Night Dip (Open)

[Deleted]

Diamond just relaxed and it seemed that there comotion had awakend Adrian from his nap. Perhaps a good thing since it was an ill idea to fall asleep in a hotsprings. But it seemed that things were getting more lively and it seemed that the mage was going to be kind an offer some of his food. For Diamond it was a nice act "I thank you for the offer and hospitality but I will be fine. I rather want to be focused right now I want to at least ensure everyone's safety. Perhaps at another time we can have a friendly drink at a tavern. It will be on me" he said. Not wanting to offend the man but he did not drink while on the job. Since he was acting as a guard for Melda. Diamond did hear the princess address him "Thank you milady he was being nice but never much talked to that girl. Since she was always busy and well he hardly ran into her. Although when he did mention the kiddnaping, his boss seemed surprised as well as Lusinda. The white haired mercenary had thought he had told her about that.

"I see......the horrible things that some nobles do to others. That is something that does not change wherever you go. Well at least your doing better, just be careful from now on. I do hope that you at least come with me and my employer or Lucinda back to the castle. For your safety that is " said Diamond as he sounded a tad down when he heard that it was a political rival that wanted Yuki out of the picture. But was firm on the matter of coming back with at least someone, he was not sure on the situation back at the castle though. As he spoke though a giant wolf had started to move about and Diamond got very much alert until it started to lick both Yuki and then Melda. Diamond heard the mentioning of Aria and sighed and then saw her jump or hop over Melda. He then rolls out of the way of the huge splash although it seemed that someone else got unlucky. The woman in question was a snake like woman that had a rather large snake with her. It made him blink several times as it was rather too cold for a creature like that to be active.

"Let me go and try and find some firewood, everyone might need it to dry off" Diamond said as he got back up to his feet. As he had rolled into a kneeling postion from the splash attack that Aria used on everyone.

[Deleted]

Squeeze? What was that what her sneeze was? A squeeze? Aria tilted her head to the side, her tall ears perked forward. Aria made a quick shift to her eyes allowing them to shift to mimic Serai’s; mixing forms was a tricky business but she was curious to see what was going on…and not cause anyone to see visions of their own death. So the large gorge hound opened up large blue green eyes; staring down at the girl who’s eyes were red from crying. So the girls issue was body insecurity, at least she realized that it was kind of a silly reason to cry. However if her insecurities were that severe; then perhaps the girl needed more friends…maybe she should send her over to the Bloody Mary….one didn’t stay insecure long there. Then again the girl did spurn any advice or help coming from her. Perhaps this was one just better left alone. Serai however made quick work of the sad girl; Yuki was up in the air and missing her top. Flashing her fun bags for all to see. Apparently Serai decided to take the position of wingcat for the old mage. ’Lookie there, doesn’t even need to pull them into his lap himself now.’

The large gorge hound made a grunt like laugh. It was short lived however when she picked up the quicken breathing of the Princess she brought. Was she nervous? Lucinda proceeded to make sure if anyone didn’t recognize her they did now. Aria blinked as a white snake came slithering into the area; and right into the water. Aria did hope that none of the ladies, or men here were squeamish about snakes. Considering one just slithered right into their bath. Curious Aria extended her mind out to the snake; only in time for a phioric to come charging in fully clothed to retrieve it. The conversation that happened next made the large gorge hound let out a bark of a laugh.

The sound of bones cracking and shifting could be heard as the large gorge hounds form shifted until a well-toned and curvy red headed woman stood in its place. The air ringing with the sound of her laughter. Aria ran a hand through her wet hair pushing it back from her slender scared face. Arias body spoke true to her god heritage; slender but well-endowed with womanly curves. Her skin pale in the moonlight; however marked with various images. On her forearm a black dagger; around her left leg a tattoo of a staff with a jagged blade curved up like a snake. On her back two tattoos of ornate chakrams sat hidden by her long hair which cascaded down past her hips. Her blue green eyes shifted to glance over at Lucinda from the corner of her eye.

”Now Lucinda; I hardly assured; I said I doubted anyone would be here. Quite clearly I can be wrong….as for you.”

Aria turned her gaze back to the snake whom was being held by the other phioric.

