Fairy Skelter [Job | Marcus]

Markus blinked, looking up. It was early morning, the sun was bright in the sky, shafts of iridescent light cascaded in all directions, the day was warm. Most other people would enjoy a day such as this, Markus however only felt tired. This was usually when he fell asleep.

He knew that his magic would currently be suboptimal, something he was hesitant to move forward with. Most mages would not go into a mission without odds at least being in there favor, and Markus found himself on one which was classified higher than his rank. However, this time around he would not be alone, which he knew gave him an advantage.

Markus hadn’t spoken to the female mage directly since that day in the woods. Not that that was unusual for him, he hardly spoke to anyone, and not long after that had gone on a mission which took him out of Fiore, so it really had not come up. He was slightly curious what the mage had been up to, they had not separated in a bad way, though some might not look at it as a pleasant goodbye either. In fact, Markus hadn’t said goodbye at all.

He was situated in a corner of the station, his hood was up. Like usual when on a job he was fully covered. He wore a long black cloak, which covered most of his body, black pants, white wrappings, and his hood covered the rest.

He knew he would be completely invisible sitting in the dark shadow created by the morning sun, and his magical abilities would be masked to sensory abilities. It wasn’t even something he could control, the magic he controlled masked him on its own, when he was in shadow. However, it was an ability he was thankful for, it caused less problems. He knew he got interesting looks in public places, not that it even bothered him, but some people were not the most trusting of mages.

Looking up, he watched when she arrived. She seemed to be in a good mood. He was not surprised to hear that Nessa had also accepted the job, it happened often enough, and being in the same guild they would be working together on this one.

The black clad mage had been in Lavender Port City for a while now, getting in the night before. He always scoped out a job beforehand, and he did not trust this one. It just seemed… wrong. Plus, he was unsure he trusted the female mage to know of his less… legal dealings.

As he stepped from the shadows, he did not seek any more. He had no need to sneak up on her, and he knew without the shadows his magical presence would no longer be masked. He was unsure how much, or how often she used her sensory abilities, but he knew all mages had them.

As soon as he reached the bench she sat at, he nodded to his guildmate. His head was covered in his hood, pale with shadows his face was fully visible however, he had kept his scarf down.

“Nessa, good to see you again.” He said, neutrally. In all honesty he did not feel one way or the other, and he tried not to think too much on the last time they had met, she seemed much more cheerful.

After her greeting, if she gave on he would nod towards the streets, inviting her to walk with him. You never knew who could be listening in. As they walked, he let her know what he had learned. There was not much information on the dealer, though there were quite a few businesses desired to get into the same trade, some were worried that the wings were acquired through less ‘humane’ means.

He had heard rumors that they had a camp nearby, but he was not able to determine where yet. Meaning him and Nessa would need to search more. That or hope they got lucky and stumbled on it.

He waited to hear what she had to say.

Notes:
Word Count : 681 | Total : 681 | Target : 6,000
Job : Fairy Skelter
Approval : here

Once she spoke, he nodded. It was a logical conclusion and made sense, he never really cared much for the hunting trade, but Fairies were intelligent creatures, and would be much like hunting humans… Something he has put a stop to before. He was thinking about the camp, if these guys were anything like he expected, this could get messy.

He knew, he would probably kill again on this mission, those who hunted intelligent creatures had no qualms about killing you after all, and pulling your punches could get you killed. He wondered if she was ready for this. He had no doubt she could hold her own, and he knew she had killed monsters before. This however, would be different…

Markus glanced about as the two walked, they found themselves in a crowded market, he could hear shouts and cries. Venders and citizens, chatting and one or two arguments, bartering, and more than a little flirting. Markets were a great way to find information, and learn about people. Glancing about he watched people as they went about their business, he found it interesting more than a few looked towards his companion. He wondered what they thought of her compatrient, of him. Luckily, no one seemed to advance on either of them.

As they walked venders were selling all sorts of wares, from food to art. He saw a few interesting items, the vendor's said they were magical, he was sceptical. The food however smelt good, but he ignored it, the job always came first. Markus for the most part stayed quiet, allowing Nessa to do the talking. It was interesting, the differences in their approaches.

