You'd think that removing a serial-killing sidereal from the halls of the Last Refuge would provide Lyla with some much-needed rest.  Instead Lyla finds herself with dozens of loose ends, bruises, and dinner dates.  Hales at least is safely locked away in a Sanctuary-run prison ship just outside of the Last Refuge, joining other such luminaries as Set Beckons and H. H. Holmes.  They're building quite the menagerie.

You'd also think that Lyla would be immune to Sanctuary.  But nope.  They immediately quarantine her as well, for the prerequisite three days.  By the time she gets out she's stir-crazy, but her wounds have knitted up and she's pronounced clean of Abyssal taint.  When she returns to her apartment she finds a letter stuck to the front door, wrapped in heavy parchment and with a big red seal on the front with a flame on top of it.

Exhausted and drained she'd hoped for some peace and quiet but not the type that Sanctuary forcefully offered to her. She could never rest properly when there, even if she frequented them rarely. Three days felt longer than necessary and her wounds weren't that bad to begin with...but its not like she would've argued against the Sanctuary on the spot.

Lyla heads back to her appartment anxious to get changed and wash-up in hopes it all waking her up. Well the letter works as a good wake up call. She groans and takes it with her indoors. This, was no doubt about it, somehow related to MA. No point in waiting she begins to open the letter while kicking her shoes off and removing other bits of clothing.

"Lets see how much of a mess you've gotten me..."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:29, Tue 20 Aug 2019.

She's only half right.  OK, maybe a quarter right.

Once opened she finds a long letter to her, made of positively beautiful and superbly done paper- rare on the Last Refuge.  The writing is perfect calligraphy, bright red ink that looks like it was printed on a computer instead of hand-written.  But she can tell at a glance this was painstakingly written for her.  A little card falls out onto the floor.

Lyla Raines,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and better spirits.  I am writing to express my thanks for the rescue from my imprisonment aboard the Pyongyang.  The food was poor and the company poorer, and it is with a great relief that I find myself released from an almost worse fate in Sanctuary.  I have now returned to my rightful place in the Flame Court as one of the Great Luminaries.

In my absence many things have gotten out of hand and so I must rectify them.  I am given to understand you placed another one of these items on my plate, the young Marc Antony.  After meeting the lad I have decided to hold his trial next week, immediately before the ball celebrating my return.

Enclosed is the subpoena to appear at the Flame Court trial and an invitation to the ball.  Please RSVP at your earliest convenience and return to a representative of the court.  I eagerly await your presence.

Once again, thank you.

Swan Dragon
Great Luminary, Flame Court
Censor of the South

This message was last edited by the GM at 22:25, Tue 20 Aug 2019.

An awkward "Umhh... escapes her lips when gawking at the letter, now half naked in her living room.

"Oh shit oh shit oh shit!" she mumbles when it all sets in. A ball and a trial, wonder which one was the worse really. She was hardly prepared for this. She didn't see this coming and it made this all even worse.

She picks up the small card, RSVP card assumably? And places them all on a nearby counter. Then she just stares at them for a moment as if her brain could not process what had just occured. That silent moment passes too quickly and it still lravea her speechless. Oh boy was she not ready for this.

She reaches for her PDA and messages Sayeed:Hi. Sanctuary released me finally. Back in full physical health according to them. Sorry to not inform you earlier. The wine and hot tub would've been sorely needed instead of isolation. Btw got back home and had a surprise for me there. Invitation to MAs trial AND a ball. Would again appreciate a little help in both regards...or then I'll just appear as my inapproapriate self and hope that others approve of it as much as you. ;) In reality all she wanted to write wasHELP ME but she couldn't just let that tension and panic shine so brightly. Hopefully her friend would know how out of her comfortzone this all was.

Giving herself an annoyed facepalm, she heads for a swift shower while listening to a possible message sound from her PDA.

...oh wait. What where the dates...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Fri 23 Aug 2019.

The small card comes with an envelope but is already out.  And, to her horror, it has an RSVP date-  RSVP 3 days before the ball.  Date enclosed.  Date:  4 days from now.  This was sent while she was getting checked into Sanctuary.

This letter has been stuck to her door for three days.

The RSVP card asks for her food preference (Chicken, Fish, Vegan).  She is asked to attend in "Proper attire" and that she shouldn't bring any other guests.  It is, apparently, Flame Court Only and she IS the guest.  Either that or Marc is her guest.  It seems to imply both.

She doesn't have to wait long.  She's barely got water on her body when Sayeed pings her back.

Wondered where you were.  How's spiritual health?  Wine + hot tub still on the table to help with that.  Was wondering when you'd text about that letter.  Come on over, will be happy to discuss + brief.  I have your back.

The water cascades on her and she breathes a sigh of relax and relief, at least for that short moment. Sayeed's quick answer pulls her away from her solitude, and she resists the urge to dash and answer him. Instead she waits until she has the conditioner in her hair, before stepping out to see what was the verdict.

Well she wouldn't be inviting Marc over without consulting Sayeed first. Anything that had something to do with official and political events such as these were almost a complete myth to her. A myth that drove her in a small state of panic due to the possibility of fucking everything up.

Spiritually I guess I'm fine. I'm a poor judge of that. THOUGH A breather is always nice and sorely needed. Alcohol too to process this letter. So yes, I'll take on that offer. Given there is time...I'm apparently awfully late for this RSVP and event itself. I guess I should've done just like Daniel and somehow broken out of the facility to answer this. It means the world to me that I can count on you. Will head there after a shower, if that's alright.

Then she returns to rinse her hair while wondering what an earth is a proper attire. With her experience in regarding to Sayeed its something superbly formal or naked. If it was the latter, how on earth could she contain her cheeks from flushing. Having known Sayeed himself for the past ten years, and still she was like a blushing little girl with his confidence. Oh well, she'd just steel herself, steal some confidence from Kendall and pass it through with flying colours.

That being said, she cuts her shower short and leaves her hair towel dry, while finding something clean to wear before heading to Sayeeds.

Don't fret.  You still have a day to RSVP.  Four days until trial/ball.  You didn't know about all of this so no worries about breaking out to answer.  Consider:  who didn't tell Swan Dragon you're in Sanctuary?  Questions questions.  My door is open.  Address next text.

He gives his address, and it's some distance from her place in the Upperdecks.  She'd heard that the Elemental Courts tended to make their own towns near the Underdecks, where space was less of a premium and they could maintain the lifestyle they chose with little concern for messing with humans.

The town is called Torchhall, a bubble of well-organized apartments situated next to a God-enclave and a human town of factory workers named New Bourgainville.  By fast travel through the Grand Trunk it's 40 minutes, easy enough for her.  Apartment 58-C, up several stairs past a non-functioning elevator.  She gets some looks from the natives.  The fire elementals dazzle her in their diversity.  It used to be there were only a small handful, now they've somehow... radiated.  She doesn't recognize all the types anymore, though the Ifrit and Flame Ducks always stand out.  One of them has broad shoulders, a wasp-thin waist, and little blue flames erupting from his/her spine; it watches her pass with obvious distaste and displeasure.

There.  58-C.

Easier said than done. See you soon, she responds to Sayeed while tugging on clothes.

