[http://pastebin.com/jaR0GRT1]
[19:10:31] * Oxford changes topic to '"Extra, extra! 'DEFEAT AT SEA!' Albaean Home Fleet sunk off Sachsen! Read all about it!"'
[19:17:28] <~Oxford> It has been nearly six hours, and Elsa hasn't woken up from her coma. The girls have been evacuated from the railroad tracks by Defense Volunteer soldiers, after managing to convince them Elsa was safe to move. A flat-bed truck in drab green drops them off outside of Caitlin's hometown, and two young men toss their suitcases down to them before the truck speeds off.
[19:18:54] <Joslyn> Well, at least they're close now…but the driver could have been a little more considerate. "You two okay?"
[19:19:12] <Flaurentine> "Th… thank you." The most scared one of all of them waves as the air distorts her suitcase's handle a couple inches up to her hand, allowing an easy grasp. Really, that's the first word she's spoken in hours, considering how much time she'd spent adapting to her new 'changes.'
[19:20:03] <~Oxford> A few other families got off the truck with them; all people on their way here by train. They split off and head for their destinations.
[19:20:28] <Caitlin> "Yes, I'm quite fine, but worried about Elsa. I can't apologize enough for being so lax in my duties. I'd like to tell Elsa I'm sorry, but she really is out cold…"
[19:21:36] <Joslyn> "We couldn't have known. At least I was able to recover the other two focus pendants from Flauri's magical double…I do hope that she's gone for good."
[19:21:55] <Flaurentine> Still, with a gulp, little blackhair holds her suitcase with both hands, maybe even out of fear of her arms ripping themselves out of their sockets again. And very slowly, shy nods once. "I… think she'll be okay. But… I'll take care of her. You should worry about…" A stare into Caitlin's eyes. These words really aren't true, but she has to make at least an attempt to put on a brave face.
[19:24:45] <Joslyn> "besides, Kate, you're kinda distracted from the whole pneumonia thing, aren't you…"
[19:25:12] <Caitlin> "We didn't know, but we could have." Caitlin sighs with finality. She really should have looked into both of their minds, as invasive as that might be. Plus there were all the other signs she didn't recognize until it was too late. To Flauri, Caitlin nods and forces a weak smile, "Thank you, I… Let's just hope for the best in both cases, alright?" Hope for the best? Sure, but she's
[19:25:12] <Caitlin> still terrified about the worst.
[19:26:47] <Joslyn> "I'd like that…so where is your house, Kate?"
[19:26:47] <~Oxford> Caitlin's hometown is a quiet little town. Despite the growth that the rail connection has brought it, it still has much of its provincial charm.
[19:26:54] <Flaurentine> A shy nod in return. That is, if that adjective can even really apply to nods- regardless, Flauri makes it work, being herself as she is. "Yes… I truly apologize for everything. L-Let's go." Though terrified to have her fingers make contact, she's ready to move Elsa the fun way if necessary.
[19:30:52] <Caitlin> "I would give you directions, but I'm afraid they wouldn't mean much, so please just follow me and I'll lead the way." Onwards. Feeling guilty, Caitlin will try to take more than her fair share of the Elsa-load if given the chance.
[19:30:55] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+3 dragging with magic is suffering
[19:30:55] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, dragging with magic is suffering: 9 [2d6=4,2]
[19:31:57] <Flaurentine> A few small touches. Flaurentine obviously has trouble being able to make physical contact, but grabs the firebitch softly by the fingertips in order to move her a few inches at a time just to not be painful to her. Or noticeable, for that matter.
[19:32:54] <Flaurentine> Not that she does a very good job of mustering up the courage to make it look like anything other than a total chore, causing both of them to drag far behind.
[19:33:52] <Caitlin> Caitlin slows the pace and helps with the Elsadragging.
[19:34:41] <Joslyn> And Joslyn does her best to turn Elsa-dragging into Elsa-carrying
[19:34:45] <Flaurentine> "I'm… sorry." Flauri's fingers visibly twitch. She'd gladly grab by the shoes, though, unless Elsa walks around barefoot, which wouldn't be TOO surprising coming from an ex-circus performer.
[19:35:01] <~Oxford> It's getting close to dinner-time, and in all the excitement earlier, they never got around to getting lunch.
[19:36:42] <Flaurentine> Oh, that's fine, Flauri's actually been subtly teleporting bits of human flesh straight into her stomach with every touch to sate the appetite; only, she doesn't realize it yet. … Just kidding, but can you imagine? No, that rumbling's definitely coming from the only place it could come from that could make the black-haired girl blush as much as she is. Not that she isn't blushing nearly that hard ALL the time.
[19:39:48] <~Oxford> Most of the roads are dirt, but the town center is cobblestone. Main street is lined with attractive storefronts with wide plate-glass windows.
[19:41:09] <Caitlin> Wait a minute! With black hair, Flauri doesn't look as much like she's Caitlin's little sister. That's sad. Past Main street, the group comes up on a library. "This one's ours. Well, we certainly don't own it, but my mother's the librarian here. My home's just down the street."
[19:41:48] * Joslyn takes a few moments to window shop. "Oh, okay. Oh if only I'd remembered to bring my coinpurse!"
[19:42:23] <Flaurentine> Wide eyes stare at it, curious as can be, though Flauri's still naturally keep shot mostly to the ground. Not like she has a lot to say after all that happened, and silencing her poor stomach takes a lot of effort.
[19:44:01] <~Oxford> The town is a fairly small one, and the broad, uncovered windows give the impression that the odds of an attack here are considered low. If the lack of AA emplacements and raid-siren towers wasn't enough of a hint already.
[19:45:12] <Joslyn> Pray that no one wanting them taken out doesn't know they're here. "So…should we just go straight to your place Kate?"
[19:46:39] <Flaurentine> "I'll… follow." And it's truth.
[19:48:37] <~Oxford> It is only a short time before the house comes into view.
[19:50:30] <Caitlin> Nervous nod, "Yes, that'd be for the best. I don't think our library will have anything on the subject to tell the doctors anything new." Time to go, Caitlin walks up to a small, brownish-red brick house.
[19:51:56] <Flaurentine> "Ah… I…" Nervous Flaurentine looks at the unconscious body they're all carrying/dragging, terrified of what to do in the case of bringing a sleeping stranger inside somebody's house. With the shuffling she's doing, it's clear she has no idea what to do. "Should we… um… leave her…?"
[19:52:58] <Joslyn> "…We really shouldn't. Her wings will attract a lot less attention inside than out."
[19:54:06] <Flaurentine> "I… I see. I could, um, bring her somewhere safe and watch her until she wakes up, but…" Worried eyes look toward Caitlin, but that really isn't the reason why she's hesitant. The others should know why.
[19:55:35] <Caitlin> "…I'm sorry, Flauri. I really don't know what to do. It's… very difficult for me to concentrate right now."
[19:56:09] <Flaurentine> "R… Right. I don't want either of us to get in your way…" Touching her in enough detail to warp them both out is still hard, though.
[19:59:08] <~Oxford> Before she gets a chance, the door swings open. A tall man with brown hair and a scruffy beard stands within. "Caitlin! You're here! Who're these people?"
[19:59:54] <Joslyn> "We're friends from school. You must be Mr. O'Connell?"
[20:00:04] <Flaurentine> OOPS, DIDN'T MAKE IT IN TIME. Little Flauri gasps, with the unconscious girl in the heavy clothing essentially resting on her lap by this point. "I… I'm very sorry, sir…"
[20:02:10] <~Oxford> He goes to one knee and wraps his arms around Caitlin, squeezing her tight. As Joslyn speaks, he sheepishly holds out one hand to shake, still embracing his daughter tightly. "Kevin, please. My pleasure."
[20:03:00] <Caitlin> Deep breath. "…You could put her in the library if you wa-Dad! These are my dearest friends from school. I'm sorry to come by so suddenly, especially with guests, but when I read the letter… I just had to come!" Caitlin hugs back very tightly.
[20:04:19] <Joslyn> "It's nice to meet you, Sir. Anything we can do to help Caitlin get through this…"
[20:06:01] <Flaurentine> Mustering up a little bravery, Flauri sets Elsa against a wall or something and extends a hand of her own, though extremely showly and shakily. In fact, she even clamps her eyes closed while doing so. "Please! I-I'm very worried too, we all are…"
[20:07:30] <~Oxford> He finally releases the redhead and reaches out to shake the other two girls' hands. "Thank you all for being with us through… well, at any rate, do come inside. Is…is that girl quite alright?" His glance indicates who he's refering to.
[20:08:36] <Joslyn> "She's just tired from the trip. She'll come to soon.
[20:09:18] <Caitlin> "A-ah, our friend Elsa has very poor constitution, she overexerted herself a little bit on the journey here." That's… sorta true maybe? Caitlin still feels horrible over sortalying.
[20:09:18] <Flaurentine> "Ah… she's…" The littlest gives a disappointed look, before nodding. "I'll…" The fact that she attempts to drag her body back a little probably says enough. Burdening a stranger with something like this? No way.
[20:09:51] * Joslyn double checks that Elsa's wings are covered up.
[20:10:35] <~Oxford> "Ah… roight. Well then, show them in, dear. I'll get those bags, girls, not to worry." To Caitlin especially, he seems far more anxious than usual.
[20:11:37] <Flaurentine> Them? That's a little confusing considering Flauri was trying to take Elsa and leave. So, she shoots Caitlin a look for confirmation.
[20:14:34] <Caitlin> Caitlin makes eye contact with Flauri briefly, "I apologize for the circumstances, but… Please, come in. Welcome to our home." Strained smile. Be a good hostess.
[20:15:50] <~Oxford> Mr. O'Connell steps outside to grab the luggage, allowing the girls to enter and take a look around.
[20:15:51] * Joslyn enters, taking off her shoes and holding on to her bag. "I appreciate you letting us stick around, sir…"
[20:15:59] <Flaurentine> "I…" She can't help but feel compelled to force a smile. "I'll make sure she doesn't bother anybody until she wakes up. I-I'm sorry." So, some cheap dragging later, the phoenixgirl is set in a probably uncomfortable position, out of the way. Flauri'll even close the door if it isn't already done by somebody else.
[20:19:16] <Caitlin> Inside is presumably the living room. There's an old couch by the fireplace and a slightly worn bookshelf stocked to the max. Caitlin lingers by the door, though not in anybody's way if she can help it. The question she has for her father is blatantly obvious. How is she doing?
[20:24:03] <~Oxford> He reappears a moment later. "There we are! I put the bags up in your room, Cait; we can figure out who's sleeping where later on. I'll put the kettle on, I just…" He catches the look on his daughter's face and frowns. "Um…Mum's sleeping now, but she's doing a little better. I'll bring her soup up in a bit if she isn't awake already."
[20:24:42] <Joslyn> "I…I'm sorry about her, sir…I wish there was something we could do to help…"
[20:25:30] <Flaurentine> A shaky nod. "We'll… do all we can." Not like there's a whole lot TO do at this point.
[20:26:23] <Joslyn> Taking a step to the side, Joslyn whispers. "I might be able to help her…worth a shot if nothing else…"
[20:27:03] <Caitlin> …A little better. That could mean anything or nothing. It could be the metaphorical calm before the storm. "That's good. The letter sounded very…" Her eyes shift to the ground, "That's good. I'd really, really like to see her when she wakes up." Who was Joslyn whispering to?
[20:27:15] <~Oxford> He shakes his head, gesturing for them to sit. "Ah, no need for that… I'm sorry we won't be better hosts to you; the house is just a mess…"
[20:27:23] <Joslyn> Caitlin of course
[20:27:58] <Joslyn> "I don't mind - you couldn't have been expecting guests. We're only here to support our friend…"
[20:29:03] <Flaurentine> Scribblescribble. Having been writing in her flipbook the whole trip to town instead of speaking, it suddenly turns out this is a good time to do the same thing again. Very much out of the way, of course.
[20:30:20] <Caitlin> Caitlin returns the whisper, "I think… That would be… As much as I truly appreciate your offer, I think my power is most suited to try something like that." She looks around before speaking in a louder voice, "Please have a seat, I'll try to sort out the mess." Menial chores to distract her mind. That might work. No, it won't, but she'll try anyway. At least the house will be cleaner.
[20:30:42] <~Oxford> He nods and pours them each some tea. "Make yourselves at home, please. Dear, if you'd like, you could bring that soup up to her. She's been asleep all day, and she needs to eat…"
[20:35:06] * Joslyn nods. "Thank you sir." She's about to salute out of habit but stops herself halfway through.
[20:36:36] <Flaurentine> This time, Flauri's over to the side, 'experimenting' while nobody's looking. Maybe even a few attempts to fix her magically-caused problems? Perhaps nobody will ever know. Still, she keeps near the living room, monitoring Elsa for when she awakens just to make sure she doesn't end up burning the house down. And it turns out she has a lot to write about, anyway.
[20:38:22] <Caitlin> Nod. "Yes, Daddy." She goes off to grab the soup if it's already made or fix it if it isn't. Unless a delay occurs, she heads up to deliver the soup to her possibly sleeping mother.
[20:39:18] <Joslyn> Joslyn follows on Kate's wing, an apologetic look on her face as she nods to Flauri.
[20:39:30] <~Oxford> Caitlin's parents' room is up a narrow flight of stairs. The door is cracked, and she can see that the blinds are drawn and the lights are off. A large bed dominates the small room.
[20:41:52] <Caitlin> Deep breath. Caitlin's heart pounds like a jackhammer; anything could be in there. She tries to enter as quietly as possible so as to avoid unnecessarily disturbing her mother.
[20:43:01] <Joslyn> "I…I'm so sorry Kate…" Joslyn whispers behind the writing magical girl. "What do you think we can do?"
[20:45:55] <~Oxford> In the bed, a mess of wavy red hair lies tangled across the pillow. A pale face, specked with freckles and damp with sweat, is just barely visible beneath the covers. She bears a striking resemblance to Caitlin.
[20:46:30] <Caitlin> "I-I'm not sure… Mom… Mommy, are you awake?" Caitlin whispers quietly, the question slightly louder than the statement. Her voice is very unsteady.
[20:49:19] <~Oxford> Eileen O'Connell stirs, and her eyelids flutter open uncertainly. "C…caity…?"
[20:52:15] <Caitlin> Caitlin approaches the bed, offering up the soup, "It's me, Mommy. I heard you were… s-sick, so I came to see you." Tears are welling up, but it might be hard to see in the dark.
[20:52:18] * Joslyn stands in the shadows silently, doing her best to hold a tear back.
[20:55:12] <~Oxford> "Oh, thank you, sweethea-" She's cut off by a fit of thick, wet-sounding coughs. She grabs for a handkerchief and holds it to her mouth until they subside, then turns to smile weakly at Caitlin. "Thank you. How…has school been, dear?"
[20:59:21] <Caitlin> "S-school's been going really well, Mommy. I've made new friends who came here with me and studied really hard and… and…" Caitlin sniffles, "I-I'm scared Mommmmmmmy! Y-you have to get all better!" The downpour of crying begins, Caitlin leans in and hesitates, unsure whether it'd be okay to hug her.
[21:00:00] * Joslyn flinched at the coughs. That sounded horrible…How something this deadly could exist didn't make any sense. caitlin does feel something in her pocket, though.
[21:03:32] <~Oxford> "Oh, darling…" Mrs. O'Connell weakly returns the hug, whispering soft, comforting words into her daughter's ear. "Really, I'm feeling better than I wa-" She starts coughing again, and this time she can't get to the handkerchief in time. A thick glob of blood-specked sputum lands on the wool blanket.
[21:06:21] <Joslyn> "are…are you okay Caitlin?"
[21:07:14] <Caitlin> It takes a little while before one of Caitlin's hands finally fumbles its way into her pocket after the strange object, but before then, Caitlin holds on tightly, as though clutching for her life, when it really is more her mother's. "B-b-but, you still look so sick, Daddy and I don't want to lose you or see you suffer like this!" There is no stopping her pitiful crying.
[21:10:04] <Caitlin> For obvious reasons, Caitlin isn't in any condition to answer Joslyn.
[21:11:13] <Joslyn> She isn't really expecting one. But caitlin has a way to unlock her magic - and she said she would be the one to help her mom.
[21:11:56] <~Oxford> "Shhh… there, there, honey… Mommy's not going anywh-…anywhere." She holds the girl close and pats the back of her head gently. "Dr. Murphy says if I get plenty of rest and fluids, he's pretty sure I'll get better…"
[21:17:23] <Caitlin> "I-I'll make you better! I'll make you all better, r-right now! Close your eyes, Mommy, I'll make it all better. Don't peek until I say so, o-okay Mommy?" Caitlin pleads frantically as she decides to do something completely reckless. The Doctor's probably just saying that to make her feel safe. Caitlin has to do it herself.
[21:18:23] * Joslyn locks eyes with the redheaded Mage and nods. "Do it."
[21:19:23] <~Oxford> "Honey, what're you.." Eileen closes her eyes, somewhat confused. "What's going on, sweetheart?"
[21:21:46] <Caitlin> "Please, Mommy! I'll make it all better, so close your eyes and give me your hand." Through the sobbing and tears, Caitlin begs like a child far younger than herself, but somehow with both more confidence, or at least determination, and desperation than normal.
[21:24:05] <~Oxford> Her mother cautiously extends a hand, fumbling around until she finds Caitlin's.
[21:31:57] <Caitlin> Caitlin waits for her mother's eyes to close before initiating a swift transformation. With a quick reminder of "Don't peek!" Caitlin writes on her mom's hand. It's probably too dark for Joslyn to read what was written. With Eileen's eyes closed, for a few moments, Caitlin's probably the only person in the world to know what she wrote. But does it actually do anything?
[21:33:36] <@Oxford> Sorcery; Heart would be appropriate.
[21:34:14] <Caitlin> 4d6+9 Fortunately, I happen to specialize in heart
[21:34:15] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, Fortunately, I happen to specialize in heart: 24 [4d6=2,2,5,6]
[21:34:34] <Caitlin> 1d6
[21:34:34] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 1d6: 2 [1d6=2]
[21:34:46] <Caitlin> twennysix
[21:36:31] <Caitlin> Immediately after writing, though, she lets the transformation fade. It would be awfully hard to explain why she was in a costume suddenly.
[21:42:05] <Joslyn> "…do you feel any better?"
[21:44:16] <Caitlin> Just as the weird costume faded, so do the symptoms Eileen's suffered from. The coughing? Any compulsion to do so disappears, and due to an inexplicable change in her body, there's no reason for it. Somehow, it seems that the very presence of the disease was reversed, undone, erased. From the minor symptoms like the sickly sweating to those more sinister… In an instant, it's as though
[21:44:17] <Caitlin> Caitlin's mother was never sick, though she surely remembers being quite ill.
[21:44:21] <Caitlin> Does the crying stop? Of course not, as soon as her costume's gone, Caitlin's returned to hugging her mother with all the affection of a child who was scared of losing her parent.
[21:46:50] <~Oxford> "H-honey…? What did you do?" Eileen's voice betrays her bafflement.
[21:47:51] <Joslyn> "Mrs. O'Connell, you should rest. Just…try to get your strength back, okay?"
[21:48:05] <Caitlin> "I-it's a miracle, Mommy!"
[21:50:51] <~Oxford> "It's…" She sits up in bed, energy suddenly restored. "Well, I suppose those do happen from time to time." She smiles. "But honey, why're you crying?"
[21:52:26] <Caitlin> "I-I'm sorry, Mommy, I'm just… I'm… really happy you're all better!" It's true, she is, and that's a large contribution of happy tears. A little bit of magic's side effect makes it even harder than usual to stop, though.
[21:54:25] <~Oxford> "Oh, sweetie…" For the first time, she seems to notice Joslyn. "And who's this? We haven't been introduced." She extends a hand and smiles. "I'm Mrs. O'Connell, Caitlin's mom."
[21:55:46] <Joslyn> "Joslyn Parnocus, one of her dorm-mates." The girl shakes before sighing. "I'm glad you're feeling better…but I think you probably should take it easy for a few more days."
[21:56:52] <Caitlin> "One of my roommates, Mommy. She came with my other best friends to make sure you'd be okay." The sobbing's more or less stopped, but some tears are still running.
