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 Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 12:48 pm
Slievenamon hummed out a doleful note that expressed her dissatisfaction. It was upsetting to know that Neptune didn't even have a presence in her current incarnation, either. She seemed to recover quickly, though, at the expense of telling Celsus about her wonder. Something she could go and on about for days.
"Ah, well, Slievenamon a really, really big mountain that juts out of the sea on Neptune. It's a dull teal color with a white base; a lot of shells and sea fauna probably lived at the base eating at the vegetation there. There's not much to see at the bottom, but at the top there is this really big temple. I think women of the past used to go there. For siestas or something, ahaha. B-but my favorite place is the big concert hall on one of the lower mounts. It's big and made of white marble. I think performances used to be on there a lot, maybe even for Lady Neptune. I even think my past self used to play there as well, though I'm not sure." She titled her head. "What's Celsus like? It must be wonderful!"
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Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 4:48 pm
Hearing Slievenamon speak of her Wonder with such rapture was extremely pleasant. Celsus listened in fascinated attention, his expression an affectionate one, his fingers absently turning over one of the Chronos medals he wore.
"That sounds wonderful," he said, "Very beautiful. I haven't yet visited Emrys' wonder, he and I plan to go soon, I think he's still a little nervous about seeing it. But the idea of having a concert hall at yours, that's incredible, it sounds like an amazing place."
His own Wonder was not quite as large and grand, and he was still working through his own reservations about being back there, but it was getting better. Celsus's smile softened a little.
"It's a giant labyrinth of library of sorts," he said with a laugh. "Very Roman-esque, or Greek-esque, lots of white marble pillars and several floors and rooms that are probably very good hiding places if one wanted to play a particularly rousing game of hide and seek. It's got books and papers and it's very large and airy."
Celsus glanced at Slievenamon, contemplating her. "I could take you there sometime, if you wanted. Not tonight, of course, but sometime soon."
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Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 8:30 pm
"I'm sure whenever you do, you'll be up for a beautiful view!" Slievenamon cried. "I understand why he is nervous though, so was I... If he ever needs support, I don't mind going with him as well. Maybe having a fellow Neptune knight there will bring some calm." She offered a gentle smile. "Just, if I can be of any help, I would like to be. Anything for a fellow knight."
"Ahhh, that sounds wonderful!" Slievenamon said. "T-there must be so many books to read, so many things to peruse! The library on Slievenamon is small and some of the tomes are in this... alien language. I can't read most of them, b-but if there is a place with more books, I would love to visit!" Thus, when Celsus offered to show her sometime, her excitement launched her to her feet. "Oh, yes, I would love to see it!" Realizing what she did, Slievenamon sheepishly scratched the back of her neck. "A-ah, sorry about that, aha..."
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Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 9:09 pm
"I think he would very much appreciate the support," said Celsus with a smile. "And as his brother, I highly encourage him getting to know more people. He's a bit of a sheltered lad, so he hasn't got very many friends other than his fiance, I'd really like him to know more."
The affection in his voice as he spoke of Emrys was undeniable, and Celsus couldn't help but be bolstered by Slievenamon's enthusiasm. Her love of her Wonder and of her position in Order was something particularly uncommon, and it made him think it would be nice if that enthusiasm could be put towards something.
"I will take you someday, I promise," said Celsus truthfully. "Next time I plan a trip, I'll bring you along so you can see all of the books."
There was a pause, as he considered her, and then Celsus asked curiously, his mind working out the faint edges of a possibility, "Slievenamon, if you don't mind me asking...what is it that you think of the Negaverse? That is, how do you see them, and our rivalry with them?"
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Posted: Sun May 29, 2016 3:54 am
While Slievenamon remained giddy at the prospect of going to Celsus the wonder, her excitement dissipated at the sudden question directed her way. She paled a shade lighter and averted her eyes, unsure if the answer on her mind would be a pleasing one. Especially to such a loaded topic. Unfortunately, it slipped out before she had a chance to apply rationality to it.
"They're necessary," she answered in a matter-of-fact way. Mentally rebuking herself, she tried to quickly catch the loose reins of such a reply. "I-I hope that doesn't come off as... myopic... but what I mean is, the Negaverse serve a purpose just like Order does. We, as in senshi and knights, can't exist without them. This... This war between us is going to forever be waged. That I honestly believe. But we can keep stability, find common ground, advocate for purification and hope to turn the tides that way. Chaos and its agents are always going to exist, but if we can gain more on Order's side, it just means we're more victorious. I hope... that kind of answer is satisfactory?"
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Posted: Sun May 29, 2016 10:53 am
Her answer surprised him, Celsus blinking as he tilted his head to regard Slievenamon. The question had been posed to a few others before now, and to hear her say such a thing was not what he had expected, especially from a Squire who had not been in Order for very long.
"Interesting," said Celsus, and he smiled, a genuine expression that meant he did not mean in a bad way. "You're very kind, darling, and it's a very nice quality."
He considered her for another moment and then said, before he could hesitate any longer, "Slievenamon, would you consider being a part of my team?"
Ever since Cosmos had spoken of the Knight's brigades on the moon, Celsus had been thinking of it. He had not been conscious for most of the time, granted, but it had stuck with him; and a strong desire for Slievenamon to be a part of it had seized him with the answer she had given him.
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Posted: Sun May 29, 2016 5:41 pm
Slievenamon scratched the back of her neck and waved a hand at him as if trying to shoo away his words sheepishly, but then he offered something she never would've expected. Slowly, her hand slipped from her neck and to her side.