At this occasion apparently clean clothes meant a short dress in a shade of dark grey, accompanied by a cropped hoodie and military shoes. Guess Sayeed earned this dress given last time they saw, she was like a living wreck. Most of her other clothes were apparently currently dirty or ripped from somewhere. Guess she should stop going for work in plain clothes, since she had stuff that were more suitable for that. She leaves her other signature scarf to a pile of "to be fixed", and realizes her second similar scarf is still with 5DD and Enterprise... How smooth of her. Oh well.

His encouragement leaves her ponderous though. Who'd sabotage her. Or who'd want to sabotage the Exalts with severing some of their ties to the elementals. She'd never really identified any personal enemy or rival for herself unlike some of her peer. Or maybe she was just too blind to see it. These thought accompany her all the way to his apartment.

Only when she gets nearby does she wake up from her thoughts. Not because of the change in the scenery, but because she was given looks. She'd used to passing unnoticed, but non-humans usually ignored her inner talent unless she put some thought into it. The change is interesting, and somewhat comforting as it was always nice to see things flourish and succeed.  It was like seeing the immediate effect of the work they'd all put forward to manage without Earth.

Lyla doesn't return a look to any of them passing by, trying to mind her own business. Finally there, she gives his door a sturdy knock.

The door opens for Lyla.  Sayeed isn't there- it just opens, like he said.  The apartment inside isn't the typical drab affair within the Last Refuge.  Brick, wood, mosaics adorn a wide open space.  It reminds her quite heavily of Morocco, or at least what little she saw before she had to run out of the country with the Dead nipping at her heels.

Still, it's frigging huge.  Sayeed must've claimed several apartments and ripped out the walls, floors, and ceilings to set it up.  There is indeed a second floor, and an inset pool that steams with radiated heat.  In fact the whole place could use some air conditioning; by her estimation it's around 27°.  She can see a table set up with two glasses of red wine.  There's a door to what must be the kitchen; heat billows from there, something smells good.

"Be right with you, Lyla," Sayeed calls out to her, "Take a drink and relax."

Yeah, the hoodie had to go now that there seemed to be an utter lack of the cold hostility of the vast space surrounding them. She looks around with open curiousity, not hesitating at all when he tells her to relax.

"No need to hurry," she responds to him.

She kicks her shoes off rather quickly to manage better with the sudden warmth. It was nice seeing how other people had accomodated themselves to living on the ship. As ordered she takes the other wine glass and sips, sighing deeply as enjoying the taste of it.

It's spicy, sweet, with a hint of orange and cherry.  Good wine, especially by Last Refuge standards.  It's actually made of real grapes, a true rarity.

"Food is almost done.  Rice, some kofte, a little bit of bread... I hope it'll do."

She'd known exactly what to expect, but still Sayeeds choices managed to surprise her. Especially with the wine. It was that type of wine that should be kept in a locked glass cabinet waiting for the perfect moment, that was never going to happen. Like a treasure to be admired but never really to be used. And here she was, sipping away like it was an occasion of worthy such a wine.

"Don't be silly with the modesty. I expected none of this," she chuckles in response. "And I guess its no surprise that I haven't eaten, at least anything resembling real food, so I'm grateful."

"The perks of being the Fire Court's liaison to... far too many communities, as well as my connections with you, and a burgeoning political career."  Sayeed steps out, wearing some pretty comfortable, baggy dark clothing that looks a little worn.  It's the first time she's not seen him in anything particularly sharp.  He carries a pair of hot plates, steaming in the air- spicy and pungent.  He obviously belongs to the "use very spice in the cupboard" school of cooking.

He puts the plate down in front of her and sits across, taking the wine.

"To tell you the truth I've been saving it for when you got out of Sanctuary.  There's nothing like the best food you've got to make you forget that place has to exist."

"With that list, you deserve this. It's good to have a place to relax, and by the looks of it, you actually manage to do that...unlike a certain me. Its a lovely place you got. Makes me almost envious," she inclines to her surroundings as sitting down by the table. "And yes, any visit to Sanctuary is worth forgetting. If I wouldn't know otherwise, I'd suspect them being in cahoots with the Void."

Letting out a small chuckle, she rests her glass on the table for a moment.

"How are you?"

If she was to ask first, it'd take a bit longer before Sayeed would manage to turn the conversation to her..and the things she had in her mind, where not something she could access so quickly or without making the whole situation awkward. At least thats what she thought.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Fri 13 Sept 2019.

"You probably shouldn't be too envious.  We're actually in the Fire Court slums,"  Sayeed tells her with bemusement, "This isn't hot enough for most of the Fire Court, the prime territory is right near the forges and engines.  For most of us this is like an apartment in Antarctica.  And the human population also finds it intolerably hot.  The reason why my apartment is so big is because nobody wanted a bunch of apartments, so I took them and knocked out the walls and spent a few years making this."

He pours himself a generous glass.

"I imagine I'm very tired, if I'd let myself feel it.  Your ward hasn't made things much better.  He's got quite a mouth on him,"  He says as he takes a long drink, "And I still haven't been able to get my hands on any sand.  Just... imagine a little bit of red sand, right over there," He gestures to the pool, "Just enough to rest your feet in.  My home has been taken from me, but I can still carry a piece of it!"

"Its cozy nonetheless, no matter where it is located," she comments fiddling her bread.

"And here I thought I needed rest and a night off. I'm glad to be an excuse for you to have one as well," she sighs when he mentions MA. "I can imagine. I feel bad for that. That he is such a chore for you, when he should be my problem. I'm sorry for just dropping the whole thing in your arms. I did not have time to think it through properly when it occurred...I am meaning to talk with him now that I'm out."

She looks over at the pool, and takes one slightly larger and longer sip, before turning back to the discussion. "I prefer to think the home is where you decide to make it. I need to remember that sand part when out on a mission. If I'd happen to spy some in the vast void around us."

"You don't have to talk about this now if you don't want,"  He says about Marc, opting instead to focus on the other half of their conversation.

"Home is what you make of it.  That's why I'm trying to make this home.  I just doubt you'll be able to find Saharan sand out in the void,"  He smiles at her and takes a drink, "Smelling of creosote and spice, red in the right light... perhaps I'll make do by smashing up my own quartz, sprinkle in some cinnamon, and hope for the best.  And to think I'd actually say that I missed Vegas."

Lyla gives a grateful nod, focusing on other matters in return.

"Well the space can sometimes surprise us all, even in a positive sense. But that is quite the rare occasion. But I think sooner than that you've already tried your method," she notes matter of factly. "What part of Vegas? The warmth? The constant buzzing life? the opportunities for everything? I'm not certain that I miss Vegas per se, because I brought everything that mattered there with me. But the city and the desert around it did have a charm of its own."

She sighs a little.

"And really, its a good memory, especially after my exaltation when things began to unwrap and reveal themselves. Oh boy, I was so confused at everything," she chuckles.

"The people, mostly.  As vile and horrible as some of Vegas could be, there's something to be said for the vitality of the place.  The sheer audacity of humans, to settle in that place, make it what they did!" He smiles a bit at the thought, "There is also that, of course.  Watching a new Exalt see all the sorcerous underpinnings of the city unfold in front of them like a flower was a wonderful thing.  Though I wish I'd have been able to visit your bar beforehand to, hm, help take care of business.  In the past I wasn't as involved in human matters as I should have been.  Maybe that was my great failing."

