c!Crow's Askblog

Because bread tastes better than key

[crows-askblog]

A slight glimmer in the air. A shake in the leaves. It's like someone's invisible there, the vision that goes through them being slightly blurry and off-set from reality, but there are no particles.

A strong wind comes from all directions, making a small circle of leaves spin into an upward spiral. Then, the person isn't invisible anymore.

She's blonde, her right eye blue like the sea and her left eye purple like amethyst. She's wearing some practical clothes (tight black shirt, cropped purple hoodie, black jeans, a lot of bags on her belt), but no armor.

"Hi there!" She chirps, floating around Crow. "What's your name? I saw you a bit ago, and I thought you looked cool! Is that a mask? I've got one as well, wanna see?"

It's like talking to an excited small child, mixed with a hyperactive puppy. She tilts her head, a smile on her lips.

-@shethegoddessofall

>She startled at the sudden presence, acting purely on instinct when she reached into her inventory. Nightmare her battle axe gleamed with enchantments in the pale sun. She's practically covered from horn to tail tip in netherite armor. Her eyes fix on the stranger.

"What do you want?"

>She did her best to keep the snarl out of her voice, people don't just appear out of thin air to chat. The stranger obviously had to have ulterior motives surely. Though the no armor thing was strange.

>This seemed to be a kid though, hardly looking older than her own children. Hopefully this one wasn't capable of what her son was though.

"Crow, leader of the Greater Essempi, and you are?"

>She really didn't want to be hostile if this kid was actually just curious.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

"Why would you let her out? I know Lullah has left the ravine, don't you know its dangerous out there? Don't you know she's gone back to that awful nation that she's exiled from? What were you thinking?" >She's angry, she's been angry for weeks now it seems, irritable and sneaky and sly for weeks.

"You put her in direct danger of every single one of the plans we've discussed! That wasn't part of any plan!" > Her tail was lashing behind her and her ears were pinned back. She had her mask on but her emotions could never be any more obvious.

-c!crow's-askblog

> Coffee doesn't turn as Crow approaches, merely staring at the wall of their bedroom. This should've been her first hint that something was wrong. The second is the way faer posture is wrong, in a way unexplainable but for that they look like fae should have wings. And the third?

> There's blood on the floor.

> Coffee chuckles, and that's not Coffee alright. The voice is deeper and drips with a tone they never take.

Want to try that again, little foal?

(@crows-askblog)

[crows-askblog]

>She immediately stills before taking a step back. She nearly trips over her boots in her attempt to get away.

>She hates this thing, its awful and horrible and it scares her, the spot on her forehead where her horn protrudes aches with the memory of her dream.

"My apologies." >She tries her best to keep her voice even and from wavering. "I wasn't aware it was you. It was Coffee that let her out not you, I know it. You don't like to get involved do you?" >She does her best to look at the god before her, not in the eyes no - that could be seen as a challenge but after talking to the gods before she knows it's rude to not look at the person you're talking to. "I'll come back later, I don't want to interrupt whatever it is that you're doing." >Her mouth is dry.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> The Blood God's expression is of the cat that caught the canary. A wide smile does It throw in Crow's direction, head tipped. It knows how much It scares her, and It revels in it.

Oh no, do not leave yet, little foal. We have much to discuss, do stay.

> The door closes and latches behind Crow without Blood moving a muscle.

I hear you have been up to some very interesting endeavors as of recent. Little, mortal, foal, getting involved with the big kids. Becoming one of my darling's. Tsk, tsk. If you wanted to be like my Avatar so, you should have made a deal with me.

[crows-askblog]

>She startles as the door latches, she wonders if there is any other way out of this conversation. "I wasn't aware of you and the Void's.... relationship." >She felt like her skin was on wrong. "I didn't want to be an avatar, I don't want some god to take over my body like how you take over Coffees... It's creepy. I can do enough things on my own, there's nothing a god can do through my body that I can't."

>She was sure of herself in this. She's a skilled warrior and a more skilled talker - in most instances. When gods weren't able to look right through her.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

Oh? You mean to tell me you can do this?

> Blood holds up Coffee's arm, which has a lengthy, unnaturally straight cut in it. Crow is able to watch as the blood on the ground and on Coffee's sword, discarded to the side, climbs back up the god's leg, to the wound, before the cut closes.

I thought not.

> It laughs at the look on Crow's face.

And if you did not wish to be an Avatar, you should not have chosen my darling. It goes through... more Avatars than the average god. Some of which are my fault. When the current one dies, it will upgrade you, how exciting is that!

> Blood grins menacingly.

[crows-askblog]

>She's instantly on edge with that information. She swallows down the rising fear. "I'll deal with that when I get there, you seem more cruel than the Void from what I've seen... What could you possibly do for me that would have more pros than cons?" >She crossed her arms, her tail wrapped around her legs in some form of self comfort.

"From what I've seen you only cause pain and suffering, even for your avatar."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Blood laughs, black irises red sclera boring at Crow.

Clearly you have not seen enough of my darling, or you are more ignorant than I expected. I am... straightforward with my expectations. As such I expect mine to meet the requirements I provide them.

> It leers over Crow, height difference contributing.

But you cannot change your mind now! Not without my lovely darling's permission, no, no. You, little foal, have backed yourself into a corner, what a surprise.

> It drawls the last word, hundreds of voices with the exact same tone and rhythm.

[crows-askblog]

>her ears pin back more, the voices hurt them. She retreats further, backing towards the locked door.

"I'm not your partner's avatar yet though- and you guys aren't the only gods I talk to, I know your game you get into peoples heads."

>She takes a breath, trying to steel herself.

"So far it's been more straightforward than you anyway."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

So far, and is that not so lovely.

> Blood's tone is almost a coo. It's very clearly enjoying scaring the absolute shit out of Crow.

Oh, little foal. You have no clue of the future which lies ahead of you. Your allies thin with every step you take. Perhaps it would be better if I were to just end you now. A mercy, if you will.

> Every step back Crow takes, Blood draws closer. It stands over her now, reaches out slightly and pats her head. It's harsher than Coffee would ever try, and far more condescending.

But I was never one for mercy.

> And that is the end of it. Blood closes Its eyes and then Coffee's body is collapsing to the floor, the heavy aura of divinity disappearing as the latch audibly unlocks. Coffee's dogs, having sat in the far corner this whole time with their ears flat, come bounding over to sniff Coffee and Crow, two of them automatically snuggling up next to the unconscious Avatar while the third wags its tail at Crow, looking for pets and attention.

[crows-askblog]

>She relaxed only slightly as she realized the god was gone but it quickly morphed into concern for her ally.

"Coffee!"

>She pushed the dog a little so it wasn't in her face as she tried to shake Coffee awake and check faer over. Her heart was still pounding and her hands still shaking.

"Coffee wake up!"

>She never had had to deal with this, not with the whole passing out thing at least, she'd never seen Dragon or Lucy pass out. The dog kept nosing at her and finally she sat back, giving up on trying to wake up her friend. Coffee had to be used to this right...? She scooted back to give fae space as she pet the dog that had sat with her.

>At the very least she could watch over faer while they were unconscious. At least be there when they woke up.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> It's a good ten minutes before Coffee stirs, groaning quietly. The dogs become excited and start nosing at them. Fae huffs as they sit up slowly, rubbing the side of faer head where it whacked against the ground.

Eugh, the least It could do is lay the fuck down first, even if it's not the bedroll-

> They still, then Coffee's head snaps to the side to look at Crow. Faer tone is confused.

Crow? What are you doing here? Was starting to think you didn't like Log anymore, you don't visit anymore it seems.

[crows-askblog]

"I came to talk to you but then you weren't you."

>She shifts uncomfortably, her fingers still carding through the dog's fur.

"Never said i didn't like log, just been busy... I have a country to run too Yknow."

>There was no bite in any of her words, she seemed pretty offset by the whole interaction.

"Are you alright? That was a pretty hard fall. I think I have some health pots or regen- if you need them of course."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee nods, running their hands through faer hair.

I'm alright, nothing I'm not used to. Thank you, though.

> They glance at faer arm, frowning slightly before returning their attention to Crow, smirking slightly.

I thought it wasn't a 'country'.

> The bit makes faer shoulders relax some.

What did you need to talk to me about, my rival?

[crows-askblog]

"Slip of the tongue, it's just an occupied territory."

>She waved faer off. It felt wrong immediately going into arguing with her rival right after she just saw them possessed by a god she loathed.

"I think it can wait. Just wanted to check in I guess."

>She didn't meet Coffee's gaze, she was afraid that if she did she'd only see black sclera. It's not like Coffee could tell any way right? Her mask was on.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee narrows their eyes at Crow.

You're a bad liar, you know that?

> Faer expression is dead serious for a moment, then they start giggling.

Fine, I suppose. It can wait.

> Coffee scratches the ear of one of the dogs. It leans into faer touch like it wasn't cowering while the Blood God was here.

It didn't... ah. It didn't say anything stupid to you, did It?

[crows-askblog]

"Not any more than what it usually says..." >She shrugs, really trying to play off how much it had put her of kilter. She opted to just divert all of her attention to the dog. She preferred cats personally.

"Sorry that I've been MIA for so long, I meant to come back sooner. I wish I could say I came here just to hang out and talk to you guys."

>Her tail curls around her as she sits crisscross on the rough stone.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee snorts at their rival's first comment, but looks sort of suspicious at the second.

'You wish.' Indicating you didn't.

> Fae sighs, drags a hand down their face.

Look, Crow, if you came to talk about Lullah, I can't. Okay? Everything you could say, Lucy's already said to me at least four times.

> Coffee's tone turns almost shaky.

And I'm not justifying myself to you when you knew where that poor child was this entire time and didn't do a damn thing about it.

[crows-askblog]

>She bites her tongue and looks away for a moment, trying to compose herself.

"Lullah is in more danger now, she's hiding somewhere in Manburg, Coffee if they find her they'll kill her. I know it was wrong to keep Lullahs location from you but it was for her own good."

>She sighs.

"I assume Lucy has told you that as well too. I'm worried about her... what happens if Connor or anyone else finds her? I'm worried they'll make an example out of her if she's caught."

>Her ear twitches and she picks at her nails. She isn't lying here and she hopes that her rival can see that too.

"Will you help me look for her? We wont bring her back here- I have some places she can stay where she'll be safe and well and out of harms way."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee's eyes flicker at Crow's sincerity, but they ultimately shake faer head and turn away.

If you truly believe Lullah was safer in that- prison on a heart and a half and three rotten flesh to sustain him, I can't trust you with that judgement, nor their present location.

> They look down at the dog in faer lap and pet it, letting the dog stretch out all over them.

I don't like keeping things from you, Crow. But I will not allow further harm to come to that child. She is eight. He has no place near a battlefield, no place in this godsforsaken pit of despair, no place near you or Lucy or myself or any person on this server. If I could send them off-server, I would've done so long ago, but I can't. Something bigger than all of this is happening, something worse than Manberg, than Blood and the Void, than any individual conflict or hatred or any of that.

> Fae stands shakily, clearly still feeling the concussive effects of slamming into the ground.

Crow, I need you to trust me and come with me.

[crows-askblog]

>Her shoulders instantly bunch as soon as her rival requests something as big as her trust. This is Coffee though. But neither of them seem to trust each other and are in the same boat. She gently nudges the dog away from her and stands before trying to brush off any dog hair.

"Alright..."

>It's all she can say. She wants to argue for Lullah but it's obvious that it's pointless. It's like arguing with a brick wall.

"My offer still stands, I have a lot of bunkers and safe houses she would be safe in. You won't trust me with that information but I want you to pass on the message that if he's ever in danger there's a place for him... I didn't know it was that bad where Lucy put her... if I'd known I would've helped."

>She makes a point not to look at her rival as she speaks and readjusts her mask.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

"Why would you let her out? I know Lullah has left the ravine, don't you know its dangerous out there? Don't you know she's gone back to that awful nation that she's exiled from? What were you thinking?" >She's angry, she's been angry for weeks now it seems, irritable and sneaky and sly for weeks.

"You put her in direct danger of every single one of the plans we've discussed! That wasn't part of any plan!" > Her tail was lashing behind her and her ears were pinned back. She had her mask on but her emotions could never be any more obvious.

