Mavis' IC voicemail (Genessia)

[fairysoul]

Hi! This is Mavis. You've just reached my voicemail. So leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Thanks!

......BIIIIIIIP!

Comments

text, 18th

[captain_by_the_book]

[ It's alarming that it is James Kirk, not the Guardian who has been drumming together fighters for Fayren. Time enough to see just what's going on there with a cautious message. ]

I hope you're having a good day. I have heard troublesome rumors coming out of Fayren, what is your current situation?

text, 18th

[fairysoul]

[It took a few hours for Mavis to answer. When she does, she ponders a moment whether she should use the video or not, before she decides to just send back a text message. But it's quite a long one.]

Hello, Cassian. ...I've had better days.

Rumors, you say?

Something is going on at the Royal Castle. It involves Winter and some other people. But you might already know that.

Other people... have been turned into ice statues. [Like Mirajane.] I think a mage is behind all that. He cast a curse on people, somehow. I need to stop him but I'm not sure how to do it without putting his victims in danger.

That's why I didn't call the other guardians for help. But I still appreciate you contacted me.

...I think the best course of action would be for me to go there and fight that mage. If I defeat him, the curse should be lifted.

video

[captain_by_the_book]

[ He mulls over the message for a while before responding with video instead - not his preferred method of communication, but it might give him a better idea just how bad the situation is on Mavis's end. ]

The situation in Fayren sounds very alarming. I understand not wanting to endanger more people, or risk the lives of the hostages, but don't hesitate to call if you need us.

[ He hesitates for a moment. ]

I understand you're a powerful mage, and I'm not trying to tell you how to fight a magical battle, but are you sure that going by yourself is a good idea?

video

[fairysoul]

[And she does switch to video as well. Just because she understands why Cassian is doing it. She looks thoughtful and... older. It feels she's spent a lot of time by herself today, reflecting on the best course of action.]

Thank you for your understanding, Cassian. I know some of my Deputies [Qubine in partical.] will not approve of that plan. I can't say I blame them. I just think they've already taken enough risks as it is. It's time for me to try something. And when I do, I don't want to have to worry about endangering anybody else I care about in the process.

[Because of Mavis' own curse, Ankhseram's curse, also known as the curse of contradicions. Maybe she'll tell Cassian about it, in other circumstances.]

I don't think this is the most alarming situation we've had to face so far. It is just very... unsettling. From what I understood, the curse does not only changes people into ice statues. It turns others into... emotionless version of themselves.

[And if she fails, either of those options might happen to her.]

Like they say: nothing ventured, nothing gained. I've been playing safe for a week now, while my Deputies were taking all the risks. It is time to try a different strategy.

But don't worry, I'll let you and the other Guardians know when I make my move.

Thank you for contacting me, though. I appreciate that.

Re: video

[captain_by_the_book]

I didn't realize there are other effects to the curse besides turning people into ice statues. That's more alarming, you can build up an army of your own that way.

[ One which many would have qualms to fight properly, since the people you're fighting are victims themselves. It doesn't make for easy battles and can cripple them, if too many fighters are hindered by their own emotions. ]

It's good to know that, thank you for informing me. [ If he does end up having to send his people to Fayren at some point he can prepare him for fighting their friends, at least. ]

I understand not wanting to stand by and let others fight your battles for you. I'll let you get back to planning now, and I'll be awaiting your next call.

Voice - January 2

[reachnotflexibility]

Guardian Vermillion, this is Garrus Vakarian, Co-Guardian of Nova City. I just wanted to introduce myself and congratulate you. I think that we both mentioned in the debates that we're both looking to have open communications with the other cities, so if there's ever anything you need or anything that you think I should be aware of just let me know. I don't think there were any major problems when Amagi was in, but if that changed or if it does in the future I'm here to help.

Re: Voice - January 2

[fairysoul]

Why than you, Garrus. My congratulations to you as well.

I'm not sure what qualifies as 'major problems' for you. There have been incidents, some could have had bad consequences, but we've always managed to deal with them so far. Still, you're right, I do believe in active collaboration between Guardians. I know Cassian, from Attleton, does as well. [Even if he might not always be as social as Mavis, they've been able to rely on each other in the past.]

I appreciate you contacting me like this and offering your help. Please feel free to reach out for me if you need support or assistance as well. After all, it has to work both ways, right? [Although Garrus can't see the wink, he can probably hear it.]

[Video] 31st

[kalmaleader]

Mavis? How are you feeling?

[He'd heard that the Ice Queen incident has taken its toll on her and everyone else, but unfortunately there's no time for rest. There are still other issues to address. But Qubine's more than willing to press on in her stead if he needs to.]

[Video] 31st

[fairysoul]

[Mavis smiles, a soft yet serious smile. She's back to her normal self now. And she's not going to let what happened get in the way of her doing her job. It's just one events among many.]

I'm doing fine! I've been back to my office for a couple of days now. And I think I've caught up with most of what I missed over the past week. [Well it's not really that she'd missed. Just that frozen!Mavis had different priorities.]

Anything specific you wanted to talk about?

[She can tell Qubine is eager to get into the action. But it's also her role as Guardian to make sure things are done the proper way. And she wants Qubine to have no doubt he can trust her to do what needs to be done, and to it efficiently.]

[Video]

[kalmaleader]

[No doubt Qubine was ready to get into action. However, he wouldn't have agreed to remain a deputy if he didn't trust Mavis. So he'll get right to the point.]

The Hands of Decay, primarily. Just before the whole "Ice Queen" thing started, I took the bounty for the "Fingers of Decay," who claimed they want to continue the work of the Hands of Decay.

I've looked at old newspapers and network posts to try to learn as much as I could about the Hands of Decay. I know that you played a large part in the investigation, and that Azalea was involved as well. How likely do you think it would be that they would resurface, or that there are more of these "Fingers" out there?

[Video]

[fairysoul]

I'm listening. [And she doesn't sound surprised.]

I am aware of that. [She's aware of all the bounties taken in Fayren. Admittedly she's always kept an eye on that, even before she became a guardian.]

It is true I was. I vouched to never let them take over Fayren if they ever were to resurface. I would like to say it's unlikely, but the truth is as long as there will be mages, there will be a chance for them to come back. I believe however that they're not as strong as they'd like their followers to believe they are. This is not to say that we have to stop being cautious about them. It simply means that I'm confident they can be stopped and will be if they ever dare try something again. I'm going to make sure of it. I don't want the people of Fayren to feel like they're stuck in the middle of a civil war or for the mages to feel like they have to hide.

As for the "Fingers", they lamely tried to use the fear the Hands of Decay had created. More might be out there who share the same ideas and coward methods. They might come out under that name or yet a new one. They'll be dealt with and arrested all the same.

I intended to tell you and the other Deputies that. So I'm glad you decided to contact me. I will talk to the other Deputies as well, especially Alice whom I feel shares the same concerns as you do.

[Video]

[kalmaleader]

[Qubine listens, and as much as he trusts Mavis, there's little more than reassurance that the Hands or Fingers of Decay would be dealt with if they were to resurface. Which is a good thing, but he was hoping for more specifics.]

From what I gathered, the Hands of Decay relied more on cunning than actual strength based on their methods. They remind me of the Serthis in my own world, and they're dangerous. They've given my clan more trouble than any of the Beastclan species.

Did the Hands have any other way of making themselves known in the open? Is there something specific I should look for in my patrols?

[Video]

[fairysoul]

You'd be right about that. [Though 'cunning' might not have been the word she'd have chosen. Too flattering.] They did not rely on strength for they knew they would not stand a chance. Instead they relied on abducting mages and torturing them.

The surest way to find them is to look for any display, big or small, of hatred against mages or magic in general. It can be an artwork on a wall, a propaganda leaflet,... What made the Hands of Decay so difficult to find is that they hide in plain sight and that they always find citizens who support their ideals or share their fears.

This is why I try to focus on increasing the collaboration between mages and non mages rather than solely hunting down the Hands of Decay. But I agree we should still keep an eye out for any increase of crimes or segregation against mages. ...Segregation against any group, actually.

I remember you mentioned the Serthis before. Would you mind telling me more about them and how your Clan used to deal with them?

[Video]

[kalmaleader]

I will certainly keep an eye out for those. I'm particularly concerned about what this may mean for Liora. I can't say if she's happy in this world, but I'm sure she at least enjoys not being constantly targeted.

