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RESPITE FALLS - GUARD BARRACKS - MIDDAY
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Nesseth sits behind Louma's desk, working to sort through all of the reports and the like that have been coming in regarding just about everything that has been going on lately. Most pressingly, he's been reviewing any and all reports coming in from scouts and the like, trying to get as complete a picture as he can of enemy movements and actions.
Annika comes inside, after seeing to whatever protocols are needed to in order to see Nesseth, and the requisite disarming, and confirming that she has proper business, and the like. She's dressed in her 'hunting outfit'. While it wasn't strictly required. It made her look more professional (not to mention fitted leathers make people be nicer to her 'for some reason'), and she felt that would be useful. She clears her throat a little "Ah, a moment, Sir? Please?" She'd planned to be more confident...
Nesseth looks up from the stack of reports currently sitting on the desk. Even though it's only about midday, he's looking a bit tired around the eyes from all of the extra duties that he's been trying to handle since Louma vanished. He gestures at the chair across from him upon recognizing Annika. "Oh, hey there, Annika. Good to see you again. Did you need me for something?"
Annika: "Well. I know Victoria is going out as part of the search and rescue crew. I just want to let you know that I want to going with her, and uh..does that need a temporary deputization? I want all this to be all above board, and to make sure you can make the best use of the two of us as possible"
Nesseth hums and nods as he sets the reports aside for the moment. "Yeah, Victoria's been pestering us here and there about sending out the rescue party already, but we're still waiting on word from some of the scouts for a proper direction to go." He shakes his head a bit at the question, "As for needing to be deputized, we're putting out a call for volunteers to everyone that's capable of handling battle and rough living for a couple of weeks or so. If Victoria vouches for your abilities in a fight, we'll be happy to have you along as a volunteer."
Annika nods "I, well, I'm not the best in a direct fight, but I'm getting to be an okay archer..and, uh, I can do this" She pinches her fingers together, and pulls them apart, creating a rather ornate dagger, chosen to be the sort that can't just be hidden up a sleeve easily "I'm still new at it, but.." She flicks her fingers through the illusion "I'm..able to do, some..helpful things" She drops the knife into the fruitbowl, the illusionary knife slicing through the apple that was there, before resting, sticking there in place.
Nesseth tilts his head at the demonstration of magic. Even though there have been a few mages opting to help the rescue effort and thus been practicing in the training grounds as of late, overt displays of those powers still catch his wonder. "...Huh... I won't turn down any magical help, as long as you're aware of what exactly you're signing up for, Annika."
Annika: "Well, I've been out already, helping with the rescue efforts" She smiles a little at the reaction. She's getting to enjoy showing off! "I'm able do illusions like that, and..ah, well, I work best around Victoria. It's just how the magic works, it's stronger around.." She rubs the back of her neck awkwardly "..Friends"
Nesseth nods at the mention of the rescue efforts. "Yeah, I've read the reports from the folks that you and Victoria managed to rescue from out around the farms. You both saved a good number of lives, so... thank you for all that effort, Annika." He sighs a little, "But, well, this upcoming rescue is going to be a lot rougher on everyone, compared to what you two were doing out at the farms. We'll be out far from town for a good while with only the basic necessities, and there's a good chance that we'll end up fighting those Saurs without having any real chance to rest from the trip out."
Annika: "I'm prepared to do what I need" She replies, firmly "There's people out there who need help, and if I give it, I will" And of course, Victoria was going "I'm not afraid of hard work Sir, and my day job is walking around town doing deliveries. I'm used to spending all the time outside"
Nesseth nods. "Good. Then I'll add you to the roster, Annika. I just wanted to impress upon you that it isn't just going to be a day trip out of town, since some folks, well-meaning as they are, don't realize what the rescue attempt might involve." He smiles, "I'm glad to have another capable person helping out, though."
Annika: "You mean I might be asked to kill some folks" She frowns a little "I know, I've been with Victoria remember? She doesn't shy away from that sort of thing"
Nesseth shakes his head a bit. "Not just killing, but also having to weather general hardships that folks can sometimes take for granted in town. Creature comforts, you know, like readily available hot meals, shelter from wind and weather, fresh water, all that stuff."
Annika: "I'm not some sheltered town fox, I live in town now, sure, but I grew up well outside it" She's a little insulted actually, her tails fluffing up just a smidge "I've hunted to feed both myself and Olly, I can forage as well as anyone, and I'm -more- than familiar with sleeping in the cold. I don't lose all of that just because I spend more that the average person on fur care products" Her fur however, is extremely well tended to. Just check out that shine.
