In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
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[attr="class","textie"]Having spent enough time with Abraxas he knew what Genesis was up to, this wasn't the first time someone had tried to play this joke on him. Though he wasn't sure how serious the red head was being or not, it was a curious thing to constantly have others meddle in your personal affairs when you didn't care one way or the other. Perhaps at once point he did, but he had other things to worry about now, goals he needed to achieve. His teal eyes narrowed slightly, but tapped his cheek thoughtfully as the question was directed to him. Typically he just settled for cookies, or the sweet rolls that they just had, but there was a particular dessert that he was fond of they sold here. Looking at the two women, the innocent one, and the devious one, he seemed deep in thought for a moment.
"If I recall correctly...There was a type of pie here that had lemon filling, yes?" his eyes flashed to the waitress as he spoke to her. "I think that would be wonderful to have right now, if you don't mind bringing us out one to share?" he spoke to the waitress in that emotionless tone, and when she went off to fulfill there order he turned his gaze to Gen.
It was curious to him as to why she was trying such a thing with him, was she just having fun, or was there something else that he was missing. He didn't particularly care either way she was just setting up that poor girl for disappointment. Though that was somewhat the story of his love life, he was emotionally unavailable at the moment as it were. He didn't think it was responsible to bring someone into the mess that was currently his life.
"You intrigue me..." he spoke the words plainly to the red head, there was no underlying intentions in his words, just raw honesty. "I don't believe I asked what you were going to be searching for in the library, I didn't think it was any of my business, and it still isn't. But if you don't mind sharing with me for a moment before you continue playing with the waitress I would like to hear it." He said softly bringing his tea back to his lips, and sipping the hot liquid. Savoring the taste of the honey for a moment before it traveled down his throat, and finally into his stomach.
Setting down the cup he folded his hands, and rested his chin on them leaning forward devoting his full attention to the woman across from him. To the bystanders it would look like he was enamored with her, and perhaps this was his way of paying her back just slightly for that little prank she was trying to play on him. Abraxas had prepared him many times for such things so she would have to do better to measure up to his spirit's antics. Though during that time Vulkan had learned how to play the game as well, and so since she seemed so eager to play match maker, he would just match himself with her to counter it. Those who didn't know better would see something that wasn't truly there, but he could act the part if only for a while.
Post by Genesis Fantome on Oct 29, 2020 19:29:18 GMT -5
[googlefont="Lobster"][googlefont="Be Vietnam"]
[attr="class","boxas"]
Genesis Fantôme
La Poste
It was nothing short of pure self entertainment that Gen was poking fun at the Golden Dawn knight. After all, she had been known to be quite the prankster child back in her childhood town. It seemed like not much had changed...besides the type of pranks she now played. It was interesting, however, for one who personally had no interest in getting into a relationship herself, rather liked meddling in others. Or at least, in giving the illusion that she did.
Pie? Lemon filling? The redhead arched an eyebrow. The only type of pie she had before was the raspberry pie her adopted mother used to make. Just thinking of the old lady struck a chord within her, but save for a monetary flicker in her grey eyes, it was gone as quickly as it came.
“Didn’t take you to be a lemon type of guy,” she remarked. “You look more like an apple pie kind...or custard.” He had handled the waitress smoothly, playing along. Such a shame, he seemed experienced in this type of thing. Perhaps she had only his friend to blame.
"You intrigue me..."
She choked on the water she was drinking, and used her fist to hit herself on the chest a few times. “You’re not the only one” was her answer when she recovered. “I’m curious about myself, too.” It held a double meaning, one of jest and one of philosophy. The more she knew about herself, the more she would be able to control and shape her abilities. It was manipulation at its finest.
She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, not caring to use the pristine white napkin that was on the table right in front of her. Why dirty a perfectly clean napkin when one could just use the back of one’s hand? Or use a fork when one has fingers? Or use a spoon when one could just slurp it from the bowl directly?
Then he was asking for her intentions behind her visit to the library. At this, her hand froze on its way to grab another roll. “Information.” She said simply, then grabbed the desired roll. “You want to find your mère? So do I.” She paused to take a bit. Warm and sweet. Delicious. “Just to fulfill an old curiosity.” She mumbled, but with a note of finality.
