Las Noches

[Adonai]

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Ten Days Later

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[dem0nzlust]

Ten Days Ago

Ximena remained deadlock in this showdown of might against the formidable shinigami Jinnosuke, but to her dismay more continued to flock in. With the restrictions placed on them to not release her Resureccion, and for tactical reasons she decided not to showcase any of her unique techniques, namely given no information on what Soul King part she had in her possession. Thinking that she caused enough distraction for the others in Naruki City it was time for her to think about an exit plan along with her right-hand woman, but it seemed someone else had the same plan. Her cero-infused fist meant to blast Jinnosuke away instead found itself colliding into the inside of the Negacion barrier causing a massive cero explosion contained inside before dissipating revealing her unscathed with smoke seeping of her body from the aftermath. As the Negacion began to take her away she glanced down directly at Omoni who continued to display her rage over the situation and shouted for Ximena to leave. A small eye-twitch could be seen as she began a shouting match within the Negacion demanding for Omoni to get inside of it so they could duke it out, while rapidly punching at the barrier with boiling rage wanting to be set back free. After a few minutes of lashing out, she let out a big huff scowling down at all the shinigami now forced to watch how they slaughtered the hollow who weren't wise enough to retreat. And just as quickly as the disaster known as Ximena arrived in Karakura Town, she disappeared back into the Garganta darkness to return to Hueco Mundo.

Soon after arriving back into the familiarity of Hueco Mundo's night sky and barren sands, they called home. Stepping out through the Garganta and getting a look around she saw many of the demi-hollow running rampant and some other hollow already preying upon the weaker ones causing her to face-palm when she realized let her temper get the best of her not fully thinking this through in the heat of the moment. She could already hear Kuvello in her head lecturing her about jumping to the rash choice and letting the pent-up rage she had for years get the best of her to the point it affected her decision-making. Either way, though it felt therapeutic to let that anger explode in such a grand display along with making the shinigami hurt. Now in a more cool-headed mindset, she returned to the Espada's tower to check on the others to see how their visit to Naruki City happened to go. Sharing what she happened to learn about her enemies during the attack she felt quite satisfied upon hearing they managed to capture two of them meaning her diversion plan was a success.

Present Time

Over the next ten days, Ximena spent it helping as many of the adjucha as she could break through their evolution knowing what was to come next. Everything she did was for the sole reason of guaranteeing the survival of Hollow when this was over, and so when she was not helping them, she kept her fighting instincts sharp training herself while gaining a better grasp on how to harness the Soul Kings lungs to its full extent. During this time she managed to somehow cycle through all of Espada's beds except her own like it was some secret hidden talent always thinking others' beds felt more comfortable than her own despite them all being the same. This brought us to the current day where it once began it was predestined for her to return to Kuvello's bed. Something about it felt right even the literal pillow talk on times during her knocked out cold in someone else's bed accidentally breathing life into it, the way it worshipped her and its mannerisms was much different. Maybe he secretly had a better sheet count or it was enhanced with the hand of the Soul King. These were all secrets she tried to interrogate the bed about by bringing it to life for questioning when Kuvello was out and busy yet it remained elusive.

Whatever the secret may been this fateful start of the day Ximena half hanging off the bed was still lost in a deep slumber after spending hours of countless training. At this moment she remained oblivious to what was going on around her and out for the count momentarily probably even able to sleep through an earthquake if allowed. The whereabouts and lectures of Kuvello were another time's problem she didn't concern herself with slinking more off the edge of the bed and grumbling in her sleep with a trickle of drool running down her mouth. Small fragmented sentences slipped from her as she talked in her sleep fussing at the shinigami who ruined her plans in Karakura displeased she couldn't have killed or toyed with them more along with mumbled sleepy curse words to Omoni who shouted at her to leave.​

 

[TherosAestas]

10 Days Prior

Cordelia watched as the two human’s she’d just banished to the valley of screams were simultaneously negacioned. She giggled uncontrollably, unsure of how negacion and her own circle of severance would react in tandem. Before she could dwell on it for much longer, a booming voice cut through the chaos of the city.

