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Permalink Reply by 14pu6fm4l1tuv on December 19, 2019 at 21:20

"You know technology has feelings to and no one likes being called stupid." Her tone was chiding, even around the massive bit of popcorn and hot pocket she was munching on. Swallowing Iris sauntered into her command center, giving the Aspect of Magic a cheeky grin as she plopped down in one of her rolling chairs and rolled over to look at the screen. It wasn't everyday she came back from a snack run and came back to find someone fiddling with her computers. Most people treated her sanctum with the equivalency of the infectious disease ward at the hospital or the single's bar on a Valentine's Day cruise, sneaking past the entrance or avoiding it altogether as if your life depended on it.

Taking another bite of her hot pocket the Guard flicked her dark brown hues up to Malva, gauging how hard she was going to have to prob in order to get a straight answer. Iris of course could make it all super simple but where was the fun in that? Besides, the simple route often denied her access to information and she loved a good mystery. Swallowing she took a long swig of water before inquiring, "Whatcha looking for? Your search parameters might be too broad or too narrow." Okay so she wasn't completely heartless, but the situation in general made her curious as hell. It wasn't everyday you found the Aspect walking around with her grimoire, a book the Diviner within wanted desperately to get her hands on.

Her own spell book was substantial, written over several lifetimes and focused on practical magic that any modern day witch would kill for. Yet her book wasn't near as packed as Malva's and probably never would be. Polishing off her hot pocket the Guard set the bowl of popcorn down and wiped her hands with a napkin. "Can I help perhaps? Instead of you insulting my equipment and them silently rebelling against you out of principal?"

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on December 26, 2019 at 16:10

Upon hearing the familiar voice ringing across the room, Malva sighed and slumped against her seat as the said figure graced her peripheral vision with her presence, "At this point, everything and everyone in this goddamn Earth has feelings, Iris. But you don't see me trying to worm my way into anyone's good graces… that way I wouldn't have any enemies waiting to strike me down as soon as I display any sign of weakness" she murmured audibly and stared at the screen before her before averting her gaze away where her blue hues fell on the brunette instead. Malva doesn't usually venture to the center, she doesn't do well with technology and would prefer filling her head with complicated ancient languages to decipher rather than try to attempt on understanding the codes. If she was here, then it means she was searching for something and was desperate enough to come. 

"Do I want to know why this thing is password encrypted? Who do you think is going to steal out information?" She pressed her lips together for a moment before raising her hand to stop the other female from answering her question, "Don't answer that. Right. Everyone. Everyone would want information from our organization." Why wouldn't they? The Ailwards were dated on everything, what others know, they would know it two steps ahead. Malva wasn't stupid, she saw the way Iris eyed her grimoire that she had placed on the table next to her, who wouldn't want to get their hands on her grimoire? Every diviner would, given the chance. It's precisely the reason that Mal knew how to bribe her way around the diviners; whether they're guards or local ones. 

Skirting around the topic wasn't as hard when you have something to offer and her grimoire has worked miracles over the centuries. "Yes, you can help me. I need to find something about someone. Well, it's a person, but I have no idea which coven he's from, or rather… his descendant" Considering the last time she saw him was over 400 years ago, she would most probably need to find his grave. "And I know you won't help me without asking anything in return, it's a simple principle… so what do you want?" 

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Permalink Reply by 14pu6fm4l1tuv on January 22, 2020 at 1:58

Iris opened her mouth for a moment and then shut it, the look on her face one of subtle shock and consternation. In all the years she’d been around the Aspect of Magic never once had she spoken in such a manner. Her tone was brusque and the words were said with a hint of both anger and frustration. Pressing her lips together she tried to remind herself that whatever was eating Malva had nothing to do with her, therefore she shouldn’t take it personally. “Hell of a life outlook there my friend, though it doesn’t leave much room for error. Or ya know, being human.” Weakness was a fact of life, a condition of living in the world and while most were uncomfortable with the prospect it was part of life. Whatever had set the Aspect off was serious and possibly detrimental.

