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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Erythreus Ailward ~Admin~ on November 20, 2019 at 21:56

Erythreus hadn't been right ever since the ordeal with Artemis. He couldn't help but wonder exactly what had pulled the two of them out to the forest that day. It had been beyond Ery's control to fight whatever / whomever it was. IT was clear now more than ever that this city was under attack by something much bigger than any of them, and he had to find answers, not just for himself, mostly for his faction if he were being honest; they were the ones he worried about the most. The Ailwards seemed to be under attack and targeted every time something happened, and whatever this was, had targteed them too. 

Arti nearly dying in his arms, had been enough to open his eyes. Ever since that night, he'd been doing his job and over working himself to the point of actual exhaustion. The Aspect griumaced as he looked down to the journal page he was currently writing in. It had began with how Arti and him psychically fought one another, and something in his head told him to kill her, it would be the only way to stop it, just like something had convinced Arti to drink poison, that it was her only way away from the hallucinations she'd had that night. What was it? Who was it? And most of all, why? Those were the three questions plaguing his every thought lately. 

The Aspect finished off the bottle of whisket in front of him, and opened another. His drinking problem had actually became a problem now, and brooding was an understatement. His grey sky had turned black. The music was loud enough to block out whoever decided to distrub him today, especially when he finally forced himself into his bathroom to shower. Erythreus sighed happily though at how the hot water tended to work out the tension in his muscles, and relaxed him more than he had relaxed in ages now. But, since he couldn't stay in the shower forever, he finally got out an hour later, dried off, dressed in his usual dark grunge attire, and departed the manor after informing a few of the Guards of where he was going, and for them to let Dominic know. Dom was his personal guard, and he'd became much more than that in just a short amount of time. He'd became Ery's closest friend. 

The Aspect of Death was in dire need of a night out with the Therian, but he wasn't sure how Dom would react, since the last time they went out, they'd been forced into a van after human radicals gunned down the strip club they were in at the time, all for the sake of making Erythreus bring their loved ones back from the dead. That'd been one hell of a night, but he had hoped it didn't ruin chances of getting to try again, and actually get through one night of fun with Dom. The weather was changing rapidly, and it was now a lot colder outside than it had been during the night of the spookfest, which had been the last time he saw Arti. They hadn't spoken on anything that'd went down between them, because it wasn't a good place to speak on such things. 

With it being colder outside, Erythreus knew he'd either have to start driving himself around, or getting a cab, neither of which appealed to him. Erythreus loved walking, because he enjoyed the outdoors. Walking gave him time to think and reflect. So, as he walked through the city, with his head phones in, blasting his usual heavy metal. The Aspect decided he'd walk, until his feet stopped. It hadn't been but a matter of minutes later when he found himself in front of the coffee shop. IT was a perfect day for hot chocolate and cuddling, and since he didn't have no one to cuddle up to, he'd settle for the hot chocolate. It was as he swung the door open, that a certain brunette made him wanna turn and run right back out. He wasn't ready to face Arti yet. He had saved her from dying, but he had no idea what they would possibly be able to say to one another, after nearly killing each other, and all the shit they went through that particular night. 

Deciding against running, Erythreus stood in line behind her with his hands tucked into his pockets. "You look a lot better than  the last time I saw you" he finally said. Okay, yeah. His social skills were still awful. He knew he could have said something a lot better than that, but the damage was done now. Standing there with a crooked grin, the Aspect waited for her to turn around, curious as to what her reaction to him would be, and partially afraid she still hated his very existence. Maybe the fact that he had saved her life though, redeemed him just a little. He guessed he'd find out soon enough now. 

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CelestialPermalink Reply by ✓ Artemitra Astrid Bluemoon on November 21, 2019 at 12:44

The Celestial had been more jumpy lately; and certainly kept her guard up against strangers again. Whatever...or whomever had messed with her and the Aspect of Death, that night. Artemis had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach, that they were still lurking about. Waiting in the shadows to strike; when people would be at their weakest. But what this person wanted? She had no idea. Going after Celestials...yes...people were always after their energy. But going up against someone like the Ailwards? Artemis had no idea, why. Besides maybe more greed for power.

