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Post by Kix on Dec 16, 2023 17:38:53 GMT -6
For Nero, not being able to collect the witch and bring her before the council was like a dagger to his pride. He, a former commander with all the skill to back it, was caught off guard and then bested by a witch he was simply trying to put handcuffs on. Frustrated, he raked a hand through his short brown hair with a huff. “Regardless, this should have been completely within my capabilities.” He stated in a low, hushed tone.
As he inspected the damage done to the bed frame, Nero sighed and shook his head a bit at Serephina’s antics. “If you believed I could go long without cursing, then you truly must not be yourself.” He started, glancing up to her for a moment. “I simply meant I would quit picking on you specifically.” He finished with a small half smirk. Though the smirk was quickly wiped away when she called him a baby. Pressing his lips into a thin line, he set his jaw and gave her a slight glare. “Keep that up though and I’ll go right back to it.” He teased before turning back to the bed frame. As she explained the beds were perfectly adequate for her usual patients, he arched a brow as she teased him again. “You mean the great Serephina didn’t plan for all possibilities when purchasing her bed frames? And here I thought you learned long ago to expect the unexpected when we started working together.” He quipped as he started to move the mattress.
It wasn’t long before Nero had the frame straightened back out and quenched. Letting out a slow, steady breath, he stowed his inner flame for the time being. After expressing his satisfaction, he moved to stand just as Serephina mentioned Vulcan. Feigning surprise, he quickly jumped back as if she might explode and looked her over. “Wow… And here I thought you greeks would implode if you uttered the name of a Roman god…” Shifting his expression to something more serious, he lowered his gaze upon Serephina suspiciously. “Who are you and what have you done with Serephina?”
Banter aside, Nero really did want to get out of the clinic. Expressing as much, he slid past Serephina and out of the room. As they walked through the clinic towards one of the back doors, he questioned her about the work she needed done. When she mentioned the standard potion bottles and vials, he nodded with a stoic expression. “Shouldn’t take long to replenish your supplies. But surely that’s not worth the amount of coin you’re offering.” He pried, shifting his gaze to her as they stopped at a door to the outside. Opening the door, he step aside and held it open for Serephina as she continued.
Once they were both outside, Nero let the door close behind them as he contemplated her words. “Hmm… It’s been a little while since I’ve sculpted any weapons, but I can do it.” He explained, walking towards a hut not too far away from the fringes of the Rhosyn’s garden. Trying not to move his head much, Nero spared a quick glance around them. Waiting until they passed a couple of students milling about in the garden, he turned to address Serephina in a hushed tone. “Why are you asking about weapons? It’s unlike you… Is something going on?” He started, pausing a moment as another student passed them. Once the young man was out of earshot, he finished. “More importantly, do you need help?” He asked with a frown.
It wasn’t long before they were at the front door of his hut. Opening the door, he let Serephina in before closing and locking the door behind them. The hut was bigger on the inside than the outside. To the left was a set of stairs that led up to a large bedroom with an attached bathroom. Directly in front of the entryway was a large kitchen and a dining area with a table for up to four. And lastly, to the right was a small seating area in front of a large fireplace and a door to a large indoor workshop completely set up for both glassblowing and forging metal. Everything inside was coated with a layer of dust though, with cobwebs here and there in the rafters and around the furniture. It was obvious that Nero hadn't stayed here in quite some time... Sighing lightly as he looked around, he ran a hand through his hair again. "Looks like I need to clean the place up first..."
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Post by Fina on Dec 23, 2023 1:46:58 GMT -6
Serephina considered her Ashen friend thoughtfully as he expressed his frustration openly. She pursed her lips softly as he tousled his hair with an agitated huff. Usually, seeing him vexed would put the highlight of her day! In this case, however, she found herself sympathizing with him instead. She couldn’t stand to see him crestfallen over such a trivial matter, so hence her offer..
A sly smile tugged at the corners of Serephina’s lips as Nero shook his head dismissively. She tsked softly, “And you say I’ve changed, Legatus.” She began, “There was a time when your iron will and trademark restraint would have almost guaranteed no such slip ups.” She grinned broadly as he glanced up at her, “Don’t tell me I’ve become a bad influence on you, now.” She chuckled as he clarified. She shook her head as he teased her back in the wake of her name calling. “It’s okay, I don’t believe for a moment that’d you spare me like that.” She told him as he returned to making his repair.
As Nero commented on her poor planning, Serephina’s humor flickered. “Oh, I recall that lesson.” She said, dryly. “I had to learn it the hard way, hm.” She grumped before she sighed. She then shrugged casually, “Apparently, your visit is to be my reminder.” She added before turning, leaving him to his task as she fulfilled his request for water.
