Planet of the Unknown

Pluto | Mara Duquesne | Water Witch | Show me where my armor ends, show me where my skin begins

[plutomara]

marinachois‌:

the other’s use of the collective pronoun has marina raising an eyebrow. it was hard enough for her to process this on her own ( and in times of desperation, with the few girls she already knew from before ), but here she was talking about comparing notes? making plans and working together? marina wasn’t sure that she was ready for such a big commitment. “yeah, that sounds about right,” she responds with a slight nod.

it’s a huge risk, trusting anyone at this point. especially someone who’s just as new at this magic stuff as she is. but the conviction in mara’s voice has her pausing to consider her options. it’s true that genevieve, too, was a huge unknown, and her studies and experiences would also be of questionable help as she didn’t have any magic of her own. she reels back suddenly ass the pool of water collects in the other’s hand, eyes wide in a mix of shock and admiration. “i — you learned how to do that on your own?” that was an affinity that bound them, then, this shared affinity for the element.

exhaling in a huff, marina continues, “i’m open to sharing notes. growing together… would be good for the both of us.” she weighed the options before her; the possible risk of her being too honest. “but i’m going to check out what genevieve’s up to — just to see if there’s anything i can learn there, too.” she admits. “you understand, right? i’m just trying to get my bearings on all this.”

Mara raised up her hand, turning it to the side and letting the water drip down onto the ground. She hadn’t necessarily learned how to do it, but it was as if it was a natural of a process as breathing. “Of course I learned it. I had some help from the grimoire, but the rest...that’s all me. And back there, that was you, too.” It likely wouldn’t be as easy with the rest of the spells, but as for creating a pool of water out of nothing, well, any beginner witch could do it. “That’s what I mean, Marina. We don’t need Genevieve to lead us, not when we have our grimoires and our natural abilities.” 

As Marina shared her careful enthusiasm for comparing notes, Mara extended her hand for a handshake, but not before wiping it dry on her jeans. “Deal. Water magic seems like it would be underestimated, right? But I think you and I can prove otherwise.” She raised an eyebrow at Marina’s mention of checking out Genevieve. It was a careful line to walk. “We can learn a lot from Genevieve,” she admitted, “but don’t let her drag you into what she wants. What do you think you can gain from her?”

[necromaancing]

plutomara‌:

It had been a night to remember, and one that left Mara with the first glimmer of hope in years. She had amassed what she hoped would be a considerable following, and even if she hadn’t, the pulse of newfound power coursed through her veins. Still, the thought of Genevieve dampened her excitement. Why did any of the girls have a desire to follow her? They were better off on their own, with a leader who knew magic, rather than one who had stumbled upon it as a spectator.

As Mara located her black Mazda in the parking lot and unlocked it, a sharp voice pierced the chilly night. It was Carter, one of the girls who had been so reluctant to join her. The disdain in her voice was telling. “Who’s to say that Genevieve isn’t the dangerous one? Are you so blind to trust her?” Mara leaned over the hood of her car casually, but her eyes burned in the glow of the streetlights overhead. “We’ve all been given grimoires from actual witches. Why should we listen to her? All she did was unleash our powers. And what’s more,” she titled her head, questioning, “have you asked Genevieve why she has done this, or what she plans to do with you all? I’ve been very straightforward in my leadership goals. Has she?”

Her eyes flashed in the crisp cold darkness of that fateful spring night. Her onyx pools writhing with rebellion and irritation, despite her expression staying mostly neutral and distant. Carter gave the other girl one last glare and once over— noticing her amputed (?) arm. Interesting, she mused, letting her eyes linger there a touch before turning her back suddenly, opening her car door with a clipped and cool attitude.

If she wanted to try to win them over fine— fair is fair. But something told Carter that it wouldn’t be that easy for Mara- or anyone else who wanted to step up to the plate, Genevieve included. Maybe they could rule for a short time, but this issue was far from being resolved. But Carter was resolved to stick with Genevieve for now, she needed to learn all she could from the older woman before making her real choice.

“I don’t trust her, and I don’t trust you.” Carter said sharply with her back still turned.

Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand on the top of her opened car door, turning slightly to look back at Mara again. “I hope you’re prepared for the road you’re about to take us down, everyone is split up and divided when we need to be united more than ever. “ Mara was convincing and charismatic for sure, and Carter did agree with some of her sentiments. But Carter knew Genevieve had access to knowledge that they would definitely need. It was better to go along with her for now and make a plan to dump her later. But with Mara in play, campaigning against her; there would definitely be a split and later— tension.