Nesseth holds up a hand. "I'm already convinced you're able to handle yourself. Just saying why I've had to ask in the first place, since some of the other folks that tried to sign up aren't quite so, uh... willing to set aside those comforts, even for something like this."
Annika sighs theatrically, with a bit of a smile "Well, I might be able to help. If the small little fox girl is managing, surely the big burly guys will be able to hold in their complaining"
Nesseth laughs and smiles in turn. "Oh, trust me, you'll get to hear plenty of grousing from everyone else. It's sort of their time-honored way of dealing with things. Of course, some of them will also probably keep it contained when they see they're being outperformed by you."
Annika: "Though, that just means I'll have to stay stoic..."
Annika: "..Oops"
Nesseth shrugs. "Nothing wrong with a little complaining, really. We're not going out to try and impress anyone, after all."
Annika: "Oh, of course not!" She blushes gently "I..um..think I'm getting a bit of a flair for the dramatic, with all this magic stuff"
Nesseth chuckles. "Magic is pretty impressive in the hands of someone that knows how to use it all. Just don't worry about going out of your way to "look good" or anything, be it in a fight or whatever."
Annika: "Yeah, it's just important to do your job, not, impress anyone.." Not any Victorias anyway, though, Annika has this cool archery trick she wants to show off, she reckons that Victoria would love it "So..uh..do I get like..a uniform or anything?"
Nesseth shakes his head. "No specific uniform, no, so you can go with whatever you're most comfortable wearing within reason. We can provide armor plating and the like, but guard uniforms are generally by request in these cases."
Annika: "Okay, maybe I'll get a uniform? It might be good just for the image. That this is an official guard operation. There's a lot of high emotions, and we don't want people to.." She swallows a little "When passions run high, people do things they might regret later. I don't think every single raptor deserves to be put to the sword" Implying that she's fearing a slaughter.
Nesseth nods. "If you want a uniform, we can loan one to you. Just note that the position is temporary, and after this mission is over, you'll have to return the uniform." He pauses, then chuckles a bit, "We've... got a person that is going to try and function as a mediator to start with, but we're preparing for a fight just in case the talks don't work out. Hopefully we can resolve it with a minimum of bloodshed, but..." He shrugs after a moment, "It's hard to say with these kinds of things."
Annika: "Wait..I think..maybe.." She closes her eyes, and focuses, and there's a bit of flowing magic, and Annika puts herself into a guard uniform. It's got a bit too much embellishment to it though, and accentuates in ways that the guard uniform doesn't really do. She opens her eyes "I wonder how Victoria would react if I told her I'd joined the guard.." She examines her handiwork. The details are all a bit off too, after a second look.
Nesseth blinks. "Illusion magic, hm? You're pretty skilled, Annika." He tilts his head curiously, "So... is that actually protective, or is it just visual? We can still provide some armor plating and such if you want to stick with the illusions instead of an actual uniform."
Annika: "Oh, Visual" She pokes her finger through it "I can..kinda make things that are fake real.." She picks up the illusion knife, and slices the apple with it "But..I have to believe it too? And, well.." She gestures at the illusion as it fades away "I can't convince myself that such a thing is going to be good protection. I might take the uniform though..doing that illusions stuff takes effort" She eats an apple piece, and places
Annika: the knife back down on the desk.
Nesseth nods again as he leans to the side and pulls out a rather lengthy sheet of paper bearing numerous names. He takes a few seconds to jot down Annika onto the roster, as well as a note to loan her a uniform. "So illusory, then... good to know. We'll get you set up for a uniform."
Annika: "Great!" She smiles and bobs her head "Is there anything else I can help with? Otherwise, I have a few more deliveries to finish up. Mr Shaw is allowing anyone to take time off to help protect the town because "My clients can't do business with me if they're dead", but I still got to do what I can if I have the time" It would highly understandable why a professional in logistics would have been particularly upset at an attack on a supply caravan.
Nesseth shakes his head. "For the time being, until we get a full report back from the scouts and have a definite lead? No, we should be set here, I think. Thank you for volunteering to help with the effort, Annika. Every extra pair of capable hands is a boon."
