Searching in the dark... [Markus]

Nessa was in a mixture of emotions, she had just finished a job with Markus and she was currently in two minds about it. On one hand they had successfully managed to save loads of little fairies from any further torture. The humans that had captured the fairies were brutally mutilating them by tears their wings of by force. The poor creatures had been through so much, thankfully her and Markus had managed to put a stop to the suffering once and for all. Not to mention she now had a new companion named Arielle. A pretty pink male fairy, who had snuggled himself in her satchel asleep, poor thing had used a lot of his magic on her. Calming her mind after she had ...lost her cool. It had been a long day and she didn't blame him for having a nap. But she didn't know if she would be able to sleep tonight, because on the other hand there were a lot of negative things on her mind.

To start with she had lost control, lost control in a way she had never done. Sure she had a little bit of a temper on her, she knew that. But it mainly resulted in little tantrums or her going ham on an enemy. But this time was different, unlike anything she'd ever known. It was like pure hatred creeping its way out of her body from nowhere, sending her into a fierce spiral of rage and darkness. She wanted to kill. It had felt sickening, disorientating, she didn't feel herself. Where had this dark rage come from? Had it been something born recently, or had in always been inside her. She didn't understand, nothing had significantly changed about her recently, other than joining Fairy Tail. It didn't make sense to attribute this change to that, not this was something else. She needed to find out what it was that happened to her. She felt like her family would be the best people to speak to but at the moment they were all the way back in Magnolia. But then again, was it wise to talk to her Father or Aunty. They had dealt in their fair share of dark things in the past. Perhaps they would blame her joining a guild, maybe they would even force her to leave. To turn away from magic until they could figure out the source of the problem. But what if they never found out. She couldn't leave Fairy Tail now, she had already grown so attached. Maybe, she should just look into herself, and see what she could figure out. Involving them so early on, didn't seem wise.

Then there was Markus, his killing of several of the enemies they had faced tonight. She wasn't sure how to handle it. For one she had never seen someone kill before, And it had been right in front of her. There had been one night where she had witnessed fighting and many people died. But she was hiding in the home with her baby cousin crying in her arms. She hadn't watched, she hadn't even been able to bring herself to look. So that was different, not like she watched Markus earlier. The brutal cold way he had ended that mans life, the chaos alight in his eyes as he did so. It had shaken her. She knew it was for fair reasons, it wasn't for sport or games. Those men were evil, they would've killed them both if he hadn't but. If she had it her way, they all would've been arrested and faced a sentence. Killing them, it was the harshest of sentences, once she wasn't sure it was fair for them to decide. She just didn't know if it was right, not for the men but for Markus to do that to himself. Because from what her Aunty told her, killing a person, it changed you. Remoulded your mindset and not in a good way.

She hoped maybe they would get to talk a little, maybe clear the air somewhat. It felt so tense right now, probably because they both had different stances on the matter. It was pretty obvious when it happened that the dynamic between them was shfited. Nessa didn't like it, she enjoyed Markus's company, she wanted to be able to fight alongside him. But until they talked about what happened, she wasn't sure if they could. They made their way through town, walking in silence. The two of them managed to track down a tavern not far from the forest. They were sore and really needed to just rest. As they made their way into the tavern, she headed straight up to the bar, pulling herself onto a barstool. Before she cleaned up, there was something she reall needed to do first, and that was have a drink. The bartender made his way over to them, eying them cautiously. They weren't exactly the cleanest patrons in the place, covered in dirt and blood. She sighed looking up at the bartender her violet eyes strained from the stress of their ordeal. "Can I get a shot of your strongest liquor? Wait, actually make that two." She added deciding Markus probably would need one to, something to take the edge off. Maybe after that, they could finally talk.

WC: 889

Nessa's eyes widened in surprise when Markus suggested they make the drinks double, but she supposed he felt it to. The tension, she wasn't really sure how to carve her way through it, but surely alcohol was the best way to loosen the tongue. Perhaps Markus wanted to work through it too, or maybe he just really fancied a drink. She didn't actually know much about Markus, whether he was much of a boozer or just the odd one here and there type of guy. Then again as she thought about it, there wasn't much else she knew about Markus either. Having only meant him recently, plus he wasn't exactly the sharing type. Maybe she shouldn't have been so shocked about him killing those men, she didn't really know him that well to start with. She watched the bartender as he headed over to the higher rack, reaching up he pulled down a bottle of dark brown liquid. A name she had never heard before, the dust on the bottle suggesting it wasn't used often. He pulled up two double sized shot glasses, and filled them each to the brim.