Returning, Serephina was happy to observe over his shoulder and even wore her curiosity plainly. Many of the strengths and abilities of the Ashen were very much still a mystery to her. Once upon a time, she had given them too good of a reason to closely guard their secrets.. She blinked in surprise before she arched a brow when Nero jumped away from her, appearing astounded. She smirked as he stood suspiciously eyeing her. “Oh, no, you caught me.” She said, “Tread cautiously now, Nero, for you know too much!”
As Nero passed her to exit the treatment room, Fina took his cue and made no protest as she trailed after him. Besides, if she was being honest, she could do with a bit of fresh air herself.. As she kept stride with Nero, she’d discuss the supplies she needed. To the average passerby, their conversation would not raise concern as they made their way to the back door.
Emerging into the Rhosyn’s garden, Serephina took a moment to quietly draw in deep breath. She welcomed this change of scene seeing as she had been cooped up in the clinic much of the morning. She was pleased as Nero confirmed his proficiency with weapon crafting as he returned to her side. As they strolled towards the hut at the southwest edge, the last thing she expected was the oddity of her request to rouse a legitimate interest from the Ashen.
Serephina assumed a nonchalant stance as she fixed to the garden’s path. She was thankful for the apprentices milling about as it provided her a chance to calculate her reply. She then gave a resigned sigh as she concluded that there was only one course of action with him.. “With respect to our friendship, I think you should determine how much you wish to know.” She began stoically, “Be absolute with your choice.” She told him. She glanced over to meet his gaze as they reached the front door of the hut. “If I disclose nothing, we maintain the status quo and you retain plausible deniability.”
At Nero’s prompting, Serephina entered the hut ahead of him. She didn’t seem at all alarmed by the door quickly locked behind her nor the expanse of the interior. If anything, she seemed a tad disappointed at the messy state of things. “I could have sworn I asked to have this properly prepared for you.” She grumbled, pushing further from the entryway. She would need more than just her innate talents to cover this square footage..
Serephina’s footsteps were loud in her ears compared to the quiet hut as she neared the dining table. With her right index finger, she etched into the gritty film of dust a swirling sigil. When complete, she evenly applied her palm to the center. “Purus.” She bid, invoking the spell. A torrent of wind burst out around her and blasted throughout the hut. The windows then burst open to expel the collected dirt, dust, and cobwebs before finally the hearth lit merrily. “There,” She said, brushing off her hands. “Good as new.”
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Post by Kodaka on Jan 22, 2024 18:48:56 GMT -6
Nightfire the miniaturized dragon regarded Aesira with inquisitive and glimmering eyes as she imparted with him her sagely advice. He bowed his spade-shaped head and allowed her gentle fingers to pluck a troublesome flower petal from his scales. ‘Laughter and playfulness,’ he repeated her words with a thoughtful tone that betrayed his earlier childlike antics, perhaps revealing he was a dragon far older than he appeared. The little drake looked up at her with a flush of appreciation in his gaze. ‘My thanks for conveying this to me. Though now I am made to ponder the meanings of other flower petals, as there are as many different flowers on this world as there are stars in the sky...’ An amused glint shone in his vermillion eyes, as if he knew that between the two of them, both kin of black wings and friends to powerful forces, they would have many a fascinating conversation had their situations allowed. They were, Nightfire secretly mused, much more alike than they themselves might realize at the time. It was a most distinct feeling he could not deny.
* * *
Nightfire had said his goodbyes and disappeared behind the door as it snapped shut behind him, leaving Kodaka and Daniel to their own devices. When Aesira announced she too was to depart, the two men glanced in her direction. Daniel gave her a two-fingered salute straight off the brim of his bowler hat and Kodaka patted a closed fist over his heart in solace. “It was my pleasure, miss Aesira!” Answered the masked man in a chipper demeanor, happy that his breakfast had gone over so successfully. He bent at the hips to give her a slight bow, green eyes flashing happily.
“Stay outta trouble, eh lass?” Kodaka advised with a grin but a knowing flash in his gaze. The way Vasili had stared her down was not lost on the nephilim, nor their earlier encounter in the forest when the mercenary thought she was just a bird. That entire unacknowledged situation between them made him admittedly uncomfortable, but for his sake he hoped she would remain quiet on the matter. He was not ready to explain such personal matters to someone who he’d only recently been acquainted with. Hells, he hardly shared such things with his most trusted friends. On the topic of the blue-haired demon however, the sentry-of-a-man finally broke his silence, stirring Kodaka from grim thoughts. Vasili seemed completely intent on cleaning up the mess Daniel had made, even to the point where he began shooing him and his masked companion out of the kitchen.