She was a generally charismatic and kind person, people were very much willing to speak with her. By now Markus would have resorted to bending a few fingers. She however, had the patients of a saint. When one person did not speak, or hid information, she seemed to continue on as if it did not matter. Markus was certain to remember their faces, he would visit them later tonight if needed.

As they asked more people, he got a better and better idea on what they would be up against. The vendor's seemed scared, worried, or hesitant. Which only meant a couple things. They would have been paid off, or bullied into silence. Finally, they had their break.

They walked up to a venter, the second his eyes fell upon the two they stayed glued to the female, and not on her eyes. Markus was not surprised, Nessa was an attractive female, but he could see the ring on the man's finger, and knew that was the last thing on his mind.

He informed them, that the camp could be found west of town, and said something about his nephew or child. Markus was already thinking strategy, so missed the rest of their conversation. By the man's sudden drop in facial expression, and the shouts he could hear as they walk away, Markus assumed Nessa handled the rest of it rather well.

Markus nodded, west it was. “I suggest we wait till twilight, or nightfall.” Markus said. “Perhaps find and watch them for a bit, maybe some more information.” He told her as they walked… It was a second or two before he explained why, “My magic is weaker in daytime, or no magical light.”

Markus was thinking on the types of men these traders probably were, they had found a forest to the west. Briefly Markus thought of their last encounter before returning to the task at hand.

Notes:
Word Count : 596| Total : 1,277 | Target : 6,000
Job : Fairy Skelter
Approval : here

Markus could hear the sounds of the forest, animals, bugs, nature. He was crouched down, a small distant from Nessa. He was sticking to the shadows, not so much that he would vanish from her sight, but enough that another mage would not sense him, and a sentry would miss his presence. He kept his mind open, searching for magic. He used his abilities often, and other then Nessa could feel small amounts of magic, not many but by the sounds of camp they were mixed between the other traders.

In addition, he could feel something strange. Something… Different. It was a whisper, natural, almost like a breeze. He knew it was magic, but some kind of creature. Suddenly, he heard it a buzzing sound like small fluttering wings. He cocked his head when the creatures revealed themselves, they did not attack, but instead spun around the two mages.

They were small, the largest of which had to be no more than four inches, their variations of sizes would be quite close to human differences. Like other humanoids they variegated quite a bit, hair color, clothes, shapes, and in other ways unlike humans they varies, wings, accessories, he could tell each of them was associated with nature in some way. He could see all shades and colors, blues, greens, reds, it was quite interesting. Markus had never met a fairy before. They looked angry, hostile. He assumed they did not trust humans, and probably for good reason.

He looked down to see Nessa’s hand blocking his path. He looked at it for a second, before glancing at her, and back to the fairies, what did she think he would do? These creatures had not showed themselves unreasonable, he had no reason to harm them... Yet.

She spoke up, her voice was gentle, light, honest. He agreed with what she said, unless the creatures were unreasonable, they had no reason to harm them. Seems the creatures did not believe them. Markus grabbed her hand, placing it back at her side, he stepped forward next to her, and reached over his head slowly, as to not cause distress.

He took off his hood, and looked at the creatures, nodding. He did not say anything yet. When Nessa informed the Fairies they were here to help, only then did he speak up. “These men.. These ‘traders’ are nothing more than beasts, mercenaries, and slavers.” Markus said, his voice was neutral as ever. “We are here to stop them, and end their trade, permanently.” There was a hint of ire to his voice, a whisper of danger.

He heard the Fairies speak, a couple said what they had lost, one started to cry. He was certain, had the two groups not met, the Fairies would be dead by the time the two mages got to the camp. This chance encounter probably saved their lives.

When Nessa spoke again he nodded. She seemed genuinely angry by what these people had done. Markus did not feel anger, or hatred. Though, he was certain he would put an end to the trading, one way or the other. When she glanced at him, he nodded. He was with her.

It was getting late, by the time the group got closer to the camp. The sun had just started to crest over the edge of the horizon, a conflagration of reds and oranges and yellows crest upwards into the sky. Markus held out his hand, he had seen the first sentry. He pointed out the man to the group, he had a strange contraption in his hand, a yellow orb which gave off a slow glow.

