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Post by darkheart on Jan 25, 2021 20:56:56 GMT -5
Sunny would look to Puma quietly, a silver brow arching.
"Well mannered? Polite? Conscientious? Are you certain this is one of our children? I hadn't thought it possible for such forbearance."
The slightest hint of a smile at the corner of his lips would be all that would indicate to Zella that he wasn't serious. He gave Puma a slight shrug about her comment on killing Atreyu. If he was there, he was bound to stop her. If he were not, well the damage to the universe would be catastropic....but not nearly so much as Puma's rage if he were there to stop her. It didn't matter - the apocalypse had to happen in any eventuality. This was as good a reason as any he supposed. Flicking his hand towards the door, there were about 10 empty seconds before two red snapper and a load of seaweed flew into his hands. Absorbing the life energy from the fish, they stopped flopping immediately. Using that energy, he shook the seaweed twice and on the second shake, like a magician's trick, there was a puff of steam and he held a few sheets of nori in his hands. Nodding quietly, he offered quietly to Zella a word.
"You are most welcome here, my daughter. I will give you time with your mother, though I will be in earshot to help answer questions as well. It is best that you spend time with her first, as I am given to smothering your sister with too much affection and gifting her projectile weapons. I do not wish to impede your acclimation to all this by making you uncomfortable. Though I am known in many parts as lethal and calamitous, I am actually quite a hugger."
He left it hanging in the air with an uncertainty whether he was joking or not.
"I will offer you this, though - you have a sister and three brothers. It's more complicated than that, but we'll get to it in time. Oh, and Puma dear...I thought I felt Vespyr's energy the other day...he may not be as deceased as we thought. That or one of the children was playing at necromancy...though I don't think any of them have that particular mastery, and dear Seraphina would likely be quite appalled by it...so I don't know. I went to the Nevernever with our other guest...it has me a bit...off."
He would move to the kitchen, drawing out a knife and would begin cleaning the fish. Rice would float on its own to a pot of water, which would immediately come to a boil without heat. He stood in the window, absorbing the sunlight most merrily. He had another daughter. The day was looking up.
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Jan 25, 2021 22:52:14 GMT -5
Zella watched the fish and seaweed float through the air and into Sunfire's hands. It was interesting. Though truthfully anything either of them did or might do would interest her, but she was trying to show restraint and patience. Trying to control her emotions as Viconia had worked with her on. She hoped her guardian was okay.
Zella reached out cautiously and plucked a sheet of nori from Sunfire's fingers, brining it to her lips to taste with a nod as she listened. So her Sister and Father were huggers and both liked weapons. A fact she would file away for later.
Puma sighed, motioning towards the couch for the girl to have a seat.
"Zella, ya can call me Puma if ya like. Mom, works too. Whatever ya comfortable with."
Zella moved to the couch, but before Puma sat with her she'd turn back to Sunny.
"Vespyr is alive. Least what ah could tell. An' with ya Sister. Ah sensed him when ah found Zella."
She'd leave that conversation for another time, turning to sit on the couch.
"Darlin'. Perhaps ya could tell us about yourself. Did ya grow up in the village ah found ya in?"
Zella would nod. "I was very young, maybe six? I do not remember it but Viconia tells me a Handmaiden in service of Eilistraee gave me to be raised by her and the rest of the priestesses. The Handmaiden told Viconia only my Father was Elven and my Mother a Cat-like creature. My guardian seemed to think she might have known you both. I was raised by the priestesses and have lived in the service of Eilistraee ever since."
She'd reach up to touch the crescent moon necklace that hung around her neck in a moment of reverence. Puma only arch a brow, trying really hard not to belittle the girl's belief.
"Ya guardian ah'm assumin' is the Drowess in purple? Tha' one that called me a Demon?"
Zella's eyes would widen slightly and she'd dip her head.
"I apologize on her behalf. She is a Darksong Knight and has devoted herself to the destruction of demons and other minions of Lolth. She has little tolerance for those she believes to be... creatures of darkness."
She hoped she had not just offended either of her parents. Zella glanced up and couldn't help but notice the other woman standing in the door. Was she high elven? It was hard to tell with her features.
Illyana just stood within the opening of the glass doors, looking between the three. There would be no recognition in her eyes of Puma or Zella.
"I'm sorry. I donnae mean tae interrupt. The floating fish from the ocean made me curious and I thought I'd come tae say hello."
