Muddled Meetings & Greetings (Reagan, Rivers, Garrett, Aria)

[Calix Hearthrow]

Calix was straightening up, only the stragglers were up at this hour. He leaned against the bar cleaning out a glass which seemed to be dwarfed in his large hands. Calix was a bear of a man, standing at 6’9” and heavily built if not a bit round about the middle. He had broad shoulders and a dark tan complexion. His eyes well eye was a deep brown. His wiry black hair tied back revealing a receding hairline; giving his forehead the appearance of it being slightly larger than it ought to be. He had a large thick beard that was greying out slightly; the unfortunate side effect of taking more after his human side. He adjusted the eye patch over his right eye, scanning the room. There were a couple of people passed out at the tables; but for the most part all had retired to their rooms. It was raining outside; they had been getting a good number of storms lately. But it was summer, they were common on the coast. He put away the glass and took down another, they were clean…he just needed something to keep his hands busy.

[Deleted]

Aria awoke to a message being sent by Rivers, he hadn’t tried contacting her for a while now. She threw off her blankets and rubbed her eyes. She stood up stripping off her night clothes, it would seem something, well someone, interesting appeared. Aria sought out another whom was connected to her, he was probably asleep. She poked him gently with her spell, he would feel his body warm as she did so, hopefully waking him slightly before she spoke. ’Mine, dear heart, something’s come up. I need you to come with me to the Hanging Man. Meet me at the castle entrance’ She waited for his reply before she finished getting dressed.

A short while later Aria would be outside of the castle gates sitting in the shadows of the nearby foliage. A black hood rested over her head, the leather designed to look like a large crow skull, forming into a black feather like pattern. It was attached to an intricate bolero jacket with a vine pattern embedded into the hem. This vine pattern was also sewn into the hem of the hood which was clasped by a dark black metal band that was matted in color. Intricately detailed pauldrons rest on her shoulders, each layer delicately pointed giving an almost wing like appearance. The pauldrons also bore vine pattern embedded into the hems along intricate drawing of many animals. Two blood red feathers were hanging from the top layer of her right pauldrons. The pauldrons were buckled onto to the bolero jacket by the same black metal clasps that adorned her hood. Two buckles in front and two in the back for either pauldron. A black leather corset covered her torso, its bax leather sewn in a patch work design. It was clasped in the front by the same black metal. With a continuation of the vine pattern etched into the hems of the corset as well. Her pants were also made out of this black leather, they had buckles all up either side of her legs. Arias feet were covered by boots that just barely went over her knees in a point. On her forearms she wore bracers, decorated in the same pattern as her pauldrons and belt. They came out in points over her hands but flexible enough to move. These also had the clasps that could break open if needed to. Aria also sported black leather choker wrapped around her neck; it had a metal plate across her throat. If she was going into the third district at night, it was better to be safe than sorry. Plus she didn’t know how this woman would take the news she was going to bring. Continuing with the better safe than sorry mind set, she had her dark metal daggers strapped to her body in various places, each had a blue gem embedded into the hilt. A sword rested at her hip, sheathed in a plain black leather sheath, it had a long enough hilt to use with two hands, but the blade seemed thin enough to be wielded with one.

Aria leaned against a tree waiting for Garrett; pulling her hood over her head just a bit more, the rain dripping off her armor in a steady drip. She took a sip of something from a wineskin, it was the tea she usually preferred that helped her wake up and clear her mind. She silently kicked herself for not having Core with her…he made things so much simpler with matters like these. Rivers and the girl would probably be at the tavern well before them...she hoped Rivers would think to at least order her and Garrett something to eat for getting them to come out so late.

[Deleted]

Make that two strong drinks. As Raegan appeared in front of the establishment she reached for the nearest stationary object. For the second time in 24 hours she was instantly pulled from one place to another. She wouldn't be surprised if he actually enjoyed her uneasiness from his magic. The sound of thunder and the smell of moisture in air filled her senses and a soft smile flashed across her face. "Rain...." Rain had such a calming effect and she took the time to let the cold drops run down her face. Her strawberry blonde hair weighing down from the drops. She used the inside of her jacket collar to wipe away more of the dirt and specks of dried blood from her face. I'll need to find a place to clean up after this. I look like I crawled out of some trench.

Raegan turned her attention back to her escort. "Ok Mr. Third I'm sure you don't mind covering a drink or two and some stew for me." The iciness in her attitude was unnatural to her, she almost felt bad treating Rivers that way. It was more of a safety mechanism, he seemed trustworthy enough but still comfort tends to lead trouble if you weren't careful.

