Useless Until Proven Useful. (Rivers)

[Serenity Caine]

After the meeting, deciding who would do what to help Rivers save his friend, Serenity quietly ventured outside of the house, finding a decent looking rock and sitting on it. She stayed in her pyjamas, deciding she may as well be comfortable for now, and a dress seemed highly impractical given the circumstances. It was getting darker slowly, the day fading away, and the days events setting in stone. She wanted to help them, but aside from manipulate a few guys into giving information, what could she really do?


Serenity shook her head and fell off the rock, deciding to lay in the grass instead.

[Rivers]

"Penny for your thoughts?" Calls an increasingly familiar voice as Rivers walks over and sits down in the grass beside her. He looked much better now that he'd had some time to rest and his eyes fell on her before looking up at the sky.

"Nova is pretty different from Earth huh?" He asks her, a touch of tenderness bleeding into his usual gallant and dramatic voice and making him sound almost subdued. His eyes take on a more distant caste as he looks up towards the sky.

After a moment the grass rustles a bit and he lays back as well. Despite his presentation of strength and almost arrogance Rivers was very aware of how much danger they were all in, and maybe he was being affected by the mood, just a little.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity tilted her head up and back to look at him as he walked towards her. She hadn't heard that phrase in quite some time, and it put a smile on her face. She remained silent for a moment, looking up at the sky. Quite different indeed, Mr. Rivers. Back home, we had our dangers, but they were hardly like this. Though, I do suppose a mass murderer killing hundreds is nearly equivalent to a mob wanting to end us all. She mused aloud. I miss home, and yet... It's hard to place, but, I think I would miss here as well. She closed her eyes for a moment, noticing when Rivers decided to lay in the grass as well.

To be honest, I don't know what to do. Everyone in there has a skill, and a purpose helping you rescue your friend. There's nothing for me, and I don't want to get in the way. I am incredibly grateful you helped me, but honestly, I doubt I can help you. She spoke softly, letting him know and hear her insecurities of the situation. He'd already seen her like this once, on a slightly different scale, so she didn't have to much trouble letting it happen again.

[Rivers]

Rivers looks over at her then back up at the sky, he understood her sentiments about the world quite well, after all he shared them for many of the world's he'd been to. "I know what you mean, no matter where you are, living is still living, people can easily get attached to what's around them. Some people get used to moving on, others like to settle down. If you stay here long enough it'll become home and the other world will be your 'distant land'." He tells her in a somber voice as his eyes stare off into half a dozen other worlds, and the people he'd met there.

As he thinks through the memories he finds that he can't help but smile. He'd done enough living for 10 men, but he still shook at the idea that he might not come back tomorrow. In fact the only thing that stopped him from being paralyzed with fear was the fact that he'd become so used to terror. He wondered idly if Seanait, or Aria felt this way, probably not, unlike him they were the heroes of there stories. Well I'm not doing very well as a narrator. He had to admit as he thought about what he was about to go do.

For several minutes he simply laid beside her quietly in the grass enjoying the companionship. Then he asked "Do you want to play a part tomorrow? Even if it was a dangerous one?" He asks.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity nodded sadly. Nothing but the truth was laced into his words, and she couldn't help but feel he'd been through it was well. She didn't know if he was Fated, but it seemed that way, especially now. Her eyes danced around the stars, just starting to pop up and appear in the dusty sky,  not staying on one star to long. She wondered for a moment, if her home was one of those distant stars. She hoped one day that this would become her home, that she would be able to feel comfortable here, but she doubted it would be that way for a long time to come.

She stayed still, enjoying the silence, yet peaceful company that Rivers had to offer. She was tired, but not enough to sleep- how could she, when she knew her friends would be stepping into danger tomorrow? Something Rivers had said had stuck to her: "I don't have enough friends to start losing them now". It was more than true for her- Serenity really only had Kail and Rivers currently. She wondered if that would some day change, but not many people could see past her cold exterior, her rudeness and judgmental behaviour. She didn't blame them, but she didn't change either.