The brunette tilted her head with a look of confused amazement at the question, though she didn’t have to say a word as Malva answered her own question. Bringing the Aspects and the Guards into the technological age had brought about an ease of access when it came to information however the tech genius had also discovered vulnerabilities in the system. “Not only would it leave our information unprotected but our identities and our history. Thousands of years of knowledge and wisdom would be vulnerable to even the most unskilled of hackers.” If she hadn’t put the security in place that was in effect, a virtual firewall within a firewall that relied on her knowledge of a couple dead languages and some personal information weaved in. Not even her father could break through her encryptions which made sleeping at night all the better for her. “Sorry to inconvenience you with your own protection.”

Things got even more tense from there, allowing the Diviner to tap into the giant well of patience she exercised regularly. Rolling her eyes with no small amount of attitude Iris waved away her quid pro quo as she entered her sanctum, plopping herself down on her favorite chair, and wheeling across the room to end up in front of a large bank of monitors. “I don’t want anything from you, except maybe to lighten up.” She stated it sarcastically and yet emphatically, meaning what she said but wanting to deliver it with a little cushioning. “Name, date of birth, and any other vital information you may have on the subject.” Calling p multiple search engines while she reached over and perched her glasses on her nose, Iris waited for the Aspect to reveal who she was searching for.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on January 27, 2020 at 16:51

She felt bad for snapping, it wasn't Iris's fault, she shouldn't have to be the one taking the short end of the stick. "I'm sorry… it's just that things haven't been nice lately. And it's frustrating the hell out of me. Everything's not working and it's a fail every where... " Also her magic's gone somewhere she didn't know where. It's all there to get her in a mood. "I feel like nothing's working out. Not even technology is helping me when I needed them the most, much less living beings" Ouch, clearly Malva's been highly irritated and was probably right to cordon anyone off her room, fearing she may even turn them into something worse than little rodents next time. Just because she's having problems with magic, doesn't mean she was cut off completely. 

Hearing the explanation to why they needed to be password protected, Mal nodded knowingly, that sounded more than enough to warrant their worries, "Right… we don't want people to get a hold of any of… that." They had plenty of information to store away and unfortunately, not everything is reliable, not even computers saving the data in this age of technology. "You know, it's stuff like this that made me wonder if you're storing your grimoire… digitally. Though that sounded more than absurd to even think about it... " Was it? Well, now she was trying to picture that. "Is it possible? To even write or jot down… your spells digitally?" She's never seen that happened before but then again, if someone was being incredibly tech-savvy, it was Iris. 

"Technology is so… weird" she mumbled, at least she wasn't that bad at it to the point where she couldn't even type properly on a laptop like her eldest brother, Erythreus. Malva was just not good with codes in general, hence her dislike for arithmancy or anything related to it. Languages, she can handle. Numbers? Not it. She was a bit reluctant to give her his details but she needed to find his descendants one way or another, she'll worry about questions later. "Aldrich Renoir… I have no idea when he was born but he was about 28 when I met him, 396 years ago. He was a native from Marseilles. The leader of a local coven there. He passed away from an… unnatural cause. I need to know if he has any descendants."

 By unnatural cause, Mal meant a curse or a hex powerful enough to cripple the male but perhaps she'll lay that one off until she needed to answer it. "I'll give you my grimoire for an hour" she mumbled, Mal doesn't like asking favors with nothing to offer, besides, she trusts Iris more than enough to actually hold her grimoire. 

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Permalink Reply by 14pu6fm4l1tuv on March 21, 2020 at 19:30

The brunette listened as a rare Malva apology followed her outburst, no doubt having realized just how she had come across. When she described everything as a fail Iris just shook her head in response. It was hard to understand just what the Aspect was going through, given the circumstances. However, it was equally as hard to understand how Malva had fallen so deeply into the black hole she was buried in. “You know Confusious would say that a person’s greatest glory isn’t in failing, but in rising again each time you fail.” She gave the Aspect of Magic a pointed look, emphasized by smacking her lips lightly. “You can’t expect people to help unless you ask for it Mal.” She had learned that little fact that hard way.

