2018-06-15: Too Easy to Commit
- Log: Too Easy to Commit
- Cast: Jacqueline Barber, Avril Vent Fleur, Rudy Roughnight
- Where: Vane - Residential District
- Date: June 15th 2018
- Summary: In the city of Vane, Jay, Rudy, and Avril happen to cross paths, one in search of assistance, one fresh from her business, one emerging from her studies. Rudy expresses his feelings. Avril makes a demonstration. Jay asks after someone.
<Pose Tracker> Jacqueline Barber has posed.
The city of Vane was a frequent stop for the Caravan Kinship. Althena's Guard rarely ventured there, so they had elected to keep their vehicle nearby. This also made it much easier for them to support the people of the village, who were often in need of a hand.
And so, that meant that Jacqueline was a common sight around Vane - sometimes delivering supplies, sometimes checking out the library, and sometimes managing a stall there.
Today, she's decided to relax. Things have been busy for her lately - running a business and making preparations for a long trip had a tendency to do that to someone. And so, she found herself a nice bench with just the right amount of sun and a good book.
...And now she sets the book aside, folding her arms in front of her with a pensive look on her face. She appears to be deep in thought...though not so much that she isn't paying attention to what's around her.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.
After so much, it's almost a relief for things to be so quiet by contrast. There are mysteries, to be sure. There is a world they must someday return to, however that might be possible. For now, however, it's enough to have time, time without the weight of the world pressing upon their shoulders.
Time to reflect, and learn.
For Avril, her treks to Vane -- when she hasn't been exploring with her friends, or simply traveling together across the world they've found themselves within -- have been fruitful, after a fashion: this is a center of magical learning (or was, once; little remains) and the library and the texts within have proven useful for her own methods however different they may be in origin.
Magic is magic, and if by inches, she's relearning what she knows she must have once understood.
So it is that she's here today, exiting the still-damaged library with a thoughtful expression on her face. Her gaze turns towards the sunlight sparkling overhead, and for an instant, she allows herself the indulgence--
Perfectly formed, hovering just inches above her open palm, the ice crystal splays rainbow light across nearby buildings. Brow furrowed in concentration, she wills it remain against its nature -- to melt -- and then
just a puff of powdery dust in the air, then nothing at all.
It's as she's staring at the point where the shard of ice had been that she glances over at Jacqueline, visibly starts, and raises a hand to her lips. "Oh-- I did not see you there..."
<Pose Tracker> Jacqueline Barber has posed.
It seems that she isn't alone here. When Jacqueline looks up she catches sight of Avril emerging from the library. She doesn't greet her right away, since she recognizes that look of someone who's deep in thought and doesn't want to disrupt what may be an important thought.
Once can imagine her surprise when Avril then proceeds to produce a crystal of ice from nothing. Jacqueline stares in awe for a moment...perhaps a moment too long, as she is soon noticed.
Jacqueline smiles, however, and shakes her head politely.
"Oh, it's quite alright, Miss Avril..." Jacqueline replies, collecting her book and getting to her feet.
"I didn't know you were capable of something like that. It was...rather pretty." Jacqueline compliments. She couldn't help but be curious as to the how - she didn't see any Crest or Medium. Perhaps she just hadn't been looking close enough...?
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
"So what is... Adlehyde?" the senior inquires as he walks with his wife and an individual that sticks out like a sour thumb.
"It's a small city, it's um... a long way from here. It was attacked by bad people, so I'm trying to raise money for it. I don't like people just giving money to give money, so if you have a job to do, just let me know, I like helping."
The elderly couple look at the blue haired boy, adjusting their fine clothing as their attention soon shifts about to just about anyone but the slightly unkempt Drifter. "I'm sorry, but considering everything going on these days, charity or hire seems rather unwise."
The young manteenboy gives a cheery wave. "Hope you have a good day and thank you for considering!"
As often the case, Rudy is soon left alone, but yet with someone that knows him or vice versa. However, as Barber and Avril talk to one another, he doesn't intrude. Instead he watches and observes, as if making sure that in attempting to talk he isn't interrupting something sensitive.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.
Avril, it seems, was not exactly expecting an audience, of a sort.
"Oh, thank goodness... I would not have wished to have disturbed you, Jacqueline," she breathes, settling into a more relaxed posture (for her, at least -- someone with a posture that suggests hours spent balancing a book on her head as a young girl).
