Escape (Devlynn)

[ARIANNA "NIXIE" SYMPHONIA]

Nixie heard her sentiment matched in Dev’s words along with the tone of her laugh. Sometimes the Council could get far too loud for some of the member’s likings. But that didn’t stop it from getting loud sadly. That was what happened when you got a bunch of twelve people who disagreed on just about everything into one room and expected them to make choices about the way their continent should be run. It was bound to get explosive and it did more often than not. Usually almost nothing was decided. But it had to be done.

Nixie laughed a bit at her next comment. ”No offense, but I’m glad you can’t. I like my thoughts being my own thanks. But feel free to do it to the rest. Except Riv, she’d spaz and try to hunt you down, as a warning” she said with a grin, being a bit playful as she relaxed more. She would have to spaz if she thought that someone was messing with her thoughts, but as a Council member she was assured that all of her ideas were her own and no one had been in her head. Except perhaps Poseidon but that was something that could’t be helped, could it?

It also amused her to think about what her best friend and fellow council member Riviera, better known as Riv by Nixie, would react to someone being in her head. Artemis’s council member tended to be as independent of the god who was her patron, so it wouldn’t surprise her if Riv hunted down anyone whyo tried to get into her head. Riv was just like that, but then again so was Nixie. Perhaps that was why they got along so well. She shook her head. She was also getting along quite well with Devlynn. Who was a shade, and thus safe territory for a girl’s night if she decided more of the council members should get along. If she was an Angelli that would be different due to Riv’s hatred of them.

Nixie let Devlynn know that she envied her and she did. Nixie always felt like her gift had the most downsides because it never let her have a moment’s peace. All the same, as much as she envied Devlynn’s gift, she would rather have her own to be honest. But Devlynn’s confident smirk made Nixie grin. She could get along quite well with people who were as confident as herself. Confidence was a good sign, especially in a Council Member. Oh yes, the pair of them would certainly get along.

And this was confirmed further when Devlynn spoke again about letting people get close to you only to be so torn when these people were ripped away from you. It echoed Nixie’s own personal thoughts entirely. She looked down at the lifeless form and frowned. ”My thoughts exactly” she said simply, softly, perhaps too softly to be heard over the now re-started music coming from the DJ booth but that was alright. The comment was more for herself than anything else.

So maybe Devlynn wasn’t here to try and stick her back with Justin after all if that was her thought process? Nixie wasn’t sure. She sure hoped that that wasn’t Devlynn’s plan because Nixie had come out here to avoid being anywhere near him. He hadn’t seemed to yet realize she was avoiding him, and she intended for him to not notice. If he did she feared he might start to get her attention again. Right now he jut thought she was a very busy council member. She really hoped Dev wasn’t trying just to match her right now.

She was glad when the conversation turned back towards the gods, it was an easier subject especially because they were speaking about how messed up they probably were if the Council members were supposed to be a reflection of them. It might get them in trouble with the gods to talk like this but oh well. She nodded, agreeing that it was a shame that they never made themselves known. ”I’ve only heard Poseidon once, right after I got Marked by him, letting me know he wanted the species to get along. That’s how I know what to fight for, plus it matches what I personally think” she said with a little nod. It was well known that little fact so it was fine, in her opinion, for her to share it.

Nixie laughed a little at the next comment, an almost joke. ”We can’t help our jobs, I promise nto to hold it against you” she said with a little amused smirk for the other woman. She was just being relaxed, because slowly Nixie was relaxing. Now that the body was covered, no one was shrieking, and she didn’t think she’d be assaulted about being matched, Nixie felt like she could relax.

[DEVLYNN ROSA TYNAN]

Devlynn laughed softly at Nixie’s admission. “I suppose I wouldn’t like it much either if I had thoughts put into my head. As for Riv, she’d have to catch me first.” She gave a playful wink as she mentioned Riv. Her playful nature muted any concept of wariness for the huntress. If she crossed Riv she would deal with it then, but currently she couldn’t be bothered to worry about offenses that she had yet to commit. Still, it could be entertaining to watch Riv fume, so long as it was from a safe distance.

Maybe she would have to get to know Riv a bit better. But then she had already decided that she should try learning about the other Council members. Things would go much better if she had some allies among the Council members. Devlynn was even pleased to count Nixie among the select few who she might call friend.

Devlynn glanced at Nixie as she thought she heard a comment. She wasn’t quite sure exactly what had been said due to the music, but she suspected she understood Nixie well enough to know her general sentiments towards matches. She should have felt guilty for denouncing love considering she was Aphrodite’s chosen representative, but she honestly didn’t. Aphrodite knew who she was picking when she chose Devlynn so she should have known what to expect.

Not that Devlynn went around announcing that she disagreed with the whole matching thing. Obviously that would create all kinds of chaos and distrust. So Devlynn played your part, even if a little unwillingly. Still, it was nice to find someone who was like minded and would understand the concept of duty.

In fact Devlynn could imagine that Nixie might become a very important factor in helping Devlynn keep her sanity. Perhaps this once, Devlynn wouldn’t push the matching issue. Would it be selfish of Devlynn to keep Nixie for herself as a friend instead of sacrificing their blossoming friendship to push her towards Justin? Surely the Goddess couldn’t fault her for desiring a friend.

Trying to distract herself from such rebellious thoughts, the confused Council woman turned her attention to the new line of conversation. “I can’t say Aphrodite has ever spoken to me. At least not that I’ve ever heard. Although I was a little drunk when my mark was discovered.” She admitted with a sheepish smile.

She quickly counted her lucky stars that she was dark skinned so the blush that warmed her cheeks wouldn’t be as noticeable. Devlynn couldn’t help but to recall the night she had discovered her mark, or rather her one night stand had discovered it. Apparently Aphrodite had decided it would be appropriate to mark her right in the middle of a tryst. It had been awkward timing really since the man she had been with became completely useless due to shock and awe. It had taken a while to convince him that it wasn’t some sign of their “love being blessed”. Devlynn rolled her eyes slightly at the thought.

“I guess I just kind of wing it. I figure Aphrodite wants us all to get along considering she tries to match everyone up, especially Shades and Angelii. So I guess that’s why I feel like I need to enforce the matches, because that’s what she would do.” Devlynn frowned slightly as she wondered why Aphrodite choose to stay so silent. It would have been nice to have some guidance to rebel against, or at least an explanation as to why she was chosen. But it seemed that the Goddess preferred the mystery of silence.

Devlynn was distracted from her thoughts by Nixie’s next statement. She smirked back and gave a soft laugh. “Thanks. Although I might have to test that promise someday.” She said teasingly and then wished she hadn’t.

It was likely that Nixie knew her original purpose for seeking her out. But now Devlynn had no interest in persuading her to be with Justin, only enjoying her company. Yet her comment suggested otherwise, despite the fact that Devlynn knew she might eventually have to play her role. But for tonight, she hoped Nixie could play along and forget about who she represented.

[ARIANNA "NIXIE" SYMPHONIA]

Nixie chuckled a little at the comment and the wink, and was once again reminded of the early ambiguity that Dev had spoken of her sexuality. Oh well, she would figure it out later. All the same, it was an amusing conversation, and honestly, anyone who could get Nixie to laugh was cool in her book. Even if it was nothing but a slight chuckle. Nixie didn’t laugh all that often, so when people did, get her to honestly laugh, it meant that they were usually on her good side for a very long time. That was just the odd way the Council Woman worked.

”Oh, I’m sure she would try” Nixie said with a little grin. She could picture it now too. Riv had a hard enough time with the mayors blackmailing her into playing nice with the public, if she found out that someone had been in her head she would probably go entirely postal on the poor woman. But, in a bizarre and twisted way, that was part of why her and Nixie were such a good pair. One kept everything inside and the other wasn’t afraid to show all of her emotions. It was amusing for the girl to notice at least.

She wondered if Dev would figure into that little factor at all. They were all council members after all. They should all play nice. And as far as she knew, Poseidon hadn’t ever had an issue with Aphrodite. She would have to look that up later to make sure. She sucked with this whole lore thing. She would work on it later if she remembered that she should. Usually she got distracted by her art.

Nixie had agreed entirely with a comment that had been made by Devlynn, but due to the music she was pretty sure that the other woman hadn’t heard her comment. That was just fine by her though. She had meant it mostly for herself. She was also starting to suspect her earlier suspiscions were false, the ones that Devlynn had come to talk to her merely for the purpose of following out with her Council duties to her goddess. Which was good. Because Nixie did not want to hear it, she did not want to think about Justin. Not tonight anyway. Maybe tomorrow, but she was a tad bit tipsy right now—though that was wearing off slightly—and she just wanted to relax tonight.

It meant she could relax a little more and really talk to Devlynn. She really hoped her current hopes for a possible future friendship was not just fueled by the alcohol in her system. It would be a serious let down if that were the case. She doubted it. She did suspect she was being a little bit more open than she usually would be because of it, however. Marco had reentered the building though, he had moved in to catch her attention and waved slightly. And she had smiled in return to let him know. All little things, but they had built up a system over the years.

But Nixie turned her attention back to the conversation. She had mentioned to Devlynn that Poseidon had only spoken to her once, and it had been in a dream shortly after she had been marked though she didn’t mention that part of the story, and smiled a little at Dev’s reply. ”Well maybe she thinks the same thing you did, that her choice to match people speaks for itself?” she shrugged a bit. ”Except for the hint that all other Poseidon’s Chosens have spoken for peace, I had no other hint. Maybe that’s why I needed the message” she said, thinking as she spoke, which was not typical for her. Again she suspected she should blame the alcohol for that.

All the same, it was interesting to her how she felt the need to defend this woman’s comment on how to wing it, let her know she believed in what she was doing for the sake of her goddess. As long as it wasn’t turned against her of course. There was also the fact that if Devlynn stayed on her side it meant that there were more people on her side of the argument. Never let it be said that Nixie wasn’t a true shade.

Nixie made a comment, a promise that was a half joke in response to Devlynn’s half joke. Her next comment caused her to frown just a little bit however. Mostly because it confirmed for Nixie the fact that Devlynn did, indeed, know that she was matched. She shook her head and made a comment that appeared to be light hearted and just as joking as the rest of their comments on the subject, but there was a subtle hint to it. ”Well as long as you know that I understand that I’m matched and you understand that I don’t wish to discuss it, I don’t see how you’d have to test that promise at all” she said, her voice light but her eyebrow was raised ever so slightly. She was curious as to whether Devlynn would really make her test that promise.

[DEVLYNN ROSA TYNAN]

Devlynn smiled as her friend laughed. There was something enjoyable about being able to make someone laugh. It was a gratifying acknowledgment of her sense of humor. Besides, she enjoyed laughing and frequently sought activities that would lighten her mood. It was satisfying when someone else could have the same outlook.

She was equally amused by Nixie’s assessment of Riv. From everything she knew of the woman, she didn’t doubt that Riv would hunt her down, or at least try very hard. It made her wonder if Riv was the serious type, or could have a sense of humor about the whole thing. Maybe she should test that and see if the duo could become a trio. Dev didn’t mind have some friends, as long as they didn’t take life too seriously. Unfortunately her impression of Riv was that she did take life too seriously.

As the conversation turned back to the Gods, Devlynn’s mood sobered slightly. It seemed she couldn’t escape her responsibility tonight as the conversation kept returning to their duties. “I guess so. But it still doesn’t help me explain to people why they were matched with their matches. She makes the choice, and then I have to clean up her messes.” Devlynn said, not even considering who she was speaking to.

It was strange that she could feel so open with Nixie. Typically she considered the impact of her words before she idly opened her mouth. She didn’t analyze everything she said, usually only the things that related to her job. She could be hot tempered and speak out of turn like anyone, but rarely did she speak so openly about her feelings towards Aphrodite, especially with someone who was matched.

“I kind of wonder if she actually enjoys matching, or if she only does it because the other Gods expect it of her. I guess if people are fighting, it seems natural that love should kept calm things down. So maybe she just got stuck with the job because of their influence.” Devlynn said thoughtfully, testing the idea out loud. It was something she hadn’t considered before, but now she wondered if it was true. That certainly seemed to be her role in the Council.

She had no desire to play the role that she did, yet she couldn’t run from it. They each had a part to play, and there was no telling what would happen if she didn’t play hers. Still, she had never considered the Goddess as being forced into doing anything. It was a strange concept, but one that would have made sense as to why she chose Devlynn.

“I’m content to leave it at that.” She answered, suggesting that she was just as happy to leave the topic alone. It was as neutral of a statement as she could make. She couldn’t exactly promise to stay out of Nixie’s personal life, but she could try damn hard to avoid it coming up. Devlynn was happy enough to have her as a friend as long as nothing changed drastically. But knowing her luck, Aphrodite would suddenly start whispering in her ear that Justin and Nixie had to be together for the sake of everyone. So naturally she would have to give up the friendship. That just seemed to be how her life was going.

[ARIANNA "NIXIE" SYMPHONIA]

The idea of Devlynn being able to push Riviera to do anything with her compulsion…and the idea of what Riviera would do if and when she found out was one that, especially with the way that Dev delivered her comment about the idea, made Nixie laugh. It was a rare occurance for the young woman to laugh, sad but true, so it was something considered to be special by Nixie. Something that meant Dev was okay in her book, even if she did run with the Matches and enforce them. She was an enforcer after all. It made sense. Nixie just didn’t have to like it.

The conversation turned back to the Gods moments later, however, which was a bit more of a serious topic. Not that they were entirely handling it as if it were a serious topic, but they weren’t tossing jokes in either, it was more of a middle ground that Nixie was comfortable with. She had never known Poseidon to be angry with her. Or angry about the way that she spoke. And Nixie often didn’t speak nicely of her Chosen status, so she didn’t think she always had to be all careful and serious about it.

She nodded as she listened to Devlynn speak about how she didn’t ever get an explanation about why certain people were matched with who they were matched with, it just was something that she had to deal with and clean up after. Cleaning up after a Goddess. In a way, they were all cleaning up after some God or Goddess, which was an amusing thought in an odd sense. It put them on the same level in some weird way. Not that Nixie would say that thought out loud, honestly, she had more of a brain in her head than that…or at least she liked to think so.

She shook her head, thinking about the words that Dev had just said. She pretty much agreed that it would be nice to get some form of explanation about why some people were matched. But she mostly was thinking that for her own selfish reasons more than wondering in general as Dev seemed to be. She just wanted to know why she had been matched with Justin. Or better yet, why she—a very solitary person who was happy to stay that way—had been matched all in the first place. The whole thing just seemed like a bad idea in her book.

Then again, she knew that she had hit it off with Justin right away. There had been no awkwardness, they had simply hit It off rather well. They had played around, he had made her laugh, he had earned points with her which was not an easy thing to do. But all the same, that was part of what scared her so bad. It was just not a good idea to her. She scowled out at all the happy people dancing, and thought about how she just wished she wasn’t part of the matched majority. And then she shook her head, realizing that she had definitely been quiet for far too long, and that was probably leading to some form of suspiscion about why she was being quiet. Wonderful.

”I’m not sure how to help you on that one” she answered honestly. ”Though I do agree with the whole process, I do agree that sometimes it’s impossible to tell why people get matched.” she agreed with a little nod. Part of her was suddenly very glad that matches were not under her job description. Just being matched apparently.

Nixie found herself merely nodding at the next thing that her fellow Council member said. It made sense, that love could be what could bind two species together. Hey, it worked for Romeo and Juliet, didn’t it? But it could also be entirely possible that Aphrodite herself managed to just get roped into it as well. Who knew really? It was something that, unless the goddess herself managed to speak up, no one here would know. And as Dev had already said, Aphrodite hadn’t decided to speak to her. SO the mystery, it seemed, would remain as such.

Nixie basically then made mention of how she did not wish to speak of being matched and she wished for the topic not to come up. She said it in a few more and different words than that, but that was the basic idea that she was intending to get across when she spoke, and Dev seemed to understand what it was that she was saying. Which worked well for Nixie. She was enjoying Dev’s company very much, she might have even possibly ranked her among a future friend status. But talking about herself being matched would be sure to wreck that because it just made Nixie’s mood that much more sour.

She finished the drink that was in her hand and set down the glass, still feeling slightly tipsy but she also felt, in a strange way, that the talk had cleared up her head. When Dev said she was content to leave it at that, Nixie was releaved. ”Thank you” she said simply, happy to let that subject rest as long as the other woman was as well. She had come here to escape that particular problem, not have to deal with it again and again.

[DEVLYNN ROSA TYNAN]

As the topic returned to matches, Devlynn couldn’t help but think of Nixie and her match. Instinctively she had picked up on Nixie’s matched status, yet Nixie refused to talk about it. Clearly Nixie wasn’t thrilled about the whole thing. Maybe that’s why Devlynn’s sporadic match radar had gone off. It seemed to work whenever there was some passionate emotion involved; although even then it wasn’t guaranteed. Like so many things, she felt like she was broken and a complete failure at her task.

Devlynn was incredibly tempted to ask about Nixie’s thoughts on her own match. Her insatiable curiosity made it nearly impossible to leave the topic alone now that her curiosity had been perked. As if trying to satisfy the undeniable itch, Devlynn for settled on skirting around the topic. “So what do you think about the whole matching deal?” She asked, trying to sound as neutral as possible. Maybe the matches in general could be considered a safe topic?

Typically she wouldn’t have minded stirring up some trouble and asking Nixie directly about her match, but tonight she was feeling lonely. It wouldn’t do to scare her new companion away by engaging in a topic she had clearly marked as off limits. Instead she would skirt around the topic and see how far Nixie would delve into the topic.

She watched Nixie closely, trying to judge her companion’s mood. It was rare for Devlynn to show such genuine concern for how her actions or words affected someone else. Typically she just went about her business and enjoyed her pranks. Yet in this circumstance she was truly interested in what Nixie would say in response to her question.


Comments: Sorry it sucked so much. My muse is a little broken but should improve for the next one!