I find myself a bit confused about how her strength has any relevance too, because killing Cerys here would be hilariously stupid for Karen. First this would absolutely sink moral for her faction if their leader just kills a teenage girl and one of their strongest assets, second it would remove one of Karen's strongest assets in this war, third the fight would be directly in her headquarter, which isn't a good place to start a fight with someone called the walking firestorm, and last but not least Daiyu, Una and Sabina wouldn't just ignore Karen killing Cerys.
In short it's in Karen's interest not to escalate the situation and calm Cerys down, that still applies even if Cerys starts to ask some confrontational questions.
I really still very strongly object to the words 'lied' 'tricked' and 'duped' here. I really do not think that Karen had bad intentions, it makes no sense unless her motives are not only radically different from everything they have appeared to be so far but also hilariously self-destructive.
Yes she could wipe Cerys out I'm pretty sure, but no, I really don't think it would necessarily be easy for her, and the fallout of doing so would likely destroy the clocktower from within and the Illuminati wouldn't have to so much as lift a finger.
Seriously guys, unless there is actual mind control involved (which is a: highly doubtful and b: such a complete game changer that we basically would have to throw everything we know or think we know about the current situation out the window anyways) I really don't think getting pissy or confrontational is a good call.
I'm pretty sure all of you voting for the high anger options are playing literally right into the illuminati's hands, and while I'm sure some of them are perfectly nice and reasonable folks, they're the ones that started this whole war. When in doubt, the aggressor is usually the one in the wrong, or at least the one on the moral low ground considering that this is a pretty grey and grey conflict. (Yes I know that's inaccurate in all sorts of scenarios but it is a decent generalization when introduced to a situation sans-contexte okay?)
Yes she could wipe Cerys out I'm pretty sure, but no, I really don't think it would necessarily be easy for her, and the fallout of doing so would likely destroy the clocktower from within and the Illuminati wouldn't have to so much as lift a finger.
No, it would be incredibly easy for her to wipe Cerys away.
She waves her hand, and so one shots Cerys whilst also applying spell reflect on herself just in case. (multicaster lv 1) Cerys comes back at 5%, but is a bit out of sorts from being one shot, and Karen waves her hand again. (omni-caster lv 4 meaning she can cast magic each of her five turns on the round). Cerys does not come back up. Round 1 ends, with Karen having not even used half her actions. The end.
But that's not the point. You're utterly refusing to believe Karen can apparently do any wrong. There's been nothing but excuses from the people blindly trusting her. What makes no sense is her not fully and honestly explaining what the vow truly was if she had pure intentions. Either she tricked Cerys, which she did, or she's dumb enough to leave out such a glaring piece of information that can be used by others. And Karen is not dumb.
She didn't expect us to meet with the Counter Force and find out about the vow involving Cerys' sister. Karen purposely left out what was necessary to immediately get Cerys' trust.
I actually don't like EITHER of the leading votes.
Staying silent and waiting for her to talk feels too passive and OOC, but the 'what have you lied to me about' vote sounds way too confrontational and feels like it implies "no matter what you say next, I'm not going to believe you".
I actually don't like EITHER of the leading votes.
Staying silent and waiting for her to talk feels too passive and OOC, but the 'what have you lied to me about' vote sounds way too confrontational and feels like it implies "no matter what you say next, I'm not going to believe you".
It's a bitter remark to be sure but then Cerys just found out Karen left things out about a magical contract concerning Una's safety. This in my view is telling Karen Cerys is getting real sick of the subtle manipulations and wants the full truth before she can even begin trust Karen again.
Adhoc vote count started by MilitaryAaa on Feb 1, 2018 at 11:50 AM, finished with 7480 posts and 22 votes.
[X] Stay Silent
-[X] And actually listen to Karen's explanation
It's a bitter remark to be sure but then Cerys just found out Karen left things out about a magical contract concerning Una's safety. This in my view is telling Karen Cerys is getting real sick of the subtle manipulations and wants the full truth before she can even begin trust Karen again.
Pretty much since we met her, I've considered her an ally, but not exactly trustworthy.
Trust that she has similar general goals and trust that she prefers to keep her word because doing so tends to make things run more smoothly, but not trust her as a person.
[] "I'm not planning to snap or anything because I'm pretty sure that's what the Counter Force want me to do and I don't like them at all, but I need to know why you lied to me about your vow."
Calmer, but still addressing the issue at hand directly.
[] "I am not planning to snap or anything because I'm pretty sure that's what the counter force want out of me and I don't like them, but I need to know why you lied to me about your vow."
Calmer, but still addressing the issue at hand directly.
