Building a castle!

[Eternal Mage, Aether.]

I'm a little tired and stress out for past couple of days. After the amusement park with Riley I've returned home for a bit. There I pissed off Lyra and almost caused her like Sakura to run away. I had to deal with some robbers and recover Lyra which caused me to age for a bit. So I just stayed home for a little while, until I recover while making calls to get everything set up. It's early in the morning and I made sure to get all the supplies sent over soon as possible. There was a bit of confusion as I just said all the supplies and not any workers.

However, not everything is here yet, and I'm sure that I missed a bit. Riley plans to have a huge and oversize castle with a lake. I don't think this will make me age, but it will wear me out from sheer size. I'm also sure Riley thought of some new things to add into the castle or something. I'm not all that sure, but I will see I guess.

I sucked in the air as if nothing had ever been so sweet. The fragrance of summer grasses and meadow flowers had never been clear to me before, but now they jumped out like a candy commercial. Hopefully, Riley is not too mad at me for being homed longer than I intentionally planned. I'm not really much of a morning person, but after being old for a bit and return to normal, I have a burst of energy! I've raced Lyra to get here, and beat her with ease.

Though, I'm sure that because it's pretty early in the morning so she couldn't bother. Well, I need to get back in shape anyway and if I remember correctly. There's supposed to be a training area within the castle, if so, I'll take the chance to get back in shape, because that amusement park date made me realize how out of shape and weak I am. Not including how much I embarrass myself, but Riley had a lot of fun, that matter the most for me.

[Lyra]

Lyra had ran after her daddy, losing the race by a long shot. When she finally reached him, her chest was heaving and she was panting heavily. "Good run..." She took a few moments to catch her breath before staring out at the wide open space. "Now, why are we here?" Turning to Aether, she walked towards him, extending her claws to walk up him. After climbing up his clothes, she found her perch on his shoulder.

She curled up on his shoulder, her twin tails wrapping around his neck loosely. The meadow was beautiful, she had to admit. "Do you have some business here?" There was no soul in sight other than them. No buildings or anything. Made the Exceed wonder why her master had led her here.

[Merc]

Though Riley had been alone, presented with relative peace for what was the first time in likely three years, the dark haired young woman hadn't stopped buzzing around Onibas. Between obtaining the rights to the old Griffin Wing territory, to arranging for building supplies, to trying to smooth over things with people that were still less than pleased with her, Riley scarcely stopped long enough to get a few hours sleep before setting off to work once more - which was evident in the darkness that circled her eyes.

Rubbing at the back of her neck, she craned it from side to side until it cracked and released a somewhat burdened sounding sigh as she thoughtfully looked to the sky to get a general idea of the time. Rubbing at her face, she slapped her cheeks twice before letting her hands fall away from her face.

A golden glow swallowed her body and she hovered off of the ground a few inches before taking off, becoming a streak of light in the sky as she made her way back towards the vacant lot that would, hopefully, soon become her beloved guild. As she neared, she sensed a familiar magical presence and sure enough, standing there was Aether.

Aether and a cat?

Arching a brow, Riley soon touched down a few feet away from them, the glow fading from her body once more. "I was starting to think something happened. I'm glad that you seem to be okay." She remarked, eyes trailing towards the feline for a moment before drifting to Aether once more.

[Eternal Mage, Aether.]

I stand in place while waiting for Riley and Lyra to arrive. First one to arrive is Lyra and she appears out of breath, a bit bizarre seeing how out of shape I am. She's completely out of breath as she approaches me. I look down at Lyra and say “Meeting someone and going to build something.” Lyra takes out her claws and begin to climb up my clothes.

I can feel her claws digging into me, making cringe just a bit until she reaches her customary spot, on my shoulder. Lyra curl up on my shoulder into a big of a snuggle. I reach up and begin scratching behind her ear. Her fur is soft as ever and kept clean. “Looks like being inside all the time has done the same thing to me.” Guess I will take Lyra out more often and make her walk instead of staying on my shoulder all the time.

I see some workers coming over and just dropping supplies in random places. I'm doing because later in the after noon will get very hot. I don't want the employees overheat themselves and pass out. It's rare for that to happen, but better safe than sorry.

