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Post by Emiko on Mar 9, 2021 20:31:16 GMT -6
It was true that Belle didn't know what sort of treasure she had in her possession, but to be fair...neither did Celaine... Celaine had worked around the relics in the bell chambers long enough to know what they looked like, but as for what power this relic had was anyone's guess. She'd personally have to fiddle with it and test it to truly know the extent of it's abilities. Regardless of its potential, Celaine knew that Saveria would very much want this and it was up to her to get it however possible...
Celaine was just about to proceed on in negotiating for the ring when Ravenna chimed in an indirect phrase that made the ring seem far less valuable than what it actually was. While a clever tactic on its own, Belle didn't fully take the bait that Ravenna had laid out for her. Instead, she was quick to offer a fairly substantial rebuttal showing she knew her craft pretty well.
"Oh, don't let looks deceive you! The ring may not be eye candy, but the materials themselves make it quite valuable!" Belle replied, her attention on Ravenna for a moment before looking back down to the ring. "...The ring is crafted out of pure silver while most others today use nickel, and the black gem is a genuine onyx stone. The fading of the silver tells me that the ring is easily over a century old. It may not be pretty, but it is by far the most valuable thing in my store!"
Belle's analysis of the ring wasn't exactly wrong as she was right about the materials and the ring's age. It was only the fact that it also had magical potential that she seemed to be oblivious of and that made what Celaine would be negotiating for quite obvious. Belle had in her possession an 'antique' carved of from very valuable materials and it was honestly thanks to Ravenna that such information was revealed. At the very least, it confirmed that Belle didn't know the truth about the ring.
"I see... That explains why our employer was excited at the opportunity to maybe purchase the ring!" Celaine remarked with a bit of a giggle 'playing' the part she was assigned as best as she could. "...She has a taste for gothic styles, and antique collecting is a hobby of hers. She desperately wanted this ring after hearing about it, but had so many other affairs to attend to. So we came here in her place!"
Celaine was speaking as if she were the picture of joy and ease. Her smile was as wide as it could be and her voice as chipper as a bird. She was so good at hiding her true emotions that you would have thought her service to Saveria was the greatest fulfillment of her life. Those that knew her personally though would know how much of an act this really was... All the same, it was enough for Belle to seem to buy it which led Celaine to jump straight into the negotiations. "...How much are you wanting for your antique ring?"
Belle stared towards at Ravenna and Celaine for a moment before looking down at the ring again. As she did, she pondered what sort of price she wanted to put on it... After a moment or two of silence, she looked back up to the pair of woman and put out a figure that was sure to drop both Celaine and Ravenna's mouths. "...I'm willing to sell the ring for 12,000 Francs."
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Post by yooom on May 9, 2021 22:20:21 GMT -6
Ravenna listened, gazing quietly at the ring as Belle explained exactly what made the artifact so valuable. She was right, to an extent. The materials were quite unique. But they were only the surface of what made this little ring worth anything, especially to Saveria. Ravenna was in the same boat as Celaine, however, when it came to trying to gauge what it was worth. There was little she could do without actually reaching out and touching it, and she doubted Belle wouldn’t notice if it was capable of magic once Ravenna had practically given her a demonstration before her eyes. That, in a town like this, could be worse than simply financially troubling for the two of them, it could be outright dangerous.
She did her best to keep her expression as neutral as possible, but she couldn’t help but wince ever so slightly as Celaine reacted starry eyed to Belle’s explanation. She was perhaps being perhaps a bit too enthusiastic. No, she was much, much too enthusiastic. Ravenna knew that it was a facade, that Celaine was nowhere near this thrilled to see a silver ring. Bella reacted predictably, offering them a ludicrously expensive price for it. Ravenna paused for a moment, wondering what the right move was. It was extremely tempting to accept the price outright. 12,000 francs would be enough to give even Saveria a moment’s pause, although she doubted the woman who literally owned a cathedral would have much of a problem if she lost that much wealth. Still, it would be worth it, just to watch the look on her face at the realization that this one little ring had cost such a fortune. Ravenna flinched slightly at the thought of Saveria’s face. It would be a joy to watch, but only for a second or so. After that it would get very, very painful. Best to try to help out, in whatever way she could, if only to get a slightly longer leash.
Turning from Belle and the ring for a moment, Ravenna gazed down the counter, lined with precious items. It was a bit nostalgic, being in a place like this, as a memory flooded through her.
The counters had been much higher in the Alpine shop one of the sisters had once taken her to. Then again, she had also been much, much shorter. The rings and necklaces had shone at Ravenna’s eyeline, a dazzling display of shimmering golds and silvers, sparkling gems that were worth more than the little orphan had ever seen. The sister had spoken quietly, in a hushed voice to the clerk, who’d hastily retreated into a backroom for a moment, before bringing a small wrapped package the sister had pocketed. Ravenna hadn’t known it at the time, but she was convinced that whatever that item had been was the first magical artifact she had ever seen.
