"Yaaaayyyy!" Serqet whispered in rejoice as the Saint of Courage agreed to sign the magazine for her. It was truly an exciting day. First free apples and now an autograph from the one and only Leona Jarnefeldt. Maybe she'd get super lucky and be able to make an entire collection of Wizard Saint autographs! For now though, she was ecstatic to have the one in her collection. Now she could go back home and annoy brag about it to all of her fellow spirit companions and even the other world entirely. Then she'd be sure to frame it and put it on a wall somewhere for all to see. It was going to be great. Once the signing was complete, Serqet took the magazine back and hugged it close to her chest. "Thank you!" She turned and sped off, dissipating into purple colored particles during the movement. Now the blonde was free to do as she pleased... which hopefully involved getting a new shirt at some point.
Aha! So now Samira had a name to use for the small reaper other than the nickname a spirit had given him the first time they had met. The woman had no issue with the chosen name he preferred others use, even if it wasn't his real name. Many spirits didn't mind either because they simply didn't care. The one that used to call him Deathy though was eye rolling in that protective celestial space of his. Jasper? Seriously? That sounded way too normal and didn't exactly match the fact they were all staring at a four foot tall and some inches reaper. 'What was wrong with Deathy as a nickname? It described him perfectly and even had that cutesy ending to it. Small pokeable things need to have cutesy names. It's a law that's written somewhere.'
'Are you saying that you find him cute and pokeable?'
'For me? That's a no. He's creepy and I am staying here instead of going out there. You're the one that almost poked him the last time. Death by poke. Do I normally look like someone that wants to write something that stupid on a tombstone? So do me a favor and walk away before you get the temptation to-' The sentence was interrupted by Samira's sudden reminder of the cheek poking that she didn't get to do that last time, and the desire to try it again. He naturally picked up on that, as did the others with a heavy sigh. 'Dammit, Samira!'
Thankfully the summoner had resisted the urge to try it again. Just because the temptation was there didn't mean that she was suicidal. The warning was given the last time and she was fully capable of heeding it. Her focus had now gone to her confusion on who the other two were, which was also taken care of rather quickly. The messy-looking child introduced himself as Sato, although the mention of a Yona made her tilt her head in further confusion. Her eyes gave a quick glance around, wondering if she had missed an older girl somewhere but she had seen nothing. Maybe it was just extra information that was given for the sake of it. Children did that at times. "Hello, Sato," Samira smiled and nodded as she replied. Then she focused on the blonde youth and waited for his introduction. "Nice to meet you, Ruvel." Another smile and nod without her even fully realizing the entire introduction. Then the proverbial lightbulb switched on and exploded into pieces. "Eh?!" Her emerald colored eyes widened in disbelief. That had to be a lie or exaggeration! The last time she looked at the records there was a picture of a toddler by that name! Well, she did think that photo was really outdated at one point, but surely the Council wouldn't have accepted such a photo. Maybe. She didn't know. Her mind was blown. "But-" she paused her words, her mind still blank from the destruction of any thought process that was originally there. "I thought..." She looked from Jasper to Sato and then back to Ruvel, clearly confused. Even Leona had walked up and called the blonde male by name. Then as if her thoughts had been picked up on it was explained that the small toddler from before was actually Ruvel. Did it occur to her that it was a spell of some sorts that de-aged him? Of course not. The first thought that entered her head was the opposite. Samira moved closer and leaned in for further inspection with her now wide eyes and gasped. "You grew up so fast!" Not.. quite accurate. Not even close actually. Samira was corrected with Jasper informing her that it was a de-aging curse, and she stood up straight once more. "Oh." Well that made more sense, didn't it? It was likely a more interesting tale as well that she would have to ask about later on. Did she feel stupid about her train of thought? Not even a little.
Unfortunately, the whole mind reading was what the spirits focused on instead. Normally such a thing was impossible. Their own thoughts and voices would have been reached well before Samira's, yet somehow that reaper was able to pass through them unnoticed. They did not think their guard was let down that much while in the presence of allies. Apparently they were either wrong or he was able to get through even all of them combined. Perhaps the missing few was what made it possible for that breach. They would have to investigate and correct the issue at a later point. For now, they would have to deal with the fact that there was no mental protection. Yet another had crossed paths with their summoner that could defy the barriers and protections they had in place. It was so very annoying, and they did not want repeats ever, let alone so soon. The spirits demanded that she tell the small reaper to stay out. They themselves currently had no intention on going out there and starting a fight over it. Samira would have forced them back if they so much as tried and they could feel that. The ones that didn't give a damn about what she wanted were also away or had their links turned off to where they could not tell what was going on. Thank goodness for small miracles. 'That would be rude. He said he has a present for me.' And thus every spirit shook their heads and died inside. Apparently asking for someone to stop reading one's mind was rude if they brought presents. It better be a damn good gift that's for sure.
