No, I Didn’t Know How to Act, Started Running and I Didn’t Look Back

Amalie stared out of the window of the carriage; she was travelling through Tolgalen. Her expression was blank, almost as though she was bored. This was the first time that Johann, her mentor, had ever asked her to do anything. It was significantly disappointing. When one of the strongest mages in the entirety of Fiore asked you to do something, you kind of hoped it would be exciting, or beneficial. Even the sword training, albeit tedious, had increased her skill effectively and given her an asset she could use in battle. But this, this was pointless grunt work, heck, she was pretty sure she wasn't even getting paid for this. But who was she to say no, he had done quite a lot for her in terms of helping her progress. Plus it was thanks to him; she now knew that Anima was using her as a host. So she had agreed, even if the prospect of helping a new guildmate move into their home seemed like a really, really dull way to spend her time.

The carriage pulled to a stop, and the driver announced that they had arrived. Amalie sighed, climbing out of the carriage, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the jewels to pay the driver. She wasn't wearing her guild uniform today, but rather a black pencil skirt, a white cotton blouse and a blazer jacket. She had black kitten heels on and a black choker around her neck. After paying the driver she turned to the building, eying it for a moment before making her way inside. Reaching into her pocket once more this time she pulled out a piece of paper, with the address written inside. She had come to the right place; now she just had to find the girl she was helping out. She found the apartment, with the door somewhat ajar, she eyed it for a moment. Checking the note once more, this was it. She tucked the paper away and stepped inside. Pushing open the door and making her way into the room. She wasn't particularly phased about hiding her presence, nor was she bothered about the fact she had entered uninvited. She had a job, and the sooner she started, the sooner she got home. Amalie looked around trying to find the girl,  eying the spacious and rather ...drab. With blank walls, and dull colours. No possessions yet put up to give the room a bit of colour. Amalie noticed the open doorway that lead to what she could only presume was the balcony, standing there looking out was a young woman. A little younger than herself but probably not by much, with long pink hair that trailed down her back. She was quite pretty, perhaps a little too pretty, with her smooth skin and reddish eyes. A small smile on her lips, Amalie arched a brow, wondering if she was having a moment.

"You the new girl?"  She asked loudly enough to try and nab the girl's attention. "Johann sent me to help you settle in..."  She glanced around the room, "So where's the stuff we need to unpack?"  She asked, she couldn't see any moving boxes or bags. Was the truck on its way? Perhaps it hadn't been delivered yet. Amalie really hoped she wouldn't have to wait around for a delivery; she had expected the get straight into it.

WC: 566 / 7000

The girl didn't seem to react much to the fact Amalie had just waltzed in without permission. Amalie could only assume that she had been expecting her arrival, that was good. At least there wouldn't be any messing around.  The girl greeted her and offered her a polite bow. She smiled at Amalie, which Amalie didn't return. It wasn't really in her nature to grin at people she didn't know, not unless she was doing it for her own benefit. Whether they were to get something out of them or if she planned to mess with them a little. She had no intentions with such a girl, she was just here to do a job, Johann had said nothing about 'playing nice', so she didn't intend to. Amalie watched as the girl walked across the room to a desk. She grabbed what looked like a messenger bag and began unloading objects. Amalie's eyes narrowed as she watched what could only be described as minimalistic unloading of possessions. She then went around the room, putting them away one by one; A task that took less than a few moments. Amalie blinked in awe. Not really able to believe what she was seeing. Had Johann really sent her all this way for this?

Amalie glanced around once more, Is this all she has? She thought. There was a small sense of nostalgia that began to creep to the forefront of her mind. Albeit this place was much nicer, for a start it was clean, unlike that place, which has been drafty and filled with mould. But still, it's emptiness. It was a little too familiar. Amalie felt a strange emotion; she couldn't quite place it. But she didn't like it. The girl spoke once more, apologising for her wasted journey. She mentioned coming from a Lab belonging to a Dr Raelin, and that she was 'designated' as seven. Which was a peculiar way to introduce yourself, she followed up with the proposition of Amalie giving her whatever nickname she wanted. So Johann called her Sivvy, that was surprisingly personal for him, Amalie wondered what kind of relationship the girl had with her mentor. Especially as he still referred to her as Miss West. Following her last question, Amalie sighed, she didn't feel like she should just leave. Johann had told her, help her get moved in, and she hadn't done anything. Plus this place, it was...wasn't right. "No. This isn't going to work for me Sivvy. We are going out," She said, turning towards the door. "Come on, Johann sent me to move you in, so we're gonna get you something to actually move in. You can call me Amalie by the way," She said. Not giving the girl time to protest, she made her way out of the room and back down the hallway.