Lyla grins intinctively.

"Help with business? Sure the management was shitty but so was the whole place. You sly fox just wanted to sample the goods before others...which you kinda did anyway."

She blushes and masks her grin to a laughter.

"Sorry! My bad. But really the place was a mess and doubt anyone could have made it better. The problem people would've just moved on...also now I have this strangest image of you as a pimp."

A long sip, before she decided to dig into the rice, not like the food would get cold in this heat.

"Maybe so, you cut to the heart of things,"  His smile is an honest one- it comes from the eyes first.  "But I never was a hat man, and feathers tend to burn around me."

He laughs and takes a bite of his food.  Lyla, it's very heavily spiced but not spicy; a rich melange of flavor that's often missing in everyday food.  Most of the best spices didn't make it on to the ship, though she'd heard some of the Indian community were making great forays into culturing seeds they'd brought.  Still, cinnamon in particular is quite missed.  Trees don't tend to grow well on the ship.

"You say that's not a big deal but I think it's where it all went wrong.  We stepped back and let humanity handle itself while pining for the old days instead of stepping in and integrating ourselves properly.  The average human didn't understand the threat, we did, and we just ... let it happen.  The rot started with the immortals, and not enough of us recognize that."

Ah, the taste of something with some actual real taste. She spends a small moment appreciating it, before continuing the discussion.

"Perhaps its true. Hard to say without actually personally witnessing it, and I'd rather not put the blame on things I don't know enough about. Not that I disagree with you. There was a chance to prepare and equip for what was happening..." she takes a sip. "But there was no guarantee that humans would've ever understood the threat or believed things without making stuff even more complicated. As people tend to do."

"And here we are, all in the same boat now..."

"You're thinking too short-term.  We're immortal, we could've thought long term.  Instead we were very, very happy to let humans be humans.  Maybe World War 2 scared the shit out of too many of us at once." He raises his glass in a toast, "To the same boat.  May we all have a turn at the bailing bucket."

She raises her glass in return.

To all the could've, should've, would'ves that we will continue to lament,"she laughs and clinks her glass with his. "No wonder we get along so well, you lament the short comings of the immortal kind, while  I lament the short comings that I have as a Solar."

Her tone of voice is light, heavily jokish and far from serious. The undertone is that despite it all she still whole heartedly means it.

"Lamenting aside, my previous mission went better than I thought. Even with all the roadblocks that I encountered. It was not as a neat performance as Pyongyang but there then again I only needed to look after myself...Oh, thank you by the way, for the help. The timing was perfect."

"Your only shortcoming as a Solar is that you don't have a bigger presence.  In the old days even the Night castes were big in their own way,"  He muses, "Like the assassins of old, known for the terror that they could strike in a man's heart just by hearing their name."

He takes a long sip.

"I'm glad I could be a help!  Just getting to where you were at was an adventure in itself.  I had to sprint through the Grand Trunk at some point, outside of the train.  So, what exactly happened?  How successful is successful in this case?  I have to say I was really worried about you when the young Antony was telling me about how the halls themselves seemed rigged to kill you ahead of time."

"Yes, I know. But I got my own traumas and burden from being famous. I don't want to jeopardize everything. I -know- that further publicity would do good especially within the Living, but...that'd mean taking a higher ranking in the list of the Dead, and I kinda don't like that thought," she notes in a semi sing-songy voice typical of her when it came to this discussion, as this was not their first time rummaging through this subject.

She doesn't cling on to it too harshly. He means well, she understands, and she'd like to take a step into the limelight every now and then...she was just afraid for the others if she were to do so.

"Glad to offer your dull life some excitement," she teases, giving his shoulder a playful prod. "Successful as in I caught the culprit, before she managed to put through further attacks. I think. And yes, it was very much like Fate itself was working against me. I will indulge you, but I still need to hear you promise me one more time, that you will stay silent on the matter."

"It's brought up that much besides me, huh?  I won't bother you again about it, my apologies."  He says with a raised eyebrow.  "Well, absolutely.  I won't say a word, on my honor."  He holds his hand up, thumb stretched out far, "If I break the vow - May my pipe break; may I always walk in the shade; may I drown in a spring rain."

"Nah, its not brought up that much. No need to apologize. I just passively remind myself about every now and then, you know...hanging with my brother and Daniel does that. Oh well, maybe some day," she waves a dismissive hand."Alrighty then."

She braces herself by taking a sip and relaxing in her chair, halting the dinner for a moment.

"Michael, ah Core I mean, sent me out to look into a bunch of anomalies that somehow distorted time and place. Thats how I ended into the fire, thats how I ended up talking to Shun Xiao about the explosion, and looking into some sabotage in Interceptors and talking with Kumiho. I was trying to find the reason behind it. Bit by bit it turned out that like Marc Anthony spoke that it was a girl named Hales. More specifically it was the Endings... Endings gone awry because the previous, Iapetus, had disappeared. Fought her in the end thats why I ended up in the Sanctuary. Thats it by mainpoint."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Thu 10 Oct 2019.

"Wait, so, the last Endings died and the new one is nuts?" He's appalled, and for damn good reason, "And she can adjust time?  Question for you, why's she left alive?  If she can alter time and space and she's fundamentally against us doesn't that make her way too dangerous to keep around?"

He thinks for a moment.

"Wait, if she can screw around with time, how'd she even get caught?  By Sand and Spice, Lyla, you are living a really interesting life right now."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:37, Sat 19 Oct 2019.

"Blah, I think its not really if its about her altering time and space itself, but rather taking a some sort of spin on the Loom and fate. Then again what do I know, I'm not a Sidereal," she chuckles. "It was also brought up that she had help from outside, most likely. And keeping her alive means that we at least know where she and her exaltation are currently...at least until they manage to choose someone who could be the next possible target for it."

She takes a longish sip, emptying her glass.

"Believe me, I have my fair share of questions and meetings in which to ask them regarding the whole incident... It doesn't feel like I solved so to say anything at all. I was never expecting to be the one to solve these reasons behind it all. Not my thing really. But I'm curious still."

"Don't worry though. I can protect you from a violent teenage girl," she jests in order to lighten the mood.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Mon 21 Oct 2019.

"Will you?  How much will it costs?"  He asks, seizing on the opportunity, "I would gladly have you escorting me to, say, certain parties, or protecting me from all sorts of people who want my head." His fiery eyes twinkle, "There might be a lot more I'm afraid of than a murderous sidereal.  We should discuss terms, just in case."

She leans forward, propping herself up on one elbow against the table. For a short moment she seems to measure him, before letting her head be tilted to one side.

"Cost? Money won't do, unfortunately. I prefer something more personal. Like a lot of wine Or favors, you know just to cut down the number of them that I owe to you. But yes, we should discuss terms, just in case, so that I won't be utterly caught off guard when you declare that I need to escort you in a ball wearing little to nothing as to distract those who want to lop your head off, which would be quite rude. I like you with your head on," she pouts jokishly.

"Ah, and we also need to devise an evac plan. I can help to smuggle you out of Last Refuge to Enterprise, if things get heated...in an unpleasant way.. here.... Unless it was 5DD who you pissed off...In which case I'd be needing to resort to another contingency plan."

After dunking down the whole glass of wine, it was now slowly sinking in raising a blush to her pale cheeks. She slightly evades his eyes, as she feels they can read her all to well.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Wed 23 Oct 2019.