The news of nearly dying; had freaked her out for sure. Even if it wasn’t her fault; the Celestial needed to be more careful of her actions. As she didn’t want to end up in a similar situation.

A few times, she had thought about seeking Erythreus out at the mansion. To see how he was, after the entire ordeal. But what would she even say to him, if he’d open the door? Artemis had no idea. And showing up at the Ailward Manor, would probably be a mad move on her part. No Celestial ventured there...as far as she knew anyways.

Stuck in her thoughts; Artemis didn’t even see a familiar blonde male walk into the coffee shop. Her lips were slightly pursed;as her eyes were scanning the menu on the wall behind the counter. Trying to decide what to have. Ery’s words made her jolt; in surprise. Snapping her out of her thoughts. But his lack of social skills also amused her slightly. Turning around slightly. The Brunette came face to face with the Aspect. A slight amused, yet awkward smile on her lips from his greeting. “Hello to you too.” Yep, this was slightly weird. But then again, given the state Ery had taken her to the hospital in; it had taken some recovery time. She probably didn’t look so pale and worn out; anymore. And all of the scratches she had across her face and arms; from their mind controlled fight; had also healed up. “You look less beaten up too.” Mentally slapping herself for such an awkward come-back. If one thought; that things wouldn’t be half as weird..and awkward like they were now. They’d probably be wrong.

Shifting her weight between her feet; Artemis tried to think of the right way to phrase what she wanted to say. “I….what you did for me….thank you.” It’s not like he had any obligations to save her life; but he did it anyways. Especially after the way she treated him; he could have easily just left her like that. But he was probably the bigger person in that moment; than she had been that entire night. “You didn’t need to...but you did...and I well…” Yep...Artemis was slightly rambling; unsure of how to put her gratitude across fully. Not to mention the subject was also bit...of an emotional one for sure. A few people probably looked confused as heck; hearing her talking like that. But the Celestial needed to thank him, as she hadn’t the chance before. Not properly yet. “You were the bigger person...I appreciate it.” Artemis was usually better at thanking someone, but the situation was a bit awkward.

She noticed how tired he looked. Like he barely slept. “You look like, you could use some coffee.” Artemis figured, things might have been busy at the manor, that kept him awake so much. "Or....good night sleep." Not knowing about all of the changes; in his faction.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Erythreus Ailward ~Admin~ on December 14, 2019 at 4:34

Ery made a mocking gesture with his lips as she told him he looked a little less beaten up too. It was funny now that they were both out of that hell. It gave him something incredibly amusing to look back at and laugh at. The Aspect bowed when she thanked him for saving her life. Giving her a gentle smile, Erythreus shook his head "That was a terrible night. I hope you've been able to move on a little" he expressed, sympathetic to how much she had endured that night as well as himself. They had gone through an equal amount of hell until it had ended with her nearly dying. Whatever kind of posion she ingested, was powerful enough to kill a being as strong as a Celestial.

"Breathe" he started then as she seemingly struggled for words to say in an attempt to express her gratitude. "If I had it to do all over again, i'd save your life every time. I hope that it was the beginning of us putting the past in the past, and a chance at peace" he gave a faint smile, and when the line cleared enough, Erythreus ordered himself a cup of coffee. "So." he then said simply, eyeing the Celestial with a smug grin on his features. "How's everything been since our last exciting run in? Im only here for coffee this time Artemis, let's try to keep it that way" he joked, since the last time he was around her, not only had they tried killing one another, but he had also saved her life. Such an eventful night. One that would probably stick with him for a long time.

"A good night sleep?" he asked, giving her a puzzled expression while sratching the back of his neck "Never in the history of Erythreus Ailward have one of those nights visited me. I wouldn't know what it feels like to have a good nights sleep, even my power naps have become less than what they normally were" he sighed, but the sleep deprivation hadn't bothered him much, except for the really late hours where the rest of the manor were either sleeping, or simply to busy for him to go bother with his troubled mind. Ery couldn't help but think that there was still something out here, ready to strike at the whole ciy, and that thought had began ringing even more loudly after Octavia had mentioned it. Lately she'd been the only voice of reason he'd had, and he couldn't be more thankful for how she had became someone who guided him a little.