She knelt down to adjust her boots, really it was a conveniently way to check to make sure if this went south her hidden daggers were easily accessible. Standing up she walked through the threshold and into the dimly lit room. It was easy for her eyes to adjust due to the dreariness of the weather. Her teal eyes scanned the room making a mental note of the faces and locations of the individuals inside. The large man behind the bar itself caught her attention. Ok, best to not end up on the bad side of him. He looks like a damn grizzly bear.


She picked a table close enough to the door and took a seat so she had a good view of anyone coming in or out. 

[Rivers]

Rivers grinned a bit at Reagan's unease, in truth he did somewhat enjoy keeping people off balance like this. Though ge was getting the feeling that Reagan had enough concerns without him adding to them. As the two of them sat down at the bar and Reagan ordered some drinks Rivers places the payment on the bar. He was surprised to see a smile cross her lips but when she mentions the raise he looks up at the ceiling with a more distant caste to his stare.

“Yeah...rain~” Rivers mind wandered to a woman with long black hair, a flowing blue dress standing as watered poured down from the sky, a blood stained lance. “It's nice~” he agrees.

“I don't mind covering your drink and food while you adjust, suddenly being in a new place and time can be really rough, I fully understand that.” He admits as he take a swig from his drink. The food and ale itself wasn't bad particularly since he'd run out of what he'd stolen from Noku's cellar a while ago.

“So, what's your story?” He asked curious to hear about his new companion.

[Deleted]

Sinking a little bit more into her seat Raegan placed a hand on her left shoulder and lifted her arm, rolling her socket joint until she heard a satisfying pop only to repeat this move on her other shoulder. She couldn't remember the last time she was able to relax. The steam from the hearty broth placed in front of her enacted a slight growl from her stomach. Tearing off a small piece from the roll served with the soup she gingerly dipped the bread into the liquid and ate it.

After a few more bites and a few swigs from her ale she could feel her strength returning.

"I appreciate the hospitality. It seems I'm not the first person you have helped, how many more Fated are there?" Her cool eyes met his as she took another sip from her glass.

"My story....well as I said before, I helped found the Thieves. I grew up on the streets with Core and the rest of our crew. When I was pulled here we were in the middle of trying to quell the riots after Core's death. I had lost sight of our group and was on my way to our rendezvous point, but of course didn't make it." As she spoke, Raegan stared off focusing in on the wall behind the bar in front of her flashes of the events running through her mind.

"How did you become involved in all of this? It's strange to think our little family carried enough of a following to continue on without us."

[Garrett Blade]

Garrett had awoken abruptly to Aria’s voice ringing in his head. The moment she spoke directly to him; Garrett had jerked his head up from the pillow. His one good eye adjusting to the darkness of his room as he tried to find the short red haired woman that he had grown accustomed to sneaking into his room. He had completely forgotten about the communication spell Aria had placed on him a few nights before. Had he remembered right then, he wouldn’t have stared out blankly into his empty room with a raised brow and a slightly disappointed expression on his half asleep face.

He now realized her mental message and frowned slightly at the request. ‘The Hanging Man? ‘ Garrett responded with almost a groan in his tone. Her request to go to the Hanging Man and to meet up at the entrance of the castle at this hour didn’t settle to well with his conscious. His attention turning to the window; his eyes adjusting to stare out at the black clouded sky that had yet turned to dawn. He could even hear the pitter-patter of light rain outside his window as he stared. Black circles hung heavy under his eyes as he sat on the edge of his bed with both his feet planted firmly on the cold stone floor. Not sure what was going on other than Aria requesting to leave the castle at an ungodly hour during a light drizzle; Garrett flung the covers off him and arose to his feet in a sluggish manner. His hands rubbing the temple of his forehead in response to the mental brain call he had received.

Barely awake, Garrett stumbled over to his dresser and removed some simple dark garbs. Not wanting Aria to wait too long within the rain; He made sure to take minimal time to dress in commoner’s clothes and a heavy black cloak that had been hanging on the back of his door. He slipped on his boots and strapped in a few of his daggers before walking out his door and into the halls and out of the barracks. He made little to no sound as he walked out of the training grounds and up to the entrance of the castle. His hood drawn over his head as rain lightly trickled off his cloak and on to the muddy streets. His eyes still adjusting as he approached the castle’s entrance. There under a tree he could vaguely make out a figure in the shadow.