[21:58:27] <~Oxford> "Oh, it's a pleasure. If I'd know we were having guests over, I'd have tidied up…" She cautiously pulls off the blankets and gets up, stretching. "It feels like I've slept for days. Is your Daddy downstairs, Cait? We should see about getting a bed made for your friend…""
[21:58:59] <Joslyn> "Please, it's not a problem. Don't worry yourself about it - we'll make do."
[22:00:14] <~Oxford> She's fairly determined to get out of bed. "Nonsense. Cait, get some fresh sheets out. What time is it? I should start on dinner…"
[22:00:30] <Caitlin> Nodnodnod. Even when she stands, Caitlin sticks very close by. "Um, Mommy… I brought three of my friends, actually… I'm sorry not to give any warning."
[22:01:37] <Joslyn> "I think I speak for all of us when I say this kind of recovery is very unexpected. Please don't feel a need to rush on our account…" Well, that explains where Kate gets her stubborn streak…
[22:02:00] <Flaurentine> But does it explain where she gets her bad dicerolls too?
[22:02:38] <Joslyn> No, those clearly come from her dad's side of the family
[22:04:38] <Caitlin> Fresh sheets? Oh gosh, do they even have enough for three extra beds? Time to check and get out all the sheets. Or at least three, because no way Caitlin's about to disobey her mom.
[22:05:40] <~Oxford> Mrs. O'Connell practically bounds down the stairs, prattling on about minor chores. The shocked look on her husband's face is underscored by the cup he drops in surprise. They stare at each other a moment, filled with relief; then, perfectly synchronized, they rush over to clean up the broken glass.
[22:06:07] * Joslyn follows. "…so what exactly did you write?" once they're out of earshot, Joslyn whispers it with a sense of curiosity.
[22:06:53] <Flaurentine> "Ah…" The flipbook instantly finds a way into a pocket as Elsa's STILL snoozing away; little Flauri stands and looks around with worry, sensing this not to be a very common scenario. "M-Miss Caitlin… what happened?"
[22:08:00] <~Oxford> "Oh, Kev, you're such a klutz. Here, let me… no, you start setting the table. And set out - no, dear, in the pantry…"
[22:08:39] <Caitlin> Caitlin blushes to match her hair, "Please don't worry about it, Joslyn. It's… kind of embarrassing." Turning to Flauri, she's struck with a pang of guilt at using magic so recklessly, "I made a wish on a pendant." That's subtle enough to avoid saying YEAH I USED MAGIC AND FIXED HER if overheard while still conveying the meaning, right?
[22:09:56] <Flaurentine> It's okay, Flaurentine's blush is unbeatable, so she's able to show Caitlin's up solely by being close-by. Still, hand-to-mouth, she gasps. "I-Is that really alright?! Ah, maybe I should go…" Glancing over to the couple in the kitchen, she shrinks down a bit, afraid to make the first move as far as introductions go. This woman's much more energetic than her daughter is, at any rate.
[22:10:20] <Joslyn> "…Are you okay? I mean, you aren't going to pull an Elsa, right?"
[22:12:13] <Joslyn> It's worth noting that Joslyn has a pen and a couple paper clips sticking to her uniform.
[22:13:25] <Caitlin> "I really wish you didn't call it that, Joslyn, but I don't feel like anything so drastic is about to happen… I know it's wrong, Flauri, but what choi-no, that's not right. I won't feed you excuses, but it's done and I won't regret it, though I apologize." There are some dried tears on Caitlin's face still, but the waterworks cut out a little while ago.
[22:14:19] <~Oxford> After a moment bustling about in the kitchen, Eileen returns to the sitting room. "And you all must be Caitlin's friends! I'm Mrs. O'Connell," she says, holding out her hand.
[22:15:48] <Joslyn> "And this is Elsa, but she's still asleep…she'll wake up, 'when she's ready and not a minute sooner.' she said." Joslyn stifles a chuckle.
[22:15:50] <Flaurentine> Even Flauri manages a little smile. "I-I don't think it was wrong at all! You wanted to… I mean… you…" Shuffle, shuffle. She's really not sure at ALL how to phrase it, shaking her head violently before walking over and slowly brushing the woman's fingertips with her own, expecting to be led on the handshake instead of doing it herself. After all, there's terror on her face in doing so. "I… ah… m-my name is Flaurentine il via Veronica Claudia Flamenca I, Miss, but… my fa- I-I mean, my friends call me Flauri."
[22:17:16] <~Oxford> "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Flauri! And you, Elsa," she adds, smiling.
[22:17:38] <Flaurentine> "I… Miss Caitlin's helped me a lot. I'm very thankful to her!" Her typical curtsey follows up, even if it isn't appropriate. The blush on her face is as red as ever though.
[22:18:17] <Caitlin> "I really am sorry to bring people unannounced, Mommy, but they're family to me."
[22:19:06] <Joslyn> "We were all really worried about you, ma'am…it's the least we could do to make sure Caitlin was alright."
[22:20:57] <~Oxford> "Oh, well then you're welcome to stay here any time." Mrs. O'Connell comes out of the kitchen with a steaming pot in her hands. "Now, who's ready for dinner?"
[22:21:15] <Flaurentine> Rrrrrrumble.
[22:21:45] <Joslyn> "Oh…I missed lunch too…"
[22:22:39] <Caitlin> "I am!" Caitlin's practically deliriously happy about having managed to 'save' her mother. It carries straight into enthusiasm.
[22:23:30] <Flaurentine> "I'm…. sorry, but if you don't mind…" Agreeing to consume in the most timid way possible? That's our Flauri. She even shoots a glance back to poor Elsa, remembering to save some of her portion.
[22:28:44] <~Oxford> They gather around a table that usually seats three, but nobody minds the crowding. The potato stew is plain, but well-seasoned and very tasty. It is served with black bread and cool milk. The food is suitable for the small brick building - not exotic, not fancy… but it's home.
[22:29:53] <~Oxford> /session
[http://pastebin.com/wvHhRqTT]
[19:06:35] * Oxford changes topic to 'They're giving it all they have - give them all you can! Buy War Bonds!'
[19:09:04] <~Oxford> The group is halfway back to Bougnetsport when Elsa finally awakens from her coma. After blinking a few times, she finds herself in the top bunk of a sleeper compartment, Flaurentine and Caitlin seated nearby.
[19:11:28] * Elsa yawns and stretches all of her appendages: legs, wings, arms, the whole deal. She sees Cait with not-Flauri "Morning…mind telling me why you're friends with the fake Flauri?"
[19:11:37] <~Oxford> Outside the compartment's window, trees race past as the locomotive speeds back toward the coast.
[19:11:45] * Flaurentine returned to being the same mu- I mean, mostly silent little girl as before, sitting mostly still except for lightly kicking feet and even-more-lightly scribbling hands along the trip back. Who knows, maybe she learned a few things from Ms. O'Connell?
[19:12:21] <Caitlin> "Ah… You see, it turned out the black-haired Flaurentine is OUR Flauri. She was replaced at some point by an evil imposter." If Flauri was willing to learn, Caitlin was happy to teach.
[19:13:49] <Flaurentine> Other Ms. O'Connell.
[19:14:00] <Elsa> "So we went back to the train? Huh…How long was I out? I feel incredibly rested."
[19:15:10] <Caitlin> That'd be Mrs. O'Connell, though she was probably flattered by the Ms.~
[19:15:40] <Flaurentine> "Aah!" The scribbling stops as suddenly black-haired Flauri - who totally heard none of this - jolts up, or at the very least her eyes do. "Um… g-good morning. It's been… a long time. I was very worried…" Then a little more scribbling.
[19:15:45] <Caitlin> "You were out for… some time. To put it simply, we're on our way home."
[19:16:12] <Flaurentine> Also right that's a derp on the typist's part. Isn't it weird when you realize that nobody in any MB game has been married yet, minus the one pseudo-widow?
[19:16:20] <~Oxford> The train has already pasted its last stop before Bougnetsport; they probably only had a half-hour or so on to go. Just enough time to get Elsa up to speed.
[19:17:48] <Elsa> "Wait, what?" She looks confused, "Were we sent back?"
[19:20:15] <Caitlin> "We visited my family. My mother's made something of a miraculous recovery."
[19:21:02] <Flaurentine> A small nod. Despite being in on it, Flauri knows that she shouldn't be saying anything beyond that and only blushes harder as her eyes shoot straight down to her flipbook. Scribblescribble.
[19:21:08] <Joslyn> "yes, you could call it that."
[19:23:48] * Flaurentine puts it away to go back to attempt to finish reading what she can of that borrowed book on the way back, even though the Heartspawn read more of it than she did. It's doubtful that there'll be much of a memory-jog, but she'd feel awful if she hadn't finished it by the time of needing to return it.
[19:26:16] <Joslyn> "By the way Flauri…do you remember anything that might help us find Major Donalds?"
[19:27:53] <Flaurentine> The littlest stares intently at the book but lightly puts it town, shaking her head in an oh-so-slight measure. "I'm… incredibly sorry, all I remember… is how she felt, and what she wanted…." There's a bit of struggling to say 'I' instead of 'she' but that's not quite how it comes out. The line is uttered with a severe tremble, so much so it's amazing that her eyes don't explode into tears while speaking.
[19:28:48] <Joslyn> "It's fine. We'll do everything we can…I'm just glad to have you back."
[19:29:09] * Elsa yawns and her stomach rumbles "I'm starving, I feel like I haven't eaten anything in a couple of days." She jumps down from her bunk and begins to get dressed. "We'll find him, eventually."
[19:30:00] <Caitlin> "Ahem… I appreciate all of you in coming with me and supporting me through such a tough time. I promise to do the same for you while we search for the Major, Flauri."
[19:30:30] <~Oxford> Flaurentine's book is "The Reaper of Nations: Hispalia, 1923-1927," an account of the Hispalian Civil War, which started over a decade ago. With no clearly defined front lines, the war pitted neighbor against neighbor. Massacres, summary executions, mass graves, and other war-crimes were common, and the accounts of survivors make up a large portion of the text.
[19:31:01] <Flaurentine> A tiny nod. "Thank you very much, t-that means a lot to me, too… I'm very worried about him, even with how strong he is…" A hand clutches her own heart, as tears just BARELY keep themselves in. "Even if… I don't think he'll forgive me…"
[19:32:14] <Joslyn> "Nonsense. I'll make sure he gets it, even if I have to pound it into him." Joslyn chuckles, though how she is keeping that pen resting on her arm is a neat trick.
[19:33:23] <Caitlin> "I… strongly doubt violence will be necessary. Certainly the major will believe you; after all, there's the account by all of us validating your words."
[19:33:28] * Flaurentine shoots straight back down to reading with an extreme legend-blush, flipping through pages faster than average. Unfortunately for the knowledge she needs, a lot of the words are beyond the scope of her re-education thus far so a lot of the material is lost to her. Still, she does manage to get the general outline, and grimaces at the topic.
[19:34:25] <Joslyn> "…It was a joke, Kate…"
[19:34:48] <~Oxford> The imposter was destroyed before she could be interrogated, but perhaps the fact that she was some sort of twisted version of Flaurentine could offer some clues…
[19:35:50] * Elsa finishes putting on her oversized, heavy coat "Oh you got her?" Yeah she is totally out of the loop regarding this trip.
[19:36:12] <Caitlin> "I know, Joslyn, but saying things like that might cause unnecessary worry. We should stay 'on the brightside', right?"
[19:36:15] <Flaurentine> A cringe. "… I'm sorry."
[19:36:49] <Joslyn> "Yeah…I kinda blew her up. Sorry."
[19:37:32] <Flaurentine> Aaaaaand there's a bigger cringe. Most people underestimate the trauma of seeing yourself murdered in a really horrific way.
[19:38:15] <Caitlin> Change the subject. "So, Flauri… Do you have any clue where the Major might be?"
[19:38:30] * Elsa has no idea what happened so she answers with a shrug and sits back down, covering her mouth as she yawns.
[19:38:56] <~Oxford> The chapter she's on at the moment - the one that contained a picture of a strangely familiar church - details the expulsion of wealthy families from the area around Andalecia, in the early days of the war. During the march to the border, the refugees were hunted down by bands of men on horseback. Fewer than 1 in 5 escaped the country; mostly women and children.
[19:39:44] <Flaurentine> "I…" Still shaking, little Flauri starts to look up before looking back down and zoning out, as if stuck on this page. A headshake follows up as she realizes how rude it'd be not to respond. "I… think I might."
[19:40:11] <Joslyn> "That's better than nothing. What's on your mind?"
[19:40:48] <Flaurentine> "I… remember when we met…" She looks up, almost daydreaming, while the book sets on her lap. "And how happy I was when we were there together…"
[19:41:38] <Caitlin> Caitlin respectfully nods, remaining silent. It'd be best to let her work through the thought, probably.
[19:42:45] <Joslyn> "Keep those thoughts in mind - it's the best lead we have."
[19:43:24] <~Oxford> The marshland trails, just outside of Bruinham's School. The wrought-iron bench they sat on, the way the setting sun looked like a ball of fire going down across the sea.
[19:43:41] <Flaurentine> Another nod. "Hmm-hm. And… I was so much braver back then, too… I think he liked the old me more."
[19:45:41] <Caitlin> "I might be inclined to disagree, but please continue. Where would you take him if you waned to be completely alone?" Implications. It's all unintentional.
[19:45:52] <Joslyn> "…Hang on…Didn't Westfield say Flauri was seen with Donalds heading towards the marshes?"
[19:46:14] <Flaurentine> "Ah… um…" Stop that Joslyn, you can't see the narration, that's just silly! "That… um… I…"
[19:46:22] <~Oxford> That was when Major Rolph Donalds had explained the Focus Pendants to her, and explained the Important Mission he had for her. That was when she had first accessed her powers. If he could see her now, would he be proud of her?
[19:47:18] <Flaurentine> "That…" With a little sniffle, the book closes. "Um… That is where we met, Jossy- I-I mean, Miss Joslyn…"
[19:48:16] <Caitlin> "Then I should think that would be an area worth searching."
[19:48:21] * Elsa looks at the trio, "We could look for him there, or tell the major and he could look there."
[19:48:43] <Flaurentine> Determination shoves itself all over Flauri's face. "… I want to go."
[19:48:55] <Joslyn> "Hm?"
[19:49:36] <Flaurentine> "I… I want to see him again and tell him how sorry I am… e-even if he doesn't accept it."
[19:50:06] <~Oxford> The train is beginning to slow, coming in to the station at Bougnetsport. With any luck, Maj. Westfield got their message and will meet them at the platform.
[19:50:34] <Elsa> "I'm sure he will, he looked like a kind old fart." She says, looking for any snacks that could be lying around.
[19:50:56] <Joslyn> "Sadly it doesn't look like we're going to be able to do much tonight. Hopefully tomorrow will be better."
[19:51:21] <Caitlin> "Why is that?"
[19:51:36] * Flaurentine blushes a little more at the flatulence comment. It's hard to ignore so she's close to speaking up, but… not quite. The next one can't go in silence though. "Um… I'm sorry… I don't know if I could keep him waiting that long…"
[19:51:46] <Flaurentine> "I can get there in time! I-I can find him before it's too late!"
[19:52:01] <Elsa> "I, for one, need to go visit the bathroom and eat a horse."
[19:52:07] <~Oxford> There's a dining car, one towards the engine. But this isn't the time for that, Elsa: the train comes to a stop, and a conductor raps on the door to let them know that its time to disembark.
[19:52:45] <Joslyn> "It's kind of dark…but if you're sure…I'll see what I can do."
[19:53:37] * Elsa stands up, she feels like she could probably stay up all night considering she just woke up from more than a day worth of sleeping.
[19:54:07] <Elsa> "I Could probably look for him…I mean I JUST woke up."
[19:54:42] <Caitlin> "If you're going, then I am, Flauri."
[19:54:44] <Flaurentine> "I… um… I hope Major Westfield understands how important this is to me… please tell him I'm willing to accept any punishment for it. And, ah…" The book in her hands, now closed despite not being completely finished, finds itself being held toward Joslyn on their way out. "Do you… think you could return this to him for me, please?"
[19:55:45] <Joslyn> "Sure, but I'm going to come with you. We're a team and he *did* kind of ask us to find Donalds."
[19:56:46] <~Oxford> Through the window, they catch a glimpse of Major Westfield, waiting at the platform as expected. His hands are clasped behind his back.
[19:56:53] <Flaurentine> Oops.
[19:57:20] <Joslyn> "It's gonna be fine. I'll try and smooth this over."
[19:57:42] <Flaurentine> "O… Oh." The book returns to her own hands now as the timidgirl shrinks behind the rest of the group. "He… He's going to think I look strange now… and I.. but the…" Trembletrembletremble.
[19:58:31] <Joslyn> "It's going to be fine." Joslyn asserts as she waits for the train to come to a complete stop before getting out.
[20:00:22] <Caitlin> "Don't concern yourself over such small matters. I'm certain your new hair color won't be problematic after everything's explained."
[20:00:27] <~Oxford> The other passengers have started to disembark, and the station is soon bustling with activity. Westfield stands motionless through it all, tall and straight.
[20:02:37] * Elsa grabs her completely unpacked bags and hurries out to the station to find a bathroom before meeting the major…seriously being in a coma or something has its disadvantages.
[20:03:28] <Joslyn> "Prof. Westfield…it's good to see you, sir."
[20:05:21] <Elsa> A girl's gotta have priorities, unfortunately for her supperior officer, this means waiting for several minutes.
[20:05:39] <~Oxford> "Ms. Parnocus, Ms. O'Connell," he nods to each in turn, "and Ms. Flamenca. Where is… ah, Elsa. So you're all here. I trust the trip was…relaxing?" He hoists the largest of the bags over his shoulder and heads toward the car without waiting for an answer.
[20:06:11] <Joslyn> "…Well…that's not at all the word I'd use for it."
[20:06:14] * Flaurentine raises one hand as a painfully weak salute behind the lesb- I mean behind the upstanding young Warrant Officer, giving the tiniest of nods. The self-consciousness on her face shows, because dyeing one's hair over a short vacation like this probably isn't a common thing.
[20:07:05] <Flaurentine> Fortunately he's probably not looking at either of those, so good for her! Timid tiptoeing… timid tiptoeing. A little more. She figures she'll wait until they stop moving to give the book back to him, simply following the others along for now.
[20:07:42] * Elsa is of course not there to witness this.
[20:08:00] <Joslyn> "It's…well, I doubt you'd believe us if not for the arcane nature of our work. In any case, I did have a request of you."
[20:08:09] <~Oxford> If he's surprised, he hides it admirably. At least, until they get everyone into the car. At which point…
[20:08:36] <Flaurentine> … "Thank you for letting me borrow this." The second the car door closes.
[20:09:53] <Caitlin> Caitlin cuts Joslyn off, heading straight to the point, "We have… A lot of information to share unrelated to the intention of this trip. To make it quite brief, we may know where the missing Major is and would like permission to investigate."
[20:12:09] <Joslyn> "…Yeah, that's more or less what I was gonna ask."
[20:12:18] * Elsa comes out of the bathroom looking extremely reliefed and goes over to the familiar car, carrying her signature duffel bag and puts it in the trunk of the car before closing it and hopping to the back seat.
[20:14:07] <~Oxford> He takes the book back from Flaurentine while listening to Caitlin's explanation. He gives her a nod to continue.
[20:15:07] * Flaurentine suddenly realizes how empty her hands are now and balls them into fists that rest nervously on her lap, while her own posture is extremely shaky. Though, since everything rests on what Caitlin says, her eyes are on her comrade.
[20:16:26] <Elsa> "Well, I'm glad you're clearing things up."
[20:18:01] * Joslyn coughs lightly, motioning for Caitlin to get along with her explanation.
[20:18:52] <Caitlin> "I'm certain you've noticed a change in Miss Flaurentine's hair color. I'm not certain when or how the switch took place, but to simplify, we discovered a second Flauri, namely, this one. Using certain powers, we acertained that this Flauri, whose hair somehow turned black, was the real one. Then, the fake Flauri attempted to steal our pendants and kill her, but was defeated by Joslyn."
[20:19:13] <~Oxford> As she speaks, Westfield starts up the car and manuevers it out of the parking lot.
[20:19:47] <Joslyn> "She was…well, to say she was hostile would be an understatement. I wish we could have more evidence but…"
[20:20:06] <Caitlin> "Furthermore, we verified that the fake Flaurentine kidnapped the Major, but were unable to extract the location directly from her. Instead, we've narrowed down where he might be based on Flauri's knowledge of… Herself, and her relationship with the Major."