He's playing with her, yes; their relationship has definitely moved back to the more 'friendly' end of the spectrum but she knows he's always been intensely attracted to her.  How could he not?  An essence-being of great passion, an eternal flame; it would only be quenched if she forever cut him from her life.

"You know, I'll admit, I quite forgot the exact number of favors you owe me.  Maybe four, at this point?  But I'm all for repaying you in personal ways outside of money."  He chuckles, "I won't be so gauche as to ask you to attend the ball in skimpy clothing!"

He listens to the next part.

"You know, there's another ship I know of, the Marnier, that I hear is converting to a garden ship.  Perhaps we could evacuate there."

He was so much better at this game still, that she always needed to take that small break to actually read how much of a sly fox he was being this time. Luckily with time, she'd picked up some social skills herself as well not being that much of a potato as she had been. But that little was not so much in the end.

Lylas smile turns to a smallish grin.

"Ah, true, you don't need to ask. Just state it as a matter of fact, and I'd believe you because I really have no reason to believe otherwise. At least I wouldn't be hot. Then again wearing a fireproof suit could be better, then you'd be the only one to know whats beneath it, and that's more like you," she notes quite cheekily, knowing quite well how impeccable his taste is. "That being said, I might literally need you to dress me for THE ball. Way out of my league."

She lays her other hand on his. Here she went again, drawn to him like a moth to a flame. It was hard to help herself.

"A garden ship? How fairytale like. It'd be like being somewhere far away but still nearby... Could always sneak back to the Last Refuge in the shadows to pilfer if we required something. I couldn't just disappear and leave Kendall to his own devices...Only the Sun knows what might happen then. At least he can't exalt any further..."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:23, Thu 24 Oct 2019.

"I think your brother,"  Sayeed's voice is somewhat humorously disapproving, "Doesn't quite need you to watch his back until he's accrued just a few more enemies.  Do you know there's already been three threats on his life?  All dealt with, of course.  He's not always an easy man to work with."

He lays a hand over hers, clasping it between palms as warm as a brilliant summer day.

"If you need my help dressing, I'll be certainly happy to do so.  I know a lovely little boutique a few blocks from here, specializes in flame-retardant higher-end materials.  I'd be all too happy to accompany you there and pay for it.  My treat."

There is a shade of anger on Lyla's face upon the mentioning of threats to his brothers life, but it quickly passes as she heaves a deep sigh, finding respite in his warm palms.

"That's three too many for my taste, but three that couldn't be avoided. I guess he can then? You know, in my minds eye he is still that score A student who spends his days nose glued to a book, fighting rather with words than his fists. But hey times change...though he is still 5 minutes younger than me so its like a big sisters duty to worry. Maybe I should assign an agent after him, just for fun," Lyla retorts with a chuckle.

She regards her empty wineglass for a moment, processing what he said. Refusing his offer would be rude, even though she didn't really lack in funds herself either. So instead she blushes further up her ears.

"Thanks, I appreciate it. You don't need to really...but I'm glad to say when someone compliments it that it was all thanks to you... Oh, I assume you'll be attending the ball as well. Will anyone accompany you?"

"My dearest fox, I assure you, that is par for the course.  I get that many on a weekly basis.  Your brother is in fact fortunate so far,"  He smirks, "Wait, wait a minute- you mean you haven't already assigned him an agent?  I figured you would've filled his office with your agents."

He takes the moment to refill her wine glass, which empties his bottle.

"I don't need to pay, I know, but I do like spoiling you.  You know how to be spoiled.  And yes, I'm required to attend; would you mind being my partner for the soiree?"

"I'm not really sure I like the idea of you having so many death threats made weekly. I might have to really do something about it. Send some agents so they can inform me when I need to come beat somebody to pulp," she frowns momentarily, but quickly laughs. "I kinda wanted to do that to Kendall, but I value his privacy...at least somewhat. I do keep tabs on him."

Lyla tries to pull off an innocent look but utterly fails in it, when her grin pushes through.

"If you had the choice of not attending, would you rather? Ah, yes, I'd love to be your partner in crime!" She responds without a moment of doubt, which actually quickly sets in. "I don't think my invitation included a plus one for that matter anyway...And if you are not included, I can only think this one other person who'd probably be tolerated to a certain degree, but I doubt he'd come..." her voice fades to a mumble, which she just shrugs off.

Or at least she tries to. She'd come to a point where she'd have to talk about 5DD and she had no idea what to say about it. She hardly knew herself what was going on. Sure, she had messaged with him during her stay in the Sanctuary, but she hadn't yet even mentioned the invitation she got to him.

She leans her cheek to her propped up palm, and sighs deeply, as if suddenly being put to a confession booth.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Sat 02 Nov 2019.

"There are some crazy people we rescued," He says to Lyla, "There are a lot of people who got mentally broken by the Exodus, and they lash out whenever they can on whatever public figure they can.  Honestly, they don't know how to function anymore.  I've heard some say that they don't even really qualify as human."

He laughs at her question, though- the sober reality broken by a moment's quick joke.  "If I had the choice, no, goodness!  How else will I show my superiority to my extended family than having you on my arm?"  He taps the table twice, "Your invitation does include a plus one, and I got an invitation as well.  If you'd rather use your invitation on someone else... then by all means, go right ahead."

He's a man of the world.  He knows that she's certainly- well, if not moved on from him, then definitely trekked down the road a fair bit.  He's being a good sport about it, it seems.  But Lyla might also remember that Five Days Darkness is, in fact, the core of the Enterprise and considers himself exiled from the Last Refuge.

"And young Marc has one as well, but that's really only if he survives the trial."

Lyla is somewhat surprised and somewhat disappointed that he takes it so well. Hell, he takes it better than she does to some extent. For a moment she wants to talk about MA and his case, but she knows better than that to jump from subject to another.

"Ha, oh like a trophy. or an exotic animal to showcase.. think I'm tame enough?" she grins a bit, her blush spreading further causing her to press on. "Can I be honest with you on what is going on in my mind? I don't know why I'm circling around so much in an attempt to be so polite and courteous, and it feels so wrong. I should save that for some official occasion and not this..."

She sips her glass of wine.

"Bah, it's been too long since we spent time like this. I feel like a teenager..." she mumbles to herself with an amused roll of her eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Wed 06 Nov 2019.

"Neither- like an empress, perhaps-"  He trails off.  "Of course.  Always.  We thrive on honesty; you will never find a dishonest Ifrit, and we prize that in others.  Go ahead.  What's on your mind?" He asks her, "Perhaps you'd be more comfortable discussing it somewhere a little more relaxing?  The pool is very warm.  I'm sure you'd find it quite soothing."

Honest, yes, but not always transparent.  No doubt Sayeed would very much enjoy seeing her in the water...

"I see."

She gives a small amused shake of her head with a chuckle to his eloquence, not directing it at the words he said or the suggestion. As a response instead, she gets up taking her wine glass with and walks to side of the pool. While there she absentmindedly dips her toe in it as if testing how hot it actually was.

A moment is spent in silence from her part as she ponders. Ah, might as well get it over with.

"I'm invested in 5 Days Darkness... and vise versa.. . He says its not fair given his state with the Enterprise and the Living Fleet itself, but I don't really give a shit about that. Or what the public would think if this came out. We've spent plenty of time together as it is..."