-c!crow's-askblog

> Coffee doesn't turn as Crow approaches, merely staring at the wall of their bedroom. This should've been her first hint that something was wrong. The second is the way faer posture is wrong, in a way unexplainable but for that they look like fae should have wings. And the third?

> There's blood on the floor.

> Coffee chuckles, and that's not Coffee alright. The voice is deeper and drips with a tone they never take.

Want to try that again, little foal?

(@crows-askblog)

[crows-askblog]

>She immediately stills before taking a step back. She nearly trips over her boots in her attempt to get away.

>She hates this thing, its awful and horrible and it scares her, the spot on her forehead where her horn protrudes aches with the memory of her dream.

"My apologies." >She tries her best to keep her voice even and from wavering. "I wasn't aware it was you. It was Coffee that let her out not you, I know it. You don't like to get involved do you?" >She does her best to look at the god before her, not in the eyes no - that could be seen as a challenge but after talking to the gods before she knows it's rude to not look at the person you're talking to. "I'll come back later, I don't want to interrupt whatever it is that you're doing." >Her mouth is dry.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> The Blood God's expression is of the cat that caught the canary. A wide smile does It throw in Crow's direction, head tipped. It knows how much It scares her, and It revels in it.

Oh no, do not leave yet, little foal. We have much to discuss, do stay.

> The door closes and latches behind Crow without Blood moving a muscle.

I hear you have been up to some very interesting endeavors as of recent. Little, mortal, foal, getting involved with the big kids. Becoming one of my darling's. Tsk, tsk. If you wanted to be like my Avatar so, you should have made a deal with me.

[crows-askblog]

>She startles as the door latches, she wonders if there is any other way out of this conversation. "I wasn't aware of you and the Void's.... relationship." >She felt like her skin was on wrong. "I didn't want to be an avatar, I don't want some god to take over my body like how you take over Coffees... It's creepy. I can do enough things on my own, there's nothing a god can do through my body that I can't."

>She was sure of herself in this. She's a skilled warrior and a more skilled talker - in most instances. When gods weren't able to look right through her.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

Oh? You mean to tell me you can do this?

> Blood holds up Coffee's arm, which has a lengthy, unnaturally straight cut in it. Crow is able to watch as the blood on the ground and on Coffee's sword, discarded to the side, climbs back up the god's leg, to the wound, before the cut closes.

I thought not.

> It laughs at the look on Crow's face.

And if you did not wish to be an Avatar, you should not have chosen my darling. It goes through... more Avatars than the average god. Some of which are my fault. When the current one dies, it will upgrade you, how exciting is that!

> Blood grins menacingly.

[crows-askblog]

>She's instantly on edge with that information. She swallows down the rising fear. "I'll deal with that when I get there, you seem more cruel than the Void from what I've seen... What could you possibly do for me that would have more pros than cons?" >She crossed her arms, her tail wrapped around her legs in some form of self comfort.

"From what I've seen you only cause pain and suffering, even for your avatar."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Blood laughs, black irises red sclera boring at Crow.

Clearly you have not seen enough of my darling, or you are more ignorant than I expected. I am... straightforward with my expectations. As such I expect mine to meet the requirements I provide them.

> It leers over Crow, height difference contributing.

But you cannot change your mind now! Not without my lovely darling's permission, no, no. You, little foal, have backed yourself into a corner, what a surprise.

> It drawls the last word, hundreds of voices with the exact same tone and rhythm.

[crows-askblog]

>her ears pin back more, the voices hurt them. She retreats further, backing towards the locked door.

"I'm not your partner's avatar yet though- and you guys aren't the only gods I talk to, I know your game you get into peoples heads."

>She takes a breath, trying to steel herself.

"So far it's been more straightforward than you anyway."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

So far, and is that not so lovely.

> Blood's tone is almost a coo. It's very clearly enjoying scaring the absolute shit out of Crow.

Oh, little foal. You have no clue of the future which lies ahead of you. Your allies thin with every step you take. Perhaps it would be better if I were to just end you now. A mercy, if you will.

> Every step back Crow takes, Blood draws closer. It stands over her now, reaches out slightly and pats her head. It's harsher than Coffee would ever try, and far more condescending.

But I was never one for mercy.

> And that is the end of it. Blood closes Its eyes and then Coffee's body is collapsing to the floor, the heavy aura of divinity disappearing as the latch audibly unlocks. Coffee's dogs, having sat in the far corner this whole time with their ears flat, come bounding over to sniff Coffee and Crow, two of them automatically snuggling up next to the unconscious Avatar while the third wags its tail at Crow, looking for pets and attention.

[crows-askblog]

>She relaxed only slightly as she realized the god was gone but it quickly morphed into concern for her ally.

"Coffee!"

>She pushed the dog a little so it wasn't in her face as she tried to shake Coffee awake and check faer over. Her heart was still pounding and her hands still shaking.

"Coffee wake up!"

>She never had had to deal with this, not with the whole passing out thing at least, she'd never seen Dragon or Lucy pass out. The dog kept nosing at her and finally she sat back, giving up on trying to wake up her friend. Coffee had to be used to this right...? She scooted back to give fae space as she pet the dog that had sat with her.

>At the very least she could watch over faer while they were unconscious. At least be there when they woke up.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> It's a good ten minutes before Coffee stirs, groaning quietly. The dogs become excited and start nosing at them. Fae huffs as they sit up slowly, rubbing the side of faer head where it whacked against the ground.

Eugh, the least It could do is lay the fuck down first, even if it's not the bedroll-

> They still, then Coffee's head snaps to the side to look at Crow. Faer tone is confused.

Crow? What are you doing here? Was starting to think you didn't like Log anymore, you don't visit anymore it seems.

[crows-askblog]

"I came to talk to you but then you weren't you."

>She shifts uncomfortably, her fingers still carding through the dog's fur.

"Never said i didn't like log, just been busy... I have a country to run too Yknow."

>There was no bite in any of her words, she seemed pretty offset by the whole interaction.

"Are you alright? That was a pretty hard fall. I think I have some health pots or regen- if you need them of course."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee nods, running their hands through faer hair.

I'm alright, nothing I'm not used to. Thank you, though.

> They glance at faer arm, frowning slightly before returning their attention to Crow, smirking slightly.

I thought it wasn't a 'country'.

> The bit makes faer shoulders relax some.

What did you need to talk to me about, my rival?

[crows-askblog]

"Slip of the tongue, it's just an occupied territory."

>She waved faer off. It felt wrong immediately going into arguing with her rival right after she just saw them possessed by a god she loathed.

"I think it can wait. Just wanted to check in I guess."

>She didn't meet Coffee's gaze, she was afraid that if she did she'd only see black sclera. It's not like Coffee could tell any way right? Her mask was on.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee narrows their eyes at Crow.

You're a bad liar, you know that?

> Faer expression is dead serious for a moment, then they start giggling.

Fine, I suppose. It can wait.

> Coffee scratches the ear of one of the dogs. It leans into faer touch like it wasn't cowering while the Blood God was here.

It didn't... ah. It didn't say anything stupid to you, did It?

[crows-askblog]

"Not any more than what it usually says..." >She shrugs, really trying to play off how much it had put her of kilter. She opted to just divert all of her attention to the dog. She preferred cats personally.

"Sorry that I've been MIA for so long, I meant to come back sooner. I wish I could say I came here just to hang out and talk to you guys."

>Her tail curls around her as she sits crisscross on the rough stone.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee snorts at their rival's first comment, but looks sort of suspicious at the second.

'You wish.' Indicating you didn't.

> Fae sighs, drags a hand down their face.

Look, Crow, if you came to talk about Lullah, I can't. Okay? Everything you could say, Lucy's already said to me at least four times.

> Coffee's tone turns almost shaky.

And I'm not justifying myself to you when you knew where that poor child was this entire time and didn't do a damn thing about it.

[crows-askblog]

>She bites her tongue and looks away for a moment, trying to compose herself.

"Lullah is in more danger now, she's hiding somewhere in Manburg, Coffee if they find her they'll kill her. I know it was wrong to keep Lullahs location from you but it was for her own good."

>She sighs.

"I assume Lucy has told you that as well too. I'm worried about her... what happens if Connor or anyone else finds her? I'm worried they'll make an example out of her if she's caught."

>Her ear twitches and she picks at her nails. She isn't lying here and she hopes that her rival can see that too.

"Will you help me look for her? We wont bring her back here- I have some places she can stay where she'll be safe and well and out of harms way."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

"Why would you let her out? I know Lullah has left the ravine, don't you know its dangerous out there? Don't you know she's gone back to that awful nation that she's exiled from? What were you thinking?" >She's angry, she's been angry for weeks now it seems, irritable and sneaky and sly for weeks.

"You put her in direct danger of every single one of the plans we've discussed! That wasn't part of any plan!" > Her tail was lashing behind her and her ears were pinned back. She had her mask on but her emotions could never be any more obvious.

-c!crow's-askblog

> Coffee doesn't turn as Crow approaches, merely staring at the wall of their bedroom. This should've been her first hint that something was wrong. The second is the way faer posture is wrong, in a way unexplainable but for that they look like fae should have wings. And the third?

> There's blood on the floor.

> Coffee chuckles, and that's not Coffee alright. The voice is deeper and drips with a tone they never take.

Want to try that again, little foal?

(@crows-askblog)

[crows-askblog]

>She immediately stills before taking a step back. She nearly trips over her boots in her attempt to get away.

>She hates this thing, its awful and horrible and it scares her, the spot on her forehead where her horn protrudes aches with the memory of her dream.

"My apologies." >She tries her best to keep her voice even and from wavering. "I wasn't aware it was you. It was Coffee that let her out not you, I know it. You don't like to get involved do you?" >She does her best to look at the god before her, not in the eyes no - that could be seen as a challenge but after talking to the gods before she knows it's rude to not look at the person you're talking to. "I'll come back later, I don't want to interrupt whatever it is that you're doing." >Her mouth is dry.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> The Blood God's expression is of the cat that caught the canary. A wide smile does It throw in Crow's direction, head tipped. It knows how much It scares her, and It revels in it.

Oh no, do not leave yet, little foal. We have much to discuss, do stay.

> The door closes and latches behind Crow without Blood moving a muscle.

I hear you have been up to some very interesting endeavors as of recent. Little, mortal, foal, getting involved with the big kids. Becoming one of my darling's. Tsk, tsk. If you wanted to be like my Avatar so, you should have made a deal with me.

[crows-askblog]

>She startles as the door latches, she wonders if there is any other way out of this conversation. "I wasn't aware of you and the Void's.... relationship." >She felt like her skin was on wrong. "I didn't want to be an avatar, I don't want some god to take over my body like how you take over Coffees... It's creepy. I can do enough things on my own, there's nothing a god can do through my body that I can't."

>She was sure of herself in this. She's a skilled warrior and a more skilled talker - in most instances. When gods weren't able to look right through her.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

Oh? You mean to tell me you can do this?

> Blood holds up Coffee's arm, which has a lengthy, unnaturally straight cut in it. Crow is able to watch as the blood on the ground and on Coffee's sword, discarded to the side, climbs back up the god's leg, to the wound, before the cut closes.

I thought not.

> It laughs at the look on Crow's face.

And if you did not wish to be an Avatar, you should not have chosen my darling. It goes through... more Avatars than the average god. Some of which are my fault. When the current one dies, it will upgrade you, how exciting is that!

> Blood grins menacingly.

[crows-askblog]

>She's instantly on edge with that information. She swallows down the rising fear. "I'll deal with that when I get there, you seem more cruel than the Void from what I've seen... What could you possibly do for me that would have more pros than cons?" >She crossed her arms, her tail wrapped around her legs in some form of self comfort.

"From what I've seen you only cause pain and suffering, even for your avatar."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Blood laughs, black irises red sclera boring at Crow.

Clearly you have not seen enough of my darling, or you are more ignorant than I expected. I am... straightforward with my expectations. As such I expect mine to meet the requirements I provide them.

> It leers over Crow, height difference contributing.

But you cannot change your mind now! Not without my lovely darling's permission, no, no. You, little foal, have backed yourself into a corner, what a surprise.

