Something This Way Comes (Tres and Roxy/Request)

[Core Noru]

Core waited patiently to see if he would be attacked first or greeted. Thankfully, he was greeted and not attacked. The moment his hood dropped, he could see Aria's face light up. He felt the pressure from the squeeze of her hug, not that the petite girl weighed that much or was that strong, but it was a first for him. " Glad to see I wasn't forgotten." He teased, chuckling at her reaction. Exactly how he imagined it would be. A huge grin appeared when she quickly gathered herself and rushed to defend the pretend comment and reminded of their last interaction with one other.

He smirked, raising a brow at Aria. Though casually declined to sit. " Nah thanks though, I'd don't want to make myself at home unless the lady of the house is okay with me being here. I did come in unannounced. " Core winked at Aria, looking over to the other two ladies Aria began talking to and introducing. His grin disappearing with Tres spoke up suggesting that knocking would of been nice.
" I...I will remember that next time. Forgive my intrusion, I promise to be more polite if I'm ever in the area visiting again. " He spoke apologetically and bowed his head towards Tres respectful manner. Cringing a bit while his head was down. He could feel the sting of Tres's second follow up comment before he lifted his head. Once he was upright, he looked at Tres once more; Though she seemed to have more shocked expression on her features. Was she surprised at how Aria was behaving around him? He blinked a few times while looking over at Aria. Unsure if it was even worth asking what she had done to these women to have them have this kind of response. Better yet, what had Aria been like sense he had been gone?

" Its alright, I was kinda a tool when you first met me." Core commented towards Tres not remembering their first encounter. His gaze turning to Roxy as he gaze her a wink at her own comment about him being a sexy sword. " Ah yes, It's good to be back. Also, good to see you again Roxanne. Or at least its good to be able to talk and see you without being held. " He chuckled, turning his attention to Aria when she suddenly asked how the twat waffle was.

His features dropped to a blank expression. A twat what now? Core blinked; completely unsure what to think of what Aria had just said. He knew she was probably talking about Claire, but he was conflicted to what she meant by a twat waffle? He knew what a twat was, but a waffle? What was a waffle?! A strange sort of bread? He would have to ask later or look it up later at the library. Either way, Core continued to stare at Aria with a blank expression out saying a word.

Even when Roxanne spoke up next, Core remained silent. His gaze locked on Aria as he took a deep breath and sighed. " Well she is the reason why I am standing here now. She made a deal with someone who was able to connect my soul to a body. So I have to admit, this is something even I am having to get used to. So Eclai~." Core caught himself. " Claire is doing what she can to survive as a fugitive, Just as you ladies are or have once in your life time." Core gave a light smile " How has my 'brother' been? Or better yet, how has the moral of this kingdom been lately? " Core asked curious as to what the ladies had to say.

[Trésor de Lys]

    Tres appreciated that Core understood boundaries... to an extent. When he declined the offer to sit. "Uh, no. Feel free to make yourself comfortable... everyone else already has." she said laughing under her breath sarcastically. Tres felt herself turning pink, when he offered to knock at his next visit. She really wasn't sure how she felt about this strange man. Did she feel fondly, as he was beautiful. Or did she feel insecure because he had broken into her home, and he appeared to have a relationship with Aria. She laughed a little at that. "I have never seen you that affectionate." She said following her comment regarding their 'personal... relationship.'

    Tres laughed when he compared himself to a tool. To be honest, he kind of was... at the time. Tres laughed at him, giggling quietly under her breath as her cheeks turned a bright shade of pink against her ivory skin. Tres noticed Roxy flirting with Core, she raised her eyebrow, but figured that was in her nature, best not to ask about it.

    Tres hadn't the slightest clue who Aria and Roxy were talking about. She hadn't met this... twat-waffle. But from what she heard of her... well it seemed to be a mixed review. When Roxy spoke of her bounty, Tres raised her eyebrows. But then Core went on to speak of her as someone who brought him back... Brought him back? Tres' features softened, as she had no idea of what he had been through.

    To be frank, Tres seemed to not know much about the Nova hierarchy, nor about the current state of Nova. She decided to leave that to Aria and Roxy, who seemed to be more involved in Nova's happenings. Tres did noticed that Core stopped himself from saying someone's name. Tres grew ever so curious. But decided to leave it alone.

