The Mortal Instruments

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Luce stared at the door in the hallway, then sighed, dropping the incredibly heavy bag with a thunk. She waited another moment, enjoying the last few minutes of peace and quiet, before knocking on the door. Yorick had said that Corvo would be here. He hadn't given her false information, but lately...she frowned. Lately something had been off. And she wasn't supposed to be here, but who would stop her? Knocking on the door, forcefully, Luce picked the bag back up with effort, and a heavy sigh. Just when she had thought she would get everything she ever wanted, of course all the cards had to come tumbling down.

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Hestia gently pet the small cat, made completely of fire, as she gazed up at the skylight. It wasn't yet dawn, but Hestia didn't need sleep. Not right now, not when for the first time in centuries, things were finally starting to happen. She smiled as the fire cat purred, arching its back in pleasure. The doorbell rang. She hadn't been expecting anyone this early, but well, the early bird got the worm, or some such mundane thing.

Gathering the cat in her arms, Hestia wrapped the dressing gown around her body a little more tightly before going to answer the door. "Yes?" She opened it, viewing the vampire and werewolf with slight curiosity, her yellow eyes glinting against the flames of the creature in her arms. "What can I do for you two?"

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Yorick stood before the Seelie Queen, his eyes watching her nervously. "We just need to retrieve the Cup, after which you'll have the location of the Mirror?" He shifted nervously, though his face was slack. It felt strange, to have the conflicting desire to be calm, and to worry at the same time. Luce had elected not to come with, against his desires, and he worried for her, though he was angry she hadn't obeyed him. But Luce rarely completely obeyed him....such contradictions in his mind. He decided to remain calm, and stopped shifting. "I've gathered most of the ones required. Just need the warlock Masque and the one they call Creed. It wouldn't hurt to have Clarity, just in case the one we have dies before.."

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Titania glided over to Yorick, gently caressing his face with one hand. "I will ensure you have everything you need to summon the Angel." she soothed him, watching as his face slackened. "If you require a warlock, I have a better one in mind. Ash...he has taken something precious from me. His associate, has taken something else. I mean to make them both pay. Then you can have him for your...sacrifice." She smiled, lowering her hand and brushing the rest of the powder off discreetly. "But I don't see Luce. She didn't obey you." Titania shook her head. "I would like to see her..." Not all hope is lost.

She had forgotten about the Nephilim girl until the last moment, but it seemed hope could still be regained. Now if she could only find the Cup and the Sword.....She turned, her dress sweeping around her bare feet. "Yorick." She purred, walking up to him again. "Tell me, sweet Shadowslayer, who was the last person to have the Mortal Sword?"

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Clarity sighed. "You know, Brianne does have her own line. If you wanted a booty call, you could have left those images out of my mind." She turned, walking the phone over to the girl. "It's someone called Paragon. Said he wants a hot date." She couldn't resist trying, just to see Brianne smile a little. And to needle Rhett. She glanced at the werewolf, one eyebrow raised. "Might as well give your competition some room." She murmured before stepping back, allowing Brianne some privacy.

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Brianne took the phone from Clarity, raising her eyebrows, but not replying. She didn't know what to say to Rhett. He was trying so hard, and it had been a mistake, but underneath the grief and the depression, she was angry. And she feared what would happen when that rage was let loose. The one place she could be locked up safely would be here. She couldn't trust any other walls to harbor her, any other chains to hold her until she was calm again. Pressing a cool hand to her forehead, she shut her eyes for a moment, before pressing the phone to her cheek.

"This is Brianne." She tried to project some strength into her voice; after all, Paragon wasn't necessarily an enemy, but he wasn't a friend either, and she didn't trust him as far as she could have tried to throw him in her current state.

 

The Ifrit merely stood by as the Warlock and the Fae sorted some things within their group."No questions then? Very well. If you would follow me." The Ifrit said as he started to walk off, leading the group towards their destination, as he did one of the group came to him, also a warlock and asked him about his horns. "Indeed I do, my friend, and I have been able to hide them with Lady Gaia's help, she provided me with a glamour in return for my service." Shadi said with a friendly smile, there was no reason for him not to. "What sort of things have you tried to hide them?" The Ifrit asked the warlock. After a short walk through the jungle the group lead by Shadi arrived at a clearing within the majestic jungle, surrounding the clearing were houses that had grown into the trees.

