Welcome to Gaia! ::

Team Sun followed Claudia as they vacated the Black Palace. A Short walk away was a place she introduced to them known as the Black Ward. Micha'el could compare it to a calm, yet lavish residential quarter. Lottie was taken aback with how quietly beautiful it was under the now midday, wintery sun. They were on an overlook, where the rest of the city could be seen. It was as though this area guarded the city. Claudia pointed out the home that she shared with Nyru, the Statem Estate, given to Nyru after his family moved to Absolute. Obviously, by extension, he welcomed Claudia to live with him in the large home. Well - he begged, he couldn't bare to be alone in such an empty home. Then, she pointed out the manor that would be there's for the time-being.

((I thought i'd like you take the wheel with Claudia for this section? Hopoefully this new thread's description will set the atmosphere for you to imagine the place well enough! After - i might even bring Nyru and his very fabulous Sister))

Micha'el had to admit, Claudia was much kinder than he perceived her to be from first glance. And as she showed them them Black Ward boulevard he felt a friendliness to her professionalism. She pointed out where she and Nyru were staying. The manor was large, larger than any home he had lived in before, and from the outside it looked incredibly austere. However, before they could be shown to their own manor, Claudia's face pulled into a painful grimace, one that looked like she was being touched on the spine with something horrifically sticky and wet. Micha'el wondered if she was suddenly in pain, and Tsuna attempted to ask if the woman was alright. At that moment Lottie couldn't help but overhear the sound of heels clashing with the stone boulevard somewhere behind Claudia. She leaned to one side to catch a glimpse, but only managed to see two figures, approaching before Claudia began to herd them towards the next manor's front door. Lottie brushed by some shurbs, and Micha'el felt himself back into some brickwork before the three of them were being forcibly admitted to their new residence. The royal guard exclaimed that they save themselves, and Tsuna turned as they stumbled inwards to ask what on Magic Earth she was talking about when the door slammed in their face.

Micha'el pulled himself up against the wall, which was decorated with a navy blue Victorian-esque wallpaper. "That didn't seem... normal?" Micha'el asked, pushing his glasses up against the bridge of his nose. Lottie side-stepped into a small room beside them, where she could see outside through the net curtain of a window. "What could be so terrifying in the city?" Lottie asked, peering through to get a better glimpse at the two figures. She could see now that Claudia was joined by Nyru and another mystery figure, a tall slender lady clad in blue and red. They were already clambering for the front door when Lottie failed to warn her teammates that the woman was marching in.

Moments before, Nyru watched in amazement as Claudia seemed to shove Team Sun away before turning to face them in the street. Immediately, Nyru rolled his eyes, guessing that Claudia was making a clandestine effort to keep Team Sun from his sister. She failed - miserably. Isabelle, in her beautiful and equally intimidating crimson and black attire stepped forwards, calling Claudia's name like it was a summons. "It's so good to see you! Although I'm afraid I must investigate those poor souls you've just shoved into that building. Nyru tells me you've got an elusive team under your wing." She moved passed Claudia casually, ignoring any efforts she might make to stop her as she came to the door and opened it.

Isabelle Statem emerged into the hallway, taking one step onto the mahogany floor before coming to a stop as she came face to face with Tsuna and Micha'el, looking rather awkward. She then heard the scuffle of Lottie emerged in the doorway to her left, who immediately said "woh" as she beheld Isabelle's beauty. Her face was chiselled, yet feminine, pale like her brother, with hair as dark as brown could get. It was pulled back into a tight ponytail that hung down to her waist. Her clothes, some kind of leather, was firmly wrapped around her limbs and torso, exposing the V of her chest, where some of the leather appeared to have a spike texture. Her wrists were both adorned with black bracelets that resembled black, chunky thorns. Last, but certainly not least, were her very high, very black, heels. "You didn't tell me he was cute" Isabelle said, looking over her shoulder. "17" Nyru added, shaking his head, to which Isabelle said "don't worry, I'm not taking him on a date" she then looked directly at Micha'el and said "I prefer guys a little older than me" and then sauntered ahead into the kitchen behind them all. "Remember when we all blacked out on this counter?" Isabelle turned and pulled herself up to sit on the island at the centre of the large room. "I apologise" Nyru began, stepping in after Claudia, and closing the door behind them. "This is my sister, Isabelle, and she lacks any kind of subtlety or manners"
"Please" she rebuked, "this is hardly a time for subtlety, and I already complimented the young man. Claudia, back me up here will you?"

