Mina Thorn

Voidsent, Daughter of the Secret Veil

An Unfortunate Summoning

The story of how things came to be. (18+ access required)

Joining the Daughters of the Secret Veil

Following power, finding purpose.

Her First Sacrifice

Blood spilled. (18+ access required)

Lynette's fruits

Something new to experiment with.

Acquaintanceships

Interactions and arrangements.

Daughters of the Secret Veil

The rest of the family.

Joining the Daughters of the Secret Veil

Ceana Ramsay feels a presence in the entryway and waits to view the actions of the guest, quietly waiting. Mina looks around at the seemingly normal room and her tail bristles with excitement. The dark hooded figure begins to lose her patience as she feels the Miqo'te woman wander around behind her.The dark hooded figure begins to lose her patience as she feels the Miqo'te woman wander around behind her. After several infuriating moments, Ceana snaps, "DON'T JUST STARE AT ME YOU FUCKING IDIOT? WHAT DO YOU WANT?"Mina clears her throat. "I've heard you might be someone... Like me. You smelled powerful, so I followed you."Ceana grabs the puny rat by the neck and forces her to stay in one spot. "CAN YOU NOT FOCUS FOR A MINUTE? What is your name?" Ceana slowly softens her grip on the unnamed Miqo'te's neck.Mina purrs as she rubs her neck where the imposing figure held her. "Oh, I can focus, don't you worry. My name is Mina, and I like to work for strong people..." Still rubbing her neck, she looks up and says, "And you definitely seem to fit that bill, at least."Ceana releases her grip completely and moves her now free arm into a crossed-arm position. The dark cowl she is wearing hides her delicate features, but her blood-red eyes pierce through the darkness as if stabbing into Mina's soul. "I am Ceana Ramsay, and I suppose we could work something out. Who summoned you, and did they take your sigil?"Mina shrugs her shoulders. "I popped in and it had been so long since I'd eaten... There was so much aether around me and something snapped. When I woke up, there was screaming, and blood, so much blood... I was chewing something. I was no longer as hungry. I'm pretty sure the poor bloke that brought me here didn't make it, considering. I guess that would mean he doesn't have my sigil either. I'm a free kitty." She beams in delight.

Ceana smiles wide in delight and claps her hands in approval, "Wonderful! So, were you the one that murdered all those idiot maids? You freed me from the primal I owed my life to, and I am truly thankful for that. I will let you stay here, but you have to hand me your sigil. I don't want you slipping up again and devouring all the meals and blowing our cover."Mina chuckles. "Well, a pleasure to be of service then? I didn't know I could kill primals. I thought that was a job for someone else, but who knows, maybe they'll get around to thanking me someday! I'm here to serve, and as long as you keep me happy, I'll keep you happy." She kneels before the red-eyed woman and extends her hand, dark energy issuing from her palm. "What do I call you, mistress?"Ceana straightens her curled lips to a cold stare. "Call me Mother Ceana." The pale vampire walks to a dark hallway before speaking. "This way. I have somewhere you can record your sigil."Ceana leads Mina to the second room located behind the white partition. Once inside, Mina's eyes span the room.She takes everything in. The room before her is familiar to her, having been summoned before, but she had never seen one quite like this. Candles adorn most of the flat surfaces in the room, their flickering lights casting shadows on the walls and ceilings, making them dance as if alive. The room smells of sulfur and smoke, and Mina breathes it in, sighing contently. Various dolls float around the room, Mina guessing them to be used as conduits for energy or perhaps vessels for other voidsent.

Ceiling-height bookshelves dress the back of the summoning room, containing untold volumes of knowledge, both desired and forbidden. Twin gargoyles guard the door, solemn sentries tasked with guarding the Necrologos that makes up the centerpiece of the room.The tome itself stands taller than Mina, and many words in many languages, known and unknown, dot the pages. Many scripts written by many hands over many years decorate the pages with the stories and names of history.Mina looks over to Ceana and asks, "Where should I sign, Mother?"Ceana turns the aged yellow pages of the Necrologos transcription until she finds an empty page, "Here seems suitable..." Ceana takes Mina's hand and slices it with her sharp claws, squeezing the wound until a pool of blood collects. "Sign here, Daughter."Mina Thorn purrs as she sees her blood, and nods to Mother Ceana. She turns to the empty page and sets to work, inscribing her sigil in the top-left corner of the page.Once done, she turns and kneels again. "With this sigil, I relinquish control of my body and actions to you, Mother Ceana. I will do everything in service of this Sanctuary. Is there anything else you require of me, Mother?"Ceana lets the "ink" dry, and smiles at it approvingly before turning to her new Daughter. "Now... We wait!"

Mina has interacted with a myriad of characters, mortal and voidsent alike. Please browse the names below for more information on Mina's relationships.

Lynette's Fruits

Lynette picked some fruit from the small bush freshly bloomed, chomping into one of the fruits, picking some of the leaves as well. She looked around to see what other plants might have something of use.Mina knocked before entering, not wanting to disturb the fae as she flitted about. The wooded room had a definite air of whimsy about it, and Mina felt a familiar pang looking around at all the plants and trees."So, Mother Ceana mentioned to me that you might have some fruit for me? I was curious about it. I'm making blood wine, but I could possibly work fruits in for flavor's sake."Lynette turned around, holding the fruits in her arms. "Well yes! You see these here?" She shrugged her shoulders, showing off the armful of fruits. "They are special you see!" She pranced over to Mina, a sly grin on her face. "These leaves might have a trace of it too, for tea!"Mina peeked at the fruits adorning the fae's arms. The purple, fleshy fruits were plump, and larger than a normal fruit, but seemed to be otherwise unremarkable, at least at first glance. "And what is it that makes them special?" Mina picked one of them up and turned it over in her hands.Lynette looked at Mina, her sly grin growing. "Well you remember Puki? That fruit contains her aether! You see, this place turns mortals into plants. Those plants bear fruit. That is my normal means of extracting aether from a mortal. The leaves might have a small bit of it as well but nothing quite like how much the fruit holds!"Mina nodded as she turned the fruit over and plucked a hair off of the skin. "Ah, yes. Unfortunate." She thought back to Pukiki's short stay with the family. "She didn't really do much for us in life, maybe she'll serve the Sisters better in death. So other than being made of people, does it hold all the same properties of a normal piece of fruit?"Lynette thought for a moment. "I would say so, they taste much like normal fruits, though with the added bonus of being infused with the mortal's aether. So I guess for us voidsent, this would be much like a mortal eating an apple." Looking back the the plant and noticing the flowers, she continued, "I know you do alchemy. I am not much for it myself. Would those flowers also be of use for you?" She pointed to the bush in which she picked the fruit from.Mina studied them for a time. "Yes, I could probably use these for something or other. Flowers have a myriad of alchemical properties. Can I experiment on your fruits and flowers?" She looked up at the tall woman in front of her, eyes sparkling.

Lynette looked down into her arms, picking out three of the fruits for herself and leaving the half dozen others in her arm. "I will take these three for me. Meanwhile the rest are yours to do as you please!"She grabbed a cloth from the table next to her, wrapping up the fruits to make them easier to keep hold of. Wandering back to the bush, she picked as many flowers as she could find. "I have no use of the flowers! So they are all yours!" Bundling them up in a separate cloth setting it next to the fruits.Mina picked up both bundles of materials, tail flicking in excitement. "Thank you! I can't wait to see what I can make of them! How much fruit is one mortal good for? If Mother likes the wine made from this, I'll have to acquire more Lalafell for further fruit."She paused for a moment. "Is this what happens when someone loses one of your games?"Lynette smiled back at Mina. "Not every lost game results in this. Just one specific one!" She pranced about, giggling. "Puki's plant should bear a few more fruit in the coming days I would say roughly another batch this size. That's the norm, for a mortal to get two harvests of nine or ten fruits."Mina nodded. "Duly noted. Do mortals have to agree to these games of yours? Or if I were to kidnap someone, could you force the game upon them? I'm not familiar with your rules."She stuffed the packages in her robes, and stood up to meet Lynette's gaze. "Mother can be very expectant of the Sisters at times. I'd hate for her to be disappointed in someone."Lynette looked around a moment. "Oh! You wish to know how to trap them here to turn into plants? That's easy. Simply bring them offer them a cup of water from the pond there. If I have snacks laying around those are good too! If they eat or drink they will be trapped and this place does the rest on its own. Oh if they are really hungry. Fish from the pond are perfect too!"Mina smiled at the thought. "Ah, kind of like a game of my own then. Thank you, you've been most helpful! I'll be sure to let you sample the wine I make from Pukiki's fruit. Is there anything else you need of me before I take my leave?"Mina bowed before the fae, showing respect for the subtlety in her art.Lynette shook her head. "Nope! Oh other than I would refrain from eating your drinking something you didn't bring in yourself! I wouldn't like to see you trapped here."Mina chuckled. "Oh don't you worry, I won't be making that mistake! Is there a way to undo the turning?""Once the turning starts it's quite fast, though it does take a little for the process to start. If I get here in time I can free someone. Though it's quite taxing to myself.""Alright, good to know. I'll be on my way then, thank you again for the wonderful gifts!"Lynette smiled. "Of course! I am excited to see what you make of them!"Mina bade farewell to Lynette and shows herself out.