[20:20:10] <Flaurentine> "Um… M-Miss Caitlin…" A hand taps the girl's shoulder when she pauses in a sentence. "Actually… i-it was always this color. It only changed when I lost my memories, even though nobody told me…"
[20:21:01] <Caitlin> "…Oh. My apologies, I wasn't aware of this."
[20:21:34] <Flaurentine> "I… I'm very sorry too, I should've said something as soon as I remembered… but ah… I… I believe I may know where he is, Sir. I-I deeply apologize for interrupting."
[20:22:27] <Joslyn> "You'd think people would mention that. Anyway…on a happier note, Caitlin's mother seems to be recovering from her bout with pneumonia, thanks to an…experimental treatment. We're fairly sure she'll make it."
[20:23:07] <Flaurentine> "Aaah, b…" And time to shut up. Flauri's face gets even redder, with hair not matching this time, knowing how blatantly wrong that is. It shows.
[20:23:25] <~Oxford> Westfield stops the car at an intersection, heedless of the green light in front of him as he turns around in his seat. "You may know..? Well spit it out, Warrant: Where is he?"
[20:23:37] <Elsa> "I could even look for him right now, I feel like I could stay up for a whole day…after sleeping for a whole day." She says, "Its not as if I would be flying blind out there, fire and all."
[20:23:58] <Joslyn> It's not an out-and-out lie, but Joslyn knows that she's stretching the truth to its limits with her description.
[20:24:43] <Caitlin> "Ah, Miss Flauri, could you please provide directions?" Caitlin shrinks down a little bit when Westfield turns around.
[20:25:00] <Flaurentine> "Back… at Bruinham Flight, sir. The… the marshland trails, I-I think." A smile tries to force itself on her face, but she tries to force it back. What comes out as awkwarness. "It's… where he explained the focus pendant program to me. I-I remember that I thought I'd never be alone again when it happened, and…"
[20:25:58] * Flaurentine sniffles and bubbles up uncontrollably, taking all the effort in the world to just barely maintain her composure. And did traffic lights really even exist?
[20:26:50] <~Oxford> The cars behind them honk angrily, and one by one they pull around the idling black sedan, drivers cursing. Westfield gives her a sharp nod and throws it into gear, making a U-turn against oncoming traffic as he turns back toward Bruinham's School for Talented Youth.
[20:27:38] <Flaurentine> "… T… Thank you very much, Sir. Now that I remember it all, I-I can't even explain how worried about him I am…"
[20:27:51] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+3 quick jump ahead?
[20:27:52] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, quick jump ahead?: 6 [2d6=1,2]
[20:28:20] <Joslyn> "You don't need to. I'm sure all of us would be worried sick if Westfield went missing. It's only natural."
[20:28:54] <~Oxford> "If that theory's true, Rolph's been out in the elements for nearly four days now. You have a good idea of where he'll be?"
[20:29:21] * Elsa coughs nervously, "Yeah…most likely."
[20:29:47] <Flaurentine> "When it happened, I… she…" A headshake makes the word change. "Didn't… want to hurt him, just to be with him. So if he's there, he probably isn't hurt… I hope."
[20:30:07] <Flaurentine> "A-At least I'd never hurt him, Sir! You have my word!" So passionate.
[20:31:00] <Joslyn> "Is Donalds well-versed in wilderness survival?"
[20:31:18] <~Oxford> The car clears the city in no time, and speeds north along the coast toward Bruinham's. Normally it'd take a couple of hours - at this rate they'll be there in one.
[20:32:28] <~Oxford> Westfield nods. "He's had extensive training - he was in the army, in Cimbria, during the last war. He was my commanding officer, the Captain of our company."
[20:32:48] * Flaurentine swoons at the storytime, though she tries - very poorly - to keep such activity under wraps.
[20:33:59] <Joslyn> "Then I'd be willing to bet he's in decent shape, assuming Flauri's doppleganger didn't harm him."
[20:34:44] <Flaurentine> "S… Sir, I… promise to assure his safety, no matter what." Flauri speaks incredibly shakily, her pitch raising at random without warning due to the intense nervousness. But she's trying her hardest! "But… I… I am prepared to accept whatever punishment is necessary for this after he's found, e-even if it wasn't the real me who… who did it."
[20:34:47] <Caitlin> "I should think she wouldn't be inclined to physically injure him, unless I misinterpreted what I saw."
[20:35:38] <Joslyn> "Still, he should appreciate someone showing up to get him out of there."
[20:36:23] <~Oxford> "That was in '28, back when I was just a lieutenant. He's gained a few pounds, but he's still as tough as nails. With how cold it's been, though…" Westfield looks distinctly worried, though he's doing his best to hide it.
[20:37:19] * Flaurentine spends the rest of the trip in silence— if she's beating herself up (a no-brainer by the look on her face) she's at least doing it mentally instead of with her fists or powers this time. The shaking just gets worse and worse as the trip goes on.
[20:37:50] <Joslyn> "If it comes to that, I might be able to help there…"
[20:40:08] <Joslyn> "By the way, Sir…the attack on the train en route to O'Connell's home…"
[20:41:17] <~Oxford> "SV-44s. They've started using drop-tanks to extend their range, and they're employing them in logistical strikes. Anything specific to report?"
[20:42:11] <Flaurentine> More silence from the littlest. Only being there for half the fight is a pretty embarrassing thing to report.
[20:42:54] <Joslyn> "Obstacles were…encountered, pursued, overcome. Nothing really special aside from our deployment. There is something I'd like to discuss in private though."
[20:44:04] <~Oxford> He raises an eyebrow, but nods without further comment. The close confines of the car rule out any sort of privacy for the time being.
[20:45:46] <Caitlin> Even in your MINDS. Just kidding, Caitlin's still pretty uncomfortable with mind reading and what not. She's content to sit quietly for the moment, idly writing in her notebook.
[20:57:29] <~Oxford> As the car approaches Bruinham's, Westfield breaks the silence for a briefing.
[20:58:04] * Flaurentine stands… er, sits to attention, ready to dart out at a moment's notice.
[20:59:31] <~Oxford> "Alright. The radios are in the boot. I'll be in the school prepping their med-room; I want you to keep me updated and bring him straight inside the moment you find him. It's already pretty dark, so stay close to one another and don't get seperated out there."
[21:00:11] <Joslyn> "Yes sir!"
[21:00:25] <Flaurentine> A much more crisp than usual salute raises to blackhair's face. "Yes, Sir! I promise I'll find him, no matter what!"
[21:01:05] <Elsa> "Oh I can handle the darkness, don't worry about it."
[21:02:01] * Flaurentine looks left and right to the others in the back seat with her before clapping her hands. A few seconds' pause was given if any of them wanted to grab on.
[21:02:03] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+3 OUT OF THE CAR
[21:02:04] * +DiceMaid-9001 gets out of the car
[21:02:04] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, OUT OF THE CAR: 10 [2d6=3,4]
[21:02:33] <~Oxford> The Major grabs his own radio and heads toward the school building. Their destination is in the opposite direction: across the athletic fields, toward the coast, the wetlands are dark and ominous in the moonless night.
[21:02:45] * Joslyn hangs on and prays that she's got enough control without her pendant to not warp then in to the bottom of the sea.
[21:02:46] <Caitlin> If Flauri really doesn't seem to mind, then Caitlin will grab hold.
[21:03:38] * Elsa holds on to Flauri before she teleports
[21:04:14] * Flaurentine shows a little discomfort, but clearly not ENOUGH. As soon as they're all out - and maybe even across the athletic fields as a bonus? - Flauri breaks into a mad dash toward wherever her memories lead.
[21:04:57] <Joslyn> "…" what part of "don't split up" did she forget? Ah well, Joslyn follows all the same.
[21:05:05] <Caitlin> Caitlin chases after Flauri, even though she's not terribly fast.
[21:06:15] <Flaurentine> Her worry doesn't even compare. Or maybe she thinks the others are keeping up? At least they'll cover any airplanes who suddenly show up and attack her from behind— after all, this is a dangerous place where she was always told to be weary of the airplane-trees and the dangerous enemy fighters that grow on them!
[21:06:30] <~Oxford> The radio crackles to life, loud and clear at this range despite the thick undergrowth. "Cheswhick Flight…something's wrong."
[21:06:47] <Joslyn> "What is it, sir?"
[21:07:00] <Elsa> "Hey wait…aw damn." She says before running after the black haired Flauri…but not before launching a fireball up to the sky, which burns bright hot lighting up the ground below.
[21:07:05] <Flaurentine> … Or something like that. Regardless she frantically searches everything possible, not even pausing to listen to the radio provided she even has one. Does she hear it? Only a 'maybe.'
[21:08:10] <~Oxford> "The school is on lock-down - there's nobody around, all doors are locked. I'll try to find an administrator. Keep a low profile until we know more."
[21:08:45] <Joslyn> "Yes, Sir…We'll keep searching in the meantime though."
[21:09:22] <Flaurentine> "Please be okay… Please be okay…"
[21:10:16] <Elsa> "Oh well, no more flares for tonight…sorry bout ruining your night vision girls."
[21:11:48] <~Oxford> The marsh is pitch black, and Elsa's fire sends huge shadows down from the dense canopy. As their eyes adjust, though, they see what looks like a trail running in amongst the mangroves.
[21:12:01] * Flaurentine takes off down it without a second thought.
[21:12:23] <Flaurentine> "Please be okay… Please be okay…!"
[21:13:21] * Elsa instead raises her hand upwards and makes a fireball appear above her…it floats and keeps itself right above Elsa's head. "Is this light better?" She says catching up to the others
[21:13:34] <~Oxford> The little girl disappears into the darkness, leaving the others to catch up. She quickly finds herself at a crossroads - on path goes left, the other right.
[21:13:51] <Caitlin> Caitlin casts her eyes around, looking for any human-like figures while she chases Flauri.
[21:14:05] <Flaurentine> "Ah…. Ahh…" The others probably have time to catch up as she frantically looks left and right. MEMORIES, HELP.
[21:14:12] <Joslyn> "Yeah, that should be better…"
[21:14:36] <@Oxford> Roll some Sharp for intuition
[21:14:41] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+8 yesplz
[21:14:42] <@Oxford> and/or memories
[21:14:42] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, yesplz: 11 [2d6=2,1]
[21:16:28] <~Oxford> The fork looks familiar, but it's been such a long time since she walked this way last. Left seems to lead into a deeper section of forest, while right goes directly toward the coastline.
[21:16:54] <Joslyn> "…should we split off into pairs?"
[21:17:21] <Flaurentine> At a coastline of all places, he'd be found more easily. Is Flauri herself operating by that logic? Of course not! … That doesn't change her decision to already turn and sprint down the left path, though. "I-I'm going this way!"
[21:18:10] <Joslyn> That's apparently a "no". Joslyn's gonna do her best to keep up though.
[21:18:51] * Elsa runs after the timid girl, damnit calm down a bit won't you?
[21:18:59] <~Oxford> The radio comes to life again. "Cheswhick Flight, come in. I've located the principal. The situation is more dangerous than anticipated."
[21:21:11] <Caitlin> Caitlin listens quietly, doing her best to keep up with the others. However, looking around, she finds herself watching out more for some kind of dangerous interloper rather than the Major. Creepy, what's with the situation? Still, gotta stay on task.
[21:21:20] <Elsa> "Really? Why doesn't that surprise me?" She says sarcastically, "We can never get a break…even when on break."
[21:22:45] <~Oxford> "According to reports, an academy on the coast came under attack by unidentified ground forces less than an hour ago." He clears his throat before continuing. "It was St. Cheswhick's. They've taken casualties." He pauses, letting the information sink in.
[21:23:59] <Joslyn> "…What the hell does that mean?"
[21:24:17] * Flaurentine speeds ahead into the forest, very unlikely to not end up crashing into a tree. Or at the least, a pause leaning against one to catch her breath. That doesn't stop a gasp from coming out as she does so, regardless, even if she doesn't stop frantically searching every direction.
[21:25:34] <Joslyn> "Should we try to head back and salvage what we can?"
[21:25:37] <~Oxford> "The information is sketchy. It seems like some sort of commando unit. They had air support, though - and they were definitely targetting the academy."
[21:26:30] <Joslyn> "…d'you think we were the target?"
[21:27:05] * Elsa shuts off the fireball that hovered above her, a pity really it was pretty useful…she slows down a bit before transforming…just to be sure, it isn't as if Westfield will find out about it.
[21:28:13] <Flaurentine> DETERMINATION encompasses the little girl who takes off again, searching every corner of the forest. "Please go help… I'll… catch up when… I find him…" Pant, wheeze, et cetera.
[21:28:41] <~Oxford> "It's possible. And… let's be clear. If they targetted St. Cheswhick's, there's a very strong chance…" He's cut off mid-sentence. The implication hangs in the air - Bruinham's, like Cheswhick's, is right on the coast. And houses a secret Air Force unit.
[21:29:24] <Joslyn> "…Should we be anticipating another infantry squadron?"
[21:29:49] <Joslyn> It's at this time that Joslyn puts on her pendant, and hands out the other two.
[21:29:54] <Flaurentine> 'Unit.' Flauri never had any friends sans one special person, so if there were any besides her, at least to her knowledge, something like that would imply they were all kept hidden from one another. Fortunately for her that part wasn't spoken out loud, otherwise she'd think. Is she donig that? No, definitely not.
[21:30:21] <~Oxford> There's no response on the radio. In the distance, back toward the school, the faint sound of gunshots can be heard.
[21:30:52] <Caitlin> "Ahem, Flauri, if it's alright with you, I might try to write something to find the Major immediately. It's dangerous to leave him out here."
[21:30:55] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+3 let me do a cool to calm down enough to actually get in range to CATCH the pendant
[21:30:56] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, let me do a cool to calm down enough to actually get in range to CATCH the pendant: 15 [2d6=6,6]
[21:31:03] * Elsa looks hesitant to go back, "Maybe we should split up."
[21:31:44] <Joslyn> "The school's under attack…we need as much firepower there as possible. I'm sorry Flauri, but I have to go back."
[21:31:49] * Flaurentine stops and catches her pendant, giving a nod of thanks. "Ah… I'd appreciate the help, but… I-I need to find him and apologize. You… You all should worry about what's happening back there."
[21:32:11] <~Oxford> Flaurentine, with the other girls in tow, has reached another fork. This one turn right or straight ahead.
[21:32:31] <Flaurentine> A big nod, again. "Please… don't worry about me. I promise I'll help as soon as he's safe."
[21:32:36] <Joslyn> "Okay. Elsa, Kate, we need to be getting back now!"
[21:32:43] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+8 hey memories are you going to actually help me out this time
[21:32:43] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, hey memories are you going to actually help me out this time: 15 [2d6=1,6]
[21:32:48] <&Flaurentine> "maybe," you say
[21:33:11] <Joslyn> "Flauri, get us on the radio if you find him!"
[21:33:13] <~Oxford> Above, muffled by the canopy, the sound of engines can be heard.
[21:34:15] <Flaurentine> "I will! Please be careful!" And her outfit starts color-changing, her entire body instantly moving from place to place with sonokinesis assisting now. She's careful not to get stuck in trees but that's about it.
[21:35:30] <Elsa> "Alright, lets get going!" She flies upwards and towards the school grounds, leaving a trail of fire behind her.
[21:35:35] * Joslyn transforms and hovers for a few seconds. "Come ON! we have to protect the school, dammit! Let's move!" Joslyn is done playing games, what with her missile launcher in hand.
[21:35:37] <~Oxford> Everything looks so different in the dark. But Flaurentine remembers the gentle sound of waves washing into the swamp, and the view from their Special Place looking out over the bay. The iron bench was by the shore, and the right-hand path leads that direction.
[21:35:54] <Caitlin> Caitlin transforms as well. Robes probably aren't too comfortable with all the stuff to get snagged on in the forest. "I… If you're sure." Caitlin follows her roommates upwards.
[21:37:47] <Flaurentine> WHOOPS. With a big gasp at herself, a single hand-clap fixes all that. Well, maybe two— either way despite her own dumbness at remembering things, she'd been tracking every single meter they'd ran, making it a decent reference point to jump back to the first fork. Or, at least to the direction that the shore is, anyway.
[21:38:04] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+5 I'm easymoding my journey with heart, so really all this determines is how long it takes to get there anyway
[21:38:06] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, I'm easymoding my journey with heart, so really all this determines is how long it takes to get there anyway: 10 [2d6=3,2]
[21:38:29] <Joslyn> "There wasn't that much we could do to help her down there. At least up here we're used to it." Joslyn scans the evening sky for the engines she heard
[21:39:16] <Joslyn> 2d6+6 sharp
[21:39:17] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, sharp: 16 [2d6=4,6]
[21:43:22] <Elsa> 793 array
[21:49:41] <~Oxford> Despite there being no moon tonight, she spots them after several seconds - dark patches moving against the starry night sky. Type is hard to guess, but there's at least two of them up there.
[21:51:13] * Joslyn taps her radio earpiece. "Hey Erica, you there?"
[21:51:53] <~Oxford> Joslyn and Caitlin launch upward through the canopy. Elsa, meanwhile, speeds off toward the school, leaving Flaurentine alone to search for Major Donalds.
[21:51:23] <@Oxford> Alright. Now I'm ready for arrays.
[21:51:33] <Caitlin> 963
[21:51:47] <Joslyn> 10/6/8 I changed my mind
[21:51:49] <Elsa> 793
[21:52:35] <@Oxford> Just for reference, Flauri?
[21:52:46] <&Flaurentine> Hmm, I'm gonna be 5/3/4 when I get in
[21:52:41] <Joslyn> "Echo Whiskey, do you read me?
[21:53:20] <~Oxford> No response from Early Warning. Seems like they're on their own up here.
[21:53:52] * Oxford changes topic to 'Joslyn->Caitlin->SV-44s ->Elsa ->???? ->Flauri'
[21:54:21] <Joslyn> Dammit. Oh well. With Elsa pre-occupied, someone has to start things off with a bang.
[21:55:02] <Joslyn> 4d6+10 FTF all day erry day, targeting both
[21:55:02] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, FTF all day erry day, targeting both: 24 [4d6=5,1,4,4]
[21:55:11] <Joslyn> 22 to each
[21:55:30] <~Oxford> As Joslyn and Caitlin surge upwards, the targets come into view: three of the twin-engined heavy fighters from the attack on the train, painted the matte black of nightfighters.
[21:55:30] * Elsa hovers flies in circles around the school, "Major where are you now?"
[21:56:04] <@Oxford> 2#4d6 it'll be +7 against
[21:56:05] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, it'll be +7 against: 17 [4d6=6,6,3,2], 15 [4d6=4,1,5,5]
[21:56:24] <@Oxford> 2d6
[21:56:25] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 2d6: 3 [2d6=2,1]
[21:57:01] <Joslyn> 3d6+4 to the hit plane. Other plane can't heal since it's taken no damage
[21:57:02] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, to the hit plane. Other plane can't heal since it's taken no damage: 14 [3d6=5,4,1]
[21:58:48] * Joslyn calls on a burst of magic to ensnare two of the fighters in a film of steel before crumpling them. It doesnt seem to work as throughly ad with Flauri's evil twin, but it does something.
[22:00:22] <Joslyn> One of the planes is just laden down with a second fuselage, but Joslyn's magic does appear to have wounded the other craft.
[22:01:03] <~Oxford> The effected plane shudders as silver patches of metal attach themselves to its hull, easily visible against the flat black paint-scheme. The metal contracts violently, tearing holes in the fuselage and igniting small secondary explosions within.
[22:03:20] <Caitlin> 2d6+9 gosh darn OC, single attack on the most wounded plane
[22:03:21] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, gosh darn OC, single attack on the most wounded plane: 19 [2d6=6,4]
[22:03:24] <Caitlin> 1d6 4
[22:03:25] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 4: 5 [1d6=5]
[22:03:32] <Caitlin> 24
[22:03:52] <@Oxford> 4d6 and +8, it'll clash you.
[22:03:53] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +8, it'll clash you.: 12 [4d6=6,3,1,2]
[22:04:01] <@Oxford> 1d6
[22:04:02] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 4 [1d6=4]
[22:04:15] <@Oxford> 21; hits, roll damage.
