Making Music (Aria)

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity listened carefully as Aria spoke of Noku. She remembered a conversation she’d had months ago now, where she’d referred to herself as Noru, and had always wondered since then if they really were family, and not just playing the part. Not that it concerned her at the moment, that information wasn’t something she needed to know; and it was probably better she didn’t, for the sake of secrets if someone ever tried to force it out of her; she honestly didn’t know. Jose’s response was just as caring of the king, both seeming to have a bond with him; it was strange for Jose however. Serenity never understood how someone could feel so attached to someone like the king, when it was likely that they’d never even met. Yet kingdoms were always devastated when one died. Serenity held in a sigh. She supposed that though process was just more proof that this world was not her origin.

Serenity thought over Jose’s words. It must take a large tole on ones mind to know the future but have no way to change it. Sure he probably got lucky once or twice and was able to avoid the problem, but having to personally speak to the king every time? She doubted he’d ever get the opportunity. After years of dealing with that, it really must alter ones perception on things; even knowing the future, some things are inevitable.

Through their conversation, Serenity did what was expected of her job and sat quietly, only observing. However when things turned back the topic of her shoes; thankfully, her feet were like ice— she watched Aria wave her hand, a small smile forming on her face after. Well when people ask to see my shoes, it isn’t normally for magical purposes, how was I supposed to know you wanted them on still? She laughed, taking the back and hiking her skirts up once more to put them back on, taking a moment to lace them up. Ohhh… thank you Lady Aria. Thank feels so much better! She grinned at her boss, curling her toes in her boots over and over, loving the feel against the warmth. Jose’s coat was still around her, but the slight chill still in the air made her decide to keep it on for the time being; he’d get it back before they departed. Serenity flattened out her skirts again, noticing in the corner of her eye as Jose watched her. She held in a smile yet again, her face staying blank this time; this guy was to easy! She had a feeling she could get anything she wanted out of this one with the right dress.

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Once the women were properly satisfied with their temperatures and seating, Jose thought it to be high time to answer Serenity's earlier question about his gifts. He adjusted his weight in the chair and splayed both palms downward against the wooden table, fingers reaching wide and looked to both the ladies with a resentful smile.

" Now that no one is endangered from the cold I believe I should explain myself a bit, hmm?" Jose rolled back his shoulders and pulled his arms back towards himself and seemed to be searching for where to start.


" I am a decedent to a line of a very powerful and misfortunate people. Since beyond any measure of recordable time my ancestors have been born with the gift of sight, and in that once the age of maturity is reached visions of the distant past and recent future begins to fill their head. When doom is to befall them or a loved one they see what horror is to come, and if they are not careful they can be sucked into the memories of those around them if one is pondering upon such things. But this gift of course holds its own limitations and asks its own price for such abilities; if I were to see a memory of your past I cannot discuss the matter with anyone beyond you-the same is said for the future-and every vision leaves its own brand of hell to shake through the prophet- a migraine here, a bloody nose there. " A bitter laugh divulged from his pink mouth as he continued. " And the only futures I am to see are if they lead to destruction...this can allow me to try to alter what is to come but it is never a pretty thing to behold even if the events never come to light. I am clairvoyant to calamities to put it simply. " 

With his little speech ended he simmered back the gloom for the moment and a tiny, nearly sheepish grin enveloped his lips;

" I pray I have not turned into someone to fear speaking with, the visions are never concrete-we may be our own end but we can see it fit to be only the beginning. " 

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Aria nodded agreeing; from her short time here Noku had treated her very well; he even surprised her by including her in the family gift giving…and all the family luncheons now that she thought about it. He even let two strangers in on the family secret when she was depressed. Aria frowned when it seemed those who wanted to protect Noku most were sent away…she made a mental note of it to see how many more of the royal guard had been dispersed in such a way. As he continued on Aria nodded; the wheels in her head already turning.