It seemed a little odd for her, offering to help the girl decorate her home. But Amalie couldn't think of any others means to handle the situation. She couldn't quite accept the idea of this girl living somewhere as dull and empty as that. Amalie's currently home was significantly different. She quite enjoyed the aesthetic of modern-classic furnishing. With her faux fur rug, fireplace and vinyl player. She wasn't intending on giving this girl the same things, but at the very least they were going to pick up something that had a bit of colour. At least, this was what Amalie intended. This was what Johann would expect of her right? Help her settle in by providing a comfortably furnished home. That was all this was, Amalie following her superiors orders.

She was fully prepared for the possibility that the girl might refuse and decide not to follow her. In which case, Amalie would just leave. Report it back to Johann and go on with her life. Perhaps mentally note not to offer her help out so willingly. She was becoming much less focused on her own progression lately. Her goals kept going out of focus, especially with the Anima thing going on. Then there was the other day with the green-haired girl. When they had saved all those peoples, she was getting pretty distracted lately, at some point she needed to refocus on her goals; money, power and status.


WC: 715
Total: 1281 / 7000

The blue-haired woman would not slow down for the girl, fully expecting her to keep up with her pace should she choose to keep following. The fact that the girl didn't argue with Amalie's instruction pleased the Articulation mage. She was so used to individuals who tended to be more resistant to her direct manner. It made this so much easier that the pink-haired girl would tag along without complaint. At least this way they wouldn't be wasting any time on the 'back and forth' of whether there was any real need to do this. Because while the girl's home did seriously need a splash of colour and comfort, she did already have enough to get by as it was.

This was something the girl would comment on as they made their way out of the building. Amalie didn't look at her as she spoke, she pulled out an iLac. Dialling a button, she would call for the driver who had just dropped her off. "Bring the carriage around, we're heading into town." She ordered sharply before hanging up before the driver had time to protest. She would then glance at the pink-haired girl. "You have enough to survive, but not enough to live comfortably. We do not need a list; we need only search and eliminate what will and will not suit you. Do you have particular preferences when it comes to colour, design and the like?" She asked, eying the girl's attire with her ice-blue eyes. Even if this girl was rather 'stoic', she had to at least have some sense of style. That just needed to be applied to her home. Amalie stepped back outside, stopping at the pavement to wait for the return of their means of travel.

At the end of the road, the carriage would turn in, making its way towards them. The driver sat in the front of it, looking somewhat disgruntled about having to return so quickly. Amalie opened the door and climbed in, sitting herself down. She crossed one leg over the other, leaning back in her seat. "We'll be heading into Tolgalen, the shopping district." She said, she reached into the pocket of her blazer, and pulled out her pouch of jewels. Pouring a few onto her palm, she reached through to the front where the driver was seated. "Keep the change." She told him, before pulling the strings of her pouch closed once more. She returned it to the pocket and zipped it closed. She turned her gaze to the girl, "So if you don't mind me asking. I am curious. You said you were 'designated' seven. Is that actually a name you were given as a child? Or a term someone else specified for you? You don't need to answer, but we've got a short wait before we get to town, and I was curious." She asked bluntly. The way the girl had said 'designated' had intrigued Amalie. Plus she figured if she gave the girl something to talk about, it would shave away some of the time they would have to spend together. If she chose not to answer that would be reasonable too, they would just sit in silence until they got there. Either way it didn't phase Amalie, she hadn't come here to make a friend, just to do a job assigned to her by her mentor.


WC: 562
Total: 1843 / 7000
Tag: @Nameless

The girl responded that she did had certain styles that she liked, but did not elaborate. This suited Amalie well enough, she did not need to listen to arbitrary lists of colours and designs. She fully intended on just leading the girl to the right stores and allowing her to make the decisions on her own. She was not imposing enough to design the woman's house her, nor did she care enough to do so. The minimum she could do, however, was give the girl the opportunity to do so.

