Roleplayer001

St. Sappho Academy, Medieval Magic Academy (Invite Only)

The magierprinz was relieved that Lyssa didn't seem to upset about her saving the village from an inevitable demon based hugocalypse. Eith seemed to be managing herself, which was a relief. But when Lyssa mentioned him being to adorable socially awkward bookish type Selvina paused. Of course, that's how she came across. But ... adorable? Selvina blushed a little bit before shaking her head. This demoness was a heart-twister, that was for sure.

"Oh um um thanks ... but I mean like, how do you decide what to wear? I took Luna out to buy clothes, but she couldn't help me buy anything? Or like, how do you braid your hair, or decide what perfume to put on? And what about acting? Most girls - even Luna - don't act like boys tend to?" At first the magierprinz was almost making fun of girls like that, but by the end of the conversation she realized that she was genuinely curious. And not only from an academic perspective either. "I guess I could always find some random cat or dog to be a familiar and have them learn from a servants, but that would take a year and I'm not sure what will be happening by then. I guess I'm just asking for a quick ... crash course of sorts? In being a girl?"

To Selvina's mind she needed to be able to put on a feminine enough impression in order to not be easily mistaken for Swen in the case this was temporary. It would be an embarrassment to the family name if she was found out!

Botanist And Bards

The native listened to Charlotte speak, smirking initially as her ideas were called ridiculous but adopting a more intense and serious expression as eventually Charlotte started discussing the seriousness of the matter. The room sounded interesting for sure like most of the tower, but couldn't one simply look at the sky to admire them? Still though, it seemed Charlotte was a little homesick in spite of herself and the orange haired girl put a single comforting hand on top of Charlotte's, giving it a small squeeze before letting go and becoming lost in thought.

A star chart though, for navigation? All of the young girls were of course taught about the North Star before their hair was potent enough, but most of them favored speaking to friends if they were lost since it provided pleasant company anyways. "Perhaps the Great Mothers have one or maybe someone has painted one, but if I am understanding our purpose is accomplished differently. Since our terrain shifts, it is far more useful to speak to the friends for their guidance. Besides, they can warn of other dangers such as storms even by watching them. You don't have to hear them speak to be able to tell what they are saying most of the time." It probably wasn't a good idea to drift back to that subject though.

"Perhaps I could visit your tower one day. I feel it would help me understand you. Maybe I could show them about the friends even?" Caitriona already knew the other woman would reject that offer, or warn her against it. But despite that understanding, the smile of idealism crossed the orange haired girl's face. "Although, such grand structures aren't necessary to understand the world. Many peoples seem to seek raising them above the world ... but they all collapse in time. Not even the continents last forever."

St. Sappho Academy, Medieval Magic Academy (Invite Only)

Selvina listened to the advice of the group. Spending the night on the mountain wouldn't be too harsh for them, would it? Hadn't they heard of blankets? The girl had practically brought an entire sack of them designed for the worst nights in Northern Germany when the lakes froze over and the creeks stopped running. And besides, his father was not one to enjoy that sort of discomfort and had designed a few simple cantrips to make maintaining one's body heat more easier for extended durations.

However the new information that there was possibly monsters on the mountain made the girl think. On one hand, such things usually amounted to superstition from villages like this. On the other, there was a temple up there that was known to have a sealed creature within it, and power tended to attract power. And spending the night within a short trip of possible guards was a bad decision.

It was also possible that if the elder was working with them, that he was under threat or unable to reveal all of his information in precise ways. So his warning could be forced to be vague.

"Actually, it would be nice to have a day to do another review of my notes ..." Selvina had noticed the stories were jumbled and odd, and would have to find congruencies between the references. The events of the weekend had distracted her despite her best attempts based on recent information. The noble gave a quick bow in the direction of the village elder. "I apologize for my indecisiveness, but I thank you for your hospitality. Taking the advice of those nearest is wise in this case, I think." With that settled, Selvina looked towards the others in her party.

