Mid-winter festival Day 1 [Aria]

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”Most certainly, you were sad, broken, lost, and most likely and most importantly angry. You would have been the perfect tool. I mean you had connections to the gods, you know their habits, and most importantly they probably don’t think you a threat. Imagine for a moment Fates current well fate. He is already planning something big as you can see by my presence and many others. You would have been perfect for him, in the state you were in your will would have been easy to sway if pushed hard enough and enticed well enough.”

Aria had been drawn to Tres’s location for most of those very same reasons; what she saw with Fate and his almost gleeful reaction to hearing that dear old Helena was the one who cast Tres out. Well it made red flags go off and Arias instincts scream. Either way she stuck her neck out by taking something Fate very much wanted.

”I will not be surprised if you’re tempted again, if he has a chance. Though you are not broken any longer and your feet are set on your own path. You are not as vulnerable as you once were.”

Aria suspected Fate would have cultivated the betrayal and nursed it into something bigger, she did not know this for sure but it was within the realm of possibilities. Aria finished her tea off, and already began to think of some started steps to help Tres regain her abilities. She was happy to see that Tres seemed to light up as soon as she asked to see the clinic. Aria allowed herself to be lead down stairs, taking in everything Tres had done. She took note of her supplies and realized she could probably help Tres along with at least some of her supplies.

”Tres d you have a greenhouse to grow your own plants in? If not I would be happy to finance one to be built. Consider it a gift to Nova, after all it will benefit its citizens.”

[Trésor de Lys]

    Tres thought about what Aria said. She did have reason. She could have been the perfect tool in Fate's hands. It would only have made sense for him to take her under his wing. She was in the most vulnerable state she has ever been in, she was angry at her Goddess, she grew even angrier with herself because she felt she wasn't enough at the time. Overall, she couldn't help but be thankful to Aria for saving her life, and offering her a path to a new one.

    While thinking about this, she instinctively wanted to give Aria a hug, a sensation she has never really felt. Affection wasn't really something she quite comprehended yet, in fact she was still trying to understand what flattery and compliments were. But Tres didn't act on it yet. She figured Aria might punch her in the face for any too sudden movements.

    Her face lit up even more when Aria offered her a greenhouse. "Oh my Gods, are you serious?" Tres was befuddled and certainly at a loss for words. At this moment, her urge overcame her and she gave Aria a huge hug. "That would be an amazing addition to the infirmary, thank you so much." She squealed. This was the more appropriate time for a hug.

[Deleted]

Aria laughed as the older woman suddenly embraced her in a tight hug at the mention of a greenhouse. Honestly this place reminded her of the hospital Mylee had back home. He had a garden; it had been one of the last places that preserved the lunar flowers for the public. It was not as common then as it was in this time. She patted the girl on the back; she would write up the plans for it when she got back and use some of the funds she made at the correspondence guild to pay for the addition.

”Only if you allow me to grow some of my own herbs here; you’ll be free to use them of course. But I think the addition would be beneficial for many. I’m happy to fund it…I’ll even provide some business for you”

She smiled sweetly despite the implications of her words.

”Your infirmary reminds me of Grandpa’s back in my time; his was larger, but he had a garden for it. It grew some of the last supplies of Lunar flowers. They became so rare in my time…the clinic preserved them..”

[Trésor de Lys]

    Tres felt a light patting on her back. She slowly let go of Aria. "Of course, that is alright with me." she would have to get some lessons from someone who knows how to properly grow the plants. Perhaps she could look in the library in due time.

    Looking at Aria, she listened to her reminisce about her time. Although it was saddening to hear that lunar flowers were so scarce in her time period, Tres figured that not all things can last. Eventually some things do go extinct. She's even seen this in her time with Helena. However it was not in her jurisdiction to preserve what was already set to die. She couldn't play God even if she wanted to.

    Tres looked to Aria, not just as a friend, but for guidance. She really saved her when she arrived in Nova, and for that she felt eternally grateful. "This reminds me, I have a gift for you as well." Tres escorted Aria over to some of the chairs in the front room, she sat down and offered her a chair as well. Her mood changing slightly.