”She hardly can seem insane when I can understand you clear as day….now here is a curious question; why does the female body appeal to a being that is not even of the same species?”

Aria gave a nod of greeting to the woman who’s clothes were now soaked. Aria turned her attention to Adrain; always prepared he was.

”I’ll take some if you do not mind”

Once Aria had a glass in hand she floated over to a spot next to her fellow duchess. Sinking into the water to where only her head and drink was above water, with a happy sigh. The water doing wonders for her sore back muscles. Only returning to the conversation when Diamond she remembered Diamond had mentioned something about Yuki returning with them. Aria wasn’t particularly fond of the woman but she did agree it would be safer for her to return with them.

”Yuki; I do hope for the other baroness’s in Noku’s court or even the ones visiting, that information is accurate. Such accusations are sure to cause waves. For such an act would send one to the gallows; or be stripped of titles at best. However for your sake I do hope the truth to the matters are solved quickly; I imagine the situation is having a horrible impact on your day to day life.”

With all the drama surrounding the woman, Aria would not be surprised if the rest of the court were avoiding the girl like the plague. However by announcing it was another baroness committing such crimes in front of three high ranking nobles, but one of them being Nokus cousin. The matter was sure to escalate to higher ears; placing suspicious on many. Like a stone dropped in a placid lake, the ripples from such accusations could be far outreaching then one might first suspect. Already an ill effect could be seen from Diamonds own response on the matter. Nobles were supposed to be seen as officials that could help their people….not be viewed as some despicable beings…unfortunately not all nobles aided in keeping that image…hence the reason their punishments on such matters were so severe when it was discovered.

”Oh Diamond mentioned you coming back with us; that reminds me; where is Sakai this evening?”

[Deleted]

Ellaria released her grip on Crowley, and he slithered to wind himself back around her shoulders. She was in fact, receiving looks that one would give a mad person. When the man approached her, she did not respond immediately. She chose to stay silent while glancing him over, more suspiciously than appreciatively. Coming from where she had, nakedness was not uncommon, especially when one was transforming. Ellaria had seen all shapes and sizes of men and women. She took notice of petite girl standing behind the man who introduced himself as Adrain. When she spoke to Ellaria, she ignored her, but Crowley took the time to flick his tail in a sort of wave. "My, She seems friendly, and what cute face, so full of....Innocence. You shouldn't be so rude Elly, fresh start remember." He said, his ruby eyes staring right at the girl.

Ignoring Crowley as well, she finally spoke, her voice was flat, not friendly, but not quiet unfriendly either. "Thank you, but that won't be necessary, I have a spare change of clothes. I'll change and we will be on our way." She moved to get out of the water when she heard the sound of bones shifting and cracking, the large gorge hound that had smelled of Phioric, was transforming. She froze, her eyes widening as the woman spoke. She had understood Crowley. Only Elders could understand multiple animals, and those where a very select few. Why and Elder would be out here surrounded by humans, she didn't know, but being around another of her kind was making her skin crawl. Crowley however did not share in Ellaria's Anthropophobia.

"You know I have yet to figure it out myself, I find it is because I have been around more of them than my own kind. You see I've been with Elly since I was a mere hatching. That being said,  I must say Miss, you are quite the spectacle yourself. He said as he yet again made the snake like laughter.

Ellaria took this moment to unfreeze and make a rather inhuman like hiss at Crowley, before turning and speaking to the woman, she was already Unfit she didn't feel the need to go through formalities even if she was an Elder. But she would not accept being known as Elly. "My name is Ellaria, and this is my companion. Crowley. Now. If you will excuse us we will be taking our leave."

She turned, trudging out of the water, the task quiet difficult from the weight of her sodden clothes and bag. When she was finally out of the water She made her way to a near by brush large enough for her to change in. There, Crowley slithered down and coiled himself in a small pile a few feet away from her and started to fuss. "Ellaria Darling, I don't see why you insist on being so cold to people, especially these people. They are just trying to be friendly. Kind even. Again I say. We came to Nova for a fresh start. Why not open up make some friends?"

