MARCH UPDATE

POSTED ON Jul 1, 2019 6:25:19 GMT

construction of silver spire was making its slow steady pace, but at least the first floor had been mostly completed. the courtyard remained a wreck of ruin and construction, but the once open archway into the structure had been filled by massive sun bleached slabs of driftwood that acted as a double door. inside, members of the crown and construction workers alike were busy sculpting furniture and decor for the huge atrium that they were working in. the bright summer sun shone through the glass dome overhead and gave ample opportunity to marvel at what had been completed.

what a marvel it was. construction of the ancient castle had bolstered the economy of the sea city by providing work in all areas: basic labor, artisans, construction, and even trainers found themselves with job opportunities. with the economic boom, the people of sootopolis found themselves being flooded by refugees from across hoenn, most fleeing slateport after the rocket takeover. regardless, they had been welcome with open arms by olivia. she stood by her word that those who sought safety within her city would find it, no matter what.

however, while the many boons that came with the construction of silver spire were great; it was still incomplete. besides the central atrium, the only other completed rooms were the forge - where Balder held his battles as well as any metallurgy or metalwork took place, a hallway off the left wing that was lined with rooms of various sizes for guest, staff, and those in need to find shelter should they need it. a small kitchen has been nestled in a corner that led to an indoor greenhouse off towards the back of the atrium. it was here where a member of the crown would lead the mauville gym leader to olivia.

olivia was dressed in a leisurely summer dress of cream colored cotton, simple brown sandals kept her feet safe, and sapphire sun glasses rested on the bridge of her nose. a table had been set up in the greenhouse with finger sandwiches, fruit, and other light snacks aplenty. multiple pots of tea rested near the tea cups, small flames keeping the tea hot. once cait had been escorted to olivia, she would rise, using her cane for assistance, and said with a voice as sweet as a honeysuckle, ”welcome! pardon the mess throughout the castle, but i thought you may enjoy the serenity of the garden.”

it was serene indeed. multiple bushes and trees of berries, fruit, veggies, and herbs were planted in the rich soil or potted nearby. an artificial stream ran through the greenhouse and the relaxing tones of running water brought a sense of calmness to most; or at least it helped in easing olivia’s nerves. “and thank you again, for agreeing to meet for tea. i fear i haven’t had the opportunity to meet with you properly. do feel free to snack on whatever you wish!” olivia said with a warm smile, removing her sunglasses and motioning to the seat across from her for cait to sit.

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POSTED ON Jul 2, 2019 19:25:40 GMT

she'd taken in the partially completed castle with her shimmering, green gaze, the young woman having a difficult time of forming an opinion based purely on what she had observed thus far. at the moment she was mildly impressed. the work completed thus far shaping up to be an architectural marvel. everything was in the midst of being placed and built up; the interior of the dome being filled with whatever queen abbiati desired.

'queen abbiati,' she thought.

what a bold woman she was; but cait supposed it could not be helped. her blood had likely called upon her to claim a leadership position, the woman supposedly serving as the ancestor of a clan who had had a strong foothold in sootopolis a handful of generations back.

"thank you for inviting me here," she said.

cait had donned garb that was aesthetically comparable to olivia's, her own dress a powdery yellow in coloration.

'a greenhouse. i wonder if this is meant to appease me on a personal level?'

the woman eyed the healthy stalks which sprouted from rich soil, her nose twitching slightly as she inhaled the pungent scent of greenery.

"how are you settling into the position? i'm aware you weren't exactly welcomed with open arms."

while the ceremony had gone off without a hitch her peers as well as her superiors had developed an immediate dislike of the woman who carried the surname abbiati. cait was one of the few who had - at least - greeted her with a friendly air.

"hopefully it hasn't dampened your spirit. it'd be a shame if we chased you off so soon."

the young woman took her seat, deciding to sample a small sandwich once she was comfortably settled.

'no meat,' she thought, noting that it was cucumber sandwich; her personal favorite. 'she must know i'm a vegetarian.'

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POSTED ON Jul 3, 2019 15:50:27 GMT

“oh the pleasure is mine, miss alfric. or do you prefer cait?” olivia asked curiously before going for a cream cheese and oran berry tart - one of her favorites. she took a petite bite of the dessert as cait spoke. no, olivia had not been welcomed by most, that the mauville leader had correct. but who all had expressed such things to the dainty daughter of nature that sat before her?

after the disaster that was meeting with fernando olivia did some basic research into this cait of mauville. the ‘infamous’ leader fernando has spoken of. she was apparently a devout follower of the nature guardian, a grass type specialist, and above all else: renowned throughout hoenn. a valuable ally or a dangerous enemy, olivia would find out soon enough.

the same sincere smile was on olivia’s pale face as she chuckled airily. “ah, yes, well people fear that which they do not know or understand.” olivia said, setting aside her snack. “but no, even the fiery temper of some nor the stone cold face of others will not deter me. i am here for the people of hoenn, the people of sootopolis, and, of course, the league.”

