustling sidewalk of the city. Many were dressed in suits and dresses. Vaena on the other hand wore jeans that were a bit worn in, she wore a black blouse that accented her figure nicely, and a pair of old flats that she had gotten quite a long time ago. As she hurried along Vaena felt the icy droplet of rain land upon her arm. She gazed up to the sky as more droplets began to fall. Many within the streets began to scatter like rodents rushing away from flood waters. She too fell in sync with this. Vaena slipped into the nearest business. As the door closed behind her she gazed up to the bell that jingled overhead. Her eyes stared to it a long moment before she lowered her eyes to look to the establishment that she’d happened upon. A bar. Not her first choice. She glanced out the window to the rain that was now coming down heavily, almost as if she was weighing over staying or going. It was better than walking through the storm without an umbrella. Vaena stepped forward as she looked to the bar tender that wiped down the bar with a rag. He looked to her and tilted his head slightly. “Afternoon...” Vaena spoke as she looked about the empty bar. The dim lighting added an ambiance to the place that she honestly didn’t care for. “What can I get you?” The man asked with a smile. “Oh...” Vaena’s brows scrunched together slightly. “I don’t really partake in alcohol.” She raised a brow slightly as she looked to the bartender. A chuckle came from the man as he watched her. “You must be looking for the coffee shop? I thought you looked confused when you came in.” He set the rag down and stepped around the bar. “It’s in the back. A sort of speak easy. We get a lot of people that don’t know how to get in.” He smirked, “I’ll show you.” He waved for Vaena to follow behind him. She followed a bit reluctantly, she wasn’t looking for a coffee shop...just a place to keep out of the rain. She followed the man down a flight of stairs that was at the back of the bar. The air was cooler as they descended into a brick lined hall. “Right back there.” He smiled before he left back up the stairs. Vaena paused and glanced up the staircase as the bartender disappeared back to the bar above. She could smell the sweet scent of baked goods and the refreshing bitter smell of fresh ground coffee beans. She walked forward and pushed the old wooden door open to a well lit room that held beautiful plants for décor. It had a warm cozy feel to it. Soft acoustic music played in the background. “Good afternoon.” A woman from behind the counter greeted her with a warm smile. “Welcome to The Stir.” Vaena offered a bit of a forced smile back to her, “Thank you...” She gazed into the glass display case and then up to the menu. “First time?” The woman asked. It took a moment for Vaena to look to the woman, she gave a laugh. “Yes, just visiting.” She replied. “I’ll have a latte...and um...one of those.” She pointed to a muffin within the display case before she pulled her bag around to grab her wallet from one of the pockets. Soon enough Vaena sat at one of the tables in the back of the cafe. She pulled the book out that Damien had given to her. She stared to the cover for a long moment, it held runes upon it. Ones that she’d only read about in history books. Her father had spoken of the uses of blood magic in the past. How horribly it had gone. She drew in a breath as she cracked the book open. She began to read over the pages. Perhaps, she was wrong. Perhaps what the Capitol asked of her wouldn’t bring on the end of existence as she knew it. Hours passed as she flipped through the pages, as she tried to find something to grasp onto that would help her understand what the Capitol was planning. |
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Apr 24, 2022 21:02:38 GMT -5
Lana Highland  Father: Gregor Highland Mother: Ava Highland ------- The days of the Argaris Academy were long distance memories in the far reaches of her mind. It wasn’t necessarily that she did not enjoy her time there – no, that was an understatement. The Academy itself was incredibly hard to get into, and only the most legendary mages would attend. Lana was surrounded by talent and capability… It wasn’t the books she thrived in, it was the observation of people. How she loved to poked into other’s business, to see what others could do. She was an absurdly talented Mage, the kind of student that never studied, nor paid attention in class… but could ace tests and papers without effort. The annoying one to kill the curve, and also piss the teacher off in the same sitting. Some teachers would call her a protégé, others would call her lazy… Though it made sense that she was as talented as so, she came from a long line of powerful Mages. The sort of power that often lined the official towers, made big decisions, had a lot of money – all of that. Though they would all hang their heads in shame to see their name dwindle with her every word. Lana Highland… What would be the turning of the tides – would be the murder of her father, Gregor Highland. He was on the Council of the Capitol, a Minister of Magic – who would be one of five to represent the schools of thought. He was killed in the beginning of her senior year, and Lana spiraled quickly. It was one bizarre act after another. Skipping classes, missing exams, bursting out in class. She was caught twice in the forbidden libraries, not permitted to students. The final act before she was Expelled – she was in the Grand Master’s office, sifting through things – some say she was casting some kind of spell. All the school knew is one day – Lana’s name was removed from the school charter… *** “First time?” her voice was gentle, equal to her face. Though she had a natural sort of ‘tude to her eyes. “A latte, and… one of those” Lana smirked and punched it into the tablet before her. “12.55” she turned the tablet around and allowed her to finish the payment. Lana’s eyes were dark blue – they stared to the woman before her. This woman was no stranger, no – someone she once knew. A bout of curiosity filled her, but she remained silent. Vaena… the daughter of the Grand Master, and once – a friend of hers. Vaena seemed to deep in thought.. she didn’t realize who was before her. Once Vaena walked away – someone passed behind Lana. It was a woman of the same height, same curly brown hair, same dark blue eyes – in fact. It was a copy of herself. The entire café was ran by 3 people. Lana, a copy of Lana, and another copy of Lana. Though, they were not truthfully flesh and blood, they were magical aberrations, a spell that Lana managed to hold all while working fruitfully. Her right arm would constantly glow, rune inscriptions across her skin that would assist in her channeling. Though only the markings on her hand were visible under her black leather jacket. Rather than pay a staff – she would run the café, and reap the benefits. It was the truth behind the speak-easy café, hence its hidden nature. Though – with her unlawful tactics – she equally allowed the same in her own doors. The Stir was often a meeting place for the Blue-Robin’s. A group she often found herself mixed up in. Your typical vigilante’s – steal from the rich, give to the poor, fight for the weak, bring down the big-government, who did nothing for the death of her father. In Fact – the Government came running after Lana’s mother, draining her of every penny for the fees and debts her father had accrued, things he had done that he never shared… it was her mother Ava who would pay the price. And now… The Stir was the only bit of income that the legendary Highland family would have… Lana turned to the expresso machine behind her and packed a perfect cup, the machine steamed and poured in its own kind of magic. A bit of cream – just pure artistic talent – she drew a rose atop the steaming mug. The selected muffin chimed in the oven – and Lana came stepping towards the booth that Vaena sat in. “A Latte, and a ‘one of those’, for a suspicious looking friend” Lana set the large round mug down, which sat upon a decorated tea plate. And then the muffin on its own plate. She then moved across the booth and sat across from Vaena. “That book reeks of bad magic” she smirked and crossed her legs. Lana’s hair was pulled to the side in curling waves. She wore a black leather jacket, a simple tank under it with tight jeans on. Lana had a chiseled jaw, and cheek bones that could cut steel. Naturally her eyes were squinting with thought, or just this kind of bad-girl look she had. “It’s been… 5 years, or so?” she chuckled. “I’ve heard your name around, though I figured by now you’d find your way out of the academy and shake the world” she glanced to the book, her eyes catching an odd rune.. scribbled words below it. “Or perhaps you’ve come to The Stir for just that… your shake the world moment?” she smirked. “How have you been, Vaena?” |
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 24, 2022 21:40:24 GMT -5
Vaena was deep in thought. Far to deep to even remotely recognize a long lost schoolmate from years ago. When the mug was set down on the table she didn’t budge, she was deep within the pages of the book, focused. Her brow had a wrinkle in it as she tried to come to an explanation for what the Council was asking of her. That book reeks of bad magic. The words spoken by the woman caused Vaena to pull her jade hues away from the text.
A look of realization washed over her expression as she looked to the woman that had welcomed herself into the booth across from her. She’d never known what happened to Lana. In fact, it took a few weeks for Vaena to realize that Lana was gone. It was another classmate that mentioned the talented mage’s disappearance that caused Vaena to question her father about it. He’d never really given her a straight answer. He loved to blame Lana’s expulsion from the academy on her lazy nature…one her attitude. But he never told her a direct fact as to why Lana was gone. Vaena gave up on questioning it once she graduated. Vaena was thrown a slue of responsibilities once she finished her final year. The Grand Master expected nothing less than greatness from his daughter. There was no other choice in the matter.
Vaena closed the book and cleared her throat slightly as she saw Lana’s deep blue hues looking to the pages of the book. “Shake the world…” She gave a small laugh. “Let’s hope not.” She watched the woman. She’d never truly had friends. Not with the expectations that were set about for her. She didn’t have the time. Vaena had to learn everything, she had to master it all. Her jade hues looked to the glowing runes upon Lana’s right hand. Her hues moved to look to the other two workers within the café. “Lana this magic is forbidden.” Her brows scrunched together once again. She looked to the woman and then shook her head. “I came inside the bar upstairs because of the rain…” She pressed her lips into a flat line and then looked to the book again. You do not disregard what the Capitol has asked of you, Miss Beraellis.
The words of Damien racked her mind. By the morning she would have no choice but to begin. Vaena gave another soft smile, “How have I been…?” She repeated the question. No one ever asked her how she was. Lana had. She seemed to mull over the question. “I’ve been busy.” She gave a half laugh as she reached for the mug and lifted it. She gazed to the beautiful artistic nature of the foam. A true smile tugged up the edges of her lips then. “This is perfect…” She took a sip and closed her eyes for a moment. Yes, she had been busy. Her father had placed her over the first-year students at the Academy. She had to sort out those that didn’t belong at the academy. She had to test them and if they did not succeed she was the one to send them home. He was grooming her to one day stand in his position. It was always his goal from the moment she was born. Her mother…well she would have wanted the same. At least that is what he told Vaena. Over and over again she was told her mother would be proud of how far she came. How incredible of a mage she was. Her mother had disappeared when she was young. People had a knack for vanishing, especially when it regarded the Capital.
