~Charlotte LaChance~

---

Charlotte watched with some amazement at Aislinn's physical ability. By the stars, how did someone managed to do that? Well, it wasn't impossible, but she had never seen someone move in quite that fashion so quickly! The peoples that lived around Astril weren't exactly the agile sort. The other girls bragging didn't do much to sway her from trying though. Ah, how Charlotte wanted to just prove Aislinn so very wrong. Unfortunately, she doubted her skill in physical co-ordination, especially something like that.

But well, she might as well try. Wouldn't get anywhere without a little trial and error. Wouldn't be the first time she did something like this for science.

Taking a breath, Charlotte attempted to mimic Aislinn's actions. With a running start, the alchemist jumped, feet landing some distance away from the beginning of the log. Immediately, she transitioned into another jump, her feet hitting the log for a second time...and sliding over the edge of the damp wood. With a somewhat startled yelp, the alchemist lost her balance, falling over the side of the log face first into the stream.

A few seconds of fumbling around later, the alchemist managed to push herself to her hands and knees, coughing a bit as she tried to catch her breath.

"Argh, by the stars this dress isn't very water resistant..." At least her cloak did a good job of keep her backside from getting too wet. She pushed herself to her feet, looking over at Aislinn who was no doubt likely feeling smug.

Aislinn was glad she hadn't started with cartwheels. She had thought that perhaps she was being patronizing, but a yelp escaped her lips as the other woman disappeared into the water for several seconds.

"... Charlotte ...!"

The native ran over to the drenched woman as she climbed out of the river coughing as if she had almost drowned. For a moment she watched Charlotte as she tried to recover, concern written obviously across her face. The foreigner wasn't holding the smile of someone enjoying themselves. By the time Aislinn resumed her normal joking attitude, the black haired girl would have realized that it was probably done partially to defuse the situation.

The girl coughed before starting to boast. "... I ... ahem ... I, Aislinn, Queen of the Forest claim victory on this day!" She playfully put a foot up on the log, trying to look off to the air in an imperious manner.

Having finished her little game, the native walked over and extended a hand over to Charlotte in hopes that she would accept the help up, not realizing that the black haired woman weighed much more than her and would likely just pull her down if she grabbed on. "... I'm ... I'm sorry. That probably wasn't a lot of fun for you." A little guilt ran across Aislinn's face as it was obvious she hadn't intended for it to end this soon. "... maybe I could help you learn some basics?"

And perhaps learning some would help the other woman activate her tattoos in the process.

~Charlotte LaChance~

---

Charlotte blinked at Aislinn's obvious concern. She wasn't particularly used to that sort of behavior, aside from perhaps a handful of people. It was...nice, at least. Though 'Fun' wasn't something she was trying to have at the moment. When Aislinn mentioned that Charlotte frowned again. She wasn't here to have 'fun' she was here to 'learn'. Admittedly, learning was fun to her as was alchemy in any capacity. Still, ruining the girls fun would just...make her feel a tiny bit bad. With a sigh, and shake of her head, Charlotte gave Aislinn a small smile.

"If there won't be any more soaking involved," Charlotte said, getting to her feet with the aid of Aislinn, making sure to use her own feet for the most part so she wouldn't pull Aislinn down. "Then yes, learning some basics would be fine."

The native visibly cheered up as Charlotte smiled back at her, nodding with approval as the other woman agreed to her idea conditionally. Aislinn helped the other woman up then looked for two small but round rocks that they could stand on. "Okay. So first take off any footwear you have!" After removing the rough pair of sandals typically found among their population the girl hopped onto one of the rocks, balancing with both feet pressed together on top of it. "Now spread out your arms and stay like this for as long as you can." A breeze came by, pushing the native on her perch slightly but she remained. "I know it looks silly, but it'll help in the long run! Promise!"

It wasn't exactly Aislinn's idea of fun, but after Charlotte's lackluster performance on the natural bridge it would probably be a bad idea to have her attempt any more extreme stunts. Besides, it was hard to remain perfectly balanced with one's feet unnaturally close together.