She reaches down to rest her glass on the floor, and reaches to tie her hair up.

"That being said, I don't honestly know what it is. Its like the awkward stage of dating when two people are too old to call it that. I enjoy his company, he enjoys mine... But there are no boundaries set, no requirements which makes it hard to process.."

The short grey dress is easily tugged off along with rest of her clothing, and she sits by the pool, naked, turning to give him a look. The scar left by Hales' attack decorated her right shoulder still.

"I wanted to tell you this all ASAP. But I was hesitant since it could have an effect I couldn't foresee. And the previous work task of mine was so draining that it feels irrelevant to talk about this in comparison to saving the Living...But make no mistake, I'm still my own Empress, was it, free to do what I want."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:00, Tue 12 Nov 2019.

The water is about the heat of a hot tub- about 40C.

Sayeed watches her undress with obvious- if restrained- interest.  He starts to disrobe behind her, and she notices his eyes locking on to the scar for a few moments before mentally filing it away.  "I wouldn't call it irrelevant.  Only the dead think that sort of thing is irrelevant.  Personal connections, big or small, are part of what makes us alive."  He takes a seat next to her, naked, red shoulder touching her scarred one.  "A lack of boundaries can sometimes be just as confining as having too many, I've noticed."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:10, Wed 20 Nov 2019.

"Ah, that's also it. The dead do care if it was to benefit their cause," she flicks a glance at him when he sits down, blushes further and turns to her wine glass. "I agree...and that's why talking with him is also on my long list of things to be done when not working... "

She flicks an instinctive glance towards her cellphone, and sips the wine, still leaving some of it to linger as if wanting to savour the rest of it. Then she jokishly bumps his shoulder with hers, perhaps a bit encouragingly, before resting the glass well aside and sliding into the pool. The warmth of the pool makes her release a sigh and a shudder.

There seems to be something she would want to ask, and it lingers on her lips for a while, but eventually she just gives her lower lip a bite and chuckles, leaning her back against the side of the pool.

"So...going to go challenge him to a duel now for possibly offending my honor?" she blurts.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Thu 21 Nov 2019.

He slips in soon after her, barely needing the shoulder bump to follow her.  The water temp goes up a degree the moment he hits it.

"Is your honor offended?"  He asks, "Then I might consider it, though I think duels are a waste of time and life.  Contests, on the other hand... those I think can be a bit more fair."  He swims closer to her, "Perhaps a contest for your affections might be in order." 

"No, my honor...or whats left of it, is not sullied or offended to be frank. If that was to happen, I probably would've taken care of it as it is. It was just a silly question just escaped me," Lyla chuckles and shakes her head, sinking a bit deeper in the water.

She spreads her arms beside her, resting them on the edge of the pool.

"A bit more fair? That sort of contest is far from fair, given I have to work as a judge... How am I to decide without a proper point system? Or without rules at all for the matter? Or without the other contestant being informed on this before hand? There has been no training period whatsoever to begin with," then she realizes what she is rambling about, immediately pursing her lips while turning reddish even further.

"Ahem...I think...I'd be quite glad to offer you...a chance to demonstrate what such a competition might include... and then I can perhaps tackle the rest or decide how necessary they really are..." She continues, giving her lower lip a bite.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:29, Tue 26 Nov 2019.

He advances on her through the pool, like a fire creeping through the underbrush, each twig and leaf snapping to flame as it approaches.  The water heats to the point where the water visibly steams.  He stops in front of her, taking her by wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her towards him, then begins whispering in her ear.

"When I hold me love close
(and her arms steal around me),
I'm like a man translated to Punt
or like someone out in the reedflats
When the whole world suddenly bursts into flower.
In this dreamland of South Sea fragrances,
My love, you are essence of roses."

Despite the water warming at an alarming rate, Lyla's skin is littered with goose bumps when he pulls her near. She runs her fingers up his arms, musing to herself when listening his whisper. Eventually she wraps her arms around his neck, and when he stops she gives his earlobe a small nibble.

"I see. Going straight for the kill. hm.. What time and place?"Lyla grins.

"What time but now, what place but the present?"  He asks, his body responding deliciously to the nibble of his ear, "But if my quarters give me too much of a homefield advantage, there is always the Marnier.  But I think that's waiting a bit too long, don't you?"

He presses her against the edge of the pool, "You've never been one to sit back and wait, after all."

"I was more aiming in the lines of where and when is that poem from...But... that can wait later.." Its like some of her words where getting lost on their way out as her focus was veering in an utterly different direction.

Then out of the blue as if her whole blush business was just a facade, she gives a sure nod accompanied by a grin.  She sinks him into a deep kiss, while tugging him as close as possible.

"Egypt, the New Kingdom," He murmurs just before the kiss before moving from a history lesson to something much, much more pleasurable.

There's little passage of time that they can tell; some things are timeless.  The years haven't dampened Sayeed's ardor for her, nor his amorous arts.  In some ways it's like he's picked up where they left off years and years ago, as if there never was a gap.  She's sure he's had lovers since then- they'd even talked about it before- but if not for that, she would never be able to tell he hadn't loved a soul since the fall of Earth.

The temperature's climbed to sauna-like degrees and they're both exhausted, sore, and happy.  Sayeed has cracked open another bottle of wine, this one perhaps not as nice but still tasty, and they lounge on the floor by the pool.

"So would you still like to go clothes shopping?" He says, arm around her shoulder, "Reality has to catch up with us sometime, unfortunately."

Finally even Lyla manages to let go most of her worries and woes that she has been dragging around with herself. Curling up next to him, she radiates much like an ember that had been rekindled. Its her way of showing her Solar side's power, one that she usually hid away.

She sighs, deeply, but without remorse and reaches to stroke his cheek.

"Yes, the reality that's always looming and expecting things. Yes, I do still need something to wear, and I have yet to inquire you about the Ball, and MA, and such," Lyla smirks, resting her cheek against him."...I have to say it was a nice moment there. Washed some of my worries away."

"Or rather burned it away,"  He says with a corny wink and smirk, "Well, I'm here and I'm listening.  Feel free to ask me whatever you need to ask- and I'll figure it out to the best of my ability.  The Fire Court can be a little bit... much... for outsiders, but that's because we so rarely invite them.  Most outsiders who show up aren't exactly welcome to do so."

"The whole premise of a ball is much in itself, let alone being surrounded by the Fire Court," she sighs a bit. "I worry about it less, cause I know I'm not alone there. That being said: the case with MA, hows it been going? What happened after I left to run after Hales? Is there anything I could help with before hand?"

"Well, he's a little shit, is what he is.  Unfortunately there are members of the Fire Court who already look down on him, and to make matters worse, they have ideas about etiquette that'd make the old Victorians beg for mercy.  So some of it is cultural.  He told Swan Dragon that he thought slavery was abolished a long time ago, for instance."

He takes a long sigh.

"Since he's due to be put on trial- as opposed to an absolute execution- by the Fire Court law he's on retainer to Swan Dragon, a typical servant sort of relationship.  It sounds barbaric, and maybe it is, but Swan Dragon is his judge.  What's supposed to happen is he's supposed to be the good servant, let the Judge get to know him, and then use that to his advantage.  There's some members of the Flame Court who want him dead."