“My father put me over the new students. First year.” She took a bite of the muffin. Her eyes lit up to the flavor. She looked about the café slightly as she took in the beauty of it. It was calming in a way, she felt hidden from the world here. Perhaps that was the point. “So, I can’t really find my way out into the world. You wouldn’t be the first one to remind me that I don’t know what it is like to be outside the walls of the academy.” She cleared her throat after she spoke this, her fingers curled around the warm mug of coffee. Her expression waned slightly, Damien’s words were weighing on her.
“You look like you’ve been busy though. I…I’m glad I stumbled upon this place.” She looked to one of the aberrations as it worked behind the counter. Her jade hues fell back to Lana. “I’m here for business of the Academy though.” She forced a smile. “The Grand Master sent me to answer a request from the Capitol…” She didn’t speak anymore on the matter. Her fingers rest upon the book that held several runes upon the thick leather binding that was crumbling slowly away from age.
Vaena gazed to Lana a long moment. She traced over the woman’s features. A soft smile curved up her lips as she did this. She then drew in a breath after she realized the silence that had settled in around the two. Vaena straightened slightly and brushed a bit of her red hair from her eyes as it filtered forward slightly. “How have…you been Lana?” She hesitated slightly when she started to ask the question. “How’s your mother doing?” She felt a pit form in her stomach. 5 years had gone by. It didn’t feel like 5 years. But time had seemed to slip away since the moment of her graduation from the Academy. She was burning the candle from both ends to complete tasks for her father. She didn’t have time to think of anything but the Academy.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Apr 24, 2022 22:09:53 GMT -5
Lana watched as Vaena took a sip – the pleasant smile that crept across her lips brought her an odd sense of joy. “Ah, fateful rain then” she tilted her head as the woman spoke once more. This magic is forbidden. “Oh, well, so is this book” she tapped the thick leatherbound book before her. “My grubby paws have touched it before, actually – part of my magic comes from page 122. Cyclical magic – one that can loop the same spell on its own, fuel itself, and channel alone. Handy technique…” she smirked. Lana turned her gaze to a copy of herself, which poured another latte. Her mimic brought the mug over and set it down before it’s original.
Lana lifted the mug and took her own sip and smacked her lips together in delight. “Busy is an understatement. You were busy in school, If only there was a word beyond busy. I’m sure that is what you are now” she took another sip and chuckled. She listened, nodding slightly, though not surprised in any fashion. Vaena is what Lana called the Scrubber, the anal-retentive mage who would poison first year and see who keeled off from it. She remembered her own first year. Madam Larue, Who would drill questions into Lana until she finally missed one, often times hours of questions. She remembered watching Larue turn every shade of angry-red when Lana would effortlessly answer. Oh how she knew Larue wanted to shove her boot up her side and punt her out the window, though the woman showed restraint, and even respect at times…
The cafe itself was small. Booths lined the walls, a few tables in the middle. There were floating shelves with plants about them, and local art on the walls. There was a tiny stage for artists and events, but otherwise the place had a sort of mysterious vibe in its dim lighting and simple design.
“From the Capitol huh” Lana huffed slightly and leaned back in the booth. “Ava is fine” she muttered. “I took what little the Capitol let us keep and opened up this place. It gets us by” she lifted a brow. “Though, this is just the day job” she smirked and lifted a brow.
“You’re stuck here now, can’t exactly leave of the rain will melt away your dearest book… tell me, what exactly does the Capitol want you to accomplish out of The Design of Five Signs ? That book has some very… dark magic in it. The kind of Theories and magics that can certainly… Shake the world” she winked. “And don’t worry, this place is a sanctuary for secrets and forbidden shit” she sipped once more.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 24, 2022 23:02:16 GMT -5
Vaena looked to Lana’s fingertips as they tapped upon the book. The book itself was forbidden. She knew it, but her breath snagged slightly within her lungs. She bit at her lower lip as she tried to come up with a response. Though Lana did that for her. She had seen the book before? Her lips parted slightly as she looked to the woman. She’d admired Lana in a way. The ease of which the woman performed magic. Her skill was unmatched by nearly everyone at the Academy. Lana was the only one who could truly compete with Vaena. The only other mage that was astounding from her class. “Cyclical magic…you don’t say…” She glanced to the perfect copy of the woman as it created a latte and brought it to her.
The red haired mage ate another piece of her muffin as she watched Lana, a chuckle escaped over her lips as the woman seemed to enjoy the coffee. The comment that Lana made only caused Vaena to smile, a smile that Lana would have recognized from the few times that the two had spoken with one another. Lana had a way about her, she could make Vaena laugh. Few could do that. Most of the incoming students in the Academy were wary of Vaena. She demanded perfection. That is what the Argaris Academy was founded upon. The ideal of the strongest mages. It was prestigious and to even get to the phase where one would be tested to ensure they could enter the Academy…well that took a lot of talent in itself. Though many would fail and go to lesser schools. “Yes, well…if I do discover a word that is more than busy, I’ll be certain to let you know.” Vaena watched the woman before she took a sip from her coffee, once again enjoying the delightful flavor.
The words that came from the woman next caused Vaena’s brows to furrow slightly. The Capitol took from them? Her lips parted slightly. Being in the Academy…safe behind its walls. She didn’t see what those of the Council of the Capitol did. She didn’t see the corruption. Today was merely her first taste. Her dismissal when she refused to agree to the terms that the Capitol asked of her. The way that Damien spoke to her. She’d never expected to be told that she was being ordered to perform such an action.
Though before Vaena could formulate words to ask why the Capital had taken from the Highland family when Gregor was a part of the Council…Lana threw more questions at her. The mage pressed her lips together as she stared to the book. “Dark magic is an understatement.” She spoke after several moments of crippling silence. She could feel her heart bound within her chest. “I’m certain that most of the spells within this book have the capability of doing quite a lot more than merely shaking the world…since you’ve seen the book Lana I imagine you know this…”
Vaena was stiff now. That smile. The chuckle. It was all gone. She’d trusted Lana when they were in school together. She was the only person that hadn’t treated her different. Some of the students were nervous around Vaena as if she was some celebrity. Others were the opposite, they would to anything to get Vaena’s attention. They wanted her to speak to the Grand Master about them…to ensure that it was known that they were great mages. She’d never had friends. It was impossible with what her father expected of her. Besides, who can miss something that they’ve never had? “What if Lana…” She looked to the woman with her jade hues. “What if there is a darkness that is worse than anything within this book?” She questioned as she lifted it. Her eyes remained upon Lana. “What if…the darkness within this book is the only means to the light of another day?”
Vaena set the book down and then took the last sip of her coffee. “It isn’t what the Capitol wants me to do…they didn’t ask…so it isn’t a want…it was an order…” She ran her fingertip along the brim of her empty mug as she seemed to think deeply. Her stare cut through Lana, as though she was staring to the furthest reaches of the universe. “Even if…I don’t agree to it…” A sigh came over her lips and she shook her head. “I imagine this world is much different than the world within the Academy…” She gave a weak laugh. “My father has never spoken a word of why you just…disappeared off of the roster at the academy…I asked him. For an entire year Lana…” She shifted in her chair slightly. “So I imagine much of the world as I’ve been told it…just isn’t…what I imagine it to be.”
She opened the book then and flipped through the pages to the one that she was on when Lana sat down at the table. She ran her fingertips over the runes. Over the scribblings and markings made by previous mages. “Damien…the Militant Chair in the Council…” She pressed her lips together. “He has spent the past few years coming to the academy and speaking with the Grand Master…as well as myself. He hand delivered the request from the Capitol himself, and he brought me to the city…” She paused as she looked to the pages before her. “This…” She pushed the book to Lana. “This could be the end of everything. They don’t seem to understand what this spell could do. It…it could cause a cataclysmic reaction…I tried to tell him no…he said that the council is not asking…” Her words began to string together, Vaena began to speak more quickly. Her breathing quickened.
“If the Grand Master was presented with this. H-he would tell them no…my father would tell them no…” She pressed her lips together. “The Council has seen a threat…that…they won’t tell me what it is. Damien assured me that this threat would be worse than anything that they are asking me to do. That the world would end from the threat that the Council has seen…” The nervousness in Vaena’s voice could be heard now. She pinched the bridge of her nose as she drew in a shaken breath. “So…so what if this…isn’t the darkest thing in the world? What if this truly is the only thing that can stop what the Council has seen?” She pointed to the page.
“It isn’t just…the thought of what might happen if the spell goes wrong, Lana…it…” She clenched her jaw slightly. “It’s blood magic…I’ll have to…” She looked away then and sat back in the booth. She didn’t want to speak it. She’d have to kill more than one person to make this spell work. There would be plenty of blood on her hands in order to pull this off. Vaena shook her head slightly. Lana had always had a way of getting her to talk about things she didn’t want to talk about. There was something about Lana that made Vaena want to speak to her, to tell her everything. She’d even warned Lana when she heard that Madam Larue was going to drill her with questions…something she wouldn’t have even dreamed of doing…but yet she felt the need to do it for Lana. “I can’t.” She whispered as she crossed her arms over her chest.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Apr 24, 2022 23:39:35 GMT -5
Lana smirked to Vaena as she saw her unravel before her. Vaena’s smile brought back memories she had locked away. The two sitting about the library, Lana eating a sandwich, despite the rule of – no food in the library – and Vaena nose deep in a book. She remembered the way Vaena would recap her thoughts aloud as she read, Lana just listening along and soaking in the information. Often times it was like Vaena did all the studying, and Lana somehow just stole the information from her.