As Crowley spoke, Ellaria was crouched down, rummaging through her bag only to discover everything was completely drenched through and through. Even her drawing journal, the pages soaked, the charcoal smudged. She glared at him, for his words and for the fact that this whole situation was entirely his fault. If there was one thing she hate more than talking to people, it was asking for their help. Especially after she had just finished denying it. But there was no way she could make it into the city with her belongings in such a state. She sighed and muttered, "Damn it, fine. She pointed at him. "But I swear to gods! If you make a fool of yourself I will not save you. And if one of those girls go to kill you for being a perverted ass. I'll let them."

"Deal. Oh this is going to be so much fun. If only it weren't for those two brutes it be a complete Harem!" He was about to say more, but Ellaria once again galred at him and he silenced himself.

She stood, and began to undress herself, laying her clothes over her bag. Once finished, one could actually now see her curvy figure that had once been hidden by the layers of clothes and large cloak that she always wore. She then took two hair pins from a side pocket and wound her ebony strands into a messy bun on top of her head. Picking up her bag she glanced down at Crowley, "Common make yourself useful, I may be used to nudeness but I don't know these people, and I don't own a bathing suit. I don't want them to see me more naked than they have too." With that the large Python uncoiled himself and slithered up and over her body. Twining his body around her breasts and around her hips, his tail end hiding her front while his head lay upon her shoulder. She may not own a bathing suit, but a six foot python surely made up for it. With that picked up her bag and her ruined journal, emerging from the brush she had been in.

Ellaria stepped up to the edge of the springs, slightly embarrassed to come back after having stormed off so rudely. She cleared her throat glancing down at her bare feet. "My apologies if I came off as rude, I'll have to admit, I am not the best around people. But if the offer to help me get my belongings dry still stands, it would be greatly appreciated. It seems I did not think before jumping in and everything including my flint is wet. And I'll have to admit that I am not the best at starting fires."

[Deleted]

Serai creeps away from where a flustered Yuki might decide to take out her frustration on his pelt and curls up on the edge of the water opposite of where Yuki would end up. As Aria's comment rang through, the tiger let loose a slight chuckle. "It's a little unfair to hold that over him when he can't remember isn't it, I had forgotten about that myself til now.'

"It was no disturbance Lucinda, it's a public place and I did say I needed to come here the day we met, didn't I?" Adrain had said with a small laugh when Lucinda apologized. He couldn't help but keep a look on her for a moment, the princess radiant in the moonlight. When Yuki had scrambled off, he gave her a moment to compose herself, but conversation seemed to go back to kidnapping. He frowned for a moment as he picked up on the various pieces. He was aware of it, and it was one reason he was encouraging Yuki to become a mage, but perhaps he should engage in mana based martial arts training with her if it seemed like this threat would be one that continues yet. He hoped Yuki would at least use the amplifier to call him if she needed help.

At Melda's comment about a professional setting, he smiled softly with a soft chuckle. "It isn't the worst thing to meet new people under informal circumstances. There was an opportunity at one point a few years ago during one of the castle events when I was with a group from the Arch with the previous headmaster was mingling with the nobility and king regarding matters of progress and funding, but alas our paths did not cross that day. In any case, if you should want to meet some other time, I would be open to it." Adrain says, offering Melda the glass he had brought over once she had indicated that she wished for a glass. He nods at Diamond's response, understanding the need for professionalism.

As the pale woman quickly opted to leave initially, Adrain shrugged watching her walk off but noted the name when she identified herself to Aria. She had scampered off to the bushes, some cursing at the apparent snake audible faintly but not understandable. In the interim time between when Ellaria left and returned with her snake bathing suit, Adrain poured wine for Aria and anyone else who indicated they wanted to partake.

When the phioric returned, Adrain poured an extra glass and walked over to her, extending it as an offer. "Well you are meeting a sizable group of strangers in the dark for the first time, I wouldn't stress it. Just try to unwind a little, yeah?" he says with a smile to the phioric as he then climbed out after she said she was looking at least for help with drying her things. He walks over to a patch of ground about ten feet away from the edge of the water and holds his right hand up as white energy manifests around it, the mana in the air becoming active. A glyph is etched into the ground as the energy turns red and a sizable fire erupts within the glyph.

