Ashil. Ouston. Exchange Student.

[ssjmihoshi]

Cae: Come on, guys! We're old enough to do this! And it's not like it can damage us!

other students: *look up at the girl with the pale, pearly blue skin, short burgundy hair, and dancing agate eyes, then shake their heads and wonder if it's going to rain*

bus: *shakes slightly* I said get off. What if one of the little kids tries following you up there?

Cae: I'll drop them off. *frowns and looks around for little kids, taking a step back as she does. Foot comes in contact with a puddle that the rain that just started has left, and the normally sure-footed girl slips and comes flying off the top of the bus. Her first knee jerk reaction is to shift. So it is not a girl who lands, but a fuzzy little black cat with big blue eyes*

apartment: *tranquil golden afternoon is interrupted by the surprised squawk of a large parrot, which startles the myriad other animals who seem to be laying on every surface. Some scramble away while others stare at this newcomer or simply go back to sleep*

Alexander: *distracted from his day off by the commotion, comes in cautiously* *wiping the ink off his hands* "Intruder"? What's going on in here?

Cae: *looks up at him, blinking uncertainly. Unsure whether she should fess up, or try to look like a native to wherever she just ended up, she crouches down and flattens her ears to try and look small*

Alexander: Oh, poor thing. *begins speaking in meows, squatting to appear less menacing* [It's all right, no one here will hurt you. I'm Alexander.]

Cae: *cringe of embarrassment. Can understand the soothing tone of the meows, and the man's body language, but she's embarrassed for him because she's not what he thinks she is*

Alexander: *sees the cringe and isn't sure how to proceed* [Are you alright?]

Agatha: *older calico trots in after her master* *stares curiously at the newcomer* [That's... not a cat.]

Cae: *soooo embarrassed* [No. Not a cat...]

Alexander: *blinks* [Oh, well... We won't tell anyone. I care for everyone here, no matter what they are.]

Cae: [Didn't want to scare you, because I don't know what this place is like.] *peeks at him with those blue Persian eyes*

Alexander: *laughs softly* [There isn't much that can scare us anymore. We've seen world-eating demons.]

Agatha: *nods primly in agreement*

Cae: *flattens one ear and shakes one back leg*

Alexander: *Victorian sensibilities get the better of him as he frowns at what his visitor just said. But then there is a slight chuckle*

Agatha: *smiles* [Would you mind telling us... why you smell of sand?]

Cae: o.0? *smells her paw* [I do? Um. I'm... not sure how to explain in Cat.]

Alexander: *helpful* [I can understand any language you'd rather use.]

Cae: Um. Basic?

Alexander: *a mite surprised, but goes with it* Certainly!

Cae: *sits up cautiously* I'm... um. Not an organic person.

Alexander: *has an idea, but hopes it's incorrect* Go on. *sits cross-legged*

Cae: *ears flatten again, and then perk* Ah. I'm from the planet Daros. My ancestors came from Cybertron.

Alexander: *yep, he was right. Sighs, accidentally shifting to speaking Cybertronian as he's thinking* {A Cybertronian, I see... Do you know how you got here?}

Cae: *blink blink* Um. I didn't understand what you just said.

Alexander: *looks up* {Oh!} *shakes his head, smiling* Sorry, I do that sometimes. Do you know how you got here?

Cae: I fell.

Alexander: *brows knit in worry and confusion* You fell?

Cae: Yes. I slipped in a puddle, fell off the bus roof, and landed here.

Alexander: How odd. *turns and gazes into space as he contemplates. They never did figure out what prompted the first cross-world jaunt. Hopefully no Decepticons would be following her this time...*

Cae: *shakes a front paw* So now I have to figure out what I'm here for. *sounds so UNimpressed*

Alexander: *features soften with a practiced reassuring smile* I'm sure we'll find out what that is. Until then, you can stay here as long as you need to.

Cae: *grouchy sound*

Alexander: *gets up, trying to smile* You might as well make the most of it while you're here! It has been too long since I saw the Autobots. I would love to hear any news you have!

Cae: Um. What make were the ones you knew? *pauses to frown at the shaken paw, and then tries wiping it on the carpet*

Alexander: "Make"? I'm not sure I follow... Please feel free to shift to root mode. My wife will not be home for a few hours, and the servants know not to disturb me on my days off.

Cae: Yeah. What did they look like? Oh. Okay... *shimmers, stretches... And is now a big-eyed humanoid girl in what looks like a skin tight sky blue unitard. Burgundy hair, dark agate eyes, pearly pale blue skin. Isn't even five foot tall*

Alexander: *watches in wonder, not having seen that kind of transformation before* *and then sees her choice in clothing and blushes severely, turning away* Oh dear-! Ah, not to offend, but I believe we will need to get you more clothing...

Cae: *looks down at herself* ...I'm not wearing any clothing. Oh. Just amo. *shimmers again, and now has a knee-length sundress draped carelessly over her slender person as she sits there like a little Japanese schoolgirl* How's this?

Alexander: *turns back cautiously, small sigh of relief as he sees she's covered* Better. *mentally tracks the stores they should visit if she stays here a few more days, since that wouldn't be regarded as much more than a nightgown to his society*

Cae: *frowns* Well, give me an idea. *then realizes she's being rude* Ah. Please?

Alexander: *apologetic half-smile* Sorry, I realize our societal norms can seem... constricting to outsiders. *beckons her to the stairs* Please follow me, my wife has plenty of outfits you can use for reference.

Cae: *rises to her feet without putting down her hands and comes walking over to him with all the gangling, coltish charm of a sixteen year old girl just getting used to a growth spurt* *shrug* I just don't want anybody thinking I'm a... *says a questionable word denoting a woman of low moral character*

Alexander: *eye widen* No... no we don't want that. *ascends the stairs, carefully stepping over small cats and dogs*

Cae: *studying the architecture as she follows him, and by the time they reach the end of the stairs she's wearing something much longer and fuller that rustles with her movements*

Alexander: *shoos animals away from a large set of doors before opening them*

master bedroom: *decorations are something between simple and lavish, with a swirling golden wallpaper and massive chandelier. A large four-poster bed sits on one wall with a large picture-window overlooking the Citadel grounds on the other*

Alexander: *continues to the closet, which contains a myriad of dresses for every occasion* I believe Julia has a few catalogs as well. I'll see if I can find them. *goes puttering off to look through some drawers*

Cae: *goes and peeks into the closet to see just how out of place her Renaissance style gown looks and what changes she needs to make. Is absently scratching the chin of a baby skunk she picked up on the way*

closet: *contains various Victorian dresses with generally much more fabric and accoutrements than her current attire. A set of drawers contain corsets, bloomers, and other underthings*

Agatha: Mow!

Alexander: *looks up from a drawer, sees the skunk, and tries desperately not to freak out as he rushes over and scoops it up* Nonononono... *deposits it gently in the hall and closes the door, leaning on the back side with a sigh*

Cae: *hands still in skunk cradle mode, and slender brows near her hairline* Hey...

