nysalogs | Open catch-all!

[ She's being followed.

At first, she thought it was just her imagination. A bit of paranoia after spending perhaps a little too much time somewhere that she had no place being. But after a few twists and turns, a couple of well-placed shortcuts (she hadn't been snooping around here before, what are you talking about) and back alleys later, she could still feel that prickle of something on the back of her neck.

Ah, this is bad. She doesn't want a fight, and in a place like this, there was so little space for her to move. Not to mention she hadn't quite come prepared for guests...

Her heeled shoes clicking on the cobblestone pavement, her shoulders tense and pace purposeful if not a bit quick, her eyes scan around the narrow walkway. Then all at once, she stops. her movements fluid as she pivots quickly to her right. Bringing her elbow up to connect with something solid, she hears a groan and the shuffling of feet to her side.

But that can't be it, and before she has a moment to respond, she feels someone grab her other arm, pulling her hard from behind and wrapping the other arm tight at her throat. ]

This mouse thinks she can put up a fight in a den of rats, does she? Now, now, that's no way for a lady to act.

[ Breath hot against her cheek, she tries to move her head so she can see her attacker. But her eyes have never been good in the low light, and as she moves, she feels him move, and the feeling of cold steel press lightly against her neck. ]

Bet somebody rich is missing you, aren't they girl? It's a good thing we found you then, huh?

[ ...Ah. This is really bad. ]

Edited 2017-10-06 05:53 (UTC)

What about rats?

[ Mikazuki's voice cuts across the scene with an even, youthful lilt that seems mismatched to how foreboding it is. It's hard to tell if he'd simply stumbled onto the attack or if he'd been lurking nearby for longer than that. Whatever the case, the insult seems to have shaken him loose from wherever he'd been. This isn't unfamiliar. Chryse had been rife with it, the impoverished underbelly where he'd grown up bearing this scenario countless times. It starts exactly this way — heels clicking prettily, money to be had. Back then, he'd pulled away into the darkness, feeling loyalty to no one.

But Mikazuki had come out here to hunt, and Mikazuki is all out of patience. Maybe these weren't the people he was looking for, but he has a minute or two to find out. Gaze traveling from point to point: the arm at Lux's throat, the knife, her familiar eyes, then her attacker, he appears to calmly weigh each option. While he's looking, his attention seems pervasive, as if it's actually everywhere, filling up the alleyway with his presence.

Removing his hands from his pockets, he asks again, knowing that the three of them are not alone. ]

Tell me what this is.

—!

[ That voice was—

Even if she can't see well in this light, she can see well enough. It's a struggle not to make any awkward movements, to give that flash of familiarity away to her attackers. So instead, she stands completely still, her chin tipped upward slightly.

There's something different about him, something dangerous and wild, even if his voice is measured and level. Like someone who knows exactly where he is and what he is doing, at home with the wolves. It's not at all like who he seemed to be on the ship, or that day on the beach.

This was someone who knew exactly what he was doing. Someone to be afraid of.

But that seems to go over her attacker's head, as he laughs raucous at Mikazuki before pressing his cheek against hers; a free hand trailing down the curve of her waist. ]

Do you hear that? He wants to know what this is! Should we tell him, miss? Or should I show him?

[ Even as her muscles try to tighten, her heart racing in her ears, she tries her best to stay calm. (Don't lose your head. Try to look at your surroundings. Where else could they be hiding?) And while it's subtle, her right hand moves slightly, fingers moving as a faint light begins to gather at the tips.

Her attacker seems completely unaware, the unhinged grin that split his face quickly falling away. Even as his partner pulls himself off the ground, clutching his stomach from the previous blow, the man gripping Lux seems completely fixated on Mikazuki. ]

Are you trying to be a hero? You don't look old enough to be off your mother's teat. Get lost, before I get angry.