 

The Inquisitor felt immediately more relieved once Roxanne left. He bolted the door afterwards and watched through the looking glass as she disappeared down the corridor, and that was that. He cleared his things off his bed and put them into the wardrobe in the room, hanging up his clothes and placing his toiletries in the bathroom. He was going to be staying here for a while. There was a ways to go before anything could happen, and he was determined not to give observers any more of a show now that the dangerous element of Roxanne was gone. He removed his coat and boots and unstrapped the Contender from his chest and placed it on the chair which he moved near the bed, with a box of ammunition. He could relax, but defence was close. He lay down on his bed, staring at the ceiling and tried to calm his thoughts. He put his fingers to his temples and ran through some basic calming tactics, exhaling and inhaling deeply and trying to rationalise the situation. Eventually, he managed to calm his frayed nerves, after perhaps forty-five minutes of this almost meditative state. His peace however, did not last long. Little more than fifteen minutes later, there was a hard knock at the door. He shot up and within moments had his gun strapped to his chest. He hurriedly put on his boots and threw on his coat. He crossed the room swiftly and looked through the glass.
"Luce Hemmingway," Corvo spoke, opening the door for his fellow Shadow Hunter. "You rarely leave Yorick's side, let alone Alicante. What brings you here?" He gestured for her to enter the room. Something about this set off his nerves. Once again, the swirls of thought began to spin again in his mind as he considered what the person who considered him her greatest rival for Yorick's approval had come to him, Inquisitor of the Clave, for. ​

 

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"The train, actually." She replied, stepping inside his room and dropping the bag once more on the floor, rubbing her shoulder where the strap had rubbed her skin raw. A tank top was probably not the best idea for wardrobe when going into battle, but she had trouble keeping cool. "And then my own feet. You're welcome for that, by the way." She turned, her sharp eyes roaming over Corvo's appearance. "You look like hell."

She commented, throwing herself onto the bed and crossing her arms behind her head with a sigh. "Is New York really that bad?" Because if it is, it's about to get worse. "I came to delight you with the presence of my company, because I didn't want to go visit the Seelie Queen with Yorick." She kept her eyes on Corvo, gauging his every reaction. "And before you look in the bag, he's removed all the iron." Sitting up, she crossed her legs, moving her fingers through her red hair to begin re-braiding it into a tighter weave. "Care to hazard a guess as to why?"

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Gaia had her hand pressed against the ground, feeling the flow of life around her as she smiled. This forest had been created from a whim, but it took surprisingly little energy to keep the greenery alive in the middle of a desert. Just another sign that life could always find a way. Taking her hand off the ground, she looked up as Shadi approached. "Thank you." She told him, straightening as her regal voice echoed through the small clearing. She looked over the group, and was not disappointed in what she saw. The warlock, Ash, held Morrigan by the hand as they led the group. Valister, the only vampire to make the journey, was hanging around the middle of the group with Sien, the second warlock. Both were studiously avoiding themselves and each other, focusing on the magic around them.

Masque was somewhat hidden behind Morrigan, and Gaia tilted her head, the waves of raven black hair tumbling over her shoulder. It seemed the fairy was more forgiving then even she had anticipated. The Shadowhunters brought up the rear. She could see the pain written across Alarick's soul, though hidden from his face. Nick, at his side, trying to be a pillar of strength. And Aethelrick, unsure of his future. This was going to be interesting.

"You have traveled far to see me. It is only fair I allow you the courtesy of rest, before you continue on your journey." Her eyes flicked from Nick, to Ash, and then Morrigan. "You all have something you would ask of me, a question, or a request. This will not come free of charge." A small child peeked out form a tree, and Gaia turned to smile a the girl, kneeling down and reaching out a hand. The girl came forward, speaking in Somalian nervously as she looked over the ragtag group. Gaia replied in kind, kissing the girl's forehead before standing again as the child took off, disappearing into the jungle.

