Pure chaos, that was one way to describe the current state of affairs in Magnolia. What had been supposed to be a day of festivities turned into a nightmare when an explosion came accompanied by several buildings being lit on fire and local gangs rearing their ugly head. While the mages of Fairy Tail and their allies had been working on dealing with this rising tide of evil, one particular matter would soon require the new Guild Master of Fairy Tail her attention.

Several young members of the guild had been surrounded by a group of thugs and some wild animals they had been controlling, likely wolves from surrounding forests. Now was an opportunity for Judith to take the lead in mounting a rescue effort for her guild members, at the very least several of the guild' members would had been eager to accompany her, and the ones trapped could be easily rallied by her, but she would need to show initiative and the resolve to overcome the obstacles in front of her, even if that meant a confrontation.

At the same time from the nearby shadows a hooded figure had been watching, waiting to see if the Mother of Fairies would come to save her children, for no Mother would abandon their children, right?

WC: 200/1200

Much different then other people, Judith worked a bit different with the magic of being a wood elf was being quieter on her feet, So far things might have done some what to a plan, However it seemed something had been on her mind. Just who was the lady behind this letter? Would they speak to her? Would they be hiding forever? It was all a interesting ponder to her.

There would be background noise from some of the member of Fairy Tail talking about sticking to the plan, But no sound of Judith voice had been loud enough to have been picked up in the public. Esperia was right The Mother of Fairies did not abandon her children, She was watching the best she could, Even from the people who where hooded and friendly.

Behind Esperia the curled red horns of the wood elf started to get larger as she walked closer and closer, Then placing both her hands on Esperia's shoulder. Judith leaned close enough into Esperia's right ear."Most people when they wish to speak to me about anything don't hide."She mentioned to hear. These game were fun at the right time, But not right now it was about questionable.


But Judith, Did not pull that hood off of Esperia. Since she mentioned some very important names."Why don't you take offer that hood dear acquaintance. I have some curious ponders for a pupil of one of my daughters best friends, friend and good customer of mine Alisa."Just then took her hands off of Esperia's shoulders just because she wanted to see what would become of this moment."I am sure....you have a few questions for me as well."It was to be expected entirely Esperia if she was the letter writer at a point that not everyone would be happy with her being guild master.

Esperia raised a hand upwards as she felt Judith's hands rest on her shoulder, hearing the whisper she brought her hand closer to her face, her index finger pressing to her lips as she whispered softly. "If you trust Ali, then upon my signal yell for your mages to run toward the guild hall."

As Esperia spoke those words she raised her hand away from her face, further toward the sky above her as she let her magic manifest the golden bow she had gotten used to wielding. "Now~" As she spoke those words a pair of bright golden flashes came from the bow, and should Judith have listened to her advice she would find that as the mages that were surrounded were trying to run toward the direction of the guild hall, the two thugs blocking the path suddenly fell lifelessly on the ground, each of them having been hit in their skull by an arrow.

Meanwhile a third, the final flash of the bow came, but this time as the crowd of thugs and wolves attempted to chase after the mages, they instead ran straight into the shower of fiery meteors that came crashing down from the sky.

"Do forgive me for the concealment, they wouldn't have listened to me if I were to call out to them, but now that danger has passed I can provide you with a proper introduction~"

Her lips curved up in a smile as she brought the hand to her hood and lowered it, she turned toward Judith and addressed her, her voice carried a bit of playfulness toward it. "Pleasure to finally meet you in person Judith~ Most would call me Cressida, but my true name is Esperia, former Blue Pegasus mage and a pupil of Alisa~"

She smiled gently yet at the same time hummed softly. "Although you show a clear awareness of your surroundings and quick decision-making, a part of me had hoped you would have led a rescue party to rally the spirits of those who question your leadership, but all in due time."

She allowed her bow to disappear into a flurry of golden crystalized shards as she continued. "I do have some questions, but it would be more polite for me to answer some of yours first. But shall we do it somewhere more pleasant? I believe most of the riots around this part of the district have been tended to, and as such I believe we can continue our conversation in more hospitable grounds~"

She was clearly confident, a certain confidence she had inherited from Alisa, or perhaps it was the playfulness of the temptress that Alisa had once been known for? "But disregarding that, how are you holding up? It must be stressful to suddenly be thrown into this situation, especially when rumors say you regard the younger guild members as your own children... Those festivities should have never ended in a brutal manner like this." She shook her head softly as she muttered softly. "My darling would never rest even a moment at ease should Hasani have been here..."