Alexander: *looking relieved* Sorry, but Julia and I have this agreement... No animals in the bedroom.

Agatha: Mrow...

Alexander: Except for Agatha. And if the little thing had sprayed in Julia's closet..... *absolutely mortified*

Cae: Why would she do that? She was totally happy till you grabbed her. *clothing shifts to an appropriate dress for a girl of her age, including a little cap to cover her close-cut hair*

Alexander: Somehow she would know it was here... Trust me...

Cae: I meant the skunk. *studies the little sapphire Autobot symbol she's wearing in her bodice on a stick pin*

Alexander: *seems to regain his wits, looks over Cae's attire* Very nice! Ah, I'm afraid I don't have any energon, but I do have some oil stashed away.

Cae: *thoughtful frown at her hand, and then shifts again so that a boyish looking, blue-eyed brunette girl with long soft ringlets is standing there in her blue dress* Yick. No thanks.

Alexander: *perplexed as he holds the door to the hall open for her* I thought Cybertronians liked oil?

Agatha: *brushes against the visitor's legs and purrs, offering herself as a replacement for the skunk*

Cae: Not this one. If I'm going to eat sweet stuff I'd rather have chocolate. *lifts a foot slightly so that it rubs on Agatha's belly*

Alexander: Oh, this isn't sweet. *small chuckle as he picks up the skunk baby before it can toddle into the bedroom again* No one here drinks it for sustenance, so they've left it in its natural state. Just a hint of bitterness.

Agatha: *enjoys the rub, then trots into the hall, beckoning the girl*

Cae: It's carbon based. It'll still be sweet. *disgusted expression that fades as she reaches for the little skunk* We don't really like to use fossil fuels anymore when I'm from, anyway.

Alexander: Oh. *droops, handing over the skunk* Well, it's a special enough occasion... I believe I'll have some! *shuts the door and heads back to the study, fiddling with the secret drawer in his desk*

Cae: *blinks uncertainly as she cuddles the little skunk and scratches her chin* Agatha, what's he doing?

Agatha: *sits primly and twitches her whiskers disdainfully* [Eating the sticky goop.]

Alexander: *pours the smallest sip into a glass... then adds a little more*

Cae: [Am I being a pain in the aft?]

Agatha: *looks up* [Of course not!] *rubs against her leg again, happy to have someone else to talk to*

Alexander: *locks the bottle away again and returns up the stairs with glass in hand* I'm terribly sorry, I suppose I'm being an atrocious host. Are you sure I can't get you anything?

Cae: Uh. Well, I did just show up unexpectedly, so I can't say I'm a great visitor.

Alexander: Nonsense! That is not your fault. *claps a hand on her shoulder* Come, I'll make you some lemonade. Or iced tea, if you prefer?

Cae: *perks* Lemon iced tea?

Alexander: *smiles and chuckles* Certainly! *leads her down to the kitchen, which is surprisingly small given the lavishness of the rest of the house* *sets his glass down on the counter and begins puttering around*

Cae: *pauses in front of a shiny pot and frowns at her reflection, then sticks her tongue out at it* Ooooglay. *cuddle skunk*

Alexander: *chuckles* I think you look lovely, Miss... *suddenly realizes he never learned her name* Ah... oh dear...

Cae: I'm Cae, and I don't. I look like a bishi with boobs and a dress.

Alexander: *turns away to hide his blush in the tea preparation* Well it's only temporary. Perhaps it's... time I tell Julia. At least then you wouldn't have to hide here in the house.

Agatha: *flops down, hoping for more belly rubs*

Cae: *hunkers down to hold the skunk baby in nose touching range of the cat* ...Is she going to freak?

Agatha: *gets a big wiff and jerks away, gently bopping the little fuzzball on the head*

skunk: *squeaks and tries to paw back, but her arms are too short*

Alexander: *sets the pitcher on the counter to brew* *sighs* She's heard impossible stories from me before... *snerks at the animals* I think she'll be alright.

Cae: Hey, Aggy, play nice. She's little and cute. *looks up, one hand gently grasping Agatha's head and shaking it carefully* Okay. If you're sure.

Agatha: *tolerates the head-shaking* [Sorry, she smells bad.]

Alexander: But she won't be home for a few hours. We have some time to explore Ouston if you like.

Cae: *sniffs the little skunk* *then sniffs the cat* *sneezes on cat!* At least she doesn't smell like she's been rolling in perfumy stuff. [You smell sneezy!]

Agatha: *jerks up, startled* [I have to do something not to smell like everything else in here!]

Alexander: *chuckles again and squats down*

Agatha: *jumps onto Master's shoulders and settles*

Cae: *sneezes again, and then rubs her nose on agreeable baby skunk* Sorry. You were talking?

Alexander: *rises, offering his handkerchief* Why don't we go explore the city? There's a beautiful hanging gardens, and we could get you some chocolates, or whatever else you might like.

Cae: Um. Okay. *stands and shakes her head at the hankie* Lemme change. Oh... I don't have any schematics for an outside dress for my age and this era. Can you draw me a quick sketch? *then notices the tea*

Alexander: *puts the hanky away and begins prepping the tea* That dress looks fine, Miss Cae. *fills an exquisitely-etched glass with ice and pours in the tea* How many slices of lemon?

Cae: But it's just a house dress. *puzzled frown, but then looks at the glass* Oh, a whole one?

Alexander: *pours some tea back into the pitcher and sets about cutting the lemon* It's very hot today, I don't think anyone would mind.

Cae: Okay. You're the native. But I should have one of those little umbrella things, or a bonnet?

Alexander: On a day like today, I recommend the parasol. I'll get one of Julia's before we leave. *stirs in the lemons and hands over the glass*

Cae: I have one. Thanks. *tastes tea*

Alexander: *slightly discouraged, wanted to do something for his guest*

Cae: *big grin, and then chugs the tea before lowering the glass with a sigh* That's good.

Alexander: *perks* I'm glad! *finally gets around to his drink* *nearly gags but manages to get it down with a satisfied smile* Mmmm...

Cae: *sets her glass down and then is distracted by baby skunk, so doesn't notice Alexander's heroic efforts with his glass* [Don't worry. You're totally cute.]

Alexander: *small cough as he goes to refill her glass*

skunk: *snuggle!*

Cae: [Yes you are! Nobody can say it's not true.]

skunk: *streches and paws at Cae's nose*

Cae: *laughs softly* Awwwwwww.

Alexander: *laughs* She likes you.

Cae: I like her too. *nuzzles the little skunk, and then looks up at him*

Alexander: She just arrived two days ago, and you're the first one she's been able to get along with. *smiles*

Cae: Aww. Poor baby. Wish I could take her home. I bet Andey would love her.

Alexander: *thinks* I don't think Ashil would miss one little skunk.

Cae: Yeah, but there are a lot of Time Bosses around. Dunno if they'd let me bring her. ...Who's Ashil?

Alexander: Ah, I see. *laughs* Ashil is the name of my world. Where you are now.