“If you can’t protect these girls you’re convincing to join you, and something happens…remember that I warned you tonight.” It wasn’t a threat, she would never hurt any of them, it was a prophecy, an omen, a warning.

[plutomara]

Mara couldn't help but give a wry smile when Carter admitted to her distrust. At least they could agree on that. No one was to be fully trusted, not this early on, and certainly not if they were Genevieve. "You're right, we do weaken ourselves by creating divisions. Which is why we need to unite on our own, away from Genevieve. She's a useful resource, but not a leader. At least, not a leader I'm willing to follow." She paused for a moment. "I suppose that's also how you think of me."

"I can and will protect them. Better yet, I'll teach these girls to protect themselves." Mara feared that Genevieve would hold their hands and rein them in. They were witches. They did not need control, but sheer power, and that freedom was what would save them. "Recall the last time that witches failed to protect themselves. We're standing on their graves, in this very town."

Still, even with Carter's opposition, Mara couldn't help but admire the other girl. The glint of defiance in her eyes was a reflection of her own strong-willed nature. A nature that would not go amiss in their group. "If you ever change your mind," she added, "we will accept you. I will, at least."

[plutomara]

how does mara handle conflict?

When it involves her directly? She gets angry, accusatory, defensive, and then she loses her temper and walks away. Then she comes back, probably doesn’t apologize, and tells you whether you’re on good terms with her or if you’re out of her life. She...has some work to do, on that front.

When it involves other people? Mara is actually a fairly decent peacemaker. She’ll seek to strike a compromise. Drama and conflict between other people exhausts her, and she’d rather see it taken care of as soon as possible.

[plutomara]

How is Mara going to handle resistance from the others? How does she plan on winning and solidifying her place as leader?

On the surface, Mara won’t be terribly offended. She’ll let those who resist go their own way. But that doesn’t mean she’s not royally pissed off on the inside. Nor does it mean that she won’t try to make life hell for those who outright oppose her. You can walk away from her, sure. But when you butt heads with her? Oof.

Mara’s strategy for leadership is to draw followers in with a promise. Under her leadership, all witches will grow stronger. They can define their own purpose without being subject to the whims of a leader whose intentions are unclear (Genevieve.) Mara is very observant and understands that everyone wants something different. Some want safety, others want freedom, and the most dominant want power. So, she’ll give out what she wants, but in the end, she will rule.

[plutomara]

what does your character do/say when they feel defensive/threatened?

She gets angry. Yeah, it’s pretty much as simple as that. Mara hates feeling as if she’s being backed into a corner and will happily tear the head off of anyone who tries to trap her. If it’s not worth her time, however, she will brush it off and ignore the threat.

As her magic develops, I envision Mara literally giving off steam when she’s upset. Her magic is based in water, so I can imagine droplets of boiling water forming at her fingertips, or a slight cloud of steam rising from around her. Though she will be powerful, she will not have much control.

[spcckyszns]

WHERE: local public park

WHEN: 6 days after the dinner party, after sunset.

WHO: open to all

IT HAD BEEN almost a week now since the dinner party and Asteria still didn’t know where she stood in her beliefs, things had felt weird, a certain shift in the way the wind blew as the night rolled in. She was still left with more questions than answers, the blonde felt hopelessly lost in a sea of magic, grasping at anything she could to figure all of this out but not getting a strong enough grip on reality. It was tricky because while she wanted to get her answers, she was also terrified of them, much like the night of the dinner party; there were so many questions that got answered that night, and each one kept her up all night. But luckily she found solitude in the night, and the blonde found her feet taking her through the darkly lit streets, ending up at the local park with her grimoire in hand. 

Why had she brought it? The girl really didn’t know, but she wanted to learn more about it, figure out why she was even given it when she didn’t get a huge discovery that night of the dinner. Crawling up the jungle gym, her short legs dangled from the side, one tucked under her as she took a deep breath and slowly opened the pages with a gentle touch. But as soon as she opened it, something alerted her someone lingered, and she snapped it shut with wide eyes as she noticed the figure in front of her. A familiar face, from the other night, and she offered a smile, “Oh hi…did I take your reading spot or??” She murmured softly, sliding the book behind her with a palm pressed to the top of it.

[plutomara]

The night air provided much room for thinking. Mara was familiar with these streets, as she had spent many hours trudging home from a bar or other seedy establishment. But those days were over. Now, with the streetlights as her only companion, she studied the pages of her grimoire. It was a rather unassuming little book, likely so it could remain hidden from prying eyes. 