The mage then has his left hand stretch out the glyph making the fire a bit wider, before he switches the elemental affinity to earth as he lowered the ground enough while raising the edge at the top to make an improvised fire pit. Granted conventional wisdom would reverse the order but Adrain was wet and cold! He needed the heat a little quicker! Once he was done, he turns to Ellaria as he walked back. "There you go, just lay your stuff out when you're ready." he says entering the water once more.

After that effort, Adrain returned to the water near to where Lucinda and Yuki had been camping and sits on the edge once more, soaking for a moment, watching those around for a moment before allowing himself to relax once more.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda didn’t hear Yuki’s admission to Aria about her bodily insecurities. All she saw was a somewhat socially awkward girl petting a tiger, and Aria being a bit of a goofball which made her smile. She watched, amused, as Serai suddenly flipped the girl with her landing right in Adrain’s lap, and worked to hide her laughter. Yuki blushed redder than Lucinda ever had, which made her feel much better about the incident in the magic shop.

Her amusement quickly faded though as Yuki answered Diamond’s question about the kidnapping. The princess raised a delicate brow, giving the young baroness a very stern look. Lucinda didn’t have to say anything though. Aria got right to the matter at hand and the princess nodded her agreement. It was dangerous to go around spreading such things, no matter how much ‘evidence’ there was to prove or disprove such claims. It was not becoming of any noble to behave in such a way, as if they were a group of old ladies gossiping for lack of proper entertainment.

Lucinda relaxed back into the water and turned her attention to Melda. “I am glad to know that you are well, despite any such incidents that might have bothered you,” she said, smiling. When Melda asked about what had brought her back, she thought for a moment, taking the time to choose her words carefully. “I needed a break from Palico and my brother,” she explained, a bit vaguely, and shrugging.

She accepted the offered wine from Adrain with a quiet thanks, blushing only slightly as his gaze lingered. Lucinda took a sip and then looked at Aria when she mentioned that she said they might be alone, rolling her eyes in a mock gesture of annoyance before grinning. “It looks as if you were wrong, but it’s not a bad thing so you are forgiven,” she said, laughing.

The collective attention of the group was drawn to the new addition. A somewhat young looking phioric with a snake friend. Lucinda watched, amused, looking very much like her Uncle in that moment, and sipping her wine as the scene unfolded.

The girl seemed rattled but at least she introduced herself before stomping off into the bushes, only to return a moment later after much muttering and shaking of leaves. The snake, which had also been introduced, assisted in helping the girl to cover herself but still left hardly anything to the imagination. Then again, Lucinda herself hadn’t left anything at all, so she supposed it was a step up. “Greetings, then, Ellaria and welcome to Nova. Thank you for joining us, I hope you find our company pleasant enough. My name is Lucinda,” she said, giving a simple introduction and not bothering with her formal title.

Adrain’s welcome went a step further to actually assist the girl with a make shift fire pit to help dry her clothes. Lucinda smiled then remembered he’d asked her a question. “Yes, you did mention needing to come here, but that doesn’t mean you wanted to be bothered. Still, I’m glad you’re not. This is a nice little gathering we have here, after all, and such a lovely view for this time of night,” the princess commented. “Perhaps, since some of us arn’t well acquainted, we could play a game of truths. That is, if it is agreeable to our new friends here? Ellaria,Crowley? ” Lucinda suggested, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief.

[Yuki D'Avranches]

Yuki was thankful that Melda and Adrain silents on the matter of her kidnapping. Other than Diamond who was more concerned about her it seemed to her that Lucinda based on her reaction to her mention having found out that it was someone else in the court that wanted her gone. Aria's comment didn't help much either, taking a deep breath she wasn't going to let it affect her much since she was used the questioning looks, of people thinking that she only wanted to cause trouble for others. Wanting to remind strong she took slow deep breaths not wanting to comment on the situation of her current day to day life.


She just nodded her head agreeing that she would have one of them accompany her back to the castle. Doing her best to remind polite since she didn't want to return to the castle with Aria not even if she was the last person on this earth, she would rather drown in the springs than try once again to get along with Aria. "Thank you offer Aria but you don't have to if you don't wish. I could always return with Melda and Diamond if they are okay with me accompanying them." Doing her best to remind polite, the only down side is that she didn't want to return home that night, after how it came about that she ended up at the springs she knew that upon returning home she would either be in for possible beating with her luck. "As for Sakai he was given the evening off before the circumstances changed."