“I didn’t peg you as a late night bar patron.” Garrett joked, before letting out a loud yawn.

[Deleted]

Aria kept an eye out for Garrett, and smiled when he came into view. With a small apologetic smile towards him, she knew it was late. Aria left her spot and walked up to him, chuckling lightly.

”Yes, completely however I thought I might improve the quality of my company and invited you along”

She closed the distance between them and stood on her tip toes as she gave him a light peck on the cheek. She handed him the wine skin she had been drinking from there was still a good bit left.

”Drink some, it will help wake you up a bit more. You’re going to want to be awake for this; person we’re meeting was a part of Cores pack. ”

Aria lead the way at a brisk walk, she was curious to meet this new person. It would be a bit longer before they got there. When they did she opened the doors; and threw back her hood. She waved at Calix and pointed upstairs. She walked up to the table that played host to Rivers and the new girl.

”How about we move this party upstairs shall we? Then someone can fill me in”

Really she hoped Rivers hadn’t been questioning her out in a public location….Calix would have gotten them another room if asked….

[Deleted]

Not much of a talker is he.... Raegan thought to herself as she popped the last bite of roll into her mouth after soaking up the remaining broth. Taking her cup into two hands she sighed deeply and drummed her fingers around the base. Her eyes dropped down to focus on a knot in the wooden table as she started to plan out her next move.

Relying on this strange man to help her get on her feet was out of the question. No, she'll find a room at one of the inns or taverns. Hell she'd sleep in the forest if need be. She cursed herself for giving up so much information and barely learning anything on her own. Barely in this place for a day and already losing her touch.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the room became slightly more crowded. Turning her gaze to Aria and Garrett she quickly looked them over, deciding if they were a threat. There was something familiar about the man, she couldn't place her finger on it but it bothered her. Only when they approached did she realize this must be who they were meeting.

So the short one must be the leader. "So you're the one running things." Raegan pushed her chair back as she stood up to meet them. "Lead the way." This better not be some trap.

[Deleted]

Aria cocked her head to the side with a cheeky grin on her face as the woman recognized her as the leader. She dipped down into a bow with a flourish of her hands, directing the woman towards the stairs. Her calculating green eyes never once leaving the woman’s face. ”After you milady” Her voice came out in the tone of an amused purr. ”Second door to the right”

She waited for the woman to move and strolled after her; her walk falling into a predator’s gait. The moment she had stepped through those tavern doors she was King; and she would very damn well act like it. She didn’t need to say a word to Garrett, she knew he’d fallow, and watch her back. This woman might have been in Cores group but she didn’t mean she’d take well to the new management.

As they entered the room Reagan would see it was a simple room, with a bedroom detached. The room they were in was a sitting room with a table and several chairs. Surprisingly comfortable chairs. The room had two windows, each with an easy way out, and an easy shimmy down the wall if need be; or a quick accent up to the roofs. Aria waited until everyone was in the room before closing the door. Orange gold magic suddenly lit up the room, the listening wards activating as the door shut. A fire in the hearth roared to life as Aria pulled out a chair and took a seat, her leg crossing over her knee. Her hands clasped and resting in front of her as she took stock of the woman in front of her.

”It is safe to speak freely in this room, it’s spelled for any eavesdroppers. I’m sure you have questions.”

She raised a brow and waited for the woman to speak. Of course she had a few questions of her own for the woman. But they could wait for the moment.

[Deleted]

The little flourish lead to an immediate roll of the eyes and a slight scoff from Reagan. Seriously...Lets get this over with. She headed in the direction that Aria motioned, making sure to take her glass as it was still half full. No reason to waste perfectly good ale.

Once in the room she took a seat near the window and leaned forward resting her elbows on her knees. Sighing deeply she closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, the day really had taken its toll and even though the food and drink helped she just wanted it to be over. At least finally she's not out in the open, maybe she'll get more answers from this one than Mr. Third. She was thankful he hadn't followed after them.

Her icy gaze met Aria's as she gulped the remaining liquid from her cup and wiped her mouth with her sleeve. Around and around in circles with these people I feel like I am some parrot. With that something snapped.

"You're damn right I have questions. According to your associate downstairs this is Nova, but an alternate one, one in which the twins didn't both survive. That there are these other people like me who were fated to this place. A place where Noku is King and Core never existed. Yet, from what I heard Core, my Core who is dead, is trapped in some blasted sword." She stood and threw her cup against the wall.