[ Keep him talking, Mikazuki. She won't need much more time. She has a price on her head—use that to their advantage. ]

[ Something different ticks in his gaze as he watches every move the man makes against Lux with an intensity that seems mismatched to how still he is. Slight as he might be, it's a dominating look, likewise fixated, the color of his eyes pushed to the surface with something unidentifiable. Not anger, or malice, or concern. It's unwavering despite the movement now pulling through the scene — light in her hands, an accomplice on his feet. Diversions aren't his thing...

But now, the insult. That gets him to shift, chin tipping up almost irreverently. Petulantly, like the child this person wants him to be. ]

Oh, I see. I've never had a mother. If I did, I guess...

[ That trailing off dips into a lower tone, held against the pulse in his throat like an animal barred in a cage. As the second associate climbs to his feet, his gaze cuts aside, showing the man who has Lux captive exactly where his attention is going. Something shifts down from his sleeve into his palm, presence coming out of itself to fill up the spaces around them. ]

She would have taught me to be a hero.

[ As surely as Lux holds light in her very hands, that wasn't his kind of story. ]

[ Technically this wasn't a part of her job, but it's hard to say no to someone who was already grieving. An older woman, in her late forties if Lux had to guess—although, in that moment, she looked far older. Tired more than just physically, the weight of a lifetime spent in a few months or years weighing heavy on her shoulders. She approached her in the social hall as her shift was ending, with just one request.

Please, sit with her father while she tries to get some rest. He probably wouldn't wake up anyhow, and if he did, he was too far gone to recognize anyone anymore. Not even her.

How could Lux say no to that? Even after working most of the day without stopping; comforting countless families and sitting with more than her fair share of patients, even still how could she say no?

So there Lux would be, sitting in one of the rooms with a book she was reading rested on the table nearby, and her gloves resting in her lap. Her chair pulled up at his bedside, she carefully held his hand in both of hers with a peaceable, almost far-off smile. Something so impossibly warm, but at the same time sad as well.

Even if he didn't recognize her, he still hadn't forgotten his daughter.

It's all right, Lux could play the part for a little while, quietly holding his hand to reassure him. Even if she could feel a bit of light peeking through, spreading across her skin and making her hands shimmer with a faint iridescence—this would be their little secret, right?

Besides, as his daughter said, his mind was in a place so far removed from here, clinging to a past he remembered vividly. He likely wouldn't remember when (or if) he woke up again. ]

Edited 2017-10-06 11:12 (UTC)

[ As the day goes by, it would be an easy sight to miss in the clinic with everything being so busy with all the sick and those thinking they may be sick filling it to bursting. Easy too with how busy that keeps Allen, not one to join the manhunt across town as that sort of thing, even if he hates someone who would believe an attack like that a just thing... that sort of thing is for the police and the guard. It's people fighting people. He hates it, but..

That isn't why he fights, either. And so will keep himself quite busy running meals from the kitchen to patients, rousing staff that slump over at their desks for a brief nap with a sparkling sort of smile for their lunch — the third attempt, and more often than not being recruited to keep someone charmed and placated for a time so they don't begin to panic and despair. And yet...

And yet that also means he's passed by that room a lot since this morning. And on the first time he glanced in thought oh, that was odd. Was that Lux sitting with a patient? Maybe they were having her help keep people company as well. And on the second time he went past her against thought that a little odd... and then the third, the fourth —

Finally he stops by one of the nurses in the hall to politely inquire who's in that room. "Ah, him? Sad, he fell into a coma earlier this morning. Poor thing, the physician said he isn't going to wake up.." ]

...

[ A little later, Lux might hear someone at the door. That it suddenly starts to get a little quieter, actually, as he pulls it behind him (only partway) before he steps closer — and sets a tray of food on the table beside her. ]

Everyone wanted to make sure you got some, too.

[ it's a lie, he told them it was for him ]

[ So she might have lost track of time. The hustle and bustle feels somewhat far away when sitting there, anchored to one spot and unwilling to leave. She was done with her shift for the day anyhow, and what was an hour more if it meant that someone else could rest.

But an hour turned into two. Three. More time than she had actually anticipated. Yet she stayed there, ever vigilant, in the hopes that even this little bit would do some good. It might seem silly, but it's important to her.

