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Post by Seya on Jan 16, 2016 0:15:12 GMT
Caervin froze. He'd been hoping--really hoping--that the surname on the envelope would be the one his birth parents gave him, whoever and wherever they were.
Forty years ago it had already been Seen that he would be found by Mephisto Silver. Did that mean his adoptive father had been doomed from the start...?
He stared at his lap, where his hands had begun shaking. Kindy whined at her trainer's clear agitation, but he shook his head at her sternly to silence her and dug his hands into his pockets instead. He felt ill. Like Mikel, he wanted nothing to do with a predetermined 'fate', especially if it meant the deaths of the ones he loved. Even the name on the envelope was the worst kind of news to him. He prayed its contents would settle his fears, somehow...
He was wrong.
"Oh gods, no..." he whispered, closing his eyes. This wasn't an explanation. It was cryptic and vague. And worst of all, it seemed to suggest they had a task ahead of them-- one they'd have to go forth to together. He was already dreading spending even just another hour in the presence of that Kirlia and her unnerving master. "If I had a choice on who to lose or save, I wouldn't be here in the first place!"
Taking deep breaths, he stood up and began pacing to clear his head. It wouldn't do to get angrier at a time like this. The last note was clear enough; he stuffed away his individual letter with haste. He wouldn't let a forty-year-old prophecy tell him when he could or could not read about the future. If he was going to turn away from this 'fate' business, it would start sooner rather than later.
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Post by kiritsumitsu on Jan 16, 2016 2:40:40 GMT
static.zerochan.net/Esmeralda.(Notre.Dame).full.973982.jpg As Elizabeth reads the prophecy to the group, her eyes trailing along to the rhythmic rhyme of the Seer's foresight, something within her breaks. The shattering sound of the idyllic hope she had imagined upon this mountain silences her thoughts. There is no Gift to be had upon Mount Radiance; There is only a test, a trial, that has been foreseen long before she had ever been born. The Gods have taken her now for Fate has spun a song she could not outdance. Has her whole life been led just for this then? A life full of failures just to be given a vague prophetic message? Shielding her face, her eyes tear. "Is this it, Mattaeus?" Her voice quivers softly, her grasp on the letter faltering. Iris, sensing her Trainer's distress, jumps out of her Ball in a brief light, floating by close to her face, concerned. "Are you sure there's not more? Some kind of Gift, maybe? Or...?"
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Post by Major on Jan 16, 2016 6:30:14 GMT
At the reading of the prophecy Mikel sighed. Was his whole life to be guided by the prophecies and visions of others? He refused! He was not some puppet to fate and dreams.
However, when he saw the reaction of the others he frowned. They had clearly taken it much worse. Perhaps his dismissal was due to his running from a prophecy for two years now.
He took the personal envelope and debated opening it there to show that prophecy wasn't something one had to be tied by, however in the end he pocketed it. Opening it would be acknowledging it and he would rather just ignore it.
He looked over at Elizabeth and wondered if he could say anything to help make things better, however words escaped him. Instead he decided to try and focus on efficiency. "I don't think it is a coincidence that the poem refers to two as one being trouble and the fact that his last visitors were apparently connected to the cupids." Mikel pointed out. "Especially if they had somehow upset authorities..."
He wasn't even sure why he felt the need to even acknowledge the prophecy. Fate could be broken. It had to be or he would be some mad killer or destroyer and he refused to accept that he was stuck like that.
"Regardless, nobody has to do something just because of a dream if they aren't comfortable."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 16, 2016 7:07:37 GMT
"No one takes knowing the future very well," Matthaeus says, sighing. "But it's what you do with it that's important. Remember, the future is what you make of it. And, yes... that's all there is." A ding comes from the kitchen area. "Oh, drinks are ready! Hopefully that'll be a little comfort." He goes up to get them, leaving the letter that he was reading on the table. From the kitchen he calls out, "Don't let the thought of the future consume you. It never turns out for the better..."
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Post by kiritsumitsu on Jan 17, 2016 1:47:55 GMT
static.zerochan.net/Esmeralda.(Notre.Dame).full.973982.jpg An uneasy breath escapes her as Mattaeus leaves, her tears falling a bit more freely despite her silence. Her features shake, an almost sob bubbling in her throat, threatening to dispel what little composure she had left. With clenched fists grasping tightly upon her skirt, she tries to breathe, to calm herself from her disappointment. Sniffling to herself, Elizabeth could sense the warmth of her Iris as she felt the Togetic snuggled close to her cheeks. "I'm fine, sweetie." She whimpers slightly, smudging away the tears from her eyes, as she tries to fix a smile. "Just a little... troubled is all."Truly, this wasn't what she was hoping for when she had first set out on this journey but, perhaps, there was still hope that it could lead her to where she wanted to be. At Mikel's suggestion, Elizabeth perks slightly. "No," She begins, composing herself to feel a bit more confident with her answer, "but this is the will of the Gods. Prophesized before we were even born. We can't just ignore it."