Stepping up as ambassador had came with it's rewards and downfalls both, but Erythrus wouldn't change it if given the chance. He felt like he was right where he needed to be at in life, no matter how much harder things got for him between himself and the rest of the Ailwards and Guards. He knew he'd have to sway them over into knowing he would do his very best by each of them, but stepping up, especially with all that'd happened with Vladimir, he couldn't blame them for having their doubts and fears. "Are you staying?" he then asked, wondering if she was getting her coffee for here or to go "I was wondering if you'd want some company" he added a little hesitantly. He had hoped saving her life had redeemed him for his past actions against her kind, but that didn't mean it had. He supposed he'd find out soon.

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CelestialPermalink Reply by ✓ Artemitra Astrid Bluemoon on December 17, 2019 at 19:47

Seeing his mocking expression; clearly the Aspect was trying to lighten the mood. Guess, it probably wasn’t the smoothest of replies that she ever came back at someone with. But it’d have to do. “Yeah, definitely not the best…” The Celestial agreed. As he mentioned her moving on from it. The brunette bit her bottom lip. “It's kind of a progress. Some good days, some not so good.” Not when the memories of it haunted her. The idea that someone was out there, wanting to hurt her, and others. That didn’t sit too well with her. If that person tried to mind control her and Ery once. What was stopping him/it/her? Or whatever it was, from doing so again? “I guess, I just been tense and jumpy, especially if whomever is still lurking out there.” And by that statement, she didn’t mean the Rogue Valkyr, that started the entire mess in the woods.

The Celestial tried to calm down slightly, and take a breath. With her mind all over the place; it seemed to help. His words did surprise her, a little bit. Clearly, he cared a lot more than she first assumed; if he was willing to save her life every time. But it certainly did put them on better terms. “I am sorry.” Yep, there was the long overdue apology, coming out. “I know, I been...well...not the nicest of people that night. I guess, I had some unresolved issues, that came back.” Artemis thought she had the resentment issue under control back then. But no, seeing him, had brought it all back. But constantly dwelling on the past, wouldn’t do her...or them both much good. It had proven right, with the trouble it had gotten them into. “Moving past it sounds good. I think we both need a fresh start.” Knowing that the pair didn’t agree on much, this would probably surprise him.

As he asked her how she had been. Artemis thought back on the events, that transpired. “Besides all the bed rest? I think I’ve had enough sleep, for the next century.” Yeah, at the hospital and first week or so home; bed was all she had known. Artemis had been exhausted and weak; that she needed sleep. It had helped her heal. “I’ve slowly been trying to get back into my normal routine. Although Ridley, I and our friend Caleb were out of the city for a week, not long ago. The break from the city, was needed...after everything. I even run, into Cora a while back.” Not entirely sure, why she had mentioned running into his sister. But she and Cora used to be close friends, once upon a time. His joke about the coffee, made her laugh a bit. “I am here for just for coffee too. I don’t really want to relive the other night.” That had been enough drama and pain. For the both of them. Artemis tried to keep herself somewhat busy; to try and forget about what happened.

When he expressed,that good night sleep didn’t know him. Artemis’ eyes brows furrowed slightly. Boy, he really did lack sleep. “That bad hey?”

As she stood by the counter; Artemis finally ordered one of their festive lattes with some spices and a blueberry muffin, as she was feeling a bit peckish. His question was a little unexpected. Artemis didn’t think she'd run into him here. But she had to admit, the company would be good. “Yeah, I am staying. Trying to warm up a little bit...Sure, some company would be good.” Artemis gave him a soft smile, seeing that he was a bit nervous. Once she got her coffee and muffin. The Celestial walked over to one of their tables here in the cafe. Taking a seat by the window; with her coffee and snack.

