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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on October 19, 2018 at 5:36

Unfortunately her call went straight to voicemail as it appears to be, Malva scrunched up her nose and wore a slight frown that clearly showed her dislike over waiting. She paced in front of the doorstep a few more times until she decided to wait it out. Half an hour then passes where the Aspect of Magic was still standing still. For someone who’s not really that patient, she was behaving quite well. At least it meant he was significant enough for her to wait for, and she didn’t really have much of those people in her life. Tucking her hands into her pocket, she tried to stretch out her limbs just for the sake of doing it. Until a few minutes later, where once again, she did not notice a presence, was heard talking.

She turned around to face the said person and saw that it was the person she wanted to meet today. The owner of the residence she was in. She really needs to stop go off the rails and let herself lounge around the trances, since she might get ambushed so easily if that were to happen. It wasn’t the first time in the week, in fact it’s been a few more where she had the liberty of having Draco reprimanding her about it the last time she was in one. “No, you didn’t miss a memo or anything. I just thought I’d stop by.” She shook her head with a smile. She had a small sheepish grin gracing her features. Judging from the looks of it, he probably just returned back from his office and clearly was looking slightly bothered by something. Centuries worth of reading people because she had nothing better to do obviously sums a lot of things up for the purple dragon.

“So sorry for that. I kind of went off the grid for a while.. I needed to get my mind sorted and remind myself again where my priorities lie. I didn’t realize it took longer than expected, and that I didn’t even give anyone a warning about my well-kept silence that follows next.” Which was true, Malva had a few conflicting problems with herself for the past months and it wasn’t as if she was all better now. Still yet to find a way to work her way around it, but she remembered she had somewhat a partnership with the human. If there was anything she hated the most, it was making promises you can’t keep. So, she can’t find herself in that just as well. It will make her question herself. When he invited her in, she only gave a small nod before following him.

“I saw you leaving me a few calls and messages.. Again, I’m sorry for not replying to it nor give a notice on whatever I was on to. I promise I did not do that deliberately or purposefully. You’re about the third person who’s seen me after I kept myself dormant ever since. To which I realized, I owe you an explanation for disappearing with no trails. It wasn’t as if you could just come waltzing down the manor and ask for me. It was a heavy disadvantage for you.” The Russian born woman took a seat at one of the couches in the living room, as she gave him time to change into something more comfortable, where then she took out a journal from her bag. When he came back, she still had her gaze glued to the journal, but it didn’t stop her from asking him. “You seem distressed.. Trouble at work? Is it because of us?” The moment she said that, she made sure to highlight the word ‘us’, knowing fully well the impending war of dislikes going back and forth between the two most mysterious factions in the eternal city.

When you come from an organisation that literally dedicated their life to guarding the world, you tend to get around a few rumors spreading like wildfire. The tension between the Celestials and Ailwards were never-ending and even she didn’t know what would occur to them. There was no clear resolution to it, yet. But she knew Ophelia does not wish for violence to lay waste in Evermore, especially when they have made themselves known, which means more and more hostile forces are hunting them down again as they speak. And since both factions are residing in Evermore, of course the Organization will take note. “I feel like I’ve given you nothing more than trouble ever since I walked in. For many more days in the future, some forces will pay a visit to this city after knowing the Celestials were roaming around once again. The amount of power they could acquire will only quench the lust and greed surging through their veins. You’ll be forced to take action soon.. I’m sorry for the trouble, I really did not mean for it.” There was one weird thing going about with Malva. In this one single conversation alone, she has apologized over 3 times already, and whilst she might appear somewhat more endearing around Ben, it wasn’t really her to go about apologies so much in one context. Clearly, something is going on.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on October 26, 2018 at 8:02

It wasn't the first time she's let someone down nor was it the first time she felt the backlash of not being able to sort out her things as she should be able to, so it didn't felt foreign to her. However, she would be lying if she didn't feel a stump in her heart, hearing it from him. She was guessing, it was due to the whirlpool of emotions that struck her everyday in the month. Malva has been experiencing that every night since she came back from her meeting with Ophelia. And even before then, she was slightly struggling with trying to keep it down but it didn't seem like things were working out for her as it didn't cope well. Coming back from Ophelia's, she knew the Wayfinder was right about another force, obviously darker, who wanted the fall of her family. How the spell placed on the Isle of Skye was evident in proving that. The Aspect of Magic didn't like the fact that she wasn't able to recover any trace from the debris and could only conclude, they were playing smart and slow. 

If there was anything she knew about witches and wizards, it's that they love to be creative in their works. 

That does bring about the worry that settles in her. Another malevolent force is rising from somewhere and Malva did not know where, seeing as it was within her aspect that they are playing with, she needed to get to the bottom of it. But it wasn't easy. So, yes, the Celestials were on the 2nd in the list of her many worries. That was what she's been working on for the past month but what did she worked on before that? Fortunately, it had something to do with her partnership with Benjamin. She found out it was connected with her current problem now. Somewhat. 

"I'm not good at these sort of stuff, so I'll say it. By priorities, I mean, I got held up by a few problems. One that is far more bigger than the Celestial matter. I'm sorry for leaving you in the dust but I got held up, and there was nothing I could do about it. You know my duties, my position, what my job description entails me to do. I know I could have send you a simple message about it but I didn't even find my phone until yesterday. But I  know I told you before, Ben. That I'm not used to all of this. It's been a while. You're right, clearly I don't know how friendships and partnerships work, because it truly has been a while and I don't need to remind you how old I am and where I stand now." There was slight thread that was building up to what seemed to be agitation. She was already temperamental and though she did not show it to him for many reasons, she was overwhelmed by the train of emotions that she has been battling for a while now. 