Truthfully, it had been because of meeting Vulkan that the said curiosity had been piqued, otherwise she might have continued living and avoiding the opportunities to find out about her true heritage. She was a little anxious at what she would find about her real family, but whatever it was, she was fairly certain it would be difficult, since they were supposedly a common family. At least, that was what she thought. If only she knew of her true family connection...
Midway through chewing, Gen glanced up to see the man staring at her in a very particular fashion. Her nose flared as she realized what he was trying to do. Very well. The solo player game had just become multiplayer. “Remember to blink sometimes” she said in a mockingly sweet tone, and focused all her attention on finishing the roll. This meal alone will last her until tomorrow, for sure.
But now the waitress had come back, and with a bright smile, set the requested pie in front of them. Gen’s grey-green eyes gleamed in undisguised interest at the dessert. Lemon, was it? She wondered if it tasted as sour and tart as she thought. But looking at the size of it, did he expect the both of them to finish this pie in one sitting, especially after a full course meal and with some rolls still left over?
"This is on the house today!" The waitress was saying. As she was setting it down on the table, she made sure to bend more than necessary, exposing skin and cleavage in front of the male’s eyes. Even the way she wiggled her hips just so had attracted the attention of the men at a nearby table. There was no way he could have missed it, and the redhead almost snickered aloud at the obvious move. If only she knew more about the man, perhaps she could even hint at where he lived and have the waitress take it as she will. However, her knowledge of Vulkan was limited, so she could only play with guesses.
“How kind of you.” The shadow mage responded, if her companion had not said something before her. Then, just to irk him further... “Hey, you don’t suppose we can get the whole meal on the house if my friend here meets up with you after your shift?”
[attr="class","textie"]Her statement for him to remember to blink he found amusing, but what came next would ensure his victory. Gen had asked their waitress if they could have their meal for free if he met her after her shift. Amusement glinted in his teal eyes as he looked at the waitress, and traced his jawline for a moment as if thinking on it, before shifting his gaze between the two women. The red head had no clue just what he was willing to do in order to come out victorious, but she would learn all about that soon enough.
"You will have to forgive my lady here...She sometimes enjoys teasing other women with me, sometimes she enjoys watching as well..." He spoke the words smooth as silk, unflinching as he turned his lazy gaze back to Gen, and he took his own slice of pie. He had made sure to enunciate the "my" part of that sentence to let the waitress know, or at least to insinuate that they were together.
Whatever thoughts were going through their minds he would have no clue as he began to delicately eat the pie, mostly to keep himself from grinning at what he had done. Making Gen out to be some sort of voyuer to a stranger wasn't exactly how he had planned for this day to go, but to expect the unexpected was something Knights had to do daily. Besides he was sure that she would be able to find some way to get the tables back on equal footing before long. As he continued to devour his pie, he traced his lips with his tongue for the benefit of their waitress, she seemed to be enamored with him, so he didn't see the harm in indulging her a little.
"I do enjoy sweet things...Thank you for taking such good care of us this evening." he spoke sincerely to the woman as he pushed the little dessert plate away from himself. He still hadn't forgotten their itinerary for the day, the Grand Archives awaited them. "As much as I'd relish your company...I have promised to take her to the Grand Archives for a 'private tour'...I am sure you understand?" he let just a drip of sadness leave his lips as he feigned regret at not being able to spend time with the waitress. Acting was not something he did often, but when he did, it was easy for him to hide how he really felt. It was how he staved off the constant exhaustion that plagued him after all.
"But perhaps another time?" he teased the Waitress for a brief moment before looking over at Gen. "Just don't spy on me with your magic like you usually do...You're free to join." And with that he sat back, and waited to see how the events of his words would play out. Either way it would be amusing, and he already took the money for their meal, and sat it down. Almost as if he was setting down a chess piece to say "Check Mate" to her.
Post by Genesis Fantome on Nov 10, 2020 16:06:46 GMT -5
[googlefont="Lobster"][googlefont="Be Vietnam"]
[attr="class","boxas"]
Genesis Fantôme
La Poste
Genesis had taken a slice of the pie, and now took a small, tentative bite. It was tart, yet sweet at the same time. But it was the crust that made her nod her head in appreciation. It crumbled in her mouth, a great contrast to the creamy pie filling. She was thoroughly enjoying it, and was about to comment about it when she heard the knight’s next words.
