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.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
[attr="class","Leoscroll"] Today went as planned for a red haired vermillion. She sat patiently waiting, Patiently planning. She played all the cards right, she drew inside the lines, never asked for more then what she wished for. At least the former her did. She was no longer a magic knight. At first, it was hard to not go about as she would as a magic knight. She had grown bored and lost of what to do. The more time on her hands resulted in her ever growing anger towards the one who did this. Her damn cousin was that reason she was like this. His tantrum resulted in the falling of her family only for her relaxed demeanor in the Flower blossom fete to result in a bet of her mantle with some common Pure aura mage called Ryuuma. She could have just went on a personal vacation for awhile and claim she was not a magic knight since he never said exactly how long she had to give up her magic knight status.
[BReAK][BReAK] However, she was a woman of pride and true to herself. She knew if she was willing to take the bet, that she was going to follow through regardless. It was just who she was. She hated her Pride but it was something she was stuck with. For the past few weeks she had invested a fair amount of yul to fund a small expedition to seeking out some gemstones. She honestly didn't care what ones was to be found. She only cared to ensure some natural ones were found and uncovered ever so slightly. After all it was part of a plan she was seeking to follow.
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Once the expedition was finished and the details sent to her. She had paid some tavern drunk to send a request in his name to the targeted family, seeking aide for their expertise in the findings . She didn't need anyone else budding into her business with the boy after all. This was a long awaited occasion for her. Maybe it was fate for their paths to have crossed quiet a bit. Maybe he spoke of the humanity she needed for the path she was walking down. Maybe he was going to be her scape goat out of this path once the end goal of erasing the stain on her family name was completed. She didn't know. All she knew was He was going to be part of ever evolving future plans, whether he liked it or not, she was never going to let him have a second option in the matter.
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She sighed from her perch in the shadows of a pillar watching the large gemstone deposit " This stuff was hardly worth what i paid for." She said to herself in annoyance as her magenta eyes watched for any movement as her eyes and guard was up and her presence was no where to be seen by anyone who didn't know what they were looking for anyways. She hated waiting for her prey to finally make his presence known to this location. She had ensured every detail was set, she just needed him to take the bait.
[attr="class","Enlilimage"]❝Even a storm can be calm under the right circumstances.
[attr="class","Enlilscroll"]It was still the season of good deeds within the socialite circles although it was nearing its end. The wind mage was beginning to think that there was going to be no end to the requests. So far he had been sent to help a witch in the common region, had to help gather some wood and fix some books within the archives. The last one was more a survival, he was pretty sure that most people would want to deal with a daemon than deal with Edward Ravencrest when his archives were messed with. The mere thought of that made him shudder, he had only seen it once and he never wanted to see it again. Overall, he hadn't been asked to do too many things outside of the noble region, on occasion he was given the same sort of tasks as his sister, and there was once he was asked to help plan a wedding, which was interesting.
He believed that he had gotten away with not having any additional tasks and that delusion was quickly shattered as his father told him of a personal request to the family. He was informed of what it was and where it did make sense that their family would be the ones to be asked to help look at it, it didn't mean that he or his father didn't seem uncomfortable at the request. Enlil was a prodigy in this field but there were still many others with more experience so it seemed odd. Nonetheless, the request was sent and the family had accepted. His father attempted to put his suspicions aside as it would also help Enlil gain more experience, Enlil on the other hand wasn't so thrilled at the idea, there was just something that was screaming at him to defy his father's wishes.
He just bowed to his father showing submission to his father's will and took the request information. It was in a rocky region so it meant that taking a carriage was useless, which was annoying on so many levels. He also wouldn't be able to take a servant as they could be put in danger, more than that though, he was concerned that they would just get in the way. As he had no idea how long he was going to be gone he took a bag with some supplies and grabbed a broom before heading out to the location he was expected to appraise the gemstones. It was several hours before he would land and he already looked less than impressed with how dingy and dirty the place was. He looked around feeling unnerved, he felt eyes on him but he had no idea if he was being paranoid or not.
He took out the scroll with the request and a map showing the location to make sure he was in the right area as he didn't see anyone else there. "I am in the right area, but there's no one here to give me any of the additional details..." he seemed irritated, the person who made the request should have been there to meet him to give him the exact information instead of the vague stuff that was sent to his family. "I swear to the spirits this is irritating." he grumbled before moving towards what he believed were glistening gemstones. Placing the boom down he brought out parchment, ink and brush making notes on what the gemstones were, the grade, the size and if they were worth being mined. He had to double-check a few things using different pieces of apparatus he brought with him but so far nothing took his interest.