“There are… certainly darknesses out there beyond this book. That is why this book exists” she leaned back and finished her tea. She lifted a brow – she could sense the uneasy tension within Vaena. Sense it – nearly smell it, taste it, it drained from her like a seeping ooze. “I’m not surprised, the Capitol doesn’t ask for anything…” she lifted a brow. “Sounds like Damien has been grooming you…” she sucked in a breath through her teeth as she listened. The end of everything, or perhaps the saving of some unknown threat. Sounded ominous – sounded… interesting. “So they believe something horrible is going to happen, and so they resort to equally horrible solutions… means the Capitol is in a real pinch. And highly classified… or my little birdies would have tweeted about this…” she glanced upward.
A Mimic-Lana set down two mugs. “Good ol’ fashion Kava… help with that tension you have” she smirked and lifted the mug. She took a long sip and pressed her slightly tingling lips together as she thought of her question. What happened to her? Lana broke her smile and she gazed down to the book and sighed softly. “Since we are sharing top secret shit” she smirked and took another sip.
“My father – Minister of Magic, Councilman, blahblah. Murdered, you remember…” she sighed. “I found out that… your father had seen him the same day he died. I spent day and night trying to understand why. They said his death was an accidental spell gone wrong, but I knew my father – he was nothing but perfection in his magic. He may not have… been there much for me, or mom, but the man knew magic.” She shifted back. “So I searched for an answer. Through some investigation I found out there was a meeting the day he died, at the Capitol. A private one, a gathering of influential mages, your father – one of them. So, I got caught in his office. I was using a scrying spell – touching every object I could find, just trying to get a glimpse of a memory that may have rubbed off onto his desk, lamp, book, anything. Of course, I got caught. Your father decided not to report it officially, but of course – had to expel me.” She shrugged slightly. “Since then I have tried to trace down that meeting, everyone that I managed to find that was there – wouldn’t dare speak of it. Some bullshit thrown my way, all lies. I can see it in their eyebrows, their drumming fingers, fluctuating voices… I don’t need to be a damn mage to tell…” she sighed once more.
“The only thing I could find out – was something to do with Operation Omega, but I haven’t been able to find out anything more than that…” Lana crossed her arms. “So I’ve been busy, running this café, I work with the Blue Robins, scouring the lands for any inkling of information I can find…” she shook her head. “I am betting… my father did not agree, so they offed him. Covered it up, and then they came after my father’s legacy, because he was in the middle of a lawsuit – which after he died… suddenly he was found guilty. Highland fortune gone in a day” she huffed “Their way of silencing me as well, not much I can do with no money. I couldn’t put together a committee, couldn’t stand and fight for my father, couldn’t even manage to squeeze back into college. With my record, and no money…” she laughed then, a weak and cold one.
“The world is cruel outside those brick walls…” she turned and glanced to the book as it was turned her way. She pulled her brows together “When I was at the Academy, I snuck into the forbidden libraries and yanked this bad boy. Cyclical magic helped me create my clones – to investigate, to study, to dig… to whatever” she flipped through the pages. “It was the whitest dark magic in this blasted thing.. but this? This is just a theory” she flipped the page. “I remember reading it briefly, and I did an absolute ton of research. The theory of Interdimensional timelines converging on moments that are shared. The concept that two timelines can have the same moment – but a different outcome. And… with this spell – you slice the outcome and swap them. Like a school kid in the yard, trading a bruised banana for a prettier one, but leaving the other kid with the crap” she flipped the page. “You certainly can’t use this spell here, the book though references another – that old ass book by uh… Jolin something. About Star-Fusion magic. The magic about the dynamic energy of atoms, being so powerful and strong – the same magic binding every atom together, is the same which could pierce the veil of time. Imagine that” she chuckled “Space magic combined with the worst Earthly magic – blood magic, to bend the rules of reality” she chuckled.
“I thought about it before – briefly – before acknowledging that I’m just not powerful enough. The concept of changing time and saving my father? Wasn’t worth it” she pulled her brows together. “So, the Capitol has demanded you figure this out… a magic that doesn’t even exist, as an answer to some unknown threat? And… on top of that, you my little bambie have yet to even take a life? Oh, lovely, you are very fucked…” she pushed the book back to her. She thought for a moment, her brows pulled tight. “But maybe…” she whispered slightly. “Together, maybe. Blood magic is….” She glanced up “easy for me…. If you can manage star-fusion…” she crossed her arms. “I mean, not that I’m saying I am volunteering…. But I do like a challenge” she smirked. “Jolin’s book though? Yeesh, god knows where it is, and if it even has what you need… Is telling them No – this is not possible – even an answer?”
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 25, 2022 0:38:40 GMT -5
“Grooming me?” Vaena winced slightly to the words that Lana spoke. “No, I wouldn’t call it grooming. He was trying to...” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter what he was doing. Clearly my father doesn’t even understand what is at stake here...” The tension in the room was thick enough to slice with a dull blade. “He took me in a room. It felt like an interrogation more than him asking me to perform this spell. When I told him no. He told me that they don’t ask for anything...” She bit her lip slightly as the tea was set down before her. “Many of the books and spells of dark magic were locked away centuries ago. For good reason. Along with this book. It was locked away in the forbidden libraries for a reason.” She tapped the cover of the book uncomfortably.
She paused as the scent wafted to her nostrils. “Kava?” She questioned and scrunched her brows. “I’ve never had it...” She shook her head then and lifted the mug to her lips and took a drink. The tingling sensation that took over her lips and tongue caused the mage to raise her brows slightly. She took another sip. She listened to Lana as she spoke about her father. About what truly happened. She sipped upon the tea as Lana spoke, listening to each word intently.
“You went in my father’s office?” Her brows raised, her lips parted. Disbelief. A surprised laugh came from Vaena, “He never mentioned that...” She pressed her lips together then and took another sip of the tea. A sad smile came to Vaena as Lana spoke of the lies that everyone told her of the event. “Lies are easy to spot, if you know where to look. For someone like you Lana, it isn’t difficult to see right through the veil.” Vaena knew how bright Lana was, even if others didn’t seem to believe it. She remembered listening to Lana answer questions to Madam Larue. The sophisticated answers that many of the students didn’t understand, but Vaena knew exactly what Lana was talking about. She enjoyed the times that Lana would sit within the library with her. It was the time spent with someone at her side. She didn’t care that Lana wasn’t nose deep in a book as well. The conversation that they had. That was something that she enjoyed. No one else could keep up with Vaena quite like Lana.
“Omega...” Vaena looked to Lana then and shook her head. “I’ve seen papers on my father’s desk about Operation Omega.” She hugged the warm cup of tea to her chest. “If he was there the day your father was murdered...surely...my father must know something...” Her expression was almost broken in a way. Torn. “Perhaps he knows where your father went after that meeting?” Naive. She bit her lip slightly and shook her head. “I would have asked him for you...you know?...when your father died...you just...” She let out a breath and looked away. “You disappeared. I didn’t know.” She hugged the mug a bit more tightly within her grasp. Truthfully, Vaena felt horrible that she hadn’t done more. But what could she do with such a full plate before her? Even if she had known. What would she have done?
“You think they would have had your father killed...for disagreeing?” Her eyes widened. The world outside of the Academy. It was much different. “I...I didn’t agree with them...” She stammered as she set the mug down, her breathing had quickened slightly. “They...they wouldn’t do that...they...are supposed to protect the people...that is what the Council is for...they...keep the Capitol together...they...” She bit at her lip. They silenced people that were against them. She’d heard something about it here or there. But her studies...those were more important than the political propaganda that other students spoke of. She was a mage. A great mage destined for more than gossip. That is what her father told her at least.
“The Blue Robins...you’ve been working with them? Lana they’re dangerous.” Words that her father had spoken to her about the vigilante group. “You know if you get caught with them you’ll have more than just a record to worry about...” She pressed her lips together once again. Vaena took another drink of the tea. She was beginning to feel the affects of it. Her muscles were beginning to loosen. Her mind was beginning to calm. Not a moment too soon either. Lest Vaena have a full on panic attack from the world as she knew it collapsing around her.
She listened to Lana as she looked over the book and spoke of it. “There isn’t a spell in this world to perform such a magic that they’ve asked me to perform. To change time.” Vaena shook her head. She then grinned slightly as Lana began to speak about the two timelines that meet. “Yes.” She spoke as she leaned forward. The relaxing effects of the Kava allowed her to focus on the concept of the spell rather than the possible destruction of the world. “It’s even more sophisticated than merely slipping a different object into a parallel timeline.” She raised a brow slightly. “It can bend nearly anything. If this could be done I could easily return to the time that the event that the Capital is worried about happened...I could exchange it...cause the path to diverge...if...if your father was involved and they killed him over this...wouldn’t that bring him back?” She pondered the idea before she took another sip from the mug.
“Jolin Eisweir. He was an absolute lunatic.” Vaena smirked as she watched Lana. “He was a scholar before the times of the Academy. He dreamed of altering this world as we knew it. He spoke of the parallel timelines...of divergence and converging….he spoke of many different weavings of time that could ultimately be performed with such magic. Star-Fusion.” She finished off the mug and looked to the empty mug again. This was the first time she’d dabbled in anything that was mind altering. It felt incredible. “He spoke of preventing wars...of bringing a peace to this world that we could never think fathomable.” She shook her head slightly.
Vaena leaned forward and cupped her face in her hands as she looked to Lana. Listening. It was much like the old times in the library where the two would get on a topic and just rattle back and forth with one another. Though most of the time was spent with Vaena muttering about concepts from the books that she read. They did have moments that truly stuck out. Moments of true conversation. A sigh escaped her as the book was pushed back across the table to her. She looked to it and closed it. Her fingertips ran over one of the runes that was etched into the cover. “Yeah...that...um...that’s one way to put it...isn’t it?” She closed her eyes a moment. Lana wasn’t wrong. This wasn’t going to end well.