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Post by darkheart on Jan 26, 2021 7:48:20 GMT -5
He would be listening quietly, gently filleting the fish and cutting it into longer strips. He didn't really fancy Maki today - he was in more of a Nigiri mood. Reaching up without looking he'd motion his hands and the rice would drain itself, then cool immediately as the delta T was exponentially increased. Wiping his hands, he physically reached for the vinegar and sugar - mostly for the novelty of it - and measured them out. There was something about cooking he secretly appreciated - the precision, the time spent - it was better than simply doing it with his mind in an instant. He had to remind himself, with age, that slowing down was sometimes important. Savoring the moment of a thing rather than just snapping his fingers and having it done.
He nodded quietly as the girl told her story, wondering how his brother had known Athina. It had to be her that the girl was entrusted to. She hadn't been used as leverage against them, so it was a friend or ally. Of those, few were familiar with Faerun and would take the child there. The real question was "Why?" Why would Athina agree to do something for his brother? She would have been smart enough to know it wasn't him, and loyal enough to Puma to have told her. There was something at play here - yes, Atreyu could be convincing. But was was offered, promised or sold that would allow for this? Troubling.
Looking up as Illyana entered, waving her over.
"Come. Come! Help me with the rice rolls! It's sticky and fun...and you won't get trapped for eternity here if you eat them!"
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Jan 26, 2021 11:08:16 GMT -5
Puma had sensed the Fae as she walked up from the ocean. Smelled her even before she saw her. There would be no surprise as she walked to the door. Slowly those feline orbs would look over to Illyana, examining her from head to toe. She smelled the same but didn’t at the same time. It was the way the Fae’s blood moved beneath her pale skin. She felt more tangible somehow. More real and not so… spiritual. She didn’t know how to describe it but her mind did wander. Was it a situation like Sunny’s brother. Would she create a paradox where Rift had never met the Fae, where the rest of that damned clan would never be born? Or was this something different. Either way, she was doing a tremendous job at holding her tongue. To a point.
Illyana would begin to walk in and Puma would simply narrow her eyes and snap her fingers. The Fae would stop, looking at the blonde woman with the cat eyes and just wait with a look of confusion and annoyance. Like a teenager who had just been scolded but didn’t yet know what they could have done wrong.
”Sword. In tha’ bucket. Not in tha’ house.”
The Fae’s features would begin to cross, as if she were offended to be asked to remove the ancestral blade at her hip. She’d open her mouth to retort only to be snapped at again.
”Don’t care. Ya can stay outside if ya don’t like it.”
Illyana would glance to Sunny, who likely had a bemused look upon his face, but seeing as he too left his sword in the bucket, she supposed it was okay. Carefully and hesitantly she’d remove Aimsitheoir Stoirme from her belt and slide it into the umbrella stand.
”Thank you…” Puma would call out flatly as Illyana made her way over to help with food prep. She’d return her attention to Zella.
Zella had just then noticed that she did not travel with her twin blades. Both had been blessed by the Dark Maiden. She felt their absence now that she noticed, but assumed they would be safe in Viconia’s hands.
”Zella, darlin’, would this Handmaiden’s name be Athina?” Puma’s thoughts had travelled down the same path as Sunny’s. She and Athina had been close and there was a tinge of betrayal in her heart that her friend would keep the girl from her. The reason must have been great. Maybe that is why she gave Zella to another to raise.
Zella would just shake her head. “The name I was given was Elizarath?”
Puma would nod. Athina’s real name. Made sense. ”We know her then.”
Zella would nod, looking up between the three in the room, not sure how to speak in front of company and not wanting to come off as rude.
“Then. Why?” She’d let the question hang. Why was she sent away. She hadn’t lived a bad life, but she had thought them dead. Why did they just now come for her? Was she kidnapped? Did they just favor their other children and sent her away? Had she been bad? Maybe she displayed some of the same beastial tendencies she began to feel while with Viconia and they didn’t know how to handle it. That, she supposed, would also make sense.
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Post by darkheart on Jan 27, 2021 8:33:38 GMT -5
His silver green eyes sparkled mischievously as Puma chided Illyana. With a sympathetic sideways nod, he again motioned for her to come stand by him in the kitchen. Perhaps it was the mists of the Nevernever. Perhaps it was the nearness again to his wife. Perhaps it was finding out they had another daughter. Perhaps it was having a guest that was a version of his favorite relative. For whatever reason, the stoicism that normally pervaded him when Solavi's second sun was not in eclipse was slightly loosened, and he was a touch sentimental. This was likely the most fun he'd had since his days of fireboarding in the Castle or running around with Taysir and Eochaid and causing no end of hijinx. He paused for a moment, that smile fading, thinking of Pennance's end. What an odd thought to have right now, but still. Shaking it off, he gently took Illyana's hand and scooped some sushi rice into it. Showing her how to roll it into a proper bed, he brushed it with some Japanese Mayo and laid a fish strip atop it. Cutting a few strips of Nori, he took one and wrapped it perpendicularly around the piece of nigiri and set it on a small rectangular platter. Nodding with an encouraging grin, he indicated she could continue to help if she wished.