There was a hole on one side, and barbs on the other. He knew what this was, a barbaric trap. If the creatures, the fairies entered, they would be caught, their limbs impaled, unable to escape. It would be painful, torture. Markus narrowed his eyes. In the distance he could hear the camp, they sounded cheerful, boisterous, maybe even a few of them were drunk. There was one thing for sure, there would be no small numbers.

He looked to Nessa, and leaned in putting his mouth very close to her ear he whispered. “We do not know what kind of magic they control, they might can hear us.” He explained fist, “We should take out the sentries, then attack the camp with an ambush.” He continued. He also assumed some of the 'traders'... hunters more like it, would probably already be out. There was no way to know when they would return.

He suggested they separate for a few minutes, each of the mages taking one or two of the fairies currently with them as backup. They could circle around, and meet up before attacking as one. He waited, to see what she said. He would be open to anything she advised.

Notes:
Word Count : 813 | Total : 2,090 | Target : 6,000
Job : Fairy Skelter
Approval : here

As Markus prepared to move out, he could tell Nessa was having troubles containing her anger. He knew, anger, sadness, doubt, all of these could lead to issues in a mission, just as much as each one could provide the edge you need to survive. Markus himself prefered to rely on Logic, and Calculated risks, but not everyone was that way. He was glad to see that Nessa however controlled herself, despite shaking in rage.

Before they two separated he touched her shoulder to get her attention, and maybe provide a little comfort although he was not good at that sort of thing. Looking in her eyes, the black clad mage nodded slightly before glancing at the trapper with a fierce look… He was all hers.

Letting his hand drop, he set out on his task taking the right. A large part of him wanted to attack now, getting rid of the sentries, but he waited. He knew he needed to know how many there were, their numbers, their patterns. He needed to be prepared. As he circled, he counted a total of men, excluding the one they had seen earlier.

He could tell immediately, that they were not very trained. At least two of the men were drinking, slurring their words and wobbling in their steps. The others were in various states of napping, talking, or relaxing. They felt they had nothing to fear, nothing to worry about.

Their probably paid each of them their worth, and he definitely paid for quantity over quality,  meaning they would be easy to take down, each only needing one or two solid hits. However, their biggest advantage would be numbers. With this many sentries he had no doubt the main camp would be large. If him and the light mage were to have a chance, they would have to take out the sentries without raising the alarm.

Finally, Markus reached their meeting point, he was sneaking forward in the shadows. Not wanting scare Nessa, he sent one of the fairies who had joined him ahead, then momentarily afterward stepped from the shadows next to her.

Conferring notes he counted 9 sentries, he informed Nessa of his findings. He knew the men should be no problem for either of them, and assumed she had a way to deal with multiple opponents. So he made his offer.

“Four for me, Four for you. The last goes to whoever gets to him first.” Markus said quietly, his voice a whisper in the wind. “Once they are taken care of, let's move to the main camp, and make these men regret their trade.” His voice, while holding no emotion was dark, and menacing. He could see the Fairies that had joined them were nodding.

Markus gave Nessa his signature grin, like always it was a cocky smile much like the one he gave her at the waterfall. However, this one was slightly different, although it still did not meet his eyes they held a strange glimmer of determination, and a hint of emotion.

Whether she noticed it or not, it conveyed that he was ready. As such, clenching his fists, Markus prepared for his task. He decided to keep Hela hidden in his shadows, until she was needed. Having a surprise attack was always helpful.  

Notes:
Word Count : 550 | Total : 2,640 | Target : 6,000
Job : Fairy Skelter
Approval : here

Markus cocked his head as the light mages demeanor changed, her eyes were alight a conflagration of determination, then watched as her head turned her eyes locking onto her target. The black clad mage wasted no more time, he was certain she could handle herself, and as such did not give it a second thought.

As she started to summon her orbs of light, Markus clenched his fist. Dark energy surged for a second, spinning and disappearing into his fingers. His eyes set upon his targets, his mind cleared, he took a deep breath before he started walking. His pace was slow, measured, he gave up on stealth trusting in the shadows to protect him as they always have.