~Charlotte LaChance~

---

Well, she supposed taking off her foot wear was to be expected. Charlotte removed her makeshift sandals with ease - she had stashed her usual boots with the rest of her clothes at the behest of Aislinn. Placing them a foot or so away from the rock, Charlotte stepped onto the rock as Aislinn instructed. Balancing whilst moving slowly and standing still wouldn't exactly be too much of a problem for her, she hoped. She had to climb a few precarious ledges before, though not without the help of rope or other aids.

"You are the expert here," Charlotte said, wobbling a bit on her perch. "So I'll trust your judgement." At least the weather was warm enough so being drenched didn't exactly bother her much.

Aislinn walked up to Charlotte as she tried to balance - even without a breeze the woman had difficulty remaining still on her stone. The native approached, putting a hand on one of Charlotte's muscles and poking it - the piece of flesh felt nearly as hard as stone. "You need to relax - it's like you are trying to fight the world." Any imbalance with such tightened muscle would be amplified ...

For the next hour or so the native helped Charlotte on the small stone - the runes didn't activate but over time the black haired woman improved. Her legs were probably getting tired, and a quick glance down by the girl with multicolored hair had her place a hand on the foreigner's back as a support. "Good job, you will soon be like a cat!" Aislinn gave the other woman a large smile. "Sit down! I don't think it would be a good idea to continue!"

Throughout most of the training through Charlotte was acting strange ... like when she had been hugged the previous day. Her face was flushed but the air didn't smell like arousal ...

... perhaps their type simply smelled different from normal when they had problems? For a few seconds the native gave Charlotte a look before sitting down next to her. "Charlotte! You seemed distracted during our training ... I belong to Cait right now, but if you ever need a little time alone your Queen can go talk to her other subjects! It's springtime and I'm sure your people need release as well!" The native's tone seemed to be both excited and concerned - as if she was worried for Charlotte but proud of her discovery.

~Charlotte LaChance~

---

Relax? She thought she was about as relaxed as she could get, but maybe not. Besides, relaxing seemed like a bad idea when one was trying to balance on something. Still, if Aislinn said so she should at least attempt to 'relax' a bit. It wasn't exactly easy, though with Aislinn's help she was able to manage a bit. By the end of the next hour though, she was more than a little sore. She hadn't ever sit still for so long in her life. At least, she had never been sitting in one position the entire time.

"Urgh, I am sore." Charlotte complained, ignoring the cat comment. What came out of Aislinn's mouth next though, caused the Alchemist to stop in her tracks, turn her head towards the native and give her the most bewildered look one could possibly have mustered. Aislinn didn't exactly strike her as the type to just say something like that out of the blue for giggles, unlike Cait. Which meant either she had Aislinn all wrong, or she genuinely thought she was helping.

Well, either one was annoying and a bit troubling.

"I, uh..." For a few seconds Charlotte had to figure out how to even begin to reply to such an absurd idea. "Aislinn, you are so completely off the mark I can't even form a proper reply." Charlotte simply stared blankly at the other woman. "L-look, my people do not have...'springtime', as you call it." She continued in an even tone. She had heard Cait mention it a few times, and could hazard a guess as to what exactly that meant. "It's all this...touching and being seen without clothing is just getting a bit embarrassing unless it's with a lover." Realizing that the native might not have a notion of what that word meant, she continued. "Typically, being seen without clothing is considered rude and uncultured, and touching people where I am from tends to happen only between friends and acquaintances, and is little more than a handshake or a small pat on the shoulder. Maybe a hug, if its a relative or a friend. Anything more intimate is reserved for a lover." Charlotte took a seat next to Aislinn, stretching again.

"To be honest, I've never even understood all this...touching required of people in certain social situations. It's nothing more than a nuisance."

Aislinn was confused - how did their mating work if they didn't have springtime? A frown crossed the native's face as Charlotte discussed the entire hugging situation again, at which point she gave the other girl a smile after a few seconds of thought. "Sorry! But you said we are friends right because we are besties!" A new enthusiasm filled the voice of the younger girl as she recalled the previous day's conversation. "And if we are friends, then it shouldn't be a problem according to you, right? Besides, I was just trying to help you out!" The girl seemed genuine as she thought about trying to help the other woman balance.