She’d been to a few shops like this in the past few years for less honourable reasons. It wasn’t too challenging to rob people like this, who were ready to deal with the usual sort of thieves and burglars, and who were thoroughly unprepared for the slightest magical interference. Of course, that was back when she had her coat bristling with magic artifacts. She had a few of them still on her, including the one she’d won back from Celaine, but...nowhere the right materials to get this item and out swiftly. And besides, she’d already lingered too long in this place, had even introduced herself to Belle. Even if the name wasn’t right, she doubted it would much of a challenge for authorities to figure out their employer. And her “employer” would doubtless make her suffer if she jeopardized her position in Du Sang.
Best to play the part she’d given herself, Ravenna thought, returning to the moment. She patted Celaine’s shoulder, before turning apologetically to Belle. “You’ll have to forgive Sonya here, she gets excited about everything.” She leaned a bit closer to Belle, resting an elbow on the counter. “Even being ripped off,” she added, her tone unconcerned. “Black gemstones aren’t exactly the most eye-catching, they’re certainly the most valuable jewel, are they? Maybe if it was in absolutely perfect condition, it would be worth 10,000, if it had a nicer stone. Silver is quite nice, but look at all the scuffs along the sides. Not very well kept.” She gave Belle a slight smile. “I’m sure you keep your items in perfect condition, so perhaps these occurred under one of the previous owners.” She suspected that the slight slashes along the side had something to do with whatever enchantment was on the ring, but she was hardly about to say that to Belle as she was criticizing her offer. Even so, she could feel herself relaxing, despite the slight hostility of their encounter. This was something she felt comfortable with, analyzing precious artifacts, seeing their flaws, gauging their price. Even if she had never actually bought any of them, she still had trained herself to be able to estimate the value of these sorts of things.
“All told, I’d say this is worth, oh...seven, eight thousand?” she said, turning to Celaine slightly, seeing how she took the new offer.
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Post by Emiko on May 12, 2021 21:09:27 GMT -6
Belle's offer was one that almost made Celaine choke aloud on a shocked breath. 12,000 Francs wasn't exactly a cheap price even for Saveria and...while she certainly had the funds to procure it, the price was...just too high... In matters like this, Saveria often made a generous offer slightly above what she'd actually take for the artifact, but drop her price when haggling. Either that or...use her influence and powers to make negotiations more favorable... Celaine didn't quite take a similar approach and the few times she'd done this, she'd work up to a reasonable compromise. But Belle's price was just...too much...
Celaine was just about to proceed into some different negotiation tactics when Ravenna stepped up to take on the role herself. She started by pointing out how excited Celaine was, even about getting ripped off... Naturally, she looked back at Ravenna and frowned feeling annoyed that Ravenna was practically insulting her in a way. But as Ravenna went on, she...performed quite masterfully. She saw things within the ring that Celaine hadn't noticed and expertly pointed them out to Belle so casually as if she were a professional. Gradually, Celaine's annoyance turned to astonishment as she realized Ravenna truly had a gift and an eye for magical artifacts... It...honestly made her blush a tad...
Despite the analysis being spot on, Belle wasn't...particularly moved by Ravenna's appraisal despite how good it was. However, it did help her to open her eyes to see that she was dealing with some rather knowledgeable individuals. This 'new girl' knew a thing or two and an overprice sell wasn't going to work this time. All the same, she didn't let the appraisal budge her from the price too terribly much.
"You've got quite an eye for jewelry, Miss Pavia! This piece may be worth eight thousand, but I do have a business to run and pieces like this don't come in every day." Belle said with her chipper tone, smiling at the excitement of the negotiations. She...was certainly a business woman, that was for sure. "...If you want it, you'll have to be willing to pay, dear. I'm willing to drop my price to ten thousand and feel that is a fair offer for something as rare and unique as this."
Celaine was honestly stunned that the price had been lowered by two thousand, but ten still...felt like a lot for this ring. She reached up to rub sweat off of her forehead from these negotiations when she accidentally bumped her eye patch, exposing a glimpse of her magical eye. It was only a small opening and Belle herself wouldn't notice what was underneath, but as Celaine went to adjust her patch, she...noticed something odd... In the glass counter where her and Ravenna were standing, Celaine saw this rather...simple golden ring with a bright pearl gem at the head. It didn't look like anything special, but...there was something faint radiating off of it in the form of magic... Unbelievably, the two women had stumbled upon a SECOND magical ring they almost missed...
"...Ten thousand for that ring alone may be too steep of an asking price. However, we might be willing to meet closer to your asking price if..." Celaine paused for a moment to point to the golden ring with the pearl gem smiling happily as she continued. "...Perhaps you'd be willing to include that ring in the negotiations...?"