Heck, made some edits to clean it up, gonna X it in.
[X] "I'm not planning to snap or anything because I'm pretty sure that's what the Counter Force want me to do and I don't like them at all, but I need to know why you lied to me about your vow."
Adhoc vote count started by Spectral Waltz on Feb 1, 2018 at 12:11 PM, finished with 7484 posts and 22 votes.
[X] "I'm not planning to snap or anything because I'm pretty sure that's what the Counter Force want me to do and I don't like them at all, but I need to know why you lied to me about your vow."
[] "I'm not planning to snap or anything because I'm pretty sure that's what the Counter Force want me to do and I don't like them at all, but I need to know why you lied to me about your vow."
The main reason I object to this is because you are trying to directly tell Cerys how to feel about someone.
I do not care if this is how she actually does feel; unless Rukia wants a vote that is on her opinion of something, one should not try to push Cerys' opinion in a way they want.
Basically, while you say the other one is too confrontational, this one is way too trusting to Karen and too dismissive of the Counter Force.
Adhoc vote count started by Naron on Feb 1, 2018 at 12:37 PM, finished with 7487 posts and 23 votes.
I kinda thought it was established that Cerys didn't like the counter force on account of the whole assassination attempt thing? Sorry, didn't say that as an attempt to alter her personality, I thought that opinion was self evident.
I kinda thought it was established that Cerys didn't like the counter force on account of the whole assassination attempt thing? Sorry, didn't say that as an attempt to alter her personality, I thought that opinion was self evident.
"because I'm pretty sure that's what the Counter Force want me to do"
This section in particular would make me reject/alter the vote anyway, since that's not what she's thinking at all, nor has it even been implied in her thoughts or dialogue. It's you putting the thought there.
You don't hesitate to take advantage of her pause. "What else have you been lying to me about?" The words are cold, the burning anger from earlier settling down to an icy stabbing in your chest. I trusted her, and this is what I get.
She blinks, face shifting to confusion for a moment before it settles down. Now you were actually paying attention to it, every motion looked perfectly natural, like it was her actual reaction. But the slight hesitation you'd seen told you everything you needed to know. Leaning inwards slightly, compressing into yourself, making yourself look small and harmless. I know what you are doing, I should have noticed it before, I... trusted you. "What do you mean?" The heartfelt confusion and hurt in her voice tugs at you and you almost doubt yourself for a moment.
And now I remember why I kept my sister away from your types. "You lied to me about the vow you made." You know better than to snap at her without thinking, whether or not you trust her is irrelevant, you are inside her base of power. Getting angry and lashing out at her here would be suicide. "My sister is safe so long as I can reach her before you can." The implication hangs in the air between you and she remains silent, a miniscule shimmer of magic sparking over her eyes for a moment, almost concealing her glance at Morgan.
"I'm not sure what you mean?" She tilts her head to the side slightly and bends her legs just slightly, her naturally young appearance making her look like an inquisitive teenager rather than the adult she normally does.
You do your best to ignore the shadow of your sister in her movements, digging your fingers into your leg and enjoying the focus the sharp pain brings. "I asked you for an unbreakable promise, a way that I could be sure that my sister would be safe in your hands." Stay calm, stay focused, don't give her any openings. "You gave me a False Vow." She doesn't react to your words, her cutesy act stilling, leaving an unnaturally still woman standing before you. Her breathing stops and she looks like she's made out of stone.
She comes to life a moment later, her face suddenly all harsh lines and strong movements as she strides to the seat opposite of you, setting down with a smooth but harsh drop. "Morgan, go." Your friend hesitates, looking between you for a moment, her eyes lingering on your clenched fist. Karen doesn't glance her way, but you get the feeling that her attention shifts and Morgan turns, stepping out of the door with a muttered "Of course, Mother."
You suddenly feel awfully like you are the one trapped in a room with a lion, rather than the other way around. The silence between you stretches and you know that she is more than capable of just sitting there until you fall asleep or speak. A frown pulls at your face as you start, technically she should be explaining herself now, but she's better at this than you. "Well?" Not exactly a masterful statement, but you couldn't care less about the normal word games you are supposed to play in situations like this.
She remains silent for a while longer, hands crossed over her chest as she leans back-- no, she lounges in her seat. Like you are a particularly unruly child. The thought does nothing for your good mood. When she finally does open her mouth, the words test your restraint. "They were only partially a lie, I would of course have protected her to the best of my ability, but the sort of promise you were looking for either does not exist or I cannot allow to bind me." Your fingers twitch as you force yourself to listen to the monument to your fucking naivety. Because of course I would fucking trust her, she gave me everything I wanted.