But it would be a bad idea to let Lyssa wonder around. And Eith possibly as well ... was the hound wagging her tail? This was ... an odd development, but not a bad one. Why was she suddenly so protective? The magierprinz reached up scratched her a little behind the ears instinctively before stopping and giving the girl an apologetic look. She probably didn't like that sort of attention a lot. "Just stay close to me and rest, alright? I'm going to depend on you to help me get up there tomorrow." Her physical strength would hopefully be able to make up for her own lack of endurance.

Now to handle Lyssa ... was there possibly a way to make her not be depressed if she wasn't allowed outside? Luna was responsible enough and -

An idea popped into the magierprinz's mind. The demoness would feel a hand land on her shoulder as the magierprinz squeezed it slightly. If the elder seemed approving, Selvina would lead the two of them upstairs to where they could speak more privately. She didn't mind if the other two did follow, but she would rather have this temporary condition remain as private as possible.

Then she tried to broadcast the most you are the only one who can do this/I need you look she could manage into the other girl's eyes. "And Lyssa ... I actually need your help with something. These recent changes are ... unusual, and I could use some guidance in being ... you know. Different." Selvina was surprised by how genuine the next part of her request seemed though. "Because you are really adorable and I figured if I'm going to be stuck like this, perhaps I should learn how it works from the master, right?"

Botanist And Bards

Cait was a little surprised the other woman even climbed the tree, or that she was even capable of climbing the large natural structure while she still was a little high. She'd apparently got quite a bit of practice in over the past week- certainly a change from that first day on the beach when she needed a little encouragement.

Of course, the other woman was probably unaware that one of the effects of feeling the sensation was sudden bouts of tiredness as it wore off, but the native felt at this point it would be better to be quiet about that if she planned on having any company up by the branches. Like Charlotte, the stars had always fascinated her and after a few minutes of silence with her glowing hair shifting slightly in the breeze the girl spoke with a quiet tone as if she wanted to not disturb the celestial bodies they were observing.

"Charlotte ... what do your people say about the stars?" Almost every culture had their own legends regarding the heavenly bodies or the roof of the night sky. Different names for the same thing across every land, and no matter where you were they would appear to be the same.

"The Great Mothers say that every star is like the sun, and that every one has their own planets surrounding them just like ours." That was the most believable part about the tales she heard as a kid. For the next part the orange haired girl sounded a bit more speculative, as if she was focusing on the metaphorical meaning of such an occurrence rather than what was actually happening. "Our greatest ones across many generations have said that most of those worlds are barren, many covered in ice or lava or simply made entirely of dust. But a few of them apparently have life, with people living just like us. Well, not just like. Some of them have powerful wizards with pets that look mostly like people, or wars involving weapons we cannot comprehend in a world without magic despite dreaming of it. Some of them even supposedly have the power to travel between these worlds in ships of melted stone. But apparently all of them are filled mostly with people just trying to live and love, despite the complications life can bring them."

For a few seconds, she let the moral message of the last sentence sink in as she thought about it. Then she giggled slightly as her voice sounded more teasing. "But every star also supposedly is a gigantic ball of fire consuming air rapidly by combining it into explosions. And each one could hold a millions of our world. And this explosion lasts for over a billion years. I'm a storyteller myself but even when I was a child I knew they were just trying to overwhelm me - but this world is large enough already, seems a little silly for them to add that as well, don't you think?" Cait looked over to Charlotte with a grin on her face, clearly disbelieving what the Great Mothers had told her.

Botanist And Bards

Caitriona once again listened to the other woman talk, nodding as she continued to speak. "I understand it can be scary - some of the Great Mothers powers even unnerve me - but while I do not ask it of you daily it would be a good thing for you on occasion. It wouldn't be bad for me to learn of your abilities as well - the power to change one thing into another is no small feat." Cait finally released her grip as she thought about the other woman's final statement.