Shortly after, up in the sky is the person that I'm waiting for. Riley is in a glorious golden glow as she softly touches the ground. “Hey there beautiful.” I'm getting more and more bold with Riley. I wave at Riley, as she comments in concern for me. “Sorry about that, but I had to take care of a few things.” I walk over to Riley and I try to resist in teasing her. It's early in the morning and from the looks of it, she's been busy herself. I'm curious where she's been staying at all this time, a hotel? During the outbreak, we were running shelters and we were generally sleeping there. I have a home that I can return, but what about her?

Well, regardless once this done, that will not to be a thing. I better get some of the introduction out-of-the-way. “This here, Lyra. She's the exceed I mentioned the other day. Lyra, this is Riley whom I spoke of.” I hope everyone will get along with one another and there be problems. “Be nice Lyra and introduce yourself.”

[Lyra]

Lyra begins to purr as Aether's hand scratches her ears and she shifts over a bit until most of her body is curled around his neck. Her nose is tucked against his throat, and she hums slightly at the vibrations his voice box makes every time he speaks. Her eyes close for a brief moment in time. When she opens them to say something, she notices a brilliant light touching the ground.

Looking up, her eyes widen slightly when a glowing lady appears and approaches them. Lyra gets to her feet, a little hesitant about the newcomer, moreso when daddy addresses her as 'beautiful'. She's not as beautiful as Lyra right? Her tail flicked nervously before her daddy gave her the order.

Getting to her feet, balancing perfectly on Aether's shoulder, she dips her head. It's a sign of greeting and utmost respect, as compared to a human bow. "Lady Riley, a pleasure to meet you." Even though she's apprehensive, she must be on her best behaviour. "I am Lyra. The master's most humble and trusted caretaker. Nothing more."

She lifts her head, her twin tails waving behind her slowly, brushing her dad's back as they do. "A friend of father's is a friend of mine. Anything you wish, I will provide."

[Merc]

Aether greeted her in a manner that she wasn't entirely expecting, caused Riley to blush softly as she rubbed at the back of her neck, diverting her eyes for a few long moments as she cleared her throat, not quite sure how to respond to that or if she should. Thankfully the conversation rolled forwards, allowing her to heave a sigh of relief as Aether explained that the cat was the exceed that he had told her about.

"Ooh, I've never actually seen an exceed before." She marveled, regarding the creature curiously. She had heard that they were magical creatures, which had peaked her interest, but when Lyra spoke her eyes widened slightly with surprise. Staring as the feline greeted her in a very formal manner, Riley had to blink herself out of her stupor, at which point she smiled. "Ah, it's nice to meet you, Lyra. I am Riley Aquila, guild master of Griffin Wing." Though she could hardly be called a guild master, she supposed, without an actual guild building or members...

"I'm sorry to drag you both all the way to Onibas." She assured, looking between the two as she bowed her head to them in apology. "I hope the trip wasn't too troublesome..." She commented, recalling the first time that she had met Aether - when he had found himself in trouble because he had been aimlessly wandering about places he wasn't familiar with. With this thought in mind, she wandered a little ways around the clearing, looking to all of the materials that had been gathered in preparation for what was to come.

Her guild would be reborn anew. Bigger, better, stronger than ever before. No matter what happened to her it should be able to withstand an assault from guilds like Phantom Cloak. Her fist tightened at the mere thought, but she slowly forced herself to relax as she gave a burdened sigh.

First things first. There would be plenty of time to make them pay after things got settled in Onibas.

[Eternal Mage, Aether.]

I pet Lyra on the head to show she's doing good and behaving. I play with her ears for a moment as I let out a sigh of relief. So far, the two of them get along. I was concerned that the two of them wouldn't get along, and they be baring their teeth to each other. I reach into my pocket and grab a small tasty treat. It's one of Lyra favorites treats, so I believe that she'll be contented with it. I offer it towards to Lyra for being a good girl, if she rejects it, I'll simply put it back in my pocket and offer it again later.

“It's no problem at all, Riley,” I assure her. “Your wish is my command.” I said in a teasing tone as I give a small butler bow though I'm careful so that Lyra don't fall off. As I lean upwards, I look into Riley pretty green eyes. For a moment, I'm lost in them. I can see my reflection within her pupils, but I look away so I'm not staring at her. I look over, and see some workers working hard with supplies for the castle.

