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","shadowsHead"]Investigate to find their hideout. [Int]
After repelling the larger conflict of Minotaurs knights were tasked to figure out where they were coming from. Knights must find someone who can tell them about the minotaurs as well as give them information on their whereabouts.
[attr="class","shadowsSub"]Details
Maximum Number of Players: 4 [break]Minimum Word Count: 2,500 [break]Location: Sosshi [break]Special Requirements: Speak to both NPC’s
[break]Health Limit: N/A [break]Physical Speed: N/A [break]Physical Damage: N/A [break]Magic Element and Types: N/A [break]Combat Style: N/A [break]Additional Information: Survivor laric, the same guy from before has become infatuated with the creatures and has begun tracking their every move. Talking to him will tell you the whereabouts of the creatures. They live in some sort of cave off the west side of the road exiting the main entrance of the city, roughly 3 miles out.
[break][break] Name of NPC:- Miles - Guard Captain
[break]Additional Information:- Guard Captain Miles, the captain of the guard of the city fought the creatures before and managed to even talk to one in its dying moments. He will tell you that they are minotaurs whose Father was brought back. But that before he was told how the minotaur died. He knows that they are called minotaurs and fight without magic but are big, fast and aggressive. He is mostly unhelpful.
Hearing her call him the smartest fool she had ever met did bring shame to him, mostly because that’s not how he wanted Hinota to see him at all. Though, she was right in her assessment, and so he didn’t fight her on it and just accepted her words for what they were; the truth. Obviously she noticed and again she poked his forehead, a gesture he had truly come to love in the short time they had been able to spend together. It brought a small smile to his face and a flutter to his heart, though that smile quickly faded when he reminded himself that he was not allowed to feel such things for the woman before him. There was nothing he could do about the situation other than hoping that one day these feelings would fade away completely, but until then he was going to have to fight his urge to give into them. If he allowed them to grow and bloom, eventually he’d just find himself miserable and alone while she’d marry the man her heart belonged to. Again, he was told to not keep his emotions on his sleeve, which made him sigh. While he knew it’s what was expected of him as a noble and magic knight, it still never sat right with him and he struggled with it more than anyone would probably ever understand. Hinota explained that she had learned to compartmentalize her feelings so she could do her job, and once she was home she could let out all of her emotions as much as she needed to. The concern in her voice was nice to hear, and Jevi gave her a weak smile in return to her own. “I’m trying to change that, but it’s not a simple switch I can just flip…but I’m working on it.” It wasn’t a lie either, he tried his best. He really did. But somehow he always fell short, especially around Hinota herself.
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On the topic of emotions, it seemed that his current captain also struggled with them from what Hinota knew and could tell him, which is also why Salamander the fire spirit likely chose him to form a bond with. Right, his captain had a bond with Salamander…that fight was going to be insanely difficult in the future, but he couldn’t let himself get discouraged now. If he wanted to lead his family and ensure he could live free from his father’s grasp then he needed to show the world that he was capable of being a leader. If only he had met Hinota sooner, then he wouldn’t be lagging behind so much on his progression towards that goal, but there was nothing he could do about that now. He’d have to work with what he got, and not worry too much about what others thought about it. “Thank you for trying to cheer me up.” He gave her a soft smile, understanding why she brought it up and taking it as her way of caring for him and forgiving him for being so stupid. He’d make sure he’d never do such a foolish thing again, no matter what. All he needed to do was pace his training and get the rest his body needed, and even if that might mean his increase in strength would be slowed down he’d get there eventually. Rushing things was not going to do him any favors, and he just needed to keep that in mind. Like Hinota had mentioned, patience was a virtue of great importance to any swordsman, and it was time he embraced that more.
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However, it seemed that their tradition of their talks going from good to worse had not been broken. Hinota felt the need to punish Junjie and Luli for how they had treated him, and the pain they had caused him with their words and disrespect. Jevi attempted to salvage the situation, proposing a different form of punishment that would not only help him, but would keep Junjie from having to go through anything bad whatsoever. Hinota wouldn’t hear it, though, even when he mentioned there was no bodyguard more suited to protect her and the idea of her being with another was just not sitting well with him. Apparently, Junjie had been her bodyguard since he was five years old, and Hinota wasn’t much younger so that meant it had been a lifelong bond. There was no way he could accept his foolish mistake to stand in the way of such a bond. The idea of punishing Junjie was weighing heavily on Hinota’s soul, and he could see by her body language and the brimming tears in her eyes that she didn’t truly want to do this, but she would force herself to do so for his sake even when he didn’t want or need it.
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The pain she was going through was too much for him to take, as tears also formed in his eyes and Jevi dropped down to one knee to be able to look up into Hinota’s eyes. His own were glistening with tears threatening to fall as he spoke in a soft, fragile voice. “Lady Hinota, I beg of you to not give them any punishment. To see the pain it causes you hurts me more than Junjie’s words or the blisters on my hands ever could. Please…no one else knows what’s been said, my wounds are gone thanks to you. We can pretend it never happened, and no one has to be hurt. You say you don’t want to add more harm to this world? Then I implore you, begin with yourself.” Some tears rolled down his cheeks, as he truly hoped that his appeal would work. To be the source of Hinota’s turmoil was something he truly hated, and he knew that it was better to distance himself from her in the near future. After this mission, they were likely better off not seeing one another again. All he did was cause her to cry and feel hurt, and he couldn’t live with that fact. He couldn’t be the person he wanted to be for her, and that was something he’d have to make his peace with, and he was certain that eventually he could and would even if it was going to take a long time.
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As they moved on towards where the minotaurs were, Jevi told Hinota that he wanted to become a man worthy of following into his captain’s footsteps, and Hinota noted that those were some really big ambitions. Obviously he knew that, and he reassured her that he wasn’t going to give up no matter how long it would take him to get there. It seemed that there was another misunderstanding, as she meekly said she wasn’t trying to discourage him. He blinked in slight confusion before he smiled at her. “I didn’t think you were trying to discourage me, I just wanted to reassure you that I’m aware of the giant task ahead of me.” Eventually they reached the minotaurs, and Jevi fought them off without any help from Hinota required. These creatures were no match for his speed and strength, that much was clear, and while he was focused on the brawl at hands he hadn’t noticed Hinota’s pain and turmoil as she watched all of it go down. The battle left him unsatisfied, but he returned to Hinota’s side to figure out what their next steps were going to be.