    " With the recent news of Fate's desire to have me under his finger, I could not think of a better suited time to bring this forward." Tres took a brief pause. "You made me a proposition before in regards to your set future, and if it is still a set offer as you mentioned before, my gift is that I accept." Tres looked Aria in the eyes "You have done nothing but help me since my arrival. Not only have you shown me the beauty of self-acceptance, but you have saved my life. You have also shown me that you would only not be my leader, but my friend as well." the corners of her lips curled into a small toothless grin "I could not think of a person more suitable to follow."

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Aria blinked when she was suddenly lead to sit down; and Tres’s demeanor seemed to change. Aria’s curiosity was instantly peaked. Her eyes widening as Tres uttered each word, by the end of her statement Arias eyes were like saucers.

”…..Well…fuck…”

Was her goddess like response; so poised and regal she was….Really Tres’s choice just stunned her and she would now have to prepare…Well apparently she had another question to ask Garrett tonight. How did one accept ones dominion. Aria took a deep breath and sat back in her chair, running a hand over her face. This was….both an honor and a shock.

”Thank you”

She was slowly gathering her thoughts…

”First off….Fates desire for you is a speculation I’m making a guess on how I would see you as if I was in his position. I do not know this for fact, I’m not my father. To me it, just makes sense he would do so, I could be wrong as I have not had a nice long conversation with this man….I just tried to steal his crystal and through a shoe in his face.”


Aria still sat processing; thinking back to the time when she had first offered Tres to join her…Aria had been fallowing pure instincts when it came to her finding Tres, along with the urge to extend her offer. She had laid a piece of the puzzle, which few knew about, to the angel. So far she had proven worthy of the trust, as the information had not left her lips. But the fact that Tres was offering what she considered her freedom, so freely to her….knowing that she was not even an awakened deity... one with no domain at the moment… well that was a display of trust that Aria had not experienced before. It was humbling.

”….I still have not claimed a domain….and I have only now an inkling of what it may be. It will be a long journey that in the end may still not bear fruit. Do you still wish to align yourself with me?”

[Trésor de Lys]

    Tres saw how Aria's eyes had widened, and she couldn't help but smiled at her dumbfoundedness. She laughed at her lady-like response. She couldn't believe it herself. She had only recently thought in-depth over Aria's initial proposal. It had made a lot of sense to her. Originally she hadn't wanted to follow Aria because she was on the road to self-discovery. However upon having some time to herself to think through everything she had been through, it only made sense for her to assist Aria as a Goddess. Having spent so much time with Aria in the months that they lived together, she learned that Aria may be a strong person with a strong personality, but she wasn't necessarily like all the other Gods and Goddesses, and that's what really made her decision so final.

    Tres smiled at Aria and nodded. "Of course. Don't make me question my decision." she laughed a little. Although the matter was serious, she knew that she could still joke with Aria. Although she was aligning herself once again to a Goddess, awakened or not, Tres didn't feel as though she was losing her freedom. She felt as though she was gaining much more, even if she didn't know what "more" entitled just yet.

    "Well, what inkling would that be?" Tres knew that a domain had to be selected for each God/Goddess. It is what they would be known for under the pantheon to the world of Nova. She was just curious to see what Aria was thinking.

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Aria chuckled; whenever something along this subject arose Aria always did have the tendency to have people question themselves again. Instead of a SURE let’s roll with your bad decision; she always went you’re really sure you want to get into this shit? But Tres had made her decision with a freedom of choice.

”Well you can’t say I didn’t give you a choice in the matter if shit turns out screwy!”

Aria would go into more details in a moment but first she wanted to ward the area for their conversation. A glow surrounded the small Aria they were in as symbols appeared and sank into the floor. The process only took a few moments but they would be shielded from any outside ears. Even in a private home Aria was ever cautious of eavesdroppers.

”My inkling comes from a long past; and it’s hard to grasp. As soon as I think I have an understanding it slips away from me. Whatever my domain is, it’s not a clear cut one with defined edges….but never the less if you’re to be my follower I should probably let you in on a secret organization that I run, but first there must be precautions made."

Aria really did hate the next part; she never enjoyed marking her friends but it was a necessary precaution. Due to the fact what they were involved with effected many more lives than just their own.