Not wanting to explain anymore about why she was without her guard. Honestly the only person she felt comfortable talking about her at home drama was Adrain and she didn't need anyone else to know about her home life and hell that she had to suffer all years.


Now fully recovered from blushing like a school girl, she noticed that her top was missing. Oh now she was really going to skin Serai and turn him into a nice fur coat, maybe she will give the Serai coat to Adrain as a midwinter present. Moving her arms to cover her chest as she sank into the water futher with just the top of her chest visable now.


The snake woman was a nice distraction for her, giving her more time to compose herself, Crowley flicking his tail in a wave made her giggle. Even if snakes were not cute it was still adorable to see him wave at her, returning the wave noticing that he was looking at her. Flashing a bright smile at Ellaria, before she left the springs, to change into none soaked clothes.


During this time she accepted the wine taking a sip, praying it would help keep her from turning into a blushing mess. Again she swore that the Divine Beings had it against her that night, not even moments later Ellaria returned, taking up the offer to get her belongings dry and join them in the springs. Oh she was so personally going to write a letter to Ai wondering if she had it all planned as she watched Adrain get out of the springs.


From the water the light shone, on his hair the water droplets shining like stars, caused her to turn once again bright ruby. If anything it reminded her a little of the first night they truly met as she watched him make the glyph and the fire following his command, as the fire pit was made. She was about to turn away when he turned and faced them, it was some thing when he was in the water but now that he was standing it was worst.


Quickly ducking under the water getting the hair once again fully wet, as she came up. Her mind whispering that she needed to get it together, and not let her emotions control her, repeating this over and over in her mind for a few seconds. The distraction of the game of truths made her a tiny bit nervous, she never gotten a chance to play it because of her up bring but she heard of the game and wasn't sure she was going to be comfortable playing it, for fear someone might ask something more personal than she would like to answer.


"I don't mind playing." Her voice soft and meek now, deciding to take another sip of the wine. No matter what she vowed to not turn into a blushing mess no matter what questions were thrown her way. 

[Deleted]

No drama. She kept repeating that to herself through the commotion of chatter and new people. Yuki made claims against another noble, which caused Melda’s eyebrow to twitch angrily. She had large opinions on this topic, and it was becoming very difficult to remain quiet on it. However, Aria stepped up, once becoming human again, and said most of the things that were flying around Melda’s mind. She managed a sincere smile to Adrain as he handed her the glass of wine she’d requested. She wasn’t a lightweight, but part of her hoped to get silly on the liquid so not to be worried with all the appearances of a noble. Though she knew it wasn’t the best idea around their current company.

Yes, that is true. However for a noble, it is more often than not that informal situations cause rumours and unlikely stories to spread about. Let’s hope this isn’t one of them. Melda raised her glass to her lips before continuing. The castle is a busy place when one is here for business. It is not surprising that our paths did not cross, when I likely avoided that entire wing of it. Though I may take you up on that offer. She nodded her head and turned her attention back to the pale snake girl. She didn’t really care what was going on with this situation, but closing her eyes and drifting off was probably a bad idea around certain people.

Lucinda’s voice caught her ears again, and she shifted her eyes to the young blonde, smiling. Yes, thank you. And well, you’re welcome for any reason, you know that. She smiled and touched the princess’s shoulder with the meaning of a mother. Somehow between the troublesome red head and the princess, she’d taken on motherly habits and it was quite odd for her.

Diamond then offered Yuki to travel with them home, and though it was without consult to his boss, Melda could not disagree with the choice. Yuki shouldn’t be traveling through such dangerous woods at such an hour in this cold season— or any season. Whichever you choose, just be sure not to go alone. It’s highly irresponsible for a woman your age and stature. Don’t be so reckless please. Melda chastised her for even leaving the castle without someone accompanied her. Where was her guard? The young girl would give Melda a migraine if she lingered on the subject any longer.