She pauses a moment. "It is a rather recent development, actually," she replies, her gaze in sidelong taking in the approach of the townsfolk and the earnest young man in coversation with them. "Thus, the books here have been quite helpful for me to understand it." An admission, in a sidelong way, that this particular expression of power is not a result of something Jay might be more familiar with -- certainly no Crest or Medium presents itself, and if that was an application of Symbology...
This is the point where Rudy is sadly left to his own devices by the elderly couple. As if on cue, Avril turns towards him.
...Was she waiting for just the right moment?
"Rudy, it has been some time, has it not? Have you and Jacqueline previously met?"
<Pose Tracker> Jacqueline Barber has posed.
"Not at all...though I appreciate the concern." Jacqueline replies with a smile. A recent development, was it? And she had looked into the Magic Guild's books to help with it...
...Was Avril using the Blessing of Althena? She couldn't think of what else it might be. As far as she knew Avril was from Filgaia, but, well...that wasn't exactly a certainty, wasn't it?
"Oh, I see...it's remarkable work. I can't quite say I've seen anything like it." Jacqueline remarks. It is at this point that Avril's attention turns to Rudy. Jacqueline hadn't seen him there, so it is only when Avril addresses him that she realizes he's there.
"Oh! Hello, Rudy!" Jacqueline greets, waving politely and then nodding to Avril with a bright smile. "Oh, yes...he has been a great help to me in the past."
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
As Avril speaks, Rudy gives a large smile. "Avril, it has been awhile. I'm glad you're not dead!" There is an awkward pause before Rudy blushes. "I'm sorry, I meant to say, I'm glad you're okay. I hope things are going well with you," he states with that meek and soft voice of his.
As the question of his interactions with Barber are asked about, Rudy waits, passively trying to gauge how the question will be given. After all, it's hard to offend if you just follow someone else's lead. "Barber's been very kind to me," he admits, adding on to her compliments with some of his own. "I'm just glad I could help. I like helping."
The muddy eyes of Roughnight take in the damaged building before looking toward the two ladies present. "So, how are you both doing? Anything new or exciting happening with either of you?" he inquires, moving to a more formal stance as he attempts, err, conducts conversation.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.
It's a good question, isn't it? Given Avril's rather mysterious set of circumstances, it's not entirely outside the bounds of possiblity...
Though it is rather unlikely, as Dean and Rebecca had managed to suss out themselves when considering the matter. In the end, there are a few too many pieces that should tie Avril to Filgaia--
But that only raises further questions in turn.
Avril, for her part, nods as if to confirm Jay's commentary. "I as well. It appears to be somewhat unique, it seems. Nevertheless, an ability such as this should prove useful. I merely want to be certain I understand my limits, first."
Every day, it seems to edge a little further.
But Rudy finally approaches within speaking distance and sheds his sadly unconvinced former conversation-mates. Avril's attention turns his way. "I see, so he has also aided you," she comments to Jacqueline, before Rudy...
Her friends probably would have had a different reaction. Rebecca would have likely been taken aback. Dean maybe would have offered up an attempt to smooth the matter out, as it were.
Avril just nods, as if this were a normal sort of statement to make, and says, "Yes. I am thankful you have not perished either."
...Okay?
"It was a difficult struggle in the garden, after all," she clarifies, glancing between him and Jacqueline. "Fortunately, we all appear to have perservered and emerged intact. Ah..."
She tilts her head slightly to one side. "With what did he assist you, Jacqueline?" Isn't this prying?
Before he asks something quite simple of her:
'How is she doing?'
"I am well, myself. As I mentioned to Jacqueline, I have been instructing myself in magic here in Vane. Beyond that, it has simply been a matter of traveling and seeing what this world has to offer us." She pauses, as if somewhat uncertain on the matter. "I have been... enjoying myself, of late."
<Pose Tracker> Jacqueline Barber has posed.
Even Avril herself didn't know...Jacqueline would be more surprised, but she had spoken to Rebecca who had filled her in on the situation.
"I see... Yes, it's important to know your limits. You don't want to strain yourself too far..." She agrees.
'I'm glad you're not dead'...well, it might not be a normal statement...but Jacqueline doesn't really react. She's probably used to that sort of thing, and Avril is okay with it, so no harm done!