Cae: Ohhh. Gotcha. *slight grin* And Andey's Mom and Dad's old blue point skunk. She's so creaky that she doesn't even like cuddles anymore.

Alexander: Aww. I bet she's been a loyal friend. *grabs another glass to have some tea himself, since his stomach is still complaining about the oil*

Cae: *as she drinks some of her second glass* My first memories are of her climbing in my basket and fussing over me.

Alexander: *smiles even more, musing into the distance* [You're going to have someone to fuss over soon, Agatha.]

Cae: *eyebrow quirk as she watches him, then looks down at skunk baby*

Alexander: *returns his attention to the guest* Sorry. Heehee. I'm just so very happy. *finishes his tea* Shall we go?

Cae: *knocks back the rest of her drink and sets the glass down* Happy about what?

Alexander: *sets the glasses in the sink, grinning away* We're having a baby!

Cae: Ohhhhh. *grins* *but then the grin vanishes* Uh. Human moms usually don't like a lot of animals around their babies. I know one that doesn't even like my friend Miranda around her baby just because Miranda's got fur.

Alexander: *chuckles* Yes, we've talked about that. Why do you think we have a "No Animals in the Bedroom" rule? *practically skips toward the front door*

Cae: *lifts a hand and has a pretty Japanese parasol shimmer into being in it* Ahhhh. Makes sense.

Alexander: This way m'lady. *opens the front door with an exaggerated bow to reveal a small walled-in yard which is filled with beautiful plants and random animals of all kinds*

Cae: Why thank you. *smiles and steps through, parasol in one hand and baby skunk cuddled close with the other*

Alexander: *leads her to a large set of wooden doors which open when he knocks on them*

hall: *built in limestone and bustling with activity. Servants, well-dressed gentlemen, and guards all stop as the two enter and bow their heads*

everyone: Your Eminence!

Cae: o.0 *holds skunk kit close as she accidentally lets her uncertainty of this new place show*

Alexander: *smiles and turns to one of the men guarding the door* This lovely young lady just arrived in town and I would like to take her on a tour.

guard: Yes sir! *nods at Cae* Please follow me and I'll have your carriage prepared. *a servant rushes off ahead of them as the rest return to what they were doing*

Cae: *quizzical sideways peek up at Alexander*

Alexander: *smiles, giving the "ladies first" gesture* I'm a bit famous here.

Cae: *takes a few uncertain steps forward, and then stops and looks at him again* I... uh... kinda see that.

Alexander: *laughs and follows at her side* I barely get out by myself anymore. But the guards stay out of sight, for the most part. Don't worry about them.

Cae: Okay. *happier walking beside him. It helps her feel that she knows where she's going. Not that there are a lot of options in a hallway, but still. She's a kid, and kid logic works that way*

guard: *leads them around the corner to the stable yard, where the small but opulent black carriage is being rigged with two white horses*

Alexander: *takes a minute to pat both horses appreciatively, then turns to the driver* A quick tour of the city please, then make a stop at Birelli's.

Cae: *stares* Oh wow. Horses.

footman: *opens the carriage door and holds out a hand for Cae*

Cae: *still staring at the horses with wide-eyed wonder, but then notices the hand and gives the footman a bewildered look*

Alexander: *smiles and whispers* He wants to help you up.

Cae: Oh. *looks at baby skunk. Looks at parasol*

Alexander: *takes the parasol and holds it over her head politely*

Cae: Thanks. *gives now free hand to the footman*

footman: *helps her up, with a quizzical look at the skunklet*

Alexander: *enters behind her, handing back the parasol*

Cae: *takes parasol, steps on skirt and faceplants into the far side of the carriage. Without jarring the little skunk*

footman & guard: O.O!

Alexander: Gracious! Are you alright?! *moves to help her up*

Cae: *blinking and a little cross-eyed* My hair's in my face. *blow blow*

Alexander: *gently brushes it out of the way* Are you hurt? *worried*

Cae: *shakes her head and then sits down and settles the kit in her lap so she can use her fingers to get the ringlets back in shape* No. Oh oh. *quick check to see if she dented where she hit* Oh good. No. I'm fine.

Alexander, footman, and guard: *breathe a sigh of relief*

driver: You've got one hard head, missy! *chuckle*

Cae: Yeah, my grandma says so too. *arranges skirts and then puts her free hand on the little skunk*

footman: *watches as two guards climb into the back* Shall we?

Cae: *slight smile as she settles down to look around, her hand on the baby skunk protective and comforting*

Ouston: *the city is quite hot and muggy outside the shade of the Citadel, but the horses, having been bred in this climate, take it rather well. They trot down the cobblestone streets with their tails high in the air, harness bells making a merry jingling sound. The citizens in their Victorian finery stop to wave and smile at the carriage as it passes all manner of shops and impressive buildings. Beautiful clothes, shining mechanical contraptions, and succulent foods can be seen hanging in the windows*

driver: Where to first?

Alexander: *turns to Cae* Gardens or zoo?

Cae: *thinks about it. Frowns. And then looks up at him* You choose.

Alexander: *deferential smile* Oh please, you're the guest here. Pick whichever one you like.

Cae: *weighs the two in her mind, and then triggers a dice roll program* Let's go to the gardens first. *absently picks up little skunk to cuddle her*

skunk: *is falling asleep in the heat, feeling safe*

driver: Gardens it is. *nods and flicks the reins*

Alexander: That's probably for the best. I am liable to waste hours at the zoo. *laughs*

Cae: *tilts her head to look up at him sideways* Catching up on all the gossip?

Alexander: *embarrassed laugh* *replies conspiratorially* I'm afraid all the animals know me already, and insist on informing me of their various opinions.

Cae: *shakes her head and rolls her eyes slightly, but her laughter isn't unkind*

Capital Gardens: *has pathways specifically built for small carriages such as this. Dappled sunlight floats down from the trees. Pretty blue and red and yellow flowers line the shady paths. The driver slows to allow for better viewing*

Alexander: *relaxes in the shade; he was feeling rather hot*

Cae: *taking in everything with laid back curiosity that comes across as a mild and languid interest. Holds her parasol absently to make sure that the little skunk is always fully shaded* Are these plants only from this country? Or do you have imports?

Alexander: *wipes his brow with a handkerchief* These here by the entrance are all from here in Rhel. Up ahead we have some Niran flora, but my favorites are the Gal'essen trees. They flower nearly all year round.

Cae: Are those on different continents? *slight frown as all the names fly over her head. Doesn't like to be lacking in information. It makes her look foolish, she thinks*

Alexander: *chuckles at himself* Sorry. Nir is the continent north of us. It's very arid there, so most of the plants grow low to the ground. Gal'essa is the eastern continent, separated from Rhel by a substantial ocean. They have a wonderful variety of exotic plants.

elf: *emerges from the trees clad in trapper's gear. Has long ears and angular features. Cracks a fang-filled smile and waves*

Cae: *listens to Alexander, but then notices the movement and turns her head. Startled look for the elf*

elf: *only smiles bigger*

Alexander: *amused* The garden employs a contingent of Elves for pest-control. We let them keep their catches. *waves back*

Cae: *tries to hide her surprise and discomfiture* Ah... how... uh... quaint.