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It seemed that she agreed with him that they really needed to check the area again like they had done a couple days ago after the first two smaller minotaur. However, Jevi could tell how much pain Hinota was in, and while the bloodstains weren’t noticeable her tone of voice most certainly was. Jevi’s face fell into a frown, feeling like he was nothing but a burden to the woman he loved. There was no reason for him to get into it, because no matter what he said or did right now he would only make things worse for her. It was best to shut up and do his job. Once this was finally over, they could go home and go their separate ways. Right now he just wanted to go home and stay away from Hinota as much as he could so he could prevent himself from hurting her more. Jevi just did not understand how he kept messing up with her each and every turn. He had tried to appeal to her culture’s way of doing things earlier, but even that didn’t work like he had hoped it would. This fallout was the worst feeling he had ever experienced, even worse than the time after their first mission. He felt so, so useless as he couldn’t even be of slight support to Hinota to repay her for everything she had done for him. All he could hope for right now was that these feelings would eventually fade with distance between them, but right now they were stuck together.
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After about an hour of searching the area in silence, Jevi finally spoke up after he sighed. “I’m going back to Sosshi to see if we can get more information from Iaric or anyone else who was involved with this recent attack. This is getting us nowhere.” This time he was not trying to ask Hinota to come with him, or ask her what she wanted to do. If she wanted to stay out here and search for more clues she was more than welcome to. She could handle herself, even if she didn’t fight directly there was no way any of these creatures could hurt her. He didn’t want to force her to stay by his side, though he would most definitely not try to turn her away if she decided to come with him to Sosshi. The track back would be one in silence for a while, before Jevi softly mused to himself. “I wonder if Iaric is in the inn again…Or perhaps his store...?” It was not really a question that he wanted an answer to from Hinota, but the silence was becoming deafening, so he’d rather talk a bit to himself to fill that void. The knot in his stomach wasn’t gone, neither was the uneasy feeling in his heart. While he didn’t want to acknowledge it, it was shattered, but he just was not ready to deal with that yet. Especially not here and now with Hinota nearby.
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(Combat) Summary
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[attr="class","raescroll2"]
Jevi begs Hinota to not punish Junjie from the bottom of his heart. Everything after is awkward silence as he tries to convince himself that distance in the future is the only way to remedy this situation.[break]
Due to the lunar year just passing, a craftsman in the town of Hage teaching a new class of apprentices decided to make it a class project. They were to make small trinkets out of oak that look like oxen as with all learners things didn't go as planned and they ended up making derpy looking oxen. The shopkeeper decided to buy everything as she found out that all the proceeds were going to help with the rebuilding of Kikka.[break]
Range & Speed: Not applicable[break]
Stats Affected: 25% junior buff to strength[break]
Description:[break]
The holder of this small trinket seems to hold the strength of an oxen allowing them to deal a bit more damage than is normal. Unlike normal items this item seems to grow in strength the stronger the bond it has with the owner much like a spirit or relic allowing this to be trained up to a grand ability. Once bought it is bound to the account it is on and can't be sold back to the store.
[attr="class","tamaflowersscroll"] She could see the shame in his body language when he called him the smartest fool she had ever met, she knew that she was being harsh but she was doing it with the intent of him getting better and understanding where he went wrong. She had explained that training till excess would only cause long-term damage and that patience and understanding were two things a swordsman needed to improve themselves. The fact she as a pacifist understood this and the actual swordsman didn't was baffling to her but she didn't want to make the situation worse. He already felt bad enough for overdoing it and that was enough for her. She was quite sure it wouldn't be something that would be repeated, it was quite honestly refreshing given some of the people she knew and how they constantly pushed themselves beyond their limits. [break][break] The floral mage often poked people softly when she wanted to make a point as there was no other way for her to do it. She saw the smile and thought that all was right in the world at least for the current moment. She had no idea what those small pokes meant to the other and had she known she likely would have stopped as she didn't want him to keep feeling those things towards her. She didn't want to cause him any discomfort that much was clear. She knew it was hard for him not to keep his emotions on his sleeves but it was something that he needed to learn if he wanted to progress in his ambitions. She had noted his sigh and made a mental note not to bring it up again with him, the last thing she wanted was to come off as a nagging captain and for him to end up resenting her. [break][break] "I know you are, I won't bring it up again." her voice was small as she spoke, it was clear that this was the last time she would do so going forward it would be on him what he wanted to do. She understood he struggled with it, in general so did she but she knew it could be far more deadly in her culture especially at the imperial level if she didn't keep masks on. "Very little in life is a switch." she commented but didn't go into detail on the matter. She had no idea what was going through the other's head she just kept moving towards the town "Silver linings are something everyone should look for even when things seem the darkest." she said quietly, it was these things that allowed her to smile even when things look their darkest. [break][break] She was glad that he was going to take his training at a steady pace and resting more often as he already should be, but she wasn't his doctor so could only give him general advice it would be up to another to make sure that he didn't overdo it as he had this time. Only with a proper balance would he find his skills and strength increasing but he was too far off balance for any such thing to happen in any meaningful way. It was important for many ways of life even her own but he found that people who did melee combat required it more especially when using weapons because one wrong move and it could end everything and at times that mistake might not be able to be undone. It seemed as if like every other time they had spoken things went from bad to worse and this time was no different. [break][break] It hurt her that she did need to punish Junjie and Luli for what they had caused but it wasn't like she would order them to be caned or hurt in any way, even when servants had deserved such punishments she could never go so far. Still, it didn't make this situation any easier for her as the pair had started looking after her when she was a newborn and where she legitimately looked at them like siblings they had always kept an emotional barrier with her. It hurt but she understood the reason behind it and so never pushed them to view her the same way that she viewed them. She had, had to punish them in the past and where it hurt her they bore no ill will and even fussed over her to make sure she was alright afterwards, it was so confusing even these days. [break][break] She could see his emotions welling once more and realized she had been doing exactly what she told him not to, it was harder when it came to her matron and bodyguard because these weren't just retainers or servants to her but actual siblings. seeing his actions she took some steps away, she was caught off guard and didn't like it, it made her uncomfortable. She believed this to be some western version of a kowtow, it had never happened to her before and it made her actually scared. Even daemons didn't affect her the same way this one action had. "Please, stop that." her voice was small and timid she hated it when it happened to her at home but understood it was tradition but this was nothing like that but a plea for her to go back on what she had said. [break][break] "Lord Suru, you do not understand." she said holding her sleeves tightly again "Regardless of plea and even if no other knows, I do and as their lady, I must show them the error of their way even if it pains me to do so." her voice was calm "Punishment is how we improve and learn not to do something wrong again." she said with a sigh "They will not be hurt I assure you if that is what you are concerned about. I have never allowed any harm to come to those who directly serve me." She said honestly, she couldn't do anything about those outside of her palace but