It was then the native raised her hand in a request for a high five. "Besides, you did a good job here! You've gotten a lot better and soon you'll be hopping from tree to tree without a problem!"

~Charlotte LaChance~

---

The fact that Aislinn had just used her words from last night against her in quite the clever way was at the same time endearing, also quite annoying because she couldn't refute it without being plain mean. The alchemist frowned, giving the native a small glare. Well, at least she was told she had been improving. That was a plus, though she didn't entirely feel like she was improving just from one little session, as they say. Still, she wasn't intending on being overly friendly with anyone just yet.

"I have been touched more times in my time here than I have the entire time I lived across the sea," Charlotte said with a small frown, completely ignoring the high-five. "Just...try to keep the touching to a minimum, and the next time I must unclothe myself for something, tell me before I actually agree to do something." With a sigh, she poked Aislinn's head again. "...you are a surprisingly fairly good teacher, though." She continued, transitioning the poke to a small pat on the shorter natives head. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I am a little hungry and may have left something bubbling over a burner."

Said something was probably fine. Shouldn't do anything bad. Like explode. That was very bad.

The native pouted slightly as her attempt to high five Charlotte was ignored and she was left hanging and a poke touched her forehead. "But I'm the Q-" Was ... was she being petted by Charlotte? A furious blush ran across her face as the other woman mentioned something about a burner. Aislinn felt that she was supposed to be the one in charge here! Couldn't she ever win these sorts of things at all? "B-but I'm ... I'm the teacher-Queen! Y-yeah!" For a few seconds the girl tried to formulate her points. "I-I'm not an anim-"

The girl would follow Charlotte if she stood up and tried to get her attention with overly drastic movements of her arms. "A-as Queen y-you str-strip when I tell you to! My l-loyal subject!"

Only Cait had ever petted her before and that was when they were mates. Otherwise everyone was content to let her be the rightful ruler - right?

~Charlotte LaChance~

---

Oh? Was...Aislinn blushing for some reason when she had pet her? She seemed oddly flustered, at least. Odd considering how much touching she normally was okay with. Charlotte stopped in her tracks, looking down at the native with small interest. This could be an opportunity to mess with the little native just a bit if she wanted.

"Well excuuuuuse me, your highness." Charlotte said coolly, reaching a hand out and placing it on Cait's head again. "I forgot your a tyrant that likes ordering people to do what they don't want too. Maybe next time you tell me to strip, I'll poison the food." It was hard to tell if she was joking or not about her statement. On one hand, the petting could simply be taken as teasing. On the other, her voice was much to calm and even for what one would normally use for teasing.

A smile crossed Aislinn's face as she was finally addressed in an appropriate manner that her regal status called for. At least until Charlotee felt the need to start petting her again which caused the native to have an upset pout cross her face. But a gasp followed as the other woman continued to speak. Firstly, she implied that her own will was not what her subjects wanted. Then she was told that she could be poisoned!

The rabbit gave a scared look over to the predatory beast she was walking with. "Uhhh uhh uhh - Please don't. I-I don't want to poisoned!" For a few moments the native paused as a thought began to cross her mind. "W-what if I'll just warn you if an activity will involve taking off your clothes, alright? Yeah?"

Either way it was rather apparent that the black haired woman was having an effect as the girl finally realized what was going on. "W-wait! You don't believe I'm Queen, do you?" THAT would explain why Charlotte was so disrespectful, but weren't her regal mannerisms enough to convince the black haired woman of her rightful status?

~Charlotte LaChance~

---

"Of course you're not, you look nothing like a Queen, Empress, or anyone who holds such a title." Charlotte replied with a scoff, deciding she had enough fun messing with Aislinn for now. She should get back before the fire and earth essence she was working with decides to finish its process with...erm, rather, explosive results. Then again, perhaps the title meant something different over here? She wasn't sure, though Aislinn was far from a picture of what a 'queen' should be. She thought about pointing out Aislinn's flaws, but ultimately decided against it. It wouldn't do to completely break the girls image of herself so she remained silent.