[Deleted]

Aria pulled back from Core when he spoke; looking concerned and a bit hurt. Did he actually think she forgot about him? Yes she hadn’t gone tearing up the country side in blood lust rage in order to retrieve him. But a large part of that was due to WHO took him and the ramifications fallowing it if she had taken action. ”After eight years do you really think I could forget you so easily? I’ve missed you; surely you of all people know I have.” She saw him crack a grin; causing her to look at him skeptically. She really did hope he was only teasing her and didn’t mean anything more by it; but she wouldn’t put it past Core to joke about the things that were bothering him. However now wasn’t the time to dive into that in depth.

Aria watched as he switched into polite mode; raising an eyebrow…well wasn’t he the charmer. Seeing him interact with others was a new experience for her. More so now that he wasn’t a sword and people didn’t need to feel him up to interact. For now she was content to sit quietly and watch the exchanges. Aria turned her gaze towards Tres when she exclaimed she hadn’t seen her so affectionate. She opened her mouth to explain; but then closed it. Her facial expression changing slightly as she reflected on that statement. Yes she had become drastically less open in her displays of affection since moving to the castle; however the less joyous displays of affection had reduced long before that besides for just a few. She just didn’t know how to explain it. However Core she could explain. ”Up until the moment I was arrested here; Core has been with me; in consistent contact for over eight years. He basically lived in my head. It’s impossible to be much closer than that to a person; and to me Core is a part of my family as much as my own father is. Hence I’ll be a bit more open in my affection for him; just wait until I start stealing his left shoes……wait do you have more than one pair?” He had to have just gotten a body….did he have the things he needed clothes, shoes, a roof over his head, crazy lady begone ect. ”Core is there anything you need? Clothes, shoes, a heavy wooden stick?”

Aria tilted her head as he explained how he got his body and how Claire had been doing. ”Someone?...and what was the deal?” there had to be some serious odds on the table for this sorta shit…not that she wasn’t happy to have Core no longer trapped in that sword; but she did have to wonder what the ramifications could be on it. When the subject turned to Noku and the kingdom Aria scratched her nose and frowned…. ”Well turning myself in seemed to work a little; the fated are no longer being hunted like rats; that’s a small victory I suppose. As for the kingdoms moral; it’s low. How can it not be. The fated incident along with Helena attacking; it would be hard for it not to be…” It wasn’t exactly a happy cozy feeling kinda year…not in the least. ”As for your brother; he’s doing well considering the circumstances. Emotionally constipated but he squeaks some out every now and then. I see kindness in him; and a passion for this kingdom. He’s become attached to my friend Lilith; the one who healed you Tres. She’s nice and his mood certainly softens around her. Its sweet….Oh but now that I have you here. Apparently I passed out on his office floor and Lilith said he told her I reminded him of someone in the Noru family. Since I don’t think I’m going to get it out of either of them any chance you would know?” There was a good chance he didn’t; but on the off chance he did it would at least solve some bit of curiosity for her. There also was a good chance Core might not be too pleased with her opinion of his brother. They after all weren’t on friendly terms in their time.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne leaned casually against the wall, crossing her arms under her chest and propping one booted foot up behind her. She listened as Core, Aria, and Tres chatted among themselves. She grinned as Core returned her banter with a wink, eyeing him speculatively again. "We never quite had the pleasure to meet in earnest. I'll second that offer though," she said after Aria mentioned him needing anything. "If there's anything I can offer you or anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask," she finished, smiling lightly.

Core's answer concerning Claire was interesting, to say the least. Roxanne looked at him curiously. Aria had valid questions but Roxanne had one of her own. "Why would Claire help you? Make a deal on your behalf?" she asked, her gaze shifting to stare at Core intently.

The red head lapsed into a silence then as Aria started in on a lengthy explanation, her face settling into a look of light concentration. The affairs and well being of the kingdom as a whole concerned her little. She'd gotten along on her own well enough in the past and wouldn't hesitate to leave again, should it be necessary.

[Core Noru]

Core nodded at Tres when she gave him permission to ‘make himself comfortable’. So he plopped down in the chair and crossed his leg over the other. His blue eyes watching everyone in the room in a casual manner, though when Aria spoke sounding upset. He frowned and gave a heavy sigh. “ Memory is a fickle thing kid, I’m not upset or angry Aria. I’m just glad to see you again, alive and not dead somewhere in this world. “ He gave a slight smile, honestly the girl needed to lighten up a little. Of course he didn’t think she actually forgotten about him. Though when Tres suddenly spoke up and mentioned this was the first time she had seen Aria affectionate with someone.

