[EVENT] Cursed Corn

Nessa had arrived at the quite early, way earlier than she had told Markus she would be there. This wasn't especially out of character for the Starlight Maiden, she was always keen to attend fun events such as these, to get involved and enjoy herself in the festivities. But today was different, her reasoning for coming early much more sinister than one might expect. The woman had been sent a message, a message from someone she never expected to hear from. It was crazy to think that a mage that had grown as strong as herself would be frightened of such a petty thing. But it was him, she was sure of it. And despite herself, just the thought of him set her on edge, powerful mage or not, she was still a victim to her memories and the scars they'd left.

Rex had broken her, and he was back to do it again.

It was, for this reason, she didn't want to stay at home, he had been there, gotten in somehow. Left a bloody message for her on the bed, a message that had terrified her. When she'd seen the furry grey mess on her bed, her mind instantly thought it was Sebastian. She had reeled into a panic, only to realize that it wasn't him, but a stuffed look-alike, covered in blood. How he had gotten in she didn't know, but she did know one thing. She knew her home wasn't safe anymore, and that Rex was watching her. Paying close attention, enough to know that she had a feline companion. She hadn't told her father yet, but she was planning to move out, deciding that if Rex was after her, it would be better to draw his attention to another location. She fully planned to keep the house under her protection once she moved, but she hoped if she was living somewhere else at least Rex might leave her family out of this. Whatever this was.

There was still quite some time before Markus was supposed to be meeting her, and wandering around the festival aimlessly wasn't helping take her mind off of things. She had idly perused the stalls, she hadn't tried the food yet, for lack of appetite. Although knowing Markus he was probably going to make sure she ate when he got there, she had certainly upset him when she had let herself fall into that state again. She hadn't meant to, it was just that Rex had brought up so much, along with all the other stressful things in her life; Markus leaving Fairy Tail, Mythal and Aven disappearing. It has just been too much for the woman to deal with. Losing sleep and her appetite to the point of making herself weak had been foolish, she knew that now. Fortunately, she had put most of the weight back on, although the sleep was still alluding her often. She actually found herself taking naps in her office a lot more lately, just to catch up a little. She felt bad about slacking off her work a little, but if Mura or Arcadia noticed, they certainly didn't say anything.

As she walked through the festival, her violet eyes fell on one of the activities they were hosting. It was a maze, a small smile fell on her lips as she remembered the trip she took to Avens family manor. The maze that was set up outside of the house, courtesy of his cautious family. Thanks to her magic she had gotten through it easily enough, and had quite a pleasant evening, despite a few altercations. She missed those memories, when she was much more carefree, despite having make a return at her birthday party, Avens's presence in her life seemed sparse these days. Maybe he didn't consider her company worth keeping anymore, either that or he was just too busy. Either way, it still stung a little, he was one of her best friends. And although Arcadia was still around, she was busy with Ace stuff a lot of the time. Even with Markus, the woman was kind of lonely, friendship was just something she craved so much.

The woman decided that wandering through the maze seemed like a good way to kill some time until Markus arrived. She approached it, making her way inside. She wandered the corn maze, enjoying the quiet. It was kind of peaceful, the noise of the festival seemed slightly drowned out in here, meaning she could hear what was around her, sense it better. It was clearer, the magical signatures of those wandering around the mages were easier to pick up one. Although it didn't make her feel any less alone. She moved deep into the maze, for a while not really focused on trying to get out. Just exploring it, when she wanted to get out, she had an idea of what to do. But for now she would just do something different, besides Rex would struggle to find her in here right? She could lose him in the twists and turns on the maze... or at least she hoped. She stopped, feeling a sudden sense of dread as the thought dawned on her. What if he was here? What if he saw her go into the maze? She turned sharply, starting to panic, she listened out. It was then she heard footsteps, moving somewhere near her. The mage lost it, setting into a run, she began to hurry through the maze. Running as fast she could, she turned a corner, only to see a figure standing in the midst of a dead end. Unable to help herself, she shrieked loudly, spinning to run away, only to catch her foot on her ankle and end up falling to the ground with a rather ungraceful thud. She pushed herself up, glancing back to look at the figure, she summoned a ball of starlight so she could see him better. And what she saw him, she realized; this wasn't Rex.

"Oh gosh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to shriek at you... I just mistook you for  someone else." She apologised hastily, the flush of embarrassment falling over her face.

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Once Nessa realized that her 'dangerous stalker', was actually just a harmless civilian. She flushed with embarrassment, hastily apologized as she got up. Brushing downing her Kimono, she would have to find a bathroom after this and make sure she hadn't ruined her outfit. She had dressed up for Markus after, she didn't want him to arrive with her looking a state. "Yes, I'm quite alright thank you, just a little started," She answered with a smile, as she got a better look at him. It was funny he would call her 'Ma'am' considered that he couldn't have been much younger than herself. But still she would pay it no mind, she wasn't the type to get flustered over titles for older women, she was only twenty after all. She had no reason to concern herself over the vanity of youth.

Her violet eyes widened as he suddenly grabbed her hands, clutching them desperately. She blinked in surprise as he would plead for her help, although her eyes quickly softened as she realized what it was he was asking. "Oh you poor thing! Of course, of course, I'll help you. But please, put your money away. I don't need payment, in fact, I'll be happy with just a name. I'm Nessa by the way," She said warmly, as he stepped away, she would reach within for the source of her magic. Summoning her starlight guide to her, the little ball of light was small, bouncy, almost like a miniature star.

She would order the spell to guide them, before looking back at the boy with the dual-colored hair. She nodded, understand just how upset he was. She maneuvered herself, to his side linking her arms with him. Not in a weird way, but like one friend might guide another, wanting him to feel reassured that he wouldn't lose her in the maze. "Come on, let's get out of here." She remarked, before following after the bobbing star. Strangely enough, she was grateful to have run into the guy, other than the momentary episode of terror. It was a relief to have some company, and helping him out of the maze was a nice distraction. "So did you come to the festival alone or are you waiting for somebody?" She would ask casually, attempting to create some conversation to kill time. Regardless of whether or not he would ask, she would explain her own reasoning for coming. "I came here to meet my boyfriend, although I got here a little early so I figured I'd wander around the maze to use up some time, good thing I did huh?" She remarked playfully with a giggle.

It wasn't much long after this that they would reach the exit, Nessa unhooked her arm from him and turned to him. "Well, it was nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy the festival!" She told him perkily, as she turned she would be handed her trophies and with a wave goodbye to Percy, she would wander off into the festival in search of Markus.

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