[attr="class","Leoscroll"] Leonora was annoyed waiting on her target to hopefully appear. She had hoped it was who she wanted. She had to be vague and while even she would have possibly never accepted such a request alone given her status. she had hoped he wouldn't do the same. She wanted to doze off on her perch, stretched out along it's length within the shadow's veil. It was nice and peaceful and she would have if a familiar voice did not catch her ears as she looked over to see Enlil having made it and being alone as she smirked in silence. It truly was fate for him to be there just as she had hoped the letter would request.
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She silently dropped down from her perch , she long black cloak rested around her shoulders as a black hood rested over her head as she stood up. She made quiet steps towards him before allowing her 5,9 tall stature loom over him in silence, looking over his shoulder at his work. "It is quiet interesting a simple commoner could call you here with a small amount of yul." She whispered in his ear immediately standing up fully resting a visible hand on her hip taking off the cloak stretching her other hand above her head " It is good to see you again Enlil. "She said with her signature smirk. She was not about to give the signature smile, all vermillion had. No, he was going just see her smirk, maybe some time soon he will see hers. " I think it is about time we finally have a heart to heart." She said
[attr="class","Enlilimage"]❝Even a storm can be calm under the right circumstances.
[attr="class","Enlilscroll"]Enlil had been continuing to take in-depth notes as he had no idea what the person was exactly wanting from him, he was a prodigy gemologist and jeweller and it was easy to see why with the actions he was taking "They seem to be mid-grade at first sight but I would need to cut and polish to get a better evaluation." he said with a sigh, he knew he couldn't take anything without the permission of the one who had made the request, it would be classed as theft and that was something that he wasn't about to be labelled. He could only imagine the scandal that would cause and the punishment he would gain for such a thing. He would just keep taking the notes he could, the issue was that he had no idea who he was meant to give the information to as there were no additional instructions.
He was concentrating on his work, so he was able to shake off the feeling of being watched, that was until he felt a warm breath on his ear. It caused his eyes to go wide, he was unable to defend himself, as of yet his grimoire held no spells. He was trained in hand-to-hand combat but that would only get him so far against a stronger or more skilled opponent. It clearly made him freeze, although, when he heard the familiar voice of Leonora he relaxed a bit. "Y... you scared me." he admitted, it was hard not to admit such a thing. He stood straight and looked at the feather user in the eyes. "It is the socialite aiding season, anything we gain from doing such tasks is donated to a charity of the socialite's choosing. I have asked my father to give it to the church."
She shouldn't have been surprised about such things but then she wasn't exactly the socialite type so he guessed it made sense. "A pleasure Miss Vermilion, why are you out in the middle of nowhere?" he seemed confused on the matter, he knew his father wouldn't have hired her and it was doubtful that someone who paid so little would have hired a bodyguard for him. He had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach that his initial thoughts on this task were right, even his father had his reservations but still decided to send him. "Isn't that all we've been having every time we seemingly cross paths Miss Vermilion?" He took note of her smirk, it unsettled him further. Was she really the person who set all of this up? He couldn't think why she would, what would she get out of setting him up?
Leonora moved slowly towards him as she listened "Oh I did? I am sorry for scaring you dear Enlil. "She spoke acting sincere with her tone and facial expression. She needed him to remain relaxed. For now, she hasn't seen his spells or magic as he could been just as Amaya once was, magicless, waiting for the correct moment for spells. Or he could be like her and have some spells hidden up his sleeve. It wasn't exactly hard to read which one the boy was. Their past encounters have sent mixed signals, but then again, she was once in a eternal tug a war with her own sense of justice for her family and their honor.
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She nodded in acknowledgement to his statement" Oh I know what time of year it is for you social butterflies and your little circle, at least for those who have not joined the magic knights that is. Though I never thought you to be one to assist the church as much as you have. Truly, it is amazing to what those on high pedestals have to come back down to those of us below." She spoke noting the slight fear in his voice from the unsettling situation he was trapped in. " I must say, I am surprise the request as vague as it was, went through perfectly with my plans. I was hoping you would indeed come or this perfect arrangement and the amount of yul would have been wasted on the undeserving." She said.
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"Oh? Why I am here? Well you see I am on the hunt right now. I have two selected prizes I am after. One being a very very rare butterfly that will be of the greatest player in my future fate it seems. And a feral Lion cub carrying tainted blood that must be put down for the future of clover and all those within your circle along with the pride's silence of their roar." She spoke deciding to go for more metaphors as it was much more fun that way. He might not find it fun, but then again, this was not about what he wanted. This was about what she wanted after all.
