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Permalink Reply by 2ddgn5bzsju1t on November 12, 2018 at 2:01

Aurelia was the guard that would do what need to be done in the manor, with the majority of the guards being light species, things didn’t come as easily as they did to her. She was always ready for a fight, quick to anger and with well over a century under her belt she had a high body count, though she had been through countless battles and wars now. With all that fight it wasn’t to say Rei was cold, when you first met the Russian you would either notice the pain behind her eyes and get to know her, or you would run the other way. There was rarely an in between, but a lot of people chose to run the other way when it came to her. She figured her external kept the weak away.

Becoming a guard put her skills to good use and she found a home among the family she had thought she had lost, even though she felt like she lost her way more times than not. She pushed through the times and worked from being a guard to being head trainer to the guards along with Argents personal guard which was not something she saw coming. They are literally on opposite ends of the scale. Aurelia had more in common with Ery the aspect of death then she did Argent and yet the two worked in harmony, as if they were meant to be the others yin and yang.

Years past with the aspects and Rei had come to have a pretty good grasp of the aspects and the mannerisms. When Argent was upset she would lock herself away in the library in order to bury herself in books in other worlds. Ery would drink himself and brood in his room, so on. Malva when she had a plan to do something and it wasn’t a spur of the moment kind of thing would slowly withdraw from the guards and family wouldn’t notice. Most didn’t but Aurelia did, since Tatiana and Malva were not on the best of terms Aurelia had began to keep a watchful eye over her, since Argent was busy with other things that kept her in the manor lately.

So when Aurelia heard the latch lock to Malva room down the hall then the grunt of her climbing out of her window, Aurelia could only roll her eyes. Her sneaking out had not gotten any better then when she use to do it with Tatiana before. Aurelia was quick running to her room picking up her go bag and then moved through the house dropping a text to Argent as she entered the garage and was there opening the door to the Volvo sliding into the passenger seat tossing her bag into the back seat and looked to Malva.

“I know when you are about to go off on an adventure and you know me. I refuse to miss out on all the fun.” She said as she settled into the seat “The deal is I go with you. Or I can drag you back into the house and let one of your sisters and brothers figure out what is going on with you. You have become withdrawn, and since you cut your link to Tatiana it has only caused more worry then it should.” She said simply and crossed her legs “Beside I could use a vacation after almost dying on the last mission you sent me on with Tatiana.” She chuckled and then looked to her. “I won’t ask questions, just drive and we can play iSpy or something.”

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on November 12, 2018 at 14:13

Leaning against the driver's seat, the slightly flaxen haired Aspect of Magic grumbled in distress as Aurelia occupied the passenger seat next to her. The problem was because she could not shrug her off no matter how badly she wished she could. It's Aurelia, for Gods sake. Placing a hand on the steering wheel, she turned to her side slightly to face the blonde vampire. "It's not even going to be fun, dear Rei, love. It'll probably fill your head with so many impending disasters that I'm sure you'd love to avoid. Trust me." Okay, it wasn't usual for Malva to ask others to trust her so much in the last minute ordeal. She was desperate to shake her off her tail but it was Aurelia, not anyone else. Unfortunately, Tatiana's mother knew the relationship between them were slowly deteriorating, no thanks to Malva. 

The Aspect was quick to dismiss the latter option where she would be dragged back to the manor and be left at the mercy of her siblings. "Yeah..not a chance there." She retorted, running her fingers through her locks as she lets out a heaved and defeated sigh. "Fine, tag along if you want, Rei. But don't say I do not warn you it's going to be a boring journey." It wasn't as if there was anything that she could do about it other than let things unfold as it was supposed to. With hopes, nothing would be jeopardizing it because the information she was tracking down was highly vital to the Aspect of Magic. When the vampire guard talked about her recent withdrawn behavior towards everyone, she bit her bottom lip and shrugged absentmindedly. "There's nothing to talk about it, Rei. I'm a bit busy is all.. And I need time away, not that you're giving me much of a choice to explore through."

Starting the engine, she drove them out of the compound and away from the south side of the city as the speed increases. Tapping her fingers against the steering wheel, the Russian born woman pursed her lips lightly before glancing over to her. "I think she's better off without me. The bond will only bring her down whenever I have my mood swings.. you know my pattern. There's always a viable option when it comes to me withdrawing myself away from everyone. Until I get to the bottom of this, I can't be distracted and I have plenty to distract me right now. It's almost overwhelming." Malva was sure Aurelia, out of everyone, knew how conflicted the witch felt. To everyone, she might look like it, but deep down, Malva Ailward was still so much that resembles a teenager who is still struggling in her young adult years despite being over 1290 years old already,

"We're not playing iSpy for sure. I hate that game. And please- you're exaggerating it. It was only a retrieving mission. Wasn't my fault your daughter triggered the flaming temper in a second degree century old witch."

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Permalink Reply by 2ddgn5bzsju1t on November 19, 2018 at 3:23

Aurelia watched as the aspect turned to face her and knew she was going to do her best to get her to move out of the seat she had planted herself in. The blonde smirked softly and let out a faint chuckle. “One I bring the party everywhere I god dear Mally.” She settled in and pulled the seat belt around her and smirked “Two do you not think I already have my head filled with those kind of thoughts already. Which is why I am in this car when you thought you could sneak out and no one would notice.” She leaned her head to the side and sighed heavily “It is either I go with you and watch your back or I go and get Tatiana.” She said in a soft threat knowing that was the only way she would agree willingly to let her tag along.