Her feet carried her to the park. During the day, it was a bustling gathering place for families, children, and anyone who craved an escape, but now it stood as a ghost town. The swingset loomed ahead like skeleton legs in the streetlights, and Mara approached. What she didn’t expect to find was company.

A blonde girl sat on the jungle gym, hiding a small book behind her, wide-eyed with surprise. “No, I don’t usually read in playgrounds.” Mara held up the book in her hand, and shrugged. “But I guess tonight’s an exception. What have you got there? No use hiding it, I know it’s there.” The more she spoke to the girl, the more she felt that she had seen her before. “Come on, if it’s Fifty Shades of Grey, I won’t judge. Much.”

[8w7suggestion]

If you don't have anything nice to say

Fucking say it anyway

[plutomara]

thechircn‌:

clementine is very aware of her lack of courage. or rather, she just doesn’t acknowledge where she displays any sort of bravery and regards herself as a coward. that being said, she’s very aware of people who aren’t cowards. mara is one of those people. it’s not even about her disability, but more about the way that the woman carries herself. she is dignified, straight forward. she exudes top energy the confidence clementine only aspires to have. even at the dinner party, she was the one to stand up to the woman who brought all of them together. clementine doesn’t think she would ever have spoken up in such a confusing and frightening situation. all that makes her even more curious to hear what are mara’s thoughts and next steps. 

there’s no hesitance when the florist makes her way to the coffee shop. she’s actually looking forward to it and she can trust mara won’t beat around the bush and avoid the subject. she slips onto the booth with a bashful smile on her face and nods back at mara. “fine, you?” she says, though it carries no meaning. the small talk prepares the stage, clementine knows just that. “yeah. i felt the same. i didn’t know how to approach you.” clementine confesses. another bob of her head and she patiently waits for mara to return with their coffee. she reaches for the creamer once it’s in front of her, wanting to occupy her hands more than anything else. “i must say though- i still don’t know what to think of what happened.”

As Clementine busied herself with the creamer, Mara immediately took a sip. She preferred her coffee black, and as strong as possible, enough to keep her buzzed until bedtime. There was something charming about the clash of their natures. Where Cleo was soft and delicate, Mara was brash and unwavering. “Don’t worry about it. I’m glad you branched out and talked with the others.” She grinned. “More for us to gossip about during lunch, hm?”

“Anyway.” The coffee burned her lips in her pursuit to drink it as quickly as possible. “I know what to think. I think that we were destined to carry on in these roles, and we might as well enjoy it. Granted, I’ve had some time to get used to the idea.” She’d been apprehensive last night, but after three cups of coffee, Mara’s views were beginning to change. That, and a look through the grimoire. Which, speaking of the grimoires... “So, tell me, if you haven’t sworn yourself to secrecy. What kind of magic can you do? What’s your grimoire like?” Mara laughed, studying Cleo’s elegant hands. “I’ll bet you can do something absolutely adorable, like knit a scarf with a single word.”

[plutomara]

marinachois‌:

she drifts down the hallway towards the exit, fingers still feeling at the spot on her arm that should be burned, stinging, raw. its wholeness is still confusing because she knows it should be tender, can almost feel the pain radiate, but it’s all just in her mind. and suddenly the chaos within seems to become external as well, as the onslaught of questions crashes over marina like waves, keeping her from breaking through to the surface.

marina steps back gently, making a little more space between herself and this girl she’s never even met. on one hand, her excitement meant that someone else had seen it too, and she wasn’t just hallucinating. on the other: that same witness seemed to think she was protected by her own magic?

“jesus christ, one question at a time, please?” she put a hand out, smiling weakly. “still a little, y’know, in shock?” ordinarily she would be amused, proud even, that people would look at a miracle like that and think that she had what it took to pull it off. but tonight… tonight, marina was just tired, and sick of being blindsided. “look — something crazy happened, the water protected me but.. i didn’t do anything. it just happened, okay?” she sighed, crossing her arms firmly over her chest. “sorry to disappoint.”

“We’re all in shock,” Mara admitted, speaking for those she had seen so far. Having powers suddenly thrust upon you was exhausting, daunting, and exhilarating all at the same time. “All of this has been a series of strange happenings. From the grimoires to the invitations to...magic?” She raised an eyebrow, studying the girl’s expression. “You must have done something without realizing it.” It wasn’t distrust that fueled her comment, but curiosity and admiration.