"You are too important to have let just run off and too paranoid to have trust another's word. Letting you believe that I was bound gave you peace of mind and since I had no intention of breaking the vow at the time it was the best solution available to me in that moment." You feel something snap, the thread that had always been dangling underneath your notice tearing itself to pieces. "Now that you know, it's completely worthless."
Her words burn, the normally tranquil cage of flame inside of you desperately seeking to push out and engulf her. You let out a shaky breath as you let the implications sink in, her slightly disappointed face watching you calmly from across the room. Stay calm stay calm stay calm stay calm stay calm. "You thought that lying to me like that was for the best?" Stay calm keep her safe stay calm keep her safe stay calm keep her safe stay calm keep her safe.
She nods. "In that moment, you were more than willing to be completely irrational and throw everything away. I lied so that you could calm down and settle in. I would have told you about the vow later in more delicate terms, once you understand that I had no intentions of breaking it." The fact that her words make sense only make you hate her more and the constant repetition of 'had no intentions', digs further and further into your brain. The two metres between you feels awfully close.
"And now that I know you are willing to lie to me, to make me think that you are trustworthy while you are still in the perfect position to backstab me if I get too uppity?" The fact that you are here with her, vulnerable and worst of all, trapped. If she moved first, she could beat my transformation. Even if I outpace her, I'm completely and utterly surrounded. I might escape, but Una would never make it out of here alive. You only ever agreed to work with her because attacking your sister meant death, you always had an out.
Now though? She doesn't show it on her face, but you know she must be thinking the same. "Now, I intend to do nothing. The Vow was only to make you calm down until it could be properly explained, I have full intentions of continuing our working relationship as it has been." She has the fucking gall to say that now? You let out a hissing breath, using your anger to try and ignore the feeling of the walls closing in on you. Got me right where you want me to be, under your feet and between you and your enemies.
You smile at her, letting out a short laugh as you flop back against the seat behind you. "Look at me, I've been fucking had." You can't stop the bitter chuckle that follows the statement. "One one side I have the people who've chained me like a dog and plan to throw me at their enemies. A lie as my carrot and my sister as the stick." You stare at the ceiling as you rest your head on the back of the chair, your hair getting caught slightly as you cover your eyes with your hand. "And on the other I have the fucking Illuminati."
"You are being unreasonable you know." Your smile slides into a straight line as you tilt your head down to look at her, cool as a fucking iceberg. "But... I would expect nothing less from you." She gives you an almost approving look. "It is clear to me that any relationship we have from here will at best be a strained working one. You are too emotional to look past your own paranoia and trust the words and actions of another. If you do not have some sort of guarantee that your sister is safe you consider it untenable." She actually smiles at you. "It is honestly heart-warming that you feel so strongly for your sister and are willing to go to such extremes for her." She rests her hands on her lap. "If more people cared as much as you did the world would be a much better place."
You can't restrain your snort at that. "What do you care about the world being a better place? You only care about the world being what you want it to be."
"Of course I care, while I'm sure that it might be somewhat difficult for some to adjust, in the end it will be an improvement over what they have right now." She shifts in her seat a little, straitening a folded part of her shirt. "Humanity needs to be ready for when the barrier breaks, magic has the highest chance of this succeeding."
"Only so long as those you choose sit at the top of the pile?" The words are sharp, the thought that had been slowly burning away at you for days now finding it's out.
She blinks, which for her is practically a gasp of surprise, pausing for a long moment as she stares at you. "Magic is the future of humanity, those who have magic are superior to those who do not." What. "I say this not on a moral or philosophical standpoint. Compare two identical humans, one with and one without magic, the mage is superior to the normal human. This is a fact, there are no downsides to having magic compared to not."
"You..." You are honestly at a loss for words, even the simmering anger was buried under the flood of shock. "You are a magic supremacist? You're racist against normal people?"
She frowns at your words. "Not at all, normal humans are generally not less intelligent than mages or otherwise inferior. Mages are just better, which is why I have full intentions of helping magic spread to as many people as possible."
"That... sounds incredibly ominous coming from you." Miss backstab trying to spread magic with mages above humans? Oh I can see where this is going.
Her frown grows slightly deeper. "With the barrier so close to breaking I cannot do much for any immediate assault we might encounter, but I am fully capable of making sure the next generation has as many mages as possible." The 'however possible' goes unsaid, but it hangs onto the end of the sentence.
"I'm not going to help you ensure the next generation has as many mages as possible if you are going to do what I think you are." The fact that she is a backstabbing bitch that has you completely and utterly cornered right now aside, you refuse to fight for a woman who is hinting at things like mass rape or breeding people.