Vaena lifted her eyes as Lana nearly volunteered herself. “Together?” She questioned. “The Capitol would be displeased if they found out that I even told you about this.” She bit her lip again. Nervous. She then shook her head. “Jolin’s book. The last one that he wrote before he died. I do believe it is archived in the Academy. But I know his previous works were lost in the fire of his lab. The one that the Academy has is terribly damaged. My father showed it to me in a lesson once.” She drew in a breath. Vaena had access to the Forbidden texts because of who she was. She had always had free reign in the libraries to do as she pleased because her father wanted her to gain as much knowledge as she could to become as powerful as possible.
“The book does mention something else though.” She flipped the pages a bit back to the page that mentioned the warping of time itself. “Jolin kept an archive.” She placed her finger on the scribbling. “I’m not certain if it would even exist anymore...but perhaps in some of his ramblings I can make something of it...if that is even the case.” She crossed her arms and looked to Lana a long moment. “There is also Isaac Muir. He was a great scientist in his day and a skilled mage...he came quite close to developing star-fusion...though his take on it is much different than that of Jolin. Where Jolin is like a school boy that has eaten an entire round of sugar wafers...Isaac was well thought out...dependable. Perhaps we can gather information from his works. I read one of his books when I was quite young. My father took it from me when he found that I had it.” Vaena laughed lightly. “He said I shouldn’t be reading such controversial texts.” She smirked. Her mind was more a ease now and the words were coming to her easily.
“Perhaps...we start there...we get Jolin’s book...and we get Isaac’s book. Maybe I can make sense of how to formulate a spell from it...but I am not certain the Capital will even allow me to go back to the Academy...Damien warned me not to leave town...” A sigh came from her as she closed the book once again. “If I cannot perform this properly, Lana...if I can’t deliver what they’ve ordered of me...what if you’re right? What if they did kill your father because he didn’t agree?” She shook her head then as she drew in a deep breath. “And...h-how are you comfortable with killing…?” Vaena asked the question. “I’m not...a bambie...I just...that is not...blood magic is forbidden for a reason...Lana...” She looked to the book then before she closed her eyes a moment. “Do you really think this can be done?” She asked after a long moment of silence before she brought her jade hues to look to her once again.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Apr 25, 2022 14:16:48 GMT -5
Lana pulled her brows together, a defeated sigh from her lips. “Oh surely he knows something… and I’ve asked – many times. As much as you are his daughter… I doubt he’d say much. If someone was murdered over it, no doubt anyone aware would bury the hatchet deep… before someone else gets murdered… but that’s just what the Capitol does. Drivers of fear for their own initiative…” she listened as the woman put the pieces together. She watched the naïve glaze over her eyes crumble away with every passing sentence of her own. In a way she felt horrible, but yet felt…. Good. Like she was winning. The truth of the corruption… she would never let it rest.
Lana scoffed slightly “Anything worth doing is dangerous” she spoke. “The Blue Robins fight for the people, and if you want to do what is right versus what is easy? That is dangerous” she seemed heated a little. It was obvious that Lana wasn’t just involved with them, she believed in them, she was a Blue Robin, it wasn’t hidden on her face.
She was happy when Vaena returned to the topic at hand – the Timewarping magic, the dimension shredding, the thievery. The concept itself sounded interesting, it peaked Lana’s mind. It had been some time since she had something other than justice to think about. Even though the entire thing was absurd to her, the perform such a feat was delicious to her. At her point – she didn’t care much of the destruction it might cause… she had little to nothing to lose now…What would this alternate place be like, was she any different there – was her father dead – was she a baker and barista? Or was she….a legendary mage, some powerful stature, making big decisions and ruining other peoples lives?
“How am I not surprised you know it, Jolin Eisweir. Hah, a Lunatic? All great mages are” she winked, almost to hint that she may equally be a lunatic… but it was pushing the boundaries on theories… that is what made a great mage. You cannot accomplish something new with the same spells…History was waiting to be made. Lana glanced to Vaena’s gaze – which lingered on the mug. She placed a hand over the empty mug and shifted it away. “Only one, little Bambie. It’s a gateway tea…” she smirked and leaned back, listening to the scholarly ramblings of the woman.
“The Capitol doesn’t need to know, besides – there is truthfully no way this can be done alone. The Capitol is obviously reaching for a last-ditch effort to stop whatever this shit is. Hell, why should you even do it without knowing the truth either? The risks we take with this could truthfully outweigh the current timeline. And if it ends in destruction– you would be the one responsible for the destruction… not the capitol. That is why they came to you quietly, demanding, to perform a magic that no one has before – fully aware of the repercussions. You are the last tiny bit of hope… which means… if you need help, who are they to stop you? It is clear that all logical reasoning is out the door…” she crossed her arms as her mind rambled through it. A revelation out loud… even the thought of it disgusted and angered her. It was typical of the Capitol to do this, not a surprise at all…but why? What is happening that they have to fix so badly, and if the world didn’t know about it… then what did They do? The lack of communication disturbed her…
“If you’re going to go through with this – then you have to step up to it. Don’t wait for Damien to come around to you, you go to him. Tell him what you need… you need to find the book, you need resources. It is what a professional Mage would do. If he wants to destroy the world – then fine. To do it right – we tell them what is next.” She placed a hand on the table. “If you are submissive, then you will only get even more abused. If you use that spine… they will see strength, and have confidence in you, and they’ll bend to your needs. Granted, you’ll still have to cast the spell, right? But if you fake that you believe in it… well” she sighed “I know how to lean into their bullshit, and how to manipulate them..and that is how. Align with them, because 90% of people don’t, and they’ll covet you” she crossed her arms.
“Oh, you nailed it love… They killed my father for not agreeing… they’ll kill you too. It sounds like what ever is coming – may very well kill us all anyways. Maybe they are right, maybe this is the last chance we have… who knows. The truth is obscured…” she huffed. “And yes, Blood magic is dangerous. Yes, I’ve killed once or twice…. I’ve been out here with my sleeves rolled, churning in the piss-holes that is this dominated land. I hate to break it to you, but life outside those walls… it’s nothing you’ve seen before, babe” she stood then and grasped both empty mugs.
“Leave that dirty magic to me… you.. what’s your plan?” she questioned as she handed the mugs to a copy of herself. She came back to the booth and crossed her arms, standing before Vaena with anticipation.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 25, 2022 20:07:42 GMT -5
Vaena watched Lana as she spoke of the Grand Master. At what lengths would he go to hide things from her? He expected her to one day run the Academy. Would he hide the corruption of the Capital from her? Her brows creased as the thoughts ran through her mind. “If my father knows anything about your father’s murder….Lana I will uncover it...” She leaned forward slightly. Though as Lana defended the Blue Robins, Vaena saw the passion in her eyes. How she defended them. She was truly one of the Blue Robins. Perhaps they were not the horrible monsters that her father made them to be. Lana was one of them...so they couldn’t be monsters. Could they?
She leaned back in her seat as she seemed to think deeply. Though Vaena laughed as Lana winked to her. “I like to believe that I am not a lunatic, Lana.” She commented with a playful smile upon her lips now. She sighed slightly as the mug was pulled away from her. “A gateway tea? You don’t say.” She laughed lightly. The tea had relaxed her quite a bit. It gave her more courage. She focused in on Lana as she spoke once again of the Capital. Lana was right, this ask...what they wanted of Vaena was insurmountable...how could she possibly do it alone? “The risks could outweigh this timeline, or be our end.” Vaena shrugged slightly and shook her head. “I wish to know what they have done that they are so afraid of. But unfortunately we may never know it seems. The Capital wants to keep it under lock and key it seems...I can only imagine how horrible it is...if they are willing to go to such lengths to stop it.”
Vaena raised a brow slightly as Lana told her to step up to the challenge. It was a different take. One that she imagined they would like, she didn’t believe Lana to be wrong. She would have to take charge of this situation before she was turned into a puppet of the Capital. She’d read books in her early years. Books that her father quickly took away from her and claimed them to be falsehoods. “They would covet me….just for agreeing with them?” She questioned and furrowed her brows slightly. It was such an odd thing to think. She had worked her entire life to gain even the slightest of approval from her father. This task that he’d sent her to do, this was him entrusting her with something highly important. She remembered the way he spoke of it, how he wanted her to have a chance to make a name for herself. He wanted her to bring the Academy and the Capital together as one. It was political games more than anything, she saw that now.
“You have been out here...in this...world outside of the Academy because of your father’s murder...” Vaena spoke after Lana finished. “You had no choice in the matter but to do what you’ve done to survive. This...is you surviving. You working with the Blue Robins...it is surviving...” She shook her head. How could she be so blind? This world was so different from the world that she’d built in her mind. Lana was right. This world was nothing like she had ever seen. Vaena bit at her lip slightly as the question was posed to her. What was next? What was her plan? She gazed up to Lana as she came back to the table and crossed her arms. “Well...”
Vaena stood and placed her backpack upon the seat, she slipped the book into it before she pulled a piece of chalk from the back and slid the straps over her shoulders. “I think you’re right Lana. I need to show them that I’m committed.” She drew in a breath, she was feeling confident after the Kava tea. She turned and easily drew a small rune upon the table that she was sitting at with Lana. “If they won’t allow me to look for this archive or to get Isaac’s book from the Academy...then I’ll just have to go anyway. Because like you said. What choice do I have?” She questioned before she gave a bit of a smile to Lana. “Thank you, Lana.” She nodded to her before she pressed her hand to the rune.