[22:06:42] <Caitlin> 1d6+2
[22:06:43] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 1d6+2: 6 [1d6=4]
[22:08:05] <Caitlin> Caitlin flies by, quickly scribbling on the side of a wounded plane the word Hole. In retrospect, that might've been a good idea to write awfully big.
[22:10:24] <~Oxford> The hole gapes widely, and the aircraft's frame groans under the strain, screeching in protest as the pilot struggles to turn the plane.
[22:11:58] <@Oxford> 2#4d6 it'll be +10 when all's said/done
[22:11:58] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, it'll be +10 when all's said/done: 18 [4d6=5,5,3,5], 11 [4d6=2,2,3,4]
[22:12:16] <Joslyn> So 20 and 17
[22:12:27] <@Oxford> 20 and 17^ yeah, could be worse.
[22:12:30] <Joslyn> 4d6+6 here goes nothing
[22:12:30] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, here goes nothing: 20 [4d6=2,2,4,6]
[22:12:40] <Joslyn> 1d6 take that, assholes
[22:12:40] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, take that, assholes: 1 [1d6=1]
[22:15:29] <Joslyn> The tracers are supposed to show where the shots are going. Conveniently, it shows Joslyn where the shots aren't going, allowing her to weave through the waves of fire
[22:17:44] <~Oxford> Back at the school, Elsa still hasn't received a response from the radio. Amidst growing worry, she notices a side door to the building has been left wide open. Gunshots, much more distinct now, echo from inside.
[22:19:49] * Elsa dives downwards and into the building…frankly she doesn't mother too much about slowing down until AFTER she is inside, giving her a view not many people would be able to witness…that is of walls passing by her blazingly fast.
[22:20:59] <~Oxford> The crack of rifle fire comes from somewhere off to her left, down an adjacent corridor.
[22:22:56] * Elsa banks to the left, slowing down enough to be in a hurry but still be in control. She looks around, searching for Westfield.
[22:28:20] <~Oxford> She races down one hallway, then up a second, until a burst of muzzleflash catches her eye. She sees five men in dark uniforms taking cover at an intersection, rifles aimed away from her as they fire at someone out of view. In the middle of an intense firefight, she has them completely by surprise.
[22:30:22] * Flaurentine MEANWHILE continues clapping her hands to send out some kind of sonar ahead, trying to make it to the shore. Not even a radio communication— she's focused on getting there as soon as possible.
[22:32:10] <Elsa> 793
[22:32:24] <Caitlin> 693
[22:32:34] <&Flaurentine> still 534
[22:37:24] <Joslyn> 8/10/6 now
[22:38:06] * Oxford changes topic to 'Joslyn->Elsa->SV-44s ->Cait ->???? ->Flauri'
[22:39:32] <~Oxford> The three nightfighters circle in a defensive formation, struggling to pick out their targets against the night.
[22:41:38] * Joslyn shoots a missile at the one she hit earlier, hoping to knock it out of the fight entirely.
[22:40:47] <Joslyn> 2d6+8 going after the limping plane
[22:40:48] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, going after the limping plane: 16 [2d6=2,6]
[22:40:53] <Joslyn> 1d6
[22:40:54] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 1d6: 4 [1d6=4]
[22:41:05] <Joslyn> 20 at the wounded bird
[22:41:49] <@Oxford> 4d6 and +8, defensive.
[22:41:49] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +8, defensive.: 12 [4d6=2,5,2,3]
[22:42:03] <@Oxford> 15, hits.
[22:42:07] <Joslyn> 1d6+2
[22:42:07] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 1d6+2: 3 [1d6=1]
[22:44:05] <~Oxford> The projectile streaks past, exploding in front of the damaged craft. The blast sends shrapnel straight into its left engine, which erupts into flames, but the plane stays airborne.
[22:45:00] <~Oxford> Meanwhile, Elsa has a squad of 5 commandos in front of her. Their backs are turned as they fire at an unknown target down the darkened hallway.
[22:46:14] <Elsa> 2d6+7 I mean they are normals, whats the best they can do?
[22:46:15] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, I mean they are normals, whats the best they can do?: 16 [2d6=6,3]
[22:46:20] <Elsa> 1d6
[22:46:20] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 1d6: 2 [1d6=2]
[22:47:25] <Elsa> -5 to all hits
[22:48:03] <@Oxford> Okay, we can do it that way. So 13 each?
[22:48:17] <@Oxford> 5#1d6+8
[22:48:18] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 5#1d6+8: 14 [1d6=6], 11 [1d6=3], 10 [1d6=2], 12 [1d6=4], 10 [1d6=2]
[22:48:25] <@Oxford> 1d6
[22:48:26] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 4 [1d6=4]
[22:48:35] <@Oxford> Hits all but one of them.
[22:49:56] <Elsa> 1d6-3 even so min damage is always 1
[22:49:56] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, even so min damage is always 1: 0 [1d6=3]
[22:52:47] * Elsa swings her torch and 5 fireballs appear in front of her and she sends them off to the black-clothed soldiers. The fireballs land at their feet and erupt in a pillar of flame, incinerating everything that can be incinerated…well except for one of them, she somehow managed to misjudge the distance.
[22:53:50] <~Oxford> The men scream as fire washes over them, burning like torches as they run heedlessly in all directions.
[22:55:48] * Elsa flies past them to where she thinks they were shooting at.
[22:55:52] <@Oxford> SV-44s turn.
[22:56:15] <@Oxford> two are comboing at Caitlin this time, the other one is withdrawing.
[22:56:32] <@Oxford> 2#4d6 and +9 on these
[22:56:33] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +9 on these: 12 [4d6=2,1,3,6], 13 [4d6=2,3,2,6]
[22:56:42] <@Oxford> 2#1d6
[22:56:42] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 2#1d6: 3 [1d6=3], 3 [1d6=3]
[22:56:57] <Joslyn> 21 and 21
[22:58:28] <~Oxford> In the skies above the academy, the wounded plane breaks off from its attack and turns out toward the sea. Its wingmates cover the retreat, executing another perfectly-coordinated attack, this time against Caitlin.
[22:58:56] <Caitlin> 2d6+9 4 heart
[22:58:56] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 4 heart: 16 [2d6=5,2]
[22:59:01] <Caitlin> hit and hit
[23:01:07] <@Oxford> Anyhow, they both hit Cait? Damage is:
[23:01:14] <@Oxford> 2#2d8
[23:01:15] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 2#2d8: 10 [2d8=6,4], 5 [2d8=3,2]
[23:01:24] <Elsa> lots
[23:01:25] <@Oxford> 6 and 3; 9 total
[23:03:06] <~Oxford> The 20mm cannon shells beat down like hailstones, catching her from all sides in a flurry of bullets.
[23:03:50] <Caitlin> 3d6+6 most wounded part of the team attack
[23:03:51] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, most wounded part of the team attack: 15 [3d6=5,1,3]
[23:04:25] <@Oxford> Wait, going after the wounded plane (that's withdrawing)? The other two are both unhurt.
[23:05:51] <Caitlin> Oh, then
[23:06:03] <Caitlin> I'll go for the wounded one, might as well limit intel
[23:06:23] <@Oxford> 4d6 Alright, +8 then.
[23:06:23] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, Alright, +8 then.: 10 [4d6=1,3,2,4]
[23:06:33] <@Oxford> 15 ties.
[23:06:34] <@Oxford> 1d6
[23:06:35] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 1 [1d6=1]
[23:06:44] <@Oxford> You've got this, Cait.
[23:07:51] <Caitlin> 1d6 no
[23:07:51] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, no: 2 [1d6=2]
[23:07:55] <Caitlin> yes
[23:08:08] <Caitlin> 1d6+2
[23:08:09] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 1d6+2: 7 [1d6=5]
[23:10:20] <Caitlin> Direct hit. Caitlin cries out in pain, but in a flurry of movement, Caitlin somehow scribbles "Detonate" along with a very rough sketch of the fleeing plane. The shell changes direction and flies off towards the escaping plane, where it explodes as though it were some kind of bomb or missile.
[23:10:58] <~Oxford> The retreating plane's frame finally gives way as shell crashes into it and detonates. It breaks apart, wings tearing away from the fuselage as the supports give way, sending it tumbling into the athletic field below.
[23:14:01] <~Oxford> The explosion is only a muffled crash to Flaurentine, deep in the swamp below. Her mind is occupied by far more important things: the outline of a metal bench, framed by mangroves and overlooking the bay. And slumped next to the bench, a vaguely humanoid form…
[23:15:41] <Flaurentine> VWOOP, VWOOP, VW… As the frantic little girl stops a couple inches above the ground and lands, her clapping hands stop mid-motion. With a large gulp she completely ignores the plane and whatever radio noise there may be, if any, and takes a step forward. Another.
[23:16:12] <Flaurentine> … Then some more. And without really paying attention to detail she breaks into a run.
[23:17:14] <~Oxford> It's definitely a man. A large man, with one hand cuffed firmly to the iron bench. As she gets close, she spots the unmistakable mustache of Major Rolph Donalds.
[23:18:02] * Flaurentine pauses a good distance away, at least when he's recognizable. Not close enough to check for vital signs, anyway, so her body completely freezes up at the sight. One step at a time…
[23:18:40] <~Oxford> He's been out there for days, exposed to the elements. His uniform is covered in mud and salt-spray, but she can see his chest heaving weakly by starlight.
[23:20:04] <Flaurentine> Really, all she wants is to just break down into a fit of tears right now, but without a word Flauri continues to approach and in complete silence a hand is placed on the cuff, or whatever it is binding him. And in that instant magic courses through it, sending the bind alone to god-knows-where.
[23:23:07] <~Oxford> Suddenly, a sharp crack breaks the silence. Flaurentine freezes, hand still where the cuff once was, and turns toward the sound. On the coastline below, barely twenty feet away, a man in dark fatigues creeps forward, snapped twig underfoot, submachinegun at the ready. And to his left is another, and another… as Flauri watches, a full platoon of commandos emerge from the shadows and stalk up the shoreline toward her.
[23:27:26] * Oxford changes topic to 'Cait->Jos->SV-44s ->Elsa ->Flauri -> Commandos'
[23:29:13] <Joslyn> "Hey bookworm! These things have been ganging up on us all night! What say we return the favor?"
[23:29:40] <Caitlin> "…That hurt, let's do it."
[23:31:05] <Joslyn> "Alright then. On my mark, okay?"
[23:31:43] <Joslyn> 3d6+8+2 one plane
[23:31:43] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, one plane: 24 [3d6=5,5,4]
[23:33:18] <Caitlin> 2d6+11 4h1m
[23:33:19] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 4h1m: 18 [2d6=6,1]
[23:33:24] <Caitlin> 1d6 good call
[23:33:24] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, good call: 3 [1d6=3]
[23:33:49] <Caitlin> "Affirmative."
[23:34:30] <Joslyn> "And…mark!" Joslyn launches a swarm of missiles towards one of the planes.
[23:35:59] <@Oxford> 4d6 and +7, same d for both
[23:36:00] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +7, same d for both: 14 [4d6=4,1,3,6]
[23:36:04] <@Oxford> 1d6
[23:36:05] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 6 [1d6=6]
[23:36:08] <@Oxford> 1d6
[23:36:08] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 1 [1d6=1]
[23:36:55] <Joslyn> 1d6+2+2
[23:36:56] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 1d6+2+2: 6 [1d6=2]
[23:38:43] <Caitlin> Caitlin turns to Joslyn in confusion, pen at the ready. "Wait, b-but what? I thought we were going with you making and tossing the steel and me superheating it! …Ah, I wasn't ready for this, I'm sorry…"
[23:39:32] <~Oxford> The missiles streak toward their target, catching it in the middle of its bank, just as it offers the maximum possible cross-section. The swarm detonates all around the aircraft, tearing away broad swathes of fuselage and leaving the hull pitted and scarred.
[23:40:20] <Joslyn> "Sorry, I thought…never mind."
[23:40:28] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, They'll take their attacks, one each at Cait and Jos respectively. +8 (no combo): 11 [4d6=1,3,2,5], 11 [4d6=4,2,3,2]
[23:40:44] <Joslyn> "Hey Jester, Criss-cross, how are things going on your end?"
[23:40:53] <@Oxford> 16 Cait, 15 Jos
[23:41:02] <Joslyn> 2d6+10
[23:41:02] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 2d6+10: 20 [2d6=5,5]
[23:42:02] <~Oxford> The two planes swoop around, hell-bent on revenge. Each targets a different girl, closing to point-blank range before firing.
[23:42:07] <Flaurentine> "…"
[23:42:08] <Caitlin> 3d6+6
[23:42:09] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 3d6+6: 15 [3d6=6,2,1]
[23:42:18] <Caitlin> 1d6 oh lawd
[23:42:18] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, oh lawd: 4 [1d6=4]
[23:44:02] <Joslyn> Being right in front of the attacking plane means she only needs a simple sidestep to dodge anything that it would send her way.
[23:44:18] <Caitlin> Caitlin dodges in a cloud of ink, like some mysterious aquatic monster.
[23:45:27] <~Oxford> The fighters streak past, shots finding nothing but air.
[23:49:44] <~Oxford> In the school below, Elsa zips down the hallway toward whatever the commandos were shooting at. A figure steps around the corner, pistol in hand, and before she can react fires a single shot directly past her. She hears a soft squelch and a thud as the lone survivor of her attack falls dead, a smoking hole in his forehead. Major Westfield steps into the starlight, service revolver in hand.
[23:52:19] * Elsa brakes and stops midair and holds a few inches above the ground, "Major! Are you alright?" She asks, "Looks like those were all of them, Kate and Jos are dealing with the planes right now."
[23:56:51] <~Oxford> "Good timing, Warrant." The major gives Elsa a relieved nod and holsters his weapon. "I've cleared the dormitories and the auditorium. If you came in from that direction, that only leaves the main entrance hall." He points down the corridor to her right. "Be careful, Elsa."
[23:58:17] <Joslyn> "Jester, Criss-cross, what's your situation? I repeat, please come in, over!"
[23:58:53] <Elsa> "Aye aye sir." She says before heading in the direction of that corridor, this time keeping close to the ceiling and minding corners, in case there are more soldiers around. "I found the Major, I'll be cleaning up the soldiers that are left in here."
[23:59:06] <Flaurentine> "…"
[00:00:17] <Joslyn> "Good job. Criss-Cross, what's up?"
[00:01:32] <Flaurentine> The radio doesn't get any responses of actual words, and unfortunately for Criss-Cross herself the sound of whoever approaches probably isn't loud enough for the radio to pick up. Without turning around she panics to remember what to do in this sort of situation, resulting in her hands reluctantly lifting upward into the air.
[00:03:01] * Flaurentine takes a step slightly closer to the bench, though, brushing against it. Still not turning.
[00:04:35] <Joslyn> "…dammit Flauri, what the hell is going on down there?!?"
[00:06:35] <~Oxford> Suddenly, the nearest commando turns his head sharply toward her. He freezes, and then takes a cautious step directly toward the bench. Toward Donalds.
[00:07:16] * Flaurentine bites her lip and doesn't move, watching the commando's weapon moreso than anything else.
[00:08:52] <~Oxford> He takes another step, then leans over, as if squinting at her. And then, with a start, he points his weapon.
[00:10:43] <Flaurentine> … Right, that's enough. The timid girl notices this is an enemy ambush and not a trap set to catch her with Donalds or somesuch, albeit a bit too late. Her body turns to cover him while using all the magic she's capable of on the entire bench, shackled man included. She doesn't even specify a destination, only something far away.
[00:11:01] <&Flaurentine> 5d6+3 because I can totally afford to do this
[00:11:01] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, because I can totally afford to do this: 25 [5d6=4,3,4,5,6]
[00:11:05] <&Flaurentine> 1d6 totally
[00:11:05] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, totally: 3 [1d6=3]
[00:16:31] <~Oxford> The commando blinks, suddenly confused. He had been sure he'd seen… no, must've been nerves. These shadows…he shivered a bit. Deep in enemy territory, attacking a school…this wasn't what he'd signed up for.
[00:18:51] <Joslyn> Above them, Joslyn is struggling to keep her thoughts in line. She needs to focus and get a solid hit, and soon
[00:19:07] <Joslyn> 3d6+8 wounded plane
[00:19:07] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, wounded plane: 18 [3d6=4,4,2]
[00:19:45] <@Oxford> 4d6 and +7
[00:19:45] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +7: 9 [4d6=2,1,3,3]
[00:20:00] <Joslyn> 1d6+2
[00:20:01] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 1d6+2: 4 [1d6=2]
[00:20:28] <Joslyn> Now that she's calm, a solid hit is exactly what she gets!
[00:21:56] <~Oxford> The plane is thrown violently as it's rocked by the impact, fire erupting from both engines. The pilot struggles in the darkened cockpit, frantically jamming the extinguisher as flames lick his canopy.
[00:23:36] <Caitlin> 693 by the way
[00:23:47] <Elsa> 793 here
[00:23:50] <&Flaurentine> I don't think I'll need my 435 anymore
[00:28:31] <Caitlin> 3d6+4 then
[00:28:32] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, then: 13 [3d6=1,2,6]
[00:28:35] <Caitlin> 1d6
[00:28:36] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 1d6: 3 [1d6=3]
[00:29:21] <@Oxford> 4d6
[00:29:21] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 4d6: 14 [4d6=6,4,3,1]
[00:29:26] <@Oxford> 1d6
[00:29:26] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 3 [1d6=3]
[00:29:35] <@Oxford> 20, he dodges
[00:29:44] <Caitlin> What about the second?
[00:29:53] <@Oxford> 4d6 good call
[00:29:54] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, good call: 17 [4d6=4,6,5,2]
[00:29:59] <@Oxford> 1d6
[00:30:00] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 1d6: 2 [1d6=2]
[00:31:40] <Caitlin> Caitlin writes the word "Storm" in the air, seeking to send the planes out of the sky. It doesn't do a whole lot other than make a couple nasty looking clouds, not even some rain.
[00:36:16] * Elsa flies into the main hall of the academy and sees…what?
[00:38:53] <~Oxford> A pair of machinegun emplacements are waiting for her. Set up in the wide entrance hall, they'd clearly intended to cut off the escape of anyone trying to flee through the main entrance. What they got instead - a flying, fire-spraying schoolgirl - gives even these trained commandos a moment's pause. Then they open fire.
[00:39:45] <@Oxford> Anyway, two targets, a few guys with a machinegun behind some overturned tables and such.
[00:39:56] <@Oxford> It's a clash, so roll an attack against their attack
[00:40:17] <Elsa> 3d6+7 clashan I guess
[00:40:18] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, clashan I guess: 16 [3d6=3,4,2]
[00:40:26] <@Oxford> 2#2d6+8
[00:40:27] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 2#2d6+8: 16 [2d6=6,2], 16 [2d6=3,5]
[00:40:34] <@Oxford> well then
[00:40:39] <Elsa> oh lawl
[00:40:42] <@Oxford> 2#1d6
[00:40:43] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, 2#1d6: 3 [1d6=3], 4 [1d6=4]
[00:40:52] <Elsa> 2#1d6
[00:40:53] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 2#1d6: 4 [1d6=4], 5 [1d6=5]
[00:40:58] <@Oxford> owned.
[00:41:02] <Elsa> this is way too wierd
[00:41:08] <Elsa> weird
[00:41:12] <@Oxford> Alright, give me two damage rolls.
[00:41:19] <Elsa> 1d6+2
[00:41:20] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 1d6+2: 5 [1d6=3]
[00:43:26] * Elsa fires out two torrents of flame heading straight for the machine gun nests, engulfing both of the nests in some pretty hots stuff, its not long before the machine gun barrel begins to turn red-hot and the ammo boxes cook off.
[00:52:24] <Elsa> 2d6+7 rocking magic attack
[00:52:25] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, rocking magic attack: 15 [2d6=6,2]
[00:52:29] <Elsa> 1d6
[00:52:29] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 1d6: 2 [1d6=2]
[00:53:27] <@Oxford> 4d6 and +7 but man, we're in bad shape
[00:53:28] <+DiceMaid-9001> Oxford, and +7 but man, we're in bad shape: 14 [4d6=3,5,3,3]
[00:53:36] <@Oxford> 15 total
[00:53:45] <Caitlin> hit
[00:53:51] <@Oxford> roll damage
[00:54:00] <Elsa> 1d6+2 damage
[00:54:00] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, damage: 5 [1d6=3]
[00:55:30] * Elsa flies off the the main hall entrance and outwards…she looks around and launches a fireball at the most damaged airplane she can see. "Sorry I'm late, I had to deal with some thugs."