Her gaze turned back to her handmaiden when she mentioned not knowing whether or not she should have kept her shoes on. ”Oh no, you were right to take them off. Better safe than sorry; while I’m confident that I could heat up your shoes without making your toes extra crispy why take the chance? If I’m going to permanently maim someone I rather it be on purpose rather than as an accident.” Aria smiled sweetly. She was serious about rather being safe than sorry; she would never forget burning off half of Zepons face when she was younger…then he ate her friend….but still safe rather than sorry was the way to go for things like this.

Aria sat back in her chair; running her hands over her braid as she listened to Jose explain about his power. Steam rising from her hair as she deiced it. Her face blanking when he mentioned that he could be sucked into memories if a person was pondering on one…….did he just see her memory of her punching/burning the god of deaths face off….. well he did lick her….but still. There was a bit of relief as he mentioned he could only discuss it with the person. However, she didn’t know if she liked the fact someone could share in her memories; not many of them were pleasant. Plenty of them were bordering on messed up. She didn’t like her dirty laundry to be aired about.

She continued to remain silent as he explained the consequences of his powers; her eyes softening when he talked about visions of the future…and them not being concrete. Coming from the future herself…well she could relate in a way. ”I do not envy your power; I suppose that would explain what happened earlier….” Well she had been thinking about the other guards when she had felt the intrusion. Aria leaned forward placing her elbows on the table and her chin in her hands. A mischievous smile spreading across her face. ”Well considering what you saw; any chance I can convince you to slide some curdled milk into a few individuals’ shoes?” Aria fluttered her eyelashes. Trying to lighten the mood…however she was serious about the prank.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity nodded at Aria’s words, happy she’d taken them off then. She would rather her feet stay un crispy, if she could help it. Honestly, that doesn’t surprise me in the least. Serenity sighed to Aria. She seemed mildly vindictive. 

As Jose began, Serenity leaned back in her chair, turning her face entirely to him as he spoke. His words were heavy, and Serenity’s face was sombre as he went on, sad that he had to bare such a burden. When he was finished, her brow was furrowed. If he saw a persons memory, he could not speak of it to anyone but the person- same for their future… but he only saw their future if they were headed towards destruction… How utterly devious! Serenity couldn’t imagine dealing with such things!

Her eyes were cast away from his, not knowing how to properly respond to his words; she wasn’t frightened by him in any means, but she wasn’t comfortable with him being able to pick at her mind if she was so focused on something. It was eerie. Aria’s voice brought her out of her thoughts, and her head turned up to face the other red head, though she would only be confused further. Serenity had not been there when the two had first run into each other, nor did she know the memory.

Come now, there’s no need for that… but Mr. Herrara, I must agree with Lady Aria… I do not envy you for that, and in fact, I feel quite sorry that you are burdened with such a magic. She looked to him, her eyes genuinely sad for him, but her lips pursed tight, not so how to proceed after that. Lightening the mood would not come easy for her, but then again, it was not her that was the priority. She was here for work, nothing more. 

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With a reserved expression scrawled against his features, he sat back and listened as they processed all which he had just told them and their own side conversation. A smirk pulled up the side of his lip as they spoke of crispy flesh and the like-magic here was a finicky thing and even those whom mastered its way knew to proceed with it with upmost caution. Following along with carefulness in mind, a vortex in his head began to open up as Aria thought upon memory, but he closed his eyes and mentally shoved the pull away-attempting to not invade another’s privacy if he could help it. He could tell it was Aria’s memories that shouted at him to have a look-each individual had a special stamp to their brainwaves but Jose was having a good day for him so he was strong enough to stave off the lure of her mind. He could tell that particular ability made Aria uncomfortable- but then again who was comfortable with a stranger rooting about one’s mind?

