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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on October 28, 2020 at 16:42

She was still able to do magic, only it makes her very unpredictable since it was hard to control the volume of it without having a clear sentience on the calculations. It was like going into a field while flying a plane blindly. That’s why Mal stopped doing any magic, directly. It didn’t mean she cut herself off, that was practically impossible for the Aspect. She has been doing traditional magic mostly, which meant she spent a lot of time in the manor’s greenhouse or the local apothecary she often ventures to. It wasn’t that far from their residence, so every morning or evening, depending on the time, Mal would go there to pick up a few things on her list. She was sure to go there when there weren’t as many people.

 The apothecary is very selective when allowing people to enter, to the outside eyes, it’s simply a medicinal herbal store with plenty of traditional ingredients but to some others who were granted entrance, namely her, it could easily be a black market for the strongest dosage one could ever need for alchemy magic. Malva was useless when it comes to verbal spells now but she has practiced alchemy for as long as she’s lived. It was a rather ancient form that was forgotten by many. While the brunette was busy scouring the counter for more of the ingredients she needed, she was interrupted by a familiar voice. As familiar as it could come across her. The voice might not sound that close but it oozed arrogance which made the Aspect of Magic turn to her side to eye the taller attractive female who stood right next to her, who looked as if she owned the entire world. 

There was power in her presence, she knew that much. But Mal wasn’t one to forget a face either, especially if they were significant enough. A part of her feels like that statement was thrown towards her. Mal frowned and stared at the clenched fist with an unrecognizable look, trying to discern what the stranger was trying to tell her. It wasn’t until she saw the ring that made the Aspect of Magic widen her eyes in surprise. That ring. This can’t be… can it? Is this woman really the notorious Leona d’Fierro? The air she held certainly remedied that, but she wasn’t Argent, so Mal couldn’t read her aura to know for sure. But how else could she have the ring if that wasn’t her? Or know that she indeed tried to reverse the problem by suggesting they throw her to a pit. It was definitely Leona d’Fierro, in the flesh, again.

 “Of course my solution was to throw you in a pit. It was the easiest way to make sure you don’t hurt others and lesser on yourself with the shielding spell I place on you” she murmured and took in her form, guessing the ghost of the past came back to haunt her. Again. “You’re no longer a Phoenix, I see” she pointed out wryly, there was nothing about her that screamed Phoenix, and she was well-versed enough to know about the Niveis in the city. She was there when they came and signed the peace treaty, after all. “The fact that you’re here with a new face and a new identity meant you died after all... should’ve taken my suggestion up to the better value” she scoffed under her breath, at least that would save the whole dying part. For a certain time until she figures out something better. “To your knowledge, I’m not doing as well” she exclaimed with a roll of her eyes as she averted her sapphire hues back to the counter, resuming her search for said ingredient. “I’m guessing you came back and went to seek me out for a reason… which I don’t bother to play a guessing game with… so tell me, Leona, what do you want? Other than to make my life miserable, which you’re going to have to take a queuing number.”

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NiveisPermalink Reply by ✓ Leona Vivaldi d'Fierro on November 4, 2020 at 22:28

Leo couldn't help but roll her eyes at the Aspect's excuse. "I only delivered justice to those who harmed others---you lot do the same," she sneered, a wicked smirk moulding upon her full lips. At her observant remark, the Niveis shrugged, boredom clear in her olive gaze. "Aye, sadly that is true," she mused, looking along her long fingers for a moment as they twisted in the air. It took a moment before she met her elder's gaze once more, and if Malva had a keen eye, she'd notice the faint glimmer of sadness in the Venetian's eyes that appear for just a quick second. "But alas," she'd continue, "I've made my peace with my death---to a certain extent."

At Malva's scoff concerning Leo taking Mal's advice, a low, malicious chuckle curled past her lips. "Oh, cara mia," she almost snarled, "it was no enemy of mine that did this to me---that I would have seen coming." The Niveis gestured to her lithe form as she said this, a hint of disgust lacing both her tone and movement---clearly she hadn't completely made her peace with that she was, contrary to her earlier statement. Her new form was a reminder of her loss and failure, but more than that, it was a reminder of revenge. "I trust that they would know better than to drown a Phoenix---there have been tales of the Niveis in our culture. Anyone who would have dared to try to take down me would have pierced my heart with a dagger of gold." She shook her head. "No, the enemy was my husband's, and my death was just a means of breaking him---an attempt, at the very least."