At Celaine's response, Belle found herself rather confused. "...You want this ring, as well...?" She asked, reaching under the counter to pull the piece out and lay it beside the other. "This isn't anything special like the silver antique ring. It's actually a rather common piece, not unlike the other rings in my store." Belle couldn't seem to understand the reason for why Celaine suddenly found this ring of interest. And...the young maiden wouldn't make any efforts to explain either as she simply bumped Ravenna with her shoulder and motioned with her head for the thief to finish what she started. Celaine wanted to see Ravenna pull off this deal and...wouldn't interfere anymore.
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Post by yooom on May 20, 2021 12:42:40 GMT -6
Ravenna did her best to pretend not to notice Celaine’s momentary sullen expression, mentally noting to apologize profusely to her once they were out of here. In here, while negotiations were ongoing, it was of the utmost importance to keep their little act going, even if it had meant that she’d scuffed Celaine’s feelings. Even so, she was quite pleased to see Celaine’s slight grimace disappear as Ravenna began to methodically delve into why this little treasure was not worth the absurdly high price Belle had begun with. Ravenna felt herself smiling more and more now. Not only was she doing something she felt truly confident in, she was also aweing Celaine.
Belle, however, was unimpressed. Although she acknowledged Ravenna’s expertise, she did not back down anywhere near as much as she had hoped. Still, her new price was halfway between her original asking price and Ravenna’s suggestion. That drop alone was quite significant, two thousand francs was enough to get you a long way. Moreover, it suggested that Ravenna was on the right track. She leaned forward slightly, eyes blazing with excitement. At last, a challenge that she was actually quite familiar with.
But, before she got a chance to continue negotiations, Celaine piped up. Ravenna stopped, turning back to her as she spoke, wondering if she was going to make things easier or harder. It turned out, it wasn’t really either, as Celaine requested for an additional ring to be added to the deal. Ravenna frowned at her, not upset, but mystified, and bent low over this new little ring, investigating it as thoroughly as she had the black ring that they had originally come for. Her eyes widened ever so slightly as she sensed the slight magical flow. It made sense that Saveria hadn’t noticed it before, it was quite faint, when the black ring had been in the counter the magic of the golden one would have been barely noticeable. It was quite plain, a little pearl set in plain gold. Belle was right that it was nothing like the exceptional blackstone ring they were negotiating for.
Ravenna leaned backwards slightly. She almost felt bad for purchasing two magical rings from right under this woman’s nose without her having the slightest idea what she was selling. Well, almost. “Yes, you’re right, that one isn’t too remarkable,” turning to offer Celaine a small smile once her face was out of Belle’s view. “All in all, it shouldn’t throw things off by too much. I think it’s around what, a hundred, maybe a hundred fifty francs?” She asked, nodding to herself. “I think, both of these rings together...eight thousand five hundred would be more than enough...but I think we’re willing to wrap up negotiations at nine thousand. How does that sound?” she asked, brightly.
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Post by Emiko on May 22, 2021 11:56:32 GMT -6
The sudden interest in this new ring perplexed Belle to the point where including it in negotiations felt out of place. It did make her curious about the sudden interest, but...that interest was mostly from Celaine rather that Ravenna. And when Ravenna went on to explain what the shopkeeper very much assumed, she was even more perplexed... She had dozens of rings just like this one in her store, and in much better quality. Yet, this was the one that Celaine wanted...? It was strange, but far be it from Belle to turn down a sale.
The newest offer Ravenna put out was a rather modest increase in her original price and the two were only a thousand apart from making a deal. Prior to the new ring being added to the negotiations, Belle might have accepted the nine thousand price tag without much hesitation. But this common ring was still a piece in her store she hoped to sell to make a profit. And for a moment, she contemplated meeting them in the middle of their respective differences... However...after giving it some more thought, she ultimately decided against that. Nine thousand was more than she anticipated getting for and taking a small hit on an otherwise common ring was worth the deal.
"Miss Pavia, Miss Sonya? You two have yourselves a deal!" Belle replied with joy as she reached out to offer both of the women a friendly hand shake as a friendly, customary business finalization.
After giving the two women both a firm handshake, Belle led Celaine to another part of the counter where they could do some basic paperwork and finalize the deal. Celaine took the money that was owed to Belle from the envelope she had been entrusted with and exchanged it to the shopkeeper. After a few minutes of drawing up the paperwork, Celaine was given a receipt along with two jewelry boxes containing the contents of what they had just purchased. All in all, a successful deal done and with more thanks to Ravenna than anything else.
Once their business had been concluded inside of the jewelry store, Celaine quietly hid the rings away safely in the picnic basket for safe keeping and led Ravenna outside to the entrance of the store. There, despite the large crowds surrounding them and the uneasiness this place seemed to bring, Celaine stood calmly for a moment before finally speaking. And the words that came out were...praise no less for Ravenna's work.
"...Thank you for...handling that situation like you did. I know I said when we left that you should have left this to me, but...you did far better than I ever would have. You were amazing in there, and...you truly have a gift when it comes to knowing your treasures. Not...that I should be surprised, right?"