Acquaintanceships

Mina has had numerous interactions with others, mortal and voidsent alike. Choose a character below to learn of Mina's smaller stories with the denizens and guests of the Daughters of the Secret Veil.

A Visit in the Night

The pale Elezen was dragging an unconscious mortal by an arm. The clicking of her boot heels against the cold marble floor echoed in the corridor. Click, click, click, the steps grew louder and louder until they stopped outside of Mina's laboratory doors.A cold presence could be felt as the warmth of the air vanished, and an icy chill spread through the door.Whoever was the cause of this aura seemed to be lingering on the other side of the doors, as if waiting to be invited in.Mina looked up from some apparatus, noticing the presence beyond the door. She rolled her eyes and sighed before turning off the flame and walked over to the door. She opened it and peered into the hallway, her eyes falling on the unconscious figure and the woman dragging it roughly.The vampire lingered at the entrance, patiently waiting for an invitation inside. Her crimson eyes smiled, betraying the forced straight faced expression etched into her stone cold face, "Good Evening, Minaaa."Mina smiled back. “Good evening, Ceana. To what do I owe this pleasure?” She opened the door wider, stepping aside to let her in. “And… why are you dragging a corpse?”The vampire shook the unconscious slouch, and the thing gave a moan of pain. "Who said it was dead?" She uttered under her breath.She understood Mina's body language to be the invitation needed for her to step inside. The Elezen's boots clacked against the hard floors ominously as she dragged the bleeding bag of meat and blood behind her.Her hard garnet eyes searched the room for a seat, but only saw a single bed. "Your room is rather... barren. The new summoner has some hobbies and offered to build some furniture for us if the need arises. Perhaps you should command a request to him?"The vampire lifted the man to the bed with ease and released him. His still-warm body slouched over like a ragdoll before she sat beside him. She pulled the closest limb, which happened to be his right arm, and unceremoniously sank her teeth into his flesh. As she drank, her eyes glinted as if waiting for a response or some sort of dinner conversation.Mina looked around the room and chuckled. "Are you suggesting my quarters aren't up to snuff, Mother? I haven't settled yet on the atmosphere I'd like to have in this place. I usually tend to stay away from super closed off spaces, feels a little too much like a cage, if you get what I mean. It'd be perfect if I could figure out how to bring the forest here." She sighed, thinking of the breeze through the trees and the smell of fresh blood on newly fallen leaves."Your guest this evening, is he new? Or do you have a request of me concerning this one?" She had walked over to the bed while talking, and poked the writhing mass inquisitively.Ceana pulled her fangs away from the wound because the wound was already clotting closed. She set the man's hand in her lap and turned to Mina. "Speaking of the forest, I haven't seen the stupid one with the wings lately. I should send her back to the void for vanishing without permission, but I don't want to waste the aether with the new feral daughter. Why don't you just take over the forest?"

The vampire began licking the trail of blood that traveled down the unconscious man's arm and then remembered Mina asked of the meal's origin. "This is an adventurer. I posted a quest on the market board to kill some wild animals in the hinterlands. I just had to watch from the trees while they knocked him unconscious. A few people asked if he was okay, and I explained he drank too much and carried him here. I had to pretend he was heavy and throw his arm around my shoulder as a mortal would. I think he has a disease where his blood tastes too sweet, and that you could use him for my special wine."Mina wiped a drop of blood from the man's arm and stuck her finger in her mouth. "Yes, his blood is very sweet in comparison to others. No doubt suffering from a disease, and by the taste of it, he had no clue. He'd make a fine pinot noir, or maybe a merlot..." The gears had already begun turning in her head."Do you want to finish him off, or would you rather stick him in Lynette's forest?" She emphasized the fae's name to jog Ceana's memory, but she wasn't entirely sure the voidsent had actually forgotten."Her realm gives me the creeps. I feel like people are laughing in my head when I'm in there, and it isn't my voices doing the laughing." She shivered. "No, I think I want my quarters to resemble the feel of Gridania. It feels a lot like the forests I used to spend time in when I was home."The Elezen's garnet eyes spied a shiver that sent Mina's hair on end. Little bumps spread over the surface of the Miqo'te's skin as her body briefly shuddered. "I didn't realize it had such an effect on you. You're a survivor, Mina. You probably have developed some sense of where you shouldn't be."Ceana took the man's hand, and used its thumb and forefinger to stroke her chin as she contemplated, "I wonder if the forest will vanish if the fae is gone?" After a few moments of silent reflection, Ceana's melodious voice rang decisively."We should dig up Pukiki and plant her somewhere safe. And by we, I mean Leon. When you finish digging up the floorboards in here, do you think you can plant Pukiki here, somewhere?"Mina couldn't help but chuckle at the comedic sight of Ceana using another person's hand to rub her own chin. "Pukiki? Sure, she can live here. I'll make space."Ceana patted the unconscious man one last time before she stood up and slunk to the exit. "Thank you, Mina. I do love our little chats. They are so..." Ceana turned to Mina for a moment while she searches for the right word."Efficient."Mina nodded as Ceana moved to leave. “Of course. Anything I do is in service of the Sisters and of you.” She winked as Ceana took her leave before turning to the unconscious man. She cracked her knuckles and pounced.

An Olive Branch or a Threat?

The deathly silence of the night was interrupted by methodical footsteps. The sound of a boot heel clicking against the hallway's stone floor was quiet at first, the volume gradually growing as it came closer and closer. At the point in which the clack clack clack was at it's loudest, it suddenly stopped.A dark shadowy figure seemed to block the torch light from bleeding from below the door. A polished brass knob slowly turned, and the door creaked open. A black laced glove slid between the ajar door and it's frame, as if it was waiting for someone to lovingly grasp it and kiss it in greeting.Mina walked over to the door and opened it, smiling brightly at the woman standing across the threshold. She looked down, noticing the gloved hand and took it, turning it over in her hands. She looked up, eyes bright. “New gloves, Mother? The lace is exquisitely stitched.” Her ears wiggled as she smiled.The vampire tried to twist her hand back around and found Mina's grasp was greater than she could overpower. Preventing any attraction to her lack of ability to match Mina's strength, she spoke forcefully. "Not my glove, you twat! This is a greeting, Mina. You are supposed to bend low and kiss my hand, welcoming me into your room." Ceana huffed, coldly flipping her hair over her shoulder as she turned her face away from the Miqo'te, patiently waiting for Mina to either kiss the gloved hand, or let it go.Mina, having completely missed the intention as purely showing off new accessories, stared blankly back up now at the side of Ceana’s head.A simple “Oh,” escaped her lips as she stood still for a moment, letting the awkwardness of the situation saturate the walls and floor of her room, before finally bending at the waist and planting a soft kiss on the backside of Ceana’s hand. “That’s settled then,” she stated before releasing the gloved hand and stepping back and sheepishly running her hand through her bangs so that they fell perfectly around her face.She looked up and grinned, cheeks flush with embarrassment. “Apologies, I’m not super great at the whole etiquette thing. I tend to keep my distance from social encounters that require an extensive amount of… tact.” She opened the door wider for Ceana to enter. “To what do I owe this pleasure, Mother?”The lady in black took Mina's hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze, "As long as you can overlook my temper, I can overlook your lack of experience." Ceana squeezed gently again, "This squeezing is a token of platonic friendship, Mina. It means I enjoy being around you so much, I can't help but squeeze you. Now, you give it a try?"

“So this is what mortals do all day, just sit around and squeeze each other’s hands?” She pondered as she returned the gesture, lightly squeezing Ceana’s hand, feeling the absolute lack of warmth coming from it.“I really don’t mind your temper, it’s nothing like what I’ve experienced in the past. You, at least, seem to want to keep me around at the moment.” Mina surveyed Ceana’s face and found some warmth in her eyes, at least. She’d seen Ceana’s false niceties on display before with her prey, and did not sense any of this present at the moment.She relaxed and giggled a bit, playfully squeezing Ceana’s hand repeatedly. “Bit silly, isn’t it?”Ceana tilted her head, thinking as she watched Mina squeeze her over and over again, "It is, isn't it? Sadly, I've grown accustomed to their ways. Their lack of custom should be interpreted as an attack, or foreshadowing not to trust them enough to be vulnerable around them."Ceana slipped her gloves off and held them together in one hand. She lifted them and patted Mina with them before strolling deeper into her room, "Mina... I've been doing something. Perhaps you would want to do it too? You know how voidsent are. They only are loyal to those who are stronger. I've been taking steps to ensure I stay the stronger..." Ceana leisurely strolled around the room before plopping herself into an armchair. She kicked her legs over one armrest, and propped her back up on the other, calmly listening to Mina's response.Mina wondered about the nature of the thought in Ceana’s mind as she listened to the woman. “Of course, it’s our nature. What are you wanting to do?” She turned and went over to the cross-legged woman, taking a perch on the loft above her. “Steps?”Ceana's brilliant garnet eyes rolled to Mina's direction, "Do you remember the new summomer?"Mina thought for a moment. “Morahkiev, yes? The one that closed the portal when Zalamauhn was sucked in. What about him?”Ceana brought a thumb to her mouth and bit on it while she watched Mina's reaction. She slightly withdrew it to speak before biting back down on it, "He is summoning imps for me. Perhaps you would like to devour some as well?"