At Malva's admission of her not feeling well, Leo couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in the slightest hint of concern. She folded her toned arms under her bust, tilting her head ever so slightly to a side as she narrowed her almond-shaped eyes. "What ever's the matter with you?" she couldn't help but question. "Has your magic been giving you problems again?" A light, airy chuckled sounded from Leo, an impish smile pulling at the corners of her lips. "You ought to get your staff checked, cara mia; the last time I was here, you were having trouble then too."

Leo shrugged at the blunt statement that followed. "You've guessed correctly, dearest," the woman slurred. She leaned back against the table where the computer rested, hands still folded, she turned her head to look at the Aspect. Malva's words about Leo wanting to make her life miserable brought forth a scoff of disbelief and a shake of her head. "Malva," she mused softly, letting the Russian's name roll off her tongue with the smoothest of tones. "Need I remind you that you were at my wedding? I didn't just invite everyone." A soft chuckle followed. "You were never an enemy of mine, and frankly, there's only one person whose life I do actually enough making miserable," she admitted in reference to a certain almost-sister-in-law Diviner. "The only time we ever had an issue was when you tried to throw me in a pit and stop me from receiving justice for my people."

Her gaze would fall then, focussing on the scuffed tops of her boots. Silence would spread for a moment as Leo brought up the courage for what she had to say next. "We were kidnapped, Alex and I," she would finally admit. "Five men killed me in front of him, to repay something he did to them---I do not know both sides of this tale." There was another moment of silence, and then, "They still have him, and I need to find him." Only now, Leo would look up to meet the Aspect's gaze once more. There was no smirk in her face, no malicious hints to her tone. Malva would definitely be able to tell from the hatred that glimmered in Leo's eyes that the Niveis definitely planned on killing the men, and hopefully she would not try to stop the Venetian creature. However, a  tinge of sadness, desperateness, humility---call it what you may---danced in the depths of her irises. "Is there anyway you could help me track them down, and help me find my husband?"

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on January 16, 2021 at 9:18

When she said that, Mal couldn't help but bite her lip instinctively, was she wrong though? They did do what they thought was right in order to keep the balance of the world and sometimes, it's not all good. Sometimes she doesn't mind being that person either. They're not supposed to be painted as saints, after all. What they do is basically police the supernatural world to keep it from clashing with the others. She tried her best to keep a poker face throughout the entire time, which was surprisingly easier to do considering Malva didn't really have much to think about at the very moment. She's there to do her weekly supply shopping and she just so happened to stumble across a half-friendly-half-unpredictable friend from the past. "I probably shouldn't ask to what extent" she raised her eyebrows and shook her head, she shouldn't meddle in her issues like that, she had enough to worry about on her plate. 

To be honest, she was surprised to know that Leona didn't escape that narrow case, she only came back as a niveis because they drowned her body in water. But she would admit, she was a bit interested to know what went down so while her hand was busy examining the ingredients, she paid attention to every detail. "Did they succeed then? You didn't really die but you kinda did, I wonder if that was considered a success as an attempt to break your husband" she exclaimed bluntly and placed a small bottle in her cart as she moved to another section. Mal halted momentarily on her steps, her right hand was even trembling slightly when she was holding the herbs, the talk about her magical disability is slowly frustrating the hell out of her and most of it, it's giving her anxiety attacks. "I never thought it would come to this honestly… but it had been worse ever since. Even worse" she muttered under her breath, back then she would have trouble getting sleep because of the weird messages and dreams but now she could barely lift a finger to do a spell without having it malfunction terribly. 

"It's not the staff this time, technicalities pushed aside, it has something to do with my mind rather… I'd joke I'm on the verge of going crazy but that's not the full picture either." She didn't stop there, of course, she tried to find out the root of the problem. "Anyways, I'll soon move past it once I find out what's wrong" as usual, the classic Malva would sweep it under the rug. She hated being vulnerable and people knew that. "That time it was the most logical thing to do while making sure you don't hurt both others and yourself, need I remind you that you weren't completely sane either? A curse can be nasty when inflicted properly, Leona" she reminded gently, even then she could recall it took plenty of her energy to make something that would be able to control that side of hers. "And it was also my retaliation towards your husband for practically dragging me away and forcing me. You know I don't take those lightly" she added, but because they were still her friends, she didn't just blow them off. 