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Post by yooom on May 29, 2021 17:15:59 GMT -6
There was a moment’s silence, and Ravenna stared intently at Belle, trying to figure out if she was figuring out what those two rings had in common, wildly different in their styles, but alike in being enchanted. She was on the brink of believing that they’d been found out, as Belle reached forward, only for her to agree to Ravenna’s terms. The tension in Ravena’s face, and she smiled happily back at her, mirroring the saleswoman’s enthusiasm, as she inwardly let out a sigh of relief, her anxiousness fading away.
It was quite a triumph, if Ravenna did say so herself, not quite halfway down from Belle’s original asking price, but several thousand francs down from what they had started with. That was more money than she had ever so much as seen. Ravenna wondered whether those saved francs might be enough to buy her freedom off of Saveria, but the hope was momentary. She knew Saveria well enough to know that it would take more than she could even imagine to be allowed to leave, if it was even possible. She took a step backwards, letting Celaine handle the paperwork, and take the rings themselves, as she took in the rest of the store. It was crowded with sparkling items, and she tried to focus for a moment to feel any magical presences, if there were other artifacts she might spot. But it was too much too close together to be able to pick out a specific item and sense for any potential magic within.
Moreover, they were not entirely alone. Belle was busy enough with Celaine that she might have missed Ravenna picking on another item long enough to perhaps make off with it, but there was the other person here, the scrawny looking man. He had stood silently as the negotiations had gone on, watching them. That was understandable, it was the only action going on in this quiet place. But even now he seemed to be staring. Ravenna caught his gaze, and raised an eyebrow at him. He made an abrupt sound, caught, and hastily concerned himself with one of the nearby cases. Ravenna frowned, and took a step towards him, only to realize that Celaine’s business with Belle had finished, and Celaine was already making her way for the exit. Not wanting to cause a scene, Celaine’s reminder to be cautious ringing in her ears, Ravenna gave the man another look, before following Celaine out of the shop.
Ravenna smiled politely enough as they paused just outside the store. The train was just there, meters from her. It wouldn’t be that hard to sneak on. It wouldn’t be that hard to get out of this town. Once she was miles away, she doubted Saveria’s magic would still last. She could be in Paris by nightfall, she wagered, this entire ordeal in this podunk town a distant memory. From there, there were ten thousand little spots that she could hide from that witch, and everyone she knew. Or better yet, to plot out revenge.
Celaine piped up beside her, and Ravenna turned, a little surprised at her words. It wasn’t that she was taken aback that Celaine was appreciative of her efforts, but she knew how uncomfortable Celaine was in this town. That she was speaking at all out here showed how urgent it was to her to express her gratitude. Celaine would never walk into a tight metal tube filled with people from this town, Ravenna realized, spirits falling. If she was going to escape at this moment, she would have to choose. Escape, or Celaine? It shouldn’t have been a hard choice to make. She’d only Celaine for a few days, and she had always prized her independence. Solitude was the most important thing to her, even back at the abbey. And yet...she couldn’t leave her like this. Leave her to walk back to Saveria. Saveria wouldn’t let it stand, Ravenna knew Celaine would suffer terribly if she returned to Sanctuaire Sacre without her. She shivered at the thought.
Still, she was more than capable of smiling back down at Celaine at her gentle praise. She knew better than to attempt any kind of physical response; even a pat on the shoulder might have attracted enough attention to them to be worrisome. So she only smiled, and spoke. “You’re welcome, it was....fun!” she said, in a loud sort of whisper. “And you should be surprised! I certainly was, that it went so well. I’ve seen a lot of magical artifacts in my day, but, well...I’ve never actually BOUGHT them before,” she said conspiratorially, giving Celaine the briefest of winks.
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Post by Emiko on May 29, 2021 20:26:53 GMT -6
When Celaine turned after giving her compliments to Ravenna, she caught a flash of the devious plotting on her face. It was only there for a moment, and Ravenna was swift to hide it behind a smile at her praise. She still noticed it however and...that was when Celaine came to realize for the first real time that Ravenna was thinking about, or...potentially plotting something... Perhaps a small heist from the store they just left? Maybe even an escape of sorts... Or worse, potentially even a selfish act of betrayal...? Celaine didn't know what Ravenna was thinking but even with one good eye, she could still see something was formulating.
All the same, Celaine didn't make any expression changes or even move as Ravenna spoke to her showing what seemed like genuine enthusiasm. But even as she spoke, Celaine couldn't...quite shake that feeling that things weren't quite what they seemed. In her mind, it seemed like Ravenna was trying to use this outing to her advantage. Celaine certainly understood why and didn't fault Ravenna for plotting something. However, it...bothered her that she would even consider anything devious on what was supposed to a promised date day. After Ravenna finished speaking, Celaine finally offered up some words which...she hoped might turn Ravenna's scheming into some sort of peace of mind.