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"Oh it depends if you see it as a heart or heart. No that was a simple talk. We are going to speak truly of our heart to heart. I will say. I did maul over what you said each time we have meet and truly I did try my best to maintain my duties as a civilian. I even considered returning to my mantle. However, The more time I spent away from the magic knights and the life I once held I felt a sense of. "She said trailing off as if to thinking of her proper wording of what she felt as she moved closer to him. " Relief. A massive weight taken off my shoulders, so to speak. The large weight of that mantle, of my family's status. All Those chains that kept me held down were gone. "She spoke. " Call it a hunch but a simple conversation in the last fete really lead me down this path. However, it was you that has allowed this huntress's plans to evolve. You are a very big key piece for the future I seek as I move down this path." She spoke making it over to him placing her hand gently on his cheeck as she leaned in closer before whispering in his ear. " I plan to now bring you fully into my plans Enlil, You have no say in the matter." She said stepping back. Her guard seemed relaxed but that was beyond the truth, it was up and she was ready for what may come.
[attr="class","Enlilimage"]❝Even a storm can be calm under the right circumstances.
[attr="class","Enlilscroll"]He watched her every movement carefully, his guard had previously relaxed but it was now fully up. He didn't know what to expect but there was something off about this entire situation. "I am sure that you didn't intend to do so Miss Vermilion." he attempted to remain steady in his demeanour how he was doing was a different matter. He had no magic and she knew that she did and where he was versed in hand to hand combat he hadn't had a need to use it outside of combat, unlike the red-headed woman before him. He was no fool, he knew if this came to combat that he was clearly outmatched. Her tone, her facial expression showed sincerity, but he had seen the smirk, he knew that what she was currently showing was nothing more than a facade to lure him into a false sense of security.
"The magic knights aren't the path for me and so I will do my duties the best I can as a socialite." he didn't like doing these tasks, they felt demeaning and a waste of his time, but optics were indeed a thing and something that all sane households worried about. "I know I am privileged and so can be out of touch with who would be best served with my indentured servitude's funds, this is why I requested it go to the church." he said taking a step back as she approached "Who better to know the needs of the people than those who help them on a daily basis in a multitude of ways." this was truly his belief on the matter. He knew that many had started charities or even used the funds to be a benefactor to struggling businesses but all those seemed self-serving.
Where he, like his peers, were he was raised to understand that charity was supposed to be about those being aided not those doing the aiding. It truly was one of the few times he was completely selfless. "It is nothing like that and if you were a socialite you would understand this world but you are not so you can not. It would be like me trying to explain to you the nuances of battle, I have a decent knowledge but having never been in such a predicament I have no true insight." it really was as simple as that to him. "This servitude allows my family to remain grounded and thankful for the privileged life we possess as we understand it can be removed ever so quickly as we previously discussed." he said taking another step back, it was clear he was on edge but he had yet to stumble or look away from her.
"It didn't sit right with myself nor my father in all honesty, it was extremely vague and there are people who are far more experienced than myself in this line of work so for my family to be asked to do it was unusual." he told her "More so as I'm the only one in my family that has any dealings in gemstones." He took a third step back but knew eventually his back would be against the rocks. "It seems like you did your homework after all on myself and my family, then again, you already knew my sister's even if they did have expertise in this field would never have been sent out as I have, our last meeting would have told you this." He really did hate that his sisters always seemed to get jobs that never took them more than an hour away from their family estate.
"You arranged for me to be here? Why not ju-" he was cut off as she continued to speak, she was looking for an exceptionally rare butterfly that would aid her in furthering her plans. He really didn't like the sound of that given the socialite circle he belonged to was called the butterfly circle and he was the only one present. The second was a lion cub that had rabies, it wasn't all that much of a leap to know she was talking about her own cousin. He had to admit, he didn't really understand the last part all that well. He knew that she meant it would be for the betterment of Clover but he had no idea what it had to do with his circle or making a lion pride go silent. He actually wanted nothing to do with this circle of crazy.
"I don't see this as a heart to heart, I see this as a potential murder scene." he said taking yet another step back, he knew he only had one or two steps left because he had nowhere to move to. It was true he could run but he didn't know if he could outrun her and his broom wasn't near him to be able to fly out of there. He listened to her as she slowly continued to approach him making him take another step back, he could feel the wall on his hands, he had miscalculated just how many steps he had available to him. "Then why didn't you, surely, they would have accepted you back." to his knowledge she hadn't done anything that would have prevented her from returning to the Crimson Lions and could speak to the captain and vice-captain to return to duty.
