Time for a Break

[alphacraft]

Who: Odile and OPEN
What: Just chillin
When: After Suri-fight
Where: The cafe and/or inn
Warnings: Will add if needed

The consequences of Enciodes' little mission have been far-reaching, it seems. Odile herself is satisfied that she's learned a great deal (though grumpy that some of it had to be learned at all) and relatively un-traumatized from the whole ordeal, but people around town are clearly not doing well. So while she normally keeps mostly to herself, this week she's decided to get out and about.

It's still bitterly cold, and she still wants to just sit somewhere warm and read a book, so the inn and the cafe will have to do for "out and about".

She makes herself comfortable, sipping occassionally from a cup of tea as she reads, but makes a point to look up whenever someone comes by or starts talking and nod, or raise her eyebrows, or otherwise signal that she is open to having company.

Comments

[alphacraft]

She hums thoughtfully. When he says it like that, it sounds like a terrible idea, but it's actually kind of perfect. Firsthand experience would no doubt be the best teacher here.

"Yes, perhaps we should."

[aneikonic]

Odile you are supposed to the voice of logic and reason here. Her agreeance makes him blink but - well - practical demonstrations are sometimes best. He's silent as he thinks.

"Going to need a bit of open room, I'd rather not set buildings on fire."

oh it's fine dw has just not been giving me notifs for the past month

[kingincognito]

"Ah, no need, then. I understand. A large part of what I am able to do is also applicable in combat, so it isn't feasible to use it outside of the context."

Hmm... But the things he can do shouldn't be too taxing, really.

"I'd be happy to give you an example of my non-combat abilities."

[alphacraft]

She raises her eyebrows.

"You've managed it once before. There's no reason we can't do it again." Sure, he had a magical shield on him before, but it isn't as though there's anything to burn where Suri's temple used to be.

[aneikonic]

That takes him a moment because he truly is thinking she means for him to step out of the cafe into the Grove and simply ignite. He ah's softly when he clues in, amused.

"All right. I don't mind roasting a certain area a little further. Shall we pick a date or would you rather get it out of the way now?"

dw pls

[alphacraft]

"Oh?" Her eyebrows raise.

"I thought you weren't to use them unless absolutely necessary."

[kingincognito]

He smiles, maybe a tiny bit sheepishly.

"Non-combat is considerably less strain. Though, healing won't work without a wound to heal, so that limits what I can do."

[alphacraft]

She's glad he catches on. She would hate to have to explain that she was not suggesting wanton arson.

"I don't have anything else planned for the day. Do you?"

[alphacraft]

[ She smiles wryly. ]

Thank you, but I think a verbal description will do. I would like to discuss your capabilities should another combat scenario arise, however.

[kingincognito]

Ah, she isn't going to let him get away with it. Oh well. Probably for the best.

"Of course. As myself, I'm capable of casting fire magicks, as well as healing. It is... fairly thorough, but unfortunately will not revive someone that has already passed. Fire can also be used exclusively for lighting an area, if need be.

"As for the Phoenix... I don't know how much you were capable of seeing, but it takes up considerable space. Priming does involve fire, though it isn't as destructive as my brother's, and my fire magicks are significantly more powerful. I try to only use this form when absolutely necessary. I can access a semi-primed form as well, though all it does is give me a boost in power and speed."

[aneikonic]

"Nothing at all."

He offers her a smile and stands up, then politely offers her his hand. There is... some gentleman left in him despite the whole living as an outlaw thing.

[alphacraft]

"I saw enough, I think," she says with a nod. She's already gotten a lot of answers on that end from Clive, so she has some understanding of how things work.

"How does the radius of effect compare between your 'priming' and Clive's?"

[alphacraft]

She graciously accepts the hand, though she definitely doesn't need help standing. It's a matter of respect, and she always appreciates that.

"Very well then. This should certainly be educational."

[kingincognito]

Radius... hmm. Joshua pauses to think for a moment looking aside at the floor.

"If I were standing, I would say that mine is... roughly double my height in any direction, beginning from my feet. Maybe just a slight bit more, but not by much, if any."

[alphacraft]

Her eyebrows shoot up again. Impressive! He gave her a sensible answer without resorting to dinnerware.

"I see... Much more managable."

[aneikonic]

"If not that, then it will certainly be a show."

He'll help her to the feet - it is indeed the principle of it - then let her gather her stuff. And even open the door for her, she is very old after all.

"Is there anything you'd like to gather before we go?"

It should be safe now...

[kingincognito]

Joshua laughs at that, settling back in his chair.

"As compared to my brother's? His is far more dangerous than mine, I believe."

[alphacraft]

She considers going for the book she uses to channel her Craft, but decides against it. She's powerful enough without it should they run into any minor troubles.

"No, I think I have everything I need."

[alphacraft]

"Certainly. It was your magic that protected us last time, wasn't it?" It's difficult to strategize around a power that comes with a friendly-fire hazard.

[kingincognito]

"It was. Shields are also part of my arsenal, though if my concentration is broken, it will fail. But they've withstood a good amount of firepower before."

Unfortunately, he can't shield his own priming flames, but. Such is life.

[alphacraft]

"A valuable skill. What is the cost, then, that you've been warned away from magic in general?"

[kingincognito]

Joshua pauses, lifting a hand to rub at his chest. It seems an idle motion, but...

"In our world, the more that a Bearer uses their magic, the more it advances the Curse - petrification of the body. Typically, it starts in the extremities. Fingers, toes. But it will gradually creep up the limbs until the entire body is consumed, and the Bearer dies."

[aneikonic]

"Right."

And forgive him for taking the lead, because they do have to trek through bits of the forest to get to the Shrine, and though he doesn't doubt her skill in magic... he's just naturally been situated at the forefront.

The Shield for a monster to focus on.

He was dead by the time Suri threw his tantrum, and so while he's heard it came down, he's not seen the rubble as they finally come upon it again and he huh's softly.

"That's one way to lock the door after you've tossed your guests out..."

[alphacraft]

That's... horrifying. Suddenly she regrets taking Clive out to show her Ifrit more than anything. How can anyone use magic in a world like that? And the hand motion doesn't go unnoticed. She would have noticed if he was unable to use a whole arm or leg. Did the petrification start in his chest? That was the worst possible scenario for a phenomenon like this. What about Clive, then? How bad were his symptoms? Of course he would hide this from her, he was probably hiding his symptoms as well. He was just that type, wasn't he?

For a second some of her shock shows on her face, then some of her anger, before she gets herself under control. Her expression is grim, but restrained.

"I see. Thank you for telling me." He could have downplayed it, or kept his answer vague. She's truly grateful that he didn't. Now she knows what she's dealing with.

[alphacraft]

It's natural for Odile to linger in the back, so it works well for both of them. She surveys the site impassively. She hadn't had the chance, really, when they were making their escape. She'd been dealing with the pain from a broken clavicle and dislocated shoulder, among other things.

"Consider it fortunate he saw fit to toss us out, first."