Turning, he went to the icebox and retrieved some pickled ginger and wasabi. Garnishing the tray, he shot Illyana a devious smile as he nodded to the wasabi, giving her a severe "watch out for that" face and a wink. He didn't want to her blow her sinus cavity unexpectedly. He paused for a moment when he heard the question. It was always that question. He knew it would come one day. He knew the children thought about it. They really didn't know the full truth of things - he and Puma had thought it simpler that way. Better. Their lives were already complicated enough. But Zella had been the first to ask it. She didn't know her parents - didn't fear them. Didn't know who they were or what they'd done. Didn't yet care to judge. Looking up with a soft and slightly pained look at his wife, he shrugged quietly. Maybe it was time for the truth. Atreyu was already out of the bag and Ahanna knew. There was no value in keeping his secret any longer. Maybe it was finally time for the future Atreyu had told him about to finally resolve itself. His brother often spoke in riddles similar to ancient prophecies...to know one's future could alter it, but to recognize one's future when it occurs is enlightenment. Trey never told him what was intended for the future, only alluded to things of importance that he'd seen. He could feel trouble looming as he looked at his daughter - as if something was coming and she was its unknowing herald.
Shrugging, his stoic features returned - cold and dispassionate. The Future was always coming. Danger always loomed. You could cower from it, worry about it, plan for it, or meet it head on. The Future was coming...he couldn't know if he was ready, but he would meet it all the same. There simply wasn't any choice.
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Jan 27, 2021 16:45:38 GMT -5
Illyana was doing her best to read the room. There was a heavy awkwardness in the air. It stemmed from the girl sitting on the couch. From the woman who had snapped at her who was Sunfire's wife. Yet him. Yet Sunfire he seemed almost joyful. Like he didn't care. No. That wasn't correct. He did care, he just wasn't allowing the situation to bother him. All in all she felt like she was invading on a very private moment between people she barely knew. A long ear would twitch and her gaze would look down at the strange ingredients in front of her, only to have her hand grabbed and a ball of wet sticky rice plopped into it. She'd make a face, having not expected that texture, only to have Sunfire show her what to do with it. It didn't look right. Her fingers were covered in rice residue because she didn't wet her hands before trying to mold the rice, but she guessed she did it.
Puma glanced over to Sunfire as Zella asked that question. It was the same question Morsus had asked. Her husband would shrug. She'd give him a look with an arch brow. Were they really going to do this. She supposed, out of all of them, Zella had been the most sheltered from all of this. Except for her burgeoning Infernal-like traits the girl probably could have lived a happy, Shadowstar free life in Faerun. If anyone might be able to take the news, it might be her.
"Well Darlin'. Ah said it's complicated, an it is. Your family. Well, your Uncle, is hard ta explain."
Puma didn't really know the science behind what Atreyu did, but even if she did she doubted Zella would understand. So she would explain to the best of her ability, hoping Sunny would chime in if she left anything out.
"You are a twin of your sister, Mia. Identical, ah suspect, in nearly every way. But ah only gave birth ta one of you. It's tha same with your brothers. Mia and Nathan are fraternal twins. You and your brothers, Morsus and Vespyr, were created after the fact by your uncle. He sent all of you away for others to raise an kept this info from me."
A snarl would touch her lips and voice as she continued.
"So why… is really hard for me ta answer Shug. Ah don't really know m'self. Seems we're findin new information about things he's done nearly every day."
Zella's eyes would only grow wide as Puma gave the brief but, surprising information. She had a twin sister, she had twin brothers, she wasn't born but created? By mad science? Devine intervention? She wouldn't say anything for a while. Finally she stood, looking around the walls as they felt like they were closing in and looking outside to the beach.
"I. I need a minute. Please excuse me."
And she'd walk outside.