He took the final step back the jagged raw gemstones poking painfully into his back as she continued to talk about how without her family status, without the mantle she felt lighter, unburdened, as if she could finally fly like she wanted to. He could understand wanting to be without the burden or responsibilities, he had often thought about it but surely she wasn't speaking about having done what he was thinking she had. "You now walk the same path as your cousin... don't you..." this worried him even more than before, the fear was clearly seen in his eyes as he was completely isolated in a piece of the kingdom that he was unfamiliar with. "I don't know how I managed that and I want nothing to do with it Miss Vermilion." his tone was cold as he slapped her hand away as she tried to caress his cheek, though he was afraid he held resolve in this matter.
Leonora kept watched of his every movement as she shakes her head “ Honestly, the magic knights is best for everyone…So I was told.” She spoke “As for helping them? How are you doing a tiny task helping them? You're not making much difference to them and soon will be a distant memory to some of being just a noble brat.” She said, waving a hand in exaggeration. [BReAK][BReAK] She understood both sides of the coin in the society of the noble born. You were either a socialite or a magic knight. There was not much wiggle room. She saw the differences from her up bringing to Taiyo’s up bringing to the few interactions and observations she had with Amaya’s own being under Hania’s care and watch. The girl was on a short-ish leash. Sure she had freedom to do basically what she wanted but it was all within reason. She punishes what she assumed might be needed if she did step out of line. It was never her business to assume what those were, nor did she pay much mind or attention to any of the conversations she had heard from the times Amaya and taiyo had enjoyed their time on the vermillion estate or elsewhere around the kingdom. [BReAK][BReAK]
She continued a step forwards each time he backed away from her. She listened to his explanation of the situation and how things didn’t sit right with him as she pondered it as well “ Well I had to do my homework. Unlike my cousin, I do keep track of various things about those I find interest in. Do I like to cater to such things? No, Do I think I should? No. But when you're hunting for your prey to capture or hold as a trophy, You must do your research to set the proper bait to ensure it comes out. That I do, For the most part, it is accustomed to send the males out to do such tasks as you are considered stronger and more capable as you don’t have as much to handle asset wise I suppose.” She said shrugging. [BReAK][BReAK]
“Aw you think so low of me as to bring you to a potential crime scene? No I am not a lowly rogue” She said. She looked him in the eye listening to his words “ Do I walk down the same path as him? hm.” She spoke, feeling him slap away her hand from touching him. Her eyes remained soft as her body remained relaxed. She wrapped the same hand he slapped away with his own, around his, pulling it down before her other sneaked up for a full force slap across the face. The hand that held his own captive pulled him forwards towards her while pulling to the side, guiding his hard fall to the ground, allowing her grip to release as he met the ground. [BReAK][BReAK]
“No, I have not walked down that same path as I am not staining my blade with the blood of an innocent noble’s head. I am not threatening witnesses and I am not de-tounging a servant. I am walking down a path to ensure what happens in the family, Stays in the family. I had made up my mind a while ago. Your voice has been logical and a steady welcome to this madness, however that is all you are. A logical voice that I am not annoyed with. That you should count your blessings." She spoke allowing a cold stare to fall upon him from above.
[attr="class","Enlilimage"]❝Even a storm can be calm under the right circumstances.
[attr="class","Enlilscroll"]He listened to her and shook his head "The magic knights are not meant for everyone, if they were everyone would pass the exams which they do not. Some people have no interest in them, I am one such person." there was more to it than that but it summed things up quickly as he didn't want to tell her the ins and outs of his family. "Your tasks of going into a dungeon done what exactly? It didn't protect the kingdom any more than it was already covered and some missions taken by the knights were laughable at best..." his voice was calm "Yet, they meant a whole deal to the people who requested the aid, this is no different." he was showing parallels were they may have not been the exact same the premise essentially was.
"I care little if people think of me as a spoiled brat, that is their opinion and I'm not going to waste my energy attempting to change the mindset of dimwitted plebs when I have better things to do with my time like watching paint dry." his voice remained steady as he spoke, although he did feel around the rocks of the wall he was nor backed against, the gemstones were digging into his back painfully. "There is little interesting about me." he said maintaining eye contact "I do my studies, tend to my family duties, train, meet up with other butterflies and in the little free time I have I get materials to create jewellery." He didn't think there was anything overly exciting and it wasn't exactly unknown that his free time was limited. It would be common for people in his position given the burden they'd one day shoulder. "I am neither prey nor am I a trophy Miss Vermilion." He didn't like this entire situation and was trying to find a way out of it.
"I have seen many females far more capable than any man." it was a fact that he couldn't deny, some nobles hated the fact but it is one that couldn't be hidden "I mean we have an entire squad of female magic knights and I wouldn't want to be the one to tell Alyssa Lilygate that she was a fragile little flower that should sit off to the side." he attempted to move away but before he could she was there in front of him blocking any means of escape. He looked around "Hard not to view it that way." he commented moving his hand out to move to the area "It is isolated and would be the perfect place to kill someone, it be months if not years before the remains were found." This was something that she couldn't argue on.
