“I don't deserve this.”

(«^») Iris Exurrana

8E/438Y/12M/34D 18:59 AM

We spent about two hours together, maybe more. It was a long time. Although we had to stop because we were both getting tired. Aurora more so than me.

Eventually we settled down on the bed, my body nestled into hers. We laid there silently for while, relaxing, and regaining our energy. Aurora was warm and comforting. I constantly tried to play the strong girl who could do everything herself, but… that moment of weakness was oddly satisfying. I was never afforded the ability to be weak. Or to show it when I was. And that one moment where I could let Aurora be the one protecting me for once. It… it made me happy…

Quietly, I broke the sweet silence, “Can we stay here? Like this?”

Aurora gave me a sorrowful look, “Iris… we have a job to do…”

I sighed, “Yeah… you're right… now is as good a time as any…” I steeled myself, trying to regain my composure. “Let's go.”

(«^») 2:15 PM

It took us a little over an hour to get to the temple. The forest outside of Saela was warm, and something I hadn't noticed was that it rained consistently during the night. Aurora explained that the forest on the south eastern part of Nil Yn was a type of rainforest. Although it had a high concentration of dust based magic flowing through the land making the vegetation prismatic, and formed free floating crystals that continuously rose into the atmosphere, giving the forest a very mystical presence.

Although I found that pink leaved trees were the most common out of the brightly colored forest.

We walked quickly, and I made sure I held onto Aurora's hand the entire time, but I couldn't help but stare in awe at the forest. A lot of the lesser fallen were also prismatic, and seemingly made of glass.

At some point, my vision blurred and our surroundings changed. I pulled sword and looked around carefully, preparing for an attack.

What I found was that we were in the entrance of a temple. There was a long flight of stairs in front of us, and behind us sat a very clean, Nil Ynesian styled temple. In the middle sat a single priestess who was meditating. She seemed fairly short, and had long, thick, pink hair. She carried a white umbrella on her side.

Aurora took a step forward, echoing throughout the large, empty temple. “Anoh, are you Azrael?”

She opened one eye revealing their striking golden hue.

She sighed, “Yes. I am the guardian of this temple. How may I help you?”

I spoke up, “My name is Iris Exurrana. I'm gathering people who can help me retake Alexandria.”

“Oh? Iris you say? Firstly, it's a pleasure to meet you Storm Charmer. It's been quite a long time since our last meeting. But. I have a duty to this temple. All I really ask that you tell if the name Iryna means anything to you.

I gave her a questioning look, "Yes."

"Lovely. Well, let's be on our way."

(«^») 4:33 PM

Together we walked back to Saela at a leisurely pace. I walked with Aurora at my side, keeping a tight grip on her hand. Azrael walked with her hands locked in front of her, hidden under her long, loose, flowing Yn Dyrian robe. She had perfect posture, and walked elegantly. It was then that I got a really good look at her. Her golden eyes were speckled with dark gray, and she had dark gray speckles on the back of her hands, her cheeks, and the side of her neck. I assumed they were also on her shoulders as well. One could mistake them for freckles if they weren't familiar with how elements affected appearances. But those speckles were undoubtedly her traits that came from one of her elements. The harder I looked I also noticed that her eyes had green in them too but it was hard to distinguish.

But given her name and where I found her, my best guess was Death, Poison, and Flora.

I wondered where the pink hair came from. She might've had an affiliation to Dust or Mind. Or maybe it was genetics. The difference between pure genetics and traits based on elements was hard to distinguish in many cases.

“So, Mistress Exurrana-”

“I’ma gonna stop you right there. Call me Iris. I might be the Matron but you don't need to be so formal…”

“If you insist. As I was saying, exactly what is the plan henceforth?”

I explained to her that we were retaking Alexandria, and that we needed some powerful people to help out. “I don't really know the rest from there.”

“Oh? Might I remind you that I'm a priestess?"

"I don't think that changes how useful you are in a fight. Although I'd still like to know what your gifts are."

“I… I don't really like talking about them…”

I turned a little, and gave her a short hard stare, and then shrugged, "If that's how it is."

(«^») 7:02 PM

Instead of heading back to Yalina’s house, I led us to a rather rundown district within Saela.

“Anoh, Iris where are we going?” Aurora squeezed my hand as she spoke.

“We're gonna play a few games."

“If you insist… but this place is… uncomfortable…”

“Feels like home if you ask me.”

Azrael laughed, “Of course this would feel like home to you.”

“It always will.” I laughed a little as I led our group into a rundown building.

The inside was actually kind of beautiful. The tables were simply unfinished doors on crates, but it was all nicely decorated. Mostly blacks, and deep purples. It was shady as all Hell too.

Just the way I like it. There was some smooth, slow music playing. Easy on the ears. Relaxing on the shoulders. There were exactly two tables for card games I was very familiar with. I sat myself down on the most familiar one. Reluctantly I let go of Aurora's hand, “Stay close but don't interfere with the game. Get something to drink or play a game yourself. Relax.”