"Yeeah, I wholeheartedly agree on the little shit part, but apparently I have too much of a soft heart to have endeavoured on this sort of quest. Or maybe its the thought of him being the little shit on my side...nevertheless. I'm surprised he is still alive, and I'm dreading for the trial," she ruffles her wet hair. "...And that also partially answered my thoughts on why I wasn't informed of the ball earlier. If someone wants him dead, and knows I'm part of it, its no wonder they want to paint a bad picture of me as well."

What a mess it all was. Some how the thought of ANY outside mission after the ball felt relieving...at least she could escape then away if things went extremely south.

"I feel bad for Swan Dragon, though. That he has to tolerate MA. But at least he gets his say in things, and not like it was in Pyongyang. But I can only imagine how much of a nuisance this all is on his plate that is probably already quite full..."

"I couldn't tell you why you weren't informed earlier.  Who did tell you?" He asks, "Nobody really has a bad opinion of you, though?  You've still got days to prepare, and I've not heard anything about it from the grapevine.  I mean, sure, there are some people who are upset that you've even put us in this position but for the most part the Flame Court believes wholeheartedly in supporting our Exalts."

He thinks for a moment.

"I mean, yes, I feel bad for Swan Dragon too, but he certainly insisted we follow all the rules- including the ones that could've let him kill your little friend outright.  I'm not sure what's on his plate but he's playing cards very close to his chest."

"The letter was stapled to my door. So maybe this is all some part of Swan Dragon's plan," Lyla nods, and reaches for her glass in order to take a sip. "I do hope MA actually manages to plead his case. Killing him will result in more bad blood in all sides. That type of thing would suit the Void though. Us fighting with each other even more."

She huddles a bit closer to him.

"Yeah, shall we go shopping now or later? I don't want to steal you from your duties for too long. I did rest at Sanctuary, but it's always a restless sort of sleep that leaves you exhausted no matter what."

"If he's casting himself as a latter-day Prometheus then he's not going to go over well with them.  Stealing fire is probably the worst metaphor he can use.  But I fully agree with you, and I suspect Swan Dragon does as well.  Managing an aging and stodgy court is tough work."

Sayeed wraps a muscular arm around her to squeeze her into his side.

"My duties, right now, are 100% dedicated to whatever you need from me.  Consider me your second from here on out.  This is of paramount concern not only to myself but to my constituency.  The fact that I happen to be mad for you is a very happy accident.  So if you'd prefer to rest, I'd very happily lend you my pillow."

"My second? Great, I do have a pile of paperwork waiting to be done," she jests lightheartedly in comparison to their previous subject. "Oh, this is you being mad at me? I'm lucky its like this. I'd gladly borrow your pillow for a few hours before heading out again. Who knows when's the next time I'll be able to rest properly. I also think I owe it to you if you are to appear anywhere with me in public, that I don't look like a wreck."

"Mad FOR you, not mad AT you,"  He corrects her quickly enough, though with a big grin.  "Let me prep the bed for you- maybe set up a fan.  I don't think you want to sleep the way I do." He slowly extricates himself from her, "I promise I'll be right back, alright?"  How convenient he doesn't say anything about the paperwork!

Sayeed is about two steps to his bedroom in the back when the doorbell rings; it sounds like three bells shaking urgently.  He groans "Seriously?"  and wraps a towel around his waist, "Hold on, I may have to take this."

"I know you, but still I have to give you the credit, that I'm not always sure how to read you. So you could as well be mad at me and I'd be none the wiser, she sticks her tongue out at him. "Its alright. I promise not to run away."

She looks after him and restrains herself from going to take a look at her phone. But once the doorbell rings, she almost instinctively pounces up and grabs a towel herself. Should someone barge in, at least she was wearing something.

"By all means," she replies to Sayeed, curiously peering towards the door.

He heads to the door, opening it up a crack.  "Oh, Atas!- what're you doing here-"

The elemental who barges right in afterwards is an athletic woman about eight feet tall, skin the color of burnished gold, long hair tied up bright red, and electric blue lips.  Her only visible weapons are a pair of brass knuckles hanging from a rope-belt that ties together her plain white tunic and baggy pants.  Sayeed, even as big as he is, couldn't hope to block her entrance any more than a man could stop a charging bull.

"I needed to talk to you-"  She stops as she sees Lyla wrapped in towel, then frowns slightly, putting big hands on her hips.  "Ah.  You have company.  You should have said."

"You didn't give me the chance, Atas.  Atas, meet Lyla Raines; Lyla, meet Atas, a djinn from Iran, an old friend of mine and head of security for this block.  She doesn't grant wishes."

"Usually don't, anyway."  She looks Lyla up and down, "What a coincidence, though.  I was coming here to ask about you."

Mostly glad that she had instinctually pounced for the towel, she manages to contain her expression neutral as she gives a nod in return to Atas, when being introduced.

"Nice to meet you, even though the moment came a bit abruptly. Has something happened? Or is it even something I can personally help with?" Preparing for the worst she begins to pick her clothing up, should the need arise to leave somewhere.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Mon 27 Jan 2020.

"I mostly want to know who had the absolute balls to bring in this Antony kid,"  She says, "Unfortunately, I'm the one the little fuck stole things from in the first place.  You have any idea how embarrassing that is?" She puts her fists on her wide hips, "I mean don't get me wrong.  I can respect the moxie.  I'd be willing to forgive and forget, but getting this all dredged up again is NOT doing wonders for my self control."

Ah, so it was this sort of case. Lyla takes the clothes she has gathered and folds them on a neat pile on the table, before taking a seat.

"Yeah, that little shit is here and being dealt with because of me," she sighs."Apologies on my behalf for having to deal with this and especially him again. I did not exactly choose to pull this case up, but I owed him as much and it was inevitable after we bumped in to Sayeed... Actually I think I owe a thanks to you, since the ritual he stole saved my life. Unfortunately I can't tell you about the incident lenghtly due to it being classified."

She takes a sip from her glass. She had relaxed, but that was now being once again replaced by her putting up her guard (and layers of walls between herself and her emotions) and preparing for whatever might happen.

"...I know its a bit much to ask, but I'd be curious to hear about what Mark Anthony actually did. But I also understand that now might not be the time..if ever."

"Now's not exactly the time, no, besides the fact he made me look like an idiot."  She flexes honestly incredible biceps and twitches, "Nothing like smart little pricks using their intelligence the wrong way to cock up everything..."

"Atas, if you're only here to grouse to Lyla that this happened at all, you should leave.  What's happened has happened, and just complaining isn't going to fix anything or help anyone.  And it'll only annoy us."

"Was it worth it?"  She asks Lyla, seemingly ignoring Sayeed, "Saving his skin at least helped the Last Refuge somehow, right?"

Right there and then Lyla could feel how this discussion was getting under her skin. She wanted to support both sides of the conflict, but it was so much easier to relate to the case from MA's point of view. Had she not exalted herself, she'd be just a normal person probably holding a bigger grudge towards those who took their powers for granted and did not want to share. She sighs to her thoughts.

"You should listen to Sayeed," She notes when his notice goes to deaf ears.

"Yes, saving his skin is beneficial to the Last Refuge. Yes, he deserves to live. That's kinda my job you know. Saving people. Because this is all we have, and frankly we have bigger problems than killing off each other," Lyla replies.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:41, Tue 04 Feb 2020.