"Yes, it was...I'm afraid I was rendered unconscious in the middle of it. It was only thanks to Lunata that I made it out..." Jacqueline replies, shaking her head. She doesn't know exactly how true that statement is - that Lunata literally sacrificed a piece of her soul to save her.
As for what he assisted her with, Jacqueline chuckles in a friendly fashion.
"Oh, nothing special. Odd jobs here and there. Guarding my wagon, helping out on expeditions...he does a very good job of it!" She adds that last bit with an approving smile toward Rudy.
"I've been doing well, however...I've mostly just been keeping the Caravan Kinship going while we're here on Lunar. However, a friend of mine...Ethius...he's gone missing. If you hear anything about him, I'd appreciate it if you told me." She asks.
She glances toward Avril as she mentions instructing herself.
"I'm not sure how much I could help, but...I know a thing or two about Sorcery. Perhaps we could talk about it sometime?" She offers. "I'm glad to hear you have been enjoying yourself, though...
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
"Magic seems like interesting stuff. I've never been one for it, but have a lot of respect for the people who do," Rudy replies simply on the matter of Avril's studies as well as Jacqueline's offer of assistance. As the talk of his own assistance is given, he just gives a faint blush and a soft "happy to help" in swift response.
The smile fades as there is talk of a missing ally. "Ethius? I've worked with him before. He seemed like a nice person," Rudy admits as he frowns in thought. He considers if he's seen him recently and it has been weeks since last they had talked. "Of course, if there are any leads or you think you need to some help to save him, let me know. Considering how things are, we have to try and stick together when we can. If I hear of anything, I'll do my best to let you know swiftly."
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.
"Yes. That is precisely what I decided. I do not wish to hurt anyone with this power or overstrain myself," she clarifies, blue eyes resting on Jacqueline for a moment. "Thus, my studies between our travels. Though, truth be told, it is all coming quite naturally to me." Perhaps the person she once was understood the use of this power intuitively, just as she understands how to use her blade.
"Oh... I see... It sounds as if it was quite dangerous for you," she murmurs, entwining her hands with one another as she thinks back.
A cold sort of determination had overtaken her that day. All it had taken was seeing Dean hurt.
...She has to be careful. That time on the mountain she had nearly stuck that man down with this same power... It would be too easy to commit to something she cannot rescind. Hence, care is needed.
Only thanks to Lunata. Avril, her gaze a touch distant, merely nods, still lost a spell in her own thoughts.
So like her, Jay has been traveling here and there and--
That provokes a response.
Avril stands up that much straighter, as if the news Jay imparts upon her has come as a shock. "Ethius... has disappeared? When had you seen him last before he vanished?"
It would seem she has met Ethius once before.
She frowns, her gaze downcast. "If I should see him, I shall let him know you are searching for him, Jacqueline." She looks up, as serious as a stone statue. "You have my word."
This is when Jay makes Avril an offer, perhaps as a sort of exchange for what the woman quickly promises to do. Avril blinks, as if initially surprised, then, like the light of the sun peeking over the horizon, begins to smile. "Do you? I would be happy to speak with you of it. I had spoken to Cyre regarding the Guardians once, but this appears to be a different sort of power. Any clarity you might provide would be much appreciated." Rudy, meanwhile, simply comments that he's never been one for magic, which prompts a slight quizzical tilt of the head from Avril. "Oh? ...Ah, but you are more adept with ARMs, are you not?"
<Pose Tracker> Jacqueline Barber has posed.
Jacqueline nods. That was wise - it was all too common that one under- or over-estimated their own capabilities, causing trouble for those around them...it was very responsible of Avril to test her limits before using them for something important.
Both Rudy and Avril react strongly to the news. She wasn't sure of many people who would describe Ethius as a 'nice person', besides maybe Lydia, but it would seem that they'd both met him before...
"He was rather worked up about the Lastonbell situation, so it seems likely he may have headed there...but please don't put yourselves in too much danger investigating it. I would not want either of you to go missing, as well...I know there are people who would be worried." Jacqueline explains, as they both ask for more. It was touching, in a way, to see people react so strongly to his disappearance. "...But...I thank you both, for your concern."