“P-Pardon?” This time, instead of the water, she choked on her pie. She hurriedly washed it down with water to clear her throat. It was not so much about the latter part of watching that got under her nerves—it was his emphasis on the word ‘my’. Gen felt compelled to say something in her own defense. “In your dreams.” She snorted. “I don’t belong to anyone.” If he had wanted to rile her, he had succeeded. Unlike him, the redhead was not known for keeping her calm.
She aimed to kick his leg from under the table, but ended up kicking the table leg instead. It made the table wobble, and would have attracted the waitress’ attention if she was not looking at the man licking his lips. The poor besotted soul had colored at that, and Gen could see the other female’s eyelashes fluttering in anticipation...or was it nervousness? Either way, Vulkan had redirected her offer, using her day’s agenda to visit the Grand Archives as an excuse. His next words to the waitress—well, actually to her—made it even worse.
"Just don't spy on me with your magic like you usually do...You're free to join."
Oh, the nerve of this man! “S-Spy on you?” She sputtered in disbelief. “Excuse you, but my shadow spies have more important things to do than peep on you and your harem.” She was getting so worked up, she did not even notice the man setting the money down for the yul. “Not everybody has that much free time and money to spend on...partners.” And there went any chances of getting him back. She had fallen for the trap, gotten riffled, and had thus lost.
The waitress had only mumbled something about not being available after her shift today, took the money, and disappeared back into the cafe. The red-haired femme had sat back in her chair, arms crossed and slightly fuming. She was more annoyed at herself for losing than at what he had said about her. “You’re gonna pay.” She frowned, not yet realizing that he had quite literally just paid for the meal. “You’re incorrigible.”
With that, she shoved the rest of the pie into her mouth, swallowed it, and stood up. “Let’s go.” She muttered. But before she left, she snatched a few more of those sweet rolls, as many as she could hold. No use in letting that precious food go to waste.
[attr="class","textie"]Amusement was what he felt at that moment, when Gen had lost at her own little game. Tapping his cheek thoughtfully he simply watched as the waitress gathered the Yul, and then disappeared after telling him she wouldn't be available. Of course he knew she wouldn't take him up on his offer after he had stated that Genesis was basically his girlfriend, it was a good course of defense for him. As his red haired companion got up, and began to leave he stood up to follow her. Watching as she snatched up a few more of the sweet rolls before departing. Amusement still coursed through his veins as he followed her silently for a while as they made their way to the Grand Archives. Silence was something he had been forced to get use to lately, so he didn't mind a whole lot. Their destination wasn't incredibly far away from where he lived, perhaps she would want to pay a visit to the base as well.
"After we go through the Archives would you like to see the Golden Dawn base? If not you can always see it another time, I just figured since you are already here." his normal emotionless tone ever present as he spoke to her. The city had become a bit more lively since their lunch as more people were wandering about, buying food for themselves, or just taking a break from work. Vulkan had to muse to himself as he had once worked in a small little shop in the city as a broom sweeper.
It wasn't necessary but he had wanted to work to support his mother despite them being somewhat well off, he wanted to do that with his own two hands for her. Then he managed to scrape by the exams, and after joining the Golden Dawn money became no issue for him, and he often sent most of his Yul back home to her. Though she always tried to get him to keep it, he was to stubborn for her.
"I will also apologize for flustering you the way I did...You just seemed so keen on trying to match me with the waitress..." He didn't turn back to look at her, but his tone held no ill will to it as he continued to walk forward. "I just wanted to see how'd you react to someone who could play the game better than you..." It was almost as if he was teasing her, but with the way he spoke it was hard to discern.
His thoughts were wondering a bit as he remembered everything that she had told him thus far, she was going to the Archives to look up the names of certain people, and she fought to feel powerful, and in control. For as much as she found him intriguing he found her just as fascinating back. One day when she was stronger he would like to spar her to see how far she had come in her own personal goals. The way she held, and carried herself like a breeze in the wind was very reminiscent of someone else he use to know. For the first time in a while he felt more at ease than he had in a long time.