she did try and mitigate things where she could because she knew both her brothers could have bad tempers when angered and it never ended well for the servants that managed to hit those buttons but they always had a soft spot for her so that helped a little. [break][break] She shook her head "This isn't something I can pretend didn't happen Lord Suru your mother must be so worried over your behaviour, I'm sure she noticed those bandages as easily as I did." her voice was still calm "I do not wish to bring pain into the wor-" she stopped midsentence "How cruel you are with your words." she said her word showing pain "Let's just get this task done quickly so we can move along." her voice was soft but it had changed, it was like the emotion had drained from it and she was solely concentrating on the mission now, she realized that's how she should have been since the first time they met but she wanted to help someone who seemed to be lost and confused. She doubted after this task that he would want to deal with her and would ensure that they wouldn't be. [break][break] She walked with him and listened to what he said but said nothing, she merely nodded showing that she understood what he meant. Eventually, they reached the minotaurs and though she had told him to tell her if he needed anything and he nodded he moved and dispatched them easily, although, she had heard what he said beneath his breath and commented against it before he left to deal with the task. He understood what he meant but to hear those words against creatures that they had to kill wasn't the best time, there were plenty of other times he could have tested his skills that didn't come to someone losing their lives. She was feeling that terrible feeling she had done so many times before bubbling and wished it to just remain asleep, it caused her such turmoil as she didn't understand it. [break][break] She watched as he returned back to her side and could tell it wasn't as satisfying as he believed it would be "So did you find exactly what you needed?" she would ask showing him that she had heard him say "It is a terrible thing to say at any point. I understand that you want to test your skills against a moving target or one that can fight back but it comes off as ruthless to say it just before you are about to kill something." her voice was completely calm, it lacked any warmth as she explained his folly and why she had reacted the way she did. She noticed the frown but unlike before she didn't comment on it instead, she silently searched the nearby area before she turned and looked back in the direction of Sosshi. [break][break] "It seems like the best course of action at current." she said as she started to walk towards the village once more, she had no idea what was going on in the man's head but things kept going from bad to worse in her mind but part of it fell on her and she understood that. She could tell by his tone he wasn't asking her to come but she had accepted this task and had dealt with the paperwork to show it was an ongoing issue so it wasn't like she could just walk away and pretend she knew nothing about it. They were stuck working with each other even if he didn't want that. As they walked he heard Jevi speak to himself "given what he had been through he likely wants to know how to kill them but I would also suggest we could talk to the guard captain as he would likely have had to fight them or have had guards that have." she said thoughtfully "Let's speak with laric first since we've already spoken to him once before then we can get the information the guard captain may have." she said before once again going quiet as she walked.
Combat Summary
POW[break] 0
DUR[break] 232
Sen[break] 40
Sta[break] 220
CON[break] 280
MANA SKIN[break] Archmage + Grand
health [break] Archmage
mana regen[break] 70 ic | 85 ooc
mana pool[break] 1,100/1,100
[attr="class","tamaflowersscroll2"] TL;DR[break][break] Current Outfit(H):[break]
Rank & Element: Junior ¦ Fire[break] Class & Type: Relic ¦ Accessory (Ring)[break] Magic Specializations: Sensory ¦ Healing[break] Appearance & Lore:[break] A set of delicate and elegant silver rings with three small round cubic zirconia in the top band and a marquise cut sapphire on the bottom. [break][break]
Kikka is a town known to be the defensive foot-hold for the Clover Kingdom, it is the town that sits in the grey area of what could be considered the noble region and the common region. It is due to this that there is a diverse range of people and backgrounds that called this place home. [break][break] A young fire mage found himself getting into trouble when he decided to steal some vegetables from a garden of jewellers. The mother of the family was the one that caught him and even told the boy and his mother that they just needed to ask due to them having more than enough. It was the beginning of a new bond between the family and the fire mage. [break][break] Over time the boy grew and where he was wanting to learn the next flashy fire move from the former purple orca. She would tell him that he needed to learn how to walk before he tried to run or those he cared about would get burned by those same flames that treasured so much. Of course, being young he didn't understand what she was getting at. [break][break] The woman's husband attempted to teach the street smart and somewhat rough male his craft. He, of course, got bored real quickly because crafting jewellery was a slow process that often was very detail orientated. Still, the man tried. On the day the fire mage was scheduled to leave Kikka for the exams the man called the young mage into his workshop. [break][break] He was just finishing up a double ring set and told him to put every wish and promise he could into a single flame and release it onto the ring. Somewhat sceptical the fire mage did what he was asked and thought it was for some sort of trinket for the woman that had helped him grow. The man placed the ring into a box and handed it to the budding mage. [break][break] "Valo, we see you as our son and we are proud to see the man you've grown into. You've helped create something that is unique and special, keep it with you and give it to someone that you believe deserves what you put into it." [break][break] The now young man gave bravado with his normal attitude but took the ring. He held onto it for three years until something terrible happened. The family that he had loved so much was taken from him. The one that had seen him at his most vulnerable and had helped him through the grief was a young woman. A woman who themselves couldn't fight due to their beliefs. [break][break] He remembered the ring from all those years ago and offered it to her, telling her if she was ever in danger just to call him and he'd come running.
[break][break] User gains the following while using Forever Promised[break] - Divine Rite[break] - Mana Conservationalist[break] [break][break] Name of Ability: True Path[break]
Type & Uses: Trigger ¦ 4 uses[break] Rank & Specialization: Junior ¦ Healing[break] Mana Cost: 6 per trigger ¦ 15 Recharge[break] Range & Speed: 25m ¦ 10 m/s[break] Stats Affected: +2 Control (wearer only)[break] Description:[break] Turning the top ring to the left once is how to activate the trigger to this ability. From the ring, a blue flame seems to emerge and move around the wearer giving the feeling of warmth and being hugged. The flames eventually dissipate and leave the person being healed with almost metallic blue flaming intertwining symbols going around their body. The flames are intricate and delicate so they could easily be mistaken as tasteful jewellery. Speaking the name of another while twisting the ring will give them the benefits of the healing. With the use of the ammo rules, additional people can be healed per trigger. This ability heals for junior rank damage, this ability will also actively attempt to cleanse those being healed by it from any debuffs, poisons, hexes, curses, venoms as per the clashing rules.
Type & Uses: Flow ¦ 3 uses ¦ 2 cooldown[break] Rank & Specialization: Junior ¦ Sensory ¦ Communication[break] Mana Cost: 6 ¦ 3[break] Range & Speed: Within Same Sub-Board (Board if no sub-board) ¦ 10m/s[break] Stats Affected: n/a[break] Description:[break] Turning the bottom ring to the right is how this ability is activated. From the ring springs, a book made with a blue flame cover but upon opening it the flames are an orangy-red as normal. Speaking the name of the person that the wielder wants to speak from creates their name at the front of the book in orangy-red flames. When a connection is made an identical book is created in front of that person with the casters name so they know who is contacting them. As those communicating speak the pages start to fill in with blue flaming text as if being written, this is so facts can be looked over at a later point while the spell is active. As this is only junior currently only one person may be contacted at a time. If used for reinforcements the person being asked must wait 2 rounds after the initial contact has been made before they can enter, as this ability grows stronger it will allow for contacting people in other areas, if contacting people in other areas and requesting aid they must wait 4 rounds after the initial contact has been made before they can enter.