Still, they seemed to share the same magic. If so, they could share spells, techniques, and more...if only the girl could be trusted. Mara continued to eye her. “I’m Mara. I’m leading a coven of those who would rather not join a leader they can’t trust. Genevieve, to be specific.” She held out her hand and a pool of water formed in her palm. Nothing particularly impressive, just a little trick she’d learned from the grimoire. After tonight, however, her magic seemed to come easier. “You’re not the only one who can control water. We could compare notes, if you’d like. Improve each other, and become stronger together.”

[jupitersari]

Time & Date: shortly after the dinner party Location: events center parking lot Status: closed for @plutomara​

   Just as Ariadne was leaving the courtyard and about to unlock her car, the dark figure caught her attention in the low-light, and Ari cleared her throat with a hint of nerves before calling out to stop the other woman. She didn’t catch her name at all during the evening, but Ari had noticed her more than once; and had also labeled her mentally as the only one courageous enough to dare challenge the elusive Genevieve, right then and there. Ari admired that quite a bit, and she’d seen the way Mara instantly took to questioning the loyalty of many of the others. 

   Ari could see where this was going, and crossed the few yards between them quickly so they could talk more privately, there in the center of the asphalt. “Sorry, this will not take much of your time. I’m Ariadne, or Ari, if that is easier-” Her hand extended for a formal shake. “I do not think we got the chance to truly meet inside, but…”

   This is where it could get tricky. Ari didn’t want to make up tension where there was none, or be a catalyst for chaos, but…

  “For what it is worth, I think you were right to speak up. Genevieve… she does not seem all that right to me. Studying us and what not, like experiments. I do not trust her, but I was told to keep enemies closer,” Ari swallowed hard; realizing the aggression of her words. In order to carefully mask that worry, she gave a girlish, innocent giggle. Hoping to downplay her calculations. “Well, no matter. I just thought you should know - you have my support, and if you ever need to know anything about what she is up to…”

[plutomara]

As Mara left the building, still marveling at the residual water on her fingertips, she paused. A girl stood in front of her, delicate features framed by the streetlights, extending a hand for her to shake. How proper of her. “I’m Mara,” she said, returning the handshake. “A pleasure. Now, please, you don’t need to be so...formal.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t do formal.”

She admired Ari’s clever nature and her clear talent for observation. She could be a useful ally, perhaps. “Many of the others lack your intuition, Ari. I agree with you, and there’s no shame in being skeptical. There’s something not right about Genevieve.” At the mention of supporting her initiative, Mara grinned. “I see. Do you mean, you plan to spy on Genevieve and her little coven?” Of course. If Ari was so keenly observant...this could be a useful asset. “You’re a genius. I hadn’t even thought of that myself.”

[plutomara]

zeleniarosi‌:

zelenia was definitely in a hurry to get out of that banquet once it was all said and done. she knew EVERYONE had felt it. the chill in the air that came from her, the frost covering the windows near her. there was no hiding it now, not from any of these girls – worst of all, zelenia didn’t know who could be trusted and who couldn’t. as she heard mara’s voice call out to her, the beauty stopped and turned around to look at her. 

“OF COURSE not,” zelenia said with a scoff and a roll of her eyes. as mara quickly added that she was going to lead the coven – wait, when did they decide they were a coven? zelenia raised an eyebrow. shit was getting too real, too fast. “no OFFENSE, mar, but what makes you think you can lead any of us? because you got balls? i’m pretty sure you’re not the only witch here that does.” the blonde said with a breathy laugh, before her tone becoming serious again. “i mean, none of us know ANYTHING, who gives any of us a right to lead? that’s like the blind leading the fucking blind.” the blonde shrugged her shoulders and made an waving gesture with her hands.

zelenia had never been the type to follow the leader and besides – she didn’t want to commit to anything or anyone until she had a further grasp on what was going on. until reality REALLY began to sink in. “genevive clearly knows shit we do not, but do i trust genevive? absolutely fucking not.” the blonde started, “ – and i could trust YOU, but you don’t know anything. i don’t think anyone should be calling any leader rights just yet, if we even make a fucking coven or whatever.”

the girl sighed, lightly shaking her head. “i definitely am not going into this ALONE, i will tell you that. i’m going to make nice with everyone and that i’m absolutely not going solo in this, because that’s just STUPID at this point.” she admitted. as much as zelenia had always been a loner, this was something she just had a vibe about. a vibe that warned her, not to be alone. don’t isolate. “ – but i’m not going to be blindly playing follow the leader until someone has a valid reason why they SHOULD be a leader. if we need one. i’m not in a coven until one is formed the right way.”