Core’s brow raised a bit as he looked at Tres and then to Aria. Now this was an interesting development. A thief group that knew little of their leader. Perfect! Core thought, almost chuckling at the thought, but remained silent as Aria began to show signs of answering Tres’s statement.

He didn’t say a word as she explained their ‘relationship’ as odd as that sounded; Core closed his eyes when she informed them a brief summary of their history. Though when she mentioned stealing his left shoe, he peeked open one eye and gave her a sharp stare of ‘Ohhh?’ before opening both eyes completely again.

“ I like to see you try and steal my left shoe, or infact anything from me to be honest.” Core smirked, though thought carefully of Aria’s offer. Then Roxy suddenly spoke up; Also offering to help him out with his situation. His face lit up as he cracked a grin. “ Thank you mademoiselles, I might have to take you up on that offer. I do probably need a new set of clothes and gear... I have a extra set back at the cabin, but other than that. I probably need to go out and ‘acquire’ some more clothes and some other things. “ Core sighed, scratching the back of his head and giving both Aria and Roxy a warm smile.

By now Core had noticed the puzzled look on Aria’s face. Crap…

The next thing Aria asked, Core’s features became serious and stokic. “ … The someone was who I suggested. I knew in my time she had the capability, but I never knew how she could achieve such a thing. Well, I found out finally and I see now why it’s called forbidden. “ He paused, pushing his hand through his hair. “ She made the deal with Mysteria the Witch of Nova. My life for her body and for me to do one job. A bargain for life I guess, but the kray woman accepted and here I am.” Core admitted, thinking back on the day Mysteria had brought him back to life. It wasn’t a pleasant experience, but at least now he was able to interact with those within the room as a ‘actual person’. Though after a little while of silence and Aria explaining the situation of the kingdom. Core’s serious expression hadn’t altered. In fact, the moment Aria made mention of his brother did his attention seem to spike.

Noku was dating her friend?! An it wasn’t Vennessa?! It was an actual woman he hadn’t recognized?! Morgg must had frozen over, or at least that is what Core believed as he stared at Aria with a dumbfounded look of ‘No way!’. When she asked had he known what Noku meant about a person she reminded him of. Core blinked and stared at her with a look of confusion. “ I don’t know who you would remind him of? But what you describe sounds like Noku all right, but I never would've guessed he would date someone other than his childhood sweetheart. “ Core commented, somewhat concerned yet worried for the woman that was dating the man he would call ‘brother’. His attention turning to tres. “ Excuse me, where is your lavatory? “ Core asked, before getting up from his seat. “ Never mind, I think I know where it is. “ He stated, turning to leave the ladies alone for a moment while he relieved himself and contemplate the information given.

[Trésor de Lys]

Tres only observed the man now. He got comfortable really quickly and arched an eyebrow at his comfort. She listened attentively, and watched how his mannerisms changed. She also watched Aria and Roxy, keeping in mind the dynamic of the group. Tres was surprised by the history within the group. Core certainly had a diverse history, and his brother was.... wait who? Tres blinked a moment, confused as to how he was related to the king. She also then blinked at Aria who said that the king was with... Lilith? That was the first Tres had heard of it. Tres sat back in her chair, shoulders low as if given up, and unknowing.

When core gestured to her, asking about her bathroom, her vision came back into focus. "It's uh-" she pointed a slender finger in the direction of the lavatory. She would watch as Core left the space, and would turn her attention back to Aria and Roxy.

[Deleted]

Aria gave a halfhearted smile in response to Core and then looked down at her feet. She had him worried and there wasn’t anything she could say to really make light of it. It wasn’t like that possibility wasn’t high… She looked back up in time to catch his raised brow; shrugging in response. She didn’t think she was too reserved with Tres; but then again she hadn’t spent much time with the woman. It did feel odd explaining her relationship with Core….often she just let people think she was a whakadoo talking out loud to an inanimate object. A mischievous grin spread across her features as her comment turned to that of a challenge she was more than happy to take him up on. It would be good practice; plus she had been itching for an outlet for a while now.

