2017-08-17: Power of Malevolence
- Log: 2017-17-08 Power of Malevolence
- Cast: Lily Keil, Seraph Lailah
- Where: Gounon
- Date: 8/17/2017
- Summary: Lailah runs into Lily and they have a talk about malevolence
==================================<* Gounon *>================================== The port town of Gounon is renowned throughout Ignas and even beyond for the quality of its wineries -- and even moreso for the rarity of its product thanks to the Veruni stranglehold over the region. Gounon is one of the few ports that allow trade routes between Ignas and the Veruni Control Zones due to how highly prized their apple wines are amongst Veruni nobility. Because of their trade, Gounon may be one of the few truly prosperous human settlements of Ignas -- and certainly one of the only ones ostensibly under Veruni control. Stone paved roads wind through beautifully homey brick buildings and bending waterways, beset on either side by high, rocky cliffsides that protect and buffer it from the outside world. Things are serene in Gounon, and the rich smell of fermenting apple pervades the town -- especially as one gets closer to the sprawling Johnny Appleseed Distillery, one of Gounon's most famous brands and their chief export to the Control Zones. Though Veruni are so rare as to almost be myth here, their presence is always felt in the underlying tension that never quite escapes this place, no matter how peaceful it may be. BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u9eNGFqGpU
<Pose Tracker> Lily Keil has posed.
Daytime is bright and warm in Gounon, with a pleasant breeze to make it a little bit nicer; frankly, Gounon is idyllic today, the cliffs funneling that wind through homey buildings. Here beside a waterway is a row of brick buildings, one marked as a general store.
Here also is the unmistakable roiling, sick sensation of Malevolence, wafting from inside that building, competing with the rich scent of fermenting apples close by.
A woman in black steps out of that building, the source of the Malevolent aura. She looks severe, with long black hair and military-style clothing, with a beaten-up satchel at her hip and a beautiful rifle with red wood slung over her shoulder, lilies on the leather of the strap.
Lily Keil glances around once, startin to move towards the bridge over this waterway.
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lailah has posed.
With the conflict between Lucia's group and the Guard, Lailah isn't really certain what it's going to take to end it. While she knows the truth about the Lord of Calamity, she also knows what it felt like to be in Lucia's presence and how strong the malevolence surrounding her was. In some ways, she believes that maybe both groups are right. It also puts her into a difficult position because she cannot fully explain how she feels about things without breaking her oath.
What a position to have to be in...
It is because of the conflict that the older seraph finds herself here in Gounon today. Searching for clues about Lucia. Anything that could give her a better idea of just what they're up against.
As she heads out of the city today, she is grateful for the warm day. It always seemed to cheer her up and being around the water was nice as well. She is dressed in her usual attire. A long sleeve white and red dress with an open front and red high heels that wrap around her legs. Her silver and red hair is pulled back with a headband in gold and red.
Before long there is an unmistakable feeling that stops her dead in her tracks. The sense of darkness is one that she is all too familiar with and as she nears the waterway, the feeling gets stronger. Lailah moves quickly towards the bridge, following the sense until she sees the woman in black.
Being uncertain of how to approach her, Lailah instead tries to stay ahead and places herself on the bridge. Should the woman be able to see her, she may find it strange that the seraph rushed ahead and then abruptly stopped. It's obvious she's looking for something... or someone.
<Pose Tracker> Lily Keil has posed.
Warm days are always something to Lily, and not necessarily good, but this is more temperate than the deserts she grew accustomed to walking in the war.
She needed supplies, however, and so she ventured out to get them. She already has the clues she needs for her own mission right now.
Even she can admit it's a pleasant town; she likes port towns. But there are things she doesn't quite expect. She doesn't expect a woman in white and red to rush up ahead of her on the bridge, and Lily immediately looks at her appraisingly, with the sharp calculations that come from her training and experience. She's looking for something... But what?
Lily's Malevolence isn't comparable to Lucia's, but it's still strong. And Lily herself pauses a conversational distance from Lailah, one black-gloved hand down at her side with fingers slightly apart, palm clear.
"Is there something you want?" Lily asks. She doesn't sound terribly friendly, but she doesn't sound hostile, either... And apparently she can see the Seraph.
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lailah has posed.
It is strange in a lot of ways that malevolence exists here in Filgaia. For a long time, it seemed like it was confined to Lunar. The fact that it seems to be found more and more is definitely alarming though. While Lailah is not sure what to say to this woman without completely being written off as crazy. She thought if she could at least talk to her maybe that would help give her an idea.