“Is there anything with the plans that has changed with the castle? I don't want to fast forward and miss anything.” The area is completely cluttered with supplies. For the immediate area, it's becoming hard to walk around, and finding space to sit them down. “It's your Guild and home, right? So I want to make sure that you will be comfortable and happy with the results.” I want to say our home, seeing how I am going to join it myself, but I'm not that bold yet, damn it.

[Lyra]

Lyra dipped her head again briefly at the introduction. "Pleasure to be in a guild with you, Ms. Aquila. I know you'll lead it well." In all honesty, those were empty words. At least half of it was. Lyra could sense that the woman would be a fine leader that a new guild needed. However, Lyra was not pleased at the prospect of working under this lady. She didn't want to be here, she didn't want to be in a guild. Her and daddy survived without one for a long time, they could keep doing it. Besides, the way Aether addressed Riley and how he said he found love, Lyra knew exactly why they were getting all buddy-buddy with a guild. And she hated it.

But she stayed silent. She knew Aether was developing feelings for this woman, she knew he wanted to be in a guild with her. So she said nothing. Just offered her deepest, yet empty, respects. When Aether offered her a treat, she took it graciously, snuggling closer against his neck and cheek. She didn't need a guild. She needed her daddy. As long as she had him, she was good. No guild necessary.

[Merc]

Chuckling softly to herself as Aether continued to act as though he were her servant or something, Riley brought her hands to her hips, arching a brow as he stared into her eyes, though she soon turned them elsewhere, surveying the landscape, the forest in the distance to one direction, the city in the other. The guild would be a median between the two, a protective wall. With any luck, it might deter people with ill intentions from entering Onibas while also serving as a source of income for the newly restored city. She had great hopes for the guild, for Onibas, but behind them she hid a great deal of fear and apprehension.

Would history repeat itself? Would something drag her away from the guild again? Would it fall and cause the city to crumble with it? Was she strong enough to protect the guild?

Green eyes dimmed as she stared towards the forest, but when Aether spoke to her and she turned to face him once more any hint of sadness had faded to a smile. "Ah, no. I didn't really change any plans. I spent most of my time looking for mages that could help cast protective wards and the like. I'm not able to do much of anything like that on my own." Right, right. She was taking precautions so that the guild would be fine irregardless of whether or not she was present. Everything should be fine...

What Lyra said took her by surprise, as evident by her slightly widened eyes. "Be in a guild with me?" She echoed, staring at the feline for a few long moments before letting her gaze drift to Aether, inquisitively. "Are... you both joining Griffin Wing?" She slowly asked, eyes dancing.

[Eternal Mage, Aether.]

Lyra words feel a bit hollow, and she doesn't feel happy to me. She's only been referring to me as master and not father. I do not fully understand how to fix or help this problem. Perhaps if I show her a lot of attention to her, or maybe I should for a day, leave her with Riley and hope for the best? I don't really have an idea what to do with her, but the latter seems like the best plan to solve the issue. I whisper in Lyra ear, "Later, just the two of us, can practice magic together." I'm not sure if that will make Lyra happy, but I hope it will.

I gaze around the area and now; it looks like small things are being brought in now. Riley mentions that she didn't have any other plans to include the castle besides wards or something to protect the guild from outside forces. Well, what she doesn't know is that I plan to include something she's not aware of, and I hope she can appreciate the thought or something. One of the words comes over and informs us everything is here and finish. “Great, then I can get started.”

Lyra tells Riley that we're going to join Griffin Wing. I wasn't sure when or how to tell Riley that, but I guess I can now. Riley looks to me very excited about the news. “Yeah,” I replied to Riley. “I mean... For a while it might get lonely for you? So, I thought I could keep you company,” I said not being honest with my feelings towards her. I honestly want to be close to her and be more than friends, but it is doubtful she feels the same way.

I look away and put Lyra down from my shoulder while blushing. “Um, I need to get started, master.” Calling someone master feels unnatural to me, and I haven't called someone master in a long time. I once swore there be no one else, but if I can stay close to Riley. I create some distance from the two and slap my hands together while channeling magic. My right glows with magic runes and the ground glows with a giant magical clock.

