malachite-vines

[malachite-vines]

(set before libel was captured and put into the academy's prison system)

Libel snoops around the library. They swing from rafters and climb on bookshelves--moving quietly except for the occasional creak in the wood they step on.

They seize up when they see Malachite. Malachite sees them. LIbel is easy to recognize, given their face is plastered on posters on every street. Women hide their children when people speak their name, more town mythos than a person.

But here they are. Sneaking around a library.

What the hell were they doing in the library?

@physigils

Malachite herself shouldn’t be in the library. She had stolen books too many times that she was practically banned at this point, but she needed more books. She needed more research. She needed to keep looking.

Maybe here? Maybe further along… Maybe past the teen on the bookshelf?

Fuck.

Malachite did a double take, spinning around so fast she was surprised she didn’t drop her cane. There was a child in the teacher library. Definitely not allowed. Now, should she be a responsible teacher and report it, or should she just… let this one slide?

Malachite just gave a small wave whilst making as best eye contact as she could. She couldn’t exactly see much. Not exactly known for her perfect vision. This strange child wasn’t going to blow her cover by making her talk.

[malachite-vines]

You receive a quick letter in messy handwriting.

yo. get your grimy mitts off of tpm - libel foghunter

@physigils

Malachite rolls her eyes and scrunches up the note, immediately tossing it in the bin. She misses on account of low vision.

[malachite-vines]

“Apparently there’s a rumor about one of the academy teachers…”

You have no idea how this rumor even came about to you, but it did, and now you have this knowledge.

“A rumour, Hm?” Mal smirked, leaning back in her chair. She had her feet on her desk, a glass in one hand that at first glance seems like wine, but you’re not quite sure.. “Interesting. Wonder what it is.”

[malachite-vines]

"..Right. Well I'm going to go make coffee. Um. If you need anything, just shout."

It was clear Malachite didn't really know what it was doing. It was left alone for the most part. No one bothered it, it bothered people, it was a routine. This was different. CWS wasn't part of its routine. So now it was getting coffee.

A knock came through the door, before it was opened unceremoniously. CWS was holding the back of their head, stumbling as they came into the room. They smelled of blood, and as they closed the door Malachite could see that there was blood gushing down their neck from a large gash in the back of their head.

"Hello... Malachite" they said, squinting during their notable pause "do you have any healing potions by any chance?" they asked, extending the first o in potions as they scanned the room.

“What is going on-“ Mal muttered, walking from the living room into the hall. Her academy coat was traded for a dark green robe and her hair was done up messily. She looked about ready to go to bed, if you ignored the wine in her hand. “What the fuck happened?!”

Malachite immediately put their glass down, trying to remember the last place they had a first aid kit. In the meantime, they cursed under their breath, grabbing almost all the tissues from the box on the small table by the door and pressing them against the wound, firm but careful.

“Right. You’re sitting down because if you pass out there’s only a fifty percent chance I catch you.” He murmured, guiding them to the living room. She grabbed a towel, trading the tissue for it quickly. “And you’re explaining. So. Explain.”

[malachite-vines]

Malachite, unpredicted by even her, wouldn’t let this. She put a hand on their shoulder, sitting them back down a little harsher than intended.

“Nope. Sit back down. You’re injured. I’m not letting you go upstairs ‘till I’ve kept an eye on you.” She spoke with a slight edge as usual, but there was also a note of softness.

Mal was definitely concerned. She was at least a tad worried. That wound wasn’t super deep, but she was still edgy in a way she wasn’t usually. She didn’t necessarily care about CWS. That was a lie, she did, but she did care about the research. The research couldn’t take place without CWS.

A knock came through the door, before it was opened unceremoniously. CWS was holding the back of their head, stumbling as they came into the room. They smelled of blood, and as they closed the door Malachite could see that there was blood gushing down their neck from a large gash in the back of their head.

"Hello... Malachite" they said, squinting during their notable pause "do you have any healing potions by any chance?" they asked, extending the first o in potions as they scanned the room.