Though sometimes threatening the aspects with their siblings tended to get the job done just as well which in this case seemed to be the best option which made Rei settle back into the seat at the small victory. “Boring journeys are the best as they are the ones I can get caught up on my beauty sleep.” She chuckled softly as she clicked her seat to lean back slightly and adjusted the sunring on her finger that argent made her all those years ago. Aurelia rolled her eyes slightly at the response from the Aspect of magic. “That is bullshit and we both know it, but you don’t wanna talk about it fine I get it. But if its a long ride I will be right here to talk about it.” She placed and arm behind her head looking to her “I swear all of you aspects can’t lie worth shit.” she chuckled slightly. “Good thing you live the missions up to the guards mostly.”

Aurelia looked to Mal and sighed softly “You both were good for each other, but I am not going to question your motive for breaking the body Malva, you had your reasons, even if you are not ready to share them just yet.” The vampire said being someone who had broken many bonds in the past. “Just know you are going to have to take steps to repair what has been broken if you want to salvage it in the future. I know from experience.” she said softly being one of the most emotional guards around the Manor. She learned to channel that emotion to make herself a better guard and worked on train the younger guards to do the same. Many in the manor had taken up calling her Mama vamp, it was a nickname she had kind grown proud of even it she would act like she hated it.

Aurelia pulled down her shirt where it revealed the scar in the center of her breast “I don’t exaggerate. I was on bed rest for a month. Let me turn you into a vampire and almost stake you into your heart and daystar flooded into your system.” the vampire grumbled back to the aspect as she remembered saving her daughter while the mission was a set up to get the guards to reveal the aspects new location. “There was a lot more to that mission then a witch.” She said lowly as she closed her shirt looking out that window “I believe there is an upraise happening Mal, and one that very well could be attempting to take out the Aspects and bring chaos if we are not careful.” she said softly to her.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on November 19, 2018 at 10:01

When is dealing with an Ivakov ever easy? Never, that's the answer. Malva stopped trying to pry the vampire guard off, knowing fully well she wasn't exactly going to take no for an answer anyways. There was no actual reason to push her off, other than the Aspect of Magic wanting to keep her search for this matter low-key. Surely, she could find some compelling reasons to keep Aurelia's lips sealed from telling anyone else. Placing her hands on the steering wheel, Malva shrugged in response to her answers. It was not as if it was oblivious to the Aspect of Magic. She noticed the differences and the bridge between her relationship and friendship with Tatiana was slowly breaking off, where it would truly be hard to recover and salvage if she continued this useless feud longer. 

"I wouldn't have to sneak out if I didn't have to, Rei. It's not just for fun, unfortunately. Seeing as I don't know the concept of fun." The sarcasm dripping in her voice was almost unreal, but seeing as it was Malva, it wasn't really a rare occurrence. "Well, one thing is for certain. We're going to keep that party low because I happen to like finding this information and not lose it again. It's hard enough to sneak about to gain such thing without the approval and knowledge of my brothers, especially Venetus and Aureus. Reus would never let me out the manor if he knew what I was doing, for sure. And Ven..well let's not even start there." Malva was positive her brothers were trying to keep them safe and protected but she couldn't exactly sit back and watch everything unfold from the sidelines, not if some things involved her direct element. She wasn't going to let any other form of magic spiral out of control again, mainly because she was confident she wouldn't be able to control them if Pandora's Box were uncovered.

When she heard Aurelia saying something about them not being able to lie, the purple dragon found herself staring at her lap briefly before averting her eyes back on the road. Was that actually true? She's been in this for a month and a half, no one has noticed? "I'd like to believe we both were good for each other. Tati offered me comfort when I needed them, Rei. Desperately. I was nearly off my rocks long ago, it was a surprise I'm still holding on to my sanity. Dwelling with magic and holding up with them after so long, it's not exactly a healthy job.", she chuckled half-heartily, not knowing whether it was worth holding up to the end of her bargain. "She was always there whenever, I am thankful. But this matter, it's hard for me to disclose it to anyone. What I can tell you guys is that, I'm working on it. Once everything is settled, I'll divulge in all the secretive ones in here. I can't keep them alone, and that's exactly what I've been doing. It's- unhealthy." Oh if Malva had the slightest idea on what's unhealthy, she wouldn't even do this. 

When the blonde revealed the past injury, the Aspect of Magic sighed. "I should've known to send more backup to it. Tati wouldn't let me, is one thing. But I underestimated the measure. Magic is always susceptible to everyone, and of course the witch would have alliances being made with other people. For a witch, obtaining daystar wasn't nearly half as difficult as it should be." But when Aurelia brought up the matter of malevolence force thriving on bringing them down from somewhere, she bit her bottom lip and pursed her lips lightly before speaking. "That's honestly why I'm on this trip. Do you really think if it was not important enough, I'd be handling it personally rather than just sending out guards? This is something I can't entrust anyone to do other than me. And not because I don't trust any of you enough to carry it out, it's more to it being my responsibility. I am aware there are other parties who sought out on unraveling chaos and our demise. Taking us out is one big step but it's definitely one step closer to the world's annihilation. Everything could be wrecked and there would be no one trying to fix nor mend it. I am on the road of finding out what spell they used to make sure the Isle fell, first. Like I said, magic is susceptible to everyone. Even us. If they had possession to such access of spells, all they need is an experienced diviner." Although Malva felt a bit responsible on not knowing if there was such rupture in her own element's flow. It was almost impossible for the other party to enact such spell without her noticing the signs earlier on.