"I'm not surprised at all, actually. I got to see a glimpse of an innocent you last night and...who you were in that trance-dream was who I saw in there. Your passion for...unique artifacts turned you into a first class negotiator and I think legal business affairs suits you very well. I know our Lady will be very pleased with your performance and maybe even reward you quite nicely for it. More things like this could lead to more perks and even more freedom."
Hoping perhaps that might be enough to make Ravenna reconsider doing something she might regret later, Celaine simply turned from the thief and started to make her way into the crowd and towards her next destination. Celaine truly hoped that what she said would at least capture Ravenna's attention and make her curious to know more. And of course, Celaine was certainly willing to talk all about it in privacy out of the public eye. But...just in case it wasn't enough, Celaine wanted to take her somewhere else first and help open her eyes to understand something really important...
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Post by yooom on May 31, 2021 8:37:55 GMT -6
Ravenna smiled at Celaine, even as Celaine gazed back at her, her expression oddly...static. The pause startled Ravenna. Had she been too obvious in her yearning for freedom? But even if she had, surely she couldn’t be faulted for wanting her old life back. Or at the very least, for trying to escape Saveria’s icy grasp.
Still, Celaine’s gentle reminder of one of their earlier magical interactions did cause a soft smile to begin to form on Ravenna’s face. Celaine was quite right on that, she had always been passionate about magical relics. Stealing them had always been secondary to knowing about them, learning where they came, what they could do. If she had had the kinds of resources Saveria had at her disposal, well, things might have turned out quite differently. If she had someone other than herself to rely on, perhaps they still might, she thought, gazing thoughtfully into Celaine’s face.
At the mention of Saveria, however, the softness in Ravenna’s face died, and she looked down at Celaine. The idea of doing negotiations to help out Celaine in her duties was one thing, Ravenna did not mind that in the slightest. The reminder that this entire outing was a performance, an attempt to get into Saveria’s good books, made the entire adventure sting like an insult. Ravenna was more than Saveria’s lap dog, she thought desperately, she hadn’t done this to please her like some mindless servant, like the blank dolls she kept around. She certainly hadn’t done it for some kind of reward, for Saveria could never give her what Ravenna wanted. She leaned in slightly to Celaine in the moment before she turned from her, and murmured in a firm, but not harsh voice: “Freedom can never be given to you, Celaine. It is something that must be taken for yourself.”
Nevertheless, Ravenna followed in Celaine’s wake, pausing for only a split second to gaze longingly at the train, the best exit plan yet. It didn’t make any sense why she didn’t simply ditch Celaine in the crowd, but...she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She didn’t want her to be alone out here again, even if it meant sacrificing her best chance yet. The two of them moved determinedly through the crowd, and out of the city center.
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Post by Emiko on May 31, 2021 9:56:49 GMT -6
Just before Celaine stepped off into the crowd, she heard Ravenna tell her about how freedom had to be taken for herself. While she understood the point of view, for Celaine...isn't wasn't that simple... It...honestly took everything in her to hold back a tear at just how complicated her arrangements were, the circumstances at which she was bound... She...had more to say on this matter herself, but...not here. Not amongst the people and in the middle of this place... They had to be somewhere more private...
With their business concluded and the need for more privacy, Celaine started leading Ravenna through the crowds to a rather unexpected place. At first, it seemed as if the two women were merely retracing their steps to get to the entrance of town heading for the sanctuary. But once they arrived at where the farm houses stood on the outskirts, Celaine suddenly took a turn leading Ravenna up a dusty trail towards some place out of he ordinary.
On the path to their destination, even as it proved to be a quieter, less populated area, Celaine didn't say a word. She wouldn't speak again until they arrived at the intended location making for a silent, if not awkward trip. There were still some people out and about using even this path as an escape from the celebration at town making free speaking dangerous. But the silence that lasted between the two women was...worse than ever... It may have honestly seemed like Celaine were upset again with how...determined and focused she was getting to where they were going.
After about five minutes of travel though, they finally came to their destination... Perhaps to the horror of Ravenna, it was a graveyard that housed the village's deceased with a fair number of headstones jutting out from the earth. The ground was level and there were certainly enough trees to provide coverage and shade. But the location was spooky quiet, empty, and...Celaine walked right into it without a second thought.
Celaine kept walking, quietly navigating the headstones and doing so carefully until she came at a particular grave site. At this grave, she silently placed the picnic basket to the side and moved to actually kneel in front of the stone as if to pay her deepest respect to the grave's owner... The young maiden lowered her head sadly in a bow of sorts and then a single tear ran down her cheek to land on the groud below. And there Celaine sat in total silence, still as the grave itself... Marked on the stone Celaine seemed to pay her deepest respects to was the name..."Melody."