When they were speaking of magic and boots some more he kept his lips stilled, only to open them when the Duchess turned her attention back to the man. He nodded his head slightly forward to the remarks about not envying his power-nobody did, and his was his cross to bare-then spoke, a mischievous grin also consuming his face as he knew exactly of which Aria spoke of;

“ Oh that would be my most absolute pleasure! Gods know some of them brutes need a shoe full of muck to loosen them up here and there. No convincing is necessary, just say when and I will strike out to protect thine lady’s honour! ” He laughed at the end of his words but the look in eyes said that he too was serious, and even more so about upholding Aria’s honour. She may be newly met to him but already she had displayed actions that made her admirable and he wondered to himself if she was in need of a personal guard-she was new to the Royal ranks so it was possible one had yet to be assigned to her.  

As Serenity displayed her feelings towards the matter, and her pleading eyes held much anguish for him within, he itched to take up her hand and ensure her it was nothing he could not handle-but that was not appropriate so he settled for his own beseeching gaze that swirled with gratitude for her concern.

“ Never fear Miss. Caine, I know no other way to live and have prepped for this gift since I could understand it. Do not feel sorry for me, the visions are just minor bumps in my daily routine-that is why I like to surround myself with such beauteous things,|” He waved to his surroundings and the two woman before him, eyes lingering on Serenity’s face.

“ The light that can burn from a blooming rose or a gorgeous face can eradicate the darkness at hand. So…thank you for sharing your presence and laughter. ” He said this in regards to both women, and held a cheery yet sincere tone to his voice. He had not meant for the room to turn to gloom but he was used to zipping in-between that and merriment so it was effortless for him to not get dragged down by it.

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Aria could only grin in response to Serenity saying that it didn’t surprise her in the least. It was true she could be a bit vindictive. That and she learned her temper tantrums from the best. Her grin only growing when Jose didn’t even hesitate to take her up on her suggestion. A laugh escaping her as he did so with such enthusiasm. Seriously where was he almost a year ago? ”I fully agree Mr. Herrara, meet me in the kitchens before first light. I have a wonderful recipe for a good foul muck.” Aria looked over at Serenity when she said there probably wasn’t a need. ”When I was arrested for having contact with woman who tried to assassinate Noku; and this contact was me being punched in the face by said person, I was brought to the dungeons. During which I had anti magic chains placed on my neck, wrists, and ankles. The shackle on my neck was chained to the prison wall which also was a high security anti magic cell. Each were tight enough to eventually draw blood. I never had less than three guards at a time which all handled me roughly to the point where I was covered in bruises with their finger prints. When I brought it up to their captain I was so politely told that he praised his men for not doing more considering what I could do.” Serenity had little knowledge of what happened before the execution. It wasn’t something she usually talked about. However seeing how Jose knew it was unfair to leave Serenity out. Though Jose didn’t know why she had been imprisoned in the first place.



”Serenity I don’t recall if you were there; but do you remember the woman who declared that anyone who had contact with the woman named Claire be arrested and tried? And then turned the whole thing into a fated hunt? Basically she painted each fated as a person who was out to kill the king and conspire against him. That day I spoke out; someone needed to be a physical example that those words were not true and give them pause to think. I do not doubt if I had not there would have been a riot out in that square; and I hoped I was distraction enough for those who were fated to get out and make themselves scares. That day I was arrested for only having spoken to Claire only briefly and then I was treated with cruelty that I described. Not for what I had done but for what I might be able to do. That is why those guards deserve some really nasty muck in their shoes.” Aria spoke calmly as she described the situation. Serenity knew somewhat what happened after; during the execution where Kail had tried to kill her for ‘turning’ on the fated. Along with her efforts going forward after that event. ”I do say I do find it amusing that I was so feared; even after I was the only champion who used words rather than physical force to claim my champion title. No one even knew I could turn into a dragon then”