“What is going on-“ Mal muttered, walking from the living room into the hall. Her academy coat was traded for a dark green robe and her hair was done up messily. She looked about ready to go to bed, if you ignored the wine in her hand. “What the fuck happened?!”

Malachite immediately put their glass down, trying to remember the last place they had a first aid kit. In the meantime, they cursed under their breath, grabbing almost all the tissues from the box on the small table by the door and pressing them against the wound, firm but careful.

“Right. You’re sitting down because if you pass out there’s only a fifty percent chance I catch you.” He murmured, guiding them to the living room. She grabbed a towel, trading the tissue for it quickly. “And you’re explaining. So. Explain.”

[malachite-vines]

“Right. Well. Stay there. Just getting the first aid kit.” Mal muttered, getting up. He glanced back, a twinge of worry flaring in his mind. He returned, ready to wrap the wound. He was quick and steady, slightly unnerved but otherwise capable. The wound was wrapped, and he was both worried about CWS. He simply needed the research.

A knock came through the door, before it was opened unceremoniously. CWS was holding the back of their head, stumbling as they came into the room. They smelled of blood, and as they closed the door Malachite could see that there was blood gushing down their neck from a large gash in the back of their head.

"Hello... Malachite" they said, squinting during their notable pause "do you have any healing potions by any chance?" they asked, extending the first o in potions as they scanned the room.

“What is going on-“ Mal muttered, walking from the living room into the hall. Her academy coat was traded for a dark green robe and her hair was done up messily. She looked about ready to go to bed, if you ignored the wine in her hand. “What the fuck happened?!”

Malachite immediately put their glass down, trying to remember the last place they had a first aid kit. In the meantime, they cursed under their breath, grabbing almost all the tissues from the box on the small table by the door and pressing them against the wound, firm but careful.

“Right. You’re sitting down because if you pass out there’s only a fifty percent chance I catch you.” He murmured, guiding them to the living room. She grabbed a towel, trading the tissue for it quickly. “And you’re explaining. So. Explain.”

[malachite-vines]

A knock came through the door, before it was opened unceremoniously. CWS was holding the back of their head, stumbling as they came into the room. They smelled of blood, and as they closed the door Malachite could see that there was blood gushing down their neck from a large gash in the back of their head.

"Hello... Malachite" they said, squinting during their notable pause "do you have any healing potions by any chance?" they asked, extending the first o in potions as they scanned the room.

“What is going on-“ Mal muttered, walking from the living room into the hall. Her academy coat was traded for a dark green robe and her hair was done up messily. She looked about ready to go to bed, if you ignored the wine in her hand. “What the fuck happened?!”

Malachite immediately put their glass down, trying to remember the last place they had a first aid kit. In the meantime, they cursed under their breath, grabbing almost all the tissues from the box on the small table by the door and pressing them against the wound, firm but careful.

“Right. You’re sitting down because if you pass out there’s only a fifty percent chance I catch you.” He murmured, guiding them to the living room. She grabbed a towel, trading the tissue for it quickly. “And you’re explaining. So. Explain.”

[malachite-vines]

“Right. Okay. Well. There’s a spare room upstairs. Might be a bit cluttered.” Mal waves a hand in a general direction as she sits down, not looking at CWS.

Hello Malachite.

I have come to the realization that I am getting nowhere with the academy. I get the feeling that you are beginning to realize this too. I know what you really wanted in the restricted section of the archives, and as much as I hate to admit it, I've been doing the very same thing. I have access to all of the archives, as the head manager. Well... ex head manager.

You see, I have left the archives in the control of my second in command, and am currently leaving the academy entirely. There are more pressing matters going on on the island than my attendance. It's for that exact reason that I come to you. I fear you are the only one who may be able to assist me, given most teachers don't take kindly to rulebreaking such as I have been doing, taking notes on so many of the restricted books. I have a feeling you've been taking your own notes outside of those that can be found in the archives. I was wondering if we could exchange information. I am currently residing in the bottom floor of the dark tower, which I have cleared of monsters. You are free to come around anytime.

