Thanking Fate

[Phoenyx]

"Alright," comes the simple reply. She doesn't seem to have any reaction.

"Compared to Forces, or Life, which have a scientific understanding that can be learned and then thought about how to overcome, Fate skips that first part. It is an Arcarna based much more on feelings and subtleties that others, which made it interesting to study." Phoenyx nods. "My teacher was a Thyrsus and as such had a very distinctive style. Being able to recover quickly formed an essential part of my training, but I also found it very theratutic. Life is strong, flowing, adaptable. It overcomes obstacles. These are all things that often appeal to the Mighty and the Arrow as well."

A small frown. "I say what I mean. Anything else is complicated. I don't understand how that is a problem."

Phoenyx nods. "Prioritising is important. Focusing on a different part of your life to achieve a goal should be in balance with an Order, not against it. The various orders are a lot about attitude and philosophy. Most have principles they take seriously, and if you do not hold to those ideas they can be a poor fit." She goes quiet after this, as if thinking.

As the Arrow begins to brew the tea, she watches the Acanthus, a smile touching her lips. "We both have strong principles that do not align, but do not strictly oppose either. We test one another, strengthening out arguments and thoughts. I do not think either of us will fully convince the other, and that is good - it keeps the challenge present. I think it does him good to act as a little needle to his ego," She smiles, but then recoils just a little at the question and hesitates. "...Yes. I have been trying to get better at talking to people. I did not have a very social childhood, or training experience. I can talk about magic, training, philosophy... things I see practical worth in... but I dislike small talk. It does not come naturally to me and I avoid it. I have been told people find me direct and sometimes cold." She shrugs, indifferent. "But I have found I discuss things I enjoy, or know well, better than trivial things. So I tend to stick to Magic, philosophy, training. That seems to work pretty well." It was like she was trying to defend up her socialising as an academic exercise. Very odd.

[October]

A laugh and nod, “That it does. Though the more you study it, and open your mind to what it can do, the easier it becomes to pick up on those feelings. I’ve always been the kind of person who learns by doing something. So I learned it through practice.” Trial and error.

“It’s not usually a problem. It’s more about how things are said that can upset others. Tone, facial expression, those are all important when talking. I like people to say what they mean, keeps things simple.” But not everyone was like that.

Nodding, “I just didn’t want to become part of an Order, and not be able to focus on it. So I just ignored them all. But I’m looking forward to learning more about them now. Seeing if I can find a good fit somewhere. And if not?” a shrug, “Then that’ll be fine.” As an Acanthus, she went with the flow, not stressing.

“It was fun to watch, and that’s probably because neither one of you got mean about it. I always hate when a good debate turns ugly. A little needle for his ego?” she laughs, “Think his ego needs that huh?” she could see that.

Wait, training experience? With being social? Huh? “Well, small talk can be difficult. But once you figure out that small talk is best used to find a common topic of interest, it gets easier. It’s also a way to socially bond with someone. You get the chance to go over numerous topics, gauging each other’s interests and level of knowledge on things.” She tries to explain, “Another part of learning to be social, or more comfortable with it, is you have to be ok engaging in topics that don’t hold much interest to you. Does it suck? Yah, it does. But it shows the other person that you’re interested in what they have to say, or what interests them. And avoiding it won’t help you get more comfortable with it. So start small.” They all had to do things they didn’t like. “Cold and direct aren’t bad traits, they just come off bad in being social and meeting new people. So tell me, what’s trivial to you?” what topics wasn’t she good with? “See, I don’t have much interest in training, at least physically, but I know it’s important to you, and would happily discuss it. I might learn a lot just by being open to the conversation.”

[Phoenyx]

Phoenyx nods in agreement. “Theoretical understanding is only a part of the whole.” Especially when it came to magic.

“People shouldn’t be upset by simplicity. So few things are. If people read too much into what is before them, isn’t that on them?” she asks, but a little light seems to flick on behind her eyes and a hint of a smile appears. The question is laid out almost like a challenge, expecting some kind of resistance - with a hint of amusement.

Phoenyx pauses thoughtfully. “That is an understandable approach. If you want to understand the Arrow better, you can ask me. I have been taught our methods indirectly for years, but since I Awakened the initial lessons were folded into the Order’s beliefs as well.” She pours hot water into the pot. “Alternatively we could train together, if that would interest you. You appear to keep yourself in good physical shape but it is often hard to tell by the clothes you wear.” Another simple fact; well, she did say she was blunt.

“Debate should not be personal. It is about views, opinions, and principles. No two people hold the same, even within one Order. But if you do not test those principles how can you consider them sound?” she asks rhetorically. “I had met no Libertines before I moved here, and so Shodan has been an interesting demonstration of some their beliefs, but I cannot tell which of those are his or those of the Free Council. I look forward to seeing how Spark and he are similar.”