Koda didn’t budge at first as he exchanged a glance with Daniel. The large man shifted his weight to one foot, placed his fists on his hips and held the pose for a second or two while looking pensive. “Sheeeiiit, alright, alright,” he relented, feigning disappointment. “Well you heard the man, Dannyboy, out we get!” He grinned and turned on his heel, eyes suddenly locked onto Keaira’s as he caught her gaze. For an instant, his face went blank as he forgot about everything else in the room. Seemingly bewitched by her presence, he was only fixated on her. He adjusted his powerful posture and slyly held out a brawny arm for her to latch onto. The man left the kitchen with the lovely demoness by his side, his eyes never leaving her, a smile like the cracking of a granite wall tugging at the ends of his lips. The pair strolled to the middle of the bar room and Kodaka paused to clear his throat, stopping Keaira as well. He fidgeted on the balls of his feet, hesitant to stop but feeling the need to say something. Koda’s voice rumbled from his lips like a rockslide, powerful but coming out all at once without pause. “I told ya about what my plans were fer today,” he stated, “though there’ll be an open seat for you at the meeting, I did make some time for us tonight.” He shifted on his feet and turned to face her completely, so she would fully see the seriousness on his face. “Wanna meet me in the garden? I could rustle up some food and we can talk. Alone. There are… a few things I need to bounce off ya.” He arched a single thick eyebrow and a faint alluring smile chanced upon his lips. Daniel Hawthorne had given up on trying to convince the blue-haired man to let him clean after the guard had deflected his advances. He sighed, shook his head and with a short bow to Vasili he murmured, “thank you, though next time I fully intend on cleaning up after myself…” He turned on his heel and started for the door just behind Kodaka. Realization sparked across his consciousness and the masked man stopped just short of the door. He had to bite his tongue to hold back a curse that almost hissed past his lips, and slowly he turned around to set his gaze on the Vasili who had already begun to collect the leftovers. No doubt the other man had assumed he would’ve departed by now, but something kept Daniel’s feet rooted to the spot. He adjusted the collar of his shirt out of nervous habit and turned to steal a glance at the door to the bar room. When he was sure the two of them were alone, Daniel took a few steps closer until he was within proper earshot and spoke in a hushed tone just loud enough to hear over the running water and clanking of cookware. “Sir Gadiel,” Daniel calmly yet firmly. A smile briefly graced his lips when he imagined Vasili thinking he returned to argue about cleaning. It would’ve been petty to argue over something so trivial, though the man didn’t know Mr. Hawthorne well enough to know otherwise. “It truly shames me to spring this on you at the last possible moment —especially for as kind as you’ve been— but seeing that you’re some form of guardian here, there is something I must make you aware of,” he stated, his friendly demeanor washing away like the frying pan Vasili was in the process of rinsing and his tone more urgent and matter-of-fact. He stood at he end of the kitchen island as he tried to speak as plainly as possible, as not to alarm the poor man.
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Post by Kix on Apr 15, 2024 15:24:10 GMT -6
As Serephina planted her feet on the pathway through the garden, Nero tried to take a casual stance as well. Almost as though they were simply talking business or negotiating pricing. Crossing his arms across his chest, he shifted his weight to one leg, giving him a slightly leaning posture that seemed relaxed. Once the apprentices passed them both, he raised his eyebrows a bit, as if his face was relaying the message of ‘Well? Out with it’. As it was explained to him that he had to determine how much he wished to know, Nero almost scoffed. “As if. You should already know my answer.” He started in a hushed tone, coolly leveling his silver gaze on her. “If you are threatened, then I am as well. I’d rather have as much information as possible now, rather than have to go digging for it on my own later. Besides, it’s better to have an ally around that I can trust if there is some sort of storm brewing. Now,” He continued, extending an arm out to poke her chest at about collar bone height. “As soon as we get to my workshop, you’re telling me everything. Then we will have a discussion as to what more I can do to help.” He finished matter-of-factually. There would be no swaying the Ashen from his logic and decision.
As they began walking again, Nero changed the subject a bit. “Now. What kind of material were you thinking of using for these throwing knives? Or should I choose something on my own?” He questioned calmly. “Do you need something lightweight that can hold an edge for slicing or slashing? Or do you want something a bit heavier that can cut deeper into the tissue and arteries of your prey?” To a normal passerby, this would just sound like they were talking about hunting wild game.
Though, it wasn’t too long before Serephina and Nero reached his workshop. After they entered and he ensured that the door was locked, he made a comment about the dirty state of the hut. Watching Serephina as she frowned and stepped forward, the Ashen observed with a hint of curiosity. “Maybe they got sidetracked by a patient?” He offered in explanation. It was a plausible one, but he knew she would still be a bit disappointed. As she drew a sigil in the dust on the dining table, Nero arched a brow in interest. He couldn’t harness magic like Serephina, but it had always been an intriguing thing to witness.