The table was in the corner, and Azrael simply stood diligently and watched.

I looked at the dealer. It was a woman. She had long purple hair, and some frameless sunglasses on. I gave her a smirk, “Let's play The Cycle, alternative. No clashing, just a quick game of who can build the best match with the least amount of cards?”

She blew a bubble with her gum, then popped it, and went back to chewing, “Alternative 2? I'm down.”

“Nice.”

(«^») Azrael Exurrana

That grin was off putting. They both had confidence to match. And although they seemed calm, the air about them was thick, and fiery.

“How much?” The dealer asked.

“5000. I don't feel so lucky right now.”

“Not a lot. Not below the minimum either though.” They each put down a small pouch of vials on the scale to make sure nobody was skimming.

“Open or Closed?” Iris asked.

“Let's make things interesting. Open.”

Iris drew five cards, “Dark of Crows, Bears, and Foxes.” She set down three cards almost immediately.

The dealer grinned, “Creation of Bears, Ace.”

I knew exactly what they were going for. The dealer was shooting for a Myth match. That confidence likely wasn't faked.

However Iris must've been even more confident. She was trying for a Shattered Reality match. More points, less cards. But knowing her, her end game wasn't just shattered reality. She must've been going for The World, or even End the World.

But those required a LOT of cards, and the more you drew the higher the chance you'd discard, bringing your point total down.

“Two Light of Bears.”

“Creation of Foxes.”

“Fire of Crows.”

“Creation of Foxes.”

And on and on. I watched as the table grew full of cards, and the air was almost choking. Iris was building up a discard pile larger than the dealer's.

But that little mask of hers stayed the same.

No no, that stone cold stare of hers was something to tell horrifying campsite tales about.

At some point Iris had laid down a Shattered Reality, Sundered Existence, and a True God match. The dealer was waiting on her. She had laid down a Myth match long before Iris was done, with only 4 discards. That brought her points total down to 162, at a 10% reduction. Iris already had 20 discard bringing her to a point reduction of 50%. It would on only grow as she drew more cards to finish the match.

She should've lost by that point, too. But for not feeling so lucky she was faring well.

Maybe it didn't matter if she won or not. It was only 5000 vials. But I wanted to see just how it would turn out. She was shooting for an End the World match which was worth 450 points and is the second best match in the game.

Iris continued to draw cards. She stopped for a moment. She stared at her cards. Her glare was as cold as the darkest winter's night.

She then picked up all of her cards, “9 of Dark, Light, Gravity, Sound, Time, Space, Dust, Life, Death, Creation, Destruction, Body, Mind, Fate, Free Will, Fire, Water, Ice, Lightning, Flora, Earth, Metal, Acid, Disease, Poison, Aces, Gods, Kings, and Heroes. 26 discarded.” Slapped down every card on the table, then slid her discards below them. “End the Cycle. 26 discards comes out to 65% reduction. End the Cycle is worth 500. That cuts me down 325 points, leaving me at 175.” Her glare broke into a sly grin.

The dealer smirked. “Nice one. Go on. Take your winnings. Wanna play another game?”

“I'm good. That win just paid for my dinner. I don't wanna lose it. Like I said I'm not feeling so lucky.” Iris talked as she cleaned the table and put her deck on top of the dealer's.

“Suit yourself.”

Iris got up and grabbed Aurora's hand who was watching very closely, and led us out of the club. It was getting dark, but there were still people about.

Aurora looked up at Iris, starry eyed. “That was amazing, Iris! One more discard and you would've lost!”

Iris laughed, “It was easy.”

“Because you cheated.” I said, monotone.

“Of course I cheated, do you even know who I am?”

“I know very well. It's despicable.”

“Oh, shut up. These places are run by gangs who don't deserve my money.”

“Everyone deserves your honor.”

“That's what you think.”

“Tch.”

Aurora looked at Iris, “I knew you were cheating, but I didn't really get how.”

“Simple trick. I was hiding my discards under other cards. When I sorted my cards on the last bit, I put a lot of my discards under the piles I was making. I could've put more, but if I had too little discards they would've gotten suspicious. I made it look like I barely won.”

“Impressive…” Aurora then leaned in and whispered into Iris’ ear.

I rolled my eyes at the comment. “I'll never get how you can be so okay with the habits of your Exurrana.”

Aurora looked at me, “I thought it was an honor to be requested?”

“It is. That doesn't mean I particularly care for how she gets things done.”

“If it truly is an honor, you'll look the other way and keep your mouth shut.” Iris spoke to me in a cold tone.

“If you insist.” I gave her a hard look before giving it up and continuing on in silence.

(«^») 18:10 PM

After Iris led us all back to Yalina’s house and properly introduced me, I was given a room, which I immediately started sitting down and reflecting on the day's events.