It appears her comments about Micha'el appealed Tsuna, and Isabelle noted the girl's humour. Meanwhile, it appeared Lottie's face went from admiration to a quiet defence. Taking in the subtle personality traits, she went on to defend her case against Micha'el to her brother, who then introduced her to them. Claudia, ever the diplomat, agreed with both sides.

Tsuna then turned her attention to Isabelle directly, attempting to match her energy. Isabelle raised a brow, looking down towards the girl from her perch as Micha'el shook his head and waved his hands in defence. Lottie was also staring wide-mouthed at this point as Nyru shook his head. There was a moment of silence as Isabelle calculated her response, only to say "and I assume you're the woman of magnitude this young man deserves?" her eyes then glanced, if only for a moment, towards Lottie to see her red cheeks before returning to Tsuna. She then swapped her crossed legs elegantly and added "quite the compliment though, thank you. Now please stop being confrontation I want to know about this secret mission you must be on." Her tone flipped from serious and uncaring, to genuinely interested and playful. After taking some threatening glances from Nyru and Claudia, she raised gestured with her hand towards the air above, as if tossing her thoughts up as she said "what? I know adventure when I see it."

Isabelle pulled an expression that was a difficult mix of impressed and surprised. Her eyes looked over Tsuna's body, eyeing a bruise on her neck, the tired bags under her eyes, a slight cut on her cheek - nearly healed - and the roughness of her hands. In that moment Claudia sighed and gestured for her to cease further playing with Team Sun. Micha'el saw it then, the playful side of Isabelle perhaps wasn't all it seemed as she simple said "no." Nyru sighed, crossing his arms as he leaned back against a nearby wall. Micha'el narrowed his eyes, and Lottie stared as Isabelle continued. "This kitchen hardly deserves to be destroyed, it's mahogany flooring after all. Nyru then pushed away from the wall and joined them in the kitchen. "Izzy - I brought you here to meet them officially" he said, eyeing her before facing Team Sun. "I'm certain Claudia had planned to show you around the home properly, however I must discuss something with her for a few moments. Please, make yourselves at home, there are rooms upstairs that you can leave your belongings in. Meet us in the drawing room when you're finished.

Micha'el was glad to find that things were back to business, and that Isabelle could tease him no longer. He nodded and wondered why Nyru's sister was going to speak with them. He led the way upstairs, speaking quietly to his friends on the way up. "This place is huge, how long does the Queen expect us to stay?"
"However long it takes us to find more information, right Tsuna?" she looked to Tsuna as she rounded the turn half way up the stairs. "The Queen said she would help"

Each of them found a room of their own, complete with victorian style furniture made from ornately carved wood and upholstered plumply with complimentary muted colours. It also turned out each room came with an en suite.

Downstairs, Nyru took Claudia and Izzy to the drawing room. The space was carpeted, with heavy curtains draped over the wide window on one side, with a desk surrounded by bookcases behind it. There was also a large table at the other side of the room, with some chairs, plumb stalls, and even a bench against the wall beside a large vase and piano. "You didn't need to be so brazen" Nyru said, turning calmly to face his sister. "I thought i'd get on their good side - turns out they're a little less fun than anticipated. That red-head appears to be quick to bite though - I like her. Reminds me a little of Claudia back in the day." Izzy grinned at Claudia, plonking herself down on a chaise lounge. "I don't have time for this" Nyru interjected, turning now to his partner. "The Queen wants me to send spies into Occulas... to Entie." In the moment he said it, the words hung heavy on his heart as his eyes looked into hers. It was obvious in that moment that his heart and his loyalty were at war inside. He hasn't spoken to Laxion for some time now, things went bad, Nyru lost his trust, and they apparently ended on good terms but... Laxion could no longer see a future with Nyru. Nyru... still hasn't moved on, even though he doesn't show it. "She wants information on Alexis Truesvale." He swallowed, hoping Claudia will have something reassuring to tell him. He trusted the Queen completely, her intentions were always in the interest of peace and in the good of her people. But how could he spy on the best friend of the man he still loves. He did not mention Laxion's name, no one has for a long time, it was an unwritten rule. But he knew his best friend would know what he was saying between the lines. Perhaps reassurance? Guidance? He didn't know what he wanted to hear - he just wanted to tell her. She would understand.