The strange foot cloths would be tossed to the ground as the native smiled. "Trees can be high enough to see the sky, and I brought a hammock as well." Reaching into her bag, the native found a nice looking oak and scurried up the tree with surprising speed, tying the large piece of cloth to two sturdy branches and after testing it hopping in. The sturdy things hardly moved an inch as they adjusted to the additional weight. The glowing hair poked out from the hammock as she looked down at the foreigner and yelled down with a degree of excitement and cheerfulness not present in their previous conversation. "Come on slow tall one, there's a nice breeze up here as well!"

St. Sappho Academy, Medieval Magic Academy (Invite Only)

Selvina listened to Eith as she grabbed her hand and brought them back to the normal conversation, sighing in relief as the hound didn't start a bloodbath. Luna seemed a little bothered, and meanwhile the elder seemed to have cheered up slightly. The noble listened to the other person's advice, thinking about it.

On one hand, it would be a bad idea to camp in the middle of the mountain. They would be exposed to the elements and likely sleep badly despite any preparations the group could make. And they could be ambushed.

On the other, it would be a bad idea to arrive exhausted at the temple after a day of hiking. His own powers required focus and clarity of the mind, and keeping their heads straight would be a challenge after such a workout. It would likely upset the locals if they remained here and it was also possible that the elder was betraying them. While he was kind, and perhaps his acceptance of outsiders was wisdom, it was also possibly an attempt to put on a ruse and lower the groups guard. A quick look at Eith was the final decision maker for Selvina. When they had been ambushed in the tavern, it was possible many of the patrons could have died. Being in this man's house put the entire village at risk if the fight turned out badly, and the majority of Selvina's powers were badly hampered due to the possibility of collateral damage while indoors.

"I thank you for your advice, but I feel it would be better for us to begin heading up the mountain today. Your village is wonderful, and our presence here obviously is causing it stress. Hopefully this can account for any inconvenience we caused." The magierprinz gave a quick bow to the elder along with placing a few silver coins on the table before looking to the rest of the group and starting out the building.

Of course, she was stopped as her arm tugged behind her. Oh. Eith was still holding her hand. "Eith. I know you like me and everything, but it's okay to let go ... is everything alright?" If the party began to head out Selvina would follow, but there was currently a very strong object holding her in place.

Botanist And Bards

Caitriona listened patiently as the other woman rummaged through her thoughts, describing her internal debate regarding the killing of friends. Of course she had internally hoped that Charlotte would change her ways, but Caitriona was satisfied with there at least being some conflict. Although the other woman ended with the conclusion that she had to follow through with her promises, she clearly seemed to still feel some guilt regarding the entire issue. "Named ones have their own urges, and you lacked this knowledge. So do not feel guilty for what you did out of ignorance."

The native put a comforting hand on the other woman's shoulder, squeezing slightly and speaking in a soft and comforting tone. "If you did not feel any remorse though, that would make you a monster. But some of your teeth are like those of hunting beasts, and perhaps that is what you are meant to do. If you must kill friends to live like a wolf, then do so. I do not hate them for it either." Caitriona could only sympathize with that statement as she said it - this season would be a confusing mess for her if one of her own kind stumbled along.

However, the orange haired woman's eyes became serious as she looked at the other woman and spoke with a strong voice. "There are some things I ask of you though. I ask that you make sure their ends are quick and painless, and to place what is not needed out into the world so it may make life anew. Do not hold them captive from where they belong or take what is unneeded and become a scourge on the landscape. A land with too many wolves will bring about their own end." Life had cycles, and the predators would eventually surpass the prey in population. Soon they would begin to starve themselves.

"And make an effort to converse with them at times with me. It may be disturbing, but there is a hefty price to not hearing the world sing." The girl's hair continued to glow in the night as she looked at Charlotte, giving her a slight smile as she waited for a response.

Botanist And Bards

The native listened as the other woman discussed the moving terrain and comparing it to her land back home, only listening attentively aside from a slight nod to confirm the other woman's suspicions. A land of ice and snow sounded harsh, considering that the island itself never was required to encounter such climates on it's own. But Charlotte seemed to gloss over the 'tower' again, which seemed to be her real home in that land. Cait thought about asking a question about it for clarification, but the other woman started talking about her friends which the native decided was more important to handle at the moment. It was rather clear the other woman was bothered by it and before mentioning anything on the subject Caitriona moved closer.