The feeling is something that she is used to but at the same time it still makes her feel bad. Of course, she's not looking at a hellion at least as of right now, so there is no visible threat to people nearby which is a good thing for everyone.
She is pretty bad at being discrete though and as the woman speaks, Lailah reddens a little at her question. "Oh, I am sorry. You just looked familiar is all." She pauses to glance out towards the water before turning back to the woman, "I am Lailah. Have I seen you somewhere before?" The fire seraph is pretty sure she hasn't actually but in the same regards she can't just directly come out and ask about the malevolence either so small talk seems to be her only choice for the moment.
<Pose Tracker> Lily Keil has posed.
Lily remembers well her introduction to the concept in Port Timney and the Grotto. Malevolence; pervasive, transformative...
No, not a Hellion, though she's certainly hard to mistake now. Her bearing and weapon mark a potential threat, but she gives no reason to assume she's going to act as such. That's all. So Lily continues watching Lailah and...
And mostly, raises an eyebrow at the reddening of the woman before her. "Familiar," she repeats, not really asking so much as stating. "...I doubt we've met before, unless you saw me and I didn't see you. I may look like someone you know." Gold eyes remain focused beore she finally adds, "Lily Keil. ...You look very nervous. Is something the matter?"
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lailah has posed.
Lailah nods at the woman, "Oh, I guess you could be right." She is not the best at subtlety it seems. "I am sorry for disturbing you Lily." The woman glances back towards the harbor and some of the people walking by, most who don't seem to pay any attention, even to Lily, who to some, may seem like she's talking to herself.
To the question of being nervous, Lailah sighs a little. "Not nervous but I was just thinking about how people talk about the darkness that seems to be pervasive lately especially in the cities where there are a lot of people." She doesn't name malevolence directly, unsure of what Lily knows.
There is a brief silence and Lailah continues, "I don't know if you have heard about it but it is not easy to be around for some." Although, that's putting it mildly, she finds it the best way to explain it without details. Not everyone of course can feel it but unfortunately the sense she is getting from Lily is unmistakable.
She is kind of glad Sorey wasn't here right now. Knowing that he would likely find it hard not to act, even if the woman wasn't a hellion. Lailah prefers her approach when there are other people nearby, even if it's more obvious than she realizes. Still though putting other people in danger wasn't something that she takes lightly.
<Pose Tracker> Lily Keil has posed.
"It's fine," Lily answers, with a slight shake of her head that doesn't take her eyes off of the Seraph regardless. Lailah may glance to the harbor, but Lily does not; Lily for that matter is not aware that she's talking to herself in the view of these people.
She does stay on guard for an ambush, just in case. But...
She lowers her chin slightly to look more clearly at Lailah after Lailah's sigh and explanation. She doesn't break the silence. She waits through the explanation a little bit further, but she has... guesses, about what's happening. And confusion, for that matter.
"...It's called Malevolence," Lily answers after Lailah finishes, "Though it sounds like you know that." Her voice is quiet, quieter than usual, and finally she does glance around, and step to the side of the bridge. "I've heard about it. Most people are more obvious when they sense it, in my experience. But it's not easy to be around for me, either."
"You sense it, don't you? That explains... Some."
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lailah has posed.
When Lily starts to talk about malevolence, Lailah realizes that she gave her less credit than she should have. Even if Sorey had been teaching people about it, she is still not used to people being that aware of it. "That's right Lily...malevolence."
As the other woman moves towards the side of the bridge, Lailah frowns slightly. "I understand. It's a pretty strong feeling I get..." Quietly she adds, "...from you." She can only hope that her awareness doesn't make it manifest in other ways that would be undesirable at any time but especially here.
"It seems like you know a lot about it too though." Lailah tends to not consider the fact that people could sense their own malevolence sometimes. It may be a good thing though in some ways. "I have been around it a lot, especially before I got here to Filgaia. It's very common where I am from." She glances up briefly.
"We worked against it, to try and rid the world of it but..." Lailah sighs. "...then we ended up having to leave." Well, not leave so much as being forced to Filgaia. Lailah's thoughts seem distant for a few moments as she contemplates this.
<Pose Tracker> Lily Keil has posed.
Lily only really moves to be out of the way of travel on the bridge, and she still nods Lailah's way at the confirmation. As Lily suspected, this woman knows something, which... gives her a reason to keep talking.
"It's stronger than it once was," Lily admits to Lailah. "It seems to build over time." There's no surprise in Lily's demeanor at it being sensed from her; this is something she knows already. Whether her awareness makes things worse, well...