“I’ve got more balls than everyone who’s too afraid to challenge Genevieve.” Somehow, when Zenenia challenged her, it didn’t come off as a threat, but rather a battle of two strong wills. It was a match that Mara was eager to spar in. “What Genevieve isn’t telling us is that she’s just as blind as we are. You heard her. She doesn’t even know magic. We have grimoires and we have each other. Besides, what’s she going to do with us? Use us?” She scoffed. “Remember what happened to the last witches in this town? Yeah. Didn’t go so well for them. We have to be careful.”

At least the blonde didn’t carelessly trust Genevieve. Despite only having met that night, Mara knew that Zel wasn’t stupid. Her sharp tongue and quick wit proved that. “I intend to learn, and I claimed leadership rights because no one else has stood up to Genevieve.” The real reason? Mara didn’t trust anyone else to lead the witches. Clearly, she was the most confident. It was the allure of the power and respect that came with leadership that she so deeply craved. “I also intend to make my intentions clear. You all deserve that. I want those who follow me to be strong, in their own right, not because of me or Genevieve or anyone else. I want us to learn together, to teach each other, and to protect each other.”

“You’re wise to question my leadership.” There was no use in blind followers. Or, rather, it would be unrealistic to expect someone as intelligent as Zelenia to be stupid enough to follow without asking questions. “I’m an open book. You’re smarter than most, and I can already see that. But if you’d be willing...” Mara’s voice softened, luring the girl in, “I’d be interested in hearing about how you think a coven should be formed. What’s more, I can’t rule a coven alone. Join me, Zel.”

[plutomara]

necromaancing‌:

( @plutomara )

where: parking lot of the salem event center.

when: thirty minutes after the dinner party.

status: closed starter.

Carter was on edge— the whole thing with Luce earlier still thrumming in the back of her skull, and the whole Genevieve thing definitely didn’t help either. She suddenly felt so overwhelmed. And to add to it all, that one girl had to get on her nerves. Perhaps it was because she was also arrogant that she couldn’t stand others who were— and she definitely could not stand being bossed around by an equal (or inferior). As they all filed out in groups, whispering amongst each other, others silent in shock, going to their respective cars while others stuck around to huddle together in the parking lot— no doubt discussing the nights strange events.

As she walked, pulling her coat tighter around her thin frame, Carter saw that woman again, the one who had piped up and questioned Genevieve; as if she was somehow the most qualified to have the last word on the matter. She couldn’t help but roll her eyes as she made accidental eye contact with her from a few feet away— of course it was her luck they had parked near each other. Well, if they were all in this together, then Carter supposed she should speak her mind. “What you’re trying to do is dangerous…for all you know we need Genevieve if this is all true. And what if she won’t help you and the ones you lead astray?”

She stood on the other side of Mara’s car, the driver side of her own vehicle, peering at each other over the top of the other girls car.

It had been a night to remember, and one that left Mara with the first glimmer of hope in years. She had amassed what she hoped would be a considerable following, and even if she hadn’t, the pulse of newfound power coursed through her veins. Still, the thought of Genevieve dampened her excitement. Why did any of the girls have a desire to follow her? They were better off on their own, with a leader who knew magic, rather than one who had stumbled upon it as a spectator.

As Mara located her black Mazda in the parking lot and unlocked it, a sharp voice pierced the chilly night. It was Carter, one of the girls who had been so reluctant to join her. The disdain in her voice was telling. “Who’s to say that Genevieve isn’t the dangerous one? Are you so blind to trust her?” Mara leaned over the hood of her car casually, but her eyes burned in the glow of the streetlights overhead. “We’ve all been given grimoires from actual witches. Why should we listen to her? All she did was unleash our powers. And what’s more,” she titled her head, questioning, “have you asked Genevieve why she has done this, or what she plans to do with you all? I’ve been very straightforward in my leadership goals. Has she?”

[archaeologian-blog]

send me a topic to write a meta about my muse on

[zeleniarosi]

archaeologian-blog‌:

I might write anything from a paragraph to a whopping essay, but send me something you’ve noticed about my characterisation or just something you want to know about my muse and I will write what I can!

[plutomara]

No you can't run away from this hell you're in There's no place you can go now and start again Hiding bottles in the cold blue light

[plutomara]

anais-moon‌:

WHEN: the evening after the dinner party

WHERE: the corner of howard street, by the cemetery

WHO: open to all

If someone had told Anais that the night’s antics would culminate with fifteen girls screaming in a dark room, well  — she would’ve credited herself. As it stands, it seems Salem has another scammer in its midst. From one con artist to another, Anais appreciates the production value but for the most part, she’s underwhelmed. Because, really now  — witches, in Salem? Groundbreaking. 