Aria nodded when he asked that no pity be placed on him; she did understand being groomed for a situation and just accepting what was dealt to you. No point in worrying about it if you couldn’t change it. ”Well if my nose does not betray me I’m about to share more than that” Aria nodded as the servant she had tipped came back with a cart of food. Three plates filled with roasted herbed chicken, rice, and various vegetables were then set upon the table along with silverware. Aria once more produced a couple of coins and tipped the servant for their trouble. When they left Aria turned back to the group. ”Dinner’s on me tonight; plus I’m hungry and hate eating alone in front of company”

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity was shaking her head as the two agreed on a time and place for the prank; honestly they were children. When Aria turned to her and started speaking, Serenity’s face went from “A prank, really?” to “Oh…Shit…”. I hadn’t been aware of that… Actually I hadn’t been aware you had been arrested at all; why don’t I know that? Her face changed once more to a “God Dammit Aria” type of tone, mostly forced, not wanting to keep the subject dark, though she realized how heavy the subject was.

Aria went on to a topic Serenity had hoped would never come up. I remember the day… and the woman. Kail wouldn’t shut up about her afterwards… Her face went dark, the screams of the people she blew up resurfacing once again, as they did every so often. Okay, fair enough. That gives you more than enough reason. She nodded, blinking once or twice to clear her mind.

It would have been nice to know back then actually; may have saved a lot of trouble, looking back now... Serenity offered a small smile, trying to lift them back up and make herself forget what had been drugged up.

Her face returned to Jose’s, hearing her name. If you say so. You must live quite the luxurious life then, for a guard. Serenity, darkened by the conversation was not as flirtatious as before, but did believe him when he spoke.

The subject of food had Serenity’s mouth watering; she hadn’t eaten in hours. She nodded respectfully to her boss as everything was placed before them. Thank you very much, you’re incredibly gracious.

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A wiry grin unfolded against his lips “ I will be there!” He may be a part of the guard but the mistreatment and lack of personal judgement was appalling to Jose and it would feel so good to knock those immoral men down a few notches. Force is needed when dealing with hostiles or any sort of prisoner but it gives no right to leave your mark upon a person, especially one who posed no real threat. Sure, she held great magic in her veins but there were appropriate responses and inappropriate responses to such matters and they had acted outlandishly and it make Jose ticked off. They were supposed to be the protectors of the realm, a keeper of peace and someone to turn to when things when wrong, not a symbol of brutality or fear-if you can’t trust your protectors that is how an uprising can start.

As Aria spoke of what Jose had already seen, a flash of anger began to bubble up in his stomach-how could Noku condone such behavior out of his men? Sure Jose had been gone for a year but in that time his comrades shouldn’t have turned to such brutish dispositions, didn’t they understand their job? He shook his head in quiet frustration, he did not like to be counted among their lot if they went about beating up nobility and the like. Again, he did understand the need to be cautious and when their king is threatened the roughness can be ramped up a bit but never to this point, not without appropriate cause.

The frustration only grew as she went on as to why she had been arrested in the first place; she had been trying to keep the peace and willfully surrendered, what was wrong with his fellow men?! No brain power or judgement skills it would seem. As Kail and Claire came up and the destruction that was wrought with it Jose thought his face would crack from the concealed anger that kept bubbling up- he had seen what they all spoke of even though he was miles and miles away at the time of their happening. What good was he if all he could be was a witness? It made no sense to him and so he let out a low breath, pushing out the anger, Jose battled the frustration daily and could wonder what it would be like to actually have his gift work out for him for once. He only “hmm’d” and “haa’d” as they discussed the trials the capitol had recently faced. He wasn’t there so he felt he had no right to an input. He only knew what had happened from the stories and his visions.

The anger fully dissipated at Aria’s last remark about turning into a dragon and a bark of laughter fell from his lips; “ You a scaly beast? That is something to see! But you’d think with an ability like that you’d do more than slide goop into the brutalizers shoes!” He was joking of course, he didn’t wish anyone true harm but if she could become a dragon it would be priceless to see the other guards shit themselves at her presence. Jose held an amused expression as he thought about them quivering in their boots as the Aria-dragon he mentally whipped up roared at them. But despite her fiery nature it seemed that fighting and scare tactics was nothing she was about; she won’t feed the fear He thought to himself, and again she gained more respect from him.