” I have an ability that will mark the wearer; basically it would protect what I’d tell you from being leaked. If you try to utter the information given to you to another person who bears either no mark or activated mark your mark would become activated; wiping any memory of said information and those pertaining to it….It would also mark you as a traitor to me; and the mark would burn ….and burn like a bitch. However that is only if you betray the trust that I’d be putting into you; which I doubt you will. It is an unfortunate arrangement but the risks with what I play with are high. There are also certain situations in which I can activate the mark depending on the circumstances.”

Aria sighed; and gave Tres an apologetic look. Personally she thought the mark was a shitty ass return gift for something Tres offered so freely.

”Fortunately I have only needed to activate the mark once since developing it; one of my closest friends you met once in my cabin by the name of Rivers. Unfortunately he did not keep my secrets; betrayed my orders, and then turned his back on my organization. I had to activate his mark as much as it pained me to do so; wiping his memory of me and anything to do with my organization. It is a loss I take heavily…..He had been a trusted friend for eight long years but he proved to be too much of a risk.”

Aria would wait for it to sink in

”Like before I’m giving you a choice; you may accept the mark or you may refuse it. If you refuse then the information given to you will stop at what I have already told you in trust. If you accept I can share freely the information I have.”

[Trésor de Lys]

Tres laughed at Aria as she regarded her twisted tale and way may be a fatal end as a "shit storm". Although it may be a treacherous road, Tres understood that it will be worth while in the end.

Tres watched as symbols on the ground began to form and she watched in awe. She knew that precautions had to be taken, and although Tres had trusted Aria, it was understanable that she had to take caution with those she put her faith and trust in.

Tres took all the information provided to her in. It was a lot all at once, however she expected nothing less. Having understood the consequences of the marking, and being aware of the price that she would pay if she were to ever betray Aria, she stuck out her arm in a stern and swift motion, almost handing it to Aria. "I accept."

She never knew about Rivers. She had wondered what happened to him. He didn't seem the man to betray one's trust, however that may have been his game all along. It seemed as though Aria saw the same thing that Tres had seen in him not so long ago.

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Aria didn’t hesitate, as soon as Tres offered her hand Aria took it and pulled her forward; placing the other palm of her hand on Tres’s forehead. Arias form was then cast in a divine light, her eyes took on a gold tone as the light began to intensify around her hand. A power surged from her palm and transferred itself to Tres’s forehead. It would sting slightly but no more than a bee’s sting. The mark of the thieves would etch itself into Tres’s forehead. This process only took a few seconds before Aria removed her palm; the mark blazed gold for a moment before fading into Tres’s skin as if nothing was ever there. As Aria stepped back, the light that formed around her body faded and receded back within her. Aria let out a large sigh and plopped back down in her seat.

”Man that tires one out…Anyways do you remember Helena ever talking about what you would know as the center of Nova?”

It was likely she did; after all the gods would have kept very close tabs on it.

”and on a more personal note….um this is slightly embarrassing….but would you happen to sell any birth contraceptives?….

There was a large blush upon Arias cheeks as she asked; this wasn’t something she ever had to give thought to until now. But a healer was the best place she was likely to find such an item...and know that her getting it would remain on the down low.

[Trésor de Lys]

    Tres felt only a pinch after offering her freedom to Aria. She felt a surge of divine light, and understood why she decided to follow Aria in the first place. Even though this was a necessary precaution, Tres accepted it fully, and embraced it whole-heartedly.

    After she finished, Tres looked at Aria, confused. "I do believe she mentioned it once or twice... I can't recall, we only ever discussed battle tactics and methods. You'll have to remind me, what is the center of Nova?"

    Tres then felt a look of shock grow on her face. She didn't expect this abrupt of a transition. "Oh... Oh!" she said rushing over to one of her cabinets. "You're looking for contraceptives?" she asked. She fumbled through a few bottles, then finally pulled out a medium sized wooden box from the cabinet. The box was nothing special, and was marked with a floral pattern along the ridges. Tres brought the box back over to Aria, and set it on a side table.