She turned around to face her with a confused look etched on her features, "Now what did Alex do again?" It was hard to guess, it seems that Leona also didn't know the depth of how serious it is. "You not knowing the severity of it makes me wonder how bad did he get to them, who were those people? What were they?" Perhaps they can pinpoint it better if she could recall the long history the Nephilim had with a lot of people. Though Mal always seemed to reject a lot of people, she didn't like the idea of abandoning her friends and like it or not, Leona had a past with her and she may worry for her spouse too. After all, he spent a good portion of his time with them. "If we can find out who and what they were, maybe give me something that is Alex's personal belonging, I could cook something up… My power is limited but it's not completely snuffed out. Yet." Turning over her heel as she rested her hand over her cart, Mal stared at the Venetian before her skeptically, "Though it doesn't go far to say that I wonder why you came to me instead of any other diviner. You can easily make them do your bidding anyway."

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NiveisPermalink Reply by ✓ Leona Vivaldi d'Fierro on January 16, 2021 at 19:45

A loose chuckle rolled off her shoulder at Malva's question concerning whether or not her captors succeeded. "I don't know," she admitted, disdain at the very fact dripping thickly from her words. "When I came to, they were gone, and so was my old body and my powers. True, him watching my death right in front of him would have surely affected Alex one way or another, but he's strong. He's watched people he's loved in his past die before him--what makes me any different?" Dry humour laced her words though her expression remained sour. "I truly doubt anything could really break him, even my death. You know him, Mal, longer than I have." Leona followed closely by Malva as the Aspect moved from one place to another, her stride and demeanour casual, as if this was a planned encounter as she asked about the Russian's condition. Something obviously wasn't right, and the Venetian creature was nothing if not incredibly observant.

"Worse since I left Evermore?" she repeated, surprising evident in her accented words as she raised an eyebrow suspiciously. it seemed odd that the Aspect seemed to be growing weaker. The Niveis always regarded the Aspects are powerful beings, and seeing one like brought up doubts about the other seven. A short laugh escaped her lips as Malva described herself as going crazy. The irony was definitely not lost on the Venetian, olive hues flickering down to the hand the still clasped the enchanted ring, now useless but still precious to the elementalist. She slipped it back into the inner pocket of her leather jacket, listening as the Russian continued explaining what was wrong. "Maybe sit in a pit for a few centuries? You lot seemed to think it'd work on me," she sarcastically offered as a solution. It did grant her some satisfaction to be able to say that to the woman before her, but she chose to move on. Leo really did need the Aspect's help, and remarks like that wouldn't get her anywhere. "Sorry," she quickly said, "old habits die hard."

Malva's next words brought upon another exaggerated roll of the Niveis's olive green hues, a bored look etching its way across her angular features. "That was a terrible idea in more ways than one, but let's leave the past in the past. But as I recall, you did owe my husband some sort of enchanted trinket, and he just came to collect." At least, that was how Alexander had explained it over and over again. She then explained what had happened to them, and of course, as expected, Malva had questions. Unfortunately, Leona too as at a loss, and so she shrugged her shoulders, a hint of defeat visible in her demeanour as her eyes moved unsteadily. "It's safe to say whatever he did really pissed them off," she mused with a strained laugh. "As for what they were, I know for sure that they weren't Initia or Phoenixes---strengthening my opinion that these people weren't after me. They'd only hurt me in front of Alex, and whenever I was brought into his cell, there were always new wounds on him." 

Her words started to break as a lump formed in her throat at the very mention of those memories. Quickly as it came, the d'Fierro matriarch shook it away, composing herself quickly. She did have to admit, Mal had done quite a bit not just for her, but for the entire d'Fierro family and her former flock. It was unsettling to see her weakened, and so solutions fluttered through her mind even as Mal continued to speak. At the mention of needing something personal to Alex, Leo swore under her breath in her native tongue. The Nephilim wasn't the type to keep things---the only thing he treasured was his wedding ring, which unfortunately was still on his person when he was taken. But then, another thought sparked in her mind, her almond-shaped eyes focussing suddenly on Malva. "He kept a journal, the same one for centuries, and updated it every free decades or so... Would that work?" she queried, unable to hid the hope that danced in her tone. A low chuckle then sounded from the Niveis at Malva's final question, a sly smirk toying at the corners of her lips as a sly glint shimmered in her bright eyes. "Easy: they're ordinary Diviners. Why would I go to them when I know you, the Aspect of Magic?" Her brown then creased once more, fingers delving into the same inner pocket to once more pull out her ring once more. "Say, Mal--hypothetically speaking: if I were to have a Diviner replicate the spell you put on this," she thought aloud as she held up the ring, "would that help with your insanity problem, as yours did mine?" An eyebrow raised as she spoke, the younger of the two feeling the urge to help if possible, especially considering that she was asking the Russian Aspect to perform yet more magic---the very thing that was making her like this.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on January 30, 2021 at 12:47