When he talked about the disadvantage of being human, she felt like a cord went off. "Believe me, I wish to be human more than anything right now. This whole thing going on with my head made me feel like I'm insane. It's lucky enough I'm able to maneuver everything normally as of now. I hope you know why I'm not good at socializing. I didn't close off because it was hard for me neither was it due to defense mechanism solely. Emotions are deprived off me when I use magic, and with me there's endless supply of where that came from. That's why I kept it dormant but now it feels like someone unlocked the Pandora's box. So excuse me if I went off the trails to find myself again. Which by the way, is not working." There it was, the agitation that snapped off. "So I'm sorry for not coming forward because I don't wish to hurt anyone I care about while trying to control myself." She muttered. It was only then that she realized she went off and sighed before covering her face with both her hands.

"None of us can survive another war. Now more hostile forces are making their way here, where so much power lies within and your hands are a little bit tied. I came here to apologize and to inform you I might be going away for a while. A short while. I need to find out who passed down the spell to Ophelia. If I don't, then my entire family will face extinction. But I'm also here to give you whatever information I can regarding our partnership, one I'm sure needs to end soon." Her choice of words weren't pleasant but she couldn't risk more casualties. She's lost enough from the Ailward guards that fell so she can't afford more. She might break one day and considering her element was magic, it was dangerous. She then looked at him straight in the eye, where both of their bright hues clashed together. "Both of us wanted peace and we strive for order in it. But I am willing to do bad things to achieve it. Look at what we did to the Celestials the first time. And I don't want you to see me that way, neither do I want you to remember me in this kind of light. Which I'm pretty sure was what your grandfather remembered me by."

"I can handle an entire faction hating me for what I've done, but what I can't afford, is to have yet another person I care resenting me. I lost my guard because of the secrets I can't divulge in with her, I argued with my brother, the brother that I have been close to since the very beginning, and now here I am, almost arguing with you. Nothing good will come out of this, but I wish to uphold my promise and word, that our partnership stands on, before I go." 

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on October 29, 2018 at 13:26

Due to the sudden wave of emotions twisting her around since the past month, she understood fully what was at stake now. She had been too busy with her own self, she forgot the people around her. Suffice to say, the Aspect of Magic did not like the mention of that neither did she like a reminder of it but sometimes, it was exactly what she needed. A reminder. She has always been an attentive person since before and because of her emotions being so out in all of places, she could sense the unrest feeling Benjamin was going through. It was almost like a dilemma. Sighing as she stared down, her focus being solely accessed by the floorboards, she looked up back at him again with a softer look. It doesn't seem like it was that easy to shrug him off. And if it was up to Malva, it wasn't as if she wanted that to ever occur anytime soon. She grew fond of his company and the person himself. She didn't want to just leave everything in the dust because she knows how hurtful and hard for it to generate through.

"You might see yourself as just a human, Ben. But believe me, your species does not define you the least. It doesn't matter if you're mortal or not, it wouldn't change my perspectives towards you. I know you often felt left out and every time your hands are tied, you hated that useless feeling. I know that, I go through the same every day. You see me and you would never have thought I had problems with that, but judging from our encounters, I doubt you haven't understood the kind of person I am. It might not help much, but-- I severed my relations with Tatiana because of you. And this is not me wanting you to feel guilty or anything, it's actually the opposite. It means you're not just a human tagging along. Both of us are equal, and I don't wish for you to think otherwise." It was almost surprising to see how soft the Aspect of Magic's tone were. She suddenly felt the need and want to reassure him that it wasn't him, but her.

Seeing him getting everything out from his heart and mind caused her eyes to waver on slightly to a softer glance. "Hey..I'm sorry for being upset with you. It wasn't my intention. I just, don't know what to do anymore. I feel like every time I look the other way, I will always find a loophole somewhere but it often leads nowhere. I thought that maybe if I didn't have any other concerns, I might be able to focus more on finding out why I can't move away from my current position. With that being said, it only means you're worth the significance to me, and not the other way around. I wish you would stop doubting yourself, because the sincerity you hold while doing all of this, is what makes it even more endearing." Malva couldn't remember the last time she's been so maternal-acting and soft spoken. It's definitely been a while. She was just someone who was thrust into a world filled with problems on every nook and corner, with no one but her siblings to hold on to. That's a fine thin thread, a thread she was sure was being tested by the waters. 

"I went to see Ophelia last month.. We talked and kind of reconciled between each other. It was very relieving. She was the one who brought up the matter about the mysterious tragedy that befell my home. I also talked to her about the Peace Treaty, but I couldn't get any clear correlation of any of their decisions. We'll just have to wait and see. I can assure you, you can move your forces and eyes more on the Celestials rather than us. We wanted to make sure they remain unscathed more than anyone. I don't think we can stand another rupture.. or another war. Which is very unfortunate seeing as everything is pointing to the direction of a brewing one. I heard the vampires are in an alliance with them. But whoever it was that destroyed the Isle, they have been playing chess pawns ever since the beginning. This would only put both factions at unrest while pointing fingers at each other, thus drawing them away from the actual problem. But we're slowly mending our relationships, and though of course it wouldn't be easy, it was viable because we needed to resolve this matter soon so we can prepare for any impending attack. They surely had a strong diviner-hell even probably an entire coven on their side."