“Anything new going on, in your life?” It seemed like a good time to catch up and learn some new things about each other; since they haven’t been on good terms previously. And since a few months had passed, it seemed like life kept them both busy.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Erythreus Ailward ~Admin~ on December 22, 2019 at 0:29

He could understand, given everything they had went through, especially Arti herself. While he had endured a whole night worth of mind games too, she had endured a near death experience. So her fears were legitimate ones. "I get that, and i'm afraid to say, that person or thing has to be out there still. It's not just you and I, plenty has happened to others that can't be explained. I'm going to investigate as much as possible" he sighed, this was going to eb a long bumpy journey he'd have to take, and one he'd have to make sure Dom took with him. While he hated putting Doms life in danger, it was a Guards duty, plus, Erythreus wouldn't wanna go out there with anyone else. Dom wasn't just his guard, but his best mate, his bromance, his wing man. The two had became so close, and now he just feared seeing anymore damage done to the Therian Guard, especially after he'd taken a bullet for Erythreus.

Ery gave an appreciative nod when she'd said she was sorry, but with raised brows, he playfully put his hand against his chest, gasping "Is the world ending? Did I just receive an apology from Artemitra Bluemoon? Wow" he smirked, chuckling, before pulling her into a hug. "I'm sorry too. Let this be a new beginning" he added, smiling thankfully. If the Celestial's and Ailwards were to come to a peaceful understanding and work on the same side, then maybe this was a small start. "We should drink to that, the fresh start and all" he stated, more so offering her a night out at the bar. He now had his sights on a blonde Initia, so his offer was simply to celebrate the fact that each him and Arti were willing to put the past behind them.

Ery chuckled, shaking his head, but understood why she'd had so much bed rest "Well all that matters is that you are okay" he smiled genuinely, and arched a brow at the mention of who she'd left the city with. "I don't know Ridley, but Caleb and I have become friends not long ago. He seems like a good guy, and well, Cora and I rarely speak but she's still family" he shrugged. Some of the other Aspects had been full of doubt with Erythreus stepping up as ambassador, which had put a strain on some of their relationships. The Aspect frowned slightly, "Yeah unfortunately. I mean, ill be okay eventually. Just gotta get past it all. Seeig you nearly die, took a bigger toll on me than i thought it would" she did afterall used to mean a lot to the Aspect, even if their little fling had ended with her in a cage.

After placing an order of his own, the Aspect followed her with a bagel and coffee, taking a seat opposite of her. "Well. You could say that I guess. I met someone recently. We ran into one another completely by accident, but we made a whole night of it at the bar, playing drinking games, and asking questions to get to know each other. I hope to see this through and be able to see her again, she's a tough one though" he chuckled, shaking his head. It seemed so odd to have gone from nearly killing each other, to now talking about his love life to her as if they were best friends. After taking a bite of his bagel and washing it down with steaming hot coffee, Erythreus pursed his lips "You? Whats new on your end?" he asked curiously, before looking out the window to the other side of the street where the park had been set up for Christmas.

"Whenever you finish, we should go somewhere fun" he then said before continuing "I mean, after we lived through so much bullshit, I think we deserve it" he grinned genuinely, and began humming along to the music in the background.

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CelestialPermalink Reply by ✓ Artemitra Astrid Bluemoon on January 1, 2020 at 15:53

It would have been foolish to hope, that the perpetrator was gone. The Celestial knew better; but a little part of her could only hope, whomever it was...would go. His words caused her to frown slightly. Knowing, that if Ery himself was investigating...it truly was a cause of worry. She didn’t know if Ophelia made any progress, since the last time the two had spoken about the danger that was lurking. And what Artemis had wanted to tell him back then; came rushing to her finally. “Maybe you should talk with Ophelia.” Artemis suggested. “I know,she’s been looking into things,with your brother Aureus. She might have found out a few things that could be of use.” Of course, she had no idea if the pair had spoken or not. “Does Darker of the two mean anything to you?” She questioned with a raised eyebrow.”Me and Phe, figured it’s something to do with the Diviners. Since they’re either light or dark. I think, she had a feeling, that who-ever is causing these bad things, also had something to do with the Chaos in the Isle of Skye.” Not sure why, but she hoped that something would be off use to the Aspect. It was all she knew; Ophelia would be the better person to get more details from.