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Permalink Reply by 2ddgn5bzsju1t on November 29, 2018 at 3:43

Aurelia was one of the few guards in the house that didn’t gossip or tell others things she was told in confidence. She wondered if it was because from her past giving a secret to someone cost her, her nephilim life. So as she settled in watching as the aspect of magic gave up on trying to kick her out of the car. She looked out the window of the car and played with the sun ring Argent gave her when she first became an aspect in order to walk in the sun again and hummed softly. “All I am hearing is why you need a guard with you even more. Listen I am not one to pry you know this. But I have sworn my life to protect you aspects so I figured either me the Aspect who will not ask questions and will just keep you side or…” she nodded her head towards the house. “Keeping you alive will be my concept of fun.” She smirked softly to Mal “After all we both know I am the best guard anyways.”

“You will barely notice me. I swear it.” Aurelia as she looked over to her nodding softly towards the aspect, “Well lucky for you, your brothers are occupied at the moment but we both know that won’t last so it's better if a guard is with you. Who would be willing to lie to them and tell them you planned this mission with their approval that that simply forgot.” Aurelia smiled softly to her trying to provide a air of comfort to the aspect who was clearly on edge slightly. Aurelia was very observant and had notice that things were off with Malva and chose to just watch her not calling her out. Being the aspect of Magic had to take its toll on Malva she was sure there was much more going on then she would let slip from her lips, just like all her siblings. With all the magical artifacts she was looking at lately it felt to Rei she was looking for something important.

All the aspects couldn’t lie when it came to her, she had been with them far to long and saw through them most of the time. About the only two who could get away with it were Reus and Ven and that was more because the two just had an air about them that she tend to know there was a reason for them doing what they were doing. “You are strong Mal, just have moments that your magic is to much for you. You need people like Tati or anyone that can help ground you when you are going through those times.” She said softly looking off to the road “Hell I am surprised I made it so long till I met…” she trailed off slightly forgetting for a brief moment that no one in the manor knew of her certain initia friend yet. “Point is we all need people to keep us off from going off the deep end.” she said softly giving her a smile, giving a soft nod to Mal “Then I won’t ask questions, but I am here to protect you and what not.” She said trying to make her feel comfortable.

The most recent mission Tatiana and Aurelia went on, Aurelia had almost lost her life, since returning she had been far calmer than se use to be. “If it had been Tatiana choice she would have went alone and she would have been murdered. I know my place is not only to protect the aspects but my daughter as well. If I had lost my life it would have been serving my duty.” Long ago she accepted her life would be lost serving the aspects Her eyes moved back out to the road as the aspect spoke and she let out a slight sigh. “I get it, all these magical items are having a part to play in something siring but even if you don’t want the guards helping, you should tell your siblings as you all have to work together to keep a balance.” she said softly “but that is just my opinion, if you wish to know it. You are not one, you are eight.”

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on January 9, 2019 at 15:04

As the Aspect of Magic rest her bright blue hues on the blonde vampire that was sitting on the passenger's seat, she shook her head in response before retracing her following to the steering wheel as she decided to keep her eyes directly on the road. Manners maketh man, after all. At least person. So if she wanted to arrive to the airport just in time for her flight and survive the ride with all of her being intact, she's going to have to play by some rules. "I know you won't speak of some details that were not supposed to be spoken of to others. That's not the reason why I tried or, 'attempted' to kick you out from following me, Rei. It's far more than that." Whilst she wished she could let her siblings know about it, she wasn't sure if it was the best option to be dilly-dallying about. It wasn't confirmed yet. She'll wait until she reached a consensus.

Upon hearing her stating she was the best guard, Malva snickered and wondered how that was going to look when her daughter, who was her personal guard, would take to it. "Yeah, normally I might agree to it, but we both know your daughter will kill me and bury me somewhere across the world for no one to find me, if I ever admitted that outright. Either that, or she'll never let me live that one down, which I'm pretty sure the first option was a lot better to take." Drumming her fingers against the steering wheel, she bit her bottom lip and lets out a slight heaved sigh. "I think I don't need to tell you that I've been doing my own very personal research on something that will end up being quite important. But then again, is there anything we Ailwards haven't done that's not supposed to bring any impact or significance to the world? But as far as this goes, it might just be my paranoia acting up again."

It was clear to both woman that Malva wasn't trying to delay the inevitable but was trying to affirm every possible outcome and result to it before taking the next step. "I would prefer if my siblings would not bother to keep themselves updated with my current state of affairs, for now. They have enough of their own to bombard the entire household with, anyways." The Russian born Ailward Aspect wasn't a fool not to notice the sudden changes occurring with some of her siblings. They might not admit it outright, but they didn't have to. Secretly, she knew every single one of them could sense it radiating off them. Malva wondered why they kept a silent tongue about it, but knew it was probably for the best. Speaking of which, maybe a family gathering or meeting is what they needed nowadays. 