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Post by Major on Jan 17, 2016 5:33:39 GMT
"R-right." Mikel says with a nod, slightly uncomfortable but trying to hide it. He wasn't one for just accepting a prophecy just because it was the will of a god or happened before he was born, but she seemed a bit more composed and confident which was good. Plus, how would he possibly explain the destiny he was running from if that was how she felt.
"Well then, I would guess Godspring is where we are supposed to start. What with the springs and the whole once bleak, life from death, and such." Mikel said. He had spent a short amount of time there early on when attempting to hide from the Children of Grimm. "Unless there is somewhere that fits it better to the west? I'll be honest most my travels have been the north-eastern area."
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Post by Seya on Jan 17, 2016 9:38:28 GMT
Caervin's eyebrows draw together. "I've covered a lot of the central and south-east. No place I know shares Godspring's qualities. I think your guess is right." He spent a long few minutes running his hands through Kindy's mane, who was as eager as ever to take the attention, and leaned into his touch. "And from there... I guess we'll have to wait and see."
But he didn't want to wait entirely. He stood up briskly, making to follow Matthaeus into the kitchen, and knocked the chair the old man's letter was laying on. "Ah--oh, oops--" he snatched the letter out of the air before it could hit the ground, sneakily reading over as much as he could before placing it back on the armrest. "M-my nerves are shot. I can't wait for that tea..."
Stealth roll 18.
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 17, 2016 10:22:38 GMT
"Whoa, watch yourself, lad!" Matthaeus calls from the kitchen. "I'm all good here. You just stay seated. I'm not that old."
Meanwhile, Caervin expertly skims through the letter surreptitiously, years of having to read old text quickly and efficiently pays off. The handwriting, though a bit untidy, is still more easily legible than some of those old tomes. Luckily it wasn't too long, and he was able to get a good long look at it.
Old Timer,
I’m sorry that we had to leave so quick-like. I know you wanted us to stay for that whole Summer Solstice shindig… But we got wind of something big coming, and didn’t want to put you smack in the middle. Plus… I don’t know how welcome we’d have been, back in the city. There was a bit of a kerfuffle at the University, some old stodge not wanting to answer us… not that I’m saying old is bad! Anyhow, to cut down a long tale to the core, we didn’t want to cause anything bad to happen to come to you because of us. But, we also didn’t want to put a damper on you, so that’s why we kept it all hush-hush. Plus, we may have gotten a fix on our hunt. Fingers crossed. We’ll make sure to come knocking again, though, if ever we’re in a tizzy. But I’m hoping that the next time our path crosses yours, we’ve found them. Then all our problems should be solved. I’m going to get Prophet to put this in your little letter hidey-hole, so I hope you’ve not cast thoughts of us to the wind by the time you read this.
On the flip side, Lillian
Caervin expertly places it right back in the same place, before making it back to his seat in time for Matthaeus to bring the drinks. "Here we all go. Hopefully this calms us down a little."
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Post by Seya on Jan 17, 2016 10:34:44 GMT
"Thanks," he murmured. The letter wasn't a prophecy, and was irrelevant, it seemed. Oh well. Had been worth a shot. He went back to stroking Kindy and sipped quietly at his tea, still pondering over the path of their journey after leaving this place.
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Post by Major on Jan 17, 2016 20:09:29 GMT
"Thank you," Mikel said with a nod as he took the water and drank it.
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Post by kiritsumitsu on Jan 17, 2016 23:46:38 GMT
static.zerochan.net/Esmeralda.(Notre.Dame).full.973982.jpg Concern frames her, her lips half-parted, as she watches Caervin tumble over himself and onto the chair which Mattaeus had just left. She cringes, awaiting that telltale thump of his body hitting the floor. When he stands, she queries. "Are you alright? You're not hurt?" It's an empty platitude but she figures it was best to ask. "Some drinks would definitely be appreciated." She further comments, "I would have asked for some liquor, if this place hadn't been holy."After a brief coughed laughter, she takes the offered drink from Mattaeus, wondering to herself how this, in the end, would all fare. Her thoughts lead her to Godpsring. Mikel had already stated that it did have some shared connotations to their prophecy and Caervin had echoed the same sentiment. She didn't know much of the place aside from what had been stated. Her knowledge was more confined to the books she had read in the cafes on her free time and not firsthand experience. She sips her drink slowly, basking in the bitter warmth of the coffee that began to soothe her nerves.