Annika: "It's my pleasure" She nods again, and turns to leave. She'll need to work on that uniform to show off to Victoria. Maybe more tassels? Are pants really that regulation? She's noticed some excellent outfits with high boots and a short skirt...and..it's for Mobility. She reminds herself. She'd need to check if that combination allows for mobility. Yes. That's it.
Annika is already lost in thought as she departs.
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RESPITE TRAINING GRONDS - EARLY EVENING
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Teis had spent the better part of yet another afternoon at the training grounds, honing her magic, with a fresh batch of crystals to power her though. She's diligent, careful to study her material during her rests and recharging. Perhaps too diligent. The sun has just crossed the edge of the horizon and the frequently busy cat finds herself none the wiser, barely even noticing that it's getting darker.
Enver had had a pleasant, if a little awkward, dinner with Rondelethia. Teis was supposed to be there, but she wasn't, which led to said awkwardness. This wasn't the first time in the last few days that Teis had lost herself in work this way, but this time Enver was going to do something about it rather than just waiting to try to get a few words in with an exhausted cat too tired to do more than flop gracelessly into heavy sleep. He approaches the training grounds and quickly hones in on Teis's location as no other magic users are actively practicing at the moment.
Teis prepares another spell, with fluid motion and incantations. A fire, flickering across Teis' form and illumanting her in a wild orange light, grows from her clawtip. The wild ball of flame is energetic and unfocused, orange and yellow spewing everywhere, though Teis begins to reign it under control. It begins to focus and control, changing into a blue hue as it both narrows and lengthens into the bunsen-burner like point that Teis is so fond of. Perhaps not what you would call a 'standard' fire spell, but Teis is working with the skills she has. And what she has is a finger that is a bunsen burner. She continues to focus the flame further, the blue giving way to a wondrous yet increasingly blinding white. . .A potent stiletto of fire. Do not touch. But a few moments later? The fire erupts, letting off a dazzling flash of white, blue, then orange, the phases distinct yet instant. It leaves Teis blinded, scrambling her paws for her eyes to cradle them. "Muffins! Muffins muffins MUFFINS!" Teis curses.
Enver was waiting for the spell to finish before approaching, but rushes over when it gets out of control and hugs Teis comfortingly. "Teis... it's me. I'm here. It'll be okay... I hope. Did.. you hurt your eyes?"
Teis' temporary blindness makes the sudden hug stressful, causing Teis to instinctively attempt to shake Enver off, screaming somewhat in panic. Once the short startle subsides, Teis realises whom it is and stops. "E-Enver? What are you doing here? Don't sneak up on me like that!" Said the person who sneaks up on others all the time. "My eyes are fine. Why are you here?" You already asked that, Teis." Teis continues to rub her eyes, eventually pulling her hands away. She blinks and squints a lot in rapid succession, her pupils shrunk. They slowly return to normal over the course of a minute.
Enver loosens his grasp on Teis as she squirms. "Sorry. Just... you missed dinner. We were going to have dinner with Rondelethia, remember? It was... a nice dinner but pretty awkward..." He sighs a bit. "You're pushing yourself so hard lately... I know the town is in trouble but we can't help if we're running ourselves ragged..."
Teis: Upon mention of missing dinner, Teis looks up to the sky, squinting some at the rapidly darkening, yet currently faintly red and orange clouds and sky. ". . .Oh muffins, I did, didn't I?" She sighs. She'd been good about her routine, too. Perhaps the added stress was enough to knock her back into old habits. "I'm. . .Always pushing myself hard, Enver. It's just. . .Something you'll have to get used to? Besides, I'm doing this for us. For Della. And for you." Teis finally hugs Enver back.
Enver hugs Teis warmly and nuzzles her cheek. "I know.. but like... especially right now you need to be places where you say you're going to be." He sighs a bit. "I was worried... had to come here to make sure something bad hadn't happened to you." He loosens the hug. "But we should get back to the manor before Della sends out a search party for both of us..."
Teis nuzzles into Enver as she listens. When Enver finishes, she pulls back slightly, looking at her floating book in the air. She really wants to continue training, but. . . She lets out a defeated sigh, letting go of Enver fully now in order to pluck the book out from the air, closing it up silently.
Enver waits for Teis to ready up for the walk back before speaking again. "Uh, you know I don't like being strict about pretty much anything but right now, it's important, right? I had to fight to keep from Rondelethia sending that gate guard with me... Jax is it?"