"You are each strong in your way. But the bonds between you are still weak, prone to breaking at the slightest discretion." Her eyes slid back to Nick, and then Masque, before she turned. "You may rest here. When you are ready, one of my people will come to guide you to the village where we reside. There will be time for your questions, your...requests..." Her eyes turned to Morrigan, and rested on the fairy. "later. You have done well, banríon." She turned, and walked back into the forest, disappearing into the trees.

The clearing you have been left in is sunny, the jungle dense but filled with birdsong. When you are ready to leave, have your character state so in your post.


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Morrigan had trouble not simply falling to her knees when they walked into Gaia's presence. The sense of awe was overwhelming, as was the magic that seemly permeated the air. She could only listen, her hand tightening around Ash's when Gaia looked her way. It wasn't until the Mother of Fairies was gone that she felt she could relax, and leaned against a tree, tilting her head up to look at the sky. "Something's not quite right, here." She murmured. Not that she had expected to be taken directly to Gaia's home, but the way the fey had phrased her words.

"What do you think?" She looked up at Ash, keeping an eye on Masque just in case he ran into trouble.

 

She was exactly the same as she usually was. Always full of wit and a smart comment or two at hand. He didn't deign to respond to her comments over how she got there, he knew she was being flippant and he didn't particularly feel like responding to it. Right now, he was on edge and he had only recently managed to get his nerves back in order. She commented on his appearance and glanced in the mirror as he followed her into the room. He did look pale, and there were dark lines beneath his eyes. It hit me worse than I thought it would.
"And you don't look like you're prepared for battle exactly." He decided to take the chair as she had already helped herself to his bed. He was willing to let it slide on this occasion. Out of curiosity. "Thanks for bringing this by the way. And yes, things are bad. Between rebellious Nephlim and this Downworlder hunt, and the mess over Brianne turning... It's stressful. And I know that Aethelrick is here too. I can't think of anyone else crazy enough to plan a break in at the Institute to rescue Cyrus." Apparently Yorick was here visiting the Seelie Queen. He frowned.
"Good idea. I don't think she's your type of company. I had the misfortune just a few hours ago." He spoke dryly. When she mentioned the bag, he nodded and began to unzip it to retrieve his equipment. "So, Yorick and the Seelie Queen... That about confirms it. Apparently he doesn't want me to be able to defend myself. Damn." Why Yorick was making an alliance with the Seelie Queen was beyond him. It didn't make sense.
"Yorick's a fool if he thinks this arrangement will go well. I know her well enough to say that she only does things for her own benefit, and on her own whims." Corvo opened the bag and retrieved his crossbow, patting the sleek black weapon affectionately. He looked up at his new companion. "Grim as it sounds... Find a new career. Trailing Yorick and playing teacher's pet to him has a limited lifespan now. He's going to get himself killed. Damn, I know that she's watching right now. And he'll be right there with her by the sounds of it. Take care of yourself Luce. There are things going on here that even I don't understand." He stood up, bolts and stakes stacked under his arm. He pushed the wardrobe door open with his foot and rested the crossbow and ammunition against the wall. He reached into the bag and picked out the leather bandolier for his crossbow then slung it over his shoulder.
"How long are you and Yorick here?" He needed information. Right now, the best thing that he could do was try to get as much as he could on what was going on. Information was power. If he had a time frame, then he could understand what was happening. This arrangement with the Seelie Queen, and Yorick leaving Alicante... Something didn't feel right about any of this. If Luce had abandoned Yorick and come here to see him, then there was obviously more at play. ​

 

White queen drew herself up regally as they were greeted by the high warlock
"Greetings Hestia, or Lady Sunspoke if you prefer" she said as she curtsied respectfully. Black Rook rolled his eyes and grumbled but nodded his head in respect "We are here because there is nowhere else we can go to, we need to travel somewhere quickly, but, oh my gosh, most conventional methods of travel are simply far too slow" she sighed melodramatically "And I heard that you could help in that regard. Could you make a portal for me and my friends? We can give you anything you would like in return"

"Brianne! How lovely to speak to you again..." Paragon greeted cheerfully, before his tone sunk to one of despair "... but in such terrible circumstances. I'm so sorry about what's happened and I'm afraid I only have more bad news to pile on" Paragon paused for a moment for dramatic effect "The Seelie Queen. Titania. She knows... and she wants you dead. From my observations I have managed to gather that she needed you before you became infected. Beware. She asked the inquisitor, Corvo, and your fellow shadowhunter Roxanne to kill you. In fact she's coming for you right now" he let that sink in "Everyone seems to be against you Brianne, but I will always be an ally to the forces who keep order"
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Nick was about to make some witty comment of some kind when he suddenly stopped in awe of Gaia. He could feel the true magical power that emanated from her presence. It was very impressive. Was it just him, or did she stare at him slightly longer than at the others? As soon as she was gone he let out a sigh of relief that he hadn't realised he'd been holding in. He turned to Alarick with a gentle smile "So are you going to ask her something?"