[break][break] Rank &Element: Junior ¦ Flower[break] Class & Type: Magic ¦ Trinket[break] Magic Specializations: Supplementry Construct[break] Appearance & Lore:[break] A delicate looking silver key with butterfly wings at the top embedded with three sky blue crystals, there is a chain on the length of the bar that has a blue rose at the end. It is said those with this key will be blessed by the forest. [break][break] Abilities:[break]
Name of the Ability: On Wings of Butterflies[break] Type & Uses: Flow ¦ 3 uses ¦ 2 overheated[break] Rank & Specialization] Junior ¦ Supplementry construct[break] Mana Cost: 8 ¦ 4[break] Range &[break] Speed: 25m ¦ 10m/s[break] Stats Affected: Not Applicable[break] Description:[break] Turning the key to the left activates the ability attached to the key. The holder can either create a single large butterfly that looks like it has been made out of the petals of a bluebell or can make a set of butterfly wings made out of the petals of bluebells. It doesn't matter which is decided it only allows for two people to be transported at any one time at 10 m/s. This item can be upgraded by finding a mage holding the matching element.
A warm gift for Hinota Yuiee. After spending a few weeks away from the flower mage, Valo had crafted a beautiful bracelet as a gift for her. To show her that he cares about her, and he plans to do better by her. He never wants to spend weeks away from her again. And as a symbol for his commitment, he got Warmth's Embrace made for her.[break][break]
It is a beautiful red and gold bracelet with shiny clear and red diamonds circled throughout. With graceful elegant carvings of flowers sculpted on the bracelet itself.[break][break]
The bracelet is always warm but never too hot for comfort[break][break]
[break][break] While wearing Warmth's Embrace the wielder also has access to the perk Full Blitz. [break][break] Name of the Ability 熱波 Neppa (Heat Wave)[break]
Type & Uses: Trigger | 6 uses[break] Rank & Specialization: Senior | Physical Reinforcement | Transformation[break] Mana Cost: 24 per trigger ¦ 45 recharge[break] Range & Speed: 40 m | Self[break] Stats Affected: + 20 Speed[break] Description: [break][break] Neppa is a temperature controlling spell, that allows the weilder to increase the temperature in a 40 meter radius. It has no offensive or defensive uses. But it will negate debuffs from dungeons or missions alike that originate from colder temperature. The user simply has to pour some of their mana into the bracelet in order to activate it, and a small flower made of blue flames will hover right on top of the bracelet. The second function of this spell is the heat emitted in the air increases the user's speed drastically, for faster velocity throughout the area radius.
That small, lovely gesture was enough to break the walls he was trying to build around his heart. From that first day they had met each other, the way she so gently poked his forehead or nose when she wanted to make a point was something that made his heart race, and yet he knew he couldn’t allow these feelings to continue to grow deeper. He needed to distance himself and ensure he could move past his love for Hinota, as she was already engaged and was going to be married soon enough. There was nothing he could do about that, and more than anything he wanted for Hinota to just be happy. If Valo was the man to do that, which he seemed to be for as far as Jevi knew, then that’s who she should be with. His own happiness did not matter in this situation, as he was sure he would eventually be able to move on and find someone he could be just as happy with. Though, he had never felt what he felt for Hinota, of that he was certain. She was the first thing on his mind when he woke up, and the last thing on his mind when he fell asleep. He found himself worrying about her well-being constantly, and the whole reason he was working so hard to improve himself was so that one day he could be a man who was worthy of standing beside her as a fellow captain, and hopefully even as a trusted friend who she knew she could rely on. She had given him so much by putting him on the right track in following his own dreams and encouraging him to break free from his father that he really wanted to return such a favor by being there for her as well.
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Despite the gesture, her words were clear and concise and he knew he needed to work on keeping his emotions under wraps if he wanted to succeed as a captain in the future. It was something he was working on, but it was hard and not something he could just simply change about himself. Thankfully, Hinota seemed to understand and even mentioned she wouldn’t bring it up again. It brought a small smile to his face as he gave her a nod. “Just give it some time, I’ll learn.” He knew he could do it, all it took was some time and effort. It was refreshing to be with someone who understood him so well, and that’s why he enjoyed being around Hinota even though they had misunderstandings regarding other subjects. Somewhere, deep down, they were on the same line which showed when they spoke of little in life being like a switch. “Mhm, and anything worth having is worth fighting for. Not in the literal sense, I just mean putting in the effort to improve.” He also expressed his gratitude in her attempt at cheering him up, to which she mentioned that finding a silver lining is important even when things seem darkest. “I’ll remember that.” As usual, Jevi valued every lesson and bit of wisdom Hinota shared with him. She was younger, sure, but she had much more experience in certain aspects of life which were the things he was lacking in due to his neglect in his studies when he was young.
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Of course, as seemed par for the course, their conversation went from alright to bad to worse. Jevi couldn’t stand seeing Hinota in the pain she was in for having to punish Junjie and Luli, and he couldn’t do anything else other than beg her to reconsider which is why he moved on one knee for her. It was nothing like a kowtow, not in Jevi’s eyes anyway, but he noted how much it terrified her that he took this position. He listened, of course, and got back up immediately though he did not stop his plea for her to stop this. Still, she wouldn’t budge, saying that punishment is how people learned and that as their lady she needed to do this. She did promise that they wouldn’t be hurt, which physically showed relief on Jevi’s expression as well as his tensed up pose relaxing a bit. She then spoke of his mother and her worries over his wounds, which was a fair point yet not what was important right now. “I’ll apologize to her for it as well, like I was already planning to.” Then he implored her to start with herself when it came to not adding harm to the world, which Hinota did not take well. “Cruel?” He blinked in confusion, and followed as she began to walk. “I didn’t realize it was cruel to care for someone I consider a friend. It’s your feelings I’m worried about.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he realized she wouldn’t understand him no matter what he tried to tell her. “I agree. Let’s get this mission over with.” It was clear what Hinota wanted, and if that’s how she felt then he couldn’t fight it. It seemed like he couldn’t fight her on anything, because she either didn’t understand him, his culture, or used her own traditions and culture as her reasoning for doing things.
[break][break]
After fighting off the minotaurs, Jevi was left incredibly unsatisfied. It did not put his skills to the test like he had hoped, and as he walked back to Hinota she commented on it as she asked if he had found what he had been looking for. Jevi only shook his head at first, before she mentioned how what he had said was terrible. She understood his want for testing his skills against beings who could fight back, but it was still coming off as ruthless when he said it about creatures he was about to kill. Jevi hadn’t thought about it that way, and frowned a bit as he understood how his comment could come off to others. He nodded in acknowledgement of her words and spoke in a soft, small voice. “It was not my intention to be ruthless with them, but I understand my comment made it seem that way.” She would have seen that he had not been ruthless in the fight itself, and only used the bare minimum he found was needed to knock them out. He didn’t maim them, humiliate them, or caused them more pain than what was needed. “My apologies.” There was nothing more that needed to be said, as they both quickly agreed that they needed to search the immediate area for more clues.