Anyone would've been shaken if the death of their loved one occurred right in front of them, Alex wouldn't be an exception to that. "I imagine being a niveis must have been hard for you" so far the niveis she has met all returned her questions with the same way; they were turned niveis, which meant it wasn't as easy to discard their previous life as a phoenix unless they have lived this way longer than they have with their phoenix counterpart. "What makes you different is that he actually loves you to marry you" she rolled her eyes and shook her head, "Alex is not an easy man, Leo. He doesn't just settle easily like that." Though she wasn't exactly a romanticist, she would admit Alex truly loves her. "So believe me when I say he was definitely affected by your death." The question is, how affected was he? 

"Mhmm" she didn't want to admit that it has indeed gotten worse ever since the Venetian left Evermore but it truly has, much to her dismay. "It has something to do with the imbalance occurring from every part of the world really, I can't multitask when you continue to hit me where it hurts" she muttered, she was going to burn out and their opponent knew exactly where to hit her to render her weak for a moment. Enough to give them the time they needed to wreak havoc. "Oh please, even if I do want to sit in a pit for a few centuries, the world wouldn't let me now would they? You lot seem to need me either way, lest they replace me with a new Aspect of Magic anyway, which let's be real here, you don't need." Having a new Aspect meant they needed some time to get used to what was going on and given their situation, it was simply not the time to be a training period for new Aspects. 

"I owe Alex a lot of things" she grumbled under her breath, she couldn't lie about that, the nephilim did a lot of things for her when she asked him to, more personal requests than anything so she promised that she would him when the time comes. And she did. When she explained what they did, Malva pursed her lips and sighed heavily, "So it was just for the sake of making him miserable and you were a tool for that. But at least we can cross two species off the list though the fact that they're his enemies rather than yours doesn't make it any easier…" Alex has lived for quite some time and he didn't make a lot of friends. "I'll try to see what I can find about his long list of… friends." When she told him he kept a journal, the Aspect of Magic nodded, "The more attached he is to it, the better." She needed something that has memories of him, given the right motivation, she could find something about it that stretches out for centuries. 

Upon hearing her answer to why she came to seek her out, Malva rolled her eyes towards the niveis, "Aren't you in luck" if she had been anyone else, maybe she would just reject her outrightly on the spot but because she's Leona, she feels inclined to help her, perhaps due to their friendship. They may argue but at the end of the day, they are still friends. "I'm not going insane because of any other reason than my own so it may not work as well as it did to you. What's happening to me is because I'm an Aspect, the power bestowed upon me and my siblings are different than that of anyone else. Obviously, that kind of power needs to be contained properly and in this case, mine is acting out because it's also antsy due to everything bad that is happening to the world. When magic goes out of control, I feel out of control" it's why she kept a track record of doing most things related to her duty. Because she couldn't afford to slack off. "It's nice to see you being all worried though."

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NiveisPermalink Reply by ✓ Leona Vivaldi d'Fierro on July 17, 2021 at 17:25

She scoffed at the mention of her new form and its difficulties. "You can't imagine,"  she said a little too coldly. "It feels like I've been ripped apart from everything I once knew. I hate it." With a sigh, Leona couldn't help but shake her head. "I know he loves me, and I know he'd be hurt from what he saw," she started to say. "But Alex has lived more lifetimes that I have, and he's settled down before. I'm not saying our love is nothing to him, but I would be lying if I said seeing my death would have broken him. He's...stronger than I am, in that sense." 