"Good, glad to know." Atas turns away from her and starts heading for the door, "You know- one last little tidbit.  There is a bit of a prophecy in Djinn circles.  She and I are going to fight, Sayeed, and I'm going to die."  She opens Sayeed's door, "Happy at least to know that it'll help the Last Refuge somehow."

She storms out.

"... Well.  Wish I'd known that little bit, but the Djinn are usually pretty tight-lipped about their customs... she could be lying, though, just to make you feel bad.  Are you okay Lyla?"

Lyla just looks after Atas, her expression changing from her usual non-chalant one to a one filled with bafflement after her exit.

"I'm...alright I think. Mostly baffled. It was a bit much to chew, and it all just raised more questions," she sips down the remnants of her wine."I do hope she was lying, or that there is more to it. It's hard for me to see a reason as to why I would end up killing her. Unless forced. Do they have a high rate of these prophecies actually turning out accurate?"

She does seem a bit grim at the idea of ending up in such a situation that'd result in her killing Sayeeds friend.

"I'm so fucked with this MA case. Should probably just abandon ship now," she mumbles mostly to herself with a smirk.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:33, Mon 10 Feb 2020.

"Atas is many things but she's not a liar."  He responds grimly, "How much of prophecy is real or false depends- prophecy can be set as stone for some, but for Exalts, I imagine that you can certainly buck the trend.  It's kind of your job description."

He rubs his temples with his hand.

"I wouldn't say you're fucked.  But it won't be a pleasant thing.  I think there are two real problems here:  the first that he was duped into working for an enemy and the second that my people can be bloodily traditionalist at the wrong moments.  Somehow, though, I think Swan Dragon knows about this and is banking on... something happening, but I can't suss it out."

"...But I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to run away to a conservatory ship with me."

"Well, there is no point wallowing in it. The only way to find out what Swan Dragon is thinking or planning would be to ask him directly," Lyla shrugs, a defeated tone in her voice."I'd love to be able to affect this situation more but I really can't do it, unless I talk to Swan or MA. Doubt I can sway the publics opinion on the case otherwise."

She looks at her folded clothes.

"I possibly couldnt rob you of your duties in your community," she chuckles.

Since it was just the two if them again, Lyla gets up and tugs her towel off inorder to dry her hair with it. Not that there was much to dry.

"On the brightside Im not tired anymore. So clothes for me or other sort of duty?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Sat 15 Feb 2020.

"Yes, that pretty much is it; I personally think that he's a genius or he's mad as a hatter, and there's only one way to find out.  He's spent a long time in enemy territory, I can't tell you what he's thinking."

He sighs.

"Well, if you're not tired anymore, I think we'd best spend a nice afternoon with each other, not caring about anything more than some rest and relaxation.  I think as tired as you were that if you try exerting yourself again you'll just want to rest.  Shopping, maybe, and then perhaps we can settle down and watch something together?  I don't think we've ever just... relaxed with each other before."

"You are starting to sound like you'll need a vacation for yourself after my visit," she notes with a smirk, leaving her towel behind and walking to him.

"I'd love to just relax, and pretend there is no need to go anywhere. I dont do much of that anyway so no wonder we've not done it together either," she wraps her arms around him."I do have to send some messages though just to check up on my agents and the sorts."

"Don't we all need vacations?" He practically sweeps her up by the waist as she wraps her arms around him, spinning her half a circle with no effort, hot hands warming her skin.  "I promise to be patient while you send off those messages.  But only a little.  You can't keep me waiting too long while you text."

He lets her down but doesn't take his hands from her naked frame.  There's a slight increase in the temperature of the room.

"Then we'll sit down, enjoy a movie perhaps, lounge together on my divan..."

Lyla lets a small sigh escape her when his hot hands collide with her skin.

"That's a promise then. I in return promise not to dally for too long," she strokes his arm, reluctantly letting go of him. "Though I must admit that as much as I like this adam and eve play, I'd love to put something on to enjoy the movie..otherwise you'll just be too distracted."

When he hopefully lets go of her, she heads for her phone and sends a few messages to Ombra Agency, just to note them that she is alive and back in-action and if there is anything urgent, they should contact her immediately.

Then of course...she sends a message to 5DD:Hows u? Sry for not much contact. Was stuck in Sanctuary. I'm alright. Would love to come visit later, if its alright.

She does wait for his response, but as she promised she won't make Sayeed wait for too long.

He laughs a bit and lets her go, letting her have her privacy...

A secretary of her agency responds with some of the latest bits of information gleaned- the fleet is likely to move again, and several foraging parties are out collecting material for the next jump.  Some ship is being investigated for a possible infection, and another two have weirdly shut down.  Despite this, it's pretty quiet.

Her text from 5DD, on the other hand, is much more interesting.

Tired.  Looking forward to seeing you.  Seems we're going to be moving soon.
 Enterprise might be on the forefront.  May not get that much more time for a few months.

Lyla nods to herself while reading the report. The case with the ships is interesting, but not alarming and nothing points to her needing to put effort in it, so she just keeps the information in mind.

5DD's answer is on the other hand something that captivates her attention immediately. As if it wouldn't have done that regardless of what the message itself contained.

I better visit you quickly and a lot then as to not miss my window of opportunity. Wish I could tag along with you if you go on the front. I'd be glad to escape this political play that I partially accidentally shoved myself into when deciding to help a stupid teenager. Nothing that I could really effect, but that's exactly why its so enraging...

She taps and sends, before deciding to add more.

Got to say, its not about how much time we get to spend together..but the quality of it.

Then while waiting to see if he should answer, Lyla fishes out a towel once again.

"I assume you have a hidden shower here as well...Or is it only bathing that you do?"She targets to Sayeed, with an amused tone.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:24, Tue 10 Mar 2020.

Wish you could tag along too.
There's plenty you could help with here.
Good excuse, huh?
Worried about Abyssal fleet redirection.
Could always use a good interceptor...
Quality always better than quantity.  Apologies that I desire both.

Sayeed grins back at her, "I'm not a barbarian- yes I do have a shower,"  He gestures towards his inner sanctum, a well-bedecked room with similar middle-eastern decorations.  There's a small bathroom with a standing shower there.

"Feel free."

Lyla tries to contain a grin and the abrupt blush flushing her cheeks when responding.

Really though..who is to say no to me if I choose to tag along. Its a perfect excuse that I'll be certain to take advantage of...
No need for apologies, I wholeheartedly agree. Talk to u more face to face.

A small sigh escapes her as she rests away her phone, but its quickly replaced with a chuckle to Sayeed.

"Given how you are in certain situations I could swear you are a some sort of a barbarian...or animal...anyway, I'll take a shower and then im ready to chill," she declares partially ready for the ceiling to fall or something to interrupt her attempt.

I don't think anyone could say no to you.

That's his last text before she puts away her phone.

"Certain situations, perhaps- but a truly civilized person knows when best to throw off the cloak of civility,"  He replies to her.

The ceiling doesn't fall.  The Last Refuge doesn't shake apart.  There's nothing but her, the predictably hot shower, and a quietly murmuring TV in the pool room.  Like a lot of people he must have a flat panel recessed in the wall.