To say Malva was worried would be an understatement. As Ophelia have said, it was one of the many few times she's actually seen the Aspect of Magic scared to her wits. "If they can bring about the destruction of our haven, a ward that Venetus put every effort on in contrast with my boundary spells from inside, what's a few spells on vampires? They can easily oust them if they have the right time and power. We should probably keep an eye out for the eclipse or any lunar events. That's where we're at our prime. They can harness the energy and do about anything if they had the right spell. I'm bothered because I don't recognize the spell they used at all. I would have known if there was such a spell. It was too powerful of one not to give me a notice. Yet I can't recall." She mumbled, as her fingers played with the helm of the jacket a few times. She was nervous. "I didn't want this partnership to ever end, you know. But I think we might have to put a hold on it, at least until we can resolve this. The reason why I wanted to put an end to it, was because the longer you associate yourself with me, the more reasons for whoever it was to target you. I was already right about the diviner being powerful, so it they ever used you as a leverage, then I'm not sure if I can even think properly and I don't wish for you to be caught up in the middle of this. Because you're a resident here, it involves you. But it shouldn't necessarily put you in the middle of this because it was clear their primary target is my family." 

"I appreciate you wanting to help. It really means a lot, truly. It's okay, you have to stay here. You need to. You need to watch over the Celestials' defense. They are very important. Consider them like you're guarding a nuclear bomb? I don't know, something along the words of it. I reached out a few weeks ago and my contacts in Atlanta said they might have a trail. That's more than what we've gotten for weeks long so I'm gonna go there and check. It's my element, it should be me. I'll let you know if there was anything." A smile still stayed on her face, clearly touched by the fact that he's caring. "You're very caring, you know that? It would have warmed anyone's heart."

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on December 24, 2018 at 5:32

A small smile tugged itself on her lips as she lets out a slight sigh as the manner of the demeanor they were in earlier shifted into another one. "Power is a wholesome thing. Knowledge is a powerful tool but power..Is just power. You have it or you don't. There is no in between. I probably shouldn't say this, but I'll do it either way. You mean way too much to me for me to ignore it." Obviously Malva didn't even realize how trailed her words were already. So much she didn't notice her last line. "You have the power you wanted to have. Believe me, this is the level of power you want now. I would trade everything to have this kind of solace for once in a while, if not forever. Wanting to have the power to change and make the world a better place is pure, Ben. But it was only then, that you realized that the power you wielded will end up burdening and place another weight over you. Up until that moment, you'll doubt yourself, and you'll keep on trying to do that until at some point you just break." The Aspect of Magic's voice was highly accentuated with a somber and solemn tone; indicating her experience. 

Malva wanted to change the world, make it a better place as she swore to never let others of their kind be mistreated as they once suffered, but there is always a price to pay in accordance. Her siblings' price might not seem much but in reality, it wasn't really all of that. They had so many differing side effects to each of their own and hers plagued her till this day. It might've worked when she worked her way to keep it dormant, but almost four centuries had passed; which meant she might need to renew such membership again. One problem of course. She didn't have the means to do it. No ingredients, no spell, no place, and obviously not the time. Although, Malva herself wasn't sure how long she was able to hold on to the thin thread of her sanity if actions and measures are not taken soon.

Chuckling softly towards the male human, she shrugged casually upon dismissing the charges away. "We all have days where all we wanted is just peace. Trust me, you're not in the wrong there, Ben. You're still prone to such feelings, you're human. Hell, even if you are a supernatural, you're still very much exposed to them, especially if you have them heightened." Truthfully, Mal wished she could experience all of it again without having to worry that her magic will spiral out of control. But that was one of the many luxurious and lavish privileges she wasn't allow to have. Hearing how he told her that she wasn't the one who's fully advocated against the stars, made her sigh in relief briefly. Before she ended up thinking of what she has done to the poor species a century ago. It has already been a century since their imprisonment, but it felt like only a few years for her yet sometimes it felt like a millennium. 

"My brothers are conflicted. That much we all know. It's not hard to detect from them. We're siblings, despite not being biologically related, we are tethered and linked to one another as one entity and has lived under those circumstances long ago. The two differ in a lot, but the similarities are quite eye-catching. Both have been our leaders. I love my siblings, truly with all my heart but sometimes even I have differing opinions that goes against them. So, there has never been a moment where we could agree on anything." Now that she has spoken of such, the brunette chortled in response. It brought memories back. "It's funny, we're a council that was formed to determine the fate of the world, yet we still bicker like any other siblings. But I guess, that does bring a lighthearted revelation to everything. It means we're still there as more than representatives to control the aspects of the world." The Aspect of Magic was aware that Ben knew regarding her doubts on her identity. She was afraid she was nothing more than a person tasked to protect and overlook these and those. She didn't want to lose herself neither did she want any part of her to diminish into thin air throughout the time.

"You're right, it won't take a coven to tear the place apart. It's so fragile, like glass. All they needed was to knock the glass down and it'll shatter. Is that how thinly our layers are? If so, then we have every right to worry about the impending event that might take place in the future. As you have been well briefed about my problem with my aspect, I might have forgotten some things. Unfortunately, I fear that spell might be one of them. I usually remember them since I stored every spell I have ever created in my journal, but those pages are always so endless that I made sure one could never find the right page using magic. Which means, if I'm going to delve deeper to find the said spell, it's gonna have to be done manually." It was at that moment where Malva felt like she wanted to hit her past self who's paranoia is probably over the top. 

She would never admit it out loud, but lately the more time she spent with the human General, the more her emotions began seeping out from the place she's kept them dormant in. All it took was a trigger. A catalyst. Though it should be a good thing that her compassion was slowly taking its rightful place again after a while, it also worried her because it often overwhelmed her; her emotions. "I can't believe you're actually making me say this, human." She shook her head lightly, a small smile adorning her features as she pursed her lips and continued. "Surely you know I grew fond of you. Not sure if it's your company or you. I'll say both. You remind me a lot of your grandfather but you're also a breath of fresh air at the same time. It's enticing. And let's just say that I don't want to taint or ruin anything nor anyone else that could possibly have a positive effect on me. I don't get a lot of those. Why would I want to turn it away?"

