"Oh yeah, these?" "Yes. They belong to a friend of mine, which I do not apprecriate you attacking this afternoon, Ophelia." "That blue haired lady, I remember. " (Ophelia rolled her eyes ) "Whatever. She's just another one of those whiny, stuck up, aristocrat ninnies. Which you';re not. as much." ( She tutted and scratched her fiery hair) "But ya know, then she surprised me. Right after, she suddenly charged up and came afta me . She was runnin in her skirts an everythin, even climbed up the wall1 course se was no match for me!" (Marianna sighed. Well that was not surprising and explained Oktavia's discheveled appearence upon arrival). "Oktavia is, an energetic girl. Almost as energetic as you are. And she is quite upset about what happened" "Well let er complain. " (The thief snigegred and stretched )"I aint gonna apologize if thats what you want." "Hmph. Could you at least please give back what you stole from her?" "Maybe, maybe not. Got no use for music notes, but this pendant might be worth somethin" "Those are important to her! That pendant was given to her by the man she loves!" (though it was increasingly clear to others that he had not much interest in her. she sighed as Ophelia just rolled her eyes. Sometimes there was not much use reasoning with her.) "I should get going now. It was, good to talk to you."
(There were the sounds of some inhuman screeches, and then of battle, and then the chill faded away. As Oktavia neared, she caugjht sight of some colorful leaping away, and three girls, also dressed colorfully and holding ornate weapons, remaining. The older girl was comforting the youngest girl) "There there, Helga..." "Waah! Those big bullies!"
...Yeah. Well, at least it wasn't one of those Witches with the power to hole up in their own little worlds - Those are horrible to deal with, honestly.
[The older girls said, sighing, and then put something in the younger girl's hand.]
- But we got at least one Grief Seed from the upgraded Familiar, so we can share that, I suppose. Yay?
......Yay. Um, I mean, thanks, Delia.
[The younger girl said, listlessly, and then, she did something with her hands, though Oktavia couldn't tell what she was doing.]
- You know, Delia? I can't help thinking that those nasty Ribbondorf girls are right on one way - We'll never get enough Grief Seeds if we keep on getting rid of the immature Familiars like we have up to now...
[The older girl sighed, then.]
...I know what you mean, but - Look, Helga, come on, we can't just let monsters go attack ordinary folk because it suits us better that way. I mean, what would Lady Ve - Our Sponsor think of that?
[The younger girl huffed at that.]
- Well, it's not like Our Lady knows about the Magical Girl business, or about Witches and Familiars for that matter, right?
[And then, her expression became much brighter.]
...But wait, I have an idea! What if we found some bad people to feed to the Familiars? I mean, I wouldn't want to stand by why they attack ordinary people either, but it doesn't seem like they care at all about who they try to suck energy off, so.
[And then, the younger girl looked around the clearing, and snickered, a dark look in her eyes.]
- And there's a pack of theives which are making a name for themselves right around here, from what I've heard, ha ha ha -
[Oktavia groaned inwardly, and slowly pinched her own cheek. She wasn't dreaming or anything, right?]
[Ophelia's people's hiding place]
[Ophelia paused for a moment, then. It wasn't like she wanted to get on Marianna's bad side, honestly - Marianna was one of the few nobles that she actually respected, after all.]
...Hey, you know, Lady Marianna? How much do you think a honest merchant girl could get for these music sheets and the pendant, if she just happened to find them in the woods or something?
[Marianna turned, and smiled a bit.]
- For all of them? Hmm, well, she could get at least a gold piece as a reward, I'd suppose. She'll have to make up a believable story about how she just happened to find them in the woods, though - I mean, it wouldn't do if the young noble lady in question thought that the honest merchant girl was actually one of the theives, after all!
...True, true.
[Ophelia said, and then, she looked at the sheets of music again.]
- Well, let's say that the this honest merchant girl just happened to be taking a walk in the woods, and then, some idiots almost ran her over with their horses! She yelled at them, of course, but they just ran away laughing, and then, she found a bag on the ground, and those things just happened to be inside them...
[The older girl rapped the younger girl scoldingly on the head with her staff] "No, Helga! I don't care if they are thieves! They are still people, and hurting them is wrong! We are not going to sink to those other magical girl's levels!" "all right..." [Helga pouted] "now, let us go home." [there was a twinkle anf the girls were suddenly dressed in normal clothing and the weapons vanished. They headed off. Oktavia stared. What had she just witnessed?) "Oktavia?" [Oktavia gave a startled jump and twirled around to see Marianna standing there] "Ah! Marianna! What a surprise?" "A surprise, indeed. What are you doing here?" "Ah, you have forgotten your purse, so I followed to give it back." "I see. Thank you, Oktavia." "The question is, what are you doing here in these woods?" "I was, taking care of some business. It is all right now. Let us return. Tomorrow is the festival after all! " [they headed back to the castle[
[Ophelia, in the meanwhile, was quickly making some plans.]
...Oookaaay then! I need one of you to play the honest merchant girl, all right?
[Chelsea raised her hand, then, giggling and jumping up and down.]
- Oh, I wanna, I wanna! Choose me, Ophelia!
[Ophelia looked her up and down, mock-seriously.]
...Hmmm...You're a bit young for this, but on the other hand, having cute kids around usually does make con games easier to run, so...
[And that was when one of the other girls who looked a little older then Ophelia raised her hand with a grin! She had light green hair and light green eyes, and was quite beautiful indeed.]
- I can play her older sister, then. We can be the honest merchant sisters, right?
[Back in the castle]
[Humility was feeling much better now, after she'd spent some time with Charlotte and Gretchen, and then had taken a nap. She was now making her way toward the Canderolo Castle's Grand Baths, smiling and humming to herself - ]
[And that was when she caught sight of Marianna and Oktavia, who were apparently heading toward the baths, too!]
...I don't feel too well, Lady Marianna.
[Okvatia was complaining as she absentmindly rubbed at her neck.]
Ever since I saw those strange girls, I...I...
[Marianna sighed a bit, then.]
...Lady Oktavia - I am sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about. What strange girls?
[And then, Marianna put a hand on Oktavia's forehead, looking slightly worried.]
- Humph. You do not appear to have a fever, but...
[Humility, in the meanwhile, was staring at Oktavia's neck. What was that dark smudge, anyway? She took out her extra spectacles with the wooden frames out of her sachel and put them on her face, trying to get a better look. Gretchen had said that she'd fitted those with the lens that should make it easier to read or do her embroidery, but...]
...Lady Oktavia? There's something on your neck here, I think.
[She said, and pointed at Oktavia's neck with her finger.]
- I'm not sure what it is, but - Did you get bitten by a bug or something?
[And Homura, still in Humility's mindspace, was now staring at Humility's neck, too, her eyes growing wide.]
[The thing on Oktavia's neck looked like a really weak version of a Witch's Kiss. Did Familiars even leave Kisses on their victims? Oh, cripes!]
[But it must have been a very weak kiss indeed, as it soon faded away and the gloom left Oktavia. As they bathed, Oktavia shared the story of the strange girls she witnessed with Humility.] "Well, that certainly was strange, Lady Oktvia. I wonder what that was all about?" [Inwardly Homura cringed. So there were still magical girls even here... ] "wait a moment. Helga, Delia, those are the names of some of the young orphan girls Queen Verena has taken in!" "Is that so? Perhaps we can ask her about it next time we see her." "Perhaps..."
By the time they got out of the baths, it had gotten dark. The duchess Matrianna went to check on her little siste in her quartersr. Charlotte was already in bed, snoozing peacefully and clutching her favorite pink and cream plush doll. Marianna smiled lovingly and stroked her soft pale hair "Oh my little Bebe. I am sorry I was not there to tuck you in. At least I can give you a good night kiss." [She leaned down and panted a kiss upon the child's plump cheek.] And meanwhile Homura lay in bed, thinking about this whole predictament. What did this all mean? was this a dream, or reality? And what should she do? It seems sometimes she was control of her body here, but most other times this other her was in control. It was like she was watching the scene out of another, or herselves, eyes. How strange...]
[Humility fell asleep, then, eventually, and Homura found herself wandering in Humility's dreams. A regal lady waved at an 8 year old Humility, blurry in the distance, and Humility waved back. It was some kind of summer party, judging from the heat and what people were wearing, Homura thought.]
...Auntie Venera! Tee hee!
[Homura, in the meanwhile, had found a table to sit at inside the dream, and took a sip of iced tea, sighing. Homura was pretty sure the iced tea was an element she herself had brought into the dream, as ice in summer was probably very expensive in this society, if it could be gotten at all.]
...Damn. I really wish I had my magic, now - I could fix your heart properly if I had it, you know? The eyes could wait, but your heart...
[Homura said, sighing, to the 8 year old Humility that had wandered over. The younger Humility nodded, solemnly.]