As the bartender brought over the shots, she wrapped her hand around it, eying it hesitantly. She had drank before, but usually they were much softer and gentler drinks. She was more of a cocktail and a dance kind of girl. They were also normally at parties, and soirée's. Nessa loved a party she really did, and enjoying a drink or two was harmless. But in a bar after a difficult job, this was new territory for her. Even so she felt on edge, there was thick tension still surrounding them. Unmoving. She wanted it gone, wanting to feel comfortable with him again. After a moment she picked up the shot, she brought it to her lips. Tipping her head back and she drained it's contents. Shutting her eyes as she did so. Swallowing the dark fluid that practically attacked her throat on the way down. Then slamming the now-empty shot glass down on the table once more, she let out a gasp, wrinkling her nose and sticking out her tongue. The taste had been far from pleasant, it was almost overpowering and the liquid had burned her throat to almost painful levels. However she had asked and the bartender had provided. She licked her lips looking back at Markus once more. Was that enough? As she looked at him, her voice trapped in her throat the answer was clear. No, it was not. She turned to look back at the man who had poured them the shot. "Another?" She asked the barman, who looked momentarily surprised before shrugging it off to prepare another round of drinks.

She reutnred her gaze to Markus, the blood on his shirt, his cool unreadable expression. They both needed a real good clean up; sweat, blood and dirt on them wasn't a kept look. It had probably been why the bartender had eyed them so when they first come in. But the bar was quiet, so he had most likely chose business over aesthetic. Her eyes flickered over his bandages, recently applied by herself, it wasn't bad work. Not as good as her fathers but still, she had experience with first aid before. Her father had often allowed him to practice on her, plus there were types in his lab where he would accidentally cut himself carving up ingredients or scald himself with a potion. During which he had always given Nessa the oppurtunity to help. Nessa eyes moving from the bandages to his face, and finally she address him directly, "How are your wounds?" He had after all, hurt himself pretty bad during the fight. Despite what he had done, it didn't mean she wasn't concerned, he was her guildmate afterall. Another shot glass full of the dark alcoholic substance placed in front of them, she didn't care to ask what it was they were drinking. She just needed to feel loose, and more relaxed. She couldn't stand feeling like this, being so awkward and unsure. It had been so easy to talk to him before, but after what they'd just been through. She was wound tight, too tight.

WC: 708
Total: 1597

Nessa watched as Markus gave the bartender orders, requesting a tab and a meal. Food she hadn't even thought of, it was wise, seeing as they hadn't eaten anything since they'd set off this morning. But even so, she didn't know if she could eat anything right now. But she probably should, because alcohol on an empty stomach wasn't ideal. Especially not for someone as inexperienced as her. Despite her self confidence in her drinking capabilities, constantly knowcking back shots that contained alcohol most like over forty percent in strength was bound to affect the Starlight Maiden. Not saying anything further to the barman, she also stood and seeing him down his drink. She took hold of her own shot and followed suit, the bitter alcohol not being any easier to take down the second time. She placed her glass down on the bar and followed him across the room to the table, before sliding herself onto a chair. This was good, now they were out of the way, they had more privacy.

She listened to his answer, it fine him telling her that they were okay, but the follow up to that didn't do much to reassure her. The word 'internal' wasn't exactly a pleasant word to use when talking about wounds. It made you think the worst, like bleeding, ruptures or breaks. Things you couldn't see directly to sow up or bandage. Things that needed the attention of a real doctor. Something Nessa was most certainly not. She could only really handle anything external, his use of the word internal made her bite her lip. She didn't think saying anything to him about it would help, so she let it go. She relaxed a fraction, a small fraction. At the very least the ice had sort of been broken. They still had a thick layer to get through, when he asked her how she was doing. She looked around, hoping the bartender would be over soon with another drink. She sighed, supposing it would be along in a few minutes, there was no point making him was. She would just have the push through the anxiousness and hoped the alcohol kicked in soon.