"Are you sure?" she asked him, her eyebrows knitting together in concern. "I don't mean to be humble, but there must be others. Better people." Not meaning to cast her answer in the negative, she added: "But if you're happy with me as a choice, then I would be happy to join." She perked up with a smile. "Strength in numbers, as Cosmos said."
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Posted: Mon May 30, 2016 7:15 am
A laugh escaped him.
"And that's why I think you would be a great asset," said Celsus, smiling at Slievenamon. "That humble trait of yours is not something all that common in Order as of late. I think you would have a great deal to offer both Order and Negaverse should you decide to join my team. You have a good heart and a good mind for what it is I'm trying to stand for."
He toyed absently with his Chronos sigil again.
"I've been thinking," he said, "that there are those in the Negaverse who have the potential to be worked with, to be saved, and I wish to focus on that, rather than an immediate resort to violence. Purification is a far better option than anger and domination, after all."
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Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 1:26 am
Her smile waned to his laughter, but not because she took offense. It was one of frustration.
"How awful to hear, that even members of Order question the light," she said, taking a seat back on the bench. "The Negaverse's ideologies are already skewed. That brainwashing itself steals away individuality, turns them into a hive mind. At least, I think so. That's why I stand with Order, we come together for justice, but through our own choices and determination. If we can pave a path to purification, and in a sensible way, then we are doing the right thing." She nodded her head twice. "So I think your direction is the most plausible way to go. So definitely count me in."
Slievenamon tilted her head at Celsus. "Have you asked anyone else?" she said. "Surely there must be others who share the same train of thought."
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Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 5:56 pm
He smiled a little ruefully. "It is disappointing," said Celsus in agreement. "I wish that all of us could be on the same page when it comes to figuring out what to do, but there are just so many of us and mindsets often clash - as you probably saw when we were called to assist the Code."
He liked the way she thought - simple and straightforward, her loyalties unwavering. It made him feel a little more positive about his choices, and about Order in general, because if there were more people like her, there was more hope to achieve what they could.
"Thank you, Slievenamon," said Celsus, inclining his head towards her in a gesture of respect. "I appreciate that. And yes, as a matter of fact, I have."
He smiled at her. "My brother, Emrys, he'll be with us. And I've asked two others - one is named Mont Blonc, and he's of Saturn, a good man with one of the best hearts I know. The other is Falias, of Earth, and he is very straightforward and a good man. I think you'll like them all very much - at least, I hope so," he added, with a laugh.
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Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 9:28 pm
Fishing around on her person, Slievenamon took out a stray notepad, and jotted down the listed off names Celsus gave. After punctuating the last one with a jab of her pen, she pocketed it again, and said, "I'll be sure to keep a lookout for them and without a doubt I will like them if they've a good sense of justice." She dipped her head at the knight. "I mean, they must if you've chosen them to be comrades."
She gave a bubbly little smile at this and added, "So we've been talking a while, huh? Am I keeping you from anything? I really hope not." Slievenamon stood. "It is getting pretty late, though, and I should be home soon. You wouldn't mind that, right? And can I contact you sometime via our signets? I want to help recruit more knights to this. Unify us under one banner."
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Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2016 7:22 am
"I'll call a meeting with all of us once I've got everything figured out," Celsus promised, and smiled at Slievenamon. "I do hope that things work out well, I think I've got a good group of people so far, and it makes me feel very proud to know such people."
He laughed and gave a shake of his head, feeling more comfortable with himself than he had in a long time. "You're not, but I can understand. You're free to contact me at any point with our signet rings - I'll admit, I'm not entirely well versed in them," he added, glancing at his own with a playful grimace. "But I'll answer, don't worry."
Celsus stood, stretching out his arms. "If you find anyone else, please do let me know. In the meantime..."
A grin on his face, Celsus offered the Squire his arm.
"It would be my pleasure to escort you to the edge of the park so that you may get home safely."
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Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2016 11:34 am
"Then I shall wait in mirthful expectancy for that meeting," the squire smiled. "I can't wait to meet the others!"
"Admittedly, nor do I," Slievenamon said as she glanced to the thick ring enveloped over her middle finger. "But with use comes practice, as they say."
Her hands clapped together again and she left out an little giggle at the gesture. "And it would be a pleasure to join you," she said, draping a hand on the offered limb. "Will you be all right? I'm hoping not to bring offense, but it is late in the night."
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Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2016 12:02 pm
"I've accidentally called Mont Blonc more than once," said Celsus, coughing a little. "He and I both are not...the most tech savvy of people, I would much prefer to keep things as simple as possible."
He grinned down at Slievenamon as she took his arm and patted her hand affectionately.
"I'll get home safely, don't fear," said Celsus, as they began to walk. "And so will you, once I escort you at least part of the way. And just so you know, Slievenamon," he added, as they neared the edge.
"It has been an absolute pleasure speaking to you."
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Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2016 12:12 pm
The squire pinched her chin between forefinger and thumb, making mental plans along their walk.
"Then I have to network and find someone who knows their way around these things," she said, splaying that same hand to look at her ring. "Things would be easier if we had phones like the senshi," she sighed.
The pat on the top of her hand drew another smile out of the girl. She just seemed to be full of them.
"Likewise, Celsus, likewise," she replied. "Thank you for everything thus far—the invitation and the escort. Oh, oh, and the talk as well! It had to be one of the most prolific as my time as a knight."
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