The Obrimos listens as October tries to explain the nature of small talk. Her appearance, so often hard to read, appears to be… disappointed? Resigned? Either way, unimpressed with that description. “It sounds like a lot of work to get to know people,” she says slowly. “Everyone else I talk to seemed to like talking about the things I talk about. Mythology, philosophy... You listen to my problems for some reason.” She frowns. “Also, I talk to Kaze about things he likes, so this makes sense.” What was trivial to her? She looks a little confused and frowns at the question. “I don’t watch television, or many films. I find videogames boring. I miss a lot of cultural references that way, which is frustrating sometimes.” She frowns, and begins pouring tea.

[October]

“Oh, I agree. If someone reads too much into something, that’s on them. But if you aren’t giving them anything to work with, then isn’t the blame on both?” she offers back.

“Thanks! I would like to understand it better, even if I don’t join, it would be wonderful to have a better understanding.” She wasn’t sure where she fit with Orders yet. “Train? Like, fighting?” she asks, looking a bit unsure. The clothes she wears? She couldn’t help but look down at the jeans a crop top, shrugging, “Huh. Guess I just prefer comfort over showing anything off. Well, at least when I’m not out at clubs. But, I suppose I’m in good shape. Working out has never really been my thing.” Though one wouldn’t know from how toned she was.

“No, they shouldn’t be personal. But finding someone you can have an intelligent debate with is rare. People take things way too personally, and for some reason, seem to feel personally attacked when you question them.” It was stupid. “Oh really?” that seemed odd to her. “Always fun to see how different each person in an Order is. Especially with what they believe about the Order and what it stands for.”

A half smile, “It kinda is to be honest.” She wouldn’t lie. “But sometimes, it’s worth it. And you can usually find those good people with small talk. Weeds out the boring ones.” Most of the time.
Laughing, “For some reason?” she laughs again, “The first time, you asked for my advice. And I’m the type of person who likes to take the time to get to know someone. And with you, its given me insight on how to take what you say at the Circle. Plus, you're interesting.” What she had learned had explained a lot of things about the Arrow. “I don’t have much time for tv, so I get that. And there are references I don’t get either. But if you ever want to try and learn about some, let me know. I’m sure we could find a way to make it interesting and fun.” Maybe she’d even learn a few more.

[Phoenyx]

“I give them words, that are simple and truthful. Are you saying I can affect their interpretation more than words on a page could? I aim to keep my emotions separate from things to make this easier for them to understand. Does that not help?” Phoenyx replies, starting to stound more curious. It would certainly help her if others did that.

“Not necessarily, although many of us train for combat. I certainly didn’t expect that in this meeting so I decided to wear something a little more visually pleasant.” She gestures to the scarlet top with the material hanging from the sleeves like wings, and her mouth twitches with a hint of a smile. “The Adamantine Arrow is historically the warriors of Atlantis, it’s soldiers and guardians. In the modern day we aim to protect the other Orders, wherever we are, but how we do that varies hugely from place to place. Some are guards. Sentinels are very common among the Arrow. Some hunt Seers. Above all, we adapt to our situation, and try to avoid depending on methods solely magical or mundane. It is the first of five precepts of our philosophy we refer to as “the Adamant way”, from which we take out name, or simply “the Hand”.” She takes one of the cups of tea and offers it to October.

She nods. “I was mentored by a single Awakened, who introduced me to the Arrow that way. My teacher was very traditional, and though he explained the orders, my life experience up to that point made the Arrows the logical choice. In hindsight a lot of my teaching was geared to adopting those ideals, but it feels right for me as well.”

Phoenyx shrugs, blushing a little. “This is why I see it as a challenge to improve my ability to talk to people. And you didn’t have to help me! I’m not good at listening to emotional problems! I’ve been lucky in finding people that have been willing to offer help.” She takes her own tea. “How do you mean, “what I say at the circle”? Do I act differently?” She didn’t think she did. “Interesting how? I just be myself, although it is pleasing to find out that is interesting.” Her smile grows so it can practically be recognised as one and she nods. “I tried that with Kaze! He is very happy when we watch movies together. I tend to criticize things that don’t make sense, but he finds that funny and laughs at them with me. He things my being honest about them is funny.” The Arrow seems very happy when talking about Kaze. She pauses and sips her tea. “I was learning to do the same with Galatea, but she had to leave. That seems to happen once I open up to people.” She frowns. It was a strange coincidence.