[break][break]
An hour or so later, and they still hadn’t found anything. Jevi mentioned he was going back to Sosshi, not minding whether Hinota came with him or not, to ask around for more clues. Iaric might know more about this current attack. Hinota surprisingly agreed with him for once, and went along with him. Jevi mused to himself about where Iaric might be, and Hinota mentioned that the guard captain may have some intel too. She suggested they’d go find Iaric first as they had already spoken to him before. “Yea, that’s fine with me.” Jevi was not going to tell her to go to the guard captain on her own, they may as well stick together if she still felt like it. The walk back to Sosshi was quiet otherwise and uneventful, and Jevi figured they may as well check in Iaric’s shop. He walked up to the door and knocked on it, calling out to the man. “Iaric, you in there?” There was a quick answer from a familiar voice. “Aye, come on in.” When Jevi heard this, he opened the door and walked into the man’s shop. Upon seeing Jevi and Hinota, Iaric’s eyes softened. “Aye it’s you two! Welcome, welcome! Are ya here to check my wares?” Jevi returned the man’s smile, and shook his head. “Not right now, we’re here to talk about the minotaur problem.” The man’s expression faded into a frown, a heavy sigh leaving his lips. “This attack was worse than the last one, I can tell ya that.”
[break][break]
Jevi nodded in agreement, simply keeping the conversation flowing. “We took care of the six minotaur just outside the city, but we want to ensure an attack like this doesn’t happen again. Do you have any information we can use to find out what’s going on with them?” There was a glint in the man’s eyes as he reached under his counter and took out what looked like a notebook which he promptly placed on the counter. “I sure do, laddy, ya see I’ve become so interested in these creatures that I’ve been tracking them since the last time you two were here!” The man was excited, and moved his finger over the map to point to a specific location. “From what I can tell, they seem to be livin’ in this cave right here, just to the west of the main entrance of the city.” Jevi checked the map together with Iaric, a spark in his eyes and a genuine smile on his face seeing the detailed work Iaric had put in. “This is perfect. You did an amazing job here, Iaric!” He complimented the man, who merely looked back with a proud smile. “Thank ya, laddy, be careful though alright? I didn’t venture into the cave, I got no clue about how many there are.” Jevi nodded and smiled. “Of course, thank you for the concern.” With Iaric spoken to, there was only the guard captain left. As the two left the shop, Jevi looked over at Hinota. “Do you have any idea where the guard captain may be? I’ll leave the questions to him up to you.” He wasn’t here to take over the mission, he just happened to be the one who talked to Iaric last time and he figured it was the easiest to do so again.
Due to the lunar year just passing, a craftsman in the town of Hage teaching a new class of apprentices decided to make it a class project. They were to make small trinkets out of oak that look like oxen as with all learners things didn't go as planned and they ended up making derpy looking oxen. The shopkeeper decided to buy everything as she found out that all the proceeds were going to help with the rebuilding of Kikka.[break]
Range & Speed: Not applicable[break]
Stats Affected: 25% junior buff to strength[break]
Description:[break]
The holder of this small trinket seems to hold the strength of an oxen allowing them to deal a bit more damage than is normal. Unlike normal items this item seems to grow in strength the stronger the bond it has with the owner much like a spirit or relic allowing this to be trained up to a grand ability. Once bought it is bound to the account it is on and can't be sold back to the store.
[attr="class","tamaflowersscroll"] She had no idea her gentle poke was all that it took for the feeble walls he was trying to raise against her, had she known she would have stopped. She didn't want to cause anyone issues but at present, that's all she seemed to be doing though she never spoke a single word on it. She did these things to get people's attention, it was something she was still getting accustomed to as physical contact wasn't a common occurrence as she grew up. It definitely wasn't permitted with men as they weren't her husband, still, she was trying to break free a little of her chains but she was starting to wonder if she really should be. Everything had been going wrong since she went against her family and it only ended up with her being hurt one way or another, it was so confusing. [break][break] She had no idea the turmoil the other was going through, she knew he liked her as he had said as much but she was already betrothed. She hoped that the feelings would come to an end and it would make things easier but she knew something like that wasn't as simple as blowing out a candle. She didn't understand why he liked her, they barely knew each other, in fact, he had confessed his feelings for her within an hour of meeting her and it made her wonder what she had done that had caused such a strong reaction in him. She truly wished he would find peace and happiness, she thought that it might even be because of some personal issues that he was having to work through due to the strained relationship with his father. She didn't believe his father would change but she did believe that Jevi would steer his family correctly. [break][break] She was happy that he wanted to improve himself for the better but she worried he was doing it for the wrong reasons, many saw her as someone who needed defending even with her reputation due to how gentle she was. It was true that she wasn't a sword and never would be, it meant that on a lot of tasks, she did need to be teamed with others for a lot of tasks, it also meant she was more likely to be sent to dangerous tasks because of her skill set. She done her duties but it meant she had no time to be an actual teenager or experience normal life as a magic knight. She didn't blame anyone on this and she could request to leave the magic knights if it became to much for her but would it really be the right thing to do? There were so many questions in her mind. [break][break] She heard his words and nodded, she said she would no longer comment on his inability to keep his emotions or heart off his sleeve and she would keep to it. She knew he was working on it and that he must be irritated that she kept bringing it up especially when he said that it was difficult or that he was working on it. "It's just a way of life for an imperial, we are expected to be a certain way." she said calmly, it was true that her upbringing and that of her brothers had been strict, everything was done a certain way and they spent a certain amount of time on each activity. She also had to have more lessons than her brothers; they were free to leave the mist with servants and guards where she never had been. [break][break] "I like to believe that fighting isn't the only way to get something worth having, patience and tenacity are other ways to do it." she said with a small voice, she knew he wasn't being literal but the way of thinking was clear to see. She knew that there were many ways to fight for something and not all of them were physical still something about the turn of phrase bugged her. Her eyes went to Jevi as he spoke again "Sometimes, when you are in a terrible situation you need to look for that silver lining or be that silver lining for another." she said her eyes lowering to the floor. She knew in Kikka Valo had almost lost himself to the anger and rage of losing Nanami and Charlotte, it was out of instinct that she hugged him to remind him that he wasn't alone and he could lean on others during that trying time. [break][break] She continued walking, hoping their conversations wouldn't go from bad to worse, but the curse seemed to want to continue on the pair. Jevi was doing his best to navigate a world he clearly didn't understand, in the end, he came off as cruel to the floral mage with some of his words. She didn't like he was bowed in front of her in such a way, in this context, it may as well have been a kowtow and she wanted to be in another country away from it. She noticed the relief when she assured him they wouldn't be hurt "D... did you honestly believe I would have them hurt given my outlook on such things?" she shook her head unable to believe him, it made her sick to her stomach that he thought she as a pacifist would allow two people she cared for to be harmed even if they had made such a grievous mistake. [break][break] She couldn't comment on what he was