Blue electricity raced around her fingertips and up her arm. Vaena’s eyes began to glow with the same electricity. In a moment her entire body was enveloped by the glowing blue shock waves and in another moment, Vaena was gone. Not even the rune remained upon the table. Though a small gust of icy cold air would have rushed from the space that Vaena once stood. This magic, teleportation. To do it so effortlessly. Very few mages were capable of such things. It was an example of the power that Vaena held. The power that the Capital no doubt knew that she had. She was more talented than her father could have even dreamed of being. Though that is what was to be expected when two powerful mages have a child. But Vaena knew little to nothing of her mother.
**
Within the tower that was owned by the Capital bolts of electricity formed out of nowhere within an office. Damian sat at a large desk behind a computer. His eyes lifted and he stood as Vaena materialized before him. His lips parted slightly as he looked to her. “Vaena…?” He questioned as she stepped across the room toward him.
Without a word Vaena pulled the backpack from her back and pulled out the book. She placed it on the desk before him and flipped to the page about the spell that held many different etchings and scribblings of other mages in the past. “This is a difficult task.” She began. Her eyes lifted and she watched him carefully. “I’ve read as much as I can from this book, but Jolin...the mage whom hypothesized this...his journals would do me more good than anything. As well as a book from another scholar that I know is in the Academy’s Forbidden Libraries.”
Damian looked surprised as he stepped around the table and looked to the book. He gazed to Vaena a long moment before a smile cracked his expression. “You want to do it?” He asked, he seemed almost prideful.
“Well if you’ve taught me one thing, Damien.” Vaena turned to him and crossed her arms over her chest. “As a Mage of the Argaris Academy it only makes sense for me to aid the Capital. You’re not the enemy here. So yes, I’m in. I apologize for earlier...I was a little nervous about the idea of fusing two magics together. But once I read the material...You were right...it makes sense.” She spoke the lies effortlessly thanks to the confidence that both Lana and the tea had given her. Lana had always made her feel more confident. She wanted to do more than sit in her room and study when she’d spent time with Lana. But of course, she had never acted upon those wants. She didn’t have the time. “I’m in. I just need to know that you will allow me to gather the resources that I will need to perform this magic. It will be taxing...there are many things that could go wrong. It will take me time to do this right.”
Damien grinned as the words came from the mage that stood before him. “I’m certain that the Council would approve of that. Yes of course.” He looked relieved in a way. “Why don’t you come with me? There is someone I want to introduce you to...and I have to show you around of course.” He waved for her to follow him.
Vaena glanced around his office a moment before she quickly caught up to him. She gazed around as they walked down the pristine hallways. Beautiful...quite expensive art lined the halls. This part of the building the public didn’t have access to. They made their way to a door that Damien scanned a badge to get inside. Vaena’s lips parted slightly as she was the rounded room with a black quartz table that was circled around a holographic projector. The table had lights that glowed from beneath it. The room felt like nothing she’d ever seen before.
“Mr. Reed, this is the mage that I have been telling you about.” Damien spoke as they stepped into the room.
A man sat within one of the chairs. Several papers and a laptop before him. He had peppered hair that was combed to the side and thick framed glasses. He looked up and his eyes fell upon Vaena. “The Grand Master’s daughter.” He stood and stepped forward. “I’ve heard promising things about you, Miss Beraellis.” He held his hand forward and waited for her to shake his hand. “You may call me Malcom if you’d like, most do. I am the head of the Council. I trust that Damien has approached you with our proposal?” He questioned.
Vaena gave a nod and she drew in a breath to speak. Damien held a hand up and then smirked slightly. “I merely told her what was being asked of her, I wanted to leave the proposal to you. She has agreed to aid the Capital. No questions asked, Mr. Reed.” He had this smile on his face that made Vaena’s stomach churn.
“You don’t say?” Malcom looked to her. “Well Damien, why don’t you leave us to discuss, hm?” He turned and walked back to his seat. “Miss Beraellis, have a seat. Oh and Damien. Do get us a bottle would you? This is cause for celebration.” He chuckled as he closed his laptop. He laced his fingers and leaned forward as he watched Vaena sit across from him at the table. “Your father is going to be quite proud of you, Vaena. May I call you Vaena?” He asked and watched as she nodded. All of the confidence that she had was quickly dwindling. He pulled a folder from his pile of papers and opened it. The first page held a picture of Vaena. Her heart began to beat more quickly within her chest. “This task that we are asking of you is a great undertaking.”
“Yes. One that I will require quite a bit of research and resources to be able to complete.” Vaena pulled her nerves together to speak.
Malcom smiled to her response. “I’ve read a lot about you. Damien has told me so much.” He flipped through the pages of the folder. “Top of your class. Your father is the Grand Master of the Academy. Your mother was a talented mage that had power that we had never seen before.” He clasped his hands once again. “I’m happy that you’ve chosen to be on the right side of things, Vaena. There are plenty of vigilantes that don’t see the greater good of things. You see?” He glanced as Damien brought in two crystal glasses and a bottle of wine. He popped the cork from its place and poured the velvety liquid into both glasses. “That is why this is means to celebrate, hm?” Malcom grasped his glass. “It has been 5 years since the council has indoctrinated a mage into the Head Magister position. I do think it is time that we alleviate that. Don’t you, Vaena?”
Vaena grasped the crystal glass and gazed to the liquid. She lifted her jade hues to look to Malcom as she drew in a slow breath. “What is it that you are insinuating, Malcom?” She questioned.
A chuckle came from him as he lifted his glass. “I want you, Miss Beraellis. I’ve had my eyes on you for a few years now.” It was two years ago that Damien had started coming to the Academy. Speaking to her father, speaking to her. Spending time with her. He was grooming her. Lana was right. “Don’t worry, Damien will be with you every step of the way.”
Vaena was frozen for a long moment. She stared to the lifted glass that Malcom held toward her. He nodded his head toward her own glass. She lifted the glass and clinked it with his before she quickly drank from it. Perhaps wine wasn’t a horrible idea. It would drown her nerves away. Right? “You...want me to be the Head Magister?” She questioned her expression showed everything. She forced a smile upon her lips. “That...that’s incredible.” She took another long drink from the wine glass.
Malcom chuckled and drank from his own. “You will do a superb job, Vaena. Oh and the resources? Whatever you need. I’m just happy to have a fresh mind on this.” He pulled a page from the folder and pushed it across to her with a pen. “Formalities of course.”
Vaena set the glass down and looked to the page. A contract. She could hear her heart within her ears. Align with them, because 90% of people don’t, and they’ll covet you. Lana’s words played in her mind. Vaena gave a smile, “Of course. Right.” She lifted the pen and clicked it. She gazed to the thick black ink upon the page. The seal of the Capitol at the top. She drew in a breath as she brought the pen to the page and signed her name. “There you are.” She pushed the page back to Malcom with a smile.
Malcom took the page and placed it within the folder, he grinned to her. “I cannot wait to tell your father that you’ve accepted.” He finished off his glass. He lifted the bottle of wine and topped off her glass before her poured himself another.
“Did he know that you were going to offer me--...”
“Oh yes. We’ve been speaking about this for...about three years now. He was worried you would be to afraid to leave the Academy since you’ve spent your life there. I told him that a great mage such as yourself should be allowed to change this world.” He drank from his glass.
Vaena drank from her own glass. Her father knew. He knew and he never said a word. Her breathing quickened slightly. She set the empty glass down and smiled to him. “Well...I should get rest. I will need to go to the lost archives of Jolin and see what information I can gather.”
Malcom grinned as he stood with her. “Yes of course. But before you go.” He stepped to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “I must show you your office.” He gave a squeeze to her shoulders before he stepped ahead of her and walked down the hall. Vaena had to focus as she walked forward. She felt strange from the wine. She followed after Malcom and down the hallway. He stopped before a door and scanned into it. The office was beautiful. A corner office with a view of the entire city. “You can make it yours.” He spoke as he held his hand forward. “How long do you think it will take you to figure this spell out, Vaena?”
Her jade hues looked to him as she stepped forward to the desk. She placed her fingertips upon the rich mahogany wood. “It depends on how much information I can get from Jolin’s archives. This is a magic that has yet to be invented...it has yet to be executed in such a way that it is survivable. Star-Fusion magic is...untamed...and well combining it with blood magic. That creates a whole other world of possibilities.” She drew in a breath. “I will work as diligently on this as possible. But I do not want to make mistakes. So it will take time.”
“You have 8 months, Miss Beraellis.” Malcom spoke with a charming smile, as if he had told her positive news. “That is what our research tells us. 8 months until the world will come to an end. Unless you are successful. Then we can keep on living. Hm?” He nodded to her. “Just remember that, as you are gathering your information. Sometimes you have to take risks.” He stepped from the room.
Vaena collapsed into the chair behind the desk, her eyes wide. A laugh came from her. The world around her was beginning to spin from the alcohol. She reached to her bag and pulled it over her shoulders before she pulled out the piece of chalk once again. Vaena drew upon the desk. She placed her hand over the rune and the electricity began to form around her once again. Soon enough she disappeared. Moments later Vaena appeared within the coffee shop. She stumbled back and a giggle came from her lips. “Why have I never drank?” She asked with slightly slurred words. She leaned heavily against the counter. “Lana?” She asked and looked around the shop. She giggled again and blew her hair from her face. “You’re not going to believe...what happened...” She closed her eyes a moment. Perhaps a bit too much to drink for a lightweight such as herself. "You were right Lana...everything...you were right about everything."