- Dr Elminister said I might live long enough to get married, if I'm lucky, but I shouldn't, because having a child might kill me.
[And then, she tilted her head, and looked at Homura.]
...Please don't tell Miss Gretchen, all right? Or Lady Marianna, or any of the other girls?
[And then, she sighed a bit.]
And I don't want you to talk to Auntie Verena about it either, because I'm not supposed to know about it, either, even if she does.
[Homura looked at her, and gave her a nod.]
...I wouldn't, then - I give you my word.
[And then, she put her her hand with a smile.]
- Pinkie swear, then?
[8 year old Humility looked puzzled at that, but then, she held out her hand with a shy smile.]
...What's a pinkie swear?
[Humility's Room]
[Homura woke up on the bed, then, still in Humility's body. She sighed a bit, and tried to sit up - Aand that was when a very small version of Homura's Magical Shield suddenly came tumbling down from the air, and hit her on the forehead!]
[Homura grabbed the little thing on her forehead, and stared at it for a moment, as it was barely the size of an bottlecap. Yes, this was her shield, and she could feel her own magic resonating with it, though the humm of the magic was much more muted then when she was back in her own body.]
[Homura paused, then - Wait, was her mind really in her body when she was back home in her time? Wasn't it actually supposed to be inside her Soul Gem?]
[She put out her hand, then, concentrating - And then, she went wide-eyed as a half transparent Soul Gem floated into existence above her palm! She tried to poke it with her other hand, and sighed a bit as her finger went right through it. Oh, she did feel a little something, like her finger had poked into something made of warm water, but...]
[And then, the half transparent Soul Gem floated right into her - No, Humility's chest, and disappeared from sight. Homura sighed a bit, then, and slumped back down on the comfortable bed again.]
[OK, so she could use at least some of her magic, even in this current state, it seemed - But now what? She still didn't have anything near enough magic to fix Humility's heart properly yet, she was pretty sure...]
[Homura blushed as she herd Humilitiy murmur one more thing] "I do want to marry Gretchen....] "...so do I..." To Homur'as diappoinment, the magic flickered off. Well, if she did have magic, she would have to save it for when she really needed it. Later at breakfast, Marianan was telling Oktavia that she heard from commoner merchant that they found her missing items dropped in the woods. Oktavia was suspicious of the claim.] [Marianna sipped her tea calmly "] besides. What if they really. Are commoners who do need the money?" Oktavia sighed, knowing they were right. "I suppose. I sorry. What sort of hero of justice would I be , thinking thoughts such as this? " " not a very good one" [Gretchen teased. All of them laughed among themselves] " ah, it shall be time to go help set up the festival! My family will be running a booth there. Would you all perhaps like to join me?" " sounds splendid!" [Homura offered a smile, continuing to try to follow along.[
Sometime later the girls were milling about the park, watching the festival being set up and interacting with the locals. Some younger girls ran up to them giggling " hi lily!" " we found you again!" " yay!" " h- hello..." " mother will be happy to see you again!" And that's when the people clamored a bit. " queen verena is here!" [Everyone bowed as a familiar beautiful young woman with dark hair and wearing an ornate blue and purple goown approached. Homura's mouth dropped open in disbelief. She knew her, though her eyes were normal and she did not have an air of darkness about her The little girls ran over to her happily " mother!" " look there's lily!" " I know, my dears." She said in her clear voice
[Humility, in the meanwhile, was sweatdropping up a storm.]
...Hello, everybody!
[She said to the girls, forcing herself to smile for a few moments, and then, she turned toward the dark haired beautiful woman.]
...Um...
[She groaned, and then, she whispered - ]
......Lady Vere - Your Majesty, are you actually supposed to be here?
- Why, of course not!
[Verena whispered back, smiling - And that was when Marianna raised her hand, smiling.]
...Everybody! Please pay attention - As you can see, Lady Verenia Selenius from the Purple Kingdom has arrived yet again for our Summer Festival with her troop of beautiful actresses...
[Some of the girls bowed and waved, then, while the crowd cheered!]
[And then, Marianna struck a pose.]
- So everybody, please don't call her Queen Verena, all right? Lady Verenia does have a similar name as the most beautiful and wise Queen of the Purple Kingdom, and she has played a Queen on stage occasionally, but it's not like she's actually Queen Verena herself, after all!
[The bystanders watched and clapped, then.]
...Well, of course not - Welcome to Castle Candeloro, Lady Venenia!
- Your troupe's singing and dancing are always a wonder to behold! We've missed you, Lady Venenia!
[Verena went up to Marianna, then, and smiled at all the bystanders.]
- Thank you for the warm welcome, everybody! Our performance will start in a couple of hours...Thank you, thank you!
[And then, she came back to Humility, who was sweatdropping even more, and gave her a mischevious smile, and whispered - ]
- See? Everything is just fine, my dear Humility!
[Humility sighed a bit, then, and then, she snickered, looking at her aunt. Verena's hair now had a slightly darker tint, making it look more like Humility herself's hair, and her hairstyle, clothes and accesories all made her look like a high ranking but eccentric noble who really liked the outdoors and acting, which was exactly how she wanted to show herself to the public at times like this, of course. But the real difference was in how she acted and talked - Her accent, expressions and body language were all different when she was being "Lady Verenia", ho ho ho...]
[Homura, in the meanwhile, was becoming very confused, indeed. Why did her mind keep showing her a vision of a woman who looked a lot like this Lady Verenia or Lady Verena or whatever her name actually was, except that her eyes where slitted like a cat's, and she was practically shimmering with a dark aura? Something...Something had happened, right before she'd ended up being sent back in time to this strange place and stuck inside the body of a girl who was so much like Homura herself, yet not...]
[Marianna, in the meanwhile, had gone to talk to Oktavia and Gretchen.]
...And that is Lady Verenia. She's a bit, hmm, eccentric, but she's a very kind and good person, and she's actually related to the real Queen Verena, from what I hear, so you two should be on your best behavior, all right?
[Marianna did know already that "Lady Verenia" was actually the real, actual Queen Verena, of course, but she did have to keep up the pretense that she wasn't, she felt - Oh, she was pretty sure that a certain percentage of the people here had figured it out already, but whatever, whatever.]
[Oktavia nodded, sagely.]
- Oh, I've heard of her, I think - She's Queen Verena's go-to woman when it comes to things like the theaters and the troupes, right?
[Gretchen, in the meanwhile, was sweatdropping a bit. She snuck a look at "Lady Verenia", who was now talking with some of the local minor nobles and rich merchants with a smile, and tilted her head, but then, she turned back to Lady Marianna with a somewhat forced smile pasted on her face.]
...Um, yes - I'll be on my best behavior, of course! Thank you, Lady Marianna...
[...The hairstyle and clothes and how she talked and moved were all different, but - She'd never seen anybody who resembled the real Queen Verena that much, to be honest. Well, it wasn't like she'd ever been formerly introduced to her, but she had attended one of the big parties with her family where Queen Verena had been the guest of honor, so she had seen her from a distance, so to speak.]
[One of the merchants scoffed nearby scoffed] " 'Lady Verenia'. Is everyone here really that stupid that they'd fall for that?" [Then Homura noticed something noticed something about some of the girls with Verena. They were wearing silver necklaces that resembled soul gem rings. Could they be...? And then,a certain devious extraterrestial critter nearby, watching them...] Gretchen setting up her booth, that white beast within her line of sight, but she seemed to take no notice of it. "Perhaps, she is not meant for it in this time, for now... Thank goodness." [Homura thought "I finally get to go out!" Charloote cheered, looking around at all the going ons with wide curious eyes. Marianna caught sight of a booth nearby and its residents, including the merchant who spoke up, and narrowed her eyes "Excuse me for a moment. Charlotte you must stay here." with a level head she went over "So. Is this a legitimate booth, or a cover up if you had a pick pocketing event planned for tonight?" "Bit of both" Opelia repleid as she peeled potatoes, wearing a plain peasant class dress and her now temporarily dark hair under a kerchief " Got my crew set up, but we also gonna be sellin some crisps. Huh, I see that blue twit is here. I brought her stuff"
[Marianna said, and looked at one of the younger girls, who was busy cutting into some potatoes with a rather strange looking curved knife.]
- Well, ya see, a local witchy-woman told us we could make the potatoes taste much better if we cut them thin, skins and all, and made the slices wavy before we fried then in oil, and then sprinkled some salt, pepper an' herbs over 'em, ho ho ho -
[Ophelia laughed, and took another crisp with her fingers, sticking them in a white dip.]
...And they taste even better with some cheese or sour cream with pickles! You wanna try them too, Lady Marianna?
[Marianna shook her head with a sigh.]
...Maybe later. And Ophelia? I think you should keep the pickpocketing to a minimum, if you don't want to mess up what we're planning to do with Lady Oktavia. You do want the reward, right?