WC: 519
Total WC: 719/1200

It seemed with that mention. Judith just neatly and quietly placed her moon rabbit set of bunny ears on her head."Very well, I will get into position."And she Jump six meters away. Just as the n with the now went off from Esperia. What exactly was mentioned to say was was heard from Judith. Fight even in groups were never exactly fun to deal with, at times eyes were needed in other spots, But not too long after she would hop right back and put her moon rabbit hood away, Almost like nothing had happen at all when it did.

But her introduction seemed to be met with a smile."So much like what Alisa always boasts, A pupil of class and with in a league of beauty all their own."It was a compliment yes, But not one she mentioned to be sucking up as most people would assume."I would say a fight with in Magnolia isn't fitting either...I prefer to meet new people by welcoming them into the guild hall, cooking them whatever meal that want, Whatever drink they want. Finding a table to talk...But I work in my own ways."Judith seemed to work different already compared to most people. Her way of working was the comfort of mother hood she is known for, Even then, Everyone is warned to never take it for granted either. Even if she had to never mention that part to them.

With that she patted Esperia on the shoulder."Very well, Come. Let us find a bit more of a quiet area to talk."Even leading the way Judith seemed to know where she was going. Judith would lead Esperia to a back yard of a house. The back gate having a door for them to go through. Lifting up the handle to the sound of some one pounding away at metal. Esperia would know this right now, But she was at Judith's house when she was never too far away from the guild.

Then with two benches next two bushes of purple roses and sunflowers. Judith would sit down by the one with sunflowers. There Judith would answer the questions."My appointing of guild master is never one I considered ideal, But one I take more out of duty for Fairy Tail and for the people of Magnolia who put up with us."Was it an ideal answer? No, But it was an honest one from Judith, But she seemed more then prepared to be judged upon it.

Then well, talking about being a protective mother."I am unsure how your life has been for you. But I have lost relatives out of the guild from powers beyond my control."It seemed bold to admit it but there was a reason for it,But she explained more of it to see if maybe what she was letting on made sense."A tree is never promised to stand tall forever...nature and fate dictate the path in which it is removed...fire, lightening,Rot, Man."It seemed to be strange to mention it like this but it lead into something."I watch over all...It is given in my title as Fairy Mother. However in Reality fate chooses what it does...we all have to come to terms with that."Judith mentioned it most likely the best way she could. She could do only so much before death and fate happen one is never able to stop it.

But you could see that motherly smirk in her eye."As any good mother would, Just as much as I thought Priscilla would be too when looked upon her."Judith mentioned with a bit of a smile about it,She knew exactly Esperia was talking about, But did not branch out into it too much right away.

It was rather fortunate that Judith was willing to trust her, for the end result was that the mages were able to safely return to the guild hall. However, the compliment that followed by the newly appointed Guild Master left Esperia smiling briefly, her cheeks flushing up briefly. "I would had been delighted to hear such a compliment if it had been my own body~"

Yet as the fairy mother explained her manner of approach to matters and then guided her to the backyard of a nearby house that had been spared from the riots, the Demigoddess silently pondered. Judith had a motherly and homely feeling, one that could surely draw in people but at the same time she had to question the actual strength of the woman when it came to defending that family she adored so much.

"All in due time Judith, you have big shoes to fill, and it was an appointment which came suddenly. Despite all the noble intentions you have, you also need to ask yourself whether you possess the means to protect the family and people that look at you for guidance."

"I can understand the elfin logic behind such a saying: Even despite their longevity nothing lasts forever. There are so many potential causes that might be beyond our control that could harm those we sworn to protect. I'm certain you might have heard some fragments from Kazimir after his return from the meeting that led to the formation of the Clover Alliance, and in all honesty we have plenty of reason to be worried."

She paused, sitting next to Judith as she closed her eyes for a bit. "Like we seen today crime is growing bolder, not just here in Magnolia but other regions as well. Even despite the actions of certain factions, one could say that at best we are a dam holding back the tide of darkness.