“though i must confess, it is comforting to find some hospitality amongst my peers. especially from one as devout as yourself, if what i have heard is true, you are one of few public faces who are open in their faith of the old ones. that is a thing we share, and i do hope this small pocket of peace and nature offers you the same serenity it does for myself.” olivia added.

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POSTED ON Jul 3, 2019 16:04:32 GMT

"cait is fine."

the young gum leader bit into her sandwich, each bite and chew carefully measured as she eyed abbiati.

'so she's a woman of faith as well.'

religion was considered a relic nowadays - the majority no longer worshiping the divine creatures whom presided over nature as gods. the populace had every right to do so, but cait felt as though the deities were still worthy of recognition and praise.

"it's a beautiful greenhouse," she commented, her gaze shifting from the woman.

she fell silent as she surveyed their immediate surroundings, her gaze lingering upon a stretch of soil that had been freshly tilled. cait was tempted to call upon her gift, but resisted the urge, reaching instead for a pot of hot tea.

"tell me - abbiati - about your clan and their place here," she said. "you are followers of the gods whom rule over the sea, correct?"

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POSTED ON Jul 3, 2019 17:28:55 GMT

she had been right, and a mental sigh passed over olivia before she said, “thank you, it’s my private nook of nature.” she sneaked another bite of her tart, the devilish treat it was. olivia nodded as she chewed, and set the pastry down.

a gulp followed by, “that would be correct, cait.” she felt like a professor once more, or perhaps in this small sacred space of hers, her time spent at temple in snowpoint. “we follow the great one of the sea basin, and her guardians of the sea, the guardians of the lakes, and those minor and small who dwell into mythos of the aquatic.” she took a sip of her tea to wash down the tart before rattling on, “we simply believe what science has proven: life has come and is bound by water; therefore we must hold it sacred.” from the stream her vaporeon rose, as if called upon by the very word of her being. she danced her way to olivia with the grace of a ballerina, and curled up near her feet.

olivia smiled, and looked down upon the pokemon, noting, “i rescued her, from a poisoned stream by... a company many are all too familiar with in sinnoh, hoenn, and other regions alike.” her smile faltered for a second, a blink of an eye, but it returned; yet, in the small time she noted she was now peers with those who poisoned the river for their massive manufacturing. “and she has stayed loyal ever since - my family are said to have a way with water. or perhaps we just think it so, haha.” she doted, hoping to disregard her earlier comment.

“yet our beliefs are strict and some may say harsh, but it is far less cruel from the days of our clan in the years of yore. this place, it’s sacred spot in the center of the crater holds many secrets of our faith that could fill stories of eldritch horrors and their terrifying power. of what had to be done to appease the beast of nature.” she added quietly, only the sound of her vaporeon’s purr and the gentle flow of the stream, which were one in the same. “what had to be sacrificed.” she whispered.

“however, that is what our family was here. ancient priest who once held this spot as a grand temple, or holy place.” olivia noted. she asked before sipping on her own cup of tea, a gentle chamomile, “what of yourself, if you do not mind me asking. i hear tell of your faith in nature.”

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POSTED ON Jul 3, 2019 19:16:26 GMT

cait's green-eyed gaze lingered upon the vaporeon, the young woman reminded of her own that occupied the confines of her gym. the creature before her appeared content with her circumstances despite her murky past, a rumbling purr originating from the depths of her throat as she greeted her kindly mistress.

it was the word 'sacrifice' that caused the woman to fix olivia with a sharp look.

"we follow in the footsteps of the fae known as celebi," she said, "the alfric clan has done so since its founding."

she went on to explain that her ancestors had originated from the land of johto. and how some of her family still remained there - but were comparatively few in number.

"we're pacifists. and because of this we've been... mistreated by those who naturally crave battle and war. but we prosper nowadays."

it was because of their talents in medicine and farming that they had been exploited multiple times over by neighboring tribes. but the alfric clan had inevitably found strength and reacquired their status as an independent tribe roughly several generations back. they had lost large chunks of land but had stabilized and endured.