The first man did not see it coming, Markus pointed at him, his hand changing. Now, his thumb was skyward and he had two fingers pointed at their tips dark energy crackled. With a flash, a void ‘light’ a beam shot forth, hitting the first man. Markus was not out to kill, not yet. As such, he only used one shot. It was all that was needed.

As he walked, he aimed at the second. The man only had time to look up, reach for his weapon, and collapse as another dark shot collided with his torso. However, he gave a small grunt, enough so that the third man stood, having enough time to reach for his weapon he dodged the first shot. Unfortunately for him, Markus shot twice, the second hiding the man square in the chest.

Markus found himself walking upon the third man, something must have frightened him, as the trapper took a step back, the yellow orb still in his hand. Markus shot, aiming for the orb which shattered. The man tried to scream, however Markus had already shot again this one once more at the mans torso. The man collapsed. Markus, didn’t even give him a second glance.

The black clad mages stride never changed.

Markus brought up his hand once more, glancing over at the effectiveness at which Nessa dealt with her sentries. He was impressed, surprised even, at her ferocity, Markus assumed the man she had beaten was still breathing, even barely.. After all, she was not a killer, but this was a day he would never forget. As his hand pointed, this time his fingers wide, he was preparing to take out the fourth sentry when he felt it.

A stabbing pain in his leg, lurching foward he glanced down. He saw a bolt sticking out of his thigh, piercing slightly into his leg… He was lucky he had recently enchanted his armor, otherwise the damage would have been much worse, however that thought never crossed his mind, instead Markus only snapped the bolt, and looked up. He knew he was bleeding, but this had not been the first time.

Markus’ eyes became alight with chaotic energy, the whites began to glow a deep purple, his blue/grey eyes darkened becoming almost black. He felt his mana drain, and the wound close. The storm filled orbs met the perpetrator, it seems Markus had been a little careless giving the last sentry too much time.

The man had a cocky smile about him, his hands were already up holding a crossbow to the mages chest. Markus actually smiled back, not the sweet pretty smile one would give in happyness, the kind which made someone look bright, alight, beautiful.

No, this smile had no warmth, no connection, this was the smile which said only one thing… Goodbye.

Markus watched as the man was jerked to the side, unable to scream as a large wolf clamped upon his throat. There was no noise. Hela had appeared from her indetectable shadows. Markus’ eyes held no regret, remorse, or worry. The mage only nodded at his animal companion before looking up. It was decided. Markus would no longer spare their lives. He had made a mistake earlier letting the others live.

Markus' gaze narrowed as he walked up to the final, and ninth man. The man took a step back, something in Markus' eyes frightening him. Before the man could make a noise however, Markus brought his hands together, and thrust them forward. A large beam of chaotic energy shot forth. This attack was build to destroy barriers, and obstructions. Connected, and boosted by the chaotic forces Markus controlled, this attack struck the man dead center, his chest had no hope.

The man collapsed, he was no longer breathing.

Markus glanced at Nessa, they had met up, almost at the main camp. When his eyes met hers, they held nothing, no emotion, no determination, and even if they did, they still glowed, and would continue as such until his connection with the chaotic forces was severed, or waned. "Nessa, meet Hela." He said, the wolf at his side. Hela looked at the female mage, her eyes were alight with a strange and ancient force.

Markus started walking towards the camp, the same pace he had before. His breathing was measured, calculated, the damage from the bolt was completely healed, however Markus was no longer 'whole', when connected to chaotic forces his mind was no fully... human, and that showed to an observer. He walked forward slowly, Hela at his side. He assumed Nessa was close by so he spoke quietly, "Lets finish this"

As the main camp came into view, the inhabitants were none the wiser. Their numbers were as large as Markus expected, a couple dozen at least. Mixed among them, Markus could feel magic, and, see animals. He knew the mages he sensed earlier were within the group. He could not see the leader.