[Though he's somewhat concerned that the Hands of Decay would actively try to avoid him on account of him being a big scary dragon.]

The Serthis are one of several species that have united in a conflict against dragonkind, which we collectively refer to as the Beastclans. The other Beastclan species are Centaurs, Talonoks, Longnecks, Harpies, and Maren.

The Serthis in particular have been dangerous to us. There are some that are skilled with magic, and others that wield dual blades and spears. The Serthis had killed several dragons from my clan, including my sons. In one attack, they attacked our lair one night and poisoned one of our clan, Amadeus. He would have died if Orphne, our apothecary, hadn't managed to develop a cure in time.

Their latest attack was when they captured Shayla. I went to fight them, and took quite a few cuts from their blades to get her back.

Audio;

[innocent_royal]

*Beep~*

Hi, Mavis. It's Ana. I--

[There was a brief coughing]

I've been sick lately, but I'm getting better. I wanted to let you know and see how you are doing as well.
Perhaps, when you have time, we can get together again. Once I'm well, of course.

Talk to you soon. Bye~

[A distant sigh...]

Being bedridden is so boring... Oh, oops. Still on... [Click!]

Audio;

[fairysoul]

[Mavis listened to the message about a couple of hours after it was sent. She couldn't help but smile as she listened to Anastasia's sweet invitation. She sounded sick and yet, she manages to sound just like her usual self.

She wasted no time calling her back.]

Hi, Ana. I'm sorry to hear you're sick. [But with the cold winter they were having, it was to be expected.]

I'd love to spend some time with you, as soon as you want.

[Since Anastasia had made it unvoluntarily clear she didn't really want to wait until she was well. Mavis didn't mind either way.]

Voice;

[twin_tailed_wolf]

Maaavis~!

[Its the voice of that familiar little wolfgirl again, this time sounding distressed.]

Mavis! I need to see you! I think we have a problem!

Voice;

[fairysoul]

Tatlyn?

[The wolfgirl sounded upset. Mavis frowned.]

What's going on? Where are you?

Voice;

[twin_tailed_wolf]

I'm almost back at Fairy Haven!

I'll tell you about everything once I'm there.

[It's really big if someone like Tatlyn doesn't sound like they're in a joking mood.]

Voice; -> Action?

[fairysoul]

Alright. I'll wait for you outside.

[Mavis can tell.]

Action!

[twin_tailed_wolf]

Mavis!

[There's the wolfgirl, sprinting as quickly as her legs can carry her with strides that make certain the forest ground won't slow her down.

Once she got there, she slid to a stop and began spouting almost non-sense, yet she still looks serious.]

Mavis! Therewassomethingintheforest! Big! Nasty! Stinky!

Action

[fairysoul]

In the forest?

[Mavis' expression is very serious too, now. Did the illusions come back? ...No, it can't be. Illusions aren't stinky.]

Calm down, Tatlyn. And tell me exactly what you saw.

Action

[twin_tailed_wolf]

[Tatlyn takes a deep breath and exhales, flapping her ears and shaking her tail like trying to shake off the adrenaline itself. It was only a moment.]

A monster! Like a dragon skeleton. It was oozing in inky black gunk. It was running amuck in the forest.

I think I destroyed it though...somehow.
sorry for running off without telling you or the others...

Action

[fairysoul]

A dragon skeleton?

[Mavis visibly tenses as Tatlyn mentions a dragon skeleton. It brings back memories, rather bad ones unfortunately.]

Did it attack you?

[When Tatlyn announces she destroyed it, Mavis' eyes widen in surprise.] You did? ...How did you do that?

[She doesn't mean to sound like she's underestimating Tatlyn but she's more of a healer than a fighter. And the monster she described doesn't sound like the kind who would go down easily.]

Don't worry about that. What matters is that you're back, safe and sound. Are you sure you destroyed it for good?

Action

[twin_tailed_wolf]

Yes, it attacked me. But it appeared to be deaf and blind, so I was able to sneak around it and shoot bolts at it.

[Indeed, she's not a strong fighter. She's vulnerable while shooting magic bolts.]

I think so... Once it dissolved, there was absolutely no trace of it. No sounds, gunk, bones, dust... not even the smell. It was just...gone.