"I don't know who you are but how in the hell did you become in command of the Thieves." As she spoke Reagan's hands cut through the air emphasizing her point. Her eyes were like daggers, a fire lit behind them as her hands came to a rest at her sides tightly clenched into fists.

[Deleted]

Aria bounced her foot; a bored mask on her face as the woman snapped. She inspected her fingernails as this woman revealed that her third had leaked…valuable information. Valuable information that could very well put the Norus in more harm’s way. Her Norus… the only sign that the boredom was a mask was the shift in her eyes, her pupils forming into cat like slits. She had not forgotten her third had thrown her instructions in her face a few weeks ago. Something would have to be done.

Aria turned that inhuman gaze up towards the woman; the woman who was staking claim on something that was hers. Not even blinking as the cup thudded against the walls. ”You may call him yours when your body harbors his soul for more than eight years. When you see, feel, and live his thoughts. Until then that lovely endearment towards him, belongs to me.”

There was a knock on the door and Aria stood and opened it. Calix was standing there with a tray of food and drinks. The mugs smelled like hot chocolate…which brought a bit of warmth to Arias smile as she thanked the large man and brought the food inside before closing the door once more. She put the meals on the table, there was even another for the woman who slammed through her cup against the wall. She arranged them out at the table and motioned for the woman to sit; before taking a mug of hot chocolate for herself. Smart man to think of chocolate at this ungodly hour. She had done good in recruiting him. She sipped her hot chocolate as she sat in silence. Debating how much to reveal to this woman.

”My associate has apparently muddled information, however there is some truth in it.” Aria returned the woman’s hard gaze as she spoke. The light of the fire making shadows dance across her face. Illuminating the gruesome scar that traveled up her otherwise otherworldly features. The corners of her lip tugging into a ghost of a smile. ”Think about it darling. If Core never existed....never rose to power in this festering underbelly. How can there be a Thieves of Nova without someone creating it? I am in charge because I am raising that kingdom from the ground up.”

Aria placed her mug down and leaned forward, her eyes softening slightly; a twinge of sadness in there depths. ”I am fated like you, the sword in which Core resides came into my hands when I was sixteen. I have been his protégé and companion ever since. Core is my family as much as anyone with blood ties would be; for him the thieves were always a family, I mean to honor that. If you choose, you’ll have a place.”

A place without the hoops she would make others jump through. Core had always valued loyalty, if this woman was one of his pack; she did not question that this woman would possess that same loyalty he valued. ”You do not have to decide now; I imagine this is quite a shock….if it makes you feel any better I threw a shoe at the god responsible for dragging our asses over here…” She could not tell this woman everything yet. Not until she knew if her loyalties still sided with the thieves… though she did pity her for the whirlwind of questions she had to have.

[Deleted]

"I will call him whatever I want, he was my family, my brother in arms. I was there through it all, certainly more than eight years. We grew up on the streets together." Reagan was furious, the anger for her circumstances, from everything that had happened before being brought here, from the loss of comrades, it couldn't be suppressed any longer and that's why she snapped. She walked to the window and looked out with her arms folded turning her back on the two.

The knock at the door caused her to give a side glance to see who was there. The smell of hot chocolate filled the room, chocolate was a rare treat and she couldn't remember the last time she had some. It was enough for her to move from her spot to secure a mug of her own. Still she refused to sit down, stubbornness is something she does well. Aria's otherworldly features didn't faze her too much, in her time Nova saw many visitors from different cultures and races.

"Don't darling me." She held onto her locket and twirled it between her index finger and thumb, it was worn but the outline of the Thieves crest could still be seen. Cupping her mug she took a swig, the warm liquid running down her throat and warming her body.

"What world did you come from then?" She wondered how many people have been affected by this mass phenomena of being 'fated', certainly it is more than a few individuals. The mention of the sword actually being once in Aria's possession piped her interest. "I don't see any such sword with you now, where is it?"

When Aria mentioned a place for her in their Thieves Reagan went silent. "I appreciate the offer, but I have no answer for you. Quite honestly my loyalty falls to myself alone. I don't know who you are, or where your loyalties lie."

I would have thrown something sharper than a shoe

[Deleted]

”Then consider us estranged relatives”

Her voice was dry; however at least she established this girl had the family mentality to….That and the girl grew up as a street rat like her. Aria feeling puckish started to eat some of the soup that was brought up. A content smile spreading across her features; her appetite seemed to be increasing lately. She paused with the spoon in her mouth and looked up when the woman asked which world she was from. She swallowed and placed the spoon back down.