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Post by darkheart on Jan 28, 2021 17:55:49 GMT -5
He would watch Zella go, looking to Puma with a soft smile. Sliding the cutting board closer to Illyana, he'd pull the towel from his shoulder like a scarf, zipping it from his shoulder in a single motion onto hers. Lifting her hands gently to wipe the rice from them, one corner was damp and the other dry. He patted her hand kindly in an indication to keep going, mostly so she would feel useful and not awkward just standing around. Winking to her, then Puma, he slowly strolled after Zella, grabbing a fresh apple from the bowl on counter. Moving toward's Zella's side, but giving her several feet of space so as not to startle her or make her feel encroached upon. Polishing the apple on his shirt, he spoke after a long moment.
"My people...your people...have a certain art. We start like this apple. Our soul is shiny and new. And yet through this art we are able to..."
Turning the apple round in his palm, he split it cleanly, soundlessly with his mind, it falling into two perfect halves.
"We cleave a soul in two and from it form two whole people. The one half keeps the body it has. The other half is put in a clone of the original, and two people are born. Each person is born with innate features and abilities - Nature. Each soul grows and matures through their life's experience - Nurture. The balance creates the person. Even identical twins are whole and separate people. You are a whole and beautiful person. First and foremost don't doubt that. Your soul started as half, but it regenerated into a whole. While your sister has half of your natural abilities, and you half of hers, you are each your own person, whole and beautiful.
Now...as to why you were separated and taken from us, I do not know. Our people can have but one child. When we are old we split the soul to form two new children, each with half of ourselves in them, but new and fresh so that our people prosper. We only sever but once, so as not to dilute the soul too much. Each natural born child is a mix of the parents, so the souls mix and combine naturally even after splitting. It is, in its own way, a beautiful rebirth. Why my brother did this to our children, I do not know. I was taken from them - a fate worse than death - and while I was not here to protect them it was done to them - to you. It was done without your Mother or I's permission. In truth, Puma raised Mia and Nathan - she did not know of you, Morsus or Vespyr. I was not freed until they were teenagers, and only after found out about the other boys. Morsus is a psion, and he found Mia, who in turn found Vespyr. Since Morsus is a facet - a soul shard - of Nathan, they were linked. He could not sense you, so we did not even know of your existence until now. Had I ever known I would have found you immediately. You were in Faerun, and my brother knew that I would only sense you if I were in the same realm as you. Had I known you existed I'd have searched every known realm to find you. I regret that I did not. I do, however, hope you give your Mother and I a chance to get to know you. We've missed out on quite a lot, you see, and we would love the chance to not miss any more moments. We do, however, understand if this is too much. You have a life. If you want to get back to it, you are free to do so at any point. I will bring you back. I would also give you a way to return if you changed your mind.
But in the end, I'm hoping you're willing to stay - at least for a little while. I'm sure your siblings would relish the chance to meet you, and your mother and I will take any moment you're willing to share with us. Think it over."
With that he'd toss her half of the apple. Raising his half to his lips, it was a whole apple by the time he took a bite, and by the time her half hit her hands, hers was whole as well. Giving her a gentle wink of his silver green eye, he strolled lazily back towards the house, hoping that neither Yana or Puma had attacked each other.
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Jan 28, 2021 23:43:00 GMT -5
Zella simply looked down to the whole apple in her hand. She had remained quiet as he explained and simply listened. Her breathing was even and slow, her pulse that has once threatened to quicken beyond an acceptable level evening back to where it was. It was a lot of information to consume in one day and being outside in the fresh air helped to center her as Viconia had taught her. By remaining calm and focused, one could control their impulses.
She'd look up with her odd colored eyes to catch his wink, then watch quietly as he walked away. There was no lie. Not in any of their stories. She could simply tell. A person's scent tended to change when they lied.
Again her gaze would move back to the apple, giving it a squeeze and watching as her nails began to grow to pierce through the flesh and peel back the skin, letting it's juice drip out onto the beach. She had nothing to gain if she left now. Only lose the opportunity for more knowledge about what was going on with her. There was a connection to this Puma, her Mother. It had begun with dreams but now being this close to her it was more of a pull. It was a weird feeling she couldn't quite put into words, but in any case it was a feeling of belonging. A feeling of home from those two that she never got in Faerun or with Viconia.
Meanwhile, Illyana had busied herself trying to make sushi as she was shown. All while also trying to strike up a conversation with Sunfire's wife.
"So. Ye go by Puma? Tis fitting. Very on the nose aye? And that be ye Daughter?"
"Yes it is."
"Aye? She seems nice. Tis nice tae meet ye. I'd introduce myself but I believe ye already know of me."
"Mmmhmmm."
"I've also met ye Son Nathan. And his wife Seraphina. Also very nice. Though maybe a touch confused. And Sad. Is he always like that?"