Sivvy seemed unphased by Amalie's question, explaining it for the blue-haired woman rather directly. Amalie's expression would remain blank as she listened, quickly working it out the underlying layers of what the girl was saying. "I see, so you were not born, but created." She summarised in return, it was intriguing. Amalie had never before met an artificial human, nor had she ever encountered an android. However, it certainly explained why the woman was so agreeably compliant and non-confrontational. Amalie smirked to herself, out of all the times she would meet someone who didn't irritate or annoy her, as it turned out they weren't even a natural born human. Well, it didn't really matter how she was brought into the world, she still existed, and Amalie still intended to continue as they were. Artificial or not, nothing excused you from having such a 'dull' living space. The woman mentioned that Johann had created Sivvy, as a variant of her name. Nodding, The man's softer than he let's on, She thought in amusement, picturing the stern-faced mentor of hers. "Do you enjoy the name he gave you, Sivvy I mean?" She asked, it may have been a pointless question, but Amalie still felt intrigued enough to ask.

The carriage would soon arrive in the centre of town, as it got closer, Amalie would instruct the driver as to which store to drop them off in front of. Within minutes they pulled up in the form of a large, warehouse-type shop — a minstrel-based corporation known for its vast selection of furnishings and home decor. Amalie paid the driver his fare, before climbing out of the carriage. "This is the place, it's selection is vast so we should be able to find things you like, I suggest you grab a cart." Amalie said, indicated towards the metallic carts to the right of the entrance of the building. "Anything that is too big for the cart, we can order from a catalogue, I'll pick one up once we're inside." She explained in a 'matter of fact' manner. This was a place she was quite familiar with, being a woman with a hobby for decorating her home, it was actually something she enjoyed. Not that she let on, her face was as unreadable as ever. It had been something she had developed during her marriage, as a housewife Wyatt didn't permit her a great deal, but expected her to keep the home looking pleasing to any visitors they had. So that's what she did, and over time, she would decorate it.  Often her treasures were broken, Wyatt's fits of rage showed no mercy, not even for her beloved collectables. It was the only part of her old like she regretted having to leave behind, which was why she took so much pride in her current home. She had spent several months stylizing it, to suit her, she enjoyed coming home and relaxing in such an aesthetically pleasing environment. It made her feel... quite normal.




WC: 592
Total: 2435 / 7000
Tag: @Nameless

Amalie had never met an artificially made human before, so as Sivvy confirmed it. She found herself eying her curiously, for someone who wasn't born natural, she certainly didn't appear in any way artificial. Although she was certainly carefully crafted, with pretty delicate features and smooth skin on which Amalie couldn't notice any obvious flaws. She was a perfectly manufactured little human. She replied to her question but confirming she appreciated the nickname. Amalie mused over her reply. So if she liked it, this meant she had the capacity to 'like' something. she had never read over any material that talked over artificial humans or androids, but Amalie had to wonder how one instilled notions like 'emotions' in such beings. Furthermore, did this mean the girl had no soul? Or if she did, how on earth had they managed to bond it? Despite her wonderings, Amalie didn't speak them out loud. Even if the girl had answered her easily so far, there was something about these questions that felt quite... personal. Amalie didn't quite appreciate prying into the lives of others, just as she didn't like her own life being pried into.

Before having even gotten inside the store, Amalie felt a mild sense of anticipation. She was curious to see if Icea had any new items worth pursuing. Although she was quite satisfied with the aesthetic layout of her apartment at the moment. It didn't hurt to see if there was anything else she could add. Her home was quite roomy, for a rented apartment so it wasn't like she didn't have the space for the occasional item here and there. Although she would not stand for clutter, it was messy and well tended to make things cramped, which Amalie found quite uncomfortable. She was, in no way, fond of small spaces. She had fully intended once they had gotten inside to lead the pink haired girl to the first level and work their way through the living room decor. She glanced over at the pink-haired girl with her, who seemed to be eying the inside of the place with an expression akin to awe. She had done as Amalie requested and collected a cart and was pushing it alongside her. Amalie's gaze left the girl, she eyed the area around them. It wasn't too busy today, which was better. Amalie always found herself several irked whenever other customers brushed up against her cart with their own, trying to push in front of the woman to get the best items. She began to talk casually, taking it upon herself to the girl the 'plan of action' for their shopping trip. "The store is split into several sections, each based on what room you are decorating. First, we'll head into the 'living rooms', or 'lounge' however you prefer to call-" Amalie hadn't been paying attention, so as she glanced at the girl mid-sentence. She suddenly realised that neither the cart or the girl pushing it were still walking with her. She stopped, spinning around, to search for the girl. Shit, did I lose her already? She wondered, considering the implications of this.