As he feigned shock at her apology. The Brunette tilted her head at him. “No...I am pretty sure there’s no Apocalypse.” she retorted playfully. Or hopefully, not. Especially with the bad things happening around the city.“But yes, the apology has been bit overdue.” Maybe they were overdue on both sides. After all..he did try and apologise for the capture of her kind; all those weeks ago. Him hugging her, took her, a little by surprise. But her arms wrapped around him, returning the gesture. It was a new Dawn. At least for a few of the Celestial and Ailwards. Whilst she could slowly forgive, forget, and work with the Ailwards...others would still need time. “A new beginning sounds good.” And frankly, after what they’ve endured. It was needed. His offer for a night out, at the bar was a nice gesture. “Mhh, why not. As long as you don’t try and force that god-awful smelling whisky...or whatever it was, you found.” She teased. Whisky was not her drink of choice.

The Celestial gave him a slight not. Physically, she was okay. Mentally, still getting there. “You know Caleb?”she looked a little surprised. As far as she knew the human, he hadn’t mentioned knowing her ex. Artemis nodded slightly “He is a good guy, me and Ridley keep an eye on him; so he doesn’t keep himself constantly looked up in his art studio.” She knew how Caleb was having a hard time and during his bad periods; the human would rather hide. “Ridley’s a good friend. She can be quiet hyper, not many cope with her bubbliness well.” Unless it grew on people.Then they found it infectious.  The Celestial nodded as he spoke about not being really that close to Cora. “I have to admit, seeing Cora after so long...felt awkward.” It did thankfully go better than him and her seeing each other the first time. But still odd.

Sipping on her coffee. The Aspect talking about his love life was another surprise. But they used to be close, that they spoke about anything back then. It felt kind of nice, that he felt like he could share things again.”Let me guess, blonde, warrior, feisty, can kick your ass if need be?” Artemis questioned him teasingly. Roughly guessing him the girl that caught his eye was like. The Celestial pulled back the wrapper from her muffin, before taking a bite. It wasn’t a surprise, that he turned getting to know the blonde into a drinking game. That sounded like Ery. But he seemed to like this...mystery blonde. “I hope, it works out for you two.” She gave a sincere warm smile. Yep, he might have been her ex...and they had shaky past months. But all in all...he was a great guy, despite his faults. Then again, no one was perfect. And he deserved to be happy.

“Me?” Artemis tried to think of all the things going on in her life. It was a bit chaotic sometimes. “Quite a lot, now that I think of it.” she admitted. “Do you remember Adelaide?” Artemis wasn’t sure if he would remember her fellow Celestial and one of her closest friends. “Me and Addie reunited not long ago. It’s quite nice to have her back in my life.” The Celestial was sipping on her coffee. Before she went on to tell the Aspect about her Photography and various jobs she had around it. And how she was expanding her horizons by putting her work into an art gallery. It had taken her hard work and some encouragement from a few friends, to get to that point with her work. But it was clear, she was passionate about it.

As he mentioned having fun. Artemis stopped mid bite of her muffin. Her eyes wide with surprise. Did he just? “Fun...did you just say the word?” she exclaimed “Hallelujah! He knows the word!” she said teasingly. It was probably the first time, she heard him say it. Without any sarcasm.. As usually others had to drag him out and bring him into fun situations. “What did you have in mind?” she asked a little curious.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Erythreus Ailward ~Admin~ on January 11, 2020 at 9:30

Perhaps they truly were moving on and rebuilding a friendship. The last time he checked, Artemitra couldn't trust him as far as she could throw him, so he was surprised to hear her tell him to talk to Ophelia, something that she would only say if she trusted him, which made him smile faintly. "Thanks Bluemoon, I appreciate the information. I'll put it to use later" he stated

Erythreus had heard it before, so when she asked if Darker of the two meant anything to him, Erythreus shook his head no, but would definitely ponder on it more when he could actually approach Ophelia. It would have made sense that it revolved around the Diviners, and even more sense to have involved what happened on the Isle of Skye. Piece by piece, things were slowly spinning into a solid answer for Erythreus, one he would give to the rest of the manor. He wanted them to be safe, to feel safe, and  to believe that he would do everything within his powers, to make sure that happened.