"I'm not hurt or anything..." She answered in a quiet tone, which was true, she had sustained very little damage doing that job, a rarity for her. But it most likely had a lot to do with the fact, Markus had taken them out for the count completely. Nessa had a tendency to always knocked her enemies unconscious which required more precision and effort in a way. In a fight killing someone was easier, but to make hurt them enough so that they were incapable of fighting without dying, that took some restraint. Restraint she was worried she may be losing, especially after that little moment in the forest. She knew full well that in that moment, with a forceful crack against that mans skull she could have killed him, taking him out of the picture completely. Thankfull Arielle had been there to stop her, the fairy had sensed that this wasn't her true nature, and because of the fairies decision, she wouldn't have to deal with the guilty concious of taking a mans life. Something she didn't think she would be able to handle.

"I guess it just wasn't what I expected..." She admitted to him, they were a slight sadness in her voice. It wasn't that she couldn't hide it, but more she didn't have the energy to try and hide it. She was just so tired, and the tension was bearing down on her. Lying was pointless too, so why pretened she was okay with it. When the truth was, she really wasn't okay with how things turned out at all.

WC: 630
Total: 2227

She wasn't sure how to reply to Markus's initial comment, she knew he was right. But to her this wasn't exactly a light 'surprise', like opening a present and getting something that didn't suit you at all. Or eating an egg and finding eggshell sitll inside of it. This was far more unpleasnt for a 'surprise'. Sure, she had been surprised many a time on jobs since becoming a mage and she was learning more and more each time how to deal with it and think on her feet. But it was by no means getting easier on her, it seemed each job was opening a door more into the worlds darkness. She had known that bad things happened in the world, but in her naive state of mind she just hadn't think she would be exposed to such things so soon. Today had been a big reveal for her, it was her reason for being in such a state of shock over it all.

Nessa didn't pay much attention to the guy that came over, only hearing his words and not really taking him in. At present Nessa was more focused on trying to work out what to say to Markus. She needed to proceed carefully, Markus didn't exactly seem like the type to get mad, but still if brought up the wrong way. Things could still be led into a confrontation. "I'll have the same and another shot for me." She added after Markus over her shoulder. The bartender looked a little surprised she wasn't paying more attention to him. Perhaps he was used to getting more attention of female clientele.  Despite his intentions of trying to catch her eye, Nessa was just too distracted. Even then she probably wouldn't have realised what he was doing anyhow. She had a tendency to be a little dense when it came to such behaviours. Markus may not have wanted a shot, and she wasn't about to force one on him. Nessa on the other hand felt like the alcohol wasn't playing the part she had hoped it would to make things easier. At least not yet.

She heard his next remark, and shot him a little frown. Irritation began to crawl under her skin as he spoke. It was the first time he had ever said anything like that, although he may not have meant it any particular way. Somehow it felt a little patronizing, like she was a gool for not realising that this was a possible outcome. Nessa didn't like it, as she spoke back, her tone become defensive, "It's not the danger that bothered me, it was how it was handled. I just..." She had been just about to go on a tangent, to blame him for doing what he did. Tell him that it wasn't okay and that he should've thought things through. But as before she could her words had caught it her throat. What was she doing? Was she actually about to scold Markus for saving her? Afterall, who knows what would had happened if he hadn't have taken action, perhaps she could have been hurt much worse or even died. She couldn't allow herself to do that. He had done what he needed to help them get the job done, as much as she didn't like to admit it, she understand that well enough. Her frown faded, she relaxed back into her seat. She wanted to get through to him, but she didn't know how. She thought about it for a moment, something came to mind. Something personal, something that might help him understand why she felt this way, but still. It wasn't something she could talk about easily, and saying it meant she would be trusting Markus with a painful part of her history. Finally she spoke again.

"The last time I saw someone die it was my mother." He voice had become soft, quiet, she looked at the table as she said it. Her eyes glistening with sadness. The memory glimmered before her eyes, her mother lying in her fathers arms, his desperate attempts to heal her. Nessa holding her hand tightly as she said goodbye, moments before her body became forever still. She took a moment before looking back up at him. "It was just a little jarring is all. I know you had to kill those men, I get it, I'm just not used to it. I wasn't expecting it to be so brutal, but that's due to my own inexperience I guess." It was the first time she mentioned her mother to anyone outside of her family. The revelation wasn't easy, but Markus didn't seem like the type to go about blabbing about such things. So she had opened up and revealed part of her truth. Because Nessa knew, she couldn't expect him to understand her if he didn't understand the history she had with death.