Post by Genesis Fantome on Nov 24, 2020 15:30:08 GMT -5
[googlefont="Lobster"][googlefont="Be Vietnam"]
[attr="class","boxas"]
Genesis Fantôme
La Poste
Of course she just had to lose her temper there and lose in her own game. Of course. The redhead was more annoyed at herself then at her opponent. She had let mere words throw her off. She could have done better. It was a good thing that was a lifelong goal, as there was always room for improvement in all areas of life. But especially in her temper. Already she was analyzing what her moves were and where she had failed. Next time, if there was a next time, she would do better. She had already decided what she would do and say if she was put in that situation again.
As she left the table, she had snatched up a few of those sweet rolls and stuffed them in her pouch. No one could accuse her of being wasteful. Then she left the cafe with her head held high. It was a little childish, but she was still a little miffed at herself. At least her companion was a gracious winner and did not press her on his victory. Instead, he only followed and they walked silently through the busy streets towards the Grand Archives. As suspected, it was not too far, and she soon lost herself in all the sounds and sights of the capital city.
"After we go through the Archives would you like to see the Golden Dawn base? If not you can always see it another time, I just figured since you are already here."
“Golden Dawn? Your squad base?” She raised a dubious eyebrow. “Are commoners allowed to just walk into the most elite headquarters like that?” If she already stood out amongst the people in the capital city, how much more would she be in the top-notch squad. Everyone knew that the Golden Dawn was filled with primarily noble-bred mages, and that they reported directly to the Wizard King himself. They were the perfect example of power and everything ideal in the knight system.
“Would I have to change? Do all the nobles in there fight in fancy dresses and suits?” She looked down on her clothes. “Or would I have to steal someone’s mantle so I won’t get you in trouble?” Like many commoners, Gen did not have a very accurate understanding of the squads...or at least, did not know which representation was truth and what was false.
But she was curious, curious to see just how strong these so-called poster children of the Magic Knights were. She would not believe their power unless she saw it for herself—or even better yet, fought one herself. If she went, perhaps she would get that opportunity. In that case, she would accept. “Sure, I don’t mind poking around and infiltrating Clover’s top squad.” She shrugged nonchalantly, but her eye held a gleam of cunning mirth. She would visit them, all right.
"I will also apologize for flustering you the way I did...You just seemed so keen on trying to match me with the waitress...I just wanted to see how'd you react to someone who could play the game better than you..."
“Me? Flustered?” She sniffed, not knowing or catching on to the fact that the knight might be teasing her. “I wasn’t flustered.” A lie. “And I wasn’t trying to match you up.” Another lie. “You did surprise me as a worthy opponent...so I guess there’s that.” A truth. “But for future reference, I don’t belong to anyone, and I’m not interested. Last guy who tried something like that barely got away with a warning and a mark on his neck.” Another truth.
By now, they have arrived at the Grand Archives, and Gen could not help but pause and stare at the collection. It was bigger than she thought, more vast and plentiful then she imagined. She glanced back at her companion. “No need to wait up for me. I can meet you in your squad base later.” A hesitant pause. “And merci for lunch.”
Now to the matter at hand. Where would she even start? Then she glimpsed a distinguished old man sitting by a desk nearby. The head librarian, she would guess. Even if he could point out where she might possibly find records of a name, it was going to take a while. She sighed. Patience training starts now.
“Excuse me. Where can I find family records? I’m looking for records on a woman named Aaida Heroux...”
[Exit]
Notes & Stuff
Thanks for the thread! Looking forward to the next one ^^
[attr="class","textie"]He listened to her response, and he was mildly amused though it didn't show. Asking if commoners were allowed to just walk into that place, and if she would have to change or not. As they continued along he turned his eyes to hers, and shook his head.
"No you would not have to change, and if you are with me no one is going to say anything to you. I wouldn't let them..." he said to her matter of factly. It was not a lie, if someone tried to start trouble because he had decided to bring a guest he would just hurl one of his spears at them, and pin them to the wall for Zaven, or Cyrus to find later on. "Besides I am a commoner, and I walk into it all the time." he explained to her. It wasn't a lie necessarily, but it wasn't the entire truth either.