Chuckling at the thought of being regarded strong, she leaned against the seat and craned her neck to the side before shrugging. "I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm strong, Rei. I'm still very much vulnerable and susceptible to magic itself, it's frustrating. I know I'm prone to mistakes or flaws, but the fact that I wasn't able to gain at least third quarter of what I'm supposed to achieve after all these centuries, that is just mildly depressing. I feel like I'm being played for a fool. Much like a marionette." Everyone knew, when it comes to Malva, she despised so much the slight utterance of being outsmarted. It was mainly due to her history of being an amiable perfectionist. She couldn't stand the thought of being in the dark. Now whilst she was immensely grateful that the vampire would not ask her questions any further about what she was planning, a part of her wanted that part to stay briefly. She needed that.

"Do you ever wonder, if somehow, in a small mild occurrence, you became a variable that started a chain of reaction? If so, what do you think you'll feel about it? Would you feel guilty? Would you do everything in your power to stop it?" It was a weird question to most, but for her, it was a clarification she needed to have before confiding. Malva had to shoulder this burden for a while now, and she was getting really tired. 

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Permalink Reply by 2ddgn5bzsju1t on February 4, 2019 at 15:31

Resting her blue hues on the aspect as she looked to her caused the guard to raise a slight eyebrow to the aspect as she talked about how talking to her siblings was not the only reason that she wanted her to stay back at the Manor. With the close call that both Tatiana had and then Rei with their lives the Ivakov tribe was worried of losing those that have become family through the years. Maybe that is why the blonde vampire was so hellbent on not letting Mal go off alone. After all, she and Tatiana had been best friends at one point. “You could clarify all the reasons you wished me to get out but I doubt it would change me being here with you now.” she gave a smirk to her “after all I am rather persistent when motive is right. My motive to keep you safe is what is driving me right now.”

“Please Tatiana knows I am the best guard none of the others are willing to admit it. I mean it's all about knowing you are in the end. Besides I taught Tati everything she knows so I’ll keep you safe.” with a soft chuckle she gave her a wink as she chuckled. If she was being honest she didn’t think she was the best guard but it was always a joke that she did to help relieve tension. In fact she thought herself one of the less valuable members of the guard lately wondering if she was in the right place anymore. It took becoming Argents guard to make her feel like she was where she needed to be. Staying with a listening to the aspect “Yes personal research that is causing you to magically bind your room and try to leave before any of us noticed.” she shook her head “The guards are replaceable, Aspects are not. You guys mean way to much to the world.” She said coldly. “So yeah you should keep someone in the loop, at least when you and tati were on good terms I didn’t have to worry about you so damn much.” mutters “Didn’t have to worry so damn much about you both.”

Rei had a pit in her stomach a lot lately she had been chalking it up to almost losing her life but now here with Mal it felt like something bigger was coming and they could all feel it but not place their finger on it fully.  Giving a roll of her eyes she stared off for a long moment, she felt all the aspects have been a little to distant lately but she understood after being with the same people for so long it was easier to create a dangerous space. She wondered if things had ever healed after the celestial incident. “To much space between ya’ll can be dangerous.” she pited out the the aspect but gave a shrug. “But ya’ll were always the strong silent types when it came to issues that were spinning around the world.” she sighed softly running her fingers against her thigh softly. “Still think ya’ll should get together and talk about whatever is troubling your thoughts.”

Rei looked to the window and gave a soft laugh to her “Come now saying you are not strong is just a joke. All of you are strong in your own ways, and all of you have flaws and make mistakes. There is an old saying лучшее - враг хорошего or in english best is enemy of the good. When reaching for perfection or being without flaw you are actual reaching for the worst parts of yourself and will lose what makes you good.” she gave the fellow Russian a slight shrug. “Take that Nephilim child Siobhan, her mother raised her to be nothing but perfection and the poor girl feels like she is the cause of everyone's pain and cuts her own palms with her nails when she can’t handle things. She was taught that if she wasn’t perfect that she was less than when that is not the case. She has a kind heart and wants to help everyone, just vastly undertrained.” she said “Don’t look at your flaws and mistakes as a bad thing. You need them to grow and learn.” She gave a soft chuckle “yeah I just turned into a fortune cookie there or Argent is rubbing off on me in seeing the good things in life.”

Rei let out the faintest of hums to the chain of questions that left the aspects lips “No I wouldn’t feel guilty because it wasn’t just your actions that caused the chain reaction. That is like asking me if I stepped on a butterfly right now and someone in the future was never born from it should I feel guilty? I wouldn’t. You are only in charge of your choices and you can only try and make the best choices you can at the moment of occurance at the end of the day its not just one action that leads to something bad.” she gave a slight tight smile before she asked her something that to most would just be brushed off. “Do you believe in destiny?”