[Ophelia sighed a bit at that, and waved her hand.]
- Sure, sure. So you're going to help us set things up now, right?
[And then, she grinned.]
...I think we'd rather prefer to talk someplace where "Lady Verenia" and her troup of beautiful girls wouldn't come and bother us, though. Boy, does that lady get around or what?
[Marianna sighed, then, and rolled her eyes, snickering herself.]
- For shame, Ophelia - Stop spreading those stories about her, please! Do you know how much trouble I'd be in if the Queen of the Purple Kingdom actually happened to turn up on my doorstep or something?
...Yeah, yeah, I get it...
[Ophelia said, and then, she got to her feet, and clapped her hands.]
- Well, OK, then, everybody - It's time for the performance we've been talking about. Come on, let's go, Chelsea, Emmy!
[And and about half and hour later, the green haired beautiful girl who Ophelia had called Emmy was bowing toward Oktavia, looking very embarrased. Marianna had taken Oktavia, Gretchen and Humility to a clearing in the woods, so they could do this without any extra fuss or muss.]
...And then, the theives ran away on their horses, sounding very drunk, and the bag was just lying on the ground, and oh, I was so scared, my lady...
[Emmy said theratically, putting her hand to her chest, while Chelsea nodded, her cute eyes wide, and struck a pose.]
- I was scared too - They almost ran right over her, lady! And they were all scary and noisy and hollaring and everything, and they stank of booze, too!
[Oktavia, in the meanwhile, was groaning.]
...They both sound soo fake! And I'm expected to pay them for handing me my own stuff back to me!?
[She whispered. Gretchen sighed, poked her in the arm, and whispered back to her -]
- Oh, Lady Oktavia, can't you let it go, just this once? I mean, we have no evidence whatsoever that these people are in cahoots with the thieves, right? And once this is over, we can go see my family's booth and everything...
...Oh, all right, all right, let's get this over with. I really don't want to lose the music sheets I wrote, or the pendant Lord Kelsey gave me for that matter.
[Oktavia grumped, and then, she tossed a gold coin at the green haired girl.]
- There. Now, you give me back my stuff, all right!?
...Thank you so much, lady!
[The green haired girl said, smiling and bowing profusely, and then, she immediately took the bags, and gave them to Oktavia. Oktavia took them out and looked threw them, scowling.]
...Darn, the third music sheet got dirt stains on it now, but all right, they're all here....
[The two girls disappeared very quickly after that, then, thanking Oktavia profusedly all the while. Gretchen sweatdropped a bit, wondering if the girls had been associated with the original theives which had stolen Oktavia's stuff after all, but decided not to worry about it for now.]
- OK, so that's done!
[Gretchen said, and then, she turned toward Marianna, Oktavia and Humility, forcing herself to smile brightly.]
...Lady Marianna, Lady Oktavia, Lady Humility - I would be honored to take you to my family's booth now, if you have to time to visit us. Do you have the time, do you think?
[Homura, in the meanwhile, was furrowing her brows inside Humility's mindspace. Was it just that she was becoming jumpy, or was a certain red eyes white critter actually looking directly at her - Or rather, Humility?]
[And then, the Incubator opened it's mouth!]
...Strange, strange. Why do you look so sparkly, all of a sudden?
[Homura hurried along, pretending she had not taken notice of the incubator. Along the way to Gretchen;'s family's stand, Charlotte had stopped at the stand the green haired girl was from, ordering some crisps. [The owner of the stand, the kerfiefed girl who had spoken up about the queen, leaned over and smiled down at Charlotte] "But of course, young miss! alas, we are not open for business yet and have just started our cooking." [ Upon seeing her dispointed look, she added "But just for you young miss, we shall offer our very first batch! " And she brought out a still hot plate of crisps, topping it ff with seasoning and melted cheese "Voila!" "Hooray! Thank you so much!" Charlotte reached into er coin purse and puleld out some coins "Here you are, I hope it is enough!" it may have been too much, but she did not know how to manage money very well yet. [Homura couldnt help smile as she watched the scene. Yes this Nagisa seemed just the same as the current incarnation, and that girl at the stand had a familiar air as well...] "There you are Charlotte!" [ Maianna approached, Oktavia behind her. ]"I see you wanted a snack all ready" She took out her kerchief and wiped the crumbs form her sister's cheeks. [the girl at the stand bowed demurely, keepign her eeys down] "It is an honour, Lady Von Seckendorff." Oktavia just nodded "Thank your friend again for finding my stolen items." "You are welcome. as she said, we found the lost items. we decided to return as much of the itmes to their ownders as possible. I am fortunate enough to be able to read, and I saw your name. Im sorry we cant just give it right back to you and ask for money in return, but as you understand, times are hard..." [the conversation eventually turned to arguing over other merchandise.] "Is it so a fair price! It is not just my mouth to feed after all! See little chelsea there?"Ophelia pointed to the little girl with short green piigtils that was now running around playing with Charlotte " I took her under my care when her abusive mother was killed by a beast!"] "Well that is noble of you, fine I will match it, but this is getting far, and_" [they were interupted by the sudden clater of the little girls ran inside the booth and stumbled over the crates, heading right for the boiling pot of oil! In a flash, Ophelia suddenly leapt and spun agilly over the booth in a way a normal commoner woman would not be able to, grabbed a pole and knocked the pot out of the way and pushed the child to safety, landing both of them into the washtub with a splash. Oktavia's mouth dropped open as she revisualized taht exact same agile leap as the theft yesterday and matched it, and even more proof with the crimson hair that appeared as the dye dripped off. "y-you!!!" "Ah, looks like you found me out." Ophelia just gave her a wicked grin "Thats rigt. Im the thief. And damn proud I did! " why you so mad? Its cause I took some silly sheet music and some jewerly from your boyfriend?" ]
[Oktavia almost shrieked - But that was when she realized that Marianna was almost burying her face in her hands, wincing.]
[The other people at the booth, on the other hand, were looking at both the girl Oktavia had been yelling at and Marianna, as if they couldn't decide exactly what to do. Some of them were even looking at Marinna directly, almost like they were begging her to do something about the situation.]
[.......Haaah? Well, she'd heard that some of the lords had "arrangements" with the local thieves, but...]
[Oh, well, she wouldn't make life more difficult for Lady Marianna if she could help it, and who knew what kind of "arrangements" her own family had made, but whatever, whatever.]
[Oktavia snarled, then, and pointed at the woods outside, looking straight at the now brown-haired girl who was sneering back at her wolfishly.]
- Very well, then, you idiot thief - Let's go and fight properly out there, so people don't get hurt, all right!?
[And then, she snickered, and said - ]
...And if I win, I get to keep that pretty spear of yours. That'll be fair, right?
Oktavia glared back, her eyes just as cold "That is a good plan. Let us go."she went over to the carraige and took out the sheathed sword she had brought along. Marianna took her arm "Oktavia, do not be foolish!" "I must deal eith her!"(d Okatvia replied, ppassing her by She and Ophelia headed out to the oudsits of forest near the festival grounds The thief chuckled as she saw the sword ) "Oh-hoh! So you found a way to defend yourself, huh? You pretty lady even know how to use such a thing?" "Shut up!" Oktavia growled, pulling off some of her underskirts for easier movement then drawing the sword, standing in a proper stance "I have been training in swordsmanship for a while now! And I shall become one of the royal knights and a defender of peace and justice!"
[Homura blinked, then. What in the world was happening?]
[It was as if two different scenes were taking place in front of Humility's eyes at the same time - In one, Oktavia had challanged the thief girl to a duel in the woods, and had told her she'd keep her spear as a prize if she won, but in the other scene, it was the thief girl who challenged Oktavia, and told her she'd keep her pendant as a prize if she won.]
[What in the world was going on?]
[But that was when there was a soft voice behind her.]
(Oh, yes, a reality glitch. This timeline is beginning to change slightly, already, just by you existing within Humility, it seems...)
[Homura spun around, then, but there was nobody else in Humility's mindspace as far as she could see.]
[So the timeline was beginning to change, huh? Was that a good thing or a bad thing?]
[But then, Gretchen and Marianna began to run after Oktavia and the thief girl, and Humility began to follow them too, even if she couldn't run as fast. Homura wondered who was going to win, Oktavia or the thief girl - And then, she blinked as she realized that the thief girl looked just like Sakura Kyoko, except she had brown hair. How strange! Did everybody look like the people she knew back home, here?]
[And then, the thief girl shook her head, laughing, and her hair began to change color as Homura watched, the redness shining threw what was apparently some kind of brown powder that was sprinkled on it! Now the girl really looked like Sakura Kyoko, bright red hair and all...]