WC: 820
Total: 3047

Nessa watched as Markus's demeanour would shift, only a fraction, she couldn't get a clear read. Except that the tension had eased off, even if only slightly. He seemed to understand, at the very least what she was getting at. He would begin by reassuring that what he didn't wasn't brutal, before beginning to unravel a dark history. Her eyes widened as he spoke of the horrors he had seen, the graphic and quite frankly, honest brutality. She gulped, she had heard of such horrors but had never witnessed anything like that. Nessa had spent her life sheltered from such darkness, her mother and father had made sure of that. Even stories from their past, or from her aunt Antoinette. Certain things were not spoken at the dinner table, for whatever reasons, the Lux family had wanted to protect their daughter from it. What Markus was telling Nessa were the worlds true horror stories, the kind you told at camp to get a reaction out of your peers. But Markus had lived them, and she understood that now. What she had seen was nothing more than a fraction to what he had witnessed. What he had suffered through. At the least, she was learning something, something about what it was that made Markus who he was, and why.

"I know they were, I saw." Her mind flickered back to that moment she had seen that man torturing the fairy. Ripping it's wings from it's back, tearing it's flesh as he ignored it's tiny screams. It had been a horrible sight, something she knew would haunt her for a long time. The instantaneous hate she felt for those men and what they were doing to those poor creatures were well founded. That man she attacked, he was a monster, she didn't regret having hurt him the way she did. What she did regret was the overwhelming loss of control that had instigated it, the toxic desire that had filled her. The need to kill. The pure enjoyment she had felt from feeling the man suffer under her touch. It had petrified her, more than any of those men did. She wasn't like this, she had never been like this, she couldn't fathom why this was happening to her, why now? What was the trigger?

Markus's next words explained to her what he had meant, why he had said he knew what it was like to lose control. So that was the nature of his magic, she knew it had a darkness about it, but she hadn't been able to grasp how it worked in her mind. She had only been able to assume that like her own it was manipulated in an elemental fashion. However now she had a small understanding. She wondered if it felt the same to him, the same as the darkness that had erupted in her. All these dark and malicious emotions that she were alien to her. Before she knew it the next words were coming out of her mouth. "Do you ever...enjoy it? Killing?" She asked, not even attempting to filter the question somehow. She wanted to know, and although normally she would never had asked something so brazen. There was a slow confidence welling within her, the tension was easing. Finally the alcohol seemed to be working on her. Her body, and her tongue were loosening slightly.

His comment about her mother, made her swell a little. She appreciated the statement, even as they were coupled with his own sad truth. She could only empathise so much, as someone whose mother had been nothing but doting to her. She couldn't imagine what it was like to have a parent behave in any other way. His words were interrupted by the arrival of the waiter. She muttered a thank you as he gave them their drinks, she took her glass of the liquor on ice. Bringing it to her lips, she took a sip. It was cool, she could still taste the alcohol, but it wasn't as strong or abrasive as the shot. She took another sip, then placed it down gently on the table. Noticing that the waiter was still standing there for some reason, it seemed she wasn't the only one. Because Markus's demeanour changed from calm and collected to threatening, as he gave the man a firm order not to bother them unless necessary. The waiter who went from hopelessly angling for attention to immediately terrified quickly nodding before scurrying off. Nessa's lips curled into a slightly amused smile, she didn't blame the guy one bit for running away so hastily, there was just a vibe Markus gave off at times. Dangerous.

As Markus began his sentence once more, Nessa listened, his words felt different. More open than ever before, and when the reality of what he said dawned on her. She felt her stomach drop, her hands rose to her lips and her eyes began to well. She blinked away the oncoming tears, she didn't want to cry in front of Markus. But what he had said had really strung a chord within her, to know such a personal thing, something that had undoubtedly been painful for him. She hadn't expected him to reveal that to her. His true suffering, laid out for her. "I'm sorry..." She croaked out finally. It seemed she was always apologising to him these days.