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Post by yooom on Jun 9, 2021 14:03:23 GMT -6
Despite her rather sharp comment to Celaine, Ravenna kept close behind her, following her from the crowded central square out. Her head swivelled as they made their way, easily able to keep track of Celaine, as the thief tried desperately to take in something that might help her in a future escape plan. But this town was too small to have much in the way of hiding places, especially from someone like Saveria. Moreover, from what Celaine had told her of these people, they were definitely not going to help someone like Ravenna escape her. She gave one final longing look at the train sitting in the station, before following Celaine out of the square.
Ravenna had expected Celaine to lead them back along the way they had come, but she led them down a different path, winding away from Sanctuaire Sacre. Ravenna cleared her throat, looking down the way they’d come. She wasn’t very familiar with this part of the French countryside, but she had enough of a sense of geography to know they were going the wrong way. Something about the way Celaine made her way past them, her pace almost angry, made Ravenna rethink speaking out to her. Besides, she seemed to know well enough where she was going. The question, then, was where she was leading her. Ravenna’s head went wild with the possibilities, hoping against hope that this was some plan Celaine had to get away, a place where Saveria’s magic could not reach, perhaps.
Those hopes were dashed when Celaine entered the cemetery. A thick layer of black trees set most of the place into shadow, as if the aged and mossy stones needed to look even creepier. Ravenna, however, followed unperturbed, as Celaine sought out a single grave. Ravenna knew who it was, even before she’d come to a stop before it. She stopped, a few feet back, and let Celaine pay her respects to her lost love. She waited a few moments, before slowly stepping forward, and beginning to recite a quiet prayer.
When she’d been a girl, she’d learned all kinds of prayers. At the abbey there were prayers for everything. But Ravenna had always paid closest attention to the prayers meant to be made at graves. She had sworn, the moment she’d learned that such prayers existed, that she would recite them over her parents’ graves, wherever they were, whoever they might have been. Ravenna knew only one thing about her parents: that they were dead. Some things could be assumed, that they had died close to the abbey, somewhere in Northern Italy, but, beyond that...she had no idea. It was comforting, in a strange way, to see this stone here, easy to imagine that her parents rested under a similar quiet marker.
“Deus te benedicat, qui fuerunt ante te, et eos qui te sequi,” Ravenna finished, and cast a hasty look across the cemetery. She stepped away from Celaine and Melody’s grave, but it was only to pick up a nearby stone, which she set atop the marker. She stood beside Celaine, quiet.
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Post by Emiko on Jun 9, 2021 20:27:39 GMT -6
Celaine...didn't move at all after falling to her knees before Melody's grave... Her head never rose up even as Ravenna recited a prayer, nor did her body budge as the young thief did other things to show respect for the dead. Celaine just...sat there on her knees in total silence for minutes at a time as quiet as the grave she knelt to... It could have been anyone's guess just what was running through her mind in those agonizingly slow minutes that passed... But before long, the silence was finally broken by the weak voice of Ravenna's companion...
"...We met...at the local tavern that I worked at. She...came to pick up her drunk father that night. Invited me to a nearby field for a little picnic as thanks where...we hit it off so well..." Celaine recounted as more tears started to stream down the right side of her face from the only eye that could cry. "...We got so close in such a short amount of time and...just wanted a peaceful life together..." Celaine slowly rose her hand up to wipe her eyes before finally lifting her gaze up for Ravenna to see. On her face...in her eyes was the most...horrible pain on full display for the young thief to see... Her words as she went on revealed just why...
"...It was her idea to move to Paris and start that little store. I was hesitant, but she...was the kind of girl you couldn't say no to. Before we left, I wanted to get her a memento of our humble beginnings; a ring from the jewelry store..." She softly replied, again needing to wipe the tears from her eye... Celaine's voice started to quiver as she went on. "She went early to start browsing, but...something went wrong... Somehow, we got found out and...fearing for her life, she told them everything. She was just scared, but I was the one who got punished because she cared more for her self preservation than the girl I thought she loved..."
Celaine fell silent after that and looked to Ravenna with an expression as if the events that were still so fresh in her mind...were somehow happening again. And in some ways, it felt to her like that was true... Celaine had taken a chance saving Ravenna from a terrible fate and was doing everything in her power to...give her some sort of good life. Yet, all Ravenna seemed to think about was some form of escape, resisting for reasons Celaine wasn't quite sure of... The parallels between Ravenna's actions and Melody's when she betrayed Celaine were uncanny even if it wasn't as black and white as it appeared... But...if Celaine's story didn't speak to Ravenna, what Celaine had to say next surely would put a damper on any possible escape with Celaine...
"...About what you said so confidently back in town... That...freedom is something you take? You should know that...I don't have that luxury... My heart is buried here...with her..." Celaine softly replied as she lifted a hand to stroke along the scribed stone as if were against the face of a lover... "...Besides, even if my heart wasn't shackled here...Even if I wanted to go, I can't... Without Saveria's kiss of life, I'll never survive... Even if I never used my powers again, I'd dead within a week; possibly sooner with the little game we played earlier today... I won't live long enough to take my freedom and therefore, I'm stuck... But...you're not... And if you truly value your freedom more than you do...anything else, do what you said and take it, Ravenna... Understand that...I can't go with you, but this is your chance to get what what you clearly want above all else..."