[Homura sighed a bit, then, as Humility had to stop, her hands to be chest, panting. Gretchen turned around and came running back to her, a worried expression on her face.]
...Oh, Lady Humility, I'm so sorry! We shouldn't have run ahead like that...
After that, oktavis pwent over to the carraige and took out the sheathed sword she had brought along. Marianna took her arm "Oktavia, do not be foolish!" "I must deal eith her!"(d Okatvia replied, ppassing her by She and Ophelia headed out to the oudsits of forest near the festival grounds The thief chuckled as she saw the sword ) "Oh-hoh! So you found a way to defend yourself, huh? You pretty lady even know how to use such a thing?" "Shut up!" Oktavia growled, pulling off some of her underskirts for easier movement then drawing the sword, standing in a proper stance "I have been training in swordsmanship for a while now! And I shall become one of the royal knights and a defender of peace and justice!"
[Homura shook her head, then, and decided not to worry about the strange things that had just happened for the moment. No matter who challenged who, Oktavia and Ophelia were still going to fight, after all.]
[Humility, in the meanwhile, had managed to catch her breath, and now was slowly walking toward where the duel was talking place, Gretchen holding her hand.]
...I wish I didn't cause you this much trouble, Miss Gretchen...
[Humility said, softly. Gretchen turned around, then, and gave her a hug.]
- You are not causing me any trouble, Lady Humility - You're my friend, right? And that's what friends are for!
[Ophelia, in the meanwhile, had just laughed at Oktavia, brushing the brown powder out of her red hair with a hand.]
...Ohh, so you want to become a Lady Knight!
[And then, she snickered.]
- Too bad that the only Kingdom that has Lady Knights around here is the Purple Kingdom, eh? Why, they even have a Lady General, from what I've heard...
(Humility blushed further, feeling Gretchen's warm and sooft touch upon her] "Of course. Dear Gretchen..." [Marianna rushed ahead hurridly, still in a refined manner, but had to pause to stop Charlotte from following ] "Please, stay here, Charlotte. It will be dangerous." [Charlotte pouted in disappointment] "Yes , big sister...
[Ophelia leaned forward, sneering in amusement] "Which means, your manly knigthts probably weren't too happy when you told them you wanted to sign up! they said no, manly heroic knights were no position for a fancy, pampered lady like yourslef!" [Oktavia gritted her teeth, not wanting to admit that Ophelia was actually right. That the knights of the blue kingdom only chuckled in amusement upon hearing her wish...] "Anyway, Okty"[Opehelia chuckled, picking up that nickname form Oktavia's tiny pink friend] "A defender of peace of justice? What a load of crap! The so called heroic knights are nothing but pompous hypocrites! Where were they when villaiges were being burned to the ground, raids were going on, and innocent people got hurt!"
...Booo! Sure, sure, some of the knights are shitty people, but most of them are pretty decent as far as I know. And everybody knows that they just aren't enough knights to go around to stop all the bad stuff from happening, anyway!
[And then, Oktavia sighed a bit.]
- It's mostly the Princess of Evil's fault, anyhow - She raises taxes and raises taxes, but nobody can figure out where all that money is actually going to. And each year, there's less and less money for the knights, or the city watchmen, or for fixing roads, or for anything important to the commonors for some reason...
[And then, she sniggered again.]
...Besides, you're a thief, right? Are you sure you have a leg to stand on, complaining about innocent people getting hurt?
[Ophelia sighed a bit at that.]
- Oh, I do suppose you've got me there. We do try to do that "steal from the rich and give to the poor" shtick seriuosly, though, in case you were wondering~
[And then, she chuckled.]
...So you don't like her Evil Highness either? Cool, cool - I'd thought most of the nobles loved her style, for some reason!
[And then, the two traded some blows again, both grinning. This was quite fun, oddly enough, they both thought.]
"Well, Princess Rillianne is quite horrid indeed! I really dislike her!" " Princress Rillianne, the Daughter of Evil!"So many innocent people are in misery because of her!!" In her ire she struck. Ophelia sneered with disgust and anger at the thought of her [Ophelia reacted and managed to block the pear with her sword, though she was being pushed back a bi]t "She is horrid! And especially if she is as bad as you say," S[he swung back ]"But she is not my queen! I am am of the Blue kingdom's noibility! I was just visiting my friend! But despite being a noblewoman of gold, Lady Candeloro is a very kind person!" "Ah, so you have a handsome, womanizing idiot as your crown heir apparent then, in Blue!" "Well he treats his people well, at least!" [Oktavia leapt in a springing charge]] "Yeah because he's too busy stuffing his face with ice cream and charming every pretty lady he sees!"[Ophelia stepped aside, though she was actually a bit surprised the young noblewoman figured that move, and grabbed the flowing skirts and bringin her down to the ground] [Oktavia cried out at that and tried to twist around, hand still on her sword, but Ophelia pinned her down] "Ya cant deny that, can ya! [Ok it was true Prince Kyle was a fool, but that wasnt the point!Oktavia struggled with a whine] "Let go of me!" [Ophelia leaned her face in closer, grinning nastily. ] "Why should I, Okty?" " [Huh, this silly blue girl, She did look cute all flustered like this....]
[Oktavia shook her head, then, though she was still red in the face.]
...Oh, who cares - Prince Kyle may be embarrasing, but he hasn't done anything to bring his own Kingdom to ruin, at the very least!
[Ophelia blinked at that, grinning.]
- Are you sure of that? I mean, I've heard some stories -
[And then, she snickered.]
...So what are those rumors about him jilting the Princess of Evil because he wanted to marry a Green girl, anyway? Aand then, she just happened to turn out to be a Princess of the Green Kingdom, right? How convienient for them!
[Oktavia blinked] "Well, I have not heard about that yet. But I doubt that they are true. If it is, well, knowing princess rillianne, things shall be much worse off." "And what about you, eh? Got some fancy prince charmin of your own, ya pinin after enough to write love songs about?" "That would be none of your business, crook!!!" "heheh. Hm, ni e shot.I admit, youre atually much better then I thought you'd be! "[of course it did help that the noble had taken off a bunch of layers of her fancy dress before the battle, making it much easier to manuver in] "I have been taking lessons form the captain of the guard!" [Oktavia proclaimed as she pushed ]back "think as you may, but I take the ability of the sword seriously! it is not some whimsy!" "Well good for you, getting a hobby besdes rich stuff! besides, swords are overrated, and I got lessons myself!" [They continue to swipe blows and bantering for a while. Oktavia was starting to get tired more easily as she was not used to combat. at one point the spear stuck the fabric and ripped off the last few layer of oktavia's skirt, revealing down to her bloomers and stockings. finally they ended up getting tangled up and tumbling off the bridge SPLASH! into the pond]
[Oktavia got red in the face, then, as she looked at the thief girl. Most of both of their clothes had gotten torn in the fight, and now they were both wet to boot. Of all the embarrasing - ! =}
[The redhead grinned and waved her hand, then.]
...Well, alright, I never thought I'd say this to a silly noble miss, but you're pretty good!
[And then, she waved her hand, and jumped back up on the bridge.]
- But on the other hand, I do have to go now, so -
[Oktavia looked at her and tried to stand up inside the lake, huffing.]
...So you're going to run away now, Thief Girl?
[The redhead laughed.]
- Yuuup! Running away is part of my job, after all!
[And then, she leaned closer to Oktavia, and whispered - ]
...But on the other hand, if you're serious about really really not liking the Princess of Evil, we might be meetin' again sooner rather then later, ha ha ha - So bye for now, Okty!
[And then, the redhead ran into the woods, and was gone. Oktavia sighed, and started to get out of the pond, pulling some weeds from out of her hair.]
...And I suppose the rest of the thieves got away while we were fighting, Lady Marianna?
[Marianna gave Oktavia a relived smile, and went up to her.]
...I'm afraid so, Lady Oktavia!
[Oktavia shrugged at that, wondering what kind of deal the redhead and Lady Marianna actually had. Well, it was sort of obvious there was some kind of deal going on, she was pretty sure, and now that the redhead had actually mentioned Princess Rillanne... Ew, politics. Oktavia decided not to mention anything about what she thought about the connections between Lady Marianna and the thief girl for the time being, and changed the subject with a smile.]
- Oh, well...It can't be helped, I suppose! Say, Lady Marianna, have you heard any rumors about Prince Kyle lately?
[And in the meanwhile, just a small distance away - ]
[Gretchen and Humility were sweatdropping up a storm, staring at a large bowl full of fried potato slices that one of the younger thieves had just thrust into their hands as she ran past them, giggling.]
...Those are the strangest theives ever.
[Gretchen said, and then, she smiled a bit as she smelled the potato chips with salt and bacon bits on them.]