"Darlin' if I kill ya will you an' your family jes.... go away?"
"I'm going tae say nae. Tis been made clear I'm nae from the past despite the knowledge in my head. So killing me would be a waste of time if ye goal is tae kill the Dana Realta's family.
But ye welcome tae try....."
"Bless your heart."
"Ye be too kind."
Both of the ladies would look up as Sunfire entered back into the house. Both smiling pleasantly, even with Puma sitting on the couch with her arms crossed and Illyana creating little round spheres of rice and lining them up perfectly in front of her so the fish could be applied. Both were quiet.
Zella would return about twenty minutes later, the apple that had been in her hand discarded on the beach.
"Nihilano... Puma. What you've both told me makes sense. We are all created in one way or another and I suppose it does not bother me that I was not... born naturally? I am sorry if I gave you cause for concern, it is just a lot of information at one time and I needed a moment of reflection to calm my anxiety. Something my guardian has been working with me on for the last year or so.
But I do not wish to return to Faerun. Not now at least. Perhaps this is something you could offer additional insight upon. And I would be remiss if I said I did not wish to meet my siblings and spend more time with you both."
She'd look between the two and just shrug. It was a very Mia like move for when she didn't know what else to say.
So... Mom and Dad then?"
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Post by darkheart on Jan 29, 2021 19:12:27 GMT -5
He looked between Puma and Illyana with a slight smile and an eyeroll. Some things, even when not evenly held between people, were destined not to change. He hadn't heard the exchange nor had he been privy to anything other than the knowledge of his wife and his speculative calculations on his behavioral analysis of Illyana from their time so far. But he could imagine. Moving over to start finishing the nigiri, he plated it and brought it over to the coffee table near where Puma sat. She didn't need to eat, but he knew she enjoyed the flavor. Motioning for Illyana and Zella to join them, he put a piece of pickled ginger in his mouth to cleanse his pallet and then pressed some wasabi onto a piece and ate it with a welcome burn. He'd never been much of one to let soy sauce touch his sushi, and he savored it with a nod, happy that it had turned out alright. Nathan was a far better cook, but he had his moments. Glancing over towards Zella, he nodded quietly.
"If you are comfortable with it, you may call me Dad...or Father...or Sunny. I am amiable to any of them. I want you to feel comfortable in how you address me, as I am simply pleased to have you here and have a chance to get to know you. I tend to remain about the house a little more than your mother. She likes to stretch her legs in the jungle nearby. I'm more of an urban sort...though I like the peace and quiet this place affords us. I am, however, interested to know more about you and what brings you joy. I was raised a soldier and am quite efficient at it, but my joy comes from your mother, time spent in books and perfecting my scientific endeavors. You are welcome to join me in most any activities and needn't be concerned with getting permission first. You will not startle me...I'll sense you coming from a mile away. Likewise, if you have anything that you enjoy that you would like to share my company in, I'll be happy to join you.
I must warn you - I am a person to be feared. I am kind only with my family, and I believe very strongly in neutrality and balance. Things such as "right" and "wrong" are perspectives for me, not mandates. I will respect your wishes and your beliefs as my daughter...but I do not hold a traditional morality as I sense that you do. I do not kill for sport or spite, but I do kill daughter...without hesitation. I want there to be no secrets between us...no witholdings. Your privacy is yours to enjoy, but you may ask me anything and know the truth of what I believe. Your brother Nathan is very much this way, or was at any rate. His wife, Seraphina, has been an influence on him. Your brother Morsus is very much chaotic and, some might say, evil. His not "bad," but he is dark. Your last brother, Vespyr, believes in "good" and justice. Not in the moral sense, but in the natural sense. He holds very strongly to it...to the point it clouds his judgement with his zealotry. He has tried, on more than one occasion, to kill his other brothers simply because he believes that it is only just and natural to be of one soul and body. Know that he might attempt the same with you if he learns of you and Mia.
As for Mia, I'll let your mother describe her. I rather dote on her and, not so differently from your mother, she is one of very, very few I do not remain wholly objective on. I have a sneaking suspicion I will feel the same for you. Secretly, I'm a bit of a hugger when it comes to Mia. I have the same preclusion towards you even now...but I will respect your space until such time as you may find yourself desirous of such an act. If that day never comes, such is the flow of Time's River and Life's Injustice."
He would pop another piece into his mouth, leaning back and running his fingers idly through Puma's hair at the back of her neck.