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on February 4, 2019 at 21:41

With Aurelia, it was always hard to play coy around. The female vampire was just someone you can't truly shake off despite how many tries you go through them. She's a stick in the mud, a thorn by your side, a fungus just crawling up to you as she spreads around her territory. Malva knew Tatiana probably got that hardheaded persona of hers from someone, and it was definitely not just from the father. Stubborn to the core, the Aspect of Magic could relate. Maybe that was why she's always found the vampire's company to be assuring, so far that she's become a mother figure to her. There were times when she envied her guard for having a mother like Rei. She would've given everything to have what it means for a loving pair of parents. But alas, fate doesn't seem to believe in that concept for her.

“No, maybe not. You're as persistent as ever. I knew Tati got that from someone. It can't just naturally manifest without anyone helping it.” she remarked dryly, a coy smile tugging around the corners of her lips as she stared ahead on the road. Denver wasn't far off from Evermore, and they should be arriving to the airport very soon. Turning on the right lane, she picked up the speed a lot faster than usual, just so she could arrive there quickly. Thankfully, it was still somewhere average on speed limit, so she wasn't actually breaking any sorts of rules. Coming from someone who's always had a rebellious streak to her, abiding by the rules came as a foreign concept that was hard for her to grasp entirely. It didn't mean she was bad at it. She just didn't like it.

“Hopefully, you won't need to.’ she mumbled absentmindedly, regarding Rei's talk about keeping her safe on this trip. It was barely audible bit she was sure, with her vampiric sense of hearing, it would not escape her notice easily. “This trip.. Is just supposed to be a personal but mild one. It's nothing diplomatic.. Just me visiting the city I used to live in.” The concern and uncertainty accentuating her voice however made it hard for anyone to take her words without any question. Admittedly, it has been quite a while since she's been in Atlanta, the nostalgia should be kicking over her way any time now. Of course the mother would know of her daughter's progress. Whilst Malva couldn't fault her for caring, she found herself wondering if there was any truth to it.

“Me keeping her out of this is the best way for things to go, Rei. Believe me, I don't wish to add more trouble to her plate. Maybe being distant seemed like a horrible choice to make right now, especially when we didn't have the numbers as we used to, and the dangers are starting to seep in making itself known. But you should know by now, we don't really make the good ones when it comes to deciding, we make the best ones under the current circumstances.” The current predicament going around in her head right now didn't need more people to bother themselves with. Her siblings had enough part into it as they have, she just couldn't find it in herself to burden others with it. And she understood it fully that she wasn't the only one from the lot to keep their distance these days. It has been happening for every single one of them. There were no longer annual dinners nor meetings being held anymore. Everyone was keeping to themselves, even up to leading personal missions.

The Russian born woman couldn't help but to ponder at what the latter had said. Silent, perhaps. Strong, maybe. They were undeniably a force to be reckoned with, at times when they needed to make sure to keep reins over the control. But she also knew how vulnerable it has made them, the level of dependency has grown gradually and while that was a good thing to strengthen their bond together as one, it has also made a gap inbetween. “That's just it, I guess. I wonder how much longer we'd be doing this. It's been a while, no? What if we're finally deteriorating, I always wondered that. Nobody's perfect, after all. And I'm pretty sure when we were resurrected, we were not invincible to mental and physical woes. Sadly, we're still as susceptible. We can get sick, hell we can even get a flu.” It shouldn't bother her that even the slightest mundane things could occur to them like normal beings, but sometimes it does. It hinders their ability to carry out what needed to be done, and she knew just how much they would be blaming themselves for it, afterwards.

Though she'll admit, Rei's company wasn't proving to be a problem anymore. The guard always knew how to put herself in between situations with the gift of adaptability. It was no wonder she rose up to the ranks of becoming Argent's personal guard, much like how her daughter is Malva's. The Ivakovs and Dimitreus had been a part of their faction for a very long time, from the very beginning really. Perhaps, that was why her siblings were not as awkward around them when they wanted to talk personally. Upon hearing about Sio, she allowed a small smile to make its way up to her lips. “Well, she's a lovely person. I'm glad Dom found someone like her. I actually like her. Such a precious angel child. You can't help but want to keep her close and safe, somehow.” Over the time she's known the nephilim from her occasional visits to the manor, the Aspect of Magic found herself growing fond of her company. She was a whiff of a fresh air, someone you don't find as easy in the world, right now.

Chuckling softly at the vampiress, she shrugged casually before shortly arriving to their destination; Denver International Airport. Who knew it's been a little over more than 40 minutes already? Time seemed to pass off quickly when she wasn't paying attention to it. “Argent's rubbing off you, Rei. But hey, the thought of an Ivakov fortune cookie doesn't sound half as bad. Your daughter is way too much ornate pessimist, probably rubbed off from me over the centuries.” she mused, still amazed at how most of their personal guards really exuded their respective aspects’ persona. Opening the door after she parked the car at the basement parking lot, the sounds of heels of her shoes clicked distinctly against the marble floor as they both made their way to the elevator. “Malva Ailward was born out of destiny and fate itself. I would be stupid not to believe in it, considering all we had once upon a time ago, were wishes, hopes and dreams for a better future. I believe in magic, so believing in both of that should be a prerequisite.” she exclaimed, as her finger pushed the first floor button. When they arrived at the floor, she couldn't help but to nibble on her bottom lip, a habitual trait she does whenever she's being nervous or bothered by something. Perhaps, she should tell Rei why she's going to Atlanta today.