Masque looked down awkwardly "Before I could use glamours... I couldn't hide my horns... everyone noticed. Called me a witch... a freak... an abomination... my own mother left me" Masque stuttered "And nobody was willing to help this poor little warlock who had no idea why everyone hated him and couldn't hide so all he could do was run and run and... sorry" Masque hadn't realised he'd been rambling and backed away from Shadi apologetically. As soon as Gaia entered he was struck with awe much like Nick. She was beautiful, she was carved from stars themselves, and she was powerful too, she simply radiated authority. As soon as she left, Masque sat on the grass and got out his sketchbook as he started the long gentle pencil lines of his drawing.

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Shadi walked with the other warlock as he explained his issue "I am very sorry to hear that. Odd that the glamours would not work, maybe Lady Gaia could help you with it, if you so desire." The Ifrit said, Masque then even apologised for rambling "It is alright, my friend. From what you share, you have been through much." He offered with a smile and gave the warlock a pat on the shoulder. He lead the group through the woods and towards the clearing where Lady Gaia dismissed him. He simply bowed and took his leave disappearing into the Jungle.

Aethelrick, near the rear of the group was amazed by the fact something so alive could be in such a place. He too could feel the raw magical power at work here. "Sweet mother of mercy..." He mumbled softly, simply amazed at all this. When they came before the queen, he was left without breath, he had seen plenty of fair specimens of the fairer gender, but this one took the crown, quite litteraly. Her pale skin like fresh unblemished snow under the light of the silver moon. The contrasting black hair like the coat of a raven. Her entire semblance reminding him of the clear skies in Idris at night. The deep blue with the pale light from moon and stars.

As the Queen spoke, Athel was listening attentively to all she said and not just what she said, but how she said it. After all a fae was a fae. Their bonds weren't strong, well for him personally that was simply because he practicly just met everyone here, well except the Lightwood lad, not that it mattered. Strongest bonds were forged through shared hardship.... The fae then mentioned something not seeming right. "I gotta agree there." Aethel told Morrigan as he sat down in the grass, folding his legs below him, keeping his hands on his knees. "There's gonna be a demand for her gift and I don't like the implications about said demands..." Then again if each and everyone would be granted a request or a question, imagine what they could learn. He looked around once again taking in what mundies would perceive as an outright miracle and he had to give it to them, it wasn't far off. Despite the long journey not even looking at the one he made to New York he was ready for whatever he would have to face.

 

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Hearing someone else call out Brianne's name, Creed looked towards the one that Felicia was speaking to. He'd recognized her at the one who opted to stay out of this, but she looked to be much worse for wear than she was the last time that he saw her. She seemed to be just as tense as she was before giving how she openly threatened Felicia, who just responded as calmly as she could. Probably for the best.

As she ran off towards where Brianne was, Felicia questioned if he knew her. At first Creed simply shrugged. "I know that she's a shadow hunter, but beyond that I got nothing." Creed answered. Prior to all this he'd tried to stay out of any shadow hunter business, of course he had no idea that simply knowing one would get him involved.

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Sien was looking around at the scenery around them. He wasn't used to all this magic being around him at one time and taking into account that he could actually feel the magic made the experience all the better. When Gaia had started speaking to them, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that she had an empowering aura behind her voice, one that was easily felt behind each word that she spoke. After her words had sunk in, Sien's mind started to ponder what this 'charge' she had mentioned. Just what was it that she wanted in exchange for their various questions/requests. They were given the option to rest here until someone came to get them, maybe it would be a good idea to take that into consideration. Some of the others were doing the same so why not join them. "But what could she want from us as a charge?" Sien wondered aloud.