I sat with my legs folded beneath me, my arms resting in my lap.

After I felt I was done I pulled out a bag from under my robe, and took out a small journal, and started writing.

It's the middle of the Ice Spell. Today was warmer than usual, not unlike the past two weeks. Today the Matron, Iris, appeared at my temple and passed the trial. She asked that I join her in an attempt to retake Alexandria. It's been years since I've been out of the temple… I don't want to abandon it, but this seems like it might be good for me. The silence of the temple is both a blessing and a curse… I think it's high time for a change. The temple will always be there. It's legally owned by me so it should be fine. I can come back when I feel the need to.

Besides this might even lead me to Aoife…

After the last word my mind went blank, so I calmly closed the journal and put it back in my satchel. I closed my eyes and simply let my mind wander.

“…”

“......”

“.........”

There was a muffled noise coming from the other room.

I focused my senses on it. At first it just sounded like muffled music, and conversation. It felt oddly familiar. My ears twitched a little in frustration. I always tried being respectful, formal, and proper about things, but this piqued my curiosity. I tried my hardest to fight the urge to just barge into the room over to see what was going on. But, like always, I caved in.

Calmly, I got up and walked over to the room next to mine. I knocked once then waited. After a few seconds I rapped twice, and opened the door.

Sitting there was Iris holding a clear vial that was only about an inch long. The vial seemed to be playing music with conversation mixed in. I walked inside and closed the door behind me, “Anoh, Iris?”

“Yes?” She tapped the vial and a holomagic screen popped up, and she tapped it again stopping the sound.

“If I may, what are you doing?”

“Yesterday I made a new toy. It required me to make a powerful stop time spell temporarily which was terrifying every time I used it, but it allowed me to make this.” She held up the vial.

“That doesn't answer my question…”

“I wasn't finished. It passively records all sound within eighty feet of it. I can then go back and replay what was recorded at any given point. The magic records sound from every point within its range giving me an equal volume on everything. I can then alter what plays back to one point so I can hear things in that area clearly. We didn't go to that club for no reason. I was there because I was following someone. I wanted to know what they were up to because I've had run ins with them in the past.”

That was a little shocking to hear. “Who were you following?”

“A noble by the name of Tael. She's a bit of a traveler, and it just so happens that today she was in Saela. I noticed her walking about when we were coming back from the temple, so I decided to follow her.”

“Why..?”

“Oddly enough she hangs around gang members a lot. When I was in the Fire Gang I saw her meet with Castiva, their leader, a few times. I listened in on a few of their conversations, and apparently she's a Runner. For who I don't know, but it must be someone important if she has the money to fly all over the world for this shit.”

“A noble who's a Runner? Odd…”

“Very. I've never trusted the Nobility of Alexandria. The fact that they have their own special district is off putting. And I know at some point in the seventh era they started a revolt. Without any actual cause might I add. The few nobles that I do know are all bastards, or suspicious. So, throughout the years I've memorized every noble family, and important figures within them.”

My eyes grew wide, “That's very… that takes a lot of dedication…”

“When you've actively worked against them on orders from people you trust you tend to make some safe assumptions after killing them, stealing from them, and actively trying to dig up their secrets for ten years. There isn't a single noble family in Alexandria that hasn't been the subject of my work.”

“I get not trusting them, because I don't either, but that's a lot of work.”

“It's not just a lot of work. It's my job.” Iris gave me a hard, yet starry eyed look.

“So, Tael, what was she there for?”

“Hold up lemme find it.” She messed with the vial a little, and then started playing the recording.

“Ah, Tael! I've been expecting you!” It was a man's voice. It was smooth, but not overtly so.

“I'm a bit late, so I apologize.” What I assumed was Tael’s voice was that of a succubus. Her tone nearly made me vomit from the amount of poison that dripped from it.

“No worries. So what news do you bring?”

“It's all absolutely awful!” She stopped as she took a drink of something, “Those two fucking brats made it off the train alive.”

“The two Exurra has been hunting?”

“Yes.”

“That means they're here in Saela. If we can get Exurra to send us descriptions we could find them and put them down ourselves.”

“No need. Look over there.” There was a moment of pause.

“You mean that's them?”

“I know the one with black eyes and hair. She used to run with the Fire Gang in Alexandria. That was years ago though.”

“She used to be one of us…”

“She works for The Von now from what I hear. Just a rumor, but I'm not doubting it.”

“If she took out Sef then she's at the very least dangerous.”

“Very. I'm gonna follow her as soon as she leaves. Gather some information on her.”

“Good idea. For now we drink, yeah?”

Iris then stopped the recording.

I looked at her, “Oh…”

“'Oh' indeed.”

“What do we do?”

“She's still outside the house. I'm gonna do what I'm best at. Care to join?”

I gave her a grin and a small bow, “Gladly.”