Being the by product of a one night tryst between a nobleman, and commoner woman gave him some leeway when he decided to explain where he fit into the grand scheme of things. No one asked him about his heritage, and he rarely if ever explained it to others. It was the way that he preferred things to be, if he was honest. Only a handful of people knew what he really was, though most could guess, and speculate there was no credence to their words if he didn't give them any.
When she asked if all the nobles in there fought in fancy suits, and if she would have to steal someones mantle to prevent him from getting into trouble, Vulkan couldn't help but smile. It was small, just the corners of his lips curled upward ever so slightly she might not have even noticed.
"Now that I think about it...It does seem like they all tend to spar, and fight in their fancy clothing, but I suppose that is just for them to feel a tad better about themselves. And no...You won't have to steal anyone's mantle, but I could let you borrow mine if you want so you don't feel out of place there." he looked back at her the small smile still gracing his lips, and bit of warmth in his voice where none was usually found. "Otherwise do not think to hard about it all, despite being the 'Most Elite Squad' as you put it...We are just people at the end of the day. Even the nobles have their own problems no matter how different they might be." he stated as the conversation continued on.
He could talk to her forever it felt she was interesting to speak to, and her perspective was wildly different from his own. It wasn't bad, just different, and he enjoyed hearing the things she said when he seemed to ask her what he considered a simple question. All the different things that she considered. It was curious to him.
Then she gave her retort about him flustering her, and the way she defended herself was admirable to him. He knew what he had done, but she wanted to deny it so he wouldn't press it further. Instead he simply nodded in affirmation to each of her points, and when she got to the part of her not belonging to anyone he seemed perplexed a bit. Did she think he was being serious back there? He was just teasing her a bit the way she had been teasing him, he didn't realize she had thought he was being serious. Thankfully they were almost at their destination.
"I see...I um didn't mean for it to come off that way...I thought I would just tease you back, and make the waitress believe that we were together so she would back off of me..." he quirked a curious brow, and turned to face the red head before him. "Did you think I was being serious when I said you were my woman?" He thought about it for a moment, but he shook his head. "It doesn't matter...Don't answer that..." for a split second he was nervous, and uncomfortable, the thought of being with someone was quickly smashed down into the furthest reaches of his mind.
She explained that she would come find him at the base later on, and then she thanked him for lunch. It caught him off guard he didn't think she was a rude person by any means, but to be thanked like that certainly caught him off guard. Shaking his head when she disappeared into the archives to do her research he left. The base wasn't that far away, and so he simply walked over to where the gate was, and he leaned against it much like he had earlier that day when he had been waiting for her arrival. He could go to his room, and have someone tell him when she arrived, but she was his guest, and he didn't feel right pawning that duty off to them.
So instead he sat down, and looked up at the sky trying to ponder some of the things that he found difficult thinking about. He wished his mother was here. Alphonse too...And Abraxas. The three most important people in his life outside of Zaven. Without them the lava mage felt lonely, perhaps that is why he had invited the red haired stranger to come to the capital, and spend an afternoon with him. He felt a little less lonely when she was around, but even he knew that feeling was not bound to last. Everyone that he had developed a bond with disappeared eventually, one way or another. Some had died, some just vanished, and others had been changed by the shattering to the point that he didn't even recognize them anymore.
In his mind he was living the worst possible future that he could imagine, and it wasn't getting any easier, but the red haired woman. Gen...She was new, she didn't know him, had no clue about his exploits, and thus she treated him like everyone else, similar to his mother, and Abraxas. She saw him for himself, and was honest from the get go. Perhaps that is why he liked being around her so much. She didn't try to pry into his past, or find out anything that he was keeping to himself. Instead she just let him be, and that allowed him to enjoy her company immensely. There was no pressure to pretend, or be something that he wasn't around her. It was a nice change of pace.
"I wonder what you would think of her Abraxas..." he mused to himself, and with no one in sight, no one to confirm or deny it. Vulkan smiled as he stared up into the sky, and thought of all the pranks his spirit would pull on him if he had met this woman.