Sien opts to stay.

In all his years Valister never thought, let alone imagine, that he'd end up speaking to Gaia herself. It he were the kind of person to actually make a bucket list, this would probably be up there. Actually that probably wouldn't be up on the list on the first place. He'd either need some damn good foresight or sheer luck (which seems to be the factor in this case) for that to work. Naturally he was wondering what she meant by the charge, but he didn't feel like waiting around. Thus he opts to move on.

 

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"That's not entirely fair." Luce flipped her hair over her shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "He didn't take out the wooden stakes, or the silver bullets. He just doesn't want you to kill any fairies. Big difference." But at his next sentence, she got to her feet, eyebrows lowering. "You're a fucking coward." She declared, crossing her arms over her chest. "I thought I was doing us, both of us a favor, by coming here. But if you're so readily going to abandon the man who gave you everything, then I'm better off trying to save him by myself." She strode to the bag, yanking it from Corvo's grasp and pulling out her sniper gun case, pulling the strap over her shoulder and grabbing her stele, hooking it into her belt.

"I thought you had some loyalty. By the damned Angel, was I apparently wrong. Keep your concern. I don't need it from a traitor." Luce headed towards the door, face set with determination. If Corvo was too weak, and Yorick was too far gone, then it was up to her, and her alone.

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Hestia waved her hand before returning it to the fire cat as the creature mewed its displeasure. "Hestia is fine. And you both should come in." She turned, leaving the two to close the door as she strode inside. "I usually ask for money as payment, but from you two..." She eyed them, frowning speculatively as she continued to pet the flaming cat. "You're going to tell me a secret. One from each of you. Something no one else knows about yourselves. Whenever you're ready, of course."[/COLOR]

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Clarity turned to stare at the slightly crazed girl who was begging to be let in. "You must be the crazy one. Roxanne. And no." She held her hand out, not touching Roxanne, but telling the girl silently to keep her distance. "Brianne doesn't need extra stress. You might have missed a little bit since you abandoned everyone and everything, and walked off, but she needs to be kept from as much emotional turmoil as possible. You, in your current state, are only going to accelerate her distress."

Clarity motioned for the girl to move. "Go, take a shower, get something to eat. Do something, to calm down that doesn't involve murdering anyone, and then come back. And if you even think of trying to force your way past me, I promise you, I'll make sure you regret it."

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Alarick glanced at Nick. "I...I want to ask a request." he murmured, running his hands nervously through his hair. The aura of power that Gaia emitted was troubling. He had yet to meet the Seelie Queen, her daughter, but if she had even a tenth of the fey's presence, then he was going to have to seriously reconsider trying to take her on, should they return without Gaia. "What about yo-" But his question was interrupted, as a small girl with pointed ears and wings appeared from the jungle.

"The warlock Ash, and the Shadowhunter Alarick, please follow me. Gaia wishes to speak to both of you privately." The girl turned, her wings fluttering slightly before turning into the woods, leaving the two she named to follow her.

Alarick clasped Nick on the shoulder with a small twitch of his lips. "I'll be back soon." He promised, before following the fey girl into the woods.

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Morrigan interlaced her fingers with Ash's. "I think the opposite. Bonds mean everything to her, and she's going to test ours. However fragile they may be." She glanced around at their group, before stiffening as Ash's name was called. The winged girl turned before Morrigan could get a good look at her, and she instead looked up to Ash. "I guess you're being summoned." She told him with a small smile.

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Brianne listened calmly to Paragon's voice, not saying a word until he was finished. "Thank you, for the warning. Once again I find myself in your debt." She replied, her voice empty of any emotion. "I'll take your advice under advisement, and return the favor when I am able." She ended the call, setting the phone down on the couch, as Clarity's back was turned, and she seemed...preoccupied with a familiar figure. Roxanne. Brianne sighed, catching the end of Clarity's sentence.