Even if the subject of family for her was far more complicated than she would like (especially now), she could still understand how much it meant to stay by someone's side—and when they couldn't, to have someone waiting regardless, should that loved one finally wake up.

She wasn't quite sure when she started dozing. Probably somewhere between hour two and three, her head heavy as she struggled to keep her eyes open. And by the time Allen finally did make his way there, she had finally fallen asleep, her head dipped forward, even if her hands still rested on top of the patient's.

Hands that glow faintly, even as she slept. ]

—!

[ She doesn't hear him come in, but as soon as he speaks, she lurches forward with a start, the gloves rested on her lap quietly toppling to the ground beside her. ]

A-Allen?! What are you doing here?

[ Please don't sneak up on her like that! Shoot, where are her gloves?! ]

Edited 2017-10-07 05:28 (UTC)

[ Shoot, she had been asleep...? He looks a bit sheepish that he might have disturbed her, that wasn't his intention, even as he moves to sit in the other chair that's been pulled up by the bedside.

Her question causes him to blink though, and perhaps seem mildly crestfallen. ]

I work here too... [ really Lux, did you forget where you were. is he that forgettable ]

[ Nevertheless, he doesn't seem put off by it. And while it's true that his eyes drop for a moment at noticing a strange glow where there shouldn't be (that — it was coming from her hands?) ... And true that he could ask because it's a bit strange, but —

We're going to go for smiling and pretending like nothing is out of the ordinary. Mipha's hands glowed a bit too when she had healed him. Perhaps her powers include healing as well. ]

Are you alright...? You've been here a long time.

[ Oh he—that's not quite what she meant, more a question of what he was doing here in this room. Like she could forget about him, really now. She does look apologetic, though, smiling meekly at him.

But when she sees his gaze focus on her hands for a moment, that smile fades somewhat. Her fingers reflexively grip at her skirt a bit as she has to force herself not to pull them behind her back. But even that seems to make it even worse, and while it's still faint, the glowing is certainly more pronounced now that she's awake.

And, well. Because he's staring right at them. He can see you're glowing Lux, even if he's trying to be polite and avoid mentioning it altogether. She saw that look! ]

...Ah.

[ She should say something more than "...Ah." Just maybe. It's a little hard when she's too busy internally screaming. ]

Yes, I—I'm fine, really.

[ SHE'S NEVER BEEN CAUGHT LIKE THIS WHAT DOES SHE DO ]

[ Lux.

Miss Lux —

In the grand scheme of all things Weird and Shameful, hands glowing slightly ranks really low. She has nothing to be ashamed of!!! Allen on the other hand, with a left arm that's blood red and looks disfigured or demonic, a literal curse carving his face in half, weird white hair (ok somehow that doesn't seem weird anymore, a lot of people here are young with white hair??)... even he has zero shame about any of it anymore!! Just — it's awkward when people stare and look disgusted so he still tries to wear gloves at least...

Though.. is she glowing brighter...? But she didn't seem to be actively trying to heal the man at the moment...

He blinks a little, eyes sliding between hers as he... considers that. Left-right. Left-right. Huh. That's a bit of a weird response... he scratches at his cheek for a second, flashing a sheepish sort of smile. ]

I'm sorry if I startled you, I didn't realize you'd been asleep..

Edited 2017-10-08 01:17 (UTC)

[ He can say that all he wants, but it won't make her feel any better. She knows what this looks like. Besides, she's never had to deal with anyone actually seeing this happen to her before, whereas he has experience. Maybe if that were the case—

No, she would still be mildly uncomfortable with the whole thing.

But she can't help but feel a bit guilty, even if the whole thing made her skin crawl. It's fine here, there were at least a few other people talking about magic as if it were something natural in their world—natural, and not a thing to be feared or hated. She should be all right. But she can't quite tell if that look on his face is because of the glow, or because of how she's reacting.

(Ugh.)

Taking a breath, she closes her eyes to try to center herself, whispering something silently to herself. And that does seem to do something, even if it is slight. She still glows, but it doesn't seem as obvious. After a moment, she gives him a likewise sheepish smile. ]

It's all right, you don't have to apologize. Still, I can't believe I fell asleep. I swear, I only just sat down.