“Imps? You must be eating them by the hundreds for you to get some kind of significance from their aether.” She thought for a moment. “I suppose, if I were to have issue with hunting, I could partake. I’ve never eaten an imp. What do they taste like?” She swung her feet back and forth, ankles crossed, as she thought out loud.Ceana stuck a tongue out and dry heaved before speaking. "They taste like old fucking leather. It's disgusting. The trick is to summon one hundred, let them eat each other, then eat the one remaining. Very simple." Ceana began examining her nails. Upon noticing bits of flesh beneath them, she began picking them clean.Mina chuckled. “Like a Coliseum, but the victor’s reward is death. Morbid. I love it! Sure, count me in sometime. It sounds like fun, even if it is far from my usual preference of food. Will all the Sisters be joining in on this?” She imagined all of them cheering from the upper floor of the Summoning Room as an imp bloodbath raged below, staging bets on who they thought would be the victor.Ceana moved her feet back to the floor and leaned her elbows on her knees. The cowl of her robes fell backward with the prior movement, revealing Ceana's stern face as her garnet-red eyes seemed to pierce Mina's soul, "...It's only for us, Mina, for our protection..." Ceana brought her index finger to her lips, motioning silence, and then explaining, "This gesture, Mina, means silence. This is a secret the others cannot know about."

The air froze in the room as the two voidsent made eye contact with each other. Mina knew that Ceana was aware of the stronger of the two between them, and her gesture, while kind, confused her."Ceana. I appreciate your offer and am glad to receive it, but I must ask. Why do you share this with me? Do you wish to remain weaker than me? Our kind isn't usually privy to helping each other. What inspires you to extend an olive branch?" She studied her Mother's response carefully, eyes unwavering.Ceana froze. She wasn't expecting Mina to know this truth. She quickly slipped into her lacey gloves and maintained a cool poise. Internally, the cocky vampire was squirming and panicking, not sure what to do about the situation. She took a deep breath and began responding."You may be physically stronger, for now, but you lack experience in this world. My wisdom is what makes me the one in control." Ceana cockily leaned back, crossing her legs, and clasping her hands in her lap, "And by the time you gain the experience, I will have become physically stronger than you."Mina smiled coolly, knowing she struck a nerve, not fully intending to do so. Pleased with Ceana's response, her eyes lit up. "Great!" She clapped her hands together. "I love it when someone fights to keep control. Gets me all riled up!" She giggled innocently."Let's challenge each other, then. Ceana, I will continue to grow stronger. I ask that you do the same. Your point is a fair one, and I'll concede it. I swore to do anything and everything to protect you and this place, and will continue to do so." Her eyes sparkled in the dim light of the room, smile fading. "And one day, we can try to rip each other's throats out."She jumped down from her perch, to be on the same level as Ceana. She extended her hand. "This arrangement will be kept secret. You have my word. And for the record, I enjoy being around you too." The smile in her eyes as she said this was a genuine one.The rage boiled behind the eleven's eyes. The nerve, the audacity, for one that was just summoned to challenge her, the great Ceana? Already, the woman was thinking of ways to drain Mina's aether away without her knowing. Ceana maintained her composure, and focused on her lovely gloves, distancing herself from the present infuriating predicament. She coolly took Mina's hand in hers, kneeled down, and gently placed a kiss on the back of the other voidsent's hand."Yes, Lady Mina."

Forgekin Antics

Nari Nulah entered the dungeon, noticing Ceana in the cage with the prisoners, while Mina was perched on a locker. "Excuse me, I don't mean to intrude, but I was hoping I could have some assistance from one of my superiors."The Tonberry Slasher nodded. "The feline and I have done our research. It seems in order to obtain the desired goal of creation for the intended subject we require some...muscle. Perhaps one of you ladies will assist us?"Mina noticed the name Yurukhan and tilted her head to one side. She cocked an eyebrow and opened her mouth to speak before being interrupted by Nari and the small, green one. Seeing that Ceana seemingly had things under control here, she allowed Ren to have his ruse, knowing Ceana wouldn't outright kill him at Mina's request. She spoke up, "Something needs killing? I can help with that."Mina hopped down from the lockers and clapped her hands. "Alright! Where to?"-In Mina's alchemy lab-Nari gathered up the clay she had purchased recently, forming into the different parts of the intended forgekin. Placing them in the furnace carefully, she closed it and began stoking the flames, bringing the heat higher and higher.The clay took on a darker tone as it heated up, forming the basis for a forgekin. As they finished, Nari began removing the pieces using a pair of heavy duty tongs, making sure to be careful with each piece, especially the arms, to ensure no breakage.Retrieving the final piece, the head, she picked up the arms, handing them to the tonberry. "I'll need you to carry these, the head is a bit heavy."The Tonberry Slasher took the head from Nari and turned. "Where shall I take it?"Nari smiled down at the tonberry, lifting the rest of the parts into her arms. "Now we move on to my room for the dangerous part."

-In Nari's room-The Tonberry Slasher looked around after placing the head on the floor. "Are all the necessary components ready?"Nari nodded. "Yup, just need to place everything together, start the process, and hope it works out!" Taking the pieces, Nari begins piecing them together using the indents on the prepared wall.Once everything is in place, she moved back to the lectern, picking up a small object and examining it. "Now to make the catalyst to bring this thing to life! Hopefully..." Channeling her aether, she empowered the totem, causing it to glow with energy. Walking to the lifeless wall, she glanced back at her companions. "Once I place this in it's mouth, it SHOULD come to life. Whether or not it's going to be happy about that, I don't know..."Mina nodded. "Ah, so that's what I'm here for. Gotcha. Kill this thing before it destroys everything I take it?"Nari nodded. "That's the idea, though hopefully it behaves and won't make that necessary..."The Tonberry Slasher sniffed up at Mina. "...Calm your feral instincts, fur ball. We're here to give it life, not treat it as a scratching post."Nari took a deep breath. "Here goes nothing..." Placing the catalyst in the Demon Wall's mouth, she stepped back, waiting to see what would happen.Mina walked up to the demon wall and pokes it. It didn't respond.Nari watched hopefully as the wall begins to glow slightly... before it and the catalyst both went dim. Her brow furrowed as she stared at it, hoping it would suddenly spring to life. "Well... that was... disappointing."The Tonberry Slasher sighed and sneered at Nari. "You FOOL! Did you not read the preparations carefully?!"Nari blushed, embarrassed by her failure. "I thought I had... maybe I didn't use enough aether..."Mina thought for a moment. "Can we not try again? What do you require for this catalyst?"The Tonberry Slasher looked in Mina's direction and nodded. "Yes. Mina looks chunky enough to spare some aether. Syphon it from her plumpness and lets have another go."

Nari shook her head. "The catalyst itself isn't too much trouble, but trying to use it is another story. I CAN try it again, but I'd definitely be too weak to help if it went wild, so it'll be up to you both to take care of that."Mina nodded in confirmation. "I can part with some aether for this, certainly. I don't need you weak enough that you can't at least run away."The Tonberry Slasher pulled out his chef's knife. "...At the ready."
Mina crouched down, rolling her weight back to her haunches. "At the ready."Nari moves to the lectern, scrawling a fresh piece of paper with the mystic markings matching the last. Focusing intently, she makes sure to pour an extra bit of aether into it this time, determined to succeed this time. "Alright, once more!"Nari placed the paper once again in the statue's mouth, giving a silent prayer for success before stepping back to her companions. "Here we go again..."Nari clapped her hands gleefully as the statue came to life. "Yes! I did it!" She turned to face the tonberry. "See? I KNEW I could do it." Turning back to the wall, she noticed just in time as it swiped at her, falling backwards to try and get away.The Tonberry Slasher chuckled. "Seems IT... wants to do YOU, kitty number one."Nari glared at the tonberry despite the danger of the situation. "My name is Nari, thank you very much."
The Tonberry Slasher gazed up at Nari. "If I call you fluff butt... will you slap me around and treat me like useless trash again like you did in the library cuz you got hot for me?"Mina stared blankly. "What?"
Tonberry Slasher nodded to Mina, showing her the bruises. "...She's a wild one."
Nari felt her face heat up at the mention of the tonberry's 'test'. "I ONLY did that because YOU told me I had to if I wanted the book!"