Erythreus smiled a little more genuinely as her arms wrapped around his much taller frame, looking down to her, with a teasing smirk. He had teased her about their height difference in the past, so he was sure she'd know why he was smirking all of a sudden. "You don't know how grateful  I am to hear you say that" he stated, sighing happily as he withdrew his arms, otherwise, that hug would have gotten a little too awkward. Erythreus had, had plenty of flings, but the one he'd had with Arti all those years ago, had still plagued his mind every so often, so to even hug her, at times brought flashbacks of their time together, and he knew that was wrong.

Erythreus chuckled when she said why not, unable to keep from laughing at her comment about the aged bottle of whiskey he had found and drank the night they got stuck in the forest. "At least it's not.." he stopped himself before making a piss poor joke about her drinking poison. "I almost went to a bad place with that joke, sorry. You know my humor has no boundries" he chuckled, and shook his head amused. He was happy that she had agreed to a night out though.

Erythreus nodded when she asked about him knowing Caleb, laughing about his and Caleb's night together. ""I got him drunk, and then we broke into a dog shelter and sat all the puppies free. I ended up stealing one that night. It was fun though. He was down, so I did whatever he wanted to do, so he could live a little and forget about the stuff that was hurting him" Erythreus shrugged. He had such a soft heart, even if at times, he didn't show it.

"Well while it was awkward, did you two at least manage to talk without half killing each other? I mean.. that's our story anyways huh?' he joked, flashing a coy smirk at the Celestial. Arti and Alva both would always have special places with him, nd Alva would likely take a while longer to forgive the Aspect of Death, but this was progress, and it gave him hope, thinking that maybe, just maybe, Alva could finally warm back up to him as well.

The Aspect rolled his intense blue optics at her playfully, shaking his head as he narrowed his gaze in on her. "You kind of nailed it. It would appear that ive got a specific type. But, you're not a blonde Artemis." he stated, correcting the way people likely assumed that Erythreus only went for blonde headed women. He kinda just went for someone he clicked with. And, so far, that was Sofi. He ws thankful that Arti wished him well on his love life, and that talking to her about it, wasn't even awkward anymore. "Thank you. Im sure you have a special someone to talk about now. Who's the lucky man? And do you kick his ass like you did mine?" he asked, smirking cockily.

The Aspect put a little thought into the name Arti mentioned, but soon nodded his head to say no. "I don't think I remember her personally, but I do know her from her being your best friend. I just don't think ive met her .. personally" he stated, knowing there were still likely plenty of Celestials out there that hated him.

Erythreus expressed a dramatic sigh when she teased him about saying the word fun "bite me Bluemoon. I know ow to live.. sort of" he chuckled, reflecting on how Dom had literally taken him to a strip club, in hopes of showing him how to have fun, which only resorted in Dom getting shot, taking a bullet for Erythreus just before they were forced into a white van with human radicals who thought Erythreus could bring their loved ones back from the dead.

"I'm not sure. What have you done lately besides work?' he asked before continuing with a sad, but true statement. "I said we should go somewhere fun, but that doesn't mean I have the slightest idea on where to go, or that I even know how to do this 'fun' thing. I was hopin you could show me a little" he smirked, and waited to see what her thoughts were.