"And how exactly do you think I am going to do it? Go mad with power and force people to breed?" She shakes her head. "While yes that would produce the most mages as possible, it would also promptly cause planet wide revolts when said children grow up under abusive parents and turn against the government as they are wont to do. Incentivising mage-normal couples, banning contraception between them, making it financially difficult for normal couples, large rituals for increasing fertility. These are all superior solutions to quickly have a large magical generation."
You sit there in silence as you take in what the fuck she is saying, but she keeps going. "I was hoping magic could be introduced in a more passive way, but this was has forced things into the open rather suddenly and we do not have time to wait for the populations to intermingle at the normal pace."
You open your mouth to say something, but you close it when you suddenly realise that you'd been drawn into her rhythm, again. She's trying to distract me from the whole fucking point I'm angry with her and it was working. You let out a long sigh as you close your eyes. "You are fucking impossible to deal with. Just talking to you is dangerous." When you peek, the emotions she had been showing had just vanished like they'd never been there. Fake, maybe not what she was saying, but her feelings were all fake. The bitterness starts creeping into your thoughts again. What can I do? I either decide to trust in a group that bombed me to not attack me when I'm alone or I stay with a woman who has a knife at my neck and a list of enemies she wants gone.
"And I really don't have a choice, now do I?" She doesn't react, but her silence tells you everything you need to know. It burns, knowing that you've finally gotten involved with the wrong person, someone who can pin you down because you wandered straight into her grip unsuspectingly. Una is at risk because of me, my choices, my failures. You want to attack her, you want to burn her to fucking ashes and tear a hole in the world to throw them into the void beyond. And you can't, because you let yourself get complacent. You trusted her, and now she had you.
You sit there, trying to think of a way, any way out of the situation you'd gotten trapped into and find nothing. You have no options here, you either do what she wants, trust the Illuminati or die.
There you sit, in that little meeting room, completely alone.
[Silly girl.]
[You are never alone.]
You look up and are briefly blinded by a light, when you eyes clear, you realise that you were staring at the sun. Blinking rapidly, you look around, finding yourself atop a grassy hill overlooking a lush valley. A gentle breeze rustles your hair, the grass ticking your legs as the stretch of verdant land gently sways with it. What? You feel fingers running through your hair, the gentle and somehow familiar touch soothing your rapidly beating heart. I know this. You don't even need to look back, you know it's her.
She shifts and your head drops to her lap with a soft pomf, giving you sight of her.
She's different, she changed her look? You really aren't sure if the green bits on her hair are supposed to look like the continents, but they look... strange.
You don't say anything though, letting the relaxing atmosphere and the feeling of safety calm your raw nerves. She brushes a bit of hair out of your face, letting it curl around her hand as she rests it on your cheeks upside down.
[Quite a predicament you've found yourself in]
You nod a little sullenly. "I can't escape, there isn't anything I can do."
She smiles down at you and boops you on the nose. [Maybe not. But I am always watching. She thinks you are hers.] She hugs you, just a little tightly. [But you are mine.]
The statement makes you feel a strange mixture of intimidated and warm, but you don't dispute it.
She leans in closer, her hair forming a curtain around the two of you as she looks into your eyes. [You can always come to me, if the world is a little to heavy of a burden to carry alone, you can rest your shoulders here.]
You let out a long sigh as you feel your tense muscles relax, but a nagging thought prompts you to ask. "Will you keep me here for days again, I need to keep my sister safe." You trust Daiyu will do her best, but you don't know how long she could keep her safe alone.
MotherGaia shakes her head, her hair tickling your cheeks. [You are here for but a moment.]
You let yourself relax fully, feeling like jelly as she starts playing with your hair again. She really likes my hair... "Why though." It's not that you don't appreciate the break, but surely she must have more of a reason.
She pouts slightly when you question and she stops playing with your hair. [I do not like her plans, you are mine, not hers. I can give you the escape you want.]
It takes a moment for her statement to settle in your brain, your tranquil surroundings helping you keep your reaction to a skipped heartbeat. "An escape for my sister?" She nods and you push your luck just a little bit. "What about my friends."
She pauses, tilting her head as she looks down at you. [They cannot stay here, but if you bring them they can stay nearby.]
You bite your lip, blushing when one of her hands quickly pokes your lip out of your teeth as she tuts. "How do I bring them? If I decide to."
She smiles, taking one of your hands and running circles in your palm with a finger. [Just be outside of that 'Clocktower' and I will take care of the rest.]