"Listen to me ramble, Beloved. I don't think I've spoken this much in positively an age. I'll be shutting up now...."
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Jan 29, 2021 23:13:23 GMT -5
The plate of nigiri was moved to the living room and all followed. Puma would sit up immediately and take one to immediately eat. No ginger, no wasabi, no soy, just the fish and she was good. Illyana was completely curious and seemed hungry despite the fact she ate the Pirozhki not terribly long ago. She would take up the piece without any extras just as Puma had and pop it into her mouth. The chewing was slow as she worked her way around the texture of it being raw. Still undecided if she liked it or not. Zella, just eyed it suspiciously. Who in the world eats raw fish? Was this just a thing here in this realm?
Zella would be thankful for the ramblings and the explanations. It gave her an excuse not to immediately try the plate of raw offerings without being rude. He had asked to know a bit more about herself but she was more than happy to listen and observe for now.
Just as she'd observe Puma's reaction when Nihilano reached over to run his fingers through her hair. The woman would stop and lean in, practically melting at the little action with a very faint cat-like purr. Zella still found it odd, but not uncomfortable. Just something to get used to.
"Darlin' yer welcome ta' ramble all ya like. But if ya expect me ta describe Mia.. well. She's very headstrong. Maybe a tad spoiled..." She'd open one of those blue feline slitted orbs for an amused but accusatory glance in her husband's direction. "Mischievous in the aspect that she likes ta' push people's buttons. Can have a bit of a temper."
She'd sigh then, figuring if Sunny was going to be that blunt then she should too. Though she was hesitant to do so based on the one comment Zella made when they had connected through the pride bond.
"If we're bein' open then let me explain some things about m'self. Ah jes ask ya have an open mind here. Ah'm not human or elven. Ah am able ta' change m'shape. As ah said before ah've been labeled many things. But what you've been told an what you've probably observed is in fact truth. M' true nature is feline. Sunny says ah go out ta' be in tha' jungle an' ah do. Sometimes for days at a time. Ah need ta' hunt. It is what sustains me. But I will also freely admit that ah also hunt for sport. Ah don't have many that ah'm close ta, but ah'm fiercely protective of m'family.
Now. Darlin'. It's apparent ya've inherited some traits from me. An ah' sense they make you uncomfortable. Your brother Morsus has also picked up things. Ah will tell you as ah told him. Ah'm here for ya when ya need me. Ah'll not push ya inta' abilities your not ready for but ah will help ya with control when ya feel out of it. Whateva' ya need."
Zella would just nod, looking down to the nigiri as she contemplated this. She was not ignorant and knew when Puma said she hunted for both sustenance and sport, she likely did not mean just animals. This did put her close to the creatures she and Viconia hunted to help protect innocent villagers. She didn't know how she felt about that. But she was asked to have an open mind.
"Thank you both. I will take it all under consideration. Do my other siblings live here as well? I do sense other people nearby but... none that I believe are them."
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Post by darkheart on Jan 30, 2021 10:19:35 GMT -5
Tilting his head at Zella quietly, he turned to face the front of the complex. Was he so off from the effects of the Fae Realm he hadn't sensed them coming? How had Zella? Interesting...she seemed attuned. His tone was cautious, distracted and far away as he spoke, staring through the walls away from them.
"I'm afraid not...Mia and Morsus aren't exactly prone to stay anywhere too long....Nathan and his wife Seraphina live on the other side of this planet. They visit occasionally. It would seem that in Mia's absence, however, the local faction of mercenaries and militants have decided to try to send a message. If you'll excuse me a moment, I must secure the residence against their stupidity..."
He would kiss Puma's forehead, his eyes far away and running through a thousand calculations and scenarios. Standing he walk past Zella, sneaking a quick kiss to her temple out of habit as he always did with Mia. Moving to the umbrella bucket, he took up the sword Lilith had given him to replace Ausblutant. Clicking his tongue, he wished he had his own blade. Sending a side glance to Illyana, then glancing down to the sword bucket and then back to her he silently gave permission to join him if she wanted the exercise. Stepping into the sunlight, he took a deep breath as once does when coming out of a room with paint fumes or motor exhaust. Trying to clear the remnants of the Nevernever fog and the unknown time he was without real sunlight, his features hardened into that familiar stoic mask. Spinning his sword once in his hand, he slowly strolled up the driveway.