“Do you really wish to know why we're going to Atlanta today?”

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Permalink Reply by 2ddgn5bzsju1t on March 18, 2019 at 15:13

Shaking Aurelia was rather hard, many in the manor had come to know this. She wasn’t sure if it was just natural due to her shadow clinging nature. She wasn’t like this with everyone though, it was only people she cared about and wanted to keep safe. She had lost so much already, she didn’t want to lose anyone else if she could help it. It was true that her child was a product of her weather it was nurture or nature was the true question.  Even though she was here poking and prodding the Aspect, the aspect knew it was only because she cared in the end. There was a running joke in the Manor that Octavia and Aurelia where the mothers of everyone, but both had different ways of being a mother. A lot of the Aspect and guards didn’t have happy childhoods maybe that is why they were all so drawn together, Misery enjoy companies.

Aurelia gave the aspect a soft chuckle as she looked towards the row of trees outside of the window “I did the best I could raising Tatiana but being on the run along with so many other factors of back then. I am just lucky she is far more civil then I am.” she gave a soft chuckle “I am lucky she is a snarling mess. So if persistence is her worst trait I will gladly take it.” She let the chuckle escape between her soft painted lips. She knew this drive well enough to the airport, taking it several times herself for various things

Rei still keeping her eyes to the trees as the aspect mumbled next to her, that was always the hope, that the guards were not needed in the end. Yet there was a reason for the saying ‘better to have it and not need it, then to not have it and need it.’ the guards were a tool for the aspects. Most would be offended by the statement but Aurelia knew coming from a family of nephilim warriors. “You lived elsewhere? I honestly cannot picture you anywhere but the Isle and the manor.” she teased the aspect slightly in hopes to break the tension that seemed to be settled there. “It's not a horrible choice because of the numbers Malva… it's a horrible idea because you two were best friends and leaned on each other. In a world where one of us can die in an instant you need those bonds to keep you grounded. It's not adding to her plate it's you being there for each other, Mally.” Rei looked over to the aspect finally again. There was a darkness coming. A darkness that the Valkyr could feel in her bones yet couldn't put her finger on. “With the looming danger we need to be strong and unified as one.” She said barely loud enough for her to hear.

There had been many guards who had pulled themselves away since the Fall the one that suck out most was Bexley who left just a few nights that the aspects settled into the Manor, Aurelia couldn’t recall the last time she had seen the dark diviner. “We have to many people that have been pulling away, we don’t need the aspects to start pulling part from one another. You need to talk to us, it's not a burden we are more than guards and aspects now, we are a family.” It was a family not only did she need, but a family she wanted. They needed to get back to how they use to be. “Maybe when we get back, we should talk to Ven about enforcing a monthly dinner or something.” She muttered out softly, if it hadn’t been for Tatiana almost dying then herself right after, she wasn’t sure she would have saw her daughter at all the last few months.

“I mean they are all valid questions you have, something I have no answers for, after all you are the only aspects I have ever known.” She gave a soft shrug to her. “Thing is though, you all say your powers were gifted to you by the gods so why would it be so you couldn’t handle it? It seems counterintuitive to make the aspects just susceptible to common things. That would just bring the world into chaos, when that is against the reason of your creation. I guess really we don’t have answers because it's not like you can ask questions and get answers easily.” She sighed softly and shifted up slightly. “She is a lovely Angel Child and I am sure half the manor would go out of their way to protect her if Dom was away.” She chuckled at the thought, Siobhan had one of the most open souls of anyone she had known. The Nephilim just drew people in it felt like, much like how Dominic himself did but for different reasons. It was almost like they were truly yin and yang to each other.  “she has an affinity for wanting to learn things.” She mused and looked over to the Aspect as she came to a stop.

“May have to get some Chinese on this trip I am craving now.” she chuckled as she nodded slightly “Just call me Cookie…” she made a face “Actually don’t call me cookie makes me sound far too sweet.” she chuckled and shrugged “My daughter is going through a rough time, I love her, but she doesn’t wish to open up to me.” she frowned ever so softly, “I wish she would open up to someone.” she said softly before looking back out the window to the airport. Climbing out after her she follow behind her making their way to the elevator together. She looked to the woman in the elevator to her and gave a nod “I believe long before becoming a guard with how I was kidnapped and turned there was reason for it, to be here and be the guard I am now. If that would have never happened I would have never had Tatiana, who knows if I would be here who I am.” She sighed and then let her eyes rest on her heavily. “I would prefer to be in the know.”

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on March 27, 2019 at 9:43

Mal knew not to prod too much in stuff. Their entire family, were very complex. If that's a way she could put it anyways. Each and every single one of them were protective over one another, because they've known loss more than anyone else. They didn't lead their lives idly, every day was a constant danger to them. All it takes was one misstep, that's all it took, for everything to crumble. So in a way, Malva understood why most of them felt obligated to be this protective over them. It's perfectly understandable, hence why she didn't try to push Aurelia away after a few tries, not that she actually even tried with effort the first time. Rei was hard-headed, a very prominent and exceptional guard who's also a mother figure in her life, and after spending so many years with the valkyr, it's hard not to know how she'd act, though she's still very much unpredictable most of the time.