> It drawls the last word, hundreds of voices with the exact same tone and rhythm.

[crows-askblog]

>her ears pin back more, the voices hurt them. She retreats further, backing towards the locked door.

"I'm not your partner's avatar yet though- and you guys aren't the only gods I talk to, I know your game you get into peoples heads."

>She takes a breath, trying to steel herself.

"So far it's been more straightforward than you anyway."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

So far, and is that not so lovely.

> Blood's tone is almost a coo. It's very clearly enjoying scaring the absolute shit out of Crow.

Oh, little foal. You have no clue of the future which lies ahead of you. Your allies thin with every step you take. Perhaps it would be better if I were to just end you now. A mercy, if you will.

> Every step back Crow takes, Blood draws closer. It stands over her now, reaches out slightly and pats her head. It's harsher than Coffee would ever try, and far more condescending.

But I was never one for mercy.

> And that is the end of it. Blood closes Its eyes and then Coffee's body is collapsing to the floor, the heavy aura of divinity disappearing as the latch audibly unlocks. Coffee's dogs, having sat in the far corner this whole time with their ears flat, come bounding over to sniff Coffee and Crow, two of them automatically snuggling up next to the unconscious Avatar while the third wags its tail at Crow, looking for pets and attention.

[crows-askblog]

>She relaxed only slightly as she realized the god was gone but it quickly morphed into concern for her ally.

"Coffee!"

>She pushed the dog a little so it wasn't in her face as she tried to shake Coffee awake and check faer over. Her heart was still pounding and her hands still shaking.

"Coffee wake up!"

>She never had had to deal with this, not with the whole passing out thing at least, she'd never seen Dragon or Lucy pass out. The dog kept nosing at her and finally she sat back, giving up on trying to wake up her friend. Coffee had to be used to this right...? She scooted back to give fae space as she pet the dog that had sat with her.

>At the very least she could watch over faer while they were unconscious. At least be there when they woke up.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> It's a good ten minutes before Coffee stirs, groaning quietly. The dogs become excited and start nosing at them. Fae huffs as they sit up slowly, rubbing the side of faer head where it whacked against the ground.

Eugh, the least It could do is lay the fuck down first, even if it's not the bedroll-

> They still, then Coffee's head snaps to the side to look at Crow. Faer tone is confused.

Crow? What are you doing here? Was starting to think you didn't like Log anymore, you don't visit anymore it seems.

[crows-askblog]

"I came to talk to you but then you weren't you."

>She shifts uncomfortably, her fingers still carding through the dog's fur.

"Never said i didn't like log, just been busy... I have a country to run too Yknow."

>There was no bite in any of her words, she seemed pretty offset by the whole interaction.

"Are you alright? That was a pretty hard fall. I think I have some health pots or regen- if you need them of course."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee nods, running their hands through faer hair.

I'm alright, nothing I'm not used to. Thank you, though.

> They glance at faer arm, frowning slightly before returning their attention to Crow, smirking slightly.

I thought it wasn't a 'country'.

> The bit makes faer shoulders relax some.

What did you need to talk to me about, my rival?

[crows-askblog]

"Slip of the tongue, it's just an occupied territory."

>She waved faer off. It felt wrong immediately going into arguing with her rival right after she just saw them possessed by a god she loathed.

"I think it can wait. Just wanted to check in I guess."

>She didn't meet Coffee's gaze, she was afraid that if she did she'd only see black sclera. It's not like Coffee could tell any way right? Her mask was on.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee narrows their eyes at Crow.

You're a bad liar, you know that?

> Faer expression is dead serious for a moment, then they start giggling.

Fine, I suppose. It can wait.

> Coffee scratches the ear of one of the dogs. It leans into faer touch like it wasn't cowering while the Blood God was here.

It didn't... ah. It didn't say anything stupid to you, did It?

[crows-askblog]

"Not any more than what it usually says..." >She shrugs, really trying to play off how much it had put her of kilter. She opted to just divert all of her attention to the dog. She preferred cats personally.

"Sorry that I've been MIA for so long, I meant to come back sooner. I wish I could say I came here just to hang out and talk to you guys."

>Her tail curls around her as she sits crisscross on the rough stone.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

"Why would you let her out? I know Lullah has left the ravine, don't you know its dangerous out there? Don't you know she's gone back to that awful nation that she's exiled from? What were you thinking?" >She's angry, she's been angry for weeks now it seems, irritable and sneaky and sly for weeks.

"You put her in direct danger of every single one of the plans we've discussed! That wasn't part of any plan!" > Her tail was lashing behind her and her ears were pinned back. She had her mask on but her emotions could never be any more obvious.

-c!crow's-askblog

> Coffee doesn't turn as Crow approaches, merely staring at the wall of their bedroom. This should've been her first hint that something was wrong. The second is the way faer posture is wrong, in a way unexplainable but for that they look like fae should have wings. And the third?

> There's blood on the floor.

> Coffee chuckles, and that's not Coffee alright. The voice is deeper and drips with a tone they never take.

Want to try that again, little foal?

(@crows-askblog)

[crows-askblog]

>She immediately stills before taking a step back. She nearly trips over her boots in her attempt to get away.

>She hates this thing, its awful and horrible and it scares her, the spot on her forehead where her horn protrudes aches with the memory of her dream.

"My apologies." >She tries her best to keep her voice even and from wavering. "I wasn't aware it was you. It was Coffee that let her out not you, I know it. You don't like to get involved do you?" >She does her best to look at the god before her, not in the eyes no - that could be seen as a challenge but after talking to the gods before she knows it's rude to not look at the person you're talking to. "I'll come back later, I don't want to interrupt whatever it is that you're doing." >Her mouth is dry.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> The Blood God's expression is of the cat that caught the canary. A wide smile does It throw in Crow's direction, head tipped. It knows how much It scares her, and It revels in it.

Oh no, do not leave yet, little foal. We have much to discuss, do stay.

> The door closes and latches behind Crow without Blood moving a muscle.

I hear you have been up to some very interesting endeavors as of recent. Little, mortal, foal, getting involved with the big kids. Becoming one of my darling's. Tsk, tsk. If you wanted to be like my Avatar so, you should have made a deal with me.

[crows-askblog]

>She startles as the door latches, she wonders if there is any other way out of this conversation. "I wasn't aware of you and the Void's.... relationship." >She felt like her skin was on wrong. "I didn't want to be an avatar, I don't want some god to take over my body like how you take over Coffees... It's creepy. I can do enough things on my own, there's nothing a god can do through my body that I can't."

>She was sure of herself in this. She's a skilled warrior and a more skilled talker - in most instances. When gods weren't able to look right through her.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

Oh? You mean to tell me you can do this?

> Blood holds up Coffee's arm, which has a lengthy, unnaturally straight cut in it. Crow is able to watch as the blood on the ground and on Coffee's sword, discarded to the side, climbs back up the god's leg, to the wound, before the cut closes.

I thought not.

> It laughs at the look on Crow's face.

And if you did not wish to be an Avatar, you should not have chosen my darling. It goes through... more Avatars than the average god. Some of which are my fault. When the current one dies, it will upgrade you, how exciting is that!

> Blood grins menacingly.

[crows-askblog]

>She's instantly on edge with that information. She swallows down the rising fear. "I'll deal with that when I get there, you seem more cruel than the Void from what I've seen... What could you possibly do for me that would have more pros than cons?" >She crossed her arms, her tail wrapped around her legs in some form of self comfort.

"From what I've seen you only cause pain and suffering, even for your avatar."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Blood laughs, black irises red sclera boring at Crow.

Clearly you have not seen enough of my darling, or you are more ignorant than I expected. I am... straightforward with my expectations. As such I expect mine to meet the requirements I provide them.

> It leers over Crow, height difference contributing.

But you cannot change your mind now! Not without my lovely darling's permission, no, no. You, little foal, have backed yourself into a corner, what a surprise.

> It drawls the last word, hundreds of voices with the exact same tone and rhythm.

[crows-askblog]

>her ears pin back more, the voices hurt them. She retreats further, backing towards the locked door.

"I'm not your partner's avatar yet though- and you guys aren't the only gods I talk to, I know your game you get into peoples heads."

>She takes a breath, trying to steel herself.

"So far it's been more straightforward than you anyway."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

So far, and is that not so lovely.

> Blood's tone is almost a coo. It's very clearly enjoying scaring the absolute shit out of Crow.

Oh, little foal. You have no clue of the future which lies ahead of you. Your allies thin with every step you take. Perhaps it would be better if I were to just end you now. A mercy, if you will.

> Every step back Crow takes, Blood draws closer. It stands over her now, reaches out slightly and pats her head. It's harsher than Coffee would ever try, and far more condescending.

But I was never one for mercy.

> And that is the end of it. Blood closes Its eyes and then Coffee's body is collapsing to the floor, the heavy aura of divinity disappearing as the latch audibly unlocks. Coffee's dogs, having sat in the far corner this whole time with their ears flat, come bounding over to sniff Coffee and Crow, two of them automatically snuggling up next to the unconscious Avatar while the third wags its tail at Crow, looking for pets and attention.

[crows-askblog]

>She relaxed only slightly as she realized the god was gone but it quickly morphed into concern for her ally.

"Coffee!"

>She pushed the dog a little so it wasn't in her face as she tried to shake Coffee awake and check faer over. Her heart was still pounding and her hands still shaking.

"Coffee wake up!"

>She never had had to deal with this, not with the whole passing out thing at least, she'd never seen Dragon or Lucy pass out. The dog kept nosing at her and finally she sat back, giving up on trying to wake up her friend. Coffee had to be used to this right...? She scooted back to give fae space as she pet the dog that had sat with her.

>At the very least she could watch over faer while they were unconscious. At least be there when they woke up.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> It's a good ten minutes before Coffee stirs, groaning quietly. The dogs become excited and start nosing at them. Fae huffs as they sit up slowly, rubbing the side of faer head where it whacked against the ground.

Eugh, the least It could do is lay the fuck down first, even if it's not the bedroll-

> They still, then Coffee's head snaps to the side to look at Crow. Faer tone is confused.

Crow? What are you doing here? Was starting to think you didn't like Log anymore, you don't visit anymore it seems.

[crows-askblog]

"I came to talk to you but then you weren't you."

>She shifts uncomfortably, her fingers still carding through the dog's fur.

"Never said i didn't like log, just been busy... I have a country to run too Yknow."

>There was no bite in any of her words, she seemed pretty offset by the whole interaction.

"Are you alright? That was a pretty hard fall. I think I have some health pots or regen- if you need them of course."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee nods, running their hands through faer hair.

I'm alright, nothing I'm not used to. Thank you, though.

> They glance at faer arm, frowning slightly before returning their attention to Crow, smirking slightly.

I thought it wasn't a 'country'.

> The bit makes faer shoulders relax some.

What did you need to talk to me about, my rival?

[crows-askblog]

"Slip of the tongue, it's just an occupied territory."

>She waved faer off. It felt wrong immediately going into arguing with her rival right after she just saw them possessed by a god she loathed.

"I think it can wait. Just wanted to check in I guess."

>She didn't meet Coffee's gaze, she was afraid that if she did she'd only see black sclera. It's not like Coffee could tell any way right? Her mask was on.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

"Why would you let her out? I know Lullah has left the ravine, don't you know its dangerous out there? Don't you know she's gone back to that awful nation that she's exiled from? What were you thinking?" >She's angry, she's been angry for weeks now it seems, irritable and sneaky and sly for weeks.

"You put her in direct danger of every single one of the plans we've discussed! That wasn't part of any plan!" > Her tail was lashing behind her and her ears were pinned back. She had her mask on but her emotions could never be any more obvious.

-c!crow's-askblog

> Coffee doesn't turn as Crow approaches, merely staring at the wall of their bedroom. This should've been her first hint that something was wrong. The second is the way faer posture is wrong, in a way unexplainable but for that they look like fae should have wings. And the third?

> There's blood on the floor.

> Coffee chuckles, and that's not Coffee alright. The voice is deeper and drips with a tone they never take.

Want to try that again, little foal?