At the end he could see a troupe of about 20 men all dressed in BDU's and armed with a mix of small arms. They had brought one .50 call mounted gun on the back of one of the 5 vehicles they'd come in. One very nervous soldier recognized him from the day he and Mia had come to the bunker, and in a sudden jolt of fear stood with a rocket propelled grenade. Firing it at Sunny, it whistled through the air towards him. Reaching out a hand, unamused, he caught it with his left hand. As it exploded, there was a spherical shape to the pattern as the energy was contained and compressed. The elements glimmered and compressed slowly - the heat and kinetic energy used to fuel the compression. After a moment a glowing brass coin rest in his hand, and he rolled it back and forth along his fingers, dancing and shining. Looking up, he raised his sword toward the man who wore a burgundy beret, signifying rank.
"You...you're in charge, yes? Well be pleased...I am in a fair mood today. If you put your gun to your mouth and pull the trigger, I'll let your men go home in peace and not punish them for your insubordination. After all, I don't fancy depleting my daughter's men..."
"We are not her men! We serve only ourselves and we prove it today!"
"You're too stupid to rule yourselves...your actions today prove it. Why would you want your free will? You wish to return to raping the local women and selling their children for a profit?"
"Are they under your protection, suddenly?"
"Not at all...but there are rules. Even for you. Even for me. They keep the Balance."
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Jan 30, 2021 21:28:03 GMT -5
Zella would just blink as he leaned in and placed a kiss on her temple. He did warn that he was a hugger, why shouldn't she have expected differently.
Illyana seemed overly eager to grab her sword and join him out front. The family drama was getting awkward for her and she would feel much more comfortable in combat. Aimsitheoir Stoirme would practically leap from the umbrella stand into her hand and she'd carry it sheathed in her left hand, walking just a little behind the taller elf. This was his home, she would act as support not first line defense.
Puma would stand with a lazy stretch, motioning with her head that Zella should follow.
"But I do not have my blades..."
Puma would just shake her head.
"We won't need ta' get involved. But it mite be interestin' for ya t' watch."
Zella would just nod, following behind Puma to the front door as the blonde woman would take a languid position against the doorframe. The RPG would fire and Zella, not truly knowing what it was except a weapon of some sort would begin to take a step forward. Puma would grab her by the shoulder and just shake her head.
"He's fine."
Illyana would also see the RPG, and also not truly know what it is. In her eyes, it was a device that released balls of flame. She would not be too far off. Her eyes would narrow, and she would only partially draw her blade from it's sheath, only to realize she could be incorrect that this was magic. It happened so quickly, she just braced herself for an impact that never came. Blue grey eyes would blink wide, looking up to the object Nihilano had caught in his hand as he transmogrified it into nothing but a coin.
She'd blink again in surprise, but remember there were others in front of her and if the battle was afoot, then she needed to be ready.
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Post by darkheart on Jan 31, 2021 0:15:52 GMT -5
"Attaque!!!"
The man in the beret gave the order and the troupe of 20 opened fire with everything they had, firing indiscriminately. With a flick of his thumb, the coin sailed up into the air and over his shoulder in an impossibly high arc towards Zella. Hurling his arms forward, there was a sonic shock as he drew the air in, making it greatly dense, and Puma, Zella and Illyana would feel a great rush of wind from the ocean as he drew it in rapidly to compress. The bullets would hit the invisible wall, flattening and falling to the ground in a rain that was drown out from the barrel compression. After about 20 seconds the small arms fire stopped and only the jeep mounted gun was still firing. Pushing his arms forward, he narrowed the wall of air into a thin strip and shot it forward. The only thing that would be visible was the man's head, which stood a good 2 ft above the others, had a thin red line form against his neck in a downward angle, then slowly slide to hit the ground and roll awkwardly in front of the others. The coin would finish it's arc headed for Zella to catch should she be so aware. Turning to Illyana, he offered a courtly bow with a wrist flourish, giving her the honor of leading.
"Mi'lady...about 6 seconds until they do that again...after you."
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Jan 31, 2021 13:28:24 GMT -5
Puma could sense the change in air pressure and could smell the salty air moving in from the sea like an approaching storm. Within that same moment both her and Zella's hair would be blown forward and Puma would let out a groan as she heard things within the house falling over and breaking. Doors and windows were open, of course the air was going to push through.
With a face full of hair Zella would reach out with her hand to snatch the coin out of the air, pushing back the now tangled white mess to observe the rest.
Illyana would watch. She had witnessed elemental magic such as this, but was doing her best to remain focused. This was an enemy with weapons she had not seen before, but could at least calculate they could fire tiny objects much like a sling shot but at a higher rate of speed.