It’s the other part that lingers. She’s a master of trickery, even when it comes to herself; she knows how to manage the murmurs with alcohol and pills, but last night’s voice was strident and undeniable despite all the champagne she’d consumed. It’s got her thinking about the book on her bedside table, about strange occurrences from her past glimmering back into focus. It’s got her thinking when she’d rather not be thinking at all.

That part comes easily. She finds a bar that’s empty, given she gets there just after 2pm. From then she drinks herself steadily into a stupor, until the world is soft and muffled and the room spins. She stumbles back out onto the street around 7pm and braces herself against a nearby lamppost. It’s sunset, and in the fading light she stills, staring at the cemetery across the road.

Back in the day, back before the binge drinking became enough of a problem that she was faced with the choice of rehab or death by alcohol poisoning, Mara would have processed last night’s events over a beer. Or vodka, if she was feeling lucky. Hell, why just one? She’d go through a few cases of beer and enough shots to bankrupt a bar before she’d given it enough thought. But those days were long gone. A year and five months behind her. And she wasn’t about to break her streak so soon after freeing herself from the hellhole that was rehab. Still, her feet carried her to the bar.

Everything in her told her to step into that bar, to have one more drink, to get lost in a bottle. Mara’s chest heaved with the effort of the decision. She was almost drooling over the idea of sitting at a bar again, until she saw a familiar face. It was one of the girls from the party, totally sloshed and slumped against a lamppost. It was like looking into a mirror.

“What the shit, honey, don’t do this to yourself.” How old was she, no more than twenty-one or twenty-two. The same age Mara was when she had lost control of her habit. She threw the girl’s arm over her left shoulder, using the stump of her arm to support the girl’s limp body. “Get up, you’re not staying out here all night.” But what choice did she have? Mara was used to walking everywhere after her license was suspended from one too many DUIs, but she couldn’t walk the girl all the way home. She spotted a bench in the cemetery. It would have to do. “Cross the street with me, then we’ll talk. I was there yesterday, at the party. Do you want me to get you home?”

[plutomara]

Time: Just after Genevieve left

Location: The events center

Status: Closed for @aidaxaman​

The chill hadn’t left Mara’s bones after Genevieve left the girls to discuss matters among themselves. While Mara put forth her idea of leading the coven instead, warning of the dangers of being led by someone who wasn’t a fellow witch, eagerness sparked in some of the girls’ eyes, whereas distrust clouded others. Therefore, it wasn’t a shock to see one of the most distrustful girls approaching Genevieve after the fact. It was as if she couldn’t get away from Mara fast enough.

She’d planned to make a swift exit and pull aside several of the girls afterwards, particularly to gauge their thoughts and to remind them of who their leader could be, if they only stood by her side. But while watching the girl speak with Genevieve, her blood boiled. That familiar Duquesne temper that had festered in her father and grandmother manifested itself in tiny droplets of hot water on her fingertips.

When Genevieve had slipped away into whatever hole she’d crawled out of, Mara swept onto the scene, steam rising from her hand. She was too furious to be shocked at her new powers. “So,” she sneered, “what were you talking about with our generous sponsor? The manipulative bitch who claims to have made us? All she did was poke her nose where it didn’t belong and come back to steer us towards her own goals.” Mara stepped closer to the girl. Aida, her name was? “We could rule ourselves, and you chose to join her, didn’t you?” She took a breath, soothing herself. She was being presumptuous again. “You’re too smart to join her, aren’t you?”

[plutomara]

Time: After the dinner party, while exiting

Location: The events center

Status: Closed for @marinachois​

Mara’s heart pounded as she jogged out the room, her black heels in hand, her head swirling with the night’s events. One girl had lit candles without ever reaching for a match or a lighter. Another, Zelenia, had created frost on the windowpanes. And one girl...

“You...you were set on fire!” Mara ran ahead to stop Marina from leaving the building, her eyes wide. “Then water covered your skin. Did your grimoire show you how to do that? How to create water from nothing?” The questions tumbled over each other like crashing waves. “I’m freaked out, I’m fascinated, but God...you have to show me how you did that.” She hadn’t touched the grimoire beyond a quick scan of the pages, believing it to be an elaborate prank. But now, she would have to learn every damn spell inside it, and more.