(@crows-askblog)

[crows-askblog]

>She immediately stills before taking a step back. She nearly trips over her boots in her attempt to get away.

>She hates this thing, its awful and horrible and it scares her, the spot on her forehead where her horn protrudes aches with the memory of her dream.

"My apologies." >She tries her best to keep her voice even and from wavering. "I wasn't aware it was you. It was Coffee that let her out not you, I know it. You don't like to get involved do you?" >She does her best to look at the god before her, not in the eyes no - that could be seen as a challenge but after talking to the gods before she knows it's rude to not look at the person you're talking to. "I'll come back later, I don't want to interrupt whatever it is that you're doing." >Her mouth is dry.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> The Blood God's expression is of the cat that caught the canary. A wide smile does It throw in Crow's direction, head tipped. It knows how much It scares her, and It revels in it.

Oh no, do not leave yet, little foal. We have much to discuss, do stay.

> The door closes and latches behind Crow without Blood moving a muscle.

I hear you have been up to some very interesting endeavors as of recent. Little, mortal, foal, getting involved with the big kids. Becoming one of my darling's. Tsk, tsk. If you wanted to be like my Avatar so, you should have made a deal with me.

[crows-askblog]

>She startles as the door latches, she wonders if there is any other way out of this conversation. "I wasn't aware of you and the Void's.... relationship." >She felt like her skin was on wrong. "I didn't want to be an avatar, I don't want some god to take over my body like how you take over Coffees... It's creepy. I can do enough things on my own, there's nothing a god can do through my body that I can't."

>She was sure of herself in this. She's a skilled warrior and a more skilled talker - in most instances. When gods weren't able to look right through her.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

Oh? You mean to tell me you can do this?

> Blood holds up Coffee's arm, which has a lengthy, unnaturally straight cut in it. Crow is able to watch as the blood on the ground and on Coffee's sword, discarded to the side, climbs back up the god's leg, to the wound, before the cut closes.

I thought not.

> It laughs at the look on Crow's face.

And if you did not wish to be an Avatar, you should not have chosen my darling. It goes through... more Avatars than the average god. Some of which are my fault. When the current one dies, it will upgrade you, how exciting is that!

> Blood grins menacingly.

[crows-askblog]

>She's instantly on edge with that information. She swallows down the rising fear. "I'll deal with that when I get there, you seem more cruel than the Void from what I've seen... What could you possibly do for me that would have more pros than cons?" >She crossed her arms, her tail wrapped around her legs in some form of self comfort.

"From what I've seen you only cause pain and suffering, even for your avatar."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Blood laughs, black irises red sclera boring at Crow.

Clearly you have not seen enough of my darling, or you are more ignorant than I expected. I am... straightforward with my expectations. As such I expect mine to meet the requirements I provide them.

> It leers over Crow, height difference contributing.

But you cannot change your mind now! Not without my lovely darling's permission, no, no. You, little foal, have backed yourself into a corner, what a surprise.

> It drawls the last word, hundreds of voices with the exact same tone and rhythm.

[crows-askblog]

>her ears pin back more, the voices hurt them. She retreats further, backing towards the locked door.

"I'm not your partner's avatar yet though- and you guys aren't the only gods I talk to, I know your game you get into peoples heads."

>She takes a breath, trying to steel herself.

"So far it's been more straightforward than you anyway."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

So far, and is that not so lovely.

> Blood's tone is almost a coo. It's very clearly enjoying scaring the absolute shit out of Crow.

Oh, little foal. You have no clue of the future which lies ahead of you. Your allies thin with every step you take. Perhaps it would be better if I were to just end you now. A mercy, if you will.

> Every step back Crow takes, Blood draws closer. It stands over her now, reaches out slightly and pats her head. It's harsher than Coffee would ever try, and far more condescending.

But I was never one for mercy.

> And that is the end of it. Blood closes Its eyes and then Coffee's body is collapsing to the floor, the heavy aura of divinity disappearing as the latch audibly unlocks. Coffee's dogs, having sat in the far corner this whole time with their ears flat, come bounding over to sniff Coffee and Crow, two of them automatically snuggling up next to the unconscious Avatar while the third wags its tail at Crow, looking for pets and attention.

[crows-askblog]

>She relaxed only slightly as she realized the god was gone but it quickly morphed into concern for her ally.

"Coffee!"

>She pushed the dog a little so it wasn't in her face as she tried to shake Coffee awake and check faer over. Her heart was still pounding and her hands still shaking.

"Coffee wake up!"

>She never had had to deal with this, not with the whole passing out thing at least, she'd never seen Dragon or Lucy pass out. The dog kept nosing at her and finally she sat back, giving up on trying to wake up her friend. Coffee had to be used to this right...? She scooted back to give fae space as she pet the dog that had sat with her.

>At the very least she could watch over faer while they were unconscious. At least be there when they woke up.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> It's a good ten minutes before Coffee stirs, groaning quietly. The dogs become excited and start nosing at them. Fae huffs as they sit up slowly, rubbing the side of faer head where it whacked against the ground.

Eugh, the least It could do is lay the fuck down first, even if it's not the bedroll-

> They still, then Coffee's head snaps to the side to look at Crow. Faer tone is confused.

Crow? What are you doing here? Was starting to think you didn't like Log anymore, you don't visit anymore it seems.

[crows-askblog]

"I came to talk to you but then you weren't you."

>She shifts uncomfortably, her fingers still carding through the dog's fur.

"Never said i didn't like log, just been busy... I have a country to run too Yknow."

>There was no bite in any of her words, she seemed pretty offset by the whole interaction.

"Are you alright? That was a pretty hard fall. I think I have some health pots or regen- if you need them of course."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

"Why would you let her out? I know Lullah has left the ravine, don't you know its dangerous out there? Don't you know she's gone back to that awful nation that she's exiled from? What were you thinking?" >She's angry, she's been angry for weeks now it seems, irritable and sneaky and sly for weeks.

"You put her in direct danger of every single one of the plans we've discussed! That wasn't part of any plan!" > Her tail was lashing behind her and her ears were pinned back. She had her mask on but her emotions could never be any more obvious.

-c!crow's-askblog

> Coffee doesn't turn as Crow approaches, merely staring at the wall of their bedroom. This should've been her first hint that something was wrong. The second is the way faer posture is wrong, in a way unexplainable but for that they look like fae should have wings. And the third?

> There's blood on the floor.

> Coffee chuckles, and that's not Coffee alright. The voice is deeper and drips with a tone they never take.

Want to try that again, little foal?

(@crows-askblog)

[crows-askblog]

>She immediately stills before taking a step back. She nearly trips over her boots in her attempt to get away.

>She hates this thing, its awful and horrible and it scares her, the spot on her forehead where her horn protrudes aches with the memory of her dream.

"My apologies." >She tries her best to keep her voice even and from wavering. "I wasn't aware it was you. It was Coffee that let her out not you, I know it. You don't like to get involved do you?" >She does her best to look at the god before her, not in the eyes no - that could be seen as a challenge but after talking to the gods before she knows it's rude to not look at the person you're talking to. "I'll come back later, I don't want to interrupt whatever it is that you're doing." >Her mouth is dry.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> The Blood God's expression is of the cat that caught the canary. A wide smile does It throw in Crow's direction, head tipped. It knows how much It scares her, and It revels in it.

Oh no, do not leave yet, little foal. We have much to discuss, do stay.

> The door closes and latches behind Crow without Blood moving a muscle.

I hear you have been up to some very interesting endeavors as of recent. Little, mortal, foal, getting involved with the big kids. Becoming one of my darling's. Tsk, tsk. If you wanted to be like my Avatar so, you should have made a deal with me.

[crows-askblog]

>She startles as the door latches, she wonders if there is any other way out of this conversation. "I wasn't aware of you and the Void's.... relationship." >She felt like her skin was on wrong. "I didn't want to be an avatar, I don't want some god to take over my body like how you take over Coffees... It's creepy. I can do enough things on my own, there's nothing a god can do through my body that I can't."

>She was sure of herself in this. She's a skilled warrior and a more skilled talker - in most instances. When gods weren't able to look right through her.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

Oh? You mean to tell me you can do this?

> Blood holds up Coffee's arm, which has a lengthy, unnaturally straight cut in it. Crow is able to watch as the blood on the ground and on Coffee's sword, discarded to the side, climbs back up the god's leg, to the wound, before the cut closes.

I thought not.

> It laughs at the look on Crow's face.

And if you did not wish to be an Avatar, you should not have chosen my darling. It goes through... more Avatars than the average god. Some of which are my fault. When the current one dies, it will upgrade you, how exciting is that!

> Blood grins menacingly.

[crows-askblog]

>She's instantly on edge with that information. She swallows down the rising fear. "I'll deal with that when I get there, you seem more cruel than the Void from what I've seen... What could you possibly do for me that would have more pros than cons?" >She crossed her arms, her tail wrapped around her legs in some form of self comfort.

"From what I've seen you only cause pain and suffering, even for your avatar."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Blood laughs, black irises red sclera boring at Crow.

Clearly you have not seen enough of my darling, or you are more ignorant than I expected. I am... straightforward with my expectations. As such I expect mine to meet the requirements I provide them.

> It leers over Crow, height difference contributing.

But you cannot change your mind now! Not without my lovely darling's permission, no, no. You, little foal, have backed yourself into a corner, what a surprise.

> It drawls the last word, hundreds of voices with the exact same tone and rhythm.

[crows-askblog]

>her ears pin back more, the voices hurt them. She retreats further, backing towards the locked door.

"I'm not your partner's avatar yet though- and you guys aren't the only gods I talk to, I know your game you get into peoples heads."

>She takes a breath, trying to steel herself.

"So far it's been more straightforward than you anyway."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

So far, and is that not so lovely.

> Blood's tone is almost a coo. It's very clearly enjoying scaring the absolute shit out of Crow.

Oh, little foal. You have no clue of the future which lies ahead of you. Your allies thin with every step you take. Perhaps it would be better if I were to just end you now. A mercy, if you will.

> Every step back Crow takes, Blood draws closer. It stands over her now, reaches out slightly and pats her head. It's harsher than Coffee would ever try, and far more condescending.

But I was never one for mercy.

> And that is the end of it. Blood closes Its eyes and then Coffee's body is collapsing to the floor, the heavy aura of divinity disappearing as the latch audibly unlocks. Coffee's dogs, having sat in the far corner this whole time with their ears flat, come bounding over to sniff Coffee and Crow, two of them automatically snuggling up next to the unconscious Avatar while the third wags its tail at Crow, looking for pets and attention.

[crows-askblog]

>She relaxed only slightly as she realized the god was gone but it quickly morphed into concern for her ally.

"Coffee!"

>She pushed the dog a little so it wasn't in her face as she tried to shake Coffee awake and check faer over. Her heart was still pounding and her hands still shaking.

"Coffee wake up!"

>She never had had to deal with this, not with the whole passing out thing at least, she'd never seen Dragon or Lucy pass out. The dog kept nosing at her and finally she sat back, giving up on trying to wake up her friend. Coffee had to be used to this right...? She scooted back to give fae space as she pet the dog that had sat with her.

>At the very least she could watch over faer while they were unconscious. At least be there when they woke up.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

"Why would you let her out? I know Lullah has left the ravine, don't you know its dangerous out there? Don't you know she's gone back to that awful nation that she's exiled from? What were you thinking?" >She's angry, she's been angry for weeks now it seems, irritable and sneaky and sly for weeks.

"You put her in direct danger of every single one of the plans we've discussed! That wasn't part of any plan!" > Her tail was lashing behind her and her ears were pinned back. She had her mask on but her emotions could never be any more obvious.

-c!crow's-askblog

> Coffee doesn't turn as Crow approaches, merely staring at the wall of their bedroom. This should've been her first hint that something was wrong. The second is the way faer posture is wrong, in a way unexplainable but for that they look like fae should have wings. And the third?

> There's blood on the floor.

> Coffee chuckles, and that's not Coffee alright. The voice is deeper and drips with a tone they never take.

Want to try that again, little foal?

(@crows-askblog)

[crows-askblog]

>She immediately stills before taking a step back. She nearly trips over her boots in her attempt to get away.