If I say no, I'm the coward. The spoiled fated girl to weak to stand up and fight. If I say yes, I'm trying to hard to prove myself possibly, or I could die. Either answer has it's downfalls, Mr. Rivers... But if I say no, I will have no way to help those I care about- and I may not have many, but I do have you, and Mr. Lancaster, and I'm not about to stay here and pray for your safety. Not if there's some other way to assure it myself. Her tone was soft, no louder than it had been when she'd been speaking of home, but it was thick, and serious, no longer reminiscing of her past, but worried about what may happen in the future. If she lost the people she had now, she would literally have no one in this world.

[Rivers]

Rivers smiles a bit as the time passes by but his eyes open and drift to her when she begins to speak. Resolve, it had been quite a while since he'd seen someone from a background like hers show such a thing. "Kail's a nice guy, but Serenity, you should be careful about Bards. We are observes, not the types to trust." He says and then sits up and leans over a bit to look down into her eyes. His previous statement seemed more like a mantra than any actual statement of truth though, after all, what kinda of observer led a group to rescue a prisoner?

"Listen to me Serenity, not wanting to risk death on behalf of a stranger, is no kind of cowardice, I am asking you if you want to help. I do not want to you feel pressured into it. If you do want to help, then I can pass some of my magic over to you so that there is a backup way out for the group is something happens to me. I'll also want to you teleport in one of the powder kegs at the start." He explains with a serious expression on his face.

Though he lets out a sigh and smiles gently. "Listen, Serenity, I promise you this does get easier. I've been to 6 other worlds and it's always tough at first, but it is important to enjoy the time you have while you have it." He reaches down and moves a strand of her hair and then gets to his feet. Then he takes another step and is standing on the air itself. "The most important thing is always your will and decisions."

[Serenity Caine]

Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded at his statement. She wasn't sure what she was doing with Kail, if there ever would be anything, but she knew there was a feeling in her heart when she looked at him, so that had to mean something. Serenity blinked when Rivers leaned over to see her face, and looked up at him honestly, her hazel eyes looking a dark blue green in the dim light as the night set in around them. He had a plan, and if wanted to be apart of it, she could be. There would be no backing out, and she wasn't about to abandon him, or his friend.

Mr. Rivers, you have my word that I will do my best. She owed him, and that meant a lot to her. People didn't do things for Serenity willingly, they did it for money, or by force. But Rivers had rescued her, of his own will, his own thoughts. Owing him meant he had done something for her because he cared, so she would repay that debt willingly and whole heartedly.

Upon hearing his advice, she too smiled sadly. Her assumptions had been right, he had been through all of this, but far worse, so it seemed. She would one day ask him of his escapades, and of the many worlds in which he traveled. Her eyes closed for a moment as he moved her hair, and opened again when she felt him move away, standing. She used her elbows to prop herself up, and watch as he found himself floating in the air.

That's quite the talent you have there Sir. She makes her way to her feet, and curtsies softly. Serenity Caine at your service. Teach me your ways, and allow me to be your student. There was a slight mocking smile on her pale face, the light of the dim sky illuminating her nicely. Her voice however, was mostly serious.

[Rivers]

As Serenity narrows her eyes Rivers actually chuckles softly. "Despite what I say there is no rush for either of you to advance your relationship if you do not want to yet. The world is big and there are a lot a people, and hearts change, give it some time if you aren't sure." He encourages taking in a deep breath of the nights air.

When she says she will do her best he nods and a when she introduces herself again he returns to the ground and walks over in front of her. Rivers was bigger than her, quite a bit so, he reaches out and places a hand on her stomach. "Well brace yourself this'll take a bit to get used to." He warns, and then he moves three tunnels into her, as he calls the one from Muse and the Moon temple and palace back.

Serenity would suddenly be filled with an absolute sureness of where she was and the areas around her that she had been to. If she concentrated she would be able to visualize a map of everywhere in Nova she had been and she would be able to feel the tunnels at the entrance to the cabin.

She would also find she knew exactly where both Rivers and Aria were, not just because they knew the information, but because she could feel them, like a 6th sense. "I have given you three of my tunnels, tonight we're going to practice with them so you can learn how to use them properly. First take a bit to get used to the feeling though." He says.