Alexander: My people tend to think of them as a backwards tribal people, but they actually have a rich history and culture. *stares into space with a slightly sad look*

Cae: *flustered state shows again despite her efforts to conceal it* Oh... I see.

driver: *deep merry chuckle* What, you've never seen an Elf before?

Alexander: Roland.

Roland: *despite the lightness of the chastizement he takes his job seriously, and sobers into Royal Driver Mode*

Alexander: *shakes his head and puts his smile back on* Sorry, we don't mean to upset you.

Cae: *a little stiffly as she frowns at the driver* Yes I have, but not one like him planetside. He reminds me of the Keylandar, who never come to Earth, and who hunt things a lot larger than rabbits and rats.

Roland: *confused, but doesn't ask questions and keeps driving*

Alexander: *lightly* Miss Cae, you might want to keep your voice down. My civilization does not know about other planets yet, let alone other universes.

Cae: *bites her lip and turns her face away from her host, trying very hard to hide her upset. But the hand of the arm cradling the little skunk trembles just slightly*

Alexander: *troubled now, wondering what to say*

Roland: Your Eminence, we've reached the lake.

lake: *framed by shade willows and trellises of fragrant roses. As the carriage crests the small bridge the passengers can see the afternoon sun reflected golden on the sparkling lake. In the middle is a small island covered in trees which are just losing the last of their reddish blooms*

Cae: *eyes are drawn to the light on the lake and the trees, and her expression lightens somewhat though it's still clear to someone observant that she's upset* *absently inhales to see what scents this scene carries*

wind: *carries the scent of wet fertile mud, pave stones baked in heat, horse fur, leather tack, and of course the overwhelming smell of roses*

Cae: *quietly, without looking at Alexander and not realizing how cold her self control makes her voice sound* There are carp in the lake?

Alexander: *glad for the distraction* You have a good eye. They are an ornamental variety from Gal'essa.

Cae: *very quietly* I actually haven't seen them yet. *peers at the water now, frowning absently. But her sensors only register life without letting her actually see the creatures swimming there past the sun dapples*

Roland: Would you like to stop a while, m'lady?

Cae: *glances at him, and then bites her lip again as she looks down at the little skunk*

skunk: *peeeek up, yawn*

Cae: *cuddles the little creature. Voice absent and still sounding cold* It doesn't matter.

Alexander: *puts a caring hand on her shoulder* Miss Cae, what's wrong? *voice says he won't be happy until he fixes it*

Cae: *stiffens very slightly in protest* Nothing. Nothing's... wrong. *angry hiss under her breath as her voice trembles on the last word*

Alexander: *turns to the driver* Roland, would you mind stopping and leaving us alone for a while? We'd like to enjoy the view. You may walk around a little if you like.

Roland: Yes sir. *stops the horses under a large shade oak and steps down. Grabs a bag of peanuts from under the seat and tips his hat to the pair before strolling down the lakeside*

guards: *step off the back of the carriage and move a respectable distance away*

Cae: *watches the disembarking, her face showing a slight frown despite herself* Don't stop on my account.

Alexander: *sits back to smile at the lake* Nonsense. You may say anything you wish now. ... I am sorry for piling restrictions on you.

Cae: *bit of a puzzled scowl for him, and then looks away* I have no idea what you're talking about. *holds little skunk up to hide traitor face on fuzzy fur*

skunk: *sleepy squeak at being moved, will roll over... and over and over, and settle in the same spot as before*

Alexander: *tiniest of knowing smiles* I'm afraid the only species outside of Ashil I have met are the Cybertronians. You must know many people indeed! I envy you.

Cae: *without looking at him* Not all that many. Only a few Keylandar at the space station once, JD constables, humans and keeblers, a Mooncat, and the young memory dragon who's decided to go to my school.

Alexander: *impressed* To me that is certainly a lot! *laughs* Do you have friends at your school?

Cae: A few. *one shoulder in a careless shrug* I can't be bothered with most of the stupid things the mechs my age are interested in.

Alexander: Oh? What are you interested in?

Cae: ... Why are you asking that now?

Alexander: *shrugs with practiced innocence* I certainly don't want this tour to be boring for you, and I don't seem to be doing a very good job so far.

Cae: *shrugs one shoulder again without looking at him* There's nothing wrong with the garden. It's quite lovely. *quickly looks away from where they saw the hunter*

elf: *long gone, replaced by gently swaying branches*

Alexander: *ah, so that's it* The employees work tirelessly to keep it manicured. It's a little bit of paradise in the city.

Cae: *fiddles with the handle of her parasol, her expression fixed as she looks down at the floor of the carriage* Is there more? Past the lake?

Alexander: *gently* Miss Cae, this is the capital of the world. Many Elves and Dwarves travel here to work, trade, and even make their homes. They all live peacefully together, of that you have my assurance. I would not let anything harm you.

Cae: *startled scowl is quite clear now as she looks at him. Abruptly and with obvious ruffled pride* I'm not afraid of anything hurting me.

Alexander: Good, I thought so. *in Elven, a harsh guttural language* [You can come out now.]

elf: [You're no fun.] *melodramatic scowl* *steps onto Alex's side of the carriage, but knows enough not to get in* Your passenger smells... strange.

Cae: *startles and then gives the elf a stink eye* I won't mention how you smell.

elf: *grins that toothy grin* I rub myself in mud after work to get rid of this... *tries to find the word* heavy rose smell.

Alexander: *snerk*

Cae: How very quaint. *scowl* *then winces and looks away* Don't you have any dignity? *is embarrassed for the elf. Doesn't feel right looking at him*

elf: Don't you have too much? *turns to Alex* I know! Sand, she smells like sand.

Cae: *abruptly sets kit into Alexander's arms, glances around absently, and then shifts, blurs, and transforms to a lithe but strongly muscled girl with smooth greyish green skin, high cheekbones, a proud straight nose, and long finned ears. Bares pointed teeth at the elf* This is how we say elf where I come from. And we say it with respect, because these elves don't run around like barbarians when they obviously know better, and they don't let people let them keep the rats they kill!

horses: *stamp worriedly*

elf: o.o *nearly falls off the carriage, but hangs on by the door* [Shapeshifter!]

guards: *perk and rush over* What is going on?

Alexander: *thinks up a quick lie* Miss Cae is an accomplished pupil of mine. Versed in illusion spells. It's alright.