What happened next, happened so quickly it gave him whiplash. As he slapped her hand away she managed to grab his wrist tight enough it felt like it was going to break, her other hand came up and slapped him so hard that the bruise was instant and was turning a deep purple. The strike had even burst his lip. It was painful and he couldn't help but cry out, but she wasn't happy with just lashing out at him for rejecting her advance, she pulled him forward making him lose his footing as she also pulled him before letting him fall hard to the floor without the time to brace himself for the fall he screamed out as his arm felt like it broke when actuality his shoulder was now dislocated.
All he could do was look up at her as he cradled his arm crying in pain as she spoke. He wanted to be done with her, to him she was just as crazy as her cousin. He would have attempted to stand back up but he was unsure of the outcome, his eyes looked around the quarry, even without the tears it was getting harder to see as it was starting to grow darker. He needed to find his broom, he needed to get home. Eventually, he started to rise against his better judgement "I want nothing to do with this nonsense, I'm returning home." his speech was slurred and filled with pain thanks to the slap he had given to him and the fall that came quickly after it. As quickly as he could, he dashed for his broom frabbing it with his good hand he used his mana to make it hover before attempting to make his escape.
Leonora watched him as she sighed flicking some hair behind her shoulder allowing her bangs to fall infront of her right eye as her glace followed his every movements " Your right, their dungeons are now respawning chores we must do in an attempt to keep those in society from worrying if those horrors would cause trouble for those who wish to test their luck. I also suppose the missions were laughable as well given most were simple things to do in good faith." She said looking up in thought, placing a black nailed finger top on her chin.
[BReAK][BReAK] Her attention came back to him as she sighed shaking her head. he was stalling, that was the key here. If she had cared what he wanted then maybe things would be different however, she didn't care. There was no negotiating as she had a plan and things set in motion. Her window was closing in quickly as she needed to ensure all her pawns were in place before setting forth her plan. She shaked her head watching him slowly manage to get up from the ground. she was sure she didn't put her full force behind that slap, then again. She had more trained muscle definition from her daily activities and training she put herself in ever day. She wasn't a twig but she was wants a muscle head. She was more built for running and keeping up on the go. for moving in close hand to hand combat.
[BReAK][BReAK] She smirked seeing him manage to pull himself off the ground. She allowed her eye to take in the sight " Oh seems I broke some of you."She teased "Or more dislocate...Which is even better. I wouldn't want you too broken." She taunted narrowing her eyes as she listened to him speak his intent before he tried booking it towards his broom.
"Always a game of tag. "She said following after him with ease catching up taking ahold of the broom. She shoved her weight down on the wood to throw him off balance while bringing up her left hand to give a nice hard punch, while over taking the broom from his hand.
[BReAK][BReAK] " You have no say in this matter Enlil. You will know you place and serve your purpose as I just might have to tear off those pretty butterfly wings to ensure you understand the gravity of your situation" She said bringing up her free hand to form a whit flame lit feather putting it to his broom till it caught ablaze, tossing it aside to burn as she continued her stride towards Enlil.
[attr="class","Enlilimage"]❝Even a storm can be calm under the right circumstances.
[attr="class","Enlilscroll"]He had heard all of her words while he was fleeing but he wasn't about to get into a discussion on the topics, his mind was racing, he felt unsafe and wanted to be as far away from his attacker as possible. His dislocated arm was causing him immense pain even as he supported it with his first but it had made it harder to grab his broom. As he was panicked and in pain it took him longer than he would have liked to get it balanced and by the time he had she had already caught up to him. His one good hand was on the broom while his dislocated one hung by his side. Before he could get away she grabbed onto his broom keeping it still as she raised her hand and looked to land a punch on his face. Knowing he couldn't block given his position he attempted to dodge.
This was a good tactic that ended horrifically badly for him. He did manage to stop her from punching his face and potentially dislocating or fracturing it by sheer force and momentum, however, due to the way he moved the punch connected at his dislocated shoulder join making him scream once again in agony. Instinctually his hand went to his shoulder but he had lost his balance causing him to fall onto the ground hard making him scream out for a third time as sharp pain flew all over his body. He looked up at her from where he was laying winded trying to make sense of everything, his usual logical mind had shut down and was in full panic mode. He didn't fully comprehend her words at that moment, it may as well have been some ancient language to him at that moment.