" what about him now?" ( marianna loolkef oktavia over )And you are filthy and your dress is in tatters!" M)arianna shook her head) Poor thing. Here, we should go bathe in the springs. We have a special private section in the gardens." "Wonderful idea! It shall be relaxing!" [none of them noticed the redhead still watchig them with a smirk from the branches]
[some time later, Oktavia, Marianna, Gretchen, Charlotte and Homulily went to the private royal hot springs in the castle grounds. Built up from natural hotsprings, it was elegantly crafted with marble ledges, floral arrangements and a gazebo and served snacks and drinks.] "Oh this so pretty!" (Gretchen commented as they got in. Homura Humility still could not help blushing as Gretchen undressed. Whatever timeline, it was always nice to bathe with madoka...]
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timeasmymeasure
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-08-29 04:02 am (UTC)"Yes. They belong to a friend of mine, which I do not apprecriate you attacking this afternoon, Ophelia."
"That blue haired lady, I remember. " (Ophelia rolled her eyes ) "Whatever. She's just another one of those whiny, stuck up, aristocrat ninnies. Which you';re not. as much." ( She tutted and scratched her fiery hair) "But ya know, then she surprised me. Right after, she suddenly charged up and came afta me . She was runnin in her skirts an everythin, even climbed up the wall1 course se was no match for me!"
(Marianna sighed. Well that was not surprising and explained Oktavia's discheveled appearence upon arrival). "Oktavia is, an energetic girl. Almost as energetic as you are. And she is quite upset about what happened"
"Well let er complain. " (The thief snigegred and stretched )"I aint gonna apologize if thats what you want."
"Hmph. Could you at least please give back what you stole from her?"
"Maybe, maybe not. Got no use for music notes, but this pendant might be worth somethin"
"Those are important to her! That pendant was given to her by the man she loves!" (though it was increasingly clear to others that he had not much interest in her. she sighed as Ophelia just rolled her eyes. Sometimes there was not much use reasoning with her.) "I should get going now. It was, good to talk to you."
(There were the sounds of some inhuman screeches, and then of battle, and then the chill faded away. As Oktavia neared, she caugjht sight of some colorful leaping away, and three girls, also dressed colorfully and holding ornate weapons, remaining. The older girl was comforting the youngest girl)
"There there, Helga..."
"Waah! Those big bullies!"
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-08-29 06:53 am (UTC)...Yeah. Well, at least it wasn't one of those Witches with the power to hole up in their own little worlds - Those are horrible to deal with, honestly.
[The older girls said, sighing, and then put something in the younger girl's hand.]
- But we got at least one Grief Seed from the upgraded Familiar, so we can share that, I suppose. Yay?
......Yay. Um, I mean, thanks, Delia.
[The younger girl said, listlessly, and then, she did something with her hands, though Oktavia couldn't tell what she was doing.]
- You know, Delia? I can't help thinking that those nasty Ribbondorf girls are right on one way - We'll never get enough Grief Seeds if we keep on getting rid of the immature Familiars like we have up to now...
[The older girl sighed, then.]
...I know what you mean, but - Look, Helga, come on, we can't just let monsters go attack ordinary folk because it suits us better that way. I mean, what would Lady Ve - Our Sponsor think of that?
[The younger girl huffed at that.]
- Well, it's not like Our Lady knows about the Magical Girl business, or about Witches and Familiars for that matter, right?
[And then, her expression became much brighter.]
...But wait, I have an idea! What if we found some bad people to feed to the Familiars? I mean, I wouldn't want to stand by why they attack ordinary people either, but it doesn't seem like they care at all about who they try to suck energy off, so.
[And then, the younger girl looked around the clearing, and snickered, a dark look in her eyes.]
- And there's a pack of theives which are making a name for themselves right around here, from what I've heard, ha ha ha -
[Oktavia groaned inwardly, and slowly pinched her own cheek. She wasn't dreaming or anything, right?]
[Ophelia's people's hiding place]
[Ophelia paused for a moment, then. It wasn't like she wanted to get on Marianna's bad side, honestly - Marianna was one of the few nobles that she actually respected, after all.]
...Hey, you know, Lady Marianna? How much do you think a honest merchant girl could get for these music sheets and the pendant, if she just happened to find them in the woods or something?
[Marianna turned, and smiled a bit.]
- For all of them? Hmm, well, she could get at least a gold piece as a reward, I'd suppose. She'll have to make up a believable story about how she just happened to find them in the woods, though - I mean, it wouldn't do if the young noble lady in question thought that the honest merchant girl was actually one of the theives, after all!
...True, true.
[Ophelia said, and then, she looked at the sheets of music again.]
- Well, let's say that the this honest merchant girl just happened to be taking a walk in the woods, and then, some idiots almost ran her over with their horses! She yelled at them, of course, but they just ran away laughing, and then, she found a bag on the ground, and those things just happened to be inside them...
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-08-30 05:04 am (UTC)"all right..." [Helga pouted]
"now, let us go home." [there was a twinkle anf the girls were suddenly dressed in normal clothing and the weapons vanished. They headed off. Oktavia stared. What had she just witnessed?)
"Oktavia?"
[Oktavia gave a startled jump and twirled around to see Marianna standing there] "Ah! Marianna! What a surprise?"
"A surprise, indeed. What are you doing here?"
"Ah, you have forgotten your purse, so I followed to give it back."
"I see. Thank you, Oktavia."
"The question is, what are you doing here in these woods?"
"I was, taking care of some business. It is all right now. Let us return. Tomorrow is the festival after all! " [they headed back to the castle[
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-08-30 12:30 pm (UTC)[Ophelia, in the meanwhile, was quickly making some plans.]
...Oookaaay then! I need one of you to play the honest merchant girl, all right?
[Chelsea raised her hand, then, giggling and jumping up and down.]
- Oh, I wanna, I wanna! Choose me, Ophelia!
[Ophelia looked her up and down, mock-seriously.]
...Hmmm...You're a bit young for this, but on the other hand, having cute kids around usually does make con games easier to run, so...
[And that was when one of the other girls who looked a little older then Ophelia raised her hand with a grin! She had light green hair and light green eyes, and was quite beautiful indeed.]
- I can play her older sister, then. We can be the honest merchant sisters, right?
[Back in the castle]
[Humility was feeling much better now, after she'd spent some time with Charlotte and Gretchen, and then had taken a nap. She was now making her way toward the Canderolo Castle's Grand Baths, smiling and humming to herself - ]
[And that was when she caught sight of Marianna and Oktavia, who were apparently heading toward the baths, too!]
...I don't feel too well, Lady Marianna.
[Okvatia was complaining as she absentmindly rubbed at her neck.]
Ever since I saw those strange girls, I...I...
[Marianna sighed a bit, then.]
...Lady Oktavia - I am sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about. What strange girls?
[And then, Marianna put a hand on Oktavia's forehead, looking slightly worried.]
- Humph. You do not appear to have a fever, but...
[Humility, in the meanwhile, was staring at Oktavia's neck. What was that dark smudge, anyway? She took out her extra spectacles with the wooden frames out of her sachel and put them on her face, trying to get a better look. Gretchen had said that she'd fitted those with the lens that should make it easier to read or do her embroidery, but...]
...Lady Oktavia? There's something on your neck here, I think.
[She said, and pointed at Oktavia's neck with her finger.]
- I'm not sure what it is, but - Did you get bitten by a bug or something?
[And Homura, still in Humility's mindspace, was now staring at Humility's neck, too, her eyes growing wide.]
[The thing on Oktavia's neck looked like a really weak version of a Witch's Kiss. Did Familiars even leave Kisses on their victims? Oh, cripes!]
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-08-31 05:37 am (UTC)"Well, that certainly was strange, Lady Oktvia. I wonder what that was all about?" [Inwardly Homura cringed. So there were still magical girls even here... ] "wait a moment. Helga, Delia, those are the names of some of the young orphan girls Queen Verena has taken in!"
"Is that so? Perhaps we can ask her about it next time we see her."
"Perhaps..."
By the time they got out of the baths, it had gotten dark. The duchess Matrianna went to check on her little siste in her quartersr. Charlotte was already in bed, snoozing peacefully and clutching her favorite pink and cream plush doll. Marianna smiled lovingly and stroked her soft pale hair
"Oh my little Bebe. I am sorry I was not there to tuck you in. At least I can give you a good night kiss." [She leaned down and panted a kiss upon the child's plump cheek.]
And meanwhile Homura lay in bed, thinking about this whole predictament. What did this all mean? was this a dream, or reality? And what should she do? It seems sometimes she was control of her body here, but most other times this other her was in control. It was like she was watching the scene out of another, or herselves, eyes. How strange...]
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-09-01 07:23 am (UTC)[Humility fell asleep, then, eventually, and Homura found herself wandering in Humility's dreams. A regal lady waved at an 8 year old Humility, blurry in the distance, and Humility waved back. It was some kind of summer party, judging from the heat and what people were wearing, Homura thought.]