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 18, 2016 2:10:11 GMT
"So, what are you all going to do, now?" Mattheus asks. "I heard you discussing traveling to Godspring. If you are going to do so, I wish you the best of luck. But will you at least connsider staying for the Solstice Festival tomorrow? Even if you don't partake in any festivities, at noon the entire mountain looks like it's bathed in gold. It's simply breathtaking. But, the festivities themselves are quite spectacular. It is a time of generosity. Businesses give out some free wares, entertainers put on shows, and people gift things to each other that they've made themselves. It is simply a time of joy, to forget about the future, and live life in the present."
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Post by Seya on Jan 18, 2016 11:56:17 GMT
Caervin nodded slowly. "Dad always told me of the festival, said we'd see it someday." He smiled sadly. "I guess to see it now would be most fitting... A celebration of all the wonderful years I spent with him... Yeah, I vote we stay until the festival's done before moving on. I'd like to see what this mountain is named for." His voice was heavy with memories and grief, and as he was left to his thoughts it became harder to sit among company. It would be uncomfortable at first, to travel with strangers, instead of a man he already missed so dearly...
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Post by Major on Jan 18, 2016 19:24:22 GMT
As the man asked about the festival, Mikel finished drinking his water to give him time to think. On one hand, Mikel wasn't really in a rush to run around and dance to the beat of some prophecy's drum. On the other hand he had a lot of reasons to avoid the gathering. The last thing Mikel wanted was to be around a large group of unarmed people in case the madness he carried tried to take over. In addition a large gathering of people would increase the chances of a Child of Grimm being there to spot him. At the same time, a large crowd would make it easier to blend in.
In addition a large gathering of people would be the best chance to make connections, find people to help, and improve things. However, the question was if the advantages outweighed the risk. If the Children of Grimm went to the Summer Solstice with all its occultic connections and spotted him he ran the risk of a fight. And the risk of a fight against them would greatly increase the chances of him losing it. On the flip side the prophecy, which he didn't like listening to, claimed that 'answers you seek' came from Godspring. In addition maybe life coming from death had a double meaning and also referred to the twisted connection he had with the Lady of Death. It was unlikely, but it was still a chance.
Once he finished the drink, Mikel set down the cup. "Well, the festival sounds lovely, but if in the unlikely case this prophecy stuff is real delaying it would seem risky." Mikel commented, avoiding explaining his real reasons for wanting to avoid the event. "However, since Godspring seems to be more about seeking answers it shouldn't require all of us." He mentioned, "If the two of you wish to stay I can make my way and start looking for information and meet you guys there whenever you make it. At the very least it would give us a head start rather than three of us doing the same thing. I doubt this little dream requires us to be glued to the hips from now on." He noted. "Hopefully I can find whatever answer we are supposed to seek before you guys arrive and we can continue the journey from there."
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Post by kiritsumitsu on Jan 19, 2016 3:57:29 GMT
static.zerochan.net/Esmeralda.(Notre.Dame).full.973982.jpg As soon as the word "Festival" had left the Seer's lips, Elizabeth felt a tremor within her, shaking her completely from her despair prior. Her eyes glazed. Her imagination wild of fanciful thoughts of singing troubadours performing in the streets, of booming colourful lights firing into the night sky, of children briskly running, laughing, to join in the excitement of the festival, her heart throbbed to feel that same wonder. Of a joy that shakes her from the doldrums of their quest to be.
"A Festival?" Excitement was clear in her voice, if not her clasped hands. "Oh, how marvellous! We certainly must stay. I mean, when else will we get to have the opportunity to do so?"
She looked towards her companions, her eyes beaming and imploring for them to say 'Yes'. Iris mimicked her expression, floating by beside her head, with her stubby arms brought together as if in pleading prayer.
Caervin seemed to share her sentiment in staying but Mikel was less so.
"You will not stay, Mikel?" Her bottom lip quivered at his response, his words cutting through the excitement she had just felt. He was right, however. They could not just avoid or delay the notions of the prophecy altogether, even if it was just for a day. And she couldn't, in good conscience, allow Mikel to do what they were supposed to do altogether by himself. They, the three of them, were summoned by the Gods. They shouldn't abandon one of their own just for her own folly.
Iris drooped to her Trainer's lap, her wings seemingly to have no energy to carry her anymore.