[Serenity Caine]

She smiled at his reassurance, and stood straight when he approached her. One of her well sculpted eyebrows arched up when his hand was placed on her stomach, but she didn't move. She did as he said and took a deep breath, closing her eyes and clenching her fists at her sides. The feeling that went through her was unlike anything she'd endured before. It wasn't painful, but it wasn't pleasant either. She let out a low breath and shifted her feet slowly. Something felt so different, like she could just tell where things where in Nova, like she could feel the energy of the other tunnels and where they lead. She had a sudden awareness of Rivers being right in front of her, and could for some reason, tell where Aria, the other red head, was as well.


Serenity opened her eyes and looked at him confused. This is incredibly weird. She admitted bluntly, laughing a single laugh. She shook her body out trying to get used to the new feeling it held, but she knew it wouldn't go away. 

Where do we start? She spoke with a huff of breath, moving her hands to tie her hair up in a messy knot.

[Rivers]

Rivers watches as Serenity tries to get used to the feeling of the tunnel. It was a strange sensation for anyone, but as Serenity had also never used magic before he could only imagine what it was like for her. As he watched she shook slightly and he waited for her to get herself under control.

Well how the hell do I go about teaching this? He found himself wondering. To Rivers the tunnels were a natural part of his being, he did not really think about using them, he just kinda did. Though he did know how they worked, he'd never tried to teach someone before.

He considered that it might be interesting to show her a couple of new places, but then he realizes he was already thinking of long distance tunnels...probably best to just show her how to hold a pair and how to use one if she has time.

"Well first, we sit down and wait for you to get used to the feeling. If you try to rush, you'll only hurt yourself." He assures her and then thinks for a bit. "Well while we wait for a bit how about we talk a bit more?" he asks, admittedly partially also just interested in the conversation, in a lot of ways Serenity was easier to understand than the others. She was human and compared to someone like Kail who could just adapt and start looting corpses, or Shy who was a genuine soldier he felt he could understand the girl in front of him better.

"I suppose I would normally ask you about yourself and in general about your life before here, but if there is something you'd like to ask or another topic you've got we can go with that." he suggests.

[Serenity Caine]

She sat down in the grass, her loose fitting pants making it more easy than if she had been in a dress- she may have to start rethinking her wardrobe. There was a feeling in the pit of her stomach, unsettling. Perhaps it was nerves, but she felt that it was the magic. She's seen little bits of magic, but never used it, or even imagined she would. She let her hands rest calmly on her legs, taking a couple deep breaths. There was no use in making her body tense with worry, when relaxing may be the better option. She nodded her understand, but skipped her questions. It was easier for her to explain her past, than think up new things to say.

As you can probably imagine, I grew up in a wealthy family. I am from Earth, 1854 London England. A generally good time, aside from the mass murders that were going on when I was torn away. My family was one of power, in the sense of money and responsibility. Many people did as we asked for either payment, or fear of their lives. Branching from that, I should probably explain that my father was never a kind man, not when I knew him. Very strict, cruel, uncaring and dirty to say the least. As she remembered her time, and her home, her accent almost seemed to become more prominent, though not by much.

My mother was a kind and beautiful person, someone people everywhere looked up to. Or so I was told. She died in labor when I was born. According to my father, and a painting someone had done of her, I am a spitting image of her. She spoke of her mother kindly, but nonchalantly- how could you reminisce about a woman you never knew? I was home schooled by a woman who took care of me 24/7, and essentially, I was a spoiled child. Eventually that woman disapeared after I found her in bed with my father- quite the disturbing sight, as he is not a pretty man. After that, I waited on my father for a short time, until he passed away- terrible event, really. I took over the family name and responsibility, and got quite used to the regal life. Coming here was like a slap in the face... A well deserved slap in the face... Her last words were hardly uttered, a simple sigh for herself. 


The hole in her stomach started to ease up as she spoke and she shook away the memories of her past life. Yes, she missed the way things had been, but she was beginning to like who she was becoming in this world, rather than who she used to be in her old one.

[Rivers]

Rivers listened on in silent interest, he was not surprised to hear she was from a rich family, but it did not seem right to joke or jibe when she was honestly sharing her past with him. Rivers sat and listened and when she was done speaking he nodded. "I can see how coming here would be a shift," raised his hands wide "I won't say this is better than a regal life, but I know about those times and I think it's best for you to try your hand as living surrounded by others, hopefully others you will be able to call friends. Nobility also bears responsibility, but in truth once you learn some more and get a handle on how to protect yourself I think you might grow to life freedom."