"And don't worry, that was just a joke." Charlotte continued, walking past Aislinn and continuing. "If I was going to kill you, I wouldn't use something as crude as a simple poison."

Aislinn gave an honest frown as Charlotte snarled at her cruelly - of ... of course she didn't. Even a foreigner couldn't take her seriously on a first impression. Perhaps she wasn't any sort of royalty, but she had hoped that maybe someone else would be willing to consider her to be a leader - Caitriona didn't, Charlotte didn't, and the entire tribe never considered giving her responsibility. Why?

It bothered her, the girl being largely silent for the remainder of the walk as she looked towards the ground. Charlotte would only receive a weak "... thanks ..." as a response to her threat. When the two arrived at the cave where the black haired woman would need to fix whatever chemicals were brewing the younger native would just go sit down outside leaning against the rock that was their home together.

~Charlotte LaChance~

---

Ailsinn was silent on their way back. Perhaps Charlotte had been a little to harsh? Charlotte could never understand such things, really. The truth was the truth, and she didn't understand why people didn't like hearing it when it came to things like this. People in Astril had always been the same way. Always with the boot licking and trying to make themselves both appear better than hey actually, and getting the slightest bit offended when someone told them they were being ridiculous. Still, Aislinn looked a bit...hurt. After the native had objectively been nice to her, too.

...

Charlotte spent the next few minutes checking her chemicals and things. Cait was asleep, as she had expected so she was able to work quickly enough. The alchemist had thrown something together rather quickly. She didn't know exactly how good it was since she didn't have the usual materials, but from a few preliminary tests it should work. After another few minutes, she walked back outside, standing next to Aislinn and leaning against the same rock.

"Here." She said, handing her a glass flask filled with a yellow colored liquid. It was a simple, sweet drink that would hopefully make her feel even a tad bit better. Whether Aislinn accepted or not, Charlotte didn't seem to particularly mind. After a few seconds she'd continue anyways. "Being all pouty doesn't suit you, Aislinn." She had only known the other girl for a fairly short time, but if she had to be honest Charlotte did rather like the other girls attitude most of the time. For multiple, not exactly all extremely nice reasons. "You know, being a Queen isn't all that its made out to be. You have tons of responsibilities, and maybe end up having to do some pretty mean things to people sometimes. Being in positions like that tends to change people too, you know. Seen it a number of times myself back where I'm from. People I used to work with getting promoted and then act like they're better than everyone else, bossing other people around and cutting all contact with their old friends." Charlotte paused for a moment, giving Aislinn time to process that bit before continuing. "It's fine to want to be queen of something. It is, really but just going around saying you're queen of something doesn't just make it happen. You need to work at it. Convince people you're worth being their queen and won't be a tyrant that just bosses them around for her own whims and desires. But you know, I kind of prefer you...not being a queen. Not because I don't think you couldn't do it if you wanted...but well...you're a good person, I think, Aislinn. I'd rather you not loose that."

The native looked up as Charlotte returned outside taking the small vial of liquid into her hands as the black haired woman handed it to her. The girl eyed it with a slight suspicion - the last drink she had from Charlotte had put her into a deep sleep where the other woman could manipulate her - but she nodded at it as she decided she would drink it once the other woman was finished talking. Of course it wasn't nice to be pouty, and Aislinn looked more uncomfortable for a few seconds as Charlotte stated the obvious. But as the foreigner started to discuss the life of an actual queen - burdens, responsibilities, a life of having to be cruel the enthusiasm towards the subject started to die a little within the shorter girl. But the thought of pushing one's friends away ... that wasn't something that was necessary, right?

It didn't take a lot of thought for the native to agree with Charlotte ... maybe she wasn't meant to be a leader. It was a little sad but ... perhaps she was better to be a good follower rather than an arrogant queen, right? Aislinn drank the glass of liquid, a grin spreading across her lips as she tasted the sweetness of the beverage. With a satisfied sigh she offered the flask back to Charlotte.