She couldn't imagine it would sit too well with Johann if, within an hour of meeting the girl she was supposed to be helping, she lost her in a large-multi-story complex. She caught sight of the girls pink her, and strode towards her with haste. Catching up to her as she queued up in the line of a cart. Amalie eyed the cart for a moment and narrowed her eyes. A food cart...really? She thought irritably, before returning to the gaze. It wasn't as though the Articulation Mage had any qualms about people needing to eat, but the girl could have told her beforehand rather than walking off suddenly. The girl who must have realised that Amalie had followed her, offered her some and mentioned getting some for Johann. As the smell hit Amalie's nose, she wrinkled it slightly. This wasn't exactly her idea choice of snack. It wasn't that she was especially fussy, as a child she might have jumped at the offer of someone buying her any food at all. But she didn't quite feel like stuffing herself with food as she shopped, she preferred to sit down at a nice restaurant and enjoy a nice wine with her meal. It was one of the perks of having a job, a little pleasantry she had grown fond of, even if she was always eating those meals alone.

"No, thank you. I ate not long ago." She declined, raising her brow as the girl mention getting some for Johann. She really was fond of the man, wasn't she? Amalie sighed, she didn't feel like arguing, after all, it was the girls prerogative. "Just get enough to sate you, for now, we can get more before we leave. That way they will be fresher." She suggested to the younger girl.

WC: 824
Total: 3259
Tag: @Nameless

At least the pink-haired girl didn't argue with Amalie's instructions regarding the meatballs. Although she did go on to order five portions. Amalie arched a brow at the girl, did she really intend to eat this much? Was this a requirement of being an artificially made human? Amalie pondered, although didn't press nor argue. If the girl was a big eater than they didn't really have anything to do with Amalie. Seeing the girl order a bottle of water, Amalie did the same. Before the two women began to make their way to the section of the store they had originally intended to. Having been here a few times now, Amalie recognised a lot of the items already on sale. Having perused them thoroughly by herself a few times. She didn't notice anything especially new that caught her eye. Sivvy, on the other hand, seemed to take full advantage of the trip. Amalie watched bemusedly as the girl selected things to her style. Everything she picked up, was extremely colourful, or of a unique eccentric design. As the woman observed she began to quickly get an idea of the girl's tastes. They were greatly parallel to her own, but at the very least they would add some life to the empty apartment she had met the girl in.

"You certainly like 'vibrant' things don't you," Amalie commented, eying the dragon egg lamp the girl had picked up. The girl addressed her, causing her to bring her gaze to Sivvy. She apologized to the older woman, to which Amalie cocked her head. She saw no reason for the apology, and so she shook her head. "You're doing fine, there isn't really much to shopping other than getting what you want. It doesn't many how many homes you've been in, it's just about making a home for yourself." She commented, before turning her gaze away, she reached up to inspect a glass chandelier ornament. It was pretty, but a little too extravagant for her current home. "My home?" She replied, looking around the store. "I tend to have a modern, classic style I suppose. There, you see that burgundy three seat sofa with the matching armchair." She pointed across the store to the area situated with sofa, chairs and various seats were laid out. "Well, I have the same in my home, although the rug I have beneath it is a little different. That one is rather plain, whilst mine is a white faux fur one." She explained the girl. "However my home has always been something I take a lot of care to make my own, it's perhaps the one place I find comfort in, so I decorate with things I'd like to use or see on a regular basis. As should you." She told the girl. Her voice wasn't exactly warm, but more of a conversational tone. Which was rare, it wasn't often she had someone she could talk to about 'normal' things. It was always magic, and fighting and power. The normality of two women going shopping together, it was a little surreal to the Articulation man.

She sensed that the girl wasn't used to this, and seeing as Amalie had been to the one to drag her here. She figured she should at least talk to her a little, but still, she was surprisingly easy to talk to. The girls moved away from the lounges and living rooms, towards the bedroom decor. As she passed it, Amalie reached down and patted a bed. It was soft. She turned around and plonked herself down on it. It was a little bigger than the one she had. The bed frame was a smooth black leather designed, she leaned over the edge and saw two large drawers under the bed. Her eyes widened at the sight of such efficient use of space. Her current bed didn't have any drawer, just empty space. She sat up suddenly, "I'll be getting this." She said the pink haired girl, with the hint of a satisfied smile on her face, standing up once more, she plucked an order sheet from near the bed.