[00:56:32] <~Oxford> The attack rips through the aircraft's canopy, sending the pilot cowering in his seat as his plane swerves wildly, out of control.
[00:58:37] <Caitlin> 5d6+3+2-2 TEAMULTI ATTACK FUCK
[00:58:38] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, TEAMULTI ATTACK FUCK: 19 [5d6=2,5,4,2,3]
[00:58:44] <@Oxford> okay, my dog just walked into my room and pissed on the floor for like a full minute
[00:58:48] <&Flaurentine> 4d6+10+2 oh wow
[00:58:48] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, oh wow: 21 [4d6=1,1,5,2]
[00:58:51] <&Flaurentine> OH WOW
[00:58:54] <Caitlin> not a single si-haha oh go-what
[00:58:55] <@Oxford> and now it smells weirdly of shrimp
[00:59:00] <&Flaurentine> hahahaha jesus fuck
[00:59:05] <&Flaurentine> I'll…. oh wow
[00:59:08] <@Oxford> So I'm gonna go clean this up, but you guys keep at it.
[00:59:18] <&Flaurentine> we'll wait
[00:59:55] <@Oxford> Tree is your DM. The one plane is at 10 HP, the other is at full, and they're both 8/7/3, roll 4d6, and do 2d8 keep 1 damage.
[01:00:06] <&Flaurentine> … aw shit
[01:00:07] <@Oxford> seriously, this might take a while, trust me
[01:00:26] <Elsa> "I think I got one!"
[01:01:08] <&Flaurentine> 2#4d6 and +7 this can't be so bad, right?
[01:01:08] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, and +7 this can't be so bad, right?: 14 [4d6=6,4,1,3], 10 [4d6=1,2,1,6]
[01:01:17] <&Flaurentine> 2#1d6 maybe it can
[01:01:18] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, maybe it can: 1 [1d6=1], 5 [1d6=5]
[01:01:19] <Caitlin> ah oh
[01:01:33] <Caitlin> 18 and 20?
[01:03:07] <&Flaurentine> 1d6+6 here's damage on the one though, and I guess that was the injured one?
[01:03:07] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, here's damage on the one though, and I guess that was the injured one?: 10 [1d6=4]
[01:03:25] <Caitlin> Well
[01:03:32] <Caitlin> That'd take him out
[01:03:35] <Caitlin> If it's the other one
[01:03:43] <&Flaurentine> actually
[01:03:49] <&Flaurentine> I don't think it was clarified which one was which
[01:03:53] <&Flaurentine> we'll call it the full one
[01:03:53] <Caitlin> we have another d6+8 coming
[01:04:14] <Caitlin> 1d6+8 okay
[01:04:15] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, okay: 12 [1d6=4]
[01:04:22] <Caitlin> 3 and 10 HP each
[01:07:03] <Caitlin> THIS time they pull off the earlier move Caitlin thought was planned. Joslyn whips up a big slab of steel, Caitlin turns it horribly hot, and Joslyn directs it right into one of the planes.
[01:10:06] <Flaurentine> The other airplane whooshes by, but one of them become INCREDIBLY HOT and the pilot wonders why he's still flying it without exploding! … That's not what the girls see, though, because they turn around and fire their guns.
[01:10:34] <&Flaurentine> 2#4d6 and 8 Joslyn then Caitlin
[01:10:36] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, and 8 Joslyn then Caitlin: 15 [4d6=5,3,6,1], 14 [4d6=1,3,5,5]
[01:10:44] <&Flaurentine> 1d6 hurr
[01:10:46] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, hurr: 2 [1d6=2]
[01:10:48] <Caitlin> thanks brah but
[01:10:50] <&Flaurentine> 20 and 17
[01:10:59] <&Flaurentine> But?
[01:11:06] <Caitlin> I'll failstatic it to avoid permanent change
[01:11:53] <&Flaurentine> 2d6+8 Joslyn doesn't need to care because she takes no damage
[01:11:54] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, Joslyn doesn't need to care because she takes no damage: 13 [2d6=4,1]
[01:12:00] <&Flaurentine> 2#2d8 eh
[01:12:01] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, eh: 10 [2d8=5,5], 13 [2d8=7,6]
[01:15:39] <Caitlin> Ouch. Caitlin's barely hanging on to her consciousness after that barrage.
[01:15:57] <Flaurentine> Joslyn takes no damage because her homosexuality guards her from everything.
[01:16:05] <Flaurentine> … At least she doesn't show it.
[01:17:52] <Elsa> 2d6+7 killing the weaker plane
[01:17:53] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, killing the weaker plane: 14 [2d6=1,6]
[01:17:56] <Elsa> 1d6
[01:17:56] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 1d6: 6 [1d6=6]
[01:18:01] <Elsa> oh boy
[01:18:04] <Elsa> 1d6
[01:18:04] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 1d6: 3 [1d6=3]
[01:18:35] <&Flaurentine> 4d6 and 7 how badass is this pilot
[01:18:37] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, and 7 how badass is this pilot: 16 [4d6=2,5,4,5]
[01:18:41] <Elsa> I win
[01:18:44] <&Flaurentine> he isn't badass at all
[01:18:49] <Elsa> 1d6+4
[01:18:50] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 1d6+4: 5 [1d6=1]
[01:20:11] * Elsa chases after more damaged looking flame…the one she threw a fireball into its canopy and punches the shit out of its engines with flame sheathed fists that melt metal as soon as she touches it.
[01:20:41] <Elsa> plane*
[01:21:14] <Flaurentine> Plane-sheathed fists? That's just awful!
[01:23:22] * Elsa makes a :I face at the narration.
[01:25:21] <&Flaurentine> 1d6+5 this much to the not-so-lesbian, OC goes to magic for 6 I think?
[01:25:21] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, this much to the not-so-lesbian, OC goes to magic for 6 I think?: 7 [1d6=2]
[01:26:42] <Caitlin> 3d6+3 whatever then
[01:26:42] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, whatever then: 13 [3d6=1,6,3]
[01:26:45] <Caitlin> 1d6
[01:26:46] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 1d6: 1 [1d6=1]
[01:27:03] <&Flaurentine> 4d6 and 7 like no way dude
[01:27:04] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, and 7 like no way dude: 12 [4d6=3,4,3,2]
[01:27:16] <Caitlin> …tie
[01:27:18] <Caitlin> 1d6
[01:27:18] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 1d6: 4 [1d6=4]
[01:27:45] <&Flaurentine> 1d6 yeah okay my bad
[01:27:46] <+DiceMaid-9001> Flaurentine, yeah okay my bad: 3 [1d6=3]
[01:27:58] <Caitlin> 1d6+4 check my 6
[01:27:58] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, check my 6: 7 [1d6=3]
[01:29:18] <Caitlin> Caitlin writes "Bend" on the plane this time, contorting it in a rather unpleasant manner for its pilot, though not quite enough to render it inoperable.
[01:34:11] * Elsa finishes off the plane with a spout of flame appearing from her palms, its bent frame no longer in any shape to take on the stresses of keeping itself aloft.
[01:37:27] <~Oxford> It tears apart across the tail, everything aft of the wings ripping off, metal screaming in protest. The forward section tumbles end-over-end on its way to the ground, where it impacts with a fiery explosion that leaves wreckage strewn across the school parking lot.
[01:39:07] <Caitlin> "If everything's taken care of down by the school, we should find Flauri."
[01:41:36] * Elsa sighs, "Now thats done lets go look for Flauri."
[01:43:12] <~Oxford> The two seem to be of one mind. But Flaurentine is nowhere to be found. Her emergency teleportation has transported her, and her commanding officer, very far away…
[01:46:38] <~Oxford> They find themselves in an open field. The golden grain sways softly in the breeze, and the air is noticeably warmer than it was in Albaea. To the north, framed against a sky brilliant with stars, stands a tall, southern-style church. A church Flaurentine finds strikingly familiar…
[01:48:22] <Flaurentine> "… Ah." The forced silence releases itself with a sigh of relief. Now, with a look of terror - and one that hopes he doesn't wake up and get the wrong idea while she' at it - her fingers slowly slide forward once she regains her composure and run magic through the handcuff, getting rid of it. If she knew how many meters she teleported she could teleport it inside the commando's skull, but… no luck. To a random location for it.
[01:51:05] <~Oxford> The wrought-iron bench has landed upright, providing a convenient place to sit. Major Donalds stirs softly at Flaurentine's feet, and his mud-encrusted eyes flicker open.
[01:52:11] <Flaurentine> Flauri herself shoots her eyes to the side when it happens, inevitable as it is. All the strength the little girl can muster, now that the whole bench has come, is spent moving him to a comfortable position and brushing the mud off, even dirtying her own clothes in the process. It's all done in silence, though— even the blush on her face wanes a bit.
[01:55:42] <~Oxford> With time, he regains consciousness. His lips are badly chapped beneath his signature mustache, and his eyes are shockingly white against the mud on his face. "F-Flauri…?" he manages, voice cracking.
[01:57:57] <Flaurentine> Since when d- well, this isn't the time for questions. Lip still bitten, her trembling hands try to give the only hand motion she knows of to tell him it'll be alright. Shaky though it is. "Please… Please don't try to speak, Sir. I… It's over, I promise I'll… bring you back safely."
[01:59:00] * Flaurentine bubbles up after the lines like she'd been reciting them, hardly able to compose herself anymore. In fact, she falls to her knees on the spot and whips out the radio, frantically trying to get it to work. "Jo- I-I mean, Iron Maiden, this is Criss-Cross! Do you read?"
[02:01:29] <~Oxford> He smiles, almost painfully broad. "N-never doubted it for a minute, sweet." His voice is raspy, cracked, but easily recognizable. He frowns slightly as she turns to the radio.
[02:02:26] <~Oxford> "Won't get much from that, I'm afraid. Even I could tell you we're quite a ways from home, Flauri."
[02:03:18] <Flaurentine> She frowns too. Anything more than a second of static and it drops to the ground, leaving only her tear-filled face to stare him straight until the eyes before she's blinded by the moisture. "I… I'm so sorry, Sir, I mean it, for everything, I didn't want it to- I couldn't- I was so-"
[02:05:27] * Flaurentine spends a good minute wiping the tears clean, standing up and extending both hands to the benched man. "I… I remember, Sir. M-May I… ah… make one brief request?"
[02:05:46] <~Oxford> He clears his throat, a faint laugh echoing in his barrel-like chest. "Come now, that won't do at all. Enunciate, darling. Like I taught you."
[02:06:05] <~Oxford> He smiles again, almost sadly. "What is your request?"
[02:07:22] <Flaurentine> The hands retract for one of them to give the crispest salute she can remember, clearing her throat. "Yes, Sir! I request… to be permitted to provide an escort back to B-Bruinham flight, and…" As if sad that she couldn't get past a sentence without stuttering, that same hand tries to help him up again. "… To be punished when we return."
[02:10:43] <~Oxford> "P-punished?" Not so much a stutter as a cough. He shivers slightly, even in the warm air. "I don't expect that to be neccesary, Provisional Warrant Officer Flaurentine Flamenca." The way he says her full title is almost teasing.
[02:13:02] <Flaurentine> She can manage a smile, finally, in the relaxed atmosphere, even with how critical his condition seems. At least, in her eyes, it's the worst it can be. With that smile comes a little accidental chuckle, which she follows up by covering her mouth with a hand briefly before lowering it and trying to muster another serious look. "I… apologize, I've been nothing but trouble lately, Sir. I… couldn't even keep my memories intact, or stop this from happening, or stop the attack on Bruinham…" A small pause. "I-I only feel it's right."
[02:16:51] <~Oxford> "Well, if you insist…" He starts to raise one hand for a gentle pat on her head, but struggles and abandons the idea partway up. Instead he settles for laying the hand gently on her knee. "I'm sure we devise suitable… disciplinary measures." His eyes close for a moment, as though to clear his head.
[02:17:18] <Flaurentine> The smile just looks more relieved. "Thank you, Sir."
[02:17:46] <~Oxford> "Really, I'm the one who should be apologizing. I seem to have been frightfully misled."
[02:18:51] <Flaurentine> The first head-tilt of the day. "By what, Sir?" Flauri slumps down a little more. "I was the one who… couldn't control myself, so all this happened… I-I'm deeply grateful for everything you've done for me!"
[02:22:19] <~Oxford> He smiles, shaking his head. "It couldn't possibly matter less, my dear. Don't trouble yourself over what's already in the past." He falls silent for a moment before continuing. "More importantly…" he says, turning his head toward the outline of the abandoned church on the hill. "Do you know where we are?"
[02:23:28] <Flaurentine> Her hand extends itself again. "I… I think I… read about it. But… I'm not sure where it is. Ah…" Her fingers tremble a bit, but try their best to make their offer. "Can you stand, Sir?"
[02:25:18] <~Oxford> He props himself up, experimentally putting weight on one leg and then the other. "In theory, yes. Though I should very much like a glass of water. Or a good pint, for that matter."
[02:27:22] <Flaurentine> A little giggle, again in relief. "I'll… try to see what I can do, Sir. I could… try to find a safe route back home, but… s-should we go inside?" She looks a bit nervous, looking at the building- well, excessively nervous, considering having been forgiven already, which isn't really the sort of thing that's comfortable after all that's happened. Still, a few small steps toward the building.
[02:28:48] <~Oxford> "Perhaps, dear. But I was starting to say: That building is the Church of the Resurrection. It stands just north of d'Lancia Portado, on the border between Hispalia and Gallia." He grimaces, pain shooting up his left leg. "You've seen it before, many years ago."
[02:30:33] <Flaurentine> "I…" Seeing it in person is different than reading about it. It's mostly disbelief; can a single person's power really take them THAT far? "I… understand. I was able to read about it thanks to Major Westfield's kindness, but I… never expected to…" Now, revering the sanctuary as some sort of building much more holy than it probably is, she only stares in awe instead of entering.
[02:31:15] * Flaurentine shoots a look down to the ground. "If that's true, I-I'm not sure how to get back… or where the nearest place for a drink is… I humbly, deeply apologize."
[02:32:09] <Flaurentine> There's also a point in there where she takes an arm of his and uses her frail self as something to lean on if necessary, though it's only somewhat effective considering the size difference.
[02:34:52] <~Oxford> "Fascinating history, this old church," he continues, hardly noticing (or perhaps just ignoring) her hesitancy to enter. "It was built over two hundred years ago, as a stopping point for Almorad pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land."
[02:36:10] <~Oxford> Finding a mostly-intact pew within, he gingerly takes a seat, and then stretches out to lay down.
[02:37:21] * Flaurentine follows along, not willing to refuse something like this. She's still intimidated by the architecture and worried that anybody else may be nearby, but shakes it off and heads in. "How… When… Why was I here before, S-Sir?" Some measures are taken to assure comfort down there, though she'd really wish for a glass of water to magically appear right about now.
[02:40:37] <~Oxford> "Oh-ho…" he says, smiling. "Skipping to the end of the story, I see. Very well. After two hundred years, this country, Hispalia, suffered a terrible civil war. Brother turned against brother, father against son. Grim stuff, I'm afraid. That was in 1923. How old were you then, Flaurentine?" He smiles indulgently as he waits for her to answer.
[02:42:36] <Flaurentine> "I…" Well, that was a little too hasty, her returning blush shows. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to… but… I don't think I…" A little shuffle, sitting next to him. "I… still don't remember everything yet, I'm not sure. But I'm sure I wasn't very old then at all…"
[02:47:09] <~Oxford> He chuckles. "No, not very old at all. You were born, as far as we know, not too far south of here, to a wealthy, landowning family. A fortunate birth, but at a most unfortunate time. The rebels, you see, wanted nothing to do with the nobility - even minor nobility like your parents." He frowns, and looks away, struggling to keep up his devil-may-care facade.
[02:49:35] <Flaurentine> "Ah.. I…" Whatever tries to come out isn't words. If anything it's a why are you telling me this? face, but that very face is knowingly directed away from the man's gaze. Every effort she can put in is spent toward listening, while still looking over to make sure his condition isn't worsening at all. If only they could stay like this forever… and it's that thought alone that injects pure regret into her eyes.
[02:50:38] <Flaurentine> "I'm…. sorry. I'm sure… I was a burden then too." A whisper is spoken, though not loudly enough to not let him continue. Something like that would be TOO rude.
[02:53:22] <~Oxford> He does not, perhaps, wish to continue - but the fact that he does speaks to a certain sense of responsibility, of necessity. "About three years later, in '26, the rebellion was in its final stages. Your family had stuck it out that long, but now it was time to go. So they headed for the Gallian border. Toward this church, and the foothills beyond. Toward freedom."
[02:54:20] <Flaurentine> This time it's almost necessary to interrupt, or the tears in her eyes tell her it is. "Would they… be upset if they knew I couldn't remember them?"
[02:57:00] <~Oxford> He sighs, sadly. "I think they would be proud of you, for making it this far. I was part of the Albaea Volunteer Regiment; just a boy, really. We swept this area about a week after the the guerillas withdrew, pushing in from southern Gallia. This church was the first objective we captured."
[02:58:15] <~Oxford> "Ah…" He coughs once, almost apologetically. "Perhaps you could fetch that water for me, though? There's a well, right out back…"
[02:58:58] <Flaurentine> "…" That's enough for her, as the smile forces its way back through her lips. Though, this time it's more a sorrowful one than a relieved one, even if there is a hint of both in it. And before long she jolts up. "Ah! I… I'm so sorry! I-I had no idea…" Clap.
[03:00:19] * Flaurentine takes the easy route to find the 'back,' taking note of whatever's out there. Hopefully there's a cup or something, but the thought that having to bring it in her hands one drink at a time might not be all that bad works its way in… anything else would be a little more convenient though.
[03:02:06] <~Oxford> Conveniently enough, there's a small pail attached to a length of what looks like vine coiled by the well. It takes only a moment to retrieve a full bucket of water.
[03:03:19] <Flaurentine> That's convenient… but Flauri doesn't want to keep him waiting. Vwoop. "I'm very sorry, Sir… I-I should've looked first before making assumptions." Tears work their way to the corners of her eyes again while handing it out. "Please feel better soon…"
[03:05:16] <~Oxford> He drinks carefully, barely wetting his lips at first, and then taking in the water with slow, measured sips.
[03:05:56] * Flaurentine takes this time to subtly take notice of the leg he seemed to have trouble putting pressure on earlier. It's not wounded or anything, is it?
[03:09:24] <~Oxford> After four nights in the open, its possible he has lasting damage to his extremities, especially if they were wet. "I was saying, though," he continues at length, "that I was deployed to this area just a week after the massacre of d'Lancia. Part of my duties included digging graves for the victims."
[03:11:34] <Flaurentine> As much as an "I see" wants to come out, it doesn't. Maybe because that would only be a half-truth. So it's just an ellipsis with a downcast look, again. This time her eyes shoot to the side in worry for multiple reasons.
[03:14:21] <~Oxford> He frowns a little, his mustache exaggerating the expression. "At any rate… we found you right over there, hiding underneath the pulpit, beneath the rose window. Its anyone's guess how long you'd been there." He gestures weakly toward the front of the church.
[03:15:32] <Flaurentine> "We…? You mean…" That actually does result in a little surprised gasp as her eyes focus toward said window, staring at it and trying to forcefully recall what it must've been like. But just being in the building is enough.
[03:17:05] <~Oxford> "You couldn't've been more than four or five… but you were so very small…" His eyelids start to droop, and for a moment it seems he's going to fall asleep mid-sentence.
[03:18:01] <Flaurentine> The gigglesmile somes back. "I'm sure I've… been so much trouble since then. I…" With a loud gasp she notices the stars. "W-What am I doing? Ah… It's too dangerous to go back now, I… where could the closest town be? Oh no, oh no…"
[03:20:12] <~Oxford> "To make a long story short," he say finally, shaking his head to clear it, "we arranged for you to immigrate to Albaea. Truthfully, I never expected to see you again. You can imagine my surprise when…wh…" His eyelids close, almost carelessly, and a moment later he begins to snore softly.