He knew that he was outmatched by her, she was magically stronger due to her time in the knights, physically stronger due to her own training and had seen actual combat. It wasn't an enviable position he found himself in, he wanted to scream for help but knew it would do no good as they were in an isolated area. Once again she slowly got to his feet, his body was telling him to stay down but his mind was telling him to get up and run. He looked around quickly and attempted to flee in a random direction hoping it wasn't blockaded by a wall of rock or something else. As he ran he was supporting his dislocated arm with his good one while attempting not to stumble over his own feet as he tried to find somewhere safe or at least to hide from the psychotic Vermilion that he found himself trapped with.
Leonora watched him from where she stood. She sighed in disappointment " Honestly, Why do you keep fighting.. You can't win." She said with a sigh " It is sad to see nobility like yourself not being able to handle one like myself." She said watching him stand up once again. She shaked her head walking towards him as he tried his best to remain up right and escape.
[BReAK][BReAK] He was on a fight or flight instinct. He was scared out of his wits and who wouldn't be. She knew if she was in his shoes, she might have been the same way if in his place. She seen how scary some can be. She dealt with harsh punishments but none had been able to contain her fire, her anger. She learned how to maintain a mask on that anger and fire, how to play along for the mean time. She did feel pity on him for the situation. Life was about survival of the fittest. However life needed those who were fit for battle to be more fit for less labor intensive things. Human are such interesting creatures.
[BReAK][BReAK] She continued her stride after him for a few seconds before increasing her stride into a sprint after him, using her senses she could tell which direction he moved and the speed he was going. " Oh Enlil, Now why are you running? I never gave you permission to run from me."She stated forming a white flame light feather tossing it into a wall ahead of him. Yes it was getting dark, which meant it was getting a big harder to see, however, this was going to be easier do to the sounds bouncing off the walls.
[BReAK][BReAK] Quickening her pace she got ahold of his shirt before turning him slightly shoving him into the wall. She followed up resting her forearm against his collar bone, ensuring her elbow was focused against his bad shoulder " Now little butterfly, How about you stop for a moment and listen to the rules of the situation and maybe you just might be able to make it home sooner. "She said " I really do hate things that break too easily, just no fun. "She added watching him. She brought up her other hand allowing her fingers to run along the tassel in his hair. " If I remember right, this held great value to you. "She spoke in seemingly lost thought watching his reaction " It would be a great shame for such heirlooms to be harmed by accident huh?" she asked removing it and the ornament on his shirt in one swift motion as she released him from her pin taking a few steps back.
[attr="class","Enlilimage"]❝Even a storm can be calm under the right circumstances.
[attr="class","Enlilscroll"]The socialite didn't know if he could win or not but that was the furthest thing from his mind, he just wanted to be out of this gods forsaken place and back home where it was safe. This wasn't about social standing, it never had been they both knew it, her words were there to add insult to the entire situation. She was older, well travelled and had far more experience than he did, they both knew it, this was nothing more than cruel torment on her part towards the social butterfly she classed as her prey. He didn't answer her, instead, his eyes were darting around the area attempting to find a way out of the quarry without doing any more damage to himself or falling down. He wasn't having much luck and he could already feel her moving towards him from behind so backtracking wasn't an option for him.
He heard her words about him running and how she never gave him permission to do so, at least not from her. Was this just one big twisted game to her? Had what Taiyo had done to the family really broken her mind to the point of senseless madness? "I don... don't remember nee-" he was panting the fatigue of the fearful running was catching up with him. His stamina was normally good thanks to his training but it was far different when his breathing was quick and shallow due to fear and pain. He wanted to finish his sentence but he just couldn't it would tax his breath even further than it already was. He was already discontent with his life and things like this made him just want to end it completely. He would never do such a thing though as he'd never want to bring shame to his family.
He came to a sliding halt almost falling forward as he saw the flaming white feather in front of him, he was unsure if it was so she could see around her or if it was a warning shot, either way, it was enough to have him try another direction. It didn't work too well as the sliding to a stop gave his hunter just enough time to catch up with him and grab the collar of his clothing forcing him to turn a bit to see her as she shoved him into the wall making him scream out again. He attempted to struggle against her as her forearm went over his collarbone, he hadn't realized it until he screamed again that her elbow was pushing against his dislocated shoulder. It made him stop struggling quickly to prevent additional pain from being added though he was a mess from the manhandling and crying.
He looked at her snivelling trying to keep his injured arm supported, he had no idea what he had done to her that was so bad this kind of treatment would be warranted towards him. "Rules of the situation? This... this isn't a game" he managed to stutter out in disbelief. His whole body felt like it was in agonizing pain, his heart felt like it was going to jump out of his chest while his lungs felt like they were going to implode. He remained still as she moved though his eyes went wide as he felt the tassel by his ear moving "Y... yes... they have significance." it was a waste of time in lying she had already seen how he reacted about the items previously when they had done the photoshoot together.