[October]

“Have you ever heard the saying, it’s not what you say but how you say it?” she asks. “People react to more then just your words. There is your facial expressions and posture and your tone of voice. Look at it like this, if someone uses a sarcastic or critical tone when they make a comment about you, it comes across as negative and you might get defensive. But take the same person and comment, and the tone used is one that is kind and loving, you’ll react more positively. When you keep your emotions out of what you say, you can come across as cold and like you don’t care. Tone can be a bigger communicator than simply words, and some react more to it then what you say.” It was the same with her work. Her tone changed how people reacted to what she says.

“I always figured an Arrow could fight in whatever they were wearing.” Says the Enchantress before she listens. Huh, seems she was learning something new about the Arrows. She figured all the did was fight. Accepting the tea, “Thank you.” She gently blows on it, “Interesting. I didn’t know some were guards. This is why I ask questions, always best to ask and get the facts then go based off just what I’ve heard.” Which was often wrong or biased. “So you knew you always wanted to be an Arrow?” in some way, it made her jealous. She didn’t know what Order she belonged in. “My teacher was without an Order, so I never really got exposed to them early on.”

Smirking, “I know I don’t have to help you. But I enjoy it, I’ve gotten to know you better. And put some of those psych classes to use.” She jokes. “You do. At the Circle, you’re more guarded.” She wouldn’t lie, “While I still see you as being guarded here, it’s even more so around the others. Like you need to hide and protect yourself.” She wasn’t sure what she’d want to hide, but she got the feeling. “Why are you interesting? I think it’s the stark contrast I’ve been able to see. The way you were at the bar, when you’re walls were coming down, the way you are at the Circle, all business and no jokes. I think you’re still learning who you are, and it’s interesting to me to see it.” A shrug as she sipped the tea. “You and Kaze sound cute together. Glad it all worked out.” A nod. “And I can see why he’d think it was funny. Sometimes movies and things aren’t meant to make sense. It everything always made sense, I think it’d get boring.” And they can’t have that. A hand waves, “I wouldn’t read too much into that. Sometimes life just calls us away. I hope you don’t let it stop you from trying to open up to others.”

[Phoenyx]

Phoenyx frowns a little, thinking. "Yes. I suppose that is true. Sometimes it is hard to connect the tone to what people are saying, but I suppose it helps most of the time?"

She smiles. "We have that kind of reputation, although it is harder in heels. I can still shoot a gun though." It sounded like a joke, although the news that the Obrimos occasionally wear heels might be more surprising. "You may have noticed I tend to wear simple, practical attire. It means I am always ready for any situation. The leather coat provides some simple, discrete protection as well." She leans in and whispers conspiratorially "Although since I left home I bought myself few nice things like this, just for special occassions! They're just so pretty!" The tea is sipped again. "More cynical mages consider us the thugs of the Awakened world, and there is a stereotype for a reason. Like most Orders there is so much more that that appearance. We are direct, yes, but we hold to concepts of honor and respect. If an Arrow gives their word to something they are expected to fulfill that oath. We train to fight because we expect ourselves to defend the other Orders, and it makes us better at magic, not to fight or dominate. Arrows are rarely leaders outside of an open conflict, but we are always present to protect. It is our role, and we take it seriously." The Obrimos shakes her head. "I did not know I wanted to be an Arrow. But when the options were presented, it felt like a hand into a glove. I wanted to adopt the tradition of my Master, and it felt natural. Did you not encounter others of an order, or was your training like mine - away from most others?"

Phoenyx puases, thinking again. "I suppose that is true. There I hold an official position - that of the head of the Adamantine Arrow. Though not a Concillium position, the Arrow have a rigid structure to help keep discipline. I become a public figure, responsible for the protection of the mages at a time when they all gather. I have to be professional and watchful." There is a rising blush. "I am embarrassed about the bar. I do not drink often. It felt so rebellious... liberating," she smiles a little again. "I have heard people rarely know who they are until they are over thirty. I do not know if that is true - I think I know who I am, but I cannot be the same for all times."

She says little when Kaze comes up, though she does smile and seem to drift off in her memories a little. "He is very cute," Phoenyx admits shyly, blushing deeper. "I am trying. I am opening up to you! Although the Iced teas sort of did that quickly." The Obrimos sips her tea, trying to hide behind her cup.

[October]

Nodding, “It does. Our tone tells the truth even when our words don't, even when we're unaware of that truth ourselves. And it's our tone to which others respond. We can even say "I love you" in a way that provokes bitterness and then innocently argue we're being unfairly attacked when the person to whom we've said it quite rightly responds to our tone rather than our words.” She tries to explain.