Malva couldn't count the times when she confided in Octavia and Aurelia, the two people she really saw as maternal figures despite being younger than her. The Aspect of Magic was still a kid, anyone can see that if they look deep and long enough, not that most people were willing to spare some much a glance her way without getting a glare back. She's a complicated person, and everyone knows that. Her, too. Groaning in response to her statement, Mal scrunched her nose up in annoyance. “She's a mini version of you. So persistent just like you, it's nearly impossible to shake her off.” Note that she said nearly impossible, the dreaded tone making its appearance again. The brunette pushed the blonde away a few months back and it's been too long, for them to sulk like this. But she did conclude it to be the better choice. God knows what would happen if they found out what Mal was hiding. With the exception of Rei, at least.

Coming back to the topic of her hometown, she pursed her lips slightly, pausing her words for good few seconds. “I'm Russian just like you lot. You guys know that since I'm pretty sure I cursed a lot in that language,” she chuckled, perhaps it was why she related better with them. “Born in Arkaim, but moved to Atlanta. It's what they call it these days.” Neither one of them talked much about where they originated, they just said North America. But North America wasn't specific enough. Nobody knew she hailed from Atlanta except her siblings, not even Tatiana. Talking about Tatiana is always a harsh topic for her, because the lengths they've went for one another, and now their relationship is hanging on a thin thread.

“Sometimes even when you say it's okay, the other just couldn't help but to feel the opposite. Psychological term, they say. But I can relate. You guys are busy enough as it is, if I can settle my own problems, I'll take it. When I need help, I'll reach out. If it becomes too much to bear, I'll call, I promise.” But will she? Malva is stubborn, afterall. Chortling at the idea of a family dinner, a meant to be annual thing, Mal squinted her eyes and sniggered. “Yeah, good luck with that.” But maybe that's a start. Rei wasn't wrong when she said they've been withdrawing from one another lately, even Tia pointed it out. The Aspect of Magic sees it, but never made a point about it, since she too, was a contributor to it.

When it comes to talking about their abilities, Mal always hit a stump end. A dead end with no answers to it. Even they didn't know. “I feel like it's understandable. The world is supposed to be balanced, and we're the enforcers. But how can we be godlike when we're supposed to shape the world to be the opposite of it? It's kinda ironic. We needed to be balanced too. I'm still susceptible to magic even though I'm the Aspect of Magic, the same way a diviner would faint if they overuse their magic. And there are still lengths that I can't go to.” It made perfect sense, in a way. But she was still bitter and upset that they were not able to get any answers from above. It was slowly slipping away and Mal felt like she was wandering around blindly. “It's the same reason why we're only alive to serve, Rei. One day, you might see another Aspect of Magic once I'm gone.” The smile was bittersweet, holding so much secrets behind it.

Sio was a precious gal, even Malva would admit that. She's just pure for the world and the brunette was sure the blonde needed to be kept away in a bubble wrap so the toxicity wouldn't hurt her. “She's a good company. I'm glad she's with Dom, not gonna lie. You guards deserve happiness.” The things she'd do to make sure they got that well-deserved ending, it was endless. Oh well, Malva does care a lot more than she leads on. Unfortunately if the person Rei was searching for Tatiana to open up to, was her, it wasn't happening anytime soon. Mal is adamant to get her away.

“Maybe one day” she reassured, placing a hold on her shoulder while offering a thin-lipped smile. The elevator ride wasn't long, soon the doors opened and she stepped out. “Well, if it makes you feel any better, we are immensely grateful for your service. Things have changed so much and yet you guys stayed with us. It means everything.” While walking towards the counter, she turned to face the valkyr, and tilted her head slightly to the side. “Did you even bring your passport?” Admittedly, she can just glamor the attendant but hey, better be safe than sorry.

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Permalink Reply by 2ddgn5bzsju1t on June 18, 2019 at 2:07

Aurelia could only chuckle at Mal statement that her daughter was a mini version of her when all Rei could see was Atticus when she looked at Tatiana. “Must be in the blood.” she commented back. “Ah yes Russian like us,” she gave a gentle chuckle as she could recall the cursing, Rei herself had only found it funny when Malva converted back to her russian roots while she cursed out. Her blue gaze rested heavy on Malva as she spoke of where she hailed from after that. The Russian pressed her lips in a tight line for a moment. She had been on the run the vast majority of her life she didn’t have any place she had called home before finding the Ailwards.

“So you settled in what is now known as Atlanta.” She mused, “I bet it looked so much better back then.” she spoke aloud softly. She could remember the times the trees where thick and there wasn’t cities like there are no a days. “It doesn’t matter Mal. no going off alone. We don’t know what could happen if we lost an aspect. Guards are a dime a dozen.” she said as she shook her head at her, and rolled her eyes. “Sadly Mal I know you, and you keep a lot close to your chest and don’t like to let us close cause you worry far to much about us, especially after the fall.” sh said with a sigh. They all hated remembering the fall but it was needed. “If anyone could convince them to do an annual dinner it's me.” she winked to the aspect of magic.