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Apr 25, 2022 20:51:03 GMT -5
Lana smirked as Vaena stood, she watched the woman pack her bags – flowing with some new sense of confidence. “Alright then… kick ass” she gave a thumbs up and watched her draw the sigil out. In a flash Vaena was gone… Lana sighed deeply and let it go. She made her way to the back of the café and placed her hand upon a scanner. A thick metal door slid open and she stepped into a small storage room. Though this room was turned into an office…
Lana sat down at the desk in the center, where two monitors flicked on. She logged in and typed away at her computer, an application pulled up swiftly. She leaned back as she typed in a password and hummed slightly. The screen took a moment but soon an image rendered… She could see forward, into a gorgeous room. Paintings and statues about… Damien. She remembered him, he was the one who delivered the news to Lana. Her lips pressed into a thin line – and then the audio rang forward. He proceeded to tell her how they had been watching her…. She shifted in the chair and listened.
Vaena was impressively cunning. She held a surprised look, or perhaps – she was actually surprised, Lana noted on her unintentional acting that was extremely convincing. She could see it in Damien’s eyes – like he had just won a game. One that he had been playing at for some time… Vaena was perfect. They didn’t expect anything from her, except her naivity…
The next moment surprised her. She watched her enter the next Office. The wine that was poured – the sly words of Malcom. Lana felt some inner rage within her boiling. The Magister? A churning feeling in her chest – it had remained unfilled. Her father… Lana stood as she watched the conversation. She seem to lean in as her steps lead to a familiar office. What was once her father’s office…
A young Lana stood before the doorway of the same office. She knocked her knuckles onto the decorated door and stepped inside. A man sat at the desk. He had long hair that was pulled into a fresh pony-tail, it was sprinkled with gray within the black chunks. He had a permanently creased forehead from thought, but otherwise he was a slender and tall man. He wore a set of Magister Robes, which gave him a very powerful glance. He looked upward to the door and lifted his glasses from his eyes.
“Ah, Lana” he smiled and stood. At his desk were several pictures – of the family, of their Mansion, the couple outfront with the dog… some others. He stood from the desk and stepped over to Lana and offered her a hug. “So sorry I couldn’t make it to the ceremony… but” he gripped her shoulders and smirked. “I am very proud of you”
“Well, it’s just the induction. You’ll be there for my graduation though, right?” Lana smirked and looked to him.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the life of me” he squeezed her. “Let me wrap up here and we’ll grab a burger from your favorite place”
“Hell yeah” Lana stepped over to one of the chairs before his desk and sat down. Her hands dug for her phone and she pulled it out – her fingers texting swiftly. “Oh – Mom says she’ll be coming by in the morning” she hit send and glanced up. “So, Dad’s famous waffles?” she questioned with a grin.
“Ah – damn, it’s been some time since we’ve all been in the same house. Yes, of course. Famous waffles, with peanut butter too… ah—we’ll need to stop for peanut butter” he laughed and shut the manila folder before him.
Lana shifted in her chair and quickly shut the computer down and shimmied out of the back room. She lifted a finger and brushed a single tear away and sucked in her breath. In an instant – Vaena returned in a flash. Lana perked up and turned at the bar and glanced to Lana. By now a few people were seated in the café… Lana quickly stepped over and placed a hand on her back. “Alright there Bambie” she chuckled. Lana noted the pink in her cheeks from the wine. “Sit down sit down…” she waved a hand and the expresso maker kicked on.
A copy of herself came over with a shot of expresso and offered to Vaena. “Down that… and then let’s go. I’m freaking starving for something decent… Then you can tell me what happened” she grasped Vaena’s hand and lead her towards the stairs that lead up to the bar. Her mimics continued to work, she had perfected this magic. They were capable of running the entire café while she was away, it was unique to her own – and an impressive power. It gave her endless time…
As they stepped through the bar – she came outside. The sun was already down, the street lights of the metropolis were bright and shining against the wet streets. “Good for you – I have two helmets” she stepped over to an older motorcycle, it had a classic design that resembled an antique. She pulled the full face helmet over her head and handed the other to Vaena to wear. She then zipped up her leather jacket that she wore and climbed ontop, kicking the stand away and firing it up.
“Come on then” she nodded to Vaena to climb onto the seat behind her. Once she sat comfortably – Vaena pulled out onto the road and drove forward. The mist from the water on the streets was gentle, and her windshield caught most of it. The streets were relatively empty, apart from the occasional car. She turned down several roads until she made way for a more open road that led out of the city.
Just to the north was a small mountainside. They rode up the winding hills – a relaxing drive in truth, until they came to a cabin nestled away. It was a restaurant – which only had a few cars parked out infront of. She pulled up and turned the bike off… “Ah… so nice to get out of that damn basement” she chuckled and set the helmet down. “Come on, this is a cute little place… quiet, and has a mean cobbler” she held the door open and unzipped her jacket.
“Oh Lana – been a while” the hostess smirked, she was an older woman.
“Patty, a booth for two por-favor” she chuckled and followed behind the woman to an empty booth by the window. It looked out down to the plains, to the bright city below… “Thank you” Lana sat and crossed her legs as she sighed deeply. “Sweet tea for me – “ she waved and then leaned back. “Alright…” she drew in a breath. “What happened?” she questioned with a smirk.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 26, 2022 13:35:10 GMT -5
The hand upon Vaena’s back was welcomed in that moment as the world seemed to move without her own movement. Her jade hues looked to Lana as she was ushered to a seat. Before she knew it a small shot glass of espresso was before her eyes. She reached up and took the glass, she gazed to the motor oil dark liquid for a long moment before she downed the drink. A cough came from Vaena from the bitter taste of the straight espresso. In the next moment she was tugged toward the stairs by Lana. She stumbled slightly as the espresso brought her clarity. “You’re in quite a rush aren’t you?” She questioned as she struggled to keep up with Lana.
Vaena gazed up to the beautiful lights of the city as they stepped outside. A look of awe came over her. She’d never seen the city at night. She was truly sheltered from the real world. The neon colors of the signs that advertised different products and different restaurants...they were so bright and vibrant. Unlike anything she ever saw at the Academy. “Two helmets?” Vaena questioned as they walked up to the motorcycle. “Lana I’m not...so sure about...” She watched as the woman pulled on her own helmet. Vaena bit her lip slightly she then laughed. “What was it you said? If it didn’t dangerous then it isn’t worth doing….right?” She pulled the helmet over her head and fastened the strap beneath her chin. A laugh came from the mage as she awkwardly climbed on behind Lana. She wrapped her arms around Lana’s waist then. As the motorcycle moved forward her grip tightened and a giggle came from the mage like a giddy school child running out to recess.
She gazed about to the city as they moved through it effortlessly. The hustle and bustle of the people as they walked along the sidewalks. Soon enough they left the city and the forest became thick. The trees were tall and wide...she wondered the age of the forest. She watched as an owl flew through the air within the trees, only for a moment before they had gone passed it. The weaving of the road was soothing in a way. Vaena had relaxed quite a bit during the ride, her head lay against the back of Lana as they rode along. Soon enough they came to the restaurant. Vaena climbed off of the motorcycle and pulled the helmet from her head. She brushed her fingers through her red locks as she looked to Lana. She gazed across the valley toward the city in the distance. “How did you even know about this place?” She questioned as she looked to the old cabin.
As they came inside she looked about the cozy decorations. She smiled as the woman greeted Lana like she’d known her for years. She watched as the woman grasped two menus and took them to a booth. Her jade hues gazed out the window to the beautiful valley. “I’ll have water.” She looked to the woman and gave a smile. She then looked to Lana as the woman smirked to her. She wanted to know what happened.
Vaena bit her lip and then nodded. “Well. I did what you said...” She searched Lana’s blue hues for a long moment. “It seems that they have been watching me for quite sometime...that I didn’t know...but you were right Damien was grooming me for them. He took me to meet with Malcom...the head of the Council...I’m sure you’ve heard of him.” She paused as she watched Lana. Her water was placed before her and she quickly took a sip from the straw. Nervous. “Your father’s position was never filled...he wants me to take that position...” She looked down to her water as she spoke these words. It felt like she was betraying Lana in a way, taking her father’s position.
Vaena jumped slightly as her phone began to ring. “Oh...um...” She slipped the slender phone from her pocket and gazed to it a moment. “It’s my father...” She slid her finger across the screen. “Hello?” She questioned. She leaned back in her seat as she listened to her father from the other end. A smile split her lips. “I had no idea that this is what they were looking to propose.” She gave a laugh. “Thank you for trusting me with this father. I won’t let you down.” She fell quiet as she listened to him again. Her smile faded slightly. “Of course.” She spoke, “I understand.” Her eyes closed as she listened to him. “Yes, I will.” She assured him. “Goodbye.” She hung up the phone and set it on the table. Vaena pinched the bridge of her nose then. “He expects me to still uphold my responsibilities to the Academy...” Her voice was strained. “I can’t do both...if we need to stop the world from ending...then...” She shook her head. “If everything ends...the Academy ceases to matter.”
Vaena crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned back once again. She seemed to fall into thought as the waitress came over. She gave a forced smile before she looked to the menu quickly. “I’ll have the….” She ran her fingertip over the menu, searching. “Hog wild...” She nodded and then handed her menu to the woman. She looked back to Lana as a sigh came from her lips. “Malcom gave me half a bottle of wine.” She shook her head. “I’ve never felt like that before.” A laugh escaped her. “But it gave me the confidence to keep moving. I may have had a panic attack without it.” She shook her head and laughed again. “Did you know they haven’t filled the Magister position?” She questioned curiously then. “There must be some greater plan that they have...my father knew that they were going to offer me the position...he knew and never told me...” A sigh came from her and she shook her head once again. It was clear that all of this information was troubling her. Vaena looked to her phone as it buzzed. She lifted it and looked to the screen a moment. Her brows tugged together before she set her phone down and looked back to Lana.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Apr 26, 2022 14:11:55 GMT -5
Lana nestled into her seat and accepted the tea when it came. She sipped on it and smacked her lips slightly. A southern sweet tea was her secret obsession. She made fancy coffees and flakey buns, but nothing came close to just pure cane in some leaf water. She listened to what Vaena said, who she met and the new position. As the words came from her lips, despite having seen it all, she still seemed slightly shocked. The truth of it. She had hoped one day she might take that spot, long after her father retired.