"Wouldn't this increase your 'significance' level? I mean, the pride you'll have upon finding out that someone who's far older and powerful is relying on you for her sanity. I hope that's not much burden for you." She snickered lightly. "Emotions. Empathy. They're probably the most powerful thing to exist. Period. You'll worry if someone has none, because that would mean they have no humanity nor will they care about anything really. But what of the people who had too much of them? Instead of reassuring them of their humanity, it eventually becomes a burden that shrouded over them like an epidemic." Honestly, Mal was afraid on her current matter. While she was off worrying about the matters of the world, she was also battling with her own self. "It would be like unlocking the Pandora's Box. Imagine, when you've kept it down for long, until one day the lock was broken and all of that went out. Wildly." However, it didn't occur to the Aspect of Magic that she has said that out loud.

Shaking her head at the trance she was in, she frowned profusely before letting out a distressed sigh. "I won't be alone, I guess. There will always be someone accompanying me. Though their hiding skills are the worse. It's just Georgia, Atlanta, Ben. It's not Greece. Though I'm sure I probably should get by some places soon. There's one group of particular people I want to meet. A coven of witches, basically. Let's hope they're civil. I don't want to accidentally turn another witch into a rodent again." Shrugging absentmindedly, she then quipped that it was at least a better option than ending up incinerated. "Witches are so unpredictable.." Hypocrisy at its finest, there.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on March 4, 2019 at 7:00

She hated that she couldn't push him away even when she wanted to do nothing more than that. Malva didn't like being doubted, that's one of the biggest rules she's had for her entire life and everyone who knew her did well in knowing that particular aspect on her. Even if they weren't close, she was someone who's notoriously known for her perfectionist tendencies and meticulous workaholic habits that often pushed her a way off the cliff. And she definitely couldn't handle taking people with her, no matter the distance or the cost, Malva just couldn't. It wasn't that her hubris was stealing her away, but more to the fact that the brunette Ailward could not bear the guilt if anything were to happen to them under any circumstances when it draws back to her. It was her call, so that makes it her responsibility, and she wanted nothing more but to deal with it alone so no collateral damage would concur.

Seeing Ben not backing away made her grumble in distress, because she couldn't be bothered to keep an eye out while working out with what's going on with her currently. “I don't underestimate you, Ben. I think you know that.. I just don't want you to get involved in things that wouldn't even be worth your time. Things aren't going well nowadays. For either of us. Being human or supernatural doesn't exclude you from what will happen in the future, of course. But it doesn't mean you have to join the fight every time there's one,” sighing to herself, she glanced over to the defense general. “It's not cowardice. It's self-preservation. It's okay to sit one out occasionally, you know. You don't always have to be the hero.” No matter how tempting that was, she only wished he would stray away from any path that would lead him to his demise and hurt him at the end of the day.

Perhaps she was being selfish. But even if she is, she would proudly display them without a ment. So she cares about him, so what? She's allowed to care. God knows how much care she would need to showcase just to remind others she wasn't all insensitive and emotionless just because she chose to put her emotions behind a door 400 years ago. But being that does make it all easier, she'd admit. Everyone would not try to approach her and attachments go easy on her, leaving her room to improve without any woes. “I hate that you always manage to make sense at the end of the day.” Shaking her head in dismay, she had to surmise that by the very least, Ben always made good and valid points that even she couldn't debunk nor discredit. It frustrated her for sure.

Whilst the Aspect of Magic wanted to focus on one by one on her platter, it didn't seem like the world was giving her much of a choice to begin with, seeing as it's shoving her to every nook corner every time she does anything. Keeping the balance of the world is one thing, watching the progress of the city is also another. But he personal problems? Tracking down her rather untimely problems on her own? That's a whole new thing. It made the Russian born woman feel conflicted at every path she tried to overlook. “I'm a rather sensitive person if anything. The only reason why I always act like I don't care was not because it's a cool facade to be wearing. Or that I always think badly about myself. It is neither. My magic is tethered and connected directly to my head which is a big mess, I tell you. My emotions; they're a principal factor on my progress. One simple misstep and things go awry.” She knew it was the very reason why she went against her siblings’ words and decided upon herself to create a place to store the rest of her emotions so it'll stay dormant for a while. That while lasted about 400 years give or take. And unfortunately, she couldn't create a new space.

Her magic has more risk on spiraling out of control more than ever, the very element of it beginning to show its volatile nature. Of course she wouldn't tell anyone about that, since it was her problem and hers alone. “I don't need to find peace, I just have to find a way to keep going.” Admittedly, Mal's mindset is quite unhealthy and tricky. She's always looking out into the horizon of the other side. She loves her siblings dearly, that much couldn't be more true than it is already. But there were times where she wished they wouldn't interfere in her personal life, even if it was for her own good. There was a reason why she kept them hidden, and for an emotional person like her, it was very hard to hide anything.

Though it did warm her heart that despite the current setting of how things were going to go, Ben still managed to have that optimistic light to him, a charm she never forgot to to count when it comes to him. Who would joke at times like this? Benjamin Vaughn would. And in any regular time, she would snap but it only cause her to curve a small smile instead. “I'm 1290 years old, Ben. And believe me I do not write only one page per year. Or one page per week. Doesn't take a brainer to calculate and do the math.” It also didn't help that even regular diviners couldn't decrypt her journal since she always go back to old Latin. Sometimes even Gabriel had a hard time reading at first glance, because of how complex and tricky her writing and instructions could be. It was somewhat a precaution if any of her work falls down to the wrong hands, they wouldn't be able to utilize it fully without her help. “Take a few Latin lessons and perhaps we can start.” she teased.