[ Clearly time means nothing when you're dozing.

Moving a bit, she leans over, finding and picking her gloves up from the floor. Stays there for a moment because, oh, that's definitely the room lurching to one side (how long has she been sitting here...?) before finally sitting upright again. She begins putting her gloves back on, her eyes snagging on something on the table nearby before blinking a few times.

A tray of food? Right, she does kind of remember him saying something as she startled awake... ]

...Is this for me?

Edited 2017-10-15 20:50 (UTC)

[ She really is out of it... ]

Yes, it's from everyone. [ what's the harm in telling the same white lie twice..

Ehe. He shifts a little, hands folding in his lap. ]

They were worried when you were in here all day. [ read: he was concerned but will explain that away as naturally being something everyone else felt. Besides — and his gaze falls for a moment to the old man sleeping peacefully — if she didn't think of herself at all for the sake of sitting with someone else who was already so far gone...

...shouldn't someone? ]

[ He startled her awake! It isn't her fault that she missed what he said!

But that does get her to pause, blinking a few times in surprise at the tray of food sitting there. This was from everyone? She doesn't quite know what to say to that, actually, instead looking from the table back to him, as if wordlessly asking if this was all right.

Is it..?

She feels a bit contrite about that, actually, just accepting something she doesn't feel like she deserves. If it wasn't her sitting here, someone else would, so she doesn't quite understand it. But it would be rude to refuse it, or to even voice any of that, wouldn't it? Besides, they didn't need to worry about her. She's healthy. People like this gentleman here...

She doesn't need help. At least not the way that she sees it.

Finally smiling at the Exorcist, she shrugs her shoulders lightly. ]

It's all right. I've done this before, so I'm used to it.

[ But honestly what is she going to do with this? It's a bit too much, which is why her expression brightens a bit. ]

You're welcome to some too, if you'd like. I doubt I'll be able to eat all of it myself.

[ And she would feel terribly awkward not sharing. ]

[ Sometimes all it takes to remind yourself of how far away you are from home is the absence of those few necessary creature comforts. Quaint little things that look and feel familiar, that are easily taken for granted until their gone. Unlike some who had awoken here with a few personal items, Lux is sorely lacking, save for a few articles of clothing.

It makes it hard, knowing that she'll never those things back—even if she had so little of her own she sorely missed. But for someone as caught up in how she presents herself, being unable to have something nice took its toll, far more than she had expected.

Maybe that was why, the moment she had a bit of coin in her purse, she stops in front of the window to the tailor's shop, looking in with almost rapt wonder. It's not quite like what she had at home, but something about the variety of colors and textiles on display caught her eye.

So in she goes, opening the door with a welcoming jingle overhead. The window display really did not do this place justice, and as she takes a step inside, letting the door close behind her, the small blond stops to look around. To take it all in.

What a cute little shop! The owner wouldn't mind if she poked around a bit, right? ]

Edited 2017-10-07 03:41 (UTC)

[You gets it. The little familiar things whose absence are so sorely felt, even if she'd never appreciated them while she'd had the chance.

She's the only one in the shop at the moment, the owner and some of the other seamstresses taking a lunch break. So when she hears the sound of the door open, she looks up.] Oh, hi!

Can I help you? Are you looking for anything? [She says, sliding up to the counter.]

[ trying to be even remotely sneaky about gathering information is not working out on percival's end, but sitting in bed with vox machina as his collective ward is not exactly his idea of being helpful in the slightest bit. while the pair of them had peeled off to investigate the two ends of the scene of the crime: the market place attempting to weave themselves through the gathered crowds. a market at day could reveal a number of little things, right? however, percy can tell already that he's somewhat recognized from the initial explosion given the berth he's being provided by some of the somewhat healthier-looking olympian folk. still, he's determined to gather whatever information he can. he's not coming back empty-handed.