...Auntie Venera! Tee hee!
[Homura, in the meanwhile, had found a table to sit at inside the dream, and took a sip of iced tea, sighing. Homura was pretty sure the iced tea was an element she herself had brought into the dream, as ice in summer was probably very expensive in this society, if it could be gotten at all.]
...Damn. I really wish I had my magic, now - I could fix your heart properly if I had it, you know? The eyes could wait, but your heart...
[Homura said, sighing, to the 8 year old Humility that had wandered over. The younger Humility nodded, solemnly.]
- Dr Elminister said I might live long enough to get married, if I'm lucky, but I shouldn't, because having a child might kill me.
[And then, she tilted her head, and looked at Homura.]
...Please don't tell Miss Gretchen, all right? Or Lady Marianna, or any of the other girls?
[And then, she sighed a bit.]
And I don't want you to talk to Auntie Verena about it either, because I'm not supposed to know about it, either, even if she does.
[Homura looked at her, and gave her a nod.]
...I wouldn't, then - I give you my word.
[And then, she put her her hand with a smile.]
- Pinkie swear, then?
[8 year old Humility looked puzzled at that, but then, she held out her hand with a shy smile.]
...What's a pinkie swear?
[Humility's Room]
[Homura woke up on the bed, then, still in Humility's body. She sighed a bit, and tried to sit up - Aand that was when a very small version of Homura's Magical Shield suddenly came tumbling down from the air, and hit her on the forehead!]
[Homura grabbed the little thing on her forehead, and stared at it for a moment, as it was barely the size of an bottlecap. Yes, this was her shield, and she could feel her own magic resonating with it, though the humm of the magic was much more muted then when she was back in her own body.]
[Homura paused, then - Wait, was her mind really in her body when she was back home in her time? Wasn't it actually supposed to be inside her Soul Gem?]
[She put out her hand, then, concentrating - And then, she went wide-eyed as a half transparent Soul Gem floated into existence above her palm! She tried to poke it with her other hand, and sighed a bit as her finger went right through it. Oh, she did feel a little something, like her finger had poked into something made of warm water, but...]
[And then, the half transparent Soul Gem floated right into her - No, Humility's chest, and disappeared from sight. Homura sighed a bit, then, and slumped back down on the comfortable bed again.]
[OK, so she could use at least some of her magic, even in this current state, it seemed - But now what? She still didn't have anything near enough magic to fix Humility's heart properly yet, she was pretty sure...]
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-09-02 04:07 am (UTC)"...so do I..." To Homur'as diappoinment, the magic flickered off. Well, if she did have magic, she would have to save it for when she really needed it.
Later at breakfast, Marianan was telling Oktavia that she heard from commoner merchant that they found her missing items dropped in the woods. Oktavia was suspicious of the claim.]
[Marianna sipped her tea calmly "] besides. What if they really. Are commoners who do need the money?"
Oktavia sighed, knowing they were right. "I suppose. I sorry. What sort of hero of justice would I be , thinking thoughts such as this? "
" not a very good one" [Gretchen teased. All of them laughed among themselves] " ah, it shall be time to go help set up the festival! My family will be running a booth there. Would you all perhaps like to join me?"
" sounds splendid!"
[Homura offered a smile, continuing to try to follow along.[
Sometime later the girls were milling about the park, watching the festival being set up and interacting with the locals. Some younger girls ran up to them giggling " hi lily!" " we found you again!" " yay!"
" h- hello..."
" mother will be happy to see you again!"
And that's when the people clamored a bit. " queen verena is here!"
[Everyone bowed as a familiar beautiful young woman with dark hair and wearing an ornate blue and purple goown approached. Homura's mouth dropped open in disbelief. She knew her, though her eyes were normal and she did not have an air of darkness about her
The little girls ran over to her happily " mother!"
" look there's lily!"
" I know, my dears." She said in her clear voice
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot! 1/2
Date: 2016-09-03 06:36 am (UTC)...Hello, everybody!
[She said to the girls, forcing herself to smile for a few moments, and then, she turned toward the dark haired beautiful woman.]
...Um...
[She groaned, and then, she whispered - ]
......Lady Vere - Your Majesty, are you actually supposed to be here?
- Why, of course not!
[Verena whispered back, smiling - And that was when Marianna raised her hand, smiling.]
...Everybody! Please pay attention - As you can see, Lady Verenia Selenius from the Purple Kingdom has arrived yet again for our Summer Festival with her troop of beautiful actresses...
[Some of the girls bowed and waved, then, while the crowd cheered!]
[And then, Marianna struck a pose.]
- So everybody, please don't call her Queen Verena, all right? Lady Verenia does have a similar name as the most beautiful and wise Queen of the Purple Kingdom, and she has played a Queen on stage occasionally, but it's not like she's actually Queen Verena herself, after all!
[The bystanders watched and clapped, then.]
...Well, of course not - Welcome to Castle Candeloro, Lady Venenia!
- Your troupe's singing and dancing are always a wonder to behold! We've missed you, Lady Venenia!
[Verena went up to Marianna, then, and smiled at all the bystanders.]
- Thank you for the warm welcome, everybody! Our performance will start in a couple of hours...Thank you, thank you!
[And then, she came back to Humility, who was sweatdropping even more, and gave her a mischevious smile, and whispered - ]
- See? Everything is just fine, my dear Humility!
[Humility sighed a bit, then, and then, she snickered, looking at her aunt. Verena's hair now had a slightly darker tint, making it look more like Humility herself's hair, and her hairstyle, clothes and accesories all made her look like a high ranking but eccentric noble who really liked the outdoors and acting, which was exactly how she wanted to show herself to the public at times like this, of course. But the real difference was in how she acted and talked - Her accent, expressions and body language were all different when she was being "Lady Verenia", ho ho ho...]
[Homura, in the meanwhile, was becoming very confused, indeed. Why did her mind keep showing her a vision of a woman who looked a lot like this Lady Verenia or Lady Verena or whatever her name actually was, except that her eyes where slitted like a cat's, and she was practically shimmering with a dark aura? Something...Something had happened, right before she'd ended up being sent back in time to this strange place and stuck inside the body of a girl who was so much like Homura herself, yet not...]
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot! 2/2
Date: 2016-09-06 06:04 am (UTC)...And that is Lady Verenia. She's a bit, hmm, eccentric, but she's a very kind and good person, and she's actually related to the real Queen Verena, from what I hear, so you two should be on your best behavior, all right?
[Marianna did know already that "Lady Verenia" was actually the real, actual Queen Verena, of course, but she did have to keep up the pretense that she wasn't, she felt - Oh, she was pretty sure that a certain percentage of the people here had figured it out already, but whatever, whatever.]
[Oktavia nodded, sagely.]
- Oh, I've heard of her, I think - She's Queen Verena's go-to woman when it comes to things like the theaters and the troupes, right?
[Gretchen, in the meanwhile, was sweatdropping a bit. She snuck a look at "Lady Verenia", who was now talking with some of the local minor nobles and rich merchants with a smile, and tilted her head, but then, she turned back to Lady Marianna with a somewhat forced smile pasted on her face.]
...Um, yes - I'll be on my best behavior, of course! Thank you, Lady Marianna...
[...The hairstyle and clothes and how she talked and moved were all different, but - She'd never seen anybody who resembled the real Queen Verena that much, to be honest. Well, it wasn't like she'd ever been formerly introduced to her, but she had attended one of the big parties with her family where Queen Verena had been the guest of honor, so she had seen her from a distance, so to speak.]
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot! 2/2
Date: 2016-09-10 03:48 am (UTC)[Then Homura noticed something noticed something about some of the girls with Verena. They were wearing silver necklaces that resembled soul gem rings. Could they be...? And then,a certain devious extraterrestial critter nearby, watching them...]
Gretchen setting up her booth, that white beast within her line of sight, but she seemed to take no notice of it.
"Perhaps, she is not meant for it in this time, for now... Thank goodness." [Homura thought
"I finally get to go out!" Charloote cheered, looking around at all the going ons with wide curious eyes.
Marianna caught sight of a booth nearby and its residents, including the merchant who spoke up, and narrowed her eyes "Excuse me for a moment. Charlotte you must stay here." with a level head she went over "So. Is this a legitimate booth, or a cover up if you had a pick pocketing event planned for tonight?"
"Bit of both" Opelia repleid as she peeled potatoes, wearing a plain peasant class dress and her now temporarily dark hair under a kerchief " Got my crew set up, but we also gonna be sellin some crisps. Huh, I see that blue twit is here. I brought her stuff"
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot! 1/2
Date: 2016-09-10 06:48 am (UTC)[Marianna said, and looked at one of the younger girls, who was busy cutting into some potatoes with a rather strange looking curved knife.]