Melda had barely noticed when the girl and snake had departed, but apparently they had decided to return, welcomed by Adrain and Lucinda. If the girl turned her eyes to Melda, she would nod her greeting, but nothing more. She did not need to add to the sea of “join us”’s, nor did she care to. Upon Lucinda’s idea of a game of truths, Melda’s stomach felt as though it dropped into her feet. Her already flushed face felt tingly, and she glanced a tad frantically to Aria then Diamond. She took a large sip of the wine, and decided to not answer. The group would choose to or not without her input, she had no doubts of that. Even if she said no, she had a large feeling the current company would just try to persuade her to play regardless. She should have chosen another night to come out here, this was turning out into a bigger problem than relaxation. A woman her age should not be partaking in such trivial games.

[Deleted]

Diamond did stay within earshot of everyone at the spring, the mercenary went about to collect firewood while listening to everyone there. Although it seemed that Aria was being nice and trying to offer some friendly advice. Perhaps a bit harsh on Yuki but it was not his place with the majority of nobles. Although that stopped when Adrian had desided to cast a fire spell for a bonfire. The white haired mercenary wanted to shoot the man a dirty look. He was not anti-social, but was trying to do his job in a sense and sighed. Diamond then came back over and just sat by the group. Then the princess had desided to do a party game of truth or dare and he had to sigh a bit. This was not what he signed up for. Perhaps regreting the offer of wine now, since this turn of events happened. As he sat down though he saw the snake lady had covered herself with her own pet or familure. Diamond could not tell at all at the moment though "Eh whatever on the game.....Damn I need to find something stronger to drink" he said going to relinquish his fate to this situation. Diamond had thought it would be a rather easy night for himself but it seemed that if Aria was going to be there not too far off chaos was going to happen.

[Deleted]

Aria tilted her head to the side as the other phiorics eyes widened and she looked at her as though she had just suddenly grew two heads. Her attention returned back to the snake who politely answered her question as to how a snake could be attracted to another species. A chuckle escaping her lips when the snake commented on her own appearance.

”Why thank you Crowley; I’ll take that as a compliment coming from you.”

Aria looked back to his companion Elly as he called her; Elly quickly corrected the name that the snake had called her and supplied her real one. Aria nodded her head in greeting.

”A pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Ellaria; I’m Aria Wurud”

It would seem the other phioric wanted to take their leave; as they walked off Aria turned her attention back to the others. A smile appearing on her face when Serai responded to her ’Well it will be something I will find hard to forget; I fussed for months afterward because of how awkward things felt between us after that.’ Aria tuned into the rest of the conversation that was going on around the spring and nodded in agreement with Adrain. Meeting someone during an informal event did have its uses. Aria’s features melted into an emotionless mask when Lucinda moved the subject to her brother; it was one thing to express her strong dislike for him in a more private setting. But in such a public location; and with a baroness who seemed prone to gossip. She dared not shed any opinion on the matter. She let out a small cough; to get Lucinda’s attention; even she had shared a bit too much. If it got back to Silas his sister was avoiding him….even she might have some trouble. Aria welcomed Yuki’s change of subject regarding the invitation to join them.

”I plan on returning back with the Duchess and her guard; but really Miss Yuki I do not mind if you join our group. I know we don’t have the best relationship but I certainly wouldn’t allow someone to go into the forest at night defenseless…. I know what’s out in these woods.”

Aria tilted her head at Yuki; circumstances? It would seem she dismissed her guard only to have need of him….But she would not pry; after all the baroness had a loose mouth if this was something she was vague about then it probably should not be spoken of in such a public location. Aria smiled and nodded towards the other phioric when they returned; moving over to make more room for the phioric to sit in the baths. Aria blinked when Lucinda then announced she wanted to play a game…she stared at the girl blankly…..was this the wisest of decisions??

[Deleted]

Ellaria looked at the glass of wine skeptically before Crowley chastised her, again, Really, you're going to turn down wine? Of all things? Are you really going to be that much of a stick in the mud?

Ellaria grumbled in Crowley's direction and took the glass, "Thank you for the wine, and for helping me." She then watched in mild amusement as she sipped the drink. She had never really watched a mage before. The concept of mana confused the hell out of her, so seeing someone manipulate mana in action was interesting. Once he was finished she thanked him again and began setting her things out to dry, taking care to set her journal out as well, hoping that at least a few of the pages were salvageable.