Though Rivers stopped there as he realized he was projecting a bit onto the girl and that wasn't fair. "Thank you for sharing this with me, I appreciate the trust." He admits and scratches the back of his head slightly embarrassed.

Though he quickly comes up with another question to deflect his embarrassment. "When I first met you, you were wearing a corset right? I've been meaning to ask, how did you do that? I've never see someone actually manage to get one on correct on their own." He admits and looks at her with genuine curiosity. Thought he whole thing seemed pretty obviously aimed at hiding his embarrassment.

After a moment he asks. "Sorry to dig deeper, but can you share a happy memory, it's important that you have a strong image of a happy scene from your life. Just tell me about your happiest memory and try to picture it in your mind."

[Serenity Caine]

A short laugh bubbled out of her, and pierced through the air. That is a very good question, and let me assure you, it wasn't easy. I don't wear them often anymore, as it has become quite the task. However, I believe I know when you are speaking about. I had it mostly tied and slipped into it, and after some very difficult arm work, I managed to tighten it decently, and tie it together. It took some time, but I looked amazing that day, I must admit. She grinned slightly and pushed a stray lock of hair out of her eyes. Serenity let him hide his embarrassment, not wanting to pry when he was being so nice to her.

A happy memory...? That may be difficult, I'm sad to admit... Oh wait.. When I was about 8 years old, my father decided he'd be home for my birthday, and brought home a cake. He actually sat at the table and dined with me... Just he and I... I do believe that was the only time we'd talked, and gotten along.. No demands, no orders... Just us, enjoying cake and being, well... normal. She smiled and glanced up at the sky, a slight sheen in her eyes.

[Rivers]

Rivers was grateful she let him hide his embarrassment, though it was not particularly serious. He was amused by her response though and he joined her in the laugh. "Ahhh~ I will agree you did indeed look enchanting." He admits still chuckling a bit. "You must also be very flexible if you managed to squeeze in there and then tie the thing." He realizes still amused a bit by the image...though he had to admit there was a certain appeal.

Though of the entire night the thing that took him by surprise the most was Serenity's smile. He realized that he did not really know if he'd seen a genuine one from her before, he'd seen her laugh and the grateful or purposeful smiles that she'd used to this point, but he found himself staring for a moment.

"Well it's good to have those memories, though to be honest the happy memory is usually the best for wind mages since we derive our power from a sense of freedom, or at least I do." He admits then thinks for a few moment. "Do you still feel strange?" He asks her as he walks over to her and takes her hand, though the look of concentration suggested that this time at least he had a purpose.

"It's starting to synchronize to you." He says releasing her hand and then looking up at her and smiling. "Well, if you've got trouble remembering happy memories from the past lets try to make sure you have some new ones going forward." He says and then looks at the clearing near the house.

"Alright, on the map in your mind I want you to focus on creating a pair of points connected by "nothing"," he instructs and then sits down and closes his eyes to watch and feel.

[Serenity Caine]

She smiled and blew a kiss at him, simply enjoying the moment of silliness she felt. She knew a lot of his statements held other meanings, and she was not about to delve into them, and catch herself in a trap he may have set to flirt. Not tonight. While she was looking up, she didn’t notice him starting at her, but looked back at him when she felt him grab her hand.

It has gone down a decent amount. It’s still there, but I doubt it will go away entirely. What do you mean, synchronize? She stood up, her hand still in his, and looked at him questioningly. She trusted him, but that didn’t how little knowledge she had on magic.

Her hand feel to her side, and she smiled again in response to new memories. It was certainly a pleasant thought. Serenity looked at where he’d gestured to, confused. Nothing. You want me to imagine nothing? Why does that sound impossible? She let out a lightly frustrated sigh and turned away from him entirely, shaking her head. She had to trust him and do as he said.

She closed her eyes for a moment, and imagined a door, in front of her, and another near the house, with nothing but the clearing in between them. After a moment, she opened her eyes, and glanced at River.