Teis: "Yeah, I know, I know. . ." Teis frowns, walking alongside Enver, the disappointment evident in both her tone and body language. "Muffins knows I don't need Della stressing me out even more right now. . ." Teis grumbles. She acknowledges Enver's question, answering it with the faintest of nods. Sad kitty. Stressed kitty.
Enver reaches out quietly and just takes Teis's paw in his hand, squeezing softly. The two continue quietly hand in hand until they reach the manor.
Teis takes Enver's hand in return, squeezing back. Teis is quiet during the walk, lost inside her own head for the most part. Once the pair are back in Teis' room, Teis quickly sets the book down on her desk amongst her other reading material she's been studying. "For what it's worth, I'm. . .Sorry. That I made you worry." Teis breaks the silence as she slowly walks over to the balcony.
Enver stays seated on the bed for the moment, sensing that Teis wants a bit of space. "I wasn't too worried. I mean, I know how you get... I mostly came to get you so that you wouldn't get dragged home by guards or something." He shakes his head. "It feels like Della is taking this whole situation really personally. Did someone she know die in one of those caravans or something?"
Teis sighs, opening the balcony door and stepping outside into the cool brisk night air. She pauses a moment at the door to look back at Enver, "I. . .Don't think so. Della is. . .Complicated. I'm not going to pretend I understand how it is she sees the world. But. . ." Teis sighs. ". . .Still wish she didn't show me the muffin folder. I didn't need to know it existed, let alone see it. . ."
Enver stands and slowly moves toward the balcony and Teis steps outside. "Folder?" He steps out into the fresh air and sits on the bench behind Teis, pulling his knees up to his chest.
Teis: Once satisfied that Enver would be coming outside with her, Teis leaves the door, taking a seat in her chair. Her eyes scan over her new found collection of potted plants in various stages of growth. She takes an interest in one of the smaller ones that has yet to flower, lightly pressing a clawtip against it and encouraging it to grow and bloom under the moonlight. Teis smiles at the flower warmly. She waits until Enver is at least outside with her before replying, the smile fading with a sigh, "She'd looked into everyone that had died or was reported missing. Put it all into a folder. Just. . .Just to try and convince me not to leave the town. After all that happened with Melia. . ." Teis lowers her head and shakes it. "All of them. . .Just reduced to a piece of paper. . ."
Enver grimaces and shakes his head. "Yeah no, that's no good. I remember seeing lists of names in some of the newspapers back home and wondering how a life could be reduced to a line of ink..." He watches Teis with the plants and smiles a bit, though.
Teis nods in response to Enver, running her hand through the fur on her head. "I just. . .Does she think I'm stupid?" Teis openly questions, though it's more of a vent.
Enver shakes his head. "I don't think anyone could meet you and think that..."
Teis: "Why else would she even do it? To be so. . .Brazenly insensitive?" Teis leans forward, clutching her head in her paws. "I cried over Melia for days. How did she expect me to react?" Teis' tone begins to waver.
Enver reaches a hand over and squeezes Teis's shoulder. "I don't know... but I do know that she wouldn't want to hurt you on purpose..."
Teis: "Yeah, well. . .Sometimes it doesn't feel like that." Teis grumbles. "People are dying out there, Enver. . .And she said she'd rather lock down the house if she could. Didn't even want me delivering a muffin letter to the guard myself. And She-" Teis abruptly pauses, as if catching herself, looking up suddenly with slightly watered eyes.
Enver meets Teis's eyes, cocking his head. "She what?" He carefully moves from the bench to crouch next to Teis's chair, his arms reaching up to gently hold her sides.
Teis: ". . .Nothing." Teis replies, though it's clear that she's actively holding back from saying something. She looks down at Enver, placing a hand atop his. "Look. . .I really want things to go back to normal. Don't think that I don't. But until then, I just. . .I need to do what I can."
Enver nods. "I understand." He squeezes her hand softly before standing up and leaning in for a quick, soft kiss.
Teis accepts the kiss, kissing Enver back. She attempts to drag him down onto her, silent for a few moments, before seemingly randomly, "Besides. . .I'm fine. Physically. None of. . .What I did with Tarbin. I've been managing my mana, using only what my body can handle. . ."
Enver hugs up Teis and angles his body so that his weight isn't pressing on her too much. He does squeeze her a bit though. "That's good... and I'm making sure to not rush too much when I'm running messages around town and stuff..."
Teis: "See? We're all being responsible." Teis replies, nuzzling into Enver.
Enver nuzzles back, not feeling the need to say more for the moment and just enjoying the shared moment with Teis.