Laughing, “Seems to me heels would make for great weapons! I have some stilettos that look like they could seriously maim someone if I tried.” Though she had to wonder if Phoenyx really had heels. And if she did, they were probably just kitten heels and not full-blown heels. “Ok, I can see that now. But isn’t it stressful to always be ready for a fight? Always be scanning a room for trouble?” seems like it’d be exhausting! Smiling, “Well they’re very nice.” She agrees. “And isn’t that kind of what we were talking about at the flea market? Buying something simply because it catches your eye?” she asks with a smirk. “I’ve heard that about the Arrows.” It was true, she’d heard it quite a bit. But what Phoenyx was saying made more sense. “It’s always amazed me how different something truly is once you ask the questions and not go based of rumor.” Sipping the tea, she continues to listen. “My training wasn’t away from anyone. But my teacher seemed to hate the Orders. So I don’t feel she answered my questions truthfully, her answers were clouded by whatever drove that hatred. Now, I don’t share her views, never have. But between that, and school, I just never had the time to look into them for myself.” It was the truth.

“I can see that now that you’ve explained it like that. I’m a different person when I’m at work, more serious, all business.” Not many liked her at work, she was too serious. But when your job is to save someones life, you tended to be a bit serious. “Embarrassed? Why?” she was surprised, “I could tell you don’t drink often.” Lightweight in that sense. “Letting your hair down and allowing yourself to have a good time isn’t always a bad thing. I think it helps keep us all sane.” She needed her nights out. “Really? Well damn, not looking forward to thirty now.” A laugh.

“I just think it’s great that you were able to talk it out and move forward. Believe it or not, there are people who would just write it off without trying.” Another laugh, “They did! We call that liquor courage. And no one is more truthful then someone who is drunk. And believe it or not, there is science to back that up. But no worries, no one will ever hear about that night.” She’d gave her word before, but the way the girl was hiding behind the cup, she might need to hear it again.

“So how can I help you learn more about Fate?”

[Phoenyx]

Phoenyx doesn't respond, but mulls the words over slowly, sipping her tea.

She shakes her head. "They make balance difficult because you have to readjust your centre of gravity. It suppose it can be stressful. But it is about more than just yourself. When I watch, I am ready to protect others. That makes it easier." She narrows her eyes a little, but smiles. "Yes, we were. But this top is something I looked for specifically, rather than hoping to find something."

October's description of her training sounded very different. "The Diamond Orders have stood for millennia. Perhaps she had a bad experience." She shrugs.

Why was it embarrassing? "It was very exposing! Arrows are supposed to be disciplined. I was taught to be minimalist, aesthetic. Getting drunk and blurting out your problems does not appear on that list!" She says with protest. After a few moments her face breaks into a shy smile. "But it was kind of fun!"

She blushes again, deeper and more shameful. "I had thought of that. It was very hard. But that idea hurt a lot. I am glad we worked things out." Mostly. "But thank you. Fortunately That is still some way off for me."

She ponders for a moment. "I am curious as to what it can do as one advances. I simply know manipulation of the strings of fate s possible, but not how or how much. It has had to take a back seat in my studies of late but I see no reason why I cannot discuss it woth you."

[October]

“I can see that now that you mention it.” Though she sometimes felt more comfortable in heels then sneakers. “Then you need to get more credit, and should be thanked more often. If I had to do that, my back and shoulders would be a wreck from being tense all the time.” No thanks. The narrowing of the eyes was returned, “Uh huh.” She wasn’t buying it.

Nodding, “They have. And I have respect for each of them.” As she should.

She couldn’t help it, she laughed, “You can be disciplined and still be in touch with your feelings. There’s nothing wrong with it, nothing you should be embarrassed of. What you were taught and what’s human nature, are two totally different things. If getting drunk was what it took to have you get in touch with those emotions, then so be it.” It was normal to her. “It was something.” She agrees with a smirk of her own.

“And it can only get better from here!” well, so long as the Arrow kept opening up about her feelings. “Anytime, I’m glad I could help. I typically don’t get asked advice like that, so knowing I actually helped is surprising.” Cause she didn’t have the best track record for that stuff.

“Ok, well, I’m only a Disciple of Fate, so I’ll fill in what I can. So yes, the manipulation of the threads of Fate are possible and only increase as your study and understanding do. The basic understanding of Fate allows on to gain small fortune with tasks and analyze of the threads of Fate are connected. It’s helpful with people and things. With an increase in understanding, you begin to be able to bestow luck and curses. Which can be helpful for getting out of fights. Well, at least for me.” She wasn’t a fighter. “You can even increase your luck with social situations. Another useful trick is making your targets share damage. Two against one sucks, unless the two are taking the same amount of damage.”