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Post by yooom on Jun 11, 2021 8:34:48 GMT -6
Ravenna stood quietly beside Celaine as she broke down, slumping to weep softly by Melody’s grave. It was long, agonizing silence, before she finally looked up at Ravenna. She gazed in quiet horror at Melody’s gace, one eye dripping with tears, her face contorted in a grief Ravenna had never felt before, a grief of having lost someone so close, so dear to her, in such a terrible way. It made Ravenna’s own eyes start to water, and she took a hesitant step towards her, wanting to do something, anything to help her. But what on earth could possibly console her?
Celaine, wracked with grief, was ironically the exact reason Ravenna continually hesitated when it came to any attempt at intimacy with the girl. She had been able to look past their initial combat; it had been overshadowed so quickly by Saveria. But the idea that she should put that much affection into Celaine, was surely to be asking to be heartbroken. Celaine had surely trusted Melody just as closely as she wished for Ravenna to trust her. But Ravenna never wanted to feel the pain that Celaine was feeling now. And putting faith into her...feeling for her...was to make that pain an inevitability. She cast a quick scan across the cemetery, making sure that it was just as quiet and desolate as it had been when they’d arrived, before pulling the girl into a tight, comforting hug.
“I’m sorry,” she said quietly into Celaine’s ear. “I should have known.” She was quiet for a long moment, thoughtful. Even if she had wanted to leave Celaine right now, it was doubtful that she would get very fair. Knowing Saveria, her magic was likely just as potent and painful as she had promised them despite her fantasies of being able to ride that train back to civilization. But even if it hadn’t been for that, well...she couldn’t just abandon Celaine here. Not right by the grave of the last woman to betray her, the woman that Celaine had once loved so dearly...and had hated just as viciously, after Saveria had “saved” her. She couldn’t leave her, even though she knew it was her own life on the line.
“I’ll think of something,” she promised. “I won’t leave you,” she swore. Her mind was already struggling. She had some knowledge of magic, there had to be some alternative to Saveria, some way to keep Celaine alive without her. There was, Ravenna reminded herself, a whole library at the Sanctuaire Sacre. She had escaped an abbey once based solely on the dusty tomes they had long forgotten. Perhaps she could do it again.
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Post by Emiko on Jun 11, 2021 18:54:39 GMT -6
Celaine honestly expected after giving Ravenna the idea to leave that...she'd take the chance and bolt without a second thought. The young maiden was fully prepared to watch her newest crush and the first light in her life in...three years run away to her freedom. Imagine Celaine's surprise however when instead of fleeing, Ravenna knelt down and wrapped her arms around the sobbing girl. She held Celaine tightly bringing a hard blush to the girl's face and...uttered her an apology as well as a promise. The words came out so simply, but...were profound in their meaning... She wouldn't leave Celaine... Was that something Celaine could trust...?
From the moment Ravenna embraced her and offered these words, Celaine wanted to reflect the affection and hold Ravenna back. She...desperately hoped that this could possibly be the moment where something of a genuine relationship was being formed and that...she wasn't going to be alone anymore. But...despite it all, Celaine couldn't shake the thought playing in the back of her head that these feelings, this affections, and even that promise were delivered out of guilty feelings for her... Celaine wanted Ravenna to love her and be with her, but...not because of guilt... Not in this way...
"...You don't have to, Ravenna... You don't have to...think of anything and you don't have to stay..." Celaine responded as calmly as she could into Ravenna's ears. Though her upper body was strong in Ravenna's hold, her arms which...still lay at her own side were trembling at the thought of what she was about to say... The young maiden understood what her next words would mean, but she couldn't be the reason why Ravenna stayed especially out of guilt if that's what this was...
"...I have no right to ask you to stay. You ended up trapped at the cathedral because of me. I may have saved you, but in the end I sentenced you to a life of imprisonment alongside me... I wouldn't wish that fate upon anyone, especially you... I...I do want to be with you more than anything, but...I don't want you to stay out of some sense of obligation due to guilt or duty... If you wish to be free, then take this chance and fly, my spirited little bird. But if you want to stay...do it out of your own willingness and...I promise to try and help make the best life I can for you and for us... This has to be your decision, Ravenna. And I want you to make it...pure and clear without my situation in mind..."
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Post by yooom on Jun 18, 2021 8:14:53 GMT -6
Ravenna held Celaine for a long few moments. She had hoped that Celaine would do something to reflect her own affection for her, the affection Celaine had been so eager to go out and demonstrate earlier today. But Celaine didn’t reach back for her. Her body didn’t even seem to respond to Ravenna’s touch, which was itself quite surprising. Celaine had always been quite responsive to her touch. To feel no reaction from her, her arms quaking at her sides like Ravenna wasn’t even there, made Ravenna feel a little more nervous still.