    Opening the box, she revealed a lovely dried blue flower. The bulbs of the flower resembled bells, even when in their dry state. Tres pulled one of the flowers out of the box, and began plucking a few of the bulbs. "They call these Mylee's Blue Bells. They're quite lovely for a plant that resembles something so phallic. Tres laughed a little. After plucking a few of the bulbs, she handed them over to Aria. "Will that do for now?" she asked

[Deleted]

After that spell Arias shoulders slumped tiredly; the spell tapped into her divine magic. It was highly complicated and took a considerable amount of energy to complete. She would have to avoid using too much magic for the rest of the evening and into the next day.

”I will give you the short version of the story; the center of nova is a powerful weapon when the pieces are collected and the ritual is complete worlds do not stand a chance against it. Safe to say it’s bad and I have reason to believe Fate is going after it. To activate it you need Noru blood, the pieces, and a thousand innocent lives….which is where I believe us fated are coming in….Anyways I am the leader of a secret organization called the Thieves of Nova. If a piece is found…and taken well that’s where my organization comes in. Each of my fallowers will bear the mark I just gave you… If anyone bearing my mark comes to you for healing I will foot their medical bill.”

Really it was the short version, she didn’t very much feel like going into full details at the moment. Aria blushed when the subject changed, it really was an embarrassing subject. More so by the sudden shock on Tres’s features. It was Arias turn to look surprised when Tres called them Mylee’s Blue Bells.

”Wait they aren’t called Mylee’s Blue Balls??!.....Shit….I’ve been calling them that for years now…. Oh my....I think I’ve even called them that in front of Grandpa Lee Lee….WHY DIDN”T ANYONE CORRECT ME!”

Aria blushed even more when Tres asked if the amount she gave would do for now and nodded.

[Trésor de Lys]

    Tres saw how Aria slumped after the spell. She knew that divine magic was both complex and sucked the life out of those who used it. So Tres set her hands on Aria's shoulders for reassurance, to hold her up. She smiled at Aria, realizing that she was probably tired. Tres walked her over to a chair that sat against the window.

    Sitting down next to Aria, Tres had a look of curiosity on her face "A large weapon in the center of Nova? Well that would explain Helena's attempt at an attack and fate's interest in recruiting me for help."

    Tres was befuddled. But she understood what Aria requested, and so she nodded.

    Tres burst out laughing hearing Aria's revelation about the Blue bells. Her laugh was abrupt, loud and obnoxious. It was obvious that it was a belly laugh. Nooo-snort- it's called Blue BELLS. Tres snorted between words. "Although I do see how you can mistake the words. snort haha They are quite fallic-looking flowers."

    Tres had never seen Aria as nervous or as shy as she was when she nodded at Tres confirming that the amount she provided for her was satisfactory. Tres smiled, trying to relieve the awkwardness of the situation. "It's okay... if it makes you feel any better, I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to have children..." Tres said trying to be positive, but realizing how grim her situation really was.

    She gave an awkward laugh trying to break the tension. "I suppose that doesn't help much..." she sighed.

[Deleted]

As Tres rubbed her shoulders Aria waved her off; she had other abilities that were more draining then that. She made her way to the chair and plopped down; like the graceful flower she was. A sight escaped her lips.

”Really don’t worry about that I trained for eight years with the others on the glade before I got fated over here. I’ll be fine after I eat something and get a little rest.”

Aria let what she said about the center sink it; however when the topic changed to that of Mylee’s blue balls Tres found it more than amusing. A slightly exasperated but amused lopsided smile appeared on her face as Tres full out belly giggled at her mistake over the plants names.

”Grandpa probably thought it was amusing I called them his blue balls to…..probably why he never corrected me…”

Aria ran a hand over her face; really this was actually embarrassing…however when the topic switched to children Arias expression darkened and her good mood evaporated. Aria stood up, it was probably time that she go to see Garrett…….or at least figure out what she was going to say tonight.

”I will have to come by another time; I have to meet someone soon. Thank you for showing me around the clinic I’ll take care of the details for building your green house as soon as the ground thaws.”

Aria made her way to the middle of the room; pausing just before leaving.

”If children are what you want; Mylee is the god of life. Just food for thought. But thank you for having me; Happy Mid Winter Tres”

Aria gave a bow; flames soon swirled up around her and in a blink she was gone.