[03:21:26] <Flaurentine> "Ah, I…" Relieved, her own eyes close, leaning back. "… Just a little longer. M-Miss Joslyn, Miss Caitlin… Miss Elsa… please be okay."
[03:26:00] <~Oxford> The cool, star-lit sky bathes the church in pale blue light. The spire above looks out over the countryside like a sentry, keeping watch once again over a young girl and the aging soldier sworn to keep her safe.
[03:26:10] <~Oxford> /session
[http://pastebin.com/UUiJXzpH]
[19:13:58] * Oxford changes topic to '"In light of Recent Events, classes will be postponed indefinitely following the Winter Break. We hope to see you all again soon!"'
[19:18:06] <~Oxford> Over a week has passed since the raid on Bruinham's School for Talented Youth. Flaurentine disappeared during the battle, and a frantic search yielded no clues. The situation only added to the confusion in the wake of the commandos' attack.
[19:19:44] <~Oxford> St. Cheswhick's is still in an uproar, having come under attack as well. Fortunately, no students were harmed, but several members of the faculty were killed. Last night's memorial service for them was a tearful affair.
[19:23:26] <~Oxford> Overall, a stressful week. But when Major Westfield sent for the girls earlier today, his message sounded almost up-beat. They meet up outside his office right after classes, ready for the briefing.
[19:24:47] * Joslyn isn't expecting much. School or no school, the three of them are probably going to go up every day they're called on until they can't anymore.
[19:25:24] <Joslyn> That she has a garden spade stuck to her knee is something else worth discussing.
[19:26:16] * Elsa waits outside the major's office, leaning with one shoulder on the wall. She eyes Joslyn curiously but decides not to question it, seeing as she has been having moments where she feels almost like she's taking a dive when flying.
[19:26:51] <Caitlin> Caitlin's not in great condition under all the stress, especially Flauri's disappearance, but doesn't seem to be on the verge of a breakdown. "Ah, Joslyn, why…?" She asks the question Joslyn's obviously baiting while gesturing towards Joslyn's knee.
[19:27:14] <Joslyn> "Oh…right. Probably should say something about that."
[19:28:14] <Joslyn> "I, Uhh…well, when Flauri's clone went after us…I kind of went off the deep end. And now this happens from time to time."
[19:29:10] <~Oxford> Outside the window at the end of the hall, a steady drizzle falls. The rain has kept up, on and off, for most of the week.
[19:30:47] <Elsa> "I've been feeling weird since back at Bruinham." She knocks at the door to the major's office.
[19:31:35] <Caitlin> "…I don't understand. You… compulsively attach things to your knee?" Caitlin appears visibly confused by this nonsense.
[19:32:04] <~Oxford> "Come in," a brusque voice calls from the other side.
[19:32:16] <Joslyn> "No, metal stuff seems to stick to me."
[19:33:08] * Elsa has learned not to ask, these things can get really strange, the magic aftereffects that is. With his approval she opens the door and walks into the office.
[19:34:02] * Joslyn follows Elsa
[19:34:11] <~Oxford> As usual, Westfield is sitting at his desk, hands folded in front of him. He gestures for the girls to sit down.
[19:34:39] <Caitlin> "That sounds rather unfortunate." Caitlin steps inside the office and takes a seat silently.
[19:35:40] <Joslyn> "Well…what's the news?"
[19:37:30] <~Oxford> "The news is good, ladies. I recently received this telegram from a ship just off the coast. Ahem:" He clears his throat and picks up a slip of paper printed in all-caps block letters.
[19:39:36] <~Oxford> "ATTN: WF ETC. FF, MAJ D SAFE, EN ROUTE TO CHESWHICKS. ARRIVE LATE TONIGHT."
[19:40:39] <Joslyn> "…well I'll be damned, they made it out safe." Joslyn can't help but grin.
[19:41:01] <Caitlin> Caitlin sighs in relief, clutching her hands together, "Flauri and the Major are safe? Oh, I was so worried…"
[19:42:09] * Elsa whistles in amazement, "Looks like Flauri was right."
[19:42:34] <~Oxford> The Major can't quite suppress a smile. "The telegram originated from a freighter bound north from Hispalia. How they ended up there… I'd say I have no idea, but actually I think we can probably guess."
[19:43:49] <Joslyn> "That…reminds me. Something I need to make clear." Joslyn frowns. "It appears I've come across a…magical disturbance that doesn't seem like it's going away."
[19:43:56] <Caitlin> "I'm sorry, Sir, but I don't quite follow. Why would they be in Hispalia?"
[19:44:34] <Elsa> "Flaury probably jumped really far out, who knows how far she can actually go with those powers of hers."
[19:44:44] <~Oxford> He raises an eyebrow. "Another… side effect, Warrant? Of what nature?"
[19:45:41] <Caitlin> Caitlin mumbles something in surprise. It sounds like "That far…" She tries to avoid disrupting Joslyn's explanation, though.
[19:45:58] <Joslyn> "Well…it seems that I tend to become magnetic at times. I can't control it, but right now it seems to be more a general annoyance than any real threat to my well-being."
[19:46:54] <Caitlin> "…What if something dangerous such as a knife were to try embedding itself in you? Or you accidentally stole coins?"
[19:47:01] <Joslyn> As if to prove her point, her hand has a binder clip hanging on to her wrist, as she still has the spade dangling from her hand.
[19:48:44] <Elsa> "My reflection keeps making faces at me sometimes, but she's doing it less often. Nothing too important on my part."
[19:48:58] <Joslyn> "The magnetic field…doesn't seem to be appreciably strong. I have to be almost touching it in order for it to stick. I'll just have to be careful."
[19:49:21] <~Oxford> He strokes his chin and looks off into the distance. "Perhaps we could try degaussing you back at the research facility…" He blinks, then shakes his head. "If you can work around it for now, please do."
[19:49:57] <Joslyn> "Shouldn't be a problem."
[19:51:51] <Caitlin> The slight shift in Caitlin's eyes suggests she'd rather not see anybody go back to those facilities. Poor Elsa.
[19:57:16] <~Oxford> "So, on the basis of this telegram, I drew up plans for the Flight to meet Major Donalds' freighter and escort them in to Bougnetsport. I think we all owe it to them to see that they get home safely."
[19:57:58] <Joslyn> "Sounds fair. And I don't suppose any freighter will refuse the top cover."
[19:58:14] <Caitlin> "We won't let anything happen to them."
[19:59:40] <Elsa> "This mission should be easier than our previous assignments… Hopefully our luck will hold out this time too. It'd be nice to see Flauri again."
[20:02:03] <~Oxford> "Good. Now in the meantime," he continues, face returning to its usual seriousness, "I have received a lengthy memo from Headquarters. It concerns the results of our intelligence operations on Keller's Isle."
[20:06:44] <Elsa> "So what did they say?"
[20:07:03] <Caitlin> Caitlin nods, quietly resting her hands in her lap. Flaurentine being, well, not dead is really great news, but this could be serious, too.
[20:07:24] <~Oxford> "Specifically, the captured Argus-2 pulse bombs have been of extraordinary value to our research teams. The design is almost a decade ahead of anything we have."
[20:08:01] <Joslyn> "Ethics aside, do they think they could reverse-engineer them?"
[20:11:26] <~Oxford> "In theory, though it would take time. Six or eight months, we estimate." He frowns. "More importantly, we've identified the enemy research team we think is responsible for the design."
[20:13:48] * Elsa yawns, this doesn't really interest her. "Did we find out what the soldiers were doing at the schools?"
[20:14:41] <Caitlin> "…I see." Caitlin really doesn't support the idea of bombs like that; too many civilian casualties, easily.
[20:16:18] <~Oxford> He tosses a thick brown folder to Joslyn. It has a grainy photograph of a short, elderly man with frizzy white hair wearing a lab coat. "His name is Dr. Viktor Tereshkova, and he's directly responsible for four or five major breakthroughs in Novgoraadi military tech. Including the insertion vehicles those frogmen used to infiltrate the Academy," he adds, looking at Elsa.
[20:16:56] <Joslyn> "Are we planning an…extraction of the good Doctor?"
[20:20:02] <Elsa> "If thats so we might see some new places."
[20:20:40] <Caitlin> "…Isn't extraction nothing more than a pleasant term for kidnapping?"
[20:21:30] <~Oxford> "The sonar-guided torpedos that sunk half our merchant fleet… improved air-burst flak shells… fin-stabilized artillery rounds…" The Major counts them off on his fingers. "And of course, those pulse bombs they've been raining on our cities. No, we're not going to extract him. We're going to murder him."
[20:22:02] <Joslyn> "Oh, because that's so much better. Please tell me we won't be leading that mission."
[20:22:53] <~Oxford> "Don't misunderstand - we'd capture him if we could. But Tereshkova's a hard-core ultranationalist; he'd never turn, and this mission is risky enough without needing to get him out safely."
[20:24:49] <Caitlin> "Oh. I… Oh." Caitlin struggles with the moral conflict of blatantly murdering somebody. Clearly, he's responsible for many deaths, but at the same time, calling him by name with a picture humanizes him in a way much different from large metal objects in the sky that just happen to have people inside (who happen to be immediately trying to kill her and her friends).
[20:26:35] <Joslyn> "I have no problem with someone sending metallic death towards his oversized head. I just don't want to be the one to do it."
[20:27:04] <~Oxford> "But yes, we'll be leading this operation. Specifically, you'll be leading it, Parnocus." He stands up and offers her a small wodden box. After she takes it, he salutes sharply.
[20:27:20] * Joslyn gulps and opens the box.
[20:28:14] * Elsa has been burning soldiers to a crisp for a while somehow this doesn't really bother her too much…actually why hasn't burning soldiers bothered her? Maybe its the whole detachment thing, or maybe she thinks of it like a game.
[20:29:48] <~Oxford> Inside is a pair of small gold pips, an extra stripe-patch, and a folded piece of paper. "Congratulations, 1st Lieutenant Joslyn Parnocus."
[20:30:48] <Joslyn> "I…I don't know what to say, sir."
[20:32:19] <Caitlin> "…Congratulations, Joslyn! I'm happy for you." Rank might not be something of great importance to Caitlin, but she figures it probably means a lot to Joslyn
[20:34:19] * Elsa claps happily, "Nice going there. Maybe we should celebrate later."
[20:34:23] <~Oxford> "This mission will be a joint operation between us, Bruinham Flight, and Darnhurst Flight. Regulations require me to put a commissioned officer in charge of any unit above flight-size, and I have utmost faith in your abilities." He extends a hand in congratulations.
[20:35:09] * Joslyn shakes the Major's hand. "It's an honor. I'll do my best to prove that you made the right call."
[20:35:24] <Joslyn> "…Now then, I do beleive we have a ship to catch?"
[20:37:07] <~Oxford> He nods. "Indeed you do. There's a war on, and that's all the ceremony we're likely to get." He retrieves a handful of pendants from the briefcase and passes them out.
[20:38:20] <~Oxford> "Stranahan will vector you onto their route once you're airborne. Get out there and bring that ship in safe."
[20:53:19] <~Oxford> The drizzle is letting up as they get out onto the practice field. They've suited up in the normal style - headphones and radios. All that's left is to transform and take off.
[20:54:06] * Joslyn quickly does so and waits for the other two with little patience.
[20:54:50] * Elsa goes through the motions of using the pendant even if she doesn't need one anymore, and with a burst of flames she's off behind Joslyn.
[20:57:40] <Caitlin> Caitlin's the slowest to transform, still hesitant, but does so. Hopefully Joslyn will not let this go to her head.
[20:59:06] <Joslyn> It doesn't appear to have changed her attitude so far, but when the big opperation goes down, that might change. Joslyn sheaths her twin rapiers as she heads out towards the sea. "Echo-Whiskey, this is First Lieutenant Parnocus. Got a vector for us?"
[20:59:18] <Joslyn> …on second thought, it might have changed a little.
[21:00:02] <~Oxford> The radio comes to life with a familiar voice. "Cheswhick Flight, you are cleared for takeoff. Target is at heading 0-9-7. Congrats on the promotion, Maiden."
[21:05:39] <Joslyn> "Thank you, Erica. keep an eye out for anything unusual - We don't want flauri's homecoming interrupted!"
[21:06:30] * Elsa keeps following Joslyn on the course she is obviously following. She takes a good look around looking at whatever clouds she can lay her eyes upon, hoping to find some interesting shapes today.
[21:07:10] <Caitlin> Caitlin follows the other two, slightly absent-mindedly in her preoccupation with the assassination.
[21:07:38] <~Oxford> "Flight, come to heading 1-9-7. Sorry for the mix-up." If they could see Lt. Stranahan, they'd see her blushing with embarassment.
[21:09:00] * Elsa heads to the proper direction this time.
[21:09:47] <~Oxford> Beneath the light rain, the surface of the ocean is a bleak gray, but the water seems to be fairly calm. Visibility is low, and tendrils of fog swirl below.
[21:12:13] * Elsa yawns, not as if they're gonna be able to spot anything anytime soon.
[21:14:15] <~Oxford> In this fog, it'll be tough to spot the freighter. A change in strategy may be in order.
[21:15:47] <Joslyn> "…Hmm" Joslyn ponders on that. She'll descend to a lower altitude, hopefully one that doesn't end with her smashing into the freighter. "Hey Elsa, d'you think you could try burning the fog away?"
[21:16:49] * Elsa looks around, "I could try, just…don't get to close to me while I'm doing it. Its gonna get real hot."
[21:17:07] <Elsa> 2d6+9 sorcery, out of combat
[21:17:08] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, sorcery, out of combat: 12 [2d6=2,1]
[21:17:38] <Caitlin> "Ah… I don't know if burning it will be very efficient. What if I wrote something like 'Clear Skies'"?
[21:18:10] * Elsa closes her eyes and looks like she's focusing real hard on something.
[21:18:11] <Joslyn> "Worth a shot, Bookworm. All i know is that I don't have anything that can cut through it."
[21:20:19] <Elsa> Soon after she begins to be engulfed in flames, really hot looking flame that quite frankly are a bit too much, if anything they would show their position to other airplanes. It does, in fact, clear out a small section of sky, maybe 100 meters around Elsa and above the cloud cover as the blue sky is visible.
[21:20:46] <Elsa> It of course doesn't seem like it could be used for much more than creating a patch of sunlight.
[21:21:52] <Caitlin> 2d6+9 Sorcery to clear the skies the fuck up 6,6
[21:21:52] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, Sorcery to clear the skies the fuck up 6,6: 13 [2d6=1,3]
[21:23:05] <Caitlin> Caitlin tries to contribute by etching the words Clear Skies into the air! Hopefully, it'll do a little better than Elsa just managed, but… It's probably not a huge success.
[21:25:13] <@Oxford> Alright, Sharps all of you.
[21:26:26] <Joslyn> 2d6+6
[21:26:27] <+DiceMaid-9001> Joslyn, 2d6+6: 14 [2d6=4,4]
[21:28:31] * Joslyn pats Cait on the shoulder, despite it not doing too much. "Well…I guess it's a bit clearer…not bad."
[21:29:07] <Elsa> 2d6+6
[21:29:07] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 2d6+6: 13 [2d6=2,5]
[21:30:47] * Elsa stands around looking sharp
[21:31:00] <Caitlin> 2d6+8
[21:31:01] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 2d6+8: 14 [2d6=2,4]
[21:31:29] <Caitlin> That's slightly embarrassing. "…Sorry, I thought I could clear it up a little more."
[21:32:13] <~Oxford> The spell doesn't seem to have much effect, making the fog just slightly lighter over a wide area. But then Caitlin notices something about 200 metres away - a gray mass looming out of the fog. It's the freighter!
[21:32:36] <Joslyn> "Eh, it's better than anything I coulda done. see anything?"
[21:32:44] <Caitlin> "There's our freighter!" Caitlin approaches slowly while pointing in its direction.
[21:33:12] * Elsa 's light show was definetely seen by the freighter, she doesn't spot the grey thing because its over a gray background.
[21:33:55] * Joslyn trusts her wingman and follows Kate towards the Freighter.
[21:34:32] * Elsa follows the pair, "Well, at least the fog will hide it."
[21:35:02] <~Oxford> Flaurentine is waiting on the deck when she sees a flying ball of fire out above the sea. And sitting nearby is another young girl - a girl with an eyepatch.
[21:36:27] * Flaurentine dangles her legs as usual, wearing a permanent blush on her face. Despite the weather her black twintails sway in the breeze, fortunately enough not having changed color AGAIN. But still, Flauri will always be Flauri.
[21:36:54] <Caitlin> "Is it alright for us to drop down and say hello?"
[21:37:14] <Joslyn> "I think it'd be rude not to…"
[21:37:36] * Elsa dashes forward and practically tackles Flauri. "Nice to see you're alive!"
[21:38:28] <Flaurentine> With a gasp, the tiny girl in a worn-looking outfit - either by choice or because the Major didn't have enough foreign money to buy her new clothes, since she sure as hell didn't have any herself - jumps to her feet. "Ah… M-Miss Elsa! When did y-" The blush on her face gets even worse as she lets out a somewhat out-of-character giggle upon the pseudotackle.
[21:39:30] <Joslyn> "Hey Elsa, try not to knock her off the deck! she's gone through a lot, I'm sure." Joslyn lands neatly next to the two of them with a warm smile.
[21:40:31] <Flaurentine> Flauri gives a wide smile upon looking at the others- clearly a result of spending so much time with you-know-whom. Which is enough of an indication that he's not dead. "I'm… so glad you're safe, too. And… Miss Caitlin?"
[21:40:34] <Elsa> "Oh, she'll be fine, I can catch her if that happens." She is totally ignoring the other girl.
[21:41:29] <Caitlin> Caitlin swoops down to land near Flaurentine, smiling widely. "Flauri! I'm so glad you're safe!"
[21:41:33] <Flaurentine> A tremble. "I was… very worried this whole time! I-I'm sure the Major will be relieved to hear too!"
[21:42:23] <Flaurentine> "Ah… I was having a chat… with this person…" Flauri gestures to the eyepatch-girl before bringing a hand to her mouth with a massive gasp, looking back and forth at the notice that her friends totally just descended from the sky. "O-Oh no!"
[21:42:35] <Joslyn> "It's good to have see that you're both safe…hmm?" Joslyn looks at the new girl, curious. "Make a new friend while we were away?"
[21:42:39] <Aerendis> The girl who was standing vaguely near Flaui stands and watches the girls hug each other and say hello and such. She is pale, with one visible blue eye, and light blonde hair, with a sidetail on the right side. She has an eyepatch, on her right eye, as is easily visible. However, her clothing is hidden by a warm looking overcoat. The sleeves are a bit too long, so her hands aren't visible.
[21:45:34] <Caitlin> "Ah, hello Miss. My name's Caitlin O'Connell." Caitlin smiles nervously at Flauri's friend(?). They probably shouldn't have come down like this.
[21:46:40] <Flaurentine> "Um… i-it's okay…" Flaurentine gives a worried look between her superhero flying friends and the new person. "You… won't tell anybody, r-right, Miss?"
[21:47:22] <Elsa> 1d6
[21:47:22] <+DiceMaid-9001> Elsa, 1d6: 6 [1d6=6]
[21:47:22] <Caitlin> 1d6
[21:47:43] <+DiceMaid-9001> Caitlin, 1d6: 6 [1d6=6]
[21:48:38] * Aerendis stares at Caitlin for a minute. "Yes. I am Ærendis Højgaard." responds Ærendis in an even, vaguely apathetic tone. As Flaurentine speaks, she moves her gaze over to the girl she's at least seen a few times before. "Yes."
[21:52:01] <Caitlin> "I'm pleased to meet you, Miss Højgaard." Caitlin does her best to keep up a smile.
[21:52:36] <Flaurentine> One train ride and one pleasant chat normally doesn't get as far as introductions, Flauri was just happy to meet someone close to her own age. So, she can only gasp. "I… didn't introduce myself earlier, did I? I seriously apologize! It… I…" With a stand, her face becomes redder as the little girl curtseys in her worn school uniform. "My name is Flaurentine il via Veronica Claudia I… at least, it is now. I'm very pleased to have spoke with you, Miss Ærendis." The pronunciation comes out slow, but smooth, as if mimicking it.
[21:53:10] <Joslyn> "My name is Joslyn…it's good to meet you."