"I'm a medic," she says with a shrug. "When I encounter something dangerous like this, I research it as best I can." She nods as Lailah talks, considers. Very common...
"That's a noble goal," Lily admits. "You're from Lunar, aren't you? That's the only point of origin that has people talking about coming to Filgaia as a whole, and it's where Malevolence was before it manifested here. ...As far as I know; it's all hearsay and supposition, minus what I've determined from my experiments and firsthand testimony from those I've discussed it with."
"I've heard rumors of ways to get rid of it... But I can't say I trust them; that's a lot of power for one boy to hold. I've worked to understand it so that I can counteract it, or at the very least avoid turning into one of those creatures. I have... Some control."
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lailah has posed.
Lailah raises an eye when Lily mentions that she is a medic and idly wonders if that could have anything to do with the amount of malevolvence the woman has. "May I ask just what do you mean about research?" It's not a new concept to her but just the idea of it perks more interest.
Listening to Lily's remarks she finally adds, "That's right, I am from Lunar." Lailah takes a moment to lean against the railing on the bridge for a moment. It seems to her that Lily possesses more knowledge about it than some others that she has known and maybe it's that knowledge that keeps her from becoming a hellion. Still it's worrysome that she even has so much to begin with.
When the Shepherd is vaguely mentioned, Lailah perks up a little. "I know it's hard to believe Lily. There are very, very few in this world that have the power that the Shepherd holds." She really does understand this and the skepticism about being able to cure it.
Lailah eventually continues, "The Shepherd is different than others though. It takes a kind of pureness to be able to cleanse the malevolence. It's a power that..." Lailah pauses. "...he receives from me. I don't know how to explain it more except that I am a seraphim born many years ago and this is my ability." Her tone is serious and she carefully watches Lily for a reaction and whether she believes her or not.
<Pose Tracker> Lily Keil has posed.
It's certainly possible. But Lily, while she notices the apparent surprise at her being a medic, has no context for it and so she can only answer the question. "I use a few different tracks. The first was investigating places and people afflicted by Malevolence, even before I knew its name. I took notes based on my findings in tending to those attacke by the creatures, and discovered malevolence is not transferred like an ordinary disease. After that, I kept track of my own experiences, both in those places and otherwise, attempted to document its effects on myself. More recently, I've experimented in attempting to control it within myself. This is more difficult; I've had some success, but... Next is I have some people working on alchemical solutions." A shake of her head.
But Lailah confirms Lily's guess, and Lily nods, not leaning but maintainng a straight posture. Lily does have rather a lot of malevolence. But what else can she do but what she's doing?
Lailah of course knows the Shepherd, from the way she reacts. But she does acknowledge hoew hard it is to believe. "...Very," she agrees, and considers. But... Lailah continues eventually and Lily onsiders her words. "Purity..." She listens to the rest before sayng anything else, but her eyes widen at Lailah calling herself a seraphim. "You--You are? I--" This throws her. "I've never... Walking the earth? And his power comes from you."
Lily remains floored, unwilling to look away. "...I... Even hearing that I'm not sure I..." She trails off, closing her eyes. "Well, if purity is required, then there's no way that I can cleanse it ultimately. I have little of that, if any really remains." Her eyes open. "...I won't ask how many years. You're... Sure? I..." She stops, and takes a deep breath. "I apologize for my rudeness, but I have no way of knowing whether you are what you say you are. My faith questions."
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lailah has posed.
Listening carefully to what Lily says, Lailah waits for her to finish before offering any kind of response. "It sounds like you are working hard to understand it. On the surface Lily, it's not really hard to explain how it manifests. Negative emotions are probably the biggest thing and that's why it's not hard to give into the power malevolence creates. I have seen it more on the battlefield than other places. On the other hand though, it means that you lose all control so it is a powerful force." A solemn look passes over her face, "Just be careful, especially in dealing with other people. Most people are unable to adequately fight against strong hellions - the beings manifested from it."
Lailah's expression softens at the response to her being a seraphim. "Well, it may not be the same as you think but yes that is what we're called. Very few people can actually see or hear us." A pause. "I was actually uncertain at first if you could see me but yes it is a blessing that I have been given." She doesn't go into more details about the reasons she has the power.
Lily's thoughts and the responses given are not surprising. It's a lot to understand or believe after all. That's a least part of the reason that seraphim and humans don't live the way they used to, at least on Lunar.
"Don't doubt yourself Lily. I also do understand that it's hard to grasp how it's possible." The only real way she could prove it would be to actually see it in action but even that could be dangerous. "Seeing is believing as they say...hellions are dangerous but there are lesser ones that can take the form of just about anything, even animals. Still it's not something you should try and deal with alone."