Her blue hues seem to brighten up around him, a singular effect that only he possessed. She feels at ease yet constricted whenever she's around him, something she couldn't put into words unfortunately. “You're not. I don't think so, at least.” she reassured lightly, Ben definitely had more access to her than most. “I-,” it was as if her airstream felt stuck halfway because the Aspect of Magic couldn't find the right words to speak into them. “I don't want to shut you out. I don't want to shut anyone out. I know I need help. I'm not the most stable person lying around and the last thing people need is an unstable dragon who could do wonders going rogue.” Ironic, it's what almost happened, well happened about four centuries back that resulted her trauma in going anywhere near the dark arts. Every story had its backstory, afterall. She didn't stray away because she didn't feel comfortable with it, but rather the opposite. Malva felt too comfortable around it and it scared her. Like anyone in denial, she shut it out the next time. Little did she know it doesn't work that way.

When Ben asked if the witches she was seeking would be helpful, she had to stop and ponder at it. “I'll be honest with you. I have a good vibe about this coven because someone very dear to me is in them. Perhaps I'm biased or playing favorites, but if she is who I think she is, she would inherit her family grimoire and knowledge, which makes her a potential ally. A lot of magical antiquities poofed here and there lately, sold to the highest bidder and yet there's not one soul that could be traced back to it. I can't keep sending guards to their suicide missions to procure this or that when I know they are in dangerous light. So I wanted to look into it myself. Personally. But in order to do that, I would have to go through.. A few lengths. Desperate times require drastic measures, right?” Her tone however, wasn't implying it to be anywhere positive. She is playing with fire, and she knows it. The question is, did others know?

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on March 27, 2019 at 9:31

She had no idea why in the world would someone like Ben would want to get anywhere close with their family, much less affiliated with any one of them, mainly her; the pessimistic distant Aspect of Magic. He had a reputation to precede, as the eternal city’s Defense General, coming from the human faction that has been keeping the city well beyond the risks until now. She wasn't one for favoritism but she seeks his company because something about him just calms her down, but it was the only emotion she feels around him. All of those compassion and nurturing self was not just it, and all good things must come to an end. The problems would come running after and much to her dismay, it was a lot faster than usual. Malva wasn't ready to let him go as a friend, her acquaintance, her company, but what other choice did she have? Was she willing to risk it, knowing fully well his life is basically on the line here?

The thought of hurting someone else aches her, much less someone she actually likes. This is why she kept herself unattached to anyone else who's not in their guard. Because Mal knew it wasn't easy to befriend an Ailward Aspect. Not with the issues trailing behind them at every knowing second of their lives. “You're right, something is brewing. I feel like it escaped our radar, but at the same time I can see it. I just can't pinpoint it directly.” She made sure to hear every word he had to say, she owed him so much more than that, and sometimes questioned why she even bothered to even try in the first place. He's special, she thought. But in what way? That, she has no idea.

Letting out a heaved sigh, she leaned against the soft cushion of the couch and turned to face him with a frustrated look present across her features. “That's just it though. You don't have to. I know when you took up this position, you are dealt with responsibilities. You shouldn't have to shoulder such burden. You now know your family somehow had ties to the supernatural world, and both of your male predecessors died because of it. So why are you still so persistent in this? Most people would flee after knowing, you know. And they won't be cowards either. So why haven't you?” In all honesty, she is curious why he's still staying. This is his home, yes, but she's not exactly asking him to leave the supernatural inhabited city. Just the whims surrounding it because he deserved a good life. He's one of the kind, she can see that, but she still wondered why. Why would anyone risk their entire life to fight something like this?

That was when she blinked and chuckled to herself. The more she thought about it, the more it made sense. At least in her point of view. This fight, it reminded her so much of them once upon a time ago. They were willing to risk their lives and actually did, for the sake of a better world. But only one of them was human, the rest were supernaturals. They had a reason to fight for their mistreatment of their kind, when humans reigned over them. So she's still very much confused. “That's funny. The whole emotion thingy. Because when it comes to decision making, I never let my heart decides anything. I use logical trainings if anything, because I can't afford to make a mistake. Honestly it's a little bit pressuring, knowing one single misstep can ruin every chain. Knowing that your mistakes would affect more than just you.” And yet, they kept fighting. She was thoroughly very proud of them for that. They should be allowed to rest after their services for a millennium, but neither one of them seemed to want to do that. Maybe a few days of break, possibly. But in a whole? Not really.

“I don't think that's funny though, the whole part about a human worrying over a dragon. Sometimes people forget, we're just like you guys. We just so happen to be given a second chance to make the world into a much better place, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows either. The hardships that followed, sometimes we wanted to give up, and that is where people like you come in to save the day. And I'll be eternally grateful to know that there are people who actually care for me that's not my siblings or the guards. We don't get a lot of those. Though I'm sure it's my fault for pushing and closing,” pausing momentarily, she pursed her lips slightly and furrowed her eyebrows. “I think that's mainly because I'm afraid. You're not the first friend I've made outside my faction, not the first mortal either. I've seen many pass and there's me, who stays indifferent to everything else, and at the end of the day, I'll go back to Isle of Skye and just cry in my pillow, only to forget those the next morning. And that has been going on for 1200 years for me, Ben. I don't think my mental capacity can opt for more. That's why I never really bothered.”

The Aspect of Magic has never felt so vulnerable when it comes to personal problems such as this, but with him she felt at ease. Well, when she's not worrying about him getting hurt. Giving him a rather offended and unimpressed look, she scoffed lightly and shook her head. “Don't lie, you and I both know I'm a horrible people person. You said it the first time that my bedside manner is also abysmal” she rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue in feigned annoyance. What came out afterwards was not what she expected, the first time she met Ben, he had an air around him that commands respect but then she saw more of his goofy and dorky side which always brought a smile to her. Mal cares a lot more than she leads on, everyone who knew her well would know that. She's just bitter because the world made her that way, but underneath that exterior, there was still that compassionate girl who only ever wanted to live her life peacefully.