going to do with his mother, that was his own familial issues and where she had been his support against his father she knew she had overstepped drastically and that there would be eventual fallout. She continued walking even when he had uttered the world 'cruel' in confusion. "If you can't understand why what you said could be seen as cruel to me you need to go back to your studies or ask someone." she whispered, she wasn't going to give him the answers to this one, if she did then he wouldn't ever learn anything. "You again are thinking like a Western man speaking to a Western woman." she said her voice cool and calm. [break][break] "No, it's not my feelings you are concerned about Jevi if it were you would take into consideration just how those words would come across." she said gripping her sleeves, she had always been careful about how she spoke and approached others as she understood what was okay for someone from her own homeland wouldn't be the same from Jevi's. She never wanted to offend anyone, that was why she tended not to speak her personal thoughts on families even when asked. Navigating Western culture was still difficult for her but it was still easier to navigate than Eastern culture in her own mind as it didn't have as a bad of an outcome if you messed up. It seemed as if his wishes aligned with her own, they both just wanted this mission over and done with so they could go their separate ways. She knew she should have spoken to Hania or Ardere about things and even sent his mother a lesson but it didn't seem worth it at the time. [break][break] Their conversation returned to what he had said before taking out the minotaurs, it was when she had explained how he came off as ruthless that he had an enlightening moment as he hadn't thought about it as she had. "Words have power and can easily be taken out of context by noble and commoner alike regardless of if they are from the East or West." she hoped he would go over the conversations they had and see how some of his comments could have hurt her even if it hadn't been his intention. Regardless of if he had been humane to them it still stood because of his words before the fight that he was looking forward to killing them. She truly believed that wasn't his intention but still, that was how it came across and how others would likely perceive it. "Just be more aware in the future." she said calmly. [break][break] They had searched the area but ultimately decided that they should return to Sosshi in the hopes that they could get some information. The two people they were going to talk to was Iaric who had survived a previous attack and the captain of the guard. Their first stop was to Iaric, as before Jevi took the lead. She remained quiet and listened though wondered if he really didn't think she was capable of talking to commoners due to not being as 'worldly' as him. This was only made more apparent as she was completely ignored by the two men. She did peer over the map and wondered if their home was in the west, why were they attacking from the east but that was another mystery she would figure out at a later date. She left the building and waited for Jevi listening to his question of where she believed the head guard would be and stated she could do the questioning this time. [break][break] There was clear annoyance on her face but she remained quiet as she moved towards the guard house, entering she looked to a guard "Excuse me, where is the guard captain?" she asked politely one of the guards stopped "I'm Miles miss." he said walking over to her. She would bow to him and he would return it "How can I help the Serenity's Blossom today and her companion today?" he was a tall male standing 6'4" tall, with long blonde hair that stopped at his waist, emerald eyes, he was stocky but it was clear even in his armour it was all muscle. "My name will be fine and this is Lord Jevi Suru." she said introducing them both "We are here looking for information on the minotaur that have been attacking the village of late in the hopes of putting an end to the hostility." she said respectfully her tone was gentle as she spoke. "Hm..." the man looked as if he was deep in thought as he went over internally what he knew and could tell. [break][break] "I've fought quite a few of the beasts and even managed to speak to one." he said making Hino smile brighter as they might get to understand what was going on but that would leave the moment she heard his next words. "I wouldn't get your hopes up miss, the beast died before it could say anything useful." he said before tapping his head "It said something about its father being brought back but that could mean anything if you ask me." he said with a shrug. "Is there anything you could tell us that could be useful from your own experience?" she would ask him "Hmm... they're a beast called minotaurs but at this point you likely know that." he said with a charming smile, the flower mage felt like she would have gotten a better conversation out of a brick wall "Anything else?" she would ask. [break][break] "O... oh... there's one thing... they seem to rely on brute strength alone, none of them that we've fought have ever used magic. I hope that is useful in some way." he said "If you'll excuse me and please be safe as these things are tough." he would bow to the pair before moving to catch up with the other guards. She returned the bow and sighed "That wasn't very enlightening." she stated as she turned around to Jevi "Let's head to their home and put an end to this so Sosshi might become safe again." she said walking towards the western gate of the village. [break][break] [Exit]
Combat Summary
POW[break] 0
DUR[break] 232
Sen[break] 40
Sta[break] 220
CON[break] 280
MANA SKIN[break] Archmage + Grand
health [break] Archmage
mana regen[break] 70 ic | 85 ooc
mana pool[break] 1,100/1,100
[attr="class","tamaflowersscroll2"] TL;DR[break][break] Current Outfit(H):[break]
Rank & Element: Junior ¦ Fire[break] Class & Type: Relic ¦ Accessory (Ring)[break] Magic Specializations: Sensory ¦ Healing[break] Appearance & Lore:[break] A set of delicate and elegant silver rings with three small round cubic zirconia in the top band and a marquise cut sapphire on the bottom. [break][break]
Kikka is a town known to be the defensive foot-hold for the Clover Kingdom, it is the town that sits in the grey area of what could be considered the noble region and the common region. It is due to this that there is a diverse range of people and backgrounds that called this place home. [break][break] A young fire mage found himself getting into trouble when he decided to steal some vegetables from a garden of jewellers. The mother of the family was the one that caught him and even told the boy and his mother that they just needed to ask due to them having more than enough. It was the beginning of a new bond between the family and the fire mage. [break][break] Over time the boy grew and where he was wanting to learn the next flashy fire move from the former purple orca. She would tell him that he needed to learn how to walk before he tried to run or those he cared about would get burned by those same flames that treasured so much. Of course, being young he didn't understand what she was getting at. [break][break] The woman's husband attempted to teach the street smart and somewhat rough male his craft. He, of course, got bored real quickly because crafting jewellery was a slow process that often was very detail orientated. Still, the man tried. On the day the fire mage was scheduled to leave Kikka for the exams the man called the young mage into his workshop. [break][break] He was just finishing up a double ring set and told him to put every wish and promise he could into a single flame and release it onto the ring. Somewhat sceptical the fire mage did what he was asked and thought it was for some sort of trinket for the woman that had helped him grow. The man placed the ring into a box and handed it to the budding mage. [break][break] "Valo, we see you as our son and we are proud to see the man you've grown into. You've helped create something that is unique and special, keep it with you and give it to someone that you believe deserves what you put into it." [break][break] The now young man gave bravado with his normal attitude but took the ring. He held onto it for three years until something terrible happened. The family that he had loved so much was taken from him. The one that had seen him at his most vulnerable and had helped him through the grief was a young woman. A woman who themselves couldn't fight due to their beliefs. [break][break] He remembered the ring from all those years ago and offered it to her, telling her if she was ever in danger just to call him and he'd come running.