WC: 690
Amalie's Total: 3949
Thread Total: 7224 / 16,000
Tag: @Nameless

Amalie wrote down the ordering information for the bed she wanted; she would put the order in when they reached the tills. Until then, she slipped the paper into the slip of her bra. Figuring it was the easier place to store it. She lifted her gaze to see where Sivvy had gone, noticing that the pink-haired girl had gone to explore some of the beds, testing one before moving on. Amalie pushed herself off of the bed she'd been sat on and trailed her way over to her, stopping at the canopy bed that Sivvy had plonked herself down on. It was quite a pretty bed, Amalie reached up and running her fingers along the curtains to examine the material for its quality. She could certainly see the appeal, although a bed like this certainly wouldn't suit her modern-classic bedroom style.

"Like this huh?" Amalie said with a small smirk, "It is quite nice." She admittedly earnestly. The girl would speak her name with an uncertain tone, before continuing to ask her what kind of bed it was and the purpose of its design. Amalie tilted her head thoughtfully, considering the reasoning. She had never specifically studied the history of such an item, but she knew it wasn't an old-fashioned design and they were some circumstantial conclusions one could make about why such an item was designed this way. Amalie eyed the girl, wondering what an artificial might make of what she was about to tell her. "Well, I imagine that canopy beds have various benefits, in such hotter regions they purpose is to keep out insects that might bite you in the night, such a mosquito. Whereas the thicker canopy would help keep in the warmth. Although the most important reason, I assume is for privacy between lovers, when engaging in intimate relations with one another." She said with a wink, her smirk growing a little more playful.

"You have great taste, Miss." A voice purred from behind her suddenly, Amalie turned to eye the man who had approached. He was around the same age as them, with long black hair pulled into a ponytail, dark eyes lined with crows feet. He wasn't an ugly guy, but he wasn't exactly attractive either. His eyes seemed to be locked especially on Sivvy, and his expression bore the smug grin of a man with lecherous intentions. "A luxurious bed to suit a woman as exquisitely beautiful as yourself. " He continued, edging closer to the girl. Amalie arched a brow; it wasn't surprising that Sivvy would get hit on, she was pretty and attractive. What Amalie found much more astonishing, was that this guy thought he was even in her league. Still, Amalie observed Sivvy's reaction, curious to see how she would handle herself in such a situation. "Do you live alone perhaps?" Amalie's eyes narrowed slightly, this man's attempt at being flirtatious was creepy at best. The way his eyes raked over the girl in such a way. Amalie could feel her irritation starting to rise.

WC: 508
Amalie's Total: 4,457
Thread Total: 8,457 / 16,000
Tag: @Nameless

Amalie had been listening to Sivvy's response when she'd been interrupted. Just as she'd begun talking about a 'pod?' Although Amalie wasn't sure if that was the entirety of what Sivvy had been about to say, seeing as she'd been so suddenly cut off by the man. Amalie watched the interaction, finding herself a little irked as it went on. It was strange in a way. She didn't have any loyalty to this girl, having only just met her today. But the way the man was leering over her, and her innocent response made the blue-haired woman feel a little protective. Amalie's eyes darted to Sivvy as she offered the man the opportunity to visit her home. Was Sivvy that type of girl?

Somehow as Amalie looked her over, she couldn't fathom it. She just didn't seem the type, but then again Amalie didn't really know her. But still, to take a man to bed whom she'd only known less than a minute. Even her mother had more standards, although those standards did require little more than a wad of money or bag of jewels. Even so. It occurred to Amalie but it made have been something to do with what the girl had told her earlier, about being 'created'. Perhaps she didn't understand the social circumstance and what it was that the man actually planned to 'do' with her. The man's face split into a perverse grin, showing all of his slightly yellowed teeth. Amalie grimaced at the sight. He would reach over, raising his hand, he would tickle the rose-haired girl's chin. "Oh yes, that would be excellent. I'm sure we could have lots of fun together."  His voice was layered with lewd intent, practically purring at the woman.

And, it was about that point that Amalie reached the end of her tether.

Any will of hers to not involve herself in the girls business disappated, caused her to suddenly reach out. Snatching the man's 'tickling' finger, she would drag it away from the girl. "Actually, Sivvy. I was thinking that we might go out for dinner after this, maybe even enjoy a few drinks after. I'd like to get to know you a little better, as my guildmate." She said in an amicable tone, plastering it on for the sake of the fellow listening. She turned her head back to him. "Sorry sir, but it looks like my friend here won't be available for your company, perhaps you should seek you're fun 'elsewhere'." On the final word, she would bend his finger back on itself hard, causing the man to yelp in pain, buckling under the woman's vice-like grip. "Unless you have an anything else you'd like to address?" Her eyes would narrow dangerously, and she would bend his finger back even more. Causing him to let out a loud high-pitched squeal.