Respectfully,

Cameron Wishshade

Malachite paused, rereading the letter again. Someone else was looking for the information he was, and they needed his help. Mal gathered his notes together, pulling on his academy jacket before leaving his house. He smiled slightly, the scars on his face move with the smirk, restricting it.

The walk wasn’t far, it was just annoying with a cane. The island wasn’t exactly the most accessible place, but what could she do. Mal’s heeled boots tapped against the cobbles, her cane doing the same. Rain battered down on her dark green coat for dramatic effect, though her smirk didn’t falter. She just smiled. Someone to share research with.

Once at the tower, Malachite knocked on the door, brushing themself off and making themselves look a little more presentable. Their hair was plastered to their face, irritating their old injuries and just them in general. They didn’t look presentable when soaked with rain. Her glasses glistened, and their coat was damp, but they stood under the little covering by the door, smiling.

Someone who had been outcasted.. Her notes would be useful. This was someone who had been ignored by the academy for too long. Why was this information being hidden anyway? It was just old codes and files, some about keystones, some about some student in a duel. He’d taken a few documents on The Puppet Master for.. leverage. Well. Cameron would be help in the search for information.

[malachite-vines]

“Yes.. I suppose.” Malachite tenses, thinking for a moment, “But let’s wait. Do more research. I’m not confident in our abilities yet, and besides, We should probably talk to the others. The Puppet Master is powerful. Just. Research.”

Malachite seems nervous. She pushes her hair out of her eyes and messes with her sweater in the silence, deciding to walk into the living room instead of just standing in the hallway.

The living room is what Mal would call nothing fancy, but it very much is. The walls are a dark green, and the curtains are a crimson velvet. Tassles in gold hold them back, and the view from the bay window clearly prices the house. The trees outside part to show a grove glistening with bioluminescent fungi and moss.

Branches fall loosely from trunks, small birds and other woodland creatures perching on their bark. Untamed pets occasionally skitter by, pausing to drink from the creek on one side of the clearing, or admire the glow. All in all, Mal wasn’t humble.

The carpet is a dark red, leading to a stone slab in front of the fireplace. The fire isn’t lit, but the candles nearby are. They illuminate the coffee table by the plush sofa, and slightly get in the way of the TV, but they don’t light any books on fire. She was definitely fancy.

Hello Malachite.

I have come to the realization that I am getting nowhere with the academy. I get the feeling that you are beginning to realize this too. I know what you really wanted in the restricted section of the archives, and as much as I hate to admit it, I've been doing the very same thing. I have access to all of the archives, as the head manager. Well... ex head manager.

You see, I have left the archives in the control of my second in command, and am currently leaving the academy entirely. There are more pressing matters going on on the island than my attendance. It's for that exact reason that I come to you. I fear you are the only one who may be able to assist me, given most teachers don't take kindly to rulebreaking such as I have been doing, taking notes on so many of the restricted books. I have a feeling you've been taking your own notes outside of those that can be found in the archives. I was wondering if we could exchange information. I am currently residing in the bottom floor of the dark tower, which I have cleared of monsters. You are free to come around anytime.

Respectfully,

Cameron Wishshade

Malachite paused, rereading the letter again. Someone else was looking for the information he was, and they needed his help. Mal gathered his notes together, pulling on his academy jacket before leaving his house. He smiled slightly, the scars on his face move with the smirk, restricting it.

The walk wasn’t far, it was just annoying with a cane. The island wasn’t exactly the most accessible place, but what could she do. Mal’s heeled boots tapped against the cobbles, her cane doing the same. Rain battered down on her dark green coat for dramatic effect, though her smirk didn’t falter. She just smiled. Someone to share research with.

Once at the tower, Malachite knocked on the door, brushing themself off and making themselves look a little more presentable. Their hair was plastered to their face, irritating their old injuries and just them in general. They didn’t look presentable when soaked with rain. Her glasses glistened, and their coat was damp, but they stood under the little covering by the door, smiling.

Someone who had been outcasted.. Her notes would be useful. This was someone who had been ignored by the academy for too long. Why was this information being hidden anyway? It was just old codes and files, some about keystones, some about some student in a duel. He’d taken a few documents on The Puppet Master for.. leverage. Well. Cameron would be help in the search for information.