Rei listen to the way explained how being the aspect of Magic she still had her limits.  It was still crazy how limited the aspects were to her but in the end she understood why. It kept them from being overly powered and taking over the world. “I guess I get it, the need for balancing.” she said softly as she looked down to her own hands. It was to be the reason the sun made Valkyr weak yet thanks to Argent that wasn’t the case with those among the guard. Her eyes shot sideways towards her and gave a shake of her head. “I can’t picture the guards as anyone other than who they are now.”  It was more so a fact she wouldn’t accept, because when it came to a change in aspects it meant losing one of the people closest to her.

Aurelia mused her mind over the relationship with the young blonde who came into their lives and took their hearts. Sio was a perfect example of who they were fighting for in the end. An Innocents who was touched by so much darkness and yet managed to stay a bright light to those around her. She was truly something Aurelia would never understand. Rei kept her gaze away from Mal as Aurelia hadn’t really opened up about how she had found her own happiness, it was still rather early in Davis and her relationship to be able to tell. All she knew was he made her happy and want to be less dark. “We all deserve that Mal.” she said softly. “Even you.”

Aurelia raised her brow as Malval spoke of how she was grateful to their service and she shook her head. “You make it sound like we are an army or something yet we all chose to be there, yes we may have had to pass through a barrier but we all knew that it was what we wanted when we did. So you never need to thank me Malva.” she said and then let out a faint chuckle “You really don’t get out much, we don’t need passports between the states but yes I always have one in my go bag just in case. She said patting the side of the bag “Now are you going to tell me what this mission is about?”

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on August 23, 2019 at 14:58

Mal wouldn't deny it, she really did miss all the times they had spent together all these years, back when mischief and trouble scoured around everywhere but they were still controllable. Somewhat. Despite Mal being at her worst and lowest 400 years ago, they were there right beside her. They helped her get through it and nobody judged. At least, she didn't think they did. It was hard to discern those now, not after the fall of their home; Isle of Skye, and certainly not after the death of their comrades that went down with the Isle. Things were much more complicated nowadays and with Mal's touch deteriorating around magic itself, it was simply stressful and it didn't help the Aspect of Magic in wanting to ensure herself that she's doing fine. Because in reality? She isn't. "Yeah, it's probably the blood that coursed through her veins" she chuckled and sighed heavily, pursing her lips momentarily while thinking about the possibilities of the two rekindling their relationship. It doesn't seem like that will happen anytime in the near future. Not now.

 "I miss the old times, I'm not gonna lie. Things were not as complicated as today… now it feels like I don't even know who I am anymore. Does that make sense?" Mal was sincerely asking this from the bottom of her head, genuinely because the Russian born Aspect wasn't sure what it meant anymore. Malva Ailward was in deep dilemma. Talking about Atlanta made her smile unconsciously, it was just there. There were plenty of bitter memories but it wasn't all bitter, she had one or two good ones that she held on for long. Nodding softly, she snickered at the irony, "Yeah, they call it Atlanta today. It was so different back then. Moving to America wasn't easy, we were exiled after all. Well, my parents were. I didn't know anything about the real truth lying behind it. I love my parents but they deceived a lot of people, including their only daughter so I'm not surprised. It warrants my every suspicion I harbor towards them" she murmured faintly, it felt so long ago yet the brunette could still feel the stinging pain in her chest just thinking about it. 

"I hate that you know me well, Rei… it means I can't even keep a secret to myself without you prodding… and you're already tenacious, incessant too…" she shook her head and huffed, "It's not easy, but I'm going over it. I'm trying to work my way around it, I think it'll take some time" The incident 400 years ago when Malva lost control over her aspect and lashed out, it was a dark period in her life, and the Ailward faction; both guards and aspects alike, they don't like to talk about it. For a good reason too. Everyone knows the Aspect of Magic never got over it and the guilt still followed her until today. A part of her was glad Rei tagged along, instead of wallowing on her own puddle of sadness, she could laugh a bit around the blonde valkyr. She really was a moodmaker. A brash one, but a moodmaker nonetheless. 

"Yeah you should probably 'coerce' them into agreeing for an annual dinner. God knows we need one." Humming softly upon hearing her remark, she knew there was a good reason for limiting him, it made them look back and some gained self control over it, "It's a good gesture… it makes us humble. We always remind ourselves that we're not going to last forever…" As sad as it sounds, she didn't have that intention, a part of her wanted to finally get her rest while the other wishes to stay around and keep on fighting with her siblings. For as long as she could remember, she was glad they had companions who understood them albeit not fully, but still understood them. "Do I?" she muttered under her breath, sometimes the Aspect of Magic can be quite the pessimist, "Do I really deserve it? I'm not even sure anymore. I feel like I'm slowly becoming scared of my own self in ways I can't even describe." Lately, she had also been getting close to a few people, particularly a certain human, but she wasn't sure what to make of it. Malva wasn't exactly well-versed in anything like friendships and the sorts.

 "Still, I think you guys never got a proper thank you, I just wanted to express my pride of having people like you putting down your lives in service to the world… it's admirable." Her cheeks flushed slightly and the brunette scoffed, "I don't usually take planes okay… I either fly or I teleport… you people use my portals all the time" while rolling her eyes at the blonde, Mal took a few moments to think if she should divulge in the details, it wouldn't hurt anyone though, not Rei, "Fine... " she beckoned for her to keep walking and pushed her hands into her outerwear pockets, racking up her head in search for words, "It's a personal matter. Family matter."

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