"N-n-no, I'm quite alright, you ladies have a lovely evening, s-sorry-aaaah, um... to disturb!"  Amalie's false split into a wide fake grin, as she let go of the man's finger and watched him hurriedly scuttle away. Once he was far enough away the smile would fade, she sighed before glancing at Sivvy with a stern expression. "Seriously, agreeing to allow a man like that into your home, what were you thinking? He could've been a rapist or serial killer. You really should be a little more mindful around strangers." The fact that these words were leaving her lips at all was slightly bizarre to Amalie. It really shouldn't matter to her what sort of predicaments this girl got herself into. Yet still, here she was, defending her from the clutches of wandering perverts looking to take advantage of her. Maybe I'm getting soft. She wondered as she glanced around once more to make sure the man was long gone.

---

Amalie eyed the girl for a moment, listening as she explained herself. All of the things she said were so baffling to Amalie; trying to help, dealing with his needs, the purpose of being useful. The older woman shook her head, "Listen Sivvy, I don't know what you've been told in the past, but you don't have to take care of the needs and everyone who comes your way looking for it. The only needs you need to take care of are your own." She explained. Her next comment was almost sulky in nature, as she claimed she could take on any serial killer. Amalie's serious expression would only hold for a moment before her lips curled into a small smirk. The girl's cockiness amused her. "I'm sure you could," She replied. The girl would apologise in case she had made Amalie uncomfortable, which irked her. Yes, it had been uncomfortable to witness, but what was more disturbing, was just how okay this girl was with seeing to the strangers 'needs', as though it was a chore equivalent to mowing the lawn or washing the dishes. Amalie nodded, satisfied with this; she didn't mean to tell the girl how to live her life, it really wasn't her place, and she knew it. But still, she felt like this was a lesson the girl needed, and if she wouldn't allow men to use her in such a way just to please Amalie. Well, then maybe that was ok.

Amalie would begin to move away from the beds, nodding for Sivvy to follow her. She thought for a moment over Sivvy's question, now that she had made that comment. She couldn't blame the girl for taking it literally, even if it had just been a means to get rid of the weirdo. "I know a good Midian place near here," She told the girl, decided that she had nothing better to do after this anyway, "Let's get through the order and then we can head there after we finish up here and pick up your...meatballs." She said, adding an eye roll to the last part.


Amalie would stride alongside Sivvy, perusing the halls of their new guild, Dies Irae. They had just finished the Opening Ceremony for the guild and were heading towards their rooms and moving through the East Wing at a casual pace. Amalie would reach into her pocket, picking up the paperwork that had her room number listed on it. Eying the doors as she scanned for hers, after a short distance, she spotted it. "Oh, that one's mine." She said, moving over to the door, she pulled out the key she was given. Unlocking the door, she would step inside. Eying the room, it was quite similar in size to her previous apartment. Perhaps even slightly bigger. The walls were painted place white, and the floors were dark brown. She scanned the space for a moment, there was alot of boxes. It surprised her, just how much stuff she'd been able to bring. Considering, only a few years ago, she had practically nothing to her name.

"This is gonna take some work..." She commented idly, moving around the boxes. Her burgundy sofa was at least in the right place, and she could only assume that her bed had been put in the bedroom. "Yeah, okay, if we're going to do this, we're going to need a few things." Amalie would check over the boxes, before recognising a box she'd labelled 'Vinyls'. She approached it, "Shards." She aid, casting her spell. She opened her palm, and a broken shard of glass appeared. Amalie manipulated it, using it to cut open the box carefully. The glass would fly away, moving onto the next box, one by one cutting them open. Amalie would reach inside the box and pull out a bundle of what appeared to bubble wrap. She would move it towards one of the walls, out of the wall. She peeled away the wrapping; she revealed a vinyl player. Which she quickly went about setting up, within a matter of music. It was set up and playing an upbeat, jazz tune. Amalie would turn to Sivvy, "Mind helping me sort through this stuff?" She would ask the younger girl casually.