Cae: *shocked out of anger and pops back to the form of the young human lady, her cheeks now white with mortification at herself. Turns her face away and tries her hardest not to cry*

elf: *frowns, regaining himself, and leans in* Young one, we Elves are not barbarians. We see these decadent fools and choose to live unchained in the wilderness, free as our forefathers were. We live where we like and hunt where we like. And I like this hunting ground, because I can ruffle Humans like you. *grins and growls before jumping back into the trees*

guards: *small sneers for the Elf, but stand down at their patron's signal*

Alexander: *watches and waits gently for the girl's reaction*

Cae: *still hiding her face. Mutters as she curls up a little* I never called you a barbarian. I said you... whatever... *shoulders just barely shaking, but still stiff with the warning of 'do not touch!'*

Alexander: *whispers something to the skunk and gently deposits it in her lap*

skunk: *meeps and sniffs up at the girl. Nuzzles her elbow*

Cae: *shivers. Then curls up around the fuzzy little creature and covers herself and the kit with what is plainly an illusion... or rather a slightly shaky and translucent hologram of a blanket that doesn't really hide her as well as she hoped it would till she growls at herself and puts more energy into it. Thus concealed, she cries, and cusses herself out roundly*

skunk: *licks her nose and curls up to expose as much fluff as possible. Makes little cute mewling noises for reassurance*

Alexander: *waves the guards off and waits patiently until she looks like she might want to be hugged*

Cae: *grouches herself out till she's tired, and then she pokes her head up over the side of the carriage and narrows her eyes in the direction of the guards* *snorts and hugs the kit as the holographic blanket vanishes*

Alexander: *places a warm gentle hand on her shoulder* Would you like to go home? Or perhaps to the chocolate shop?

Cae: Do you have daddy-long-legs here? *still eyeing the guards*

Alexander: *dubious* Well, yes but... Why do you ask?

Cae: *makes a large but totally normal looking harvestman appear on her knee* Do they look like this?

skunk: *squeak! ...squeak?*

Alexander: *blinks* Yes...

Cae: Which of the guards is more likely to slap one on sight without thinking? *still watching the men in question even as she makes the harvestman vanish and soothingly strokes the little skunk's back*

Alexander: *sigh* Miss Cae, what are you planning? There are other ways to make yourself feel better...

Cae: *sulky face is go* They deserve it and it won't hurt them.

Alexander: *blinks* The guards? Whatever for? They were only doing their jobs... *honestly oblivious*

Cae: It's not their job to act like they're better than other people. *parks bug on back of one guard's head and hopes for slapstick*

guards: *one carefully taps his partner on the shoulder, who tenses and whispers something. Guard 1 looks exasperated and amused*

Alexander: *sighs again* Miss Cae, our people like to assume they are better than others. It earned us a lot of trouble in the past. We caused a lot of pain and suffering... Do you understand?

Cae: *makes the bug vanish and bonks her head down on the side of the carriage* Tell me about the fish.

guard 1: *looks from partner's head to Cae, back, then smiles*

guard 2: *still stiff as a board*

Alexander: *stares sadly out at the water* They're a breed from Gal'essa, often found in meditation pools in graveyards. I obtained one for each of the temples us Rhelians destroyed in our attempt to purge the "false gods" from their lands.

Cae: *absently looking down at the little skunk as she makes the harvestman reappear and walk in front of the fuzzball* *closes her eyes for a moment, but then says evenly* What are they like?

skunk: *blinks sleepily at the thing*

guard 1: *points at guard 2's butt*

guard 2: *jumps and smacks his butt, turning to try and get a look at it*

Alexander: *holding back laughter* What are who like?

Cae: *startled look for the guards* *absently* The fish.

guard 1: *points at various other places, which guard 2 smacks in increasingly frantic fashion*

Alexander: *chuckling now, dark conversation forgotten* Perhaps I should speak to the guard captain about more training...

Cae: *canNOT resist putting the bug right on the jumpy guard's hand* Hmmmm. *smirk starting to show*

guard 2: *YELPS and shakes it off*

guard 1: *practically howling*

Roland: *runs back over to see the commotion*

Cae: *makes bug fall onto the grass and then sits back and has a nearly silent sniggerfit behind her hands as the skunk baby sits on her lap*

guard 2: *STOMP STOMP STOMP... why bug no squish?*

guard 1 & Roland: *leaning on each other for laughter*

Alexander: *hides his mouth but he's laughing too*

skunk: *indignant squeak and burrow with nose. Shaking is not conducive to naptime!*

Cae: *apologizes to the kit, but then looks at the men and collapses into more silent laughter* *then makes the bug vanish under a big leaf so that the guard can stop making a fool of himself*

Alexander: *still chuckling out loud* Well you certainly lightened the mood. I believe Mr. Brandon enjoyed that.

Cae: *dryly* I wonder how he'll enjoy his turn. *but then looks up with a bit of a frown* You didn't tell me what the fish look like.

Alexander: Oh, you're right! *smiles* They're silvery, like ghosts in the water. And they breed quickly, to remind us that life always goes on.

Cae: *eyes widen as she sees one of the fish jump out in the lake* Oh! Big... *eyes narrow again as she looks at the guards, and there is that smirk once more*

Alexander: *eyes narrow* Miss Cae...


Later, at Birelli's Chocolate Shop

shop: *A pleasant cozy place all decked in wood and bronze, with a convenient upper seating area which has been cordoned off for the Patriarch and his guest. Other patrons, mostly mothers with their children, occupy the main floor in which there is a case displaying the most delicate-looking truffles, cakes, and other goodies. Windows span both floors, looking out onto the shop's signature mechanized candy factory. Steam whistles and gears turn in the complicated machinery as it pumps out more delicious treats*

Cae: *quietly, as she watches the machinery* Is there chocolate soda?

Alexander: Oh yes, the chocolate ice cream floats here are very good. *has picked out a box of his wife's favorite chocolate already*

Cae: Can I send some out to Roland and the guards? *brow quirk*

Alexander: *chuckles* I think they would welcome the peace offering.

Cae: *manages to stop her smirk before it really shows. Looks around for a staff person*

waiter: *happy to be serving the Patriarch, was standing just nearby* What can I get you, Miss?

Cae: What size are your ice cream floats? *smiles at the man*

waiter: They are twelve ounces. Ah, about this big. *holds his hands not quite a foot apart*

Cae: *puzzled expression* I think I better come down and look at the glasses. *turns her head to look at Alexander* May I?

Alexander: Of course! I'll come with you. *rises*

waiter: Very well, this way please! *waves to his coworker behind the counter*

Cae: Oh, you don't have to. I'll come right back.

Alexander: Oh, it's no trouble, really.

guards: *already moving to clear a path for them*

Cae: *doesn't frown, but her mind is rapidly calculating as she walks down the stairs and toward the counter*

Alexander: *follows Cae, waving at the excited children*

waiter: *grabs a tall fluted glass from a shelf behind the counter* Here are the glasses, Miss.

Cae: *goes over to look at it, and to murmur some very precise instructions as she gives him a bit of vanilla flavoured pop rock* *aloud* I want three of these. One for each of these men, and one for the man outside. *looks to Alexander for approval*

Alexander: *didn't notice her exchange* Yes, that would be lovely.