"what is it like being here? this was your ancestors homeland, was it not? it must be truly eye opening to lay claim to it."

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POSTED ON Jul 4, 2019 17:17:57 GMT

“it has been...” olivia pondered the next word. “an honor.” she finally said, a brief pause all it took for her to find a word that struck true. “an honor to bring the abbiati home for the first time in generations, yes, but also an honor to serve the city and its people. my people.” she sipped her tea and commented solemnly, “an honor that would not be possible without a loss.”

her ocean eyes looked deep into the viridian valley that was cait’s gaze. olivia set her tea down and asked, “you knew my predecessor well, did you not?” the way silph and stone had spoken of the man who last served as gym leader he may as well have been arceus reincarnated. yet, there had to be more to the man that. the league had not been very forthcoming on those who held the position prior especially with the condition in which olivia was offered the position.

olivia offered the younger woman a sad smile. she reminded her of her younger sister, appearing so innocent and pure. “i understand if you do not wish to talk of him, but i know the people of sootopolis still grieve. perhaps you do as well. some more so than others, and i wish to help them through this transition period as best as possible - and to do so i thought learning more of this legend of a man from someone who understands not only faith, but compassion as well.” olivia said, her voice lacking the icy tones she had come to been known for. instead, she appeared to be genuinely concerned and her voice was soft and soothing, like a mother speaking to a daughter.

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POSTED ON Jul 5, 2019 20:37:46 GMT

FERNANDO SILPH likes this

"i'd advise against trying to openly model yourself after nikolai."

cait poured herself a small amount of tea, intending to determine its taste. the liquid wasn't painfully hot nor disappointingly lukewarm - so she was allowed to enjoy it in relative comfort.

'it's good.'

but a pinch of sugar would dramatically improve the recipe.

'one or two cubes. one for now, i suppose.'

cait plopped the carved piece of solidified sweetener into the heated drink, peering over her cup at abbiati before pressing onward with her advice.

"there's little point of it," she said, gesturing. "he was a great man and a superb leader - but his time has come and gone, i'm afraid."

a hint of sadness was detectable within her tone of voice, but her expression remained visibly calm and at peace.

"govern your people however you see fit," she said. "as long as you're fair and compassionate you'll find - at the very least - a moderate amount of success. it's how i managed, at least."

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POSTED ON Jul 5, 2019 23:43:35 GMT

olivia nodded along, sipping at ehr own tea. she would allow cait to continue, even if the girl had been wrong in her assumption as to why olivia asked. it wasn't until the subtle sad shift in the young woman's voice did olivia know she had hit her mark. she offerd the girl a warm smile and doted, "thank you for the advice, truly." before she continued, "yet, i had no intention in modeling myself after nikolai. i ask because of how little i know. i never met the man in person and was hoping for some insight." she admitted, reaching for her cane.

she stood as gracefully as one could with a cane, and said, "it may be easier if i show you." she then click-clacked her way towards the door. she turned, her locks of silver bouncing like moonbeams on a lake, and asked with a sly smile, "i do trust you can keep a secret?"

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POSTED ON Jul 6, 2019 17:26:36 GMT

cait tilted her head lightly to the side, immediately intrigued.

"yes. you can trust me."

she'd hurry to polish off the remainder of her cucumber sandwich, her gaze lingering upon olivia's polished cane as she gingerly dabbed at her painted lips.

'i wonder how long she's had that?'

cait pulled herself free of such thoughts in favor of focusing upon olivia's apparent secret. surely it must be something of interest?

'i wonder what it is.'

she stood and followed, her eyebrows raised high upon her forehead and her expression pinched by a look that betrayed her curiosity.

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POSTED ON Jul 6, 2019 21:24:07 GMT

if all her peers were so young, perhaps painting pictures of mystery of herself will offer olivia easier access to their hearts and trust. regardless, she had cait’s curiosity and led her through the first floor where crown members offered a dip of their head to the two gym leaders and constructions workers gave the friendly grunt or two. olivia simply walked by, a smile to those who worked around her. for her.

the two women reached the archway of a staircase, the darkness ahead blowing damp cold air in their faces. olivia produced her phone for a flashlight and encouraged cait to do the same. “watch your step.” she noted as they began to descend. as they made their way down, olivia began to say, “in my faith, we honor the great one of the sea basin, who brought forth the flood of life giving water.” it was a long staircase, and the deeper they got, the cooler it was. “yet, the flood took life as well, a fact we abbiati know all too well.” they finally reached the bottom of the staircase where the steps looked as if they hadn’t been repaired in centuries. before then was an underground spring of salt water, presumably connecting to the salty sea beyond the walls of the castle.