Suddenly however, he heard a small noise. Looking over, he saw one of the Fairies in their company cry out, the sound was quite, hoarse, as if she knew to be silent but could not help it. She was pointing, Markus followed her small hands, her tearful gaze, and his eyes narrowed.

He learned at that moment how the hunters removed the wings from a living fairy. Slowly, carefully, so not to damage it, he could hear the anguish from the tortured creature.

Notes:
Word Count : 1,031 | Total : 3,671 | Target : 6,000
Job : Fairy Skelter
Approval : here
Health 450/450
Mana 267/337



Chaos Shots - cooldown 0/2
Darkness Beam - cooldown 1/2

Power of Chaos - Duration 1/5

Markus’ his eyes still glowing with chaotic energy took a step forward. He knew time for stealth was over. His hands started to spark once more. Suddenly however the warning of his sensory magic flared. Looking to his side, his eyes widened, which was as much as an exclamation for the black clad mage. Nessa, his partner was ‘glowing’ with dark light, demonic energy flowed from her. Markus knew she was flooded with magic. Ironically it was quite familiar.

Markus grinned at the mage, even though she could not see it. Seems they were more alike than he thought. Suddenly however she shot forward, far faster then Markus expected, or had seen before. One second, he was next to her, the next across the way in the camp, and in the following she was against a tree. The man who was in her grasp looked frightened, but for only a second. She left him barely breathing. Markus wondered if he would survive. However, Markus knew he really did not care.

He looked at the Fairies still with him, “Be prepared to catch your allies”, Markus said, quietly.

Seems it was time to make these men regret ever waking up. Taking a deep breath, Markus was clad in black light. He suddenly stood at the edge of camp, where the men were torturing the fairies for their wings. Before they realized what had happened, he reached over, grabbing the cage which held the creatures.

He could see at least three fairies still within the cage, all of which were damaged by the traps. He saw a female and two males. “Hold on”, was all the warning he gave them. With a yank, he threw the cage with all his might towards the other fairies. Most people would think his actions cruel, however he probably saved their lives, he doubted anyone near him would survive.

The men around him reacted, between him and Nessa’s sudden attack though they were not fast enough, for either of them. Markus counted 4 men, and two creatures animals which growled viciously.

Markus lifted his right leg off the ground, ever so slightly. Chaotic energy coursed through his body when he slammed it back down. He felt the damage to his system, he knew this attack had its dangers. One of the creatures lunged, getting closer was not a smart move.

Suddenly, the ground around Markus shattered. Chaotic energy exploded outwards breaking the ground itself. Everything within 15 meters of Markus was hit by two waves, the first an almost invisible wave of energy which seeped into the body, weakening their defenses. The second, a physical manifestation of chaos which launched everything back ten meters and damaged everyone affected.

Markus looked around passively, he could tell almost of them survived the attack. It was one of his signature attacks, a chaotic pulse which used all of his magical modifications. He saw one of the animals, a dog like creature stand back up.

Suddenly the creature started to change, it stood on two legs its neck elongating, its head narrowing. The creature resembled a humanoid now, it looked at Markus menacingly, ready to attack. in addition, as the black clad mage looked around, there were still plenty more men ready to attack.

For a second his mind flicked to Nessa, he looked over wondering if she was okay. They still had more Fairies to save, and they needed to find the leader in order to put a stop to this, permanently.

His mind returned to the mission, they two mages can speak afterwards. He knew, if he was alone he could use his Miasma, but the range would hurt, or even kill her as well. That was the last thing he wanted, so he resigned to do this the hard way.

Notes:
Word Count : 634 | Total : 4,305 | Target : 6,000
Job : Fairy Skelter
Approval : here
Health 390/450
Mana 267/337


Chaos Shots - cooldown 1/2

Power of Chaos - Duration 2/5

Chaotic Pulse - Signature, Cooldown 1/2

Markus’ eyes met that of the creature, the black clad mage was prepared, ready, and more then willing. Though, he glanced to the side when Hela reached him. Her paws were stained red, the mage was slightly curious to what she had gotten into. He assumed it was nothing pleasant. As usual he felt much better with her at his side.  The two beasts looked at the shifter, their eyes reflecting the same intent as they attacked in unison.  