“Come! Let us escape this ruined city! Let the Hollows have their fun—we’ve got other things to handle!”

The aquatic songstress felt giddy deep within her soul as her attention snapped over to the person of her wicked affections. The only other arrancar she wouldn’t dare day dream about devouring. Before anyone could register that she’d even moved, Cordelia was barreling into Emillia, her arms outstretched to her. Emi! Let’s go home! Cordelia clung to Emillia as a beam of light surrounded them, whisking them away from the world of the living.


Present Day


Slumber was not something Cordelia shook off easily, so it was surprising when she awoke without any problems. Stretching, she glanced around, realizing she was in an unfamiliar room. It didn’t take her long to notice someone else was also in the bed, and they were half sliding off of it. Her eyes widened as she let out a startled shriek, realizing that Ximena was passed out in the same bed as her. It was at that moment that the events of the previous night came rushing back to her.


The Night Previous


She’d spent the day discussing the possible plan to hunt down the missing humans with Emillia, and by the time they were done going over all possibilities she was utterly exhausted. Her mind was foggy as she pushed open the door to her room to change into something better suited for sleep. The sound of her nails digging into her door broke the silence around her. Her bed, which was usually neatly made due to her rarely utilizing it, was in complete shambles.

XIMENA! No one else could possibly be the culprit. Only a few days prior, Cordelia and Emillia had found Ximena asleep in Emillia’s bed. Besides, she was a serial bed stealer. Without a second thought, and without even changing her clothes, Cordelia barged into Kuvello’s room. Ximena had a way of always returning to Kuvello’s bed and no one really knew why.

Determined to make the nuisance right the wrong that is currently the state of her bed, she pulled her boots off and began beating the other espada with them. She should have anticipated that they would have no effect, but she didn’t care. She was frustrated. Wake up, damnit! Cordelia spent maybe an hour beating the out cold Ximena, until she was beyond the point of exhaustion and passed out beside her.


Present Day…Again


The situation did little to soothe Cordelia’s annoyance that she would now have to go make her bed rather than have the troublemaker fix it. Rubbing her blurry eyes, Cordelia climbed over Ximena’s limp form and retrieved her boots from the floor, slipping them on before retreating from the room. She couldn’t waste anymore time. She had to go hunt down the two humans who were now loose in Hueco Mundo.

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[Elk]

10 days prior

What she had expected was the two humans landing somewhere near the World of the Living. However, due to the Negación and Cordelia’s abilities, they had somehow ended up somewhere else. As to where they were exactly—only the Soul King knew that.

Previous night
It had been a long search through the endless desert and night. The small scuffle hadn’t worn her down like this. She had been searching through the endless desert for the past ten days without rest, but the last night had her wanting to head home. As she got closer, she and Cordelia had a long conversation about searching for the humans.

Her eyes blinked. She sat on a chair within the base of the Espada towers.

Her two-toned eyes narrowed at the metal surface of the blade of her zanpakutō. Her fingers ran across the edge of the blade, pressing ever so lightly as she felt every single small scratch across the metal surface. As her fingers moved away, she reached back and gripped a soft cloth, worn from use. She gently pressed the worn and damp cloth against the edge of her zanpakutō, moving her fingers in slow, deliberate circles. As she finished, she could see her own eyes staring back at her—unblinking and quiet. Calm, but unreadable.

She moved her hands across the white surface of her zanpakutō in the same slow, deliberate circles as before. As she reached the shaft of the blade, she turned it to the other side. Her hand dropped the damp, worn cloth and reached for another. As the fresh cloth pressed against the unpolished surface, she began repeating those same careful motions across the metal until she could see her eyes staring back at her once more.

She exhaled, her eyes shifting up the stone stairway. Before long, the sound of tapping could be heard as she began to ascend the stone steps of the Espada towers, zanpakutō in hand. She slowly closed her eyes, allowing her Pesquisa—and the spine of the Soul King—to guide her. She followed that familiar signature across the rooms. When she found it, she pushed past the door and dropped beside them onto the bed, her body sinking into its soft embrace.

Present day
Her eyes opened. In that same breath, she sat up, scanning the room before looking down to see both Cordelia and the Tres. A low, grating noise came from her clenched jaw as her fingers gave a slight twitch.