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CelestialPermalink Reply by ✓ Artemitra Astrid Bluemoon on January 19, 2020 at 14:21

Artemis knew she was taking a bit of a risk, by suggesting he talks to Phe. But he did save her life after all, by getting her to the hospital in time. So it was natural, she’d place back a little bit of trust in him. If it had been any other Aspect in front of her; she probably wouldn’t have been so quick, to suggest they meet with her Wayfinder. “You’re welcome...it’s the least I can do.” She didn’t think she'd be going out and digging for information herself. As everyone who’d know her would probably think she’d gone insane..after what had happened to her. So, the little bit of information she knew...was worthy of being passed on.

It wasn’t just his faction in danger; but possibly everyone else in the city, if they didn’t put an end to whomever was causing all of this madness. She could only hope, it wouldn’t escalate to something more. Maybe team-work was required; after all. More heads to solve a mystery, was better than one, right?

During their hug, Artemis saw the teasing smirk he had on his lips. “Wipe that smirk off, Mr.” she nudged him slightly. Giving him a playful look,before he could make some crack about her height. Artemitra wasn’t exactly tiny; but she wasn’t the tallest among female heights either. But compared to Ery and his towering height...she was considered a bit of a shortie, even when she stood at 5’6”. Letting her arms eventually drop back to her own side. She noticed how grateful he indeed was. It was probably a good thing, the hug ended. Or it would be a bit...weird to say the last.

The Celestial narrowed her eyes at him slightly, as he was about to crack a bad joke. A joke, she probably wouldn’t appreciate. But he caught on. “Good save.” As he apologised about his humor, she shook her head. “No, you really don’t have the best filter..when it comes to your honour.” A night out, with the ex fling was bound to be interesting.

Her chocolate hues slightly widened, when he told her about what he and Caleb got up to. Bursting into laughter, as he said he stole a puppy. “Wow….you’re a bad influence ...stealing puppies.” She shook her head, giggling. Now, that was something she didn’t think he’d do. But he surprised her with the act of thievery of a cute fluffy creature. But also sweet, he’d go to such lengths to try and cheer Caleb up, even if it meant stealing, to amuse him. “I wouldn’t recommend stealing anything for your new blonde...friend. She might not appreciate thievery.” She joked.

His comment about Cora and her, compared to him and her; made her shake her head.” Surprisingly...we didn’t half kill each other. Besides...I think it might just be….our thing.” And that was tough to compete with, when speaking with the other Ailwards. “One near death battle, with one Aspect was quiet enough. Don’t need another.”

As she sipped her coffee. Artemis heard his comment about her not being a blonde. Okay, he had a point there. “I am not so sure, blonde would look good on me.” She glanced at her own hair. Reddish-Brown, or brown was more her color. Blonde? She probably wouldn’t pull it off. Taking another bite of her muffin, his teasing question surprised her. “Well, well look at you all curious about my love life.” She mused.But laughed slightly. “Actually, he doesn’t test my temper like you do.” So no, Only Ery got his ass kicked by her. As Phoenix didn’t push her temper buttons like her ex, managed to. It seemed to be Ery’s job, getting on her nerves.On her bad days at least.

As he mentioned he probably didn’t meet Adelaide personally. It made sense. “Not officially at least, you probably seen her around me with few times tho.” The two were often together a lot, back on the Isle. So even if he didn’t know her on a personal level, he might have seen her around. After all...with so many Celestials. Not every Aspect knew all of them.

His dramatic sigh, caused her to raise an eyebrow. Making a slight face. “No thanks. I don’t need dragon scales between my teeth.” She retorted, cracking a joke at his ‘bite me’ comment. “Oh really?” she questioned, giggling. “You sound unsure, about that.” His sort off...wasn’t the most convincing argument, she heard from him on the subject of fun.

“I think, lately...I’ve been occupied with holiday stuff. The Castle, always seems to get more lively around Christmas and New Year. “ Yep, he was a bit of a lost cause when it came to having fun. As he was practically asking for her help. She rose an eyebrow, looking surprised. “Okay, before we do something fun...I just have 1 rule; nothing crazy and dangerous.” They knew, how well that worked out the last time, they got themselves stuck in a dangerous situation. They didn’t need a repeat, she was sure. Trying to think of where the two could possibly go.