When she cast her spell, Nero felt the gust of wind kick up and instinctively closed his eyes and covered his face with his arms. Once the spell was finished, he coughed a few times and wiped his eyes. “Uhg. Give a guy a little warning next time before you send a tornado through his house.” He grumbled. Unbeknownst to him, his dark hair was blasted backwards away from his face and he had a few fluff bunnies stuck to his whole body. Looking down, he huffed a bit as he picked the few dust bunnies he could see off of his clothes. “Thanks though I guess.” He mumbled, crossing his arms over his chest again. “Now then. What are you planning? Why the weapons?”
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Post by Kix on Apr 15, 2024 15:53:19 GMT -6
The corner of Vasili’s lips turned up slightly as Kodaka pretended to be disappointed by not having to clean up or do the dishes. At least the man had the grace to act like he had wanted to in the first place. Convincing Daniel took a bit more work though. “Truely, it is no trouble at all, Daniel. Think of it as my contribution to breakfast. You cooked, so I will clean. It’s a fair trade.” Once they all turned to leave, he rolled up the sleeves of his button up shirt and got to work.
Collecting the leftovers and storing them first, Vasili turned to collect the dirty dishes next. However, when he did, he noted Daniel hesitated before leaving. Quietly, he turned to the sink to begin filling it with soapy water. As the large sink filled, he moved to put the dishes in neat piles and place them next to the sink for easy washing. The utensils though, he placed directly in the water to soak. When Daniel spoke up, Vasili casually looked over his shoulder to the man. “Hm?” He asked, honestly not sure what to expect from the man.
As Daniel continued, Vasili turned off the water and grabbed a sponge to begin washing. Just as he finished a frying pan and began to rinse it, the man began to address him more formally. Picking up on the change in his demeanor, the guard shut the water off, placed the pan in the drying rack, and turned on a heel to face Danny completely. Snagging a nearby towel, he dried his hands and arched a curious brow to the other man. “Oh? What might that be? No trouble, I hope...” He asked, his tone remaining as professional as possible. Vasili was not the type to beat around the bush when it came to his charges.
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Post by Fina on Apr 18, 2024 10:45:19 GMT -6
Still as a garden statue, Serephina regarded the Ashen as their conversation turned to a matter of importance. To the casual passerby, one might as well assume she was embroiled in negotiations over price.. Nero was well known for his skill set as both blacksmith and warrior, after all.
While Serephina awaited his answer, a knot of tension formed and constricted in her chest. This was not just about some distant kingdom she plotted and planned against for another’s gain. This would be a fight for her ancestral home and, even though she was committed to her course, she wouldn’t deny that she was a bit daunted by the task.
When Nero suggested that she knew his answer, she merely arched her brow. She held her silence, however, as she gestured for him to continue. Even though she might guess his answer, she would have him speak it nevertheless. She held that cool, silver gaze unwaveringly as he declared his support through thick or thin. Her tension waned as she gave a relieved sigh that led into a half hearted chuckle. “It’s good to hear because I’d welcome your experience and insights.” She told him honestly. To have a proven tactician and ally like Nero could very well turn the tide in her favor. A easy smile had dissolved her stoic expression as he moved to poke her. “Alright, alright.” She said, shooing away his hand.
Turning on her heel, Serephina fell in step with the Ashen as he redirected the conversation. “Since I trust you’d know best, I’ll leave the choice of materials to your discretion.” She said, “Something lightweight that will hold its edge would suit the objective I’d wager.” She added. Soon, they reached the steps of his shop. “It should be just as you left it so if you find you need supplies, just let me know.”
After entering and witnessing the messy state, Serephina knew what the first matter of business was. She was a firm believer in that a clean, tidy workspace was a productive one. As she prepared the sigil, she couldn’t help her disappointment even as Nero offered a feasible explanation. “Yes, I suppose you could be right.” She agreed, although still a tad morose. She didn’t dwell on the matter, however, as the Ashen observed her work.
With her spell now cast, Serephina observed her handiwork with plain satisfaction. When Nero coughed and sputtered, she furrowed her brow as he made his complaint. She snorted at him, “You brought that upon yourself, Ashen.” She told him, “You might not have had the aptitude to be my pupil, but we’ve worked together enough for you to know better. The safest place is always at the caster’s side.” She said, chastising him gently. “Why’d you stand there like a leaf caught in the wind..?” She trailed off her rant as he had the audacity to huff as he picked at clothes. She regarded him with a dull stare before she just rolled her eyes. “Kids these days..” She grumbled, shaking her head. He could wear the evidence of his mistake for all she cared now!
As Nero inquired about her plans, Serephina turned and hopped up to seat herself on the table top. “The House of Nightshade declared war on the kingdom of Amaris.” She said, “I’m going home, Nero.”
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