Elizabeth's shoulders slumped tiredly, her features crestfallen. "You're right. We shouldn't delay." Her tone was hallow, devoid of the energy she was just exhibiting seconds ago. "Godpsring's at least a few days away on horseback. Longer if we travel by foot." Her eyes gazed emptily at the ground beneath them as if her interests and dreams were swallowed by the very earth and all that she could ever do was watch as they were dragged further and further into its mantle. Iris drooped even further, her neck seemingly no longer able to carry the weight of her crowned head.
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Post by Major on Jan 19, 2016 4:41:55 GMT
"Mi'lady! You hardly need to rush!" Mikel said with a whince. "You can stay and enjoy the festival, I was merely saying I could go ahead. You have a Ponyta and could easily catch up if you desired to stay." He insisted. He had seen the smile on her face at the idea of the festival and didnt wish for her to miss out.
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Post by kiritsumitsu on Jan 19, 2016 7:45:41 GMT
static.zerochan.net/Esmeralda.(Notre.Dame).full.973982.jpg Elizabeth stared up at him at his words, her brows scrunching in worry. Standing from her seat, she strode to where Mikel was. "But... We can't just let you go by yourself. Even if you do believe you are capable of going at it alone. Those," She paused for a moment, thinking back on their first encounter together, "Unowns are out there! We don't know how many there are or when or if they'll show up again. Wouldn't it be more prudent if we stayed together here? At least, for the time being." She grasped for his hands, feeling the roughened scratched skin graze along her softer one, as she brought them to the empty space between their chests in a clasped prayer. She stared up at him, her eyes filled with worry for the man who had tried to save her life. "Caervin is fine with staying. Please, Mikel? Can't we stay?"
"Caervin, help me out here." She cried out, turning her head towards the other male of their group.
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Post by Seya on Jan 19, 2016 10:05:45 GMT
Caervin frowned. "Do you have another reason for avoiding the festival, Mikel? If so, put it on the table now. If someone's after you, and we're going to be travelling with you, shouldn't we ought to know?"
He shuffles. "If I'm right, we can disguise you if need be. Lose the cloak, for one--really, you stand out a lot and it's a bit creepy to be honest--even just for tomorrow. Your hair is long enough to do something with as well... As long as you'll put the effort in, we can all stay and enjoy the festival. It would be foolish to break our group up this soon. Besides, I doubt anyone would think to attack us in the middle of a great party, as long as we stay together. Give it a chance." He glanced towards Elizabeth with a smile.
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Post by Major on Jan 19, 2016 11:10:34 GMT
Kirlia's eyes went wide and a frown crossed her face when Elizabeth grabbed Mikel's hand. Who did she think she was?! Whatever, her master had made up his mind and wouldn't change it just because of some pleading and hand grabbing!
Mikel shifted a bit at Elizabeth's urging and her grasping of his hand. "I..." He stops. He had no doubt that even alone he could fight the creatures, however to do so would be to fight with the power he hated using. At her pleading and worry, Mikel found it hard to argue. In addition, the unown could present a problem if they attacked just the two. Even with the excuse that he had been holding back on his true strength, that fight had been four of them. They would already be done one without the old man. Meaning even if he could fight the creatures, what about the other two?
He sighed as he tried to think of a counter point. He didn't like being in one location too long not only because of the Children of Grimm, but also because that meant being around the same people. The longer he was around somebody, the more likely they were to learn what was inside him as well as what stupid prophecy already claimed him. Still, he wasn't going to be able to avoid them anyways since they were supposedly needed. And even if he did turn his back on the silly dream riddle, he doubted the others would. And if they pressed on they'd be in a weaker position because of it.
Before he could comment, however, Caervin asked his question and Mikel froze. How did this man know to guess that? A slight frown crossed his face. He wasn't sure how to fully answer that. "Well, the cloak is mostly for travel so I wouldn't need it for the festival." He commented, "It functions for warmth and night time." He explained before pausing as he thought. He did need to tell them if they were going to travel, but at the same time he wasn't willing to tell everything. "As for a disguise...I doubt it would have any effect due to various reasons." He said with a sigh, "Trying to be a hero can sometimes upset various darker forces. There is a cult that would like to get their hands on me. Regardless, I guess we can stay. It seems that to say no, even if it was just me, would cause some upset."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 19, 2016 16:28:31 GMT
"Uh, a cult, lad?" asks Matthaeus. "Are you sure? Because there hasn't needed to be cults for, oh, four hundred or so years. Not since the fall of, agh, whatshisname..." he waves his hand in the air vaguely. "That Xerneas warlord fellow, who outlawed the worship of the "dark" deities for the two years he managed to unite the continent. But, since that time, the deities have been able to be worshipped openly, people don't judge. And why would they be after you?"
"But, anyways, spendid. I don't think you'll regret coming to the highlight of our festive year."
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