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CelestialPermalink Reply by ✓ Artemitra Astrid Bluemoon on October 11, 2020 at 22:14

Artemis had been rather surprised at how pleasantly the conversation at the Cafe had gone. It was progress. Instead of trying to kill each other; she and the Aspect of Death were actually being civil and lasted more than 5 seconds in the same room together. That was something. Their plans for a day out had suddenly been changed; when Ery was called off on urgent matters back at the manor; taking a rain-check of sorts. The two parted, with exchange of phone-numbers, at least. Despite everything, Artemis still cared for the Aspect,as strange as it sounded to her own ears sometimes. She’d always care for the Ailwards, she had been close to. And that probably wouldn’t change. If anything, there was hope for amends. Fingers crossed, it stays that way.

After they had parted ways; Artemis found that they texted back and forth regularly; keeping tabs on what was going on in their lives; despite the busy schedule. But with all that had been going on in the city; she kind of appreciated him looking out for her. Even if she hadn’t said it out loud.

Artemitra had been wrapped up in her own work, having her work slowly show-cased at a local gallery. The owner seemed to love her work, that they gave her more projects to show-case. Also feeling like she was on better terms with the Ailwards; as she had been in contact with Cora and Venetus. The Celestial also made some head-way with her nightmares; having had some diviner help, to try and tackle the darkness; that kept clouding her thoughts at night, reliving what had happened at the inn that night with the poison. Even if she had fought off the darkness in the nightmares; Artemitra was very much aware that the Darkness still lingered around Evermore. She could feel it. It was probably waiting for a good time to strike, and try to claim more lives. But she wasn’t about to let that stop her. Slowly realising, that life moved on; she had to live. Right?

The Celestial had sadly also experienced some losses; her best-friend Ridley moved out of the city. And not long after that, Phoenix had disappeared...no goodbye...no word...no letter...nothing. The Celestial had been thinking of embarking upon the unbreakable bond with the male Valkyr; but after he left...she thought it was for the best, that they didn’t...as his leaving would have hurt her even more. For a while, she had been moping. Wallowing in her sadness. But others tried to reassure her, he wasn’t worth the tears, if he didn’t stick around. So for once, she decided to move on with her life. And long linger on what could have been; even if inside she was still hurting. Maybe staying single, for a while, is what she needed. That way, she could focus on her friends; that actually stuck around in her life and her work.

The months seemed to fly by rather quickly, quicker than the Celestial had come to realise and it was suddenly October. Seasons flew by and suddenly it was nearing Halloween, once more. The Castle seemed to be in good spirits, she and her fellow Celestials slowly decorating the place for Halloween. The Celestial herself had been feeling more festive herself. The holidays were always rather fun. The last few days she had been feeling a bit spontaneous. Which was a bit unlike Artemitra; for all that knew her. The girl had stayed in her own bubble and not done, anything remotely ‘crazy.’ Monday afternoon, Artemitra had visited the tattoo parlor and got a tattoo on her left wrist. It was something elegant and simple. A phoenix, with the words ‘Still I Rise.’ Considering, all she had been through, it felt somewhat fitting. To show her strength and that she was moving on, and going on with her life; despite the chaos and madness in it.

That afternoon was particularly breezy; Evermore trees covered in colorful leaves; yellow, red, orange. It was beautiful. Even though the air felt a bit colder. Artemis still enjoyed time out in the city. That afternoon, she found herself at the hair parlor. For so long, Artemitra kept her hair the same; brown in coloring. She needed a change. So she decided to go with something different and funky for Halloween; Blue. Call it a statement, of her changing and moving on with her life. Once her appointment had started, she was sitting comfortably in the chair at the parlor, listening to the music that was playing in the background, whilst she let the hair-dresser work away on her hair. The scent of the hair dye was rather strong and slightly made her nose wrinkle, when the fumes reached her nostrils. Clearly, not used to it. The Celestial lightly hummed to herself, along to the tunes playing. It didn’t take long, till her hair was covered in the hair dye. Now to wait for it to take full effect.

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