---

Amalie had already begun checking the contents of the boxes, a means of figuring out what to put where. She had labelled the sides to make it easier, she decided it would be easier to get the bigger things in place and then work the decor around it. As she was pulling out one of her mahogany side tables to move across the room, Sivvy would ask if she would reciprocate with helping her decorate her own room. Amalie didn't hesitate with her response, "Sure." She replied. She couldn't see any reason not to. It was an equal exchange, plus maybe it was because it was Sivvy, but Amalie didn't mind the request coming from the girl. They had spent quite the day together back in Tolgalen, during which she had made a curious impression on Amalie. In spite of her preference in being alone, Amalie found that she had grown comfortable with the girl's presence. She was probably one of the only women who she'd met that didn't annoy her on some fundamental level. Plus she never seemed to escalate anything Amalie did or said. Amalie often found her directness seem to bother people, apparently, it wasn't a likeable trait of hers. But Sivvy didn't seem to care, she just accepted it. It made things a great deal easier because sometimes a little company was nice. Regarding that, it was the right company.

"Those can go on the bedside tables." She answered, and between them they would coordinate the decoration of Amalie's room. Amalie would offer Sivvy instruction, and between the two of them, they would work through it quite quickly. It wasn't long before it started to replicate her last apartment, albeit a slight few changes in layout. It was comforting to see, Amalie had become quite fond of that apartment. To abandon it so abruptly, and somehow organize a swift move, putting her things into storage and staying at a hotel until she was finally able to move to Amber Island. It had been up to the disruption to her life, a bitter reminder that until Charles was gone, things would never truly be settled.

Even so, she was soothed by the newly put together space of hers. There was still the most familiar assets; the burgundy sofa in the centre of the living room, the glass coffee table and white faux fur rug. The side cart with an assortment of drinks that Amalie was currently unloading. "Looks good," She said straightening up, "I think we've earned a short break before we head to your room." She told Sivvy, moving to the kitchen, she would retrieve two wine glasses. Before returning to the living room, she would pick up a bottle of rosé from the side cart. Placing the glasses down for a moment as she went about twisting the cap open, she would pour them a glass each. Filling each glass with a reasonable about of pink liquid. She placed the bottle, down and grabbed both glasses by their rim. Moving around the sofa, she would plonk herself down softly, before holding out a glass for the rose-haired girl. "Should we cheers? I feel like we should." She said, taking a moment to ponder what it was they would cheer to. Really, there was only one thing that came to mind, significant with the day's events. "To Dies Irae, and a fresh start."

---

There was something pleasantly satisfying about sharing a toast with Sivvy. It had been a long time since she had got to 'cheers', perhaps at her wedding maybe? She couldn't think of any times after that. It was an admittedly pleasant exchange, as she brought the glass to her lips and took a few sips of her rosé. Enjoying the flavour, fruity but not sweet, a little more subtle than red or white in terms intensity.

She would lower the glass, turning her gaze to see, whom she noticed seem to go pink quite quickly. Amalie would arch her brow as the girl seemed to relax against the sofa, made even more noticeable because Sivvy always seemed to sit or stand so straight. As though she was always standing to attention. Sivvy would begin to talk about how little they knew each other, causing Amalie to tilt her head, eying her curiously to see where she was going with this. It seemed that the rose-haired girls wanted to know more about Amalie, admitting that she wasn't good at picking up much from looking at one's belongings. Not that Amalie's stuff gave away much, other than the fact that she had a certain taste in home-decor there wasn't anything personal amongst her things. Not photo frames, nothing sentimental. It almost had the feel of a show home that was up for sale. So she understood the curiosity. Aside from those documents which she had been sure to put away herself. There was that word she used 'friend', was that what they were now? It was kind of surreal, first Johann and now Sivvy. She had certainly grown comfortable around the two of them, although it was hard to tell what to label them as. It occurred to the woman that she'd never actually had a friend before, no one had ever gotten close enough to be considered one. So... maybe, yeah, that's what this was. Huh.

She took a moment to think over her question, before taking another sip. She supposed it wouldn't be too much of an issue to open up to Sivvy, after all, she had done the same with Joahnn and that had turned out okay. There was an innate feeling telling her that Sivvy was okay and that trusting her might not be so bad. After all, Johann was great but he was a guy, and they'd slept together so their friendship was a little complicated. But with Sivvy, there wouldn't be any of that. It would be just a pure friendship... perhaps it would be okay, maybe even kinda nice.