“Well, it can’t be stopped, hm?” she spoke softly and she sighed. “It’s just a job, It’s quite alright” she opened the menu, though she knew what she was going to order. She tried to ignore the conversation, to keep from eavesdropping. Though she noted the fall in the pitch of Vaena’s voice, the discomfort perplexed across her face. When the call ended – she revealed the nature of it. “Seriously?” Lana spoke with a hint of anger. “So, he knew you’d get this job, and did nothing to help set you up for success, no huge bash of celebration, instead he’s going to set you up for failure by demanding you to do the most meaningless job in the entire academy? Like he doesn’t have anyone else that could possibly torture a few freshman?” she threw the menu down slightly.
“I mean – The Capitol gives the Academy up to 48% of their budget. If anything – your father reports to you now” she spoke with a gruff scoff. She pressed her lips together as the waitress walked up and she turned her gaze. “The Sally & Sue, with truffle fries” she handed the menu over and leaned back into the cushion of her booth. Her gaze glanced out to the skies, where the moon poked through the passing clouds.
“Yeah, I knew the position was open… I think the Mages they offered the role to declined it, and they need someone who is going to follow their orders…” she bit her bottom lip slightly. “Technically this is the most prestigious position any mage in the country could have. I don’t know why your father wouldn’t tell you… I mean…” she pulled her brows together. “You won’t like my thought on it…” she sipped once more.
“I think – they want you to cast this spell. They know no established mage would do it. By giving you this position – they think you’ll be driven to do it. Like this gift of this position is the reward, you’ll do anything to keep it, perhaps. That continual driver on the belief of your naivity…” she crossed her arms as she thought it. “In truth, while you are smart – and very powerful – you don’t have the standard resume of accomplishment that they typically look for. Normally they would bring in a very tenured mage, who has a ton of experience… like… your Father would have been a perfect candidate… but, your father would likely not cast this spell, hm?” she lifted a brow. “What is this role – if it all perishes anyway… it’s a fake offer.” She sighed “Even if this is all successful – I worry what they will do after.”
She held her hands out – moving them as she talked. “Let’s say it all is solved… will you get the Glory, or will they? What will they do with you after its done? Or – what if it doesn’t have the outcome they want. What if the world is saved but we’re still in a deep rung of shit? Will they just blame you and off you as an escape?” she shook her head. “I don’t know but… I don’t trust it. I am happy for you, it is a massive role. You have a lot of opportunity, but… this has big-fat-ol-trap written all over it…” she leaned back and then thought again. “But… if anyone were to be in the position – I would want it to be you. They think they are playing you… but this could be to your advantage…” she smirked then.
“Listen…” she reached forward and grabbed Vaena’s hand in her own, she smiled as she peered to her. “Whatever to the games right, the politics, the bullshit, the Academy, this shit hole. You’re doing great, whatever comes out of all of this – it’s going to be great – because you are great” she gave her hand a squeeze and then her hands retreated. “I’ve spent enough time regretting my choices to know that you were single handedly the only decent thing around me. I’m glad you’re here now, glad I’m all wrapped up in your shit too. Makes me feel good again, like – I don’t know. Being surrounded by incompetence constantly is exhausting… Tell your dad, hell. I can sub for you” she grinned “I’m sure he’ll love that…”
When Lana finished her sentence – the food came out by the waitress. Lana’s order was a kind of grilled cheese with chicken, tomato and pesto. “Some feel good celebration food, Magister” she bowed her head and grinned. “My dad used to wear his stupid Magister robes around all day, so freakin proud of his job.” She took a fry and lifted it to her lips. “I got a few pairs in a chest stored away if you want ‘em” she joked, but yet – if Vaena said yes, she’d happily give them up.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 26, 2022 20:18:49 GMT -5
Vaena gave a chuckle when Lana smacked her lips. “Do you always do that when you enjoy something?” She took a drink of her water and smacked her lips just like Lana, a smirk formed on her lips. The shock on Lana’s expression as Vaena unraveled everything. It made her feel horrible. She didn’t deserve to be the Grand Magister. No. She was too young.
But words were not able to be exchanged due to the phone call. Vaena gave an exasperated sigh as Lana exclaimed with anger. “My father has always held me to impossible standards, Lana.” She shook her head and ran her fingertips through her red locks to brush them from her eyes. She fell quiet as Lana spoke that technically her father should be reporting to her now. This only caused knots to tie within Vaena’s stomach. “I feel like he’s been hiding a lot from me over the years. The more...that I’ve seen today...the more I believe that...” She sighed once again.
As Lana spelled everything out for her, her expression fell even more. She was right. Vaena didn’t deserve this position. Not at all. She was far too young of a mage. She hadn’t done anything spectacular. She was incredibly talented yes, but what had she done to get their attention? Had her father stuck a deal with the Capital? Perhaps that was the true story. “I truly don’t believe that they intend on me keeping this position. It is a scapegoat...if I fail...you’re right. They will blame me. If I succeed? I imagine they will find something to blame me for...it doesn’t feel...good...you’re right...it didn’t feel right as Malcom offered it to me...and the contract...” She bit at her lip. “I had no choice but to agree to join. I don’t believe he would have given me another option. I had to sign the contract.”
Her expression was completely defeated. Though as Lana grasped her hand her jade hues stared to the woman’s hand that squeezed her own. She then looked up to the woman as she smiled to her. Her cheeks flushed pink to the kind comments from Lana. She wasn’t used to such praise. She looked to her hand as Lana released it, a soft smile upon her lips. “You?” She questioned with a laugh. “Lana I don’t believe my father would find that even remotely appealing.” She raised a brow slightly. “He might throw even more on my plate for even mentioning such a thing.” She laughed. “No...no I’ll play this just as you’ve said. I work for the High Council now. He has no control over me.” She drew in a breath after making the statement.
Vaena looked to he food as it was brought out to the table. She was brought a BBQ platter with an array of meats and two classic sides. She grinned as she looked to the meal. “This looks incredible.” She spoke as her stomach began to growl. She then looked to Lana as she spoke of the robes that her father used to wear. “Oh no. I won’t be wearing robes.” She lifted up a finger and smirked. “My father has fought with me that since I was a child. I won’t do it. I don’t like how they hang off of me. It’s like putting me in a potato sack. No thank you.” She took a bite of the chicken and hummed happily. “This is fantastic.” She dipped it in sauce and continued munching on her plate. Her phone began to vibrate again. Her eyes moved to look to it as it buzzed upon the table. Damien’s name was on the screen. She hesitated a moment, her hues looked to Lana. “I should take this.” She spoke as she grasped the phone.
“Hello?” She asked as she held it to her ear. “No I’m not. I’m eating dinner.” She replied after a moment. “Of course, I’ll be sure to be careful.” Her brows tugged together slightly. “Right...” She glanced to Lana and bit her lip slightly, nervously. She poked around at her food as she listened quietly. Vaena took a bite of her green beans. “I’m capable of handling myself, Damien. I don’t think that will be necessary.” She commented as she poked around at her food once again. “Right, yes. I understand that….I’ve heard of it yes.” She pressed her lips together, frustration leaking into her expression. “Do you treat all of the Council members with such security?” She asked after a moment, “I don’t want to feel like I’m in prison. I’ve been locked to the Academy my entire life. I already am quite aware of what it feels like to be trapped, Damien. I would think you of all---...” Her brows tugged together. She grit her teeth slightly. “Right.” She leaned back in her chair and set the fork down as she crossed her arm over her body. She was silent for quite awhile. “Tomorrow. Yes of course. Goodnight.” She spoke and hung up the phone.
Vaena clicked her tongue as her eyes moved to Lana. She lifted her fork as she set her phone down upon the table once again. “It seems that the other members of the High Council have deemed me a valuable asset...and since there have been several recent disturbances from the vigilante group within the city...they would like me to be protected...” She ate a bite of food. “So much for a celebration, hm?” She shook her head slightly. She then fell silent as she ate a bit more of her food. “You don’t think they can tie you to any of the recent crimes...right Lana?” She asked as she finally lifted her hues to look to the woman, worry showed on her expression.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Apr 26, 2022 21:29:26 GMT -5
Lana smirked when she commented on her lip smacking – and then mimicked it as well. “Oh yeah, like a happy tick, selective Tourette's, honestly” she grinned and listened to the woman speak. About her father’s standards. She never really stopped to think of how difficult it must be to follow behind his coat tail. The expectations and requirements. Lana used to make fun of Vaena on a daily for the lack of life she had… but now she had an inkling of regret for saying such things. Vaena would always chuckle and smile, but she wondered if deep down it ate her up?
“You’re right, he wouldn’t approve” she grinned. The idea though was fascinating. There was no way that Lana could be trusted with such a job, not while she would likely spend half the time torturing the staff instead. Lana counted the seconds of blush over Vaena’s cheeks and she grinned to herself once more. “Oh that is right, Vaena breaking the barriers to the new revolution of attire. The Queen of Fashion and Desire – rejector of the traditional Robes. How dare she feel such breeze between her legs” she cooed and laughed slightly. “You’re right though, you do look like a potato sack in a robe” she smirked.
“Oh yeah, gimme a bite of that mac” she reached for her fork and stabbed it into the little bowl. She bit into it and grinned “This place has been my little sanctuary. Quiet, remote, a place I can just relax… plus, the food it damn good. I was thinking for some time I’d grab a house up on the top of the mountain, but..” she sucked in a breath. “Well, the Capitol has been draining the people with taxes on top of taxes. They’re also putting in Magic-radars, which if you do not have certain permits to perform magic – they will fee you if they sense frequencies of magic at your home. Just another gimmick to suppress the people. Magic is money, if you can do it… well” she huffed slightly.