Cae: *smiles and looks to the waiter*

waiter: *winks at her* Don't worry, Miss. *begins making the order*

Alexander: Well, we shouldn't stay in these peoples' way.

Cae: *blinks and steps aside, forgetting to ask for something for herself*

Alexander: *remembers something* Oh! What would you like, Miss Cae?

Cae: Ah... *looks at the display* Some of this cake with the white topping and strawberries?

Alexander: *to the staff* A small slice now, and a bigger one wrapped up please. *to Cae* Dinner will be soon, but you can have the other one later! How does that sound?

Cae: *slight, puzzled and inquisitive look* Alright. *then glances over toward the guards and from there toward the carriage, where the baby skunk is sleeping on the seat under Roland's amused protection*

Alexander: *grabs the plate of cake offered by the waiter and gestures for Cae to ascend the stairs first* After you.

Cae: *bit of a smile and up she goes, though keeping her senses focused on the guard who isn't afraid of long legged bugs. Settles back into her seat and arranges her skirts nicely*

guard 1: *eyes the girl warily from the corner of his visor*

Alexander: *carefully sets the plate down along with a roll of silverware before sitting himself*

Cae: *distracted by silverware and studies it with curious interest as she mentally works out how these things ought to be used*

Alexander: Oh... do you... not have silverware?

Cae: *quietly, as she tilts her head* We have chopsticks, sporks, and long handled straws with a spoon at the tip. *picks up her fork and examines it again*

Alexander: *thinks for a minute* Yes, I think I remember Miss Sumdac talking about a... spork. The fork is used in the same way. *points to the one with the prongs on the end*

waiter: *delivers floats to the 2 guards and exits to find the carriage driver*

guards: *remove their helmets, toasting their glasses to Cae*

Cae: Yes. I see that. *smiles at the guards and then lowers her head to inhale the scent of her cake*

cake: *spongey and moist, smelling of sugar and lemon cream and fresh-picked strawberries*

Cae: *smiles and has a bite* Oh, I like this. *and then looks a bit preoccupied as her first taste of a cake containing animal products distracts her from glancing at the guards*

Alexander: I'm glad! *smiles, watching the happy customers*

guard 1: *yells at a loud CRACK and suddenly his face is covered in soda water and ice-creamy foam*

Cae: Eeep! 0.0 *remembers the instructions she gave the waiter and hides her face helplessly on the table as she sputters laughter*

guard 1: *coughs as float goes down the wrong pipe*

guard 2: *splutters into his float and begins laughing, slapping his comrade on the back*

Alexander: o.o *thoroughly confused*

Cae: *between sputters* It's still good. It's still perfectly good. *more laughter as she takes out the little cellophane packet of pop rocks and sets it on the table beside her cake plate*

shop: *children start laughing along as soon the waiter approaches them*

waiter: *curious* Miss, may I ask, what are those amazing pebbles of yours?

Cae: They're candy that I made. *wipes her eyes and picks one up* When they get wet the carbon dioxide inside escapes, something like the bubbles in soda water.

guard 2: *as his friend stops coughing* I believe you have some on your rear.

children: *more raucous laughter*

guard 1: *not amused*

Alexander: *facepalming, hiding his smile*

waiter: *chuckles* Would you mind terribly if I bought some from you?

Cae: I can give you the formula.

waiter: *lights up* That would be splendid!

Cae: *slight smile* Have you something I could write it down with?

waiter: Oh, of course! *pulls a pad and pencil out of his apron and hands them over*

guard 2: *patting his friend on the shoulder, offering him his float*

Cae: *takes the pad and looks at it quickly to see which script and alphabet she should be using here*

pad: *full of random cursive, seems to be English*

Cae: *cursive it is... very fancy cursive. Carefully writes down the entire formula for the pop rocks, and then smiles and passes the pad back. Looks over at the guards* Do you need a new float?

waiter: *retrieves the pad and happily leaves to present it to his manager*

guard 2: *laughs* No, thank you. Brandon has been eating a few too many sweets lately.

Brandon: Says you, Glanville. *grabs a spoon and begins shoveling down ALL the ice cream in his friend's float*

Glanville: H-hey!

Cae: *quick sweep with her sensors even as she concedes to the guard's reply and has another bite of her slice of cake* Are we still going to the zoo after this?

Alexander: *notices her sudden attention and makes note to be quieter next time* I'm afraid it's getting late. Julia will be home soon for dinner. We can go tomorrow if you wish.

Cae: Alright. I want to meet more of your friends. *eats the last bit of cake, and then sets her fork down neatly. This done, she picks up her pop rock packet and offers it to him*

Alexander: Hmm? *glances at the packet* What use would I have for this? *small chuckle*

Cae: *quirks a brow at him* Try one.

Alexander: Ah... *looks around at everyone else, who seem to be in various states of agreement with this plan* Well, alright...

Cae: *invitingly opens the packet a bit more as she smiles*

Alexander: *takes a small rock and pops it into his mouth*

guards: *make sure to finish chewing/swallowing before the inevitable*

pop rock: *pops and crackles on his tongue!*

Alexander: o.o *jumps a little, then starts giggling*

guards: O.o *snicker*

Cae: *smirks and offers them the packet*

Alexander: *hand over his mouth, smiling* It tickles!

guards: *dubious at first, but decide to go for it* ... *verdict seems to be positive*

Cae: *grins and drops a rock into her water glass, then squints an eye at the crackle. Eats a couple more, and then puts away her packet and watches the men for a moment*

Alexander: *washes his down with a drink of water* I do believe that is the most interesting candy I have ever eaten.

guards: *nod in agreement*

Glanville: You say you made this?

Cae: *nods* A lot of people make it.

Alexander: I believe you'll start a new obsession before long. *glances at the back room where the waiter is excitedly showing his pad to the manager*

Cae: *slight smirk* At least it's harmless.

Glanville: *dignified snort*

Alexander: My wife should be returning home soon. Shall we?

Cae: *nods, but then pauses and frowns. Leans close to him with her hand near her mouth* A question...

Alexander: *leans in as well* Yes?

Cae: Do you think the waiter sees the formula as his tip? He left before I could give him anything. *shows a coin of larger denomination that she found on the ground earlier*

Alexander: *smiles* No, money would be preferable. But I'll take care of it. Where did you find that? *curious*

Cae: It was on the walk outside. *offers it*

Alexander: *folds it back into her hand and pats it gently* Keep it. Spend it on something you like. *pulls a few bills from his wallet and places them on the table before standing and offering Cae his arm* Shall we get going?

Cae: *picks up her parasol and then puts her hand on his arm, her eyes quick and sharp as she thinks she hears something over her internal communication unit. Hearing nothing further, she looks up at Alexander with a cool little smile*

Alexander: *waves to everyone as he escorts Cae to the carriage*

guards: *don their helmets and retrieve the cake and chocolates before leaving as well*

Cae: *forgets the possible call as she looks for the baby skunk. Smile warms at thought of the little animal*

Roland: *hops down to open the carriage door, cradling the small fluffball in his coat*

Alexander: *offers to hold her parasol*

Cae: *gives over the folded parasol, and then clucks softly as she reaches for the kit* Thank you, Roland.