WC: 899
Total: 3946

She felt his gentle touch on her hand, the slight warmth of his skin on hers, it was a small gesture but a reassuring one. He then told her not to apologise. Whatever hardships he had faced, It seemed he had overcome them and grown stronger because of it. Despite what he said, she couldn’t help but feel her sorrow for him, and she found it hard to contain her emotions. That was just how she was, always wearing her heart on her sleeve. Her emotions honest and unreserved, she didn't see the needed to hold yourself back or be deceitful. Because when you tried to hard to hide your emotions, you closed yourself off. Nessa didn't want that, if she eventually wanted to make friends again, she knew she had to be herself. Or at least as much of herself as she could be. The feel of his hand and his words seemed to help her pull away from getting too upset over their conversation. The threat of tears settling.

He then proceeded to answer her question, telling her that he didn’t enjoy it, the killing. On one hand she was glad, she didn't know how she would have been able to process it if he had said yes. she wanted to forgive him of it, she did. But someone who enjoyed doing that to others, she wasn't sure if even she had the compassion for that. However this didn't help her understand her situation. It seemed whatever it was that had taken over her was unique, that sadistic pleasure that made her queasy to recall. She needed to investigate this, to find out what it was and get a hold on it. Learn to control it somehow or at least what was causing it. Maybe even have it taken out of her, although she feared that wouldn’t be possible. As he had let go of her hand now she reached forward, this time for the shot. Lifting it up and knocking it back. She would just forget that for now. She didn’t want to dwell on it anymore.

She placed the now empty shot glass on the table, sighing. They were getting a little easier, not a lot. But she decided a break was alright for now, the alcohol was beginning to warm her body. She could feel it coursing into her, giving her a lighter feeling, tingling under her skin. Making her feel much lighter, like the burdens she carried could just float away. She caught his next question and a genuine smile appeared on her face as she thought about her mother. She thought about her, how much she had inspired her to be who she was today. He's guess was right, she was the reason and she was proud of that. No matter what people thought of her/ Once again Nessa found herself opening up even more to the Chaos mage.

“Yeah she was, I mean my Dad’s a great guy but my mum. She was something else, she was a healer. Her magic used light like mine but it never burned anyone. She was the purest person I’ve ever known. She even joined a dark guild, because she felt like they needed help in more ways than one. That was before I was born, my Aunty says she was naive, thought everyone deserved a chance to be saved. I really want to think that too but...” Her words trailed off, but it was proving harder than she’d ever imagined because the darkness in people was too much. She couldn’t bring herself to forgive the way her mother could, it was too hard. Unless her mother, Nessa's eyes could not forget the cruelty of the monsters that lived in the world, human and non-human. The unrelenting tway they hurt, tortured and killed others for their own personal gain. How her mother had been able to forgive all of it, was a mystery even to Nessa. Ultimately it had been her unrelenting kindness that had killed her, the dark guild came back for her. Although her mother and aunt had managed to wipe the dark guild out completely, she had died from her wounds hours later. Nessa had watched it, how her attempt to change her life and escape her history had caught up with her. Taking her from the people who loved her most, right before theiry very eyes.

WC: 735
Total: 4681

Nessa felt the tension falling from her body with each passing word that Markus spoke, the air between the two much lighter already. Compared to how they had been when they walked in, having hardly shared a word between them since leaving the forest. The discomfort she had been feeling had disappeared and it was nice. This is what she wanted, to be able to talk to him comfortably, to feel like there wasn't any animosity between them. She felt herself relaxing, and becoming a little more happy as she spoke. “I can’t imagine you being a slave. A butler I think you could pull off, you’re very held together. But you’re right, it’s not you’re path. I can’t follow in my mums footsteps, but I’ll do right by her and be the best version of myself.” She wasn’t her mother after all, there was no benefit to trying to be a carbon copy of her. Having good morals and helping others, that was enough. She knew her mum would be happy with that. Maybe Nessa didn't need to try to forgive everyone, as long as she kept true to herself. Life was too complicated to live by one set of rules afterall.

A new waiter arrived placing meals on the table, the pleasant aroma hit Nessa's nose, and yet wasn't enough to tempt her. Because despite all the time which she hadn't ate, she still wasn’t hungry. She admitted it looked really, really good. Better than she expected a quiet tavern like this to be able to produce, but it wasn't quite what she fancied right now . She would probably allow herself a little nibble later, maybe something to soak up some of the alcohol should she consume too much. As the waiter offered another drink, she bit her lip in thought. The liquor was nice, she didn't want to get too silly, but now she was relaxed she wasn’t quite ready to stop. She finally felt good again, so a little more couldn't hurt could it. But she would go for a change of pace.. “I want something interesting, hmm...” Her mind drifted to her Aunty, sipping a signature drink on their family holidays. She sat up excitedly at the idea, “Bring me a margarita!” She said with a friendly smile, she’d never actually tried one but her aunt loved them. She wanted something different, and she wasn’t very much aware of the way mixing drinks affected an individual. Plus it would pretty neat to know what one of them tasted like, to see why her Aunty loved them so much. Watching as the waiter left with their order. She found herself giggling suddenly.