Static crackled in the air. Emillia was nowhere to be seen. Then a loud thud echoed through the room, followed by the sound of clacking footsteps growing fainter—moving further and further away.

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[Adonai]

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The time was nigh, the eve of the invasion was here and to ensure things were going to go as planned Valiosa had planned to call a meeting. Messengers were already sent to each Espada, telling them to gather in the meeting room, no exceptions or excuses will be tolerated. She wanted to discuss strategy, places of import, and more importantly what had happened in the World of the Living. Two Fullbringers were sent to Hueco Mundo, both believed to have very prominent parts of the Soul King, however they were lost during “transport” and now roam Hueco Mundo. They are irrelevant to her at the moment due to the sudden silence and cold shoulder she was being given by the so-called “Mother of Vizards” and her former Captain confidant. She had not heard from them in quite some time, especially since it was their idea to strike the living world to gather more fragments. Valiosa feels almost betrayed by them, almost as if they were trying to set her and her Espada up. Antonio is well aware of that duo’s absence but isn’t so bold as to tell her “I told you so”.

The two of them walk down the hall of Las Noches with a third person following behind them, in a hooded cloak, their identity is veiled for a reason perhaps. The walk is silent, almost as if they are mentally preparing themselves for what is to come. Antonio prepares to fight in a way to avoid as much injury as possible since he lacks Hierro and his High Speed Regeneration is effectively burnt out. Valiosa trying to think of a way to not repeat Esmerelda’s mistakes, they have to strike in a way that will debilitate the Gotei 13 as quickly as possible. She has plotted and planned quite a bit up to this point and has been successful. A few days ago she peered into the distant future and she saw the Gotei Thirteen in ruins, set aflame with dead Shinigami scattered about. A complete victory. She knows this future will come to pass, she just has to make sure her plans are just right. As for the third individual with them it is unknown what they are thinking about. Valiosa puts a smile on her face and looks at Antonio.

”I sense a lot of anger resonating from you, Antonio. What’s the matter?”

A vein bulges on his forehead as he grips his head and almost claws at his own face.

”Th-these damned E-Espada are so s-s-s-stupid!! They are g-g-going to ruin everything! They don’t c-c-care about our goals at a-all! All of them are f-focused on th-th-their own ob-objectives!”

Valiosa smiles, she triggers his anger now so it won’t erupt mid meeting. She looks forward as the long hall is almost at an end.

”Indeed they are, they are using us as a means to their own ends. I am fine with that. We are united to fight the Shinigami and once we defeat them I can care less what they do afterwards.”

”Wh-what if they a-attack us?”

”With what power? So long as we have the eyes we are untouchable.”

”Are you su-”

Antonio begins to speak and then stops, thinking back to how Estarossa was able to pick apart the power of his left eye and nearly defeat him. Granted he was more arrogant back then but he feels like that situation would have played out the same way. These powers aren’t as Almighty as Valiosa may think. Valiosa does pick up on his hesitation and looks back at him once more.

”Hm? Is something the matter? It's not like you to just not speak your mind once you’ve started.”

”I-it’s nothing, Boss. I f-f-figured it’d be best f-for me to shut up n-now…”

She tilts her head curiously, she knows something is the matter and that something is on his mind but for some reason he won’t speak it. She looks to their hood friend and smiles.

”Do you have any thoughts or things to say?”

The hooded figure shakes their head and she nods in response, turning to open the doors to the meeting room. She takes her seat at the head of the table with Antonio to her left and the hooded figure to her right.

”Once everyone is here the meeting can begin!”

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[Kuvello]

-----State of the Union-----​

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Standing upon the ledge that extended out from his tower, the Primera Espada would find himself looking out into the ever-present night sky. To his right, a Garganta Broadcast would play the events that were taking place in the World of the Living. How Kuvello was able to achieve such a wide variety of view would be anyone's guess, however, as the events progressed more and more of an emotion would bubble up within him. What this emotion was he had not pondered upon it much, perhaps it was something akin to Envy? Jealousy? The desire to traverse the World of the Living and flaunt his own gifts. Perhaps he should have allowed himself to enjoy the short lived spar with each of the other Espada.