truthfully, he's about to give up, feeling peaky at best with his coat gathered fast about him when a woman hobbles up to him with one of the most foul smells he's ever encountered, sour and dizzying. it takes every single polite bone in his body not to lift up a gloved hand to cover his mouth and nose the entire time as she points with the most absurd expression up at the sky, coughing and then wheezing out:

i saw somethin', i'll tell you... i saw... i saw the purtiest dang bird i'm ev' gon' see hangin' 'round.... flew way when i was lookin' at it!

which isn't exactly what he'd wanted to hear, but it's probably the only thing he's heard all day besides being waved off and even swatted at as she coughs her way back into the crowd, wheezing in a manner that makes percy's own lungs quiver just a bit. ]

And people tell me I need bed rest, [ he grumbles as the woman turns on him and begins to walk away. percy lets out a great heaving sigh (and with it, some covered up coughing into the neck of his coat) as he moves towards a seat in the market's center and drops himself down upon it unceremoniously, removing his glasses and giving his eyes a good rub. ] I've unraveled the whole thing thanks to one woman wearing some kind of perfume made of her own flatulence, I'm almost certain. The birds did it. They did all of this.

[ Unfortunately, Lux misses most of the show. The woman and her rather unique musk, and her very poignant revelation. Clearly that beautiful bird holds the answer to everything, and she wanted to make sure he knew. Him specifically. Spread the word, Percy, it is your duty now.

Lux hasn't been having much luck either, it would seem. Walking around the marketplace for most of the afternoon, she finally gives up and sits down to reassess her tactics. They have maybe an hour of daylight left, maybe she could— ]

..?

[ Oh, hello? She wasn't expecting company. He sounds terrible, too... Blinking a few times, she recognizes him almost immediately. She saw him while she was in stasis, and, erm, shamelessly pushing his wares not too long ago. She'll just... forget about that. Or try to.

But goodness, he sounds terrible, and all at once she gives him a sheepish smile. Birds? ]

Oh, well, I suppose they are a little too smart for their own good...

[ She a little worried that you might be delirious, sir. ]

[ While still popular, even the Wyvernest Cafe has noticed a downturn in visitors since the explosion occurred. Some are too sick, others too afraid to go out. Those that are out and about hold their heads high and pretend to lack fear - or perhaps simply do not care enough about others to worry.

That said, one advantage to working in a cafe is that the left-overs are free to take home: sandwiches, pasta bakes and salads, even half a cake left over that simply couldn't be left out for someone to have tomorrow. Always fresh goods, all the time! But since the owner seemed at least partially committed to 'Waste not, want not!', they've been more than happy to let those in their employ have them instead. Which is why Ysayle has been able to stop briefly over the last few days and place some containers of food within the refrigerator.

She's then promptly gone out again, leaving only a simple note that Lux was welcome to partake in whatever she liked. It's after one of these afternoon-long trips out that the door rattles, then creeks in, the elezen mindful not to be too loud. It's evening now, not super late, but it was only polite to be mindful - even if most of the street noise indicated their neighbours were not. ]

[ Her work at the sanctuary kept Lux busy enough that she was thankful for the little treats left by her rather thoughtful housemate, but that did not keep her from returning the favor in her own, little way. Usually it was small things, like a note alongside some freshly-picked flowers—something to make this not-so-dusty place feel more like home. Occasionally, she might find fruit or other wares from the marketplace sitting on a table, with a note inviting her to take as much as she would like.

It was little things like this that were important during times like these. They might not be able to see each other, but at least they could put a smile on the other's face.

Although it would seem that Lux was hardly ever there, and even if the city was in the grips of some terrible illness, it's hard to believe that she spent all her time tending to the sick. She just would rather keep what she did outside of business hours to herself.

But heavens she was tired, after a long shift and a few stops in places unknown afterward. Her hair still smelled like smoke because she simply couldn't will herself to get up from the chair where she was sitting. She would drag herself to the shower in a few moments.

Or she planned to, until she heard the door open and close, and boot heels tapping on the wooden floor. Lux sits up then, leaning forward and letting her arms rest at her knees. ]

Oh, you're home.

