Ghoul Break: The Familia's Final Outing:
Background Events: Mason's Regrets
"So, let me see if I got this straight," Orsan said calmly, "You agreed to watch the former heads of the plant, illusion, and Potion covens for a chance to join the council?"
"I prefer the board of directors," Mason said with a small nod, "But yes."
"And how's that working out?" the ex-head asked, a hint of teasing working its way into his voice.
Mason threw a grin at his old friend and said, "Pretty easy, actually. Terra, Adrian, and Vitmir spent most of their time bickering. Made for a real good show."
Mason's grin fell, and he sighed.
"Until Odalia pulled that stunt of hers," he muttered somberly. "Suddenly, all three were on the same page, and it was all about taking down the Owl Familia."
Osran nodded and took a seat beside his old friend. Mason turned his head and moaned when a jolt of discomfort shot down his spine.
"Remember, don't move too much," the former Coven Head said offhandedly, "But after your little spying on the Familia, what do you think about the others' chances?"
Mason chuckled dryly and replied, "In a day-and-a-half, I was covered in giggle vines and got poisoned by stonarbs. And that was just from being close to that family. I hate to think what would happen to the others if they tried anything direct."
Orsan nodded and made a spell circle. Two cups of chilled Apple-blood came floating in from the kitchen and up to the witches. Manson was careful grabbing his cup and slowly brought it to his lips.
The two drank in silence for a while, enjoying each other company. Orsan sighed suddenly and placed their drink on the coffee table. Mason saw and watched as his old friend looked at him seriously.
"Manson, do you ever regret any of the actions you took while under Belos?"
Manson saw the regret in the oracle's eyes. The construction witch sighed and slowly put his drink on the table, wincing as discomfort shot through him.
"There are things I regret," Manson truthfully, "But my biggest regret is not listening to you when I had the chance. If I only listened to you, we could have stopped the draining spell before it activated and avoided so much pain and suffering."
Orsan sighed and leaned back against the couch. "At least you don't carry out questionable action to maintain a cover. The only comfort I can take during my time under Philip was that I managed to keep my wife's hands clear of any dirty deeds."
Manson looked at his friend for a second and then sighed. He leaned his head against the couch and stared up at the ceiling. Two minutes passed, and the two ex-head witches kept quiet, staring at nothing.
"...We have a lot to make up for, don't we, old friend," Mason asked somberly.
"No, Mason, there's little we can do about the mistakes of our past," Orsan said ominously, looking at the construction witch in the eyes. "We will have to live with our mistakes for the rest of our days. But we can accept them and try to move on."
Mason couldn't argue with his friend's words and simply nodded.
(G Corner)
Yup, the witch that got covered in vines a few chapters ago was Mason. And now we can move on to the third day!