A portal was then opened by Jasper, and after he instructed Sato to look after Ruvel he stepped through it. Naturally Samira was drawn to it, curious as to where it led. Instead of it being some vague flashes of blinding light the portal was one of those that showed exactly where it led it. Some sort of library it seemed to be. Dozens upon dozens of scrolls and books littered the shelves and even the floor. "Not the cleanest or most organized library, is it?" She thought out loud as she stared into the portal. Well that certainly didn't stop her from wanting to walk right through that portal so she could see what all those scrolls and books were about. Maybe it had some hidden knowledge that was located only in that library space. Then she noticed the bed and sofa. Maybe it wasn't a library. With that thought, Sato had commented that it was actually Jasper's room. Well it being someone's room didn't really make her want to go in any less. It was an open portal. Not like it was closed and locked. But before she could get her chance to just waltz right through it, against the advice of certain spirits and her better judgment, Jasper returned and the portal disappeared, much to Samira's disappointment. She pouted, but she was over it fairly quickly. Maybe next time.
"Oh, thank you. You really did not have to-" Samira had just been about to thank the both of them for the gifts. Both of them had even made the items instead of just purchasing them. Extra effort was involved for something they really didn't have to do. She felt bad about not having done the same. Perhaps she'd make sure she had something prepared for the future. Not that she really knew what Ruvel liked and she doubted Jasper really wanted a lifetime supply of air freshener. For them that'd probably be an eternal amount. Maybe she'd ask around. That was how her thought process worked in those quick moments when she accepted the package and bag. Then it quickly hit her on what Jasper had just said. Her face turned a shade of red as she was reminded of that day. "We do not speak of that! Ever!" While not her fault that Christmas Tree had set a scene that was even more embarrassing and showed more than Leona's drenched shirt taken out of context. People needed to forget that even happened! Samira calmed her comical embarrassed outburst and went back to focusing on the fact that she got anything at all. She wanted to look at everything but uh... with a glance around their surroundings there was that huge reminder that they were standing right in the middle of the Cursed Lands. "You do not mind if I open these later, do you? This is not an ideal present opening location, and I do not want them getting dirty and broken after you both put so much effort into it. You are both very kind so thank you again." Ruvel had even made something for Leona and handed it to her. He really was one to be prepared it seemed. The other woman must have been thrilled to have a nice shirt replacement right when she needed one. There was just one problem and that was the fact the Cursed Lands lacked a dressing room. Well, maybe she could hide behind a tree or something to switch shirts or use her harpy ladies to surround her and act as a visual blockade. Assuming they were fine with her opening them all up later to look at everything, Samira would use a bit of her magic to open a small celestial portal and put the gifts inside where it would then close and disappear. They would be there until she retrieved them.
It was confirmed that Ruvel was indeed blind with further details that he was nearly killed during the event that led to his condition. A most unfortunate thing to happen. She would not press for details, however. If they wanted Leona and herself to know then they would have told them. "Fair enough, Ruvel," Samira commented with an agreeing nod when he made his wishes known that he wanted to be treated normally and not have things toned down on account of his blindness. At his question on if he could tag along though Samira blinked. She didn't really think that he would slow them down at all really. Considering how long it took to get past the bobbing for apples game none of them were exactly rushing to get to the end. "Of course you are welcome to tag along! That is why I asked if you were heading that way. It will be fun! A festival in the Cursed Lands. It is exciting and mysterious and there is no telling what we will find once we reach the real party!" Samira wanted to take the hands of both Ruvel and Leona and lead them through the path as if they were skipping down a yellow brick road. But it seemed her lack of worry was not exactly infectious. Leona had expressed her concerns about the Cursed Lands and potential dangers and Ruvel agreed, but he also agreed that with their combined powers it was highly doubtful that they'd run into anything that they couldn't handle. Then Leona had asked her a question involving the games. Although the fellow Saint seemed bothered. Was she afraid that she'd make Ruvel and herself look bad with her carnival game talent? Well maybe since she mentioned water she was just afraid of ruining the new outfit Ruvel had made her if she changed into it. That made sense and Samira completely understood. The fact Leona almost drowned in an apple trough didn't even register in the summoner's mind. "I do not know." Samira folded her arms over her chest and thought about it. "The only games I can think of at the top of my head are those little water gun games where you shoot at a target. Maybe even the game where you throw a ball at a target and the person connected to said target gets dropped into a water tank. It will not be one of us though so your clothes should be fine. Do not worry." Yes, the clothes were something that Leona was surely and one hundred percent worried about. Not the death by drowning or anything.