Serenity seemed to be dipped in the gloom of past travesties and it upset him that it affected her so; he kept his tone light and smiled kindly at her and responded when she spoke to him. “Luxuries are what you make them out to be; to a peasant a loaf of bread is of great worship and I like to take that road every day I can-appreciating the little gifts and the light of every speckle of the day. Wash yourself in the right and the wrongness of life can be turned away. This world will make it up to you as long as you hang on long enough to see that day.”

Jose sniffed the air when Aria mentioned the food and was pleased by the array set before them.
“ You are so kind Lady Wurud, I thank you very much. Everything looks delicious.” He eyed his plate with deep gratitude and longing-it really did smell and appear delectable and he had yet to eat since midday so it welcome indeed. He did not touch the food however, just awaited for Aria to begin so he may dive into his own plate as was custom.

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Aria’s expression softened at Serenities response, a small smile appearing on her face when her tone changed to that more of an accusing one. ”To be fair; I believe you saw me in chains brought in with the rest of the prisoners set to be executed that day or so after I was brought in. I thought you would have put two and two together. My apologies I will not make assumptions like that again” Arias tone turned more to playful teasing. After all she really didn’t think Serenity was so unobservant as to miss the obvious on a general basis. As Serenity went on to the other part of the subject and about how Kail hadn’t shut up about her. Causing Aria to run a hand across her face….of course blondie would attach himself to Claire. They were practically cut from the same cloth. ”Claire was and is an ijit my opinion; while I do not believe that she out right planned to attack Noku. Honestly I would place good money that she misread a situation and acted violently. However the fact of the matter is she did attack and injure Noku with full attempts to kill him….considering the wound was right on his temple. I fully believe she needed to accept the consequences of her actions.”

Aria sighed and propped her chin in hand and elbow on the table while she picked at her food. She wondered how Core was doing wither. She did miss him terribly. Aria pulled her attention back to Serenity; she may be her handmaiden but there was a lot that the red head did not know about her…and visa versa. She would have to mend that soon; perhaps after dinner some girl talk would be much needed. She nodded when Serenity consented that there was more than enough reason for at least a little retaliation. An apologetic smile forming on her features as Serenity mentioned it would have been nice to know of Aria’s intentions ahead of time. ”My apologies; before being fated over I spent eight years mostly in isolation; the people I was with always knew my intentions….I’m not use to having to explain my motivations and plans to others.”

Aria waved off Serenities thanks for the food; sitting back in her seat once more. Smiling a bit when Jose laughed at her becoming a dragon. ”I can transform into things far worse than a dragon; that form of mine is quite adorable if I do say so myself………and an interesting story is accompanied with how I acquired it. But as to why I don’t do worse then put things in shoes; Phiorics were created to be divine beings. Sent to protect the animals we represent; if I went around using my forms to terrorize people on a regular basis I would be doing the exact opposite of what phiorics were created to do. The human race has an awful habit of trying to destroy the things it fears or do not understand.”

Aria nodded agreeing fully with Jose’s sentiment about bread and peasants. Waving off yet another thanks about her being kind. ”I don’t like eating while others look on; gives me the creeps and feeling that I need to go hide my food before it’s taken. So consider it purely selfish reasons. Speaking of selfish reasons I’m quite done talking about myself for a long while. Serenity, how’s your dress shop going?”

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity brought a hand up to her face, closing her eyes and shaking her head. Of course…. Of course I knew that. I don’t know where my head is today. I suppose I’ve separated the person I met at the springs and saw at the execution, from the person I know now, my apologies. Serenity opened her eyes and let out a puff of air from her nose. She could be so ditsy sometimes, it was ridiculous.