Mina grinned from ear to ear. "Nari, Nari! I knew we'd corrupt you yet!" She lightly clapped the cat on her back, giggling at the bruises she gave the green one.The Tonberry Slasher looked at Nari strangely. "How... Does violating my body... Connect with getting you a few magic books?"The Tonberry Slasher walked up to Nari in tonberry creep style. "The TRUTH of the matter... Is you LIKED it... You pervert. I BET you wanna even do it again. Right across the face... DON'T you... You feline weirdo?!"Mina Thorn walks up to Nari right behind the Tonberry. "You know you liked it... Come on, give in... Succumb to the wickedness within..." Her eyes sparkle alongside the tonberry's as they crowd around her.Nari narrowed her eyes, trying to control her temper. "I have no idea! That's what I wanted to know when you TOLD me to do it! If you'd like, I will GLADLY give a repeat performance to MAKE you admit it was your idea!"Glancing over at Mina, she glared at her, too. "Please, don't ENCOURAGE this..."
The Tonberry Slasher sniffed. "Oooh drop the innocent act! You laid into me like a creampuff in the wind!" He stopped when a new presence seems to be felt in the room.The Demon Wall let out a vicious roar, its eyes locking on to the two in front of it and it slashed it's claws in an attempt to eviscerate them.The Tonberry Slasher looked expectantly at Nari. "Welll? You got this thing up and running. Now what?"Mina cleared her throat. "It would seem we have a more pressing issue to attend to. This thing seems quite fit to eviscerate us."The Demon Wall let out an unholy shriek and scooted forward, keeping its eyes trained on the two in front of it.The Tonberry Slasher's eyes widened.Nari pulled out her staff, holding it close in a vain attempt at self-defense. "So...you two CAN beat it, right?"The Tonberry Slasher hid under Mina's dress because valor and gentlemen-ness aren't on the table when one's small as he.Mina noticed that her two compatriots were now quite disgracefully hiding behind her and sighed, shaking her head. "Yeah, this thing wants everyone here dead. Nari, do you know what you did that caused this or is it random chance?" She seems to pay the approaching demon wall no mind.The Demon Wall keeps approaching, slowly sliding across the stone floor with a terrible noise, fixated on killing the group in front of it.Nari blushes again, rubbing the back of her neck. "If I had to guess... I'd say I lack the proper training to control something like this... Maybe I should've tried a weaker creation first..." Despite the situation, Nari became lost in thought, already thinking about how approach her next attempt.The Tonberry Slasher, observing Mina's legs were chubbier than Nari's for added stomping weight, peeked out from under her robes to look angrily at Nari. "Take responsibility you turd! We make mistakes in life... And when we do... We fix it! Now let's come up with a solution!" He shouted as he shrank back in the safety of Mina's robes.

Mina kicked the tonberry out from under her robes, punting the small form toward the demon wall.Nari snapped out of her train of thought, noticing the Demon Wall's slow advance. "Oh, right!" Drawing on her knowledge as a conjurer, she produced a large stone projectile, launching it directly at the demon wall... Only for it to bounce off harmlessly.The Tonberry Slasher SHIVERED with delight. "T-THAT KICKING POWER! GOD what a woman!" He sailed RIGHT into the demon wall's hands! "Um H-halp meh?" The Tonberry Slasher panicked!The Demon Wall looked at the being in front of it and screamed before grabbing it, its claws digging in to the small green form.Mina rolled her eyes and began to slowly walk toward the wall, obviously taking her time.Nari watched as Mina moved forward. "Be careful!"The Demon Wall noticed the person walking towards it and scooted forward some more towards them, before launching the green thing in it's hand towards them.The Tonberry Slasher 's eyes water... Still far too young to die... Though 50% of his bucket list totally got crossed off with Nari's hawt stomping action earlier. He panicked more!The Tonberry Slasher sailed through the air.Mina Thorn stopped to take a glance in the book placed upon the lectern, humming softly as she heard the tonberry's scream becoming louder and louder. She looked up to see the tonberry coming closer and simply ducked out of the way so he can continue his trajectory.The Tonberry Slasher bounced off the opposite wall!Nari rushed over to the tonberry, summoning up aether to cast a curative spell on the small librarian.The Tonberry Slasher glared at Mina. "You ASSHOLE! You coulda totally caught my voluptuously pleasing body!" The Tonberry Slasher 's eyes water. "Thank you Nari... You're nicer than Mina... And prettier too."Nari leaned down, dusting off the tonberry's robes. "I suggest staying away from that thing until she takes care of it..."Mina giggled. "Dangers of the occupation!" She shouted back as she continued to approach the wall. She intended to bait out an attack in order to get in close. She shouted back once more, "Get under my robes again and I'll shove you in its mouth!"Nari Nulah watched as the tonberry moves under her robes. "I know you're trying to say safe down there, but watch your hands..."
The Tonberry Slasher glares at Mina from the safety of Nari's robes. "I hope it just gobbles you up!"The Demon Wall growled and scooted forward, swiping its claws at the person in front of it once in range of them.Mina dodged the swipe and rushed in, reaching up and gripping its wrist. She pulled with all of her strength, ripping off the arm and tossing it aside.The Tonberry Slasher looks up at Nari. "Isn't she supposed to be a professional? If we're not gonna keep this thing alive... Cant she just wham bam boom it like I do my lovers in the heat of passion?"

The Demon Wall screamed in rage, pain nonexistent to the entity, and swiped with it's other arm.The Tonberry Slasher grew impatient...Nari glanced over at Mina, impressed by her strength. "I'd say if she's handling it, she can do it however she likes..."The Tonberry Slasher, infuriated the Demon Wall Stand keeps moving away from him, readied the summit of Tonberry power... Everyone's Grudge! The Tonberry Slasher effortlessly took off the Demon wall's other arm.Mina Thorn stared blankly.The Tonberry Slasher sheaths his blade. "Problem solved."Nari stared down at the tiny librarian, a bead of sweat on her forehead. "I didn't realize you had that kind of power..."Mina grasped the jaws of the wall in her hands and pulled them apart, easily removing its bottom jaw and breaking it off. She twisted the remaining top of the wall and broke its neck, the clay given form crumbling before her.The Demon gave a final shriek before its jaw is promptly ripped off and it crumbled away.The Tonberry Slasher shrugged. "I wanted to see Mina's hawt little self in action... And the warmth found under your robes is a treat to the hungering male soul... So... ANYWAY... Now that our little wall friend is out of commission... What are we gonna do?"Nari let out a giant sigh of relief. "Thank goodness I brought you two along... I'm pretty sure I'd be dead right now if I was on my own."The Tonberry Slasher contemplates this. "...Nari's vulnerable corpse. That's... Kinda hot..."Mina slaps the Tonberry. "Quit it."The Tonberry Slasher's eyes widened. "Y-you just slapped me... Marriage possibly?"Nari laughed. "All things considered, I'd say this is a partial success. At least now I know I can create them. Next is CONTROLLING them..."Mina lifts the tonberry's robes. "What ARE you exactly?"The Tonberry Slasher's eyes widen. The feeling of exposure and humiliation is unbearably... Exciting. Mina QUICKLY gets to understand he's male... And lowers the robes quickly, horrified.The Tonberry Slasher looked at Mina Thorn in panic!Mina shuddered as she stood back up. Looking to Nari, "Perhaps a smaller, or weaker, creation first? You could work your way up or something like that."The Tonberry Slasher cleared his throat. "Well ladies... Seems my work is done here. I'll leave it to you to sort out this mess in peace. Ta ta."Nari nodded. "Definitely smaller. Something I could fend off on my own, preferably."Mina nods. "This was a lot of fun! I'd be happy to help another time if you need me." She bowed.Nari grinned, nodding. "I'll definitely ask you for help next time I need it. Have a good night, Miss Mina."Mina Thorn waved back at Nari as she exits.

A Request in the Kitchen

Nari stirred the pot of bubbling stew, taking a spoonful to taste for seasoning. Grabbing an array of spices, she added and adjusted the flavor, aiming for a perfect soup. She tasted the soup one last time, humming happily at the flavor. Placing a lid over it, she reduced the heat, allowing it to stay warm without boiling over or burning.Mina entered the kitchen quietly, the smell of the soup hitting her nostrils as she opened the door. She spied Nari busying herself with it, and found a perch high up. She took a moment to observe the chef before clearing her throat.Nari jumped in place a bit, the noise surprising her. Turning around, she glanced around the room, spotting Mina sitting atop the bread cabinet. Removing her oven mitts, she made her way over, smiling up at her. "Good evening, Miss Mina. How are you tonight?"Mina smiled as Nari walked over. "I'm doing well enough, thank you. Listen, I usually leave you to your devices and stay out of the way, but... I need a favor from you." She lowered her eyes to Nari below her before continuing."Do you remember Ren?"Nari tilted her head, thinking back and nodding. "I believe so... He's locked in the cells, right?"Mina nodded in confirmation. "I captured him on the first night we were open for business, he was caught alongside Leon. You've been feeding him the typical prisoner's ration, and it's been keeping him alive, but I need you to make him a more filling ration."Nari nodded, smiling happily. "Of course, I'd be happy to assist. As a matter of fact, I just finished a pot of stew. If you'd like, I can fix up and extra large portion with some bread for tonight."Mina's ears perked up in delight. She clapped her hands together. "Oh, good! I'm so glad you were amicable to that. Ceana has been draining him pretty regularly, and I need him at his full strength. I'm going to try and get her to stop doing so, but I need to counteract the draining however I'm able."She thought for a moment. "Would you mind keeping this between us? I don't want to make it seem like I'm showing favoritism towards a mortal. It's not good for the image, if you catch my drift."