“and so when one of our own passes, we come to the deepest depths of the sea to give praise. to pray for safety in their journey to the unknown.” olivia continued, her vaporeon having followed them all the while, dipped her head to lap up the water. “this place, where we stand now, is old, far older than i had originally thought these ruins to be; yet it is a sacred place that seems as familiar as any other. like home.” the light of her phone glistened against the pool of dark azure and the scales of her vaporeon.

she glanced to cait. “but this is not just my home. it is home to many people who may not know or care for me as they did for others. for another.” her midnight blue eyes seemed almost like the black of a starless night in the barely lit cave. olivia flashed her phone light up to reveal a life size statue of marble.

it was NIKOLAI PETROV. or at least the best sculpture of him she could get done. the statue had defining details that gave it a lifelike appearance, but was made in all white. it lay atop a base that gave the statue a couple extra feet of height, so one would look up at it. the base read: “in remembrance, a great leader.” there were dates of his birth and death, but besides that, the base had little to no text. olivia spoke softly, “i want my people to be able to grieve, yes, but i wish for them to be able to move forward. i plan on having this unveiled and set on the upper levels so any and all can come to pay their respects; but i wanted someone who knew him to see it first.”

“to see if it actually holds his appearance, yes, but also...” she kneeled with a wince and ran her snow white finger tips against the pale base of the statue. “... to add what they believe should be said about a man they knew and loved.” olivia looked up at cait, gauging her reaction as she asked, “that is, if you would like to.”

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POSTED ON Jul 8, 2019 20:05:01 GMT

cait felt as though she had no true place here - among the salt and the sea. this area which reeked of the ocean, its pungent scent undeniable as it chafed against her senses. but she could understand why miss abbiati and her people had willingly adapted to such an environment, aware that the sea gave and took just as the forest did. her people's god was a fair one - brutal, but fair.

'the sea took nikolai away,' she thought, a hint of a frown tugging at the corners of her lips. 'but perhaps he's truly at rest now.'

she peered up at the statue and bowed her head.

"goodbye, sir," she said. "and thank you."

cait swallowed thickly and her eyes stung painfully, but she smothered her sadness. she had mourned already and had bid him farewell - this alone left her feeling satisfied.

"it's perfect as is. and it does him a fair amount of justice."

her smile trembled slightly, but it appeared bright and pleased.

"you'll make a good leader to your people, miss abbiati. i'm certain of it," she said.

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POSTED ON Jul 8, 2019 21:35:02 GMT

olivia had been right after all. she silently observed the stages of grief cross the young woman's face in a matter of minutes. the hint of a frown there, a tough to swallow truth, and the pained look in her eyes. yes, olivia noted, they had been close. the manner in which she addressed the statue, olivia assumed a mentor-student relationship; or at least something along those lines where nikolai held authority. when those emerald eyes looked to olivia she saw sadness, yes, but perhaps... a calmness? satisfaction that he would be honored and remembered? relief that others felt her grief as well? olivia could only hope, as any of those played into her plans.

the mistress of the sea gave a mother's smile to the daughter of nature, and moved to gently raise cait's chin so they would be eye. "thank you, cait, it means so much to be welcomed at last; but do not let your own smile falter fair one. the people of hoenn need to see their leaders strong and united." olivia rose with a grunt and help of her cane, and offered a hand to cait to lead her back towards the stairs - meara following behind silently.

as they reached the steps that led up, olivia paused and leaned on her cane, looking to cait. "we are united, are we not? more than just peers of the league, but believers of the legends, sisters of nature; those that understand morals and ideals are just as important as brute power or strength." she asked, her azure eyes sparkling like the sacred pool they had just left.

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POSTED ON Jul 10, 2019 0:00:54 GMT

shiv and Olivia Abbiati like this

cait considered her in silence - and understood the meaning behind abbiati's words. they were, after all, similar when it came to their beliefs and submission toward the gods. yet there was a curious air about the woman and she was having a difficult time understanding it. so the avatar nodded her head after a moment of silence, her expression settling into a contemplative one.

"are you... in need of an ally, miss abbiati?"

she wondered if she had hit the mark or missed it entirely. olivia was obviously trying to appeal to her in some way, shape or form; having already tugged upon strings that related to her religion as well as her admittedly brief relationship with nikolai.

"you're alone in a way," cait observed, her gaze settling upon the woman. "our fellows don't respect you despite your newfound title, i think."

'i'm grasping at straws but i'm not wrong.'

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