The ifrit was right, and Brianne was coming back to herself a little bit more as she realized it. She had never been one to wallow, and now, there was something she needed to do to ensure her survival. She would have to consider Paragon's angle later. Much later. Right now....She stood up, brushing Rhett aside with a gesture that took more effort then it appeared. Her skin felt clammy, but she ignored that as well. "There is something I need to do. Only me. Alone. It will not take long, and I will return shortly." She turned, the stele warm as she took it in her hand, carving Runes for invisibility and protection from magic onto her body. They burned, but only slightly more then usual. She had a limited amount of time to do this, and it was happening now. Her skin slowly began to disappear from view as she waited for the Rune to take over completely. "You can all bother me then. But I promise you, if you any of you hold me back from this, you will be the cause for my death. And I will pray that the Angel never forgives you." The steel in her voice grew stronger, the more of her that disappeared. Ironic.

 

"Traitor? You're levelling accusations of treachery at me Luce? No, I'm afraid you're mistaken, and I have no intention of letting Yorick die. However. If you go to fight the Seelie Queen on her own territory, you will die." He pointed out, his voice remaining calm. "The better approach here is patience. Wait until he leaves. I doubt that she will do anything to him there and then. Once he is outside, he will come to us, and then we can try to explain his error, or get some answers." He followed her as she made to leave the room. He frowned.
"What are you trying to do? Think before you act girl!" He spoke sharply. He considered saying more, but then stopped. He backed away and sat down on his chair again. "Do as you wish. But if you try anything, then you will be entirely at her mercy. That is not a place that you will want to be." His tone was resigned, as if he knew that if she was going to try anything, he had no power to stop her from doing so, regardless of how foolhardy it may be. And foolhardy it was. Not that she would listen, not to him. As far as she was concerned, he was some sort of traitor that had it in for Yorick and was a coward. She probably wouldn't take the time to consider why he appeared so stressed when she saw him, or why he had said anything. There was a reason she had never been able to win Yorick over, and that was because she didn't stop to think. She was all impulse action, with less planned moves. The old man was where he was precisely because he thought, he moved fast when he was ready to strike, but he stayed quiet and then made his move. And he listened to sound advice.
"Put your quarrel with me aside. Rather a lot more will be achieved working with me. The both of us might be able to make something work." He urged, saying one last thing before giving up on her. If she was going to act against the Seelie Queen, then he was not going to be responsible. She had been given fair warning. ​

 

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Luce turned, dropping her gun on the floor gently before stalking towards Corvo, she bent over him, staring into his eyes, their faces barely an inch apart. "How the fuck do you plan to talk to him?! He's been magicked you goddamned idiot." She hissed, grabbing his face and pulling her fingers down his cheek before pulling them away. "And she tried it on you!" She jumped backwards as if she had been burned, her eyes narrowed as she quickly rubbed the powder on her pants. "Shit, you could already be turned." She grabbed her gun bag again, slinging it over her shoulder. If nothing else, it could be used as a weapon. "You stupid idiotic specimen of a man you let her touch you." She groaned, pacing the room, agitated.

"No help for it." She pulled her gun out of the bag, shoving a bullet from her pocket into the slot before pulling the lever back, the projectile slipping into the barrel. Turning, she pointed the sniper rifle straight at Corvo, without aiming down the sight, her face set. "I am going to murder the Seelie Queen, Corvo Eismauer. If you are poisoned by her magic, you will be unable to stop yourself from attempting to disarm me of this iron bullet." She clicked off the safety, and let her finger brace against the trigger. "If you do, then I'm sorry."

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Clarity had enough of the crazy girl. She grabbed one of her daggers and in a second had it pressed against Roxanne's throat. "Screaming is acceptable in a few places." She said, almost conversationally. "One would be during a tragic event, or when someone is bleeding out on the floor, staining your carpet. Another is winning the mundane lottery. And the third would be if you were in bed with me, screaming 'By the Angel's glorious tits, because I'm just that good. Since no one is dying, no one is bleeding, I don't see lottery tickets or money anywhere, and we are most definitely not having sex, it is not appropriate to do that. Especially in someone's face." She pressed the dagger harder to Roxanne's throat, her other hand finding a second one and pressing it to the girl's stomach.

"Now that you've received a lesson in proper conduct of society, free of charge, let me give you another, gratis." She smiled, sweetly. "Do not piss off someone who's crazier then you. I've lived twice as long, seen four times as much shit, and believe me, I'm quite a bit more insane, compared to a simple girl like you." She leaned in close, her breath stirring the girl's hair. "I just don't make it obvious."