Deigning not to comment on their information security Iris called up her information database, running it through its paces to warm the system up before she got to work. The fact that the Guard and the Aspects had so much knowledge that in the wrong hands could be dangerous was a no brainer. Security was a must, especially since the Isle was no more and they were forced to be out among the regular people. Grinning at Malva’s curiosity when it came to her own Grimoire the brunette turned a bit in her chair and shook her head, “There are some things that are better kept on parchment and ink.” Chuckling she toyed with the necklace that sat just against her collarbone, the moonstone crystal pendant warm from sitting against her skin. “Though I will admit I’ve been working on another way to store that knowledge, it needs to be just as secure as the book.”

A diviner’s spellbook was precious, all the knowledge and skills the practitioner had learned over the years and a window into that person's soul. This was why any good Diviner kept powerful spells of protection around their grimoire and further kept the book safe from prying eyes. Iris had been toying with a backup system in which to store her spells but nothing definitive that she wanted to share at the moment. Blinking she looked up at the other women with a grin, “Perhaps not what you think as digital but there is another way.” Leaving her with that enigmatic answer the Guard turned back to her computer.

The information now given to her Iris started an extensive search into her database, expanding on things as Malva gave her more details. “Technology is only weird to those who don’t try to understand it. Magic was said to be weird at one point in time as well.” She spoke while never taking her eyes off the screen or her fingers from the keyboard, running the points of data simultaneously. Quirking a brow as Malva offered her grimoire for an hour, the Guard shrugged, “Fine. But only because you're insisting.” Sitting back for a minute she let the computer do it’s thing, running through thousands of years of information that had been compiled since the Aspects had been a thing.

“What exactly are we looking for and why?”

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on April 9, 2020 at 10:15

She didn't apologize as much as her brash behavior would put herself on, Mal never bothered to apologize if she didn't feel the need to, that was just her. But the Aspect of Magic is also aware that she shouldn't behave like that to everyone, especially the people she cares deeply for; namely her siblings and the Guards. Fortunately for the Ailward Aspect, Iris understood her behavior all too well, how could she not? Malva likes to keep herself close to the diviners in the Guard, Iris is a Dimitreu, one of the earliest guards they ever had. A living legacy. "You are not seriously whipping out Confucius of all people to me right now... " she grumbled and rolled her eyes when Iris proceeded with it, "Oh god you are... " Still, she turned to face her as she leaned against the table with her arms crossed, "He's a wise man though… I have to admit that but I can't expect myself to think of that every time I fail, or else I've created a whole streak in failing alone" And if anyone knew her better, Mal does not like to fail, in any sense at all.

 "I'm asking you to help me, Iris… I feel like my head could explode any time now... Please?" Of course, she didn't forget to include the magic word. Whilst it was rare to see her pleading like this, it certainly wasn't news considering how vulnerable the Aspect could appear to be. Normally, she wouldn't have enlisted anyone's help for any personal outlook but this time, she does. And for whatever information she was seeking, she was not tech-savvy which meant she needed reinforcement from that department. Iris was the best there was. "You're right… that's one thing even the technology couldn't change. I would actually have a heart attack when the day comes where diviners actually store their grimoire in a digital form" the thought alone was enough to send shivers down her spine. Malva was an extremely old-fashioned witch. Even if she was getting used to the modern days, there were some things one couldn't change about themselves. 

Magic was the tipping point for her, the one that would set the boundaries in place. "Please just put a stronger layer of protection charm on your grimoire instead of dispatching the knowledge elsewhere, it's not my grimoire yet I'm the one being worried for you" she huffed playfully and shook her head, just because she didn't show it, doesn't mean she didn't care. "I'll even give you that saltwater blessed by the priestesses from the Roman citadel to safeguard your grimoire" Mal likes to keep plenty of the things from the old days safe in her closet, especially if they were her own concoctions. "Just… don't tell Bexley about it, she would never leave me be" The last time that happened, Mal had to sneak away for a few months. "You modern people are so weird" she shook her head and chuckled wryly, she could never understand the appeal but it was to each of their own.