Her own expression had fallen a bit...but she manages a smile and clasps her hands together when Avril agrees to talk to her about it sometime.
"I'd be glad too, then. Truth be told, it's something I enjoy discussing..." She replies, then looks toward Rudy. He was rather skilled with an ARM, from what she'd seen.
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
"Yeah, I'm good with ARMs. People in the town I was staying hated me for using them, but then, I found out a lot of Drifters and the like used them. Now I feel kinda boring." With that, Rudy beams, as if it was the greatest thing in the world to be. "Boring is nice."
However, his joy at being considered mundane fades slowly in the wake of a long pause as Rudy considers his next question. It's clear that whatever happened there was not good, but still, something in him seems to urge him to inquire. After all, he knows that these wonderful women seem to have a better pulse on current events than he does; though admitted, most people have a better handle on current news than Roughnight. "What happened in Lastonbell anyway? I know it was attacked, but I feel like something else happened too. Not sure what, but the stuff I heard from people seemed" Rudy shrugs, clearly not able to put words to it.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.
"'Boring is nice'. Hmm... It does seem pleasant," Avril agrees with him, after a turn. "To live an ordinary life, away from the rush of the world. It almost feels nostalgiac..." She smiles, tempered though it is by a vague sense of...
...Had she once said that before? She searches after the sense for a moment, before giving up a futile chase. No sense worrying after what cannot be discovered.
For now, she knows -- feels? -- she must take care with herself and her next steps forward. Particularly, perhaps, given the odd fugues that sometimes overtake her...
Or the dull impulse she feels the weight of at times, down in the catacombs of her mind.
She must be careful.
Speaking of which, the conversation turns to the matter of Ethius.
"Was he..." she murmurs, gaze downcast as she entwines her fingers once again, as if settling into ruminative thought. "I see."
A moment or three passes before she speaks up once again: "I will mention the matter to my friends, and should we hear something more, I will pass word along." Her gaze turns towards Rudy as he muses on the situation in Lastonbell. "I have only heard of it, myself. It seems the siege was broken, but..." She frowns. There were rumors, certain rumors, about what had transpired. But which are fact and which are fiction? "...I do not intend to go to Lastonbell alone, should my road take me there. I will be in the company of others."
In other words, fear not, perhaps.
<Pose Tracker> Jacqueline Barber has posed.
'Boring is nice'. Jacqueline can agree with Rudy's words. Avril has her own words to say on that, as well. And Jacqueline, too, nods.
"I agree...there is some beauty in that. If I could be just a simple merchant, traveling from place to place and peddling my wares alongside my friends, I would..." Jacqueline says. Unfortunately, the world was not nearly so kind as that.
"Thank you, Miss Avril." Jacqueline replies, bowing her head politely. And then, comes the question - what, exactly, happened in Lastonbell?
"...It was broken, yes. Individuals infiltrated the wall, and they used Filgaian technology to bring it down. ...There was no way Lastonbell could have defended against it. They have no experience with technology on our level..." Jacqueline replies. There's a somber tone to her words. She sounds certain of what she's saying...and sad, too. There's some familiarity with what happened, but she doesn't seem about to elaborate.
"I imagine that's why Ethius thought he had to go...he's always been very insistent that we not meddle in the affairs of Lunar...that someone thought to involve themselves in their wars must be a great offense to him." She shakes her head, and then offers Avril a small smile.
"Dean and Rebecca, I assume? You're in good company, then." She replies.
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
There is a long pause as Rudy considers the information, for now ignoring the pleasantries of 'boring'. "I suppose that makes sense" is the mere reply in the wake of the explanation of Ethius' logic as well as the concerns of the attack. The boy isn't exactly the most talkative, despite his warm nature and desire to assist. "Though speaking of the company of others, I really should be trying to see how some certain people are doing. I was looking for a friend of mine to try and talk some sense into him, but..." A glance is given. "Seems like I have more searching to do. I don't want him hurting anyone." However, the deep frown he has is soon replaced with a smile. "It was good talking to you both though, stay safe!" Once he gets any sort of farewell or if they seem to question what he is talking about with his 'friend', he will soon boot it. After all, it seems everyone's here looking for something or someone.
There is a brief pause, however, as Rudy stops. "Oh, tell Dean I'm glad he's alive too!" he shouts to Avril before he continues onward. Boring indeed.