“I think you scared the other guy. With your ‘Do not bother us again’” She did a very poor attempt of mimicking the way he spoke. Pulling a serious face and lowering the level of her voice so that it was masculine. Then  following it with a light laugh. Any air of tension she had carried before gone completely. Joking about his serious nature was a much lighter subject to broach, plus despite the truth, in her slightly hazy mind she had done quite a good impression of him. Not enough to pursue of career in comedy, but enough to amuse herself at the very least.

WC: 554
Total: 5215

Nessa grinned at his remark about wanting peace in her company, they had been on quite a serious topic. So it had made sense that he would prefer them not interrupted. But still it was new for her to see him put someone in their place. She hadn’t known him long. So experiencing such things from him were amusing. She felt like she was learning more about him, which she liked. His next words took her by surprise. She felt herself blush a little when he called her beautiful, eyes widening before darting down towards the table. It wasn’t as if she had not been called that before. But to hear it from Markus was different. Beforehand it had usually be something she had just shrugged off as a compliment with intentions. Something a guy said to her when they wanted something else.  But Markus had no intentions, not with her. Not that she could see at least, somehow hearing him say it felt more real than when she heard it come from others. He didn't say anything he didn't believe to be true, so hearing it was fluster her a little more than usual.

She laughed, although this time there was a hint of nerves in her voice. “Was he? I had no idea. Maybe he just wanted a tip...” She suggested, before quickly polishing off the rest of her drink. She looked back at him, her cheeks a little flushed. He gave her feedback on her impression of him, causing her to grin at him. Pleased he wasn't bothered by her impression, or the poor way in which it had been delivered. Even if she thought it had been pretty spot on in the drunk minset she had at that point. ”Well I’ll just have to work on that, the more I’m around you the better it’ll get, you’ll see.” Her reply implied exactly what she meant, that she wanted more time with him because despite how today’s had gone. She was finding that she still really enjoyed his company. Something about Markus was just... magnetic, he kind of made you want to be around. Nessa could only place it on as a connection between friends, surely there wasn't anything more to such feelings. At least nothing that she could logically think of.

Their drinks were soon brought over to them, and Nessa who still wasn’t ready to eat anything. Decided to work on her margarita. It was an almost goblet shaped glass except a lot wider and thinner. The liquid was murky white, the rim laced with salt and a like say on the edge. She brought it to her lips and took a hearty sip. Almost choking on it. The intense flavour was not what she had been expecting. In no way did she resemble her classy Aunty who nursed her Margaritas with nature elegance. She would have to tell her aunty about it when she saw her, and ask her how exactly she could enjoy something so disgusting. She wiped her mouth, “Oh god, that’s absolutely vile. Here try that.” She said pushing the glass over to him.

WC: 526
Total: 5741

Nessa may have an a female oblivious to the advances of men she met on a daily basis. She was not however unfamiliar with the workings of the human body, she knew all about the birds and the bees. About human lust. So when Markus made his next remark, she felt herself turn even redder. Regardless of whatever he had been expression, perhaps it was the alcohol, but something quite rude came to mind. She laughed nervously once more, "Well, no tip for him, I'm not that kind of girl," She replied quickly. It wasn't that she didn't have sexual desire, but it certainly was not aroused by a random bartender. No matter how good looking.

She smiled at his next remark, still blushing from the previous, but not wanting to recreate any tension between them. Just because she was embarrassed didn't mean she was going to stop talking anytime soon. "I'll hold you to that," She said, feeling pleased that he was agreeing to working with her again. It meant to her that so far, he wasn't put off by her. She was glad. She wasn't sure after her reaction earlier, that he would want to be around her anymore.