Nari made a zip motion across her lips. "Mums the word. After my own experience locked up, I'm more than happy to help another prisoner be at least a bit more comfortable."Turning around, she quickly made her way to the cabinets, retrieving a tray and bowl. Placing them on the counter near the stove, she began ladling stew into the bowl, filling it to nearly spilling. She went to cut slices from a loaf of bread, but, changing her mind, she placed the full loaf on the tray by the bowl.Nari picked the tray up, making her way back over to Mina. "Here you go. I think this should suffice for the night!"
Mina hopped down from the rack and landed before Nari, taking the tray. She smiled down at it. "This should be great. He'll be delighted!"She turned to leave, before hesitating a moment. Turning back to Nari, ears down, Mina sets the tray on the counter before hugging Nari tightly. "Thank you."
Nari stiffened for a moment, not expecting the gesture, before hugging Mina back, smiling. "No need to thank me. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to call on me!" Pulling back, she grinned wide at Mina.
Mina backed up awkwardly, not sure what just came over her. "I... don't mean just for this. For the other night, too. With Zala. I... kinda lost myself a bit there. I haven't been scared like that in a long time. Thank you for being there for me." She smiled a little, picking up the tray and turning for the door. "And the same goes to you. Don't hesitate if you need something. I'm always around."
Nari nodded. "Believe me, I was terrified myself. Hopefully nothing like that happens again..." Nari shook her head, pushing any worry away. "Anyway, you'd better get that food to Ren soon. I can't imagine those rations tasted very good."
Mina giggled, "Yes. You're right. Goodnight, Nari. And thank you again." She smiled back at Nari before leaving.

Heat Vellgheist

Coming soon!

Arahnea Aalzarak

Coming soon!

Morahkiev Shadowgate

Coming soon!

A Plea for Silence

Mina ran through all the possible places in her head. She had just escorted Ren from the dungeons to the door, and on the way back heard noise from the dungeons. She was pretty sure she saw Leon headed down there with a mortal.Shit, she thought. He knows. He'll be trying to find Ceana. I have to find him first.Not in the servant's quarters or any of the sisters' private rooms, nor was he in Ceana's den. She leaned against the dining room door before turning the handle and stepping in quietly.Leon was looking in every room for both his Mistress and the missing prisoner. Leon ended up in the dinning room at one point, letting out a quiet huff. His ears caught onto approaching footsteps and he turned as the door was pushed open."Oh! Lady Mina."He paused for a moment.
"Could I bother for a moment?" He asked, giving her a gentle smile. "I have a concern I'd like to raise with you."Mina didn't quite relax when Leon noticed her. She squints her eyes at the tall ears adorning his head. She'd have to be quieter around him. She met his gaze. "A concern? Certainly, I'd be happy to help however I am able."She gave him a smile that her eyes didn't reflect.Leon Jones noted the less than enthusiastic response. "Uhm Yes. Your... Uh... Toy? The prisoner? I can't seem to find him anywhere." He simply explained.He didn't say anything else just yet, simply watching to gauge her reaction.

Mina took a deep breath and straightened herself when Leon explained himself. He had noticed.She lowered her ears a bit and hunched her shoulders a little. She ran stories through her head, shaking them all out. He wouldn't believe her anyway. She moved to stand between him and the doorway before looking blankly at him."I let him leave."Leon sort of looked at Mina blankly as she spoke for moment. He couldn't seem to process what she had just said but he wasn't stupid enough to ask her to repeat herself. "You... Let him leave...?" He simply repeated for her. Leon was visibly searching for words. "With all due respect my Lady... Why would do that? Aren't you putting everyone in danger... Can this man be trusted? Does Lady Ceana know?" He asked as worry and confusion overtook his features.Mina backed up and leaned against the door before nodding. "I let him leave. I let him leave but it wasn't for nothing. You've been feeding the prisoners for a while now, didn't you realize he was getting more than the other captives? I worked that out with Nari, so I'm hoping I can work something out with you too. Ceana doesn't know about this and I need it to stay that way."Leon Jones needed a moment to think through her request. "I-I see... I... I cannot lie to Lady Ceana... However, I do owe you my loyalty as well, Lady Mina. I could... Omit this incident from my reports. But for that I must know; could you please enlighten me to why you've chosen to set him free... And to what end?"Mina dropped her shoulders fully and sighed. She hung her head. "Ren has become someone I feel I can relate to. As gruff as he seems on the outside, he's actually an extremely understanding person."She looked to one side. "When the void took Zala from us, I was terrified. I think more than the other sisters. I jumped to try and save him because I know what that place is like. I assume you've never been there because, well, you're standing here before me, but that place is hell. It's cold... Empty... It sucks the very essence from every fiber of your being. It shook me to my core. After that, I... Couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't see him waste away in that cell anymore. Ren saved you, someone he didn't even know, and was willing to lay his life down to ensure yours. He didn't deserve a cold, dark cell."

Leon's head tilted gently to the side as she spoke. His worried expression turned into something blank and solemn as she finished speaking. "No one deserves a cold dark cell, Lady Mina. You've let emotions get the best of you... Have you taken no precautions as you set him free? Do you know if he'll come back to this place with a vengeance? Do you have any way to assure that we are safe?" He asked, his voice more stern but still respectful.Mina shook her head as Leon grilled her. "I've fought with him countless times. We've grown to know each other on the sparring field. I've had many conversations with him at his cell. I feel like I can trust him, and that's all I needed. Was I expected to eat him? I don't think I could have done that. I trust him, Leon, and as someone who saved your life," she looked up at him through her hair, "from me, I might add, I thought you'd have some kind of rapport with him as well."Leon processed everything. Knowing Mina trusted him was a mixed bag. "I guess I would need to believe your trust is unclouded..." He said but there was still visible doubt on his face as his gaze wandered for a moment until she brought up that little fact that he had attempted to save him once. And yes, from HER. Leon couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle."I'm sorry, my Lady. Whatever self-fulfilling righteousness he was trying to feel inside himself by saving me does not earn him any of my gratitude. If he had truly cared he wouldn't have left me behind. He hasn't said a single word to me since that day. And might I also add that if it hadn't been for his attempted acts of heroism, I wouldn't have gotten in trouble with you in the first place."Leon's words were cynical, cruel at worst, and they dripped with a festering hatred he bared hidden deep behind that pretty face and pretty smile."I'm just surprised that you would let someone go, considering how you stopped me from being saved."He paused. "I'm sorry... that sounded bitter of me but I have no hard feelings about you keeping me here, I truly don't." He said with complete honesty. "I just find this whole situation rather ironic."He shook his head a bit. "I'm going to choose to trust your judgement Lady Mina. I hope I'm not making a mistake."

Mina mulled over his words as their weight fell on the dining room and left it in hesitant silence. She tapped her nails on the wood of the dining room door, grinding her teeth as she eyed Leon.She knew he would probably be thinking something to that extent, but Leon wasn't embodying the meek, timid air he usually had about him. No, his aether was bright, burning.Delectable.She was sure he didn't think he was on the verge of death, so this must be something else.This was hatred. Total, seething, utter hatred.She eyed him as she watched him smooth his uniform, meeting her gaze unfazed. In this moment, he wasn’t afraid.Mina smiled, fangs catching the light as their staring contest stretched on. “It seems that the voidsent might not be the only monsters we have under our roof here, Leon. Do you hate him, or do you hate me?”She paused. “I know not why he chose not to speak with you following your capture and release, for his mind and his heart were as far from here as they could be. Each day he fought, I could tell he was still looking for an opening to kill me. I know he couldn’t find one, but still he sought it. He fought for his life to the death, every day. He told me of his home, and where he was from. I told him what I could of my own. I won’t apologize for him, nor will I beg you.”She grew quiet for a moment, her anger settling a little. “Leon, I’m trying to figure some stuff out. I don’t know why I’m feeling, well… anything. But I am. And I’m trying to make that side of me live with the other side of me. The one you met the night we did. And it’s not going well.”She stood up from the door and moved away from it, giving Leon space to leave around her. “I hope you’ll trust me. I made him a promise, you know. I promised him that if he ever got out of here, I’d hunt him down to the ends of the realm until I found him again. I still intend to uphold that promise, so I hope that suffices to settle your fears. I’m always around.”For Leon, no, there was no fear in him at the moment, there was a void emptiness in his eyes as he spoke and if you looked hard enough, that tiny little spark of contained hatred was there. Mina's words served to bring back a certain amount of that meekness in his eyes though."Hate you? No! I could never, My lady!" He said with a soft frown, seeming hurt by the fact she would even think that. "I don't hate that man either. It's merely human nature to be selfish. There's no point in holding it against him." He explained.The answer was obvious though. As clear as ice."I see... I understand better so I will trust you with more confidence... However... Why would you cling to that side of you that feels things? Why don't you just try to snuff it out if it doesn't align with that other part of you? Why torture yourself with contradicting thoughts or feelings?" He wondered genuinely, looking at his Lady with a curious concern in his eyes.

Mina shrugged. “I was summoned into a living body. The blood that was spilled for my summoning was spilled by me, afterward. Until recently, that body has lain dormant. Since the brush with the void, it has awoken. At least, parts of it. I can ignore it when I have to, but sometimes it pushes through and I am influenced by it. I’m trying to find out where a balance lies, if there is one. If not, I think I might lose my mind worse than I already have.”She looked up at him and smiled sadly. “For what it’s worth, Leon, I’m sorry for the way I treated you on the night we met.”She shook her head a few times before looking at him again, fangs bared.“If you tell anyone about this, I’ll make sure you can’t ever utter another word for as long as you live.”Her eyes sparkle as she says this, and she winks at him, smiling playfully.Leon nodded gently as he tried to understand her situation as it was quite complicated. He gave her a look of sympathy as she apologized. "My Lady... Like I said, apologies are not needed." He reassured.When she threatened him though, Mina was met with a bright and sunny grin. "Of course, my Lady! I'll take your secrets to the grave and that's a promise!" He nodded firmly, not a single hint of worry.