- Well, ya see, a local witchy-woman told us we could make the potatoes taste much better if we cut them thin, skins and all, and made the slices wavy before we fried then in oil, and then sprinkled some salt, pepper an' herbs over 'em, ho ho ho -
[Ophelia laughed, and took another crisp with her fingers, sticking them in a white dip.]
...And they taste even better with some cheese or sour cream with pickles! You wanna try them too, Lady Marianna?
[Marianna shook her head with a sigh.]
...Maybe later. And Ophelia? I think you should keep the pickpocketing to a minimum, if you don't want to mess up what we're planning to do with Lady Oktavia. You do want the reward, right?
[Ophelia sighed a bit at that, and waved her hand.]
- Sure, sure. So you're going to help us set things up now, right?
[And then, she grinned.]
...I think we'd rather prefer to talk someplace where "Lady Verenia" and her troup of beautiful girls wouldn't come and bother us, though. Boy, does that lady get around or what?
[Marianna sighed, then, and rolled her eyes, snickering herself.]
- For shame, Ophelia - Stop spreading those stories about her, please! Do you know how much trouble I'd be in if the Queen of the Purple Kingdom actually happened to turn up on my doorstep or something?
...Yeah, yeah, I get it...
[Ophelia said, and then, she got to her feet, and clapped her hands.]
- Well, OK, then, everybody - It's time for the performance we've been talking about. Come on, let's go, Chelsea, Emmy!
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot! 2/2
Date: 2016-09-10 06:48 am (UTC)...And then, the theives ran away on their horses, sounding very drunk, and the bag was just lying on the ground, and oh, I was so scared, my lady...
[Emmy said theratically, putting her hand to her chest, while Chelsea nodded, her cute eyes wide, and struck a pose.]
- I was scared too - They almost ran right over her, lady! And they were all scary and noisy and hollaring and everything, and they stank of booze, too!
[Oktavia, in the meanwhile, was groaning.]
...They both sound soo fake! And I'm expected to pay them for handing me my own stuff back to me!?
[She whispered. Gretchen sighed, poked her in the arm, and whispered back to her -]
- Oh, Lady Oktavia, can't you let it go, just this once? I mean, we have no evidence whatsoever that these people are in cahoots with the thieves, right? And once this is over, we can go see my family's booth and everything...
...Oh, all right, all right, let's get this over with. I really don't want to lose the music sheets I wrote, or the pendant Lord Kelsey gave me for that matter.
[Oktavia grumped, and then, she tossed a gold coin at the green haired girl.]
- There. Now, you give me back my stuff, all right!?
...Thank you so much, lady!
[The green haired girl said, smiling and bowing profusely, and then, she immediately took the bags, and gave them to Oktavia. Oktavia took them out and looked threw them, scowling.]
...Darn, the third music sheet got dirt stains on it now, but all right, they're all here....
[The two girls disappeared very quickly after that, then, thanking Oktavia profusedly all the while. Gretchen sweatdropped a bit, wondering if the girls had been associated with the original theives which had stolen Oktavia's stuff after all, but decided not to worry about it for now.]
- OK, so that's done!
[Gretchen said, and then, she turned toward Marianna, Oktavia and Humility, forcing herself to smile brightly.]
...Lady Marianna, Lady Oktavia, Lady Humility - I would be honored to take you to my family's booth now, if you have to time to visit us. Do you have the time, do you think?
[Homura, in the meanwhile, was furrowing her brows inside Humility's mindspace. Was it just that she was becoming jumpy, or was a certain red eyes white critter actually looking directly at her - Or rather, Humility?]
[And then, the Incubator opened it's mouth!]
...Strange, strange. Why do you look so sparkly, all of a sudden?
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot! 2/2
Date: 2016-09-13 05:11 am (UTC)"Hooray! Thank you so much!" Charlotte reached into er coin purse and puleld out some coins "Here you are, I hope it is enough!" it may have been too much, but she did not know how to manage money very well yet.
[Homura couldnt help smile as she watched the scene. Yes this Nagisa seemed just the same as the current incarnation, and that girl at the stand had a familiar air as well...]
"There you are Charlotte!" [ Maianna approached, Oktavia behind her. ]"I see you wanted a snack all ready" She took out her kerchief and wiped the crumbs form her sister's cheeks.
[the girl at the stand bowed demurely, keepign her eeys down] "It is an honour, Lady Von Seckendorff."
Oktavia just nodded "Thank your friend again for finding my stolen items."
"You are welcome. as she said, we found the lost items. we decided to return as much of the itmes to their ownders as possible. I am fortunate enough to be able to read, and I saw your name. Im sorry we cant just give it right back to you and ask for money in return, but as you understand, times are hard..." [the conversation eventually turned to arguing over other merchandise.]
"Is it so a fair price! It is not just my mouth to feed after all! See little chelsea there?"Ophelia pointed to the little girl with short green piigtils that was now running around playing with Charlotte " I took her under my care when her abusive mother was killed by a beast!"]
"Well that is noble of you, fine I will match it, but this is getting far, and_"
[they were interupted by the sudden clater of the little girls ran inside the booth and stumbled over the crates, heading right for the boiling pot of oil! In a flash, Ophelia suddenly leapt and spun agilly over the booth in a way a normal commoner woman would not be able to, grabbed a pole and knocked the pot out of the way and pushed the child to safety, landing both of them into the washtub with a splash.
Oktavia's mouth dropped open as she revisualized taht exact same agile leap as the theft yesterday and matched it, and even more proof with the crimson hair that appeared as the dye dripped off. "y-you!!!"
"Ah, looks like you found me out." Ophelia just gave her a wicked grin "Thats rigt. Im the thief. And damn proud I did! " why you so mad? Its cause I took some silly sheet music and some jewerly from your boyfriend?" ]
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-09-14 06:11 am (UTC)[Oktavia almost shrieked - But that was when she realized that Marianna was almost burying her face in her hands, wincing.]
[The other people at the booth, on the other hand, were looking at both the girl Oktavia had been yelling at and Marianna, as if they couldn't decide exactly what to do. Some of them were even looking at Marinna directly, almost like they were begging her to do something about the situation.]
[.......Haaah? Well, she'd heard that some of the lords had "arrangements" with the local thieves, but...]
[Oh, well, she wouldn't make life more difficult for Lady Marianna if she could help it, and who knew what kind of "arrangements" her own family had made, but whatever, whatever.]
[Oktavia snarled, then, and pointed at the woods outside, looking straight at the now brown-haired girl who was sneering back at her wolfishly.]
- Very well, then, you idiot thief - Let's go and fight properly out there, so people don't get hurt, all right!?
[And then, she snickered, and said - ]
...And if I win, I get to keep that pretty spear of yours. That'll be fair, right?
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-09-15 02:54 am (UTC)Marianna took her arm "Oktavia, do not be foolish!"
"I must deal eith her!"(d Okatvia replied, ppassing her by She and Ophelia headed out to the oudsits of forest near the festival grounds
The thief chuckled as she saw the sword )
"Oh-hoh! So you found a way to defend yourself, huh? You pretty lady even know how to use such a thing?"
"Shut up!" Oktavia growled, pulling off some of her underskirts for easier movement then drawing the sword, standing in a proper stance "I have been training in swordsmanship for a while now! And I shall become one of the royal knights and a defender of peace and justice!"
Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-09-15 07:23 am (UTC)[It was as if two different scenes were taking place in front of Humility's eyes at the same time - In one, Oktavia had challanged the thief girl to a duel in the woods, and had told her she'd keep her spear as a prize if she won, but in the other scene, it was the thief girl who challenged Oktavia, and told her she'd keep her pendant as a prize if she won.]
[What in the world was going on?]
[But that was when there was a soft voice behind her.]
(Oh, yes, a reality glitch. This timeline is beginning to change slightly, already, just by you existing within Humility, it seems...)
[Homura spun around, then, but there was nobody else in Humility's mindspace as far as she could see.]
[So the timeline was beginning to change, huh? Was that a good thing or a bad thing?]
[But then, Gretchen and Marianna began to run after Oktavia and the thief girl, and Humility began to follow them too, even if she couldn't run as fast. Homura wondered who was going to win, Oktavia or the thief girl - And then, she blinked as she realized that the thief girl looked just like Sakura Kyoko, except she had brown hair. How strange! Did everybody look like the people she knew back home, here?]
[And then, the thief girl shook her head, laughing, and her hair began to change color as Homura watched, the redness shining threw what was apparently some kind of brown powder that was sprinkled on it! Now the girl really looked like Sakura Kyoko, bright red hair and all...]
[Homura sighed a bit, then, as Humility had to stop, her hands to be chest, panting. Gretchen turned around and came running back to her, a worried expression on her face.]
...Oh, Lady Humility, I'm so sorry! We shouldn't have run ahead like that...