No matter, for now he would allow this emotion, this fuel to settle within his core, a power he could draw from at a later date when the time was right. Without warning, three blurred apparitions would manifest behind him, signaling the arrival of his hand-picked Fracción. Each of the figures remained silent until Kuvello's attention shifted toward them.

"What is the status of the remaining rebel camp in the far western sector?"

"Destroyed sir. Valeria was insistent upon leaving no survivors, not even a shred of flesh could be left discernable from the ever flowing sands."

"Such is her barbaric nature, very good. You all never cease to please me. Though it seems I have yet one more favor to ask of you all."

"We're at your command sir, what is it that you wish of us? Chaaha!"

"I need you to keep on the lookout for promising recruits. I'm not entirely confident in the direction it seems we are being led...or in some instances dragged. Things have been too easy for us up until the present moment. I can't help but fear for the worst."

"W-what do you mean sir? Isn't this not what Lady Esmerelda would've wanted?"

"No you're absolutely right, this is exactly what she would've wanted. As the end result. Though as you all are more than aware, such a path lead to her unfortunate and untimely demise. I fear that Valiosa and Antonio may be biting off a little more than they can chew. Especially with the other recruits. We aren't exactly unified for the same cause, more so haphazardly compacted into a vehicle of promises and sentiment, driven by fear and the quest for power. Once we destroy the Soul Soceity, and eliminate the Shinigami, then what? What more is there beyond that? The others have proven that the World of the Living, is as much a desert for any interest in conquest."

The three Fracción would exchange a look between each other. It seemed something within Kuvello had stirred, or rather been altered in some way. Though the orders from the upper echelon of La Casita, and Las Noches alike were appearing to shift themselves. Was there some unspoken resentment, or perhaps a change in guidance? So many aspects left to question.
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----Ten Days of Preparation----

As Kuvello tended to each daily task that had been assigned to him, either by himself or Valiosa, one constant remained the same for him as he found himself waking up to the visage of Ximena, as she found herself in his bed time after time, morning after morning. The very thought of engaging in sexual acts with the Terceira Espada drove him to a wrenching fit.

"Ximena! How many times must I remind you that you're tower is the tower left adjacent to my own!"

A swift foot to the face would send the Espada from his sheets as she rolled into the ground slamming into the hallway on the opposite side of his wall. Yet another day of patching a hole. Each day adding less and less stability to the structure, as more and more holes became painstakingly patched.

Standing atop his bed, the Primera would begin to give Ximena an earful, regardless of her mental cognition. Which more times than not was followed up by a combo of bala and a weakened cero to drive the female off. Though despite his consistent reprimands, she had an otherworldly ability to end up back in the same place the next time he found himself awakening.

Kuvello's engagement with the other Espada during this time was limited, fleeting in fact. Though nobody seemed to be the wiser as many of his clones could be seen wandering the halls, keeping constant surveillance and note of the happenings that went about during this period of waiting. Though one thing was certainly of note, as more and more of the bird-like creatures from before seemed to wander around, perhaps attuning to the same sense of curiosity that Kuvello possessed. However whom ever owned, or cared for these avian creatures he did not know.​

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----The Day of Reckoning----

Finding himself lost in thought again, the Primera Espada would be found in his generalized location, looking out from his Tower as this time the sudden manifestation of an apparition brought him out of his internal monologue with himself and place him in a sense of high alert. Turning quickly to face the unannounced messenger, the arrancar would find himself pinned to the ground, his arm angled in a direction that beckoned the male to cry for his release at once. Realizing the man proved no danger to him, Kuvello would slowly rise up from his assault of the man as he listened to his words.

"I-I'm sorry sir for letting myself in. However, your attendance is requested at the request of Lady Valiosa and Lord Antonio."

"I am well aware. Have you forgotten that I have been tasked with keeping a watchful eye over everything within our domain? I will overlook your thoughtlessness this once, but do not make such an action again."