Before the group could continue on there was one other matter to take care of. Ruvel had begun to cry, and upon listening to the conversation it had to do with someone he was very fond of romantically. It was a sad situation that seemed more extreme in details than just his blindness preventing him from seeing her. Jasper had asked for advice on how to comfort him but Ruvel was quick to intervene before Samira could say anything. She just stood there and listened quietly until they went on ahead. In truth, she had no way of comforting him. The only advice she had was that if he truly never could be around her again then it was best to just forget about doing so. Keep the memory to cherish and learn from but leave it at that and do not long for more. Samira would respect him for being the rebellious type, though. At least rebellious in this case. He wanted to find and be with her at least one more time. Hiding for what may be forever wasn't exactly living, after all. Not when he wanted more. Although, Samira did have her concerns. Based on that conversation it sounded like someone was trying to find Ruvel. Hopefully his presence would not put that girl in any danger, or hopefully she was very capable of defending herself. Actually, weren't the two of them on a page in one of the magazine issues during Valentine's Day? Samira would have to check it out to be sure of that. For now though, she kept to herself and said nothing. It wasn't any of her business and Jasper knew what was best for Ruvel more than she did. Ruvel also seemed to know what he wanted. There was just nothing for her to add in that wouldn't seem like putting her nose where it didn't belong. Perhaps Leona would have some beneficial input.
If Leona had not changed into the new outfit just yet, Samira would tap her shoulder to get her attention. "You should probably change while the boys are ahead and no one else is around. Although, I can have one of my spirits dry you off rather quickly if you like. Their powers are acting a bit strange today though so there is probably a ninety eight percent chance that you will end up on fire. I do not suppose that you have fire resistant abilities, do you?" Most would have probably said that was an obvious no based on appearances, but in regards to ability and magical prowess Samira was not all that certain. It was possible that Leona was very much fire proof. Her clothes too maybe. Samira forgot to inquire about that which was a bit odd seeing as a burnt shirt was even worse than a soaked one. If the offer was declined, Samira would understand and begin to follow along the path. If Leona had said yes... well hopefully she was fire resistant because there were going to be some flames to make that shirt dry in seconds.
The path continued on until Samira caught up with the others, who had been stopped by another barrier and were waiting. "Another one?" Samira inquired before looking at the game that had been set up as a trial to complete before given access. This party was hardcore. Bottles lined the ground with various colors, with a single golden one. Thankfully getting the golden one wasn't exactly required. They just needed to hit a certain number of points to make the barrier go away. The amount required to gain entry to the next phase was told on the rules sign, as well as the amount each bottle represented with the golden one being an instant vanish of the barrier. Easy enough. "It looks like we are all given four chances. I assume there is a magic cast on this game to prevent cheating. Or I would hope anyway." It was tempting to just cheat by using magic to make the rings fall on the golden bottle. "But these are often usually rigged as well. I will not judge if someone tries that tactic if we fail enough times." Just her putting that out there. Just in case.... Honestly, it would probably be her that attempted it.
"You were here before us, Ruvel, so you can go first if you like." It was probably going to be a difficult game for someone that couldn't see, but who knows? Maybe he had very good intuition and could do it very well like some people being able to do things blindfolded. If he didn't go first and Leona didn't volunteer, then Samira would ask if she wanted to have a turn. That is, assuming no one offered for Samira to go. In which case she would accept the offer. No matter which place she was in line, the outcome would be the same. The woman would grab four of the rings that were on a nearby booth and start to throw them, not really aiming for that golden one that was likely impossible to get, but the ones around it that were also high in points. Two misses and two hits. Not bad, but not great. She would be satisfied for now and step aside to let the others have their turns. If they all managed to hit something then the barrier would vanish and they could move on. If they didn't and they were stuck they could try the game again or cheat. Or go fight something. That worked too.
Either way the next area would be larger than the others since it had one big setup for the dunking game that had the shouting man Ruvel could hear previously, as well as one of those games that tested one's strength. Oh boy!
(Word Count: 3175
New WC: 4317)
Last edited by Samira Nassar on 7th July 2019, 2:46 pm; edited 2 times in total