[ Long time no see. ]

[ Buuuusted?

Well, not quite. There's a startled pause as Ysayle registers the voice addressing her, not actually expecting the younger housemate to be drooped over so in a chair in the middle of the kitchen. ]

Good evening. I wasn't expecting you to be up. [there's a mix of welcoming smile and concerned brow furrow, before she steps further in, shrugging free of the light coat she's taken to wearing here. (She's not cold. At all. But pockets are convenient.) ]

You look as tired as I feel. Would you like some tea?

[ Sometimes things are difficult. Like making dinner. Or getting up from this chair. It isn't even all that comfortable normally, but right now? It's heavenly.

She does manage to perk up a bit when Ysayle does move closer, donning her usual chipper but now somewhat tired smile as she pushes herself up to stand. Really, she's too young to feel like this, but there's no rest for the wicked. ]

One of the nurses chased me off. She said if she sees me around the sanctuary working tomorrow that she would have the owner herself toss me out.

[ There's something almost apologetically proud about the way she says this. Sorry Ysayle, you live with a workaholic. One who gets into some... interesting places after she's done for the day, from the seems of it, given the faint smell of tobacco smoke lingering on her. ]

Tea sounds wonderful. Can I help?

Sit, sit. You look like you may sway and fall over with a gentle push. [teasing, but genuine; it only takes one to boil a kettle] Though if you have the energy, a few of the tea cakes would pair well with our drinks.

[ The scent of tobacco certainly wars with tending to those within the Sanctuary, and earns a little bit of a curious side eye as she steps into the kitchenette proper, though Ysayle herself is hardly one to talk - she's at least offered and had aid accepted, running errands and handling basic things to free up the hands of medical experts while the plagued are tended to on top of her 8am to 3pm job at the Wyvernest.

Scrubbing down each night seems to help...but who can say for sure? This is unlike any fever Ysayle has ever known, and in spite of being a few years her junior, she rather suspects Lux feels the same way. ]

If they've given you that sort of warning, it is best to get what sleep you can. It would bode ill for those attending the sick to fall prey to that same illness due to exhaustion. According to Doctor Watson, it's likely many of you will be seeing less of your beds if treatments cannot be found soon.

[ Her head shakes, lips pressing into a thin line of dismay. It's concerning to know the disease, or whatever it is, has yet to respond to current medicines. That she knows of, at least. ]

Edited 2017-10-20 15:06 (UTC)

[ From here!

There's something inside her that wants to believe him, to help shed some light on this injustice and clear his friends' names. Maybe that is why Lux is quick to throw on a jacket and make her way through the residential district with purpose, boots clicking rhythmically on the cobblestone pavement.

In a way, she's grateful. She isn't a healer, so there's little she can do at the sanctuary; and she isn't the type to go out and kick doors open (no, that's her brother's realm). But she can't sit still, so perhaps this is something she can do.

Protect the innocent who have managed to find themselves caught up in this mess.

Which brings her to Reinhardt's door, her shoulders held square and a pleasant but direct smile on her face as she knocks. Let's see if they can't do something to help. ]

Edited 2017-10-17 17:25 (UTC)

[ Reinhardt is waiting for her. He's decided to trust her. There's a lot of information he has on all three. Things that he knows he should be careful about sharing. Information on their past. Their skills. What they looked like. But the more help he has, the more likely that his friends would be cleared. He has to do this. It's all he has.

So he waits for her and quickly opens when she knocks. He tries not to look as huge as he actually is, but he has to duck under the doorway when he gestures to let her inside. The living area is pretty much like every other house, except that there's a massive suit of armor sitting in one corner. With the size of it, it's clearly made for him. ]

Thank you for coming. I'm sorry I couldn't be a better host. [ Circumstances just make it so that his focus is on his friends and not on being proper. ] Come in and I'll answer whatever questions you have that you couldn't ask over the network.

[ It's late and the forest is awake, afire with an almost otherworldly presence that, despite the darkness, always seems to calm her mind. Maybe it's because, in the shadow of night, it's easier to hide–to slip away from where she was sight unseen,and to be able to practice in peace. That's how it was before, those dark hours used to learn just how far her light spreads.