[break][break] User gains the following while using Forever Promised[break] - Divine Rite[break] - Mana Conservationalist[break] [break][break] Name of Ability: True Path[break]
Type & Uses: Trigger ¦ 4 uses[break] Rank & Specialization: Junior ¦ Healing[break] Mana Cost: 6 per trigger ¦ 15 Recharge[break] Range & Speed: 25m ¦ 10 m/s[break] Stats Affected: +2 Control (wearer only)[break] Description:[break] Turning the top ring to the left once is how to activate the trigger to this ability. From the ring, a blue flame seems to emerge and move around the wearer giving the feeling of warmth and being hugged. The flames eventually dissipate and leave the person being healed with almost metallic blue flaming intertwining symbols going around their body. The flames are intricate and delicate so they could easily be mistaken as tasteful jewellery. Speaking the name of another while twisting the ring will give them the benefits of the healing. With the use of the ammo rules, additional people can be healed per trigger. This ability heals for junior rank damage, this ability will also actively attempt to cleanse those being healed by it from any debuffs, poisons, hexes, curses, venoms as per the clashing rules.
Type & Uses: Flow ¦ 3 uses ¦ 2 cooldown[break] Rank & Specialization: Junior ¦ Sensory ¦ Communication[break] Mana Cost: 6 ¦ 3[break] Range & Speed: Within Same Sub-Board (Board if no sub-board) ¦ 10m/s[break] Stats Affected: n/a[break] Description:[break] Turning the bottom ring to the right is how this ability is activated. From the ring springs, a book made with a blue flame cover but upon opening it the flames are an orangy-red as normal. Speaking the name of the person that the wielder wants to speak from creates their name at the front of the book in orangy-red flames. When a connection is made an identical book is created in front of that person with the casters name so they know who is contacting them. As those communicating speak the pages start to fill in with blue flaming text as if being written, this is so facts can be looked over at a later point while the spell is active. As this is only junior currently only one person may be contacted at a time. If used for reinforcements the person being asked must wait 2 rounds after the initial contact has been made before they can enter, as this ability grows stronger it will allow for contacting people in other areas, if contacting people in other areas and requesting aid they must wait 4 rounds after the initial contact has been made before they can enter.
[break][break] Rank &Element: Junior ¦ Flower[break] Class & Type: Magic ¦ Trinket[break] Magic Specializations: Supplementry Construct[break] Appearance & Lore:[break] A delicate looking silver key with butterfly wings at the top embedded with three sky blue crystals, there is a chain on the length of the bar that has a blue rose at the end. It is said those with this key will be blessed by the forest. [break][break] Abilities:[break]
Name of the Ability: On Wings of Butterflies[break] Type & Uses: Flow ¦ 3 uses ¦ 2 overheated[break] Rank & Specialization] Junior ¦ Supplementry construct[break] Mana Cost: 8 ¦ 4[break] Range &[break] Speed: 25m ¦ 10m/s[break] Stats Affected: Not Applicable[break] Description:[break] Turning the key to the left activates the ability attached to the key. The holder can either create a single large butterfly that looks like it has been made out of the petals of a bluebell or can make a set of butterfly wings made out of the petals of bluebells. It doesn't matter which is decided it only allows for two people to be transported at any one time at 10 m/s. This item can be upgraded by finding a mage holding the matching element.
A warm gift for Hinota Yuiee. After spending a few weeks away from the flower mage, Valo had crafted a beautiful bracelet as a gift for her. To show her that he cares about her, and he plans to do better by her. He never wants to spend weeks away from her again. And as a symbol for his commitment, he got Warmth's Embrace made for her.[break][break]
It is a beautiful red and gold bracelet with shiny clear and red diamonds circled throughout. With graceful elegant carvings of flowers sculpted on the bracelet itself.[break][break]
The bracelet is always warm but never too hot for comfort[break][break]
[break][break] While wearing Warmth's Embrace the wielder also has access to the perk Full Blitz. [break][break] Name of the Ability 熱波 Neppa (Heat Wave)[break]
Type & Uses: Trigger | 6 uses[break] Rank & Specialization: Senior | Physical Reinforcement | Transformation[break] Mana Cost: 24 per trigger ¦ 45 recharge[break] Range & Speed: 40 m | Self[break] Stats Affected: + 20 Speed[break] Description: [break][break] Neppa is a temperature controlling spell, that allows the weilder to increase the temperature in a 40 meter radius. It has no offensive or defensive uses. But it will negate debuffs from dungeons or missions alike that originate from colder temperature. The user simply has to pour some of their mana into the bracelet in order to activate it, and a small flower made of blue flames will hover right on top of the bracelet. The second function of this spell is the heat emitted in the air increases the user's speed drastically, for faster velocity throughout the area radius.
Jevi was trying his best to push away the feelings he felt for Hinota, and with every little touch that became harder. He adored the way she poked his forehead or nose to get his attention, and to get him out of his spiraling mind filled with self-doubt and regret. The gestures were relaxing and made him feel at ease, and yet he could not afford to linger on them or enjoy them unless he wanted to let those feelings grow and become stronger over time. Of course, Hinota knew how he felt, though Jevi assumed Hinota put no stock into his confession no matter how true those words were. He had confessed so quickly after all, all to try and explain why he had used the term princess in an attempt to salvage the situation. He had only made it worse, of course, his honesty and straightforwardness coming back to bite him in the ass. It was great when he was around the commoners these past couple years, but now that he was faced with a noble, an imperial no less, it just made everything worse. He understood by now that he needed to change his way if he wanted to lead his family in the future as a nobleman, but it was a change that would not come instantly. Still, he reassured Hinota that he was trying his best. The issue came mostly from him feeling so comfortable around her that he had no issue showing his feelings, and that did not help with him learning to keep his big heart away from his sleeve. The cards he held needed to be shielded, not shown openly. It was clear Hinota had learned that due to her upbringing, and Jevi would have learned so as well had he not been so rebellious towards his father’s wants. He nodded to acknowledge her words, feeling like everything that needed to be said had been said.
[break][break]
They spoke a bit more about how changing his behavior wasn’t as simple as flipping a switch, and Hinota noted little things in life were. Jevi smiled, adding that everything worth having was worth fighting for, though immediately added that he did not mean that literally as he knew how she felt about fighting. It was just a figure of speech, but even with his explanation she seemed to believe he meant it literally after all. “Right…” Why was it so hard to talk to her? Everything he said was either twisted or misunderstood, and Jevi couldn’t grasp why. He wanted her to understand him, and he wanted to understand her. There was nothing he’d love more than to return to that moment before he let his emotions guide him into trying to console her. They had such a good vibe going, but it just went from bad to worse each and every time. She gave him another lesson, their eyes meeting as she mentioned finding the silver lining or be that silver lining for another. Seeing her eyes return to the ground made him frown. There was clearly something she was unhappy with, like she had sacrificed something for someone else and regretted it in some way? Still, he knew better than to prod and poke to learn more by now. He’d only make things worse, like he always did. Perhaps it was better to only speak when spoken to, and keep his interactions to a minimum in general? That might just be the only way to avoid being a screw up all together, and more and more it sunk in how right his father was about him which just made him even more frustrated.