Markus summoned his Dark Tendrils, two extra arms of dark magic. He knew they had great range, and capabilities.  But, more than anything they would allow him to deal with multiple opponents. He knew it would give him the time he needed, and allow him to have more options, logically Markus knew he was getting lower in Mana.  

As Hela and the shifter locked jaws, the black clad mage was assaulted with a duo of trappers. As one swung at him, the wicked blade swiping through the air, it stopped suddenly as an invisible hand caught it.  The other Tendril attacked, striking the man in the gut.  Markus focused his attention on the other man, calling darkness to his hands Markus felt as it swirled and formed. A dark whip with wicked thorns.

Sweeping forward,  the whip closed the distance between Markus and the second assailant. The whip cut deep, once, twice, the man collapsed holding his neck no longer a threat. Markus knew he was still alive, but he would no longer be able to attack Markus, and that was enough.  

Markus returned his attention to the first man, who had finally wrenched his weapon from Markus’ tendrils. Markus gave him a signature wicked grin. The man attempted, futaily, to turn and run. This only succeeding in giving Markus a strike at his back. Markus Whipped the man around the waist, and wrenched downwards causing the man to fall. Two strikes with his tendrils from there left the man unconscious.

Markus look at his arm, the whip had cut into him and his white bandages were now stained red. Both with his, and his opponents blood.  Markus could feel a wetness on his face, he assumed it was also blood. Looking around, he watched as Hela dealt to the shifter which had been weakened by Markus’ chaotic pulse.  The camps numbers were getting low, less than a third remained.  

No longer surrounded Markus took a second to look for his female companion, the light mage. His eyes found her just as she was fighting a shifter of her own a whip of light, not unlike his own dark whip, lashed out.  The creature was taken down by a flurry of light after that.  He watched as Nessa reached him. She seemed to be protected by her magic, anyone to attempted to attack her only succeeded in hurting themselves.  

When the female reached him, she offered him a coy smile. Markus gave her a signature grin in return.  Nodding at her apology he remained silent, his glowing eyes looking into hers. Though she was no longer controlled by whatever had happened earlier. He understood, probably better then she knew. His eyes held some distant sadness.  Looking away, Markus prepared for what was next.

The two stood side by side as they look at the rest of the camp. The Fairies were free, most of which had disappeared into the forest. He assumed Nessa had handled the other cages.  

Markus could see one staying close to Nessa, and a few more nearby. One of which was the burly male they had seen earlier, the third was a female with dark wings and hair wearing a white dress.  They both looked ready to aid in whatever ways they could. The white dressed fairy flew close by. “Almost finished dem’ is, they not return.” She spoke softly, her eyes were strange, glowing like the moon.  

Markus glanced around, counting the fairies they had five to their number. Looking to the rest of the trappers, the group seemed to be evenly matched, at least at first glance. Four of the human trappers remained, and had not fled.  Two of the shifterlike animals were staring them down. Unfortunately, Markus had yet to use his strongest attack. Markus looked again at Nessa, his eyes held something in them, perhaps he did not wish to risk her rage again.  

“I’ve got this, no reason for you to risk your life.” He said, as always with no emotion. However, his mannerism seemed different, not entirely his own. Markus placed his hand in front of her, much like she had done to them when they met the fairies. “I know how it feels to lose yourself.”  

He held up his hand, palm facing forward fingers outstretched.  Markus felt a vein pop in his neck, and could feel blood start to drip as the chaotic forces took their price. Suddenly, circling around his hand appeared eight fist sized orbs of black magic.  

All at once the orbs lashed outwards at super high speeds, one each spun around targeting the humans, and the last four split equally between the shifters.  They seemed to have a mind of their own, their paths were not strait but instead curved from Markus. Each of them were controlled by his will, meaning even if the opponents tried to run, they would only follow.  

As the orbs collided they burst in dark chaotic energy, a flash of darkness, leaving no one standing.  Markus looked at the carnage without remorse. Without care. After all, it was the option which involved the least amount of risk, and cost the least amount of mana.  