Something about that always helped her clear her head, and with everything going on wince she awoke on this side of the universe, seeking a bit of quiet solace in the twilight hours was what she needed.

For someone who wasn't magically inclined, they might just dismiss the dancing lights moving about in the woods as a trick. Just something a sleep deprived or drink-addled mind might hatch up. But for someone touched (or afflicted) by magic, it's obvious there are forces at work here. Not quite wild magic, but something almost raw about it; like someone was painting the canvas of night with her own essence of being. With her own inner light.

It's not hard to find the source, drawing her magic outward in bright, iridescent strokes as she almost seems to dance in the moonlight. It doesn't seem that she's noticed that she's been found yet. ]

[ X’rhun has always kind of kept weird hours, but with the whole mess Olympia and the refugees find themselves in, his sleeping schedule is especially sporadic. That’s not to say he doesn’t get his rest— he’s been around long enough to realize that pushing himself to the point of exhaustion will help no one— he just gets his rest at… not the same time most sane people do.

So, it’s no surprise he finds himself wide awake in the late hours, but that’s as good a time as any to go chasing down leads. He’s not sure what he hopes to find among the trees, mostly he’s just covering his bases, but the dancing lights certainly catch his attention. Even with how wildly magic varies from refugee to refugee, he can tell that this isn’t a natural phenomenon, and follows the lights to their source.

What he finds is a young lady, and in the moment, she looks so serene that he almost doesn’t want to interrupt her. But he also doesn’t want to startle her, so he softly clears his throat. ]

—!

[ It's enough to get her attention, the small blond turning suddenly toward the sound in wide-eyed bewilderment. The lights around her flare and wink out of existence, but the glow around her stays, almost like it comes from within her.

(She thought this place was safe, who would come out here at this time of night?)

Standing here in silence, her heart pounding, she will herself to calm down–not just because he's managed to startle her, but because, if she were still back home...

But she isn't, and fundamentally she knows she doesn't have to worry so much about keeping that forced secrecy, but it's hard to remember that in times like this. ]

...

[ Just take a breath and say something. It will look more suspicious otherwise. ]

I'm sorry, I–I didn't think there would be anyone else out here.

[ He holds his hands up, keeping them well-away from the rapier at his hip. It wouldn’t do to startle her more than he already has. ]

No need to apologize. I am the one intruding upon you— I saw the light of your magic and couldn’t help but investigate. I’m sorry if I frightened you.

[ Her eyes flick from his face to his rapier, then to his raised hands. Frowning gently in the low light, she forces herself to meet his gaze. That's right—she did nothing wrong.

Nothing wrong here, at least. ]

Please, don't apologize. I shouldn't be out here, not with everything going on.

[ They would have put a curfew in place where she was from. But there's something he said that was interesting and unexpected, and slowly she tilts her head slightly. ]

...You we're drawn here by my magic?

[ She isn't used to people being so... calm when in the presence of a mage. ]

With all that’s going on, I’m certain no one would think less of you for seeking a moment to yourself.

[ The city is abuzz with activity, it’s true. Panic and fear seem to settle in the very streets to the point where it’s almost oppressive. Out here, though, the air seems a little bit lighter. The reality of their situation, the attack, the illness, still hangs overhead, but it’s not quite so smothering out among the trees.

He lowers his hands, though keeps them away from his weapon still, just in case, and gives a small nod at her question. ]

I was. I’ve not seen its like before. It’s quite lovely.

Open catch-all!

Mikazuki Augus

no subject

no subject

no subject

Allen Walker

no subject

no subject

1/2

2/2

no subject

no subject

and then I forgot I was going to edit this, whoops

no subject

no subject

You Watanabe

no subject

Percy I'm not typing your whole name out boy you need a name change de Rolo

n e v e r

no subject

Ysayle Dangoulain

Evening time, end of the first week since explosion!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Reinhardt Wilhelm

no subject

X'rhun Tia

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject