In the Name of the Father (job w/Ruvel)

The tavern of Ace of Spades was rather busy that day as the tarot reader was slightly wandering around the place, mainly to the job board. She adjusts her glasses on her face and glances up at the job board while she put a hand on her hip. Her other hand held a deck of tarot cards that she fingered quietly while she looked the board over. She had decided to let her cloak rest at the table she was sitting at for a small meal, which was in sight of the job board, so she'd see if someone touched it or went anywhere near her cloak, especially since there was a letter in there she planned on reading soon from one of her few friends whom she told of her location to. She was wearing a grey turtle neck, long sleeved, sweater with a tan glove on her left hand, a green skirt with dark pantyhose on underneath, and a pair of loose, brown leather boots upon her feet. Upon her neck, in between the collar of her sweater and her neck, quietly rested a white ferret with rather large eyes. Gaia smiles sweetly to the creature as she looked up and saw a child hanging around the place. Noya's head perked up and she quickly squeaked as she jumped off of Gaia's shoulders.

"Noya!" Gaia quickly stops and goes to grab her ferret. Noya had jumped on the nearest chair or table next to a child and was seeming to chitter at them. She quickly looks around a moment and looks confused. "Excuse me! Who's kid is this?" She calls out. Those who looked over just shrugged their shoulders and ignored her, they were a bit sloshed to give a better response. Gaia frowns and looks to the kid. She slowly lowers herself to be his level. "Are you looking for your parents? Or lost, sweetie?" She asks as she gives him a sweet smile. "I'm Gaia, in the same guild as her, Sabertooth." She pauses as Noya jumps on her head and stretches to go and sniff at the child. Gaia chuckles quietly and brings Noya down to rest in her arms. "Easy now... This is Noya. She's my ferret. She likes to investigate people sometimes." Noya was chittering rather loudly at the child, and Gaia sighs as the ferret didn't seem like she wanted to shut up. Noya jumped over to the little person, and wrapped herself around his neck quietly before she nuzzled his cheek gingerly. "Glad to know you like the kid, Noya..." She chuckles. Noya had then quickly jumped off of the boys shoulders, and ran back to her cloak, which Gaia realized was left alone, before the ferret ran back with the letter that had been hidden in the cloak. Gaia grabs it and just holds it in her hand. It wasn't important right now. This child was a bit more important than the letter.

Words: 493

Even though Ruvel had been de-aged he still had tasks that only someone holding his position could deal with, normally he would be told to remain on Tolgalen given he was the worst hit by the curse. Being that he was growing restless he and the others didn't believe that he could get into trouble going on a delivery to a place with another guild, more so as there would be other company and guild members who could protect him. After a few days of uneventful travel on the companies airship he had finally made it to Ace of Spade, he hadn't told anyone about the other reason that he had wanted to go on this delivery and that was because he had decided to take another mage under his wing before the curse happened. It turned out that the mage in question was called Gaia, he had one of her common writing summons send a message to her telling her to choose a job on the day he had accepted to mentor her; he told her that he would arrive with the next delivery of goods meant for the Sabertooth guild so they could have an official meeting and go on the job that she had chosen, if he happened upon Masha perhaps she would also like to come on the task.

There was the fact that the last time he seen his other mentee he looked different, it made him rather nervous to be near the other. He was currently 2'8" tall, had blonde hair, glowing with dual coloured eyes. Getting to the agreed delivery spot he entered the tavern allowing the delivery to be made while he looked around for Gaia. He took a few steps back as a ferret seemed to come his way as he was a little caught off guard. "S'oq ya..." he said his tone showing more than a little surprise, he looked to the woman whom's ferret he believed it to be and tilted his head as she spoke looking somewhat confused. 'Shindara, si raph esaeu qae xa ya aera ir ya ziggch zae la uthabbiedoth aokh aeyabbi' he let one of his summons know, he hated how he couldn't understand the common language like he had before this curse was put on him but at this age he only knew his native tongue which wasn't all that common it seemed. He listened as the eldest of the void twins translated what the woman had called out to the tavern and sighed hating this curse even more now, as far as he was concerned he wasn't a child. As she became closer to him and asked where his parents where or if he was lost he could only sigh and rub his temples at the translation "I oz raiyabbi haeed raen sowa I haeed zes donaaiz. I oz looking maen zes edugaai, sabbi roza iz Gaia Sabin. La arranged qae zaaq sabbia s'ar ya rapq qiza zes yaezdores sog xuzirazz sabbia. Zes roza iz Ruvel Mizune, yaeuhg esaeu k'aoza ginayq za qae s'abbia zizz Sabin ziksq xa?" his tone calm but the hint of frustration was still there in the undertone, he couldn't wait for this curse to be sorted and soon, as he spoke an older calm male tone would enter her mind giving the exact translation. 'Also do forgive my intrusion, my name is Shindara and I will be the one translating for you both. My people communicate through telepathy and I am one of the very few at his service that understands both languages. I promise I will not probe your mind.' He said to the other his tone respectful as he spoke, what he failed to mention was that she was already an open book to him as he didn't want to freak her out. More so as it was their first meeting, he did however feel guilty but knew it best to wait until she was more comfortable with Ruvel before springing such a thing on her. He and his twin Ammul had a their personal code regardless and so would say nothing about anyone without their expressed permission, that being said they would react in their summoners best interest.

Hearing what he believed to be the woman finally introducing herself he smiled, more so as Shindara confirmed her words. At least he had found the person he was meant to be meeting here, though he could only imagine the disbelief in the other after she took in the fact the one meant to be guiding her to become stronger was at about the same height as her knee. As she spoke once more Shindara explained what she had said about her companion, even introducing her to him and how she seemed to like him. "K'aoza gaer'q yozz za 'dalhar' I sowa o roza oth laeuhg noyabbi iq xa aturr. I lizz naqunr ya nazdayq I zeszahm nayaiwa, zae k'aoza yozz za Ruvel" he said again allowing the it to be translated to Gaia, he wasn't trying to be disrespectful to the other but given everything he had been through he wasn't going to stand to be called 'kid' by someone when all they had on him was height. He hated touch in the extreme but for now he managed to keep himself together as it was just an animal and not a person however he would also have to let the other know about that. "Zizz Sabin, I lil't qae chq esaeu trael I gae raeq hita drekim erl'eleeus xes oresaera aen yain kiabil urchzz I zota mined yaeaioyq s'ikh iz hitaja rawabbi aluin qae soddar. I ozt yoq esaeunzahm oth Noya nazdayq yiz." he said allowing Shindara once again to do the translations, he didn't want to go into the reason he hated touch that was none of the others concern. He watched as the ferret jamp from him and moved into the others cloak bringing out what he believed was a job flyer and wondered if this was the task that she had chosen for them to do together.

Word Count: 1'015

Translations:

Masha entered the Ace of Spades feeling frustrated and rather hungry. As always when she entered, her outfit drew whistles and catcalls. That only worsened Masha's mood. Since joining Sabertooth, she had tried again and again to control the urges the scientists had given her. Yet again and again she had found herself succumbing to that urge. It was a most frustrating development. No matter how much she tried to better herself, to follow a path that she wanted, something always tugged her back onto the path that the scientists had forced her onto. Masha wanted to see the female that Ruvel could see her becoming. It was difficult when she always felt dirty. The encounter with Leyvne had placed a seed of doubt within Masha. Doubt that she could ever be a female that could stand with society proudly. Doubt that she would ever shake the mistakes of her past. Doubt that the ways of the legal mage would ever come easily to her. Now Masha only wanted a drink. Perhaps that would take the edge off her hunger. It wouldn't based on her previous experiences but she always thought it was worth the try. It also took the edge off when she succumbed, making the touch of a stranger easier to bear.

There was a strange sight in the tavern, one that Masha missed until she was nearly at the bar. A child. A child was standing in the tavern. There was something vaguely familiar about the child. Masha sidled closer to try and get a better look. Gaia was with him, plainly talking to him. Odd that sight. It almost looked as if they were mother and child. That could have been whimsical fantasy on Masha's part however. She wanted so badly to see a fairy tale come true, to know that there was really a chance for her: A chance to find her One and Only, a chance to build the family she had always wanted. Gaia had begun dating someone a little while ago something Masha was sure she had been instrumental in orchestrating. After all, the other mage had been rather unsure of herself the last time they had talked about it. Masha had given her a little nudge in the right direction. A small smile crossed the succubus' face. Watching Gaia grow in her relationship would be a rather pleasing experience. Watching a true fairy tale unfold in all its glory. Someone patted her on the back and Masha hissed violently. There went all of her warm cushy thoughts. It was too bad. They had been a welcome distraction from her hunger.

As the child began to speak, Masha went stock still. The language wasn't familiar but she could have sworn she recognized the lilting tone. The child almost sounded like Ruvel. Her claws dug into the table. Had someone had a child with her beloved? They would die painfully! Unable to stand not knowing, Masha marched up to the pair. Assuming the child was rather like his father, Masha crouched down to be on eye level instead of putting a hand on his back. "Hello there." She said sweetly, the tone not matching the look in her eyes. "You wouldn't happen to be Ruvel's child, would you? I haven't seen him in a little while and I miss seeing him. I want to thank him for his advice." Masha wasn't talking down to the boy. She didn't believe in the 'innocence' of children. They should be treated as equals regardless of their age. It was something she wished others had done for her. It would have saved her a world of hurt. It took a moment to pull her thoughts from the many disasters of her childhood. Masha's eyes searched the boy's features, taking in the shocking similarities to Ruvel. They were almost clones! "You look shockingly like Ruvel..." She muttered to herself. Was this some kind of trick from the scientists? Maybe another plot to lure her back into their clutches?

No. She couldn't let herself fall back into her paranoia. Masha turned toward Gaia. "Hello you! It's been a little while" Masha heaved to her feet, probably flashing a little bit with how short the skirt was in the back. Flaunt whatcha got. The succubus threw her arms around Gaia, hugging the mage close. "How are things with that stud of a boyfriend? You are a couple now right? Cause there is nooo way you aren't after the fabulous bits of advice I gave you." Masha tittered a bit as she stepped back. "Though if he's still on the market...." Masha licked her lips slowly. "I'll have to go pick that bookworm up. Intelligent and a bit of muscles on the side. How did you describe him?" Masha tapped her lip with her finger. "Ah yes perfect!" She clapped her hands together. "Sounds like the ideal boyfriend. I almost want him all for myself. Are you in an open relationship? Can I sample his 'goods'?" She tossed Gaia a teasing wink. "If you know what I mean." Masha looked from the Ruvel clone child to Gaia. "What are you doing here anyways? Is this a job to bring..." She frowned realizing she didn't know the child's name. That was an oversight on her part. It was rude not to introduce yourself or get someone's name. Masha crouched down again. "I'm sorry I didn't quite catch your name. I'm Masha. Who are you?" The succubus held out a hand to be polite. If he was anything like his father, he probably wouldn't take it. That was okay. She still wanted to be polite and she would wait until he either shook her hand or indicated he didn't wish to be touched.

WC: 961

Gaia had blinked at the child's language, wondering if he was from somewhere else. It didn't seem like her native tongue, so she wondered what it could have been. His reaction to her questions made her frown to him quietly. She heard her name in the jibber of words, and tilts her head as she wondered how this kid knew her name. When the male's voice came in her head, Gaia gasped and quickly looked around for a moment, trying to find the source of the voice. She frowns as she hears the voice, and looks down to the child before her. She had slowly nodded to the Shindara person whom was in her mind, slightly uncomfortable with someone being in there, but a little eased with the fact that he wished to not probe her mind. That alone sounded kind of creepy to her though.

She then blinked. "Wait... student? Me? Your student?" She was confused as she leaned back, blinking rapidly. She glanced down to the letter that Noya had given to her, and quickly opens it and uses her gale glasses to read it in a split second. She groans to herself as she lightly rubbed her forehead. "I'm sorry... I hadn't been home in a while and had just not gotten the letter till today..." She sighs rather deeply as she listens to Shindara again. She scratches the back of her head nervously after hearing the translation. "And I apologize, Ruvel, for calling you a kid... you look very much like a toddler right now... that's the only reason why I figured you were so." When he requested not to be touched, she glanced to Noya, who looked confused. "You need to stop jumping on people, Noy. Some people don't like it, and some people may hurt you if you jump on the wrong person." She warns the creature before looking back at Ruvel. "I'm the same way about being touched, unless I'm comfortable with the person, which is really a slim amount... unless I'm a bit excited about things... in which I do it on accident." She clears her throat. Noya nudges the back of Gaia's hand and showed that there was a second paper folded with the message from Ruvel there as well. It had been thin enough to be pressed together and stick to the message. She pulled it out and skimmed it over again. She takes a deep breath as she holds up the paper. "Well, I guess I'm a bit in luck for that job. One of my friends has send me a request to go to Minstrel to seek out a high ranking official in an international religious organization who's visiting the church there... We have to defeat him, or have an audience with him apparently, they weren't too detailed on what exactly..."

Gaia glanced up as she saw Masha come up to her and Ruvel. She blinked to her guild mate. She giggles a little at the question, and shakes her head. "Masha... He is Ruvel... How do you know him as well?" If Masha didn't know how her he looked, had she not met him in person? She blinked and glanced back to Ruvel, till Masha started to talk to her as well, and hugged her. She didn't entirely hug her back, but seemed to kind of suffer through it. "Mashaaaa..." She groans, and her face started to turn a rosy pink color as she called her boyfriend a stud. She wriggles a bit out of her arms and opens her mouth to comment, till Masha mentioned if he was on the market, in which her cheeks puffed up a bit. "Masha! Stop it! We are dating now!" She groans and puts her hands on her cheeks to cover her blush from admitting that so loud and openly. She wasn't one to say it like so, especially since she had a few people look back at her for her outburst. "We're also not in an open relationship..." She crossed her arms a little while she was starting to seem a little pouty about Masha's words and actions. While she was pouting, Noya growled to Masha for upsetting Gaia. Normally the ferret wouldn't growl at anyone, unless she was aware of someone being an enemy, or they upset her master.

The tarot reader groans and rubs her forehead a bit. "Masha... listen, please? He is Ruvel... apparently he's wanting to take me on as his student... and while I don't feel I'm suitable to be one as my magic has yet to fully unlock itself yet, I was kinda of thinking we go to Minstrel and see what this deal about this Father Ferdinand Ibáñez and some presentation he's doing on an encyclical by one of his abbots to the clergy and some of Minstrel's government officials there." She says, allowing herself to elaborate a little bit for Ruvel now as well on what the paper said.

Words: 829
Total: 1322

Ruvel turned his attention to the door as he heard open it, the cat calling and whistling made him feel more than a little uncomfortable. He hated the idea that he was the same gender as these so called men that showed women little to no respect, seeing them only as pieces of candy or bed partners. It was then he seen whom they where cat calling to and seeing what she was wearing he could understand why, she again was sending out the wrong signals; so were the men were still in the wrong in his opinion she wasn't helping her case. He watched her curiously but due to his small size he couldn't see exactly what was going on above the table, he could tell however the other was far from happy about the situation but was confused as to why. He quietly listened to the garbled conversation and interactions between the two, Ruvel listened to the translation offered by Shindara and tilted his head. He had believed that Masha was interested in him but here she was complimenting another male, offering to take the others boyfriend if she wasn't interested in him going so far as to ask if they where in an open relationship. It made the youth wonder just how serious that Masha could be about courting someone.

Shindara then translated everything that was said to him when Masha had knelt down to speak to him, it felt more than a little condescending that someone couldn't speak to him while standing, he was short not deaf after all. "Zizz Dymonrel iq iz Ruvel, ohzae yabbia iz rae raph qae yaeza qae zes aesa chwah qae qoht qae za. I oz l'taenq, raeq bisek oth zae iq iz zaena yor o hiqqch braneir ir zes aediriaer" his tone showing frustration as he allowed his unseen summon to do the translating to Gaia, Noya and Masha. Seeing how the other had acted and the translation that came with hit he rubbed his temples wondering what he had gotten himself int to and pointed to his company pin before bringing his left wrist showing his company marking to show he was from the West Fiore Trading Company in the hopes it would stop the confusion. "Esaz, esaeu ona zes edugaai aen gigr'q esaeu nayaiwa zes jiquen chqqabbi?" he said calmly watching as she read the letter her companion had given her. "I uthabbiedoth s'oq I haeaet hita xuq esaeu zoga or siofmea oth zukh things yor xa gordhabbiaeuz ir aeun hira aem laent. I oz sii'ahne uthabbi ya ilra'osette aem o yunza yoq soz tinguus zes oka. Gaeaz yiz xaeyabbi esaeu? Im zae la yor k'oya esaeun screa'uth aer saehg uaiih I oz xoyt qae zes raenzoh oka oth saiksq." this was starting to become a bigger headache than it was worth in the youths opinion but he had said would take them under his wing and he wouldn't go against his word regardless of how annoying the situation was to him.

Ruvel listened to the translation as Gaia seemed to talk to her companion about people not being touched and that she might be harmed for jumping on the wrong person, where this was true she had nothing to fear about him on this occasion as they didn't know his preference on the matter. He then listened intently as the other spoke to him about not liking to be touched either. "Raeq awar zes tilabil xnaeyabbi jilgic za, lazz urchzz la ona plu'dakin aen sa's screa'akyorl zes jurhi'x." he said calmly covering his mouth yawning a little, his younger form like the others got tired easier more so if it didn't get sustenance but it was far from being the next time he ate or drank anything so would have to make do for now. "oqqoyt o dabbizaer aem moiy? ona esaeu irzora? I yirt la l'taeuhg qoht qae siz gaer'q esaeu? esaeu ona o kaeaeg  m'elzar niksq? I oz raeq ul'plynndain esaeu maen o gont m'elzar xes oyyigaai oz I, yoq laeuhg xa morbannin maen za." he was starting to question his decision given she just said about attacking a priest. When he heard the translation from Shindara he smiled sweetly leaning forward "Zizz Dymonrel iz zes edugaai qaeae, I sowa traelr sabbi zirya l'ta loz o zazxabbi aem reliq elghliik. I telanthus l'ta mith sabbi aelr doy oth l'ta kluthak qae sowa maeuth iq ir ya sabbi'tan l'ta iz ir rael" he informed the other looking at Masha he turned his attention back to Gaia as he got the translation nodded motioning them to follow him.

If they did when they got out of town he looked for a spot that couldn't be affected by what he was about to do. Looking to the sky he took a deep breath "I ssannnnhan thi nnh tshh gairrtiin flinness shaf rredirrtsh" he called out before covering his ears a screech quickly followed by a sonic boom following, soon after Ruvel flew back twenty meters as a thirty foot fire bird landed as it did, it went walking after his summoner nuzzling making Ruvel laugh like an actual little boy he tried to speak but he couldn't manage to get a single word out before eventually he picked Ruvel up and popped him on his back lowering a wing to allow the others on. Once they where on Ruvel covered his ears as with a screech and sonic boom they would be on their way.

Word Count: 917
Total word count: 1,932

Translations:

Masha's lips curled in a wide smile at Gaia's reaction. The girl was so open with her feelings. It was quite refreshing and Masha couldn't help but poke fun at the girl. She placed a hand upon Gaia's arm. "I'm teasing, Gaia. I would never step into the middle of a relationship open or not. I find people that do so to be deplorable, not worth the effort of knowing." Masha tapped her cheek. "It reminds me of a character from a series I like to read, Dark Phoenix. Have you read it? One of the dark phoenixes, Andras, tries to step into the middle of a relationship in Rising Storm . It made him hard to like until his own trilogy came out explaining his motivations for such a boorish move." Her cheeks colored when she realized she was rambling. It was something she seemed to be doing quite a lot lately. Masha patted Gaia's arm again. "I hope he's treating you well. If he doesn't, I'll be sure to help you kick his ass." A strip of meat was pulled from her pouch to placate Noya. "I'm sorry, hun. Your master is so easy to tease, I couldn't help myself." She held out the strip of meat. "Forgive me?"

Masha was a little taken aback that not only was Ruvel speaking in a different language but that some unseen entity was translating his words. It was also unsettling that Ruvel was child-sized. "Oh. Ruvel." She was trying to process this new information. Masha was also hurt that he was scolding her for looking him in the eye. "I only got down to treat you as an equal, Mr. Mizune. I had people talk down to me for nearly my whole life. They enjoyed making sure I was lower then them. I will treat anyone, regardless of age and height as an equal. I had no desire to make you think that I was speaking down to you or that I thought you were lesser than me in some way." Masha's cheeks took on a splash of vibrant color in her indignity. Pushing to her feet, Masha huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. She leaned back against a table and listened while Ruvel talked to Gaia.

When Gaia explained things, Masha looked at her wide eyed. Attack the clergy? She had avoided that as much as possible in Savage Skull. It wasn't a wise decision. "I have to agree with Ruvel. It's insane to attack a member of the clergy. Lets just talk to him." It felt a little strange to say those words. Going with the non violent course of action was not her forte nor was it even in her repertoire. It seemed that Sabertooth was have a positive influence on her after all. When Ruvel claimed her as his student, Masha smiled sheepishly. He was the reason she had gone to Sabertooth. The only reason why she was currently kinda happy. The sweet smile upon Ruvel's child face was too cute. Masha didn't trust herself to speak. She was afraid she would say something Ruvel would find offensive if she did. Or worse something that would reveal her lingering feelings for him. It seemed pretty clear to her after their stint in the haunted park that a relationship wouldn't work between them. Maybe in time, after each of them grew a little more it might work. However, Masha couldn't see past the pain she had caused him in the park with her blundering. She hated that she had pushed something on him, something that had hurt him greatly. Masha barely suppressed a shudder as she recalled his demeanor after she kissed him. It would have been better if he had shouted or hit her. That Masha could have dealt with, could have understood. She felt as if she was no better than him. And she wasn't.

Masha followed after Ruvel at his gesture. The appearance of the fire bird hurt Masha's ears but she loved seeing Ruvel laugh. It looked like it was the only time the mage dropped that jaded look Ruvel carried. It was good to see that he wasn't completely hardened to the world around him. As Masha climbed onto the fire bird's back, she wondered if it knew Aodhfin. The phoenix did have a tendency to get around. "Ruvel? Does your bird know a white flame phoenix called...uh Ad-oh-duh-fin?" Masha struggled with the phoenix's name. She had never managed to say it correctly. Not since she had seen how it was spelled. That was why she always called him Fin. When the bird took off, Masha sighed with happiness. Flying would always be among her favorite things to do. Up here, life fell away leaving only the sky and the feel of the wind. She was sure her ecstasy showed upon her face. That was okay. Let her companions see her love of flying. There was no need to hide what she liked anymore.

WC: 833
Total: 1,764

Gaia still pouted and huffed at Masha as she claimed she was teasing, glaring slightly at her as she just shook her head. That wasn't her definition of fun, or even funny. As she started to talk about the book series, Gaia blushes lightly and nods. "Of course I've read most of the series... Kyran's close to the author and allows him to have a copy to give to me." She just glances down to her arm when it's patted, and glances back to Masha as she talks about helping kick Kyran's ass if he doesn't treat her well. She raises an eyebrow, and then lightly growls at Noya when she all too eagerly took the meat from Masha. "Pushover..." She mutters to her pet. Noya returned to wrapping herself around Gaia's neck when she went to push her glasses up on the bridge of her nose.

Gaia stayed silent as Ruvel talked to Masha after she crouched down to talk to him, taking a deep breath as she felt bad. "I only got your letter today, I apologize for not knowing about it sooner and not reading it earlier..." Gaia felt like she was slacking in that regard as she didn't know about him being her teacher. She pinched the bridge of her nose quietly for a moment just before Ruvel scolded her for assuming things. She pouts a little more as she clearly felt bad about it. "I'm sorry." She repeats again. "I'm not bothered by it, I wasn't expecting it. Apologies, again. I don't mind it. I'll try my best as your student." She gives him a smile and nods her head. As Ruvel explained that not even his brother touched him, she smiles softly and nods to him slightly.

When both Ruvel and Masha seemed to think she said to 'attack the clergy', Gaia gripped her hands. "Did you two not listen to me? That's what my friend said in their request! Not me!" She whined unintentionally. "I'm not one to attack another for any reason unless it's in self defense! I'd rather talk to the guy instead of fighting him anyways! Especially if he will see us!" Gaia now was feeling like she probably shouldn't have read the letter aloud to them since they apparently misheard her at the same time. She crossed her arms as she takes a deep breath to calm herself back down. She usually kept a good head on her shoulders during things like this, but it probably didn't help from when Masha at first tried teasing her about taking Kyran from her. Gaia was silent as she quickly went to get her cloak and her staff before followed Ruvel outside. She kept her arms a bit crossed as Noya rested around her neck, keeping her large black eyes on her master. Noya even seemed to be rubbing slightly on her neck to calm her down, and it was working for her. Gaia's eyes went to Ruvel as he spoke before the screech came and she instantly covered her ears as Noya panicked and buried herself in the back of Gaia's sweater, making the girl let up a shrill scream from the sudden feel of Noya's paws on her back and the tickling sensation of her fur. She jumped back a bit as the fire bird came in the area, Gaia went wide eyed. Gaia watched as it nuzzled Ruvel, and couldn't help but slightly smile at the bird, plus she found Ruvel's laugh to be quite cute. She covered her mouth to hide it from him, in case he were to be upset about her doing so.

As the bird lowered it's wing to allow her and Masha to get on, she hesitantly went up and got on, quickly fastening her cloak onto her shoulders as Noya came back up her shirt again to be in her favorite spot on her master. When they were finally in the air, Gaia gasped at the sights around her, and lets her eyes travel over the land. "Wow..." She breaths. This was something she never had experienced before, finding it rather intriguing to see the world from up so high. She never had flown before either, only traveled by train, carriage, or horseback, or by foot.

When they finally reached Minstrel and entered the city the letter from her friend had said they would need to go in, Gaia was looking around in a bit of awe. Everyone here seemed rather high classed as she observed how everyone dressed and seemed to walk and talk to each other. She glanced around to a shop, and stopped mid step to see a restaurant with someone holding a wine bottle near the window. She stops enough to glance at the bottle, debating she needed to get herself a bottle somewhere before she left the land, hopefully. She looks around again as she notices people in green, and what seemed like the city police among the people whom were around them right now. She quickly made sure she was near Ruvel and Masha again, adjusting her cloak on her shoulders as she takes a deep breath and wondered what adventures she'd have here in Minstrel. Never before had she been here as it didn't have a route directly to Fiore like going through Iceberg, Stella, and Bosco did.

Words: 892
Total: 2214

Ruvel remained quiet when it came to the two girls talking, it was none of his business so had no right to intrude. It was much the same when he was at the company or even dealing with diplomatic issues, he stayed away from gossip knowing that was normally a trap and a single bad word could not only tarnish his own reputation but the reputation of the company; well there was that and a rumour is all it took in these higher circles to pull entire families through the mud. This was dangerous as even if they were to be cleared later it was to late the damage was done, to make it worse it would be irreparable as by that point everyone would be looking at them as if they had done the deed. This aspect of humanity annoyed the youth but there was nothing that he could do about it, this was how people were so decided that the best thing he could do is stay out of that kind of thing and try get the full story before coming to any conclusions. This method had been working for him so far but given that he had to deal with executives and nobles for a living, he couldn't help but hear the idle chatter and rumours that came with the territory. Most of the time he wanted to tell them to shut up as they had no idea what they where talking about but held his tongue.

Given the way that Gaia seemed to be reacting to Masha at current he couldn't help but feel the need to tell her to be quiet and leave Gaia alone, something he prevented himself doing as he believed the two were friends. He thought he would just be making a fool of himself for even trying and wasn't about to do that. It would tarnish not only his personal image but the image of the company and his brother. "Im esaeun xaey juiqa gaera, la yor kaq xakir yiz baex." he said with a sigh blinking as the two seemed to converse further about his true identity "Lazz I trael s'ae I oz xuq esaeu zaaz qae xa kae" he said looking to Masha feeling the want to fold his arms but restrained himself, this was another guild's home ground and it wouldn't look good if he threw around his frustration or authority on their members even if he was their mentor. He knew he didn't have to worry about his words as one of the twins would translate everything he said in a way the other two could understand. "I naohiba yoq I oz zzozz, xuq iq xaeyabbi za yoq esaeu mahq hita esaeu sog qae kaq haelabbi qae zdaot qae za. I oz l'taenq xuq I edizz sowa ya oxihiqes qae saon oth zaa" though his voice was small it was clear he was frustrated with how he had been treated by the pair with their assumptions, he was done being the height he was, to many bad memories of this part of his life came to mind though he kept himself together.

Hearing Masha's question after it was translated he shook his head, he felt lucky to have come across Bennu and his family, however, he had almost became Bennu's first meal until he had started to tend to the sick chick; since then he had been treated like a member of the family and Bennu even made a contract with him as soon as he was strong enough to do so. He didn't mind that Gaia had only received his letter smiling flicking his hand in a friendly 'don't worry about it' manner. "Laennes raeq" he said calmly as he continued to pet Bennu listening to the translations that were being given to him. The young phoenix chirping and cooing happily. "I yor kaq uz qae siz liyaeuq uz zaar xes yaeza s'ae dnaeqayq siz" he said calmly glad to see that they agreed that attacking was something none of them wanted to do if it could be avoided. All of a sudden he was glad for his unique gifts but it was something he had never really used so didn't know how the others would take it. He watched how the other two reacted to flying and was happy that he could bring them such joy given everything that mages had to go through; he knew very little about Masha and even less about his newest mentee but he knew in time he would learn more and so was in no rush to push for answers so remained quiet the entire journey dealing with preening and poisoned feathers, walking around even to points where he should have been worried to falling off without worry. When they landed he was helped down by Bennu who lowered his wing at the same time allowing Masha and Gaia to get off safely. The entire time they would be moving down he would be stroking his summon's beak hearing the chirps while he preened Ruvel's hair. "Naqunr qae zaeyabbi l'ta zued xa udzaq yoq esaeu sowa chmq maen zae haerdh" he said stepping back hearing the screech and the sonic boom as Bennu took off bringing attention to them.

Ruvel on the other hand just continued forward as wasn't to bothered about it as this was a common occurrence when he travelled here. He didn't know exactly where he was going however as Gaia had yet to give that information, but as soon as he knew he would be able to direct them perfectly. "S'abbia apoyqja ona la aluin? esaeu've esaq qae qazz uz oth liyaeuq yoq irmaenzoqiaer I yor't ginayq uz yabbia wabbies lazz" he commented noticing how she was eyeing up a bottle of wine, he realised that he should perhaps order some for Johann and Adalinda given the two did like a drink. One more than the other and for vastly different reasons. "Chq's kaq ya baex gaera mined xamaena la yaezzayq lira oth zukh" he commented hating when people seemingly forgot why they went to places, he had dealt with it several times in the past and wouldn't allow his students to act in such a manner if he could help it.

Word Count: 1,037
Total Word Count: 2,969

Translation:

(word count reached)

Grasping Gaia's arm excitedly, Masha nearly started gushing about the Dark Phoenix series. However, Ruvel's little reminder helped bring her back on track. There would be time for that later. She wondered how Kyran had made friends with the author though. Anon was elusive as well as reclusive. It didn't seem like he or she would have many friends. "We'll talk later, girl." Masha said out of the side of her mouth. She wanted to know everything Gaia knew and hopefully get an introduction to Kyran as well. Masha needed to meet the man that knew Anon...cough, cough... uh that had captured Gaia's heart. It was totally about protecting her guild mate.

At Ruvel's admonishment over her actions, Masha got up, frustration ringing clear through her body language. Ruvel seemed to be waving aside her explanation for her actions entirely. It was like he couldn't care less about why she had done it. All that mattered was the fact that she had done it at all. She wasn't going to bother trying to argue with him over it either. Irritation radiated from her for the remainder of the time they were there. Only once they were on the young phoenix did the irritation finally seep from Masha. The joy of flying filled her too much for there to be anything else.

Masha didn't find Minstrel to be all that interesting. It was bland in her taste. Though her lack of interest could have stemmed from a variety of things. Namely, she leaned back against a wall watching their surroundings. She agreed with Ruvel silently when he mentioned they should take care of the job first. Work then pleasure. Not that there would be much pleasure in this place. Masha pushed off the wall. "We're going to talk to the Father or abbot or whatever but we should have an escape plan ready in case something is hinky." There was no way she was ending up back in a cage. She would die first. Her body shivered from remembered violations. Shadows covered her face as she turned it away from her companions. "I...I really don't fancy being thrown in jail here..." Her voice cracked. Her arms came up to hug herself, an attempt to drive away the memories. Now was not the time to break down or get into their tragic backstories.

"It'll also be a good idea to share what our magic can do. That way we know what to expect from each other on the battlefield. I'll start. Practically all of my spells are aimed at fighting hand to hand. Those that aren't won't help us escape." Masha said turning back towards Ruvel and Gaia. She had no idea that there were tear tracks running down her face. "I'm good in a fight but that's about the extent of my magical capabilities. I could seduce a few people... but I'd rather that be the absolute last resort." Otherwise, she might fall back into her old ways. That wasn't something she found acceptable in the slightest. With the wide variety of talents she was sure her companions possessed, there would be no need to resort to such a thing.

WC: 530
Total: 2,294

Ruvel rolled his eyes at Masha a little this really wasn't how he wanted to waste his time, idle chatter was something he needed to deal with when dealing with the aristocracy but they where his students not potential clients. Just by the little of the conversation he couldn't avoid thanks to Shindara telling him everything that was being said was that a fellow guild member knew Masha's favourite author and it seemed to be something surprising as no one knew who this person seemed to be. Before he could open his mouth it was Shindara that said something. 'Do you ever wonder if they are the same person? Pen names for authors are a common occurrence in many realms after all.' he would say calmly to Masha, Ruvel could only face palm at what his summon said, he had no idea if it was true and that was none of his business regardless but this might encourage the red head to start looking into Kyran and thus cause issues for the guild in general. This is something that he couldn't afford, but then Shindara had stated a common fact; if a author was a recluse to the point only a single person or even that a few people had seen them then it was very possibly a pen name and even without Shindara saying anything could have caused the same issue. Then again they hadn't had a lot of contact of late, it made him wonder if he had done something wrong or something that had offended her.

The young summoner might not have understood his own emotions but he sure as hell could read other people's through their body language and he had gotten more than a little annoyed at Masha's. He guessed it was due to how he reacted to her reasoning as to why she had done as she had, but he wasn't a child and even when he had been one he wasn't treated that way. He was thankful for her thoughts but at the same time for someone like him it came off as condescending as he could hear her tone even if he couldn't understand her words. 'Seducer, please don't be angry at our summoner. He's grateful that you would take such things into consideration for those younger or smaller than yourself but it is not needed for him. He'd rather be treated as a normal person.' he explained to her hoping she would understand and even in frustration let it go. 'Our summoner wasn't dismissing you or the reasons I assure you, he was just telling you not to worry in his own way. As you know he doesn't understand certain things all that well.' the last sentence he sent would be heard by Masha alone as she too was emotionally stunted in her own way thanks to the treatment she had been given.

On the Bennu Ruvel took notice on how both the females he travelled with seemed happy and content, almost at peace within the clouds. He guessed it had some sort of romantic charm or allowed you to see things in a new perspective, he on the other hand hated flying as much as he hated ships with the fake sense of freedom it brought but at least on Bennu he could move around and look around knowing there was no barriers to prevent him moving off if he so desired to do such an act, he knew however if he even dared Bennu would catch him and Cirven would find out because at least one of the summons would tell him. Then he'd never hear the end of it after getting kicked from one side of Tolgalen to the next until he had learned his lesson. Shindara let the small boy know what was being said and smiled sending a message to Shindara believing this might be the best thing for now. 'Summoner, our summoner wishes for me to let you know if that is the case it can be arranged for him to take you out on Bennu again at a later point.' his tone was calm and respectful allowing for her to decide if she would take Ruvel up on his offer. Ruvel knew that the young phoenix would revel in the attention more so if it brought happiness to someone for doing what his kind done anyway.

Once landed and the conversation about the other wanting to take some wine home with her had taken place, he nodded showing he understood and agreed that it would be something they could do after their job there. 'Our summoner agrees, he wishes to get some wine for the rune master.' he sent to them both before giving all the information that Gaia gave back to Ruvel who sighed, he couldn't help it given that if someone gives a job he would have thought all the information would be given instead of playing where's waldo with a man of the cloth. To be honest this would be interesting seeing as the youth didn't believe in gods, he had been told a few times that he was one and that several of his summons were too and he just called them insane. In his mind if he was a god he should have been able to protect himself and those he loved, prevent bad things happening to good people and would be stronger than what he was in his sickly body; if his summons were indeed gods he'd think they'd be able to prevent bad things and even make him stronger than what he was curing him of his sickness but he was how he was born and nothing in his mind was gonna change that. Ruvel tried to comprehend what was being said and was informed by his summon 'Seductress you should already know our summoners magic but to clarify, he is a summoner and a demon slayer of light.' he informed them as Ruvel started to walk, he agreed he wouldn't want to be locked up here but for a completely different reason than those he was teaching. Shindara translated everything that was said but he already knew the answer to the question 'It is best to call our summoner by his name' he stated in a gentle but matter of fact way, the whole time that this had been happening Ruvel had walked them towards the main chapel of the town they had entered hoping that this was the place they where meant to meet the priest in question, he'd have to let the others do the talking as he was afraid they would say he was speaking tongues and who knows how they'd take to a person talking inside their head, he didn't want to be burnt at the stake for some old fashion superstitions that held no water.

Word Count: 1,144
Total Word Count: 4,113
@Gaia @Masha

Ruvel's summons gave Masha something to think about. Not only could Gaia's boyfriend be her favorite author but also that she might have a problem letting things go. She contemplated these things as they flew. It didn't lessen her joy in the flight, nor did she let her contemplation show upon her face. Masha didn't want either of her companions to know she was deep in thought. Ruvel was deeply damaged as she was. That had been made all too clear in the festival. It was why she pulled back from him. Why she refused to try a relationship with him. As they were, Masha would only drag the summoner down perhaps even make his issues worse. That wasn't something she wanted. It also made it quite clear that their values, their expectations were different. Nothing like any of the romances she'd read where the main characters always clicked. Perhaps that was the real difference between real life and fantasy. Masha took a deep breath. She wanted to curl in upon herself, to let the shattering of her expectations hit her full force. Now wasn't the right time. When the job was finished, she could make an abrupt goodbye. That would allow her to cry by herself. It hurt to think maybe love wasn't for her. Maybe there wasn't the One waiting out there for her. Perhaps the scientists and the incubus had put scars too deeply upon her soul. There was nothing in her anyone could love.

Masha kept her face carefully composed as they discussed their plans. "If worst comes to worst, I can provide a distraction while the two of you discuss things with the Abbot." It was after all what she was good at. Provided the Abbot didn't kick her from his church for being a 'harlot' or a 'demon', Masha was sure she'd simply screw things up. She could fight and she was pretty good at sex. At least she liked to think so. Neither helped too much when discussing, well anything, with a priest. It might have been best if she hadn't come on this job at all. The succubus followed along behind Ruvel as they approached the main church. As they approached, it was clear that groups of guards stood at equal intervals. It might be hard to even enter the church as it were. "Can we simply approach the Abbot?" Masha asked Gaia quietly. "Or did he give you another solution to the mass of guards?" Perhaps they should have done a little more research. What was the Abbot going to give his speech about?

A large crowd stood in front of the church, held back by a group of heavily armored knights. The knights weren't shoving against the crowd so much as simply standing as an iron wall. It was a mighty impressive display of power. The knights represented a line in the sand. There was no gap in their wall that could easily be surpassed. Masha let out a low whistle. "We need another way to get in. Otherwise, we'll end up fighting and we all want to avoid that." She spotted a few people in strange green uniforms. These must be the Musketeers that Gaia had mentioned. Pity those uniforms looked nearly custom made. Both Gaia and Masha would be wearing crop tops essentially if they stole a few. It was out of the question to try and disguise Ruvel in one. "Also any idea what we're supposed to discuss with the Abbot? Or are we just supposed to walk up and talk to him casually?" There wasn't exactly a clear objective given how little detail Gaia's letter had. Masha was questioning the wisdom of this job. Why had they come here at all?

Masha took another look at the guards and the musketeers. The guards weren't quite as perfect as they appeared. Or rather they were meant to look perfect and that was the extent of their ability. "It might be easier to slip past the guards then I thought. Looks like most of them are mainly for show." She pointed out a small door that sat squarely between two groups of guards. "I have an invisibility spell that would allow me to get to that door but it only works for just me. Do either of you have a better idea to get in?" She hoped they had a better idea. This plan might leave her as the one having to talk to the Abbot. Alone. That was not something she wanted to do at all. Masha looked toward her companions. They were smarter than she was. Surely, they'd have a better way to get in.

WC: 780
Total: 3,074