When she was finished she returned to the water wine glass in hand. Crowley urging her to loosen a few of her strings a bit and relax. She really did not want to sit by the Phioric who introduced herself as Aria. Quite frankly it terrified her. She had become self-conscious around her own race. But she had decided to take her companions advice. Maybe she did need to branch out more. So with a sigh and a healthy sized gulp of wine she sat down in the space provided for her. She felt Crowley loosen slightly, "Crowley I swear to all of the gods, if you move from around me, I'll have a new waterproof bag made out of albino snake skin. Got it?"

Crowley hissed "Stick in the mud." She ignored him and attempted a smile at Lucinda who had addressed them, "I might be willing to play, if I knew what the Game of Truths was. If I'm being honest I've never really, She took another sip of wine, slightly embarrassed, "I've never really had friends to play games with, so. If you wouldn't mind explaining it, it could be interesting."

Crowley took this moment to start talking, animatedly, as if everyone in the springs could understand him. "No kidding, this girls best friend is a snake. A SNAKE! And that was before I came into the picture. She's over two hundred years old and her first and only friend is me. It's sad really. I've been trying, but what can I do when no one can understand me but her." Ellaria's eyes widened and her pale cheeks flushed to the color of her eyes. No one else could understand him, but Aria could and that was enough for her to want to crawl out of the springs and throw herself into the fire that was drying her things.

[Deleted]

"Of course milday, I look forward to when we have a meeting that better matches your expectations." Adrain replies to Melda's comment on taking up the offer for a meeting another time. She would be a fascinating woman to speak with, at least assuming she would be less clammed up in what Adrain could only presume would be closed doors setting.

Adrain nodded when Lucinda showed positivity about the fact a number of people were here. The idea of playing a 'game of truths' could be interesting and yet scary at the same time. His eyes glanced around to where a couple of people responded affirmatively with Melda seemingly showing disdain in her body language. Hopefully the duchess would be able to lay low if she wasn't that interested in participating. His own answer, he'd just nod.

Diamond seemed to glare at him for starting a fire with mana, which made the mage feel slightly guilty but at the same time it seemed the most prudent course at the time. He'd have to give the merc a drink on him later if they ever did hang out at the bar some time down the road.

Yuki's latest fawning when he was out of the water wasn't noticed, but when he returned to near Yuki, his eyes happened to catch the fact that her top had actually ripped at some point after Serai flipped her, and his eyes caught a glance of her young, petite bosom. He averted his eyes since Yuki was easily excitable tonight, but what was seen could not be unseen (not that he necessarily wanted to).

When Yuki seemed to protest or argue the nature of how she'll return, he briefly placed his hand on her thigh to get her attention, withdrawing it once he had her attention. "You know, if you do return with Aria and Lucinda, you could perhaps sell it to anyone who might bother you that you were spending time with fellow nobles, which is something that might help you by chance. In any case, I will go with you if there is a complete discomfort yet."

As Ellaria seemed to argue with her snake, he chuckled slightly. He sort of which he had the phioric gift of speaking with animals. He took a note to ask Aria later about the details. He nodded at her earlier show of appreciation, the mage having a quieter round this time, content to listen for the most part.



Serai shrugged at Aria's retort. 'He was a bit dumber then, but he did care about you quite a bit. You know he was sort of sheltered with all that mage training. In any case, you would have been preferable to Karina in my opinion, at least you treated me like an equal.' the large cat speaks before curling up and watching the rest around them.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda chose to stay quiet on the matter concerning Yuki, her kidnapping, her returning to the castle, her leaving the castle without a body guard. Basically all things Yuki related. If the girl wanted to sully her name, well, that was her business as she seemed not to want to take advice or help from any of the higher ranked nobles here. Besides, Lucinda had noticed her wine was gone and its place, a pleasant sort of buzz about her head.

She smiled warmly at Melda and nodded. "The castle is very large, so its entirely probably. I've only been back a few days, after all, and I've been quite busy," she returned. She caught Aria's gaze and realized her slip, saying nothing more on the topic. It would not do well for Silas to hear that his sister was displeased with him, not that he didn't know that of course, but no body else needed to. She stared at her empty glass a moment, a bit longingly, before setting it aside and sighing. No more wine for her.