<Pose Tracker> Lily Keil has posed.
"Negative emotions..." Lily considers that, and inclines her head. "It always seems worse around those. And on the battlefield it's worst of all, overwhelming. I can... feel it, that fear from all around." She nods after a moment. "Power... Yes. It does seem to give power, but a power I can't control is useless to me, worse than useless." Lily sighs. "I appreciate the warnings. I know I can deal with many of those transformed by it, but a being wholly manifested from it... I don't think I've met something like that."
Not the same she thinks, Lailah explains, and Lily swallows, nods. "Ah. I suppose that makes sense." Lily glances out to the water for a few moments. "...So it might look like I'm talking to myself if anyone looks at us? That's certainly something. I wonder why I can see you?" A blessing... Lily looks back again.
"It's easy to doubt," she admits. "There's a lot I don't believe in anymore. Being hunted by your own nation will do that. ...But I'll remember that. I've fought... animals afflicted by Malevolence, and humans, but you've used that term twice now. What is a Hellion?" A pause, "And thank you for these explanations. It's... enlightening."
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lailah has posed.
"It seems like battlefields are definitely the worst places for it but it doesn't always manifest from people. It depends on how much they believe in their cause..." Lailah considers people that she would consider bad or even evil who possess no malevolence at all. "I am not sure if that makes sense. The power it has is controlled by the person creating it. There are people who can do bad things but not be transformed and a being manifested from it is going to be impossible for normal people to handle." It is somewhat of a warning, although she wouldn't say necessarily that Lily was normal given her ability to see her.
The conversation softens a little as Lily asks about people walking by. "Well, essentially yeah. I mean there are ways we can be seen without someone necessarily having the gift but it has..." She pauses, thinking about Claude and even Rose. "...undesirable effects. They would mostly believe we were ghosts and not actually be able to see us all the time." There is a slight shrug as to why Lily can see her, "I don't know honestly. You said you had no purity or very little but maybe you possess more than you even realize." The fire seraph smiles towards Lily.
She starts to avoid pressing more about why Lily was hunted but then it occurs to her, "Maybe that's why I can sense the malevolence Lily. Being in danger could probably manifest it as well." Still she won't ask for details for now.
As far as Hellions, "Hellions are basically just the term we use for the beings created when malevolence reaches its breaking point so to speak. People, as you know obviously, can possess it without being a hellion but those emotions can take over a person and then that is what they become."
Lailah waves her hand a little. "It's no trouble at all." It seems sad to her though that Lily possesses so much malevolence but maybe this talk at least helps her to understand it more. "I am glad I was able to talk to you about it even if it is a lot to understand!" Another smile is given to the woman.
<Pose Tracker> Lily Keil has posed.
"...Belief in their cause," Lily replies thoughtfully. Creating it... Ah. "People... create Malevolence. I hadn't considered it in those terms before, only that it spreads or worsens." So it might make sense. "I see. That sounds like a lot of possibility for further collateral damage, even if abnormal people can do something."
The black-haired woman nods again. "Ah. That does seem undesirable but..." Lily shakes her head. "I would be surprised if that's true. I'm not a good person." She doesn't smile back; she is quiet still instead, her voice low.
Lailah could press more about her being hunted, but she doesn't. Lily listens to that possibility as well, and nods. "Maybe."
"Hellions... I..." Lily considers someone, frowns. "So that can happen. Lesser, and greater..." She mulls it over. "That gives a guidance as to how to avoid it."
Lailah waves a hand and Lily rests one on her satchel. She does think she understands more, though she can spot that sadness too. Lily still doesn't smile back, but, "Thank you. I do appreciate it. ...I should get back shortly; I have more preparations to make before departing than gathering medical supplies. But..."
She pauses, and looks with golden eyes and a mild hesitation, "Can we speak again? I hope our paths will cross to allow it. Soon I'm heading west."
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lailah has posed.
For now, Lailah feels like she has bombarded Lily with enough information and doesn't go into details about the Lord of Calamity or how that plays into all of this. However, it's probably something the woman will come to find out about sooner or later if she asks the right questions from the right people.
At her comment about not being a good person, "Don't think that way Lily. Remember that everyone has good points, even Hellions but they become so clouded by it..." The rest is probably pretty clear.
Lailah nods at Lily, "Okay, I should be going too." She was kind of craving some mabo curry buns. Thanks Edna. Or maybe some chiffon cakes. "I am sure we will meet again sometime if fate allows it." She gives a final smile before standing up straighter and turning to head back into town.