“I just don't want you to be hurt. If I recall correctly, you've been hurt a few times because of me, no?” Her sapphire blue hues narrowed down softly, a frown creasing her pale complexion as she tried to comprehend what the human is thinking. He is such a peculiar case. “I don't like being left in the dark, Ben. Usually I would send a few to run the errands to see if my worries were true. But so far, every guard I sent, always came hurt. I can't risk that anymore. We don't have the numbers like we used to, and we can't afford to look weak. And I'm not that fragile, I can handle myself. I'm sure of it.” But was she? The hesitation lacing her voice was not exactly proving that.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on April 15, 2019 at 13:01

Before she met the peculiar case of Evermore’s Defense General, Malva never found herself suddenly developing some sort of care towards anyone else. Naturally, all the Aspect of Magic has been was distant and cold, despite her comparable and redeeming qualities like her understanding and compassion that she does showcase to a certain number of people, most of which remained in the Ailward guard, and the others under the grounds or living somewhere in the world doing what they do best. It was easier to close herself up rather than opening up only to be left in the dust after she’s poured her heart’s content.

That distrusting nature of hers never left Malva, it’s been there with her since teenhood. The only time she’ll trust people is when she’s sure she’s got a backup plan to generate everything else if things went awry. Is it really her at fault when she said she finds it hard to trust people when most of those she gave out on has somehow betrayed her in more ways than one? But somehow, ever since the start of their partnership, Mal had manifested traits that once belonged to her, once upon a time ago. And she does like it, it gives her hope that perhaps things weren’t all bad, after all. But with the impending problems on hand, it’s hard to think if there was any recollection that would suit those preferences.

Which is why she is here today, showing up exactly on the front doorstep of Benjamin Vaughn, the human she developed strong feelings for. Mal wishes to tell him what has been going on and how it wasn’t like she was trying to shut him out completely, just for the temporary time being until everything cools down. Though she wasn’t really taken aback by the defensive stance he showcased and how daring the human was being, of course, he would say no. It does seem like there was completely no possible way she can walk this through with the human before her. Ben is stubborn, just like Malva too. It’s a wonder how their partnership and friendship worked out, in the end. It just does, but then again, the world didn’t adhere to logic so she learned not to question too much regarding it. “You’re unbelievable, you know that? I’ve never met someone this daring when it’s involving life-threatening possibilities lying just around the corner,” she shook her head but had a thin-lipped small smile, clearly amused with the idea of this. This reminds her so much of his grandfather yet it screams this Benjamin Vaughn a lot.

If a time ago, she’s been comparing him to his previous predecessors, she now looks through it with positivity, seeing as the male did possess both of what the ones before him did not; he had her. The ones before him didn’t have her by their side to protect them if anything happened, so perhaps she can keep him safe, even if it’s from a distance. “And I don’t mean that as a compliment. You’re sometimes too daring it actually scares me.” Look at her, she’s actually taking a seat and was talking her problems away with a guy she only knew months ago. How had this happened? Especially for Mal who doesn’t really befriend just anyone due to her standoffish persona. Perhaps, the world does operate on interesting circumstances.

“My heart is telling me a lot of things, Ben. But you have to remember, I’m not supposed to have the luxury of thinking about it. If I rule with my heart, then things are going to get chaotic real fast, believe me” she chuckled, finding the irony in how she’s always acted like the most emotionless person ever, yet is one of the most emotional and empathetic person ever. But she’s also not the kind of person who would wear her heart on the sleeve, so there’s that. He had a lot of truth lacing his words, and Malva wondered if he knew just how right and rational he sounds, at the moment. “You’re right, there’s only so much that can be held back. Next time I explode, it’s not going to be pleasant, we know that much. But what worries me is that the next time might be the last time I can find my way back.” Clearly, it wasn’t the first time she’s lost control over her elements, the tragedy that involved Theodor, 400 years ago, was still fresh in her head.

Fortunately for everyone and her, she found her way back, though it wasn’t until she was subdued and forced to do so. The next time, it’s going to take a lot more than just convincing and tricking to get her back and of course, that scares the living daylights out of her. “My heart is my most dangerous weapon. It’s not that I don’t want to feel, I do, god damn I really do. I just can’t, because I never knew how to control it. I can act around others, but there’s only so far the acting can take.” It’s a dilemma Malva is battling with herself.  “It’s been so hard…So much it’s beginning to tire me out. But I can’t give up now, just… not now.” She didn’t know why the idea of giving up now is scary, but it just does. The Ailward Aspect had a feeling things were just warming up for the next scale, and she needed to be prepared and ready in case anything happens. “What if I don’t wanna deal with it? I know that sounds childish, but most people forget I’m supposed to be 19 at most.” Really, people always forget Malva didn’t get to live her life at all, and even after becoming the Aspect of Magic, that hasn’t changed. If anything, it puts a whole lot more pressure weighing on her shoulders.

Yup, she’s been waiting for that snarky humor to come around. That’s the charming quality the human carried around. The ability in trying to make things less awkward and more light-hearted. “I can’t believe you just shaded me, Benjamin Vaughn” she scoffed, crossing her arms and gave him a scrutinizing glare, feigning offense, as she shook her head. “Way to crush a girl’s heart, jeez. How did you know I wanted to win a popularity contest? I knew I should’ve enrolled in a university or something, maybe then I’d get a chance.” What a relief she met him when was the last time someone outside her faction could make her laugh like that? A while, that’s definitely the answer. “But awe, thank you for acknowledging I am a good person. It’s not like I killed people, right? Well, not directly, at least.” What, two can play at the game. “I hope you know you’re appreciated, Ben. You’re a good person, you deserve so much better in this life” she mused, her usually electric blue hues softening as she said those words. He really did. Getting involved with supernatural matters can get messy, she knows that, so that’s why she respected Ben, for withstanding that.