“It’s done then; after I leave here I’ll bring you shopping. We’ll pick you up some pretty dresses to.” She smiled; and actually was serious about the dress part. It wasn’t like Core hadn’t cross dressed before. Though he said cabin….did that mean Claire was back in her old home? Or did he already find a new place. ”Your cabin? Or hers….if it’s hers you can have my cabin out in the forest so you can have a place to call yours. Or we can make you a new home on my land; I’m sure Garrett wouldn’t mind having you as our neighbor. Your choice really”

Aria frowned when the story switched to Melania’s abilities…she was scary. Now that she was announced traitor to the kingdom….she wondered what she was doing now. Aria would have to visit her soon. After all…if she could help it she rather not have that woman against her. Her eyebrow raised when he mentioned the price for his freedom. ”Well then before I insult her intelligence I have to ask…..has your relationship with that woman actually grown to that point in such a short time period? I mean for someone who hates a face identical to yours I would say that was unexpected. Though at the moment I’m more concerned about what job she has in mind for you….”

Aria sighed when Core couldn’t enlighten her anymore then Lilith would. ”Oh well, I suppose I could ask the book but where’s the fun in that……” She chuckled as Core described Noku. ”Well, this Noku, and the one you know grew up differently. After all would this Noku share ‘that’ with two complete strangers? Mylee’s champion and Lilith both know; the night I returned from Palico….I was…out of sorts. He picked two people I was associated with. While I cannot confirm for a fact; I believe he did so, so I would have people to fall back on……This Noku also seems to have a sense of humor…I was actually able to land on his head and lap in owl form with really no repercussions. He wasn’t pleased but he did make a joke of it after….point is …now that you’re out. Try not to stress him out to much.” She smiled at him; and stuck out her tongue in a teasing way.

She nodded when he went off to the bathroom; a mischievous grin forming on her face. She pointed to the bathroom; when Core would go to use the chamber pot he would suddenly find a scary looking face looking back up at him from the pot. Though she wasn’t sure if illusions would work on him or not, either way, worth a try. She then turned her attention back to the original matter at hand. ”Ok you two; while we have a moment to ourselves. I would like an update on your assignments I gave to you. Roxy any progress with the black daggers? And Tres, did you ever look for Ven?”

[Roxanne]

Roxanne nodded as Core thanked her and Aria. Aria seemed pleased as well and Roxanne's face lit up as the other red head mentioned a shopping trip. "I'd like to tag along on that. I haven't been shopping for ages. My cabin could use a few homey touches and my wardrobe is limited. I should get seeds to start a garden or something as well. Currently on a high protein diet," she said, getting a bit carried away and then smiling sheepishly.

She noted Aria's obvious concern about where Core was staying, considering she was listing options that basically screamed 'anywhere but with Claire.' Roxanne felt like being helpful and sassy. She gave Core another wink. "My cabin is also open to you, should you want it. Though, I only have the one bed," she said, grinning like the demon she was.

As the conversation moved back to this Mysteria person and the apparent deal/ritual that brought Core here, Roxanne lapsed into an attentive silence. She really had nothing to say in the matter but would keep this in mind should Aria or Core need her assistance later. She resumed her post against the wall, listening as the conversation went on about Noku and Lilith. More information that she'd store away for later. In the meantime, Roxanne was getting fidgety and held out an open palm. A tiny flame appeared. She ran her hand through it, dancing her fingertips along the edges and shaping it into a series of small animals: rabbit, squirrel, kitten, raaul, novite, and finally a few butterflies.

When Core left for the bathroom and Aria turned her attention to the two women, the butterflies disappeared in tiny puffs of smoke. Roxanne dusted her hands on her pants, pushing off from the wall and straightening with her arms crossed under her breasts. "I haven't made any progress. The couple of times I've managed to find Louie alone, it didn't last long before we were interrupted. Of course, that tends to happen in crowded bars and I haven't made an effort to seclude, or rather seduce, him further," she informed Aria, shrugging but sounding apologetic. "I'm not giving up though and I'll keep you informed. The blossom festival is coming up and I intend to take advantage of that," she added, grinning.

[Trésor de Lys]

    Tres sat silently listening to Aria as she went on about Noku and Lilith. Tres didn't know much of the subject since the only times she spoke to Lilith was when she needed another healer. She also remained silent while listening to her go on about Core's relationship with another woman. She wasn't sure of how this impacted him, let alone knew his history. She had a feeling that his story was one that was long and convoluted. She would have to ask him if she ran into him again, she wasn't sure under what circumstances she would speak to him again, but she hoped that she could get the chance to get to know him... especially since she found him so alluring, which hadn't happened often for Tres.

    She listened to Roxy's banter, and laughed a little, close to rolling her eyes. She hadn't known Roxy for long, but it was very much in demon fashion to flirt incessantly. She didn't hold it against her, but rather admired her boldness. Tres partially wished that she could do so at will.