The bow would be all she needed as an invitation, and by the time Sunfire rose and looked up from his courtly bow she would be gone, leaving the sheath of Aimsitheoir Stoirme where she once stood. She had one major magic spell in her arsenal that she could deploy multiple times in a day. The men were already properly spooked by what they had just seen so ambush tactics would work best. She had teleported behind a group of about five men, driving her blade through his sternum so it would push through to the other side to be seen. The men to the left and right would yell, one with the RPG pointing and calling out "Yumboe" given her elven appearance and pearly white skin. They would turn to fire on their already dead friend but Illyana had again already teleported away, this time appearing behind the man calling out. His voice would gargle out "Yumboe" one last time before his head was sliced away by the ever sharp blade. Again she would teleport to another before the firing began and continue until she picked off one after another and the rest shot themselves.
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Post by darkheart on Feb 1, 2021 20:29:06 GMT -5
Sunny would watch with quiet appreciation as Illyana utilized speed and misdirection to kill several of the soldiers. While he wanted her to have some fun, he was also assessing her talents. Five of them were dead in a flash. The others turned to fire upon her, but before they could, he pressed his palms downward, causing the earth beneath them to sink a good two feet rapidly. Guns going skyward, they fired into the air as they struggled to keep their footing. Walking slowly towards them, he flicked his wrist deftly, increasing the molarity of the hydrochloric acid in his stomach, he falling to the ground in a pained scream as his insides vaporized downward through his groin, the remnants of his innards fell and hung between his knees. His other hand pointed out with index and middle fingers, causing another man's cortical fluid to boil within his eyeballs, bursting out as he clutched his face, seized and thrashed in shock and death throes. Watching Illyana blink around, turning the soldiers into frogs in a blender, he watched her grace and ease extinguish their lives. By the time he'd reached her they were all dead. Nodding appreciatively to her, he looked down at the man with the beret, who lay on the ground gurgling out a wheezing laugh through blooded teeth as the light faded from his eyes. A sergeant. That didn't make sense. Such a low rank would not have the clout to inspire such an action. Glancing back at Puma with narrowed eyes, shooting her a warning, several shots rang out in unison. Stepping in front of Illyana reflexively, he put his hands out with a snarl. The .50 cal bullets whizzed through the air like angry hornets. Two stopped inches from Zella and Puma's faces, spinning in the air as their kinetic energy drained and they fell to the ground by their feet. His head snapped around, deflecting one meant for Illyana off into the forest beside the house. But even he had his limits and reflexes. They'd used high velocity depleted uranium rounds. The velocity made them hard to trace in such a short amount of time.
The last round struck him in the shoulder, tearing muscle an bone from his body in a large hunk. His blood sprayed away from Illyana and onto the ground, melting through the dirt and rock several feet into the ground. Spinning around from the impact, he fell limp onto the ground. His hand weakly reached out, touching the sergeant's exposed arm. Shuddering with a pained cough, the man's body rapidly desiccated. Almost mummifying instantly, his fluids, lipids, proteins, calcites and other building blocks of his body were rapidly absorbed. The cantaloupe sized hole that nearly ripped his whole arm and shoulder off slowly began to knit itself back together. As this happened, several bushes dropped along the far forest line on the ridge, and nearly 50 men with high powered rifles appeared in ambush. Bait. The sergeant was bait.
The ground began to shake and rumble, as if the earth itself began to quake in fear. Sunny's muscled began to bulge, stress tearing his clothing. His silver green eyes would fade to a deep crimson and he would snarl. Slowly standing, a wild and lost look in his eyes, he turned towards the men, roaring. They opened fire on him, bullets striking his flesh and limbs. He seemed not to notice in the slightest. Leaping in the air, he landed on the ridge, his hands coming down on two soldiers, crushing them into the ground like empty beer cans. Grabbing a nearby soldier, he roared with such intensity the man's eyes rolled back in his head, his eardrums exploding and sending him into a full on seizure. Swinging him, he took another 15 off their feet, breaking a few ribs of the closest men. Others opened fire on him, and he shook and writhed with the velocity of the shots, his blood spraying about from the wounds. As it did it hit some of the soldiers, causing them to scream and fall as it burned through blood and bone like a plasma torch. Grabbing another two, there was a green flash from his skin as Mistral's curse mixed with his natural subconscious abilities. They, too, desiccated rapidly as the bullets slowly worked their way from his flesh and the wounds healed. Several of the men broke and ran and others started to reload. Looking to the sky, he roared once more, looking among the many for his next victims full of naught but hunger, ferocity and unbridled rage.
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