 "When you try to explain technology to a millennium old being, it starts that way. Try looking at Ery, he couldn't even type on a laptop properly, I'm hardly the worst out of us all" she scoffed teasingly, "Not everyone is as good as you when it comes to tech." When she asked her what they were searching for and why, Mal pressed her lips together and took a seat near her, "This guy had something of mine, I gave it to him for safe keeping a few centuries ago… I heard he passed it down to his descendants… so I was wondering if they still have it. You know… because I promised to take it back after 400 years."

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Permalink Reply by 14pu6fm4l1tuv on May 20, 2020 at 18:28

A light chuckle escaped from the Diviner’s lips, grinning from ear to ear at the Aspect’s reaction at being quoted, Confucius. Some of the great philosophers had been crazy crackpots with too much time on their hands while a select few had been truly great men. The thoughts and ideas that they had put out into the universe and passed down for future generations were creeds to live by, though in order to truly understand them a person had to be enlightened enough to live by them. Malva acknowledged the wisdom in his words while still coming down hard on herself causing the brunette to shake her head. “Well, then you fail until you don’t. You can’t expect to be perfect and succeed all the time, that’s not practical.” Lately, as Iris interacted with a few of the Ailwards she had come to realize that their vision of themselves was a bit skewed. Some of them focused entirely too much inward, which then caused a chain reaction when they didn’t get the results they wanted. That alone was enough to trigger self-doubt and self-deprecation and inevitably self-destruction that would have them all imploding at a time when they needed to be at the top of their game.

Leaving that observation to be studied in more detail later Iris held up both hands towards Malva, “Alright, calm down. Of course, I’ll help you. Now sit down before you pass out on me.” Watching her friend and mentor pace around the room like a caged tiger caught in a corner wasn’t exactly a view that made her comfortable, in fact, it made the worry that was coalescing in her gut burn all the more painfully. Turning back to her computer, her fingers flew over the keys, a slight smile on her face as she listened to the other Diviner speak of grimoires. Her brain split into two sections, the one focused on sorting through the information while the other listened to the words that were being spoken. Multitasking was a rare gift and one that Iris utilized well and often.

Without taking her eyes from the screen or pausing in her hunt for knowledge Iris responded, “My grimoire is greatly protected I assure you, my friend. I’ve simply been dabbling with another way to store the knowledge or perhaps allow one to carry it around while traveling.” Her whiskey-colored hues glanced over to a work table that was covered in crystal dust and jars containing the same. It was a side project she had been working off and on around, though having not gotten very far the Guard was reluctant to go into any more detail. Her hands paused and she turned slightly to look at Malva in pure astonishment. Having known the woman for a very long time it was rare for the Diviner to share any of her little trinkets or tools of the trade she had collected. The blessed saltwater she offered now would add a thick layer of protection to her spell book the likes of which very few if any Diviner’s would ever be able to breakthrough. The incantation that needed to accompany such a blessing would be spoken in a language and dialect long since lost. “That’s very generous of you.” Her tone was a bit breathless as the full extent of what was being offered hit her, forcing the brunette to refocus herself on the task at hand.

Getting back to her search she barked out a laugh at being called both modern and weird. “Modern? Girl, you forget how old I am!” Not to mention where she came from, or rather who she came from. Her father had been one of the first Guard to join the cause, her mother not far behind, and Iris had been born into the Guard. On the Isle, things had been simple, as far from modern as one could get. Modernity had been a pet project that had kept her busy and sparked her interest, technology being the biggest lure to a mind like hers. “I’ll tell you the same thing I told Ery, you just need to have the willingness to learn and the time to practice. Just like any skill.” It was the usual line that she had been giving to too many people to count, as most in the Ailward manor didn’t take to change very easily.