Markus knew, after this he was gonna have to spend some time to heal his wounds, his magic took a lot out of him.  He glanced at the female mage as the chaotic energy faded from his eyes they once more looked normal. Markus would look exhausted, worn, and very much hurt.  

Notes:
Word Count : 977 | Total : 5,302 | Target : 6,000
Job : Fairy Skelter
Approval : here
Health 310/450
Mana 207/337

Dark Tendrils, duration 1/3
Dark Rose Whip, duration 1/3

Chaos Tracers, Cooldown 1/3

Glancing about Markus took a deep breath, as far as he could tell the group was finally alone, they had taken care of the trappers. The fairies were free, and the mages job was completed. However, this fact still did not calm his nerves. Though it did settle his instincts. As such, he allowed the ongoing magic he had to fade, his whips dispersed, and the dark shadows of his tendrical arms vanished.

He could see the fairies starting the long task at hand. They had much to do, finding their friends, their family, their loved ones, at least those that had survived. For the rest, they must go about the heart wrenching tasks of preparing the dead. Markus, though he no longer felt those emotions, those feelings, he remembered sadness, anger, frustration. As such he allowed them to passively continue their tasks, and he was willing to help as he could if only because it was logical.

As he was thinking, musing, he looked down to beast like companion. She was busy licking her chops and claws, completely ignoring the action around them. Markus watched passively, he knew in society someone would look at him, and his companion, seeing them feel, act, behave, in the same way. Yet, they would feel two entirely different things. For the ‘beast’ it is okay to be ‘inhumane’, to kill. Yet for Markus that would not be okay. Markus was one of the few who knew Hela had the same, if not more intelligence and sentience than Markus himself.

These thoughts, and many others, passed through Markus’ weary mind in the moments after their tasks had been completely. Suddenly, he was pulled from his musing as the female Starlight Mage stepped up to him. He looked into her eyes, wondering what she saw. She was looking at him, his wounds, it did not surprise him, not many mages had magic which could harm the user. He had seen the looks before.

She knelt down and started looking through her bag, pulling out various forms of equipment, bandages, and other items. “Sure.” Markus said passively, he knew she was coming from a good heart, and wished to help. There was a chance, that is he turned down her offer to address her wounds that she would take it as an offence.

As such, he followed her instructions without question, he knew bandaging and taking care of someone was a thankless and messy task. He was actually kind of surprised she was so willing to aid him, someone was so unlike herself with different feelings, emotions, and motives.

While that was going on a group of fairies warrily approached them, after all both mages while haven proved themselves allies gave them plenty of things to fear. The fairies which approached seemed to be the ones who had orchestrated their original attack, Markus saw the burly male, a female with a blue dress and ice white wings, a male which wore clothes that resembled autumn leaves, and the one who spoke up, the same female Markus had seen earlier with the black hair and moon white dress.

“Ye’ have shown us great friendship.” She spoke, her voice ringing out louder than Markus would have expected for her size. “Forever, shalt these humans, these mages, be claimed friend.” The other fairies were nodding, a few were cheering, others teared up.

Markus was unsure what to say, he had been on plenty of job in which people were grateful. Though, that was never part of his reasons, after all even this job was paying him. He sat there passively, allowing Nessa to work, and nodding to the Fairies which seemed to feel the need to thank the two mages.

Markus looked onwards to the camp, the trappers that survived would remember and spread their story. The black clad mage knew that with this the illegal, and torturous, trade would if not stop, slow greatly. That was enough for the mage, it satisfies the requirements for his job. He could continue on, and as usual let another job fall behind him, to the past. Markus as always would continue forward.

Markus glanced at Nessa, he was certain she would not approve of his actions. He had gaged as much during their time in the forest, at the waterfall. He wondered if he was part of the darkness, the evil she strived to stop. He wondered, if his evil would be ‘valid’ since it put a stop to the torture caused by the trappers. As he thought he spoke up. His voice was quite, sure, calculated.

“I told you… In the forest. My protection, is the last thing you would want.”

Notes:
Word Count : 781 | Total : 6,083 | Target : 6,000
Job : Fairy Skelter
Approval : here
Health 310/450
Mana 207/337