[21:54:39] <Caitlin> Caitlin scratches her cheek, "I wonder if it's the salty air or something, but I'm oddly itchy…"
[21:56:23] * Elsa glances at the girl, "Nice to meet you too Arendis, I'm Elsa." The orange-winged girl in the jester outfit says proudly. AND also manages to butches the girl's name. Elsa's hair starts to point in the direction on the wind and Flauri can feel the girl weigh less and less ans she slowly separates herself from the deck. "Wait what?"
[21:56:44] <Flaurentine> "Um… would you like to go inside? I'm…" Flauri's blush increases as she smiles softly. "I'm glad I can tell you that he's doing okay, but I… didn't want to bother him by staying constantly by his side on the way back, so- aaah!"
[21:57:32] <Joslyn> "umm…are you two okay?"
[21:57:33] * Aerendis nods in turn to each of the girls as they introduce herself. She grits her teeth a bit at Elsa's pronounciation, however. "Excuse me. It's Ærendis. Not…Arendis."
[21:58:11] <Caitlin> "Elsa! What's the matter?" Caitlin looks up to see Elsa floating off, but she doesn't stop scratching her cheek. It actually looks like she managed to cut into the skin some…
[21:58:57] * Flaurentine pulls back, though it's not like she has very much muscle to do so with. The timid little girl frantically darts her head from side to say. "M-Miss Elsa, have you not been eating since we last met?"
[21:59:31] <Joslyn> Aw hell. this isn't good. "Umm..Flauri? do you think you and…Ærendis could get us something to drink from belowdecks?"
[22:00:11] * Elsa holds on to one of the handrails as she tries to put herlself on the ground. "It feels weird, like I'm falling down constantly." She lets go of the handrail and it seems she is having a hard time to keep on the ship, must be the waves launching her off.
[22:00:26] <~Oxford> The fog is thickening back up as Elsa and Caitlin's spells wear off. No civilians seem to be watching this section of the deck. None except the Cimbrian refugee, that is.
[22:00:35] * Aerendis watches and sighs. Of course, the impolite girl floats away before she can instruct her as to the pronounciation of her name. As Joslyn mentions her name, she looks back over. "Something to drink…? I apologize, but i'm not a waitress."
[22:00:51] <Flaurentine> "Y.." Pulling a hand back, Flauri gives a salute almost on instinct before letting it down with a muffled 'oops.' Still, she follows up with a crisp nod. "Yes, Ma'am. Ah…" Her hand extends to the new girl but also pulls back, as she instead heads down.
[22:02:19] * Aerendis harrumphs. She guesses that at least going downstairs will be something to do. Those newcomers are probably going to do boring things, or something. She decides to follow Flaurentine.
[22:02:33] <Caitlin> …Yep, Caitlin's definitely ripped a tear in her cheek, hopefully while facing away from the strange new girl. There's not even any blood, just a big rip in the skin. However, she's squirming strangely.
[22:02:59] <Flaurentine> "I… apologize… for my friends." Fortunately she gets the newcomer's attention away from the others in time, flashing a timid 'best of luck' glance as per her usual self while heading down.
[22:03:19] <Joslyn> "Oh man was that close…okay…Elsa, don't you have wings? pull yourself back here!"
[22:04:14] * Elsa flaps her wings and then holds on to the handrail again, "It doesn't feel like I'm flying at all!" She is practically hugging it with both arms and legs. "And I can't fly normally!"
[22:05:13] <Joslyn> "Use your magic then!" Now to worry about Caitlin. "…is there anything…I can do to help?"
[22:06:05] * Elsa flaps her wings, "Normally is WITH magic you dummy!"
[22:07:37] <Caitlin> "W-whahaaahahaha!" Nope, no holding it anymore. Caitlin breaks into a mad giggling fit as she tears more and more of her skin off her body as though it were paper. "Itticklesohgodsobadb-butahahaIcan'tstopnohavetogetitoffrightnow!"
[22:07:55] <Aerendis> "Yeah. It's a pain when people say my name incorrectly, but if you vouch for her, I guess she can't be THAT dumb." says Ærendis, following Flaurentine down. "Well, as long as you're not dumb. But you don't seem like that, yet."
[22:08:24] * Elsa is totally AS dumb as Arendis thinks she is.
[22:08:25] <Joslyn> "…"
[22:09:07] <Caitlin> It's… Pretty horrifying and gruesome, and yet, there is zero blood.
[22:09:22] * Elsa tries to look away from Cait, still holding on the handrail…its actually a bit disturbing not not being able to stay on the ground…but not as bad as what the librarian is doing.
[22:09:35] <Elsa> "Cait are you crazy? Stop it!"
[22:09:47] <Flaurentine> A smile, possibly even on the way back up from belowdecks by now. "My friends… are all very nice people. I'm glad they came this far to see me. Ah, do you… have friends too, perhaps?" Fortunately, Flauri decided to carry all the drinks herself.
[22:09:53] <Joslyn> there are about a thousand different things Joslyn could say in this case. not that any of them are making it from her brain to her mouth.
[22:10:03] <~Oxford> Belowdecks, the ship's mess has an open canteen where three large coolers sit, filled with water, orange-flavored water, and iced tea respectively. Pleasure cruise, this is not.
[22:11:00] <Caitlin> "Butitfeelsgoodtogetridofititdoesn'tbelongIhavetogetitoffohahahaticklesnowitchedbefore!" Caitlin continues to giggle in a manner that leaves her sanity in question while taking off more and more of her skin.
[22:11:16] <Flaurentine> … Oops. Well, orange for Elsa because who wouldn't associate orange and fire together? Joslyn and Caitlin could both be either tea-drinkers or neutral water-types, but with a headshake she decides the easiest way to go about it is one of each.
[22:12:56] * Aerendis is secretly glad that Flaurentine didn't ask her to carry anything. "…No. Most of the people in my squad are staying behind in Cimbria." she responds, looking for a drink for herself. Eventually, she attempts to get a glass of water with one hand, without being obvious about it.
[22:15:54] <~Oxford> Come to think of it, these girls all seem to be Albaean citizens. Now may be a good time for Aerendis to get information about her soon-to-be host country. Provided she can get them to stop floating and ripping their skin off first.
[22:16:40] <Flaurentine> "S-Squad?! Ah… I didn't know you…" Her glancing gets even more timid as they ascend the stairs. "I-I'm sorry."
[22:17:06] <Joslyn> Aaand that's when Joslyn herds the two of them back down the stairs.
[22:17:35] <Joslyn> "Sorry…they're…eh, it's a long story. They'll be better in a moment or two."
[22:18:06] <Caitlin> The "skin" Caitlin throws to the ground seems to be creamish, skin-colored paper. She just giggles and rips away.
[22:18:45] <Aerendis> "Sorry for what?" asks Ærendis, a bit confused. "Anyway…You're from Albaea, right? I've been curious about it. I'll be…." she says, before sighing a bit. "living THERE from now on, so It'd be nice to ask some people a few questions…"
[22:19:34] <Joslyn> "Oh? that's nice, I guess. so what did you want to ask?" Anything she can do to buy time for Elsa and Caitlin is time well-spent.
[22:19:55] * Elsa is stuck abovedecks with the girl that is ripping her skin off, "Caitlin snap out of it!" She says holding on to dear life to the ship. Thankfully there isn't a storm here to blow her away.
[22:21:04] <Flaurentine> "Ah! We'd be glad to answer them… I-I think. My friends are from St. Cheswick academy, and I…" Flauri visibly droops upon reaching the others, handing the drinks out slowly and timidly. "Ah… um… does anybody… need any help?" They really do.
[22:21:32] <Caitlin> Caitlin finally sinks down to her knees amidst the pile of shed paperskin. It appears she's taken off an entire layer and stopped ripping, but she continues to giggle quietly while staring down at what she's done.
[22:22:28] <Joslyn> "They'll be fine." Joslyn reassures the timidporter. "It's actually not that bad over there. maybe a little rain everyon once in a while, but it's nice. Where're you from, anyhow?"
[22:22:34] * Aerendis stares at Caitlin. "…What's going on up here?" she asks, loudly, looking quite confused.
[22:23:20] <Joslyn> silly Aerendis, Joslyn is blocking the path up. mostly to keep her from seeing that.
[22:23:40] * Elsa manages to glide over to the obviously histerical girl, a hard task given how much the ship moves but somehow she manages to cling to the writer's shirt, she feels incredibly light seeing as she literally weighs nothing at the moment. "Hey Cait are you alright now?"
[22:23:42] * Aerendis doesn't see or ask that, then.
[22:24:35] <Flaurentine> Flauri managed to reach the others and hand everything out, of course, before returning. How she managed to get past Joslyn without taking a step? … That may be a question better off not answered.
[22:26:11] * Elsa 's body swings up and down as she grabs the girl, stupid ship movement.
[22:26:12] * Aerendis taps Flaurentine on the shoulder. "Is everything alright?" She asks, trying to peek around the slightly taller girl's shoulders.
[22:26:54] * Flaurentine blushes and gives a tiny nod. "Ah… yes… I… I deeply apologize that you had to see all of this."
[22:27:25] <Joslyn> "It'll all be fine. Just…well, I'm not sure I'm allowed to really explain it."
[22:28:47] * Aerendis stares at Flaurentine. "I'm very confused! First I see your friends fly here, and then these sorts of odd things are happening. Do you think perhaps i'm having a dream? Maybe I am really back in my barracks sleeping…" Ærendis says, her eyes widening.
[22:29:49] <Joslyn> "Hang on…Barracks? were you in the air force or something?"
[22:30:25] * Elsa tries slapping Cait on the cheek to make her respond.
[22:32:45] <Caitlin> "Hmmm?" Caitlin smiles at Elsa in between giggling fits; her eyes seem more lucid than a moment ago. Also noteworthy is that she appears several years younger than… 30 minutes ago. She looks like 13ish, all of the sudden.
[22:34:18] * Aerendis looks around quickly, finding a small surface to place her glass of water on, before pinching her cheek, all with the same hand. "O-Ow…" she says, before opening her eye to see she's still in the same spot. "Ah…A-Anyway, no! I was a member of the Youth Militia of th- Ah…I was in the army."
[22:34:43] <Caitlin> "…What's all this paper doing here?"
[22:34:43] * Elsa looks at the girl confused…"You look younger than me now. What in the seven hells happened to you?"
[22:34:57] <Elsa> "Its YOUR SKIN!"
[22:35:08] <Flaurentine> "I-It's alright! I.." Flauri visibly winces at the shouting outside.
[22:35:51] <Joslyn> "Oh…Which army? Like, where are you from?"
[22:35:59] <Caitlin> "But…" Caitlin pats herself on the face. Yep. Definitely skin there. "The last thing I remember was that I had a really bad itch on my cheek."
[22:37:12] <Aerendis> "Oh. I am from Cimbria. I had…assumed you all knew that." says Ærendis, looking a bit embarassed. "Anyway! That's not really important, or anything!"
[22:37:15] <Flaurentine> "Ah… I… Miss Joslyn, I-I think it may be okay now." Her finger points ahead.
[22:37:34] * Aerendis grabs her glass of water again, now that her left hand is unoccupied again.
[22:37:44] <Elsa> "You scratched it off. You have new skin underneath." She says visibly shaken
[22:38:24] <Joslyn> "Oh, Cimbria? I've heard some good things about it…never been there, though."
[22:39:19] <Caitlin> "That's preposterous! Simply… ridiculous…" Caitlin tries to deny the idea at first, but Elsa's face says everything. "Someone couldn't scratch off their skin!"
[22:39:26] <Flaurentine> "Um… are you alright?" A very girly run breaks out as Flaurentine shows much less timidness than usual, though the blush on her face stays. Since it's permanent. To Caitlin, she extends a hand, then pulls back, then slowly extends it again with a stare that constantly attempts to dart off to the side so as to not appear rude.
[22:39:54] * Aerendis sighs softly. She had honestly hoped that she was dreaming all this. How stupid of her. "It…parts of Cimbria are…very beautiful, yes." she says, nodding a few times.
[22:42:18] <Caitlin> Caitlin takes the hand to help back up. The stuff on the floor isn't that suspicious to someone who missed it; it's just paper. Caitlin visibly appears 2 years younger than she was when they left, though. The librarian robes are bigger than they should be on her, as is her uniform when detransformed, presumably.
[22:43:35] * Flaurentine grasps onto the hand with a deep breath and pulls, brushing their fingers together when retracting as opposed to the sudden jerking she'd been known to do before. And if they didn't detransform, seriously, what's wrong with them? Still, a small smile. "It's okay… you're still you, aren't you, Miss Caitlin?"
[22:43:39] <Joslyn> "But in any case…were you just moving to Albaea, or were you going to be on the front lines still?"
[22:45:07] * Aerendis stares at Joslyn. "What do you mean? I'm confused. I apologize, this language is not my first…"
[22:45:39] * Elsa switches to to hang on flauri, "She really looks younger, right?"
[22:45:50] <Caitlin> It didn't get mentioned, but then again, she probably DID detransform. Screwy sized uniform it is. "Yes, I'm certainly still me, but… You seem taller than you were."
[22:46:28] <Joslyn> "well…the four of us are part of the Albaean Air Force. Judging by your…military experience, I was wondering if you were going to be part of the team."
[22:46:58] <Flaurentine> "I… I never was very tall… ah…" She visibly shakes a bit. "Still… um… just slightly. I-I hope it doesn't end up being too difficult to explain…"
[22:46:46] * Aerendis stares at Joslyn. "What do you mean? I'm confused. I apologize, this language is not my first…"
[22:46:46] * Elsa switches to to hang on flauri, "She really looks younger, right?"
[22:46:46] <Caitlin> It didn't get mentioned, but then again, she probably DID detransform. Screwy sized uniform it is. "Yes, I'm certainly still me, but… You seem taller than you were."
[22:46:48] <Joslyn> "well…the four of us are part of the Albaean Air Force. Judging by your…military experience, I was wondering if you were going to be part of the team."
[22:46:51] <Oxford> Joslyn knows enough about the immigration process to know that the girl will need papers if she plans to immigrate to Albaea. Papers she'd probably have on her.
[22:48:15] * Flaurentine lets out a nervous chuckle, still unusual for her. "I-I'm worried about how I'll explain our… absence to Major Westfield, too. Even though I've made it clear I'm prepared to accept adequate punishment for what happened…"
[22:48:58] <Aerendis> "Ah…I am unsure, then." she sighs out, before placing the glass back on the small table, and then shovign her left hand into her right hand to dig out something. Eventually, she pulls out some papers. One seems to be immigration papers, and the other is a student visa for Bruinham's School for Talented Youth. "I am utilizing these for…my new life, I suppose you would say."
[22:49:31] <Caitlin> "He's just happy you're both safe, and so are we, Flauri."
[22:50:29] <Caitlin> Caitlin whispers to Flauri, "Do I… not look like me?"
[22:50:58] * Joslyn looks over the papers curiously. "Oh, you're going to be with Flauri, then. that'll be nice."
[22:51:01] <Flaurentine> "I certainly hope so… I was worried about what happened during the…" Another shake, as she doesn't even finish the sentence. But upon the whisper she pulls back and shakes her head with a smile.
[22:52:16] <Joslyn> "Hey Flauri, did Donalds say anything about her being part of the programme?"
[22:53:00] * Flaurentine jolts up. "W-With me?" Having not listened, she turns over and takes a few steps, with an apologetic gesture for having spent her time over, you know, there. "Ah… well… he'd been…" Timidshake. "Missing for so many days… so he didn't… um…"
[22:53:05] <Caitlin> Caitlin sighs in relief and shrinks out of the conversation, not wishing to draw further attention to herself.
[22:53:39] <Joslyn> "Oh. okay then." Joslyn drops that line of conversation, turning back to Elsa and Caitlin. "You two gonna be okay?"
[22:54:26] * Elsa eyes the one-eyed girl curiously, but drinks her juice, she is sitting safely and not floating away"…it seems like it passed."
[22:54:29] <Flaurentine> "I'll be certain to speak with him." A nod, as she approaches and notices the papers with a gasp. The timid girl with a massive blush on her face is at a gasp for words.
[22:54:38] <Flaurentine> … A loss for words, too. Get outta here, Freud.
[22:54:38] * Aerendis smiles faintly at Flaurentine. "So you'll be at the same school as me? That is wonderful. You can show me around, right?" she asks.
[22:56:11] <Flaurentine> "… Ah! Y-Yes, I… I'd be glad to. And I'm certain the Ma-" A small gasp reminds her that he went by another title… but Flauri's memory isn't so great. "… Mr. Donalds would be pleased to meet you as well." Some visible swooning at the name, however hard she tries to pronounce it.
[22:57:40] <Caitlin> Joslyn's taller than she was before, too. Caitlin's probably right in the area of Flauri's height now, a little bit taller maybe, but odds are Joslyn's way bigger, currently. Is it almost… Intimidating? "Uh… Affirmative…"
[22:58:04] * Aerendis nods "I will be glad to meet this…Mr. Donolds if you are sure he will be pleased to meet me." she says, before holding out her left hand in front of Joslyn, demandingly.
[22:59:37] <Joslyn> "Uh…I just got here, so Flauri'll know where he is, right?"
[23:00:05] <Aerendis> "I would like my papers and visa back."
[23:00:22] <Flaurentine> "Yes, Ma'am. I… hope he won't mind." The blush on her face is powerful, but she spearheads the way to his cabin regardless.
[23:01:35] <Joslyn> "Oh, right. Sorryabout that." Joslyn blushes as she hands over Ærendis' papers
[23:02:40] * Aerendis takes the papers in her left hand! However, she accidentally drops the visa. Her face goes a bit red, as she shoves the immigration papers into her pocket, and then bends down to pick up the visa. After placing that back into her pocket with her left hand, she grabs her drink, and follows Flaurentine.
[23:03:37] * Flaurentine knocks like a total timid girl once they get there. "Ah… E-Excuse me, Sir, am I intruding?"
[23:06:04] <~Oxford> "Harrum- oh, Flauri? Is that you? Come in, m'dear!" booms Major Donalds' voice, recovering quickly from his nap.
[23:07:13] <Flaurentine> The door flings open. "I apologize, Sir." Formality pulsates in her veins. "I… ah, wanted this… person to meet you. She says she's… transferring to Bruinham." A gulp. They'd probably talked about the raids during their 'trip.'
[23:07:44] <Caitlin> Caitlin hangs back quietly by Joslyn. This isn't really her business.
[23:09:01] <~Oxford> Donalds raises a bushy eyebrow and sits up in his bunk, waving her forward. "Of course, of course! What a coincidence, eh? Transfer student?"
[23:10:00] * Aerendis steps in after Flaurentine. She looks at the man that Flaurentine seems to indicate is in command, and nods slightly in respect. "Hello. I'm Ærendis Højgaard, I am coming to your school as part of the…Immigration for Minors of War-Effected Nations program. It is a p..plea…I…It's good to meet you."
[23:10:00] <Flaurentine> "Y… Yes, I was caught by surprise too! We… had a pleasant chat during the ride." She takes a step back to let the Cimbrian through, deciding not to spoil St. Cheswick's girls crashing the party just yet.
[23:13:17] * Joslyn is standing back with Kate and Elsa, not interrupting.
[23:13:41] <~Oxford> "Oh! So you were…" His eyes go to the stump where her arm should be, and return to her face with a bit of mistiness to them. "We're all very glad to have you, Ms. Højgaard," he says at length, extending a hand. "I'm Lt. Rolph Donalds."
[23:15:43] * Aerendis grabs onto the Lieutenant's hand with her smaller hand and shakes. It's a bit akward. She's not used to shaking with this hand. "Thank you, sir. I am glad that I was able to join a r..rep..good school like your's on such short notice."
[23:16:58] * Aerendis blushes a bit and curses herself for stumbling over her words in front of someone in a position of command like Donalds.
[23:17:28] <Flaurentine> "I… I'm happy to have a chance to make a friend! I truly hope she's able to fit in, Sir." Flauri covers from behind, as her glance toward him is still slightly apologetic. But he's probably gotten used to that by now.
[23:19:00] <~Oxford> "I'm sure you'll be very happy here. Very happy indeed." The big man blinks quickly and looks away. "Your injuries… are those from the fighting?"