RE: Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-09-19 04:57 am (UTC)Marianna took her arm "Oktavia, do not be foolish!"
"I must deal eith her!"(d Okatvia replied, ppassing her by She and Ophelia headed out to the oudsits of forest near the festival grounds
The thief chuckled as she saw the sword )
"Oh-hoh! So you found a way to defend yourself, huh? You pretty lady even know how to use such a thing?"
"Shut up!" Oktavia growled, pulling off some of her underskirts for easier movement then drawing the sword, standing in a proper stance "I have been training in swordsmanship for a while now! And I shall become one of the royal knights and a defender of peace and justice!"
Re: Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-09-19 06:13 am (UTC)[Humility, in the meanwhile, had managed to catch her breath, and now was slowly walking toward where the duel was talking place, Gretchen holding her hand.]
...I wish I didn't cause you this much trouble, Miss Gretchen...
[Humility said, softly. Gretchen turned around, then, and gave her a hug.]
- You are not causing me any trouble, Lady Humility - You're my friend, right? And that's what friends are for!
[Ophelia, in the meanwhile, had just laughed at Oktavia, brushing the brown powder out of her red hair with a hand.]
...Ohh, so you want to become a Lady Knight!
[And then, she snickered.]
- Too bad that the only Kingdom that has Lady Knights around here is the Purple Kingdom, eh? Why, they even have a Lady General, from what I've heard...
Re: Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-09-22 05:31 am (UTC)[Marianna rushed ahead hurridly, still in a refined manner, but had to pause to stop Charlotte from following ] "Please, stay here, Charlotte. It will be dangerous."
[Charlotte pouted in disappointment] "Yes , big sister...
[Ophelia leaned forward, sneering in amusement] "Which means, your manly knigthts probably weren't too happy when you told them you wanted to sign up! they said no, manly heroic knights were no position for a fancy, pampered lady like yourslef!"
[Oktavia gritted her teeth, not wanting to admit that Ophelia was actually right. That the knights of the blue kingdom only chuckled in amusement upon hearing her wish...]
"Anyway, Okty"[Opehelia chuckled, picking up that nickname form Oktavia's tiny pink friend] "A defender of peace of justice? What a load of crap! The so called heroic knights are nothing but pompous hypocrites! Where were they when villaiges were being burned to the ground, raids were going on, and innocent people got hurt!"
Re: Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-09-22 09:26 am (UTC)...Booo! Sure, sure, some of the knights are shitty people, but most of them are pretty decent as far as I know. And everybody knows that they just aren't enough knights to go around to stop all the bad stuff from happening, anyway!
[And then, Oktavia sighed a bit.]
- It's mostly the Princess of Evil's fault, anyhow - She raises taxes and raises taxes, but nobody can figure out where all that money is actually going to. And each year, there's less and less money for the knights, or the city watchmen, or for fixing roads, or for anything important to the commonors for some reason...
[And then, she sniggered again.]
...Besides, you're a thief, right? Are you sure you have a leg to stand on, complaining about innocent people getting hurt?
[Ophelia sighed a bit at that.]
- Oh, I do suppose you've got me there. We do try to do that "steal from the rich and give to the poor" shtick seriuosly, though, in case you were wondering~
[And then, she chuckled.]
...So you don't like her Evil Highness either? Cool, cool - I'd thought most of the nobles loved her style, for some reason!
[And then, the two traded some blows again, both grinning. This was quite fun, oddly enough, they both thought.]
Re: Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-09-23 04:52 am (UTC)" Princress Rillianne, the Daughter of Evil!"So many innocent people are in misery because of her!!" In her ire she struck. Ophelia sneered with disgust and anger at the thought of her
[Ophelia reacted and managed to block the pear with her sword, though she was being pushed back a bi]t "She is horrid! And especially if she is as bad as you say," S[he swung back ]"But she is not my queen! I am am of the Blue kingdom's noibility! I was just visiting my friend! But despite being a noblewoman of gold, Lady Candeloro is a very kind person!"
"Ah, so you have a handsome, womanizing idiot as your crown heir apparent then, in Blue!"
"Well he treats his people well, at least!" [Oktavia leapt in a springing charge]]
"Yeah because he's too busy stuffing his face with ice cream and charming every pretty lady he sees!"[Ophelia stepped aside, though she was actually a bit surprised the young noblewoman figured that move, and grabbed the flowing skirts and bringin her down to the ground]
[Oktavia cried out at that and tried to twist around, hand still on her sword, but Ophelia pinned her down] "Ya cant deny that, can ya!
[Ok it was true Prince Kyle was a fool, but that wasnt the point!Oktavia struggled with a whine] "Let go of me!"
[Ophelia leaned her face in closer, grinning nastily. ] "Why should I, Okty?" " [Huh, this silly blue girl, She did look cute all flustered like this....]
Re: Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-09-27 08:31 am (UTC)...Oh, who cares - Prince Kyle may be embarrasing, but he hasn't done anything to bring his own Kingdom to ruin, at the very least!
[Ophelia blinked at that, grinning.]
- Are you sure of that? I mean, I've heard some stories -
[And then, she snickered.]
...So what are those rumors about him jilting the Princess of Evil because he wanted to marry a Green girl, anyway? Aand then, she just happened to turn out to be a Princess of the Green Kingdom, right? How convienient for them!
Re: Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-09-28 05:29 am (UTC)"And what about you, eh? Got some fancy prince charmin of your own, ya pinin after enough to write love songs about?"
"That would be none of your business, crook!!!"
"heheh. Hm, ni e shot.I admit, youre atually much better then I thought you'd be! "[of course it did help that the noble had taken off a bunch of layers of her fancy dress before the battle, making it much easier to manuver in]
"I have been taking lessons form the captain of the guard!" [Oktavia proclaimed as she pushed ]back "think as you may, but I take the ability of the sword seriously! it is not some whimsy!"
"Well good for you, getting a hobby besdes rich stuff! besides, swords are overrated, and I got lessons myself!"
[They continue to swipe blows and bantering for a while. Oktavia was starting to get tired more easily as she was not used to combat. at one point the spear stuck the fabric and ripped off the last few layer of oktavia's skirt, revealing down to her bloomers and stockings.
finally they ended up getting tangled up and tumbling off the bridge SPLASH! into the pond]
Re: Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-10-02 10:45 am (UTC)[The redhead grinned and waved her hand, then.]
...Well, alright, I never thought I'd say this to a silly noble miss, but you're pretty good!
[And then, she waved her hand, and jumped back up on the bridge.]
- But on the other hand, I do have to go now, so -
[Oktavia looked at her and tried to stand up inside the lake, huffing.]
...So you're going to run away now, Thief Girl?
[The redhead laughed.]
- Yuuup! Running away is part of my job, after all!
[And then, she leaned closer to Oktavia, and whispered - ]
...But on the other hand, if you're serious about really really not liking the Princess of Evil, we might be meetin' again sooner rather then later, ha ha ha - So bye for now, Okty!
[And then, the redhead ran into the woods, and was gone. Oktavia sighed, and started to get out of the pond, pulling some weeds from out of her hair.]
...And I suppose the rest of the thieves got away while we were fighting, Lady Marianna?
[Marianna gave Oktavia a relived smile, and went up to her.]
...I'm afraid so, Lady Oktavia!
[Oktavia shrugged at that, wondering what kind of deal the redhead and Lady Marianna actually had. Well, it was sort of obvious there was some kind of deal going on, she was pretty sure, and now that the redhead had actually mentioned Princess Rillanne... Ew, politics. Oktavia decided not to mention anything about what she thought about the connections between Lady Marianna and the thief girl for the time being, and changed the subject with a smile.]
- Oh, well...It can't be helped, I suppose! Say, Lady Marianna, have you heard any rumors about Prince Kyle lately?
[And in the meanwhile, just a small distance away - ]
[Gretchen and Humility were sweatdropping up a storm, staring at a large bowl full of fried potato slices that one of the younger thieves had just thrust into their hands as she ran past them, giggling.]
...Those are the strangest theives ever.
[Gretchen said, and then, she smiled a bit as she smelled the potato chips with salt and bacon bits on them.]
- Oh, this really smells good, though!
Re: Re: Homura's timeloop glitch plot!
Date: 2016-10-04 05:33 am (UTC)"Wonderful idea! It shall be relaxing!"
[none of them noticed the redhead still watchig them with a smirk from the branches]
[some time later, Oktavia, Marianna, Gretchen, Charlotte and Homulily went to the private royal hot springs in the castle grounds. Built up from natural hotsprings, it was elegantly crafted with marble ledges, floral arrangements and a gazebo and served snacks and drinks.]
"Oh this so pretty!" (Gretchen commented as they got in. Homura Humility still could not help blushing as Gretchen undressed. Whatever timeline, it was always nice to bathe with madoka...]
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