“I do hope you also know you literally implied you’re a reckless guy who gets hurt because of himself too.” That jest was expected, knowing her. What did touch her was the fact that Ben was willing to spare his time to help her, it gave her warm feelings from within. “That’s thoughtful of you, but I guess if it’ll ease your worries, we can take a trip there sometime later.” The Malva Ailward is actually giving up, to someone who’s not even her siblings or certain guards. What a shocker. “What makes you think you won’t be the one getting hurt though? They have a lot of squirrels in Atlanta.”

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on August 23, 2019 at 15:06

Mal didn’t know the first thing about emotions. Well, lies. She knows a lot about it, but when she said she didn’t understand them, she wasn’t sure how to word or phrase them in her own way so it just sometimes, come out the other way that really does place her in another predicament which could confuse her listener. She’s a complicated person, in order to even understand her, you needed to be ready to crack her open and with the way things are going with Ben, one of the only people who could actually make her sigh and grumble while also apologizing on the spot, it’s a progressive state. It wasn’t much of any increase in her mood level activities, but around the human, the Aspect of Magic felt more at ease, as if she could fly around in the clouds without any worries in her head. The first thing that came into her head whenever she feels these emotions was why it happened, why did she feel so different around Ben? What was it about the human defense general that she was so fond of? 

Okay, plenty of things perhaps. After a while of shutting people out, it seemed to be the easiest option when it comes down to anything. It wasn’t like she wanted to, it leaned more on the fact that she felt like she needed to. “You’re right, the danger is always around us… no matter what we do, it’s always going to be waiting for us somewhere but that doesn’t mean we have to allow it to take over us. Being fearful isn’t something weak, Ben, and I’m afraid” that sounded a lot better than what she’s been saying in her head. No, it sounded a lot smoother. “I’m afraid” she breathed out, Mal wasn’t sure if it was from relief or fear. Perhaps a bit of both because the brunette felt like she couldn’t turn to anyone else for help at all. “I feel like things are out of hand and there’s nothing I can do to turn it around again, it’s a wordless pit filled with dilemma, Ben. You just… don’t know how to describe it sometimes. It just… happens.” Ben was resilient and hard-headed, a strong-willed person that reminded her so much of a person she knows very well inside her family; her younger sister, Argent. 

The way he resembled his grandfather was also refreshing for the purple dragon to see, it wasn’t a comparison no more. All she could see is just him. Unlike him, his grandfather never did anything to make her breath hitch or her heart skip. It was unusual, but it didn’t mean Malva disliked it. She may not admit it directly but she secretly liked the change of waters there. “It does scare me” she pointed out, but her tone remained soft, she didn’t know why but whenever she talked to him, all she felt was the sudden need to maintain it down because crossing his feelings would mean crossing her own. Whatever it was going on with her, all Malva knew was that she would cry a river if she ever cut off any relationship she had with him. “It scares me knowing that you could get hurt one day and I may not even be there to help you. You’re not a helpless human no… but I just don’t want the people I care about to get anywhere near the lines of being hurt, period. If I can’t even protect the people I claimed to care so much, how can I do the same to the rest of the world? I need you to stay in that depth for me. It sounds selfish… and perhaps it is” Malva can’t believe she was saying this. At any other given day, she would never come close to wearing her heart on her sleeve. 

“I need you to stay healthy and well so I can look back and add it to one of the things that kept me going. I feel like I lost the motivation to stick around, it’s been a long time after all. I feel tired, Ben” the talks about taking off her mantle hadn’t been an unusual issue to talk about with the rest of her family, especially to Aureus and Argent who knew just how much this conflict was weighing on her. It was eating her up. “Truthfully, a part of why I’m going to Atlanta was to make a few amends before anything happens. I heard about it, but never really… confirmed it. Stuff like that takes heavy precision and time.” Sighing softly, Mal found herself pressing her lips into a thin line. Not even her siblings knew of this. Hell, nobody does, except her. “You know I was born a long time ago, right? Well...1200 years ago I was an only child, so I had no siblings. But I had a few cousins. I always kept a watch over them after I assumed the role as the Aspect of Magic. Until now” it was a big deal that she was telling this to him but she trusts him, even though Malva never completely trusted anyone else outside of the Ailward faction. 

"She’s a part of the local coven in Georgia. Rumored, at least. I may have slacked off 400 years ago and stopped tracking them due to a few...unruly circumstances and now that I picked the pace back again, I wanted to be sure that she is my relative. You know… cousin removed god how many times over? Something like that.” A small smile played around the curve of her lips as she glazed over his appearance, “So don’t worry about my safety, Ben. I’m not going there to create trouble, I’m there to see if I still have any relative left. I have a lot of things I want to do, surprisingly. I wanted to visit my family’s grave, I wanted to know how my relatives have been doing since before… so many of these popped up out of nowhere when you told me to start living my life” in a way, Mal is immensely grateful for his presence in her usually dull life. She didn’t know why but every time Ben would say he’s just a human, it triggered her like hell, she hated hearing people discrediting their worth like that, especially when their worth is so much more elevated. 