Hearing her next words he struggled the best he could trying not to cry out as he attempted to stop her from taking the items, he failed in doing so, tears instantly filling as he was concerned for his belongings. As she took a few steps back he instantly fell to his knees his forehead planted firmly on the rocky ground below "Please... I beg of you to return those items to me Miss Vermilion... you... you don't understand their importance." he was sincere in his words, his tone showed that the kowtow was hurting his injured body but he put that second to the safety of his heirlooms. He just wanted this to be over so he could go home and pretend that this never happened but he didn't think it was going to happen any time soon, nor did he believe that she would make it that simple even when they did part ways.
Leonora stepped back looking at the heirlooms . She understood heirlooms are meant to be cherished. She had a few herself that held some meaning. That being said, she had only some meaning, nothing to die over so to speak. Well there was one item she might possibly die over if it was ever taken from her, but that one was kept in a very very safe place. She could tell he was scared beyond belief and who could blame him. She watched his fear quivering eyes along with his body shaking in pain, in fear. she heard his breathing shallow, his mind in flight mode.
[BReAK][BReAK] This all was what she saw when he was pinned against the wall. However the moment his heirlooms were in her grasp. She was half expecting him to dart and keep fighting back until she saw him immediately drop in Kowtow. Her aunt was more traversed in the eastern culture then herself. She could tell you Kowtow was a eastern culture and an acknowledgement of submission. While she had ahold of these items, it seemed he was going to obey her every command, anything to get the item back from her grasp.
[BReAK][BReAK] "You call it a game, I call it a hunt. "She spoke looking down at him before over at the tassel in her hand, running her fingers along it " Let me tell you how this works, now that I got your attention. Miss Vermillion is not my name but I will allow it for formalities; However you will call me one of two names depending on appearances. Mistress when it is just us and Ostanda when in public functions together. From this point on, you belong to me in every way, no ifs, ands, or buts. Your life is mine to dictate as I see fit, If I call, you come. You will be my scapegoat into the society of clover. All Allowance and luxuries will be given to me to decide if you deserve it."She spoke. " If I give you an order, you will do it without fail, without resistance. My orders are absolute. You will go about your everyday life but what happened here is private and will never be leaked from your lips. If I wish to spend time with you either on your estate or anywhere, you will ensure it is to happen. This last one is an absolute must. If there is any mention of any sightings of my cousin's whereabouts from within your circle, whether rumors or what not, I must know. I care not who says it, I care not of whether it is speculation or truth." She said crouching down to the balls of her feet. She folded her hands over her knees allowing the heirlooms to hover over the dirty ground. "Now do we have an absolute understanding my little butterfly?" She asked.
[attr="class","Enlilimage"]❝Even a storm can be calm under the right circumstances.
[attr="class","Enlilscroll"]He remained in his kowtowed position, it was hurting him physically but he had to make sure that he gained his heirlooms back. He didn't want to think of the punishments he would gain if he was known not to be wearing them, the only exceptions were when he was bathing or sleeping, any other time he was expected to be wearing them as was the tradition within his family. He wanted to retort her words but he remained silent, right now he couldn't do anything but listen as one wrong move, one wrong word and he believed that she would burn the tassel and melt the ornament he wore at the front of his clothing. He had to be so careful right now, but, it was only until he got his items back then surely she would just leave him alone and go and focus on her next unlucky victim.
It would seem that she had other ideas, however. "How it... works?" he was so confused, it wasn't like she was teaching him how the cooker worked, there was nothing around them that she could teach him, well that wasn't entirely true as he was pretty sure he was about to learn how to be a murder victim. "Technically Miss Vermilion is your name, at least formally speaking." he wasn't attempting to be a smartass but it was something that he felt did need correcting. Since he was sure he was going to die he blew caution to the wind on this occasion as he was correct. He remained kowtowed as she continued speaking on what he was expected to call her. Usually in a kowtow you remained silent and bowed until given permission to rise. Using his good arm he did so and sat on his knees supporting his other arm.
"I... won't call any.... anyone mistress" he said wincing as he felt a sharp jolt of pain going through his dislocated arm, he did his best not to make a sound and managed for the most part but it was clear he was in pain. "Os... Ostanda?" he seemed entirely confused about the name she wanted to be called "B... but that isn't your name Miss Vermilion and even if it was I am not so familiar to you that I would be calling you such a thing." he said honestly, he could only imagine the looks of disproval his family would give if he dared called someone he wasn't familiar with by their first names. It didn't matter if it was male or female there was a certain etiquette around such things. It was just viewed as more improper for them to do it to the opposite gender.