Mina approached Leon and extended her hand, looking into his eyes with a new understanding of the man. "I'm glad we were able to work something out. I'll offer you the same promise I made Nari. If you ever require something that Ceana can't help you with, please call on me. I'm always around."She smiled at him, genuinely this time, some of her worry melting away for a moment. In this moment, she felt like she had another confidant, and it felt good. Both sides of her were in sync on that.Leon Jones nodded. "You're too kind, but if I ever need something my Mistress Ceana cannot give, I will consider coming to you."Leon glanced down at her hand and seemed to pause. He blushed, only slightly and gently shook it. He gave a polite bow right after the handshake. "If that'll be all then. I still need to see Lady Ceana for a different matter." He said gently, asking permission to leave.Mina stepped to the side and motioned for him to take his leave.As he touched the door, she called out to him. "Leon? Thank you, really."

Tea in the Servants' Quarters

Mina made her way down one of the smaller corridors of the house, one less travelled. One would think cobwebs and mice would make their home among this seemingly forgotten hall, but it was all immaculately clean instead. She stopped before the wooden door to the servant's quarters before knocking. After the rapping ceased, Mina looked to her fist and pondered. Would he even answer? She wasn't sure that this door had ever experienced knocking. She shook her head a few times."Uh- Come in please!" Leon called out.Mina opened the door and entered, closing it behind her and leaning against it. She looked across the room at the scene unfolding before her. A rabbit, seemingly being tortured judging by the squirming and squealing; and Leon holding a mean-looking tool that the rabbit seemed very keen on getting away from. "Oh, am I interrupting... whatever this is? Do you require assistance killing that?" She smirked as she said so, stifling a giggle. "I can return at a different time if need be."Leon looked surprised to see Mina walk in, a look filled with curiosity sparkling in his large obsidian doe eyes.He somewhat felt his blood run a little cold as Mina suggested he was trying to kill his precious baby. "U-Uhm- No. I'm- Ugh!" He sighed, as he finally got the rabbit to be still again."This is Chess. My pet rabbit. He hates having his nails clipped but they're overgrown and I don't want him getting arthritis... He's just a drama queen, ignore him. Please, I'm not busy, come in. What can I do for you, Lady Mina?" He said, giving her a warm smile before looking down as the paw he was holding and expertly wielding the torture device to clip one little nail at a time, making quick work of the rest of the paw and moving to the next.Meanwhile, the fluff ball quietly stared at Mina with a pleading look, begging for deliverance from its eternal suffering.

Mina chuckled at the pleading rabbit, finding it humorous that it would rather be with a soulless husk of a voidsent than the current situation it was in.She shook her head, envying the creature's blissful ignorance. "I'll let you handle the torture. You're surprisingly good at it. I'm visiting you this evening with a question. May I?"She motioned to the empty chair across from Leon at the table he was currently using to subdue his pet.Leon nodded gently. "Of course! Ask away and make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink? I brewed some tea just now." He said, jerking his chin toward the steaming tea set beside him. Meanwhile, he continued to clip the rabbit's nails until the job was done. With that, Leon placed the nail clipper on the table and unwrapped the beast. The rabbit leapt out of Leon's hold, then made a point of violently thumping his back leg against the floor to express his discontent before thumping his hind legs at Leon to 'throw dirt' at him and running to the upstairs loft to hide and sulk.Mina giggled as the rabbit ran off, speeding past her as she approached the table. She passed the kitchen on the way, retrieving two cups for the tea with saucers. Setting them on the table, she picked up the teapot and poured two cups from the steaming kettle before passing one to Leon and settling in the chair with the other one.She sighed deeply before taking a sip of the steaming drink. It was good. "I've never had this kind of tea before, is it a favorite of yours?" Standing briefly, Mina shed her robe and flexed her ears, rubbing them a bit. The weight of the hood made them ache, and she was in the mood to relax.Leon watched Mina grab the cups and reached for the tea but she was faster. "Ah- My Lady please let me..." He mumbled but Mina had poured them both a drink by the time he was done protesting. Leon stayed in his seat and took his cup with a quiet 'thank you'. He gave it a small sip and smiled in satisfaction. "It's an herbal mix. Tea making is an art I've picked up from working as a servant. This particular tea is apparently good for peace of mind and relaxation." He explained but gave a small shrug."I just really find the taste comforting before a tiring work day." He added, looking down at the steaming green tea before looking back to Mina.Mina's ears fell as she took another sip. "Leon, this is incredible. Compared to what I usually... Consume..." She let the tea steam over her face for a moment. "It's like a delicacy. I hope I'm not interrupting private time. I'm sure you get very little of it."She hesitated, lingering over her cup, as she searched for the words to her question that would make Leon answer truthfully, not as a servant.

Leon's expression seemed to melt into the warmest of smile as Lady Mina enjoyed his tea. He gently shook his head at her concern. "It's always a pleasure to have your company, My Lady. You're never interrupting." He replied in a gentle tone.Mina smiled as Leon reassured her. "Please, feel free to call me Mina. I hate the stuffiness of that formality. I'd much rather be referred to as something more natural. I understand if you'd prefer to hold the formality, however."She cleared her throat and took another sip of the tea. "I wanted to know more about you Leon, if you're open to it." She relaxed her shoulders and leaned back in the chair, before looking at Leon with a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes."Can we be friends?"Leon Jones nodded softly. "Heat also dislikes the formality so, if it makes you uncomfortable, I'll be happy to call you Mina from now on." He agreed. "You... want to know about me?" He wondered a bit confused. The question dancing around his eyes was glaringly obvious: 'Why?'. He felt a blush creep onto his cheeks as she mentioned being friends, his pale cheeks dusted a light pink. "Fuh-Friends?" He stuttered in obvious shock. "I-I mean... I guess we can be? But that doesn't change my position as your servant, Mina."Mina looked into Leon’s eyes and searched them for his true feelings at her question, but found nothing in them. The man was very skilled at hiding what his true inner thoughts were, but she noticed his façade crack ever so slightly when she asked if they could be friends.“I understand that, and if continuing to position yourself below me makes you more comfortable, then I’m all for it.” She leaned forward, placing her elbows on the wooden table and smiling. “But I’m serious, I want to know more about you! I’ve never had friends before, where I’m from I spent my time hiding and trying to go unnoticed. Voidsent don’t do well with others, much less breach friendship. So I don’t really know what to expect,” she said as she rubbed her neck shyly.“But this is nice, I think?” She stopped for a moment again, listening to her words as they came out.Why did she sound like this? Like a small child, cautious and afraid?She shook her head, trying to straighten her thoughts out. Her features stiffened for a moment as a more guarded air took itself to her shoulders.“Listen, Leon. I wanted to thank you for your cooperation with Ren’s release, and I was curious as to what you enjoy outside of your work. I have learned you enjoy tea making, is there anything else you find joy in?”She sat up straight, feeling something tugging at her from inside.Be kind?“Kindness isn’t something I’m very good at, but I’m… trying something new.”

A look of relief visibly washed over Leon as Mina reassured him that she understood that it would not affect his servitude."There's really no need to thank me, Mina. Knowing I was somehow helpful is all the thanks I need." He said humbly.A much colder, intrigued look came over his face. "If it's not in your nature, you don't need to force kindness." He said simply, letting the words hang in the air for a moment, a sharpness in his wondering gaze, before adding. "I'm aware you're trying to balance that other side of you, you mentioned... so I assume that has to do with this?" He wondered.As quick as it came, the coldness vanished from his features, the dumb, warm and seemingly empty-headed look returning to his eyes. "To answer your question though..."Leon brought a hand up to his chin in a universal 'thinking' position. "I like to serve others! Making them happy makes me happy!" He declared almost proudly despite how horribly pitiful that sounded.Mina lingered on Leon’s words.If it’s not in your nature, you don’t need to force kindness.She retreated into herself and thought about it. What IS my nature?Her mind flashed to the forest. The air, thick with the smell of iron. Blood on her hands, face, and torso. A broken, mutilated body before her on the ground. Then to the dining room. Heat and Leon wiping soup from her arms and face as Creanise turns up her nose and Ceana desperately tries to defuse the situation. She looked to the servant sitting across from her.“Yes, I suppose it does pertain to that. I love nothing more than hunting, feeling my prey crumble beneath my willpower. Complete and total domination of someone makes me feel so alive. But at the same time, I love what we have going on here. I know I keep myself distanced from the other Sisters, but it’s by design. I don’t know that they’d accept the conflicts I have within myself."I know Ceana wouldn’t hesitate to attempt to send me back to the void if I were to express some of my feelings. But I don’t know if I could do the same. When the moment came to deal that final blow, to any of them, could I do it? Probably. Could I live with it? That I’m not so sure of. So I know that kindness isn’t explicitly in my nature, but to that end, I know not what my nature truly is. There’s a war within me, and it’s currently at a stalemate.” She looked down sheepishly.“It’s alright if you think less of me for it.” She returned her gaze to Leon, a single tear streaming down her face. “But I can’t help it.”She wiped it quickly before continuing. “Is there anything you lack in your duties? Anything you need that could help you do what you do better?”