Micha'el pulled out a chair with plumb upholstery by a desk and mirror in Lottie's room, sitting carefully as Tsuna closed the door behind her and found a spot for herself. Lottie was sat, leaning back, on her bed. She looked more than comfortable already. She then told them her thoughts, and her decided opinion that no one here could be trusted after the Queen enquired about Alexis Truesvale. Up until Micha'el hadn't actually given it too much thought, but he had to agree. "You're right... though I hate to admit it. But..." Micha'el straightened his glasses, pondering the best way for him to string her thoughts into a sentence. He didn't like that he didn't have time to prepare for this conversation. "Declasia might have a point. Why was Alexis visiting for the Christmas Ball? It's not a custom. She might think that we were sent by Alexis, perhaps?"
"She's suspicious..." Lottie chimed in, staring blankly at the floor. She then looked up, "not the Queen, I mean. She is mysterious, but she must suspect Alexis of something. Surely the queen must be looking after her people - there must be a miscommunication somewhere?" Micha'el weighed those thoughts too, but he didn't want to jump to any conclusions. He looked to Tsuna. "I think we should do what you think is right, Tsuna... but I also don't want to assume anything until we know the truth. Perhaps we should withhold our thoughts until we know that we can trust them?"

Nyru nodded as Claudia reassured him. He felt comfort hearing his best friend reaffirm what he was already trying to tell himself. Isabelle was seated properly now, paying more attention to Nyru after she realised the conversation was a matter of the heart, and how her little brother's feelings yearned for a love he no longer had. She couldn't bare to see him as he was some time ago. As the two guards hugged, she placed a hand on his arm to let him know she was there too. Then, as Claudia brought conversation back to Team Sun, Isabelle sprawled back on the chaise lounge. "Right" Nyru replied. Isabelle gave no thoughts, this was purely a Declasian concern, and nothing for her to get involved with as a member of the Occult. Some minutes passed, and Team Sun joined them from upstairs, taking seats wherever they chose. "This can be your home for as long as you need to stay" Nuru said, warmly, "whilst we work together to explain the correlation between your adoptive father's illness, the avian attack, and the disease on our Harrowsteeds - please make yourselves comfortable and use the city as you require. As guests of the Queen herself, you may request specifics from myself, Claudia, or any of the royal guard during your stay. We will do what we can to help. In exchange, we would appreciate exchanging knowledge regarding the incidents, and also joint missions to investigate this in the coming days. Any questions?"
"Uhm... Yeah." he turned to Isabelle sheepishly, suddenly blushing after remembering her comments from earlier, but his need for clarity itched. "Are you one of the royal guard? Just, so... you know. We wouldn't want to bother you if not." Isabelle raised her brow, kicking a slender leg up as she leaned on one arm. "Oh don't worry - I won't be here for long. And no - I'm not a royal guard and technically im not a Daywalker. I'm Valiant - from the Occult. I was just visiting to check in on my baby brother." Lottie's lips parted as a sort of glazed expression passed over her face. Isabelle took it as confusion, so she went on to say "to explain any weird looks. Yes - I was born Daywalker, I joined the Occult, put on the Valiant Crown, did the ritual, yes it hurt, now I'm Valiant. Yes we are still related." Micha'el wasn't quite sure how to respond, he hadn't expected so much information in one go and to be honest not all of it made sense. Nyru looked to Claudia, with a sigh. Lottie meanwhile re-focused, hiding her expression whilst nodding as if she understood it all. Nyru then re-opened his question, "any more questions... for me, my intrusive sister, or Claudia? Actually, don't ask my sister any more questions, she shouldn't even be here."