>She hates this thing, its awful and horrible and it scares her, the spot on her forehead where her horn protrudes aches with the memory of her dream.

"My apologies." >She tries her best to keep her voice even and from wavering. "I wasn't aware it was you. It was Coffee that let her out not you, I know it. You don't like to get involved do you?" >She does her best to look at the god before her, not in the eyes no - that could be seen as a challenge but after talking to the gods before she knows it's rude to not look at the person you're talking to. "I'll come back later, I don't want to interrupt whatever it is that you're doing." >Her mouth is dry.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> The Blood God's expression is of the cat that caught the canary. A wide smile does It throw in Crow's direction, head tipped. It knows how much It scares her, and It revels in it.

Oh no, do not leave yet, little foal. We have much to discuss, do stay.

> The door closes and latches behind Crow without Blood moving a muscle.

I hear you have been up to some very interesting endeavors as of recent. Little, mortal, foal, getting involved with the big kids. Becoming one of my darling's. Tsk, tsk. If you wanted to be like my Avatar so, you should have made a deal with me.

[crows-askblog]

>She startles as the door latches, she wonders if there is any other way out of this conversation. "I wasn't aware of you and the Void's.... relationship." >She felt like her skin was on wrong. "I didn't want to be an avatar, I don't want some god to take over my body like how you take over Coffees... It's creepy. I can do enough things on my own, there's nothing a god can do through my body that I can't."

>She was sure of herself in this. She's a skilled warrior and a more skilled talker - in most instances. When gods weren't able to look right through her.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

Oh? You mean to tell me you can do this?

> Blood holds up Coffee's arm, which has a lengthy, unnaturally straight cut in it. Crow is able to watch as the blood on the ground and on Coffee's sword, discarded to the side, climbs back up the god's leg, to the wound, before the cut closes.

I thought not.

> It laughs at the look on Crow's face.

And if you did not wish to be an Avatar, you should not have chosen my darling. It goes through... more Avatars than the average god. Some of which are my fault. When the current one dies, it will upgrade you, how exciting is that!

> Blood grins menacingly.

[crows-askblog]

>She's instantly on edge with that information. She swallows down the rising fear. "I'll deal with that when I get there, you seem more cruel than the Void from what I've seen... What could you possibly do for me that would have more pros than cons?" >She crossed her arms, her tail wrapped around her legs in some form of self comfort.

"From what I've seen you only cause pain and suffering, even for your avatar."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Blood laughs, black irises red sclera boring at Crow.

Clearly you have not seen enough of my darling, or you are more ignorant than I expected. I am... straightforward with my expectations. As such I expect mine to meet the requirements I provide them.

> It leers over Crow, height difference contributing.

But you cannot change your mind now! Not without my lovely darling's permission, no, no. You, little foal, have backed yourself into a corner, what a surprise.

> It drawls the last word, hundreds of voices with the exact same tone and rhythm.

[crows-askblog]

>her ears pin back more, the voices hurt them. She retreats further, backing towards the locked door.

"I'm not your partner's avatar yet though- and you guys aren't the only gods I talk to, I know your game you get into peoples heads."

>She takes a breath, trying to steel herself.

"So far it's been more straightforward than you anyway."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

"Why would you let her out? I know Lullah has left the ravine, don't you know its dangerous out there? Don't you know she's gone back to that awful nation that she's exiled from? What were you thinking?" >She's angry, she's been angry for weeks now it seems, irritable and sneaky and sly for weeks.

"You put her in direct danger of every single one of the plans we've discussed! That wasn't part of any plan!" > Her tail was lashing behind her and her ears were pinned back. She had her mask on but her emotions could never be any more obvious.

-c!crow's-askblog

> Coffee doesn't turn as Crow approaches, merely staring at the wall of their bedroom. This should've been her first hint that something was wrong. The second is the way faer posture is wrong, in a way unexplainable but for that they look like fae should have wings. And the third?

> There's blood on the floor.

> Coffee chuckles, and that's not Coffee alright. The voice is deeper and drips with a tone they never take.

Want to try that again, little foal?

(@crows-askblog)

[crows-askblog]

>She immediately stills before taking a step back. She nearly trips over her boots in her attempt to get away.

>She hates this thing, its awful and horrible and it scares her, the spot on her forehead where her horn protrudes aches with the memory of her dream.

"My apologies." >She tries her best to keep her voice even and from wavering. "I wasn't aware it was you. It was Coffee that let her out not you, I know it. You don't like to get involved do you?" >She does her best to look at the god before her, not in the eyes no - that could be seen as a challenge but after talking to the gods before she knows it's rude to not look at the person you're talking to. "I'll come back later, I don't want to interrupt whatever it is that you're doing." >Her mouth is dry.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> The Blood God's expression is of the cat that caught the canary. A wide smile does It throw in Crow's direction, head tipped. It knows how much It scares her, and It revels in it.

Oh no, do not leave yet, little foal. We have much to discuss, do stay.

> The door closes and latches behind Crow without Blood moving a muscle.

I hear you have been up to some very interesting endeavors as of recent. Little, mortal, foal, getting involved with the big kids. Becoming one of my darling's. Tsk, tsk. If you wanted to be like my Avatar so, you should have made a deal with me.

[crows-askblog]

>She startles as the door latches, she wonders if there is any other way out of this conversation. "I wasn't aware of you and the Void's.... relationship." >She felt like her skin was on wrong. "I didn't want to be an avatar, I don't want some god to take over my body like how you take over Coffees... It's creepy. I can do enough things on my own, there's nothing a god can do through my body that I can't."

>She was sure of herself in this. She's a skilled warrior and a more skilled talker - in most instances. When gods weren't able to look right through her.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

Oh? You mean to tell me you can do this?

> Blood holds up Coffee's arm, which has a lengthy, unnaturally straight cut in it. Crow is able to watch as the blood on the ground and on Coffee's sword, discarded to the side, climbs back up the god's leg, to the wound, before the cut closes.

I thought not.

> It laughs at the look on Crow's face.

And if you did not wish to be an Avatar, you should not have chosen my darling. It goes through... more Avatars than the average god. Some of which are my fault. When the current one dies, it will upgrade you, how exciting is that!

> Blood grins menacingly.

[crows-askblog]

>She's instantly on edge with that information. She swallows down the rising fear. "I'll deal with that when I get there, you seem more cruel than the Void from what I've seen... What could you possibly do for me that would have more pros than cons?" >She crossed her arms, her tail wrapped around her legs in some form of self comfort.

"From what I've seen you only cause pain and suffering, even for your avatar."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

"Why would you let her out? I know Lullah has left the ravine, don't you know its dangerous out there? Don't you know she's gone back to that awful nation that she's exiled from? What were you thinking?" >She's angry, she's been angry for weeks now it seems, irritable and sneaky and sly for weeks.

"You put her in direct danger of every single one of the plans we've discussed! That wasn't part of any plan!" > Her tail was lashing behind her and her ears were pinned back. She had her mask on but her emotions could never be any more obvious.

-c!crow's-askblog

> Coffee doesn't turn as Crow approaches, merely staring at the wall of their bedroom. This should've been her first hint that something was wrong. The second is the way faer posture is wrong, in a way unexplainable but for that they look like fae should have wings. And the third?

> There's blood on the floor.

> Coffee chuckles, and that's not Coffee alright. The voice is deeper and drips with a tone they never take.

Want to try that again, little foal?

(@crows-askblog)

[crows-askblog]

>She immediately stills before taking a step back. She nearly trips over her boots in her attempt to get away.

>She hates this thing, its awful and horrible and it scares her, the spot on her forehead where her horn protrudes aches with the memory of her dream.

"My apologies." >She tries her best to keep her voice even and from wavering. "I wasn't aware it was you. It was Coffee that let her out not you, I know it. You don't like to get involved do you?" >She does her best to look at the god before her, not in the eyes no - that could be seen as a challenge but after talking to the gods before she knows it's rude to not look at the person you're talking to. "I'll come back later, I don't want to interrupt whatever it is that you're doing." >Her mouth is dry.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> The Blood God's expression is of the cat that caught the canary. A wide smile does It throw in Crow's direction, head tipped. It knows how much It scares her, and It revels in it.

Oh no, do not leave yet, little foal. We have much to discuss, do stay.

> The door closes and latches behind Crow without Blood moving a muscle.

I hear you have been up to some very interesting endeavors as of recent. Little, mortal, foal, getting involved with the big kids. Becoming one of my darling's. Tsk, tsk. If you wanted to be like my Avatar so, you should have made a deal with me.

[crows-askblog]

>She startles as the door latches, she wonders if there is any other way out of this conversation. "I wasn't aware of you and the Void's.... relationship." >She felt like her skin was on wrong. "I didn't want to be an avatar, I don't want some god to take over my body like how you take over Coffees... It's creepy. I can do enough things on my own, there's nothing a god can do through my body that I can't."

>She was sure of herself in this. She's a skilled warrior and a more skilled talker - in most instances. When gods weren't able to look right through her.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

"Why would you let her out? I know Lullah has left the ravine, don't you know its dangerous out there? Don't you know she's gone back to that awful nation that she's exiled from? What were you thinking?" >She's angry, she's been angry for weeks now it seems, irritable and sneaky and sly for weeks.

"You put her in direct danger of every single one of the plans we've discussed! That wasn't part of any plan!" > Her tail was lashing behind her and her ears were pinned back. She had her mask on but her emotions could never be any more obvious.

-c!crow's-askblog

> Coffee doesn't turn as Crow approaches, merely staring at the wall of their bedroom. This should've been her first hint that something was wrong. The second is the way faer posture is wrong, in a way unexplainable but for that they look like fae should have wings. And the third?

> There's blood on the floor.

> Coffee chuckles, and that's not Coffee alright. The voice is deeper and drips with a tone they never take.

Want to try that again, little foal?

(@crows-askblog)

[crows-askblog]

>She immediately stills before taking a step back. She nearly trips over her boots in her attempt to get away.

>She hates this thing, its awful and horrible and it scares her, the spot on her forehead where her horn protrudes aches with the memory of her dream.

"My apologies." >She tries her best to keep her voice even and from wavering. "I wasn't aware it was you. It was Coffee that let her out not you, I know it. You don't like to get involved do you?" >She does her best to look at the god before her, not in the eyes no - that could be seen as a challenge but after talking to the gods before she knows it's rude to not look at the person you're talking to. "I'll come back later, I don't want to interrupt whatever it is that you're doing." >Her mouth is dry.

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

> It's late at night in Logtopia. Children scooted off to bed, monsters groaning in far-off distances. A nether portal at the far end of the ravine whooshes softly.

> It's peaceful. It's quiet. And any other night, that would be all. Any other night, there would be nothing else of note. Any other night than tonight.

> For tonight, the Corvus trio meets in the room where it happens. The vassal of the Blood God itself, the general-queen of the Greater SMP, and the disgraced president of the country formerly known as L'Manberg.

> Coffee Blade leans against the corner farthest from the door with admittedly the best vantage of the room as the other two pore over maps. A netherite longsword, a now constant accessory, swings lightly at their hip. In faer hand they twirl a dagger gleaming with enchantments. Fae's terribly bored. Did neither of the other two study the maps before the meeting? Their time is limited. They need to be planning, not standing around doing nothing.

There's time to stare at the maps later. Shouldn't we be focusing on, I don't know, anything else? Resource gathering, army raising, weapon crafting, strategy?

- @coffeeblades-askblog

( @crows-askblog )

Lucy raised her head, and with one swift movement, threw a knife across the room. It landed against the cork board right behind Coffee, the elder staring forward unflinching.

"That map is more important. But sure, weapon crafting, army raising. Important. Mmhmm."

A cork pops as she opens a bottle, tipping sweet berry wine into one goblet, raising an eyebrow towards Crow.

"A drink, old friend?"

[crows-askblog]

> Her mask was off, no need to wear it around friends allies. She smiled and pushes her own goblet to Lucy.

"Appreciated."

> She nods gratefully at her before sipping the wine and looking towards Coffee with an easy expression. She's clearly not very worried about this war, it feels far off and they have a lot of planning to do so no need to stress now.

"We have plenty of time to gather armies, the Greater Essempi's forces practically at my beck and call, we'll be fine. And plus, we have the Blood God on our side."