"I assumed that was true based on how you screamed 'a-animals do not talk' in a voice that sounded like a pack of hungry wolves appeared before you." The native let out a slightly teasing smirk before sighing and giving the other woman a more serious look. Cait was still high and would have preferred to have this conversation at another point in time but it was clear the black haired woman needed the emotional attention now. The other woman would feel a comforting hand on her shoulder before the native said anything else. "Charlotte ... you have clearly been deep in the world that is your mind since you found that out."

The orange haired woman had come to her own conclusions about the other woman's hunting patterns on her own when she had left previously, although based on the distressed look the other girl had painted on her face it was likely she needed some guidance. "So your people consider the friends to be prey not to spoken with ... but you have spoken to the friends Charlotte. What did you think of it?"

Botanist And Bards

Caitriona listened to Charlotte, frowning slightly. But on the other hand, she felt a little relieved despite the black haired girl's obvious distress. If the other woman had no knowledge of this situation and didn't think something of her 'friends' at all, the orange haired girl would have immediately gone to contact the great mothers for advice despite the current situation back with the group. Aislinn could be an annoyance, but even the frustrations she caused were minor in comparison to someone without remorse.

However letting the other woman go walking out in the middle of the night while she was experiencing the effects of the Sensation for the first time without knowing the workings of the land was a horrible, terrible idea. And besides, being in the Sensation alone was a sad and sometimes horrifying experience. The company of another named one was important and more joyful anyways.

Watching Charlotte begin to walk away, Caitriona rushed back into the cave and gathered a few things together before jogging after the other woman ... and remaining ten feet away after a little deliberation. Close enough to help or have a conversation if the other woman wanted it, but not so much as to crowd out her own thoughts if she needed to think for herself. Unless the other woman brought something up, the silence would last for about twenty minutes until a small voice broke the silence.

"Charlotte ... does the land where you live not shift with the seasons? Is that why a map works?" It was a random thought, but Caitriona finally understood what the other woman had been meaning to get at earlier.

Botanist And Bards

Caitriona felt a little relieved as the other woman calmed down after another short outburst, a slight smile crossing her lips as the other woman downed the water as instructed. The native tried to be patient as this was almost certainly the first experience of this kind for the other woman. At a break in the song, the orange haired girl patted Charlotte's shoulder comfortingly a little bit before continuing her music in a lower volume so the rabbit could speak more clearly.

The furry creature replied to Charlotte after a bit, the natural exuberance and enthusiasm breaking through. "Thanks Charlotte!" The voice spoke of the small puff ball's complete trust in the other woman, although after a few seconds the rabbit turned it's head towards Caitriona. "Cait! News from overtheriver!" The native raised an eyebrow and nodded at the rabbit in an indication for it to continue. "It's spring, and Aislinn seems to have already begun her search! The highrocks shifted towards the latesun, although the wavefront has remained the same. The BlueFeathers will be distant for a bit!"

The orange haired girl stopped her music, giving the world an irritated look as Aislinn was mentioned although seeming glad as the blue feathers would be distant this year. Others would suffer, but their presence in the last year had taken a toll on the local animal populations. "Thank you my little one." Caitriona obviously wanted to continue the conversation, but a look over at her newest companion suggested that perhaps it was time to let the other woman process ... whatever she was processing. "May your travels be safe and carrots plentiful and springtime well enjoyed."

The rabbit let out what seemed like a high-pitched snicker before grabbing a last bit of food handed out by Caitriona and hopping off into the forest in an adorable manner. Caitriona played a quick tune to keep other animals away before crossing her legs more tightly and looking over towards her black haired companion. "See? Friends!" For a little bit the orange haired girl put on a false smile, before frowning slightly. "Charlotte I know I told you to stop being serious, but this expression suits you worse." The bard forced herself to put on another smile, then played a soft tune for the other woman in hopes it would make her feel a little more ... at peace.