Finally, as Malva explained a bit about her search Iris hit some pay dirt, bringing up a few old accounts and even finding a lineage chart buried deep within the system. “Aldrich Renoir lived to the ripe old age of 52. Married twice and had….looks like 6 natural children.” Her fingers typed out a few commands while she pulled the information over to another window, her eyes squinting for a few moments. “The sneaky devil had 3 children outside of wedlock.” Snickering at the antics of a long since dead man she followed the trail of his bloodline down through time, “Looks like there were at least 6 more generations...which means he could still have a living relative or two kicking around somewhere.” That meant their search had just gotten a bit more complicated, the dead were easy to track as they were stationary targets. The living were much harder to pinpoint, as they moved and changed names and changed jobs often.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on May 24, 2020 at 14:44

She rarely picks up a fight, much less an argument when it comes down to her family. But outside of them and the faction itself? Perhaps, Malva did prove herself to be quite the annoyed witch with a temper. Seeing as turning people into temporary rodents were the least of what she’d to on her free time aside from concocting some magical potion that would no doubt assist some of their guards on selectable missions, it’s safe to say that leaving her home while being protected by the confines of the manor is the best way to make sure it stays that way. She was used to being reprimanded, but it didn’t mean the Aspect of Magic wouldn’t groan out in complaint every time she received them. “I don’t know Iris, I just… hate to fail.” Being raised in a family that had two domineering parents who would bark orders and give expectations had clearly taken a toll on Malva, once upon a time ago. Even now, she still couldn’t quite shake those memories just yet, it just keeps on latching onto her memory lane that doesn’t know how to stay shut when she wants it.

 She finally took a seat nearby when the younger female told her she’d help her, okay, at least she’s getting Iris’ help, that’s more than a start for this. Iris rarely fails at her given mission, hell, their guards were practically trained in plenty of arts, including espionage for all she knows. Malva held a deep sense of pride when it came to their guards, especially the older ones that had served their ranks for centuries long. It was not a surprise to see her latching onto Octavia and Aurelia for mother figures even though they were considerably younger than her. Iris, Tatiana, they were sisters to her just as much as Argent, Cora and Tia were. “You don’t carry your grimoire around with you? Have you tried to charm it into something more… plausible?” Like how she was completely inseparable with her amethyst pendant that was charmed holding her staff, and her sapphire bracelet that was basically a protection charm, she had always enchanted her grimoire to fit in her bag. 

“But then again, it could be tiring for you to enchant it every single time…” she pursed her lips slightly and thought of ways that would make it easier, “I’ll try to think about it later, maybe you can enchant it without using your magic.” Nothing is ever impossible, anyway. Mal saw the look of pure astonishment displayed across the Diviner’s face and shook her head with a small smile, it was known that the Aspect of Magic is very territorial and possessive over her trinkets, she was also very selective over the people she allowed access to her things. But if she couldn’t trust Iris, then she didn’t know how she could begin to trust others outside. “I can always have them bless it again, besides… it’s hardly the most prized thing in my possession” she teased, even though she keeps herself at the Isle of Skye for the most part of her life, it didn’t mean Malva didn’t think to make connections.

 There were plenty of Diviners affiliated with her, stretching out from generations. Such was the creation of the Archives Hall that was guarded by Penelope Winston. “You could be centuries old and I still don’t get how techy you can be” she jested, but much like what Iris had reiterated, it’s a skill. You learn it properly, soon enough you’d get a hang of it. But she’ll stay in her lane for now, she had plenty of other skills she needed to brush up too. The brunette had went nearer with her chair as her sapphire hues analyzed every information displayed on the screen, “That’s why I couldn’t find them…” she murmured, she didn’t exactly start on it yet but if one had hidden heritage, that would make things more complicated, not impossible but it would certainly take some time to go through them all. “This is not counting the adopted ones, right? Do they even have adopted children in the family tree?” Back then, it was highly unusual to give them the same privilege as other true borns do, but today? Who knows? “Where are these… generations living at right now?” 

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