> She swirls her drink before taking another sip.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee makes no effort to hide their eyeroll. Fae yanks the knife out of the corkboard with little care for how it smacks back against the wall with a loud clunk. Their expression is cold as they move to the table in a singular step, dropping the knife unceremoniously back in front of faer brother.

We do not in fact have my father on our side. The Blood God is not on anybody's side. Technically, I'm not supposed to be either. I just get away with it because we're fighting a government.

(Don't call it father It doesn't like that remember? Want a repeat of last time, little Axe?)

> The voices rising in their head has faer wincing ever so slightly. They refuse to sit, to sit would be to give in. Fae forces their expression back to neutral.

There is no instance of a people benefitting from prolonged warfare, Sun Tzu. Well, we've been prolonging this war effort. Both of you are generals, surely you see the wisdom in a quick strike. Manberg is unstable still. Enough doing your homework in class, let's talk actual efforts.

> Fae spins a nearby chair so the back is facing the table, sitting on it with their arms crossed over the back of the chair.

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

"Well, there's more than one god in the fray, isn't there?"

A twisted smile from Luce, uncanny. It disappears a second later.

"But you're right, we have been pouring over maps far too much. Do you have the required resources, Crow? I hear you've been busy on that front."

She tipped her glass back, downing the wine in one smooth swig. The goblet clatters onto the oak table, dipping and spinning before coming to a stop.

She moved to pick the knife back up, pointing the blade against the table and tilting it back and forth.

[crows-askblog]

> She nodded at Lucy.

"Yeah I have most of them. I can have all we need within the next few days, the resources aren't going to be an issue."

> Her easy mood had been quickly turned sour at the interruption of map studying. She didn't even need it. She knew where good places to strike would be. Go for their supplies first, cut off any methods of profit, weaken them at the foundation so that have nothing to fall back on. It was simple. She finished her goblet then poured more.

"Do you have any bright ideas Coffee? You seem keen on getting this done as soon as possible. For being such a skilled soldier you seem to be rushing in, another bad strategy."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee's lip curls slightly. They snatch the bottle of wine away before Crow finishes pouring, holding it out of reach of either of the other two.

I think that's enough wine there, old rival. Your tongue, it appears, has been caught by the liquor devil.

> Fae grasps the bottle tight, their dagger gleaming threateningly in faer other hand.

And don't speak to me as if you don't know me absurdly well. If any person in this room doesn't assume I haven't been working tirelessly for far longer than her, she ought to leave right this very moment.

> They wait a moment, glancing between Luce and Crow.

Thought so. First off, you forget everything you were taught. Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt. The speed of action is paramount to the battle. We must move quick, before they have the chance to settle.

And we're going to need allies. Far too many neutral parties on this server. We should be focusing on turning them.

> Fae takes a very short swig from the bottle and glances to their brother.

Luce, what's that group you created a while ago? The Anti-Doctor Collective?

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

She laughs, for a long moment, as if what Coffee said was the funniest thing she had heard in a while.

"That? That was a joke, Coffee. A bit made up by my siblings and I."

Another laugh.

"As if they're able to help though, anyway. Etsu's too young, undefined. I can't sway them to green up their lawn let alone join a war they don't believe in. And Method..."

She trailed off, nose scrunched before she started looking through papers and letters. "Right, yeah, he's off in Barbados dealing with a court case. He will be for the next few months."

She turned to look at Coffee, and then at Crow. "So... We are friends are we not? And our interests are the same in this matter. What. Is. The. Plan?"

[crows-askblog]

"Of course we're friends."

> She exclaimed, looking offended Lucy would think anything otherwise. They weren't of course, well - maybe Crow had become a friend to Lucy. She'd given her enough stuff.

"The plan is We blow them up to kingdom come and done, poof, Manburg is no more - then Lucy can take her country back."

> She looked to the others like this was obvious.

"I can start laying TNT even since Coffee is so keen on getting this done as soon as possible."

> She looks down at the map, eyes drifting over Manburg's layout but then flicking to the east end where her little house fell just off the map.

"Striking the stage and podium or the White House is too risky, they'll expect us to hit big targets to get to them faster. These will and have already been checked nearly every day for threats."

> She crosses off the two spots on the map with loose charcoal from an extinguished torch.

"We could strike their farms first or go for civilian houses, scare them and make them paranoid. If they're so scared that they can't trust each other then they'll destroy themselves from the inside out. People are already on edge with the way TSchlatt is managing the country."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee bristles at the thought of Manburg returning to L'Manburg. That's not their plan at all. Fae wants it gone, reduced to ashes. They haven't denied that at all. That being said, fae will humor the other two. For now at least.

> And by humor, of course they mean use all faer sarcastic ability.

Ah yeah, because terrorist attacks against civilians will definitely have them accepting Luce back should the country stay upon solid ground after we overthrow TSchlatt. In fact, that sounds like the perfect plan, when do we start?

> The voices do not mix well with alcohol, but Coffee drinks again and finally sits. Twirling the wine bottle in faer hand. Trying their best to ignore faer bouncing leg.

Or, we can come up with a real plan. We need information from inside, we need information on their numbers and armory. We set up closer strongholds to fall back upon in battle if needed. No blackstone stairs this time.

> A quick glance to their brother.

Avoiding bigger areas may not be as safe, but it also makes a statement. Overthrow the tyrant. We lay the TNT there the same day as the fight. Make it appear as if we're hosting a class revolution. Nobody likes taxes, we could gain turncoats.

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

"Turncoats this, civilians that. Fuck all that. I say we just fucking blow the White House up, vandalise one of the towers with a message and fucking be done with it."

She snapped, slamming her palms flat against the table, rattling it. Her wings arched behind her, like a horrid frame to this deranged picture.

"There's a saying I once heard back in Ecet. It goes like this," She paused, picking up her glasses from her face before folding them and setting them down neatly. "A war isn't a war if you don't know what you're fighting for. Otherwise it's just a massacre with the pretense of honour."

She ran her fingers across the bridge of her nose. "Is this honourable?"

[crows-askblog]

"Nothing about any of the ideas you've mentioned have been honorable."

> She points out before leaning further back into her chair and looking at the stolen bottle in Coffee's hand.

"And we can't just blow up the White House, we need to be more strategic than that - they'll expect something like that. If you do that then you become the common enemy, we may still have allies within Manburg. What you're suggesting is how you lose a war."

> She shot Lucy a look.

"You gotta use your head in battle, you can't keep letting your emotions and opinions get the better of you in planning, that's how you lost the last war."

> She knew it was a risky thing to say here but someone had to say it. Lucy was unstable and should probably leave the planning to Coffee and her.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee rolls their eyes and finishes the last half-inch or so of the bottle. Gods, these two children really are driving faer to drink, huh? They never thought fae could relate to that statement, but here they are.

> Not great on faer head though. The voices start distorting. So this is why Techno always said he couldn't drink. It's weird. They squint to see better.

If that was the case, old rival, very few of the revolutions I've led would have been successful. You always plan to go for the keep at one point or another. If you don't, your people do, and things get very messy very quickly. And I'd much rather one of us go for the keep than, say one of the children. They're far more liable to make a mess.

> The voices are acting weird. Coffee frowns at the empty bottle and sets it down, going back to spinning faer dagger instead.

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

Lucy reached across the table, dragging the decanter across the maps and popping of the worn crystal cap with a pop.

She tipped the amber liquid into her goblet, maintaining direct eye contact with Coffee from across the table.

It was far too fancy to be made in Log. Stolen then, perhaps?

"Coffee's right. Putting that aside for the moment, there is one issue." Her gaze shifted, snapping onto Crow. She held the goblet between loose fingers swinging it back and forth as she spoke.

"It's such an annoying one too. Like a orphan you just can't kill."

She tilted her head in a smile, raising an eyebrow towards Coffee like it was some kind of in joke.

"Crow, you're a liability but also an asset. Prancing around playing house and being TSchlatt's body guard. How can we trust you're not going to betray us?"

She shifted her drink back, taking a long sip of whiskey.

"I mean, you've got a nice little track record of traps. Beautifully done though, that control room. But what can you guarantee us other than some gunpowder and tnt?"

[crows-askblog]

> She scrunches her nose at that, looking at Lucy as if she had just spit in her soup.

"I know our history hasn't been the greatest but haven't I proven at least some loyalty to you? Like I've told you and shown you, I'm not on TSchlatt's side."

> She crosses her arms and leans back on her chair, the front legs lifting up but her netherite boot holds her from falling all the way back, the nether metal scraping unpleasantly on the rough stone.

"We have the same interests as I've stated. I want the nation gone or at least under your management again, I just disagree with you because of the level of destruction that you want to cause that might hurt my people."

> A sour look crosses her face.

"I don't even know if I should be helping you, you're just complicating things more than they need to be and I'm sure I could solve this on my own. I've given you so many materials and my time of day and still you doubt me."

> She reaches for her mask.

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

> It's late at night in Logtopia. Children scooted off to bed, monsters groaning in far-off distances. A nether portal at the far end of the ravine whooshes softly.

> It's peaceful. It's quiet. And any other night, that would be all. Any other night, there would be nothing else of note. Any other night than tonight.

> For tonight, the Corvus trio meets in the room where it happens. The vassal of the Blood God itself, the general-queen of the Greater SMP, and the disgraced president of the country formerly known as L'Manberg.

> Coffee Blade leans against the corner farthest from the door with admittedly the best vantage of the room as the other two pore over maps. A netherite longsword, a now constant accessory, swings lightly at their hip. In faer hand they twirl a dagger gleaming with enchantments. Fae's terribly bored. Did neither of the other two study the maps before the meeting? Their time is limited. They need to be planning, not standing around doing nothing.

There's time to stare at the maps later. Shouldn't we be focusing on, I don't know, anything else? Resource gathering, army raising, weapon crafting, strategy?

- @coffeeblades-askblog

( @crows-askblog )

Lucy raised her head, and with one swift movement, threw a knife across the room. It landed against the cork board right behind Coffee, the elder staring forward unflinching.

"That map is more important. But sure, weapon crafting, army raising. Important. Mmhmm."

A cork pops as she opens a bottle, tipping sweet berry wine into one goblet, raising an eyebrow towards Crow.

"A drink, old friend?"

[crows-askblog]

> Her mask was off, no need to wear it around friends allies. She smiled and pushes her own goblet to Lucy.

"Appreciated."

> She nods gratefully at her before sipping the wine and looking towards Coffee with an easy expression. She's clearly not very worried about this war, it feels far off and they have a lot of planning to do so no need to stress now.

"We have plenty of time to gather armies, the Greater Essempi's forces practically at my beck and call, we'll be fine. And plus, we have the Blood God on our side."

> She swirls her drink before taking another sip.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee makes no effort to hide their eyeroll. Fae yanks the knife out of the corkboard with little care for how it smacks back against the wall with a loud clunk. Their expression is cold as they move to the table in a singular step, dropping the knife unceremoniously back in front of faer brother.

We do not in fact have my father on our side. The Blood God is not on anybody's side. Technically, I'm not supposed to be either. I just get away with it because we're fighting a government.

(Don't call it father It doesn't like that remember? Want a repeat of last time, little Axe?)

> The voices rising in their head has faer wincing ever so slightly. They refuse to sit, to sit would be to give in. Fae forces their expression back to neutral.

There is no instance of a people benefitting from prolonged warfare, Sun Tzu. Well, we've been prolonging this war effort. Both of you are generals, surely you see the wisdom in a quick strike. Manberg is unstable still. Enough doing your homework in class, let's talk actual efforts.

> Fae spins a nearby chair so the back is facing the table, sitting on it with their arms crossed over the back of the chair.

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

"Well, there's more than one god in the fray, isn't there?"

A twisted smile from Luce, uncanny. It disappears a second later.

"But you're right, we have been pouring over maps far too much. Do you have the required resources, Crow? I hear you've been busy on that front."

She tipped her glass back, downing the wine in one smooth swig. The goblet clatters onto the oak table, dipping and spinning before coming to a stop.

She moved to pick the knife back up, pointing the blade against the table and tilting it back and forth.

[crows-askblog]

> She nodded at Lucy.