[break][break]
Although he had good intentions and wanted to keep his mouth shut, he couldn’t not speak up on behalf of Junjie and Luli. He saw how much it hurt her that she had to punish them, and he tried everything within his power to stop her from doing so to prevent that pain from entering the world. When she mentioned that she wouldn’t physically harm them, Jevi relaxed, but again it was misunderstood as Hinota only read his body language. She believed he thought she was capable of such a thing, and his eyes widened in shock as he waved his hands in front of him defensively. “N-No! Not at all! I saw how much it hurt you, and considering that adding harm to the world hurts you the most I thought you’d be forced to. Of course I know you wouldn’t do it on your own volition!” Jevi tried his best to defend himself. The swordsman knew that Hinota would never hurt anyone or anything if she was in full control of the situation, but from what he had learned from the Eastern culture so far it was clear that she rarely was in control. She scolded him more, albeit lightly, telling him to think on his words and how they could have been cruel to her and reminding him that he spoke to her like a Western man to a Western woman, yet she was Eastern and that made all the difference. He looked away to the side as he mumbled. “I’ve tried to learn you know? About your culture…” It was just a lot to take in, and it had only been a few days. He couldn’t become an expert on everything Eastern in such a short time, even though he wished he could.
[break][break]
The scolding did not stop though, as she claimed it was not her feelings he was worried about, because if he had been then he would have thought twice about how his words had come across. His voice was small as tears were brimming in his eyes even though he didn’t let her see it. “I’m sorry…” There was no point in arguing, because there was no way he could make her understand how he felt. How all he wanted was for her to be happy and without burden. How he felt like he was only making things worse for her every step of the way by dragging her into things and making her have to do things he didn’t want her to do. All because of his own stupidity and rash decisions. Because he wanted to do the right thing so badly it always turned out into the worst thing to do. All of it was pointless now, because he was far past the point of fixing this. Perhaps it would have been better to never have become a magic knight, so he could have stayed far away from Hinota. That way he wouldn’t have ever been able to hurt her, because what was a lowly noble living among commoners supposed to do near the captain of the Golden Dawn? They would have never met, and more and more that just felt like it would have been for the better.
[break][break]
The minotaurs only provided a mild distraction, and didn’t really offer him any way of testing his skills. It took a moment, but he had easily taken down all six, and when he returned he learned that he had screwed up once more with his choice of words. Hinota reminded him that words could be taken out of context easily, which would have turned into a problem. At least she knew that he hadn’t meant it in that way, but it was a stark reminder that he likely would never fit in with the people he was supposed to fit in with. His father could wish for him to become a strong figure within Clover, but it just didn’t seem possible for the younger Suru. Classes weren’t likely to help him, unless they were classes on how to keep his mouth shut at all times. The idea of his words being taken out of context made him think back to when he called Hinota princess, or how he had just now scared her by getting on one knee for her and begged her not to go through with it. All of it had been with good intention, but none of that was what Hinota had taken from it. She told him to be more aware in the future, her voice calm, as he nodded. “Understood.” It was clear that he was beating himself up over all of his mistakes, though he tried his best to keep a neutral tone and expression. He didn’t want to be this person, he had his eyes set on becoming captain and taking over the family from his father, but at this point it just started to look like a pipe dream that he would never be able to fulfill. It hurt, but there was little he could do about it now in the midst of a mission.
[break][break]
As they searched the area for a while, they came up with nothing and decided to head back to Sosshi. Like the last time, Jevi lead the talk with Iaric. It had nothing to do with him believing he had an easier time getting along with commoners than Hinota, and he hadn’t meant to make her feel that way. Iaric had shown the map to the both of them, but hadn’t really acknowledged Hinota specifically and Jevi was not in the position to speak to her on such terms. It went to show that even when he said nothing, the situation itself could also be misinterpreted without his knowledge. As they left Iaric’s store, Jevi wondered if Hinota knew where the guard captain was. He tilted his head seeing the annoyance on her face, wondering where that had come from, but he knew better than to ask. It would only result in more hurt and pain if he did, so he kept his mouth shut and walked with her to the guard house where they did find the guard captain by the name of Miles. He addressed Hinota by her title, and him as her companion, which made sense. Hinota was one of the most well-known mages in the kingdom, and he was just a random nobody in the Crimson Lions. It didn’t bother him, it was the simple truth.
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Hinota began by saying her name was just fine, being as humble as ever, and introduced Jevi as a Lord with his full name. Jevi gave the blond man a wave, a small smile on his face as he kept his troubled thoughts under wraps. “Just Jevi is fine. Pleasure to meet you, Miles.” From there Jevi let Hinota do the talking. He had done so with Iaric, so there truly was no need to jump in. She asked everything that they needed to know, yet Miles had no new information whatsoever. That wasn’t Hinota’s fault, of course, the guy was just a bit clueless and hadn’t learned much of value other than what the creatures were called and how they fought. After having been in battle with eight of them, Jevi felt like he had a good grasp on that anyway. Without learning anything new, Miles excused himself with a bow and Jevi returned it just like Hinota had. “It was not.” He said in agreement, looking back at her as she mentioned they’d head to the home of the minotaurs to ensure Sosshi could be safe again. “Let’s hope the problem is solved with this stop, I’d hate to see another attack catch the townspeople off guard.” Jevi walked along with Hinota towards the west gate, heading to the cave that Iaric had found and observed. There had to be a tunnel of some kind if the attacks were in the east, yet the cave’s entrance was in the west. If that was the case, it must be well-hidden as they hadn’t found it. Could there be something more going on here? Jevi kept those thoughts to himself, though, not wanting to mess up on his wording again and make Hinota feel upset once more. He had done enough of that for a lifetime.
Due to the lunar year just passing, a craftsman in the town of Hage teaching a new class of apprentices decided to make it a class project. They were to make small trinkets out of oak that look like oxen as with all learners things didn't go as planned and they ended up making derpy looking oxen. The shopkeeper decided to buy everything as she found out that all the proceeds were going to help with the rebuilding of Kikka.[break]
Range & Speed: Not applicable[break]
Stats Affected: 25% junior buff to strength[break]
Description:[break]
The holder of this small trinket seems to hold the strength of an oxen allowing them to deal a bit more damage than is normal. Unlike normal items this item seems to grow in strength the stronger the bond it has with the owner much like a spirit or relic allowing this to be trained up to a grand ability. Once bought it is bound to the account it is on and can't be sold back to the store.
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