Just as quickly as they had appeared, her knives vanished, the same as Brianne. Clarity moved out of the doorway, whispering good luck to her friend as she felt the air stir by her arm, before glaring at Rhett. "Tell me what to do one more time, Fluffy, and I'll show you what Ash taught me when you were off trying to sleep with that ifrit." She promised, before walking to the couch and sitting down. She wasn't much of an anxious pacer, so it was time to relax, and wait for Brianne to come back. She was the one person Clarity had counted on. Besides Ash. But Ash was a dick.

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Alarick glanced as Ash joined them, his ever present frown practically cemented on his face, though this time with the added bonus of a furrow in his brow. They followed the winged girl for a few minutes, walking deeper into the jungle. Alarick's alarm bells were going off in his head, and he stopped, reaching out a hand to silently halt Ash's progress as well. "Something's not right." he muttered. Then the fairy girl turned, her image flickering.

"Bonds made in war are stronger then those made by blood." She whispered, before flickering away. Howling filled the jungle around them, and Alarick turned, bo staff in his hand and eyes darting through the jungle.

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Morrigan touched Ash's face gently, before he was gone. "Be careful." She whispered, letting her hand drop before turning, noticing the small girl who had attended Gaia. She bent down, smiling at the tiny girl, who smiled back showing razor sharp teeth.

"Come on. You and him." She pointed to Nick, gesturing. "I've got something you'll like!" She turned, giggling, and darted off into the woods.

Morrigan turned, making sure Nick knew he was supposed to follow them, before shrugging. "She says she has something for us." She murmured, confused, but charmed by the tiny warlock. She started off through the jungle after the girl, making sure to watch her step. It wouldn't do to watch out for metaphorical sn-reptiles, only to be bitten by a real one.

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Brianne knew Rhett was displeased, but he hadn't stopped her. She would remember to thank him later, as she waited for the Rune to complete itself, before slipping past Clarity, who appeared to have taken personal offence to Roxanne's antics. She would have to deal with that later. So much to do later. Walking up the steps, slipping past the werewolves that milled around the Institute, she walked towards a place that few ever went, save herself. The library, or the garden, or her own room, would have been obvious choices. Instead, Brianne had chosen the small altar that made up the chapel.

She went to the fourth bench, and gently moved it aside before removing the stone from the floor. Inside, wrapped up in the cloth Alarick had carried it with, was the Mortal Sword. Simply being in the presence of an Instrument took Brianne's breath away, and she had to sit for a moment, before picking it up. Gently setting it onto the ground next to her, she replaced the stone, and then the bench, before walking towards the back door of the Institute. "Time for you to get a new home." She whispered, slipping out into the breaking dawn.

A vampire slipped, as soft as a shadow, to stand next to Masque and Valister. "You two must come with me. The others are in danger." He intoned, his voice cool and emotionless, before slipping back into the jungle. They would only have moments to follow his silent footsteps as he receded back into the forest.

 

Corvo recoiled as she approached, thankful that she at least dropped her gun. There seemed to be something that annoyed her greatly.
"What do you-" Corvo felt her hand brush down his cheek uncomfortably and he turned his face away so that she couldn't try to claw the other side. Then, she said that the Seelie Queen tried to bewitch him. The Inquisitor's eyes opened wide in shock and he stood up to face her. "What do you mean she tried to-" He froze as soon as she pulled her gun on him. She talked about her trying to bewitch him, and that Yorick was overtaken. That was bad news. It sounded like the Seelie Queen had already got to their leader... He stood still as she loaded the gun, meeting her furious gaze with a cool, calm look of his own. Internally, his head spun as he tried to figure out what Yorick being trapped by her yet. How had she done it? He noticed a powder on her trousers after she touched his face, and something made her freak out after she touched his face. Could it be that?
"I see... So that was the purpose of touching my face, other than taunting me. The powder." He spoke. "If you have iron bullets, we ought to share them. Now I understand why Yorick removed the bullets..." He folded his arms, but otherwise stood stock still. His instincts wanted him to pull out his Contender, but he knew that it was going to end badly. As good as he was, he couldn't dodge at this range. That, and he had faith that she wasn't going to shoot him if he didn't try to stop her.
"Are you quite done pointing your gun at me, or am I going to have to stand still here for the next hour?" He said somewhat sarcastically. "We've got things to talk about. What magic did the Seelie Queen attempt? What has she done to Yorick?" ​