“Also, don’t keep saying that. Don’t keep saying that you know nothing because you’re just a human, you’re worth a lot, don’t keep discrediting yourself like that. Every time I hear you do that, I always get upset and I’m not usually childish so…” Mal quirked her eyebrows and scoffed when she saw the way he tried to go around his words so it would sound a lot less offensive, though it wasn’t seen as an offense by the Aspect of Magic. “Ben, you know you can just tell me to suck it up and move on, right? I’m not a fragile doll you need to keep picking words for, I’m a grown person who’s lived enough portion of her life. I’ve lived for how many generations now? It’s okay to tell me that I need to do a few things, it’s not as if I’m going to eat you” she rolled her eyes in feigned annoyance before pondering, “Oh wait, I can technically do that but humans don’t taste as tasty.” When he said 19 wasn’t the best age, she chuckled wryly, it really wasn’t, “No, it’s not. 19 is still considered minor in other countries, besides… my ID says I’m 21. It was so hard when there wasn’t any ID back then to go around though, I had to glamour myself plenty of times and when I’m too bothered, I had to flatter my way inside, so much effort” she huffed, clearly not liking how hard things used to be, but that’s the reality of it.

 “Besides… wouldn’t I look like… half your age then?” the teasing jab in her words made it sound a lot more joyful, like she was shaking with mirth. “Pretty Aspects? So you admit I’m pretty” Of course she would point that one out first. It was just classic Malva move. To be fair, she would definitely say her siblings are quite attractive and pretty. “Yes, please... kind sir, find a way to make it up to me” a part of her was almost tempted to stick out her tongue in a childish manner. Keyword, almost. “Shaking her head softly at the human male, she felt a bit relieved, distancing hadn’t been the best choice and it hurts, she’s lost plenty. The absence of Tatiana still created a hole inside her heart and pushing Ben away, a person she actually wanted to stay by her side, it felt like mother nature could simply tore out her heart and stomp on it. Despite being extremely closed off and emotionless at times because she barred them by keeping them dormant inside her with a spell, Malva was quite emotional, which was ironic given her usual behavior. 

“I think this is the event where you normally say ‘use me as your human shield’, I needed an actual human to make it at least half humorous but no, my poor human couldn’t even handle a few tiny squirrels” the wink he sent her way almost made the Aspect flustered, though she was careful not to show it fully. “You should let me know when you are free, so I can actually take you with me. Surprisingly, despite your squirrel fear, I’m more likely to take you instead of any guards that could actually protect me from said squirrels.”

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on June 8, 2020 at 12:48

This wasn't new. Malva has felt this way before on others, she's fell in love once and Ben was hardly the first person she ever confided in, but was he by far the one person she wanted to hug and cry on? Aside from her siblings? Yeah. "Once upon a time ago, if you'd met me, you would say I was such an emotional woman" she chuckled bitterly, it felt so weird when she worded it. "400 years ago, I locked those pesky things away because it was hindering me from my duties. I couldn't focus on what I should be doing, my magic spiraled, it was completely out of control. I didn't know how to control it and it made me very upset" To find out that you no longer had command over something that had been a part of you for so long, it was practically a devastating blow to the Aspect of Magic. "My mistake was that instead of accepting it and improving myself, I closed the doors and succumbed to my dark thoughts, all the paranoia seeped in and I became a slave to my own." 

Until she took the choice to close the doors to those emotions once and for all. But spells weren't meant to last forever, it was temporary, it had its own time limit and hers finally ran out a year or so ago. Now she was left to fend herself against it. Again. But with their advice, perhaps she didn't have to be alone in doing it. "I know you know where I'm coming from, hell you know I have history with your family, specifically your male predecessors… and they died tragically, for some reason. The thing they had in common? They were affiliated with me. I don't want that to happen to you, and maybe… just maybe I don't want you to bear witness to this girl" she wanted to be better. Malva has always held a gate to protect her weak spots and the fact that she was opening herself up and confiding in him, meant everything to her. Trust wasn't easily given when it comes to the brunette Ailward Aspect.

 "I don't get why you care about me so much" she chuckled, "But I can see where you're coming from, I guess… I'm trying to protect you and you're trying to do the same." It's only right to see them both go through it. She swore her breath hitched when he said he couldn't lose her, it was hard for her not to feel deeply for him when he keeps doing this, "Don't worry, it'll take a lot to take me down. I'm not that weak, you know, hell I should feel offended that you even thought it'll be easy to take me down" she shook her head and hit his shoulder teasingly, "But it means a lot to know that someone is keeping their eye out for me. It kinda makes me feel loved, and just so you know… the only love I've ever felt in so long are those coming from my family." Outside the Ailward faction? She couldn't recall having someone caring about her like this. "Let's make a deal then" she proposed, it was clear that the two of them weren't going to be able to move past this easily, so there needs to be a compromise here somewhere. 

"I'll take you with me. I know you can't be away from Evermore and your position requires you to be here, but you don't have to be there physically. Just knowing that you'll be here helping me is more than fine. I'll tell you what, next time… I want to take you somewhere, where we can possibly find more answers without hurting ourselves." She laughed, a few times, actually. He always found a way to make her laugh, and that was a huge feat considering how she was. "Lean? If you call yourself lean, then what about the other poor souls? Are they stick thin compared to you then? I can't believe you just called yourself lean, the audacity" she shook her head and averted her gaze away, okay fine maybe there was a blush somewhere. "You know, one of these days I may actually turn you into a personal pet for Constance to play with" she threatened playfully. The tiger cub actually likes the human, surprisingly. 

"Fine… I can't promise that it'll be easy but I can try to make it bearable and stop pushing you away. But just know, if I really push you away then you need to go, okay? There is only so much danger that I could risk to put you in" Because he meant so much to her for her to put him on the line like that. "My human" she nodded in affirmation, she actually likes the sound of it, to others it may sound condescending or maybe even a bit deragotary but to the two of them, they knew better. She noticed how he had pulled his hands away and cleared her throat awkwardly, gosh she had been so close. "Don't worry about it" she dismissed it, but the color resting on her cheeks were saying otherwise. "I'm sure… You wanna help? You can help me by spending the day with me."

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