There are those that seek to undo all you and your kin fight for, and yet what are others their opinions? Some believe playing bounty hunter to be a fitting answer, which I believe to be naïve considering how often criminals walk the streets once more. There are some who believe inaction is equal to mercy, but I say that stands equal to the attitude of the divine: If you have power to make a difference, use it but don't hide cowardice behind excuses.

She sighed in frustration, a hand raised to her forehead as she attempted to suppress her anger. Alisa has the right of it: Our only solution would be to find out how Odin would carry out his ambitions, and find a way to stop him. And that on its own is easier said than done."

She smiled briefly at the fairy mother. "And yet, we can't allow ourselves to sit idle either. To speak plainly, Fairy Tail suffers from a lack of numbers and manpower. It is barely possible for the guild to ensure the safety of the city, let stand its own members. It is something that is a glaring difference compared to Blue Pegasus who possesses numbers but also several powerful individuals that when combining forces could repel most threats."

She turned her gaze toward Judith and pondered for a bit. "Perhaps in that regard your appointment is a blessing in disguise. You are a familiar face among Magnolia and the guild itself, people look at you for guidance and support, but who is there to support you?"

She raised a hand to her cheek and pondered softly. "Ideally you would adopt the Ace System as well, find one of your kin to act as a champion for your guild, the sword to vanquish those who would threaten your home, and the shield that would protect it."

She went quiet for a while longer, after which she turned her attention back at the Fairy Mother. "After all~ Every family has a Mother and a Father~ In that regard you could say I came to Magnolia to offer to be a father to your family, to help protect your family while you nurture them, make them grow from small sprouts into majestic trees that can weather the storms that will come."

Esperia lowered her gaze back toward the backyard and mused softly. "I lost too many things already, and yet it is because of Priscilla that I found that which I desire to protect. I am no longer naïve enough to think I can save everyone, but I will continue to hone my strength so that those hands can reach as many as possible."

She hopped off the bench and spun around to look at Judith with a playful glint in her eyes. "After all, the fairies had both Titania and Oberon to guide them~ What is to say you have to weather this storm by yourself?"

All in due time, A phrase she often spoke and heard in her life times sometimes that still did not help comprehend things."I know I have the help needed with the time as well."She would mention casually because even if internally she was unsure how to do all of this, She had a feeling she would be okay in the end.

Even if she delayed that comment from Esperia's comment."Well, It how you make it home that might count too."It was the simple and good way to mention feeling an understanding to that comment. With out giving away too many things.

As Esperia was explaining that there was lingering worry, A man with greying dark blue hair walked out of the shed he was working in, Before he went into the house, Judith just tapped him on the hip. Then whispered something into his ear.It was followed up with him nodding in acknowledgement and went into the house."The world will always have their worries, I am merely trying to piece together how I can help..After all I do not want to see this Alliance fade away."Hearing that from Judith might either be good or bad, It was entirely up to the inner workings of Esperia.

With the bringing up of Fairy Tail's members and well lack their of it was a subject that she could openly admit, seemed to perplex Judith."With in my entire time of the guild and seeing people come and go...Member retention has been a puzzle with a missing piece."It was a short and vague mention of it, But it was easy to pick up that Judith was annoyed slightly with how it had been working out, But it was just barely traceable in her words.

But she just seemed to question it to Esperia."I had not considered but it still seemed questionable that me becoming Guild Master would bring in more members and have them stay. It is...something I am unsure if it will in the end."It would be one of the times, You could hear Judith's own self doubt for a moment."Aces and rankings is a good system to have...who will be in placed I will take time to consider, I have options for them all."it was also fairly plain but she most likely kept it that way for a reason. Before she went to move on to family talk."I will not face the challenges alone, I will figure out and plan for all whom come into den."It was just that, she had little options, they were there for her and loyal but limited.