Nessa watched as Markus sipped the margarita with the same cool collected that her aunt would, completely unbothered by the taste. He asked a question in regards to how often she drank. She pouted, grabbing the margarita. "I drink, I've just never tried one of these!" She told him defensively, before bring the margarita up to her mouth and taking another big sip. This time trying hard not to react, although as the intense flavour coated her tongue, she found it very hard. She swallowed, it, managing to keep a straight face, and promptly celebrating by sticking her out tongue at him.

"I'm just into more fruity cocktails," She looked over at the bar, scanning it's contents. Then waving over a nearby waiter, "That blue stuff, what is it?" She said pointing to the prettiest bottle she could see. The waiter glanced at it before looking back at her,

"That's our peppermint schnapps," She beamed from ear to ear, now that she had tried before.

"I'll have one of those please...wait, actually just bring the whole thing." She said then looked back over at Markus, her eyes locking back onto his. His question had stirred her competitive desire to prove her drinking capabilities to him. Not that he even challenged her, it was just how she'd interpreted it.

WC: 421
Total: 6162

Nessa smirked as he ordered a bottle of his own choosing, and for some reason water. She had always presumed you drank it at the end of the night to fight off the hangover. But then she wasn't experienced enough to know better. Maybe he wanted to sober up, or think she needed it. She didn't feel that way at all, her body felt really good. The best it had all day, she wanted to stay this way for as long as possible. In her mind she was perfectly fine, really, really fine. Getting a little merry had really helped ease the tension and now she felt good. Almost like she was floating there in that moment, everything seemed to move quicker.

The drink arrived quite quickly now, it seemed the staff had picked up that they were good customers and that a speedy service was their friend in this case. After Markus poured her blue coloured liquid into a glass, she took it, raising it into the air. "Cheers," She said perkily, before taking a careful sip. The sweet minty liquid coated her tongue, it was cool having been chilled beforehand. She swallowed it smoothly and smiled, happy to have found a drink much more sutied to her tastes. "That's more like it." She said enthusiastically before taking another sip. This was more fun, enjoying food and drink together, they were sure to be fine now. The tension was long gone, and now they could just be Markus and Nessa, fellow guildmates and friends. That had a nice ring to it.

She watched as he took off his coat, eying his bandages. Shaking her head a little overzealously, she would need to change them soon. Her gaze returned to his face, she leaned forward. Placing her elbow on the table and resting her chin against her palm. A question came to mind and thanks to her now loosened filter, she didn't hold it in. "So... Markus. Why such a thick shell? I mean are you scared of letting anyone in or are you not sure how?" It was a random question, but one she had been wondering for a while now. He was always so serious and closed off, she only felt like she had really learned anything about him today. Their last meeting hadn't involved a lot of talking on his part. So why not ask, surely it wouldn't do any harm to get to know the guy better.

WC: 412
Total: 6574

Her face still resting comfortably on her palm,  she tilted her head. Listening intently as he answered her question. It was a very ‘Markus’ like answer, required minimal effort and the most logical. She lifted her head up, parting her lips to speak, her words were soft. “So theoretically speaking, say for whatever crazy reason I was in a position of trust, do you think I would betray you?” Her violet eyes fluttered over to his, wanting to watch his face as he reacted. Taking in every movement and shift. Something about Markus fascinated  her. Plus she would also like to know what he thought of her. Nessa had never betrayed anyone and she couldn’t imagine herself doing it in the future. It just wasn’t something she could get her head around, breaking a promise to another person, it made no sense.

She heard his question and glanced away, an open book, so that’s what he thought. It wasn’t exactly wrong, that was how she portrayed herself. Then he followed with the remainder of his question, hitting much closer to the mark. “I try to be a very open person, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t have secrets. It’s not that I can’t speak about them but I feel like it’s better that I don’t. Not so much for my own sake but for others,”

For starters she didn’t want the sympathy of others, nor the controversy that came with her mother’s demise. A healer in a dark guild. Some thought she was brave, others thought it was selfish. Some even went as far as too say she deserved it. It was easier if people didn’t know about her mother, because the pain she felt was bad enough without others tarnishing her name. Then there were her other secrets. There were people who had done things to her, things that others may want to punish. Nessa would never forgive them for those things but she didn’t want anyone to suffer anymore because of it. She would rather it be left alone and forgotten.

“If something were to make me gloomy, it would be selfish of me to pass that onto someone else. Personally I’d rather handle it by myself and focus on making others happy.” She added before taking another sip of her drink.

WC: 388
Total: 6962