[malachite-vines]

“Well, i’m glad it meets your standards.” Mal replied, smiling, “As for The Puppet Master..”

They paused, skimming the pages of a book marked with a purple eye symbol. Most of their notes were messy, unreadable to most and almost in a code, but she understood them. Lies. Lies, facts and classified information. All about the common enemy. All about The Puppet Master.

“Well, There’s a few ways. At least I think. I know that gem of his is important. Reminds me of a keystone. Perhaps it’s a source of power. Other than that, I know basics of shadow magic. I know it can be magnetic and draining, so maybe something to do with that? And astral, but that’s common knowledge. Got any notes?”

Hello Malachite.

I have come to the realization that I am getting nowhere with the academy. I get the feeling that you are beginning to realize this too. I know what you really wanted in the restricted section of the archives, and as much as I hate to admit it, I've been doing the very same thing. I have access to all of the archives, as the head manager. Well... ex head manager.

You see, I have left the archives in the control of my second in command, and am currently leaving the academy entirely. There are more pressing matters going on on the island than my attendance. It's for that exact reason that I come to you. I fear you are the only one who may be able to assist me, given most teachers don't take kindly to rulebreaking such as I have been doing, taking notes on so many of the restricted books. I have a feeling you've been taking your own notes outside of those that can be found in the archives. I was wondering if we could exchange information. I am currently residing in the bottom floor of the dark tower, which I have cleared of monsters. You are free to come around anytime.

Respectfully,

Cameron Wishshade

Malachite paused, rereading the letter again. Someone else was looking for the information he was, and they needed his help. Mal gathered his notes together, pulling on his academy jacket before leaving his house. He smiled slightly, the scars on his face move with the smirk, restricting it.

The walk wasn’t far, it was just annoying with a cane. The island wasn’t exactly the most accessible place, but what could she do. Mal’s heeled boots tapped against the cobbles, her cane doing the same. Rain battered down on her dark green coat for dramatic effect, though her smirk didn’t falter. She just smiled. Someone to share research with.

Once at the tower, Malachite knocked on the door, brushing themself off and making themselves look a little more presentable. Their hair was plastered to their face, irritating their old injuries and just them in general. They didn’t look presentable when soaked with rain. Her glasses glistened, and their coat was damp, but they stood under the little covering by the door, smiling.

Someone who had been outcasted.. Her notes would be useful. This was someone who had been ignored by the academy for too long. Why was this information being hidden anyway? It was just old codes and files, some about keystones, some about some student in a duel. He’d taken a few documents on The Puppet Master for.. leverage. Well. Cameron would be help in the search for information.

[malachite-vines]

Malachite picked up a few more files and just used her magic to carry any spares the duo couldn’t pick up. It was a lot of paper to keep dry, but at least she didn’t live far. Just through lamplight, past the student homes and slingshot and to the forest. It was sheltered there and the ground was soft and springy.

Mal walked just a little ways past the main area and headed for her home, sighing irritably as her hands were too full to unlock the door. At least she could start organising as soon as she got in. She had a bookshelf by the door, and she’d made sure to label her system already. No mistakes here, just careful information.

“Will this do? I know it’s rather middle-of-nowhere but lamplight is expensive and I’m not a child, so, forest it is. Ah the perks of being a professor.”

Hello Malachite.

I have come to the realization that I am getting nowhere with the academy. I get the feeling that you are beginning to realize this too. I know what you really wanted in the restricted section of the archives, and as much as I hate to admit it, I've been doing the very same thing. I have access to all of the archives, as the head manager. Well... ex head manager.

You see, I have left the archives in the control of my second in command, and am currently leaving the academy entirely. There are more pressing matters going on on the island than my attendance. It's for that exact reason that I come to you. I fear you are the only one who may be able to assist me, given most teachers don't take kindly to rulebreaking such as I have been doing, taking notes on so many of the restricted books. I have a feeling you've been taking your own notes outside of those that can be found in the archives. I was wondering if we could exchange information. I am currently residing in the bottom floor of the dark tower, which I have cleared of monsters. You are free to come around anytime.