Some of the group seemed to take her suggestion of a game with a token of unease, but it provided a good distraction from her earlier mistake. "Well, if not everyone is comfortable with the idea then perhaps not. My apologies. Usually, it's a good way for people to get to know each other but it really depends on what rules are set," she explained, shrugging. Lucinda resolved to behave the remainder of the evening. She settled back into the water, carefully sinking in just enough to cover herself properly, and resting her head on the bank behind her.

[Yuki D'Avranches]

Once Adrain had returned to the water Yuki rested her head against his, not once thinking what the simple action might make people think of the relationship between the two. It was comfortable and allowed her to relax her mind since coming to the springs. The only thing that would have made it better is if everyone else had left the issue of her returning to the castle until later on when everyone was leaving.


Nodding her at Melda understanding that it was a reckless action on her part but her staying home in her opinion would have been dangerous to her life than a walk in the woods. Feeling a hand on her thigh she looked up at Adrain understanding what he said she only nodded her head knowing there wasn't much a choice in the manner of how she would be returning home. Turning to face Aria, "Then as long as you are fine with me accompanying your group I'll return to the castle with everyone."


Returning her head to its previous position on Adrain's shoulder she watched well more listened to Crowley hissed at Ellaria. All she could tell was that he seemed quick verbal about whatever he was complaining about which brought a light giggle to her lips.


The game of truths seemed to have shut down was quickly was it was brought up. She wasn't much for games to beginning with having never really had anyone to truly play with after that happened to her sister. Moving a bit closer to Adrain, letting her arm loop between him as she adjusted her body once again. Closing her eyes letting her body fully relax since coming to the springs, her breathing slowing down only slightly as she starts to drift into light peaceful sleep something that she haven't been able to get in what felt like years.

[Deleted]

Melda bowed her head with a smile in return to Adrains comment. As do I. She raised her glass to him, before turning her attentions elsewhere. Melda had heard Diamond say something about a fire, so seeing Adrain poof one into existence had Melda watching Diamond curiously for his reaction. She held in a smirk to see that the mage had ticked him off slightly. All well, what’s done is done. When he commented on drinking, Melda laughed lightly. Look all you like, I doubt you’ll find something strong enough for your tastes. Melda tipped her glass to him, flaunting the fact that she could get drunk a lot easier than he.

Melda watched the interactions between Aria and this new woman, and Melda almost wanted to ask why the girl looked so utterly terrified by Aria. She wasn’t that scary looking. However, Melda had promised to not get involved, - to herself - and she was going to keep that promise.

When Lucinda mentioned her game, Melda had realized she had not been the only iffy one on the matter. It is a clever idea dear, but such a game, in a mixture with drinks and such a variety of people… it can lead to many interesting destinations, some of which aren’t quite up to par with how people should behave in a public setting… Perhaps another night? Melda felt bad that her suggestion had fallen through; she was only trying to liven up the rather awkward evening, and honestly, Melda couldn’t think of an idea herself.

It seemed decided that Yuki would be joining them home, and that fact lifted a small amount of stress off of Melda’s shoulders. She would no longer have to check her chambers in the morning to see if she made it home safely.

Diamond, are you sure you don’t wish to join us? The water is quite nice. Melda turned her body to look at him, and lifted herself up on a rock, leaning forward on it with her shoulders, while her lower body stayed in the water. It breeze, though cold, felt nice in contrast.

[Deleted]

"Sorry........I'm out of my element here" Diamond said nicely as he was not use to dealing with a lot of nobles in a social setting. Since he was on the job on this one though and was not sure how to act. But went back to what he did in these situations. Either train or meditate while his employer was doing things. Perhaps it would be best if he combined the two in this situation. The white haired mercenary went into one of his pouches and had several gems in his hands. He closed his eyes and started to meditate and let his mind go. As it did the crystals began to float about and change shape in time with his breathing. Again he was not feeling socialable as most of what was going on was with his boss and most of the noble women there accept the mage and the other woman that was there with the snake. Something was agitating him but was not sure what it was though. He just tried to clear his mind on that matter. Perhaps he would be getting some better inner peace with himself.