"... I think you are right ... I'm probably better as a follower ..." It was a little disappointing, but everyone had their flaws and that was part of what the great mothers stated. If she was kinder than most it would be terrible to lose that! The grin spread into a smile as the black haired woman was hugged briefly before the shorter girl let go as she remembered Charlotte's discomfort with such contact. "Sorry! ... but thanks. Really."

The girl's normal attitude returned in the next second as the tattoos on her legs lit up slightly and she jumped onto the rock that was their cave. "Though I still like the title! It sounds fun! Is there anything I could be without having to be a meany to my friends?"

~Charlotte LaChance~

---

Charlotte let the hug happen, fully expecting it from the native, merely flinching slightly at the other girls touch. At least her words came off well then. She was used to people getting a little upset with her rather...honest approach to things regarding what they should do. She took the flask back, placing it inside of her cloak as Aislinn started speaking. Honestly, she wasn't aware of any such grandiose title that could lead men and still be innocent and would allow her to put those she called friends first. People in power couldn't have such luxuries.

"Aislinn-" Charlotte sighed, shaking her head with a small smile as the native hopped onto the top of the rock that was their little home. With a small smile, she continued speaking. "I am not aware of such a title, but my experience with the world outside of Astril is admittedly lacking. Perhaps there is one out there." Charlotte started walking back into the cave. "But I have work to do, so keep it down."

Perhaps she should ask Cait about meeting with the Great Mothers again. She was getting restless of waiting here again.

Aislinn nodded as Charlotte headed into the cave then turned her eyes towards the sky as she seemed to be deeply contemplating their conversation. Or at least contemplating what an appropriate replacement title would be. Best Rabbit? Rabbitear? Her Awesomeness?

Charlotte however would see a grin across Cait's face as she entered the room as the resting girl's eyes seemed to flutter open and take in the world. The native contemplated saying several things but eventually found the appropriate response that led to the appropriate combination of teasing and praise for the black haired girl's actions. "That was really sweet Charlotte, I couldn't have put it better myself." Aislinn's claims to the monarchy of this land were annoying and completely inaccurate, though the native was sure her younger counterpart would come up with some sort of new scheme soon.

It was clear based on the way the orange haired girl spoke that she was tired but was up for a conversation as well - even with an injury sleeping just after one woke up was a challenge that could try anyone's patience especially since she was inside. The native decided to take advantage of this company as she finished her statement directed at Charlotte. "It seems like someone is making close friends with Aislinn. You guys hug a lot more than we do ... I'm injured, so I'll let you entertain her tonight if you want."

~Charlotte LaChance~

---

Oh good

Cait was being annoying too.

Charlotte simply gave the native a humorless stare at her suggestion.

"She's your mate. I shouldn't be doing your job." Charlotte replied with a grunt, walking past Cait. "And that means you entertain her." Harsh? Perhaps a little, but Charlotte wasn't particularly in the mood for any more shenanigans from Aislinn or Cait. Especially Cait and her incessant teasing. "I have more important things to do - like perhaps visiting those 'Great Mothers' of yours now that the reason you didn't want to go back is taken care of." That was of course, an assumption but Charlotte could put two and two together fairly easily.

The native looked towards Charlotte with a sly grin as the other woman was clearly annoyed by her mating suggestions. In truth Cait realized she wouldn't be happy if Aislinn wasn't around to entertain her during mating season but she decided it likely wouldn't be necessary to voice that opinion. However the next topic of conversation was far more serious which led to the native stretching slightly as a bolt of pain shot up her side where Charlotte had hit her. Once the wince had faded away the native responded with a more calm and serious voice than before. "You aren't wrong about that - I didn't want to really bother with a mate this year. But now that matter is settled and we should be able to visit the Great Mothers soon." Placing her hand lightly over her bruise however the native gave Charlotte a bit of a smile. "However someone decided to injure me and I'm in no condition to go there right now - any injury can be too much if they decide to use the smoke on you." The girl placed her hand into her hair before taking a look down her dress and observing the wound. "I could go tomorrow perhaps if the friends say the weather will permit it. I know you've been patient but I must ask for a bit more time." A weak smile followed as Cait lowered herself back down again looking at Charlotte to see if she had something to say.