Leon Jones listened intently as she spoke of her 'truest' self. He felt alarmed as she insinuated he looked down at her, he looked even more panicked as he saw her tear. "Nuh-No! I would never judge you! I just.. to tell you the truth... I'm simply skeptical of people who try 'changing for the better'. In your case it's a bit different, you're not trying to change yourself, you're trying to settle all these clashing characteristic into a 'self' you're happy with... am I close?"He spoke softly, quickly getting up and walking over to her. He pulled a clean handkerchief from his top and gently offered it to her with a quiet 'Here...'."Still..." He continued, "I find righteous kindness... quite a worthless quality." He stated plainly, a neutral, almost apathetic look on his face. He looked back to Mina as a warm smile overtook his features once more. "So no. I'm not looking down on you. Just trying to understand your struggle."He said honestly. Next, he tried to think about what he may need. "A bigger arsenal of cleaning supplies would help. One of those fancy mops that shoot out liquid with the changeable pads would save me a lot of time." He explained.
Mina Thorn scoffed when he said “righteous”. She gingerly took the handkerchief from him and wiped her eye again, embarrassed that something so vulnerable happened without warning.Pathetic.“Leon, after what I’ve done, I don’t know that I can ever do anything that could be viewed as ‘righteous’. But you’re right. I’m trying to calm the seas, if that makes sense. One side is the boat, just trying to stay afloat. The other side is the ocean, vast, cold, and dark. Ready to swallow the ship at the earliest chance. And I’m both the captain and the depths.” She sighed, dropping her shoulders.“Thank you for the tea, Leon. And thank you for listening. I don’t know if there would be willing ears anywhere else in the house.”She took mental note of the mop. “I’ll see what I can do to expand your tools. And I’ll see if I can’t throw something else in that’s more personal. Fair warning, I’ve never given anyone a gift, so if it sucks, I’m sorry!” Mina looked up at Leon and smiled, a genuine one.

Leon Jones nodded gently. "I see." His smile widened a bit as he was thanked."You're welcome! Feel free to drop by any time... and if you ever feel like drinking more tea I'd happy to steep some for you and bring it to your room." He offered, giving a polite bow of his head.He was glad to hear he might be getting more equipment. "Thank you! Any gift you give will be an honor to me Mina so don't worry," he reassured.Mina nodded and stood to leave. She left her cup on the table, consciously allowing Leon the pleasure of cleaning up after her.As she walked by, she touched his shoulder. "If there is anything you ever need, know that I will see that it is done. No questions asked."She smiled again. "Goodnight, Leon. I'll drop your present by soon."
Leon Jones nodded gently, smiling warmly at the touch and her words. "Of course, Mina. And thanks again. I'll be awaiting eagerly!" He promised, watching her leave quietly and waiting until she was out of the room before turning around to clean up.

An Unsuccessful Rescue

-Mina happened upon Ren nursing an injured Leon-"So, what do we have here?"Ren pulled out a small kit from a pocket in his coat. "I know not of what happened to you, all I know is that you were in a cage."Ren looked up, annoyed.Leon Jones stutters, confused. "Shuh.... She drank my blood...?" He tried to explain, his words trailing off as a new voice spoke up. Eyes straining to look over.Mina looked over to the Au Ra, presently aiding the Viera she saw thrown in the cages earlier. "We don't happen to be... Trying to escape do we?"Ren turned back to the Viera and started to patch up the wound. "And if that were the case? Will you call an authority? And I don't mean a normal human..."Mina gently touched the Viera's face. "It looks as if this one has received Mother Ceana's treatment... She will likely be saving him for later. Are you quite certain you're ready to face that?"She chuckled at the Au Ra's statement. "I assure you, no further authority is necessary..." She grinned with her fangs bared.Ren glared while tending to his work. "You're right on that. However, I'll not permit this myself." He stopped the bleeding and sighed a bit. "So... What are you, 'madame'?"Mina looked into this mortal's eyes and wondered if he knows the strength sitting before him. She gazed at him coldly. "I'm not sure you'll have much say in that... Unfortunately."She looked down at the collapsed form in front of her again. "Plain and simple, if Mother Ceana has plans for this one, then they will come to fruition. You're welcome to try, but..." Mina chuckled, "I don't know if that would go well for you." She winked.

Ren heard this sort of bragging before. "I'll take the risks, you know how 'stupid' we adventuring types are, I'm sure."Mina laughed outright. "You've got me there, generally you adventurers are quite stupid. However, you usually aren't self-aware enough to know that. Tell me, what do you hope to do by evacuating this mortal from our home?"She looked down again, noticing that the Viera has regained some of his composure. Looking back at the Au Ra, "Tell me. What did you say your name was again?"Ren crossed his arms across his built chest. "You heard my name inside, surely you haven't forgotten it already with a goldfish-like memory." He smirked. "As for what I intend to do, that is my business alone. You'd be surprised with how many of us end up as self-aware."Mina cocked her head sideways. "Ren. I don't usually extend this courtesy to mortals, but your audacity has entertained me. This mortal before you is ours. If he plays his cards right, he will live. If he, and by extension, you, do not... I will have no choice but to imprison both of you. Make your decision wisely."She reached out to Leon, wrapping her fingers around his neck and squeezing. She leaned in, whispering in his ear, "You would do best to continue to lie there."Ren didn't make a move or motion his eyes towards Leon. "You can't exactly break me and my own spirit. Many like you have tried yet ended up not successful. Though I'll have to ask that you unhand his neck. Unless some compromise can be made."Leon Jones felt the hand wrap and squeeze around his neck, making his body go rigid. "..." He swallowed thickly as his mouth felt dry, his strained breathing, clearly audible.

Mina looked to Ren once again. "Oh, now we're asking for things? And let me ask you, what if I were to simply snap his neck right here?"She grips harder, nails lightly piercing the flesh of Leon's neck, reopening the wound Ceana inflicted slightly. "What would you do then, Ren? Would you still command I unhand him?"Ren sighed. "As I said, if a compromise can be made without trouble for him, it'll be better. I'd rather not have to deal with death over again." Keeping his composure in this tense situation.Panic flooded Leon's eyes as his neck was squeezed. "Nn..." He grunted quietly, a pleading look, shooting up to the Au Ra man before him.Mina kept her eyes on Ren, unmoving. Predator crouched over prey, she grinned, fangs glinting in the light of the fire."Here it is, the valiant interception. 'Oh no, please, take me instead, don't kill the innocent bystander!' Do you value your life so little as to give it for another? Surely your head is screaming for you to get out of here, right? Listen to your base instincts, Ren. What do they tell you?" Mina's eyes glowed in the firelight.Ren lifted his brow and stared back as he moved over. "I do value it that little, however as for my base instincts..." His own eyes go as fierce back, "They say to get rid of the obstacle in front of me."Mina laughed out loud. "Come now, don't speak so poorly of our guest! He's not an obstacle. In fact, we have many plans for him! We have a chirurgeon on the premises that will cure all that ails him, and he will be a benefit to the Secret Veil as a whole! Surely, you wouldn't want to get in the way of that?"However, I am voidsent, and base instinct is what I mostly run on. If you would have a go at me, let's see it. If you impress me, I'll spare you. I might have plans of my own for you..."

Ren scoffed a bit and weighed all the possibilities before him. "I know that's all you work off of seeing as you are nothing but an empty husk of what was once human. And you are the obstacle, not him."Mina Thorn glared at Ren. "I think you'll find I'm far from empty, friend. I have consumed many of your kind in the past. You'd make a nice snack. I'll humor you. What, pray tell, would you offer to me in return for this mortal's life?"Ren smirked inwardly. "In exchange for his life, you find other means for food. If that doesn't satisfy you, I'll offer up my own mixed blood when necessary."Leon finally spoke up. "If... Blood is all they want... I'll give it to them... You don't have to... Give yours... I got myself in this mess..." He managed to speak up.Mina stood up and laughed loudly into the night. "Oho! The valiant sacrifice has been out-sacrificed! Here's the thing Ren. Realistically, given the present circumstances and the nature of this whole shindig, I can't reasonably let either of you go. Mother Ceana set her eyes on Leon here and that sealed his fate. You, however, were simply a little too curious for your own good."As much as I'd like to make you think I'd consider your arrangement, I grow tired of the charade. Here's my deal in its place. You two walk back inside with me and no blood needs to be shed on our front lawn here. Otherwise, I'll have to do some cleaning after you've been thrown in your cages."Ren shook his head in response to both Leon and Mina. "Course that would be what happened in one possibility, even if all signs pointed towards it." He said quietly. "Though you should know, a cage will not do much to myself."Leon grunted as he attempted to push himself into a sitting position. He looked between the two of them, waiting to see what will be the final decision.Mina stiffened as the man stood before her. She asked him one final time, "It seems Leon here has resigned to his fate. What will it be for you? Shall I walk you in or drag you in? Either can be accommodated."
Ren turned around. "If he is resigned, then I've done all I can. I am not one to force a change as it stands."
Leon took a few ragged breaths as he gathered up the strength to stand. "Please save yourself, Au Ra... I am too weak to fight. I've always been of poor health anyway. Thank you anyway, I'll always owe you for what you did.
"If they keep me alive, I will be fine here. You seem strong enough to get out of this though so please be selfish." he spoke, hand reaching to hold his neck wound. It hurt like a bad bruise.
Mina Thorn stared blankly. "So... let's go. Lead the way, and I will show the two of you to your chambers. I'll make myself perfectly clear when I say this: The only way you leave this yard alive is if you return inside. Make your choice."