Roland: *chuckles, good spirits having returned* T'aint no trouble, Miss. Fortunately I don't have to wash this coat meself.

Cae: *arches a brow and sniffs skunklet* She doesn't smell.

Roland: *laughs heartily* Maybe not to you, Miss. But I'm used to horses.

Cae: *looks at the horses and wrinkles her nose*

Alexander: *laughs* To each their own.

Cae: *bit of her smirk returns as she looks up* I suppose. But I've always thought that a friendly skunk smells a lot better than a dog.

Roland: *as he helps her up* Depends on the dog.

Cae: *wrinkles nose doubtfully as she settles on her seat and gets her skirts smoothed out*

Alexander: *grateful for no faceplanting this time, settles in beside her*

Roland: *hops back on his seat* Home?

Cae: *intent on gently tickling skunk kit's chest with one finger as she makes little sounds to the baby creature* *doesn't think she needs to respond to the coachman*

skunk: *wiggles and gives protesting squeaks*

Alexander: Yes please.

Roland: All right then. *clicks to the horses and turns for the Citadel*

Cae: *clicks softly and then lifts the little skunk to nuzzle her* Shhh. Oh, you are so cute. *will play with the little one till they reach the Citadel*

woman: *steps forward as the Citadel gates open. She is small and pale of skin, with black hair falling freely down her back, and an elegant and well cut dark red walking dress that takes on the air of a military uniform by the way that she wears it* Excuse me, Patriarch. *large eyes of an unusual smoky violet shade look up at him calmly*

guards: *startled by the woman's presence, ready to escort her out if need be*

Alexander: *signals to stop the carriage* Yes? *recognizes the otherworldly appearance almost immediately, having had experience with such beings*

woman: *slight smile that holds both dignity and warmth* *quietly* I'm Sunhalo, Air Commander of the Alder-Kaianon sector. I've come to talk to that stray youngling sitting over on the other side of you.

Roland: *blinks in utter confusion*

Alexander: *gives a reassuring look to his staff, then opens the carriage door for her* Please, come with us. We'll be able to talk privately. *holds out a hand to help her up*

Sunhalo: *carefully gathers her skirts with one hand and uses the other to take Alexander's* Thank you.

Cae: *now wearing a slightly sullen pout mixed with wide-eyed awe as she looks at the woman*

Alexander: *closes the door and nods to Roland*

Roland: *slowly turns back around and urges the horses toward the stables*

Sunhalo: *settles to sit, absently smoothing her skirts with a hand that is delicate and pale, but which shows the strength and assurance of a soldier in its movement* *glances at Cae, but says nothing yet. Though she is plainly amused at the girl's expression*

Roland: *once inside the stables brings the carriage to a halt. Stable hands emerge to take the horses as he hops down to help the ladies disembark*

Sunhalo: *thanks him quietly and seems to need very little help. Also gives him that calm, warm smile*

Cae: *silent pout as she hugs the little skunk with one arm, but also thanks Roland quietly*

guards: *one leaves to make security arrangements as the other accompanies them with their packages back to the Patriarch's house*

Alexander: *will offer Cae his arm for the quick trip*

Cae: *looks at parasol and little skunk, then pokes parasol into crook of her arm and takes Alexander's arm. Seems to be looking a bit defiantly at Sunhalo now*

Sunhalo: *still giving the impression that that lovely suit is a uniform*

guard: *holds the front door for them and gives the inside a cautious once-over*

Sunhalo: *quick scan before entering will most likely go unnoticed by everyone but Cae*

Cae: *sulk*

Alexander: *reassuring smile for Cae as escorts the ladies inside and shoos the animals off the couches*

guard: *sets the packages in the kitchen* We will be right outside, Your Eminence. *leaves, shutting the door quietly*

Sunhalo: *listens, and then turns to the girl* You gave your classmates a fright, kid.

Cae: *sourly* Yes, that's why I did it. Of course.

Alexander: I assure you Madam Sunhalo I have been taking very good care of her.

Sunhalo: *gives him a wry but good humoured smile* Er... 'madam' has a different meaning where I'm from.

Cae: *which is why she's sputtering behind her hand there*

Sunhalo: But that's not important. *quirks a brow slightly and quizzically* You've met otherworlders before?

Alexander: *chuckles* I'm sorry. But yes, I have had dealings with Cybertronians before, and traveled to another world named Earth. If I may ask, how did you get here?

Sunhalo: When it was found that Cae here had stepped out of the reality the authorities spoke to my mother, who has experience with Travelling. She spoke to a Protector named Charlie who has contacts with many of the realities connected to a certain Nexus that my mother visits. He found the Protectors of this reality and asked permission for someone to come looking for Cae.

Cae: *'...' and 0.o*

Alexander: *also o.o at the complicated story* Well! I didn't know the Multiverse had such a vast network of protectorates! Ah... what do you mean "protectors of this reality"?

Sunhalo: The ones who police this reality. Non humans. *shoulder shrug* I think they're members of the local pantheon.

Alexander: I see. *nods and can't help the small smile that plays at his lips as he wonders how that conversation went* Well if they approved of the visit I can't object. As long as you don't leave anything behind.

Sunhalo: Other than Cae for the visit she's got her spark set on. *shrug* My people know how to interact with other realities. If it's alright with you and your fellows, then it's alright with Primus and Cae's family for her to stay here for a few weeks.

Cae: 0.0!

Alexander: *happily surprised* How wonderful! We would love to have you! That is, if you'd like to stay, Miss Cae.

Cae: My creators really said that I could stay?

Sunhalo: *slight smile* You doubt me, youngling?

Cae: *meeps* No, Air Commander.

Alexander: *to Sunhalo* Ah, there is the matter of food. I don't have any supply of energon here for her.

Sunhalo: *slight surprise* Ah. Our people haven't really needed much energon since we took on these shells. We actually tend to start generating it internally if we do need it.

Cae: *did NOT know this... Her expression says so*

Alexander: Wonderful! Can you process organic food as well? I may be able to obtain some minerals and metals, but not for a few days.

Sunhalo: We usually live on mostly organic foods, though it's the custom to add things like oil or rust for flavouring to things we don't intend to share with organic friends.

Alexander: *nods* I'll talk to Mr. Kaze and see what I can do. He is a personal friend of mine, a mechanic, and... also knows of Cybertronians.

Cae: The people I know don't eat fossil fuels. *bit sharp. Her pride has been pricked again*

Sunhalo: *looks at her calmly* Right. Darosian. Sorry. *turns back to Alexander* I think she'll probably be alright with whatever you have.

Alexander: *frowns* I'm sure we'll find something you like, Miss Cae.

Cae: *biting her lip now and looking a little pale because she just snarked at the Air Commander* *quietly* Alright.