"Pub... public functions... you... you can't expect me to..." he shook his head, the Vermilion had just fallen, there was no way he could be seen at a public function with her "My... my father would never permit it." he stuttered, this was something completely out of his hands. Every socialite's circle was different for differing reasons, the circle he found himself in however was the one that every socialite wanted to find themselves in. There was one thing that every butterfly had in common, they were all kept on strict schedules and their families kept them on relatively short leashes compared to other socialites. This was because of the power their families held and so optics were far more important to them. He knew she was likely going to tell him to get his father to change his mind but that was something that he knew he could never do.
He listened to how she claimed him as if he was nothing more than an object and how he had no say in the matter, he already had the restraints of his family on him, he didn't need a new set. "No" he said simply looking at her, he knew that his heirlooms were not safe and what it would mean for him if they were damaged or worse destroyed. It petrified him but he didn't want to be some psychotic fallen nobles plaything. "Also... you're... you're using the word scapegoat in the wrong way." he said as he nursed his arm more. "A scapegoat is the person who takes the fall. For example, if your cousin in his infinite wisdom committed a crime with a 'friend' there and he took precautions to make sure he got out free and clear but the 'friend' couldn't then that person would be his scapegoat." he explained.
He did have to wonder if the Vermilion got any sort of education other than to be murderous anger-driven psychopaths at this point. "Given the elaborate setup for my demise, you already know my schedule is very strict, so even if I was to agree you already know that the 'come when I beckon' spiel wouldn't happen besides, unlike your cousin I'm not a bitch" Even a blind person would be able to see what he was getting at with that comment. Taiyo had followed Amaya around like a lost puppy catering to every whim she had, even going so far as to be able to predict what her want would be before she even said anything. Even in his current situation, he refused to be so pathetic. The next part really didn't sit with him, like everyone in his circle he got a sizable allowance.
"It's not you who decides if I should get these things, it is my parents beside you already stated that material things aren't your kind of thing." he said using her own words against her. "My allowance goes on my craft nothing more and nothing less and this is how it will remain." he didn't want to jump through additional hoops to get the few things he actually enjoyed and was allowed to do without being bothered. It was then she spoke more about what she expected of him, at this point he would rather have perished than listen to her go on but he didn't interrupt her further. He couldn't believe what he was hearing, it was like she was a completely different woman than he had met previously. He was wondering what conditioning her cousin may have put her through to make her seem like a lunatic with superiority delusions.
If it weren't for the red hair he would swear that he was talking to a member of the Silva family. "I can't ensure that my father is the one who decides who comes onto the estate and well we've already spoken about my schedule, besides, I don't want to be seen with you socially." his good hand covered his mouth, he was usually careful with what came out of his mouth. He didn't know if it was the fear or the sheer amount of pain he was in but he couldn't filter his thoughts as carefully as he once did. "Like we actively talk about him. The last time was when it was found out he was a crazy stalking ex-boyfriend to Amaya after he forced your family to fall and splinter. We've got better things to talk about like the weather or even the grass growing." it showed just how much they cared about the subject that was Taiyo Vermilion.
She watched him as she listened to him talk back with the logic as she sighed. Seemed he really didn't understand the situation he was in. He no say. She tucked the heirlooms in one hand before using her free hand to pull him up by his bad shoulder on to his back. She moved forward resting a knee against the shoulder before she continued watch him. " You know, that is such a pretty look for you Enlil. This just might be what I will expect of you." She said with a snicker.
[BReAK][BReAK] "You will call me what I wish regardless of your logic. You are not dead because I haven't deemed you to be worth killing. Your opinions will only be wanted when I ask. You will learn to do as you are told or the punishments you will receive from your family will be tame compared to me." She said coldly. " For now I will allow such things but I won't allow it towards future encounters." She spoke putting a bit more weight on her knee into his shoulder. She was getting tired of his back talking as he didn't seem to understand where he was in this relationship, if it was even that. " You will make such things happen or I will ensure you remember I have my ways of getting to you, getting within your life." She said coldly " I know where your friends are and accidents tend to happen, especially this time of year." She spoke in out loud thought. "And while you say that, we both know he will be coming up even more often from how worried one tend to be of someone that was considered a possession especially when word reaches her ears of how he changed as I know she hasn't been around clover like she use to, which has me curious." she said
[BReAK][BReAK] Leonora looked down at him before looking back at the heirlooms examining them just out of his reach "Truly such beautiful things that hold so much to their creation. history and power held so deeply within such symbolism. Would be a shame if such history was to go up in smoke."She commented as a feather appeared hovering above her open free palm, inches away from the items. " Now is that your final answer Enlil? You better think carefully and quickly where your loyalty and life is to lie, I can't guarantee my hand will remain so steady for very long."