A salmon-hued blast would emit from the ledge as the sound of an anguished voice filled the night air, followed by a disruptive pressure wave that caused the very foundation of La Casita to shake. The visage of the messenger wallowing upon the ground clasping at an arm and leg that were no longer attached to his torso, as a pool of crimson began to spread around him.

"Get ahold of yourself, and clean up this mess you damned fool. Did you think I would let you off without some form of reminder?"

Lifting his Zanpakuto over his shoulder, the Primera Espada would begin to make his way out of his room and down the spiraling staircase. His senses on high alert as his eagerness to quell the scourge, that was the Shinigami, coursed through his veins.

"Ximena if I so much as feel your presence, I will not hesitate to lash out."

A coarse and uncharacteristic threat would emit from Kuvello's lips, as the last time he found himself summoned, he had ended up in the arm's of Ximena at the base of the staircase, in a rather unsightly fashion. It seems the consistent harassment had finally pushed the otherwise calm Arrancar to his boiling point.
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[TherosAestas]

Since Cordelia’s retreat from Kuvello’s room earlier in the day, she’d spent hours secluded in the abyss she’d created within her own room, allowing the water of her own creation to cradle her. Her eyes had fluttered shut mere moments after entering and water and for once as she drifted alone, though it wasn’t to sleep. She merely let her mind wander to the events that had transpired over a week prior and the missing humans running free in Hueco Mundo. Just as her waters sprawled out beneath the sands of Hueco Mundo, so did her reach.

Just when she thought she’d caught a glimpse of their reiryoku, a messenger entered her chambers. Her eyes snapped open and if the messenger had been brave enough to peer into the vast pool of water, they would have only seen them staring back at them from the inky depths. Alas, they were smart enough to not tempt fate by approaching the water’s edge. A soft sigh sent ripples and bubbles through the water and moments later, Cordelia ascended from the darkness. She remained mostly submerged, only the top half of her face out in the open and her seafoam hair splayed out on the surface.

”E-excuse me, Espada Sexta, I did not intend to disturb you. However, Valiosa has called a meeting of the Espada.”

Before they could retreat to the perceived safety of the hallway, Cordelia was already at the edge of the pool, her hands gripping the jagged ground. ”Has Emi… Espada Cuatro been informed yet?” The messenger shook their head, unsure of whether Emillia had been informed yet or not. Her hand shot out to ensnare their ankle but froze mere millimeters from making contact. Now wasn’t the time for her to feast. ”Go.” The messenger scrambled backwards and sprinted out of the room as Cordelia hoisted herself out of the water. She supposed it was time to leave the towers.

As Cordelia gathered the water that clung to her clothes and hair, her lilting voice filled the space and drifted down the hall as she made her way to the meeting. Stepping into the room, she headed straight for her chair, her eyes focused on detangling a knot in her hair. ”My apologies if I am late.” It was only then that she lifted her eyes to take in her surroundings.

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[Elk]

A metal clanging sound could be heard echoing faintly in the hallway. The sound of static could be heard humming as one got closer. A shrieking sound was now added to the mix, growing louder and louder till finally a thud could be heard. There stood a Números, eyes fixed on two figures.

Emillia’s halberd swung down, the weight and force would cause the ground to crack and crater. Yet her zanpakutō rose again with the same speed and ferocity—just as it had on the way down. There, another Emillia could be seen, her body twisting and bending forward before spinning several times, till finally her halberd would connect, slicing the image in half. Their eyes dilated as their image began to fade away, with Emillia standing just above the rubble.

“Q-Quatra, you are hereby summoned to the meeting halls of Las Noches at the request of Lady Va—”

“Very well then.”

A voice spoke out behind the messenger, with a hand pressing down against their shoulder.

“If you think I’m going to kill you for what you saw? Well, you would be right. I’ve killed for less. But I’ve learned not to kill the messenger a long time ago.”

A static hum blasted next to him before the Números turned, only to be greeted with the sight of an empty hallway, before turning back to the training hall, where a small crater marked where she had stood.

“My apologies if I am late.”

That familiar static hum could be heard just behind Cordelia.

“I doubt that you’re late, Cordelia. I do believe you’re right on time.”

Her hand rested on Cordelia’s shoulder. Slowly, that touch shifted upward, fingers gliding along her skin before gently tipping her chin up—just enough for their eyes to meet.