"Yeah I have most of them. I can have all we need within the next few days, the resources aren't going to be an issue."

> Her easy mood had been quickly turned sour at the interruption of map studying. She didn't even need it. She knew where good places to strike would be. Go for their supplies first, cut off any methods of profit, weaken them at the foundation so that have nothing to fall back on. It was simple. She finished her goblet then poured more.

"Do you have any bright ideas Coffee? You seem keen on getting this done as soon as possible. For being such a skilled soldier you seem to be rushing in, another bad strategy."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee's lip curls slightly. They snatch the bottle of wine away before Crow finishes pouring, holding it out of reach of either of the other two.

I think that's enough wine there, old rival. Your tongue, it appears, has been caught by the liquor devil.

> Fae grasps the bottle tight, their dagger gleaming threateningly in faer other hand.

And don't speak to me as if you don't know me absurdly well. If any person in this room doesn't assume I haven't been working tirelessly for far longer than her, she ought to leave right this very moment.

> They wait a moment, glancing between Luce and Crow.

Thought so. First off, you forget everything you were taught. Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt. The speed of action is paramount to the battle. We must move quick, before they have the chance to settle.

And we're going to need allies. Far too many neutral parties on this server. We should be focusing on turning them.

> Fae takes a very short swig from the bottle and glances to their brother.

Luce, what's that group you created a while ago? The Anti-Doctor Collective?

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

She laughs, for a long moment, as if what Coffee said was the funniest thing she had heard in a while.

"That? That was a joke, Coffee. A bit made up by my siblings and I."

Another laugh.

"As if they're able to help though, anyway. Etsu's too young, undefined. I can't sway them to green up their lawn let alone join a war they don't believe in. And Method..."

She trailed off, nose scrunched before she started looking through papers and letters. "Right, yeah, he's off in Barbados dealing with a court case. He will be for the next few months."

She turned to look at Coffee, and then at Crow. "So... We are friends are we not? And our interests are the same in this matter. What. Is. The. Plan?"

[crows-askblog]

"Of course we're friends."

> She exclaimed, looking offended Lucy would think anything otherwise. They weren't of course, well - maybe Crow had become a friend to Lucy. She'd given her enough stuff.

"The plan is We blow them up to kingdom come and done, poof, Manburg is no more - then Lucy can take her country back."

> She looked to the others like this was obvious.

"I can start laying TNT even since Coffee is so keen on getting this done as soon as possible."

> She looks down at the map, eyes drifting over Manburg's layout but then flicking to the east end where her little house fell just off the map.

"Striking the stage and podium or the White House is too risky, they'll expect us to hit big targets to get to them faster. These will and have already been checked nearly every day for threats."

> She crosses off the two spots on the map with loose charcoal from an extinguished torch.

"We could strike their farms first or go for civilian houses, scare them and make them paranoid. If they're so scared that they can't trust each other then they'll destroy themselves from the inside out. People are already on edge with the way TSchlatt is managing the country."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee bristles at the thought of Manburg returning to L'Manburg. That's not their plan at all. Fae wants it gone, reduced to ashes. They haven't denied that at all. That being said, fae will humor the other two. For now at least.

> And by humor, of course they mean use all faer sarcastic ability.

Ah yeah, because terrorist attacks against civilians will definitely have them accepting Luce back should the country stay upon solid ground after we overthrow TSchlatt. In fact, that sounds like the perfect plan, when do we start?

> The voices do not mix well with alcohol, but Coffee drinks again and finally sits. Twirling the wine bottle in faer hand. Trying their best to ignore faer bouncing leg.

Or, we can come up with a real plan. We need information from inside, we need information on their numbers and armory. We set up closer strongholds to fall back upon in battle if needed. No blackstone stairs this time.

> A quick glance to their brother.

Avoiding bigger areas may not be as safe, but it also makes a statement. Overthrow the tyrant. We lay the TNT there the same day as the fight. Make it appear as if we're hosting a class revolution. Nobody likes taxes, we could gain turncoats.

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

"Turncoats this, civilians that. Fuck all that. I say we just fucking blow the White House up, vandalise one of the towers with a message and fucking be done with it."

She snapped, slamming her palms flat against the table, rattling it. Her wings arched behind her, like a horrid frame to this deranged picture.

"There's a saying I once heard back in Ecet. It goes like this," She paused, picking up her glasses from her face before folding them and setting them down neatly. "A war isn't a war if you don't know what you're fighting for. Otherwise it's just a massacre with the pretense of honour."

She ran her fingers across the bridge of her nose. "Is this honourable?"

[crows-askblog]

"Nothing about any of the ideas you've mentioned have been honorable."

> She points out before leaning further back into her chair and looking at the stolen bottle in Coffee's hand.

"And we can't just blow up the White House, we need to be more strategic than that - they'll expect something like that. If you do that then you become the common enemy, we may still have allies within Manburg. What you're suggesting is how you lose a war."

> She shot Lucy a look.

"You gotta use your head in battle, you can't keep letting your emotions and opinions get the better of you in planning, that's how you lost the last war."

> She knew it was a risky thing to say here but someone had to say it. Lucy was unstable and should probably leave the planning to Coffee and her.

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

> It's late at night in Logtopia. Children scooted off to bed, monsters groaning in far-off distances. A nether portal at the far end of the ravine whooshes softly.

> It's peaceful. It's quiet. And any other night, that would be all. Any other night, there would be nothing else of note. Any other night than tonight.

> For tonight, the Corvus trio meets in the room where it happens. The vassal of the Blood God itself, the general-queen of the Greater SMP, and the disgraced president of the country formerly known as L'Manberg.

> Coffee Blade leans against the corner farthest from the door with admittedly the best vantage of the room as the other two pore over maps. A netherite longsword, a now constant accessory, swings lightly at their hip. In faer hand they twirl a dagger gleaming with enchantments. Fae's terribly bored. Did neither of the other two study the maps before the meeting? Their time is limited. They need to be planning, not standing around doing nothing.

There's time to stare at the maps later. Shouldn't we be focusing on, I don't know, anything else? Resource gathering, army raising, weapon crafting, strategy?

- @coffeeblades-askblog

( @crows-askblog )

Lucy raised her head, and with one swift movement, threw a knife across the room. It landed against the cork board right behind Coffee, the elder staring forward unflinching.

"That map is more important. But sure, weapon crafting, army raising. Important. Mmhmm."

A cork pops as she opens a bottle, tipping sweet berry wine into one goblet, raising an eyebrow towards Crow.

"A drink, old friend?"

[crows-askblog]

> Her mask was off, no need to wear it around friends allies. She smiled and pushes her own goblet to Lucy.

"Appreciated."

> She nods gratefully at her before sipping the wine and looking towards Coffee with an easy expression. She's clearly not very worried about this war, it feels far off and they have a lot of planning to do so no need to stress now.

"We have plenty of time to gather armies, the Greater Essempi's forces practically at my beck and call, we'll be fine. And plus, we have the Blood God on our side."

> She swirls her drink before taking another sip.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee makes no effort to hide their eyeroll. Fae yanks the knife out of the corkboard with little care for how it smacks back against the wall with a loud clunk. Their expression is cold as they move to the table in a singular step, dropping the knife unceremoniously back in front of faer brother.

We do not in fact have my father on our side. The Blood God is not on anybody's side. Technically, I'm not supposed to be either. I just get away with it because we're fighting a government.

(Don't call it father It doesn't like that remember? Want a repeat of last time, little Axe?)

> The voices rising in their head has faer wincing ever so slightly. They refuse to sit, to sit would be to give in. Fae forces their expression back to neutral.

There is no instance of a people benefitting from prolonged warfare, Sun Tzu. Well, we've been prolonging this war effort. Both of you are generals, surely you see the wisdom in a quick strike. Manberg is unstable still. Enough doing your homework in class, let's talk actual efforts.

> Fae spins a nearby chair so the back is facing the table, sitting on it with their arms crossed over the back of the chair.

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

"Well, there's more than one god in the fray, isn't there?"

A twisted smile from Luce, uncanny. It disappears a second later.

"But you're right, we have been pouring over maps far too much. Do you have the required resources, Crow? I hear you've been busy on that front."

She tipped her glass back, downing the wine in one smooth swig. The goblet clatters onto the oak table, dipping and spinning before coming to a stop.

She moved to pick the knife back up, pointing the blade against the table and tilting it back and forth.

[crows-askblog]

> She nodded at Lucy.

"Yeah I have most of them. I can have all we need within the next few days, the resources aren't going to be an issue."

> Her easy mood had been quickly turned sour at the interruption of map studying. She didn't even need it. She knew where good places to strike would be. Go for their supplies first, cut off any methods of profit, weaken them at the foundation so that have nothing to fall back on. It was simple. She finished her goblet then poured more.

"Do you have any bright ideas Coffee? You seem keen on getting this done as soon as possible. For being such a skilled soldier you seem to be rushing in, another bad strategy."

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee's lip curls slightly. They snatch the bottle of wine away before Crow finishes pouring, holding it out of reach of either of the other two.

I think that's enough wine there, old rival. Your tongue, it appears, has been caught by the liquor devil.

> Fae grasps the bottle tight, their dagger gleaming threateningly in faer other hand.

And don't speak to me as if you don't know me absurdly well. If any person in this room doesn't assume I haven't been working tirelessly for far longer than her, she ought to leave right this very moment.

> They wait a moment, glancing between Luce and Crow.

Thought so. First off, you forget everything you were taught. Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt. The speed of action is paramount to the battle. We must move quick, before they have the chance to settle.

And we're going to need allies. Far too many neutral parties on this server. We should be focusing on turning them.

> Fae takes a very short swig from the bottle and glances to their brother.

Luce, what's that group you created a while ago? The Anti-Doctor Collective?

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

She laughs, for a long moment, as if what Coffee said was the funniest thing she had heard in a while.

"That? That was a joke, Coffee. A bit made up by my siblings and I."

Another laugh.

"As if they're able to help though, anyway. Etsu's too young, undefined. I can't sway them to green up their lawn let alone join a war they don't believe in. And Method..."

She trailed off, nose scrunched before she started looking through papers and letters. "Right, yeah, he's off in Barbados dealing with a court case. He will be for the next few months."

She turned to look at Coffee, and then at Crow. "So... We are friends are we not? And our interests are the same in this matter. What. Is. The. Plan?"

[crows-askblog]

"Of course we're friends."

> She exclaimed, looking offended Lucy would think anything otherwise. They weren't of course, well - maybe Crow had become a friend to Lucy. She'd given her enough stuff.

"The plan is We blow them up to kingdom come and done, poof, Manburg is no more - then Lucy can take her country back."

> She looked to the others like this was obvious.

"I can start laying TNT even since Coffee is so keen on getting this done as soon as possible."

> She looks down at the map, eyes drifting over Manburg's layout but then flicking to the east end where her little house fell just off the map.

"Striking the stage and podium or the White House is too risky, they'll expect us to hit big targets to get to them faster. These will and have already been checked nearly every day for threats."

> She crosses off the two spots on the map with loose charcoal from an extinguished torch.

"We could strike their farms first or go for civilian houses, scare them and make them paranoid. If they're so scared that they can't trust each other then they'll destroy themselves from the inside out. People are already on edge with the way TSchlatt is managing the country."

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

> It's late at night in Logtopia. Children scooted off to bed, monsters groaning in far-off distances. A nether portal at the far end of the ravine whooshes softly.

> It's peaceful. It's quiet. And any other night, that would be all. Any other night, there would be nothing else of note. Any other night than tonight.

> For tonight, the Corvus trio meets in the room where it happens. The vassal of the Blood God itself, the general-queen of the Greater SMP, and the disgraced president of the country formerly known as L'Manberg.

> Coffee Blade leans against the corner farthest from the door with admittedly the best vantage of the room as the other two pore over maps. A netherite longsword, a now constant accessory, swings lightly at their hip. In faer hand they twirl a dagger gleaming with enchantments. Fae's terribly bored. Did neither of the other two study the maps before the meeting? Their time is limited. They need to be planning, not standing around doing nothing.

There's time to stare at the maps later. Shouldn't we be focusing on, I don't know, anything else? Resource gathering, army raising, weapon crafting, strategy?

