Twist of Fate [Porky]

While Genesis wasn’t used to office work quite yet, she could sympathize with him and understand how tireless effort contributed to mental and physical deterioration. It was her job to, anyway. Besides, now that they had gotten friendlier she figured it was best to see each other as such. He needed sleep, and it didn’t take a professional diagnosis to realize that. ”Please do get some rest. I cannot imagine the sort of exhaustion you have right now. All these theories and academics… I’m rather interested in all of it. That much I can promise you. You need rest, though. I’d be more than grateful to listen later after you have caught up on well-deserved sleep.”

But gratitude for him seemed to only be acceptable in certain doses. For once she kneeled, she was met with quite the shock as his tone shifted. Immediately she stood straight as a board upon hearing her language. Startled, at first, fearing that she somehow disrespected him entirely. What quelled her suspicions though was the touch of his hand against her delicate fingers. Her breath hitched for a moment, before she ultimately swallowed her pride and looked at him with her wide blue eyes. From the prior sudden motion a bit of her rose-colored hair fell from her cleanly messy updo, to which she tucked back behind one of her elongated ears. A motion of orderly behavior, and a sort of nervousness. On any case she would retain professionalism and look upon her manager with attent. Listening to what he had to say. All of which… Relieved her.

”You are a very honorable man. Humility is one of the finer aspects of character, and it’s an honor to see one who takes it to heart.” She smiled once more, looking at him directly as they were occupational equals. ”Well, it certainly appears that you are on task at teaching the future generation. I’m sure the trade of magic will not be lost upon this youth as it has the rest of the world.” To that, Genesis’ demeanor diminished quite apparently. She looked towards the window once more. Approaching it with her hands folded into each other in front of her. ”It is quite the shame that we must live in a world where all magic is witchcraft and unholy. Either that, or a mere slight of a hand.” Her hands raised to press against the glass. A look of longing clear in her eyes. ”I wish the humans could see it. That the creatures and elements they read to their children in fables and rhymes are just as real as you or I. That those dragons they fear are intellectual beings that could take to the skies if they weren’t confined. That the incantations, spells and potions weren’t some con created by a fool yearning for money. That I and my people aren’t mere characters written in books.”

She looked back at her boss. ”It is a sad world in which we live. And yet, we cannot blame it. For there is beauty to be found despite such circumstances. I believe that you hold that sort of hope for what can become of this place. For me… I believe I can help as well. Because I belong somewhere...” She gazed to her palms. The stars appearing once more, as tiny sparkles floating in her hands. ”But it is certainly not here.”​

Genesis allowed her mind to flip between two spaces. On one hand, she was personally concerned about the wellbeing of her employer. On the other, she wanted to focus on his opinions on the dying art of magic. His exhaustion versus his virtue. What was more important? She shook her head a bit. Not leaving the side of the window. ”It must be. At the same time, it is most honorable that you follow a code. Magic requires one, though should not be limited in greed. Only virtue.”

What he shared with her almost threw her off guard. Because she hadn't heard someone who shared her opinion in a long, long time. ”Yes... Professor. I could not agree more.” She uttered in her naturally breathy voice, quiet yet firm. Magic was given poor treatment in the outer society. As well as the creatures that possessed it. ”I just hope whatever Arcana and the Gods have planned is for the benefit of us users. If not... Our kind may be in peril. And what we and all these creatures hold is too scared to let slip by.”

Her forehead softly touched the glass. Next to the light touch of her fingertips. Her eyes closed, but not for long. Mere moments afterwards she blinked in focus as she felt a warm touch to her almost bony shoulder. His touch. Her boss, her friend. His touch soothing her conscience as she looked back at him. Her face serene. ”Thank you. I do hope so, although with this island comes great opportunities. I have... Hope. Especially since I have the Magistar to guide me. And to that, it is not possible for me to express my gratitude enough. Your support shall help tremendously. I humbly deliver my many thanks, sir Octain.” Though her composure was kept erect and clean-cut as usual, something broke that reputation as it was clear that his touch nearly melted her cold exterior. Her shoulder blades shifted smoothly as she let him massage her. This was... Highly unusual. But she wouldn't question it. Nothing like this happened before. Were careers supposed to be like this? If they were... Well, she couldn't complain.

”Mmm....”

Whether or not she registered the content mumble of sorts in her mind wasn't apparent. Still, the touch felt good. And it served as a comfort to her that he was behind her all the way. She only turned to receive another gift from him. Something not quite so emotional. This one, physical. ”Oh professor...” She looked at the little device he held out. A compass. For her. As it aligned itself, she looked up to him. Not noticing where the needle pointed, for her eyes were on his face only. ”I am not sure what to say...” She gaped, with a smile. Lightly she took it in her hands as she continued to listen. Dutifully, and respectfully. In turn for such generosity, she was being asked of for something so simple. A friend. But was this simple? She supposed it was more complex than she realized. She had to unravel his mysteries all the while maintaining professionalism in the workplace. She wanted to get to know him better in between all the work-stress and endless amounts of filing. So she held the compass in her palms dutifully. Looking up at him with a proud face. ”It will be my honor to be your companion and employee. I shall do my work to the fullest of my ability. And if there is anything you need of me... Anything... Please, alert me. I will be more than willing to assist.” She bowed her head, with a bright smile. He looked away for a moment, which gave her a chance to glance at her new gift. The compass' needle did as Octain said. Her largest desire, her ultimate goal... It pointed to the sky that housed the stars. Just as she thought. But was there anything more? The thought touched her head. No. This was her purpose. She was the only hope for the Zodiac elves. There was nothing more to be desired in her lifetime.

And how that could change so quickly.

As her fingers traces its intricate playing, the Elf heard his voice once more. Beautiful. She was... Beautiful. ”...P-Pardon, sire?” Her mind raced to think of whether or not he said she was before. Regardless, it seemed that the connotation was different. Her eyes widened a bit. Oh... Dear... What was this feeling? She tried to ignore it. It felt like her chest was tightening, though it must have not been serious. She thought not, but somehow... Somehow that five second exchange caused the needle to turn from the sky. Ever slowly, towards the professor himself. Octain was apparently a prevailing desire.

The pink that naturally undertones her cheeks grew in vividness, deepening to almost fuchsia in a bit of a blush. This... Can't be right... She swallowed hard to only slam it shut and withdraw it in her bag. She wasn't going to discuss this now. ”Oh... It's um... It is wonderful... And beautiful, Octain. It shall come in great use for me.” She confirmed. A hint of flaking composure in her voice. Taking a moment to fully put on that militaristic exterior. ”Oh... Um, please pardon my behavior.” She ran her hands through her hair and straightened her posture. Her folded hands a sign of reserved judgement. ”How has it worked for you? Has it pointed to your heart's wish as well?”​