Ren hesitated. "I lead the way?"Mina nodded. "Back into the mansion, yes. I will show you to the dungeon from there."Ren stood firm. "He can go back."Leon spoke up. "Can't you let him go...? I'll be good I promise..." He said meekly.Mina peered around Ren to look at Leon. "Nope! He comes inside or I mangle him and drag him inside. It seems, however, that he doesn't have intentions of coming quietly."She looked back at Ren. "Shall I mangle you now?"Ren sneered. "Or you can keep your mitts to yourself, that's also an option."Mina bared her fangs. "Unfortunately, it's not." She crouched down, tail flicking back and forth. "Let's have it then. Make your move, mortal."Ren could only shrug and sigh. "What a drag... Fine, you bloodthirsty husk, I'll entertain your simple instincts."Mina sighed and drooped her shoulders. "Fine." She made a leap toward Ren's neck, claws outstretched.Ren barely moved out the way as his neck does get a scratch to land, causing him to bleed. Looking unfazed, he made the motion to try again.Mina obliged. She bounced off the wall behind Ren and came at him again, twisting her body so that she could attack high and bite. She kept her claws held low, going for Ren's gut.

Ren ducked down, catching his attacker by the outstretched leg and he slammed her to the floor and stepped away.Mina quickly hopped back up to her feet, chuckling at the mortal's attempt at hurting her. She ran at him on all fours, feline in appearance.She slid around his feet as Ren prepared to receive another jump and slashes his back.Ren noticed that he had no time to move and took the hit to his back as the slash also cut through his shirt. Then, he turned and grabbed at her arm to continue his way of disarming the attacker.Mina yawned, letting him grab her arm. Seeing he thought he had the upper hand, Mina dropped all her weight, falling to the ground as Ren grabbed her, dragging him down. She went for a bite to the shoulder holding her, planning to render the arm useless.Ren grabbed Mina by the neck and kept a grip, knowing it wouldn't do much as he rolled them over to place his whole weight on top of her.
Mina Thorn hissed. She curled her legs under her and thrusted her hips upward, lifting the man up and twisting so that she ended up on top.She bit down on Ren's hand, holding it in place as she began to strangle him, wrapping both hands around his neck and squeezing.
Ren wasn't gasping for air, but he knew the end result as he tapped on Mina, signaling that he gives in.
Mina Thorn giggled and got off of Ren, dropping all predatory air about her. "That was fun! So you'll come and stay with us then? I'd love to keep doing this. I love the 'vain struggle against the overwhelming power' thing we have going on."
Ren sighed and looked at Mina. "The more cocky you get, the closer you get to eventual defeat. I will come back in seeing as I have no other choice anyway, right?"
Mina nodded, giving a thumbs up. "Nope!" She skipped away from Ren towards the door, turning. "Come on, silly! I'll make sure you get the comfy cell."
Ren Mitsuyo mutters under his breath."Back into cells... Blugh."

An Understanding in the Prison Cells

Mina stretched as she entered the dungeon, looking around. She noticed Leon was missing, but with him being Mother Ceana's prisoner, she was certain the situation was under control.Her ears perked up as she noticed Ren lying motionless on the floor of his cell. She felt a pang of something deep within her as she pondered momentarily. Is he dead? She came closer to the cell to see clearer.Ren was laying on the floor and sighed softly as he was in the maze of his head. His eyes opened slowly as he looked to see dark boots. "So is it time to feed you again already?" The sound of disdain quite immediate in his voice, as he only assumed Ceana was back.Mina tilted her head to one side. "Again? Whatever do you mean?" She noticed his pallid expression and gaunt features, as the man looked well and truly drained. "I see. Mother has gotten to you, then."Ren inwardly sighed as he realized that his guest was Mina. "Yes, after pissing her off, though she left me alone once I mentioned you. If she keeps getting to me however you'll lose out on having a good mortal to fight around with."Mina tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Yes, she's known not to take disrespect well. Shame she left you this way, though. I can't fight you with you looking like this." She lowered her hood, reaching into her robes to produce a fruit. "Here, eat this. It will help."Ren sat up and grabbed for the fruit. "May as well... Can't really look a gift horse in the mouth as it stands."Mina chuckled. "You're right about that." She sat on the ground across the cell bars. "You know, I sympathize with you. All of the captor-prisoner stuff aside, I know what it's like to be in a place like this. Where you don't quite have purpose. Maybe not... Physically, but... Yeah."She grunted and straightened her expression. "Eat up. There's plenty where that came from. I won't let you go hungry here. I need you hale and whole."
Ren smiled a small bit at Mina. "Funny to hear that from you. Thank you for the food."He bowed his head like those from the Far East and are the fruit that was given to him.

Mina returned the bow as best she could."You're quite an interesting mortal, you confuse me on a fundamental level. You show empathy in your actions, yet you are also selfish. When you were saving the Viera, you were prepared to die for his release, but then when he gave up, you were willing to leave him to his fate. Then, you fight for your own freedom, but tap out when it's apparent that you aren't making significant headway. You... intrigue me. I want to know more about the apparent conflict in your mind? Heart? It's something I don't understand."Ren spun the mostly eaten fruit on his finger as he pondered the question that was asked of him."When one travels as much as I have, around the world mind you, you... See and learn things. As for the conflict you wish to know, you must have been sitting pretty when the Final Days were happening as all the regular people turned into those horrors."Mina took a moment to remember. "Yeah, that was a hell of a time. With all of reality collapsing around us, those monsters didn't care if what they were attacking was mortal or voidsent. I watched as families turned on one another even here, in Ishgard. It reminded me of when my realm collapsed into darkness so long ago..."She looked down, pondering her past momentarily before shaking her head. "You know, I like being here. It's so much better than... That place. So, while I didn't have to worry about turning into one of those monsters, I had my reasons for being afraid of dying here."Ren lifted a brow in surprise when he heard Mina speak of actually being afraid of dying and comparing this world to her own. "Interesting... And here I thought the all-powerful Mina wasn't afraid to die from how strong she was." He joked lightly.Mina chuckled at the joke. "Yeah, well I have my reasons. Where I'm from, power is everything. If you aren't strong, you are food. Plain and simple. It was entirely by accident that I was brought to this world, but I was once less than nothing. Hiding is what I did, because it was what kept me alive. When I got here, confused and dazed by the absolutely blinding excess of aether, I lost myself. I had been so hungry for so long, and an animalistic, feral beast took over. When I came to, all that remained was blood, gore, and screaming. But I was no longer hungry, and I felt... good. I felt strong. And I don't EVER want to feel the way I used to ever again."Ren nodded gently as she explained her points. "The same can be said here, though not in its literal sense like yourself. It wasn't until after all of this that most seemed to have stopped such thinking. However, I am to doubt it'll stay that way for long."

Mina sighed. "If there's one thing I've learned about you mortals, it's that you love to kill each other. I can't say much, considering where I'm from. What brought you to our home the other night? Was it truly, merely chance?"Ren chuckled softly. "Yes, they do. Fortunately for me, I've learned to not think like them," He says as he crosses his arms slightly. "I did happen to come here by chance. Just didn't think to run into someone I once knew before is all."Mina cocked her head to one side. "Someone you once knew? Do you mean the rabbit?"Ren yawned gently and stretched out. "I'll answer this another time. My body grows weary and I'll need to rest to try and keep getting my strength back... Or so I hope at the very least."Mina stood up, nodding. "Very well. Here." She reached into the locker next to Ren's cell and retrieved a straw pillow. She slid it between the bars and places a two fruits on top of it."Rest well."She bowed as she turned and exited the dungeon, leaving Ren to get some rest.Ren Mitsuyo watched Mina leave and placed the fruits on the stool as he laid back down with his head lands on the pillow and passed out.

An Ending?

-In Summation-Mina and Ren spent more time together in the dungeon, coming to know and almost understand one another. They developed a bond like a competitive rivalry.Eventually, Mina began to leave Ren's cell unlocked. She made a deal with Nari to make him more filling food, and the two began to spar in the yard to help Ren regain his strength.She made an understanding with Ceana. Ceana would no longer drain Ren, instead leaving Mina to keep his strength in check.Ceana begrudgingly agreed.-After Zalamauhn's death to the void-Mina entered the dungeon and walked up to the cage, and with tears in her eyes, decided that Ren didn't deserve to have his life wasted inside the cage he's in.Although the cage had been unlocked for a while now, Mina opened the door and leaves it ajar.She placed her final fruit on the stool inside his cage with a note underneath the fruit. A short, simple letter."You have value. Don't waste it. We'll find each other another day."And with that, she turned shortly and walk out of the dungeon.Ren woke up to the sound of a door closing and yawned softly, looking around and still noticing himself to be the sole person in the dungeon.He looked to the stool and saw an all too familiar fruit, however with a note left underneath.As he read it, he could only look over to the door and hazard a guess as to who was the one who left it inside. He picked up the fruit and pushed at the cell door to step out and went to the door to exit the room entirely."We will find one another some day and spar more once it happens..."He exited out of the room and snuck through the house to its front door, looking around to hopefully not be spotted by anyone else, leaving through the front door quietly and as silently as he could.-END-

The Daughters of the Secret Veil

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