[23:20:20] * Aerendis goes wide-eyed. "A-Ah…How did…Oh…You must mean my eye, correct, sir? Yes, i'm afraid it was damaged."
[23:21:19] <Aerendis> "I-In conflict, that is. Yes."
[23:21:34] <Flaurentine> "Inju- ah!" A concerned gasp from the side, as a certain somebody realizes she just didn't mention it out of fear of sounding rude. Sensing the awkwardness she shuffles a bit.
[23:23:12] <~Oxford> "Ah… may I ask what happened? If its not too blunt of me, of course." He folds his massive hands in his lap politely.
[23:23:48] * Flaurentine shoots her glance downward. His legs are permanently in a pretty bad condition thanks to her selfishness, apparently.
[23:27:13] <Aerendis> Ærendis freezes for a moment, looking around as if looking for someone to say something for her. But after a moment, she gathers herself, and says. "I…I was caught in the blast of an artillery shell."
[23:28:17] * Flaurentine looks even MORE downward, opening her mouth to speak and instantly closing it. Very slowly, a small flipbook finds itself being whipped out of her outfit and scribbled on.
[23:31:49] <~Oxford> Donalds breaks eye contact and lowers his gaze. "An Albaean artillery shell, right? For a few years, there was a lot of unrest because of the insurgents, and a lot of civilians got caught up in it."
[23:32:47] <Flaurentine> "I… I'm sorry," is all that comes out. Regret smothers itself upon the blush on her face, now that the awkwardness has skyrocketed.
[23:34:21] * Aerendis puts on a small, slightly forced smile. "It's alright. You've more than made up for it by giving me a safe haven and chance to go back to school." she says, nodding a few times. "Still…if you'd like a more detailed list of my injuries, I can…"
[23:37:20] <~Oxford> "Ms. Højgaard, on behalf of the entire Albaean Armed Forces, I offer our sincerest apologies." He swallows deeply, then leans back and flexes his shoulders. "If you want to talk about it, I'd be honored to hear about your experiences. Perhaps over dinner? The mess should open soon."
[23:38:11] <Flaurentine> "Oh…" An awkward shake. "I-I wouldn't want to get in your way, Sir. Perhaps I should…"
[23:39:52] <~Oxford> "Nonsense, Flauri! Join us, please." He seems to be getting over his moment of solemnity. "They're making a delicious broil tonight."
[23:40:44] * Flaurentine can't hide her mouth watering, provoking only a nod after a lengthy pause. "Yes, Sir! Ah… um… there was… one thing I… forgot to mention."
[23:41:04] * Aerendis nods. "I'd enjoy that, sir. Thank you." she replies to Mr. Donalds, before looking back at Flaurentine. "And i'd be happy to have dinner with you, as well, Florne..Flauren…Flauri! We should get to know each other, right?"
[23:41:54] <Flaurentine> An even redder blush! "Y-Yes, I hope we can be friends! The only friends I can remember are the others from St. Cheswick… who, um, came here to greet us, sir."
[23:44:40] <~Oxford> "Oh-ho! They flew out to meet us, eh?" He suddenly eyes the civilian girl with caution, but then smiles and nods. "Well, they'll just have to join us, then. Come here and help me up, there's a good lass."
[23:51:31] <~Oxford> /session
[http://pastebin.com/Ubzk51ed]
[21:07:42] <~Oxford> It is after dinner, and the freighter is still several hours out from Bougnetsport. The rain has picked up again, a constant patter beating on the steel deck above.
[21:10:04] * Joslyn sighs, she'd rather be outside…but it's raining, so maybe not. still, she's going to gently knock on Maj. Donalds' quarters.
[21:12:05] <Joslyn> "Lieutenant Donalds? Can I talk to you?"
[21:12:24] <~Oxford> "Hm? Come in, come in!" the Major says from within. Opening the door finds him seated at a small sea-chest, writing by lantern-light.
[21:12:55] <Caitlin> The 13 year old version of Caitlin tags along behind Joslyn. This ship feels strange to… Well, be on. After all, they just sorta flew by and hopped on board. It doesn't feel like she should be here, if anything. Seeing Flauri and the Major safe is fantastic, though, and this is an infinitely more pleasant job than any assassination, so Caitlin really doesn't plan to complain.
[21:13:16] * Joslyn nods as she comes in, the pips she received earlier in the day attached to her uniform where the epaulets would be.
[21:15:00] <Aerendis> The Cimbrian newcomer, suprisingly, was headed to the same place at the same time. As she turns a corner and sees Josyln and Caitlin, she stops and thinks for a moment, considering returning later, but then decides to approach.
[21:16:02] <Joslyn> "Oh…Ærendis, wasn't it?"
[21:16:42] <~Oxford> "Ah, congratulations on the promotion, by the by! Guess that makes us equals, eh?" the big man asks, directing a conspicuous wink Joslyn's direction.
[21:16:50] <Aerendis> "Yes, that is correct. I'm afraid…I can't remember your name, but we met earlier today." says Ærendis, nodding.
[21:16:52] <Caitlin> Caitlin lurks behind Joslyn a little bit. It's not that she's afraid of Major Donalds or anything like that so much as they've definitely met before and drawing undue attention to herself might lead him to ask the uncomfortable question of why Caitlin's appearance is different. Ripping off your own skin doesn't make for pleasant discussion.
[21:18:25] <Joslyn> "First Lieutenant Joslyn Parnocus, Albaea Air Force. but Joslyn's just fine."
[21:22:06] * Aerendis goes wide eyed for a moment, gasping quietly. "Oh! I apologize, I had no idea you were a commissioned officer. It's good to meet you, Lieutenant Joslyn" she says. She doesn't salute, of course, because she isn't part of the Albaean Armed forces, but the respect is still visible.
[21:22:32] <~Oxford> "Ms. Højgaard, good to see you, too. And is that Ms. O'Connell I see hiding around the corner? Don't just stand there, I said come in!" he says with a laugh and a wave of his arm.
[21:22:42] <Joslyn> "I…well, I just got promoted this morning. It…was kind of a shock to me, too."
[21:24:03] <Caitlin> Busted. Caitlin sheepishly steps in, "Yes, Sir. We're all very pleased that you and Flauri made it out alive."
[21:24:24] * Aerendis nods to Donalds, quickly filing into the room, before taking a spot so that the other two can do the same. She was originally here to speak with hum but…now that these two are here…Oh well.
[21:25:03] <~Oxford> "Hah! Not half so pleased as I am, lassie!" His bushy mustache curls upward as he smiles.
[21:26:03] <Joslyn> "Oh yeah. I was going to ask…is there any plans for Ærendis joining…you know?"
[21:26:48] <Caitlin> "…And I'm certain Flauri's already explained the whole situation, but I can personally confirm the duplicate's existence and that its twisted mind was independent from hers!"
[21:26:57] * Aerendis looks over at Joslyn as inconspiculously as possible. What could Lieutenant Joslyn be talking about?
[21:27:10] <Joslyn> to the Cimbrian, she asks a simple question. "…how do you feel about magic?"
[21:27:49] <~Oxford> "Joining… oh. Well…" He puts one hand to his chin, mindful of how much can be said in front of a civilian. "It does seem suspicious that she'd be transferred…"
[21:27:59] <Caitlin> Hoooo boy. Caitlin shoots Joslyn a worried What are you doing? glance.
[21:28:59] * Joslyn seems oddly collected. she seems to have a plan for this.
[21:29:08] * Aerendis looks at Joslyn a bit oddly for a moment. "Er…Magic? I'm…not sure what you mean, Lieutenant Joslyn."
[21:30:12] <Joslyn> "Please. You don't need to call me by rank all the time. especially if we're just talking like this. but…" Joslyn pauses, as if unsure how to put it. "Does it seem at all interesting?"
[21:32:28] <Aerendis> "Well…I enjoy reading fairy tales and legends. So…yes, it does seem interesting."
[21:32:51] <Joslyn> "Did you ever dream that you could be a part of those?"
[21:33:15] <~Oxford> Donalds raises an eyebrow at Joslyn's tact, but lets her take the lead, nodding in approval. No harm in checking it out.
[21:34:48] * Aerendis looks at her feet. Why is she asking these odd questions. "I…suppose it would be more enjoyable than my everyday life, if I were."
[21:35:49] <Caitlin> Caitlin holds off on interrupting, too. She still seems rather concerned by this method, however.
[21:36:42] <Joslyn> "Yeah. it'd really be something, wouldn't it?" Joslyn gazes out the window, almost whistfully.
[21:38:06] * Aerendis sighs for a moment. "I apologize for interrupting you, Lieutenant, but…did you have a point you were trying to bring up…?" Ærendis finally says.
[21:38:49] <Joslyn> "Hm? did you say something?" Joslyn turns around. "Sorry…I guess I was daydreaming a bit."
[21:40:17] <~Oxford> This time, its Major Donalds who speaks up. "Ærendis, did you know that Bruinham's, where you're to be enrolled, is a military academy?"
[21:41:21] * Aerendis makes a small 'Ah!' noise, as Major Donalds speaks. She turns to face him, as her face takes on a perplexed look. "Is it…? I'm…Afraid I was not aware of that, Major."
[21:42:00] <Joslyn> "It's a pretty prestigious one, actually. I mean, I don't think there's much difference in quality between Cheswhick and Bruinham. just location."
[21:43:39] <~Oxford> He nods. "These two go to St. Cheswhick's, but your friend Flauri is enrolled at Bruinham's, just like you. I'm a teacher there - maths, as it were."
[21:44:53] <Joslyn> "Elsa, the girl in orange, she goes to St. Cheswhick too. we're actually dorm-mates, the three of us." Joslyn nods.
[21:45:18] <Aerendis> "Oh, I am sure that it is a quality school! I was just…unaware that it was a /Military/ Academy…" she says. She's not entirely sure what a Military Academy is, but it sounds a bit odd. Not that she's scared, but…
[21:46:26] <Joslyn> "Don't worry, it's not like you'll be studying in trenches! just drills and such. Given your experience, you'll likely fit right in."
[21:47:26] <Caitlin> "Experience?"
[21:48:35] * Aerendis nods a few times. "Ah…I'm just…not sure i'd be of much use in any military fields…" she says, sighing. It's not like she could find a job in the military with a missing arm and eye, right?
[21:50:09] <Caitlin> "I can promise you that there's a place for you somewhere at the school. If you truly do wish for that place to be in a military field, then… Please don't count yourself out so soon."
[21:50:10] <Joslyn> "Oh right, you were still abovedecks. Ærendis was part of the Cimbrian Army. I think that's how she…sustained her injuries."
[21:51:01] <~Oxford> Donalds nods. "An academy's just a way of getting students ready to serve their nation. Or 'adopted nation,' in your case." He smiles gently. "But what if I told you you had abilities that'd make you a huge asset to the national defense, even given your injuries?"
[21:51:02] <Joslyn> "And there's a lot more to the military than just throwing grenades and planting land mines."
[21:51:26] * Aerendis regrets saying that she was part of the armed forces. Slipping up and saying that was a mistake…She turns to Donalds "Ah? Like what, Major?"
[21:53:03] <Caitlin> "Miss Ærendis, do you recall the circumstances we met under just earlier?"
[21:54:45] <Aerendis> "Yes. You flew onto the ship, right?"
[21:59:26] <Caitlin> "That's correct. There may be a similar role for you as to the one we fill. If you've got the right abilities, then by all means I would expect you to be more qualified than someone such as myself… I'm sorry that this is all so vague."
[22:01:21] * Joslyn gives the Major a look as if to ask if he wants her to spill the rest of the beans right now
[22:01:29] <~Oxford> "Can't help but think OpSec would be a bit peeved she'd seen that, come to think…" Donalds chuckles. "Nought to be done of it now, though. Lt. Parnocus, why don't you escort our friend here up on deck and see if she's got what it takes."
[22:02:18] <Joslyn> "…Understood, sir. Kate? You think I could borrow…" she trails off, hoping she'll get the point across.
[22:02:23] <~Oxford> "Er, you remember the line, right? 'Focus your mind' and all that?"
[22:02:36] <Joslyn> "Yeah, I remember."
[22:02:57] <Caitlin> Caitlin hands a pendant to Joslyn, "Ah… Should I accompany them, Sir?"
[22:04:21] * Aerendis is still confused. She had assumed they were testing some sort of new Albaean Paratrooper technology. She watches and waits.
[22:04:44] <~Oxford> "Please do, Caitie…I'd join you but ah…" He starts to rise, wincing. "This leg of mine's still giving me a bit of grief. Its in your capable hands, girls. Every confidence, et cetera." He smiles and waves them out the door.
[22:05:23] <Joslyn> "Well, come on then, Ærendis. and Lieutenant? I'll see to you once we've taken care of her."
[22:05:43] * Joslyn heads for the door and starts climbing until she's reached the top deck.
[22:06:52] <Caitlin> Caitie…? That's a new one. With a "Yes Sir," Caitlin nods seriously and follows Joslyn. It's really unfortunate what happened to such a nice man, but Caitlin knows Flauri'll do a great job helping him out.
[22:07:12] * Aerendis hopes that 'taken care of her' was just poor choice of words. Oh well, she doesn't have much reason to doubt then. She nods to Joslyn and says "Yes, Lieutenant Joslyn" she says, following.
[22:07:24] <~Oxford> The wind has picked up outside, driving sheets of rain down at a sharp angle. The deck pitchs and rolls beneath them as the waves grow in size. They probably could've picked a better day for this, but what's done is done.
[22:08:05] <Joslyn> it sucks, but hopefully they'll be able to get back inside soon. "You said you'd have liked being part of a fairy tale?"
[22:09:53] * Aerendis nods. Still this confusing line of questioning? "Yes, Lieutenant, I said that."
[22:11:12] <Caitlin> Caitlin looks about as happy to be in the rain as a cat. After all, rain can ruin printed books and writing alike! Still, there's more important stuff to worry about. She quietly observes Joslyn and Ærendis for the moment.
[22:12:23] <Joslyn> "Well, this is your chance. put this on." Joslyn hands the girl a focus pendant - a metal necklace with a crystal pendant attached.
[22:14:42] * Aerendis stares. "Ah…What is this?" She asks, reaching out to grab it with her left hand.
[22:16:32] <Joslyn> "If you have the right abilities, then that's going to be your primary weapon. push the crystal down and focus yourself. Imagine what kind of power you want, and use that to reform your own image."
[22:17:07] * Aerendis looks at the pendant in her hand. "But…it's just a piece of jewelry…"
[22:17:45] <Joslyn> "Looks can be decieving. Perhaps a demonstration would help?"
[22:18:14] <Caitlin> "Technically speaking, it's a device used to regulate whatever mechanism controls the flow of what can only be described as magical energies."
[22:18:59] <Caitlin> "…But we usually simply refer to them as 'pendants.'"
[22:19:47] <Joslyn> "…should I show you how it goes before you try?"
[22:20:17] <Aerendis> "If you think it would help, Lieutenant Joslyn."
[22:21:29] <Joslyn> "Okay then. Just…don't freak out, okay?" Joslyn presses the crystal on her own pendant, creating a bright flash.
[22:22:47] <Joslyn> when it dies down, Joslyn is still standing there…except she isn't. she's floating, covered in silver armor that looks almost like an ancient knight. a knight with a rifle in her hand.
[22:26:40] * Aerendis stares, wide eyed. "A-…Aaah! What happened?!" She says in a slightly paniced voice, stumbling back a bit.
[22:28:13] <Joslyn> "Magic happened. In layman's terms, the pendant allows you to access dormant supernatural abilities. And I'm pretty sure you're going to be able to use them. Are you ready to give it a try now?"
[22:28:21] <~Oxford> A bolt of lightening flashes across the darkened sky, followed almost instantly by a deafening boom.
[22:29:42] * Aerendis stares, still shaking a bit. "I-If…you say so." She says, quickly regaining her composure. She looks down at the pendant in her hand.
[22:31:03] <Joslyn> "Focus your mind. imagine that your hometown is about to be overrun. you're the only one who can save them. Focus on something that'll let you protect the people you care about, and then just let it flow."
[22:32:47] <Caitlin> Caitlin squeaks at the thunder and lightning, shrinking down a little bit to avoid distracting them.
[22:39:44] * Aerendis nods, and focuses. She focuses hard, something she's gotten quite good at doing. After focusing on some things in her head for a few moments. The day her parents were killed, specificially. After a scant few moments, she pushes on the crystal in the Pendant.
[22:40:36] <Aerendis> When the light subsides, her drab coat is replaced with a new outfit. It's not particularily dramatic. She has a small, navy blue pleated skirt, and a small suit of body armor on her chest, colored in Autumn Flecktarn Camo, with a few belts of ammo across it. Her Eyepatch is the same pattern, too. Lastly, bandages cover most of her legs and left arm, as though she were wounded.
[22:42:11] <Aerendis> "W-Wha…How can this sort of thing…" Ærendis says, looking confused. This entire thing….is so odd.
[22:42:50] <Joslyn> "Magic. That…really is all there is to say about it. In any case, you ought to be able to fly, at least a little. try it out!"
[22:43:21] * Aerendis looks down at her feet. "…How?"
[22:44:09] <Caitlin> "Try to jump really high and concentrate on going up and not coming down. It's all within your head."
[22:44:11] <Joslyn> "imagine yourself going higher. At least, that's how it worked for me. Anymore it's almost second nature."
[22:44:30] <~Oxford> The most noticeable change is the cold - the instant Ærendis transforms, she feels a warmth across her skin, as though she were protected from the chilly raindrops beating down on her.
[22:46:08] <Caitlin> (Caitlin, on the other hand, looks like she wishes they could hurry this up before she catches a cold.)
[22:46:52] * Aerendis sighs and nods. She balls her hand into a fist, and concentrates, before jumping, strait up. She closes her eye, and concentrates. After a moment…She realizes that she hasn't touched back down. She opens her eye and looks, seeing herself float a foot or so above the ground. "…W-Wow!" she says, probably the loudest she's said anything all day.
[22:47:37] <Joslyn> "Pretty exciting, isn't it? Now, you ready to get out of this rain?"
[22:48:21] <~Oxford> A touch of vertigo quickly subsides. It feels amazingly liberating, being up in the air. The urge to fly a few laps around the ship is strong.
[22:50:49] * Aerendis doesn't bother going against her urge. Once she realizes that she's actually flying, she tries her best to fly. At first, strait up for a bit, before doing a few circles.
[22:55:02] <~Oxford> Ærendis can hardly feel the rain as she soars above the freighter, wind whipping her hair back behind her.
[22:59:49] * Aerendis laughs a bit. This is actually quite fun! However, she's sure that this sort of thing is a secret, so before long she returns to the others. "H-Hah! Wow!" is all she's really able to say about it.
[23:00:39] <Joslyn> "Well…I'm sure there
[23:01:14] <Caitlin> Caitlin calls up, "A-are you guys done yet? It's really c-cold down here!" She's shivering a bit.
[23:01:32] <Joslyn> "I'm sure there's gonna be a lot of paperwork and other legalistic stuff, but I'm gonna assume that all turns out fine and say it'll be an honor to have you on our team, Warrant Officer Ærendis."
[23:01:40] <~Oxford> As they reach the hatch, a flash of lightning burns over-head, illuminating a dark shape maybe a hundred yards from the freighter.
[23:01:46] <Joslyn> "Now we really ought to get inside before Kate gets sick."
[23:03:18] * Aerendis nods. "Of course, Lieutenant. But…what is that, out there?" she asks, pointing to the odd shape.
[23:04:05] <Joslyn> "The what?"
[23:04:52] <~Oxford> The looming shadow is gone behind a curtain of heavy rain. Ærendis has a pretty good fix on the direction, though…
[23:05:34] <Aerendis> "I saw something out there."
[23:06:44] <Joslyn> "Oh crap…that might not be good. we need to get everyone ready, now!"
[23:08:56] <Caitlin> Caitlin looks up at the flying girls in confusion. It's pretty apparent she doesn't have a pendant on her, considering Ærendis borrowed it.
[23:09:42] <~Oxford> As they peer into the darkness, a tremendous crack erupts from the heavens, a bolt of lightning slashing across the sky directly overhead. The flash lights up the entire area like a flashbulb, and the girls can clearly see the shark-like profile of a commerce raider. It corrects onto the freighter's course, lethal intent evident in its every move as it closes on its prey.
[23:09:48] <~Oxford> /session