 

​

Luce grinned, then pointed the barrel at the ceiling. "I lied. Yorick took all my iron too." she let the butt of the gun rest on her hip as she rested her hand on the other hip. "It's some sort of mind control. But she can't do it without the powder. At least I don't think she can. I honestly don't know on that one. But I've seen it on Yorick when he's come back. Not that he told me it came from her, but it's not hard to figure out when someone starts having an intense hatred of all things iron."

She set the gun against the wall, and sat down, leaning her back against the bed as she stared up at the ceiling. "I don't think she's made him do the other things, Corvo." Her voice was sad, and weary. "The things I've seen him do. He's not the person he used to be, but I don't think that's the fault of anything other then his own fanatical dream." She braced her arms on her knees, hair briefly covering her face. "He killed the rest of the Clave. It's only him now. And those Downworlders you're giving him?" She glanced up at Corvo. "He's sacrificing them to the Angel. One by one."

​

Alarick ignored Ash's taunts, pulling his stele out and carving the rune for Speed, and Quickened Healing. "Brianne's in trouble." Was his short reply as the stele went back into his belt, the button pressed on the bo staff to spring out the twin seraph blades. "Raphael, Michael." He whispered, the blades glowing into life. The howling drew closer, until he could have swore the wolves would have been right in front of them, and then stopped. Alarick's grip slackened, his body going tense with horror, as two figures stepped out of the woods.

"See." Brianne hissed, squeezing Rhett's hand before dropping it. Her hand was healed, no sign of the incident ever having been there. Her eyes glowed as she stared at the warlock and her twin. "They're conspiring against me. They want to kill me. Even my own brother." She choked on the last words, the pain so real Alarick wanted to drop everything and run to her. It had to be an illusion, it had to be. But if it was, it was the best damn copy he had ever seen. Everything, from the shape of her eyes to the pain in their gaze, was so true to life.

Rhett narrowed his eyes, everything in his stance oozing of protective loyalty. "I promised you I wouldn't let that happen, angel." He growled, starting towards Alarick. "I'll keep you safe." Brianne began to circle around, towards Ash. "We have to kill them both. It's the only way." A half choked snarl, the sound of a crazed werewolf struggling with control, made its way out of her throat. Alarick could never forget that sound, nor the sound the creature had made when he killed it. "Hear that, Ash?" she taunted the warlock. "I showed Rhett what it meant to actually be loved, when you only wanted him for his abilities, his naivety, his unwavering loyalty. He'll be free of you, and I'll be free of him." She jerked her head at Alarick before leaping at Ash, attacking him the same time Rhett attacked Alarick. She pulled out a simple iron dagger, swiping at Ash's arm with a snarl.

Alarick blocked the werewolf's hatchet before forcing him back, swiping with the staff towards his chest. The blow was blocked as Rhett backed up, pulled out his gun, and fired. Alarick felt the bullet graze his shoulder as he jerked to the side. Illusions couldn't fake pain. They couldn't cause pain. "What in the Angel's name is going on?" He whispered.

​

Brianne rested against the wall of the alleyway, wiping the sweat from her forehead. She had removed the runes after getting a safe enough distance away, when the burning became too intense to bear. The fever had returned with a vengeance, causing her clothes to become heavy with her body's moisture, her hair limp as though it was a hot summer night. She gritted her teeth, shutting her eyes to catch her breath, and then starting forward again. She had left underneath her own willpower, and by the Angel she would return the same way.

Stumbling towards the back door, she pressed her forehead against the cool stone of the wall before opening the door. "I could use a shower." She muttered to Clarity before collapsing on the couch next to the ifrit, not much caring that she was awkwardly sprawled across her friend's body. Clarity immediately sat up, pressing a cool hand to her forehead. "Shit, Bri." The ifrit whispered, keeping her blessedly cool skin pressed to Brianne's. "You accelerated it. You ran, didn't you? And the runes....."

Brianne didn't nod, didn't move. Just enjoyed the cool sensation while it lasted.