- @coffeeblades-askblog

( @crows-askblog )

Lucy raised her head, and with one swift movement, threw a knife across the room. It landed against the cork board right behind Coffee, the elder staring forward unflinching.

"That map is more important. But sure, weapon crafting, army raising. Important. Mmhmm."

A cork pops as she opens a bottle, tipping sweet berry wine into one goblet, raising an eyebrow towards Crow.

"A drink, old friend?"

[crows-askblog]

> Her mask was off, no need to wear it around friends allies. She smiled and pushes her own goblet to Lucy.

"Appreciated."

> She nods gratefully at her before sipping the wine and looking towards Coffee with an easy expression. She's clearly not very worried about this war, it feels far off and they have a lot of planning to do so no need to stress now.

"We have plenty of time to gather armies, the Greater Essempi's forces practically at my beck and call, we'll be fine. And plus, we have the Blood God on our side."

> She swirls her drink before taking another sip.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee makes no effort to hide their eyeroll. Fae yanks the knife out of the corkboard with little care for how it smacks back against the wall with a loud clunk. Their expression is cold as they move to the table in a singular step, dropping the knife unceremoniously back in front of faer brother.

We do not in fact have my father on our side. The Blood God is not on anybody's side. Technically, I'm not supposed to be either. I just get away with it because we're fighting a government.

(Don't call it father It doesn't like that remember? Want a repeat of last time, little Axe?)

> The voices rising in their head has faer wincing ever so slightly. They refuse to sit, to sit would be to give in. Fae forces their expression back to neutral.

There is no instance of a people benefitting from prolonged warfare, Sun Tzu. Well, we've been prolonging this war effort. Both of you are generals, surely you see the wisdom in a quick strike. Manberg is unstable still. Enough doing your homework in class, let's talk actual efforts.

> Fae spins a nearby chair so the back is facing the table, sitting on it with their arms crossed over the back of the chair.

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

"Well, there's more than one god in the fray, isn't there?"

A twisted smile from Luce, uncanny. It disappears a second later.

"But you're right, we have been pouring over maps far too much. Do you have the required resources, Crow? I hear you've been busy on that front."

She tipped her glass back, downing the wine in one smooth swig. The goblet clatters onto the oak table, dipping and spinning before coming to a stop.

She moved to pick the knife back up, pointing the blade against the table and tilting it back and forth.

[crows-askblog]

> She nodded at Lucy.

"Yeah I have most of them. I can have all we need within the next few days, the resources aren't going to be an issue."

> Her easy mood had been quickly turned sour at the interruption of map studying. She didn't even need it. She knew where good places to strike would be. Go for their supplies first, cut off any methods of profit, weaken them at the foundation so that have nothing to fall back on. It was simple. She finished her goblet then poured more.

"Do you have any bright ideas Coffee? You seem keen on getting this done as soon as possible. For being such a skilled soldier you seem to be rushing in, another bad strategy."

[lucifermarigolds-askbox]

> It's late at night in Logtopia. Children scooted off to bed, monsters groaning in far-off distances. A nether portal at the far end of the ravine whooshes softly.

> It's peaceful. It's quiet. And any other night, that would be all. Any other night, there would be nothing else of note. Any other night than tonight.

> For tonight, the Corvus trio meets in the room where it happens. The vassal of the Blood God itself, the general-queen of the Greater SMP, and the disgraced president of the country formerly known as L'Manberg.

> Coffee Blade leans against the corner farthest from the door with admittedly the best vantage of the room as the other two pore over maps. A netherite longsword, a now constant accessory, swings lightly at their hip. In faer hand they twirl a dagger gleaming with enchantments. Fae's terribly bored. Did neither of the other two study the maps before the meeting? Their time is limited. They need to be planning, not standing around doing nothing.

There's time to stare at the maps later. Shouldn't we be focusing on, I don't know, anything else? Resource gathering, army raising, weapon crafting, strategy?

- @coffeeblades-askblog

( @crows-askblog )

Lucy raised her head, and with one swift movement, threw a knife across the room. It landed against the cork board right behind Coffee, the elder staring forward unflinching.

"That map is more important. But sure, weapon crafting, army raising. Important. Mmhmm."

A cork pops as she opens a bottle, tipping sweet berry wine into one goblet, raising an eyebrow towards Crow.

"A drink, old friend?"

[crows-askblog]

> Her mask was off, no need to wear it around friends allies. She smiled and pushes her own goblet to Lucy.

"Appreciated."

> She nods gratefully at her before sipping the wine and looking towards Coffee with an easy expression. She's clearly not very worried about this war, it feels far off and they have a lot of planning to do so no need to stress now.

"We have plenty of time to gather armies, the Greater Essempi's forces practically at my beck and call, we'll be fine. And plus, we have the Blood God on our side."

> She swirls her drink before taking another sip.

[crows-askblog]

> The sound of a portal whooshing, then a clang as a figure practically falls through the Nether portal into the Logtopia ravine. Netherite clangs against harsh stone. Coffee pulls themself up, groaning in annoyance.

*under their breath* Gods, I hate the Nether.

> Fae pats out a bit of flame on their shirt sleeve and looks around. It's late at night, fae's not expecting to see anybody, but it's always good to-

> Is that Crow?

Uh. Crow? What are you doing in Logtopia?

@coffeeblades-askblog

> She turns to look at Coffee, her mask is off and she's nursing a cigarette from Lucy.

Oh Coffee! Lovely to see you as always.

> She tilts her head to the side

I'm just inspecting the place, Lucy told me to meet her here and well, it's night time. No need in going back now, no one will need me till morning. I could ask you a similar question, what exactly are you doing here?

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Something in Coffee's gaze darkens at the mention of their brother.

Meeting Luce?

> Fae pulls off their golden helmet, twirling it in faer hand like an unsteady top.

I'm living here. Temporarily. Something something, the government I hear you backed becoming a dictatorship. Tyranny, anarchy, now I'm here.

> They pointedly leave the rest of faer armor on, where they don't normally around Crow. Fae runs a hand through their messy braid and sighs.

Crow, what business do you have with my brother?

> Emphasis on brother. Faer tone is... almost hostile.

[crows-askblog]

> She just smiles innocently at faer before sighing at putting the cigarette out on the stone wall she's leaning on.

Oh my rival, you misunderstand. I'm here to help your... brother. We have something worked out already, I've just been bringing food and supplies here as well as my company.

> She looks away from faer and picks at her nails.

For the record I'm not backing them by the way, you can still trust me. I said that for show and to protect my own people, you must understand right? Wanting to protect those you love?

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee squints at Crow, looking very suspicious.

I do understand that. You know that very well, considering our previous... chat about your intentions with my son.

> They move further into the ravine, enchanted netherite sword glinting under the lantern light at faer hip.

However, I don't buy a single word of what you just said, old rival. TSchlatt is not so powerful that somebody like you would be scared of him. I call bullshit.

(Protectnoblade Something's very fishy Eeeeeeeee Get her Prometheus)

We've known each other a long time, Crow. And I respect you. So I'm going to warn you.

> Eyes flicker in the air around Coffee, red irises, black sclera.

This place is not safe for you. Especially if you keep hanging around Luce.

[crows-askblog]

Your son and my husband won't be harmed in any of this if that's what you're concerned of, and I'm not so worried about Lucy.

> Her handed rested on her mask which was tied at her hip.

Like I said most of it is for show, TSchlatt holds no power over me or the Greater Essempi, I made that truce so that they wouldn't expand onto Essempi territory.

I do not fear you my rival, I'm sure Lucy would happily tell you our plan, it might pique your interest as well.

> She smirked at fae, ears flicking up awaiting faer response.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee chuckles a little, dangerously.

I don't think you quite understand what I'm getting at, my rival.

> The eyes continue blinking around them, blood red irises focused on the other. Whether Coffee doesn't notice or doesn't care is unclear, neither of which spell great things about faer feelings concerning their daughter-in-law at the moment.

You do not fear me, and that is because I have enjoyed your company thus far, over the time we have known each other. However, you lay a hand upon my brother, and you will face consequences.

I've met you before, Crow. I've seen you in action. I catch a singular attempt to use any of your old tricks on Luce, and the fact that I walked you down the aisle to marry my son will become completely irrelevant.

> Fae steps closer to Crow. The eyes watch judgementally.

Do I make myself clear, old rival?

[crows-askblog]

Oh rival, I wouldn't dream of harming your brother. The war is won and other than that little country Lucy has done nothing to wrong me. I hold deep respect for her in fact.

> She looks at the eyes warily, making eye contact with a few of them, her ears flick back.

It hurt me to see that you don't trust me to look after those I help. There would be no point in helping with Lucy's plan if I planned on hurting her or the kid she insists on dragging around.

> she walks over to the staircase and leans against it. She's looking at faer untrusting now, how could her friend think so little of her?

I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about. Any plans that you have with Lucy I won't get involved in as long as you don't interfere with ours. You don't need to protect her from me, she's capable of doing it on her own.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee registers Crow's reaction to their hostility. Fae doesn't quite hesitate, but they do appear to cool it a little.

Under normal circumstances, I might be inclined to agree to that.

> Now fae does hesitate. The twirling of their helmet in faer hand ceases momentarily as they glance to the far side of the ravine, in the general direction of Lucy's room. When fae speaks again, it's noticeably quieter.

That being said, I should think you understand my.... concern. Luce's not exactly in her right mind. And I've seen the power you can wield. While her views of government are... misguided, I don't wish her dead, or worse.

[crows-askblog]

>She follows faer gaze to Lucy's quarters. Her voice sounded sarcastic but under all of that she spoke in a way that felt like she was being honest.

She was in her right mind last night when I spoke to her about our plan, maybe a little frazzled but she seemed okay for the most part. But, I guess losing your country and all the people you thought were your friends could do something to your mental state.

>She shrugs disinterestedly and looks back over to Coffee You might need to have a talk with her though, not long after our discussion she acted rather off, very irritable to Lullah in particular.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee's shoulders slump slightly. The eyes close, and a bit of tension bleeds away from their shoulders at the action. That being said, fae looks like they would facepalm if their gauntlets weren't practically running red.

Damn it.

> Frustration laces faer voice, but the look on their face is that quiet exhaustion which only a seasoned parent knows how to achieve. Fae sighs quietly.

Guess I'm talking to her again about that.

> The helmet spinning stops again, and Coffee traces the glittery redstone dust trim with their fingerpads. Now fae feels a little bad about their harshness against Crow, even if fae still feels their concern is justified.

What are you here to talk to Luce about?

[crows-askblog]

About Manburg's future. I don't agree with it as I've said, and obviously neither does Lucy.

> She chuckled dryly. Her eyes went to staring at the wall in front of her while she spoke. She never liked looking at people when not wearing her mask.

While Lucy's method is a little extreme it's an entertaining idea, I just hope she lets me handle some of it. While she is there enough to hold a conversation I don't think I would trust her with large amounts of explosives.

> She looked back at faer but her eyes looked to somewhere past Coffee's face.

She wants to blow the whole thing to kingdom come.

[coffeeblades-askblog]

> Coffee doesn't look the least bit surprised.

I figured.

> They've smelled gunpowder from Luce's room too much recently. Heard quiet cussing, seen her flicking her cigarette lighter near constantly. Fae isn't an idiot. They figured this would be the case.

If I thought therapy would do a damned thing, I would be dragging her there, depositing her at the door, and not letting her leave until she has a full, unsarcastic conversation with the therapist. Unfortunately, I'm too attached to Friv to put Luce in a room with her.

> Faer tone is light, but there's no twinkle in their eye as fae says this.

[crows-askblog]

> Crow just nods at Coffee's words, arms crossed.

I've tried to talk her down with some of her ideas but she's a stubborn one.

> She hadn't, she encouraged every single one. She suddenly reached for her mask and quickly slid it on, clasping it in the back and covering her face once more.

I know I said I would stay but I doubt Lucy wants be to hang around any longer and I think I creep Lullah out so... it was nice seeing you my rival.

> She hastily moved to the stairs, not looking back at Coffee for an answer, the less questions fae asked her the better. It was just a little past midnight.