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Instar DivinerPermalink Reply by ✓ Penelope Winston on May 30, 2024 at 1:22

✧ witching quest✧

Penelope woke up to the cheerful music the Archives played every morning. Sliding out of her overly large bed, she yawned and stretched, ready to start her day ."Good morning, Arcy," she murmured, as if greeting an old friend. Thirty minutes of invigorating yoga later, she hopped into the shower. Emerging refreshed, her clothes floated over to her, and her hair dried and styled itself effortlessly, as if she had spent hours on it. The Archives took care of her because she took care of them. “Thank you, Arcy,” she called out to the ever-shifting halls, smiling.

As she made her way to retrieve the spell book she had been translating, she paused. The door linking the Archives to the local library and the Ailward manor creaked open. Only the Aspects used that door; guards typically used portals. Curiosity piqued, she considered investigating but decided against it. The Aspects, who had created the Archives with their magic and balance, had free reign and would seek her out if needed.

Returning to her book, she resumed her translation work. Penelope was grateful for Bexley's skill in translating ancient texts and her patient teaching, which allowed Penelope to continue the work while Bexley was away fighting as a guard. The Archives greeted the Aspect of Magic with warmth, even ensuring her coffee stayed at the perfect temperature. The last Aspect to grace its never-ending, always-shifting halls was Ery. With the Aspect of Magic present, the Archives seemed to hum with life. An ottoman that once belonged to Penelope's father moved itself near her for added comfort.

After a few hours, Penelope's curiosity about the visitor grew insistent. Unable to ignore it any longer, she stood and followed the familiar voice. “Malva?” she called out, a smile spreading across her face as she approached. “It's been so long since you’ve been here; I thought you lost your key,” she joked, glancing at the books on the table.

Reading a few words, she arched an eyebrow at the Aspect of Magic. “Has someone lost their powers?” she asked, wondering if it involved a guard or someone Malva cared about. “Or are you trying to remove someone’s powers?” she added, recalling her past fascination with such matters.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on August 18, 2024 at 10:34

When she came to the Archives after being away from the very place she helped created, she was hoping to find an answer; a solution to her never-ending problems. Or at the very least, a hint. Something to help her go by. Unfortunately, for the Aspect of Magic, that does not seem to be the case for today. Despite going through endless books, Malva found nothing. Nothing at all.

She could feel the presence of another close by, which she assumed to be the librarian and guardian of the Archives herself; Penelope. "Not anymore" she mused, she might have gotten loose with her abilities back then but it's back at her now, fully charged. The problem is just that the signature was no longer hers. Or rather, it is still hers but modified anew. Something of the past and a little bit of the present and future. If there was anything Malva hated most, it's that she was no longer in control of anything. Especially if it involves her life. "I've been having a little bit of a problem a while ago, but it's no longer that problem. I fear it's something new, however..." There was no pain to share her problems with someone who had a similar mind, was there?

Penelope is an outstanding diviner, and Mal should hope that she is every bit of her father's daughter. The man was someone she respected and he had spent a long time with the Aspect of Magic herself, even when they were in the Isle of Skye. She turned to look at the female and sighed "The imbalance was great, and it has affected my powers ever since. I went on a small pilgrimage with Octavia to the citadel I once governed, in Greece. I was hoping that by reconnecting with nature itself, it might... help me. Long story short, I met an old friend, and he helped me... somewhat." It was an understatement to say Sebastian helped her, he basically unlocked the parts of which she held back, and thus gave her the control she once lost.

But upon doing so, he had also helped unlock the part she so desperately kept away and now with no locks nor filters to censor whatever was lost, Malva is a mix of the past, present and future. Which could be dangerous if she continues to struggle with the sudden surge of abilities returned to her. "Nothing in these books stated how to help someone back from... rehabilitation." She pressed her lips together and stared at Penelope with a newfound sense of sympathy for herself and asking for help "If I lose control again... well things won't be nice. And it's hard to control them." She grumbled to herself and buried her face into the books "I'm a walking time bomb. Or if we want to be specific, nuclear."

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Instar DivinerPermalink Reply by ✓ Penelope Winston on September 7, 2024 at 17:37

✧ witching quest✧

As Penelope drew closer to Malva, she sensed the weight of unspoken fears hanging in the air. Folding her hands together, she offered a warm, open demeanor, ready to be the supportive listener that Malva needed. Just like her father before her, Penelope had been told by those who knew him that she was just as kind-hearted and loving. The thought brought a bittersweet smile to her lips; she often wished she could have spent more time with him in the real world rather than merely in the astral plane. Now, all she could do was strive to live up to his legacy and forge her own identity beyond her past.

She remained silent as Malva began to articulate the burdens weighing her down. With a gentle expression, Penelope moved closer to the most powerful magic user of their time, her hand resting lightly on Malva’s shoulder in a comforting squeeze. “I have a few questions I’d like to ask,” she said softly. “If they feel too personal, feel free to skip them.”

In an instant, the room around them shifted, transforming into a cozy space with a small table set for tea. The inviting aroma of herbal blends filled the air, providing a serene backdrop for their conversation. Penelope picked up one of the delicate teacups, the warmth soothing her fingers as she settled into a deep, plush chair, appreciating the privacy the setting offered against any potential intrusions from those wandering the Archives.

“So, were you feeling imbalanced with your magic, or is there a larger issue at play?” Penelope ventured, trying to discern whether Malva's struggles were rooted in magic itself or something deeper within her soul. “What did you mean when you said he helped somewhat?” Clarification was essential; she could sense the layers of complexity in Malva's situation.

Penelope continued, her voice steady and thoughtful. “From what I understand, once someone goes through a significant issue, easing back into daily life is crucial to avoid triggering a relapse.” She paused, considering her words carefully. “While this method is often applied to those recovering from addiction, if your challenges stem from magic and you feel like a walking time bomb, that’s certainly a cause for concern.”

“Do you feel overwhelmed by your powers?” she asked, her gaze steady on Malva. “Or do you think fear is convincing you that you can’t handle them because of past experiences?” Penelope hoped her questions would encourage deep reflection, allowing Malva to explore her feelings more profoundly.

“Perhaps going back to basics could be beneficial for you. No book is going to provide the answers you seek,” she suggested, her tone growing more earnest. “It might be worth reaching out to the aspect of magic before you, if there was one.” Penelope had long struggled to find a solid history on the aspects, and she felt a pang of frustration at the gaps in her knowledge.

“I don’t have solid answers,” she admitted, her brow furrowing slightly. “But I do know that training and practicing control over your magic and emotions are key. I also have some pieces that can dampen magical abilities, but that isn’t a long-term solution. Relying on magical dampers can make you dependent on them, and they’re really only meant for short-term use or to help you pass as human.” Her voice trailed off as she began to mumble to herself, contemplating the complexities of magic and the burdens it carried.

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