Celaine’s voice was calm in Ravenna’s ear, but Ravenna could hear the tension in her voice, could feel it in her body as she held her. Quietly, hesitantly...Celaine urged Ravenna to go. Ravenna blinked, leaning away from her slightly, so that she could look into her eyes, still holding onto Celaine, trying to understand what was going on. Celaine wanted her to go? Hadn’t she been so adamant about staying with her? Hadn’t she risked everything just to keep her alive, to keep Ravenna close? Ravenna swallowed, fidgeting with the brace Saveria had given her. “It’s…” Ravenna began, quietly. But she couldn’t think of what to say, and her voice faded. She was quiet for a long moment, her body still beside Celaine.
“This isn’t your fault,” Ravenna finally said. She raised an arm up, holding the gleaming brace before Celaine’s eye. “This isn’t your fault. It was I who tried to plunder the Sanctuaire Sacre, and I was the one who was caught. If you’d...if you’d let me go, you would have only suffered at Saveria’s hands in my place. Instead, you’ve kept us both alive.” She shifted her weight slightly, turning to gesture at Melody’s stone. “That isn’t your fault either. You didn’t turn her in or torture her. You couldn’t have changed it,” she said, quietly, reaching and holding Celaine tight for another long, silent moment of intimacy.
Slowly, she shifted her position, one hand still wrapped securely around Celaine’s back, the other moving to tenderly brush her hair upwards, exposing the gleaming magical eye. Ravenna’s gaze was as warm as it had been when the glass eye had been covered. “And this isn’t your fault either,” Ravenna said, gently stroking her cheek. “You’ve been hurt so many times. By so many people you’ve trusted. I won’t leave you,” Ravenna said, softly. “Don’t let what’s been done to you define you, Celaine,” Ravenna said, and there was no firmness in her voice. She was gentle, encouraging. “You are more than your wounds. Never forget them, but...know that there’s more to you than that.”
“I don’t feel guilty for you, Celaine,” Ravenna added. “And I certainly wouldn’t call my feelings duty. Never been one for it,” she said, with a slight smirk. “But I do owe you. You saved my life. Let me return the favor.” She rose to her feet, gave one last respectful glance to Melody’s memorial stone, before reaching a hand out to Celaine, an encouraging smile on her lips.
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Post by Emiko on Jun 19, 2021 9:13:55 GMT -6
As much as Celaine wanted to embrace her crush, she just...couldn't thinking Ravenna would bolt first chance she got. But...like her previous experience, Celaine was surprised yet again when, rather than running, Ravenna released her in an attempt to encourage her. And quite frankly, it...was surprising the things the young theif had to say...
It wasn't her fault... That was the message repeated to her in a serious of looping statements Ravenna made along with gentle affections to seal the points in. It wasn't Celaine's fault that Ravenna got caught and was stuck in this situation. It wasn't her fault that...things happened the way that they did with melody... Her magical eye, her stance with Saveria, her very life; none of it was Celaine's fault... On some level, she wanted to believe that thinking that she had just been dealt a bad hand in life. But...she just couldn't accept it...until a shining ray of light in the form of a thief she had a crush on told her as much... That...was the catalyst that started what would be a new change...
Celaine was still silent and unresponsive when hugged again and watched as Ravenna rose to her feet with the promise yet again that she'd never leave. Just as Ravenna did, Celaine turned her attention towards Melody's stone and just...stared at it even as Ravenna offered her hand and an encouraging smile. For a moment she just...stared at it in silence letting her mind wander with...all sorts of things. Memories, beliefs, potential futures; everything just swirling around in her quiet mind... Eventually, the silence was broken when Celaine averted her gaze towards the picnic basket and reached in to grab one of the ring boxes. With it in hand, Celaine finally took Ravenna's hand and let the thief help her up.
"...What I've been through, and what I've seen... Please understand that...it's a little hard to just accept what you say and...adopt a new mindset and life..." Celaine remarked softly as she looked down to the box she held. After a moment of silence, she finally opened it revealing the golden pearl ring the two had bought less than an hour ago. "...I have a lot to naturally overcome, but I'm willing to... You promise to stay with me and return what I've given you. In return for that promise..."
As Celaine came to a pause, she suddenly pulled the ring out from the box and discarded the container back into the picnic basket. Taking the hand that Ravenna had offered, Celaine quietly slid the golden pearl ring onto the thief's index finger with a smile. A naturally perfect fit that made Celaine look up to Ravenna with a gleaming smile and a tear of joy in her right eye. The ring now on Ravenna's finger, Celaine went on to specify just what this meant to her with a promise of her own...
"...I'm giving you this magical ring as a sign of my affection with a promise of my own. I will...leave these shadows of the past behind me and move forward..."
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