The conversation was cut short by her phone. “Go ahead” she nodded and took a bite of her sandwich. She turned her gaze to the window and peered outward. Though she smirked when she heard Vaena speaking up for herself, though clearly shot down… when the call was over – Lana cleared her throat slightly. “Valuable asset, sure” she rolled her eyes. “Or possibly an unpredictable asset” she lifted a brow. “Be very careful, trust no one” she took another bite. A small churning feel stirred in her gut as Vaena questioned her. She set her sandwich down and let out a gentle sigh.
“You wouldn’t believe me if I said no” Lana lifted a brow and smirked once more. A sneaky and cunning smirk. “Vaena, have you ever read a story, the history books, where Vigilantes were actually bad guys? I mean, they’re the ones calling us that” she took a sip of her tea and sighed. “Vigilantes are the people who bring change, they stand against the almighty powers at be – who suppress and control… Someone has to” she sighed softly. “The difference between a Criminal and me – is I’ll be honest, I’ll tell you…” she placed a hand on the table, her fingers drumming slightly.
“Just last week – A business man by the name of Kirk Dunland paid several stock-whale investors to sell all of their stocks in Alex and Son’s Metals. Alexander Rancroft is the son of a long line of Miners who own the land of the Burgandy Mines. Which is the only local place where one might obtain Oculan. The only known Mineral that can hold the essence of magic itself. So, Alexander has been making a pretty good profit. He has many organizations that house the poor, feed the hungry, so on and so on. Alexander is by no means an incredibly rich man, the amount of Oculan that he is pulling out of the mines is not that much…. But – he refused to sell it to some businesses, who have done criminal things. Primarily – Kirk Dunland was found guilty of some rather racist things…” she waved her hands in the air. “So, Alex and Son’s metals folded in a heart beat, their investors pulled out and he had to file bankruptcy. A day later – Burgandy mines were purchased by Dunland under a psuedoname.” She huffed. “We spent some time gathering these details, proof and evidence. We filed suit, but it didn’t make it to the judges desk, you can guess why. The ‘justice’ system handed a few Benjamins…” she leaned back in her chair. “Well, the Burgandy mines have suddenly collapsed, and Dunland is now being sued for putting hundreds of workers at risk… his wife is divorcing him and taking what is left, and he had to dissolved 11 of his businesses to financial recover. Let’s just say… Dunland’s justice is well deserved…” she finished her sandwich and sighed.
“I’m not out here murdering people… I can say that… things have gone wrong before, blood shed, sure… but – the people out killing are using the Blue Robin’s name to cover their own greed. We stand for something better than that… but these things have happened in history. Someone finds a way to be greedy. The people on the streets get excited, hoping to become an overnight millionaire but… it doesn’t work like that. The lower and middle class must remain, but – we don’t need to be punished for working hard. That much… I cannot allow” she sucked in her breath. “Dunland had quite the impression on the Capitol too.. since then the Police have been less brutal- if anything, crime rate has gone down a little. Coincidence? No, I can write you a 20 paged dissertation on why…”
“So… maybe, maybe someone can find a tie… but they’ll have to work extra hard. The Blue Robin’s haven’t been stopped for a reason…” she winked. “but hey… don’t worry about me. Okay?” she reached for her phone and pulled up her contacts. “I changed numbers…here’s mine…” she punched her name into her contacts and number. “I got some tricks if I have to… I can take on other looks, I just need someone to copy… I’m going to help you through this. You’re not alone this time” she smirked. “And it wont be as a Blue Robin, it will be as Lana Highland, and her old study buddy Vaena Beraellis” she smiled and pulled her wallet out. She set down a 50 dollar bill and then stood “Come on, where are you staying tonight, a hotel?” she questioned. “I can drive you there”
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 26, 2022 22:56:05 GMT -5
Vaena gave a bit of a smirk to Lana’s response about her lip smacking. “A happy tick. Hm.” She raised a brow and then laughed. “He definitely would not approve. You were expelled after all.” She winked and then laughed. As Lana commented on her choices in attire her cheeks flushed. “I just...I don’t like the robes.” She protested, she looked away from Lana. Then when the woman snuck a bite of her side she raised a brow. “You know, I would have happily given you some if you’d asked.” She quipped. “You always used to steal my fruit bars at the Academy too. But did I ever protest?” She laughed. “I always grabbed an extra one just for you. You know?” She ate another bite of her food as Lana began to talk about the taxes. She cringed. The Capital didn’t seem to be doing anything that was good for the people...and that was their sole purpose of existence. When had things gone so wrong? Why were they so corrupt? What happened to cause the shift away from protecting and supporting the people? “I’ve never thought of magic as money before...” Vaena shook her head. “It isn’t supposed to be that way...magic is...it is our life...it is who we are. We’ve given our lives to become such great mages...to be told that I cannot use my magic? I...wouldn’t know what to do...or think for that matter.” Though the conversation ended by her phone. The way that Vaena’s expression fell as she was easily shot down my Damien was sad in a way. She sighed as she looked to Lana. “I...” She shook her head. She felt like more of a possession of the Capital than the Grand Magister. “Right...” She bit at her lip, her stomach tied into knots. The nerves were getting to her. She focused in on Lana as she smirked to her and began to speak about the Blue Robins. She listened to the story that Lana told about the businessman and the mine. Her brows furrowed as she took in the information. The corruption of this world. How easily things were covered up. It was something she’d never imagined. “I trust you Lana...even though I’m certain my father would have my head for saying such a thing.” She grinned and gave a small laugh as she watched the woman punch in her contact information into her phone. “You were the only person to ever really...just talk to me…” She said with a soft voice. “Did you know that? Everyone else treated me like the daughter of the Grand Master. But you...didn’t...even if you poked at me about the time I spent studying.” She laughed, “You were the only one. I’m...thankful that I ran into you.” She stood and followed her out of the restaurant. “A hotel? No.” She shook her head. “They put me in a nice rental condo by the lake. It’s really fancy actually...expensive I’m sure.” She stepped to the motorcycle. “It’s the Tyvar Lakes Condominium….you know where that is right?” She asked as she pulled on the helmet. Vaena was less nervous about climbing onto the back of the motorcycle this time. Her arms found their way around Lana and she leaned against her. She was thankful to have someone to trust. Even if Lana told her not to trust anyone, she trusted her. She gazed to the beautiful city as they descended down into the valley. The lights were as vibrant as ever. They drove into the center of the city where there was a huge park that held a beautiful lake within its center. This is where the condos were located. Vaena climbed off the back of the motorcycle and smiled as she pulled the helmet off. “That was a lot of fun. Thank you, Lana.” She gazed to the luxury buildings. “I guess I should go...” She paused a moment. “Do you want to come in? You should really see this place.” She gave a grin. “Come on.” She chuckled lightly as she turned and started toward the building. Vaena walked along and gazed up to the stars that were hardly visible from the lights of the city. They entered the lobby and a young man dressed in a tuxedo bowed to her. “Good evening, Miss Beraellis.” He spoke and then looked to Lana a moment. “Miss.” He offered a warm smile. “Is there anything that I can offer this evening?” He questioned. “Oh hello. No, no thank you.” Vaena looked uncomfortable. She wasn’t used to such treatment. She felt like a princess, and that was not what she was. She walked swiftly over to the elevator then and glanced to Lana. She pressed the button for the elevator and gazed around the lobby. A beautiful chandelier hung from the ceiling. The doors opened and she stepped inside and punched the top floor. She was quiet as she seemed to think over the evening. The day even. Vaena glanced to Lana again, “How...do you keep so calm?” She asked curiously. “I mean...you must always be on edge...with everything you’ve told me...the Capital must be breathing down the back of your neck.” She looked to the door as it chimed and opened. Vaena walked forward, “Wait until you see the view.” She smiled as she reached to her bag and pulled out a keycard that glowed to her touch. She stepped forward to a door and placed her card against the handle. The handle glowed slightly and then a click sounded. She pushed the door open to the room and stepped inside. It had beautiful hardwood floors, the kitchen had lavish white granite countertops...and the living room overlooked the beautiful park. She let out a laugh as she walked in. “Who can afford a place like this...right?” She asked as she set her card down on the counter. Vaena paused a moment and her brows tugged together. She looked to the bag that sat upon the couch. It was open, a few of her clothes were rummaged about. She stepped forward to the bag just as she felt someone grab her harshly from behind. Vaena let out a cry before a hand clasped over her mouth. The stench of chemical filled her nostrils. The man was muscular and tall, his grip on her was like a vice. “Lana?” His voice questioned in shock. Vaena was struggling against him her eyes fluttered. Electricity flickered within her eyes as she gripped onto his arm that held her. A jolt of energy coursed through his body. The man groaned and stumbled back as Vaena crumpled to the ground as she succumbed to the chemical in the cloth. “What are you doing here, Lana?” He questioned in a hushed tone. The man had dark hair that was unkempt, a chiseled jaw and dark hues that seemed to bore into Lana’s soul. He wore a black jacket that covered the tattoos that ran down his neck to his chest. “You’re not supposed to be here. You need to go.” He spoke as he looked down to Vaena. He rubbed his arm where she’d managed to shock him before she fell unconscious. “This is the new Grand Magister. I’ve gotta take care of her. I don’t want you tied to it. You’re too valuable.” He crossed his arms over his chest. His name was Julius. He had run a few of the intelligence operations for Lana over the years. But he also dabbled in the darker side of things. He got paid to perform the dirty tasks that most didn’t want to do. He wasn’t afraid of getting a little blood on his hands. |
|