Everything around us speeds up as all the supplies and building materials start to merge together, stone on top of stone, brick on stop of brick. At first, it's impossible to see what is being made. After a while, everything is coming into full view. The castle is forming together nicely with a nice lake around it. After several minutes, the entire castle is completely made, inside and outside. For an added touch, I've created a giant statue goddess of Riley.

My head is sweating, and I fall down in the grass worn out. I look at myself and see that I am still young. It's a lot of magic being used, but it's nowhere near on the scale of a city or being used on a person. I look at the castle and notice how much it looks like a fantasy castle as I lie in the castle. “I'm all done. I hope you like it.”

[Merc]

"Oh, so that's how it is?" Riley asked, though the mumbled question appeared to be directed mainly to herself. As Aether suddenly called her 'master' before wandering off to do his thing, she pushed her hands into the pockets of her jacket, contemplating how the title simultaneously felt nostalgic, comfortable, and somehow frightening. Once more a great burden was coming to rest on her thin shoulders, and she could only hope that she didn't get swept away from her responsibilities again. This time she hoped that she was strong enough to stop herself from slipping away. 

Letting her eyes turn towards Aether as he wandered further away from her, she fell into silent awe as she watched her dream guild come to life, the stones, furniture, everything flying about as the place came together bit by bit. Anyone watching with no idea what was going on would probably be startled by it all, but she was filled with a great sense of relief. With the guild rebuilt, hopefully the lives of many people could similarly be pieced together with time, if only - what was that giant golden looking thing that was coming together at the head of the castle?

Tilting her head, Riley looked on in silence as the shape of a statue came together before her eyes - a very familiar looking statue, in fact, one that had an uncanny resemblance to herself, besides the giant wings. "Aether... What is that?" She asked, blinking somewhat quickly. Glancing towards him and realizing he had flopped into the grass, she hurried over, crouching down and hovering over him.

"Are you alright?" She asked, green eyes dancing as she looked him over. He didn't age this time for some reason, but she pushed the thought from her mind for the time being.

[Eternal Mage, Aether.]

From my perspective, the guild looks great! It's simultaneously both fantasy and medieval. It's a good blend of both, and with that castle. Riley meets my expectation as she shocked to see the giant statue of herself. “I thought it be fitting, since you're like a goddess to the people of Onibas and the guild,” I informed Riley, a mix of teasing and being serious. Though, I put a little feeling into the statue design when I had it drawn.

Riley comes to me and hovers over in worry. I raise an arm up and wave at her. Gesturing that there's nothing to worry about. “Don't worry, I'm fine, Riley.” I've been with her for a while and got to know quite a bit about her. I honestly don't feel like I can just leave us being a guild member and a master. No, I want something more between us, and I hope that she feels the same. I look into her beautiful green eyes with desire.

After catching my breath, I get to my feet whiles thinking how I can tell her my feelings for her. My face turns a bit red while I'm thinking about it. Maybe somewhere more in private and be alone with her? That seems like the most optimal way if I want to confess my feelings for her. I take out a piece of paper and write down my address. “Hey Riley, when you, um, have some time. Can you come over to Kunugi and visit my home? There's something that I want to tell you, but when we're alone.” I hand her the paper I had written down for my address and run off before she can say anything.

-exit-

[Merc]

"Well, if you insist... Maybe just lay down for a minute at least..." Riley suggested, tilting her head to one side as she watched his face grow red. Was he getting a fever? A new side effect of his magic, perhaps? "Are you sure you're alright?" She went on to ask, stretching out a hand and resting her palm on his forehead for a moment. "Feels like you're burning up..." Frowning, she retracted her hand, watching as he pulled out a piece of paper and started to write on it.

When he suddenly invited her to his home, she swallowed hard, slowly accepting the paper that he offered to her. No sooner had she accepted it than he had taken off running away from the castle, though it was hard for her to fathom why he would do that. They had a huge castle basically to themselves, but for some reason it wasn't private enough for whatever he had to talk about, which made her think that it was perhaps about his past - about things he wanted to keep off of the guild records?

Nodding slowly to herself, she glanced at the paper before folding it up and poking it into the breast pocket on the inside of her jacket. "I'll drop by sometime." She murmured, slowly standing and stretching to her full height. Wordlessly, she made her way into the guild for the time being, having some business to take care of before she could even think of leaving Onibas.