    Her attention jutted back to Aria as she asked for an update. Tres almost had a moment of panic when she realized that she had been so busy with the infirmary and healing following her surgery that she hadn't visited the moon temple. Not that she could have willed herself to want to go anyhow. She didn't have the strength just yet to go back to that place. She feared that she would experience symptoms of post trauma... She knew it wasn't an excuse but nonetheless, she was still paralyzed with fear at the thought of it.

    Although she was fearful, she did realize that any connection she would have with Vanessa, since she was directly related to Helena, she would still feel though she was fallen. If Tres can sense that Roxy was a demon, then she would have a connection to Vanessa. "I had hoped that I could still feel an angelic connection to Vanessa, but unfortunately I was left short. It seems that whatever connection I had with her has dissipated, and well... nothing." she began, "If she was at the moon temple however, I would have sensed her." there was disappointment in her tone, and she knew that she didn't fulfill what Aria had asked."One can only assume that she is farther distance away than anticipated..." Tres paused for thought, "I know that you were searching for her as well, did you find any leads?" Tres asked since she knew that Aria began the mission first by looking for her herself.

[Core Noru]

This was a new development. Core thought; His back pressed on the wall, while he stayed hidden in the other room while the ladies were having their discussion. He listened intently at what was being exchanged. His right brow quirking at the mention of Louie and Vennessa. So they were here too? This was really fascinating to hear, but also troubling to hear mention of his old friend running a different organization name. He wondered who came up with the title Black Daggers’, even more so why Louie was apart of them?

Core pondered this for a few minutes, keeping silent with the information that was shared, before deciding to return to the group. His footsteps barely audible when he stepped into the room. Only to stop at the door way, before propping himself on the door frame.. He stared at Tres with a seriousness about him. His vibrant blue eyes locked onto the brown hair woman, while she asked if the group had any leads on Vennessa.

“ Can’t find Vennessa? If she’s here, then she might have made it into the kingdom by now; If anything try the hot springs or anywhere that man is at their lowest. She tends to hover around bars. Or at least, if this Vennessa is the same as the one I remember… Then she’ll pop up on her own. Give it time. “ Core turned his gaze to Aria, giving her the same look before quirking his brow.

“ Why are you searching for Vennessa? “ Core asked, playing the card of being ‘absent’ and unaware to the information previously shared; His act being as though he had just returned to the conversation on Tres’s last question. His attention turning to look at all three ladies; curious at what their answer.

[Deleted]

Aria nodded, so long as Roxanne still had a plan and was trying. She’d give the girl props on that; ”If you need some….leverage, be it gold or lunar flowers let me know. He managed to dispatch the drake I sent after him after he attacked Nokus crotch. So I’d very much like to see you succeed in this mission.” Her fingers drummed the table in agitation at the memory. Aria gave Tres her attention as she too reported her progress…or lack thereof. She shook her head when she asked if she got any leads. ”As of right now no, there hasn’t been any sightings of a woman matching her description in the city either. I have a few eyes out as well. Best we can do is to just keep our eyes and ears open.”

Aria looked back at the door as Core immerged with his two sense on how to locate Vennessa. Aria shifted uncomfortably…. Unsure of how Core would take the news. Garrett hadn’t taken it very well when she informed him…; which was largely the reason why she was putting in the effort to locate the woman for him. ”Weeeelll… Aria reached back towards her neck, and a stream of ink came into her hands and quickly formed one of the chakrams. She held out the large circular weapon, encrusted with jewels and gold. ”I found these shortly after the moon temple was destroyed. It’s a sure sign she’s been cast from the pantheon…”

She was worried about his reaction, but now that he was curious it would only be a short matter of time before he figured it out. Better hear it from her then have him learn she tried to cover it up.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne listened as Tres gave her report, a bit confused but showing nothing. She let the conversation continue between the other two women. When Aria mentioned needing leverage, Roxanne laughed. "I've got plenty of leverage," she winked as she struck a pose, "Seriously though, my biggest problem is tracking him down and keeping him around long enough to have a decent conversation," she finished. She was determined not to give up though, frowning as Aria mentioned him dispatching a drake. Roxanne knew well how that would bother the other red head.

As the conversation about this 'Vennessa' woman continued, Roxanne's eyes widened when the pieces finally fell into place as Aria displayed the chakrams from her back. "Vennessa, the Goddess? She's Fallen? How did that happen?" she asked. She felt like she was missing something else between Core and Aria though and she eyed the two of them suspiciously.