"Eager, I see" Nyru commented quietly, studying Tsuna's body language. This girl certainly didn't want to waste her time with any pleasantries. "The Harrowsteed are kept to the west of the city. We can leave within the hour. Please allow us to prepare some horses for you before we make way. I will then meet you in the courtyard outside." Nyru moved to leave the drawing room them, eyeing Claudia and Isabelle as he did so. "Keys are on the counter, one for each of you." As they began to leave, Lottie chased after Isabelle, catching her in the next room. She sheepishly looked at her team as Isabelle asked what she wanted. Lottie played with her hands awkwardly, talking too quietly now for anyone else to hear. What could she need to discuss with Isabelle so privately? Micha'el couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy in his chest. He looked at Tsuna, then back at Lottie who spoke something silently that caused Isabelle to widen her eyes. She then composed herself, shaking her head as she put a hand on Lottie's shoulder. Micha'el saw a flicker of sadness wave over Lottie, making him step forward without realising. In the same moment Lottie noticed, then smiled at Isabelle, nodding her goodbye before returning to Tsuna and Micha'el. She smiled, tilting her head at them and said "I asked if she had seen anything like the illness in Magic Earth - she said no." Then, as an afterthought, she said "sorry - Tsuna. Hey, have you thought about what might have caused that green magic that saved you yesterday?"

Nyru returned Claudia's comment with a firm stare, he should definitely be careful, and perhaps he was wasn't paying it enough attention. Just as Claudia said, they're kids, and thats not a good enough reason to down-play their ability. He couldn't help but wonder if Team Elixir were like this when they first got together.

As the others left, Micha'el and Lottie followed Tsuna solemnly to the kitchen. Lottie couldn't help but feel at home immediately, the place reminded her of her childhood home, in England, before she was forced to move in with her Uncles, and separated from her sister. She wondered how Lily was doing, she was due to perform in Entei around about now. Micha'el pulled out a stall and leaned on the counter, followed by Lottie, who watched Tsuna rummage around for snacks, which she was quite successful at. She brought out a smorgasbord of Declasian food, which Micha'el dug into whilst Lottie slowly found the pieces she thought she might like. When Tsuna pulled out a bottle, he felt the need to worry, but quickly overcame that as she assumed they would all be sampling it. "Sure" he said, surprising himself. As he reached for a glass Tsuna exclaimed something about the green light, jumping him. "Christ, Tsuna!" Micha'el pushed his glass away, heavens forbid he drop it. Lottie stared at her, "what?" Tsuna turned to Micha'el stating the green flash must have been Solomon, and so she naturally asked him if he could try and sense it. Micha'el stumbled for words. "Uh- yeah, yeah. It can." He pushed all the food before him out of the way so that he could summon his Aria, placing it firmly on the counter before him. It magically opened with a wave of his hand, pages delicately stopping at a specific section only Micha'el could read. "Stand still" he asked calmly, raising his hand. There was a faint white glow that turned to white essence, licking his fingertips as they wisped away and caressed Tsuna's before dissipating. Eventually the essence was drawn to her hand. "Mhm" Micha'el nodded with confirmation "there's an enchantment on you, well, its more deep rooted - on your hand. I think..." he let out a sigh, "I can't sense anything else, its masked... I-" Micha'el looked down at his Aria, where the silvery lines on porcelain parchment began to fade and make way for fault blue markings, like stardust. Micha'el felt the guidance of the stars again, and focused. There! He felt the thrum of energy, then the enchantment on Tsuna disclosed itself further. "Its mostly divination in nature - but there's also a slither of abjuration too, left behind from the battle I assume."
"Is it Solomon?!" Lottie asked, leaning over the counter to try and get a better look at Tsuna's hand as Micha'el's magic faded. "I don't know. I can't force it to do anything, and I could barely decipher its construction. But... whatever it is, someone is watching over Tsuna." Lottie looked to her friend, unsure of how Tsuna might feel about this information. "They might know that I did that" Micha'el added as an after thought.