”Yours, only a good bit after your time…”

She titled her head in thought thinking how much to reveal to her about Core.

”A woman from this world known as Claire has him; she stole him from my belongings being kept from me at the time in the castle. Considering she’s an outlaw wanted for the attempted assassination of Noku, I haven’t deemed it to be safe to retrieve him without bloodshed. At least without raising suspicion…unfortunately as much as it irks me he’s probably safer not being with me at the moment. That and I don’t feel like leading the guard right to that woman….at least not until she continues to prove to be a raging pain in my ass.“

Aria looked up at Reagan with a serious expression on her face and stood, and walked closer to the young woman.

”Things, people…they do not mirror the ones from our time. There are more pieces at play, and this is an entire different game board and the stakes are high….you already got to experience one outcome. I mean to prevent that from happening again. If you wish to know where my loyalties lie I will lay them out plain for you, it is to see that the events in which happened in your time do not make it to their grand finale here. My loyalties are to that cause…and to my family”

Aria sighed, there was a few things she would need to reveal to Reagan since she had already been in that mix…


”Will you still be loyal to Core if not the thieves?”

[Garrett Blade]

"You're right not to trust us lightly. That attitude has probably saved your life." Garrett could no longer remain silent. His head lifting just slightly to expose his chin above the drenched leather hood. A frown visible as he remained silent during the initial meeting. He made his way over to the table in a fluid motion; the floor planks barely making a sound as he pulled out a chair and sat down. When the private conversation became heated, Garrett sighed with a bit of frustration and exhaustion. His left hand reaching up to lift back the hood to expose the messy mop of raven black hair with bits of platinum highlights. His one good eye, not covered up by an eye patch matched the color of the sky on the clearest of days. He said nothing while he stared right back at Regan. His features and demeanor gave off a military background, however his eye portrayed him as being something much more than that. His hands clasped together out in front of him on the table top. His gaze not leaving the woman before him.
"What Aria says is right; this overlapping of worlds is much too complicated to be explained by the existence of other worlds. It has something to do with the gods-in this world they regularly interact with the populace and play an active role. It seems they're more at ease here, without Core to keep Noku in balance. His reign in this world has been largely political, and the economy is booming. Unfortunately you have to separate the two, this is not the Nova you know and remember….. With this in mind, this world is hostile, and there are a great many powerful enemies on all sides. That can't be good for us Fated."

Garrett unclasped his hands to reach for the soup bowl. Another sigh escaping through his lips as he noticed Aria scarfing down more than what he had ever seen her eat before. He said nothing though, taking a few large bites of the soup and bread, alternately. He drained half his mug and drank the broth to the bottom, then roughed his hair with his hands and rubbed his face. The food had broken his latent fogginess and now he was ready to get something in exchange for being awake this early. He clasped his hands together again and rested his chin on them, watching Reagan's posture and tones cautiously. This woman showed no fear and had made a valid point: trust would be unwise in this situation, especially for certain fated. Though he was willing to bet his gamble that she would listen to them at least.


"Well, we're not asking you to follow orders unless you can handle the work. If you're who I remember, I have no doubt there; at any chance, I would still rather increase my pool of allies than enemies. Strength comes from one, power comes from many, etc, etc. We have the same goal. We need skill like yours on our side, Kaylia."

[Deleted]

Reagan watched as Aria dug into the food. Her own appetite had long left her, sufficed with the broth and roll from earlier. She leaned with her back now against the wall resting her head on the cool stone. "Of course you lost the sword, only makes sense." She muttered under her breath. Her eyes scanned to the man as he broke his silence about being right to not trust them. "More times than one could count." She smirked as the man divulged Aria's name. Ok Aria it is. Now we are getting somewhere.

With his hood removed she was finally able to get a good look at him. Her brow furrowed as she tried to place his face; the eyes, well eye was what was bugging her the most, that shade of blue.

"I have a feeling I know exactly what you are talking about Aria. If that is the case, I of course do not want to see it happen here. I don't want to see anyone else getting hurt."

If I am who he remembers....Reagan scowled until his last word. Her face lightened in shock as her true name was revealed. She hadn't disclosed it to anyone since she had arrived, careful to only use her alias with Rivers. "How do you...Kaden? No....Mistero!"