To be honest, I never actually met Claire. But proof is proof, i don’t know why she insisted on being so defiant when she was caught. Serenity shook her head, skirting around the fact that she had met the woman briefly, recalling as she took Rivers daggers and sliced off all of her hair in attempt to disguise herself. It must have worked, because Serenity hadn’t seen her since.

Please, don’t give her any ideas… Serenity pleaded as Jose stated that Aria could do much worse than a simple prank. Turning back to Aria, she waved away her apology. Trust me, this is new for the both of us. You’re about as used to explaining yourself as I am obeying orders. She smiled casually, hoping it wasn’t crossing a line, but their meal with Jose seemed casual enough that she would be able to get away with it.

Jose addressed her words about luxuries, causing her to turn her eyes back to him. I suppose so. It’s all about perception it would seem. She left it there, not wanting to go into detail about what she thought to be a luxury. She knew the difference now, but gods did she miss what used to be considered a luxury for her.

Serenity took a bite of her food, loving the taste. Unlike Aria, she was used to eating while others watched; or she used to be. Now the nicer side of her would have done the same thing Aria did. When the conversation turned onto her and her shop, Serenity stopped eating and placed her fork back down. It’s still starting up, but its certainly not doing awful. I think the best part is getting designs from my costumers, I get to see such a large variety of tastes and styles, they’re all quite interesting to make. I have someone right now, who has asked me to recreate a dress she’d loved from her homeland, clearly it didn’t make the trip over with her. But overall, I’m just happy I can keep making dresses. She smiled, reminding herself to work on a few more when she returned home later that night.

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As the women spoke to one another Jose reached into his coat pocket and slipped out his cigarette case. He stood from the table a moment to crack a window, a small gust of chilly air breeding through and he took his seat once more. He lit the handrolled cigarette and puffed, creating smoke rings that went high into the air only to be ripped outside.

He listened attentively but kept his tongue still upon the matter, he hadn't met either of the women they spoke of and couldn't add much of real value towards the conversation at present. He flicked his ashes amongst one of the potted plants, learning from his mother that such a thing was good for them-as long as it was no longer burning of course.

When Serenity pleaded with him he spread his hands wide in a surrendering position, a innocent smile displayed against his face as he responded to both women in turn "Oh I am only looking to ruffle a few feathers, this world is filling to the brim with horrors and I truly wish no malcontent. I do agree with you Lady Wurud, our kind are too quick to kill what we don't understand and even when enlightenment is attempted that too can be disregarded over fear. I only meant it as a joke, nothing more. "

Jose quirked an eyebrow and held a side smile when the ladies mentioned how new they were to their status; although it was obvious from their actions and even speech patterns he thought they were doing quite alright so far- having been in the service for nearly ten years he was surrounded by royals and the like and to be of truth he much preferred the less restricted ways these two gals lived their life.

Jose upon encouragement began to eat and his tongue danced with delight as the flavours hit him. It had been awhile since he ate this well, the Royal Guard may pay well but not to this extent and he usually spent his pay at the tavern or giving it to the less fortunate. He ate one handed as he was still smoking and having fun with it at that. With a bit of expert tongue and lip movement he created a bulbous form of smoke that soon upon releasing he sucked back slightly so as to shoot another bulb and trail of smoke inside-creating what appeared to be an opaque jellyfish in the air.

When Serenity spoke to him again he inclined his head forward, agreeing with her sentiment. A large grin lit up his chiseled face as more was unearthed about Serenity-he liked to gather what information he could upon all walks of life, especially those he found to be entrancing. When she spoke of her craft and the joys that were wrought from it a little glow appeared upon her face and Jose's reflected that. He relished all forms of passion and got excited when other's did. He kept quiet however, not knowing a thing about clothing and the like. He was not fashionably inept by any means but he rarely strayed from armor and leathers but he made an inner point to visit her shop and get her to make something for him the future.