"Well, I was born and raised in Bellum by my mother, never knew my Dad. I wouldn't call it the...easiest upbringing. We didn't have a lot of money so... or any really. But you know, we got through it, I moved to Rose Garden when I was eighteen just after I..." She would pause, realising that she was just about to mention Wyatt. Was that wise? Talking about her late husband, whom she so happened to be the murderer of. She eyed Sivvy for a moment; the girl couldn't look less innocent if she tried, there was just something so inherently honest about the girl. Amalie felt like at this moment; she didn't really want to lie and complicate it. To taint the conversation with deception or lies. "After I married my ex-husband Wyatt. We lived there for about seven years before he passed and I moved to Tolgalen for a fresh start. Where I joined the West Fiore Trading Company." She finished off, rounding off the story, it wasn't a great amount of detail, but it was vastly more than she shared with most. She would take another sip of her wine, an action which leads her to finish the entire glass. Before pulling away, licking her lips before addressing the girl once more. "Was there anything else you wanted to know?"

---

Sivvy would repeat certain words after Amalie spoke, keywords that the blue-haired woman couldn't help but notice. The Articulation mage was especially aware of Sivvy's upbringing, her creation and the circumstance in which she was raised. Growing up in a laboratory, a product of science rather than of intimacy. She probably wasn't familiar which such relationships, at least the ones concerning 'relatives', although Amalie couldn't be sure, not having seen Sivvy's upbringing for herself. Sivvy would respond, confirming most of Amalie's deduction so far, before following it with a question that actually managed to through Amalie off guard. She froze, it was a 'complicated' question and much more personality than she expected. The rose-haired girl continued, offering her a serious of questions before continuing to talk about her understanding of love. Amalie's eyes lowered to her glass, she reached over the table and picked up the bottle, pouring herself and Sivvy another glass. Although it might not have been wise to do this to the girl, a conversation this deep required a little more alcohol.

She swirled the glasses contents before taking a gulp, after which she turned her gaze to Sivvy. She would decide on honesty or at least more honesty. It wasn't the easiest subject to address and she'd never actually discussed her mother with anyone. Maybe it would be good to bring it up, and get it off her chest. There was a lot there, buried beneath the surface, always unspoken. "Maybe once... in the beginning. As a child, I can only imagine there was probably a point in which I loved my mother. But she was not the type of mother you'd probably read about in storybooks or see at the park showering her child with affection. My mother, in particular, was a cold, neglectful woman. She was a drug addict, so when she wasn't out of her face on one substance or another. She was usually offering herself to strangers for money, to pay for her addiction. Often, I found myself shut away behind closed doors or left to my own devices, as a result, I became independent at a very early age. I knew it wasn't supposed to be this way, I've seen good mothers, so I knew what they were supposed to be like. My aunties and others who doted on their children and cherished their existence. But my mother just...wasn't like that." Although her voice was laced with a hint of sadness, she couldn't help but feel strange, as though some stronger emotions was attempting to stir within her, yet somehow suppressed. Consciously, she knew this was a painful subject for her. Saying this, she was aware of the fact it should hurt, but it didn't, or at least if it did, it was dulled. Am I really so dead inside... She wondered to herself, before continuing to elaborate on her explanation.

"And as for my late husband well... it wasn't much different. I'm sure I love him in the beginning, everything he did was so exciting, and he was so sure of himself. That I was his and only his. It thrilled me, to be wanted. I was young, inexperienced, I fell very easily for him." She explained, recalling those days, trying to remember what it felt like when she was still smitten with Wyatt. She definately felt strongly towards him in the beginning, else she wouldn't have married him. But so much time had passed since then, so much pain filled the gaps. It was almost difficult to recall. "But not long after our marriage, his possessive nature took a turn. He would often punish me with little reasoning, and he was...heavy-handed in his admonishment of me. Whatever love I had for him in the beginning, I'm fairly certain he abused out of me. Until only...resentment remained." She would stop, she didn't need to tell Sivvy what happened to Wyatt. That information wasn't relevant to what the girl was asking, of course, if she asked how he died then the woman would have to work out an answer. But for now, she would stay on the current topic.

The girl apologized, to which Amalie shook her head. Seeing no need for the apology. "It is fine, I understand you might be curious. Although I'm probably not the best person to ask about such things. My entire life has been filled with more hate than love, it seems I attract loathing from those around me. I will admit though, the relationships I have formed as of late have been...surprisingly pleasant."  The woman's lips would curl into a small smile as she considered her current situation. She seemed to be getting on with people better these days, and there were two people she'd noticed herself frequenting the company of. Two people who she, surprisingly, actually enjoyed having around. It was a new feeling, something she hadn't felt for a long time.

---