Shenanigans!

[phaselocknroll]

Comments

[nostalgiabomb]

What've you got in mind?

[phaselocknroll]

[ In response, her book floats off of her hip, flipping open to the desired page. ]

One of my sister gifted me a shielding spell, once. I haven't used it, but it might prove useful to you.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He glances at it, and looks a little unsure, but then-- ]

You have a sister?

[phaselocknroll]

I have several sisters, though only six of us can be on the human plane at any one time.

[ she waves the book over to him, open to a page titled The Flame of the Firehawk ]

[nostalgiabomb]

[ That sounds familiar, and he thinks back on the stories he heard of Sirens, when it finally clicks. Right, the other Sirens. Sisters. Makes sense.

For a second he just stares at the page, still looking unsure, then he glances up. ]

I dunno if I have the knack for this kinda stuff.

[phaselocknroll]

It isn't too terribly different from the binding spell that initiated our contract. I think you could do it.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He's still hesitant -- Ravager instincts die hard -- but he relents, finally. ]

Tell me what I'm doing here, then.

[phaselocknroll]

Well, if I recall what Lilith told me correctly, the spell protects its caster by putting an invisible barrier around them. The barrier isn't completely impervious to harm- it can only absorb so much damage- but it would protect you for a short while. If the barrier is depleted, it will at least do you the final favor of setting any enemies within a certain radius on fire.

Hence the name.

[nostalgiabomb]

So I just-- memorize it and recite it every time a bad guy pops out at us or something?

[phaselocknroll]

Not really. It'll work more on an instinctual level.

That's why the spell is similar to a binding.

[nostalgiabomb]

So no chance of me accidentally blowing anyone up in town, right?

[phaselocknroll]

I don't think so. It should only become active if you're in danger.

But I do have the unbinding for it if it doesn't work out.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He slowly nods, finally deciding that as long as he won't inadvertently hurt anyone-- ] Worth a shot, I guess.

[ Peter licks his lips and reads the incantation aloud -- when he's done, he half expects an actual phoenix to show up, isn't entirely surprised when it doesn't. Too bad, though. ]

[phaselocknroll]

[ He just has to wait a second, because Maya's book suddenly bursts into flames, and yes, a phoenix does rise from the pages. It flies around him, one, twice, three times, then vanishes in a shower of sparks.

Maya's book snaps shut, extinguishing the fire. It floats back over to her waiting hand. ]

Well, I'd say it worked. You really aren't bad at this magic thing, you know.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ Holy shit, that was awesome, is what his face is currently saying.

Once the initial surprise has faded, he just swallows and flicks his gaze up to her. Part of him is kind of flattered at the compliment, another part is nervous. ]

Well, I mean, it's just been readin' stuff aloud so far. Not too hard, right?

[phaselocknroll]

Well, yes. But not everyone gets it right on the first try. You're two for two, and I haven't had to coach you through any of it.

[nostalgiabomb]

Guess I'm just lucky, is all.

[ He rubs at one of his shoulders, trying to ease some of the tension out of it. ]

So-- do I get to have my shirt back, or are you enjoying the view too much?

[phaselocknroll]

[ Way to change the subject, because she goes bright red. ]

Uh. No. I mean yes. I-- It was just easier to, you know. Without it.

[ asljsdflkdsf she gets to her feet and goes to where she left his coat and his shirt, and tosses the latter at him. ]

[nostalgiabomb]

[ Mission accomplished, as far as Peter's concerned. He's noticed over the course of the past couple weeks that Maya, for whatever reason, was easily flustered, and he can't help smiling a little knowingly as he catches his shirt. ]

Yeah, I get it. It's fine.

[ He spares her anymore smartass comments, though he definitely queues them up for later, and pulls his shirt on. (The movement pulls at a slightly tender muscle at his side, but he bites the inside of his cheek to keep from wincing.) He's gratified that the scarring is mostly covered by his clothes, but few of the lines peek out from beneath his collar. ]

So. Plan: eat, then move?

[phaselocknroll]

[ She doesn't understand just how he can fluster her like he does. She is a Siren warrior! She shouldn't be blushing furiously and stammering whenever he asks her a simple question.

She's glad he doesn't press it, though. ]

It's as good a plan as any.

[nostalgiabomb]

There's another town, I think. Few days away. But if we've got the Order and the Ravagers after us, they might be looking for us there. May have to avoid it altogether.

[phaselocknroll]

Well, where would they not expect us to go?

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He chews on his lower lip thoughtfully. ] We could backtrack, hit up towns we've already visited.

[phaselocknroll]

[ she shakes her head ] Either way, that puts us in the Order's path. Their abbey is back the way we came.

[nostalgiabomb]

You think we should keep going then? Hit up the next town and hope for the best?