She can also hear him placing a call.  By the sounds of it, it seems political business.  She knows his Politics Voice when she hears it, even if she can't hear the exact words; the man is clearly talking to someone he doesn't trust.

She does hear him say "Then file the motion in the Senate, why are you calling my personal number for this?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:49, Wed 25 Mar 2020.

Lyla does continue her shower in all peace, BUT being how she is, she really can't avoid from listening in on Sayeeds call. She gives him the space and patiently washes, enjoying the casualness of the moment.

She dries herself off mostly lost in thought, before tugging her dress back on and returning from the shower, drying her hair. She gives him a questioning look, not wanting to interrupt the call, should it be still going.

The call has ended by the time she's finished her shower.  Sayeed looks a combination annoyed, tired, and just plain over it.  She knows the expression well.  She's seen it on her own face when dealing with an annoying Ombra employee.

He gives her a little wave, playing with a remote as he sets up his TV, "Dealing with your junior coworkers can be a lot like having children.  Every single one of them thinks that their current problem is everyone's problem.  You haven't lived until you gotten phone calls at 3 in the morning asking you what you think about the latest zoning commission meeting minutes."

Lyla nods in understanding and flops down on the couch or whatever is placed opposite of the tv, giving a small pat to the seat next to her.

"I can totally understand what you mean. I still have some cases to solve within Ombra concerning about their behaviour and code of conduct that is not mentioned in the papers, but should be considered common decency. Then again I do employ some scum of the earth unlike you. Now...you wanna share and rant like I did? Or silence the phone and just fucking ignore them?" she grins a bit.

The divan is a bit firmer than most people would like; he sits down and reclines next to her, providing her with something to rest against.

"I mean, would be nice to rant a bit,"  He mutters, "But I think I'd just bore the hell out of you with it.  Suffice to say, your brother keeps kicking up hornet's nests just by existing, and someone's pushing for a measure to... push for a measure... OK, maybe TV then."  He just shakes his head, "We could switch, I could smack around some of your coworkers, you can smack around some of mine.  I scratch your back, you scratch mine?"

He starts pulling up the TV.  Possibly to her surprise he starts looking up bollywood movies, possibly by reflex.

She ruffles her hair a bit, before settling next to him, taking whole advantage of his qualities as a pillow to lean on.

"My offer for you to rant stands. No matter if it would be boring. I perhaps can't give such a good insight on things on political standpoint. Have you approached Kendall on behalf of that? Naturally there isn't much that he can do about himself existing, but if its something else I'm certain he'd appreciate the support," she ponders offering her two cents."Oh yeah, awesome, let me go teach some manners to some of your underlings. Just point me at them," she cracks her knuckles jokishly.

Her gesture is drowned under a small giggle that escapes her when he begins to look through Bollywood movies.

"Now -that- is a category I haven't got much input in. Not that I've been watching anything recently..."

"Well, the important part is there's always multiple song and dance numbers, one usually in the rain..."  Sayeed explains as he turns it on.

The movie's... not great, but not bad?  CGI has come a long way in the last ten years, and a movie about a shlubby Underdecks beacon of mediocrity winning over the most glamorous Exalt of the Upperdecks (With his combat-poker skills? What the hell is combat poker?  The movie's never clear...) is laughable.  The music's not bad at least, and the dancing was clearly choreographed by an upper-level talent.  Too bad the frankly unimpressive lead can't dance to save his life.  At least halfway through Sayeed starts feeding her candied dates.

But, as far as relaxation goes, it my actually have done the trick.  She can feel the stress evaporate off Sayeed like raindrops on a hot rock.

When the movie's finished, Sayeed gives her a little kiss and stands up.  "I think we need to get out of here for a bit and go check out stuff for that party,"  He says, "Maybe check up on a few of our sources."

She cuddles next to him, paying little mind to the movie in reality, mostly letting it just spin on the screen, her mind at rest. It does wonders for one to just -be- for that moment. Especially since the movie is quite a good as a distraction with it being amusing as hell. Halfway through she begins to sort and braid her hair in order to make it result in some curls when the movie finally draws to end.

Offering him a little smile after a kiss, she gives a nod to his suggestion with a joke in her tone of voice:"Sounds acceptable. Now that the destruction of the world in a fire tornado is no longer imminent."

It takes a small moment from her to get up as well, finish sorting her hair and straightening her dress. She finds her cropped hoodie on and pockets her phone.

The two are soon 'outside' walking the halls of his ward.  He's already putting in a ton of texts as he goes, simply business as usual as he chats.

Some things she quickly picks up, though:  the fire court is full of intricacies, yes, but there are a half dozen she should REALLY know:

• Atas, a Djinn from Iran- security chief on the job when Marc Antony stole the fire scroll.  Currently laboring under the prediction that she and Lyla will fight to the death.
• Swan Dragon, the Censor of the South- once a treasured mind, now likely gone a bit loony since his time with the Abyssals.  Currently serving as the judge in Marc Antony's trial.
• Cvilli, a Flame Duck from someplace Sayeed can only darkly call 'the real Chaldea'- likely to be the prosecutor in this little trial.  Also, oddly enough, one of Lyla's few fans, but she shouldn't expect any favorable treatment.
• Mannat the Broken, an unknown terrestrial type from western Europe- lost most of his limbs during one of the evacuations and is revered by most of the Fire Court as a result.  Currently one of the biggest rabble-rousers calling for Marc Antony's execution.
• Shareena, a dancing flame from Israel- currently serving as a forgemaster.  Part of the liberal faction, she advocates all of this as a waste of time.  This has not made her popular.
• Naveer, an Ifrit companion of Sayeed's, from Saudi Arabia.  Still has a hell of a crush on Sayeed that he probably doesn't realize (based on the stories he's telling Lyla).  Will be running the ball afterwards.

((Feel free to dig into any of this!))

The ball is in her mind, but in reality it was the easier part of all of this, and it'd do good to source more and look into the trial for MA.

"Cvilli will most likely be the prosecutor? I'd be curious to hear their points on this whole situation, if possible. Not to try and effect the outcome but rather just see with whom we'll be dealing with," she suggests to Sayeed, glancing her own phone while walking.

"That's the one, yes.  She's a traditionalist, through and through, and that's why she was selected.  Even if she's a big fan of you, you're not the one on trial here, only a witness.  I would expect her to say a lot of flattering things to you, and try to frame this as you being bamboozled by Antony,"  He tells her.  "It won't be like human court dramas, just to be clear.  There's a lot of ritual and tradition that's been carried over since the days of Hammurabi."

He grimaces at the thought.

"Stealing.  An eye for an eye, and all that.  He stole magical secrets from the Flame Court, but have none to give back in return, so his life has to suffice.  There's also how he stole it:  lying to an Ifrit.  We have trouble with lying.  Most of us have little conception HOW to lie.  So people who take advantage of us are dealt much more severely."

Grimaces in unison with Sayeed:"Sounds like something I was expecting to hear. Personally don't like the part of being painted as innocent idiot who was bamboozled by a teenager, but then again its either that or losing face in front of people I highly appreciate. Have you had a lot of court cases involving other than your kind after we took flight from Earth? I'm mainly pondering on how much of an even bigger shit show it would be if it should lead to his execution. Hm...so the easiest way to solving this earlier would have been from him to give back magical secrets of similar value..."