Round 14 Transcript

Clarice's expression shifts subtly — she can't help but smile at Silra's cool assessment of their situation. I assure you, maintaining this form is... manageable. But Jeane's approach catches her off guard, and she stiffens visibly as the sorcerer circles them both with predatory grace. We're not here to—

Jeane cuts her off mid-sentence, dark orb pulsing faster in her palm. Manageable? Is that what we're calling it when you're tapping reserves I can feel from across the room? She stops mere feet away from Clarice, close enough now that her wingspan nearly engulfs both duplicates in shadow. You want to collaborate? Fine. But let's be clear about something: collaboration requires mutual benefit. And right now, all I see is a desperate need for protection mixed with some half-assed offer of... what exactly? Her free hand snaps out suddenly, fingers closing around Clarice's chin in an iron grip that tilts the woman's face up toward her. Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're either incredibly stupid or incredibly desperate. And neither of those qualities inspires trust in potential partners. Silra’s hand moves to her blade hilt but doesn't draw yet — something about Jeane’s aggressive questioning feels... off. Too eager? She knows that look; it's the one that gets them into trouble more often than not. The magical pressure in the room intensifies as Jeane leans in closer, dark wings spreading wider for maximum intimidation value. I’ll ask again: what exactly do you think you can offer us that’s worth my time or energy? Because right now, all you've done is interrupt a private ritual and show off some parlor tricks. Her voice drops to a dangerous purr. Unless... is this about something more personal? Are you offering yourself as tribute instead of actual value? Abby whimpers softly behind her wall, the sight of Jeane so close to one of these strangers sending fresh waves of fear through her body. She can feel the magic building between them, see the way both duplicates have gone rigid with tension. The air in the basement feels thick and charged now, like a live wire ready to snap.

Silra watched the duplicate interact with Jeane — her sister's aggressive questioning was entertaining but also sloppy. That grip on Clarice's chin was theatrical posturing, not tactical interrogation. I don't think either of us are stupid enough to trust a magic show and vague promises. She shifted her weight subtly, hand still near her blade hilt but not drawing yet. The duplicates hadn't moved aggressively despite Jeane's provocation — that suggested they were here for something besides a fight or they weren't capable of one. Or both. Either way, Jeane was wasting time and energy with theatrics while the actual threat assessment needed attention. The binding circle still held Halie immobile in its center, but if these duplicates decided to test their power against them, that circle offered no protection — just a target marker. Silra's eyes traced the exits again: the bookcase passage, the stairs, the window high above them. All had risks, all had advantages. Right now, her priority was information over posturing. She spoke coolly, cutting through Jeane's theatrical interrogation: They're not here to be your playthings or our saviors. Look at their magic — it's raw but controlled, like they've done this before. If they wanted to fight us, we'd already know it. Instead they're answering questions, albeit awkwardly. That suggests a negotiation posture, not an attack one. Silra's teal eyes stayed fixed on the duplicates as she continued: Duplication magic at this level is expensive — time-limited if nothing else. We should be asking what they want badly enough to maintain two bodies for an indefinite period, not just demanding tribute or threats. She glanced at Jeane then, her expression pointed. And we should be doing it without putting ourselves on display as potential targets.

Jeane released Clarice's chin abruptly, her wings settling slightly but still half-spread for intimidation. You think too much like a common thug, Silra. She turned away to circle them again, dark orb pulsing rhythmically in her palm. Power doesn't care about motives or time limits — it respects only those who can wield it effectively. Her eyes raked over both duplicates appraisingly as she moved. These... women... have the arrogance to duplicate themselves and interrupt my sacred work. That suggests either stupidity or strength. I prefer to test the latter before assuming the former. She stopped directly between them now, close enough that her wingspan encompassed both if fully extended. You want collaboration? Fine. But first you prove your value beyond empty threats and magic parlor tricks. Jeane's free hand traced the curve of one horn idly as she spoke, dark energy from the orb flickering along her fingertips. Show me what you can actually do with that duplication magic besides waste magical stamina maintaining two bodies for my amusement. Or are your skills limited to copying yourself like a common peasant who can't afford original thought? Her crimson eyes fixed on Clarice — or was it Julia? The distinction didn't matter yet. You claim protection from some unnamed threat we should fear more than each other. A harsh laugh escaped her lips. Prove it. Right now. Show me the magic that makes you worth my time instead of just another obstacle to be... removed. The dark orb pulsed faster in warning, casting flickering shadows across their faces. Unless your protection is as empty as your threats? In which case we're done here. Jeane's gaze shifted briefly to Halie, still bound and immobile at the center of the circle. Or perhaps you'd prefer a different demonstration of power? Her tone was casual but dangerous. I can show you exactly what happens to those who interrupt my rituals or underestimate the Cromwell Cult. Would you like that as an alternative introduction? She knew Silra was watching her carefully now, likely calculating angles and risks. Let them calculate — Jeane lived for moments like this, where raw power could be tested and claimed. These duplicates might have skill, but they were also arrogant enough to duplicate themselves in front of us. That suggested either stupidity or overconfidence. Either way, it made them targets worth testing. Abby whimpered softly behind her wall as Jeane circled the duplicates again, the magical pressure intensifying with each flicker of the dark orb. She could feel the fear radiating off the young woman in waves — good. Fear kept people obedient and predictable. But she also noted Silra's subtle hand movement toward her blade hilt, the calculating look in those teal eyes as they watched everything.

Jeane stopped directly between the duplicates now, close enough that her wingspan could encompass both if fully extended. You want collaboration? Fine. Her voice was a dangerous purr. But first you prove your value beyond empty threats and magic parlor tricks. Show me what you can actually do with that duplication magic besides waste magical stamina maintaining two bodies for my amusement. Or are your skills limited to copying yourself like a common peasant who can't afford original thought?