Respectfully,

Cameron Wishshade

Malachite paused, rereading the letter again. Someone else was looking for the information he was, and they needed his help. Mal gathered his notes together, pulling on his academy jacket before leaving his house. He smiled slightly, the scars on his face move with the smirk, restricting it.

The walk wasn’t far, it was just annoying with a cane. The island wasn’t exactly the most accessible place, but what could she do. Mal’s heeled boots tapped against the cobbles, her cane doing the same. Rain battered down on her dark green coat for dramatic effect, though her smirk didn’t falter. She just smiled. Someone to share research with.

Once at the tower, Malachite knocked on the door, brushing themself off and making themselves look a little more presentable. Their hair was plastered to their face, irritating their old injuries and just them in general. They didn’t look presentable when soaked with rain. Her glasses glistened, and their coat was damp, but they stood under the little covering by the door, smiling.

Someone who had been outcasted.. Her notes would be useful. This was someone who had been ignored by the academy for too long. Why was this information being hidden anyway? It was just old codes and files, some about keystones, some about some student in a duel. He’d taken a few documents on The Puppet Master for.. leverage. Well. Cameron would be help in the search for information.

[malachite-vines]

Malachite observes the area, expression unreadable. They were surprised to say the least to see a teenager at the door, but were they surprised? No adult in this place was responsible.

“Well the school’s going to just tell you off.” Mal began, rolling his eyes, “But you kids probably shouldn’t just go and fight an evil shadow wizard alone. And as for my stake in this?”

Mal picked up a file, flicking through the contents of the information on Shadow Keystones.

“I want to help. I can help. I’ve been studying magic longer than you. I’ve been reading and writing notes. You can weaken him. You can reimprison him.”

Malachite takes a mental note of some of the information. This would be useful. Perhaps she could steal some-? No, she needed their trust. She would just have to come back here. Or perhaps..

“And if you need a place to stay, I suppose..” Mal pauses, considering if she wants to say or not, “I suppose you could come with me. My house has room for the files.”

Because it was about the research. That was important. The Puppet Master’s imprisonment.

Hello Malachite.

I have come to the realization that I am getting nowhere with the academy. I get the feeling that you are beginning to realize this too. I know what you really wanted in the restricted section of the archives, and as much as I hate to admit it, I've been doing the very same thing. I have access to all of the archives, as the head manager. Well... ex head manager.

You see, I have left the archives in the control of my second in command, and am currently leaving the academy entirely. There are more pressing matters going on on the island than my attendance. It's for that exact reason that I come to you. I fear you are the only one who may be able to assist me, given most teachers don't take kindly to rulebreaking such as I have been doing, taking notes on so many of the restricted books. I have a feeling you've been taking your own notes outside of those that can be found in the archives. I was wondering if we could exchange information. I am currently residing in the bottom floor of the dark tower, which I have cleared of monsters. You are free to come around anytime.

Respectfully,

Cameron Wishshade

Malachite paused, rereading the letter again. Someone else was looking for the information he was, and they needed his help. Mal gathered his notes together, pulling on his academy jacket before leaving his house. He smiled slightly, the scars on his face move with the smirk, restricting it.

The walk wasn’t far, it was just annoying with a cane. The island wasn’t exactly the most accessible place, but what could she do. Mal’s heeled boots tapped against the cobbles, her cane doing the same. Rain battered down on her dark green coat for dramatic effect, though her smirk didn’t falter. She just smiled. Someone to share research with.

Once at the tower, Malachite knocked on the door, brushing themself off and making themselves look a little more presentable. Their hair was plastered to their face, irritating their old injuries and just them in general. They didn’t look presentable when soaked with rain. Her glasses glistened, and their coat was damp, but they stood under the little covering by the door, smiling.

Someone who had been outcasted.. Her notes would be useful. This was someone who had been ignored by the academy for too long. Why was this information being hidden anyway? It was just old codes and files, some about keystones, some about some student in a duel. He’d taken a few documents on The Puppet Master for.. leverage. Well. Cameron would be help in the search for information.