“You missed the last meeting. I’m sure you would have enjoyed the meal the Primera provided—the Segunda, Tres, and I. It was such a lovely meal.”

Her fingers trailed off as she turned. The quiet tapping of her steps echoed briefly—until the sound of stone grinding signaled her seat. Emillia sat, silent and composed, as if she’d never moved at all.

“Would you kindly take your seat?”

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[dem0nzlust]

Ximena remained in slumber continuing to drool away even after being whacked repeatedly with a shoe swiping at it thinking some bug landed on her face. After a few attempts of the messenger to wake her up they finally struck some luck as she snapped sitting up. Stumbling around with the imprint of a shoe bright red on her face she let out one big yawn and jumped up on her feet stretching out. Remaining oblivious two other participants were in the bed alongside her as both Cordelia and Emilia had already made their timely exit. Scratching the back of her head she listened to what they had to say reporting the meeting taking place and her slouched drowsy expression suddenly changed. Smacking herself in the face a few times then a zzzt sound resounded out leaving a speed clone in her wake, and the messenger believing Ximena was still there continued to talk with her until the clone finally dispersed leaving him dumbfounded.

Ximena appeared out of the room in free fall skipping the purpose of the steps to make up for lost time as she ascended rapidly down to where she needed to be. With a thud, she landed gracefully straightening out herself before letting out a small sigh already sensing those who were present. Feeling a small bit of relief she wasn't the last one who arrived but not knowing how long each participant had been here already. Knowing the importance of this meeting with her anticipating it for a long time coming she entered into the meeting halls.

"My bad if I held things up. The conditioning on helping the newborn Arrancar get adjusted to their new strength and skills tired me out on top of getting them to break old habits of trying to murder each other for more power."

As she made her greeting with a bow of the head she took her seat and leaned back into the throne. Remembering what Kuvello asked of them last meeting to be respectful and take things seriously along with some other things she might have accidentally drowned out about etiquette for these meetings. Her eyes scanned the area taking note of the others, but tried to sit up straight after a while of feeling uncomfortable she slouched leaning on the armrest with a focused look on her face ready for things to kick off.
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[Nobody]

Clack

Clack

Clack
The sound of something tapping against the ground at a steady even pace could be heard from within the meeting hall. It was the sound of someone's approach, and they didn't seem in a particular hurry either. Finally, after what seemed like forever, the tapping stopped.

"Oh you're all here, and acting somewhat civilized this time no less. Good, very good indeed!"

Staring at the entrance would do no good to see who had arrived and who was speaking, that is unless one would turn their head down towards the short little arrancar, toting a cane with a top hat resting upon his head. To nearly everyone present, the man was a stranger having never left his lab to show his face to others. Only those who had dared venture into his workplace, and been fortunate enough to return alive and in one piece were aware of just what he looked like. Adjusting the collar of his coat, he nods his head as he strolls across the room pulling out the seat that was far larger than him, hopping up to take his place at the table. Compared to the others, he was like a child at an adult table in terms of appearance given his short stature.

In the past ten days he has mused over the data obtained from the events of Naruki City and Karakura Town. While he himself wasn't personally there, his Plumas and the Garganta Broadcast served well in relaying to him the visual data of what happened, along with the reiatsu signatures of the shinigami that were present there. Contrary to what either Shinigami or Arrancar felt, as far as he was concerned the Shinigami performed magnificently. He thoroughly enjoyed himself watching their struggle against an overwhelming threat.

Truly entertaining.

Considering all that he had saw and learned he ruminated on what new possibilities could be born from this little spectacle. For days he racked his brain, adjusted several pluma only for the experiments to result in failure. Yet, he refused to become frustrated. It is in failure that discovery is...well, discovered! It was only until he was forcefully called out of his hole that is his lab, that he was forced to press pause on his work.

Clap Clap

Clapping his hands, several Pluma hobble in, carrying a large tray with several cups and jars resting atop of them. They struggled to keep everything balanced as they approached the table of the espada.

"Tea and biscuits anyone?"

He asked with a gentle little hum.