At the mention of an opponent, Leona raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Who's attacking Evermore this time?" she asked. "Can't be someone I know, if they tiring you of all people out." Lips pursed, she looked back at Malva, a sly glint in her olive green hues. "Tell me about him, and most importantly, if I can help in anyway. My hands have been itching for violence ever since my return, and I would like to quench that thirst in a way that won't get me in trouble with you lot." And, truth be told, Leona did feel indebted to help her in anyway she could, since Malva seemed willing to help with finding Alex despite her current situation---that, however, would simply be implied, as the words would never leave the lips of the prideful ice wielder.

A small smirk pulled at her lips upon hearing that Malva owed Alex a lot of things. She herself didn't know exactly the extent of what her husband and the Aspect did for one another, but she did know that despite him leaving the Guard, he would always be there for Mal, and she would always offer him her aid---despite the occasional quarrels, but that came with most immortal friendships, Leo came to realise over her long life. She was broken from her reverie when Malva mentioned she would try to look through his old enemies and see if there would be anything that would tie them to their torture. Leona nodded in response. "Thank you," was all she thought to say. and nodded once more than Malva said that the journal would suffice. "I'll bring that over to wherever you lot are staying now,"  Leo added. "I assume it's the same manor as before."

The Venetian woman couldn't help but chuckle at Malva's respond to why Leona came to her instead of any other Diviner. "Is there even the slightest chance it may help?" she asked, referring to the ring once again. "If so, please, do take it. As you know, the Niveis don't have the curse of going insane as the Phoenixes do. I have no use for it, save for the memories behind it." She chuckled once more as the Aspect addressed her concern. "Me? Worried? Pfft, you've got the wrong wordsd," she commented. "Thank you again, for agreeing to help with Alex," she mused, looking around the store then. "I'll let you have your peace now, if you want," she offered, imagining that the Aspect didn't get much it nowadays.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Malva Ailward on August 5, 2021 at 15:09

When Leona said she hated it, Mal couldn’t help but chuckle as she took another look at her current appearance. She is still Leona but the fire doesn’t seem too fiery anymore, hell it’s not even blue fire anymore, it’s frost. “I guess it’s bad timing for me to remind you all the times people called you cold, right?” She covered her mouth to stifle the laughter and shook her head, holding her hands up in defense of her behavior, “Sorry sorry, not the best time, I get it.” Perhaps she had a point to say that her death could barely shake Alex but Mal has also known Alex for as long as she could remember, and that’s a long time in her book, “He’ll still feel what you think is pain, if not worse. Just because one has lived a long life and has gone through a multitude of pain, doesn’t make them feel numb entirely. Some people may just feel the next loss will rip them apart.”

But like Leona, Mal had no idea what Alex would feel, she’s known him as a friend, but that’s about it, she hasn’t gone deeper nor personal like the woman in front of her has. She could be wrong, or she could be right, nobody knows. A groan escaped the Aspect of Magic when the niveis questioned who it was this time attacking their home, “Not Evermore… not really. It’s far too small of a scale if I point out Evermore now.” That alone is already a statement to how big this problem is. “I wish I knew who he was and how powerful he was… I mean, I have narrowed down our suspects to a few people, but there’s not enough evidence to properly point an arrow at. Not yet. But I’m sure I’ll be able to pinpoint that person very soon. I just need for the world to give me a break, enough time for me to focus and find out where the main conspirator is coming from. The problem is I can’t seem to close my eyes for one moment without another anachronism occurring somewhere. Have I told you how fucked up our timelines are becoming these days? It’s been a busy house.” And that is an understatement.

“But if you’d like to just vent out your anger and frustration on people, I do have a few you can make use of that on.” Hey, she was volunteering, was she not? Mal was just trying to make whatever she had seemed more useful than it was. “Yeah, it’s the same place, don’t think we’re moving anywhere anytime soon, now in this economy” she huffed sarcastically, the economy is the least of their worries obviously, but with everything that is happening, she may as well just pick a place to stick at. “Besides, it’s no problem, a tracking spell won’t be hard if I have sufficient items, I just need to pray that my magic is as good as it used to be. It’s been a tiring time in general with everything that is going on. I don’t think even the apocalypse is meant to be this busy…” She nodded when she offered the ring, “That may help, if I take a look at it anyway, I created it with the extension to him anyway.” If she was being honest, she didn’t want her to leave just yet. “If you can give me a moment to pay for these, I can start on your spell right away. I have nothing else to do anyway. If you want to stick by and watch anyway, I could use whatever memories you have left too.”

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