Then the greying older man can back, Put out two glasses of water, With two lemon wedges, two lime wedges with small amount of ice with the glasses.Judith then got up from her chair for a moment, Hugged the man and then sat back in her chair."Form...motherly experience, I hope your wife and yourself never have to experience a loss of a child...That wounds the soul more then anything else I have experience."It was a strange piece of advice but seemed fitting at the time."You can lose so many things,Their becomes a time when that loss is unable to be mended."Was it needed advice? Not entirely but it was something akin to a warning that Judith viewed important for Esperia to know, Then she would add some lime to her water mix it with her finger, then quietly take a sip.

Esperia pondered for a bit as Judith expressed her agreement to the idea that even as the new Guild Master of Fairy Tail, it was a burden not to be carried all by herself. And of course the comment that followed from Judith made Esperia go quiet for a moment. She knew all too well that despite her keeping her vow, her death had still inflicted an immense amount of grief upon her wife, which led to the Demigoddess to silently vow to become strong enough so that the tragedy would never repeat itself.

"It is understandable that you need time to figure out the correct course of action. With power comes responsibility, and it is now your turn to carry that responsibility in how you wish to guide your family in the years to come." She pondered for a moment, not entirely certain herself how she would advise Judith onto what actions to take for the future, and therefore she had chosen to instead let silence reign for a bit till they turned toward the topic of the guild and its lack of member retention.

"I believe your presence will invigorate the members, an active presence from the Guild Master will make the guild feel alive both within and outside the guild. People will notice that and consider the opportunities to become a member of said family. After all I believe one of the reasons Fairy Tail struggled in the past is because of the lack of presence: Should you, like you did before actively engage and interact with the guild, it will cause bonds and loyalty to prosper, friendships and trust to be forged. Then all you need is a foundation strong enough to support the family. Which brings me to the next point."

The Ace system was indeed a solid system to have, but surprisingly Esperia shook her head at Judith's words. "The Ace System is a good system when you have the manpower for it. But frankly speaking in its current form the system would be detrimental to Fairy Tail. You have only a few mages who truly can boast to have the experience and strength to protect the guild: Kazimir being a obvious answer, I also heard whispers that there are some powerful mages among the younglings, but I have yet to properly interact with them- but I would personally suggest you expand upon the Ace System. In the past it was not unheard of for guilds to have mages work together in a team to support each other. I would suggest bringing back this system in the form of a unofficial 'Ace Squad', a small group, for example three mages that you consider trustworthy enough to function both as your advisors, confidants and guardians of the guild.

For example Kazimir is one who is fast on his feet, and has a fair share of adventures under his belt. Giving him free reign to travel beyond Magnolia to investigate threats that might lurk beyond out vision will serve you better than having him held up here in Magnolia. At the same time having a combat-ready protector for the guild at all times will help ensure both you and the family have a home to return to. I for example specialize in martial combat, albeit some of my relics also allow me to function as a bodyguard to a degree. But I think personally I am better suited for the following: Children need to grow up, they need the time and guidance to develop and I would suggest having one of the more experienced mages that you trust serve as mentor to those willing to learn. By actively allowing new members to benefit from the wisdom and experience of such a individual you will develop a engagement between them and the family, making them less likely to just up and leave without a word."

Receiving the glass she smiled and spoke a word of gratitude to the man, taking a brief sip from it as she enjoyed the drink. Judith's advice did hit home quite strongly. "I... lost my family at a young age, and was powerless to prevent the death of my first lover, as such I have been perhaps a bit too zealous and reckless in wanting to protect the family I found with Priscilla, and while I do try to be more careful nowadays for their sake, I do understand the reasoning behind your advice. I pray there will be nobody that foolish to try to endanger my family."

She sighed softly, her gaze shifting at the sky. "Shall we return to the guild hall? I believe the chaos calmed down a bit, and Kazimir might be waiting for you~"

WC: 790

Maybe it was a good time to return to the guild, Getting from up her chair and making sure to finish her cup of water, Judith would pick a few of the roses that where here, Walk inside the house wrap some paper around their stems to keep the fingers off of the thorns. Then she would hand them off to Esperia."Here, Bring these to your wife. Consider them a sign of Good faith towards your new life now."It seemed silly at first but this was Judith normally, these were the things she did to make people happy.

Then again Judith entirely was just a league of her own, She had so many things she jut wanted to give to have people more forward in life. But they would return to the guild for there was other things to do, Much is the life of Judith there was always more to do.

{exit}