Sunhalo: *slight headshake, but is unruffled by the girl's prickly nature. Turns back to Alexander* Primus suggested that this be viewed as half a student exchange. When Charlie asked about the other half he said it'd probably happen some time or other in the next few hundred years.

Alexander: Oh. *has visions of future Kaze children frolicking in a land of robots* ...Oh my.

Sunhalo: You know that we age differently from humans?

Alexander: *looks to Cae for confirmation* No, I didn't.

Sunhalo: Cae's the equivalent, physically and emotionally, to a human sixteen year old. But chronologically she's well over eighty standard 365, 24 hour day years.

Alexander: *blinks* My goodness!

Sunhalo: She's very young, to us. I myself am between five and six thousand standard years old. Our eldest members of the race are much older.

Alexander: I don't believe I'll ever balk at Dwarves again...

Sunhalo: *slight grin* My parents have been married for five thousand, nine hundred years.

Cae: *quietly to the little skunk, though not without respect* Starscream's a fossil.

skunk: *sniff sniffs, more active now that she's out of the heat. Wanders over to the edge of Cae's lap and peers down*

Alexander: *smiles* Happily I hope?

Sunhalo: *calm amusement* Oh yes. My father is one of the few people who has never experienced Mother's temper or sense of humour.

Alexander: *slightly confused* In close to six thousand years?

Sunhalo: *expression softens* Yes.

Alexander: *impressed, doesn't know what to say*

skunk: *paws at Cae's leg, wanting to jump down but scared*

Cae: *soft clicks as she leans down and sets the kit on the floor, then smooths her back fur*

skunk: *squeaks happily and wanders off to the kitchen*

Alexander: *smiles at Agatha as she trots off to keep an eye on the little one* *turns back to the women* My people only live for 80 years or so, but the other Ashillean races have differing lifespans.

Sunhalo: *nods* The people descended from the natives of Cae's world and the humans who came with first Cybertronian settlers live longer than those of pure human blood, too.

Alexander: *to Cae* These few weeks may seem like nothing compared to the rest of your life, but I hope I can make them enjoyable.

Cae: *looks up, then glances at Sunhalo and arches one brow*

Sunhalo: It's easy to see that Tracks' code's strong in you, youngling.

Cae: *snorts*

Alexander: *knows something's funny, but not quite what. Glances from one to the other*

Cae: *sees his glance* She was calling me a snotty little brat.

Sunhalo: *calmly* No. You called yourself a snotty little brat.

Alexander: *chuckles* Ladies, please. There is no need for name-calling. *to Sunhalo* Will I be able to contact you? Or should I expect your return once her trip is over?

Sunhalo: *offers him a little cellphone looking device as Cae sniffs and turns her nose up slightly* Press this button if you need to contact me.

Alexander: *takes the foreign device and turns it over in his hands curiously* Thank you. I will be in touch.

Sunhalo: *rises* I should return. My duties won't do themselves.

Alexander: *rises as well, smiling graciously* Of course. I won't keep you. *chuckles, thinking of the various meetings tomorrow he really should prepare for*

Sunhalo: *gives him her hand, those wide purple eyes smiling up at him from the shadow of her shining hair*

Alexander: *gives the hand a gentle platonic kiss and squeezes it gently* Have a good journey.

Sunhalo: *mouth curves, and there is something of sharp but not mocking amusement in the expression* Enjoy your visit. *steps back, and then vanishes with a swish and a slight flash*

Cae: *startled and now has a hand to her chest as she stares at the spot where the Air Commander had last been*

Alexander: *though quite used to such flashy modes of transport, they never fail to impress him* *sees movement from the corner of his eye and spies Agatha and the skunk returning from the kitchen* Well, Miss Cae, my wife will soon be home. What do you say we make a little surprise for her?

Cae: *blinks and turns to him, still plainly startled though her reply is self possessed* What sort of surprise?

Alexander: I got her a box of her favorite chocolates at Birelli's. Perhaps we can think of some riddles and send her on a hunt for them?

Cae: *brows lift slightly* She likes things like that?

Alexander: *soft bright laughter* Usually, yes. It may also help to soften the news about your race.

skunk: *trundles back to Cae's chair and bonks into her leg with a very wet muzzle*

Cae: *hunkers down to scoop the little fuzzball into her lap. Looks mildly surprised* Ah. Alright. I'll help.

Agatha: *sits next to the chair* [She must have been thirsty! She drank all the water.]

Alexander: *blinks* [All of it?]

Cae: *notices the conversation and looks down at the kit* [Pee now?]

skunk: [No, snuggles now!] *busy nuzzling the girl and getting all that water on her dress*

Cae: *handkerchief from sleeve and wipes little muzzle* [Need to be careful. Most coverings like this get messed by water.]

skunk: *blinking and fussing, turning away from the handkerchief*

Alexander: *chuckles* Very well, I shall refill the water dish, then we can start on that surprise. *waits for Cae before going to the kitchen*

Cae: *soothing clicks as she wipes, and then gives the hankie to the little skunk to play with as she cuddles her close and stands* *looks to Alexander* Sounds lovely.

Alexander: *walks beside her into the kitchen and begins putting away the various bundles of packages* I am curious, what kind of riddles do you have on Daros?

Cae: Ah. *frowns with embarrassment* I don't know.

Alexander: *smiles encouragingly as he closes a cabinet* That's alright. I'm sure we'll think of something. *places a hand on her shoulder* Think of a place in the house. Whichever you like.

Cae: *looks around* Do you have any inside plants?

Alexander: Yes. *indicates a few pots on the windowsill over the sink* Julia loves them. She also has plants in the sitting room and the bedrooms.

Cae: How big is the collection in the sitting room? I didn't notice.

Alexander: Just a few ferns. *thinks* She never wants to put flowers there because she says they wouldn't get enough sun. *seems sad at this*

Cae: *blinks* Do you have... Er. *fishes out paper and pencil and sketches an African violet, and a moth orchid*

Alexander: *points to the second drawing* She has a few orchids in the garden.

Cae: Right. I guess they would be alright outside in this climate. At home this kind of orchid's a house pet.

Alexander: *amused* A pet?

Cae: *looks up* *nod* A living thing you keep with you inside the house.

Alexander: *nods* I see. We tend to think of pets as more mobile. *strokes Agatha as he picks up the water dish*

Cae: Ah. But some pets... wait. Right. You don't have electronics.

Alexander: *filling the bowl now, laughing* No, but Mr. Kaze is determined to figure them out.

Cae: We have many pets that are no more than a little electronic sprite. But... *thoughtful frown* Does the garden count as part of the house?

Alexander: *setting the bowl down and wiping his hands off* Yes, we often use it in our little games like this.

Cae: I choose the most jungle like part.

Alexander: *leans against the counter, thinking* Alright. There is a stand of vines and bushes in a corner, back by the bench. Will that work?

Cae: *nods* Yes. It can be a jungle exploration quest.

Alexander: Let's find some paper then. *leads her off to the study* The trick is to make the description odd, but recognizable. And also make it rhyme.


((Written by ssjmihoshi and random_xtras.))