[malachite-vines]

Hello Malachite.

I have come to the realization that I am getting nowhere with the academy. I get the feeling that you are beginning to realize this too. I know what you really wanted in the restricted section of the archives, and as much as I hate to admit it, I've been doing the very same thing. I have access to all of the archives, as the head manager. Well... ex head manager.

You see, I have left the archives in the control of my second in command, and am currently leaving the academy entirely. There are more pressing matters going on on the island than my attendance. It's for that exact reason that I come to you. I fear you are the only one who may be able to assist me, given most teachers don't take kindly to rulebreaking such as I have been doing, taking notes on so many of the restricted books. I have a feeling you've been taking your own notes outside of those that can be found in the archives. I was wondering if we could exchange information. I am currently residing in the bottom floor of the dark tower, which I have cleared of monsters. You are free to come around anytime.

Respectfully,

Cameron Wishshade

Malachite paused, rereading the letter again. Someone else was looking for the information he was, and they needed his help. Mal gathered his notes together, pulling on his academy jacket before leaving his house. He smiled slightly, the scars on his face move with the smirk, restricting it.

The walk wasn’t far, it was just annoying with a cane. The island wasn’t exactly the most accessible place, but what could she do. Mal’s heeled boots tapped against the cobbles, her cane doing the same. Rain battered down on her dark green coat for dramatic effect, though her smirk didn’t falter. She just smiled. Someone to share research with.

Once at the tower, Malachite knocked on the door, brushing themself off and making themselves look a little more presentable. Their hair was plastered to their face, irritating their old injuries and just them in general. They didn’t look presentable when soaked with rain. Her glasses glistened, and their coat was damp, but they stood under the little covering by the door, smiling.

Someone who had been outcasted.. Her notes would be useful. This was someone who had been ignored by the academy for too long. Why was this information being hidden anyway? It was just old codes and files, some about keystones, some about some student in a duel. He’d taken a few documents on The Puppet Master for.. leverage. Well. Cameron would be help in the search for information.

[malachite-vines]

“It’s fine, I suppose. Take notes, trust me, they’ll take the books back, make me return them, but the notes are important.” Mal seems to know this from experience, though they quickly adds, “Or whatever. I don’t know. I have not entered the archives for information before this. You just needed the research.”

“You’re looking at keystones. Neat. Books on them.”

Malachite wanders over, carrying books that they are over exaggerating the weight of before putting it down on the desk before Kepler.

✦ @malachite-vines Kepler startles, and shuts the notebook he reads from at a speed quick enough to break bone. "I am," He says, calmly, looking over at the stack of books Malachite brought in. "I'm more than capable of getting books myself, however."

[malachite-vines]

Hello, Malachite.

One of my archive guards has found you to have been in the restricted section of the archives. They seemed rather hesitant to inform me of this, as you are a teacher here, but I know of your history with this school and I was not hesitant to inform Gale. This is your first warning. I ask that you return the books and do not attempt this again, unless you would like to be banned from the archives entirely.

Respectfully,

Cameron Wishsshade

“Right. Yeah. Whatever. Still don’t get why history is banned but i’ll return the book.”

Malachite seems entirely unbothered. She has her notes, she read enough of those books to not care.

[malachite-vines]

So by any chance do you know.....pippet?.. the puppet Master's assistant. By any chance

“Nnnnnot personally? I mean I know he’s The Puppet Master’s assistant or whatever.” Malachite replies.

[malachite-vines]

“Not ones even I don’t have access to.” He replies, smirking, “Well. I’m not supposed to have access to. Yeah apparently even we have a restricted section. Anyway some of these mention another keystone which would make sense considering.. Anyway.”

“You’re looking at keystones. Neat. Books on them.”

Malachite wanders over, carrying books that they are over exaggerating the weight of before putting it down on the desk before Kepler.

✦ @malachite-vines Kepler startles, and shuts the notebook he reads from at a speed quick enough to break bone. "I am," He says, calmly, looking over at the stack of books Malachite brought in. "I'm more than capable of getting books myself, however."